aestlight

I've played with making lace before, but always on thick wool (like this scarf) so I feel like aestlight is my first real lace shawl. Made with fingering weight alpaca on size six needles it feels delicate, pretty, cozy and squishy all at the same time. Another really lovely thing about knitting lace shawls is that gauge (and therefore swatching) is not really important, so you can just dive in and start.

Gudrun Johnston designs some wonderful patterns, and aestlight is no exception. It was really logical and easy to follow. Did you see her new book of designs?

So now I love knitting shawls, I've rediscovered sock knitting, I'm on a hat kick and obsessively swatching for my next sweater design. Its love.

+The shirt in the photos is one I drafted and sewed last summer.
+I love this sweater by Gudrun Johnston too.
+This photo.

wiksten pocket tank #2

Dreaming in January of a summer uniform: Wiksten pocket tank, cotton/linen drawstring shorts, simple leather sandals.

Until summer then, I'll just have to keep sewing. I loved working with this fabric, its a Japanese floral cotton I picked up at Bolt a long while back. It was dreamy to sew with.

the essentials

Hats are nice to make. They are small things to keep busy during small moments, when my mind is not fresh enough to tackle designing. Plus they are essential to wear. It feels good to make things that are essential.

Top one is for me, this pattern, this nice yarn. Still not sure if I should add a pompom?

Bottom one is for my dear friend Charlotte. This pattern, and some gorgeous wool she picked up years ago in new mexico. I can't wait to see her soon and meet her newborn, Waylan! I made him this a few months ago, and now it is his fave sweater.

double nice

Do you know why I love the invisible cast on? It allows you to knit a nice striped hat in warm alpaca, then pick up the cast on stitches and knit another hat, plain this time, in the other direction. You'll end up with a funny knit egg, with no trace of beginnings or ends. Push the plain side up into the striped side, and voila, a nice striped hat, double soft, double warm, and willing to be flipped outside in, should the wearer be feeling a plain hat would be better that day.

The wearer in this case, is my big brother. He asked for a hat to keep his ears warm* and despite the sort of squat, flared shape in these photos, the hat is actually quite form fitting, just long enough to cover the ears, and really flattering on everyone who tried it on. I'll definitely make it again, its a really good hat for men!

I used this yarn and its wonderful, with really generous yardage. I could have knit the whole thing with one skein of green, but we wanted one side to be striped. I used this lovely pattern for decreases and striping pattern, but changed the way I made it, using the invisible cast on instead. I especially love how finished and smooth the hem is.

*Oh who are we kidding, you know I'm going to knit him an ear flap hat too.

wiksten tank pattern

How I love the tank top pattern by Jenny Gordy of Wiksten. Its perfectly drafted, simple to sew, pretty inside and out, easy to wear. She mailed it off in a beautiful package and the instructions are super clear with helpful photos. So happy to start the new year with nice sewing. Thank you, Jenny!

I'm already working my third (!) Wiksten tank, and a Tova top too. Love.

a fresh start

Cozy socks for B. Maybe 2011 is the year I finally get into sock knitting? I'd forgotten how insanely squishy and delicious hand knitted socks feel on your feet. Sock yarn is so pretty and colorful. I tried doing these toe-up, and LOVED knitting socks from the toe-up. There are so many great sock patterns, perfect for trying a bit of lace or fair isle. So what's my problem? I just never liked finishing a sock and then having to do the same thing all over again.

It's very clear I need to buy this.

Happy new year! x.