One new, one old

I feel like I've been going non-stop since I moved back to Michigan; mostly non-stop working, but I finally have a day off...five to be exact! So I have two finished projects to share with you all, my Sunset Suncrest Shawl and an oldie, my February Sweater. I finished the shawl a few weeks ago and it is the perfect color for fall. Plus, I finally got around to finding the perfect buttons for my sweater the other weekend and sewed those on this morning. Of course, I love them both!

Sunset Suncrest Shawl
Pattern: Suncrest by Tanis Lavallee
Yarn: Valley Yarns Charlemont in "Sunset"
Modifications: None
Difficulties: The picot edge bind-off was tedious!
New Techniques: "Feather and fan" pattern stitch, two-directional knitting, picot bind-off

February Sweater
Pattern: February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in "Lava Heather"
Modifications: Some added length on the body and sleeves
Difficulties: Connecting in the round for the sleeves without making holes
New Techniques: Top-down sweater knitting, no seams! Larger button holes

I have to admit that I've already started a new project...Shallows Cowl by Bonnie Sennott. I would love to have it finished this weekend, but we'll see. Not too sure how I will fill my time off this weekend, maybe some baking or more wine tasting? The snow is already falling here, so staying indoors just seems like a good idea. If you're looking for a good cookie recipe, I must share one for some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I've made two batches already and substituted dark chocolate chips instead...you can find it here on this blog. Enjoy!

Finished: 22 Little Clouds

I did it! I finally finished my first shawl, 22 Little Clouds. It wasn't the most exciting thing to knit, as it was a no-brainer, but it was perfect to work on after some long days working outside. Plus, the finished product is super cute! I like the clean lines of the pattern and the ruffled edge just adds a little something. Previously, I was hoping to use this yarn as a cardigan, but I'm glad I didn't. I love the yarn of course, but couldn't imagine wearing the colorway as a sweater. This Malabrigo yarn in Lotus is perfect for an accessory to add a pop of color and it is soft and squishy! After knitting this shawl, I must say that I'll be knitting plenty more! My mother warned me of this addiction, but she is right, I enjoyed knitting it, plus they use just the right amount of yarn and can create so many different color combinations or lace techniques. I'm sure you'll be seeing more shawl projects on here, however, for my next project I'm thinking about making a tank top...