a long overdue FO: Tambourine Cardigan

Today I am so SO excited to share that I have finally finished my Tambourine Cardigan. I am of course even more excited to have this project off my needles and in circulation in my wardrobe! 

This cardigan started out just a small seed of an idea, at JJ Bean on Main Street in Vancouver with my mom. I remember drinking iced coffees and doing crossword puzzles while I debated what colour yarn to buy before returning to the yarn shop to purchase. 

That was back in August, shortly before I flew back to Germany. I cast on this project at the beginning of October and originally had the idea of finishing it as a Slow Fashion October goal. Obviously that didn't happen, but I am happy to have it done now. I got quite bogged down with all the stocking stitch in the middle of the body, and knitting with such a dark coloured yarn didn't help matters.

In the end, I am so so pleased with the finished result, colour and all. This was my first cardigan, and my first sweater with set-in sleeves. I am loving how they look and was surprised to discover that they really aren't that hard, if you don't mind seaming (which as of recently, I don't). I decided to seam my sweater before blocking, but thinking back on that now, I would probably reverse that order for the next time, and block each piece individually. 

I think this may just well be my very favorite thing I've ever knit. There really is only one step left- choosing and sewing on the buttons. I am thinking of going with small wooden buttons, as I think they'll stand out and complement the yarn nicely. 

However, I am not going to be wearing this cardigan buttoned anytime soon (with that 22 week bump growing) so I'm taking my time and hoping to stumble across the perfect buttons soon. In the meantime, I've knit a small band with the leftover yarn so that I can tie the sweater closed above my bump if it's a little chilly. 

This pattern is from the 2015 Spring edition of Pompom Quarterly. If you're curious you can find my Ravelry project page (and links to the pattern) here

Also, now that I've knit one cardigan I'm already dreaming of the next. I mentioned before that I've got Rosemont in my queue and recently I've been dreaming about (if not seriously considering...) this.

2015 Knitting Highlights

2015 has been a great year for knitting and fiber pursuits. It's amazing to me to look at this post from last year and see how much I've grown and how many of the ideas I had actually became reality. I suppose the biggest letdown from this year is how my Wear Handmade Project dropped off in the last 6 months. I have one project for every month from Jan-June, one for July & August, and one (unfinished) cardigan for the last four months of the year. But I'm deciding to focus on the positive and what did go well this year. Here are a few of the highlights:

1. Sweaters 

I mentioned at the beginning of the year that I was hoping to make a few sweaters and even a cardigan. I managed two full sweaters: Lila from Carrie Hoge and Lesley from Hannah Fetig's book Home and Away. I adore both of them, and am really pleased with my choice of both patterns and yarn. And of course, I have my in progress Tamborine Cardigan. I've got most of the body and one sleeve finished, so I'm hoping to buckle down and just get it done. 

2. de-stashing and (mindfully) re-stashing 

Learning more about the wool I'm using was also on my list of things to do this year. I'm happy to say that I was able to successfully de-stash this spring to make room for new yarn. I turned some of the yarn into a scrappy crochet blanket for our home and gave the rest away. Then over the months, I slowly and mindfully built up a new stash. I discovered several new-to-me yarns this year. You can read about a few of my favorites here. 

3. designing and releasing new patterns

This year I released two big patterns, the Moorland Mitts and Rain City Hat. I also re-released an edited version of my Archery Mitts and published the Islander Cowl as a free Ravelry download. I'm really proud of this work, and feel like I found my voice a bit more as a designer. I actually have a fully finished design hibernating since I got pregnant. I've just got to do the final edits, format and photos so hopefully I can share that soon.

4. knitting with my mom over the summer

This was one of the highlights of my whole year, fiber related or not. I will always cherish the mornings I spent over the summer knitting with my mom on the porch, the sun just warming up and the coffee plentiful. I worked on my Lesley sweater, some socks, and that new design I mentioned above. My mom knit the Lucinda sweater (again from Carrie Hoge), two pairs of self striping socks and probably a few other things I'm forgetting- she's a speedy knitter. 

