Will I finish...

...these socks in time to gift for Christmas?

I am just starting the heel of the 2nd sock. I'll let you know after I recover from the holidays a bit.

Merry Christmas to those that celebrate. Happy holiday season and New Year to everyone. I'll be back in 2010!

Socks finally revealed: Saviano Passione

I haven't been able to share these until the pattern was released. These socks, which are a current favorite on my feet this winter, were a test knit for Yarnissima (aren't I lucky!). They were finished back in April. Have a look:

The yarn was to die for. It is "Angel" by The Natural Dye Studio. Baby alpaca, cashmere and silk. For socks. I love wearing these! And to top it all off, the pattern is available for free from Knitty (click title link below).

Here are the details:
Pattern: "Saviano" by Yarnissima from Knitty Winter 2009; 2 circ needle, toe up
Yarn: "Angel" by The Natural Dye Studio, color: Bluebell, 1 skein with about 40g (or 40%) left over (enough for a pair of baby booties!)
Gauge: 6.5st/inch
Needles: US#3/3.25mm

Comments: Wow...

Done!

It took longer than it should have, but it was all worth the effort:

I actually finished this a month ago and have been wearing it all of the time. It is so warm! I am glad I went with the zipper instead of the buttons--a new challenge for me. Another great pattern from Claudia at CountryWool. I am thinking about knitting a second one of these in different colors as a gift for a family member (can't say it out loud, they might be reading!).

Here are the details:
Pattern: "Faroe Island Vine Cardigan" by Claudia Krisniski/CountryWool
Yarn: "Dalegarn Heilo" by Dale of Norway; 100% wool
Color: 4246 wine; 3841 medium sheepheather
Needles: US#7/4.5 mm
Comments: A well designed pattern and classic cardigan.

On my needles

It's been a while since I've done much posting, but I have been knitting. I have started 2 new sweaters. Today I will share my cashmere sweater.

I have been planning this simple sweater in my head for years. I really wanted an accurate swatch so I started by making a very basic cowl. I used one skein of cashmere. I cast on 120 sts, joined in the round, and purled the first 2 rows. Then I knit until I had very little yarn left (about 10 1/4 inches from start), purled 2 rnds and BO purlwise. Here is the result:

My gauge before blocking was 5.5 sts/inch, after blocking 5 sts/7.5 rows/inch with US#7 needles. This was great as a quick, luxury cowl, but if I made it again, I would add an eyelet row approximately 1-2 inches from the start and make an I-cord so the top can be closed if desired.

And now for the sweater. It is a heavy modification of the Cashmere Pullover pattern from Hand Maiden. My version is a top-down, in the round, with light shaping through waist/midsection. Here's my progress:

I really love working on this. And since it is basically simple knitting in the round, it's a great carry-with-you project. I hope to have this finished in January.

New WOOLganic Color!

This just in: LOTUS

A new color in WOOLganic DK weight and we now have it in stock! Also back in stock: Raindrop and Leura Worsted Weight. Come see....