Out Like a Lamb

Well, March is over.  I’m 30, the craziness that is Malabrigo March has ended, the weather has finally started to turn nice here in Yorkshire, and we’ve just changed the clocks.  We’re hosting our last set of visitors from the states, and it’s occurred to me that when the leave, I can simply start readying the room for the movers, rather than re-making the bed and tidying for more guests.

So, there’s been knitting, birthday parties, travel, and lots of “doing” this month.  Though April will involve our move to the states, it will actually be a relatively calm month by comparison, I think.

Here’s a peek at some of this month’s exploits…

Shalom Cardigan, Malabrigo Chunky, Hollyhock

Chunky Dean Street Hat, Malabrigo Chunky, Oceanos

Too Lazy for Thumbs, Handwarmers, Malabrigo Worsted, Taureg

Belated Shot of an Excited Me at My 30th Birthday Parth

The girls at Easby Abbey

Sam and I at Easby Abbey

Whew…in like a lion, out like a lamb, that’s for sure.  Here’s to April…

Malabrigo March ’09 Kick-Off!

It’s here again–Malabrigo March!  That exciting time of the year when I throw caution to the wind and knit like crazy…well, crazier than I normally do.

This year I have 9 projects that I’d like to work on, and I’m off to a good start with one on the needles and one already finished.  Yesterday I started and today I finished some 75 yard Malabrigo Fingerless Mittens in Stonechat Worsted.

Then I cast on this morning for a Dean Street Hat in Malabrigo Worsted Stonechat, as well.

This should be a nice set…of course, I’m not sure who for yet!

I am going to keep working on the Opulent Raglan, as I’m not going to cast on my next big sweater project until it is completed.  Sleeves and neckline left to go!

Here’s to Malabrigo March 2009!

Testing, Testing, 1-2-3

I’ve done a bit of test knitting this month, trying to pay it forward since I was blessed with three great test knitters for my Rievaulx Cowl pattern.

Test knitting is fabulous…I saw two patterns that I loved, the designers were looking for someone to sample them out, and I jumped up and down with my hand up in the air.

The first test knit was of a tam hat, Mel of Stick Chick Knits.  The pattern is Remolino, and should be published soon.  The stitch pattern is fabulous, and I love the finished product.  It was a quick and easy knit!

Rotating Remolino, Malabrigo Worsted, Orchid

The second test knit is for Lucy of Dimanche Chez Moi.  The pattern is called Nati, and like Remolino, should be released soon.  The sweater (or jumper for my British friends) is knit in one piece with seaming (by my friend Anne) under the arms and at the sides.  The pattern is super easy, and knits up quickly in chunky weight.  I’m planning another, and soon!

Nati, Malabrigo Chunky, Blue Surf

Close Up of Nati

Way to go designers–these two patterns are sure to be hits.  I anxiously await their release and Ravelry debuts!

Back Off, Kiki!

I finished my sister’s Christmas present.  It is absolutely fabulous.  I should not post about it, because it is a secret.  Kiki is nosy.

But I can’t resist.

So, back the heck off, Kiki.  Stop reading now.  I’m even going to insert some blank space here, just in case you are feeling tempted.  Don’t look.  Seriously.  It will totally ruin the surprise.  Do you hear me?  Click out of here, right now.

I wonder if it worked?

Scroll down a bit for a picture of Kiki’s Shalom Cardigan for Christmas.  How amazing is this?  I am so excited about it, I want to knit one for myself immediately.  The pattern calls for chunky weight, but because Kiki is tiny, I did it in worsted weight Malabrigo (which is a thicker worsted weight than something like Cascade 220).  The colorway is Orchid.

La, la, la.

La, la, la.

La, la, la.

La, la, la.

La, la, la.

La, la, la.

La, la, la.

La, la, la.

Totally Kiki, Shalom Cardigan, Malabrigo Worsted, Orchid

Yay!  I love it!  What do you think?

Rievaulx Cowl Pattern Available!

I blogged recently about my Rievaulx cowl, inspired by the landscape on the drive and the day my family and I spent at Rievaulx Abbey.  In honor of a contest sponsored by the Malabrigo Junkies, I decided to get some test knitters, and publish the pattern here on my blog.

