Yet another scarf! Twinkle's Feather Scarf

I am really into chunky scarves this year. Twinkle's Feather Scarf from Twinkle's Big City Knits is a scarf that transcends all seasons. I used some luxurious Noro Lily Solid as a substitue for Twinkle Handknits Cruise. I think it is a great choice and it is disappointing that Noro Lily Solid is now discontinued. It is one of those yarns that has a funny weight. It is listed as Twinkle's Cruise but it is a lighter weight yarn.

Holding 4 strands of Noro Lily together results a fantastic drapey scarf.



More photos are on Ravelry:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cherie8knits/feather-scarf

Twinkle's Evening Shell

I am experimenting with Twinkle by Wenlan Chia chunky knits. I have all three of her books therefore, I made this shell to test sizing of Twinkle patterns for my body type...


I am pleased with the results! The Karate Jacket is next....


For my evening shell, I used Cascade Magnum, which is a very soft and lofty yarn. It is very similar to Twinkle Soft Chunky and is an less expensive, and also an excellent substitute. The color is called Celery. I see as more like a light 'Peridot', which is my birthstone. It is a heathered yarn which includes turquoise blue and soft yellow shades throughout. These photos are pre-blocking.



**Pattern Notes (for next time):** are posted on Ravelry:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cherie8knits/evening-shell

Brown Urchin Beret

Here is my beret in Twinkle Soft Chunky - Almond. I knitted this in less than 2 hours. This is definitely a great last minute gift. It will be on my Xmas gift giving list this year. For a change of pace, I think I will try it again using a different yarn.

Grey Urchin Beret!

Another Twinkle's Weekend Knits by Wenlan Chia design ready to wear...!

This year I am really into chunky knits. This is Twinkle's Urchin Beret done in Twinkle's Soft Chunky. The color is 27-Urchin, which is grey with a blue cast. It is an unusual, but sophisticated, neutral option that will go with everything. I really love this hat more than I anticipated. The pattern is very simple and the results are perfect. I will make this hat again.

Pattern Notes:

Needles: DPN US 17 and US 19

• Cast on with Size 19
• 4 rows of ribbing completed on Size 17
• Remainder of hat completed on Size 19
• Pay close attention to gauge. The hat has the potential to be too large

More...

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cherie8knits/urchin-beret

Twinkle's designs are versatile and somewhat timeless. I love the instant gratification that super bulky yarn offers. Soft Chunky is a beautiful yarn that I cannot get enough of. Its hard to find, but it is well worth it and it is a great addition to the stash.

I am just getting my feet wet. I have tee'd up several Twinkle projects. I just received my Twinkle's Town & Country Knits. I got it for a great price on EBay. I would like to tackle one of the sweater patterns next. Picking a color is not easy. I want them all!

Twinkle, Twinkle Wisteria Scarf...Very Cool!!!

Another scarf! I quess I am really into this immediate gratification mode. I love this knit. This yarn, Twinkle's Soft Chunky, is very nice. The color, dusty rose, is so sophisticated. What more can I say. The only modification was that I knit more than 49 inches before casting off and applying the fringe. I love long scarves. This one is extra bulky! Say it again! Its awesome.

Ready for the weekend!

Noro Silk Garden Striped Scarf

Another fun and easy knit! This project was quite intriguing. You just can't knitting because you anticipate how the color unfold. Noro Silk Garden is a 'Cadillac' yarn. It is a thick and thin yarn that knits up dense but lofty. Colorways 8 (Blues) and 84 (Reds) are very vibrant and compliment each other well for this project. I started this project with Colorways 84 and 241 (Purples). The purple were more red toned than blue and therefore I started experiencing too much pooling and not the striping effect that I was looking for. I frogged and substituted the 8 for 241. I am really pleased with my decision. This is a beautiful scarf of muted rainbow colors. It will work well with weekend denim looks. I will make this scarf again but will offset a vibrant color palette with more neutral tones and/or black.

Pattern Notes:

- Cast on 39
- Slip stitch purlwise at each end on 2nd row or stripe pattern. Do not pull slip stitches too tightly. Make sure that there is relatively equal tension on each side. One side is more rigid than the other, so I had to make sure that the length stitches on the opposite side matched.
- Wet Blocking produces fabulous results with this yarn. SilkGarden is a thick and thin yarn. It smooths out the edges and uneven stitches.

More photos of my lovely scarf can be found at Ravelry:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cherie8knits/noro-striped-scarf

Another Pair! Who's Gonna Get Lucky!

Love them in pink! (Manos del Uruguay -52 Cameo) Very Girly!

Blue Harvest Mittens

I have a new pair of mittens! So cute!!! I have not worn mittens since I was in High School. They appear to be HOT for this winter. I believe I will make another pair in another color for me or for a lucky recipient at Xmas. This pattern is featured in Vogue Knitting - Fall 2008. Manos del Uruguay is the yarn that I used. The thick and thin quality of the yarn is great for a cable project. I love the subtle color varigation. Overall this is a great, ‘quick and easy’ project. It has just enough spice and fussiness to keep my interest. I have to travel this weekend and this would be a great portable project

My detailed notes are posted on Ravelry:http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cherie8knits/02-yellow-harvest-mittens

Indigo Ripples!

