I've been knitting away on my sweater! Late last week, I realized I had knit a row incorrectly, so I had to knit back about 10 rows! That was super frustrating. I also learned (thanks to my friend Suzanne) why it is important to
alternate skeins of yarn when working with hand dyed yarn. I will admit that I got kind of freaked out and I was frustrated that there is so much to knitting that I have absolutely no clue about. However, I am enjoying learning new things...even if it is a little painful. :) I'm knitting forward again, and I am pleased with my progress! I very carefully tried on the sweater this morning and the size is spot on. What a relief! I really love the color and how the yarn is knitting up.
To counter balance the huge knitting project, I am also working on quick finishes. This little cross pincushion was inspired by
this pillow that Anna made awhile back. I loved it so. In fact, this fabric scrap came from Anna and I believe that it was actually leftover from her pillow. I absolutely love it in pincushion form! It measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2". It is scrap project #189!
I also whipped up a few pillow cases. I love making these because they are good stash busters AND a great way to use cute novelty prints. This festive fox one is for me! I found the fabric at SR Harris about a week an a half ago and it was too cute to pass up. The main fabric is festive forest by TamaraKate for Michael Miller Fabrics. The cuff fabric is Picnic Pals by Alyssa Thomas of Penguin & Fish for Clothworks.
Since I won't want to share my new pillow case (how terrible is that?) I made this one for my cartwheel-loving daughter. The main fabric is Hello Petal by Aneela Hoey for Moda. The cuff fabric is Kiss Dot by Michael Miller. I have a feeling that she is going to love it!
I'm so thankful for quick projects that I can sew from the stash. Perfect for the week before Christmas!
Happy Monday to you!
Gorgeous pillowcases - I am in love with that foxy fabric too! And Anita Hooey always has great designs (I've this year made baby quilt with a charm pack of her Little Apples range, so cute!).
ReplyDeleteGood work with the sweater (I cannot knit anything more complicated than a scarf!).
Thank you for your posts this year, always so inspiring - Friday Night Finish is my highlight of the quilting week!
Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Those are lovely pillow cases and the pin cushion is sweet! You're doing great with your knitting. I don't think it's possible to know everything about knitting. I think that's what makes it so interesting! I tell myself (usually through gritted teeth lol) that tinking and ripping means more knitting! Lifelines are helpful, too.
ReplyDeleteI am back knitting again too. I just learned that reverse knitting is sometimes called tinking. Tink is knit backwards!
ReplyDeleteKnitting and I don't get along but any time I see a cute project like that, I want to try again. Maybe that can be something I work on next year, if I ever get my crochet and sewing wips to a manageable level. I doubt that but one can dream!! :)
ReplyDeleteYour sweater is coming along beautifully, but I have to say...
ReplyDeleteI really WANT your daughter's cartwheel pillowcase!!! SEW cute!!
I'm doing cartwheels over your sweater progress! Thank goodness we can have a variety of projects on hand to keep our creative souls alive.
ReplyDeleteOMG I lOVE that fox print pillow case! And your sweater is looking beautiful. I would definitely wear that!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the sweater pattern you're knitting?
ReplyDeleteYou're brave to take on a sweater! I love knitting, but socks are about as complicated as I get (for now). I had no idea that one should alternate balls when using hand-dyed yarn. Makes perfect sense now that you mention it. :-) I'm also curious to know what sweater pattern your using.... just in case... ;-)
ReplyDeleteJealous of that gorgeous sweater! It's just the right color. Since I don't knit, I have no idea what you were talking about, except I do understand that you had to take out some lines of stitching. Bummer. But now that you're back on track, I bet you are really clicking those needles! Have a wonderful Christmas holiday, Mary
ReplyDeleteI envy your knitting ability. Your projects always looks so cozy! Those pillowcases are both a delight. Who can blame you for wanting to keep one?!!
ReplyDeleteGreat sweater progress & the pin cushion fabric looks like Sashiko - nice.
ReplyDeleteLove the sweater. I'd like to make one that knit from the top down. Can you share with us what pattern you're using? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought of using a life line in your knitting? That is where you use another yarn and thread through the stitches on your needle. After knitting another 4 rows or so or if after a pattern section, repeat with a new life line. If you make an error your don't have to unknit - you just drop your stitches until you reach the closest lifeline and move those stitches on to your needles. Saves so much time and is definitely worth the trouble!!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and your positive message!
Nancy D.