This Can't Be Spring!

This is the view out my window today. Dreary. Snowy. Cold. Not what you typically picture when spring arrives! On the bright side, it's still sweater-wearing and making season!

It's been so crazy at my house lately I haven't had a chance to post. I've been making some progress on my Sylph cardigan by Robin Melanson from the Spring Interweave Knits Mag. I have the back and both sleeves done.

I'm a big fan of the yarn the pattern calls for - Valley Yarns Deerfield. It's 80% alpaca (my favorite fiber) and 20% silk. It's so soft and fluffy, and it has a beautiful sheen too. I can definitely see myself using this yarn again!

The pattern itself has been pretty fun and it's been going fast when I do have a chance to knit. I was pulling my hair out at the beginning with the twisted stitch striping, It's difficult to see unless you have good lighting. Hopefully I'll have this piece done by the time spring finally does arrive in Minnesota! By the looks of it today I may still have some time!

Family

My day-to-day job is taking care of my three sweet boys. But thank goodness for knitting! These days it's my favorite creative outlet and my chance to escape from the craziness (and some days I need to escape more than others).

The older two are such great buds! They play so well together and have so much fun. I hope they keep that close friendship throughout their lives.

Stardust

Pattern: Stardust by Turit Wilroy from Knitty.com

Yarn: Stardust (how fitting) Gemini

Needles: US #7

This was such a fun knit! I had originally knit another sweater using this yarn. I didn't like how the sweater turned out and when I ran across this patten I knew I had another use for the yarn. I just love this new sweater! It fits perfectly! Although, the yarn is a little scratchy. If I make this again (an I just might) I'll use a mohair or alpaca yarn.

I've got to thank my Mom for ripping apart the original sweater so I could knit this one up. She didn't think I'd have time to do it myself - how sweet is that?! Thanks a million Mom!

Three-Button Cardi

Pattern: Three-Button Cardigan

Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Deco-Ribbon, 9 skeins

Needles: US #11

This was one of those times I bought the yarn before I knew what I was going to make with it - it was just such a good deal and I like the color (I think my husband had heard that excuse a few times before LOL).

There were 9 skeins left when I bought the yarn and I used ALL of the 9 skeins. I went up a size needle from what the pattern calls for to get the gauge, but the sweater is still a tad on the small side for me. I'm hoping the weight of the sweater will stretch with wear.

Baby Alpaca Grande Vest

Pattern: Baby Alpaca Grande Vest by Plymouth Design Studio
Yarn: Alpaca with a Twist, Asti (50% Alpaca/ 50% Pima Cotton)

I wear this piece a lot! I even wore it when I was pregnant. It knits up super quick. It's one-size-fits-all and it's definitely easy enough for a beginner to knit. I've had several friends knit this and they've all turned out great.

Stars and Hearts Blanket

Pattern: Adorable Knits for Tots
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Orangeade

I love the picture of my two older boys modeling this blanket for me!

I've always wanted to make this blanket. I decided with the birth of my third boy I'd better get to it before he got too big. My Mom gave me the yarn awhile ago. I used some of the yarn for another project so I knew I wouldn't have enough to make the blanket as large as called for in the pattern. I shortened it in length by two panels, but wouldn't you know it I still ran out of yarn four rows from being finished! The yarn had been discontinued a few years back, but I got extremely lucky and won a bid for a few skeins on Ebay. I got lucky again and the yarn matches even though it's from a different dye lot. I'd better buy a lottery ticket before my luck runs out!