Spring yarns are trickling in at the store and they are super tempting! I have so much cotton, linen, hemp, etc. in my stash, I’m forcing myself to NOT gorge on anything from Berroco or Classic Elite, specifically the highly tempting Seduce and Soft Linen. Trying to ignore the totally adorable patterns from Norah Gaughan and Pam Allen. To quash these cravings and celebrate the fact that I think this is the year I’ve finally accepted that I’m a fledgling designer (long time readers will know that there has been much internal consternation surrounding that self-appointed title), I’m working up a little pattern that will take just a few skeins of these gorgeous new yarns and hopefully be a cute mid-season accessory. I wasn’t allowed to buy the yarn on Saturday because it is just that new (not in the Webs system) but hopefully by next weekend because it’ll be a quick knit, and I want to wear it!
Now, for some heart-stopping cuteness. In November (my month of knitting a million sweaters) I hinted at some unphotographed FOs, two tiny dog sweaters I made for a (very talented) friend’s adorable pomapoo. Shara snapped some pics and left them for me in the comments but I want everyone to meet the very dapper Diego!
And his new little sister Sadie, wearing the elfish green hoodie I originally made for Diego!
That face!!
I used the very adaptable Basic Hound Hoodie (Ravelry link but you can Google it for a free PDF). The first beige hoodie was knit with about half a skein of Tahki Soho Tweed which is a very nice yarn, soft and quick knitting. The green hoodie took half a skein of Berroco Ultra Alpaca. In the store the Cascade 220 is right next to the Ultra Al and…it makes the Ultra Al look really good. For about 1 dollar more you get a vastly more luxurious yarn in totally unique, complex colors. I’m not knocking Cascade 220 (or it’s awesome rival yarn Northampton) but if you haven’t used Ultra Al, I implore you, buy a skein, knit some little gloves or a hat (or both). You’ll fall for it.
More handspun…I need to start knitting it before I have yet another stash to manage. This is what I’m calling Wheat Sheaves, spun from 4 ounces of Spunky Eclectic BFL in Monkey Farts, most hilarious color name ever. I’m actually kind of happy with the pictures I got of this one, so lots more at Flickr.
I’ve also been practicing my photo skills on the Sundara Season’s Club shipment (this is Tickled Pink, the spring selection):
It’s been interesting, I chose Autumn and Spring, my favorite seasons in real life but I’m thinking I should have stuck with my CMB season, Winter. Those skeins have been deep reds or weird combos of green and charcoal or magenta and black. I live for weird colors! I sold and traded my silk lace weight because I’m just not that masochistic. If I ever really get into hardcore lace knitting it’ll be with something sticky.
What else? Oh yes, I had some exciting scores at Target the other day, got a creme brulee set for 5 dollars!! Steve, owner of Webs and wisecracker overheard me telling a coworker and shouted, “you know why it was 5 bucks, because no one makes creme brulee at home!!” I beg to differ, I made it immediately and had a very delicious breakfast the next morning!
Won’t be making a habit of it though. They include a “low-cal” version but it’s probably not worth the dairy. Besides a momentary freak-out about the butane torch (visions of explosions, probably the REAL reason no one makes them at home) I had success. I also made paneer (Fresh Cheese in Bittman) the other day, which was very fun. I’m having a streak of food luck, what should I make next??
CR
Skrilla Knits 
Lol I love Steve.
Those puppies are adorable!!! 🙂 Hey there, Miss designer extraordinare, let me know if you need any hand-dyed, alright? 😉
Cute dogs…. pups
I have to second you on the ‘Monkey Farts’ name, when I first read it I spent the next two hours sputtering ‘Monkey Farts!’ and laughing like a four year old. But you’ve made it so pretty!
I love that cookbook. Last night was fast tomato sauce with mushrooms and pesto and a baguette. Tonight is minestrone with olive oil salt bread. YUM!
Cute dog photos! Creme brulee is one of my fav desserts–yours looks yummy.
Love the monkey farts. Bwahaha. Did you use a wheel or drop spindle?
Low-cal creme brulee? Madness.
Yours looks so good…mmmmmm.
Sadie is so cute! Makes me want a puppy. The hoodie is adorable.
Wheat Sheaves is a great name — didn’t want to call it Monkey Farts anymore? 😉
I’ve given you a wee award -come and see!
I LOVE creme brulee! Good for you for getting a set. If I had the stuff for making it at home, I don’t think I’d ever leave my aprtment….
and those dogs are the cutest things ever!
Oooooh creme brulee for breakfast – that is so decadent. Yum!
A pomapoo, some spinning, and creme brulee. Can it get any better?
dude, creme brulee is my most favoritest dessert EVER. And for breakfast? Swoon.
My spinning wheel continues to be a great piece o art in front of the fireplace. Your yarn is gorgeous, though, so I. Must. Spin. (but first much watch that video so I remember what the bleep I am doing)!
You make my day! I see I’m not the first to pass along this award to you 🙂 Thanks for sharing all your creations!
The cuteness is almost too much. Especially when followed by lovely yarn and yummy dessert. Just so you know, you make my day!
Ok is it me or are these things getting more and more popular? Not that its a hoodie but look at the dang Snuggy, I would have never guessed that those would become a hot item.