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

Goodbye 2011

Last day to squeeze in one more blog post!  I haven't been around here much this December.  That's because I rather overbooked myself with handmade Christmas.  Then we traveled to GA for the Holiday (lots of fun, despite the cold I brought home with me--boo).  And to top it all off, I got a last minute commission from Knit One Crochet Too for a new pattern they want to debut...next weekend.  Been a little busy--as you can imagine.  At least it's better than being bored, right?

My current test knit project hasn't been released yet (how cool is that) so I can't show it to you just yet--that and I'm not quite finished with it.  Guess how I'm spending my New Year's Eve.  Not that I would want to be anywhere other than parked on my couch with a knitting project and a glass of wine :)

So, here is a crash course of all the handmade gifts I've neglected to show you over the last couple of weeks.  I promise a more in-depth post once I've finished this next test knit.  I am on a deadline ;)

First the knits:

A couple of ornaments for an online ornament exchange, courtesy of Knit Picks and Karolina Eckerdal,both in Palette:

Some gloves for Dad, from Never Knit Your Man a Sweater* in Swish Worsted:

And a scarf for FIL, Cerus Scarf by Hillary Smith Callis:

 

I wasn't planning on making anything for him, but was having a really, really, really hard time coming up with something for him for Christmas.  Turns out he's going to be taking some depositions in northern cities and very specifically wanted a *cardinal red* scarf to go with it.   I thought I wouldn't have time to finish it, but I managed to squeak this one in about 2 days before we left!

The time it took to knit it could have something to do with the pattern--it is lovely and very masculine, but it makes for a very thick fabric and one that doesn't knit up very quickly.  I recommend it highly, but not for projects that you need quickly.  

Also, if you get the chance, give Knit Picks Full Circle a try.  It's made from recycled wool and merino fibers and comes in some really beautiful, vibrant colors.  It is a bit splitty, so it wasn't really the best choice for so thick a fabric, but it's airy, warm, and super soft.  I plan on ordering myself more as a belated Christmas gift to myself :)

And now a bunch of non-knits:

I mentioned in my previous post that I am trying to enhance my sewing skills (up from nil).  I decided to give this quilted oven mitt pattern a try.  I think it came out well!

I made one for each of our mothers and they really seemed to like them!

I also tried this etching tutorial (really, it's amazing what you can find on Pinterest!) to make some personalized wine glasses for friends and family--look how pretty!

It was a little tough to cut those shapes out of masking tape, but totally worth it.  I think that etching cream was one of the best investments I made this season!  Definitely making one of these for me in the future.

Did you get any fun crafty gifts this year?

I hope you all have a very Happy New Year.  Hope 2012 treats you even better than 2011!

Cheers,

-Allie

A Few Christmas Presents

Oh Boy, there is some hardcore holiday knitting going on in the Matthews residence.  I think I overcommitted myself this year.  I finished so early last year, I got overexcited.  The just couple of weeks will just be full of busy fingers and Christmas movies :)

Here are a couple of projects I've already finished.  Some felted slippers for our sisters:

The pattern is called Duffers by Mindie Tallack.  It was so, so easy.  19 rounds of knitting in bulky yarn, sewing up the bottom, and picking up the button flap.  I got the suggestion for the button flap from PurlDiva's notes. 

Maybe not a first knitting project, but this could definitely be a second.  After I finished knitting them, I ran them twice through the washing machine on hot, put them out to dry, and sewed on the button.  Maybe an hour and a half of work per slipper.  Cute, easy, and comfortable--my favorite kind of project!

I also dug out the old sewing machine and took it for a proverbial spin:

I made sunglasses cases!  Aren't they cute?

 

I found this tutorial on Pinterest and thought it would be good practice for the amateur seamstress (me).  Definitely saw improvement in my ability to sew a straight line by the last one.  These were another really quick and easy project.  I ended up making a total of 7--the 5 you see above, plus 2 more not pictured--in just 2 sittings!  These will make great stocking stuffers :)

What's left?  Oh lots: 2 more big knitting projects, 2 more sewing projects, and a few miscellaneous etchings--plus baking.  Busy, busy, busy!  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  You know what they say about idle hands...

...they climb up Christmas trees.  Or maybe that's kitty feet.  Anyway, we've got ours up and the apartment nice and decorated, complete with naughty, climbing critters.  I can tell he's been up there by how flat the middle branches are.  Tsk tsk.

So pretty:

Honestly, how can you blame him?  He's just so darn cute!

What are you making for Christmas presents this year?

Cheers,

-Allie