Latte {Knitting}

There are some projects that just take longer than others. But the result makes that all day of knitting really worth it! Yes, Umaro is finished - and it is looking amazing on the bed. It is a beautiful pattern and I would recommend knitting one for yourself. The pattern is not actually that hard - but I always had to have my hard copy version next to me, way too many changes for me to remember them all. However it is quick knit - considering you are knitting a whole blanket (thanks to the 10mm circular needles). 

The cushion cover is an upcycled project

 Pattern: Umaro by the talented Jared Flood (Ravelry)

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Lana Grande in Latte (in double) - the whole of 6 skeins

Needle size: 10 mm circular

Modification: Added one repeat to the width, and two repeats to the length chart
Final measurements: 140cm x 200cm (blocked)

It is a well-written pattern, and you really get the result you expect from the pictures - a very professional looking blanket, that you cannot find in shops. I am glad I stuck to the recommended yarn - it is quite good value in the end, especially for a 100% wool yarn. There are many colours available so you are not limited. 

The next project for that room is to turn this fabric bought on Ebay - Marimekko Lumimarja design - into two smaller cushion covers. I just need to work out where to cut it. 

I can also focus on the baby blanket and makes some progress with it. And considering how Umaro turned out, I cannot wait to see the result. 

Progress from the sofa {knitting}

Umaro is getting bigger and bigger by the day (not unlike a certain baby MiH) - which is very good news, but makes it hard to move it now (and no it is not because of my growing bump - it is all down to the weight of the blanket, really). Just as well that I need a blanket to watch TV now that cold temperatures are hitting us. 

I love the knitted pattern. How beautiful are the curves and diamond shapes! Just very clever, and much easier than the end result might suggest. 

I think I am now half way there, so a fairly fast knit considering it is a blanket. Slowly getting worried about the blocking phase, not sure where to do this yet. Oh well, I am sure Mr MiH will not mind me covering all the surfaces in the house with projects if they are that beautiful. 

Three Repeats {knitting}

Umaro has grown, and my first two skeins (I have to knit them together) are now finished. So I need to spend a bit of 'quality time' with my yarn winder to make two more skeins into balls and carry on with some knitting. 

I have also made up with row 17 now (until the next repeat probably). The pattern is really coming together - although I bet the blocking process is going to make this an amazing blanket. Cannot wait to photograph the little one sleeping on it!!

So this is how far two skeins of Cascade will take you (i.e. nearly three repeats) - still a few more to go. But I am starting to really get the hang of the pattern now, so hopefully it will get quicker from now on.

Row 17 {Knitting}

Umaro is one of these patterns I had in my Ravelry favourites for - like - ever. I bought the yarn early in the year, ready and then I got pregnant and very sick - and I could not face it. Knitting is clearly back on the cards, and as the Cascade Yarns Lana Grande skeins are HUGE - and therefore taking a lot of space, it was time to get down to business. 

Had to make balls first, and Mr MiH - helpfully - made fun of me because my hands were too small for the balls I was making (I am knitted 2 threads at the same time)

 Pattern: Umaro by the talented Jared Flood (bought on line)

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Lana Grande in Latte

Needle size: 10 mm (you know, there is no way I am doing that big a project with small needles)

Modification: Added one repeat to the chart because it will go to a king size bed

All was fine, actually this was much easier than what I expected (can I note that some knitters finished it in a week!!!) and stalled at Line 17 - officially my nemesis. I lost count of how many times I knitted it. I managed the line just before I had to rush out the door to make my Eurostar to Brussels on Tuesday! 

I am now back on it and things are looking better. I think I got confused by the fact that the icons for the right side are used on the wrong side - but I was supposed to make the switch in my head (thought I did not make it, but actually I had, so had to change back, then got confused and had to redo it again.. - one hell of an hour!).

But the bottom line is this Umaro needs to be finished because that would mean some serious de-stashing!