Christmas frenzy :: Knitting ::

* You can still enter my current knitting pattern giveaway here*

Happy Wednesday everyone! Well, I am knitting non-stop, or it feels that way. I should really be finish projects I have started - including this bowtie scarf (someone's request) - except that I am starting new projects rather than finishing projects. So I am knitting a few projects at the same time, thankfully there all involve garter stitch and the patterns are easy to follow. Still it is hard to choose one to pick up when I get some knitting time!

Also do you find that you have a lot of single sock skeins in your stash, or is it just me? I have many, and was not sure what to do with them. But instagram came to my rescue, and Masgot I had to knit. You need 3 different skeins of sock/fingering yarn! I love the shape of this shawl/scarf, it gives an oversized scarf look but can also be worn as a shawl. It grows width-wise very quickly. I wanted the shawl to be soft around my neck, and decided to use skeins that were a blend of Alpaca and Cashmere. I bought the skeins on Etsy from here and here - both shops are based in the UK. 

I hope I will be able to give it as a present - and not keep it, otherwise I will have to start yet a new project! Also I'd better be getting on with more knitting, if I want a chance to also fit in a beanie hat for Mr MiH's Christmas. 

What are you all knitting? I am linking up to Ginny's today. 

Watercolours | Finished Beanie Hat {Knitting}

Me: 'Look at my new beanie hat'

Mr MiH (not looking up): 'Yeah yeahI know, it is really good, but I have seen it many times you know'

Me: 'Really, because I have just finished it and you have not seen it finished'

Mr MIH (finally looking up): 'What? you have finished it, but when?'

I like how Mr MiH is always surprised that I can finish projects - every time it is a revelation to him that I can start many projects AND finish (some of) them (not all, otherwise he may have a heart attack). 

Pattern: Framed Slouch by Tanis Lavallee

Yarn: TFA Orange Label Cashmere/silk Worsted (in Mosaic)

Needles: DPNs 4 mm and 4.5 mm
Size: one size fits all

Modifications: None (needed to focus on the cable work), but if I were to knit it again I would knit the brim with even smaller needles so it is tighter. I would not want to lose this hat. Also I only had DPNs to knit it, and it was a bit of a nightmare - basically too many needles. I would buy circular needles, totally worth it, and would make it a much quicker knit. 

Result: The slouch is not too slouchy (some Ravelers have decided not to knit one repeat, I knitted the whole pattern and it is fine). I love the colours (should work with any outfit, hopefully), and the cable work is amazing, especially at the back. I think it would also look great in grey - here's a thought...   

Although you cannot get the pattern until next year, you should definitely think of getting a skein of this beautiful yarn. It is soft, not scratchy and a dream to work with. The colours will make any project interesting. I am just inspired by some of the colour combinations that you obtain throughout. I am not even sure how you end up with such colour on a skein - very clever. 

Looking quite scared - probably because it is
7am and I had 4 hours of sleep..

And my contribution to the knit 12 hats in one year!