Finished: Kayla

I wanted a quick and mindless project and I got it. Maybe it was a little too quick. Lol. However, I am pleased with this finished sweater.

The pattern was very clear and simple as pie. I shortened the body by 7 rounds and I did the suggested 35 rounds for full length sleeves. Obviously, I should have completed more rounds for completely full length sleeves. If I should make this again, I would definitely go for longer sleeves. But, I do like 3/4 length sleeves so, I like this sweater.

I don’t have much to say about this pattern. It can be found HERE.

Since I have had my crochet fix, I am thinking about making Zinnia or Henriette next. Though I wonder if it is time to start thinking about spring knits. I don’t think there will be many days of winter left.

Details:

Yarn – Lion Brand Hearland

Color – Redwood

Hook – I/9 – 5.50mm

Level – Easy

WIP: Kayla Sweater

I have never made a crochet sweater. I do have 2 summer tops but, not an actual sweater. It has been my goal to make a crochet sweater for awhile now but, I kept putting it off. Let me just say, that there aren’t many good crochet sweater patterns out there. I do like Doris Chan’s sweaters in her book Everyday Crochet. However, I left that book at my parent’s house and didn’t bring it to school with me.

While browsing Ravelry, I happened upon this sweater pattern. (The designer actually has additional sweater patterns but, I first want to test out this pattern.) So, I bought the pattern and got to work.

First off, I could not believe the low amount of yarn that is needed to make the pattern. I mean this is a crochet pattern. LOL. I most likely will shorten this sweater so, I may not even need that amount of yarn.

I am making the XS. The bust is 29” for this size and my bust is 32”. However, the next size had a bust of 34”. Considering I want a snug fit, I decided to go with the XS. Also, I did not get gauge with the J-hook so, went down to the I-hook. So far, everything is looking great and I don’t believe I will have any fit issues. We shall see…

Let me just say that I am loving this extended single crochet stitch, which is used for this pattern. It is dense but, not bulky or stiff.

I am using Lion Brand Heartland in Redwood. I saw this acrylic yarn in Walmart and I thought the colors were so pretty. Actually, the entire line is pretty amazing. The colors are inspired by national monuments. Now, I don’t know how it is going to hold up. So, this yarn is also a test too. Haha. This sweater is on trial ;)

I am so anxious to see the finished results of this sweater.

Finished: Simplicity 2512

I actually finished this a couple weeks ago but, I am just now posting the finished garment. This is Simplicity 2512 and I bought the pattern for 50 cent from the thrift store. I started this skirt in September 2014 but, I did not consistently work on it. I finished it just because I was sick of seeing it on my sewing table.

This fabric was bought over the summer from Hobby Lobby. I think it was on sale for like 1.50 per yard. I also inserted a black satin underlining.

This pattern was fairly simple to follow. It was my first time inserting an invisible zipper. As you will see it is not so invisible. Hopefully, I will improve with time.

My favorite part of this skirt is the sweetheart waistline. It actually has a short sash at the waist but, it blends in with the print.

I am pleased with this outcome. The next skirt I want to make is Miette.

Finished: Purple Haze

I know, I know. Long time, no see. So, let’s get started.

I have been working on Andi’s Cropped Sweater for Winter since October of last year. This is actually a very quick knit but, I did not work on it consistently. It was a project I picked up when I need a mind break from school.

For the most part, I followed the pattern exactly as printed. I followed the advice of Tassadit and shortened the body, which I am very pleased with. I compared the sweater to the length of my Chuck (my favorite pullover) to get the same length. Therefore, I did only 12 rounds of the 1×1 ribbing.

Yesterday, I wore the cropped sweater and received a few compliments. While in the library last night, a girl asked me “Where did you find your cropped sweater?” I told her I made it and she asked how. I replied “I knitted it.” She was so amazed. LOL

This yarn was actually purchased last year and I am not sure why I chose purple hues but, I like it. It works with quite a few items in my closet so, it should get much wear.

