I've uploaded the hoodie scarf pattern version 1.1. Changes: I added a better photo and clarified the knitting pattern for the first rows of the scarf.

2.5 days until vacation!

I picked up my book of choice for my trip today! We met the couple who wrote this book a few weeks ago and I can't wait to read it. I hardly read books since I am so picky, if I'm not enjoying the book, I start thinking of it as wasted time, or time I could have been knitting. I tend to read travel non-fiction.

This past weekend we had MORE gorgeous weather and sailed out to Blake Island for the night. It was really relaxing, except for when I was at the wheel and Jesper was napping out. Maneuvering the boat in and out of marinas and the locks is always invigorating. A valium could do me the trick. The reward is not hitting anything/one.

We napped, laid on the beach, played Cranium, drank cocktails (with ice!) and cappucinos and walked around the island. I even swam very briefly.

I didn't get much knitting done, but really enjoyed having Amy and Robb as guests for the weekend. We haven't had many guests this year since we do overnight more trips than day sails.

I did get one of Jesper's cotton socks done last week and have the second one going. I also started 2-socks on magic loop and will be sticking it in my bag for the trip.

4 days until vacation!

10 days until vacation!

Last night I made a large purchase online - a new glasstop slide-in oven from Sears. It was super handy to the oven specs in front of me as I was able to measure the kitchen counter depth. Width is standard 30", but depth is slightly variable. I was sold by a rebate for free delivery! I was dreading that extra fee. Next up, new granite countertops and sink!

Knitting: As a diversion from my colorwork socks meant for my vacation knitting, I am making Jesper his cotton socks - super plain st st toe-up. I'm using the Widershins pattern again.

Another finished knit!

Pattern: knits for Barbie doll by Nicky Epstein, cardigan for Ken
Yarn used: Heirloom Argyle sock yarn

Details: Great pattern, a miniature raglan cardigan. This was a bit tedious, but fun for a side project. I was going to do a few more, but this book is going back to the library until I'm inspired to use some scrap yarn again.

Sunny sailing last weekend. Lots of fresh air and knitting was had. We sailed to Port Ludlow.

I started plain socks for Jesper and worked on my colorwork socks. I am working on them a little too much, I need to leave some for the plane-ride!

12 days until vacation!

Pattern: Nancy Bush - Vintage Socks
Yarn used:Lana Grossa Multiringel, color 5050, 80% wool, 20% Polyamid

Details: One skein is enough for 3 socks, I'll be making these again since I have another skein. This yarn is a little rough, but it is regular commercial sock yarn, not anything special like my favorite Socks that Rock yarn.

I finished these quite a while ago, but hadn't finished the toe until last night when I wanted to resque my needles for my next project, a Ken doll cardigan.

I had to buy this bumper sticker today. We saw it on a car this weekend and laughed so hard!

Pattern: Tahki Stacy Charles - Esther Yun-Mancini's Cabled Chunky Turtleneck Vouge Fall/06 Advertising section.
Yarn used: Lion Brand Alpaka, 30% Alpaca, 30% Wool, 40% Acrylic.

Details: The was a quick knit with a totally different yarn than the pattern was designed for. Luckily I made the sleeves a lot longer and the body longer as well, probably by 5 inches. When I put it on, it fits just right, the measurements, seem pretty petite to me.

I just seamed up the sweater from the latest Vouge. I just have the turtleneck to knit now. I might keep it or gift it, we'll see. My other project is the socks picture in my last post, they are slow but fun and look great.

Off topic:
Here is a intersting dialema I have. Last night when I came home from work, an elderly man was pushing a Fred Meyer cart up the street and came to a stop at my condo building and proceeded to carry his groceries to his house and left the cart on the sidewalk. This really annoyed me becasue in the past there have been abandoned carts on our lawn and it devalues the property. I stopped him as he passed by and asked him if he was going to return the cart to Fred Meyer and mentioned that it looked bad to leave it there. He just grunted and walked away shaking his head like I was the crazy one.

Now I understand this guy is probably living on barely any money and of course can't drive, but he apparently feels his left cart is now someone elses problem. So what should I do? Citizens arrest? :( Yeah right! Whine to the property manager? Lame.

Does anyone know of a King County/Eastside service that has a volunteer program that drives people to the grocery store? Maybe a community donation of his own walker cart? Apparently carrying heaving bags is a problem, but walking isn't.

Maybe I'll just call Fred Meyer and tell them to come get their shopping cart.

I've already started preparing for my upcoming trip to Sweden. I've cast-on for my airport/flight knitting project from the new Vouge Knitting. I am using a great yarn I picked up this summer at Churchmouse Yarn & Tea. It's Gems Opal in Neptune and Willow (light blue and green).

Also I've secured a huge perk with my travel agent status. I got both Jesper and I ScanRail passes (like Eurail) for 75% off!! We'll be traveling between cities on the train and were planning on paying local rates, this saves $$! $$ for yarn :)

I got better photos of my scarf hoodie tonight, thanks to Michelle!

As I was going through my felted wool sweater squares, I decided to lay them out and see what I had. I decided that I was not going to felt any more sweaters for this project and that the squares I have will made a nice lap blanket. Now I have them sewed together, what should I do for an edge and backing? It's 36" x 36", perfect for a lap blanket. Any suggestions?

I had a totally relaxing weekend. I made those slippers. They ended up super comfy, although I think pretty industial looking, Jesper says they look like a shoe for a street person. I like them though!

Here's Jesper wearing his handknit sweater on Mt. Baker.

Another pattern written! This unusual accessory has been on my list to design since this photo of Uma Thurman was sent out to the local SNB e-mail list about a year ago. She is wearing a scarf with a hood attached. It almost looks like a vest.

Here is my version with a cable twist so it's not such a boring knit. I started this Wednesday night and just finished it tonight, Friday. I'm thinking this could be the type of accessory work with a jeans jacket, you know how a hood looks cute coming out of a jeans jacket, but a bulky sweater hardly fits in? This is the answer! I don't think I'd wear it as I am in the photo, but I needed to model the hood design. I'll get a photo this week with it in action.

This is knit up with KnitPicks ShineWorsted and I loved the yarn. The stitches turned out very nice looking on size 7 needles and I look forward to knitting with it again. This yarn is perfect for knitters dealing with warmer climates.

This weekend Jesper is leaving me for the mountain. Mt. Baker. He's taking his latest wool sweater and promises to get a photo with it on the glacier. I just got this photo of him last night in it, even though I finished it in April.

I found this link for sewing together felt slippers via this blog and it'll be a good experiment this weekend. I have a huge bag of felted thrift store sweaters that were meant to be made into a blanket, which isn't going to happen. If they're easy - maybe the will be good gifts for co-workers.

The Wee Wonderfuls bear is done!

new free pattern by d-made:


These toe-up baby socks are a perfect gift for any baby. I used Elann.com Baby Alpaca yarn, it feels so soft and luxurious. The striped yarn is Patons Grace - cotton.
This pattern is the first in a series of 3 baby sock pattern. This one designed for Advanced Beginners, the next for Intermediate, and the last, Advanced.
Enjoy!

Link to Pattern

Check out my other free patterns if you haven't already.