Project 7: Turn it Up to 11 MKAL

COMPLETE!

Week 1: Swatch cast-on

Week 1: Swatch progress

Week 1: Sock cast-on

Week 2: Pattern progress

Week 2: More pattern progress

Week 3: Finished heels

Week 4: Rocking my new socks

My Supplies:

• Candy Skein
• 1 Yummy Fingering in Atomic Jelly Beans
• 75% Merino
• 25% Nylon
• Circular Needles 
• 1  Harmony FC US 1 (2.5mm) 40in
• Stitch Markers
• 2

Project 6: Zigag Cowl

COMPLETE! 

Last month I decided to join one two Springtime KALs. Not to brag, but I actually managed to finish the first KAL in only two days. I was definitely surprised with how quickly the 1-Skein Zigzag Cowl by Heather Walpole knit up and I absolutely love it. I followed the pattern exactly as written, except it there wasn't quite enough yarn. I think I left too long of a tail when casting on. Anyway, I only needed to reduce the length by two rows. If you ask me, it isn't noticeable at all.

My Supplies:

• Ewe Ewe
• 1 Ewe So Sporty, Brushed Silver, Color 97
• 100% Merino Superwash
• Circular Needles 
• 1 Knit Picks US 6 (4mm) 16in
• Stitch Markers
• 1

Project 4: Heliopath Vest

Complete!

I recently participated in the Heliopath Vest KAL co-hosted by The Unapologetic Knitter and the GhostFaceKnitter. My initial post about this KAL can be found here and my progress during, here. Unfortunately I didn't win any of the wonderful prizes offered by these lovely hosts, but they didn't let me go empty handed. I received a very sweet note and care package for participating.

How did they know I love chocolate?!?!?!
And yes, that is a Cupcake wand.

It was quite a journey and I definitely feel like a stronger knitter because of it. I managed to finish it by the deadline and hope to show it off in public soon (weather permitting).

My Supplies:

• Berroco Vintage
• 5 skeins, Chana Dal
• 52% Acrylic
• 40% Wool
• 8% Nylon
• Buttons
• 8
• Circular Needles 
• 1 Knit Picks US 7 (4mm) in
• Stitch Markers
• 10

Spring Knit-A-Long x2

Since discovering my first Knit-A-Long (KAL), I've definitely been seeking them out. I'm sure I've said it before, but I really do love the community of knitters I have interacted with in the last few months. I especially love the help and support I receive from other knitters while participating in a KAL (prizes aren't bad either).

This month, I decided to go crazy and commit to two KALs. Not only that, they both start TODAY! The KALs I'm talking about are the Sporty Spring KAL: 1-Skein Zigzag Cowl and "Turn It Up To 11" Mystery Sock KAL. As you can tell probably tell by the names, they are completely different projects for entirely different parts of the body. Plus, they should be pretty quick knits. This is a pretty big deal since I spent the last 6 weeks almost exclusively knitting my Heliopath Vest.

I've already decided on the yarn for both projects. For the "Turn It Up To 11" Mystery Sock KAL I'm using the April 2014 colorway Atomic Jelly Beans by Candy Skein.

And for the Sporty Spring KAL: 1-Skein ZigZag Cowl I'm using Ewe So Sporty in Brushed Silver by Ewe Ewe.

28 days later

I'm not talking about the horror movie.

 

It's been almost a month since the Heliopath Vest KAL hosted by The Unapologetic Knitter and GhostFaceKnitter began and I've been a busy lady. Since purchasing my yarn way back on March 1st, I've managed to stay a little ahead of schedule.

• Knit, blocked and gauged my swatch

Swatch: knitting cable/lace pattern

Drying in the sun

16 rows of pattern in 3"= 5.33 rows per 1"

20 stitches in 4" = gauge

• Cast on 208 stitches, knit 2" of ribbing and jumped into 14" of cable/lace pattern

2" ribbing and about 1" of cable/lace pattern

2" ribbing, 3" cable/lace pattern

16 rows of cable/lace pattern and my notes

• Knit over 10 hours straight to reach 14" of cable/lace pattern

2" ribbing, 12" cable/lace pattern

2" ribbing, 14" cable/lace pattern

• Started shaping the armholes with a ridiculous amount of help and support from @seaandlake

Shaping first armhole / open vest

Shaping first armhole / closed vest

I've clearly made quite a bit of progress in the last 28 days and I'm determined to have it done before the 11:59pm PST April 12th deadline. So far this has been the most challenging and rewarding knitting experience I've ever had, but I'm definitely thrilled it's almost over. I don't know if I would have ever attempted this on my own and I am so extremely thankful for all the encouragement and praise I've received so far. I definitely consider myself lucky to have found such a talented and supportive community of knitters through Instagram.

Heliopath Vest KAL

I was gifted an electronic version of the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits magazine in January (thanks babe) and have been waiting for the right moment and pattern to start knitting. Following @socalmeaghan and @ghostfaceknitter on Instagram provided just the right amount of incentive to start knitting the Heliopath Vest:

Photo Arrangement by: @socalmeaghan

They both provide all the details in their respective blogs The Unapologetic Knitter and GhostFaceKnitter. Not only is there a prize are there four prizes, these lovely ladies have literally broken down the daunting process into weekly goals. I made a nifty little Google Calender to keep track:

  The KAL (knit along) started today and even though I should have started knitting the swatch to check the gauge, I didn't exactly get the chance to put needle to yarn. I did, however, brave the rain to visit Unwind for my yarn, a new needle and a glorious scoop of buttons (plus 8 perfect for this project).

Berroco Vintage: Chana Dal (5192)