Spring at last!

Ah, at last, spring weather has come to Michigan. Knowing this state, we are not yet done with the snow and cold, but at least for now, it is sunny and 60 degrees. My mini daffodils bloomed yesterday, I've started walking again, and life is good.

I've finished one out of two socks from 2-At-A-Time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes, the Be Mine pattern. Yes, I know, the title says two at a time, but I did it on dpn's because when I attempt this method, it will be on simple socks and not fancy heart socks with cables. The yarn is Kitty Knits Sock Wool in pansy, which you can buy here from a good friend of mine. The wool is unbelievably soft, with just enough give to stretch comfortably but still keep its shape, and the colors are just gorgeous.

In honor of spring, I'm also working on a flower washcloth from Creative Knitting Magazine. I will be back on later to post photos.

A friend of mine has introduced me to the Loopy Ewe, and I am now totally addicted. The products are awesome, the prices are great, and the shipping is very quick. Go take a peek; you won't be sorry.

Fabulous toddler cardigan

I finished another test-knit for Justine Turner, this time the Spirited cardigan. This pattern is beautiful. The aran stitch pattern is definitely not a mindless one, but it is worth the effort, and is no more difficult than knitting and purling. It's worth the purchase, as are all her patterns. She also has some free patterns up. Take a look!

felted slippers

Wow, I have actually knitted something for my hubby that he likes. If you only knew what a miracle that was. He said he would never wear hand-knitted socks (he's never tried them!), but said he MIGHT like slippers. Ha! He loves them! Thanks to Julia K. Kehew for her cable guy felted slippers pattern!

Liam sweater by Just Jussi

Ok, here it is... the sweater I test knitted.... the Liam sweater from Just Jussi! A very nice pattern, all in one piece with a bit of intarsia on the front. I love love love this pattern!

Currently on the needles

I've been busy lately with test-knitting, so my own projects are temporarily on hold. I'm waiting for word from the designers before posting pics of my test knits, but so far I have done some baby booties, some ladies' socks, and I'm currently working on a toddler sweater by Just Jussi. It is an adorable design! I love the variety of patterns people come up with; it's half of what makes testing patterns so much fun. Hopefully, I'll get that permission soon, so I will have more pics available.

Otherwise, there hasn't been much going on over here. The kids are getting over colds and so am I and my hubby. Makes for a slow and grumpy household. :)

First lace-from-a-chart attempt

Another finished project! I dared myself to attempt knitting lace from a chart, and guess what, it wasn't so bad! Go figure. These are the Embossed Leaf Socks by Mona Schmidt, found in the book Favorite Socks by Interweave Press. Beautiful design, and now I have another pair of hand-knit socks! On to some test knitting now... I've got three test knits lined up, so I'd better get going!

Happy New Year!

Well, we made it through another year. Hopefully, 2008 will bring great things to us all. Another round of Christmas knitting is finished, and now I can work on things for me! Selfish, I know... I don't have any pics to post yet, but just wanted to wish everyone a fun and prosperous 2008, and put in another plug for my Etsy. LOL I desperately need to sell to make up for Christmas overspending!