5. visiting Tolt Yarn and Wool

I will always remember the road trip with my mom and sister to visit Tolt with fondness. Even my sister, who doesn't knit, could see at first glance how special this place is. It was a really incredible moment to be able to finally visit in person. You can read the post about our visit here.

6. learning to spin

I've written about this extensively before but learning to spin from my Auntie, with her old tools was just amazing. I've also had a lot of fun since then expanding my knowledge and practicing my spinning technique. 

7. building connections and collaborating

This was something my heart longed for at the turn of last year. Though it took some courage, I reached out in this community and built some real and lasting connections for which I am very grateful. I've so enjoyed starting the interview series here on the blog, working with test knitters on bettering my patterns, and writing guest posts for others. One amazing moment for me was when my Rain City hat pattern was used in a knitting workshop at Toska Studio. These connections are really what sustain this amazing community and I'm so happy to have been able to be involved where I could be. 

So what's next for the following year? Well, I've got a list of baby knitting I'm hoping to get to in the next few months. I'm planning to finish my cardigan and cast on a second project from Home and Away. I'm also really hoping to finally learn about color work. I'll keep practicing my spinning and continue with my humble interview series. And I'd love to get that pattern released as well as work on an idea I have for a pair of socks. 

What are you guys hoping to knit up this year? 

October & November's Project: progress report

okay, let's be real here. This post is way overdue. I've been working on this cardigan since the beginning of October. Two months. Two months?!? I honestly don't have any clue where that time went to, and I am not even anywhere near finishing. 

While I'm enjoying the pattern, I got really bogged down while working the body. I've just started the yoke and things are moving a little more quickly, but there's no way I'll have this done by the end of the month. Though I love the color, and know that it will fit wonderfully in my wardrobe, I'm having a hard time getting excited enough about it to pick it up when I have a moment to knit. 

I have been, of course, working on a few other things here and there. Socks for Waldi. Some early holiday knitting. Even a little bit of crochet. I've got plenty of ideas for December's project and may just go ahead and cast on a new project, before I've finished up this one. 

In some ways, I started this year of patterns project out strong- finishing 6 projects in the first 6 months of the year. But on the other hand, they were mostly smaller projects and weren't all good choices for my handmade wardrobe. I've since unravelled one and gifted another of them. So, I'm not going to end up with 12 handmade items I adore at the end of this project. But I'm starting to thing that's ok. I will end up with 2 sweaters I adore, and (hopefully) a finished cardigan that just may be the most lovely thing I've ever knit. In addition to that, I've got a few smaller items that were really fun to make, and that taught me a new technique or two. And I've learned a whole lot about what patterns work for me, and how to be a little more conscious of this fact when choosing projects.

All in all, whatever December brings, I'd say it's been a successful project and I'm glad I embarked on it.  

In case you missed it, and have no idea what I'm talking about, you can read the posts about my year of patterns project here. 

the story of September's project

so. I don't have a finished project for September.

It's not for lack of purchasing patterns, or lack of starting projects. Oh no, I did plenty of that.

First off, I started the Firenze Socks by Rachel Coopey using my YOTH Litte Brother yarn. This is a beautiful pattern and the yarn is absolutely amazing to work with but it has been slow going for me. I've only now just turned the heel of the first sock. Socks are my comfort knitting- what I reach for when I need simple knitting, when I just want to enjoy the process without too much of a challenge. I now have a template- my own numbers that I start with every time so that the socks will perfectly fit my feet. And I always follow the exact same procedure- cuff down, heel flap, toe decrease socks. Sure, now and then I add a new stitch pattern, or use a fun yarn, but that's about as crazy as I get. And this is why I've not been reaching for this project. These socks, while lovely, are not comfort knitting. 

So. Once it became clear that there was no way I would be finishing this project by the end of September, I thought about pushing it to October's project (or you know, November or December's really...) and casting on something new. Brilliant. 

I chose the Hediye pattern by Ysolda. Again, the pattern is stunning- really, it's gorgeous. It's exactly the item I want to wear for Fall. My problem was with the yarn. As soon as I saw the photos of this shawl I just knew it would look beautiful in the Mule Spinner yarn that I picked up while in Canada. And it would have. Only I only bought one skein (WHAT was I thinking?!) and my budget just doesn't have room to order more at this point in time. So I decided to purchase the pattern anyways and plunge on ahead. I would just make a smaller shawl, no problem!