Since this sweater didn’t have a name (like Andi’s other sweaters), I have named it after Jimi Hendrix’s song Purple Haze. It’s perfect because the main color is called “haze heather”.

Details:

Level – Easy

Needles – 8 (5.0 mm)

Yarn – Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Color – Haze Heather and Indigo Heather

Finished: Crochet Cowl

I have been working on this project throughout the semester. I knew I wanted to make a grey cowl but, I didn’t feel like searching or following a pattern. Therefore, I did my own thing with this cowl. Initially, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a cowl or scarf but, I settled on a cowl because they are just so fabulous.

The pattern is a type of cluster stitch. It was worked back and forth, then I slip stitched the shorter edges together, and trimmed the rounds in single crochet. I did not weave in the ends but, tied them in a permanent bow to give the cowl that cinched look. I really like the outcome. I would have done more rows for a fuller effect but, I only had 2 skeins of yarn.

Keep in mind, this can be a quick project but, I picked it up every blue moon when I just happened to remember it.

I may make this pattern available as a free pattern. I just have to remember what I did. LOL

Details:

Hook – G (4.0 mm)

Yarn – Vanna’s Choice

Color – Charcoal Grey

Level – Easy to Intermediate

Finished: Kente-Inspired Skirt and Sash

I bought this fabric this past summer while browsing Joann’s Fabrics. I wasn’t set on what I was going to make with it but, I knew I liked it. My nieces hated it. Lol

Well, Global Education Day was coming up and they asked us to dress for the occasion. I then remembered this print! I wanted to make Simplicity 2444 with it but, unfortunately I did not have enough time. (I was on the planning committee for the event). So, after our final exam and final presentation on Saturday, I immediately came home and got to work.

I can’t say this is a specific pattern. It was definitely a variation of the One-Hour Skirt. I added a sash, lining, pockets, and length. So, I definitely did my own thing with it. But, I was really pleased with the end result. Everyone loved the outfit.

Today, I was asked twice if I was from Ghana. This is probably because Kente cloth originates from the Akan group of South Ghana. A guy in the airport said he just came from Ghana and that they definitely dress exactly the way I was dressed.

Unfortunately, my cloth is not genuine kente cloth but, I do like the end result.

Also, the head sash was made using this free tutorial. It worked up super quick so, I can see myself using it in the future.

Inspiration: Jumpers

If only I had time to knit all of the beautiful knits out there. Alas, I don’t. So, I will leave you with some images of what’s been inspiring me lately.

WIP: Shades of Purple Pullover

Even though my previous project wasn’t hard, I decided to go for a super simple pullover. Initially, I had planned on making the Henriette cardigan next but, I decided to save the more challenging knit for Thanksgiving break. This pattern is yet another Andi Satterlund pattern. It is her free pattern, which can be found HERE.

I planned on making this cardigan when it came out last year, however; it was getting very warm in Alabama at the time. So, I decided to save it for the Fall season. I had already ordered the yarn and brought it to school with me.

The yarn is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. The colors are Indigo Heather and Haze Heather. The Haze Heather color is a very light lavender, which has a tendency to look grey in certain lightings.

It is working up very fast. Last night, I checked my gauge. It was perfect. I then started the back and finished the back section today.

Finished Object: Marion.2

The MarionKAL ends today and I finished in record time. As the deadline pushed closer, I realized how far behind I was. So, on Thursday, I drank coffee and worked to finish my sleeves. The next morning, I finished my neckband. One thing I do not like about rushing is I make careless mistakes.

• First off, I picked up too many stitches for my set-in sleeve because I forgot I was making the XS this time around and not the S like last time. I noticed this error when I was about to begin the sleeve shaping. I had to rip out that sleeve and start over.
• Second, for some reason I decreased when I wasn’t supposed to during the sleeve shaping. So, I was short a stitch. I noticed this mistake about five rows later. I was not about to rip back my work. So, I just dropped down to that stitch and corrected the mistake using my handy crochet hook.
• Finally, when I was binding off I dropped a few stitches in the end but, this was easily corrected.

