Bunny Cakes

Hats: A Knitters' Paradise

This post is perhaps a little tardy (just a wee bit). As we edge towards the spring, a bring a little reminder of winter (and hopefully it’s impending demise). As a knitter and crafter who loves instant gratification, hats are wonderful little project and are just the bees’ knees to knit up. Quick and satisfying. I sometimes feel like the hardest thing about knitting a hat is finding the right pattern and the right yarn to use. Having knit for several years now, I have quite a few hat patterns and a larger yarn stash than I would want to admit (especially if my husband is reading this). With so many choices, I waiver on which pattern is the right one and I also think to myself “do I need another hat?” (the answer is usually “yes.”)

A little while ago, say the fall, I happened upon a really nice pattern on knitty and knew at once that it was a winner. It was a lacey hat that was not too hard and not too lacey (hats should provide some warmth, but above that, should always provide added beauty and confidence). I also really liked the fact that the pattern was free, it kinda makes up for the fact that I bought new yarn to make it (gluttony at it’s worst, yes, I know).

I would provide some more details, like what yarn I used, but in my true style, I have lost the yarn band. I do know that it was worsted weight and I knit this up using size 7 needles. Incidentally, I did have enough to knit an identical hat for K (after assurances that it would be worn, however, these things have yet to come to pass. If you are interested in a loving hand knit hat, leave a comment and perhaps the doppelganger hat will find a new home and some use).

~A

Knitted Socks (I Heart Cat Bordhi)

For me, crafting is a very organic process.  At the heart of the crafting process is something that I like to call the “quickness” (I stole this from the movie the Highlander and if you are familiar you will understand my very nerdy reference). Sometimes the quickness happens when you see something new that causes your crafting heart to skip a beat or when  you learn a new technique that unlocks the door of limitless possibilities.  I live for this quickness---it spurs me on into manic sessions of crafting and ideas.  I am junky and I hope that I never find a cure.

Cat Bordhi’s was my latest source of inspiration.  I have known about Cat for a while and while I have been mesmerized by her patterns/ideas, I have never taken the plunge.  I happened upon her You Tube videos and was instantly smitten (I finally GOT IT).  Armed with her latest book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book One, and her handy videos, I dove in. I have to say that Cat’s patterns are not super easy, but once I let go and submitted to every word, I realized that not only was Cat a Genius, but man she is a GENIUS.  (how they heck do people get their minds to work like that?)

Normally, I would try to provide some details, but sadly I live with a little thief that loves scraps of paper (and cardboard, but that’s another post).

All I can tell you is that the yarn is Koigu KPPPM (two skeins) and I used Knit Picks needles (very pointy, great, and cheap).

Making these socks was not only a real treat, but also a great learning experience.  I finally conquered knitting in the round with two circulars, the EZ stretchy bind off, and Judy Becker’s magic cast on and so much more (so many news skills in such a short time---it was mind boggling).  This book is really fantastic. I am already planning future socks!

~A

Here are a few more gratuitous pictures of my socks...