Test Knit x2

This post's been a long time coming, but I only just got permission to post a couple of these pictures, so there they are--in all their neon glory:

Wow, that's orange!  I don't get it, but this seems to be their very favorite color.  And they took this particular model to a trade show!  Yikes.

As much as I dislike garments with no waist shaping, this one does have a nice drape to it and the scalloped edging is quite lovely.  I'm sorry I didn't model it for you, but it's a size too big and didn't fit me properly. 

I was surprised by the yarn, too.  At first was all "bamboo/nylon??  Ew!", but the bamboo has a slinky, drapey quality not unlike silk.  This isn't to say that the final product was at all natural or that I would be adding any to my stash, but the final effect is not unpleasant.

Should you want to give this pattern a try, it's available on Knit One, Crochet Too's website.

Oh and remember this one?  My handiwork is now on display on their website!

And now proof that not all test knits need to be orange:

You've heard of Brooklyn Tweed, right?  Well, they're kind of a big deal.  And it turns out I have an "in" with one of their newest designers--I work for her dad!  Turns out BT was in a pinch putting together some kits for their newest publication.  They weren't too sure of the yardage measurements and needed some knitters to test out the kits.  Enter yours truly!  They noticed on Ravelry that I did some prior test knits and asked me to help out.  I even got to pick what color I want AND keep the final hat.  Yeah.

They were very concerned about my finishing it in the time frame (2 weeks), but I told them I would do my best.  Turns out my best was 5 days--they were very impressed and offered me more test knits for future publications, about 4 a year!

This pattern hasn't come out yet, so you'll have to be patient.  It will be available in 4 different colorways, one for each season.  The one pictured above is the "winter" option.

I've also been trying to burn through my increasingly ridiculous stash.  I had a full ball of Full Circle leftover when I finished FIL's "Cardinal Red" scarf.  So I thought I would make myself a hat!

Yay, red hat!  This patter is waaay easier than it looks.  I used Brambles Beret by Amanda Muscha, which is available for free on Knitty.  You need to know basic cabling and how to read a chart, but that's all.  Nothing terribly complicated, just a beautiful hat that works up very quickly!

Here are the cables on the side:

The hat is much bigger than this--I had to fold it over to get the cables to lie flat.  I almost get excited when it snows now, just so I can wear my pretty new hats!  Almost...

Man, I won't even bother trying to figure out what the next post will be about.  I've got so many projects going on right now--1 sweater, 1 pair of socks, 1 afghan, and repairs/alterations to 4 other sweaters.  You know what they say about idle hands...


...I suppose you'll have to fill me in because I'll never have the chance to find out :)

Until next time,

-Allie