Iceland

Iceland is done:

Iceland by Stephanie White from Rowan 42
Rowan Cocoon in Scree - between 6-7 skeins
US 10.5 needles

My only modification was to knit the bottom ribbing in the round, sans buttons. The pattern is written out instead of using a chart, which (for me) made it seem more complicated than it really was, but after 1-2 repeat I didn't need the instructions. I blocked the sweater before adding the bottom part, which really gave this sweater its shape and opened up the lace pattern. The pattern is simple, you knit the front and back, then sew them together and add the band on the bottom. I think that I had my hopes up for a bulky pattern, thinking it would take like 2 days to knit (even though it is 800+ yards worth of yarn! What is wrong with me?), and it ended up taking almost 2 months (although, I was doing other knitting in this time - it was a big project, so no that portable on trips/to work). But it was a fun knit, and I enjoyed knitting it. And I love the finished product! I feel like its fashionable and it fits well too. Its warm, but not stiffling because of the open lace pattern and arms. I had been afraid that this would be "weird" and that it would look awkward on, but its not. Its a great sweater, perfect for these cold days, lounging at home or going out! The Coccon yarn was a bit fuzzy and did shed a bit, but its soft works well with this pattern. I had a hard time deciding which color, it comes in beautiful neutral colors. I am trying to decide what hat to make with the leftovers now - I think I have enough for a bulky, fitted hat - maybe this or the Cardor hat also from Rowan 42 (aren't there so many great patterns in this magazine?)

Must blog....

...I have been thinking that for a while now, but its been a vicious cycle: I don't have enough time, there is too much to blog about ... 1 week ... okay, I still don't have time, and there is more to blog about ... OK! Well, I may be a little rushed to work today (I should leave in about an hour and still have to shower and eat....), but its time!

First off...

Montreal. My sister and I try to take trips on our birthdays every year. This year it was Montreal.

We had a great time, its a beautiful and cool (literally) city and there is something surreal about how different of a feel there is there yet it is only a short plane ride. We just enjoyed the city by walking around, shopping, eating well, watching the Canadiens on TV in French (is it Canada or that is was in French, it seemed so much more a suspenseful game there ... on tv!), and getting cold!

Cold ... but you can walk everywhere underground ... Cool!

Yes, it was my birthday, #31. Kind of a blah year. So, I had to treat myself to spice it up a bit!

A splurge from The Loopy Ewe. I've never bought anything from her before, although I have done a lot of browsing on the site. I felt so special when this arrived today, the cute stickers, how nicely everything was wrapped in tissue paper, the needle inventory....

Of course, it didn't stop there. After buying, I checked out Sheri's blog, and saw this.
I resisted. But then later (that day!) I found myself again on the site, during a Sneak Up and, well, not good (I got some Posh sock yarn and DIC classy in Beach Fog). I consider it birthday aftermath (plus, its soooo cold here, cashmere socks and a new wool sweater are needs now!), so this lapse of impulse control has been reconciled. I am going to finally knit an Hourglass sweater from LMKG with the DIC.

And, a FO:

Uptown Boot Socks from Favorite Socks
Trekking XXL
US 1.5 needles

I love the cables, I think they work nicely with the Trekking ... subtle cables and subtle striping.

Finally, I have finished Iceland and will blog about it when I have more time. But a question, this is what is left:

Is it enough for a hat, specifically, this one? I know the answer, but I need someone to tell me so that I don't learn the hard way.

I'll be back soon with pics of my Iceland sweater, promise!