Three Weeks Late

Just realized that I have yet to post anything in the New Year. You could call it lazy, lack of effort or forgetfulness...more like a combination of all three. Still knitting although nothing much to show for it. I finished up another "Capitals" hat for my nephew, K. Report from the teenager was something along the likes of "thanks, I like them." Man of few words. Of course his mom said the most fav response amongst the kid set, "oh good they'll keep him warm." I'm sure he may NEVER wear them when the weather is actually cold...most teens seem to wear their beanies when it's 90 degrees or better. Why is that?

As for the details:
Pattern: Used a hat calculator from earthguild. It a nifty way of knitting up a simple hat.

Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids (100% acrylic, worsted weight), 277 yds/4.5 oz, in the colors navy, claret & white. I still have way more yarn left over than I care to have after knitting 3 hats...

Needles: Knit Picks Options, US 6 & 8, 24" circular, US 8 DPN.

Gauge: 4.5 sts/inch

Size: 20" head circumference



The best part was the addition of a couple of pins from the teen's favorite hockey team...the Washington Capitals. As for the rest of my knitting...not much to say. I'm still plugging away on a couple of things I started way back in November. The Lacy Baktus scarf and the Beaumont tam seem to never progress...could be the lack of serious knitting on either. I also started knitting these bitty socks for a sock blocker key chain. I did a few of these back for Christmas presents to be used as ornaments. Now I think I need one for every pair of socks so I'm 'coordinated'...weird, but true.

I did finish a birthday present that I can now post about since the gift has been received. My friend C, mentioned a pair of mittens she picked up at a Church Bazaar & asked if the cuffs could be lengthened. I figured I could do that, but rather than pull those apart I'd cast on a new set in something warmer & softer. These were wonderfully simple & quick to knit in just a couple of days. She liked the softness & the cuffs were plenty long enough. My only fear is the dreaded pilling which may occur...or not. I have used the yarn for scarves, sweaters, etc. and have yet to see any problems with anything. Others have not been so lucky so we'll see how these wear overtime.

As for the details:
Pattern: Very Cabley Mittens by Kelly Porpiglia. To date there have been done on Ravelry.

Yarn: Malabrigo (kettle dyed pure merino wool, worsted), 216 yards/3.5 oz. I used about 1 skein to complete these mittens.

Needles: Knit Picks DPN Harmony's, US 5 & US 8.

Gauge: 20 sts/29 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Size: woman's small

Modifications: I used US 5's for the cuff so that I could be sure that it was a snug fit. I also lengthened the cuff by adding an extra pattern repeat. The only other change was to shorten these up a bit to fit smaller hands...ended up needing to stop after 5 full pattern repeats.

The simple cable pattern really makes these a bit more special than stockinette all the way. I should cast on a pair for myself...not that I wear mittens, but I could. I have some of the Malabrigo Twist leftover from a cap that's dying to be knit into something worn next to the skin.