My Projects: Gray Day Scarf

I finally have photos of this open work scarf I finished about a month ago. It's perfect for these brisk days in March where it feels like it's warming up yet the chill still gets to your bones. 

I call it Gray Day Scarf.

We went for a walk along New York Harbor. The sun was trying to come out yet winter is not ready to let go.

Made from a an easy open work pattern on large needles, this scarf is a quick knit. I used two strands of bulky yarn in two shades of heather gray. 

The pattern is from the same designer as my Asphalt Infinity Cowl I finished not that long ago.

Pattern: Misti Net Scarf from Knit1LA. This pattern is free and easy! 

Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo in Dove Heather and Cobblestone Heather. One skein of each. 50% Merino and 50% Nylon. Super soft!

Needle: Size 19. 

Verdict: Love Knit1LA's patterns! Large knits that are easy, fast, and stylish. Also love the fringe! Will remake in other colors. Also great for quick last minute gifts. 

My Projects: Asphalt Infinity Cowl

I recently finished this super snuggly cowl. I call it the Asphalt Infinity Cowl. 

Last weekend I wore it out for a wintry walk through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a place I love to go to get away from the city noise and asphalt! The snow filled garden and covered pond was beautiful. 

Despite the open work, this cowl is warm! 

Pattern: The Openwork Infinity Scarf from Knit 1 LA. Super easy and super quick! One long scarf seemed together to create a loop. This is a free pattern available here.

Needles: Size 19. Big! Wish I had used straight needles to be honest. It was difficult to bring the loops back onto the actual needle. 

Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo in Asphalt Heather. I used two skeins held together. This yarn is super soft and is made up of merino wool and nylon. 

Verdict: I would make more of these in a heart beat and certainly want to test it out with different yarns and colors. It's great to have a quick project on hand when working on a longer more involved one. Also, who doesn't love snuggly scarves when it's 20 degrees outside?  This one is a winner! 

My Projects: Mid-Week WIP's

I don't have as much time as I would like to work on my sewing and knitting projects. Mostly weekends and even those can be limited. So here is a mid-week look at my WIP's.

Queen of Hearts Bikini: I am knitting a bikini for a friend! This pattern is from the first Stitch N Bitch book. I bought that book when I decided to learn how to knit. My friend shrieked with delight when she saw the photo for this pattern and wanted me to make one for her. Well, I finally am! This is my first color work project and I have already completed one heart! The yarn is Cascade Yarns Fixation Solids which is a cotton lycra blend. Perfect for a skimpy bikini. My friend just moved to LA, so this will be perfect for her! 

Tweed Fog: This is one of a pair of fingerless gloves with a glorious cable pattern going down the front. These have been a great exercise for me. Not only am I practicing my cables but I also learned how to knit with the magic loop circular method. It's great, especially since I hate working with double pointed needles.  The yarn is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed in Wellies Heather that I had leftover in my stash. I'm really loving these gloves and I can't wait to show you the finished product!

My Projects: Red Lacy Fingerless Gloves

Currently on my needles are these really fun lacy openwork fingerless gloves! I've been focusing on doing lighter knits with some lace stitches. I started working on a lace shawl, my first in fact.  I don't have any photos of that project yet because I have had to frog it several times and start over. New stitches with a fine sock yarn can test your patience! 

So, I started knitting these gloves. They incorporate some of the same stitches as the lace shawl, but in a DK weight and larger needles. I am loving how they are turning out and they are a lot easier than I thought they would be! 

Right now, they look like mini sweaters! 

Click here for the pattern. They yarn I am using is Knit Picks Swish DK in Serrano. 

Shop News: Tweed Sale!

The Tweed Sale has started! 

20% off all tweed hand crocheted fingerless gloves in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail! Items are already marked down- no need for a coupon code.

This sale ends March 16! 

My Projects: Maple Leaf Turban

I have a new knitting project on the needles!  You may remember the Mid-Week Inspiration last week on Turbans, well let's just say I was inspired to make one of my own. 

I've long been a fan of Diane Serviss' work and her Etsy shop Pixiebell. I bought the digital download of this lovely turban pattern from her shop. Finally, I am trying my hand on one of her patterns!

I am using the super soft Cascade Yarns Magnum in color Koala Bear. This is the first time I have used a super bulky yarn. Needles- size 13.

