Vacation knitting

When you pack and plan for an upcoming holiday, do you include knitting projects? I do! As I mentioned in my last post, I have a vacation coming up sandwiched by long long long drives. So not only do I need knitting for the relaxing part, but I also need knitting for the 12 hour drive each way. That's my kind of trip!

I plan to pack two projects (maybe a third... ). The first is a design for a wonderful yarn company, which I obviously cannot go into detail about, sorry. The second is the Sand and Sea Shawlette by Alana Dakos.

This project to me is the quintessential vacation project. It is small, lightweight, portable, interesting yet not too difficult. I have started the shawlette, but still have a ways to go. Mine is made from Three Irish Girls' Glenhaven Casmerino in Driftwood and The Fibre Company's Canopy Fingering in Manatee. Both yarns are to-die-for in so many ways: loft, spring, feel, wear, color.... oh my!

Need a few ideas of projects to travel with? Then look no further. These patterns were selected with several factors in mind: portability (size of finished object), heaviness (no one wants to cart around an afgan while on a trip), and fiddliness (yep, made that word up. No knitting with 8 different colors and three different needle sizes on the train).

Here are my vacation knitting picks:

For you...

Turkish Bed Socks by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Antiquity by Alicia Plummer

Typha by Kirsten Kapur

Black Bunny by Andi Smith

Harriet's Tam by Meg Roke

Maxine by Leah McGlone

For him...

Turn A Square by Jared Flood

Gansey Scarf by Megan Goodacre

For the kids...

Sardines by Andrea Sanchez

(various woodland) mittens by Birch Hollow Cottage

Kyle Vest by Connie Chang Chinchio

Camping Knits

I admit, I am not a camper. Bugs, bears and no plumbing do not appeal to me. However, I really enjoy hiking, canoeing and the quietness of the outdoors (especially having a break from all things techy).

In a couple of weeks, my family will be "camping" in Michigan. By "camping" I mean we will be staying in a cabin with electricity (hurrah!!!) by the lake, but will have no TV. I am very very excited about this new experience partly because of the knitting I plan to do on the journey north and while at this cabin. In planning for this trip of knitting, I started thinking about knits that would be great to have handy while in the woods, especially up north.

So here are my picks of knitwear to make or wear while camping. The cozy styles, rustic fibers and earth-tone colors were primarily what drew me to these designs.

Accessories for you:

Barley by Tin Can Knits

Colorblock Mittens by Meg Roke

Earl Grey Mitts by Bristol Ivy

Camp Out Fingerless Mitts by Tante Ehm

Rae by Jane Richmond

Sweaters for you:

Woodstove Season by Alicia Plummer

Antler by Tin Can Knits

Camp Hoodie by Susan B. Anderson

For kids:

Towpath Henley by Andrea Sanchez

Abate by Alicia Plummer

Cosy (you) by Nadia Cretin-Lechenne

Arlo by Michele Wang

For your feet/legs:

McIntosh Boot Socks by Jennifer Burke

Fair Isle Slipper Boots by Andi Smith

Some Cloudy Day by Tiny Owl Knits

Camping by Cabinfour

What will I be knitting on my camping trip?

I am still hoping to finish my Cosy sweater in time for the trip. I just have the sleeves and buttonband to do. However, my progress has slowed down with the arrival of yarn for two upcoming designs (both through different yarn companies and both due before the end of August). So I may be working finishing up Cosy during the trip. I also have the Sand and Sea Shawlette on the needles. And lastly I plan to cast on a hat for an upcoming Akron Stitch 'n Bitch swap. Lots to do!

Oh la la!

Today is July 14th, Bastille Day. I can remember learning about this holiday in French class when I was a girl. This time of year I always think of the 1964 comedy, Paris When It Sizzles, which takes place in Paris on Bastille Day. Having never visited Paris on this national holiday, I am ignorant as to how accurate the film portrays the celebration. However, in my mind, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden dancing through the streets to accordian music will always be they way to do it!

So what does today have to do with knitting? Well, I thought it would be fun to showcase some French-inspired knits. What would you wear if you had the golden opportunity to travel to France?

Here are my picks.

Pour Les Petites Garcons:

Binic by Solenn Couix-Loarer

Lancelot by Solenn Couix-Loarer

Pour Les Petites Filles:

Petite Lisette by Lili Comme Tout

Charlotte by Marie Wallin

Pour Vous:

Tartine by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes

Boheme by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes

NoFa Shawl by La Maison Rililie

French Quarter by Andi Smith

Adult Tide Pools by Andrea Sanchez

Cece by Bonne Marie Burns

Still Light Tunic by Veera Valimaki

Blue Sand Cardigan by La Maison Rililie

Those of you who have visited the City of Lights may have differing opinions from my French-inspired choices. Never the less, I hope this post has inspired you to dream about your next project, pick up those knitting needles, put on a little Edith Piaf or Charles Trenet and start clicking.

Radishes & Rosebuds

Last month, I released a new pattern: Radishes and Rosebuds. I came up with the idea for this kerchief while gardening last summer. It's taken me a while to publish it, but never the less, here it is! I'm sure it won't be a surprise to read that once I made a kerchief for me… Emma requested one too.

This kerchief is construct much like a shawl. It is worked flat from the top center outward. A sliver of contrasting color is worked just before the garter stitch edge. The same contrasting color is used to make petite polka dots all over the body of the work using duplicate stitch. Three finishing options are included in this pattern: seamed angles (to create zero additional ease), an I-cord “bridge” (to create 1” positive ease) and I-cords ties (to create flexibility in length).

 
I chose Spud & Chloe's Fine yarn particularly for its overall comfort when transformed into fabric. Fine is a sturdy and springy yarn. It is comfortable to wear, machine washable and is resistant to daily wear and tear, perfect for a kerchief worn while gardening. 

Emma's kerchief was knit with the colors Sassafras and Calypso. 

Mine was knit with Snorkel and Dolphin. 

My original swatch featured Cricket and Tutu. 

Which colors would you make your Radishes and Rosebuds in? I'd love to see your color combinations.

 Oh, bonus! My pattern was recently featured on the Spud &Chloe blog too! Read about it here.