Ei Knit

Somethings going on around here…

To start off...I have another finished knit. Yes...she has cables. I just love them!! Take a look…

Here she is cleaned and drying...almost ready for her debut.

Ready for anything

A close up of the beautiful wooden toggles.
Project...Cabled Latte from VK Holiday 2004
Yarn...Jaeger Extra Fine Merino Aran in color #2794 Garlic
Needles...US 4 and 5 Inox circulars
Mods...I really didn’t do anything major, only very minor adjustments. I went down quite a few needles sizes as I wanted her a little more fitted, but ended up getting perfect gauge. I moved the buttons down on the sweater as I know that I will never button it up at the neck. I made icord button loops. These are wonderful, sturdy and they look great also.
I am very pleased with this cardigan. She is very cozy and comfortable. The cables stand out amazingly well on this yarn. I’m a happy camper!!

Works in Progress…
I’m knitting Eunny Jang’s Endpaper Mitts…

I’m knitting these because for one, I love them. I’m also getting some practice on my Fair Isle technique for my next BIG project (more about that in a bit)
Did you notice the right mitt? Here’s a little story. When I first met my DH, he always called me Ei (e i, not i) He even designed a necklace for my first birthday that I shared with him that is an EI with a diamond chip. I LOVE it. It was sooo special because he thought it out and was from his heart. Well I loved my little nickname and it stuck for years. Then not hearing it for a long while, I met Heather (Spacetricot on Ravelry) and she started calling me that. Well anyway, I decided that I wanted my Endpaper mitts to be special & I think adding the Ei to them makes them perfectly unique. I’m happy with how it turned out. Now, it is not a major design, but this is only the beginning!!! I’m using Hand Jive Knits Nature’s Palette Fingering yarn in colors #113 (Walnut) & #114 (Chocolate) Fabulous yarn!!

Next up is ...

This is called the Twisted Stitch Cap. It is designed by Meg Swansen and is from the Vogue Knitting American Collection. I love the different cables in this. Every stitch is a twisted. It definitely makes it harder...but is is going to be one beautiful hat! I’m using Rowan Pure Wool DK in Black. It is lovely to work with.

Future knit projects (within the next 2 weeks)…

This is the Fitted Jacket with Embroidery from Norsk Strikkedesign. This is such a beautiful book. I have been wanting to knit this jacket for a long time now. Well...it is going to become a reality.

I also want to knit this…

This is Flicca by Anna Bell. I just think this is such a cool sweater coat. It is made with a chunky yarn...perfect for our winter weather. I’m using Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Chunky in color #551 String

UPDATE…

I finished these up last night! They are pretty darn cute!

I think thats it for now…
Enjoy the rest of your day...ours is a snowy one!

It’s Time for the Photos

Well I finally have some photos of me modeling Forecast. I have had quite a few requests for them. I couldn’t decide which photo to choose, so I’m including them all. Have a peek…

I have to say that this is probably my favorite sweater as far as all around wearability. It is hip, cool. elegant and makes a pretty darn good statement...in my eyes! It goes with just about anything and everything from jeans to a pretty skirt. I love it so much that I might have to knit one in another color. Maybe a grey tweed..oh I’m sure I’ll think of something.

I’m still working on my Cabled Latte. I’m about 2/3 finished with the sleeves. I am knitting them both at the same time which of course seems to take forever. I love this cardigan so far and can’t wait till I’m finished to try her on. I bought 2 sets of toggle buttons. I just have to make a choice as to which ones I want to use. This is going to be one beautiful cardigan. I LOVE the cables on it!!!

I’m going to try to post again before the holiday...but if I don’t, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!!! Be safe!

The Forecast for today is…

fine, fine, fine! I am finished my Forecast. Here she is…

And here is a close up of the wood buttons…

Pattern... Forecast by Stephanie Japel
Yarn… Cascade 220 color #7821. This is a beautiful light Mocha brown.
Needles… US 5 and 7
Mods… I made lots of the same mods that others have done with this pattern. I made the sleeves longer. I started the sleeve ribbing at the elbows. I made the bodice longer and the ribbing at the waist longer. I decreased 6 sts at the wrists on the first row of the bottom border. I used 9 buttons instead of 10. I also did a 3 stitch bobble instead of a 5 stitch bobble. I also found on here how to do a bobble without turning your work. It is not as pronounced as when you turn it...but It’s a lot easier, especially when you have lots of them and easier is good! Thank you So much yarn So little time! I think that’s it for the mods.
I absolutely loved knitting this cardigan. This is knit from the top down...my first time ever knitting this way and I LOVE it!!! I will definitely be knitting more sweaters his way. Probably from her Fitted Knits book. Her patterns are fabulous! Can you believe this sweater took me 11 days to knit. Of course that is all I was doing.

