Finished Object | Anker’s Sweater by PetiteKnit

January 26, 2023January 9, 2023 bookishluna3 Comments

Hello and welcome to a little post where I share some of the details about my most recently finished knitting project, the Anker’s Sweater (Website|Ravelry)! This project is a top down textured yolk sweater with some raglan increases, the rest of the sweater is stockinette. This particular pattern is made for sizes 3 months to 8 years. So, it works up super quickly! I ended up making the size 9-12 months so it can be used next fall/winter by the baby and their parents. I figured, they would get a ton of stuff for when the baby is very tiny, so having something for down the road would be helpful.

Picture of completed baby sweater on a comforter.

Why This Pattern

Well, I made this project for a few reasons, the first being I made an adult T-shirt version of this sweater in the past so I was very familiar with the construction already. This is for sure a beginner friendly pattern, but already knowing kind of how it was going to work up was for sure a selling point on the pattern. I also had yarn that I could use for the project already in my stash, so I wouldn’t have to wait to receive an order or take a tip to a yarn store. Normally, I would have no qualms about doing either of these, but I found out about the shower about a month before it was set to happen. Time was for sure not on my side to complete this project.

The Yarn

For this project it calls for two strands of fingering held double, which tends to be a DK once combined. Taking that into consideration, I took a peak at my yarn stash, I had a large enough pile of worsted weight yarn and did a swatch. It worked out so I decided to use Encore Worsted Solids & Heathers from Plymouth Yarn. I also liked that it was made of a material that could be washed with a little less care. Always good for baby things. I ended up using a green/blue color called 678 Light Green Forest.

While Knitting

Picture of half finished sweater next to its project bag with a wintery scene fabric on a couch.

This thing worked up so quickly, it was kind of hard to believe. I have never made a baby sweater, so that might be why I thought it was going to take longer. I knew, obviously, that it would work up faster than one of my sweaters, but honestly, it was kind of staggering how fast it went. On the first day I was already 60% though the yoke, the second day I was already entirely through the yoke and halfway through the remaining body. Only two days and I was working on other projects. The arms also only took about a day each, this really is a fast knit, I didn’t even knit the smallest size. The one thing I noticed while working is I did not enjoy working on such small circumference with a thicker yarn. It was more so noticeable the first 10 rows of each sleeve. It felt like there was just too much around my hands, but once length was added it was perfectly fine.

Thoughts Overall

I really think this is a great simple pattern with a little something going on for visual interest. It is a combination of simple stiches, and uses them to make something that looks harder than it is. Obviously, it still takes some work, and those increases can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with them, but a quick tutorial on youtube will fix that quickly. It was also well written pattern, it was all straight forward. Also, I just want to make it clear, I did not make any modifications to this pattern other than working with worsted weight yarn. So, this really shows how much I enjoyed this pattern, I tend to make modifications to wearables these days. I think I would for sure make this pattern again since the process was fun and enjoyable and the outcome was super cute and I cannot wait to gift it.

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52 Weeks of Socks | Series Introduction

January 8, 2023December 31, 2022 bookishluna14 Comments

52 Weeks of Socks book, a stack of 3 yarn balls, a gall jar with pieces of paper in front of a circle pillow leaning against a wall on the floor.

Hello and welcome to a bit of an introduction for a series I am going to be doing over the next year. In 2022 I picked up a knitting booked called 52 Weeks of Socks published by Laine. I flipped through it quite a few times, but never made a pattern out of it. Then a few months ago I watched a video by Eliza Okay where she slowly makes her way though this series. It kind of inspired me to really get into this book and give the patterns a go.

The main reason I was hesitant with working with this book was how I felt I was so inexperienced with the techniques within the book. When I first picked up the book I had never done a toe up sock, I never did cables, I never even looked at a chart before. In addition to all of these, I had never used DPNs in my life. A lot of the patterns, at least the ones I took a look at, needed to use DPNs. Now you can manipulate a pattern to be done on magic loop or 9-inch circulars, but I also had no experience in doing that as well. I honestly felt like I didn’t know enough to do any of the patterns, which made me sad, but I knew that one day I would learn a lot of these things and be able to tackle it.

