12 in 2012 #15

This is #15  for 2012 and likely to be the last project which I get completed this year.  I still have my twelfth pair of socks to finish so I don't expect to have time for anything else but who knows?

This turned out to be a super easy pattern. Knitted from the top down, the only issue was the length of the rows and keeping interested in the interminable amount of stocking stitch. Note to self: Fingering weight yarn takes a lot of knitting to make a sweater but I still like how fine it is in comparison to DK or worsted.

Now that it is finished, I am not sure I like the top down structure for a jacket in this weight of yarn.  It just kind of hangs.  I have washed it and blocked it so hopefully that will solve the issue.

I am equally unsure about the yarn colour. I expected more variegation and this is really just purple.  It is a gift for SECR so I hope that she likes it more than I do.

Pattern: Cecily Jacket by Snowden Becker from KnitPicks website
Yarn: KnitPicks Stroll
Colour:  Sprinkle Heather

Edited to add:  It does look so much better after blocking.  I quite like it now

12 in 2012 #14

 

Yes I am still counting even though I have made my goal. 

This was a quick knit.  It's an adult hat from donated yarn for the hospital.  I am going to try for at least one knit for the hospital each month.  So far I have 5 hats (including this one) and a sweater which makes 6 things for 6 months.

The yarn is now discontinued so a good thing to make with just one 50g skein.
 
The pattern is my own.  Just cast on 96 stitches using 4.5 mm dpns then knit until done.  Full details are on Ravelry

Pattern: Rib Hat
Yarn: Patons Bracken Double Knitting
Colour: Grey Tweed

12 in 2012 #13

Well I am still knitting so I should keep counting even though I have made my goal.  I am still working on the sock goal so I'll feel better knowing I have more than made this one.  Those four hats still feel like a bit of a cheat.

This is a little sweater suitable for a 3/4 year old, the largest size in the pattern.  It will go for sale to support our local hospital.

The yarn is all from donations.  These are acrylics which I find hard on my hands after the soft wools I have been using recently.  I think I have been converted to natural fibres!!  Still I have no choice with these. 

It turned out to be a super easy pattern.  Knitted from the top in the round, the only issue was keeping the different colours of wool hidden as the stripes change.  In flat construction they are easily hidden in the seam.  I ended up sewing along the join to hide the "wrong" colours.  I wonder if there is another way?

Pattern: Jazzy Snazzy Pullover from Lion Brand Yarn website
Yarn: Various worsted acrylics
Colour:  Lime green, pink and white

12 in 2012 #12

So here it is the twelfth project all done and dusted.  First knitting goal for 2012 achieved!!

 

 

 

 

HH saw the vest  I knitted for myself in March and really likes it.  I thought this would make a good Christmas gift for her.  I made some modifications to the original pattern.  I added  some skyp rib panels: 2 on each front and 5 across the back.  I also used a neckband rather than a collar and made the armhole trim narrower.  It turned out pretty well except for the button band pulling up at the bottom.  Hopefully that will disappear after the sweater has been blocked.

Pattern: Magnolia Sweater Vest by Classic Elite Yarns
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes
Colour:  Almond

12 in 2012 #11

Here is project number 11.    I love the way the stitches spiral around this hat and that I only have one more project to make 12 for this year!  Yay for me!!!!

I used up some left over wool from my blue hoodie (Project #1 in 2012).  I used a much smaller needle than the pattern recommended and also smaller than I used for the hoodie.  Result?  A much tighter, sturdier fabric.  I like it much better.  I won't rip out the hoodie as it is OK as it is but I would definitely use a smaller needle next time.  That would mean significant adjustments to the pattern to get the size right.  Too much for me right now!!  The hat was an easy change just add extra stitches and knit til it is long enough.  A sweater takes much more fiddling about than that.

