Wee update...

Well, as you can guess due to my lack of posts that life as been busy. We've had holidays and company in amongst packing and everyday life. I've still be knitting but nothing too exciting. ;) I'll have more soon once we've moved. We've got two weeks left before we head over to the new house. Once I'm settled I'm hoping to get into some kind of routine again which means more posts. Miss you!

One more collection in the making

Nerd Wars can be so inspiring sometimes. Right now we're in Round 2 of Tournament 7. One of the challenges for this Round is about architecture. When trying to come up with an item to craft for this challenge, my mind was drawn to the fabulous architecture I once studied for my Classical Studies degree - Greek columns.

This new project as led me on another designing adventure for one for collection. Not sure of the title yet, but it will all be inspired by the Ancient Greeks and Romans I studied in university. The patterns that develop will be based on their architecture, apparel, writings, etc.

Pictures of my first project will be coming soon. I haven't had a chance to photograph the wrap yet. Watch for it! :)

Struggling with Designing...

I really love designing new projects. It's fun to see my ideas in my head come out on paper and then onto the needles and a finished yarn-y goodness. But sometimes it is a real struggle to get to the completed project.

Like this week, I started a new cowl design. It was inspired by a Nerd Wars challenge about architecture. I have always loved Greek architecture and had the motivation to come up with something related to it. So, in honour of the Corinthian columns, I started a rib and leaf cowl. The material pattern is great but the actual size of the cowl isn't working quite right. With two kids in tow (it's March Break), I made a quick run to my LYS. I decided I needed a second skein of the bulky yarn I'm working with. Unfortunately there wasn't any match for the red I have so I got another blue that matched the one I have at home.

So, I'm off to frog and restart the cowl yet again. At least I can make the edits I want now rather than waiting till next time.

Do you design? Do you struggle with it? What issues have you run into? Is it worth all the work? 

The Castle Collection: Alexis' Hat - Completed

I'm so excited!!! The hat is done. :)

From this...

To this...

Isn't it awesome?!? I just love it!! :D

My first knit through was definitely too large but my guessed adjustments were right on the money. A few people are going to test knit it as well as make a crochet version. Pattern will be coming soon. :)

The Red Pile

Well, I've made some progress on the Alexis' hat. Or at least I had. Got the whole thing knitted up and then I ripped it all back.

You see, I believe this is how it goes when you are trying something new and designing your own pattern at the same time. The Alexis' hat is a slouchy one, something I've never knit before. Normally I prefer a toque, one that is glued to your head nice and tight. So this hat is taking extra work to design. I've made some edits to my notes for the pattern and am ready to try it again. Hopefully I'll be casting it on again tonight.

Do you ever do that? Complete something than rip it back and start it again?

The Castle Collection: Alexis' Hat - Yarn

A trip to the LYS is always so exciting. So many choices, so little time and money. ;) I went to mine yesterday and spent a little time perusing all the choices. it's so much easier when you have a project in mind. I found so yarn that I think will work for the Alexis' Hat. My team seems excited so I think I've made the right choice. It's all wound up now and ready for some gauge square knitting. Guess what I'll be doing tonight. ;)

Ripppppppp......

Yep, that's right - ripppppppppppp! :P

February has started a new Nerd Wars Tournament. It always gets me back into knitting. There were new challenges posted on the 1st and away I went, needles clicking, a bag forming. Until last night, while watching the Super Bowl, I realized I wasn't going to have enough yarn for the bag as I designed it. I decided that it would just be easier to start over so rip went the yarn. I re-wound it into a ball again and cast on for the second time after I re-drew the chart. Hopefully I won't be too far behind. At least there's a nice night full of hockey, Bones and Castle ahead of me. Should get lots done. Keep your fingers crossed!