Off the Needles: Arctic Circle

I'm still catching up on my knitting from 2012! This lovely cowl was another project for my yarn store to display (I still can't get over the fact that people pay me to knit!). I really like creating these samples, because I get to work with yarn and patterns that I wouldn't choose for myself. I loooooove the look of cowls. But I hate wearing them. I'm not a big fan of having a lot of fabric around my neck. I'm pretty sure this comes from my intense hatred of turtlenecks when I was little...

This yarn was big and squishy, and the pattern was really fun to knit! The arrowhead stitch was new to me, and I love the look of it.

Pattern: Arctic Circle

Yarn: The Fibre Company, Tundra (60% alpaca, 30% merino, 10% silk) in Snowdrift

Modifications: none

Ravelry Post: here

Off the Needles: Plucky Honey

I've been finishing a lot of projects recently, and haven't had time to share them with you! After my Drapey Sweater, I made this shawlette from some of my Plucky Knitter yarn.

This pattern was really easy to memorize (4 stitch repeat for the win!), so I didn't mind that the rows got longer and longer and looooonger! The texture is enough to make it interesting without being overwhelming. Sorry I don't have any pictures where I'm actually wearing it. I never think to take them until it's dark out.

Pattern: Honey Bunches, from Irish Girlie Knits Designs

Yarn: Plucky Knitter Plucky Feet, in Princess Phone (90% Merino, 10% Nylon)

Modifications: None

Ravelry Post: here

Off the Needles: Drapey Sweater

from Vogue Knitting Winter 2011/12

The photo of this pattern in Vogue Knitting looks so comfy and warm! After knitting some complex things this summer, I wanted an easy knit. With no shaping and loads of stockinette stitch, this sweater was perfect!

The knitting itself went fairly quickly. As always, I avoided the finishing details for a few weeks.

I'm pretty pleased with the results. I wasn't sure I could pull this look off... Part of me wishes I had gone with a more drapey yarn. My sleeves don't fall exactly the same way as the model (but that could be me over criticizing myself? Or sewing the seams too tightly?). I love the twist in the front too! It's not often that the reverse side of stockinette stitch is shown, but it's beautiful in its own way.

Off the Needles: Queen Alice Socks

I've been taking advantage of the free time I've had since my move, and knitting up a storm! Okay, so part of it is that I bought yarn for a new project... I only allow myself to do one knitting project at a time, so I had to finish these socks! Luckily, there are only 4 loose ends to weave in per pair of socks, so I didn't mind finishing them at all. The photos are before blocking. These beauties are currently drying in my bathroom (see last photo).

I absolutely love the designer. A few year ago, I was looking for a good hat pattern for my friend (now The Boy!), and found Irishgirlieknits. Her patterns are great! In fact, my first pair of socks were knit because I won a free sock pattern from her blog. So if you need hats, socks or shawls, definitely check out her site.

On to the pictures!

Pattern: Queen Alice, by Irishgirlieknits
Yarn: Madeline Tosh Sock in French Grey (100% merino)
Modifications: None

Ravelry Post: Here

I can't wait to share my explorations around my new neighborhood with you! There's a weekly farmer's market, and a monthly craft market, so I'm excited!

Off the Needles: Rocky Coast Cardigan

I finally finished weaving in the loose ends! I literally had 3 left, but I hate all the finishing details, so I always put them off, haha. Finally, I can present: The Rocky Coast Cardigan (photos are of unblocked sweater).

Pattern: Rocky Coast Cardigan, from Coastal Knits

Yarn: Spud&Chloe Sweater (55% wool, 45% cotton)

Modifications: Used the larger yoke and arm size from the errata

Ravelry Post: here

I am in looooove with this yarn! I knew of Spud&Chloe yarn, but I had never used it. This sweater is super fluffy and warm. I can't wait to wear it this fall!

I should note: The sleeves on my sweater were tiny. Seriously. I have no arm muscles, and I'm a pretty skinny person, but I had to use the larger yoke and arm size to get this baby to fit me. I'm so glad my LYS told me to check the arms on this pattern!

Tomorrow I'm off to the beach! I'll try to be good about post while I'm gone, but I make no promises...