Round and round and round we go...

I’ve been behind in my blogging. It seems like whenever you take a vacation, you return needing another one as you’ve fallen so far behind.  Regardless, I’m now back on track and should have some fun updates over the next few days.

Autumn is probably my favorite season.  As much as I love the warmth of Summer, I love the cool weather and the colors of nature that Fall brings.  It’s the start of the holiday season where for a few months, it seems that there is always something happening.

With that cool weather, comes the perfect time for fall hats!  Living in sunny Northern California, I don’t have to worry so much about snow, so a lighter hat is perfect for stepping outside.  My favorite (and what I feel is the most flattering for my head) are the slouchy beret shapes.  An easy knitting pattern that has been a go-to for me is the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret.  It’s easy and free on Ravelry.  

I could have this hat in every color! My favorite is red, but I think I’m going to try a cream color next.  I’ve made a few but they’ve always been snatched up for gifts.  And really, it’s suitable for beginners. As long as you have a basic understanding of cabling and knitting in the round, you can do it.  I think it was my second of each of those techniques and I only had a few hiccups… nothing that my LYS couldn’t help with.

Technical details: I used Malabrigo Merino Yarn Worsted in Ravelry Red, size 11 circulars.

When Irish eyes are smiling...

On a recent trip to Ireland, I was at a loss as to what I should gift my friend and hostess for the trip.  I had taken up knitting over the winter and thought I could put that skill to use.  The only problem was that I didn’t want to get her a ‘typical’ wool gift as she lives in the land of sheep and probably has access to an abundance of those products already.  She also frequently spends time in California, so she would have the opportunity to wear it in warmer weather.  

In the end, I went with a beautiful lace shawl which happened to be in the colorway ‘Ireland’.  The yarn was by Three Irish Girls and I used the Gust Lace Scarf pattern from Ravelry.  It was an easy pattern to knit and the repeat became like clockwork after time.  It was also one of my first experiences with blocking.  I was amazed at how much the scarf increased in size!  Here are some pictures of the process and the final item.

Before blocking

Soaking the scarf

After blocking

My friend loved the scarf and I had an amazing time staying at her home in Ireland.  Luckily the weather was surprisingly warm so the scarf was perfect for the occasion.