What I’m working on now…

This is called the Cable/Rib Cardigan #20 (I’m calling it the Cabled Latte Cardigan) It is from the Vogue knitting Holiday 2004. And another view…

What is it about cables that is so very intriguing? I just love, love, love them. If I could only knit cables...I would. I love them that much.
I’m using Jaeger Extra Fine Merino Aran in color Garlic #2794. I love this yarn. It knits up beautifully and the cables are just so defined! It is not as soft as, lets say Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran...but it is fabulous yarn which will soften up quite a bit once washed. I have knit with their DK and it is so lovely. I am also starting to look for Toggles for this sweater. I have never used them on any of my knits...but I have been itching to. I would like to use either horn or wood toggles in a medium to dark brown. This cardigan calls for 3 toggles. I’d better get searching!

Here are some photos I’d like to share with you…

This is my Japanese Red Maple outside in front of my dining room. It is so gorgeous in person. It really looks like it is on fire!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!!

It’s About Time for a Finished Object

What can I say...I have been too busy with Ravelry for my blog...BAD girl! Keeping up with a blog takes a lot of time (I’m a slow poster), but with the two...now it’s twice the amount of time. Blah, blah, blah...anyway here we go.

I have a FO. It is the Tangled Yoke Cardigan!!! I LOVE this sweater!!! Simple but elegant! Here she is…

Pattern...Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang from IK Fall 2007
Yarn...Rowan Felted tweed in the color Phantom
Needles...US 0, 1 and 3 (this was just for the garter stitch rib at the hips by mistake...then I switched to the US 1. It worked out though)
Mods...I made the sleeves 1 3/4 inches longer than the pattern. I"m glad I did.
I was really worried about the fit of this one as she calls for a size 5 needle and I had to use a US 1 to get gauge. It worked though and I have learned that it doesn’t matter what needle size you have to use to get gauge...what ever it is...just do it! The fit is perfect. I love the construction of this sweater. This is my first time knitting a sweater in the round (no seaming...Woohoo!!) loved the cable (adds just the right touch)...the hardest part for me was having to pick up stitches for the neckband and doing the 3 needle bind off ( I think it was because you are supposed to use the smallest needle to pick up the stitches and I was already using a 1, so they were tight. I made it through the hardest part though.

Newest Knit Project...is...Forecast…

I started this cardigan 11 days ago. Do you think I have been knitting a lot? This is such a cool sweater to knit. This is my first time knitting from the the down. I love, love, love it!!! NO SEAMING. Not that I mind the seaming as I actually enjoy it now. I’m using Cascade 220 in the color #7821. This color is so elegant. It is like a light mocha brown. I am so close to finishing this. I can’t wait till this is done. Sooooo close! I tried it on (the one advantage of knitting from the top) and it is tight!!! I sure hope it is wearable. Only time will tell. I have a little more to go on the sleeve and then on to the button bands. I need to start looking for some pretty buttons...10 of them that is!

Well thats it for now...Have a great day!!!

My Brand New Beautiful Birch!!

Well, I finished my second Birch just in time for my San Diego trip. I’m so glad I knit another one. This is the perfect accessory for the cool San Diego evenings. Take a look…

Oh how I love you Birch. So cozy, soft and oh sooo yummy!!! I used the Kid Silk Haze in Anthracite on size US 6 needles. Simply Fabulous Darling!

There are so many knits that I want to do. Lets see...there is Silver Belle. I think this is so pretty. I love all the cables...especially how they flow across the back. Just beautiful! I just got Rowan Pure Wool Aran in 2 different grays & I think they are beautiful yarns. I think this will work for this one. Then there is Forecast . This is one cardigan that looks great on many different body types. I’m going to do a few changes to this pattern as some other people have done...such as...starting the sleeve ribbing at the elbows and lengthening the ribbing on the body. This is a must have sweater. I’m thinking of using Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair in this gorgeous deep blue. We’ll see. I also LOVE Demi. I have some Rowan Rowanspun Aran in Caviar (pretty medium brown) I’m thinking of using. There are a couple other yarns I have in mind though. The sweater that I have to have now though is the Tangled Yoke Cardigan This is such a simple but elegant little cardigan. Fabulous. I am using this yarn…

Here are some photos of my progress so far…

This yarn is so wonderful to knit with. My only problem is that they call for a size 5 needle and I had to go down to a size 1 to get gauge. I don’t care though as it is perfect gauge now and is looking mighty fine. I’m using Rowan Felted Tweed in Phantom. It is a beautiful deep brown with pretty light blue specks. Love it!! I am all finished with the body. I cast on for the sleeves next.

