I've got myself a new project!

The Scarlet Skein has recently started carrying Louisa Harding's new collection for Spring, and I am in love. (Sorry Husband) So of course I didn't mind when I was asked to knit a sample for the shop. Louisa's new book Dauphine is amazing and full of feminine Marie Antionette-like designs. One of the interesting thing about this new book is that all of the designs are knit from ribbon yarns. The sweater I chose "Terese" is knit with a ribbon too. I have never knit a sweater out of ribbon before so it is really fun for me! The yarn that I am using is new as well. It is called Thalia.

It is a lightweight gauzy ribbon. It is surprisingly soft because it contains 12% mohair and 6% wool. Mohair is usually my arch enemy but isn't bothering me with this project. Maybe it's because there is so little of it. I have really never knit with anything like this before. If you live locally you should come by the shop and see it for yourself. It is really unique.

It is knitting up surprisingly fast (I am using size 11 needles!) and I think that the stitch pattern is gorgeous. I've already knit up the front and am working on the back. I should be able to get this sweater off of the needles in a week or so.

The project has been a bit frustrating to me but it's really not entirely Louisa's fault. To be perfectly honest with you this is the 3rd time I have knit the front! Ok... so you know how this is knit in this beautiful lace pattern?

Well when it came time to decrease for the armholes I was trying to decrease in the lace pattern. I was struggling and struggling trying to match up yarn overs yet control my stitch count. I was hating Louisa. After all it couldn't be my fault right? Then I looked down at the pattern and saw this...

Pattern Note:

Do not work any incomplete patt reps, work half patt reps or take extra sts into st st.



Well I guess reading any Pattern Notes before starting your project is a good idea. I ripped it back. As I was ripping I saw a mistake in the lace pattern on the second row. I thought... well as long as I'm ripping I'd better fix that one too. Ok... back on the needles I am knitting away.... this time I decide to work the side lace panels in stockinette while I am decreasing. I tell myself, "Forget the lace pattern on the sides!" That was not a good idea. I had tried to take the "least brain activity" way out of this but the finished result was really bugging me.

When I was done ripping it out for the second time I started ripping out my hair as well. At this point I also threatened what was left of Terese with a pair of scissors. I was feeling a bit disappointed in Louisa. Why couldn't she just TELL me what to do instead of these vague "pattern notes"? Thankfully, the third time worked out. I worked half pattern repeats from the decreases on. It took a bit of figuring, but I will be kind and share the method in a future post for anyone who wants to knit this sweater. Outside of that problem everything has gone fine. I like the yarn. I like the pattern, and yes I like Louisa Harding again.

You can see how fast this sweater knits up for me to practically knit the whole front 3 times in one week. If I would have figured this out sooner I could have been almost done with it by now.


I also have my eye on this design as well. It is just so pretty to me. I think one of the reasons I like these designs is because they are dressy and I just have never knit a dressy sweater before.

Besides Terese, I am also knitting away on my Clapotis. I want to get both done by the end of this month. Which I should be able to do if I don't have to rip out anything else.

Whew... was I glad to finally finish that stand mixer cover! It has been weighing on my mind and my needles for months! As I had previously mentioned, I had knit it for a customer (and family friend) to match an old knitted tea cozy that she owns.

(Ava thinks that these are "Mama" and "Baby" hats.)

These cozies would probably look ridiculous with my kitchen decor but will look really cute in her kitchen. I hope that she likes the finished product, I think that it matches really well. I've posted the pattern for anyone who is interested in making the stand mixer cover.

Stand Mixer Outfit
by Alana Dakos

Is your stand mixer feeling like a “plain Jane’’ sitting there on your countertop? Dress it up and keep the dust off with a fun Mary Engelbreit inspired cozy.

SIZE:
One Size. Designed to fit over a standard size Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
(It is a tight fit to show off your stand mixer’s curvy figure.)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

16 inches tall

MATERIALS:
[MC] Red Heart Super Saver 100%Acrylic; 364 yd/333m per 198g skein]; color: Black; #1 skein

[CC] Red Heart Super Saver 100%Acrylic; 364 yd/333m per 198g skein]; color: Off White; #1 skein

[CC2] Red Heart Super Saver 100%Acrylic; 364 yd/333m per 198g skein]; color: Burgundy; #1 skein (You just need a small amount for the optional Pom-pom on top.

*If you do not want to use an acrylic yarn, a worsted weight superwash wool would be a great option.