Will anyone knit it?  Only time will tell.  But here it is, my first “published” pattern!

Rievaulx

Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire, England

This cowl is modeled after the green, rolling landscape on the drive to Rievaulx Abbey, and the gorgeous columns and architecture that make this abbey ruin such an amazing place to visit in Yorkshire.

Rievaulx Cowl

Yarn and Notions Required

4.5 mm circular needle, at least 16 inches long

1 skein of dk weight, preferably a silky merino blend like Malabrigo Silky, approximately 150 yards

1 stitch marker or piece of scrap yarn

Note: Gauge is not crucial to this pattern.

Pattern Variation #1:  Rolls and Ribs

Rievaulx, Rolls and Ribs

Loosely CO 130 stitches.  Join in the round, being careful not to twist.  Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit 10 rounds (producing a rolling stocking stitch band).
Purl 1 round.
Next Round:  *K6, P2, K3, P2. Repeat from * to the end of round.
Repeat this round until ribbing measures approximately 3 1/2 inches.
Purl 1 round.
Knit 10 rounds.
Bind off loosely.  Weave in ends.  Wear with pride (blocking not required).

Pattern Variation #2:  Seeded Ribs

Rievaulx, Seeded Ribs

Loosely CO 104 stitches.  Join in the round, being careful not to twist.  Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Row 1:  *K1,P1.  Repeat from * to the end of the round.
Row 2:  *P1, K1.  Repeat from * to the end of the round.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 four more times (for a total of ten rounds).
Next Round:  *K6, P2, K3, P2.  Repeat from * to the end of the round.
Repeat this round until ribbing measures approximately 5 inches.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 for 10 rounds.
Bind off loosely.  Weave in ends. Wear with pride (blocking not required).

Sunshine in Yorkshire

When the sun shines in Yorkshire, all really does seem right with the world.

Yesterday we spent much of the day with my friend Anne and her husband, including a trip out to the base for  Burger King, time with the girls at the playground, tea in the back garden, and video games for the guys.  A great time was had by everyone, and I have to say it was the first weekend day that I didn’t long for my sister since we arrived home a few weeks ago.  I even did a handful of knitting, mostly on Marcus’ Christmas present.  Commonly known as Knitty’s Saranac, I lovingly call it the “Big Brown Blob.”

The Big Brown Blob (or, Saranac)

Today has been another great day, including continued sunshine on the Dales.  We went to church this morning, where I taught the Children’s Liturgy, and then stayed for brunch at the club.  We let the girls play on the playground afterwards, and returned home for a movie and rest on the couch.  The rest of the afternoon was spent playing outside, walking the neighbor’s puppy, playing with a friendly cat from the neighborhood, and again, knitting.  Today, though, I started a new sock using some of my much coveted Malabrigo Sock.  I’m working on Knitty’s Hedera (which I tried once before and abandoned in disgust) in the Velvet Grapes colorway.

Malabrigo Sock, Velvet Grapes

All in all, the sun shining on Yorkshire, combined with a bustling weekend of family, friends, God, and community really does make the difference.

Oh, and the knitting.  Always the knitting.

The Magic of a Magic Yarn Ball

When I arrived in the states on Wednesday, I was greeted by a package at the front door of my mother’s house.  Not only did I pack 5 weeks worth of yarn and bring it with me, but I also got an amazing swap package from Jenny, a fellow Malabrigo Junkie from the Malabrigo Swap group on Ravelry. 

I know I said it after the last swap, where I was spoiled rotten by Mary Ellen, but swapping is awesome.  I got to take the time to stalk and spoil a friend (Gillian!), and then I got spoiled rotten in return.  Why did I not discover swapping sooner?

This package included a ball of wool, all wrapped up with goodies inside.  You are supposed to knit and find them along the way.  Could I wait and delay gratification like that?  Are you crazy?  🙂

At any rate, my package from Jenny was incredible.  It included 2 skeins of the much sought after Malabrigo Silky Merino in the Lettuce colorway, tea, stitch markers, cable needles, double pointed needles, toys and candy for the girls, 2 project bags, and so much more…most of it handmade by Jenny herself.  Take a peek!

