Starting The Rainbow

Since my Synthe is (mostly) off the needles, I got myself to get my Rainbow Radiate on the needles!

I have stitch gauge but I am off in row gauge, which means I need to pay attention to length by measurement and not row count. I am using a DK mini set from Hue Loco as my contrast that I hope creates a rainbow effect on the yolk. I am 50/50 on whether this will be gorgeous or hideous. Have to knit it to find out!

And Oy Vey…..I will have ends to weave in!!

Happy Knitting!!

Synthe: Needs Minor Alterations

My Synthe sweater has dried nicely. And PB helped me take some preliminary photos. I really like the overall fit but it could do with some alterations….

I knit the 44 1/2 inch bust size and altered the body increases as well as added length. I really like where it falls on my hips. The sleeves blocked longer than I had hoped. I will give it a few wears or think on it a bit before I decide to rip them back and shorten them.

I do not love how wide the neckline is with the raw cast on edge. I plan to find a crochet hook and “tighten” up the opening to make it less wide and showing so much of the undershirt. I really like how it feels with the underlayer and I don’t mind the feel of the yarn at all.

I am going to carefully and lightly bury my ends in to make future changes easier. Happy Knitting!!

Finished: Vaas Hat

The Vaas Hat is done and already had it’s first outing!

Pattern: My own basic beanie “recipe” over 88 sts

Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in Vas colorway

Needles: US 8s (square tips)

I wore this hat for a day of skiing and a half day of snow tubing. So the hat has relaxed nicely and probably needs a second bath. It was quite warm but not overly tight so the wind did peak through occasionally. I used 78 grams or 150 yards of yarn on this particular one.

As I have worn this one, it will stay in our hat box here at the house and not the gift pile. Now I need to decide if I am going to cast on another hat or pick up a languishing pair of socks for the next small item.

Happy Knitting!!

Blocking: Synthe Sweater

Home from travel and my sweater off the needles, my Synthe got a bath and is drying in the 70 degree windy spring weather.

I left my markers in both the body and sleeves, just in case I am not happy with the finished/blocked measurements. There are only two increase rounds in the body as I wanted to maintain a straighter body line versus the called for a-line in the pattern. I also did not weave in the ends, partly for that same reason but also because I finished this in the dark and didn’t want to lose them.

I will let this dry and then try on before I either make final finished or rip back for changes. It did soften with the first wash and hoping that continues as this yarn is quite rustic. Now I just need this to dry faster!

Happy Knitting!!

Flatland Knitting

My Luminous Hat saw some work in our recent travels. This time in the flatlands of western Kansas. Spring has sprung and the winds are whipping out here!

This skein from Another Crafty Girl is flashing and pooling between the teals and blues. And I am not minding the square needles either. They feel a little different but keep the stiches nicely. I think I am three-ish inches into the hat. Another three inches and I can turn the brim (if my patience lasts that long).

Happy Knitting!!

Casting Off Synthe

Spring break travel was just the concentrated time I needed to get through the body of my Synthe sweater. I am casting off now!

We took a couple of days this past week to see my sister in Colorado. Not a bad way to work over 300+ stiches on my needles. The views did not disappoint! I did decide to add some length to the body not contemplated in the pattern. I didn’t want the sweater to end at my widest part.

I’m really hoping I don’t regret the extra length post blocking. My swatch didn’t grow terribly but I have been fooled by swatches before!

Happy Knitting!!

Vaas Decreases

My Vaas Hat is ready for decreases!

I could knit Malabrigo forever. It’s just the perfect feel while knitting and in the finished object. I powered through the body of the hat and installed the DPNs for the decreases. After over 50 versions of this “recipe” I can do these decreases on autopilot.

I should have a finished hat soon! Happy Knitting!!

Cast On: Luminous Hat

We are gearing up for travel, spring sports and lots of time in the backyard. I also need to start earning points for SSK 2025. This all added up to a new cast on!

I grabbed my new square needles and a skein of Another Crafty Girl Merino Worsted in Luminous color to start my basic beanie recipe. It’s 88 stitches on a US 8. If I can get this done then I can earn points for my knitting retreat this summer.

I am liking the square needles. I don’t know that my hands get any less tired but they do feel nice in my fingers. This project is going to live in my purse/backpack for “in between knitting” needs.

Happy Knitting!!

Spring Gifts

I got an unexpected gift card from a neighbor as a thank you for helping them this winter. I decided to convert that into yarn goodies!

I swung by Yarn Barn and picked up two new to me colors of Malabrigo Rios in Azules and Volcan. I am thinking I will be making a KU themed hat…..

I also tried two new US 8 needles to add to my collection. I picked up KnitPro Dreams in 16 inch circular and Addi Rocket2 (square needles) to try for my next hats.

It was a nice boost to my dopamine and it got me out for a walk in the sunshine. Spring has sprung! Happy Knitting!!

Synthe Body

I am in the slog of the body of my Synthe. But I have made measurable progress!

I am several skeins in now and have zero fear of running out as I have 12 in my stash. I will definitely have yarn leftover unless I make this a dress. I have added one rounds worth of increase and totally ignoring the pattern. I don’t want an A-line shape as its not flattering on me. But I also don’t want negative ease either.

It’s my plan to work in three total increase rounds before the hem for a gentle increase to fit my hips, which are larger than my bust. This sweater is still incredibly light with this woolen spun yarn. Should end up warm and lightweight!

Happy Knitting!!