#1 16 inch US 9 circular needle
#1 24 inch US 9 circular needle
#1 32 inch US 9 circular needle
#1 set of US 9 double pointed needles

Stitch Marker

Tapestry Needle

Pompom maker (optional)

GAUGE:
16 sts/20 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch using size US 9 needles

PATTERN NOTES:
Kitchener’s Stitch- Thread a tapestry needle. With RS facing and holding one DPN at the front and one at the back, insert tapestry needle into first st on front needle PURLWISE. Then insert tapestry needle into first st on back needle KNITWISE. *Next, insert tapestry needle KNITWISE into first st on front needle, pull it off of the needle, and insert yarn needle into second st on front needle PURLWISE. Next, insert yarn needle PURLWISE into first st on back needle, pull the st off of the needle, and insert tapestry needle into the second st on back needle KNITWISE. Repeat from * until all sts are worked.

It is a good idea to try on your stand mixer cover as you go, this will help you to figure out if you are staying on gauge and not pulling your yarn too tight.

PATTERN:
With [MC] black cast on 222 stitches onto size US #9, 32 inch circular needle. Place a marker and join into the round being careful not to twist your stitches.

Round 1: With [MC] black k 6 sts, leaving black yarn in the back of your work, add [CC] white and k 6 sts. Keep alternating between black and white every 6 stitches for the entire round, pulling the yarn as tight as you can every time you switch. (This produces the rippled texture. It’s really important to pull tight for the first few rounds, but you don’t have to pull as hard as you progress in the pattern.)

Rounds 2-4: Work the same as Round 1

Round 5: With [CC] k 6 sts, switch to [MC] k 6 sts.

Rounds 6-8 Work the same as Round 5

Repeat Rounds 1-8 17 times more and then Rounds 1-4 once more.
(Total of 37 Stripes, should measure approx 14 inches from cast on edge)

Start decreasing rounds and switch to smaller circular lengths when the stitches get uncomfortably tight around the needle.

Decrease Rounds:
Round 1: ( [CC] k 6 [MC] k1, k2tog, k3) repeat around
Round 2: Work round as set without decreasing
Round 3: ([CC] k1, k2tog, k3 [MC] k5) repeat around
Round 4: Work round as set without decreasing
Round 5: ([MC] k1, k2tog, k2 [CC] k5) repeat around
Round 6: ([MC] k4 [CC] k1, k2tog, k2) repeat around
Round 7: ([MC] k1, k2tog, k1 [CC] k4) repeat around
Round 8: ([MC] k3 [CC] k1, k2tog, k1) repeat around
Round 9: ([CC] k2tog, k1 [MC] k3) repeat around
Round 10: Work round as set without decreasing
Round 11: ([CC] k2 [MC] k2tog, k1) repeat around
(At this point you may need to transfer to DPN’s)
Round 12: Work round as set without decreasing
Round 13: ([MC] k2tog [CC] k2) repeat around
Round 14: Work round as set without decreasing
Round 15: ([MC] k1 [CC] k2tog) repeat around


Divide remaining 38 stitches evenly between 2 double pointed needles.
(19 on each for the mathematically challenged)
Kitchener stitch the remaining stitches together.

FINISHING:
Weave in ends. Make and sew on a pompom using [CC2] if desired.

Put your new cover on your stand mixer and admire your hard work!

I know that I've already posted pictures of the Tilted Duster being worn at Stitches West but I didn't get a chance to post the information that I wanted to about it.

First of all, I am really mostly happy with how it turned out for me. I used 13 skeins of Filatura Di Crosa Zara Plus which is a machine washable and dryable 100% merino wool. I had already washed the sweater before wearing it and it held up perfectly in the washer and dryer!! I am so excited to have an easy care hand knit sweater! I hate washing sweaters in the bathtub! I am also so happy that this entire sweater cost me only approx $26 because I used some sale yarn that I got 75% off! Pretty awesome huh?

I also like how fast it was to knit up. If you have followed the blog you'll know that I started it months ago, knit the fronts and the back and then set it down. I didn't get back to it for a long while due to other knitting obligations. When I picked it back up it only took me 9 days to knit the sleeves, the collar, the skirt and seam it up! This is definitely a sweater that anyone could knit in a month's time.

The Tilted Duster is also versatile. The collar can be worn buttoned up or folded back like a shawl collar.