Now, at the end of 2022 I have done a lot of the things I was hesitant about I have worked on in other projects. Mind you, a lot of the sock patterns had combinations of these new things. I decided the best way to work on these other skills was to learn them mixed in one at a time into things I already “mastered” or at least knew well enough. I did two toe up socks in 2022, I did a shawl covered in cables, I used charts on a few projects and I even used DPNs on a project! Oddly, even though I felt more confident in my abilities and really enjoy making socks, I never really picked up the book again. I think because at that point, it was just a book in on my shelf and I had other sock pattens to make that I also owned. Then I came across Eliza‘s video and subsequent videos working her way though it, I was inspired to take the book out and start working my way though it.

Now, I am not only going to make socks out of this book. I am going to be making a little series out of it to share my initial feelings, how the process went, and my other all thoughts. Now, since the book has so many patterns I needed to figure out how I was going to maneuver working through this challenge/series. There were many way to do this; working through it chronologically, random number generator, or throwing the book like Eliza tried to do in one of her videos. I ended up landing on another option, which you can see in the picture above. I wrote each number on a strip of paper and then place them all in a jar. When I need a new sock pattern, I can just go and pick a number out! Nice and easy, as well as random, which I prefer.

Now, since there are 52 patterns in this book, I don’t really plan on making them all in a year, but over a few years. My goal this year is to make 6 socks out of this book. I figured two months per pair would be manageable, especially since some are more complicated than others. I am hoping to get a mix so I can fly through some and be able to take my time on some more challenging patterns. Either way, no matter how this works out. I am very excited about this new challenge and sharing it with you all.

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My Dream Christmas Sweater

December 23, 2022November 5, 2022 bookishlunaLeave a comment

Hello and welcome to a post where I share my dream Christmas sweater. I know, I know a silly thing to share, but in sharing it I am hoping to one day actually make it. Almost like a declaration of sorts.

You know how people are really into their Christmas sweaters? Some people even through parties revolving around them as well. At least this is the case around me. I know I have even picked up a few here and there just to have somethings to wear to a friends house or a get together, but if I am being honest, I really never loved or really liked a sweater I picked up. I also have never paid full price, I always wait until the holidays are over to pick one up just to have one. In more recent years I have become more selective in what I buy and what I wear and really want to love what I have. I mean, I have started knitting my own sweater and summer shirts this past year and honestly I want to get into sewing them as well. That being said, I think I found my Dream Christmas Sweater and it is called Betty & Judy Lodge Sweater by PoisonGrrls.

Picture of pattern on model and name of pattern and company logo

This sweater has a 1950s/1960s vibe to it, which I love right off the bat, but I really love how simplistic it is. A lot of the holiday sweater I have come across are, in my opinion, too much. I know, I know a lot of people get them because they want an ugly sweater and tinsil, flashing lights and pompoms galore fit that bill. But, I like that this one is pretty as well as feminine, with just a bit of tacky in a sophisticated way. I think the sophisticated feeling of this sweater comes from the retro feel of the over all pattern, but also the shaping that is being used. I still feel that it is fun, and for sure fits the bill of an “ugly” Christmas sweater, but I feel like I could actually swear this to a ton of things throughout the season. It is not overly baggy, but is shaped really nicely. I was so close to making this sweater this year, but the recommended yarn was out of stock in the color and quality I needed. I was bummed, but now I am hoping to have something fun I can make and use next year and many years to come.

