Thankfulness

I've been looking forward to this day for what feels like the entire year, but really my excitement for Thanksgiving day started last month. This is the first time in years where I am not working on Turkey day. Even more special is that my mother is also not working today. There are so many things that I'm thankful for, it's simply a blessing to have woken up today. Life may not be perfect but then again neither am I. Now that I have a break from work, my hope is to finish up quite a few of the projects languishing on my needles. Time had been in limited supply for knitting but nevertheless I've found moments to squeeze it in. I knit everywhere now, from the train to the doctor's office. No place is off limits.
Since my last post I've finished an item or two. First up is a hat requested by a former co-worker. She saw this hat and requested one for herself but in a different colour. Unlike past requests, she wanted her hat to be made from machine washable wool. Easy care maintenance. I love making hats I just don't enjoy making the same style more than once in a row. It takes away from the process. Surprisingly, however; I didn't experience boredom this time. Maybe, it was the softness of the wool blend I chose or the colour or maybe it was the fact that it kept me company on the train. I'm not quite sure why I didn't balk from picking my needles up to knit the hat. I'm just happy I enjoyed the process.



The long brim gives the wearer many styling options. Winter temperatures shouldn't mean you have to sacrifice being fashionable.



The recipient loves the hat. She sent this picture with her wearing it. I think it looks good on her.

Times I wished I said "NO FREAKING WAY"

I love being able to create. When I used to crochet, bags were my all time favourite thing to make. Now that I knit, hats are my obsession. I love almost every hat I see. I truly enjoy the process of making hats. Sure some take a bit longer than others but for the most part I rarely ever mind. I've been asked a few times whether or not I don't become bored with making hats....the answer:- HA nooooo. Do you get bored eating your favourite dish? Or wearing your favourite outfit? Exactly! That's how I feel about my hats. But every now and then someone asks me to step out my comfort zone and make them a scarf. Sighs...you probably already guess where this is going. I don't enjoy it.
A few months ago (feels more like a lifetime), I was commissioned to make a hat and scarf for a very nice woman. How could I say no? I happily agreed and settled on a colour that I knew she would like. I had no trouble selecting a pattern for the hat and in no time it was finished.




Unfortunately, the same did not happen with the scarf. Everything that could go wrong went wrong with it. The ball of yarn used for the hat was perfect but for the scarf the worsted weight felt more like either sport or DK. This would added a few more weeks of torture. The yarn wasn't complementing the pattern. I knew I had to change something. The only logical thing to do was to change the pattern to fit the yarn. So I did. Still couldn't get past a few rounds of knitting. I would be lying if I said I wasn't fed up with the whole thing. I even tried returning the money for the scarf. Ms. M wouldn't dream of accepting it. Instead, she said "you can do it"... Not the words I want to hear. Especially when I was thinking "I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE". I even found myself trying to come up with a list of people who I could ask to knit it for me. Hey, I was desperate. After, another few weeks or months had passed, I felt I needed to create my own pattern. I ended up working the yarn doubled to compensate for the thinness of it. It worked. Doubling the yarn meant that the amount purchased wouldn't be enough. Sighs again. By this time, I hated everything about the scarf, the colour, the yarn, the scarf, my needles...even the project bag it was kept in. I was over it. Way over it. Every night I begrudgingly knitted a row that took forever. Almost five hundred stitches every night. Fast forward a few nights ago....




I FINISHED IT. I finally finished it. After almost three months of ripping out and starting over I finished it. This is why I love knitting. Because despite the frustrations and setbacks and torture we sometimes put ourselves through, we stick with it because deep down we know the challenge will be worth it in the end. Giving up is not option even when it's the only thing that makes sense. This was my "make it work" moment. (I love Tim Gunn and Project Runway)



The moral of the story:- stick to what you love or be prepared for bumpy ride over the hill :)

Juggling Act

I have been a bad blogger. I have every intention of blogging but between being tired and trying to finish up my ongoing wips I just don't have the energy. This month is going at rapid speed but I am not complaining. This it's what I've asked the good Lord for and as the scripture said "ask you and you shall receive". Imust say though, that I have a newfound respect for other crafters who work full-time ave still find the time to actively create with passion. I hope to find that balance very soon. I am happy to report that I was able to finish two thirds of a hat package. It doesn't sound like much but right now I'm taking all the progress I can get. This is my second time making this hat but the first time making it after learning that I was twisting my stitches. I'm constantly amazed by the difference between making a project where the stitches are twisted and not twisted. It is like night and day.



