Knitting Along

In addition to my recent trip which gave me some extra knitting time, I have been able to add some regular knitting time into my routine.  I have been happy to have some extra time to devote to the pure enjoyment of knitting, but I have also been motivated by living in a cooler climate. I just want more cozy knitted accessories to wear.

Jennifer and Logan sent me some beautiful alpaca (Jennifer paid, Logan selected!) for Christmas, and I went to work pretty quickly to make a comfy new cowl to keep my neck warm.  I made the ribbed cowl from the winter 2011 issue of Knit Simple. This is not a magazine I usually buy, but this particular issue featured loads of cute and wearable accessories, including the cover pattern for a simple and wearable lacey wrap. This cowl makes the most of the drapey nature of the alpaca yarn and is large enough to pull over my head for an impromptu hood when the wind is intense. I've already worn it several times and love it. Poor Roxy did not enjoy being the model but it makes a cuter picture than the usual bathroom mirror shot.

I've also been cranking out a few pairs of socks for myself. These are my simple 3x1 ribs 64 stitch socks - the perfect travel project because the pattern is in my head and doesn't take much attention. They are made of Kertzer's On Your Toes 4 ply with Aloe Vera, bought last year at The Yarn Basket in Mashpee. They are a little pinker in real life than they are in the picture.


I will finish Jared Flood's Guernsey Wrap this week. I'm hoping to wear it to Stitch & Bitch, if not tomorrow then maybe Sunday! I hope to get a hat and mitts out of the remaining yarn which will make a complete cool weather "system" for days when I need something warm but not a whole coat. I have another pair of socks on the needles, and loads of things brewing in my mind. I am depleting the stash at a noticeable (to me) rate, and enjoying using the yarns that have been marinating for a while.