Catching Up

I've been quiet on the blog for awhile, spending my time trying to finish projects and trying very hard not to start any new ones. Much harder than I thought it would be.

I finished the alpaca capelet I started back in October.  It was an easy knit, and it should have been done in about 4 evenings of watching tv.   I used one skein of Plymouth's Baby Alpaca Grande Hand Dye in Variegated Neutrals and one skein of Plymouth's Baby Alpaca Ultimo in Brown.  Very nice yarns to work with.

I've also finished one slipper that was supposed to be a Christmas gift and have cast on the second one. This is a great pattern called Nola's Slippers (pictures when completed).  It uses two strands of worsted weight, is knit flat and then seamed.  Of course, I had to start making them using a chunky weight.  It's a lot harder on my hands this way, but the men in the family love the end result.  (Guess oldest DS will get these for graduation.)

I attended the Nashville Needlework Market in early March.  This is where shop owners go to meet designers and vendors and see what's new in the Needlepoint and Cross Stitch world.  While I am capable of performing both these crafts, it's been a while since I did any serious stitching, I was totally enthralled with the beauty of the creations at Market.

I was inspired to make a model for the shop though.  Unfortunately, it will be better for next Easter, but here it is:  Alleluia! from Handblessings.  Stitched on 14ct Navy Aida, using DMC Floss #462..

Now, for the newly started projects....since I have to attend three graduations this spring/summer, I decided I wanted to make some lightweight tops.  I've been really anxious to try two patterns from Cabin Fever, "Lace Checks" and "Checkmate Cardigan".  The great thing about both of these patterns is that they are knit in one piece with no sewing when finished! (Okay, I still had to weave in the ends and sew a little tiny join under each arm.)  The Lace Checks shell is knit in the round and you finish the armholes as you go!  I've been know to get very bored knitting a top in the round, but the choice of yarn has made this project a delight to knit.  I used Lang "Moina" a viscose/polyamide/silk blend and it has a wonderful drape and feel. This pattern would work well in any number of yarns, and I'm really considering making it again in a linen blend or pima cotton.  Now, if can I finish the cardigan by next week, I'll be ready for the first ceremony.