Malabrigo and Gretel

After living in denial for the last three months, I have finally come to (partially) accept that winter might again be here for it's horrific onslaught of vexation and frostbite.

Being caught outdoors wearing only a light jacket while snow fell around me might perhaps have something to do with my erudite discovery.

(And yes, I was also wearing pants and shirt and other accouterments. I just couldn't figure out how to imply all that in the aforementioned paragraph.)

When I finally got home and thawed out, I headed straight for my stash to begin knitting myself a hat, since I have to this point been sadly hatless - a very shocking state for a knitter to be in.
I've been saving a beautiful little skein of malabrigo magic for just such a project. This yarn (named Terracotta) is the stuff of poetic bliss. Stroking its luscious fibers is liking having a massage, getting a really good hair cut, winning the lottery, getting free volunteer babysitter services, and being given a lifetime supply of dark chocolate all at once.

Heady stuff, if you know what I mean, with pun fully intended.

(I'll pause for the groans).
This hat is called Gretel, and is a nice little cabled number that is designed to be a slouchy hat. I think the yarn is a bit too variegated to do the cables justice, but I don't really care, as I am in love with all things malabrigo.
I'm glad I only knit the Regular size, because after I gave it a gentle washing and just let it air dry without any real blocking, it ballooned to twice it's size.

Still, I'm pleased with the results. I got it knit in two days, had four yards of yarn to spare (juuuust squeaked this hat out of one skein, woo-hoo!), and since it's nice and floppy in the back, I won't have to fret about hat hair. (I think I'll give the edges a crochet tighten-up, though, so it stays on a bit more firmly.)
Lovely hat and exquisite yarn to combat wretched weather blues.

Excuse me while I bury my face in my hat for the next nine months.

Knitting Updates

I haven't really felt inspired to do my usual frantic knitting lately, but I've been steadily plugging away on a few things. The Maunawili Falls Vest is coming along nicely, and I've finished the back and am starting the neckline of the front. I like how quickly this knits up. I use size 10 needles, and since there's no sleeves, it's a fast project that can still fit in the "sweater" category.

My mom wanted a vest as well, but she picked out a lovely green shade of Malabrigo called Verde. It just arrived in the mail yesterday, so as soon as I finish my own vest, I'll cast on another one for my mum. I love the color, but if one is consistent with the "water" theme of the vest, I'd have to say that the idea of "pond scum" is rather accurate. However, I still like the color, so I'll have no problems finishing the "pond scum" version of Maunawili Falls!

The sock is coming along slowly, but steadily. I haven't really been working on it much, but I'm so glad I frogged the first try and re-knit it on size #2 needles. The colors were pooling with the #1 needles, and I think this pattern looks best with stripes, instead of blobs of color.

Finally, I made one more yarn purchase of my favorite "cheap" yarn, Caron Simply Soft. I've raved about it before, but let me remind you that it's inexpensive, indestructible, soft, and long-lasting. I've told Peter I'd knit him a blankie for his birthday, and although it's not his birthday until November, I figured I might as well get started. I'm not exactly sure how it will look yet, but I thought I'd do sampler squares and then crochet them all together.

I got the idea from Anne's blog, and I like the look of knitted squares much better than crochet (sorry, all you crocheters out there!) Plus, it will be an excellent way for me to practice some favorite stitch patterns from my Vogue Stichionary books!

Delirious with Happiness

For a knitter, I don't think there's anything that makes us happier than the prospect of new yarn. For me, even finishing a new project doesn't quite compare. I think it's the lure of things to come; unfulfilled hopes and dreams; uncharted territory (oh dear, I'm waxing poetic about string. *Sigh*).

Anyway, what's the purpose of all this meandering? My sweet sister Angie went to her very first real yarn store a few days ago (yes, I can hear the gasps from here . . .), and she went nuts. Angie's a fantastic crocheter, and she was so inspired by what she saw. It's so nice to have another family member to talk yarn with! (Usually, my mom just looks at my with glassy eyes and nods emptily). If you have time, stop by her blog and view the yummy-ness. Her post made me die of laughter!

My sis picked up THREE skeins of Malabrigo deliciousness for me, and I'm planning to knit another Maunawili Falls vest. I was so excited, I was even dreaming of my new yarn last night!

I can stop anytime I want to. Really. I can. I'm not an addict.

Maunawili Falls Vest - DONE!

I can't believe how fast I got this vest done! I'm usually a fairly quick knitter, but this was so much fun to make, I think it worked up in double-time!

I'm going to submit this pattern to Knitty, too, because I think it might be nice to wear during the cooler fall weather. I'm pretty happy with how well it came out. It's a bit larger than I was thinking it would be, so I'll have to adjust the measurements a little bit on the final pattern.

Here's some of the specs for this vest. It's made from Malabrigo Merino in the Oceanos colorway, a worsted weight yarn, and is knitted up on US size 10 needles. The pattern is a fitted vest with a slightly shortened length, has a modest, mitered neckline and a lace/faux cable pattern on the front and back called Falling Water. I wasn't able to get a really clear shot, but I'll take better pictures later when I get my camera back from the other Rachel (my SiL; I left it at her house).

I'm so happy with the neckline, too. I've never done a mitered corner and I couldn't find clear directions on the internet, so I went ahead and winged it. It worked! The center Falling Water pattern splits perfectly to travel the neckline edge! Woo-hoo! This picture captures the color the best of this gorgeous yarn.

Thanks so much, secret pal! You're awesome to give me such a wonderful gift, and I've had so much fun knitting this lovely yarn. (Okay, I'll try to refrain from further gushing. It's difficult, though, because I LOVE this yarn. Okay. must. stop. now. . .)