Plum Perfect!

Pattern: Eyelet Cable Raglan Pullover, Adrienne Vittadini Fall 2004

Yarn: Queensland Collection, Uruguay DK

Needles: US 7 and 8

This Adrienne Vittadini pattern and the Uruguay DK yarn made a perfect combination! It's just heartbreaking that there will be no more AV patterns or this lovely Queensland Collection yarn!! At least I still have a few AV patterns in my possession that I'm dying to make. And, I think I may have found a identical match to this Uruguay DK yarn!!!! I'm so excited!!! I have some on order for my Mom (who also fell in love with this yarn). As soon as it arrives I'm going to compare the two and I'll let you know. Cross your fingers!!

I knit this pattern in the smallest size (35") using just 8.5 skeins of yarn. I got gauge on the cable and lace portion of the pattern using the recommended US 7 needles. However, I had to use US 8 to get gauge for the stockinette section.

I did make one small mod to this pattern. I wanted my sweater to have more of a scoop neck. So, I picked up 78 stitches around the neck (rather than 54) and knit three rows of k1, p1, then bound off in pattern.

The Uruguay DK yarn is just a wonderful combination of some of my favorite fibers. It's easy to knit and it blocks beautifully.

Ruffled Jacket

Pattern: Ruffled Jacket by James Coviello, Vouge Knitting, Fall 2007

Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky, burgundy

Needles: US 9

I never would have looked twice at this pattern if I had not run across a Raveler's stunning version. And, when I found this exact same sweater (only in a peachy hue) by James Coviello selling on the Anthropologie Web site last year for a mere $400 I knew I had to have it!

I guessed at the yarn I would need based on the gauge for the pattern (the pattern calls for strands from two yarns to be held held together). However, I could have gotten by with a lighter weight yarn. I ended up getting gauge using US 9 needles.

For all of the sweater's detail it knit up quite fast on large needles. Now, seaming was quite another story - that was a bit tedious. I did have to modify the narrow sleeve cap, but since I knew that going into making the sweater it wasn't a big deal.

I've had a hard time finding buttons to match the sweater. There are so many shades of red. I settled temporarily for black buttons until I find suitable red replacements.

Wave Scarf

Pattern: Wave scarf (a pattern-with-purchase at my LYS)
Yarn: Koigu, 2 skeins

Yet another yarn I just love! If I can get my hands on a turquoise version of this yarn I'll be making another scarf.

The wave stitch really brings out the beautiful watercolor colors of this amazing yarn. I steam blocked the scarf as I went.

Now, I feel the need to rave about All About Yarn, my favorite LYS located in a north Minneapolis suburb. Maybe my need is greater at the moment because I haven't found anything close to my beloved yarn store since I moved back to Denver.

I loved All About Yarn because the owners took the time to get to know their customers. I was on a first-name basis with them. They didn't cringe when my boys came in with me. They always had a great selection of yarns, knitting accessories and a good selection of pattern books. The atmosphere is very cozy and inviting. But, this store does one thing far better than any other store I've been to - they have tons of small, cute projects made up throughout the store - and they're always adding new ones. This is a brilliant approach! You walk in the store and get inspired to make all sorts of projects. And, since the projects are small, aren't too difficult or too time consuming those knitters will be back soon to make another project, and another project. Sigh - If only I could find an All About Yarn here!

Celia Lace Shell

Pattern: Celia Lace Shell, Adrienne Vittadini, Spring 2007
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, Burgundy, 4 skeins (I believe)

I'm so disappointed there will be no more new Adrienne Vittadini patterns! This is the second pattern of hers that I've knit and I'm nearly done with my third. All of them have been awesome! The patterns have been easy to follow and I just love how all three of the patterns I've made have turned out! I really like the lace work on this one and the little cap sleeves!


I feel in love with this yarn and bought it on clearance not knowing what I'd use it for. I was so excited when I doubled the yarn and knit to gauge perfecty for this pattern.

No mods for this one. In fact, I have yet to make a mod on an Adrienne Vittadini pattern.

Deep Vee Sweater

Pattern: Deep Vee Sweater, Just Bamboo by Sirdar

Yarn: Gedifra Cotton Merino

Needles: US 9

I can see myself making all 12 sweaters found in this booklet! The patterns are all very cute and they're knit on larger needles - making them all a quick summer knit.

I really like this sweater's bell sleeves! This sweater came together very quickly, although I did make one mod. After attaching one arm I felt the upper portion of the sleeve was too big. I frogged back and reknit with fewer increases.

I'm currently working on another pattern in this booklet using the same yarn. I have yarn in my stash that I'm thinking will work nicely for yet another pattern - Great booklet!

It's A Wrap!

Pattern: Airy Wrap-Around from Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel

Yarn: Kimono Angora, Louisa Harding yarns - every bit of 5 skeins

Needle:US 11 circular

Completed: May 2008

I never would have picked Kimono Angora for this sweater on my own. However, after searching for patterns using the yarn on Ravelry and having this one came up. And, as luck would have it, I had just enough yarn to make it!

I do love this yarn - it's so incredibly soft. I also really like the vibrant colors it comes in, although I've also had a hard time finding patterns that I think would be suitable for such that very same reason. There's also the shedding factor of this yarn. I won't be wearing dark colors with this wrap anytime soon.

I did make a few mods to this pattern. I shortened the length of the ties considerably. I didn't like the idea of all that fabric wrapping around my middle twice. I ended up completing 7 eyelet repeats on the left tie and 10 on the right. If I make this again I'll make one more mod. I'd make a small opening on the right side of the wrap where you pick up stitches so the left tie could be threaded through the hole.

Although it was a little tricky knitting such a light-weight yarn on such large needles, the project actually went very quickly. I believe I managed to complete it over a weekend.

Lagging Behind

Wow! Has time ever slipped by! I can't believe it has been more than six months since I've had a chance to post. I do have an excuse, but not a very good excuse for all of the past six months.

Shortly after my last post in July our house in Minnesota sold. After that the packing, the move to Colorado and the unpacking consumed us for a good three months. And, I can tell you that I'm in no hurry to move again anytime soon - what a chore!!

Anyway, I have been working on a number of projects. I've counted a good 12 or so finished or mostly finished projects that need posting. As soon as I get good photos of those I'll try get them posted.

Gator Scarf

Pattern: Alligator Scarf by Morehouse (large version)

Yarn: 1 skein Red Heart Designer Sport in Pistachio

Needle: US 5

What a great project! I'm very happy with the results ... and my little guy is too! I had a hard time finding an acrylic DK weight yarn in a green suitable for a gator. My son has very sensitive skin, so wool and wool blends weren't an option.

This gator took all but a few yards of one skein of the yarn I used. I know I'll be making at least two more of these gators!