Tuesday, June 10, 2014

A Tuesday Finish

Even though I have been obsessed with weaving there has still been a wee bit of knitting going on.  Knitting is in my blood, it is part of me, so there always has to be a knitting project going on.  

This is my finished Kiribati by the Berroco Design Team.  It is a free pattern so if you are a knitter I'd print this off as fast as you can.  You will love it, it is very simple but lots of fun.  There is a fun design element on one side that keeps you awake while knitting, but it isn't anything tricky so you can zone out a bit too.

Here lets take a peek.




I made this with the lovely Jo Sharp, Silkroad  Aran yarn that I bought when my LYS went out of business.   I can not remember if it was 50% off or 75%, but either way it was a steal.   And since sale yarn is really only a bargain if you really use it, I am trying to make the most of my yarn purchases.  

I adapted the pattern a bit as originally this pattern is made for a cotton tape yarn.  My Aran yarn is much denser, with less drape.  I used size 10 1/2 needles and made the pattern in a size large.  I did not want tight, I wanted a bit loose and flowing. It ended up a little less flowing that I would like, but I think it still works.  Remember the color of this yarn looked gray in some light, and greenish or even a little bit blue in other lightening, so it has a perfect name, Opal!

The one thing I was unhappy with was the constant joins in the middle or end of the skeins.  I really can't stand that, it should not be a surprise to be knitting away mid row and come across a join.  Sale yarn or not, I expect better from Jo Sharp, especially as it states, "Luxury Hand-knitting Yarn, Unsurpassed Quality," right there on the label.  I did persevere and made it through, and actually finished sewing in the ends and steam blocking it last night.

This will be for much cooler times, which in Florida can be a bit limiting.  Even though made for colder weather I still wanted to show it to you with what Caroline the Dress Form had on.  She loves her white t-shirt and skirt even though I have told her many times I would like to wear the skirt every now and again, she simply will not take it off.

As I can be a wee (or a lot) obsessive about a pattern or project I simply had to make it again.  And after much cruising through my stash, and a trip to the yarn store, I decided to make it in the yarn that it was intended to be made with,  Berroco Karma.  My yarn store in Tampa did not carry this yarn so I ordered it online.  Nothing makes me happier than a package of yarn arriving in my mailbox. 

So I will be casting on tonight for a bit of pink, yarn tape, fun.  This yarn is so soft and fluffy, it feels like air, it will be perfect for the hot summer months here in Florida.  The color is soft and beautiful, I can't wait to see it all knitted up.


I am playing nursemaid today as my Teenager had his wisdom teeth extracted this morning.  I am running up and down the stairs getting him pain medication, ice packs and jello.  Boys are never too old to be fussed over.  At least I am getting some exercise.

Have a great day.

46 comments:

Bridget said...

That is so pretty - and the rose-colored one should be amazing!

Hope your son feels better soon - thank God wisdom teeth don't grow back. :-)

kristieinbc said...

I love your Kiribati! I think it's funny that you are casting on for another one right away. :-) And I totally agree about packages of yarn arriving in the mail. It can brighten up even the most miserable day.

I hope your son makes a speedy recovery from getting his wisdom teeth out. I had one child who came home from the dentist after getting his removed and wanted to play street hockey with his friends. I had another one who ended up in the hospital for five days with complications. Life as a mom...never a dull moment!

Linda said...

Thanks for your lovely comment on the finished top for my daughter. This knitted top is lovely and isn't it funny how different light situations can change the color of the yarn. I remember you buying all this sale yarn earlier in the year and it's great that you are making such good use of it.
I agree about joins in the middle of your skein, this is so annoying when it happens (happened to me just yesterday)
Get well wishes to your teenager xxx

Anonymous said...

Kirabati is beautiful and will be gorgeous in the rosy yarn. Good choice.

Hope your son is feeling better quickly. Argh! Wisdom teeth ....who thought THEY were a good idea????

