Cabled Vest

An unexpected FO! Unexpected, because it was one of those projects that turned out to be more work than I thought, then I started thinking it was going to be more work than it was… one of those “hide it in the box, I don’t want to deal with the neckline shaping” projects. Finally pulled it back out, and 3 days later – vest!

Worn with my other SWAP items from last winter, it’s almost exactly what I envisioned. Springy, soft, warm, and long enough not to get kidney draughts . The only thing different – I first pictured much longer ribbing at the bottom. Apparently I got bored!

I think it’s going to be a favourite.

Details: Louet Gems Fine/Sport Weight Merino (4 skeins), 3.5mm needle, my own design.

Almost Back to Business as Usual

You know when it rains, it pours? Well, I’ve been drenched, but the bailing is making a dent, and the forecast is looking a lot sunnier.

I have been knitting. A lot. Unfortunately, almost all of it is secret knitting. I should be able to show off one in a week or so, and a second project in a couple of weeks, but the others are in the vault for quite a while longer. On the other hand, since I’ve abandoned the idea of handcrafted gifts this year, most of what I turn my hand to now should be fair game for show and tell!

My sewing table has been horribly neglected the last couple of months – including the linen shorts (90% done) and pants (cut out), and swiss-dot top (cut-out), which are sadly out of season now. Since there’s no where to put them away again except my summer clothes suitcase, I may make them up anyway. At least the bottoms – I really should jump on the wool pants I’ve had cut out since last winter, and actually have something to wear outside (who permitted that snowfall yesterday??? I’m sorry, but extreme weather isn’t allowed until I’m ready for it, you know?).

So in between oiling my winter boots and catching up on my day jobs, I will try hard to get actual photographical projects underway and be back as a proper distraction!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Surgery

The patient lived.

New Pattern! Lása Cadáis Tee

I knit my first version of this design two years ago out of Handicrafter Cotton I won from my Mom’s stash when she moved. It wasn’t the best choice of yarn, but the top kept popping out of my closet all summer. Lacy enough to be cool and be a little more dressed up than a standard t-shirt, blouse-y enough to be forgiving of one too many bbqs.

The second version this year in Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece was even better – drapier, yet the spring of the wool keeps it from drooping or growing. Also helps keep the lace blocked nicely. So I finally wrote it up!!!

Brown Sheep Lása Cadáis Version 1: deep V

The pattern has two neckline versions, a deep-V (lines up with the start of the armhole) and a shallow-V.

Cotton Lása Cadáis Version 2: Shallow-V

Bust dart instructions are included, as are lengthen & shorten lines. The lace pattern is both written out and charted. Pattern bust ranges from 31-48.75″ (80-124cm), with -1 to 1″ ease recommended.

I want to send out a huge shout-out to my test knitters from Ravelry’s Testing Pool: freelance, uwchem94, moilulu, Yarn4sock, sockknitter54, drmonica, and LifetimeLearner for keeping with me through all the trials and tribulations (why do these things always seem so simple when I start out?). And many, many thanks to my tech editor DigitalDurga, who not only talked me back from the edge, but went over every “.” and acronym TWICE. This project would never have seen the light of day without you ladies!

For more info see:
Pattern Page
Ravelry Pattern Page
or buy directly:
$6.50US

Hope you like!!