So now for the dislikes... I tried it on before picking up stitches for the skirt and the top part was too big. And as you can tell in the picture it does pucker up some. The weight of the skirt did help it lay better but I still wish that I had knit the 32" size instead of the 36" Since I measure 34" I thought that it would be safer to go up a size. Well in this case I think it would look neater if it was a little more form fitting at the top. To compensate for the big top I knit the smaller size in the skirt. I was just so afraid that I was going to look like a brown saggy blob in an oversized sweater. I don't know if this was the best idea but it turned out fine in the end. I also knit my sweater one repeat shorter than the pattern called for. Why you may ask? Did I think that it would flatter me more? No... I ran out of time the night before I went to Stitches. I really wanted to wear it and ahh.. well... it was 2:00 in the morning.

I did really find some helpful hints for the duster from the Ready Set Knit podcast. They did a Tilted Duster knit-a-long and posted some good tips here.

All in all, it was a good project. My sweater is really comfy... too bad it is getting hot outside.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the great suggestions for my Sea Silk dilemma. I really enjoyed all of the different patterns that were submitted. I was disappointed because a lot of the patterns that I liked required more yardage than I have available, so I wasn't able to pick them. After careful thought I decided to go with Knot Knitting's suggestion and make the Melon Shawl from the book Victorian Lace Today.

Congratulations to Knot Knitting! (I will be sending you a message via Ravelry so that you can pick out your prize.)

To everyone else that participated, thank you again and I really appreciate all of your great ideas.

We just got back from Stitches. It was quite an experience! It was so completely overwhelming. There was soooo sooo much to look at and so many people. I thought that I'd want to be there all day for two days but after a few hours I found myself dizzy, tired and ready to go!

There were so many fun and beautiful yarns to look at and I bought my share of them....

"Yay...Sale yarn!"

There is like a trillion pictures of me here... sorry....

I was really expecting to see some knitters wearing Tilted Dusters because I know how popular the pattern is. I wanted to take a picture with one of them or something. I did end up seeing one the second day but of course by then I wasn't wearing mine. I did, however, see a ton of people wearing the Clapotis shawl. I also saw several several booths that had Clapotis knitted up as samples. I was really proud to wear my Tilted Duster though. I was so pleased by how it turned out!

Well...you don't see that sorta knitting every day!! Check out the size of those needles!

I love yarn....

Pretty view outside our hotel room..

New Stuff

1,000 yards of Dream in Color "Classy" I have this in mind for the Forecast sweater but I'm not sure if it will work with a variegated color...

This yarn I bought on sale. A whole bag of Elsebeth Lavold Angora. I know that you might think that this is the most disgusting color manufactured but I happen to love it..

I think that this would be perfect for the Lush and Lacy Cardigan.

These buttons are actually dyed nut slices. Cool huh? I thought maybe I could use them for the Angora sweater or Dream in Color sweater.

I also purchased two lace weights. A 100% silk in cream, and silk/wool blend in green. It appears that I like the color green.

I have plans for someday knitting some of the shawls I like out of "Victorian Lace Today".

This is Malabrigo Lace yarn that I got as a sample. Isn't it pretty?

I am sooo excited about these Stitch Diva patterns! I want to cast on for the Giselle Knitted Blouse immediately!!! But I really shouldn't.

The Tilted Duster is done! I am leaving for Stitches right now. I am SOOO excited!

Pictures at Stitches West and the "official Tilted Duster photo shoot" soon to come!

I have been doing a lot of knitting lately. This month I have so far seamed a sweater, made a pair of Felt Clogs, worked on the dreaded stand mixer cover, knit the heel of my sock, made two samples of the new pattern I am submitting to Knitty.com, started a Clapotis, and knitted a whole bunch on this Tilted Duster! I have been knitting crazy fast on this because I have this little fantasy of wearing it this weekend when I go to Stitches! This will be my first time attending and I guess that I just want to look "cool" wearing a hand knit sweater, and a new one at that. I think that I can finish it by Friday night if I knit like a crazy person.

On the way to Stitches in the car and while I am there I am planning to complete at least one more sample for my new Knitty submission. I have to turn that in by March 1st. So many deadlines!! If I finish that up with time to spare I HAVE GOT TO finish that stand mixer cover!!! I have of course neglected it again to get all of these um... important (?) knitting projects done.

By the way I am a little sick of always referring to it as the stand mixer cover. The name makes it even seem more boring. Can anyone think of a cool name for it?

Yes, I too am knitting the Clapotis shawl by Kate Gilbert. As of today, Ravelry.com says that 4,539 people have knit the Clapotis and 2,557 plan to. And that is just the knitters on Ravelry....