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Everything I Made in 2022

December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 bookishlunaLeave a comment

Hello and welcome to a little post where I share all the things I made over the previous year. I am still working on a few projects that I expect to finish so I am going to add them as well. This year was my first full year of knitting and I have to say, I learned a ton of things. I did cables for the first time and learned how to knit myself a sweater. Which has quickly become one of my favorite things to make. Throughout 2022 I managed to complete a total of 21 projects, plus another 2 I am going to be finishing before the end of the year. Anyway, on to the things I made! Oh, before I forget I am just going to add a picture of my favorite project from each month I completed one, otherwise this post will be way to long, I will also include links to all patterns as well if you want to take a closer look.

Stats

Socks: 9 pairs

Sweaters: 6; 2 short sleeve, 4 long sleeve

Cowls/Scarf: 2, maybe 3 depending on how the next few weeks go.

Hats: 2

Shawls: 2

Stuffed Animals: 1

Bags: 1

Projects Completed by Month

January 2022: 2 Projects

Apiarist Cowl by Claire Borchardt

Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague

February 2022: 1 Project

Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes

March 2022: 1 Project

So, this one I don’t have a picture of or a pattern for. I ended up making a pair of socks that was ribbing from top to bottom and gifted them to a friend of mine.

April 2022: 2 Projects

Saraya by Saysha Greene

Bright red shawl with various textures including bobbles, eyelets, and cables.

Ranunculus by Midori Hirose

May 2022: 2 Projects

No pattern vanilla sock made from rainbow yarn!

Pair of socks with no patterning or anything, heel flap and gusset.

Out-Stranding by Christie Archer

July 2022: 4 Projects Completed

Color Palette Socks by Laura Moorats

Anker’s Summer Shirt by PetiteKnit

Tan short sleeve shirt with a textured yoke.

Duotone Cowl by Orange Flower Yarn

Another pair of no pattern vanilla socks, that I made with pink toned yarn.

August 2022: 2 Projects

Georges Top by Johanna Gehrisch

Picnic Blanket Socks by Helen Stewart

Bright colored socks with a textured leg and contrasting heels and toes.

September 2022: 1 Project

Float Tote by Knitty Natty

Crocheted cotton bag with 5 pouches inside.

October 2022: 2 Projects

Alpenglow I by Andrea Mowry

Color work sweater in three different colors. Pattens include zigzags, rectangles, and points

Heel Toe Do Si Do by Crazy Sock Lady Designs

November 2022: 3 Projects

Christopher Bunny by Susan B. Anderson

Sarkle by Kate Davies Designs

Tan long sleeve pattern with a yoke pattern that looks like a giant snowflake and your heads the center

Oslo Hat – Mohair Edition by PetiteKnit

December 2022: 1 Projects, 2 Others that will likely be finished.

Bear Paw Socks by Andrea Mowry

Spinifex Socks by Helen Stewart

After the Storm by The Little Wolf Knits (Not Yet Released)

So there are all the things I made over the entirety of 2022, it is kind of amazing to look back at this list and see all the different things I have made and the new things I have tried. I am really excited to see what kind of projects 2023 brings and what else I am going to challenge myself with and grow my skill with these hobbies.

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My 2023 Make 9!

December 4, 2022November 5, 2022 bookishluna3 Comments

Hello and welcome to a little post where I am going to share the 9 things I plan to make in 2023! If you are not familiar with this, pretty much you just pick 9 things you really want to make in the new year, new years resolutions of sorts. Most people plan to make more overall, but this is to help focus on the projects you are either really excited for or you need to get done in the new year. For me I don’t have any HAVE to makes, but I do have 9 things I really want to create this year.

The Projects

9 by 9 grid showing pictures of all projects and their names.

Kuutar Beret by Sari Nordlund, I was gifted two skeins of yarn this year and I really wanted to find a project I was able to use them both in and I ended up coming across this beautiful hat! I have never made a beret before or even worn one fort hat matter, but I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it! This beret almost looks like there is a flower on top of it, it is a combination of lace work and cables.

