Color Inspiration - Cobalt to Mallard to Black

Palette created via Palette Builder with a little help from Koigu.  

I would also add a tiny amount of the lovely kiwi green. 

Simple Knitted Slippers

Perhaps it would be appropriate to admit to some mildly OCD-esque behavior here, as I have knitted at least 55 pairs of slippers from this pattern with another two pair currently on the needles.  The pattern can be found here.

If you know me, you most likely own a pair of these slippers.  I've found that people are generally much happier about receiving a pair of these then one might think.  I would consider them my most successful knitted gift.  

I use size 7, 8 or 9 needles, often using a combination of up to three different yarns.  I love mixing yarns - satisfies my artistic side - especially adding a shiny or glittery yarn like Vanna's Glamour from Lion Brand.  Sometimes if I have a small amount of yarn left over, I'll just divide it into two balls and knit two slippers until it's all used up.  So, it's an excellent pattern for using up scraps, also highly forgiving and easily adjustable. 

Baby Kimono Sweater

Above is a wee baby sweater that I made as a gift for a co-worker, or rather for his baby girl.  More details about the pattern can be found on Ravelry.  It's a fabulous pattern that I've made many, many times - examples here on my previous blog.  The construction is brilliant, making for an easy fit and

Here are the pants I paired it with from Baby Gap, part of their Diane von Furstenberg collection last Summer. 

Manly Scarf - Mistaken Rib Stitch

This scarf was knit on size 8 needles, casting on 47 stitches and knit in a "mistaken rib stitch" throughout.  It's very simple, just knitting and purling.  I used three skeins of Lion Brand Amazing Yarn in Cobblestone, which is self stripe (wonderfully less expensive verison of Noro) and two of a khaki color in Cascade 220 wool.  I love Amazing yarn.  It is half acrylic and half wool, so I like to pair it with a soft natural yarn to cut down on the acrylic-ness a bit. This knit up as a luxuriouly long scarf, could be a great full cowl if the ends were sewn together. 

WIP Wednesday - Royal Purple Striped Scarf

 

A little work in progress scarf using Lion Brand Amazing yarn mixed with some Cascade 220.  Amazing yarn is akin to Noro yarn with, perhaps, more pleasing options for the person who favors cool colors. 

WIP Wednesday - Two at a Time Toe Up Socks

 

I have always wanted to be a sock knitter, and I think I have arrived.  Knitting two at a time from the toe up is glorious!  Thanks for the inspiration to try and a great book recommendation goes to Mrs. McPorkchop . 

 

This glorious yarn was purchased at Vogue Knitting Live in NYC.  It's Alegria from Manos Del Uruguay in Carnaval colorway.