Recent Handknits

Vitamin D

That's the name of this sweater pattern I found on Ravelry back in May (before I learned I was expecting).  I was attracted to the pattern because of the great drape in front, the eyelit details, and the cropped length.  Very subtle and sophisticated.  This is by far my most ambitious knitting project.  The knitting always required reference to the pattern.  And I actually followed instructions, to the letter!  (I often have problems with this).

The yarn added to the project's complexity.  It's a DK weight by Madeline Tosh, merino wool superwash.  Very light and fine gauge.... I worked on size 4 US knitting needles.  This is one reason it took soooo long to complete the project... just a lot of small stockinette stitching.  I actually bought this yarn online without having seen it in person, another first with this project.  And I am so pleased with the material.  Great subtle variation.  I really like this Madeline Tosh line of yarn - great color selection and a great price.  This marks a milestone... I'm actually comfortable enough with my fiber and knitting knowledge to correctly choose the right yarn without seeing it myself.

I'm in love.  So pleased with how it came out.  This is a sweater I will wear (and have been wearing)!  Success!  I have a bad history of making sweaters and ultimately never wearing them.  But not this one.      And considering it has no front closure it should be perfect for the pregnancy!

Spiral Star Baby Blanket

It reminds me of a hurricane!   I just finished this blanket last night, the first completed project for the little one.  From center to point the radius is 23" (46" in diameter).  It's so nice to see in completed... I had so many stitches crammed on my needles it was impossible to get a gist of the shape that was being developed.  I pinned it in place to block it, it's still drying.  This project actually called for Madeline Tosh DK, the yarn I was just raving about, but the thought of knitting such a large blanket from such a fine gauge yarn made my head spin!  So instead I substituted a chunkier, cheaper cotton yarn (which is more practical for a baby than merino wool, right?).  The project was easy, fairly quick, and fairly cheap.  Very pleased to have one (of the many) projects for the baby completed. :)