I give you... Gretel.
Here are the details: Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran all but 10 feet of 2 balls. #5 and #7 needles, started with 16" circulars, then switched to 24" and then, finally, to double circular for the decreases.
I'm so-so about this one. I finished it just in time for the tail end of our cold weather, so I did get some wear. And it is cute. I'm just not sure that it was worth the pain. Nearly 200 aran weight stitches on a 16" circular is painful! If I was smart, I would have switched to the 24" a lot sooner. I made the slouchiest version and I am well satisfied with the shape and size. I used the stockinette tubular cast on... what fun!!! I spent a lot of time admiring the beauty of the cast on edge. Ysolda thinks this cast on is not stretchy enough, but I like the firmness of the edge. It helps to keep a slouchy beret in place

Oblique is swimming along. It is hard to think that a post about paint drying is even remotely interesting, but here we are.

This is just about the must fun I've had since Ene's Scarf. I must be a lace knitter. I am totally taken with the stitch pattern and the challenge of keeping the shaping and the stitch pattern together.

This about 1/4 of the back. I've already completed the sleeves, so I guess we are getting close to half done. Cascade 220 Superwash is the easiest yarn I've worked with. Love it, no wonder it is a staple in everyone's stash.


Finally, the Beautiful Baby Surprise is coming out just as imagined. I am completely mesmerized by the color shifts. I am hoping that there is enough for a pair of Saartje's Booties to match. Won't that be precious?

The Yarn (Image Heavy)

Last week I joined a hoard of knitters for the Super Bowl Unwind Sale. I was there for just one thing - lovely hand painted yarn for a BSJ for a friend. You know, of course, that isn't practical. Kendyl, at a sale, is the very definition of buy buy buy!

First up, some lovely chunky yarn, Gedifra Scarlet. This is my first Christmas project, for an as yet undetermined recipient!

I think I will make this:The White Night Scarf

Next up is some seriously lovely Shibu from Ella Rae. Almost all silk with just a tiny thread of viscose to lend a little shimmer. I can't stop touching this stuff.

Ever since I saw this post in Eunny's old blog, I've wanted to knit this top. Do you remember it?
Sheer brilliance. Her top was knit with Hempathy and I even have some in my stash, just waiting for me to sum up my "designing" courage. Designing as in, copy a masterwork. Here's a link to her posts.

Ok, this yarn is begging to turn into this top! I've started swatching cable patterns and texture stitches for the background. Stay tuned, for this is my version of knitting fearlessly!

Finally, this is the yarn I come for! OMG this is the loveliest yarn I think I've ever seen! Completely extravagant for a baby sweater, even on sale... but really. I would totally spend this much on some store bought goods. And I get the enjoyment of working with this nothing less than magical yarn! Scheafer Yarn Heather, Merino, Silk and Cashmere. OMG - again.

I am making Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket and I intend to knit the button bands and hem in this royal purple. OUTSTANDING! Even if the mother hates it, (which I doubt) I will have so much fun seeing this project come to life. I can't wait.

Rhoda, You Made My Day!!

I'm so excited! My very first blog award! Thank you Rhoda!

The "Make My Day" award has been bouncing around a lot lately, but I never thought I would get one. Here's the deal - nominate 10 blogs that really make your day. Let each person you nominate know that you have done so and they, in turn, nominate their Top 10. In this way we all get to know a few more interesting bloggers.

Here is my list:

Make My Day Blog

brooklyntweed - If there is a knitting muse, Jared is it. I am incredibly inspired by his photography, his choice of projects, his yarn and, lately, his hand spun. His blog encourages me to further my craft and for this, I am blessed!
harlot - Stephanie was my first exposure to the knit blog world. I'm lucky, huh? She is so funny and engaging. Although there is no doubt that she is an expert knitter, she makes everything seem so doable and reasonable. I heart the Harlot.
sknitty Wow. Jillian is an amazing blogger. I love her taste in projects and yarn. She never fails to enlighten me as to what is out there on the wide, wide net and I have learned much because of her.
tentenknits This is new blog, for me. I am inspired by her photography and her attitude toward knitting. I am inspired to consider the Venezia sweater because of her.
the rainey sisters These gals are true "experts" I am in awe of most everything they knit.
superstarra Christie has impeccable taste and a wonderful chatty style. Reading her blog is like sharing coffee with a good friend.
knitaly Great pictures, some excellent how to's and an occasional internet gem (check out this post)
Half Asses Knit Blog Cyn is just real good time. She is one crazy-ass knitter and designer. She has an odd habit of believing that inanimate objects are out to get her... but, that's just part of the crazy.