One Measly Sock

I haven't posted in a while, but alas, have not much to show. I started a pair of socks for 6-year old Emerson a while back. I had grand plans to do an intarsia skull and crossbones in each cuff. I finished one, but thought it looked pretty wonky. Ok, next idea- just do the sock plain and then duplicate stitch the design on later. Um, no. Apparently I don't "get" duplicate stitch because it did not come out at all. Ok, next plan, just a plain old pair of socks. I'm sure he'll wish they had some cool design, but to be honest, I doubt he even remembers I'm making these anymore.

I have done more of my TKGA swatches, so that is some progress- I believe I've done 7 out of the 15 required for Level 1. I've also made some teeny progress on the Tangled Yoke Cardigan (photo tomorrow). I'm enjoying working on it, but have kept it at work for my lunch hour project, so haven't spent much time, mostly just a row here, a row there.

Another Swatch and Another New Project

I've finished my 3rd swatch for the Knitting Guild Master Knitter Program-voila, see it blocking.

Now that I've finished my EZ Baby Sweater (and although I still have a few other things on the needles) I have cast on for the Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang. This is a fairly intimidating project- a complicated horizontal cable across the yoke, along with lots of stockinette done on fairly small needles. However, I do adore cardigans and I've seen lots of beautiful versions of this sweater on the web (like this one from Stash, Knit, Repeat). I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Although the pattern calls for Rowan Felted Tweed, lots of people have also used Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool and found it knits up to the same gauge. My local yarn store (at least the one by my work that I frequent over the lunch hour) doesn't carry Rowan, but they did have the silky wool. I picked up skeins of a beautiful dark blue-green...and away we go!

My First EZ Knit

I have been really intrigued by Elizabeth Zimmermann and have looked at lots of her books and patterns, and projects people have made from her work, but haven't yet had the chance to make something. I just finished my first "EZ" project, the February Baby Sweater on Two Needles. This was a really fun pattern and I love the finished project. Like so many of her patterns, it's knit from the top down with no seaming. This one is a yoked cardigan with a lovely "gull" lace pattern. The lace pattern is super easy to memorize and goes along quite quickly.

I did find her instructions for the sleeves a bit confusing, but using Ravelry (wonderful Ravelry!) I came across Lilomy's revised sleeve instructions (much clearer and easier). For this project I used yarn in my stash (yea!) as well as buttons I had (another yea!). The pattern is a bit of a challenge, sizing-wise, as there are no specific sizes given. I just used the yarn I had and sort of guessed on needle size. This is a gift for my niece's 1st birthday. Hope it fits!

The Nitty Gritty Details
Pattern: February Baby Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Yarn: Rowan Cashcotton DK in Colorway Cashew (619)
Needles: US 6
Started: July 7, 2008
Finished: August 3, 2008