Here's the start of it! So far so good. I'm going to attach a maple leaf brooch that belonged to my Mother to it. Winter fabulous! 

More information can be found on my Ravelry page. 

My Projects: Knitted Gifts!

The Holidays are coming! Do you make your gifts or do you join in the shopping frenzy?

I like to do a little of both, especially if that means I can practice my knitting! 

This is a simple one but I'm enjoying it.  I'm knitting a seed stitch scarf for my husband. It's something that would take a day for an experienced knitter. For me, I'm happy to get a couple of rows done after working a long day before my eyes get too sleepy. I'm hoping to have this done and a hat (ambitious!) in time for Christmas. I will keep you posted! The yarn is Cascade Ecological and it's a dream to knit! My husband loves that it's un-dyed and natural.  See more info on my Ravelry page. 

This cutie knitted up real quick and is for a dear friend of mine. She's about to give birth any day now!! I call this the Pea Pod U-Cord Hat and it's super newborn size so I've got to get it to her quick! These hats are fun to make and adorable. You may remember these similar versions I made earlier this year. I used Bernat's Cottontots Solid yarn and it's soft, perfect for a baby. For more yarn and pattern info check my Ravelry page.

What are working on? Will you get your gift projects done in time? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Yarns From Maine

I splurged on some gorgeous yarns while I was in Maine.  In the town of Bath we found Halcyon Yarn which quickly became my favorite yarn store, ever. They sell all sorts of yarn from the familiar and wonderful Cascade (which I bought a large hank of for a scarf for my Husband) to smaller brands from Norway, Iceland, etc. They also sell several brands from Maine including their own. If you're into weaving, they've got supplies for that too!
I was overwhelmed and it took me a while to focus. In addition to the Cascade, I decided on some additional hanks from two Maine companies, Peace Fleece and Swans Island. The colors are magnificent and my photos do not do them justice. 

Not only are the yarns themselves inspiring...oh what am I going to make?...but the stories behind these two yarn companies are inspiring too. 

I bought two hanks of Peace Fleece Worsted. The darker blue (Patience Blue) will be a hat for my Husband. The teal (Blue Jay) will be something for me (TBD). Peace Fleece is from Porter, Maine. They started in the Mid-Eighties with a mission to bridge the US and Russia during the Cold War. The owners imported wool from small Russian farms and turned it into delicious yarn in amazing colors. Now they also support small farmers in the Middle East and Dakota Indian reservations. I love that their company has flourished and the community they have created. 

I also bought one hank from Swans Island. I had a hard time capturing the richness of this purple natural indigo dyed yarn. The layers of colors is incredible! This was a total splurge at $32 a hank but I couldn't resist it's beauty! Swans Island is a small company located near Acadia National Park. Formed by two Boston lawyers who decided to leave the hustle and bustle behind and work from the land. They moved to Swan's Island, use local wool, learned how to naturally dye it, and started making beautiful blankets. The blankets are a Martha Stewart dream come true and are hand loomed. They now make naturally indigo dyed yarn and they, as mentioned before, are gorgeous! Keeping days old traditions this company has a labor of love and it shows in the quality of their products. Next time I am in Maine, I would love to visit their facility. 

I can't wait to show you what these yarns become! 

My Projects: Heather Tweed Gloves

Fall is on it's way and soon there will be a chill in the air.  I've been crocheting up several new pairs of tweed fingerless gloves with bows to get ready for it.   Here's a look at some new items I've finished and have listed in my Etsy store; The Sparkling Cocktail.  Click the photo to go to the individual listing. 

All are made from wool tweed in heather colors. I'm still really into tweed this season. What are your go to fall yarns or fabrics for fall? 

My Projects: Yellow Fat Bottom Bag

I've been working on this crocheted fat bottom bag. You may remember my Tweed Fat Bottom Bag from a year ago.   I've decided to give this pattern another go. This time in a yellow pima cotton yarn. 

I'm loving this sunny yellow! The yarn is Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Creme Brulee. 

I'm also going to line this version with remnants from my Fruity Peasant Blouse. It will add such a nice happy interior surprise! I still haven't decided on the handle but I am leaning towards a light bamboo wooden round handle. What do you think? Any suggestions? 

What knitting or crochet projects are you working on this Summer? 

