December
28
I love patterns that offer interesting construction. With its intriguing cables weaving in and out, Jared Flood’s Fenimore tam fits the bill nicely. I couldn’t wait to use the beautiful Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn calling to me from my stash. Subtle flecks of color give the yarn depth without distracting from the texture of the cables.
I adore this yarn. It’s well behaved – easy to knit, and nicely spun. The heathered colors are so gorgeous – I can’t wait to make another project in another color!
I finished the tam just in time for the second snowfall of the season!
Jared’s written an amazing account of how he manufactures his yarns in historic Harrisville, New Hampshire. His posts are great, and illustrated with his beautiful photography.
October
31
The AudKnits blog began three years ago! To celebrate, I give you links to my favorite posts in case you missed them, followed by a giveaway.
My all-time favorite post was the one about the goat who decided to live at our house for a while. He was a dear soul, and I loved having him around! Here is the story behind ”Portraits of a Goat.”
Based on visits, people seem to enjoy posts about Jared Flood‘s designs. His Koolhaas Hat and Girasole are the most popular among the projects I’ve made.
Some of the most gratifying posts trace my design efforts, from my first published design – the Smock Top Sweater kindly published in Knotions, to the thrill of having my Eleanor Cowl included in Knitty. I appreciate your enthusiasm and kind words as I’ve come out with new patterns!
Can you believe that there are now 500 Eleanor Cowls on Ravelry?! There are so many beautiful different colors and yarns – I love seeing all the variations.
As a thank you to my readers, and to celebrate the blog’s birthday, I’m going to give away sets of delightful care cards made by the talented Becky Morrette of Sunday Drive Designs. I love having an easy way to let people know how to care for the gifts I knit for them. These cards have common care terms that you can check off, as well as room to write the fiber content and other instruction. They’re cute and practical – what a great combination! – and I’m going to give THREE sets away to celebrate THREE years of AudKnits!
To win, enter a comment here on this post by midnight Eastern Time on November 20th. Please include your contact information in your comment so I can let you know if you’re one of the lucky winners! I’ll be conducting a random drawing for the three winners. (One comment per person, please, with only one comment and email address per person.)
January
11
Girasole. One of my favorite patterns to make - ever. It’s really quite easy to knit – it only looks complicated. Mine is the blanket size, about 67″ across.
I used Cascade Pastazafor this project. It’s pretty hefty stuff, with 50% llama and 50% wool, but that’s just right for a large lacey blanket. If you’re considering using Pastaza, be forewarned – mine bled when I soaked it. You’ll want to use vinegar in your soak to set the dye.
Thanks, Jared, for another fantastic pattern!
July
13
Last time you saw Girasole, it had just been started.
My, how it has grown!
If I had to write another one of those “What Does Summer Mean To You” essays for grade school, I’d now say baseball and knitting blankets.
Blankets?
I know, the last thing on most knitters’ list of summer projects is a big heavy blanket. (And trust me, Pastaza makes for a heavy blanket). But happily, we’re under the Pacific Ocean’s influence, which gives us cool evenings.
As a matter of fact, my poor neighbors planned a fantastic Fourth of July party one year. They knocked themselves out getting their yard ready for dinner and dancing outside under the stars. Dinner was catered. The band was the best you could hire… We knew we were in trouble when we all donned overcoats and sweaters at 6:00 in the evening, just for the drive over. By 8:00, everyone, bundled up as we were, was shivering and heading for home. I felt so bad for our hosts! You just never know about California.
But I digress…
My husband loves watching baseball, and I love to keep him company and pretend I love watching baseball too. A big project like the Girasole blanket is just right for long innings. And it’s warmth is welcome by the time the cool evenings come around. Its repetitive nature offers enough serenity to counteract errors, foul balls and disconcerting calls by umpires.
As with my Mitered Square Afghan , the goal is to complete the blanket by the end of the World Series.
