FO: Daybreak

It has been too long since I was here in this space last.  

I have been knitting however.  I finished Daybreak a while back with two skeins that I picked up at the WI Sheep and Wool Festival. 

It is a wonderful knit - lightweight but substantial, hip but understated, eye-catching but not too busy. 

Based on the way this shawl is knit you can either block it with points, or go for a more rounded edge.  I tried the latter.  I had some points saved up at my LYS and put them towards the purchase of a set of blocking wires.  What a wonder they were to work with - and they gave me the promised rounded edge I was hoping for.

I have gotten many compliments on this shawl and am now tempted to try one of the other asymmetrical pattens - maybe Chadwick? 

ISO good sampler pattern

I don't know if it is the fall weather, nostalgia or what.  I am feeling drawn to older cross stitch sampler patterns lately.  But I am stuck and can't seem to find one that 'speaks' to me, my family or our experiences.  I've searched Etsy, Ebay and various websites, but am not coming up with anything.  In the meantime I have started work on "Peace on Earth" by Blackbird Designs.

Any suggestions from folks out there?

FO: Vignette

 

I finished up Vignette (by Amy Herzog) a couple of months ago, but hadn't taken any photos of it until this past week.  I am really happy with how this sweater turned out - the fit is nice, but a tad on the short side (my error).  I also could probably have made it a bit more snug around the middle.

Overall a lovely knit - great patterning - and the yarn was a great match for this sweater.  I am happy with the sleeves as well and did the set-in properly this time.

The buttons came from The Sow's Ear.  They are not something I would typically select for a sweater, but I think they work well with this one.

With the chilly fall weather arriving its time to select another sweater to begin work on.  Maybe another wrap sweater?

WI Sheep and Wool Festival: through kid eyes

This year I took my oldest daughters with me to the WI Sheep and Wool Festival in Jefferson, WI. 

One of my twins loves dogs and as I suspected she loved watching the herding trials. 

My other oldest has lots of interests and is game for most any experience so she found delight in the sheep shearing, lambing, yarn, food - you name it and she was cool with it.

We had a nice time looking through the vendor barns, having lunch and taking in the sights.  I may have just found my very own festival-going companions for the next few years (smile).

In only came home with a few yarns - I already cast on the two from Sun Valley Fibers for Daybreak
- but I also picked up some beautiful earrings from Jennie the Potter and a shawl pin.  Overall it was a great day and am looking forward to next year.