Karelia by Midori Hirose, Last year I bought a kit for thing sweater thinking I was going to have time to make it for my holiday sweater, well turns out I did not. I do want to still make it though and my new goal is to have it done in time for Valentines Day. I am thinking this mainly because I bought the kit with the main color being in red and I can’t think of any other holidays that would work for off the top of my head. I also really feel like the flower motif running along the yolk is a bit romantic.

Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter, this is another sweater I bought a kit for. I picked up a kit from the wonderful Voolenvine Yarns. I fell in love with her color scheme she used a while ago. The one day I got a notification in my email that she was making kits and I knew I needed to put in an order. I lucked out and was able to snag a kit, she sells out fast. My goal is to have it done in time for Summer 2023 because of all the fun pattern color work would really be nice and fun!

Velvet Mirror Cowl by Andrea Mowry, I was hoping to make this one done before the weather got to cold, but my goal is to get this one done ASAP so I have something to keep my neck warm when it get super cold out. I also really want to use this project to practice my two handed color work. It is small and I feel like it will give a good deal of practice, without it being too much. The color work is also pretty straight forwards, it is mostly geometrical shapes such as diamonds and chevrons.

Winnow by Olivia Sczepanik, I have a sweater quantity of yarn in my stash and I needed to pin it to a project after I decided to not make something else. I was flicking through one of my issues of Pom Pom and came across this open cardigan sweater. I have never made an open cardigan, but I fell in love with the cables and new this is the project I was going to use the yarn for instantly.

Missoni Accomplished by Espace Tricot, When I was first learning to make sweaters I honestly was HORRIBLE at buying the correct type of yarn. I ended up having so much leftovers from a sweater that I could make a whole other one. Did I mention how bad I was? Anyway, I have enough to make this cute and fun sweater so I am thankful about that. I am really glad that I had enough of both colors because I found out the yarn I have is discontinued and I really want to do the three giant wavy lines across the body.

Woodlark Shawl by Fiber Tales, This project is going to be a huge deal for me. The first being it is the first item I am going to be making and steeking. Steeking is where you knit something in the round with the intention of cutting it after you are done you have a flat piece of knitting. This shawl is knit in the round, at the end you reinforce the section you are going to cut, then hope you did a good enough job and cut all the hard work you have done. It is scary, but I feel like it is something I want to give a go, at least once. It is always fun and sometimes terrifying to try something good, but how else will you learn? I did find a pattern to practice on that is a cup holder so I might knit this first and steek that one, but we shall see what I decided to do later on in the year. I also really love the color work on the shawl. It has a mix of natural themes such as leaves and flowers, but geometrical patterns as well. I also really loved how busy it was, but toned down depending on the colors you choose.

Travel Mode 2.0 by Susanne Sommer, this year I was lucky enough to go to a yarn festival. I decided I was going to pick up yarn from a bunch of different venders to make one project. I felt like this pattern will really show off all the different yarns nicely by having huge color blocks and serve as a really nice and usable memento of the fun I had.

Underwing Mitts by Erica Heusser, This is something that is kind of in the same vein as the velvet mirror cowl. It revolves around a lot of colorwork with some duplicate stitches, but is also a project time I have never made before. Mittens. I am not sure why, but mittens are something that seems to be really difficult, whish is odd because I have made hats, scarfs, sweaters, socks, and a few more things. For some reason this intimidates me. But, I feel like after I concquer two handed color work this will be a lot less intimidating. Baby steps. Also, the really beautiful moth front and center on these mitts was just so beautiful.

Anyway, those are the projects I really want to make in the new year. I know in 2021 I made about 36 projects. In 2022 I have made about 20, maybe a few more. I have not done a full count in a bit, but I feel like I can for sure get these 9 done and then add in some more spontaneous projects as well. As with reading, I am a complete mood knitter.

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Great Last Min. Handmade Gifts

December 3, 2022November 5, 2022 bookishluna4 Comments

With all the gift giving coming up, I thought it might be a good idea to maybe share some of the last min. gifts I have made over the years. Please note, the prices of these patterns are accurate for when it was written and are subject to change.