This is one of those projects that I just knew would be a hit. I love it and can't wait to wear it. I just pulled it out of the dryer and tried it on.

Wow! Wow! Wow!...A knitted denim skirt!

Rowan Denim (Nashville) is now one of my favorite yarns. Last week I found a deal on eBay and replenished my stash. Not sure of what I am going to make...but it might be another skirt.

I highly recommend this skirt for everyone. My detailed notes are at Ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cherie8knits/indigo-ripples-skirt


These photos are pre-finishing.

Luv it!

Update 09/02/2008: I wore this skirt to Anneliese's Bday party and received tons of compliments. It is very comfortable and it makes you feel sexy!

Cincinnati Bengals Scarf

This scarf was created using a simple Garter stitch repeat with 2 strands of Lion Brand's Vannas Choice held together. I knit until there was just enough yarn was left for the fringe. Included in the fringe ivory cashmere/silk yarn and black eyelash. I finished this scarf in an evening. Too bad I am not a Bengals fan...lol...but Leah and Tony love this scarf…They are ready for the season to start Leah will break-out her new scarf at an upcoming tailgate party.

Lace Ribbon Scarf...Very Chic!

Another wonderful knit form Knitty.com...Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronik Avery!!!!...I love this scarf!!! This is my first lace scarf project and the results are beautiful. It took me a few attempts to get the hang of the pattern but when I had it memorized it was a fast knit. The only modification that I made was to knit 2 garter stitch rows before beginning the 24 row lace pattern. I continued per the instructions to knit and try on until it was my desired length.

Classic Elite Alpaca Sox yarn is wonderfully soft and airy. The alpaca provides a beautiful fuzzy texture. I do recommend bamboo straights with this yarn. Although it feels silky on my fingers it easily splits and it needs something grip on to. It was too slippery on my addi turbos.

I used about 1 1/2 skeins of the alpaca sox to yield a scarf about 100 inches long. The added length provides the extra drama and versatility that I need in a scarf. It is a scarf I can wear season to season. The color, Sky, is a subtle blue-grey, that is great with my denim jacket, as well as, with my winter dress coat.

To my surprise, I think I am hooked on lace knitting because I am already planning my next lace venture...It is probably going to be the Swallowtail lace shawl pattern in Interweave Knits Fall 2006. My Misti Alpaca Lace Yarn in Pink is on order.

Monkey Socks!

Socks are a great take along project and they are also a great project to pass the time when you not feeling your best. I started these socks the night before I embarked on my journey back home from a short visit with Dad. My departure from Fort Myers was smooth and on time but all chaos occurred in Atlanta. My Delta flight was grounded because the plane did not pass inspection.

I was glad that I decided to include this project in my carry on. In between several gate changes I was able to make good progress on my Monkey Socks by Cookie A. My time was not a complete loss because I had completed 50% of the first sock before I boarded the plane at 11pm for my final leg home. I did not arrive at home until 1:30 am.

A few days later I came down with the flu. Surprisingly, this set back did not halt progress on my Monkey Socks. In between my hot and cold spells I cast on and completed the second sock.

Koigu KPPPM is a great sock yarn. I am not an avid sock knitter so my experience with sock yarns is limited, but I consider it a favorite. The colorway for these socks had to grow on me but I am pleased with the results. I love this pattern. It is very simple to memorize. My 1.5 DPN 's resulted a perfect fit for my size 8's. I am already looking for my next yarn selection for Monkey Socks 2.

Daisy Baby Sweater

Welcome, Michael Walter Stewart! You are going to be looking sweet and cuddly in your new hoodie sweater, hat and lovely booties. Your mom requested that it be made in a variegated yarn which includes deep and vibrant colors. No pastel blue for you!

I used Cascade Sierra Quarto which includes a mix of royal blue, blue, purple and light blue or white. I can't wait to see it on. The pattern Daisy (size 3-6 months) designed by Stephanie Japel is found on knitty.com. The matching hat and booties were derived from a Crystal Palace Pattern. Maybe a coordinating blanket is in the future.

The sweater design was a very simple. The instructions are well written and easy to follow. The body is worked as one piece. The only adjustment I made was the number of stitches on the hood edging and front button-band. Instead of 3 garter stitches, I completed 2 garters.

I knitted the entire sweater in a weekend. Finishing was a breeze. Seaming is minimal: Raglan shoulders and sleeves. It took me a moment to decide if to seam the shoulders before seaming the sleeves. Great decision! The arms worked perfectly. I was able to practice my grafting on the hoodie. My results were ok, but I know I will improve with practice.

After wet blocking, I added 3 mother of pearl buttons. Perfect...! I am very please with the results and hope Michael's Mom is happy with the yarn selection and finished results. Since Michael arrived earlier than planned, it will be months before I see him in his new hoodie. I am going to find him a pair of jeans and a cute onesie to finish the outfit.