I just had to see what all the fuss was about!! I've actually been planning this project for awhile but am just now getting around to it. I am using the yarn called for in the pattern (Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb) in the Gold Hill colorway. I really like how it is knitting up. The colors are really beautiful!

I'd like to offer a Clapotis class in April. That is if I get it finished before then!

Things just keep coming up!

Good thing I have Ava working on it as we speak..

Ava says,"Look Mama, I ninning!"

I am one of those knitters that enjoys knitting for others. In fact it was just in 2007 that I started to actually keep any knitted items for myself. For years I gave away or sold every single item I made.

I especially love it if I can knit something for someone that they really need or want. About a month ago now my Father-in-law was complaining that he went slipper shopping and could not find any slippers to fit his gargantuan size 14 feet. So you can understand how I knew right then and there what I needed to do.

He needed some Felt Clogs.

The great thing about this pattern is that you can make all sizes of slippers. Even huge ones. In fact these slippers are even a tad too big! But the reason why is a whole other story....

I went to my parents to felt these suckers because it was the only top loading washer available to me at the time. It is a brand new super high efficiency washer. These slippers under the right felting conditions should take 10-15 minutes to felt down. My slippers were in the washer for *gasp* 3 hours!!!! The hot cycle was truly not hot at all so I had to manually load the washer with hot water from the sink. I also kept having to restart the agitation cycle a million times because it only lasted about 10 minutes, not to mention the agitator barely agitated! So 3 hours into it I knew they were a little bigger than I had hoped for but was too frustrated to care.

I guess I'll have to go to the laundromat next time.

I also sewed these great 2-piece slipper bottoms from Fiber Trends on there so that he wont slip and break anything. I sewed them on the others I made too. I think that they are especially necessary for little ones because they can be extremely accident prone.

So to make a long story shorter... my father-in-law likes them alot and I was really glad I was able to make him something that he will enjoy and use.

For these clogs I used Lamb's Pride worsted. My last clogs were made from Cascade 220. The Lamb's Pride made a fuzzier texture and worked just as well so I would say that these two yarns are both a great choice for this pattern.

I am still teaching classes on these clogs so go to the website to find out more information or call me at the shop.

(805) 466-Yarn

Remember this?

I purchased this beautiful skein of Sea Silk when I went to Santa Barbara last. Read more about that trip here. I am having a hard time finding the perfect pattern to make with this one skein.

I need your help, so I am going to offer a Sea Silk Contest! If you know of a great pattern using fingering weight yarn please leave a comment with the pattern name (so that I can look it up) or the web address that the pattern can be found.

Be sure to leave your email address or blog address so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

Contest Guidelines:

-All pattern ideas must be submitted by March 1st.

-I am looking for something wearable that will show off this yarn beautifully.
(Ideally I'd like to make a lacy shell or shrug.)

-The pattern must be able to be made with only 400 meters because that is all I have.

-The pattern must contain a picture of the finished item.

-Most importantly there will be a prize for the best suggestion. I will contact you if you are the winner and I will give you a choice between prizes.

I look forward to receiving all of your comments!

Here are a few...well several pictures of Ava wearing her new Smock Coat by Debbie Bliss.

I found out that it can be quite challenging to get a toddler to cooperate with picture taking. Do you notice that she won't look at the camera? She was too distracted...probably by her coat's gorgeousness... :)

This is the Smock Coat pattern out of the book Simply Baby. I made the 18-24 month size which fits Ava perfectly! It used 10 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmere in red. Is it just me or does that seem like a lot of yarn for a baby sweater? It must be because I used sizes 3 and 4 needles knitting needles. It is knit so tightly!

I just am in love with this baby coat. It is so elegant looking to me. Would I ever make it again? NO!!! Knitting cotton at that small of a gauge did a number on my hands and just was not enjoyable! I am however so happy that I stuck with it. I love the finished project!

This is the fourth sweater I have knit from the book Simply Baby. It's full of super cute baby patterns. Here are pictures of the other sweaters I knit in 2007. (Before the blog...)

Baby Shrug

Striped Sweater

Hooded Jacket

To sum up...Debbie Bliss rocks. I'm thinking about making the beret next to go with the coat.

Who am I kidding? I have so much knitting to do..

The Debbie Bliss Smock Coat is now completed!!! I just couldn't be happier about it. It is so cute and it fits Ava perfectly!! This picture does not do it justice but it was the best I could do without natural lighting. Tomorrow I hope to get a proper photo shoot with Ava modeling her new coat. I was so excited I just couldn't wait to share it with you.

