T-Cable Scarf

Started 1/21/11, Completed 2/27/11 

I started the 2011 with basic knitting skills so I decided to develop them by knitting various designs and patterns I hadn't done before. I discovered this cable scarf designed by Smariek. "What a perfect project!!" I thought, definitely more advanced than the knit and purl I was used to. I didn't have any experience reading a knitting pattern/chart so I ended up starting the scarf 4 TIMES!!!

At the end of the day I conquered the scarf. I love the way the cables intertwine into each other. The scarf is not as long as the 68inches called for in the design, but I think it will fit the person who will wear it.

The cables make the scarf chunky and warm. LOVE IT!!! :)

To knit this scarf check out Smariek at

http://smariek.blogspot.com/2008/08/triumph-cable-scarf-pattern.html

Knitting Mistake

I am knitting a beautiful lace wrap/shawl (#11) from the Vogue Knitting Summer/Spring 2011 Magazine.

As simple as the knitting is, it has caused so many headaches because one has to pay close attention as there is a lot of increasing and decreasing of stitches. So there I was last night, so excited that I was about to use up the 1st skein, when I realized I only had 73 stitches instead of 74. Sigh...!!!! I think I will start all over again.This is the 3rd time. SIGH!!!

Here is a video to help fix mistakes made without having to start your work all over again.

Inspiring Women

Who is on your list of inspiring women? Which women set your mind reeling with thoughts of inspiration, dreams of conquering unknown territories? You won't believe who made it to mine. No...not Oprah Winfrey, not Condoleezza Rice or Martha Stewart. DRUM ROLL PLEASE....****...****...**** Bethenny Frankle (former Real Housewife of NY).

Let's back track to 2009-2010. There I was sitting lounging on my bed on a Thursday night like every other Thursday when the Real Housewives of NY aired. Then I learned of how Bethenny woke up one day at 29 and wondered what she would do with her life. 10 years later, she is a renowned chef, has written several books, and has launched her SkinnyGirl collection of drinks. So I find myself at the same juncture where I ask myself what I am going to do with my life.

Well for starters, I decided to "LLOLL" - Live, Laugh Out Loud, and Love!! Life challenges can be so exhausting at times, but with God all things are possible. So I have decided to spend time living, laughing and loving. You should do the same. Don't forget to use the talents and gifts God has given you. Surround yourself with cheerleaders, close your eyes and take the plunge. If you fail, dust yourself off and try again.

Cable Hand Mitts

Started 2/28/11; Completed 3/11/11


I was looking for a hand mitt pattern to go with the T-Cable scarf and I came across this wonderful design by Delia Rau Cholakian. I loved the fact that the pattern was a flat design and I didn't need to purchase circular needles.

I ended up knitting 3 of them because the gauge in 1 mitt was too tight.

All the same this is an easy, quick knit for a nice handmade gift.

Snow Tubing Cowl

Started 2/19/11; Completed 2/21/11

Now those who know me know that I am not a fan of winter - from the trudging through the snow, to driving on slippery roads, to dealing with the SAD (seasonal affective disorder). So I try to make the winter season "fun" if I can crawl out of bed and deal with the layers of clothing. 

Snow Tubing has been on my "winter list of things to do" so I was so excited when the opportunity came up to go with a group of friends. Thanks to the handy dandy Google search, I read on the what to and what not to wear. I was so excited but was worried about catching a cold because I did not have the proper jacket or chest/neck covering. Being the frugal spender that I am (at least most of the time) I borrowed the jacket and knitted a cowl. 

This cowl is designed by Margaux Hufnagel. It was a quick knit but the wool was not cheap!!! (Defies my frugality. More on this later)

The snow tubing cowl kept me warm throughout and I love it.

This was my first time working with circular needles. When I purchased them I did not know that I had to buy smaller needles than what the knitting pattern calls for. For example, if the work is supposed to be 26" in the round, circular needles should be 24". Despite that it was not that difficult to work on.

I had some trouble weaving in the ends of the cowl but I tucked in the trouble areas into the wrong side. I also added some white yarn to break up the brown color a little bit.

  

 

The Rowan Big Wool used is pricey (a hefty $15.00 per skein) and sheds a little but does the job.

I am looking forward to knitting more cowls for next winter...or maybe I should move to a warm place eh?!?