ZebraKnits

earthy

Am not quite sure whether this hat knitting phase is a product of having an exposed head (scalp and short hair) that needs constant covering for warmth OR it's an escape phase from tackling a bigger knitting project (I have so many in queue and seeing Sylvi doesn't quite help it at all). Anyhow, hats, mittens and small things are just about what am obsessed with lately and it feels fine.  

Pattern: Selbu Modern by zeitgeistyarns . Free Raverly download.

Yarn: Dale of Norway Heilo and Falk, Bronze and Brown. A ball each.

Needles: I used US 1 and 2.

Mod: Just knit one less repeat to make it less of a Beret and more of a hat. Love the pattern. Love the warmth and earthy tones of the hat. It's so easy once you get going. Sometime, I might try it in a different colour combination.

  

Happy Monday!

Fiona

 

Last week, I was spotted in my new fall accessory at the park on a sort of dark, windy and cold day. I started this hat just before my last trip and finished it over a week ago. Since then, I have been wearing lots. And I LOVE it. It's soft, squishy and totally reversible. So Fiona it is.

 

Pattern: My own. The Brioche stitch pattern can be found in those Harmony stitch guides (I think there is/are some version of it). Mine came from an old VK magazine stitch guide that showed four different kinds of Brioche stitch and this one is my favourite. I have used it before in other knits but not in a hat.

The yarn: This gets me giggly. Blue Sky Suri Merino in shade #414. I just had to try this yarn after drooling over for a while. It is dreamy, soft against skin and easy to work with. I used 1 hank. Since this brioche stitch is a double knit type of stitch (it takes more yarn), I thought I would have enough to make a fancy bobble topper but I ran out of yarn. So I settled for the simple stockinette which turned out well. Highly recommended but with a hefty price tag.

Details: I know this is just a hat but I enjoyed the construction of it. First, I dislike ribbing's on hats or sweaters and I wanted to try a folded band (hem), casted on small needles with a provisional cast on. I think it makes a neat alternative to ribbing. Second, the texture of the pattern is just great. A little visual interest to somewhat simple of a hat. I think.

 

Now, this is my new favourite hat. But there is more to come! Happy weekend.

socks + fall

 

It's time to face up and show you what I really have been knitting, slowly as it may be, and finishing up a simple project. Just pair of Noro socks. Plain and simple although very colourful. I love the gradual colour changes, the warm feel to my feet and obviously, my feet are happy. They are perfect for the Fall season.

As you all know it's the month of Socktoberfest and I have a tendency to either miss the deadline or barely make it. This time I made it. Just in time.

 

I knit these socks toe - up using basic instructions from Firestarter (my first toe-up), with a short row heel using Socks of Kindness how-to's and the rest was just simple and easy stockinette stitch. The yarn was satisfactory to knit with. I was fortunate not to get any knots or breaks although, occassionally, a few thinner spots showed up. I didn't really mind them though.

Speaking of this sock yarn, I would love to hear your suggestions as to what are your favourite yarns for sock knitting. I have knit about seven pairs in just over a year since I learn't how to knit socks, using yarns such as :- Bluemoon Fiber Sock That Rock, Dream in Colour Smooshy, Noro Sock, Regia, Lana Grossa, Artyarns Merino and Cherry Tree merino. I don't really have a stash of sock yarn but I do want to try something else new. I am pretty intimidated with buying sock yarns, particularly the handdyed/handspun ones crafty people make - but I do wish to. By now, I can honestly say multicoloured yarns are my least favourite unless they are subtle ( I hate wondering what it will look like when knit or what patterns will suit). So, do you have any good recommendations of yarns I could try? Surely, I would wish to get my hands on some Wollmeise but I know it's a far and unattainable wish so I will stick with what could be available.

  

Now, I have my eye on the Through the Loops mystery socks a lot of people have been knitting this month. I wish I had joined in earlier but I am certainly a monogamous sock knitter. One pair at a time. I think I will cast on a pair soon especially after seeing some really great socks!

totally silent

   

Totally speechless.

A good weekend is in order for everyone! Enjoy it.

a little thing

 

A two year old moment of stillness I could steal and take a photograph. It only lasted a few seconds before he run off to something else.

This vest is a simple little thing I knit over a week ago just to keep myself knitting. I was hoping this unfocused and unproductive phase will pass very quickly, but I was wrong. Anyway, as simple as it is, it's an accomplishment and worth showing. He seems to like it, which is a good thing. Normally, he tells me he's not cold when I mention putting on something to keep warm. Sometimes we fight over it but he didn't fight this one.

I knit it with some Debbie Bliss Merino DK (discontinued and I totally dislike the yarn now after seeing how much my Amanda sweater is wearing after only a year) leftovers in stash (doubled on big needles). No pattern required. Just plain, easy stockinette stitch over movie watching.

 

We went downtown Philly yesterday for a little historical tour for Big T. to see the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It was quite chilly than I imagined but the fall colours and clear skies were just beautiful. I also managed to stopover at Loop for some tweed goodness.

 

Now, off to read my google reader as I am way far behind. Ciao!

****updated: oops, I can't read my feeds because my internet is out and the wireless thing am using is soooo slow and not loading pages well. So, am going to wait till it's fixed in a few days and will visit your blogs then!***