All posts filed under: making

i finished my third stephen west mystery knit along and I love my new shawl

After thinking I wasn’t going to participate in any more mystery knit-alongs, fomo took over me, and I quickly changed my mind at the very last minute and decided to join Stephen West’s mkal for the third year in a row. And I am so glad I did! This was one of the mkals I have enjoyed the most! It had fun shapes, modular knitting, a sprinkle of brioche, and lots of options to personalize your final design. I got to wear my shawl last weekend and was super proud of how pretty it turned out. I think I’m also accidentally becoming the “Stephen West MKALs + Holst Garn Super Soft” ambassador. I’ve used the same yarn for all three of my mystery shawls. (You can see my last two here and here.) I might have to continue with the tradition! This yarn is not as drape-y as others, but it is very warm–and light! I think that’s what I love the most about it; it weighs next to nothing. And another plus is that …

knitting detour: how my plan to make a tote bag turned into a stripy summer top

How does this happen? I’ve managed to start – and finish!– another project that’s not what I intended to work on. For the record, I have three other projects on my needles at the moment. One of them I started last summer… I guess I should make a better effort to stay out of yarn stores! A few weekends ago, I was browsing the isles of Joanne’s Fabrics store and managed to leave with six balls of 100% cotton yarn in tow with the goal of making myself a new tote. I wanted to replace some of the bags I typically carry around, which are looking a bit tired after much use. I also found yarn in a green color I loved. Is it just me? I can never have enough tote bags. I always need to supplement my purse with bags to carry books, knitting projects, samples, treats, or to use if I stop at the supermarket on my way home. The bag I was going to make, a free pattern called the “getting …