WIP Wednesday: Delancey Cardigan and Iona Toque

I've said it before, and it is very true.  I am a slow knitter.  Not because I can't help it, but simply because I fall into the rhythm and relaxation that causes me to move at a calming pace.  Sometimes.  Perhaps this is just me trying to accept the fact that I am just slow.  I don't know.  Whatever.  I love it and I get stuff done.  Eventually.

As for these WIPs, they are not anything new, but they are getting done.  I am currently working on my second week's goal on my Delancey Cardigan for the Sweatshop of Love KAL.  

Because I'm working my Delancey from the shortened (cardi length) pattern, I only have to knit to row 88.  This allows me time to catch up on my last goal.  I'm not surprised by this at all, but I had to frog my work a couple of times last week, keeping me from progressing like I would have liked-allowing me to work on other WIP's, like Branden's Broken Rib cardi.  Meh. :\ 

Here is the progress on my Delancey so far.  Kind of looks like a giant bikini top...

I've also been working on my Iona Toque, but not nearly as much as I should.  Frankly, it should have been done along time ago.  Oh well.  It will get done, right?

Happy knitting all!

Off the Needles and Far Away...

I am so happy to hear that my little knitted gifts made it across the pond to my brother and sister in law in Barcelona.  They were a little late for Christmas, but at least they made it.  I've been eager to share them since I have very few quick knits going on right now to share.  Photos of Tyler in his tie are courtesy of Jessica Quadra of Jessica Quadra Photography (my sister in law).  They could be JCrew models.  ;)

Knit Necktie by Lion Brand

Picholine Hat

I knit the hat in Misti Alpaca Tonos Chunky.  Some of my absolute favorite and Jess loves it because she can wear the hat all day and not have an itchy head.  :)

WIP Wednesday: Delancey Cardigan

As soon as I started knitting the Delancey, I fell in love with the pattern.  It flies off my needles and is difficult to put down.  Plus, watching the striping take form is so exciting for me because I am in love with the color combination.  I love all things striped and these colors look great with this design (tootin' my horn here a bit ;)).  I just can't wait to see more!

Doesn't this remind you of a stripe sting ray?

The Delancey Swatch

I have been so excited to get started with the Delancey Cardigan KAL.  It's my first and quite a challenging first, but the group of people participating, and the moderator, Allyson over at sweatshopoflove, are so helpful.  What I love the most is that the KAL has been mapped out so that each person is working on the same goal by the end of the week.  This may sound naive, as if that is normal procedure for these things, but either way-I love the support!  I almost feel that working through a KAL is one of the best ways to complete a larger project.  You have so much support and motivation to keep working and not set it aside.  Especially the way it's been mapped out.  There is plenty of room for life (really though, what else is there?  hehe) as well as other projects you may need to complete.  Such as a cardigan that was supposed to be a Christmas gift. ((blushing))  Anyhow, here are my swatches that do a good job of showing the colors in action.  Stick around.  I will have some WIP pictures up later this week as well as some progress photos of the Iona Toque, which is quite lovely.

Knit Picks Delivery!

I've made the comment before that I love ordering yarn online because it gives my a reason (other than damn bills and such) to check the mailbox.  I get all excited each day, as if I'm Ralphie from A Christmas Story, waiting for my Little Orphan Annie decoder pin to arrive.  It's very childish really.  Anyhow, today was the day!  My Knit Picks Swish DK arrived in the two colorways that I am using for my Delancey Cardigan.  I couldn't be more happy with them!  I knew that gray and red would look great a the color combo for the cardi, but when I say the contrasting yarns in the bag together, I knew it was a match!

WIP Wednesday: Iona Toque

I know I have a lot of knitting to get through.  I have to finish Branden's borken rib cardigan (which is taking me so ridiculously long!) as well as begin swatching for the Delancey KAL coming up on February 6th.  However, I couldn't help but cast on with my new Malabrigo  Buscando Azul.  I found this adorable toque pattern by Kristy Childress called the Iona Toque.  It's a simple, yet elegant cable brim and stockinette design with a lovely slouch.  Just what I love!

Dontcha just love the color!?

Books That Can Be Loosely Linked to Knitting: Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann

In this new feature to the blog, I will be posting brief book reviews on books that can be loosely (in some cases, extremely) linked to knitting.  Why not, right?  Everyone enjoys a good read...especially when we can related in some way.  Please keep in mind that, though I love to read, I am not a book worm.  I enjoy it when it is enjoyable.  I like reading entertaining books and am not an intellectual book snob.  This is not a place for me to list my literary conquests, so please expect some fluff reading to be mentioned.

For the first book, I would like to introduce you to one of my favorites.  Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann.

"A witty philosophical murder mystery with a charming twist:  the crack detectives are sheep determined to discover who killed their beloved shepherd."

This story introduces you to a flock of merino sheep that are far more savvy then one would assume due to the strong literary background they have developed thanks to their loving, book sharing shepherd.  However, when the shepherd is discovered affixed to the ground with a garden spade, they must use their newly developed wit to help solve the murder.  

Learn more here.

Song to Knit To: Kings of Convenience "Misread" Where does it take you?

First of all, I love these guys!  So classy and sleek...if sleek can even describe music.  Every time I listen to their music, I feel transported to some European beach resort where I'm sitting on a lounge chair wearing a big, floppy hat sipping some tropical drink with an umbrella sticking out.  How does it make you feel?  Maybe it transports you somewhere different?  Love how music can do that.  Enjoy!

Delancey Cardigan KAL

I am so excited to start my first knit along on February 6th!  Allyson over at the Sweatshop of Love blog is hosting the KAL with the Delancey Cardigan from Alexis Winslow.  Love this sweater with its vintagy (yep...just made up a word) shawl collar color contrasting and chevron stripes.  I also love the color combo in the picture below, but I decided to go with Swish DK Cobblestone (MC) and Serrano (CC) from Knit Picks.  Can't wait to start!  Now, to finish my hubby's broken rib cardigan by February 6th.  I can do it!

Wow! Someone actually created one!

A couple years ago I admired Ralph Lauren's team USA beanie that Lindsey Vonn wore during one of her downhill races.  Loved the design, didn't love the price.  I wondered if there was a pattern out there, but at that time there wasn't one and I was a real novice anyway.  However, as I was scouring Ravelry for a pattern to knit up with my lovely new Malabrigo worsted, I came across this:

Love this and can't wait to try it!