The above picture is the hat done in twisted stitches. I still love it. It holds a special place in my knitting heart as it was the first baby beanie I ever made.
The second hat was done in the exact style and colour as well as size.



I got the opportunity to see it on the baby and boy oh boy he looked quite dapper in it if I do say so myself :). I'm loving the finished touches that my customized stamp adds to it.
Picture below is of the wrong side of the hat. Had I gotten a different label I would call this style reversible.



Until next time
CEE

New Beginnings

"There should be a day between Sunday and Monday" says everyone that works on Mondays. I can't believe the weekend is over already. This week is one filled with new changes. Life is moving and I am doing my best to keep up with the pace. Yesterday, I said goodbye to my job. It was a bittersweet feeling but one that was necessary for my growth as a professional. To mark the occasion, I did what I love to do which is:- KNIT. I don't need a reason, season or time to justify knitting for someone. This is one of the problems I have to work on...I want to knit everything for everyone but there's never enough time or hands...sighs. Anyway, as my farewell gift to someone at work, I made a hat. Months ago, the request was made and I mentally filed it away. But as the time approached I decided it would be now or never. The recipient had asked for a plain black hat that would be a beanie style fit. I don't know if I've ever mentioned it before but I dislike knitting with black coloured yarn. It is number one on my yarn related dislike lists. What's a knitter to do? The only thing to do was to focus on the fact that this isn't for me, it's for someone else. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't hate the process as much as I had anticipated. I wanted the hat to be warm and comfortable. My favourite pattern that is turning out to be a go-to this season is David's Hat by Kenny Chua. With pattern selected I went through my stash and settled on leftover patons classic worsted in black for the lining and filatura Lanarota in black for the rest of the hat. Both yarns have been dependable workhorse loves for me in the past. They are a dream to knit with and wears well over time.





Taking photographs of this hat was challenging for me. I couldn't get the right image. I'm overdue for a photography class brush up. I think the pic below shows the hat in a better light...



Life happens whether we are ready for it or not....goodbye old hello new! Ohhhh here's something else I will be celebrating this week:- MY BIRTHDAY! Yup...hello old once again :)
Hope your week is good one

Bye-bye Week hello Weekend

One of the things about knitting that I am grateful for is the distraction from everyday life it offers. This week has been emotionally rough. Luckily, I had my needles and yarn to help me through. I finished two more hats. Normally, this would be great news but it isn't...see a few weeks ago Andi from My Sister's Knitter started a kal focused on completing WIPS casted on prior to the 1st Sept. You probably already guessed it:- the hats completed this week were not WIPs (works in progress). I completely ignored the other projects that have been neglected for weeks or months (Sawtelle cardigan) and started something new. Sighs. In my defense, I was under the spell of new yarn. Yarn is my kryptonite. I just couldn't pass up the urge to play with new friends.
The first project is for a swap I am taking part in. Will post pictures once my partner receives her package. I don't think she reads my blog but you never knowwwwwwww.
The other hat I can talk about. In my knitting process I create the yarn feels/looks heavenly and I can't resist or I see a design that I must try. It was the former for the second hat. I spotted bernat Mosiac during a yarn sale not too long ago. I had never worked with it before. The sample knits in the store caught my eyes and before I knew it I had two balls in the fantasy and calypso colourways. I knew because the yarn was striped and colourful I needed a simple design to highlight it.



I made a Pom-Pom from wool-ease in eggplant. I love the way it brings out the burgundy colour in the yarn. I see myself making a few more hats with Pom-poms :)



I definitely don't regret buying clover Pom-Pom makers. It's much better than the one I got a few years ago.

The hat is on the big side but that's ok with me.

