I haven’t done much knitting this winter but I’m dreaming about making this beauty by Pickles.

They have a shop if you’d like to purchase yarn from them.

While this isn’t quilting, it was a project I worked on over the weekend when I got tired of cutting for the quilts I made.

A cabled baby hat.

My previous boss is expecting a boy this June and I wanted to make her a little handmade gift for her shower.  Since the pattern says it will fit a 6-12 month old, I’m hoping the timing is perfect.  This is the second time using Paula Chin’s pattern I found through Ravelry and I love it and will use it again.   For a little bit of work, an impressive little piece, don’t you think? I purchased this great color at the Lancaster Yarn Shop and although I was originally looking for navy (she is decorating the nursery orange and navy) I’m really happy I found this chartreuse instead.

Thanks to Jeff for being my photography assistant!

Sometimes it’s important to work on a knitting project that gives you almost instant gratification.

Meet Honey Cowl by Ann Maria at Madelinetosh knit in Berroco’s super chunky “Sundae” yarn in Salty.

This was a spontaneous project that I embarked on after an inspiring trip to Loop.  I wanted to use my circular 13 needles since I enjoyed working with them on The Sweater. Some chunky yarn was my only requirement and I needed enough of it to make a cowl.  What fun it was looking at all the options in-person.  I usually buy my yarn online through Purl or YarnMarket and now realized all the inspiration I have been missing out on!  I really appreciated the staff who were friendly and helpful.  (There are some shops around town who leave a lot to be desired in that department).  Does anyone else ignore a knitting project when they make a mistake or don’t know what to do next?  I have been ignorning my sweater because the sleeves are scaring me and so I brought the pattern along and mustered up the courage to ask for help and sure enough, they were more than willing to provide guidance.

This is the second cowl I’ve made (both gifts) and this one was by far the quick knit.  You can download the pattern for free on Madelinetosh’s site and if you fudge the gauge like I did you will have this project finished in no time.  I did the short version (casting on 110 stitches) using two skeins and size 13 needles.  While you don’t get the same effect from the honeycomb pattern, it’s still dense and cute.  I’m sure Anne doesn’t mind that Hugo and I tried it out before giving it to her.  We are both suckers for all things soft.

For about a year now, I have become totally consumed by knitting for many reasons. It’s mobile, you can take your project anywhere and multi-task while creating – walking, talking, commuting to work, watching TV, in the car (as a passenger, of course). You are essentially creating something during your “down time” and I love this. 

I just started a new project – a gift that I’m hoping to give to him on December 21st for Winter Solstice.  I’m using a beautiful machine washable superfine merino by Alchemy.  I hope he likes the way it feels.

I recently found this quote after talking with my mom about my obsession with being efficient - my undying need to use every waking moment to its fullest.  Turns out, I’m not alone.

“…knitters just can’t watch TV without doing something else. Knitters just can’t wait in line, knitters just can’t sit waiting at the doctor’s office. Knitters need knitting to add a layer of interest in other, less constructive ways.”  – Stephanie Pearl-McPhee