Here are some pictures of the coat earlier before it was completely seamed.

I dont want to see any seed stitch or red fabric for awhile...

In March I am going to offer a class that I have never done before! Spinning!

This class is perfect for anyone who has ever been interested in spinning and has always wanted to give it a try. I will bring the wool that you will be using and we will be practicing on my spinning wheel. You will learn how to treadle, draft, spin, and ply your yarn. You will be so excited to take home your newly created hand spun skein!

These will be private lessons so I will be booking appointments Saturday, March 8th all day.

$15 for one hour, $25 for two hours.

Call 805-466-YARN to schedule an appointment.

Needle Felting Workshop

It turned out to be really fun! I brought all of the rovings and wool yarns and the students brought felt pieces to practice on. Everyone did a great job and no fingers got pricked! We definitely had some true artists there.

If this class interests you, all of the needle felting supplies that you will need are available at The Scarlet Skein. The cost is $15 for a 2 hour workshop. In the class I teach how to use the tools and give you design ideas. Needle felting is very easy and is a great way to embellish felted items. It's a perfect follow up to the Felted Clogs class.

I will be offering the class again in March so keep an eye on the schedule.

I've been working on my Debbie Bliss Smock Coat exclusively since my last post and I've made some progress but oh boy is it slow going! I am determined to finish it before my self inflicted knitting deadline of February 1st! I'm going to be so extremely excited to finish this thing up!

I've now finished the two sleeves, two fronts, and a good portion of the back.
It stopped pouring long enough for me to take a quick photo of the work in progress.

Unfortunately due to all of this fantastic Smock Coat progress I've really neglected this stand mixer cover that I am making for a customer. I was doing so well knitting 2 rounds a day slowly but surely getting it done, but then I went on a Smock Coat rampage and the poor stand mixer cover has got no attention whatsoever.

Im about halfway there though...

(I am copying a knitted tea cozy that she has already.)

In other knitting news I made a hat a few weeks ago and forgot to say anything about it. I made it for a ski trip and it was so nice and warm.

The pattern name is Cosima from the book Hip Knit Hats. It was made from Tahki Bunny. I used 2 skeins and size 9 needles. It knit up really fast! I completed it in 1 day!

I think that Ava should be my hat model from now on, because I think that hats don't look very flattering on me!

Oh yes.... and I started another new project a few weeks back!

I know, I know, but this is different ok! It is a basic sock (using the formula off of this blog) that I don't have to look at to knit. I'm keeping it in the car to knit (when Im a passenger of course), and at the movie theatre. I've done pretty good on it so far, only 2 minor yarn splitting mistakes! Pretty good for knitting in the dark!

I'm knitting it out of Twisted Sisters sock yarn. I cant remember the name exactly, I cant find the label. I believe its called Zazu in fingering weight. I am using size 0 needles.

Well, Knitty.com did not accept my pattern. I am really proud of myself though for giving it a good try. I had only a week to do all of this, and I honestly tried my best. When I try again for the summer issue, I will have way more time and hopefully that will make a difference. I'm trying not to be discouraged. Im just going to press on! I will now offer "Legwarmies" (which is the pattern I submitted) for free on the blog. Enjoy!

Legwarmies
by Alana Dakos

These are the perfect cool weather accessory for the "little legs" in your life. I love to put my 2 year old in those cute short skirts and dresses for spring, but I worry about her little legs being too cold. These are great for chilly mornings because they are so easy to slip off when the sun comes out. She also wears them over tights for added warmth on an extra cool day.
Legwarmies are practical and a fun and funky fashion statement. You can knit them to match all your favorite outfits. They make great last minute gifts because it only takes a weekend to whip up a pair. Legwarmies stretch to fit most children from about 3 months to 3 years old. This yarn is wonderfully soft and warm against your little ones skin and, guess what moms, you can even machine wash them!

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Cuff Circumference: 5 inches unstretched, 10 inches stretched
Length: 9 inches (This measurement can be adjusted by lengthening or shortening St st panel.)

MATERIALS
Version A (Solid Color): Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino [55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere; 137yd/125m per 50g skein]; color: #600, Dusty Pink; 1 skein
Version B (Thin Stripe): [MC] Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino [55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere; 137yd/125m per 50g skein]; color: #503, Apple Green; 1 skein [CC] Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino color: #013, Grape; 1 skein
Version C (Wide Stripe): [MC] Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino [55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere; 137yd/125m per 50g skein]; color: #007, Magenta; 1 skein [CC] Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino color: #101, Off White; 1 skein
#1 set US #3/3.25mm double-point needles
Stitch Marker
Tapestry Needle

GAUGE
28 sts/36 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES
2x2 Rib (Worked over a multiple of 4 sts)
Round 1: [K2, p2] to end.
Every round is the same.