Fall Favourite pt 1

The air is beginning to feel chilly. I love fall- for the fashion. I love wearing cardigans, sweaters, tights, boots and HATS. If you can't tell by now I love hats. In my everyday life I try to wear them as often as I can. You would think for as many hats that I've made that I would have many for myself. Sadly, I have very few hats for me made by me. I don't always like how certain styles look on my head. I got lucky when I made Bergen street. It fits me exactly how I want it to. I wasn't sure it would fit since I mistakenly over blocked it. It is now more of a slouchy toque than it was prior to blocking. This is going to be my fall/winter staple.




Looking forward to discovering even more faves

Mid week update

Last week I posted my first attempt at dabbling with knitting without a pattern. Guess who did it again? This chick did! A few days ago, a coworker asked if I would knit him a hat. I needed an "in between project" kind of knit. Sure my WIPs list keeps growing and yes I have two projects that I need to finish before the month is over but how could I resist the chance to experiment on my own again. I was told that the hat must be fitted with a thin gray line around it, must cover ears and be able to turn brim up slightly. The emphasis on slightly was stressed several times. Very specific instructions but easy enough for me to follow. Armed with my needles and yarn I set out to make a hat. Two days later, Aruba was finished. It came out exactly as I envisioned it.

Dabbling with Design

When I first learned how to crochet my exposure to patterns was limited to doilies (or centres as they are called in Guyana). As a result of this my imagination was my on overdrive and everything I made was from there. I lost my passion for creating my own designs once I picked up knitting needles and discovered all the beautiful patterns the internet had to offer. I figured now is as a good time as any for me to change that, don't you? I went through my stash and this microfiber screamed "pick me, pick me!"



This is my first time working with micro grande by SMC Schachenmayr. I wasn't sure what to make with it after it arrived in my mailbox. But I love the sheen it has. I thought it only appropriate that my first dabble into the world of hat design should showcase the yarn. The pattern is a simple one. It is a basic beanie that has some slouchy-ness to it.



I had planned on adding a pompom but changed my mind. The crown looked too cute to be hidden with a pompom. Maybe my next dabble will accommodate one.

Starting September With A Bang

On the 1st September Andi over at MySistersKnitter started a new knit-a-long focused on completing WIPs (works in progress to the non-knitters out there). I really really really needed this challenge, because the good Lord knows I have a few projects that I need to get off my needles. They have been there wayyyyyyy too long. When did I stop being a monogamous knitter? I have no idea but what I do know is I don't like it that much. Startititis is real people...I love being apart of Andi's ravelry group. They have been very helpful in my knitting journey. It's important to be apart of a group that motivates, inspires, supports and fosters growth. If you're ever on ravelry you should stop by :).

Now that the knit a long has begun, I am sorting through the projects that I have been avoiding. First up is a hat that almost never made it pass the start line. I spent all of last night working on it. It didn't matter that I wanted to sleep and may have had a few moments of head nodding, I was determined to finish. Guess it was one of those "now or never" situations.

These pictures were taken immediately after cutting the yarn. Couldn't wait until I washed and blocked it. Yup, I was excited.



The first time I saw this hat I knew that I had to make it. The designer, Caryl Pierre did a fantastic job with the pattern. It was easy to understand. The crown of the hat is gorgeous. I love it! Plan on making this again. Any suggestions regarding colour for the next one?

Merlot:- washed and blocked

My knitting is still off track. This week I've started the same hat four times and every single time I reach the same place in my knitting I unravel it. Sighs. Can't seem to make any real breakthrough. I'm also struggling with the sleeves for the cardigan I'm working on for my friend's daughter. Nothing is going right in my knitting. I think I know the reason behind all of the false starts and the hurdles. I will go into this more very very soon. In the meantime, I washed and blocked Merlot :)



If you look closely you'll notice that Merlot can be worn three ways :- 1) slouchy toque, 2) as a beanie with the brim turned up and 3) beanie with brim turned inwards.

New Hat:- Merlot

I just looked at my ravelry page and realized that it has been two weeks since I blogged. Where did the time go? I have a newfound respect for bloggers who post several times a week. I just don't have it in me. Sighs. I will be a happy camper once fall starts. My knitting output is directly affected by fun in the sun :)
I am pleased to report though that I have finally finished something. Nope, it's not one of the WIPs shown in last post. Sad to say, no progress has been made there, other than I frogged the hat and started another. The new hat was completed yesterday.



