Grey Day

Today was my unofficial "pre-holiday kick back and relax day". So after throwing putting the little guy on the bus, I made myself a big mug of coffee, sat in my favorite chair and knitted away on some new projects.

The first one is a simple slouchy rib hat using two strands of Berroco Ultra Alpaca held together and number 11 needles...in grey.

The second project is my long wished for rustic Sontag style shawl...in grey.

the first casualty of the season

Grey seems to be my go-to color for this time of year. Its calm soothing undertones seem to fit my need for some sensory relaxation right now. I love the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the cheerful decorations and music, but sometimes a little grey is a good thing.


(linking up to WIP Wednesday over at Tami's)

FO: Tea with Jam and Bread

This was one of the fastest sweater that I have ever knitted. Also one of the coziest! The pattern is Tea with Jam and Bread by the fabulous Heidi Kirrmaier. This is the fifth sweater that I have knitted using her designs and I ♥ and wear each and every one of them. I particularly ♥ that it is knitted with yarn from my stash. The main light grey yarn is Berroco Ultra Alpaca and is a dream to knit with. Heidi's patterns are always full of great details, like these cute pockets.

I also ♥ that the sweater is knitted from the top down starting with the neckband, which is shaped using a neat yarn over short row technique. It is always a nice unexpected surprise to learn something new from such a simple looking pattern. Couldn't resist amping up the cozy factor by turning the sleeves into handwarmers.

And here's my Interweave Knits pose...

 

(linking up with FO Friday over at Tami's)

November ♥

♥ The changing moods of a typical November day here in Maryland. One minute grey and stormy, the next sunny and clear blue.
♥ Wearing boots and taking a long walk in the rain. Had the trails all to myself yesterday. Thinking about knitting warm wooly socks to wear with my rain boots.
♥ Speaking of woolen footwear, I dug out a pair of slipper socks that my little sister had gifted me with last Christmas. I had forgotten about these. So warm and cozy, even if the label says that they are mainly acrylic with a touch of wool. Makes me want to knit a pair out of 100 percent wool. Maybe this pattern or this.
♥ Rereading the book that motivated me to relearn to knit all those years ago. The images and words really speak to me on so many levels. My favorite is this one with all its everyday knitterly details: the tied shawl, the wooden buckets with their knitted straps, the girl's work in progress in her hands. I love the shawl that she is wearing and spent quite a bit of time last night looking on ravelry for something similar. I am leaning towards this one or this. Or designing my own? There are some wonderful examples in the book.
♥ Simple and fun colorwork. Almost done with the first mitt. I have plans to make a few more pairs as Christmas gifts, but we'll see. Trying to take it easy this holiday and not get stressed out. Gift cards for everyone? We'll see ;)



(linking up to WIP Wednesday over at Tami's)