Monday, May 14, 2007

I made my first sweater!!

Cardigan for Arwen

Cardigan for Arwen

Cardigan for Arwen

Cardigan for Arwen

You have to ignore the dorky poses, I was playing with my kids at the same time.

Anyway, here are the specs:

Pattern: Cardigan for Arwen from Interweave Knits Fall 2006
Yarn: Knit Picks Andean Silk, Cornflower, 16 balls
Needles: Lantern Moon size 7 and 8
Started: January 1, 2007
Finished: May 4, 2007
Modifications: I didn't do the hood, because I don't wear hoods. Instead I did a single crocheted border around the neckline after I seamed everything together. I really like it.

The only downside to this sweater is that when I started it, I was 21 lbs heavier, so it is a bit big on me, but I don't care, I like it all slouchy.

Blocking was a BIOTCH though. Apparently because of the silk, it stretched out soooo much while blocking it. Originally the wingspan was 6 feet long, and I was totally freaked out. But thanks to all the lovely knitty heads, I squished all the stitches together and then left it alone for 5 days and they are still a bit long, but waaaaaay better.

So all in all I am really proud of my very first sweater!!

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Woohoo!! My first Lace!

I finished my first lace ever!! I made my mom the Shetland Triange from Wrap Style, and she loved it!! I gave it to her for her birthday. It was much easier when I ran lifelines, and it was actually a really quick knit. IT took about 10 days from start to finish, and I have two small kids and a house to take care of!!

So here is the details:

Pattern: Shetland Triangle from Wrap Style
Yarn: Elann.com Peruvian Baby Silk, 3.5 balls
Needles: Addi's size 6
Started: April 1
Finished: April 10
Modifications: None. Now I wish I would have done a few more repeats of the fir cone pattern and made it bigger, as on my mom it is more of a scarf then a shawl, but oh well.


Here is my 3 year old modeling it:

Shetland Triangle

Shetland Triangle

Unblocked:

Before Blocking

Blocked:

Blocking Shetland Triangle

Close up of fir cone pattern:

Closeup of Shetland

and the obligitory side view:

Side view of Shetland

Up next is this gorgeous skein of yarn:

Claudia Handpainted

It is 1100 yards of Claudia handpaint 100% silk and I am making this with it.