I think I have been bitten by the cable bug. This was my first time using Northampton by valley yarns. I love it! It is nice to have another go to workhorse yarn that is affordable. Will be ordering more of it in the near future.



This is the hat prior to being washed and blocked.

Do you have a blog? If so do you ever have moments or phases where you don't blog frequently?

A week of WIPs

Over the last few years I have realized that I am a process knitter. I enjoy the entire process of creating a hand knitted item....for the most part (the process becomes less enjoyable for larger items) this is true. The last few weeks I have not had any completed projects. My head and heart aren't connected with my needles. It has been lots of knitting a row or two here and there. But every little counts right?

First work in progress is the Sawtelle sweater I started in March. Yup, I knowwwwwwwww it's now August. Sighs. What can I say



I am hoping it will be finished before Fall starts. Today I was able to finished the back and fronts. I had hoped to start the sleeves but my mind is having trouble following the directions. Instead I think I am going to knit the sleeves separately then attach. Fingers crossed that it doesn't take me another month or two to finish



Next up, is a hat I've been commissioned to make. I am feeling a tad bit "iffy" about this. I am not going to frog it or st least that's what I keep telling myself every time I pick up the needles to work on it. Oh did I mention this is another hat where I've been given total creative control? Yup...we all remember not so long ago how I stressed myself out in a similar situation. No second guessing this time.



Btw:- don't you just love my knitting bag? It's really a cosmetics bag but I'm all about converting. I absolutely love it. I picked it up from Michaels a few weeks ago. Can't beat a three for one deal :D



The final WIP is no longer a work in progress but rather a member of the frog committee. I do plan on remaking it. I love the yarn. Will talk about it in future posts




What are you working on this week? Do you ever have moments or phases where you just can't create?

Prayers Needed

It has been an emotional couple of days in my neck of the woods. I recently learnt that a family member of mine is on life support. The situation has affected us greatly. Bringing up memories of other loved ones who passed away. How does one cope in these kinds of situations? I have been praying but i must confess I don't know what result to pray for...I ask for her suffering to end but her life to be speared but I know that's selfish. I ask for peace in accepting the transition that is inevitable but I know we (the family) can't accept this....I am lost and worried and scared. It was just two months ago we experienced the lost of her brother and now here we are two months later crying tears of pain just at the thought that she will be next. I know that God has a plan and HIS WILL will be done. It doesn't make it any less emotional though. I have tried not to share my personal live on here but this one can't be avoided. Hold your loved tight...tell them every chance you get that they matter, that they are loved...please say a prayer for my cousin


Thank You,
Cee

Knitting gone wrong or did it???????

Last week I was fretting and complaining and moaning about my most two recent FOs being hideous. Am I being a bit too critical? Maybe...I still don't care too much for this hat. However, the other hat has stopped looking hideous.






Looking at it now I can't remember what it is that I didn't like....I am not seeing the mistakes I made. I am not complaining this time around either. Lesson:- sometimes we have to give ourselves time and distance away from our projects in order to see beyond the mistake.



I love the polka dots. Thinking of other colour combos for the next one I will knit. What I love most about this pattern is how fast it knitted up. Baby/toddler items always make me feel like a fast knitter.



Don't you just love the back of this hat? I do





What to do when you have nothing to block your hat? Use a balloon and a vase. These are the moments I feel like watching Macgyver paid off :)

Ravelry page can be found here

When Knitting Goes Wrong

All good things must come to an end....apparently my knitting streak is one of those things. It has been awhile since I have knitted Something that came off my needles full of visible mistakes. This week it happened twice!!! I don't know what is going on but whatever it is it certainly needs to stop. First up is a cabled hat I made. I love the pattern, I've seen some beautiful hats on ravelry made from said pattern. Mine, however, didn't make the cut. The yarn didn't take well to the pattern- this is always a sure sign of disaster about to happen- but me being stubbornly optimistic ignored the warnings and continued knitting. The hat came out smaller than the intended size. Before you ask, I didn't take gauge. I never do for hats- no judging- had I done so though the hat wouldn't be so snug. My tension was all over the place. I messed up certain sections of the cable. Sighs. All in all it was just one big giant mess.





