#8. Knitting

I took a break from knitting to crochet, but now I'm back at it! I got some ideas for things to make for quick Christmas presents, and things for me! So here's what I've been working on recently.

Coffee Cozy and coaster!

Caribou was selling something like this, and I said, "i can make that!" the cable braid is actually really easy.
Here's the pattern so i can upload it to ravelry:
Caribou reusable coffee clutch

Yarn: Cotton or worsted weight

Needles: 7

Finished size: width: 2.5 inches, Circumference: 9 inches

Cast on 17.

R1 (RS): K2, P2, K9, P2, K2.

R2 (WS): P2, K2, P9, K2, P2.

R3 (Cable row 1): K2, P2, (cable back), K3, P2, K2.

R4: P2, K2, P9, K2, P2.

R5: K2, P2, K9, P2, K2.

R6: P2, K2, P9, K2, P2

R7 (Cable row 2): K2, P2, K3, (cable front), P2, K2.

R8: P2, K2, P9, K2, P2

Repeat rows 1-8 until piece measures 9 inches (end on row 4 or 8). Cast off; leave long end for sewing seam.

Sew ends together with tapestry needle so it forms a loop.

Cable back: slip 3 sts onto cable needle and hold in back; K next three; 3K from cable needle.

Cable front: slip 3 sts onto cable needle and hold in front; K next three; 3K from cable needle.

I knitted a circular coaster based on a washcloth pattern. I'm planning on doing a few more sets like this; the one i did today is varigated pink/white/brown (looks like neopolitan ice cream) in a checkerboard pattern.
(BTW, the creme brule latte from Starbucks is really good.)

Doggie sweater!
I got this pattern on somebody's website/blog, but it doesn't fit Maddie very well. The seam is down the chest, and it's supposed to be sewn together, but it's really hard to get her into sweaters like that. i put some buttons down the front but it's too small. so i need to refine that pattern and try again. probably design one with the buttons down the back.

Hat and scarf!
This is the skinny scarf i was working on during the Fringe festival. i ironed it, and it's supposed to lay flat, but it doesn't want to. oh well. The hat pattern i got off of lionbrand.com. it's a knit 4/purl 4 rubbing. I had the yarn from the amigurumi panda project (that i never finished because i thought it looked like a freaky alien when i sewed the eyes on the head) and it kind of matches the pinky color in my new ski coat. here's a closeup.

Also, this is the white scarf i finished a long time ago and was planning on giving it to Project WarmHearts, but now i might give it as a christmas gift.

Shopping!

Last week I told myself I wasn't going to spend any money on myself until after Christmas (with the exception of the day after Thanksgiving sales, of course). but then i happened to go to a few stores...and i needed a few things...and they were on SALE!... So here's me modeling what I brought home.

On Friday, after bowling in Blaine, we stopped at the Kohl's. I was looking for a new black purse for the winter. I got a Nine & Co. purse, a wallet to go with it, a colorful clutch wallet (for concerts and such) and a cute sweater! all on sale. (i love my manikin pose.)

on Saturday, we (we being my mom, sister, and I) went to the "original" sewing and quilting expo at the convention center. I managed to not buy anything (although I did find the ONE booth with yarn and drooled over their baby alpaca yarn); mom resisted buying a $160 iron. so victory on that front. then we went down to the Local for lunch (i said "Screw the Points!" and ate a Reuben and fries) and wandered down Nicollet Mall just to see what there was to see. we went into the Saks 5th Ave Outlet and were tempted by some gorgeous cashmere sweaters, cute dresses, and tasty leather jackets. but instead we went across the street to Marshall's! they have Calvin Klein and Michael Kors too, so it's practically the same the same store. I scavenged the dresses and bought...
a grey and black cotton dress ($25!) and two pairs of tights! Yay for work clothes.
Then, back to the convention center for the Ski and Snowboard Expo. I decided a while ago I wanted to buy a new coat for skiing this year (as my current coat is a little big now). in the Hoigart's "store," I tried on a couple and the first one was my favorite!

(ski pose)

What sold this coat was the cuffs with the thumb holes. that's going to keep my wrists warm and dry on the slopes! we thought the design was pretty unique (it sucks to see someone with your same coat when you're skiing, it's like prom dresses). now i need some cranberry-colored accessories! i'll have to look at yarn tomorrow...