I knit this up twice with two different sized needles, at two different gauges and both times it was way way too short. A little too short would have been fine. But this was more than just a little too short.  

So I did what any knitter would do. I ripped the frustrating project out and started a hat for Waldi- one I knew would be worn and loved. And I'm happy to say it's turned out great!

Just to be clear, there is nothing wrong with either of these patterns. They're both lovely and I'll be returning to them at some future point for sure. 

July (&Augest's) Project

I'm so excited to finally be able to share with you my finished Summer knitting project! Over the past few months I've been working on so many projects- originally I had planned to make a separate project for August but I just didn't get to it. It took me to the middle of this month to finish off this sweater anyways. 

I had such fun knitting the Lesley sweater from Hannah Fettig's book Home & Away. It was the perfect summer patio knitting (well...in the mornings before it got too warm anyways). Simple enough to not require too much concentration, but still fun and entertaining. This is the second top down seamless sweater I've knit (here's the first) and while I am a fan of this method, I think it's time to try something else. 

For this sweater I used a 100% Shetland wool yarn that I found in my grandmother's stash. She must have been planning some project for it that she was never able to get around to. It's special to me that I was able to put it to use, and I'm sure she would have loved to see this finished sweater. 

I was between sizes and so went up a size (even though Hannah recommended going down a size) because I want to be able to wear this over top of long sleeves and button downs in the fall in place of a jacket. Now all I need is some cool, crisp Fall weather and I'm set.

Also, my mom and I worked on sweaters together over these past two months. She was knitting Lucinda by Carrie Hoge, which turned out lovely. Here's a photo of us in our sweaters just for fun.

wear handmade project update: halfway point

I can't believe I'm already halfway through my year-long wear handmade project. It's been so much fun choosing a pattern to knit up each month, thinking about what items are missing from my handmade wardrobe and encouraging myself to wear the things I've made. 

I've also been learning so much. I last did an update 3 months in, and I'm so surprised to see how much has changed even since then. (For one, I said I wouldn't be knitting any shawls...)

Today I thought I would do things a little differently and go through each months' project one by one to share my thoughts. There have been some definite hits and misses in this project and that's ok- part of what I'm hoping to do is experiment- to learn what it is about a pattern that makes me want to wear it (or not) and find the gaps in my handmade wardrobe. 

To read the individual posts and for links to the patterns go here.

January: The Kingsley hat by DreaReneeKnits
Though I love this pattern, I did not love my hat. I chose the wrong color and since I have several other hats that I love quite a bit more, I ended up giving this one away to a friend. So sadly, this one was a miss.

February: Lila Pullover by Carrie Hoge
This is the project I am most proud of so far. I'm a bit surprised that it's been the only sweater and I'm hoping to change that in the coming months for sure (I've got 2 already selected for coming month's projects). Sweaters are something that I really want to add to my handmade wardrobe and this was a hit for sure. 

March: Greyhaven Cowl by Robin Ulridge
Again, I love this pattern and I adore the yarn I used but I didn't get much wear out of this cowl as of yet. We'll see what happens come Fall, as that tends to be the time of year for knit cowls. The jury's still out on whether this is a hit or miss. 

April: Irish Oats socks by Cabin Four
Socks are one item I feel like I could consistantly keep adding to my handmade wardrobe, and still get wear out of them all. In the cooler months I wear handknit socks every day, both at home and out and about (I always wear them over a pair of other socks) and this means that I really can't have enough of them. Another solid hit.

May: Potter's Shawl by Jen Lewis
This was a bit of a gamble. I've mentioned before that I never wore the one other shawl that I've made, but I fell in love with this design and was intrigued by the shape of it. I was curious about how it would turn out and if it was more suited to my wardrobe. Turns out it is a major hit. I love it and have worn it several times despite being completely seasonally inappropriate. 