If you look closely at the second and fourth picture you will see the mistakes....it is annoying me but I refuse to rip it apart. I know when the weather gets cold I wouldn't care too much about the mistakes. Butttttttt until then I will be glaring at this hat every time I see it.....

I did mention two flawed finished items...I will write up another post of the second hat later this week after it's finished drying.

Flashback Friday

It has been several years since my first knitting lesson....since that time I have been many hats and bags and some scarves...Yet pictures of those finished items are far and few in between. It never occurred to me that one day I would want to look at what I have done and even compare the progress I have been a long the way. I am much better at it now-thank God for sites like Ravelry and Instagram. Imagine, my surprise this week when my ex showed me a black and grey scarf I knitted for him a few years ago. I was shocked that he still had it but even more surprised that it looked better than I remembered it looking. Sure he has never washed it and there is some pilling, but after almost 9 years it has held up pretty nicely.



Close up of the scarf

Pattern was a basic 1x1 rib. Two strands of either patons classic merino or their classic worsted wool (don't remember) held doubled throughout. It's comforting to know that things I made so long ago are not only still being used but are still appreciated.



It's so thick...perfect for the harsh winter we just had .... If only he would wash it!!! Lol

Happy Friday :)

No more second guessing

In my last two posts I shared with you thst my friend commissioned me to make three hats for him. I had sole creative control over style, yarn type and colour. Initially, I was thrilled but panic soon followed. I must admit that I loved each hat after I was finished. I still doubted whether the hat would complement my friend's personality....sure we're friends and yes I have a fair idea of his style but it's different when you're making something. There's an emotional investment in each project that can't quite be explained... In short I can be sensitive and protective of my work. Which artist isn't right? I knew for the last hat, I wanted to make another grey fusion hat...I am loving colour work knits now....even more fantastic was I did more stash busting....this is the first time in ages where I didn't buy yarn specifically for a project. Progress? Lol my wallet thinks seems to think so



I made a few changes to the hat....the brim was a bit longer than the pattern's specifications. Also (unintentionally), I did not knit two rounds of stockinette in the contrasting colour before and after the stranded work....It worked out well though. As my mom would say " every spoil is a style"


I am still getting the hang of putting on my labels...



I am happy I didn't give up or give into my self doubts for this challenge. The hats were well worth the hassle I put myself through




I will surely be trusting my instincts going forward. It's time I just embrace that my work is good...there's nothing wrong with pushing myself but I have to remember it's just as important to acknowledge and highlight my talents.

Ravelry page can be found here

Meet Summer

In my last post I mentioned that one of my friend's commissioned me to make three hats for him. The process hasn't been easy due solely to my own second guessing. The second hat was easy. I knew I wanted something that isn't " traditionally male" for the colour. Something bright and happy....something that will remind you summer in those cold rigid winter days. What better colour than yellow? I had just the right shade of it in my stash...cascade 220 in goldenrod. I think cascade is my absolute favourite go to brand. It really is an incredible workhorse yarn. After going through my favourite patterns in ravelry (it's A LOT) I decided to finally stop admiring Jane Richmond's patterns and just purchase one. I settled on Kathleen and went to work. The knit was easy and quick. I must admit I had some trouble reminding myself when to twist and when to not twist my stitches. Ravelry project page can be found here

FO:- Ribs Delight

A few weeks ago I was commissioned to make three hats for a male friend. I was told that I could select any colour I wanted as well as style. This made me very happy....for about two seconds. It sounded good...great actually until I became overwhelmed with second guessing every decision I made. For some reason I couldn't get pass my own self doubt. I even caved in and asked my friend for his input....that only led to several unnecessary arguments. I finally settled on a vintage cashmere ribbed beanie pattern. It spoke to me. It had everything I wanted for the first hat:- simple design. Didn't have any cashmere or cashmere blend yarn in my stash. Instead I settled on


The yarn was easy on my hands.



The hat looked smaller than it is...I made a few mods to the pattern. Pleased with the results



Ravelry project page can be found here
One down two to go....I've already casted on hat #2

Summer officially starts tomorrow....my knitting maybe taking a backseat to the sun....have a happy weekend!!!!!