Tuesday, December 30, 2014

A last minute finish and new yarn........


I wanted to finish one more item before the end of the year and I did.  This is my Ohio State Cowl.
 

Do you remember the hat I made for my son that I just loved?  The yarn pooled in such a fascinating manner.  I was so intrigued with it I had to try and make something else with the same yarn.  Just after this yarn arrived I was watching a taped episode of Knitting Daily, in the episode Laura Bryant, the owner of Prism Yarns, was discussing how to make yarn with a longer color change, pool.   You have to make sure the yarn repeats on itself by casting on the right amount of stitches and match up the color repeats just so.  I think I got really lucky with the hat because it all worked out without any calculations.  With the cowl I had to plan a bit more.


She also had this great idea to change the stitch pattern with the color change.  So while I knit this in the round, every time I changed colors I had to knit or purl depending on the color.  Does that make any sense at all?  The thing that is fascinating about this type of pattern is that it adds such great texture to the project and the cowl does not roll in on itself like it would with straight knitting.


I used about 200 yards of Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash Multis in the color Checkerboard, with size 10 1/2 circular needles.  I have lots of yarn left over for another scarf for Mr. 21, just in case he loses yet another one that I have made for him.
 

There was yarn for Christmas from my husband.  Now this is the part I need you to be nice and not judge me about.  I think it is so fantastic that my husband found a small store in Dunedin, a near by town, that sells yarn in two rooms of the store.  They sell lots of other things also, but in these two tiny rooms they sell yarn.  He went there and picked out a lot of yarn for me and I felt so lucky.  But, and there is always a but, it was all sock weight and had a LOT of blue in it.  You see his favorite color is blue and I guess he assumes mine is, too.  Every year he has blessed me with a LOT of sock weight yarn, and every year I try to make things with it and am totally frustrated becasue I don't knit socks and am not fond of that weight yarn.


This year he asked me if I wanted to return anything and I was honest with him.  I told him I loved the fact that he went out searching for yarn for me and picked it out.  But the thing is I rarely use blue yarn, and I rarely use sock weight yarn.  I am trying hard to not add anything to my stash I am not going to use, and I know this yarn would be there waiting for me to try and figure out something to make with it for years.  It was beautiful, don't get me wrong it was just so blue..... and thin...... and well blue.  All the yarn was blue with the exception of two skeins of the pink above.  I LOVE that yarn so I gladly bought two more skeins of it so I would have enough of it to make more than just a scarf. 


 I went to the store with my bag of yarn, my head hanging low and confessed to the lovely woman behind the counter.  She laughed at my situation, remembering my husbands visit she said she tried to get him to purchase a gift certificate but he wouldn't.  I returned the yarn, with the exception of the pink and bought all you see above.  And I have to admit I am thrilled with all of it. 


I also bought these gorgeous crochet hooks from Bryspun made from Forest palmwood.  These are such a treat and feel so smooth in your hand.  I love a fatter handle on a hook but so many larger hooks don't have a thicker handle, these are perfect.  

So that is my story and I hope you do not think I am horrible.  I came home from the store and gushed over everything right in front of my husband and thanked him profusely for his kind gesture.  I have already cast on with the cream yarn, I think a rib cowl would be perfect for it.

I worked this morning and came home and cleaned up all of Christmas. Hooray, I am so glad it is done.  Tomorrow after work I will be cleaning sheets, doing laundry and doing the final clean up of the year.  I am going into 2015 with a clean slate.

Oh and just for you Kathy B here is a picture of Little Buddy's train from Santa.  He loves it.


When it becomes disconnected he says, "You got to be careful."   Yes you do Little One.  He has learned how to put it back together already, he is a smart one.

I hope you are all careful tomorrow night as the year comes to an end.  I am staying home where it is nice and safe.

Happy New Year if I don't get to chat with you before the year comes to an end.


46 comments:

Deborah said...

Some day you might want to try knitting a lace shawl from sock yarn. If it is 100% wool it will make a beautiful shawl. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Tasha said...

that shawl is beautiful

moonstruckcreations said...

Wow that shawl is beautiful!

