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Devon Cardigan

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Mittens for Me! Me! Me!

Well, the weather in Atlanta doesn't really justify knitting mittens right now but it is still January which means it's time for the NaKniMitMo  Knitalong.  I decided to knit Wood Hollow Mittens by Kirsten Kapur.  I'm using Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca Yarn in this pretty magenta color.

This little guy is hanging out with me while I knit:

Isn't that the cutest stitchmarker ever?  I found a set in Lavender Hill Knits' Etsy Shop.  Lots of cute stitchmarker sets are available there!

The pattern is fairly easy ... an eight row pattern repeat with cables ... There was a twisted stitch that was described to be knit without the help of a cable needle but I found it easier to use a cable needle.  I made a slight modification at the top to adjust the length without finishing another 8 row repeat. Overall, an enjoyable and quick knit.  I'm hoping to cast on the second one this afternoon while at my daughter's dance rehearsals.



The Colors of the Year 2012

I've only recently become aware that Pantone,  a renowned authority on color, announces its annual color of the year in the early fall.  Just recently announced, the  2012 color of the year, Tangerine Tango, is a truly bright and vibrant shade of orange, ready to re-energize you.

Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year!

And, then, last week, I read that Benjamin Moore, my favorite maker of paint, announced its 2012 Color of the Year, Wythe Blue, a soothing medium blue.  It's grouped in Benjamin Moore's  Earth & Sky Color Trends to assist you in creating a perfect relaxing color palette!

Benjmain Moore's Earth & Sky Color Trend Includes Wythe Blue

Of course, it's easy to find ways to use both of the colors around your home.  Throw pillows are a great (and affordable) way to give your home a color boost!

Another fun way to add the 2012 Color of the Year to your life would be to include it in your landscaping plans this spring...I'm thinking a little Tangerine Tango in the garden:

What about knitting with these beautiful colors of the year?  I found a few skeins in my stash which are close.

Since I'm trying to use yarn that I already own instead of rushing out to buy new yarn, I'll stick with these shades when trying out the 2012 colors.  Show here:  MadelineTosh Merino Light in Magnolia Leaf, MadelineTosh Vintage in Saffron, Pagewood Farm in Mississippi Mud, The Loopy Ewe Solid Series in Serenity Green, Madeline Tosh Sock in Mica and Royal Alpaca in #708.  

So, what do you think of the 2012 Colors of the Year?!!

You Know What This Means, Right?

I finished the first of the  Hermione Everyday Socks:

What a nice pattern!  A 4 row 4 stitch pattern that is super simple to memorize!  Every other row is all knit!

The yarn is terrific too! It's Pagewood Farm Alyeska in Cherry Blossom which is incredibly soft with a 80% Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere 10% Nylon Blend.  Perfect for nice soft socks!

I'm hoping to have some time today to really make progress on the second sock.  What are you knitting today?

Happy New Year!!

Wishing everyone the best for 2012!

New Year's Resolutions!!

I just read my knitty galpal's blog, Susie, aka KnittingKnoobie, about New Year's Resolutions and, boy, do we have a LOT in common!

I had two projects on my list a year ago...I only half finished my Norwegian Selbu Mittens. They always seemed to small but I found out that I love colorwork! .I've pulled theses mittens out to work on over the holiday break but alas! that was as fas it went. I also have a very minimally completed Beatnik sweater...did I not like the yarn or is it too warm in Atlanta? So...with these projects still in the works, I am going to make a few knitty resolutions of my own for 2012.

First, I am really going to try to stashbust!I have enough yarn to last me for a while so I certainly don't need to buy too much yarn this year!  When we get home, I'm going to design a counter of some sort...naughty vs. nice  so to speak. I'll put in on the sidebar of my blog... something like, I delved into my stash (nice) - yarn browsing got the better of me (naughty)! :)

Next, I'm going to try to complete some lingering UFOs...those mittens, a sweater and a few pairs of socks are still on my needles.

I'd like to knit some more shawls and wraps this year. Sometimes, lace is difficult to knit because it requires so much attention and I revert to mindless (although enjoyable) knitting. Time to step it up a bit.

Lastly, I'd like to design some socks...and mittens...and shawls...and...well, you get the idea! Lots of ideas...not always lots of time!

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Share here!

Nutcracker Knitalong Update!

The Nutcracker performances are over and I'm still knitting gifts!!!  How's everyone fairing with their Holiday Gift Knitting?  Mine is coming along although I might not finish everything quite on time...That's what the 12 days of Christmas are for, right?

I've finished a few Irish Hiking Beanies...might have to try a few more since they are a superfast knit and I need a few "boy presents".  I've also got a stockpile of mittens and shawls in my knitting drawer to share with family members.

Right now, I am working on a Raha Scarf by Nancy Bush.  The pattern is in Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush which would make a lovely gift for any knitter on your gift list.  This scarf is about 50% complete.  I'm using The Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga Yarn in Starry NightCracker.




Raha Scarf

I've also completed a few Noro Striped Scarves. What an easy knit! Here's one that I've completed. I love the way the colorways worked out. I used two different Noro Silk Garden colorways; one with primarily brown/gray tones and the other with pink/blue/green shades.



KCMomof2 shared her knitted Christmas Tree Skirt.  Wow! I love this pattern and have added it to my queue:

Snowball Tree Skirt

So, what knitting gift projects have you completed?  Share here!