Free Crochet

Easy Crochet Velvet Twist Headband by Tiffany Brown Ravelry | Website, this was a really fun and easy project. I really loved working with a super-soft yarn and I have actually made it with a wool based yarn as well and loved it just as much. It is nice and simple, but has just enough interest with the twist.

Crochet Velvet Infinity Scarf by Daisy Farm Crafts Website, I ended up finding this pattern to make with the headband above. The simple, but very affective stitch pattern was great. It went fast, but also kept my interest throughout.

4 Fun Stitches for Chunky Crochet Cowls by Daisy Farm Crafts Website, this is actually a four in one pattern and I made every single one. They are all great ways to try new stiches and also get something gift worthy at the same time.

Paid Crochet

Merci Cloth by TL Yarn Crafts Ravelry | Website, Sadly, I was so excited about gifting these I forgot to take a picture of them. I ended up really loving these and so did the people I gifted them to. I have even made a few replacements as well.

Jessie Stash Basket by Toni Lipsey/TL Yarn Crafts Ravelry | Website, this is a great present that is quick and easy to make. Not only that, it is great to load up with someone’s favorite snacks and treats. After that it is great to hold different things as well. I made one for myself and gifted another and I used mine to hold my TBR.

Free Knitting

Apiarist Cowl by Claire Borchardt Ravelry | Website, this was the first time I made cables and it has such great and clear instructions. It is fun and engaging and looks a lot more complicated than you would think at first glance. While it has a lot of patterning, it being a cowl is perfect for a quick gift.

Steek This Coffee Cozy by Rachel Molenaar Ravelry, this is great for two reasons. You get to practice steeking if it is something you have never done before and a person you love gets a really nice cozy for their mug. This was a hit when paired with the persons favorite tea/coffee.

Paid Knitting

Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague Ravelry | Website, this is one pattern I feel like a lot of people have made. I have made multiple of these hats and they take me between a week and a week and a half. They are really great because they are double thick and you can use whatever weight you have on hand. In my case I have always used fingering weight and it was a great wayu to use that special skein of yarn I didn’t know what to do with, but I loved.

Christopher Bunny by Susan B. Anderson Ravelry | Website, this is a really cute pattern to make for a little one or just someone who really loves animals. The pattern is so detailed and has pictures throughout to guide you. I really loved this personally because I never knit a stuffed animal before this and I was not overwhelmed in the slightest. There are also video tutorials that go along with it.

I hope some of these are able to help you out with some last min, gift crocheting or knitting! I know I had a ton of fun when I made each of these. Sadly, a lot of these I made before I was keeping track of my creations by taking pictures so I don’t have pictures of share of each object. I also sometimes get so excited about gifting them I wrap them up before snapping a picture as well. OOPS!

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Knitting, Crochet, Crafting, Art & More · Wrap Up

Sock Week 2022 Journal

July 20, 2022 bookishluna1 Comment

Hello and welcome! Glad to see you here on my little part of the internet. Today I wrote up my experience for my first sock week! Sock week is an 8 day knitting challenge to crochet or knit an adult sock using fingering weight yarn. I have decided to knit a sock, but I plan on trying to finish the entire pair instead of just one.

My Supplies and Prep

I am using a sock set from Zeezee Textiles in the weight fingering / sock called Patina where the main color is a mixture of pastel colors and the mini is a beautiful rust color. I am also working out of my summer sock camp project bag that is covered in s’mores, hot cocoa, and camp fires. I make my socks on 9 inch circulars so I made sure to place them as well as all my stitch markers, darning needles and snips in the bag as well. Prior to the start I wanted everything wound and ready to go so I could enjoy the midnight cast on party without needing to run around and get any supplies.

