Red is certainly the color for February, but all of these things were finished in January (yeah, I know, fast knitter with too much time on her hands.)
So many shades, from true red to hot pink to maroon. Exciting! They are:
This was a fun knit, and I wore it almost immediately. I've been on a cowl kick lately, and although this says it's a scarf, it's really a long loop. Wrapped twice around the neck, it makes a cozy cowl. And hey, it's a free pattern!
This is another pattern I love. I made it in blue a few years ago, but for some reason used a needle two sizes smaller than called for. This time, I used the correct size and got the big wrap I was looking for. It's a great design that can be worn like a shawl, but can also be worn on the head like a kerchief, with the long ends wrapped around (my preferred method.) Doing that allows it to be pulled off the head and onto the shoulders when the weather warms or you enter the METRO. My only disappointment is the color. I wanted a strong, true red, but this "red" is really much closer to hot pink.
This awesome cowl was designed by my friend, Nell. I wish I'd gotten a better photo of it, but it's a design that is deep enough to fold flat under your coat, or if you are skinny (unlike me) you can drap it over your shoulders. It's interesting to knit and wear.
Here's my true red! I love this pattern, which is just a small shawlette that lays nicely across the shoulders. The yarn is numma numm doppio in, what else, "red." Another friend, Allen dyes the most fabulous yarn, but really this is the best of the bunch so far. So soft! And look at how it highlights the stitch pattern. Big win!!
Another freebie, this is the second time I've knit this, as well. Very simple but effective. The first time, I used a smaller needle, which gave a finished shawl with a much different look. I liked it, and gave it to my aunt, who was sitting next to me when I cast off, because she admired it so much. This more open look is lovely, too, and can be worn several ways, just like the last one.
This is the fourth time I've knit this project, and I love it every time. Easy to knit, but still interesting, it's a long loopy cowl that when wrapped just covers you in warmth. This time, I did more repeats and made it a bit wider, hoping it would be able to be pulled over my head. The verdict - almost. I would need a bit more yarn than was in this skein to get it wide enough, so I'll keep working on that. This is another free pattern on Ravelry.
I now have two February projects on the needles and guess what? Yup, both red. I know I said I was going to do only one color a month, but I changed the rules. The rules are, one color per month, except if I want to keep going. LOL! I just finished the first one today, so I'll post a photo of that later. The other is still on the needles.
But Jim also asked me for some knits. He wanted two more of the little watch cap I knit him and a black scarf. Okey dokey.
Single layer version of EZ's Very Warm Hat
I love this pattern, and have made two of the double layer version for myself. But when I did one for Jim, he pronounced it "too hot!" So the single layer was the answer. Fast, easy, and absolutely Jim's favorite hat. But after he felted the first one by throwing it in the washing machine, it's Cascade 220 SUPERWASH for him from now on!
The Dudester Scarf - reversible!!
Oh, this is a really nice pattern. Completely reversible, and I love how flat it is. I used black Plymouth Baby Alpaca DK and it is the perfect weight and warmth for Jim. Of course, he's under orders to go nowhere near a washing maching with this!
Not much going on outside of all this knitting except for the same old, same old. Still riding every morning except Sunday (my sleep-in day,) and dealing with the ongoing panic around the Conservancy preparing to take over management of the Farm. It all keeps me busy, which is a very good thing, given all the rainy days we've had lately. I'm going on a short trip to Phoenix at the end of the month, and am already planning what projects to take. Looks like it will be two cowls - and neither of them will be red (I think.) Can't wait to see my aunt and cousins, and meet the two babies born since the last time I was there!
Nice reds! I was looking at my Ravelry page and it's turning blue.
Posted by: Lifesastitch | April 13, 2013 at 10:36 PM
Great projects!!! Especially love the cowl.
Posted by: Robin | March 02, 2013 at 12:15 AM
Holy moly --- that is A LOT of knitting. I love the Dudester scarf. Might have to consider that one real soon.
Have a good time in Phoenix. If you get up to Scottsdale, there is a great yarn shop (Knit Happens on Indian School Road) or one over in Tempe (Tempe Yarn and Fiber). Both are fun, but the first one is prettier.
Posted by: Dee K | February 12, 2013 at 10:47 PM