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Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Side Projects


It isn't finished. It should be, but the size of the blanket makes it tough to take along on our adventures. I have less than a quarter of the edging to finish. Today calls for SNOW, which means we will be snuggled up indoors. In between reading books, playing games, making art, and checking on snow accumulation, there will be some finishing of this blanket. It seems like a perfect day to find ourselves wrapped up in its loveliness to stay warm.

The idea of adventuring without a knitting project just wouldn't do this week. With the size of the blanket daunting, I instead cast on for a take along hat. I have become a fan of Stephen West's patterns, and this is his newest Kex hat pattern. I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes tweed as a more economical option (the original calls for Brooklyn Tweed). The hat utilizes slipped stitches to make lines amid the colorful striping. It is reversible, which I also like. The only problem was that it is a very quick knit! I finished in two days. My notes are here.


I picked up and finished Nightwoods this week. It helps my reading that I have been running on the treadmill each morning. I desperately hate the treadmill for its monotony, so I read to pass the time. In the time it takes to run a 5K, I can read a good bit of my book. I had started The Sandcastle Girls, but it is an actual book which is harder to manage. I prefer something on my ereader, which is why I picked Nightwoods. The book was fairly good. Someone in the Yarn Along mentioned it. My current treadmill read is Sweet Tooth. I am enjoying it thus far. It was another Yarn Along mention. I am quite pleased to be actually finishing books with my new reading method. Plus I get my run in.

What are you working on this week? Any interesting new patterns or yarns you are using? What about your book? I am always on the lookout for something new? Do tell.

21 comments:

  1. Oh yes, you must have a take along knitting project and that is a great looking hat. I really am excited to see you blanket, I know it is just stunning.

    I hope you stay nice and warm inside today. Front Royal, VA is getting pounded right now and they say DC will be getting their share by early afternoon...wish we had a little of the white stuff.

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    1. We are planning on some accumulation. Eamon just woke up and immediately checked out the window. So far only rain. They have a class this afternoon which was cancelled due to the snow that is expected. All county offices have been closed!

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  2. I've thought about you and your blanket ALL week!!! so close. (I ordered yarn. It hasn't come yet! I CAN"T WAIT!!!)
    Hope you enjoy Sweet Tooth as much as I did!!
    Stay warm.

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    1. I am so close. I just put it aside too much this week. I can feel that it will be done today.

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  3. Anonymous8:43 AM

    I'm so excited to see your blanket! The hat is neat too. I'm not sure I would consider being a quick knit a problem ;-) But yes, needing a traveling project is very familiar.

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  4. That hat is just lovely! The pattern and colorway are right up my alley!

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  5. I can't wait to see the finished blanket! The hat looks great, I like the pattern and the yarn you chose. I'v been meaning to make myself another hat to keep my ears warm while running in the morning and this one would be perfect.

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  6. The tweedy hat is quite lovely. And that blanket! So soft and cozy. I want to curl up in it right now and watch the snow. :)

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  7. Anonymous9:43 AM

    I too have to have a take along project. And there are just some things that you can't take with you!! I haven't knitted many blankets, but I imagine it would be lovely work on a cold snowy afternoon.

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  8. Wow, I love the way that hat is reversible. And the colors that you chose are so pretty.

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  9. You're doing so well with this beautiful blanket - I'm sure it will be worth the wait :o)

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  10. i can not wait to see that blanket/shawl! the hat turned out beautifully. what a great pattern. and look at you, 5k everyday!

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  11. If it's too big to carry that means it's nearly done! love the hat and the tweedyness of the yarn. Beautiful. I am patiently waiting to see if we get any snow. none yet.

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  12. The hat is great! I am happy to hear that you at least liked Nightwoods!

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  13. oh my goodness, the blanket is incredible! I like the stripey hat too

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  14. I love to have a take a long project - you never know when you are going to get a few moments to knit.

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  15. what a fun hat!! Love it!!

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  16. oh...that is YUMMY knitting.
    xo

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  17. Anonymous7:03 AM

    I love your at, it's gorgeous!

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  18. Love love the hat! My 19 year old loves wearing the hats I've knit him. It's always so nice having someone that appreciates the thought/ time put into a project. I'm waiting on a set of 13 needles so I can start Brooklyn tweeds wool leaves baby blanket. I can't wait to get started on it. I love your idea about reading books on your e reader while running. I have a recumbent bike and never thought of that! I've tried knitting and reading a paper book after reading about others doing it but my eyesight isn't like it used to be so I haven't been to successful. Maybe this will be just the ticket!

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