Gosh, it has been a while since I last updated; end of February to be exact. Obviously I never completed my new year’s resolution or you would have definitely heard about it! To be honest 2010 projects are not necessarily on my immediate to-do list anymore- I am allowing myself to squeak in a 2010 project here and there. Today, however, I did some spring cleaning and re organized my entire yarn wall, my yarn trunk, and my yarn projects. I put all my “2010” projects in one small bag to be completed sooner-than-later (I’ll feel better once they are done), I put my “for sure 2011” projects in single bags. And I put my “already started 2011 projects in more bags…there are only one or two- seriously. This year I have actually been really good in finishing 2011 projects right away!
This year I purchased a book called Knit Your Own Dog: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 25 Pedigree Pooches by Sally Muir & Joanne Osborn which I think is absolutely hilarious and surprisingly accurate in doggy details! So my first dog was a blue pug. He is knit with Blue Sky Alpaca Mélange and Sport Weight. I used 2.5mm needles even though the book recommends 3mm. I prefer a tighter knit softie.
I was feeling inventive in April and designed a magazine holder for a friend of mine. I saw one in this nice rounded shape made of wood and thought a knit/felted one would be a good idea. I basically knit a large square with super bulky Cascade Magnum yarn, held 2 strands together and used 15mm needles. I then felted it as tight as I could and then to give it support I bought a sheet of tin and my husband drilled holes around the entire piece and I sewed it into place. I then placed a button on top purely for decoration. I have to say it turned out just how I imagined and I think would make any room a bit more clutter free while looking stylish!
OK, so we have all been following Kate and Williams Royal wedding and a few weeks before Urban Yarns got their paws on the book Knit your Own Royal Wedding by Fiona Goble . This has got to be the most entertaining book ever and I have to say the detail is phenomenal. It took 5 gals, one week and a few all nighters to complete the wedding party! I knit the Queen (of course) , Camilla and added/embroidered the details to most of the party. And, to top it off Urban Yarns is hosting a contest “Knit or Crochet Kate’s Wedding Dress.” The best designer walks away with a $50.00 gift certificate, High Tea for 2 at the Tea Room and the Knit your Own Royal Wedding book! Submission deadline is May 16th 2011.
If knitting the Royal wedding wasn’t enough I just had to knit the infamous engagement ring. I used Eskimo in white for the diamonds and grey for the white gold and accents. I used Malabrigo Worsted Weight double stranded for the Sapphire and 6mm needles. This was a fun knit! And it is 9″ x 8″ x 10″ it’s big….
Last month I designed a bag for one of my star students! She had some super bulky 6 strand wool to use up so I thought a bag might be a good idea. I designed the Canadian Tote which was inspired by the popular Cowichan sweaters we all love. It is knit with 8mm needles and Blue Sky Alpaca Bulky yarn. My student is 8 and she is totally knitting this. WOW!
You’re Back! Love all your new knitting projects!. The Canadian Tote is a real winner! *****
Wonderful stuff!