Stephen had his out right after he moved to Melbourne. I couldn't believe he didn't tell us until it was over. BOYS! Sometimes they will drive you CRAZY! LOL

Tell Caroline that it isn't nice to be a skirt hog. She should SHARE, especially considering how much you share with HER!

CJ said...

Oh dear, poor Teenager, I do hope he's better soon. Lovely knitting, and the beautiful new yarn is going to look wonderful. It really infuriates me as well when I find knots in the middle of expensive yarn. Let's hope the new yarn is okay. CJ xx

mamasmercantile said...

That is just stunning and perfect all year round here. Hope your sone is feeling better soon.

RedSetter said...

Love the top and that pink yarn is just gorgeous, cant wait to see it finished up.

Good wishes to your 'hamster' son, wisdom teeth never go quietly!

Jennifer Hays said...

It's beautiful and I'm sure it will look very nice on you. It's just the style I imagine you enjoying to wear.

Gracie Saylor said...

I love the way your top turned out, and think it will be wonderful in pink, too, Meredith.

You are such a good mama. I hope your Teenager heals rapidly! xx

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Meredith, You sure do keep busy and you knitting is just so beautiful. Love the pattern and the pink one will be stunning. I remember the wisdom teeth days, always good to get them out before college! Dental hygienist speaking : )
Enjoy your casting on tonight, xoRobin

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Oh I love your knitty finish! So pretty. :)

Awww sending good thoughts for No 2 son that the will heal quickly and feel better very soon.

((hugs)) to you sweet friend. :)

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

The little sweater turned out wonderfully! It looks great with the white tee.

Wisdom teeth! I remember my daughter being so out of it when she had hers removed.

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Wishing a speedy and smooth recovery to your boy :)
Your top is gorgeous zone oh my goodness that deep pink yarn is heavenly :)
Jillxo

linda said...

I'm glad you have put your sale yarn to such good use Meredith it's a lovely top but I love that new yarn I have never worked with yarn like that before it looks lovely and the color is gorgeous I can't wait to see it knitted up. I agree about joins in the yarn mid way how can they get away with that especially with expensive yarn it's so annoying. I hope your poor son feels better soon, getting wisdom teeth out can be so painful but at least it's over and done with. :) xx

yarn and pencil said...

I love that pattern Meredith, I must go back and check it out :-)
Oh I'm totally with you on the knots, I find it very irritating indeed
Tracey xxx

Pammy Sue said...

It's a beautiful sweater, Meredith! It will be nice in the pink too.

Joy said...

I'm loving your new top Meredith - especially the feature 'ladders' running up the side, that's very nice. I do remember you showing us the yarn and think it's a great colour to go with lots of things but like you, it should not have joins running through it, especially a yarn coming from Jo Sharp! I'm also loving your pink, what a gorgeous shade, and looking forward to seeing it knit up which I'm sure won't be long, knowing you!
Oh your poor boy - I hope he soon gets over the pain and discomfort but I'm sure he's very happy to be the receiver of extra doses of Mum's loving care meantime!
Enjoy your knitting lovely,
Joy xo

Home Meadows said...

Beautiful sweater and the side detail is really neat. I hope your teenager is feeling better soon. I remember having my wisdom teeth out and feeling like a chipmunk for days. Enjoy your new project. Heather

Kaiya said...

Ow, wisdom teeth. I had mine out not so long ago - your teen is so lucky to have your solicitude!

Lovely top, and the yarn is truly opalescent. It'll be very interesting to see the difference in how the pattern knits up in the yarn it was written for.

Grammy Braxton said...

Oooh, love the pink color and I'm not a big pink fan. It will look amazing in the sweater. Hope your teenager gets better soon. I agree, they are never to old to fuss over.

Hugs,
Sharon

kathy b said...

Berrocco hit one out of the park with that top. Yours is sooo pretty and understated!

Ahhh the wisdom tooth nurse….how can such a small thing create such a big surgery?

Lynne said...

Oh Meredith this is a beautiful sweater no matter what the weather. I love the detail down the side. Berroco yarn never disappoints, and that pink color you picked out is really fun!
I'm sure your son is so glad to have you fussing over him. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Lynne

Betsy said...