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Sewn Cast off:
(This produces a nice stretchy cuff that won't be too tight and cut off circulation!)
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle. Insert needle purlwise into first stitch then move it to be the last stitch on the final needle. It will then become the final stitch to be cast off. This gives a neater finish to the end of the round. Continue with the following instructions:
*Sew purlwise (right to left) through 2 stitches, leave the stitches on the needle. Sew knitwise (left to right) through the first stitch and then remove stitch from the needle. Repeat from * for the entire circumference. You will have one stitch remaining. Insert needle purlwise into last stitch and remove from the needle.

PATTERN
With [MC] loosely cast on 44 stitches. Divide stitches evenly between 3 double pointed needles. (15 stitches on needles 1 and 2, 14 stitches on needle 3.) Join into a round being careful not to twist your stitches. Mark first stitch for beginning of round. Work 6 rounds in 2x2 Rib.
Version A (Solid Color): Switch to St st and work until piece measures 8 inches from cast on edge. Work 6 more rounds in 2x2 Rib. Loosely cast off using Elizabeth Zimmerman's Sewn Cast off method.
Version B (Thin Stripe): *Drop [MC] switch to [CC] and work 2 rounds in St st. Drop [CC], pick up [MC] and work 2 rounds in St st. Repeat from * continuing in this manner until you have 35 stripes total ending with a [CC] stripe. Cut [CC] leaving a long tail to weave in the end. Pick up [MC]. Knit one round. Work 6 rounds in 2x2 Rib. Loosely cast off using Elizabeth Zimmerman's Sewn Cast off method.
Version C (Wide Stripe): *Drop [MC] switch to [CC] and work 4 rounds in St st. Drop [CC] pick up [MC] and work 4 rounds in St st. Repeat from * continuing in this manner until you have 17 stripes total ending with a [CC] stripe. Cut [CC] leaving a long tail to weave in end. Pick up [MC] Knit one round. Work 6 rounds in 2x2 Rib. Loosely cast off using Elizabeth Zimmerman's Sewn Cast off method.


FINISHING
Weave in ends using a tapestry needle. Block lightly.

By the way, my daughter has been wearing these a lot lately and they look super duper cute on her and everyone comments on them!

I'm happy to report that Legwarmies is also available in French and Hungarian!

I thought I'd just share a few pictures

I took of socks worked on in my "2 Socks on 2 Circulars"class.

The last class went very well. In fact 2 women came who had never even knit socks before! I was so impressed by their perseverance and sock knitting bravery!

Since everyone just made sample socks to learn the technique I didn't make anyone swatch. That is why the socks differ so much in size.

See readers!!!

This is proof why you always need to swatch for sweaters!

If this class proves to be too advanced for the student it's easy to just switch to learning one sock at a time.

Great job everyone!

Now that the Knitty.com submission is out of the way, I've been able to spend some quality time with Ava's Smock Coat. (The name "Smock Coat" isn't very inspiring now is it, Debbie Bliss?) Here's a picture or two of the progress made.

Two sleeves and most of the left front...

Miles and miles and miles of Seed Stitch...

Now this may not look like alot of knitting, but I assure you it is. Its done all in seed stitch on size 4 needles. But of course you switch to size three's later on in the pattern! I've found it very time consuming as well as a bit boring. But now that I can kind of see the thing take shape I've found renewed interest. I really really want to get it done fast. Im tired of seed stitch! Also I desperately want to see little Ava in her cute red coat. I'm thinking about giving myself a bit of a deadline. I know it is strange how I torture myself with knitting but I do well with deadlines. For instance, I knit all the samples, took and edited the pictures and wrote the pattern for Knitty.com in a little over a week. When I set my mind to something, I can get it done.

So, for Smock Coat, I'm saying February 1st. It's not so crazy that I will have to stay up all night every night until that time, but it is a little push to keep me on track.

Also, I still have the worst project ever on the needles right now. It's a stand mixer cover I'm knitting for a customer. Its 222 stitches per round made out of *gasp* Red Heart Acrylic. oops, I think I just threw up a little. It is by no stretch of the imagination fun to work on. I'm making myself knit 2 rounds per day to get it finished. That's what happens when knitting is your job. It's not always fun!