Wednesday 27 March 2013

Inspiration 3



I was very generously given an iPad mini for my birthday, and the result has been an insane obsession with the Kaleidoscope feature in Photo Booth.  I've been taking photos of everything, including my cat.  This is a photo of a bouquet of roses, which I also got for my birthday.  Hope you like it, as you may see a lot more Kaleidoscope photos in the future!


Tuesday 12 March 2013

ABIGALE

I honestly never thought I would be saying this, but I love shrugs.  When they first started coming into vogue, I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to wear one.  But I have been converted.  Once you've worn one, you totally understand their appeal.  They offer the perfect amount of coverage over a short sleeve or sleeveless top to give that bit of warmth, often needed in the mid seasons of spring and fall, when you don't really want to wear a full sweater.  And this design has some added features that make it stand apart from other similar designs.


You could wear one over a pretty, feminine top for a more dressed up look.....


Or, go totally casual when paired with jeans and a t-shirt.

I chose two beautiful hand-dyes to knit this shrug.  The orange blend is SweetGeorgia Yarns CashLuxe Fine (sorry, it was a second, so you won't be able to find this particular colour-way, but the yarn is beautiful to work with, and SweetGeorgia has a ton of amazing colour-ways to choose from), and the purple is Fleece Artist Kidazzle (which I purchased at my LYS, but doesn't seem to be available anymore on their website).



The pattern is customizable in both the cross back measurement, and sleeve length.  Plus, if you like, instructions are included for an optional thumbhole -- this is my favourite feature!


Either way, the sleeves are finished with an attractive, but subtle textured stitch pattern.


The real exciting feature of this shrug, though, is the back shaping.  A sequence of short rows keeps this knit quick and easy, but eliminates the excess pouch of fabric that appears back of the armholes in other similar designs.  This makes for a very sleek, tailored finish on a simple and versatile accessory.

If you are interested in a girls' version of this shrug pattern, please check out ABBIE.



Interested in knitting this project?  Here is some helpful information.


SIZE:  Ladies S [M, L, XL]
       Finished sleeve measurement at bicep: 
       29cm [31.25cm, 33.5cm, 35.5cm] (11⅓" [12⅓", 13¼", 14"])
       {Instructions are written for a cross back measurement of 40.5cm (16"), with the 
       ability to modify for a personal fit.}

GAUGE:  26 sts/38 rows = 10cm (4") in Stocking St on 3mm (2½US) needles

MATERIALS:  

  • 740-800m (810-875yds) of Fingering/4-ply weight yarn {add or subtract approx. 20m (22yds) for each inch added to or subtracted from cross back measurement}
  • 3mm (2½US)  - 100cm (40 inch) circ. needle or 3mm (2½US) needles & 1 set 3mm (2½US) dpn
  • 1 set 3mm (2½US) dpn, for connecting sides
  • waste yarn for provisional cast-on
  • 4 st holders or waste yarn
  • cable needle
  • stitch marker
This project uses a provisional cast-on.  For helpful information on this technique, visit How to Avoid the Provisional Cast-on Pitfall.

Customize to get the perfect fit and look.  Then, wear and enjoy!