Cricket

With all of the Blogger hoopla last week, I almost forgot to show off my mother's day gift from Elise.

Does this baby have great taste or what?!  After a week in the box, this past weekend I tackled my first project... a couple days later my second... a day after that my third.  Addiction?  Umm... yes!  It may be time to start looking at larger looms.

For those of you out there who weave, I need help.  I am so new to this and it is all so foreign, but I am absolutely loving it.  What are the best resources for a new weaver?  I've found a few helpful youtube videos, but I would love to know where some of you more experienced weavers go- websites, books, etc- share, please!

Ravelry Roundup- 5/17/11

I know I've fallen a couple weeks behind in roundup-world.  Here's what's been catching my eye the past couple weeks:






Mrs. Knitsallday's Felted Bag by Nancy Basch


The Luxury Shawl by Catherine Earnshaw

Dolman Sleeve Sweater by Claire Montgomerie

The Jan Sweater by Just Call Me Ruby

Paulie by Isabel  Kraemer

Astrachan by Darlene Hayes

Camille by Meghan Jackson

Ok, I know there are some other awesome new patterns out there that I missed- what are you itching to knit these days?


My Little Sailor Girl

You may have thought the sweater was cute before, but wait until you see it in action.


The size is perfect- still a little room to grow, which means it should be perfect for the summer months.

           



 But, if these solids kick in and she starts growing at a faster than normal pace, I may have to make another (and I would, because I love it that much!).  Guess I should plan one for summer 2012.

*Ahoy, knitters!

Button Time

I did end up finishing my Cascade last week, but was waiting to block it before I took pictures to share.  Now, a week later, Cascade is still unblocked, so the best I can do is this:

Besides blocking, I still need to decide on some buttons.  So, I hit the ever-intimidating button jars:

I was thinking I could go with my old classic: vintage brown leather buttons:




But then I found enough of these pretty brown buttons.  I was having a hard time getting a good picture, but they remind of an old clay pot- pottery class style:

Here's a closer look, the reflection was giving me issues in every shot:


I could go matchy-matchy:


 Add a little contrast:


Or a lot of contrast:


So before I took on the task of sewing on buttons, I decided I would come here to seek opinions- I know my readers never steer me wrong!

I'm also thinking of doing a hat and somehow incorperating the same leaf pattern- any suggestions there?

And for those of you wondering about the yarn- nope, it's not Madelinetosh, its Kona Superwash DK from Woven Art in East Lansing.  This yarn shop is one of my favorite places to buy hand dyed yarn.  The colorways and selection are impressive, the prices can't be beat.  I love that it is (kind of) local to me, but for those of you who live far away, you can still request colorways and order online, just follow the link above!

Life Happens

Remember last week, when I informed you all that (because of your recommendations)  I had started working on Cascade?  I made the statement that I would finish by the next day (very bold, I know).  After a day and a half of knitting, this is what my Cascade looked like:


And now, a picture of Cascade today- a whole week later. How much bigger has it gotten?


That's right, none bigger! No... not even a stitch.

I guess I'm learning that between work, dinner parties, prior commitments, and a teething baby (yes... it's true- one tooth has made it through the surface, the next looks like it's not far behind), life sometimes gets in the way of knitting plans.

With weekend plans canceled, I want to say this weekend will hold some valuable knitting time, but then again... who knows.  Hopefully I have a new sweater to show off soon!