Despite the errors, I enjoyed knitting this cardigan. The biggest challenge was finding the time to knit. I work, attend classes at night and every other weekend, and have various sessions/seminars/tours that I attend. So, I usually have to pull all-nighters to get some knitting done.

I find time to knit because it really calms me and I enjoy it. I have realized that I need a break from being around my fellow graduate students and instructors so, I have found a knitting group. This will give my mind a break from the academic aspect of my life–which feels consuming–and give me a chance to focus on recreational things. They meet on Thursday night and I can’t wait!

Ok, that’s enough rambling. Check out the details below:

Yarn – Cascade 220

Color – Silver Grey

Needle – Size 8 (5.00 mm)

Level – Easy to Intermediate

Favorite Fall Sweater

Well, my next post was supposed to be an update on my Marion for the MarionKAL but, this is much more fun! So, Andi asked us to name our favorite Fall sweater, which was not an easy task for me. But, after much debate with myself I will reveal my favorite Fall sweater at the end of this post.

Some did not make the cut. They are Marion (crappy yarn) and Shapely Boyfriend (gives me hip wings).

I just want to say that I used to dread Fall season. It meant going back to school and cold weather coming in. However, when I started knitting this all changed. I feel like now my entire year is prepping for my Fall/Winter knits. Then, I get so excited when the season changes so, I can finally wear my favorite pullovers. So, let’s get started.

Oh yeah, I had fun trying on different outfit combinations as you will see ;)

Aiken – Definitely one of my favorite pullovers. I plan on making another one soon in a better yarn.

Beulah – This cardigan will always have a special place in my heart. It was my first knit garment and it is still one of my most worn cardigans. I don’t see myself ever making another one because the seaming was the biggest pain! But, it looks like it was made for this dress I recently ordered from Modcloth (on sale at a great price).

Chuck – This was my first challenging knit. My Daddy was wary of my ability to create this so, I set out to prove him wrong. This pullover features 2 of my favorites–cables and hot pink.

Hetty – I absolutely adore this cardigan! The dusty pink is very elegant to me and goes perfectly with the lace pattern. To date, this is my most cardigan. I wear it year round and it goes with almost every dress in my closet.

A to Z – I consider this my varsity sweater. I like that it is personalized for me because of the ‘C’. I don’t wear it much in the hotter seasons so, I am looking forward to wearing it soon. The color combination is just perfect to me.

Miette – This cardigan sat in my queue for the longest. I am happy that I finally got around to making it. The fit is perfect. However, I must admit that I prefer it buttoned because it just looks better that way. (I’m covering my mouth because I felt like my lipstick clashed with the orange.)

Geraldine – This sweater had to make the cut. It’s named after my aunt. LOL. JK. But seriously, this sweater lets the world know that I am a knitter and I love it. How adorable are those knitting needles and yarn motifs. Perfect. I can’t wait to wear this with the matching hat during the colder months.

Hetty.2 – I loved my first Hetty so much that I had to make another. Initially, my second was supposed to be in a forest green but, I went with a loud red. I love it.

Hortencia – Yes, it’s black and simple but, I love it. I wear it sooooo much. There is nothing like a neutral sweater to add to your wardrobe. And to this day I love my 2 buttons and giggle every time I think about the story behind those buttons.

Elsa – I couldn’t leave my beloved crochet out of the mix. Most of my crochet garments are open and lacy so, I adore that this is not. I just love the Jackie O feel to this jacket. The details are also a major perk i.e. the buttons and zipper. I have actually been planning to make another but, I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Soon…

Well, after much debate I did decide on my favorite Fall sweater. I took into account how often the item is worn, the color, and the design features. It was a close call between Hetty.1 and Chuck. But in the end, Hetty in pink won. It’s in my favorite color, it’s worn once a week, and the lace design is the most beautiful thing.

This was fun! I can’t wait to see everyone’s #favoritefallsweater.