Well thats it for now. I’d better go so I can start knitting the Tangled Yokes sleeves.

Have a fabulous day!

I’m in…I’m in

Ravelry that is!!! WooHoo! Thank to these lovely knitters. I love ya girls!
I absolutely love this site . It is avery innovative site. Everything about it is awesome. I can’t wait till they open up to the public though so my friend Donna can join.

I decided to start knitting another Birch shawl (since my first one was stolen) Here is a what she looks like so far…

I am soooo loving being able to knit this again. This shawl is very simple but elegant. I’m on a mission though. I have to get this done in time for when I go to San Diego on September 6. I love this color even better than my last one. I used Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Smoke for my first one. This color is Anthracite. I is darker and richer than Smoke. I can’t wait until it’s all finished.

Green Mountain Knitting Bag for Sale…

It has 3 fully lined pockets on the inside

A detailed view of the lined pocket
This bag measures 18"W by 13"H. not including the height of the beautiful wood handles. It also has shoulder straps which I love.

I already have 4 bags from Martha and I’m getting a custom one made up now. I’m totally obsessed with her bags. They are made extremely well. This one was more orange than I wanted. I thought it was going to be a deeper red. This bag has never been used. It still has the tag on it. If you are interested in it...please email me.

Have a great day!!!

Sweet Baby Green Trellis

I’m here to say that I have a beautiful baby sweater finished to brag about. I’m sure many of you have heard of Trellis. Well here she is in all of her sweetness…

This is one of the cutest baby sweaters I have ever seen. The pattern is very well written. I am very pleased with the outcome. This one goes to my 1 year old neice...I sure hope she likes it.
Pattern...Trellis from Knitty
Yarn...Rowan Wool Cotton Color #960
Needles...US #4 Inox circular
Size...18 months
Mods...The only thing I changed war the yarn used. They call for Rowan All Seasons Cotton which is a worsted weight and Wool/Cotton is a DK weight. I LOVED working with this yarn. It is soft and fabulous. I did have to go down a few needle sizes (they suggest a 5/6 needles...no way for me the way I knit) though as I am a loose knitter and I do not like a loose sloppy look to the stitches.

I’m working on a couple of other knits at the moment. The first one is the very popular Orangina…

This sweater is based on such a neat simple concept...2 rectangles joined at the shoulders and side seams. Stefanie Japel is a design goddess in my opinion. I have her book Fitted Knits. I love it and there are tons of knits that I really want to do. I also love Forcast and can’t wait to cast on for that one.
I’m using Jaegar Siena 4 Ply in black.

The other knit I am working on is Fay by Kim Hargreaves. So is the lovely Donna…
I love sweaters that are nice and light. I love how the model is wearing a collared shirt underneath. I would wear it the same way. I LOVE that look! I’m using Rowan 4 Ply in the color???XOGTNDG...what? oh my...I just looked & I am using the WRONG yarn (It says Wool/Cotton which is a DK weight. I was wondering why it looked wider than it should be). Oh...this is not fair. I have to rip out & do it all over again! :-(( Lesson learned...always read the labels before you start a project. I have NEVER done this before.. Here is a photo anyway of the beautiful work that I have to RIP out…

I have to say that this is fun to knit...not boring. The waistband is knit first & than all the stitches are picked up. OH...all that work...for nothing. I’ll get over it! Now for the right yarn that I will start knitting with as soon as I finish this post is...Rowan 4 Ply Soft color #389. A beautiful brown.

Here are a couple photos I would like to share with you…

Mother Nature

Pretty Porsche

Handsome Bentley

My favorite RAW dessert!!! Cheesecake with bananas. I love it with blueberries and blueberry sauce also! YUMMY!!!!
It has been 14 months now since I have been RAW. I am still LOVING this lifestyle!

Have a fabulous Day!

I’m SAD

I want an invite to Ravelry.com. Anyone got an extra invite????? Please...pretty please?

