Baby boom

Exciting news this week - I'm going to be an auntie again! My nephew (almost four) is not quite so excited about being a big brother. When asked if he's going to have a new brother or sister, his reply is always "no fank you". He's got a while to get used to the idea, I guess.

This was followed by news that another cousin is expecting (already, Nick and I each had a cousin due in the next couple of months). Four new babies to knit for! I had to cast something on right away.


These are the fronts for JoJo. If the pattern looks a bit familiar, it's a derivative of Devan from Knitty, by the same designer, Holli Yeoh. I bought this pattern because I really loved the Devan sweater (I know I've knit at least three of them), but I wanted more of a jacket rather than a V-neck cardigan. I love the idea of knitting baby sweaters with sock yarn. It's durable, machine washable, and warm. This very bright colourway is GarnStudio Fabel. It has extremely long pattern repeats, so it took a bit of effort to get the fronts to match. I love the effect though. I figure this will work for a boy or a girl (of the group, we're expecting one boy, one girl, and two unknowns).

Also on my list is Helena, for the little girl who is expected first, in the next few weeks. I'd better get moving on that one!

I recently knit up this quick little hat, Marigold, from my handspun.


I followed the directions exactly for this one. Although it came out a little short, I think it's cute, and will serve me well in the fall.

My other project at the moment s a pillow cover for one of my throw cushions. It's actually about twice as long now as it was in this photo. I adapted this cable pattern from a sweater in Inspired Cable Knits. I think it's going to look great on my couch when it's done, but the pillow quite is large, so it could take a while.

Quick report on actually finishing something

Finished!

Lady of the Lake Jacket kit by Fleece Artist, size small (40", but my gauge was a little tight). Modification: sleeves decreased to 41 st, instead of 35 st.

Such a lovely texture, this fabric. And it took very well to blocking. I even managed to block in a little waist shaping. I like that the collar can be worn two ways.



Lassy, however, is unimpressed and wants his supper.

This posting brought to you by Fleece Artist

Ah, there's nothing better than an unexpected long weekend. Regetta Day, our annual civic holiday in the City of St. John's has been postponed for two days due to unsuitable weather. I'm pretty sure that we must have the only weather-dependent statutory holiday in the western world, but there you have it.

This is a big weekend. Nick and I may walk down to the lake this afternoon to take in some of the races and see if I can't nab a candy apple (my favourite fair junk food!). The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival starts tonight and runs all weekend in Bannerman Park, also a stone's throw away from our place (Gee we love living downtown!). And tomorrow evening, we'll be attending the wedding of a family friend.

Junk food and music aside, my other goal for the weekend is to finish my Lady of the Lake jacket.


As you can see, I'm almost there - just half a sleeve and a collar to go. This kit from Fleece Artist knits up very quickly, but I just haven't had a lot of time to devote to knitting lately. (Work has been more crazy than usually lately, with a very big project just getting underway.) The fabric is very stretchy, so I think that I will be able to block this into the perfect shape.

I have also rediscovered my love of spinning lately. I put away my spindle before the big move, over a year ago now (where has the time gone!) and hadn't taken it out since.

This was a 50 g Wool Silk Sliver, also from Fleece Artist.


I spun and 2-plied it all by drop spindle, with a z-ply. I haven't measured the length yet, but I think I may have enough to make a Marigold hat.

Several people have been asking about Lassy. I've been trying to get photos, but he spends a lot of the day outside now, and sits still so infrequently that he is hard to catch on camera. Last night though, he was sitting, entranced, watching Molly, the hedgehog, eating.


You can almost read his mind here: "Theres something small and furry in there, and why can't I eat it?"