Saturday, May 21, 2011

Ulmus: DONE

Ulmus in STR MW 'Puck's Mischief' & Silkie 'Jade'
There is nothing more satisfying than finishing a project that has been languishing on the needles for, oh, the better part of two years. I remember seeing my pal Juliefrick's test knit version at MDS&W right after the pattern had been released in 09 and NEEDING to cast on immediately. Luckily I was in line at The Fold's booth at the time and was able to instagratibuy the yarn for it. That day I couldn't race home fast enough to fire it up. And here we are, two years and many breaks later, and it's finally finished. Whew!
Ulmus in STR MW 'Puck's Mischief' & Silkie 'Jade'
The Specs:
Pattern Ulmus by Kirsten Kapur of Through the Loops.
Yarn: STR Mediumweight in 'Puck's Mischief'(entire skein) and STR Silkie in 'Jade' (.75 of skein).
Size: Medium
Needles: size 6
Modifications: Was forced to omit last two rows due to lack of yarn!
Ulmus in STR MW 'Puck's Mischief' & Silkie 'Jade'
If you look through the Ravelry project gallery you will note that many knitters did what I did: put it down for a spell, pick it up again and have completely lost your place. Hilarious! Luckily I knew I'd be seeing the designer herself at last year's Maryland Sheep and Wool for a chat, so I brought it with me and she was kind enough to look at it and within several nanoseconds identify where I was. Love her!
Ulmus in STR MW 'Puck's Mischief' & Silkie 'Jade'
Another thing you notice when perusing the variations projects is that there seems to be pretty strong variation in terms of how people like to block this out. Some have opted for the ultra-pointy look whereas others, me included, wanted a flatter edge. My choice was in part dictated by the fact that I was running out of yarn and quickly saw that I needed to make haste and wrap things up. Personally I love running out at the end and using up an entire skein as it gives me a great sense of satisfaction and lets me live out the twisted fantasy that I am one of those thrifty "make do, live simple" kind of people (think Mormon-mom bloggers) rather than the wasteful, gluttonous knitter that I truly know myself to be
Ulmus in STR MW 'Puck's Mischief' & Silkie 'Jade'
Those of you who know my strict personal guidelines regarding mixing lace and variegated yarn are perhaps surprised to see that I have done the lace portion as I did--yes? Well believe me I only did so after great deliberation and trolling of the project gallery into the wee hours of the morning. I noticed that many knitters had in fact used a variegated yarn for the lace pattern and it, in fact, looked quite nice. So I gave it a whirl and am so glad that I did.
Ulmus in STR MW 'Puck's Mischief' & Silkie 'Jade'
At this year's MDS&W I once again saw my pal Juliefrick as was reminded of that morning two years ago when I became crazed for that pattern. This year it seems to be all about stripes: both Dream Stripes and Different Lines (the shawl pattern created by Veera Välimäki to satiate all of you Stripe-Study maniacs) will be accompanying me on my trip tomorrow. See you on the flipside!
Ulmus in STR MW 'Puck's Mischief' & Silkie 'Jade'

Sunday, May 15, 2011

French Press Cowl

French Press Cowl in Madelinetosh "Amber Trinket"
If there is one thing I'm basically always game for, it's a good ol' KAL. To me there is nothing more fun than doing a project at the same time as a bunch of other knitters because you guarantee that you'll have an instant cadre of people who can help you out when you stumble or hesitate. And you're there as well to give advice and cheer your KAL pals along. It's a win-win scenario!
French Press Cowl in Madelinetosh "Amber Trinket"
The Specs
Pattern: French Press Cowl by Larissa Brown
Yarn: Madelinetosh Vintage in "Amber Trinket" for the cowl and "Golden Hickory" for the iCord. Ever the Apple® Addict, I know...
Needles: Size 8
Mods: None at all!
French Press Cowl in Madelinetosh "Amber Trinket"
I just love Larissa's patterns. I used the word 'offbeat' to describe them on Ravelry...and it seems so apt. She is the queen of likable patterns that have just enough of an odd little twist that make them thoroughly hers. This cowl firmly cements my love for her because it is so darn versatile as you can wear it a myriad of ways: over the shoulders, loose around the neck, cinched up with the iCord. You name it!
French Press Cowl in Madelinetosh "Amber Trinket"
This pattern is quite appropriately named, as we have just rediscovered the joys of the French Press coffee maker around these parts. Not quite sure why I ever started using the drip maker--convenience perhaps? In any case, something possessed me to break out my French Press pot a few weeks ago and WOW it's like it's not even the same beverage. Yes it takes longer, but if I don't have time to drink coffee the way is was meant to be consumed, then what's the point?
French Press Cowl in Madelinetosh "Amber Trinket"
I have been busily knitting away on several projects that I need to finish before I leave for France next week. Yes, I'm off for two weeks to supervise a study abroad trip. Yeah.... Ahem. You know the drill: manically finish a few WIPs so I can spend loads and loads of time deliberating about what the perfect travel project might be. Any suggestions?