Embellished Stitch Markers...

One of my upcoming projects will include knitted panels where several stitch markers will be necessary. I have seen bead embellished stitch makers shown in the top knitting magazines and it occurred to me that these stitch markers would be easy to make. Just like my knitting stash, my beading stash is overflowing. I am always looking for a good beading project to make use of some of my beading "odds and ends". This afternoon I whipped up a set of 14 stitch markers with lampwork and silver(925) silver bead charms.

That new digital camera is still on my list...! Unfortunately, I can't get a good picture of them to post. This picture does not capture the beautiful details of the lampwork, swarovski, and silver beads that I used. All of the lampwork and silver beads are handmade. The lampwork are various shades of purple with white accents or cores.

The silver beads are mix of Bali, Turkish, and Thai silver. I threw in the swarovski and freshwater pearls to add some contrast and sparkle. The rings are Hilltribe Thai silver and they will fit a needle size up to 10 1/2 (US). Most of the knitting projects I select require a needle smaller than 10 1/2, therefore I will get a lot of use out these. I will probably make a set that can be used on needles as large as 15 to 17 (US). I have to find larger rings. This should not be a problem.

Scarf to go with that beret!

I had some chunky alpaca in the my stash and I whipped up a beautiful, soft cable scarf. I am a scarf person and I like to wear a different one as often as I can. Also, I like them long so that I can wrap them around a couple of times. This one is a dusty rose pink and it is about 7' long with the fringe. These pictures do not do justice to the beauty of this piece. I love pink as an accent. It adds a feminine touch to anything you wear. It is, in my opinion, a versatile, feel good color that compliments most skin tones.

This was a quick knit on size 10 needles. Alpaca is a great yarn to work with. It is very soft, warm and durable. This is my first project using 100 per cent alpaca and I am now convinced it will not be my last. I have ordered more yarn with Xmas in mind. Now...if the weather will make up its mind...cold? hot?...cool? I am kinda looking forward to wearing my beret and hat combo with jeans or one of my nice wool top coats.

Mon Cherie Beret!

Finished in a weekend!...Kat Coles Beret from "Greetings from Knit Cafe." When I saw Julia's 2006 post (mindofwinter.prettyposies.com) beret finished in Valeria di Roma Angora...I had to make one in angora.

I found 4 skeins of the yarn in the same crayon color. It is pricey at $13+. Per Julia's recommendation I increased the brim just a tad bit: On size 3 needles, I included 2 additional increase rows in the pattern before I started the decreases to achieve the right amount of drape. The 4th ball of yarn is required if the this adjustment is included. To finish, I misted my beret with a water bottle and left it to dry mounted on a paper plate.

This is a great project for a beginner. The pattern is easy to follow and the results are great! Valeria di Roma Angora yarn is a little tricky because of the long hairs but it is luxurious and indeed a pleasure to work with. I would like to make a pair of gloves that picks up one of the shades in the yarn...Hmmm!!

Surprisingly, I am not a hat person, but I will wear this hat, probably with some type of hat appropriate jewelry. It's a great because it does not comprise the 'hairdo' too, too much! I am just a little concerned that it will shed. Only time and a few wearings will tell! I am sure someone else may get lucky for Xmas this year! I ordered more of this yarn in bright, beautiful, sexy red (rouge). Cest Manifique! J'adore!

Beautiful Bed Jacket!!!

This weekend, I just completed the finishing touches on my bed jacket for the Knitting Lingerie Style KAL. Now I am searching for a vintage jeweled button for a closure. This project is wonderful...! It is great for the intermediate or advanced beginner who is looking for a challenge or test of your knitting skills. I used the recommended yarn Cascade Sierra in aubergine. This yarn is great to work with. There are a lot of pieces to knit and assemble. The pattern instructions are clear and on point. Everything came together nicely. The fit is perfect. I made no adjustments to the pattern. To my misfortune, no one home at this time to take my picture as I model my new finished object so I took a few pictures of it hanging as a place holder for my post.

There is no doubt that I will wear this jacket for years to come. I have a couple of pairs of pajama pants a pair of slippers that coordinate wonderfully. After a long day at work I will toss this on with my PJ's and get cozy with a cup of hot chocolate. I will also wear this jacket this fall with feminine skirts and jeans and lacy cami. There are so many options. I would like to thank Robin for putting this KAL together. I have enjoyed working all of my projects from Knitting Lingerie Style and will knit a few more before I put this book on the shelf for safekeeping. Joan has a fan for life! The trumpet skirt is my next project.