Day 1: July 10th, 2022

I stayed up super late so I could cast on as soon as the clock struck midnight. It was a ton of fun casting on so late and working on the ribbing, my least favorite part. I did end up going to bed and waking up and completing the twisted ribbing on two socks and the entire leg section on one of the socks. I did 15 rows of ribbing and 50 rows for the leg. I was very happy to be able to place on my sock week stitch markers on my socks so I can track my progress tomorrow. The one is the sock week logo and the other is a cute shark. I am thrilled with my first days progress and I hope to keep up the momentum!

Day 2: July 11th, 2022

This day I got a lot done! I ended up completing both of the legs for both sock one and two. I even tried to start the heel, but I messed up and ended up having to unravel it and I plan on starting it again tomorrow when my brain is a bit more fresh.

Day 3: July 12th, 2022

On this day, I ended up fixing my heel and ended up doing the heel turn and gusset decrease for one sock. The second sock I ended up doing the heel. I will say the gusset decreases is my least favorite part of making socks, mainly because it is the section of the sock with so many stiches on the needles. It also isn’t as mindless, since you need to keep track of decreases. Anyway, I am pretty much at the halfway point for my pair and I am thrilled!

Day 4: July 13th, 2022

My least favorite part of the socks is officially done! I finished the gusset decreases for the second sock and ended up moving onto the foot! At this point I feel like the rest of the socks are going to fly since it is mostly going to be mindless knitting and the toe.

Day 5: July 14th, 2022

I blew myself away today with my progress. I was thinking maybe I would finish the foot of one sock and that was about it. I surprised myself and ended up finishing a sock already! Technically I met the goal of sock week today due to this. Now, I knit my socks in tandem, always have, to keep away the idea of never finishing the second sock. Due to this I was already done with my second sock so I am confident I will be able to finish the pair before sock week is completed.

Day 6: July 15th, 2022

I did it! I completed both of my socks within sock week! I really wasn’t sure how this was going to play out at the start of the week, but this was truly the best case scenario. I now have a wonderful new pair of socks, even with the ends all woven in, ready to wear. While there is another 2 days of sock week, I am going to end the challenge here. I am not going to be dedicating my time to completing another WIP I have left lingering.

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What’s In My Project Bag, Vacation Edition

July 11, 2022July 4, 2022 bookishlunaLeave a comment

Hello all! I am writing this quick little post to share what I am packing in my project bag while I am off on vacation visiting my family. I don’t plan a doing a ton of things while on vacation other than hanging out so I feel like that will leave a ton of time for me hopefully work on my projects.

Sock Week 2022

It just so happens that Sock Week, hosted by Knitty Natty is taking place while I will be on vacation so of course I am bringing along a sock project. I am using a mini skein set by Zeezee Textiles, the main skein is a gray toned rainbow and the mini is a rusted red color. I can’t wait to use it! I tend to knit my socks at the same time, I’ll knit both cuff before moving onto the next section as an example. Due to this I am taking 2 Chiaogoo 9-inch circulars in the size US2 to work on. I have my start of round parkers and lightbulb safety pins to help keep track of my rows so I don’t need to recount constantly, I just put a clip every 20 or 10 rows depending on the type of sock I am making. O am also bringing a darning needle to weave in my ends and a pair of scissors. Lastly, my project bad is a Summer Sock Camp bag that is by the lovely MntStateStitches. Summer Sock Camp is hosted by
Crazy Sock Lady.

My Larger Project

While I plan on working on a pair of socks, I feel like I am mainy going to be working on those during th traveling parts of this trip. I also want to give my handsw a bit of a break from working with such a small size needle so I am also going to be bringing my Miss May SHAWL MKAL hosted by Helen Stewart. I am only about half way into clue 1 so I am very much behind, but I had a few other projects that took precedence. So I am packing up my yarn.

I am using a skein of Madelinetosh Euro Sock in Urbane Gray and three skeins of Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in one of a kind colors that are a blue with brown speckles, a pink color, and a white with brown/orange speckles. I am knitting these on a 40 inch Knitting needles in the size US 6, specifically Knitter’s Pride Karbonz. This is my first time working this this brand of needles and so far I am amazed at how light they are, but I have not really worked enough to write a review of them. Since I am taking a ton of notions such as scissors and a darning needle with my socks I am not really bringing much else. I may bring some spare yarn to add in a life line here and there though since I think some lace is going to be coming my way.