June: Pinecone & Mulberry Hat by Mandarine's
Since I've already made this hat, I knew it would be a hit. I wanted a hat with this shape and color in my collection and I'm pleased with how this turned out. I've left it in Germany while I'm home over the summer but know I'll be wearing it tons come Fall.


So all in all, it's been a great learning experience for me. Over the next few months I'm hoping to knit at least one cardigan and another sweater. July's project is already off to a great start and I'll be sharing more about that next week. There will be another pair of socks during the summer and potentially a second shawl and/or cowl come Fall. I'm debating extending this project into January (since I gave away my Kingsley hat) so that I'll have 12 items in the end and if that's the case, I'll probably include another hat. 

I'm excited about what I'm learning and where this project is taking me for sure!

What are you guys knitting over the summer months? Do you knit all year round?

June's Project: Pinecone & Mulberry hat

This month's pattern was the Pinecone & Mulberry hat by Melody of Mandarine's. I had knit this last Fall, but ever since then I knew I would want to make a second one. 

This time around I chose a lovely deep plum purple and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. The color and shape of this hat somehow remind me of the hat Hermione wears in the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (from the graveyard scene) and I have to admit, I kind of love that.

One other thing I will say about this is that I'm always hesitant to share finished photos of hats because unlike with socks, mittens or neckwear, you really can't take a photo without your face in it. Over the past few years I've become increasingly camera shy. But the truth is, this project is about more than just whether or not I'm having a good hair day, or if I like a particular photo of myself. I started this project because I wanted to mindfully support the independent designers who contribute so much to this community. And I wanted to encourage myself to actually wear the items in my handmade wardrobe. And I still believe very much in both of these things. 

Honestly, this knitting journey has challenged me in so many different ways. And for this I'm incredibly grateful. 

And I'm also pretty excited about this hat.

May's Project: Potter's Shawl by Jen Lucas

I know I know- I said no shawls as a part of this project. But then my mom sent me the Interweave Knits Spring edition and I flipped out over all the beautiful shawls there were inside. And this shawl (the Potter's Shawl by Jen Lucas) is perfect. I love everything about it- the name, the color, the shape and the garter stitch. 

I've only ever knit one shawl before- the Onward Shawl from the Journey Knits collection. While I adore this pattern, and love how the shawl looked on the model, I almost never wear it. When I think about why, I think it mostly has to do with the yarn I chose and the shape. I knit with a cotton wool blend that is just too heavy, and I don't love how large it is. The triangle shape makes it really difficult to wear with a jacket and we don't have a lot of days that are warm enough (but not too warm) for a large wool shawl worn without a jacket. When my mom was here last month she wore it and as soon as she put it on, I knew it belonged in her wardrobe. It looked great on her! So it's now back in Vancouver, being worn by her. It's fun to gift knit items to other knitters- especially someone who's knit me so many things over the years. However, I'm hoping my experience with this new shawl will be different.

I chose to knit this in Baby Alpaca silk (partly because I've been dying to try this yarn, but also because it's light and the color is similar to that on the model, which I LOVE), and I'm hoping the softness and lightness of the yarn will mean the shawl won't feel so heavy and bulky around my neck. I also love how there's no triangle point on this shawl, but rather a sweeping lace edging. I'm hoping this will make it a bit easier to wear as more of a scarf and with a jacket.

The color and lightness of the wool means it's perfect for throwing on during cooler summer evenings, and it's small enough to easily carry with me. So I'm hoping to get a decent amount of wear out of it. 

From the above photo you can see a little of the lovely lace edging. One thing I will say about this is that, while fun to knit, I was a bit worried while working on the lace. I had read that lace often looks funny or even messy when it's being knit but that it really evens out when blocked. I have to say that I am now a firm believer in this statement. Blocking opened the lace right up and it looks lovely. 

As to whether or not there will be more shawls in my future...well I'm very seriously considering casting on the Blóm shawl. Dreamy. 

What about you? Are you a shawl knitter/wearer? If so, I'd love to hear some of your favorite shawl patterns! 

Also, thanks for all your comments on the interview! I've announced the winners this morning (Carla and Vanessa) and I hope you ladies will enjoy your patterns. Happy knitting!

