Another Cowl

Its another chickadee cowl, in the luscious Misti Alpaca Bulky.  My brother got an identical one last year for Christmas in a beautiful slate color.  My stepmom got one in cashmere.  I wear mine constantly, indoors and out.       

And, alas, still no zipper in Vivian, as you can see.  Ah well...  

I've chosen and purchased my next pattern.  Its from Fibershed, an awesome project in my area.   I love using local wool when I can.  We'll see what I can find for this garment.

Now that I'm proficient in Continental style knitting, the repetitive knit stitch delights me to no end.  And this simple sweater is pure stockinette!  In American style knitting, I find the knit stitch laborious and unbearable to repeat for an entire garment.  Or even a hat for that matter.  This must explain my preference for the intricate patternings of lace and cables thus far in my wild knitting escapades.  But has my era of stockinette and garter stitch just arrived..?

We shall see!
 

Side view.

Here's a little better detail of the cables.  My favorite cable section is the one that runs up the side under the arms, creating the illusion of a side seam. 

Zipper Saga

Alternate title for this post: This sweater is just not photogenic!  I can't seem to get any shots that show the intricate cable patterns.  It could be because of the color of the sweater?  I've had two different photographers attempt to capture the essence of this gorgeous sweater, to no avail.  Not to worry though, once I get a zipper put in this thing, I doubt I will ever take it off.  That will leave ample opportunity for a decent shot to emerge.
Which brings me to the original title of this post... I have searched far and wide (or at least all of the fabric stores within a reasonable radius from my house) and the zipper selection has been severely lacking.  I may have to make a special trip into San Francisco for this elusive 20" brown separating zipper. 
In other knitting news, I can't show you any of the projects I'm working on now because they are to be gifted!  Its not my style to have more than one or two projects going at once, and its honestly a little overwhelming.  And my sweat shop living room looks like a yarn storm just passed through.  Happy Holidays!!

A baby hat!

Just took a roadtrip to Portland, OR to visit my dear friend who lives there with her husband and little one.  Of course I had to make a hat for the little guy.  Can't believe how good it fits without knowing his head size beforehand!  Go me!  It is 100% wool, with a knit-in alpaca border.  He napped in it while we walked around the Saturday Market in Portland... I think he likes it :)

First sweater of the season!

This has been off the needles for about a week now.  The weather was so cold, however, that it took forever to dry after it was blocked.  Now it just needs a zipper, which I am going to let someone else do.  I absolutely love this sweater, and will wear it often this winter. 
Better pictures are forthcoming, but I wanted to post something!

I love it!  I love it!

hood

Body and sleeves are attached, saddle shoulders complete, and now on to the hood!  Watching this take shape has been so much fun.  I'm going to modify the hood in this manner.  A little nervous about the kitchener stitch finish, but if I can graft lace I can do this, right?

So far so good.  I've loved knitting this, and hopefully will love wearing it too.

A simple lace pattern and some slightly rustic wool have been transformed into a delicate, yet hardy and warm piece of lace.  I'm very pleased with this.            

And also pleased to report that Vivian is swimming along.  I'm almost done with the body and ready to move on to the sleeves.