Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits

Unraveling

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I’m joining Kat and friends from some knitting (and unraveling) and reading talk this week.

One of the things I want to learn this year is brioche stitch and so, over the weekend, I started the Purl Soho Classic Brioche Hat using their Cashmere Merino Bloom yarn. And then I ripped it out and started again. And then I ripped it out and started yet again.

By the 4th (or maybe it was the 5th?) attempt I finally got it.

Brioche isn’t complicated but it’s new to me and it took some time for me to be able to read the stitches and understand which row I was on so that I knew whether to brioche-knit or brioche-purl. I still have to watch myself that I don’t get into a rhythm where I default to brioche-knit all the way around but it’s getting better and I’m hoping it’s all forward progress now.

Learning something new isn’t easy but the challenge has been fun for me and now that I (mostly) get it I want to knit all the brioche things.

As for reading, I’m almost finished with The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. I was very excited when I first heard about this new book a while back but, while it’s a decent story, it’s lacking depth. Entertaining, sure, but there’s just nothing new. Or maybe I’m just experiencing a reading hangover from the last book I read.

And that’s what I’m making and reading this week. I hope you’re creating something you love and reading something wonderful.

Wednesdays Are For Knitting: Pink Socks

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I finished the Pink Socks last week. I started these with the intention to give them to Hannah but Jessica was over really admired them and it’s been a long while since she got hand knit socks and now they are hers.

I didn’t do my usual picot edge this time, I did a more traditional couple of inches of ribbing.

I honestly don’t know what the yarn is. At first I thought Knitterly Things but it might actually be Ball and Skein. I didn’t make note of my starting point on the first sock so when I went to knit the second I had to literally knit and knit for a few inches until I found the matching section and then I ripped them out and started over at that point. My love for matching socks knows no end.

And now they are done and they will make Jessica happy and that’s enough for me.

Wednesdays Are For Knitting: Nightshift

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Hold on to your knitting needles, friends, because I finally took photos of my finished Nightshift and today I’m sharing them with you.

You may recall that I started this project last April. And I knit and knit and then I frogged quite a lot.

I continued knitting over the summer and into the fall. I finally finished it in November but I didn’t block it until much later.

Yesterday she had her photoshoot.

The yarn is Malabrigo Rios and I used a whole bunch of colors: Frank Ochre, Illusion, Quequay, Cloud Sunshine, Glitter, Sabiduria, Playa, Lotus, Pocion, Reflecting Pool, and Living Coral. I wasn’t sure at first about all of those color changes but I actually really love it.

I knit an extra repeat (or maybe 2? I can’t recall) and it’s big. Like, really big. In some ways that makes it more wearable because it’s shaped more like a traditional shawl. Honestly, though, I’m not sure how much I’ll actually wear this. Time will tell.

For the moment, it’s across the back of the couch in our little den. It might be more useful as a lap robe!

Either way, I’m glad it’s done, I’m glad it’s blocked, I’m glad it’s photographed, and I’m glad to share it with you!

Wednesdays Are For Knitting: Doreen’s Socks

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Remember how I knit scarves for Jo-Ann and Rose for Christmas? And remember how I said I wanted them to feel like I was going them a big ole hug every time they wore their scarf? Well. Sometimes hugs come in the form of socks, too.

I knit my OG bestie Doreen a pair of socks for Christmas. And I finally (finally!) saw her last Thursday for the first time since August and I gave them to her.

The yarn is Sophie’s Toes Merino Sock in the color Vintage Kitchen. It’s been in my stash for-ev-er.

The pattern is my basic Picot Edge Socks. I just love that little picot edge so much!

There’s a slip stich heel.

And a rounded toe.

They are the perfect hug for my friend’s feet!

Wednesdays Are For Knitting: Dissent Cowl

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When Ruth Bader Ginsburg died back in September I, like many of you I suspect, was gutted. The work she did for women’s right and gender equality was exceptional and she was a true inspiration for me. When I saw the Dissent Cowl pattern start popping up on Instagram I knew I had to knit one.

I knit mine using Rowan Felted Tweed in Bilberry and Clay. It’s a lovely pattern to knit, the mosaic knitting is simple enough and the design truly mimics RBG’s famous dissent collar.

In hindsight I wish I had reversed the colors and used the purple for the jewels, I could have imagined them to be amethysts!

I like that there is a defined front and back, the jewels are in the front and flare out just like a jeweled collar should, and the back is a simple polka dot design.

I have a feeling, alas, that this is one of those knits I won’t wear much as it’s super loose around the neck. I wouldn’t want it to be tight like a turtleneck but I would like it to be less . . . drape-y. Still, it was a delight to knit and it’s a wonderful tribute to RBG and her legacy.