More Holiday Knitting

Marnies cowl, originally uploaded by toadncat.

Well, I promise to take a better photo. This is right after I had woven in the ends. It's still waiting to be blocked, and the color is not quite right. BUT other than THAT, I'm pleased with the project. :-0

Hambly Screen Printing

Had fun at their Halloween open house last night! The studios were open to the public with discounts on their products plus crafts, face painting, Canon camera and printer demos, and studio tours. Made a very cute Halloween card and got ideas for things to do with Hambly products that aren't just for scrapbooking. Met Mr. Hambly himself!! Quite a few people were there to take part in the fun, and lots of kids in costume.

They are going to have a similar open house for Christmas, so keep track via their blog or on Facebook! An added bonus: they have lots of tutorials on their blog, too.

Stashbusting and Getting Started on Holiday Knitting

Wrapped up the test version of the Noble Cowl in Karabella Merino Superwash. The pattern is very nice -- could be feathers or could be the tips of fir branches. The Merino Superwash is a bit heavier than was called for, and two skeins only allowed me to complete 1 1/2 pattern repeats, but it is a good first attempt. This yarn was originally intended to be a hat, but it makes a lovely washable cowl. I like the way the model in the photo has the cowl pinned to one side. It helps to keep it snug and provides a place for a nice pin.

Halloween Crow

Halloween Crow, originally uploaded by toadncat.

Maybe we a little strange, but my family loves crows. My dad feeds several families of crows every day. Crows are social, family-oriented and smart.

Anyway, at the Alameda Antiques Market one of the booths had crows with paper hats decorated with tinsel, so I decided to make a Halloween party crow for my mom as a get-well present (she just had surgery for cataracts).

Who wouldn't feel better with a festive crow? BTW, his eyes light up RED!

Stash Buster, Part 2

Stash Buster, originally uploaded by toadncat.

From the Vampire Knits book, I present "Palm Readers"! I used Plymouth Boku, which is not super-soft, but I like the subtle shading. And there was even some yarn leftover. I'm trying to think of projects for all of the multi-colored worsted yarns ends that I've accumulated...

I'm not sure if these will end up in the archives or as a gift. But I'm on my way to start my holiday knitting. :-)

Starry Night Fingerless Mittens

I love Manos del Uruguay! And I was so excited when the silk blend came out, but I don't really want a whole sweater of it. So a little bit goes a long way. This pattern from Churchmouse Yarns & Tea is quick and easy and looks like a million bucks.

My mittens have only 4 purl ridges but I did put in another 3 knit rows so my mittens come pretty far down on my wrists. I like the way the purl stitches frame the thumb gusset; it is the most elegant way to make a thumb.

The yarn has a subtle sheen and the Stellar colorway looks like a velvety blue sky with golden stars. Ah!

Anacapa Scarf

Love the yarn, love the pattern. Has a lovely rhythm to the knitting that is similar to knitting lace. The yarn is quite beautiful, too. I had to buy a third ball to complete, but it was from the same dyelot! I bought the original yarn on our trip to Ventura and the Channel Islands. Finally found a pattern that I felt worked with the yarn. "Wave Scarf" from 60 Quick Knits. The colors remind me of the colors of the ocean and the islands.