Is it time for spring?

Just in time for our last (I hope!) snow of the year, I completed a sweater I started for my son in November.  This began as a Mystery Knit-Along, where we received a piece of the pattern every few days over a month or so.  Of course, I immediately fell behind, but it was fun not knowing what I was getting into when I started!  I was glad that it had a cable detail in the front, I haven't done many of those and it's always fun to do something new (and my son said, "I like this design on the front!").  The sleeves are a bit different than typical raglan sleeves, and I love the fit on my skinny boy.  This is definitely my favorite item that I've knit for him.

The pattern is available on Ravelry and is called Magical by Elena Nodel.  It has tons of options (fit, sleeves, optional front pocket) which made it fun for a MKAL.  I did have to go up to size 7 needles to get gauge.  The yarn is Knit Picks Swish DK in Dusk - these photos are pretty accurate; some that I took with more light made it a super bright blue.  I love the color, and the price is right - I just dislike how quickly this yarn pills.  I'm hoping a good shave will help.  I did the size 5 but knit the length and sleeves custom to fit him (the ribbed sleeves took me the longest - I kept putting it down - but it's one of my favorite features because of the fit).  I'm happy with the result and so is my son.  He was surprisingly cooperative modeling it for me.

Enough of my chatter, here are the photos! 

As you can see, by the time we took photos our snow from yesterday was completely melted.  Come on, spring!!

Year End Round-up

I can't believe 2012 is coming to a close already.  I didn't get to do nearly as much knitting as I have in past years, but I've been gaining momentum slowly over the last few months.  In 2013, I want to try and learn new techniques and read charts - we'll see how that goes!

Below are photos of my most recently-completed projects including a mini sock ornament, a toddler hooded sweater, and a scarf for my son's teacher.

Beautiful Wedding Shrug

I decided this project deserved its own blog post!  I was so excited that my new sister-in-law asked me to knit a shrug for her wedding.  The yarn she chose was Spirit Trail Fiberworks "Nona", a heavy lace-weight yarn in beautiful shades of blue.  A lace pattern was my first thought (larger needles!) but I'm so glad we agreed to the Eleonora pattern because she needed the extra warmth during the outdoor ceremony and photos.  Knit on size 2 needles, it was definitely a challenge, but I had fun.  This yarn was a dream to work with, so soft and silky.  It was customized as we went along, taking away the flared sleeve and shortening it to elbow-length, then J. tried it on many times to make sure it fit correctly.  It flew to Las Vegas with me (I knit while listening to Harry Potter on the plane) and was finally finished two days before the wedding!  I'm glad she trusted me, because she didn't see the finished project until about 20 minutes before the ceremony - fortunately, it was a perfect fit.  This is probably the most special project I've ever completed, and I was so happy to be a part of their special day.

Currently on the needles, I'm testing out the Kumfy Kapuze pattern in size 2/3 for my daughter, then I hope to finish a scarf started for my son last fall, then start on a few holiday gifts.  I can't believe it's only a couple months until Christmas!  In 2013, I'm hoping to open and stock an Etsy shop once a month with items of my choosing.  I don't mind doing customs, but I am looking forward to a bit more freedom with my knitting.  As always though, if you are interested in having something knit for you or your child, please e-mail me: rdsonntag at gmail dot com and we'll see if we can work something out.

2012 Update!

I can't believe it's been SO long since I posted!  This year has flown by and been packed with school, work, trips, and kids.  I graduated from college in August and was finally able to get back to my knitting.  First, a few small projects that I did earlier this year.

 

This is a scarf knit just for me with some beautiful yarn I received for Christmas.  It's a short scarf intended to be worn pinned.  This is called the Betty and Veronica scarf.

 

This headband was another "just for me" project.  Love how this turned out and it was very warm this winter.  This is the Center Row Lace Headband.

The yarn for this Legacy sweater was dyed by my best friend and me, and I knit this up for her son.  The buttons are from Tessa Ann on Etsy.

 

This super sweet newborn set was knit for a good friend's son who was born in April.  The hat pattern is my own, and the sweater is the Puerperium Cardigan.   The yarn is from Bohemia Fibers on Art Fire.  I love how it buttons down the side.

This little boy's cousin was also born this spring, and this set was made just for her.  I modified the pattern by giving it short sleeves and only 4 buttons.  The yarn is by Lollytree.  

 

These socks were knit with handspun yarn by Moxie Blu, using the Easy Peasy Socks pattern - this was only my second pair of socks (and first pair in adult size) but I loved this pattern for worsted-weight yarn.  

 

Finally, I knit this adorable skirty with leggings for my daughter.  She's been potty-trained for a while, but I loved the idea of fitted leggings attached to the skirty.  The pattern is the Aloha Flirty Skirty and the yarn is by Megan at The Yarn Gnome.

 

I plan to be doing MUCH more knitting now that I'm finished school and the kids are back in school (my son started kindergarten this year and my daughter is in preschool this year).  Stay tuned!

Facebook Timeline Cover Collage in Picasa

I just created a collage for my Facebook Cover and wanted to share.   I use Picasa to load my photos from my card and organize them on my computer.

This CNET Article gives you the dimensions and some other ideas for your cover.

1. Chose a few of my favorite pictures in Picasa and clicked "Create Collage".
2. Click Page Format and select "Add Custom Aspect Ratio"
3.  Enter the ratio 850 x 315 (taken from CNET article).  Name it FB Cover so you can use it whenever you want.
4.  Use the collage settings and move your photos around until it looks the way you want it.
5.  Click Create Collage (it will probably save in the Picasa folder in My Pictures)

I then opened my collage in Picasa and made it Sepia just to give all the pictures a cohesive look (you can also edit it in Picnik for more color/effect options).

Once you've changed your profile to the Timeline view, you can upload the collage and set it as the cover.

If you're like me, you'll probably change it monthly :)  Remember, your cover is public.  If you are uncomfortable with pictures of your kids being online, don't put them on your cover.

Hope this helps!

Here is how mine turned out:

2011: Year in Review

I completed quite a few projects this year, and it's very hard for me to pick my favorite!  I think it might be the matching set that I made for the kids for Christmas.  I love the yarn, enjoyed the knitting, and love the fit of the finished garments.

 

Here is a quick collage of some of my favorite projects of 2011.

Happy New Year!

A Neon Set

Just got this off the needles and wanted to share - a hat with matching pop-top mittens.  This is yarn that we dyed a few months ago that I finally figured out what to knit with it.  I'm hoping these bright colors will keep them from getting lost!

This was a super easy hat.  I cast on 96 stitches on size 5 needles.  I knit about 1 1/2"-2" for the 2x2 ribbed brim, then switched to size 7 needles.  I knit in stockinette stitch until I was just over 7" past the cast-on edge, then used a kitchener stitch to close the top.  I tied off the "ears" with scrap yarn.  This fits my 2-year-old, my 4-year-old, and me (although I do have a freakishly small head for an adult).

The mittens are the Pop Top Mittens that I purchased on Ravelry (also available on Knit Picks).  It was very easy to follow and knit up quickly, also on size 5 and 7 needles.