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My First Time Properly Blocking

February 20, 2022February 19, 2022 bookishluna3 Comments

So, if you have been following me for any length in time you know my first love is reading and my second love is crochet and knitting. Well, I have a confession to make. I have never actually blocked anything…ever. The reason being I never thought there was a need for it with what I was making. That was until I made the Kari Shawl by Sari Nordlund. This pattern has a lot of simple details around the edges of the shawl, but I went to wear it and none of it was really visible so I made the decision to try and finally block something. If you want to read up on what blocking is etc. you can read a really great article by CocoKnits here: How to Block Your Knitting. I will say, I did not follow their tutorial, but they do a great job explaining the why. I did follow a tutorial though, I followed TL Yarn Crafts video.

Items Used

Dollar store basin
Soak in the scent Yuzu
T-pins
Blocking squares

How it Went

The first step was actually soaking the shawl in a basin with some water (not hot) with some of the soap. This was the nice and easy part, all I had to do was put it in and make sure it was fully under water and then walk away for 20 min. In Toni‘s video she was very adamant about not ringing out the material when taking it out of the water. She directs her viewers to gently squeeze the water out and then roll the piece in a towel and then squeeze it that way as well. This process was more involved, but still nothing over the top. At this point I was feeling very confident.

Then came the pinning of the shawl. This was where I started to get aggregated. The reason I got aggravated is trying to make this shawl lay flat symmetrically because I have heard if it dries in the way it will look that way. So, I felt the pressure and I was going through this entire process so I wanted to make sure it was actually worth it. I feel like I did alright with this, but looking at this picture I can see I could have done better. I realized it is a lot harder to gauge when you are up close and doing it, it is kind of hard to see. Especially the down curves of the shawl since they are angled and my blocks don’t have lines in that manner. Now, the hardest part is waiting.

Shawl on hanger — Blocked gray cotton shawl

At the end of the process I have to say, I should really block things more often. It really helped the eyelet details open up as well as help even out all the stiches throughout. Since I am still pretty new to knitting, I still need to work on consistent tension, but wow, this really ended up helping! I know I am going to continue to do this process even though it sometimes takes a day or two for the item to completely dry because the end result is just wonderful!

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Hauls & Unboxings · Knitting, Crochet, Crafting, Art & More

La Mercerie Knitting Haul

February 13, 2022January 31, 2022 bookishlunaLeave a comment

Hello and welcome to a little haul from an online shop called La Mercerie. This is the second time I have purchased from them and both times I have been thrilled with the quality of the products and the quick shipping. So, I wanted to take a moment and share what I picked up this time around because I am so thrilled and I would not have been able to get these items in my local store.

Worsted – A Knitwear Collection Curated by Aimée Gille of La Bien Aimée

I have been eyeing this book since I have heard about it. I have really been wanting to move away from making bags and winter accessories for the most part, I still want to be warm this year, but I wanted to make more wearable pieces and work with worsted weight yarn. As of late I have worked with a lot of fingering, which I love don’t get me wrong, but I want to explore more types of yarns. The curator of this book is an owner of a well known brand and I have seen a few people already starting to make projects from these pages and have heard great things. As a newer knitter, this is a must, I am still learning to read patterns in regards to knitting, crochet I am a pro at this point, so I need something that is clear, but challenging and this seems to be just the thing.

January – Sock Sets – 2022 Year of Socks

So, I ended up getting their January sock set for their year of socks. I missed out on their buy the entire year upfront and subscription options, but I really wanted to get my hands on this beautiful sock set called Snowdrift by Grenouille Co.. I really loved the deep winter feel of both the main color and mini. I can’t wait to make these into a cozy pair of socks!

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