Time to block

This summer was filled with lots of shawl knitting. First for the Through the Loops Mystery Shawl KAL and then Bay Area Knitter's Mystery Shawl KAL. 

Fun knits and beautiful FO's. Well, they will be once I block them. They have been sitting on my desk waiting patiently to be completed. 

I am loving the greens. They feel perfect for fall. Unfortunately, the 90 degree weather here in the Bay Area is not feeling like fall. 

We are in need of rain and cooler temps ASAP. 

Hermione's Cable & Eyelet Hat

Pattern: Hermione's Cable & Eyelet Hat by Jackie Lauseng

Source: JL YarnWorks

Needles: US 6

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Oxford Grey

This was a really fun and fast knit. It came out great but just a bit big even for my large head. I did use needles bigger than called for. Once again, because of my large head, but turns out I really didn't need to. I didn't even do the extra cable round that the pattern calls for for the adult sized hat. Anyway, next time this hat is knit, it will be with a lighter weight yarn and lighter color to get it to look more like the hat in the movie. Click on the link above to go and see. Also, I think it needs to be a twisted rib to get more defined ribbing.

Click here to see more pics. (Ravelry link)

Dewey's KAL

I know, I know. I know I said no new projects until I finish my WIPs but this is a great KAL I couldn't pass up. When Dewey passed away in November the book blogging community lost a wonderful friend. In celebration mini challenges in her honor have been started. I am unable to join in in the Reading Challenge but thought this one was a perfect one to join.

I haven't decided yet on a project but believe me, there are many projects in my queue to choose from. I just got some great sock yarn in the mail from Steph's Spinning Colors shop, so socks are a great possibility.

If you knew Dewey and are interested in the challenge, click on the button and go sign in. There will be some great yarn prizes for participants.

stage 1

The Tour de France has started once again.

Last year was all about Contador and Leipheimer, the Discovery boys who placed 1st and 3rd. This year, their new team, Astana, was not picked to participate by tour officials. I would say the yellow jersey could go to anyone. Of course, the Aussie, Cadel Evans is the favorite considering he was runner up last year.

I think I will be cheering for Team Columbia. Not only because they are an American team and "Big" George Hincapie is a team member, but because I am on the team for the TdF KAL. Yay!

I started my project this morning as soon as we turned on the tour at the beginning of Versus' coverage. Phil and Paul's commentating makes it easy to knit and "watch".

I started my second Clapotis ( link in sidebar) with some really soft and yummy Malabrigo laceweight.
Here's my progress so far:



I am participating in the Green Jersey "competition" so my goal is to get this finished by the time they roll into Paris on July 27th.

"Allons-y Alonzo!"

fawkes. beatrix. whatever.

They're pretty whatever pattern they are.



Well, I thought I was making a pair of Fawkes by Monkey Toes, but I somehow ended up with the written instructions for Beatrix instead. Completely mixed up the patterns. Not sure how I managed it. I knew something was wrong but continued on since I had no way to check while in Italy. I just continued on. It looked good, so what if the stitch count was off...



So, this is really Beatrix, with the pattern on the back repeated on the front. I am happy with it so it will not be redone. One more modified Beatrix left to knit. :)