Summer Knitting Recap

Wow!  We're already into September, and I am just getting around to updating all of my summer knitting!  Time flies when you're having fun!!  We have been out straight this summer, so I apologize at my lack of posting.  Needless to say, my needles have been moving much more than my keyboard. 

So...without further ado...here's what I've been up to...

First up, my "Hugs from Away" shawl.  My Nana's birthday was in early August, and I wanted to make her something nice.  She used to knit quite a bit, so I knew that she would appreciate something handmade.  However, she has been in quite a funk regarding gifts and tends to give them right back to you, so in all honesty, I didn't want to make something that was super time consuming.  So, when I saw the Easy Triangle Shawl pattern on Ravelry and Lion Brand's website, I knew it would be perfect.  I made it out of Bernat Satin yarn in Sapphire.  I ended up doing 12 repeats and barely broke into the second ball of yarn.  The pattern calls for Homespun, but I wanted a lighter weight shawl, as Nana likes to have something on her shoulders, but doesn't like a lot of weight.  Since I don't crochet, my Mom finished off the edges for me...thanks Mom!!!

Before we went East on holidays, I was bound and determined to make myself a sweater.  So, I put all other projects aside and cast on the Mud Season Sweater in Bernat Chunky Solids.  This sweater yelled out at me to make it since we were going to Maine as part of our trip, and the designer lives in Freeport!  It knit up super fast and fits like a glove!!!  Below is a photo of me wearing it at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  The heavy yarn is great for fall days or photo ops by the breezy water, but I wouldn't suggest wearing it mid-summer...it is a bit too warm for that.  I love the blue-green color of this yarn...it is called Teal, but has lots of variations in the color.  I loved this pattern so much that I am tempted to make another sweater in a different color!

I have lots of friends having babies, so I thought I'd throw together a few bibs...here is one of the finished ones.  It is the Heartbeat pattern by Elaine Fitzpatrick, and I made it in the Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Solids color Hot Pink.  If you're looking for uber cute bib and washcloth patterns, I highly suggest that you take a peak at Fitzpatrick's patterns.  Her stuff is amazing!!!

Next up is a blanket that I made for a good friend in Georgia who just had a beautiful baby boy a few weeks ago.  She and her husband are HUGE UGA fans, so I came up with this UGA themed blanket.  I created the chart for the center square, and the remaining ones are made using a Harris Tweed stitch pattern.  I used Bernat Satin Solids in Snow, Crimson and Ebony.  I have never created my own design before, so I am super pleased with how this turned out.  It was also my first time seaming a blanket like this, so I was able to check off a few boxes on my knitting bucket list.

Since I didn't want my friend's little girl to feel left out, I whipped up these hair ties for her.  I used Susan Anderson's Butterflies pattern and sewed them to some hair elastics.  I think they came out pretty cute.

Finally, here is a report on my Works in Progress (WIPs).  Here is a partially finished bib in the Imp pattern, again by Fitzpatrick.  I put this project down while we traveled, so I need to pick it back up again and finish it.  It shouldn't take long to complete. 

As for WIPs that I don't have photos of, I started a sweater while on vacation.  I am using the Easy Top-Down Raglan pattern by Susan Anderson, and I am working with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solids & Heathers in the Avocado color.  I seemed to have lots my knitting mojo for a bit during our vacation, so I haven't gotten too far on this one. 

Since we've been home, I've also started a blanket square for a WCOBBS blanket.  In an attempt to get our members out of a summer knitting slump, I have asked that people make either knit or crochet squares that we can seam together.  In theory, squares take less time than the usual 6-inch stripes, so I was hoping that more members would get involved.  A few ladies have joined in, and we have also been so fortunate to have members of another Ravelry group, the Vanna's Choice Fan Club, pitch in too!!!  One amazing woman even made an entire blanket to donate!!!  Squares are arriving daily in the post box, so I'll be quite busy seaming blankets, and making my own squares to fill in.

So, that's what I have been up to.  My garden is also growing like crazy, and I'll try to put together a post on my veggies soon.

Cheers and happy crafting!

Sharon