Apri's Project and some thoughts on Finishing

it's no secret that I loved working on April's project- Irish Oats socks by Cabin Four. These socks were so much fun to make and are so beautiful. Definitely my favorite pair that I've made yet! I had never worked consistently on a pair of socks over such a short time before- as socks are usually my between-projects or on-the-go knitting. But it was a really fun project, and though it's warming up, I'm thinking I'll get some use of them over the summer on cooler evenings while sitting around campfires and the like. 

There will absolutely be another pair of socks cast on soon (along with May's project of course) and I'm just trying to decide what yarn to go with next! 

Making socks always gets me thinking about process. I am still amazed when it comes time to turn the heel- something about it just feels like magic to me. Also, over the past year since starting to knit socks, I've gotten really comfortable with the natural process of a pair of top down socks: cuff, leg, heel, gusset, foot, toe. It feels familiar and almost comforting to knit through each step. 

I do, however tend to dread one point in the process. Finishing. 

This isn't exactly unique to sock knitting, as the feeling spills over into other projects as well. But, by the time I get around to knitting the toe on that second sock, I'm generally feeling pretty anxious to have the project finished. 

Last week I shared the above photo on Instagram from when I was getting ready to close up the toes of my socks. I do not enjoy doing Kitchener stitch. Not only do I always forget how to do it (and thus have to look it up) but I find it tedious and frustrating. I often have to say out loud each step of the process so that I remember where I am- for the entire time. 

But it's not just kitchener stitch I've got a problem with. I don't enjoy casting off in general, and I quite literally DREAD weaving in ends. I have absoluetly been that knitter who wears finished objects before the ends have been properly woven in. I'm not proud of it, but it's the truth. 

Recently I heard (or read?) someone say that you should plan in as much time for the finishing as it's taken you to knit the garment. (I wish I could remember who exactly said this, though I have a feeling it was on knit.fm) Now that may be a little extreme but I like the sentiment behind it. To think of finishing as a worthy part of the process that deserves time and effort all on it's own would be revolutionary to me. To stop dreading those last few steps, and begin to see them as part of creating that finished item, made with love. 

So I'm setting myself a little goal. I want to start finishing my projects as a proper part of the knitting process. This means weaving in ends right away, and also working to improve my casting off skills (including Kitchener stitch), learning a few new ways to cast off perhaps, and just generally giving myself the time I need to finish my projects in a way that's reflective of how much love and time has gone into them. 

March's Project: Greyhaven Cowl

One of my goals this year is to be intentional about supporting this fiber community by knitting a project each month for myself from a pattern or yarn made by an independent designer or small-business owner. This is February's Project! 

(you can read more about this project and see the other monthly patterns here)

I actually finished this month's project a little early. Partly because the lace pattern was so addicting to knit, but mostly because this cowl is perfect for early spring and I wanted to make sure I got plenty of wear out of it. 

The pattern is the Greyhaven Cowl (by Robin Ulrich). I used Madeline Tosh tosh sock yarn in the Cove colorway, which is a thinner wool than the pattern calls for. I did this on purpose because I wanted the cowl to be light and airy for spring. The yarn was a dream to knit with- so fun to see the variations in color knitting up into the pattern. I used the same size needles the pattern called for though, knitting the cowl at a looser gauge. 

I also really enjoyed the lace pattern of this cowl. Well written and fun and just really beautiful. I love that it was inspired by Tolkien's books and I think the colour of my yarn fits in with that as well. There's also a matching hat pattern that I may have to get my hands on at some point.

Another reason why I chose this pattern had to do with wanting to replace this cowl. It was the first thing I ever knit for myself (pattern by Cathy Carron knit in Misti Alpaca chunky) and it was perfect. I wore it for two full Vancouver winters almost every day and then it somehow got lost in the shuffle of our cross-continental move. Though this is different, there are undeniable similarities, and I think that this new cowl fits better with my style now (which, as you can see from the photos of that old cowl has evolved very minimally...or rather, basically not at all.) 

