Loopy Fetchings

I taught myself the Magic Loop knitting method this week, using Fetching as a excuse to try it out. I have to say I love it. I'm extremely fond of using dpns, but there is something, well, magical about using this technique. Plus, I have awesome new needles from Knit Picks that are apparently perfect for Magic Loop.

I discovered that I needed to knit them smaller, so I'm using size 4 needles. I also might try some shaping around the wrist on the second one, since they are quick to knit, and I can experiment with the second one. I don't really like them to be too loose. See my Ravelry page for more info on them.

KB is supposed to be on Ravelry soon, incidentally, so I can't wait!

I Made a Hat

I've had a recent flair-up in my desire to knit. I suddenly have plans for big projects. I'm also jump-starting the knitting group, so yay!

Here's a hat that I finished today at lunch with KB:


Isn't it pretty? Foliage of my favorite patterns--I've knit it three times now, and I love it. I subtracted one repeat because I was running out of yarn, but it seemed to be just fine. I made it for someone with light brown hair, so I think it'll look really nice on her.

I'm excited about starting Kniterati back up again...and for working on new cool projects. Whee!

Some knittin'

I'm working on my scarf for the ISE exchange, and while it's been a pain, knitting lace is actually pretty fun, once you get the pattern down.

I'm using the Branching Out pattern from The Knitty. It's a good beginner lace pattern, and I really like how it's turning out using a mohair/silk blend yarn. It's soft, drapes nicely, and makes me want to rub it on my face instead of knitting.

I have it over halfway done, so I need to get cracking to finish it up by June 7th. I had some issues when I started--I frogged it three times before finally getting a good enough start--and occasionally I still have some issues. It has been a fun challenge though because I can't just let mistakes go, since it'd obviously disrupt the pattern.

Here's another shot of the way the pattern is turning out (Lance thinks it looks like wings, but I think it's leafy):

It also looks really fuzzy against the white. That's part of its charm, the fuzziness. I hope my swap pal will like it!

For those of you looking for a good, easy lace pattern, I'd actually recommend this pattern, but not in the silk/mohair yarn. Use a heavier weighted yarn because this stuff has the tendency to snag and do all sorts of unpredictable things... With a different yarn, I'm sure I would not have had quite the troubles!