Yarn Stash

I bought these yarns a while back when WEBS was having their anniversary sale, but never got around to photographing them. Here they are!

7 hanks - Classic Elite Premiere in peach color

1 hank - Classic Elite Premiere in natural color

For: Tall Latte in Everyday Crochet

7 balls of Ella Rae Silkience in a bright red color

(I couldn't resist the Cat-Envious-of-Yarn shot, even if Tony isn't my cat.)

Interweave Crochet Summer 2008

My issue of Interweave Crochet Summer 2008 arrived in the mail on Wednesday! I love staring at all the gorgeous pictures of the projects probably as much I would enjoy making them. Here are some of my personal favorites...

Gladiolus Vest by Robyn Chachula: Man, I am majorly tempted by this pattern, and there is a high probability that I will make it. The yarn suggested is too expensive, so I will have to find a more economical 70% bamboo, 30% silk substitute. Do you guys have any suggestions? When I looked at the full page photos in the magazine, I was completely blown away. These sneak previews do not do it justice. I think this designer makes really beautiful patterns and I can't wait to see her upcoming book that will be released in September. I even put it on my Amazon.com wish list. Hehe.

Midsummer's Dream Camisole: Looks lovely, but I think the yarn suggested is probably way too expensive. Also, it appears to flare out too much for my taste in the back.

Ocean Pearls Cardigan: Another lovely cardigan that I'm half tempted to make. It reminds me a similar pattern in Everyday Crochet by Doris Chan, except her version is lacier. Btw, what does "bed jacket" mean? Whenever I look at this pattern, I think "bed jacket" and it conjures up images of sick people in bed. (Strange, I know.)

Sir Stephen, the Bunny: Isn't he adorable? Awww...

Summer Knitting Goals

Well I've decided to enter Skeins Her Way blog contest. Details here http://www.skeinsherway.com/2008/06/2008-summer-knitting-goals-contest.html .

Currently, this is my summer knitting goals list...

1. Finish Juliet
2. Finish Rusted Root
3. Knit Green Gable
4. Knit other lacy, summer tees/tops perhaps Delicious Stitches's Lillian top

Wonder if I can actually meet all of my goals? :-)

In other news, I began actually knitting Juliet yesterday and managed to get about 18 rows done in one night. I love the way the doubled yarn and chunky needles are making it work it up relatively quickly.

Casting on for Juliet...

I told myself that I wouldn't cast on for Juliet until I finished Rusted Root. But I couldn't resist, and besides Rusted Root isn't really going anywhere until I can get some DPNs, right?

I am using Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in the very elusive Candy Apple Red. I found it on sale online, and now I regret not buying more since this shade appears to be out of stock.

Look at what I discovered today!

I am especially lusting after that grayish jumper on the cover. Wish I had paid more attention when I was at both Michael's AND Joann's this weekend to see if they were selling it.

Here are some of the patterns that I like...

Lacy, empire waist top and bag

Scallop pattern empire top

Twin set cardigan

Bolero cardigan

Rusted Root

This is my first knitted shirt and it really should have taken me only 2 weeks to complete. However, due to the sleeves, it will probably hibernate for a while. The pattern states that you are supposed to use 2 size 4 circular needles to do the sleeves, but I'm not sure what that means. (I am still an advanced beginner in knitting.) So I think I will try using size 4 DPNs (which will also be a new experience for me)! After trekking out to Michaels and Joann's today, I realized that neither store carried size 4 DPNs! This means I'll have to order them from Joann.com and possibly throw in some yarn to get free shipping. I spotted a beautiful shade of Patons Classic Wool at both of the stores today. Paprika. It's a terracotta orange color. Now I am tempted to get some once Joann's has a Patons sale...

Progress pictures of Rusted Root so far...

FO: Babydoll Dress

This dress took me about a month to complete. After much frogging, frustration, and time, here she is!

Pattern: Babydoll Dress from Interweave Crochet Spring 2008
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Putty
Amount: 5 balls
Size: 32" bust
Hooks: E, G, H (yeah my gauge is always weird)

Man, I do have red eyes...

And should probably clean my mirrors before the photoshoot...

And here is my take on the classic 1960s sideways tilt angle that I see in vintage crochet/knitting magazines...

Last, but not least, here is the back...

If I ever decide to make another one, I would probably make it in the size 34" bust. I went down one size to create negative ease, but apparently the bodice section already has a bit of negative ease built in.

FO: Green Newsboy Cap

Another crochet newsboy cap. I don't know why I keep making hats that I never wear. Not sure if I like it enough to keep it. I might frog it and use it to make something else. If I frog it, I will have 3 balls of this yarn to perhaps make a shrug?

Pattern: Same as the brown newsboy one
Yarn: Vanna's Choice in Olive
Amount: 2 balls
Hooks: J and L

FO: Short 'N Sweet

I have been so bad at keeping up with my blog. But now I present to you a series of FOs!

Pattern: Short 'N Sweet from SnB: The Happy Hooker
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic in a royal purple
Amount: 5 skeins
Hook: Size H

And close-up of detailed lace...


It is still missing a purple button to be attached, but I'll do that once I can find a needle small enough to go through the hole.