The only downside is how it rolls at the top and bottom (see above photo). I know this is a side effect to stocking stitch lace patterns, and probably also has to do with the lightness of the yarn and loose gauge I knit at but even after aggressive blocking there's been no improvement. Not a big deal, but a little disappointing to be sure.

I think I'll have to make this again using a thicker wool once Fall rolls around!

February's Pattern: Lila Pullover

One of my goals this year is to be intentional about supporting this fiber community by knitting a project each month for myself from a pattern or yarn made by an independent designer or small-business owner. This is February's Project! 

(you can read more about this project and see the other monthly patterns here)

ok, so I know we are way into March by now. I did actually finish my Lila pullover during February (and even wore it a few times before the new month), but I decided to wait to post about it until Waldi came home and I could get some good photos. 

So, without further delay- here she is! 
























I had a lot of fun with this pattern, and know I will be knitting another Lila sometime in the future. I learned a few new skills and ended up with an item that I know will be a staple in my handmade wardrobe- I've already asked my self several times how many times I can get away with wearing it in the same week...3...4? 

In the end, I decided to add an extra inch of length to the body and am glad I detached the arms to go back and do so. I like how it's cropped in the front and have had fun wearing it with camisoles and even my (one) high-wasted skirt, but I don't think I could have got away with having it any shorter. Next time I think I may also go up a size for a little more ease. 

But all in all, it's a winner. 

Also, including all my WIP shots (which you can see here) Lila is officially my most-photographed project EVER. But she totally deserves it. 

And just in case there weren't already enough photos in this post for you, here's one of my handsome photographer:

My heart. 

January's FO: Kingsley Hat

One of my goals this year is to be intentional about supporting this fiber community by knitting a project each month for myself from a pattern or yarn made by an independent designer or small-business owner. This is January's Project! 

(here's the introduction to the project incase you missed it!)

I'm very excited to share with you today my FO for January! This month I knit up the Kingsley Hat by Andrea Mowry in a lovely navy blue alpaca-wool blend. I first found Andrea through her Instagram profile, and immediately fell in love with her beautifully designed patterns. I originally knit the Kingsley Hat for Waldi for Christmas, but enjoyed the pattern so much I decided to knit one up for myself. 

The hat was a lot of fun to make. It took a bit of concentration to get the stitch pattern at first, but once I'd knit through it once or twice, I got a pretty good hold of it and really enjoyed it. 

And I love my hat. (And Waldi loves his too...which is saying a lot because he doesn't even really like hats!) 

Can't wait to see what other projects this year has in store! 

supporting the fiber community

At the beginning of this year, I thought about setting a goal to make one hat per month during this year. The major ideas behind this were that I wanted to learn new techniques, knit something for myself, and support independent designers. 

The more I thought about this project, the more excited I got about choosing to support individuals doing good work in the fiber community. It's hard work to be a designer. I know this, and I've only dabbled in designing- self publishing one or two patterns on the side while I go about my day job. Of course, I appreciate the free pattern now and then, but I don't want to make a rule of knitting from free patterns. 

Sometimes I hear knitters exclaim proudly that they do not knit from patterns but rather only make their own designs. It's no secret that I love to knit up my own designs- there's something so liberating and exciting about imagining something in your head and then creating it just as you've envisioned. But I think knitting from other people's patterns is a great experience- it challenges you to learn new techniques, maybe knit something in a new way, and to make items or learn stitches outside your own comfort zone. AND it gives you the opportunity to support someone else's hard work. 

But back to the hat project.

I quickly realized that what excited me most about this project was the opportunity to support others in this community. And here's the thing- I just don't need that many hats. So, I'm changing up the idea a little bit, shifting my focus to fit with what's getting me excited right now. Each month I will choose a project that is either a paid-for pattern written by an independent designer, OR knit from hand-spun or hand-dyed yarn purchased from an individual or small business within this community. 

My hope is, that at the end of the year I will have 12 treasured hand knit items for my handmade wardrobe. That I will be able to see how my knitting has progressed as I've improved and learned new techniques. And of course, that I will have been able to, in my own small way, contribute to and support the fiber community that I love so much. 

I'll share January's project next week!