About Ennui . . .

Progress of Keyhole Bow Tie Scarf

I must confess that when ennui sneaks up on me, I peruse Ravelry or rummage through my stash (especially the special yarns).  Something usually "speaks" to me so much so that I print off a pattern and immediately cast on.

Mainly garter stitch

Such was my mood last week. Not happy with my current WIPs, I cast on something new.  It's a keyhole bow tie from Knit Simple, Fall 2009.  It's been in my queue for ages.  Instead of worsted weight, I'm using chunky weight.

Detail of keyhole

Instead of the 30 sts indicated in the pattern, I cast on 20 sts. The finished width is supposed to be 5”.  Mine works out to just over 5” with 20 sts. And I'm loving the way the colour is mixing in the garter stitch.  Here's hoping I have enough yarn.

Couldn't Resist!

The temptation, that is.  We went away to Cape Breton for a few days to visit some historical sites and enjoy the lovely natural wonders.  And when I spied a Michael's craft store, I HAD to check it out--of course.

I saw lots of goodies and supplies for painting, scrapbooking and knitting (the crafter's lament: so much to do, but so little time to do it all).  When I spied some lovely yarn--and there was lots to choose from--I wrestled with the difficult decision of choosing one.  I didn't even have a particular project in mind.  I finally settled on something pretty that I knew I would never find in town.  Three skeins could work for a scarf or a shawl--or perhaps some other accessory.

Red Heart Boutique Treasure

Aren't the colours just gorgeous?  It's Red Heart's Boutique Treasure in Watercolours.  I just love the way the greens mix with turquoise and shift to blues and back to green again.  Although mainly an acrylic, there is 30% wool in the fibre content.  This could work as a winter accessory . . .  

I spied a current issue of Knit Simple at the magazine rack and picked that up too.  The issue has lots of winter accessories (Rav link).  Even though its still summer, it won't take long for fall to arrive.  And the nice thing about making accessories is that they usually don't take too long to finish--and I need the quick-project fix right now.

Fall 2014 issue of Knit Simple

It wasn't until a few days later--when we got home--that I matched project to yarn.  There was a simple cowl pattern in Knit Simple that caught my eye (among other patterns). 

No 17  Striped Cowl

I found a never-before-used pair of 6mm bamboo circulars and cast-on.  Even though the pattern calls for bulky yarn, the Boutique Treasure is rather thick for a supposedly worsted yarn.  The bigger needles will  make for a looser and loftier fabric.

WIP

Meet my cowl in-progress.  With variegated yarn making it's own lovely stripes, I decided against using two colours.  Oh this will be lovely to wrap 'round my neck come winter. ;)

Later,

Magazines . . .

So I treated myself  to some knitting magazines.  One I subscribe to: the Knitter's Magazine was a gift subscription (I'm still debating whether or not to renew).  The other two, Knit Simple and Knitscene, were bought at the news stand.

Knitting Mags

There's nothing like a little inspiration on a cool fall day . . . 

Magazines Galore

Well, maybe not that many . . . but there are knitting magazines.  A lovely surprise arrived in the mail the other day.  I ripped open the envelope and found the summer issue of Knitter's Magazine.

Spring and Summer Knitter's Magazine

Back in May, my brother-in-law had gifted me a year's subscription for my birthday (perhaps I had neglected to mention it)?  He had included the spring issue, but it takes time to process new subscriptions.  There was a chance I would miss the summer issue. . .  Happily I was wrong.

And while we're on the topic of magazines, I managed to pick up the fall issue of Knit Simple (still my favorite knitting magazine 'cuz of the lovely projects--both simple and stylish-- and the large sizing).  There are some nice sweaters (although with the current heat wave, it's hard to think about sweaters).

Fall 2010 of Knit Simple

There are some nice items in the issue, but my fave are the cardigans.  The one I absolutely love is worked in the round.  Check it out:

Seed Stitch Cardigan

Ah, the knitter's perennial lament: so much to make; so little time.

Happy crafting :)

A Little R and R

So to soothe my rattled brain and replenish my spirits, I picked up the latest copy of Knit Simple's Spring/Summer edition (now that I know where to find it in town).

Cover Showing Ruffle Trim Tank

There are a few cardigans, but the one below is my fave.  I like its swingy design.

Swing Cardigan

It looks like its knit in one piece from the top down, but is in fact worked in pieces.  Thankfully I've gotten over my fear of seaming (although it's not my favorite thing to do, but it's better than weaving in ends).

While cardigans are my fave garment to make, I also enjoy making tank tops. I think it's the simple construction and the lack of sleeves; in other words, it's usually a quick project.  And this issue has no shortage of tanks.  Lots of cute options, including the pretty pink tank on the cover.

Lace Rib Shell

Lace Dress

The orange item above is actually a dress, but it should be easy to shorten it, thereby making it a tank.

I must say that Knit Simple has tried to improve their website.  I noticed they now have additional photos of their projects on their website (the feature is called "Close Up").  The more pictures, the better!  Different views can help a knitter decide if a particular item will suit her body type.  Also, additional photos can offer a better view of details.  My only "complaint" is that it would be helpful to see the clothing item on a real person (but that's asking for too much, isn't it?).

By the way, my crocuses are in full bloom! 

Lovin' the wonderful splash of colour amidst the faded, dried-up remains of last year's bounty.  How's your weekend?