tentenknits

We interrupt the normal knit blog posting...

for these cute feet!

Born 3-16-13 and happily enjoying his new life. I can't wait to put some hand knit socks on this boy!

WIP Wednesday: More Swatching

Taking Denise's advice and being "one with the universe" and letting creativity flow!

Sometimes things don't go according to plan

Today is my due date and it seems my son is enjoying himself way to much to come on out. If there's one thing I've learned about going into labor is that it can happen anytime, anywhere and "when he's ready." You just have to be open to the options and that things may not be according to "the plan".

It's a good thing that this kid's mom is a knitter because I'm already open to times when things don't go according to plan. I love the idea of a blanket cardigan - an over-sized sweater that can be thrown on and wrapped all cuddly like. It was one of the knits I was dying to design at the onset of my pregnancy. I knew a sweater like this would be used and abused even through the first months of parenthood. But what may look like a great idea on paper may not totally translate well into a finished piece.

The yarn I used was a bit too bulky for this style of cardigan. The general weight of the finished piece was so great that when I shrugged my shoulders a few times it came falling off with ease.

I also didn't like how the weight of the front pieces lifted the back and created a weird shape. One dear friend on FB even said it looked like I had a hunchback! (thanks for that David!) But he was right - it just didn't look right and thus needed to be RIPPED*.

While it stung to know that this may be one of the final pieces I got a chance to complete before bebe (and sleep deprevation) I knew I just had to make the modifications needed to make it a successful cardigan.

I plan on keeping the texture and the shawl collar but will go for a more traditional cardigan route. As for the blanket cardigan - I won't give up on that dream! It will just have to wait for another round of inspiration to strike.

In the meantime I am doing all I can to help this kiddo realize it's time for him to arrive. Spicy foods, hanging curtains, dancing the jig ;-) We are so looking forward to meeting him!

*Rippage side note: I've realized that owning a steamer comes in handy in times like these. The yarn was so kinky after ripping I had to do the slow process of wet blocking the yarn. I attempted to try the kettle trick but that would have been a crazy way to spend a whole day straightening yarn. With the tip from a twitter friend I am now awaiting a new steamer delivery and hope to cast on for it's "cousin" soon!

Bring Me Spring

Bring me Spring by tentenknits featuring neon bags

Hudson Cowl

New Pattern: Hudson Cowl

I'm happy to release my latest pattern the Hudson Cowl! I don't know about you but I am pretty much done with winter! I cannot wait to see grass again and flowers and sunshine.

Hudson Cowl

Finished Measurements: Cowl comes in two sizes - 25"/16"length circumference for a close fitting cowl or a 52"/9.5" long cowl that can be wrapped around the next twice.
Yarn: Madeline Tosh DK (100% merino wool, 225yrds), 2 skeins needed for both sizes
Needles: US 8 (5mm) 16" or 40" circular needle

I find that the textured stitching reminds me of the 5th Avenue Infinity Scarf but is a little more challenging in that both rounds require you to either increase or decrease sts. It's a perfect cowl for an advanced beginner and even seasoned pro's as it will keep your attention throughout!

Get yourself a nice pop of color and cast on today!

Style Friday: Charlie Pullover

Until I get my regular shape back I have totally jumped back on the Polvore bandwagon and decided to put together an outfit that I would so wear right now.

Spring Transition with Charlie by tentenknits featuring suede ankle booties

I love the idea of looking good but comfortable. Nothing says that like a comfy sweater, broken in jeans and some earthy accessories.

Sweater: Charlie Pullover
Yarn: Quince & Co. Osprey, color Peacock

With love from San Francisco

I came home to a beautiful package from my San Francisco knitters the other day. I am so touched they thought of me to make Baby H such a beautiful blanket. I miss SF everday (doubly so on those crazy snowy days when I can't leave my house) and know that the time I spent there was truly magical. 

The blanket also came with an amazing smelling little bar of soap and a super cute "key" so that I can tell Baby H which one of his SF aunties made which square!

I love the color and the beautiful crocheted edging. 

We're still counting down the days waiting for him to arrive. It's truly a surreal time which I like to call Knocking on the door of Mommyhood. 

You can check out more pics of this gorgeous blanket on it's Ravelry page: Huffnugget Blanket.  Thank you again my wonderful friends you have truly touched my heart! I cannot wait to wrap Baby H in this blanket!! 

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Courtneyc!! I hope you enjoy knitting from this book like I have! Thanks everyone :-)

WIP Wednesday: Texture

I've been playing around with a lot of textured swatches working on designs for Fall 2013. I hope to have a lot to show for it come then! For now it's knit knit knit!

Will be posting the winner of the What to Knit When You're Expecting book tomorrow! :-)

FO: Big Tile Pullover

I was dreaming of this sweater when I first knew I was pregnant. I loved the thought of a cozy oversized sweater that can be worn with comfy maternity leggings. (Thank you Gap!). I was also lucky to have a whole bunch of Juniper Moon Yearling in the stash which made it all the more easier to cast this on!

I started this before Christmas and it's been sitting in my WIPs pile for a while and well with only a few more weeks to go I figured it was time to finish it! 

I made a few modifications to the original pattern. I decided to remove the waist shaping and make one size larger than I normally would. I also added length to the turtle neck to make it more full and slouchy. If you decide to do so I would add one more ball to your order to make sure you have enough.

Pattern Details
Big Tile Pullover by Me!
Origially published in Interweave Knits, Fall 2012 but now available online as a single pattern purchase! 
Yarn: Juniper Moon Yearling, MC Cloudy, CC1 Snowball, CC2 Firetruck
Needles: US 10.5 
Queue it up! 

It defnitley will be a sweater I can wear post bump, too. The merino/cotton blend makes it perfect for cool summer nights and the fall.

What are you knitting these days?