That is a beautiful top Meredith. You have so many talents. I make sweaters and tops for others but not for myself. Maybe I'll be brave and make something for myself sometime. You make such beautiful things, skirts, sweaters, weaving and on and on.
Blessings,
Betsy

Teresa Kasner said...

Dayle and I are very impressed with this stylish sweater, my friend! I would still love to see you model it. Your boys are all lucky to have such a devoted mama. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Unknown said...

Good to see you still knitting :-) love the grey top and its going look smashing in pink to that is a really pretty shade. So lovely to see Max and little Buddy in your last post enjoying themselves bless him he was having fun with the wendy house :-) I Hope your son feels better today. Best wishes, dee x

gaia said...

I wish I could knit too! lovely...

Elisabeth said...

Lovely top Meredith! The color is so beautiful xx

kathyinozarks said...

I love it! can't wait to see the pink one

Unknown said...

Love your latest knitting project. It's so cute! I have already printed out the pattern!

Mom's TLC and ice are the best medicine for wisdom teeth removal so I Know Mr. Teenager will be better soon.
Take care and happy knitting.

Vera said...

Just printed out the pattern - love it! The "opal" one is beautiful and I know the pink will be amazing. Hope your son is feeling better...I remember having my wisdom teeth out - no fun!!

Anonymous said...

Prayers for your son! Ouuch! The top is lovely. Very well done.

Ladybird Diaries said...

This is just lovely Meredith. In fact your knitting is always so beautiful.
Marianne x

Between Me and You said...

Drool-worthy tunic - I LOVE it. I've never seen tape yarn before so looking forward to seeing what you do with it. Fab colour too.Hugs to the Budkin and Max.xxx

Between Me and You said...

Sorry, forgot to say hope the Teenager gets better quickly.x

Ana BC said...

Your top is GORGEOUS!!! Congratulations are in order, Meredith :-)

gilly said...

OOh, I do love this - going to have to have a wee look at the pattern - and it'll look so pretty in the gorgeous pink tape yarn too. Hope your teenager is feeling better soon,
hugs xx

Carla from The River said...

Beautiful...you do such great work.

Prayers to your son. And it is nice to love on those teens. :-)

Gillian Roe said...

Wow, it's so accomplished! It would take me weeks to knit something like that. No, months. Maybe even a year!

Yarn joins irritate me so much. I've often seen it in quite expensive yarn and it really gets on my nerves. x

Unknown said...

That is such a beautiful piece of knitting, I'd wear it with everything! Chrissie x

Suzan said...

You are amazing!! Where do you find the time to work on your loom AND knit this lovely grey vest AND take care of your Little Buddy!!
Always, lovely work!!

elns said...

I ran off and Favorited it right away Mere! It's beautiful, can't wait to see how it knits up in the tape yarn. I have been thinking about doing a tank this summer, but in fingering weight. ugh. This seems so much more manageable. I appreciate your helpful suggestions/hints on what you did to achieve your desired result!

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

I do like your tunic, and the colour means it will go with lots of colours. Yes, and I too hate it when I find a join in my yarn part way through a row, I always have to unpick back to the beginning. Hope your teenager is recovering well
Chaz xx

Judy S. said...

Thanks for the link to this cute pattern, Mere. Sure can see why you want to make another one! Hope your son heals quickly!

My Garden Diaries said...

Goodness that piece as stunning pal!!! You are beyond gifted...seriously! I love everything about it!! Happy weekend to you and the boys! Nicole xo

Rose Red said...

That's a great looking top, looks like it will be very wearable. Sorry about the yarn - I've had that with Jo Sharp cotton too - out of 10 balls I think there were knots in at least half of them (and some had more than one knot). Very frustrating, especially as I was knitting in the round and it is very hard to sew in ends invisibly in Aran weight cotton.

Jo said...

What you choose to knit and crochet is so what I would choose, this is going straight on my list. Thanks for showing us, you have made a great job of it. Jo x