All Aboard for Sleeve Island

A dearth of exciting and truly bloggable knitting around here…

All about Jemima. As you can see, the body is done and I just hopped a train to sleeve island. I got some primo TV knitting in last night on that sleeve, and it’s more than halfway done.

Funny thing is, I’m not bored by this project. I do wonder why. Perhaps because this followed a bright and colorful FO which required following a chart, albeit a straightforward one? Perhaps because I am enjoying the RYC Cashsoft DK much more than I expected? I mean, it’s a lovely yarn. But basic. I was surprised to find myself stopping to pet the knitted fabric occasionally. Even at this drapier gauge (it’s a DK weight knit on US8), I find the fabric has a pleasing, sproingy, substance to it and is so soft with a touch of silkiness. At any rate, I’m not looking a knitting gift horse in the mouth. I plan to focus on this while the spirit of non-boredom moves me!

Have you gotten your RavelRaiser on yet? Only 5 more days, if you are so inclined, to get a chance at the cornucopia of prizes while making sure Rav stays on its feet and in the black.

I’ve happened upon a handful of new patterns of late, so it’s high time for a pattern roll call. Some are just right for spring, too!

Merletto Mitts by Javajem Knits. I love seeing an excellent alternative use for sock weight yarn! To me, these are just the right combination of lace and substance. I do believe I will be making these to keeps my hands warm in my office.

Vine Lace Vest by Cecily Glowik for Classic Elite Yarns. I gave this another look after seeing Michelle’s finished vest in Cotton Ease.

If you haven’t yet heard of them, CEY produces what they call “webletters”, a weekly emailed letter that includes a free! pattern and details of the yarn and sometimes other knitty info too. I’ve been getting it for a spell and now, after several weeks, I can say it’s turned into a favorite. They really don’t skimp on the patterns, and provide a wide variety of projects. Here’s a link to the Web-Letter archives.

Also from a CEY webletter, the Nantucket Island Tank by Cirilia Rose. I like the simplicity of this, and also that it can cover the old brastraps without looking frumpy. But It seems like the sizing might be a might large and the armhole a bit long. But that’s all easily modified.

Yarn Abuse Kim just released a nifty hat pattern, somewhere between a beret and a slouchy, Guinan.

And, last but not least, Wendy Knits has also released another beautiful sock pattern, Peace Socks (pdf).

Off for more tea and a bit of sleeve. Have a wonderful Sunday!