Sunday, March 26, 2006


Here's a shot of the overall progress on my FLAK sweater. I'm working with Elann Peruvian Highland Wool in Victorian Rose on size 6 needles.

Here's a shot of the front neckline. In case you're wondering, my stitch markers are cut from candy tubes. You know, that sour powder that comes in a half inch or so sized tube. I just cut off slivers and viola, stitch markers.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006


When looking at the crocus that are coming up in my garden you might think that spring is here. Indeed, it was 78 yesterday. Today, however, was a different story. As my friend, Christopher Robin would say, "it was a rather blustery day." Snow is even predicted for Friday.

And yes, I'm working on my FLAK (Follow the Leader Aran Knit) sweater. What great fun! I've been lurking at the knit-a-long and on various websites where folks are displaying progress. I have the shoulder saddles done, picked up for the back and am working my way to the arm holes.

I've selected different cables than the pattern actually calls for. The center panel features a Saxon Braid, flanked by Braided cables. The rest are Rope cable and a small twisted stitch. The yarn is from Elann, Peruvian Highland Wool in victorian rose. I'm using size 6 needles, because I knit rather tightly, and because I will be wearing a turtleneck or a t-shirt underneath. Great project with outstanding instructions. I highly recommend it.

Sunday, March 05, 2006


What's this I have here? Looks like the start of a FLAK sweater. One swatch down and the second swatch is underway. Then on to washing and blocking for final measuring.

On Saturday we spent the day in State College and DH touched a Heisman Trophy, specifically the one awarded to John Capaletti. He was quite impressed.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006


Here's the finished product -- only thing needed is some blocking on the hat. Yarn is Palette from Knitpicks. Double strand used in the mittens, single strand used in the hat. Size 6 needles. Pattern for the mittens is from Interweave Knits (I'm not sure what issue) and the hat pattern I intrepreted from the mittens.

The top of the hat sports the date - 2006!

And here's another Olympic project that I've been working on. My grandfather has an English walnut tree in his backyard that produces some WONDERFUL walnuts. I recently got my hands on a nutcracker that actually works. I filled up the 3 lb. margarine tub with nuts and I'd say that I have at least two more tubs worth of nuts yet to crack - from this year's harvest. I still have nuts from last year, but I don't know how long they'll stay good, but I'll be finding out.