Odessa

It has been a while since I have posted. Never fear, the end of the semester is coming soon. In the meantime I have been working on mostly small items. This is a pattern that I have wanted to try for a long time, and I am so glad that I had the chance to actually do so.

Pattern: Odessa by Grumperina (now available as a free Ravelry download)
Yarn: Mind's Eye Yarns DK Merino
Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm
Beads: Size 6 from the Beadworks

One of the really fun parts of this project was trying out knitting with beads for the first time. Instead of pre-stringing them, I used the crochet hook method of adding in the beads. I really liked how the beads sit flat using this method, but found that they also sit a little lower. In doing this pattern again with this method of bead application I would do the beads one stitch earlier than suggested.

I had been looking for a pattern to use the leftovers of the giant skein of which I have made the Ashes of Roses cardigan. Seriously, Lucy's DK skeins are more than generous! Not only did I finish this had from what was left, but there is more than enough for another small coordinating project currently in the works. More on that soon!

Pesach is Here!

I had the bright idea a few weeks ago that I would really like to make a kippah (also known as a yamaka). While I will definitely be experimenting with fancier women's kippot, a simple man's kippah seemed like the best place to start.

Pattern: How To Crochet a Kippah
Yarn: Spunky Eclectic Tough Sock
Hook: 2.1mm

Apologies for the not terribly flattering photo. A friend wore it at the Passover seder last night, and it really did turn out surprisingly well. The basic instructions for making this were really simple, if a little more sharply curved than I would prefer. Per instructions though you can play with the rate of increases, until it makes you happy.

Arisia magnets

Ok, this is not one of my normal crafty pursuits, but I am still super pleased with my latest project. These were my contribution to some thank you baskets for Arisia. (The image on the magnets is the Arisia lens.)

The instructions for making marble magnets were easy to follow, though I always called the glass beads "cat's eyes" growing up. These are super addictive and now I want to make all sorts of custom magnets.