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.