Poor old husband, perhaps you should knit him something as a peace offering ;)

LB will be having a fab time with his train set, my crew used to love them.

Helenxx

Betsy said...

I think that cowll is absolutely beautiful Meredith. It's beautiful tpshe'll way the yarn pools and the changing stitches makes it all "pop"! Love, love, love it. And I'm sure your dear husband just wants you to have exactly the yarn you want and will use. Mine would. If you just leave it tucked away and unused, that would bother him more than you exchanging it. At least that's how my brain works.

I took all the Christmas things down yesterday and cleaned and got everything set to rights for he new year. We always stay home for New Year's Eve but this year we plan to go to our churches party at least for awhile. Hubby works all day so I doubt we'll make it till midnight. We're old. :-). Oh, and I love The little guy's train. What a smart boy to be able to fix it already.
Blessings my friend
Betsy

Pam said...

All that beautiful yarn makes me drool. I want to reach through my screen and touch it. You got some great colors. And, no, I don't think you're awful for exchanging what he bought. That cream color will make something really beautiful and classic-looking. Cream is always a winner in my opinion. Love the pink and red too though! I could talk yarn all day. Haha. I cleaned up the Christmas stuff today too. Staying home safe and sound on New Years Eve with a cozy fire. Pammy Sue

kathyinozarks said...

I think that is so special that your husband took the time to choose yarn for you-but am glad you were able to exchange it to want you like better-
the little train is so cool
Happy New Year

Ljubinka said...

Beautiful scarf, I like it very much, great new yarn!
*Happy New Year!*

Teresa Kasner said...

You are right to be honest and get what you will love and use. Buying yarn for someone else rarely works.. it's like buying clothes for someone.. so you did the right thing and I love what you got! I look forward to seeing what you make. The alpaca.. yummy! I still need to start on my guinea pigs.. but the light has to be bright to see where you're going with that black fuzzy yarn. I love LBs train! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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My Garden Diaries said...

Those hooks are beautiful!!! And your cowl is awesome lady!! I chuckled when I saw the train because it is the same one my son got and he loves it!!!! Happy New Years!!! Nicole xo

Gracie Saylor said...

The friend who coached me through my first pair of socks had me wind a skein into two equal balls. Then she had me make sure the color sequence was the same at the beginning of each ball so I ended up with two socks that had matching stripes, so I sort of understand what you did with your pretty Ohio State cowl.

When and for about how long do you knit and crochet every day, Mere.? I so admire not only your skill but your speed!

Your husband is a sweetie to go yarn shopping for you and I'm glad you were able to honestly appreciate his efforts while trading some of what he got for what you wanted.

Does Little Buddy like Thomas the Train? My little granddaughters are very fond of him.

Wishing you and yours a most Happy New Year! [Tim and I are going to nearby friends tomorrow night to play Bunco! Great fun!] xx

Judy S. said...

Nice shawl, Mere! All that new yarn, lucky you! I am sure your DH is happy that you're happy. Have a wonderful New Year's!

Grammy Braxton said...

No judging here, Meredith. My Hubs isn't one to do much off the cuff shopping, at least for me, so up until this year, I have go to the thread shop here in town, picked out several items, gave the owner an amount to work toward and left for an hour or went back by the next day. Hubs loved it because I was happy and he didn't have to go to the shop. :)

I think you did the right thing in being honest. I'm sure he appreciated your honesty and who knows, maybe next year, you might get that gift certificate.

Hugs,
Sharon

handmade by amalia said...

I have serious hook envy now, they are beautiful, and the scarf is not bad either :-)
Amalia
xo

http://handmadebyamalia.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Not awful...just honest. I am sure that he was happy that you were able to trade it for something you would use. Maybe next year he will get a gift certificate. But it is the thought that counts. The scarf is beautiful! I love the texture. LB must be so cute with the train! I like how he says...you have to be careful! How he reminds himself. LOL!

gaia said...

Wow! This cowl is gorgeous! What a nice project to end the year...
Happy New Year!
Gaia.

Géraldine B. said...

well, you're not horrible !!! Both you're so cute your husband by buying yarn for you, very nice intention and that' not surprising you need to change ot. It's not easy for someone else to buy the right color, the right thread... Mine is always buy me some stuffs for knitting or crocheting too !! I wish you all a very happy New Year !!

