Among some projects finished these last couple of days, Virginia made a pair of mittens and socks that deserve some blog time (obviously, every project should get a mention, but my track record lately has not been good).
These “Vespergyle Mittens” are from a pattern by Elinor Brown, knit using Spindrift. I really admire the argyle and stripe combination. And, of course, the Spindrift is such a cozy yarn for this sort of thing.
I am happy to say they are big enough to fit my hands, so there will likely be a race to the mitten bin every time we head outside.
I’m also the happy recipient of this early-Valentine’s gift. A pair of “Tweed Socks.”
These are knit from a pattern by Marilyn Morgan, in the book Socks, Socks, Socks, using several types of yarn, including Jawoll and Socka. The slipped-stitch pattern really dress up these socks, and I can already envision these paired with dark brown khakis and cardigan.
Like I said, it’s a good week for my hands and feet.
Virginia has been determined to finish off a bunch of projects that have been on the needles for a little while (of course “little while” is a relative term – for me, it might mean months and months, for her, just long enough to start impeding on the creative process). Nevertheless, I’ve hardly had a chance to keep up with the blog posts, so this one will showcase three of the projects most recently finished.
But, before we go in to that, I also want to say thanks for all the encouraging and thoughtful comments and messages re. my last post. I can’t say it enough, it really does make a difference getting through difficult periods knowing there are people who genuinely care about you.
Now, on to the knitting…
These mittens are knit using a combination of Rowan Kidsilk Haze and Fleece Artist 2/6 Merino. The pattern is Theresa Gaffey’s mitten pattern #49.
I’m happy to benefit from so much great knitting. This sweater, Pure and Simple Henley, is made with Misty Alpaca Chunky (it is unbelievably soft, not to mention warm).
For herself, Virginia knit this Kim Hargreaves design (Magnolia, from Rowan Vintage Knits). She used a combination of Kidsilk Haze and Kid Classic.
That’s it for now. There are several more projects lining up in the cue – not to mention a sweater that I’ve been knitting on for almost two years. If I can just finish that button band…
You’ve seen both of these make appearances on ScratchCraft multiple times, but in different forms. The beautiful thing is that there is no limit to the types of combinations available for us to make and sample. I’m talking about mittens and I’m talking about pies. Virginia likes making the former and I the latter.
She just finished making Charlene Schurch’s “Pattern 1″ from the book Mostly Mittens.
These are knit with some lovely yarn by Simply Shetland. It’s their Lambswool and Cashmere blend – super soft, super warm, perfect for keeping hands cozy.
I prefer taking a more indirect approach to keeping ourselves cozy and warm. It starts with a few basic ingredients, then add some heat, serve with tea.
Winter seems to be dragging on in Minnesota, and for everyone bemoaning the fact that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow (meaning another 6 weeks of winter), I say, “If only we could be so lucky.” It’s going to be awhile before Summer rolls around. In the meantime, Strawberry Rhubarb pie (made without refined sugar, of course) does the trick.
So, really, these are not just house favorites, but house necessities. And, ones we’ll continue to make and enjoy for awhile.
I promised I’d post some yarn-related projects. So, without further ado, here are some that Virginia has recently completed.
These are Finnish Mittens from Folk Mittens. The pattern is by Marcia Lewandowski. Virginia knit these using Misty Alpaca’s worsted-weight yarn. One of the things that I like about these mittens is that she knit them for me. I like my hands to be warm, and these certainly do the trick.
Also off the needles is another pair of socks. These are made using Trekking, and are based on the Waffle Rib pattern in Charlene Schurch’s book Sensational Knitted Socks.
I knew it was only a matter of time before the weaving bug bit Virginia. It finally did with Mr. Kringle visiting early, bringing a 24-inch rigid heddle loom. No sooner had the box been opened and loom assembled, that a “test” project was started.
This colorful weave was created with some Fleece Artist superwash merino. Given the speed with which this project started and finished, I’d say there’s bound to be more to share in the very near future. And, I must say, the bug has rebitten me, and I feel myself being pulled away from the felting fun I’ve been having.
Dear Autumn, please do not give up…
…even though Virginia seems to be embracing the recent snow we just had.
I totally forgot about these mittens that she finished sometime during one of my lengthy stays in the hospital this Spring. But, I noticed she had them on as she got ready to leave the house tonight, so I snapped a few photos before she could get out the door.
They are Elli Stubenrauch’s “Snowbird Mittens” from Vogue Knitting, and knit with Rowan 4-ply Soft.
Personally, I’m not ready to let “it” do anything remotely related to the impending cold months. I’ve barely had any time to get used to and enjoy Summer, let alone Autumn. I sure hope there are a few good weeks of walking, raking, apple-pie-baking weather ahead before the snow decides to set in for good. In fact, I took the following picture to remind myself that the 3 inches of snow we just received was a fluke.
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