Stay-cation = much needed knitting time

You know, this thing called a job really puts a damper in my knitting. It has been amazing how much knitting I've accomplished while having 5 days in a row off!

Unfortunately, there are bills that wouldn't be paid if I was to stay home permanently. I mean I would need a roof over my head to knit.

I was able to complete my Circumnavigate:

Pattern: Circumnavigate by Heidi Kirrmaier
Yarn: Cascade Ultra Pima
Colorway: Blue
Needles: Knit Picks US 7mm
Ravelry Page

I'm so glad I finally knit this up. I can't wait to wear it around a white button down shirt to work. IF I do go back to work! (just kidding DH!)

Circumnavigate

I have such problems spelling that word. Great pattern, just not an easy word to spell out yet it sounds just like it is spelled.

Nothing like the start to a stay-cation to get some real progress going on this.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE how it is coming along!

Circum-what?

My wrist has been feeling so much better. I'm now in the habit to wear my wrist brace while I sleep and it seems to be doing the trick.

So....I can knit more!!

I had a fellow Raveler message me a little bit ago and ask if I had about 10 yards of a particular yarn she desperately needed to finish a sweater. I didn't need all I had and set up a trade. If she bought me this pattern I would send more than she needed (just to be sure!).

This is my Circumnavigate. I fell in love with the pattern a year ago, added it to the queue, bought the yarn and well a year later I'm finally casting off.

This is starting to be a great knit as it plays well into my OCD tendencies as it is symmetrical and made up of 4 sections that are mirror images.

Pattern: Circumnavigate
Yarn: Cascade Ultra Pima (can you tell I love this yarn? for those keeping score 4th project)
Needles:  Knit Picks Circulars US 7
Ravelry Page

TLE Swap

So, last time I showed you what I received, now that my downstream swap partner received her gift I can show you what I knit and gave her.

As you know, I love the Summer Wind pattern by IrishGirlieKnits. It was a Winter Swap and since my partner lives in a very cold and wintery part of the country I was drawn to this pattern for its name...bring on Summer!!

The lighting still seems off, so here is a photo of the yarn during a better weather day:

 See how it is a bit brighter?

Pattern: Summer Wind by IrishGirlie Knits
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima
Purchased from: The Loopy Ewe
Colorway: Periwinkle
Yardage: Just shy of 2 skeins
Needles: Knit Picks Circular Needles US 7 - 4.5 mm
Ravelry Page

Anyway the entire package looked a bit like this:

Madeline Tosh Vintage in the Mare Colorway
Valley Yarns in various colors & weights
Frog magnets that were made from a children's book with a bag made from the pages
Fabric squares (my swap partner also quilts) with a fabric bag
Cold Stone Creamery Hot Chocolate
Snowflake Stitch Markers

This was my first knitting swap and I really enjoyed it! I hope to be able to participate in the future!

The Loopy Ewe Swap 2012

I participated in my first knitting swap over the past couple of months. While I can not show you what I knit and mailed out, as my swap partner hasn't received it yet. I can show you what I received today from my swap partner.

My DH was kind enough to pick up the mail today and gave me this when I arrived home from work:

Opening it revealed some wonderful goodies and two of my favorite sugary snacks! Also included, was a handmade yarn holder, Baggu bag, 100% silk skeins, handmade bunny heart and tape measure.

 Removing the tissue paper made me squeal with delight, then, it rendered me speechless:

The cowl my partner knit me is just stunning! The colorwork is simply amazing to me....as at this point in my knitting experience is not something I could do. I can't help but look at my new cowl and believe that it is mine. Someone actually took time to handknit me something so beautiful!

I plan on wearing it tomorrow when we could get up to 7 inches of snow!

Thank you Amy! aka half of the Stockinette Zombies...I highly recommend you checking out their podcast.

FO Winter Wonder

Well I did it. I finished my Winter Wonder in record time.

This is my first completed cable project. I'm officially

Pattern: Winter Wonder by Irishgirlieknits
Yarn: Berroco Remix
Colorway: Strawberry #3960
Yardage: Skein and a third (still need to weight it to be exact)
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony Circulars US 8

I quickly took this photo in between downpours here today. I tried it on and I hope to order a pin from Designs by Romi that will compliment it well.

The bigger decision is being that it is my first cable project I'd really like to keep it. However, I know someone that it would look fabulous on.

Isn't this always my dilemma with all my finished objects? Is it yours?

Finished Cowl

I needed a quick knit. This one fit the bill as I was able to knit it in 2 days.

Pattern: Stacked Eyelet Cowl
Yarn: Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets Canasta
Colorway: Aquatide
Purchased from: Mystic Yarns
Needles: Knit Picks US 5mm
My Ravelry Project Page

Like I said, this was a quick knit. Once the weather turns a bit cooler it will be a nice bright knit to wear!