Pattern: Hurricane Hat by Andrea Goutier
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes
Colour:  Sapphire Heather

12 in 2012 #10

Here is project number ten for 2012 - a purple Counterfort Sweater.
This sweater is knitted top down all in one on circular needles.  Lots of new stuff to learn but the pattern was so clear that it was easy.  The yarn was beautiful too.  The little bit of silk makes for a lovely soft, smooth feeling fabric.  The only minor complaint is that the colour is a little darker than I wanted but it still looks beautiful with jeans and over a white shirt . 

Colour me happy!!!

Pattern: Counterfort Sweater Vest by Melissa J Goodale
Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss DK
Colour:  Admiral

12 in 2012 #6, #7, #8 and #9

Hats for the local hospital craft group.

It feels a little like cheating to have 4 projects done in one month but there you go.  The yarn was all donated to the hospital craft group and they wanted a stock of men's toques ready for the winter.  It is mostly acrylic with some little bits of wool from my scrap basket.

Each hat is different.

#6  is the black one K2P3rib with a blue/grey stripe on the band

#7 is the blue one.  It's a basket weave K4P4 rib for 6 rows and then P4K4.  It looks way bigger than the others but actually it is just all stretched out.

#8 is the grey cables.  There is no turn up on this one.

#9 is the multi stripe.  This used up all the odd bits from the previous three and some variegated wool from my scrap basket.  It's a straightforward K2P2 rib all the way.

Hope they sell!!

12 in 2012 #5

This will be a really short post but I need to keep the record straight.
2012 #5 is the second baby blanket for Colleen. There are no pictures as it is exactly the same as the first one which was finished in December last year. The pattern is shown in the blanket I knitted for Diane (12 in 2012 #4).

I hope I can keep up with knitting a project a month. I am not very hopeful as the sock knitting challenge seems to be taking more time than I expected. Maybe I am just slowing down!!

12 in 2012 #4

This is the same pattern as the blue baby blanket that I made for Colleen's baby. Colleen loved that one so much that she asked me to make a second one. Apparently the baby loves the feel of it. I do too!! It is so soft and snuggly.

Now her sister is having a baby this summer so I thought I should knit her one too. She doesn't know if it will be a boy or a girl so I chose a creamy white ( Vintage Lace) in the same yarn. It feels just as snuggly as the first one.

Now I need to start on the second one for Colleen. I have until the baby shower in May to get it done. Sounds easy but I need a break from the pattern so I am going to start my April socks instead!!

12 in 2012 #3

Well here it is my - very favourite sweater.
I love the yarn, the colour and the fit. What more could I ask?

Well that the pattern have the same row gauge as I did. I very rarely have this problem and the stitch gauge was right on. I just knitted fewer rows and it seemed to work out.

I changed up the collar (again!!!) What is it with me and collars? I hate being buttoned up to the neck so I why do I choose patterns that have them?? Doesn't matter I really love this sweater!

Pattern: Magnolia Sweater Vest by Classic Elite Yarns
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes
Colour: Hollyberry

12 in 2012 #2

Here is my second project finished.

Pattern: Talbot Trail Shawl by Joan Janes
Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Hand-Painted Fingering
Colour: Frosting

Joan owns the Little Red Mitten store in St Thomas, Ontario which is not too far away. Her patterns are always clear and easy to follow and of course it's not too hard for me to drop in if I have any problems.

This is actually the second of these shawls that I have knitted the first was for SECR and this one is for PN. Maybe I'll get around to one for me one day!!

12 in 2012 #1

Well here it is the blue hoodie!! As you can see no hood but a collar.

I really love the colour of this wool and it knitted up beautifully. I am not so happy with the pattern or the tension. The fabric is very loose and the sleeves are odd at the top but it's a delightfully warm cardigan for me.

Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Sapphire Heather
Pattern: Women's Hoodie by Marilyn Peters (Cascade website)

January Project

The blue hoodie is off the needles and it is not a hoodie!!

I decided I really didn't want a hood so I made a simple polo collar in K1P1 rib instead.

It just needs the sleeves blocking and then sewing together.
I've bought some pretty buttons so no reason that this shouldn't be done by month end