My View: June Instagram Highlights

Ahhh June!! Summer has made it's arrival and I couldn't be happier! Here are some highlights from my Instagram from last month. To see my vacation pics from Memphis, go here.  Should you want to keep instagram, ya know instant, follow me @BobbinBombshell.

Sewing projects are in order this Summer! I am committed to making more of my own clothes. Here is some patterns and newly purchased fabric for summer sewing goodness! 

The yarn arrived from Craftsy for the Mystery Knit Along! It's no longer a mystery. The pattern is now available. We are making a lacy shawl! My first one! 

Discovered this van completely yarn bombed! Wow! 

Spent the first day of Summer at the High Line afterwork to watch the sun set with my sweetie! 

Happy Summer! 

My Projects: New Scarves; New Stitches!

You may remember I started taking the Knit Lab class on Craftsy not that long ago.  I have been learning a lot and have one finished project along with a WIP. Here's a look at what I've been working on and learning! 

The first project in this class is the Lacy Keyhole Scarf. This is my first knitting lace project and I couldn't be happier! 

A great project to practice knit/purl, create lace, and a keyhole. Plus you get this adorable scarf! I used Knit Picks Swish Worsted in black. This was an easy scarf to make. 

This is the second project in the course. It is called the Seed Stitch Cambridge scarf. I am using Knit Picks City Tweed HW in Snowshoe. I love this yarn! 

The scarf starts with rows of seed stitch, then a 2x2 basket, followed by a 4x4 basket stitch. It then repeats which is the point I am at now. This will make a wonderfully textured scarf! 

Read more about the Craftsy course here.  If you are a member of Craftsy, come say hello. My profile is here. 

What projects are you currently working on? 

My View: A Pretty Winter

Here's a review of some of my Instagram photos this month. I've been working hard this Winter, but I've taken time to notice the quiet beauty of the season! 

 To keep Instagram, you know, instant, follow me @bobbinbombshell!

If you've been following me on Instagram, you've seen these beauties grow and come to life. I received a bulb garden for a Christmas gift and I've loved watching the Paper Whites and Amaryllis bloom. 

We've had a cold yet very clear and sunny January. Here's a snap I captured of the Flatiron building in Manhattan with the winter sun shining on it. 

I'm loving tweeds this year! Some yummy new yarn for winter projects! 

Winter light in my bedroom one morning 

And it was my Birthday a couple of weeks ago! Here is the prettiest gift wrap on a gift I received! 

My Projects: Dinosaur and Jacques Cousteau Hats

The Dinosaur Hats for two of my nephews are finished! Just in time for Christmas!

I crocheted the spikes. This was my first time knitting on circulars. My ribbing is not the best, but I'm still pretty happy with them! 

And here's a WIP of a grey tweed ribbed Jacques Cousteau style toque for my husband. He's going to look adorable in it! 

For pattern and yarn info follow me on Ravelry or leave a question in the comments and I will answer! 

My Projects: Let the Knitting (and crochet) Begin!

 Look at my new stash of yarn!! The air has turned crisp and I have a lot of catching up to do on all my knitting and crochet projects. Lately, this is all I have felt like doing. 

 I started this easy ribbed scarf as a way to switch my mind from crochet to knitting. I did a lot of crochet over the summer and then when I want to switch to knitting, I think I have forgotten how. This is a great warm up! I am calling it the Morning Glory Scarf as that is the name of this wonderful purple tweed. This is also a great pattern to do when I am tired and I don't want to follow a pattern. 

Do you knit and crochet? Or do you prefer just one or the other? 

After warming up by starting the scarf, I then started the Roar Hat. This is a gift for my nephew and the first time I have knitted on circular needles. I'm still a novice so who knows how long this will take me but I would like to get 2 done for Christmas presents. Wish me luck! 

These are a finished project from the summer that I don't think I shared with you. These are crocheted fingerless gloves and I love making these. After I get proper photos, they will be listed for sale in my Etsy shop! Stay tuned! 

My Projects: Finished! Finally!

I have finally finished two crochet projects!  The Tweed Fat Bottom Bag and the Puff Stitch Red Beret. Let me know what you think!

This purse pattern in adorable and I love the tweed! It did come out a little smaller than I expected. I will have to try another one a bit larger for more everyday use. 

I'm really excited for Fall to wear this one! Love this red too! 

Do you knit or crochet? For pattern and yarn info on these projects visit my Ravelry page! Say hello, I'd love to meet you and see your projects too.