I will be posting this week with some update on my knitting projects. Do you even remember moi?

It’s a Blue, Blue Day

I can’t tell you how ecstatic I am to have 2 1/2 more finished knits. Well, on to the first…

Pattern...Arisaig from Knitty
Yarn...Rowan 4 ply Soft in color #372
Needles...I can’t remember right now...but I always go down a needle size (Inox)
Size...Smallest
Mods...The only thing I changed are the sleeves. I casted on 8 sts less than called for. They were way to baggy for my liking. I wanted them fitted.
This is a fabulous sweater and a fun pattern. I love the way it fits and how very soft it feels next to the skin. This is fabulous yarn. My problem is figuring out what to wear underneath. Soooo very comfortable. I’m very happy with the final results.

Next up is…

This shows the pattern but the color is darker
Pattern...Indigo Ripples Skirt from the Spring IK 2007 (Kat Coyle is a genius & my hero)
Yarn...Rowan Denim in color #225 (Memphis)
Needles...Size US 1 and 2 Inox circulars
Mods...I knit the stockinette portion of the skirt longer (the lace is pretty see through) I knit the lace part longer also to make it just below the knee. Instead if an knitting an Icord for the belt, I knit a crochet chain with a double strand of yarn. I like it because it is flatter then the Icord and knits up much faster.
I am sooo in love with this skirt...everything about it. I love the color (the denim already faded some with the first wash). The fit is perfect and I love how stretchy and comfortable it is. It is flirty, sexy, but is also comfy. I love the fact that you can dress this skirt up with a cute top and nice heels or you can dress it down with a tank and flip flops and still looks great. This is the first skirt I have ever knit...but you can bet, it will NOT be the last. You can also be sure that I will be knitting with this fabulous yarn again. I have seen 3 of these fun skirts knitted up and they all look great on each body type.

Last one up is…

Well yes...only one is completed as I have been a very busy girl finishing other knitted jewels. I am about halfway through the second sock, although I am in no rush to finish it as the weather is getting warmer.

One last thing…

My babies. LOVE em!!!

I am soooo looking forward to the MD Sheep and Wool Festival this weekend. I can’t wait! Hope to see some of you there!

Have a fantastic day!

Is That all there is?

I have not had as much time for posting lately...but one thing is for sure, I am as much or more obsessed with knitting as I ever have been.
I absoutely LOVE it. It s a part of my heart & soul now. I can’t run away from it! Now let’s get down to business…

Finished Objects…

This is the stunning Shedir hat from Knitty.
I used Rowan Calmer in Black because that is what my DH wanted. I think it is very elegant in this color.
He said to me when I finished it..."Are you sure I sould wear this, it’s so fancy” I adore this pattern...so much so that I turned right around & made one for myself in Chocolate.

I knit mine with only 3 repeats of the pattern and it fits perfectly. LOVE it!!

Knits in Progress…

Oh my...it’s the beginning of Eunny’s amazing Bayerische socks.
I’m using Lang Jawoll in a very neutral oatmeal shade. This is definitely a tedious pattern (in a great way) using 2 US 0 Addi circulars (I love, love, love using 2 circs).
You are working a lot of cables (no cable needle of course) here...but I love it. Next up…

I saw this pattern on Craftster and I thought it was a very pretty fitted sweater.
I’m using Zara in a beautiful eggplant shade. It is a very simple but pretty pattern.

The River Stole from Rowan 38. Ahhhh...Kid Silk Haze...I needed my fix since someone took my Birch, I had to knit another shawl or stole to replace it (I miss you Birch :-( )
The color is Anthracite & it is a dark charcoal grey. Beautiful!!! We are entering the perfect seasons for me to wear a shawl.
I carry one with me whenever I go out to dinner. I just adore the feeling of the KSH on my shoulders when I’m wearing a sleeveless top. So light, so airy, soooo fabulous.

Last but not least…

I am now knitting the miles and miles of trim. I alterd the sleeves as they were going to be too big. They are perfect now.
I love this & can’t wait to finish her off. The true color is a slate grey.

Important News…
We bought Bentley a playmate...meet Porsche…

Is she the cutest? Well these photos are from a month ago. That was then...this is now…

Bentley and Porsche...my babys. I don’t know what I ever did without them.

Some photos to leave you with..

A piece of my RAW Blueberry Pie. YUM!!!

A beautiful golf cours in Palm Springs.

An Orchid I have that totally rebloomed. Gorgeous!

Have a fabulous day!