Una said...

You were lucky you could take it back. Last Christmas my husband gave me some very expensive 4 ply yarn in a drab beige colour. I hated it but forced myself to use it. I think he had delegated one of his female colleagues to buy it. As she doesn't know me, she just played safe. At least your hubby now knows what he should have chosen. I dropped some hints such as "Ooh, I usually buy thicker wool." When we go clothes shopping he tends to pick out beige clothes for me and I always turn them down. One day he might listen!

CJ said...

You definitely did the right thing, it's much better to have exactly the right yarn. And the pinks are gorgeous, I shall look forward to seeing what you make. I love the look of the chunky crochet hooks as well. I bought my own Christmas present for the boys to give me this year, otherwise there isn't one and it makes them a bit sad, they like to give as well as receive which is sweet. Little Buddy's train is fantastic, mine had a similar one which they always loved. Wishing you and yours a very happy 2015 Meredith. CJ xx

Gillian said...

I think you were right to change the yarn for something you love and will use. After all, that's what your husband wants but he just didn't get the choice of yarn right. And let's face it, it's very difficult to pick yarn for someone else. I love the cowl you made - it's amazing the way the colours worked out. Have a very Happy New Year.

Pradeepa said...

The cowl is gorgeous. If only I knew how to knit I would certainly be making one like that for myself. Beautiful yarn. Happy New Year!

Helen said...

What a beautiful cowl!! I love how the colours come through :) And I always think honesty is the best policy, and I'm sure your hubbie just wants you to be happy. Loving Little Buddy's train! Happy New Year :)

Amy at love made my home said...

I hope that your New Year will be wonderful! Best wishes for all good things in 2015 to you and yours! What a lovely present from your husband, and even lovelier that he agreed to the returns and that you have such lovely things now! xx

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

the cowl is awesome! Great job! I have those hooks. I got my first one at a knit store in Charleston SC...love them. I love how wooden hooks (and knitting needles) feel so warm when you use them.

Happy New Year !

Kris said...

Happy New Year my friend! How sweet that your husband would even attempt to buy you yarn!!!! I love those crochet hooks!!!!! Fabulous!
Looking forward to doing some cozy hooky by the fire today and tomorrow. VERY cold here. Snow nearby!
XO Kris

Jo said...

Lovely yarn choices Meredith. Happy New Year Jo x

kristieinbc said...

First of all, the cowl is brilliant! What an interesting idea to switch knits and purls with the colour changes. Secondly, I think you were very brave to admit to your husband you weren't a blue sock yarn person. I'm sure he is happy to know what it is you like to knit, and I think next year you won't get any blue sock yarn. :-)

Lilbitbrit said...

The cowl is lovely and the repeat of colors with the change of stitch.

Dear husbands do try, but sometimes they just need to let us girls run with it.

Take care,
Christy

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Love that cowl! It really does hang beautifully. Good that you were honest and able to return the yarn and get what you want. At least your husband knows what will make you happy even if it isn't the right weight or color. :) Perhaps he thought a gift certificate was too impersonal. All's well that end's well. Little Buddy is the cutest. We've been in pajamas since early evening and my husband went to bed at his regular time, 9:00 p.m. I'm heading that way soon, well before midnight. Happy almost new year! Tammy

Suzan said...

I showed my husband your Ohio Cowl!!! He said - "Nice!" with a grin on his face. That means he really liked it!
Anything that is scarlet and grey - he really likes. Know you had a wonderful Christmas with your little buddy!!
Happy New Year to your and yours!

Tanna said...

Beautiful cowl, Meredith... and I love your loot! Those hooks look like they would feel so good in your hand! Little Buddy has a great life lesson.... you got to be careful. Wishing you a belated Merry Christmas and all the best in 2015. blessings ~ tanna

MaryLynne said...

Happy New Year Meredith! Your productivity is amazing. I am in awe. My projects come along so slowly but I know that its my own fault they don't progress at a faster rate. I love the texture and colour changes in the cowl. Its a beauty! Ditto on the comments that your husband won't mind you exchanging yarn for what you like. I am procrastinating about putting Christmas stuff away. I should, but reading blogs is much more fun. Little B's train is so cute :) Chugga Chugga!

