Done, done and done.

It's been a really good week, craftily speaking.

I whipped up another of Jenny's scotties with an old felted pink sweater. I gave it to another pregnant coworker at her baby shower yesterday. The seams on this little doggie are sort of Frankensteiny, but overall, she turned out sweet, I think. I've noticed when I've made these before, that they tend to come out slightly twisted. The pieces are straight when I cut them, but my sewing makes them a wee bit wonky, and you know what? I really like the effect. It makes them look more life-like. As much as a pink felted dog can look life-like, anyway.

I also made Lyra a little hat: the Sunflower Tam from Norah Gaughan's Knitting Nature. I used almost exactly one ball of Cascade's Cloud 9, a 50-50 blend of merino and angora--very soft stuff with a little halo, but not so much that it leaves a whole bunch of fuzz in your lap. I knit the child's size, but at a much smaller gauge to fit a toddler instead. I neglected to go up a needle size after the ribbing, and I really wish I had because I think the shape needs a bit more width at the top, but maybe it'll be warmer this way. This was a fun, quick knit. The twisted stitches are really cleverly done. I think I need another one of these for me.

And I sewed the buttons on my February sweater. They're from a little three-pack of supposedly vintage buttons called Cranberry Slices, and they do look very like canned cranberry sauce. They're not functional buttons, however. I sewed giant snaps underneath.

I wanted to see how the sweater turned out before I committed to a certain number of buttonholes, so I decided early on that snaps were going to be my closure of choice, and they seem to add some extra stability to the yoke. I like that.

In fact, despite the horrible look on my face in that photo up there*, I really like the whole thing. I used just under four balls of Beaverslide, and the stuff couldn't be softer or cozier. I mean, it's not cashmere, but it's not scratchy or rough. It feels really wholesome and natural. Makes me feel very green. Also, I'm thrilled that my quick and dirty math worked out right. I measured the top and bottom of the yoke on my Phyllotaxis sweater, plugged in the Beaverslide gauge, worked out some increase rows and cast on. After that, I pretty much just followed EZ's directions. The woman was a genius. What I wouldn't give for a chance to sit down and knit with her....

Anyway, that' six February sweaters I've made in 2007. I think that might be enough for this year.

*Jeez, I just cannot stand to post a smiling picture of myself here. I look like such a dork. It's weird, isn't it, that I'd rather post a picture where I look like my dog just died, but really, if I knew how to cut my head completely out of this picture, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Comments

[whitney]

Wow, you have had quite the successful crafting week! I love all of them! Lyra's hat looks amazingly soft, and your grown-up February Sweater looks really great on you (and mmmm, Beaverslide!).

[michelle]

Wow they are all successes! Thanks for the link to the scottie pattern - I know a little man that is going to love that.

And now I must have a February sweater myself! That came out amazing! Love the buttons and all. Yes, I'm Michelle your great big copy-cat :)

[estea]

you people with your shamelessly awesome knitting skillz. dagnabit i want a hat like that. in black. get on it.

;)

you're it.

http://robotjumpingrope.wordpress.com/2007/11/18/a-friend-indeed/

[Sonya]

I bow down and worship at your knitting goddess feet. First for your skill (you figured it out and it looks AMAZING) second for your incredible, and I mean incredible, speed.

I love the buttons with snaps, and the placement. Perfection.

After reading this I thought - she knit a phyllotaxis? You really are a goddess and one that looks lovely modeling her knitting.

I am waiting for my yarn and I will try my hand (I can knit speedy too when I want to).

[h.]

Hey, I am impressed that you posted a photo of yourself wearing the sweater. I (being a huge chicken) would have taken a (lame) photo of it draped across a chair or bush or something. You even managed to have that vague model expression (Yes, I wear this beautiful sweater, but I could be climbing Everest).

Your sweater is gorgeous. I love the snaps. What a great idea! And the buttons are tasty! Cranberry jelly indeed!

The hat.. oh my it's lovely. How do you manage it?! (Sigh)

[Sasha]

Goodness, how cute are you? I love your sweater.

[Michele]

I really like how that sweater looks on you - very flattering - and it looks comfy, too. Excellent job!

[Siri]

It took me a minute to figure out where I recognized that sweater pattern from. What a fantastic idea and great execution of it.

[Neha]

Your design is fabolous.
Even I want to make it but I am new to knitting so can you please Give me the whole procedure or description of making this Fabulous design. I will be thankful to you.If you wish you can mail me on my mail.
Thanks.

[Ailsa]

I think you look perfect in that picture. Not try hard, just cool and natural and earthy. Which is how you said the sweater made you feel, so there you go.

Still, we're always our own worst critics.

You might as well know that I love this cardigan so much I HAVE to make one of these sweaters for myself immediately. I even have the yarn for it - a ripped out 'Flair'.

[Ailsa]

Oh I'm so gone. Not only must I have an adult EZ cardigan like yours, I also must knit that hat (I have the book too) AND am blown away by the cuteness of that little scotty dog, even more because he's twisted!

Thanks to you and to Ravelry for my dose of inspiration today!

[Jenifer]

I love your February sweater! It looks absolutely lovey and perfect on you. This is the first time I have seen your blog and everything is inspiring and fun, but that sweater is fabulous!

[Charlie]

Your Feb Sweater is gorgeous! I made one for my baby niece and now I want one for me!!!

[Souhair]

Your February sweater is stunning! Love the snap/button solution! This is one of the nicest pattern adaptations I've seen!

[Ellen Johnson]

I love the sweater too! Are you selling the pattern? I'm a willing customer.