Garter Stitch Love Fest

Surprise! This glob of garter stitch is a...

Baby Surprise Jacket! Almost, anyway. I kept waiting to update my blog because I was so close to being finished. I figured I'd wait until I seamed it and added the buttons. And then nearly 2 weeks went by and I still don't know when I am going to go find buttons. So there you have it. My 95% complete BSJ.

I used Noro Silk Garden Lite in color 2015. I wanted to keep the jacket on the feminine side so I cast on using the coral color. Luckily the coral showed up again on the bind off. I am thrilled. It's giving the effect that I was hoping for.


Over all these colors are new for me. They still have the dusty quality that I like, but a bit brighter than normal, plus the striping which isn't typical of my style. I am not usually a fan of yellow and yet I love the stripe of golden goodness in my garter stitch love fest. Yes, love fest. I loved working on this jacket. This is my second BSJ, my first real go with Noro (other than the coffee cup cozies) and I found it all delightful. I hope the recipient feels the same!

Shhhh! My Show is On

No progress on the Drops Jacket and no progress on Cashew's sweater. I'm pretending they didn't happen so I can have fun knitting another Baby Surprise Jacket. Noro is certainly addictive (Silk Garden Lite color 2015) and so is the pattern. Such a great "end of the day" type knit, which is exactly what I am using it for. After a long day, heck, even a short day, busy day, lazy day, I don't really care what type of day, summertime has some great tvtime. Junk food tv and I'm a junkie. And that means knitting time. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to watch the season finale of Top Chef. Tomorrow, it's the season opener of My Boys...

June

I can't believe June is here. Where did spring go and how did it fly by? Technically I guess it is not summer yet, though the heatwave sends a warning that it is on its way. June has been a nice time for me to get my act together. Last year it was the month that I worked out a new routine with my new baby. Now I (finally) have a new apartment and a fun summer to look forward to. So I have started this June with a little spring cleaning - better late than never.

I find cleaning works best from the closets out. Even though we downsized before moving, we still have boxes of random stuff in random places and it is starting to spill out into our living areas. If I want time to be crafty, I have to be organized, so straight to the guts - the closets. So exhausting going through memorabilia, gear we don't know if we still want, photo projects not done, medication for the cat no longer with us. Oye.


A nice find was a box labeled "winter". In it I found all my fingerless mitts, scarves, gloves and in particular, two items that have previously never made it to the blog...or ravelry...or flickr... I made this cowl about three years ago. It's the Pashmina Cowl from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. I used Araucania Nature Wool. I wore it a couple times and completely forgot about it. Cowls seem to be making quite a comeback so after a refreshing wash I packed it back up but placed it on top of all the other woolly gear. Next fall when I am cold and pulling down this box I will see it first thing and will wear it.


Also in the box is something I have not forgotten. In fact, to many of you it may look very familiar. In fact, you may wonder if I have any other scarves at all because I practically wear this every day in winter. For the last four winters! It is simple garter stitch made with Morehouse Merino bought at the Union Square Green Market when Morehouse used to sell there. I had knit this scarf one spring many years ago as mindless project to help me get through a summer job. It is by far the item in my collection of handknits that gets the most compliments. A simple scarf made out of pretty yarn. The scarf has not pilled or faded which I find very impressive for a super soft single ply.

I love that the simplest knits can be the most pretty.

FO Report

So much to catch up on and hardly a thing to show, other than these socks for my little Cashew. I didn't even finish them while on vacay over Memorial Day Weekend. No, my bad luck followed me to the Catskills. While knitting in the car I realized that I had made a huge error in these tiny socks. I never finished the gusset decreases in one sock and had already knit many rows in plain stockinette. Ripping back is my theme, and one I don't particularly want. So going back to my original plan for ignorant bliss (which you all supported with gusto) I put the socks down and knit this instead.

Upon returning from a lovely vacation in which there were no cell phone towers and a brand new digital camera with no battery, I snapped out of ignorant bliss and got back to work on these socks for Cashew. I improvised my own pattern with Trekking XXL (colorway?) using a 3x1 rib, a few decreases at the ankle and a standard heel flap and toe. I made them a tad big so she can wear them in the fall. She has enjoyed trying them on but getting a modeled shot proved to be tricky.


Watching her toddler two step around the apartment is a riot. My little Cashew is walking!

And because I can't resist a meme for which I have been tagged:

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?

June 1998 - I was dodging mean squirrels and teaching dance at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

Cashew's laundry.
Update SnK on WWKIPD info.
Reorganize the laundry closet.
Shower.
Take care of a feverish Hubby. Today he truly puts the hot in "Hotty".

3) Snacks I enjoy: Yogurt parfait, Veggie Booty, endive with goat cheese, walnut and honey. Delish.

4)Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Buy a bigger apartment, a country house in a different country, take more vacations, open a fiber arts studio and offer more support to my favorite charities.

5) Places I have lived: Michigan and New York.

Chemgrrl, Wannabe, Allison, Hila, MLE...your turn. Go!