Fiber Arts

Mindy's Socks

Yarn: Fathoms Below by Cashmere and Coconuts (main), Wintergreen sock mini by KelliInTheMiddle (contrast)

Pattern: Library Socks by The Kitchen Sink Shop

Finished: May 2024

Notes: This was my second pair of Library Socks in a row. I liked the variation in the pattern. Somehow, K2P2 botthers me a lot less than K1P1.

Self-Striping Socks

Yarn: Regia Arne + Carlos Lofoten in Roest (4011)

Pattern: Vanilla Socks on 9" Circulars by Crazy Sock Lady

Finished: March 2024

Notes: This was my second-ever pair of socks. I tried to match the stripes. Not perfect, but I'm good with it. Really like the yarn - I had a mini shopping spree at the Mall of America and bought it at a yarn store there. Also bought some Malabrigo that I tried (and failed) to learn brioche knitting with. Maybe one day!

Wishmaker Mitts

Yarn: Knit Picks Palette in Majestic (MC), Hyacinth (CC1), and White (CC2)

Pattern: Wishmaker Mitts by Erica Heusser Designs

Finished: December 2023

Notes: I made these for Kayla, who loves dandelions. The pattern was fun yet challenging. Look closely, and you'll see a few mistakes in the pattern on the palms. I'm a lazy knitter, and I don't like going backwards. I don't mind it, though. If I made these again, I'd probably figure out a way to go up in size.

Birthday Cake Scarf

Yarn: Hobbii Candy Pop in Regular Rainbow (warp), Knitpicks Hawthorne DK in Confetti Speckle (weft)

Pattern: None

Finished: June 2024

Notes: This was the first weaving project I began with an actual plan in mind. It was inspired by a woven scarf I saw on a Facebook group where someone used a novelty ladder yarn for the warp. The Candy Pop isn't ladder yarn, but I liked its texture and primary colors. I'm happy with the way the yarns worked together, though overall the project is not what I envisioned. The scarf is quite stiff and not quite long enough. If I don't use it as a scarf, I'll use it as a table runner or something.

I have a lot of the Candy Pop left (it took less than I thought to warp my loom), so I might try this project again with the Confetti Speckle in fingering weight. Not sure if it would help. I will also figure out a way to make my warp longer (I'm limited by the length of my table). And I'll make the fringe look less ugly!

Halloween Scarf

Yarn: KnitPicks Palette in Kumquat Heather, French Lavender, Limeade Heather, White, Black, and Semolina.

Pattern: Haunted House Cowl by Stephanie Lotven

Finished: September 18, 2024

Notes: This was so fun to knit, and it used up a good amount of the KnitPicks Palette yarn I have stashed. When I first opened the pattern, I was put off by the new-to-me stitches required for the first couple of sections. But the video instructions made it easy, and I'm super happy I learned them.

The colorwork sections were larger than any I've done in the past. But because there was a pattern to them, it felt easier on this project. There are still some bumpy sections even after blocking, so I guess I still need to work on my tension.

I did block the project to the dimensions in the instructions, but it still seems a bit small. I was hoping for a more voluminous cowl like the example. But still, it's wearable and cute. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that the weather cools down enough for me to wear it!

New Zealand Souvenir Hats

Yarn: Brushtale Upcycled Merino in Azure

Pattern: Classic Cuffed Hat by Purl Soho

Finished: October 5, 2024

Notes: My husband and I traveled to New Zealand this past February. It was a lifelong dream for both of us, and we had an amazing time. Of course, I had to buy some yarn to bring home with me as my souvenir. That included two 50g balls of this Brushtale yarn. The fabric makeup is 70% merino and 30% brushtail possum fur. The possums are invasive in New Zealand, wreaking havoc on the native wildlife. I believe the government has some initiatives to eradicate possums and other predators.

This yarn is a byproduct of those initiatives. It's super soft and knit up beautifully. It has a nice halo that adds good texture. And the Azure color is gorgeous. The pom pom on the left hat is also made from possum fur. I would not typically gravitate towards fur, but I felt this was an ethical choice given the environmental destruction possums are causing in New Zealand.

Anyway, I love how these hats turned out - one for me, and one for my husband. My only regret is that I don't have more of this yarn in all of the colors. Sadly, my suitcase space was extremely limited. Shipping from New Zealand is quite expensive, so I'm not sure if I'll ever get any more. If you're a kiwi who would like to do a product exchange with an American, hit me up. I'm also dying for some Whittaker's Hokey Pokey Crunch! :)

Alien Hat

Yarn: Some type of Malabrigo (main), KnitPicks Y2K in Whassup (contrast)

Pattern: Basic pattern came from Classic Cuffed Hat by Purl Soho. Colorwork chart from The Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel.

Finished: November 2024

Notes: I wanted to make another hat, but I wanted to make it fun. Enter the Alterknit Stitch Dictionary. I thought the alien chart went perfectly with the colors I wanted to use. I didn't swatch, and the yarn weights were mismatched, resulting in a slightly tight hat due to the colorwork. It still fit me, but it fit my 10-year-old niece better. She went home with it. :)

Trickster Hat

Yarn: Talisman by Bad Sheep Yarn, worsted weight

Pattern: Trickster Hat by Elizabeth Doherty

Finished: November 5, 2024

Notes: I've been on a hat-making kick, but I wanted to try a new pattern. The faux cables of this one were exactly what I was looking for. I had to restart it a few times because of small mistakes. But once I finally got going, it went quickly.

I love this hat - it's definitely the most impressive-looking one that I've made. The yarn choice was wrong - I should have gone with something less variegated to show off the pattern more - but I'm still happy with it.