Full of Grace

To knit a fingering weight cardigan 

(for all you non-knitters out there, really, really, thin yarn)

is a real commitment. 

But when you're in love, you're in love.

The object of my affection:

The Grace cardigan designed by Jane Richmond. 

This beauty has many knitters under her spell.

I can't quite rock the "deep olive" so I cast on using Cascade Heritage in this super bright teal. Definitely more "me".  

Here is my progress so far: 

This is an addictive, easy knit but requires attention that I can only responsibly give if the kids are asleep. This has been a rarer and rarer daytime occurrence and I'm trying to keep the long term picture in mind. I already want to wear it though! haha. 

In honor of spring I also cast on this fun shawl - Leafy Bias

One happy litttle leaf.

It's happy because it's knit out of Rastita. 

Speaking of Spring style, since when did my girls become teenagers! OMG!

Mwah!

Yarn Over

As much as I love working on my Classic Raglan pullover, I needed a break between working on sleeve one and sleeve two. Sleeves present the same problem as mittens...you're so relieved to finish one and then you realize ugh...there's another one.

The Drop Stitch Cowl is the perfect instant gratification project. It is a FREE pattern by Abi Connors of  the awesome blog Spiderwoman Knits and Red Comb Vintage on Etsy. Check out her adventures!

project page for Lemongrass Drop Stitchery

This is one of those great patterns where the result belies the amount of effort needed to create it. It makes super bulky yarn, which is usually so, well, bulky feeling, feel swooshy and even elegant. LOVE. it. 

On my way...

Check out my new lovely:

 Commuter Cowl pattern by luvinthemommyhood!

In keeping with the commuting theme I used cotton shirting for this cowl that reminded me of a train conductor uniform. I can't wait to experiment with more fabrics, definitely some brights. I also added an extra knot, because I like my cowls a little closer to my neck. 

While I was sewing this I thought of the countless hours I spent on the train, most recently when I was pregnant with Noelle and commuting to school and work in the city. As long (and painful, esp. as my due date came closer) as those hours were, I actually treasured that time to myself and my little bean, listening to my favorite music. I swear she got her groovy rhythm from the hours-long jam sessions on the train!

If you want to make one for yourself, here is the listing from Shannon's brand new Etsy shop. It's what all the Cool Moms are wearing for Spring!

arrrr, matey!

A while ago, my sister went to Japan and brought back all sorts of goodies, like pretty paper, washi tape, various hello kitty paraphernalia, and a few yards of Japanese cotton that she bought on the street:

Owls...

and skulls.

 

Less than a yard of each, just enough to make more simple skirts!

 

As usual, Ellie had to get in on the fun. You may recognize the orange skirt, I made it for Noelle eons ago.

*ding!* 

Springing Ahead

My goal for the weekend was to sew a simple project to get myself re-acquainted with my sewing machine.I I've been all about the yarn for months and months and have been neglecting it. Poor Janome.

Any-hoo, I decided to make a Simple Skirt. The pattern is by Dana of made. This pattern is a basic skirt pattern with many options, truly "the simplest skirt you will ever make", as she says.

I did modify it a bit. I did two layers and instead of folding both layers together at the top I created a casing by pulling the top layer up 2 inches, folding over and sewing it to the top of the inner layer. I also took the easy way out and used the selvedge edges so I could avoid hemming. Cheater's piping.Yay.  

Noelle loves her new skirt.

The perfect skirt for storytime...

or any time.

I should of taken photos of my sewing steps as I went along, but Noelle was cutting paper "cookies" and Ellie was napping, so I wanted to make sure I finished it before she woke up. I'll get there someday.

Merrily we KAL (again)

The Canadian living craft blog is hosting a Classic Raglan Pullover KAL (knit-along). The pattern is by Jane Richmond, and I hopped on the KAL train since I had just recently cast on this sweater and could use some motivation to finish it!



project page for my Classic Raglan Pullover

The yarn is Cascade 220 The Heathers in Deepest Mahogany. The color is amazing and the yarn is very soft for 100% wool yarn.

It's still a bit chilly outside but the sun is shining and Spring is definitely peeking its cheery head out! At my mom's house, Spring never left...

 

I also found out today that March is National Crochet Month! Yeah! Check out Rebecca of Nook's post about it including her free, adorable coaster pattern.

Happy March everyone!

Spring Accessory Report

Added a headband and a fluffy Easter hat to my collezione...what do you think?