Bestest,

Mary Lynne

Hedy King said...

Meredith, I love all your knitting posts. I don't knit at all, but my daughter does. I want to wish the best in 2015 to you and your boys. Thank you for all your kind words this past year. Enjoy, Hedy

Between Me and You said...

Happy New Year to you and yours, Meredith. Wise woolly choices and I love those crochet hooks. 'See' you next year. xxx

Ingrid K. said...

Hi Meredith,

as we are counting down the last minutes here (only 40 to go) I wanted to wish you all the best for the New Year!!!

I totally love your colour pool cowl, I've never seen anything like it, it's really stunning!

You were lucky to have had such great gifts!!! That Malabrigo looks fab!!!

Ingrid xx
https://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Anita said...

What a lovely thought for hubby to actually choose yarn for you. It's really the thought that counts. Love Buddy's train, too cute. Have a lovely New Year too.
Cheers, Anita.

susan said...

Happy New Year to you, thanks for your comments on my teeny blogette. You are an inspiration.
Susan x

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I love the yarn you choose and yes it's a good thing to exchange gifts sometimes!! Wishing you and your family a Joyous New Year!
hugs,
Linda

linda said...

I'm so glad that you got your yarn changed Meredith and good for you it was the most sensible thing to do after all and I'm sure that your husband is pleased that you have got just what you wanted. Your cowl is beautiful and the technique you used sounds fascinating, I'm not sure that I would have understood how to do it but it has given a lovely finish. All the very best for 2015!xxxxxx

brsmaryland said...

Happy new year Meredith!
Yarn is pricey-best to get what you love and will use.
I look forward to seeing all your beautiful creations and Little Buddy's adventures in the new year.
Hugs,
Beth

Caffeine Girl said...

I don't think you are horrible at all. I actually discourage people from buying me yarn because it is hard to pick out something for a knitter -- unless you yourself are a knitter and know the giftee well. The thought your hubbie put into the gift is gift enough. I think it is great that you could be honest with him and exchange the yarn!

Acorn to Oak said...

Your new cowl is awesome! I love the pattern of the colors and the stitch pattern. It's so unique! That's so sweet that your husband buys you yarn! That's nice that you were able to exchange it for some that you like better and for those beautiful hooks! If you're ever stuck with sock yarn again...have you ever made a crochet lace shawl? They work great with sock yarn. I've made many! They're fun and fast too. Oh...and the knitted "Sockhead Hat" is a great pattern for sock yarn. They're easy and so wonderful to wear....comfy, just the right amount of warmth and cute too. Enjoy your new yarn and hooks! Can't wait to see what you make! And...of course...Happy New year! :-D

Linda said...

What a lovely idea on how you knitted this cowl, I love the texture you created and I totally get how you did it with your explanation.
I seem to be favouring sock weight yarn at the moment, but then that is just me lol. I am knitting a shawl in sock weight at the moment and I love how it is knitting up.
I think it's okay that you let your husband know what sort of yarn you prefer ... he may surprise you with your favourite yarns next year.
Those crochet hooks look gorgeous, a very nice choice.
I look forward to seeing your progress with the substituted yarns you chose, they do look scrumptious!

xx

Ana BC said...

Love your scarf, Meredith. The changes of texture make it looks extra special. Gorgeous!!!

Kaiya said...

No judgment here regarding your Christmas yarn - yarn preferences are so personal and matter so much. It's almost like trying to buy a perfume for someone else; it's best to let the recipient choose for themselves. Hopefully your husband took the news well (and perhaps next year he'll let himself be talked into getting a gift certificate!) You chose some lovely yarn for yourself; the Malabrigo in particular looks just luscious.

Toni said...

Aw, what a sweet guy for thinking of yarn! And glad you could exchange it for the lovely yarns you will actually use! :)

Apple Blossom Dreams said...

Wow, I have missed a lot go good stuff with Buddy and yarn! Very nice! Love looking at your colorful and expertly taken photographs!