My Ingenue....

is GREAT! Loved knitting this sweater and loved the FO! It's perfect (barring a good block to make it a tad longer). So what did I learn on this knitting journey???

1. Modifications are always good. I knit 10 more rounds to the body to make it longer for me-thank God I did b/c even with that, it will still need blocking to be perfect for me. I also added a repeat of the bottom ridge stitch pattern for length to the body and sleeves...love it. I single crocheted the collar down on the inside making a nice, clean inside edge that won't bother me one bit when I wear it. Collar sits perfectly....

2. I also learned that I should've tried it on with what I was going to wear it with (t-shirts), b/c I could've done more shaping in the body to make a better fit. It is a bit boxy but that is the design of the sweater...next time...Guess I'm not so big as I think I am. I knit this in a large and while it could use some length still, it's a bit big everywhere else. Gauge was spot on...

3. Good yarn = good sweater
I will have this sweater forever b/c it is a classic style knit up with REALLY GOOD yarn. Can't say enough about Berroco's peruvia-it's just good, yummy yarn. I wet-spliced the ends of balls together so I didn't have any ends to weave in-worked perfectly. This yarn is one of my faves! Will definitely use it again. Sooooo soft and warm!!

And now for pic:



So what's next?
1. Last-minute mittens for the girls and me for Vt. and Debbie Bliss 9 to 5 sweater and hat sets for the girls...should be a good time-I'm using 1824 Mission Falls-what could be better??

I think I might be back???

Yep-been thinking about the blog, and actually, how I've ignored it for so long....oops. I guess life just got in the way...seems like that happens a lot to me...especially b/c my girls are getting older and more busy with activities...

But-I'm back to report about my yarny findings on new patterns, yarns, LYs's that I visit, etc....To catch up, on the needles right now is my Ingenue by Wendy Bernard-seriously, the most gratifying, easy, stress-free knitting I've done in awhile. Maybe b/c I know it's for me and there is no deadline really except that I'd love to wear it for Valentine's Day (it's red) or maybe b/c it's seamless, fun knitting? I'm not sure-maybe it's just that Berroco's Peruvia yarn is to.die.for??? Yep-if you get the chance to fondle this yarn-you will buy it for sure~! 100% peruvian highland wool-at it's best...so soft and the colorway that I have is perfect...for me. Pics to post when I get the moment...

I also visited an LYS in NJ recently-Yarn Depot, in Augusta, NJ to be precise. Lovely yarn shop-great selection and no one working there, following me around the shop. I met my friend (who lives in NJ) there and it was fun to go around with her and show her just how great shopping at an LYS is-she usually frequents big box craft stores for the convenience...The shop holds a great selection of basic stocks-Plymouth Galway, in great color choices-great variety, ella rae SUPERWASH, in again, GREAT COLORS, and nice choices in chunky yarns, like Sirdar click...All in all, a great variety, including Berroco, Debbie Bliss, Classic Elite, Plymouth, Sirdar, Ella Rae-definitely will be there to visit again or just to meet my NJ friend. The shop also holds classes and I'm waiting for a class schedule. It would be fun to go with my NJ friend as I don't get to see her too often...

I have also been to Electric City Yarns in Scranton, PA-GREAT selection of yarns also-especially MALABRIGO!!!!! I would visit this shop just to get that-really. Nice group of women in the morning sit-n-knit and nice cafe across the street too. I loved that the women didn't flinch when I came with daughter #2 in tow and of course, she was an angel....She just sat and colored....while Mommy fondled yarn and knit away with new friends...

But-I've got to say, that Jill Deal yarns in Milford PA is still my fav...here's why. Jill Deal is full of yarny knowledge(no question in pattern or stitch ever throws her), her shop is GORGEOUS and her yarn choices in stock cannot be beat. She always has something that I need and if not, can get it lickety-split for me. My hubby stops in often to pick up stuff as he is lucky enough to pass by EVERY DAY. Jill hosts wonderful classes held at the Hotel Fauchere and you are guaranteed a great day of knitting and food when you sign up for one of these classes. So, yep. Still my fav...

So, while I have been absent on the blog for awhile, I have been busy knitting. Check out my projects on Ravelry chriss1099 I've also updated my etsy shop www.yarnygirl.etsy.com I've been busy....I'm not lyin'....:0)


It's good to be back