Clover Shawl

It's not often that a knitter receives hand knit gifts herself.  I guess people assume, well, she can make it herself!  Although I do make myself plenty of beautiful knits, it still tickles me to receive a gorgeous item that I didn't have to make.  It's sort of like cooking.  Sure, you may love it, and you may enjoy knowing exactly what you're eating, and you may take pleasure in serving yourself and your loved ones.  But isn't it delightful to sit down and indulge in a meal that someone else lovingly prepared just for you?



J, E, Jacqui in Clover Shawl, AM, and AC at a friend's wedding



In the above picture, I'm wearing the The Clovers, a shawl knit for me by Tricia, sfcorgi on ravelry.  I suppose this shawl was more of a prize than a gift.  I won it in Tricia's auction to raise money for the susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for breast cancer that she did this fall.  I am so happy that I was able to contribute to this cause.  Hopefully someday there will be a cure for this disease that touches so many of us, but until then early detection is our best defense.  In fact, that is the key that saved two of my online knitting buddies, Katie and Stephanie.  This past year the two of them, both in their late 20s and early 30s (the same ages as the women pictured above), beat breast cancer that they discovered early on by doing self exams.  Tricia's Susan G. Komen 3 Day fundraising page is here.  If you would like to contribute, donations can be made until November 1.



Six weeks ago I promised myself that I would blog at least twice a week and post every FO of 2009 on my blog. I've almost made good on that first resolution. Well, not really. But here's to trying! In an attempt to not completely trash my second resolution, I present to you a parade of FOs!

First I'm actually going to show off something from last year, but it goes hand in hand with a 2009 FO.

His:


Ravelry link: For His Pleasure
Pattern: Morningside Neckwarmer by Brooklyn Tweed
Yarn: Dream in Color Classy in Cocoa Kiss
Needles: US 8
Notes: Once I taught myself brioche and frogged this sucker about 7 times (no joke) it was easy and quick. The plus side to my frustration and slow start: I learned that DiC Classy frogs really well.

Hers:


Ravelry link: For Her Pleasure
Pattern: Morningside Neckwarmer by Brooklyn Tweed
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes in Light Blue
Needles: US 11
Notes: Even though I used twice as much yarn, this one went by so much more quickly than the first. What they say is true: the brioche stitch is addicting. May I also share my surprise and pleasure with these sexy photos? I took them late one night before bed sans all makeup and with slightly dirty hair. Am I cute or what?
Ok, so the picture is slightly scary, but I'm impressed by how even my skin tone is when it's naked.

Up next is a gift for my youngest brother's birthday:



Ravelry link: Too cool for handknit mitts mitts
Pattern: Made up from a bunch of different "parts" in the book Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski This was a great reference, and I'm going to have a hard time giving it back to the library!
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted
Needles: US 6
Notes: KP Swish Worsted has surprisingly become one of my favorite yarns. I made socks for my whole family out of it for Christmas, and they've held up well (albeit look a little worn) to many wearings and washings. It is super soft to work with and wear. One of my brothers even asked for a hoodie made out of it. This is the second or third time he's asked me to make him a sweater. All previous requests have been for cashmere, so this should reflect well upon goood old Swish.

Next, a FO from a 2008 UFO



Ravelry Link: Melting Snowballs
Pattern: Popsicle by Nicole Hindes
Yarn: Hip Knits Cashmere Sock Yarn (I couldn't find a link to this one--it may be discontinued)
Needles: US 2
Notes: This fun pattern "melts" off the side of your foot, so each sock is different. This was the first time I used Cat Bordhi's riverbed architecture. It was interesteing to knit the gusset in a different way, but I say "meh, who cares?" It does make the side of the instep a little prettier and smoother, I guess.

Next, more cashmere:



Ravelry link: Pure Scrunchability
Pattern: Scrunchable Scarf by Susan McConne
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Pure Cashmere (discontinued)
Needles: US 9
Notes: This scarf is suuuuper warm and light. However, I had barely enough yarn, so I did felted joins as to not waste any scraps. I would have like to have another skein or two to make this a little longer, but it's still great as is. This picture shows how short it really is with the scarf wrapped around my face but under my hair once:



More socks:





Ravelry link: Azalea Orchid Loops
Pattern: Froot Loops by Kristi Geraci
Yarn: Three Irish Girls Kells Sport Merino in Azalea Orchid
Needles: US 1.5
Notes: This was the first club shipment for the Three Irish Girls Sock Yarnista club. I love it, and I call it my birthday yarn because it arrived the day after my birthday!

Finally:



Ravelry link: Another Alpaca Cowl
Pattern: co 60 and knit in the round until you run out of yarn. Thanks, Justine!
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri
Needles: US 13
Notes: Simple and satisfying.

There! Now we're all up to date.