Seriously…how beautiful is that? 

Thanks so much Jenny, Malabrigo Swappers, Malabrigo Junkies, and Malabrigo, for making such amazing wool!  🙂

I’m Having an Affair.

I’ve fallen in love with a knitting project.  And it isn’t Arwen.

It’s true.  I’ve decided not to work on the second half of Arwen, and to look for a knit that will make me smile.  I’m cheating on a piece of wool.

As a result, I’ve cast on two projects that I am really enjoying, and couldn’t wait to share with my readers.

First of all, I started knitting a simple pair of stockinette socks, just something to take with me when I am out and about.  I call them my Might be Microgauge Socks because I was aiming for ten stitches an inch.  Unfortunately, I only achieved 9, but I am still learning a lot from knitting with smaller needles.

But in the world of knitting love affairs, the socks are simply a passing whim.  My real affair, the item that has really put Arwen out on the doorstep, is the February Lady Sweater.  The simple top down construction, the garter stitch yoke, the raglan sleeves, the eyelet increases, and the lace bodice…and the malabrigo I am knitting it with.  Oh the malabrigo.

I may leave Arwen forever for this one.

Maybe I’m fickle.  But Arwen is out and the February Lady Sweater is in.  Such is the world of a knitter.

Knitting…nothing but knitting

I have been dying to have a post devoted to nothing but knitting lately, but there has been so much else going on that I every time I sit down to write, I get sidetracked with travels, family, friends, writing, and so much more.  I promise…this post is devoted to nothing but knitting.

I have frogged Wicked for the nine millionth time.  For some reason, I just cannot get her right.  And she should be such an easy knit, too.  I may knit her one day, but for now, she (and the Orchid Malabrigo) are relegated to the bottom of the knitting chest.

Speaking of Malabrigo, the Malabrigo Swap group on Ravelry started a thread about your Malabrigo stash.  I decided to whip mine out for a photoshoot in the front garden.  All of my Malabrigo in one place.  Take a look!

And that isn’t all of my wool, either…it’s just the malabrigo!  Holy moly!

I have finished designing my first sock.  Full details to follow once the second sock is completed, but here is a sneak peek at Generations!

I have picked Arwen back up, and am slowly but surely trudging along.  I am almost halfway done sleeve number one now, and am still determined to have the left side completed by the time I leave for Tuscany next week.  Here’s a recent shot of the left side (the back is completed already, the right side hasn’t been started yet).

I am also starting a pair of Endpaper Mitts for a fingerless mitts knit-a-long with the At Home in Harrogate group on Ravelry.  They are my first attempt at colorwork, and I expect them to take a long time and a lot of concentration.  But I think that they’ll be a great learning experience for me, so I am sort of excited at the challenge.  I am using Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock Solid in Chocolate and in Manzanita.

I still feel like there is something missing.  I don’t know why, but nothing that I am knitting now is driving me, and I am still looking for a project that I won’t be able to put down…something that I am so excited about that I’ll stay up all night trying to finish it up and try it on.

Ahh…a post completely about knitting.  Heavenly.

Swap It To Me!

Oh my goodness! I just participated in my very first swap, sponsored by the Malabrigo Swap group on Ravelry. The partners were a secret, and we had about a month to stalk our partners and send out something that would make their heart swoon!

My package arrived today! Mary Ellen (ME215 on Ravelry) completely and totally spoiled me! Take a peek:

Chocolate, Soak wool wash, a Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival t-shirt, a Rascal Flatts cd, THREE hanks of Malabrigo Silky Merino on purple hyacinth, and beanie babies for girls!

And of course, something extra special and extra thoughtful…

She knows how much I miss Chipotle, and sent a Chipotle gift card for my visit home this summer! How perfect is that?

Not only did my swap package arrive today, but so did the prize I won in Malabrigo March…Malabrigo Sock Yarn in a test color! This yarn hasn’t even been released for sale yet, so I feel super special!

Man on man…it was like my birthday today! I feel so special.

Thanks so much for spoiling me, Mary Ellen. And thanks to all of the Malabrigo Junkies and Swappers for making my first swap such a success!