More Stripey Knit Socks for Alex and Knitting in the Car

Socks are that pattern that I always have going on in the background in addition to another bigger project. Usually those socks end up going to Alex.

Recently, I went on a ladies' road trip with my friends to Hilton Head, SC, for my friend Cat's birthday. I always bring a project, but right now I'm working on a cardigan that I'll probably only get to wear one time before summer. I knew my fellow knitter Sami would be knitting on the trip, but I didn't want to bring that huge sweater with me. So I started some travel-worthy socks instead.

Pattern: I made one up! Basically a P1, K4 ribbing across the top of the foot, toe up, short row heel.
Yarn: The Fiber Seed Sprout in Acorn

Free Pattern: Knit Marled Seed Stitch Cowl

A few winters ago, I taught Alex how to knit. He made one scarf in garter stitch, then sent it to his mom. She got very excited and asked him to make her a seed stitch cowl using this yarn that she chose. But he lost the knitting fever, and he never made it.

I came across the yarn a few months ago. So this year for Hanukkah, I decided to make the cowl and give it to his mom. Both he and his mom had forgotten all about it, which was clear from the look on her face when I gave it to her!

Pattern: Marled Seed Stitch Cowl (my own design). Download it for free on Ravelry!

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Pure Alpaca in Magenta and Grey (Two strands held together)

Kinsley and I Collaborate on a Mini Weaving Project

My niece, Kinsley, is a seriously awesome kid. She's 6, and she is very into crafts.

My mom has to watch the shopping cart very carefully when she takes her to a craft store, because she's likely to pile the cart full of LOTS of things. Last time she visited us, I asked her if she'd be interested in making a little wall hanging using this mini loom that came with one of my Mollie Makes magazines. (I'm such a sucker for the little kits that come with the magazine.) Of course she said yes.

Jessica's Meadowsweet Knitted Shawl

My friend Jessica and I swap DIY gifts every year. Last year I made her these Vespergyle Mittens that turned out so awesome! This year I took on a project that was larger but (not surprising) much easier than those crazy colorwork mittens.

Yarn: Schachenmayr nomotta Rainbow color #42

Pattern: Meadowsweet by Fancy Tiger Crafts, from the book Wool Journey: Shetland

I found this yarn at a fiber swap a few years ago. There were LOTS of skeins included, and even though I had no idea how I would use it, I knew I had to have it. Even after making this shawl, I still have lots of it left. (P.S. The yarn is discontinued, but you can still find it on sites like eBay and Ravelry.)

Alex's Oooh Girl Knit Socks

Socks are the perfect project for car knitting, so last summer when Alex drove us up to New York, I brought these in-progress socks along with us. (Yes, I'm posting a project I finished last summer. Heh.)

Pattern: Ribby Holiday Socks by Alicia Morandi (FREE pattern on Craftsy!)

Yarn: Twist Fiber Studio Pisgah Fingering in Oooh Girl

Brrrr! Fighting the Cold with a Knit Pennington Sweater

It's frosty out there for Asheville weather. I'm talking achy-hands cold that won't even be stopped by bulky hand knit mittens.

While the cold is no fun, there is one reason I love it: I can bring out ALL THE KNITS. This week I found myself wearing this gorgeous sweater that I test knit for Christina Danaee back in August.

Pattern: Pennington by Christina Danaee

Yarn: Mirasol Yarn Sulka Legato in Light Aqua and Grey

Win a Copy of Protest Knits and Really Cross Stitch

It's been a while since I hosted a giveaway on my blog, but when these two books came in the mail I knew it was time for another one.

I don't usually get political on my blog. If you don't stand where I do, that's ok. That's why I love crafts: they connect us all in ways we never imagined. Even if you don't agree with me on social and political issues, we can still connect through yarn and fabric!

But if you do have similar opinions on today's world, you'll be interested in this giveaway: Protest Knits by Geraldine Warner and Really Cross Stitch by Rayna Fahey. (See the bottom of the post to enter to win.)