Fantasy knit spaces

If you had endless cash, what kind of knitting space would you create? I have a chaise lounge that is great for knitting, but I generally find myself on my couch next to my husband. But given the ability to create just a space for knitting and relaxation? I might do something like one of these:

I need a decent view, an inviting space, and plenty of space to put up my feet!

What do you need to make a great knit nook?
- YX

Window shopping: Etsy yarn

I was idly browsing Etsy last night and happened upon some interesting yarn! Although I'm on somewhat of a yarn diet, I figured I'd share it with anyone who was actively shopping.

Etsy is such a great resource for handmade things, but it's also great for hand dyed and spun yarns, as well as recycled yarn! Great cashmere at reasonable prices, silks, and a guilt-free conscience for re-loving fiber that was given away.

Sunrise Fiber Co.'s Neon Green Silver sock yarn:

Lightbrown Hare's Jackalope sock in Luna Cat:

Wild Hare's Handspun Self-striping Bulky Superwash in Peacock Gradient:

ShopYarnLove's Poppies in Winter sock:

Gnome Acres's Fawkes the Phoenix lace:

I love them all! That first one is really killing me! I can't wear green near my face, but I could see awesome gloves or iPhone accessories with it! Eeep!

Leave your pick in the comments! 

- YX

Trend: Layerable Dresses

There are something like 1,000ish adult dresses on Ravelry. Some are definitely tunics, and some are skirt/top combos, but I was astounded at how many there were. Especially because I'm typically floored when I see  dress FOs showing up in the Ravelry forums. It seems to be rare.

So I grabbed three layerable choices in different styles for today's post. I like layer pieces because they are so versatile for various weather choices.

First we have Liesl, by Julie Weisenberger. I love the sheer fabric, which is a sport yarn on size 8 needles. The uneven hem and pockets are a total bonus. This would be awesome over leggings or jeans, with a tank or long sleeved tee underneath. So cute!

Bente Geil's Topstykke is gorgeous for the opposite: it has a defined structure and incredible pleating that makes the piece look like it's made from felt, when it is actually sock yarn on #4s! Wearable and tectonic. This would be great with cute tights and a long sleeved tee, or layered over a lace or chiffon underdress.

Heather Dixon's Hattie is my last pick. It's different from the other two, and is fully in the "summer" camp.
It's a great beach coverup, but would be cute with long, lacy socks and a ballerina-style wrap to give it a more coquettish look.

Dresses scare me: the amount of yarn and the dedication to project completion are a step above sweater knitting, which is currently a 2-3 time per year occurrence for me. Were I more prolific with the needles, I might be more willing to jump into bigger projects with less reserve.

Share your favorite dresses in the comments! And link your FOs!
- YX

FO: Texelle

Oooh! I love finishing a project that I featured as a Queued item. This time, I'm happy to report that Texelle is off the needles and blocked!

I love the finished product. It's warm, soft, and a beautiful color. A friend on Ravelry mentioned that it looks like soft metal, and I can definitely see that. Ahab is much greener in the skein than I thought it would be, but knitted up, the light and dark areas blend together really well. It's an idea semi-solid, with subtle heathering, which is SO HARD TO FIND in semi-solids.

Andrew and I went to Galveston this weekend, which is about 45 minutes from Houston. While the dogs went crazy on the beach, I got a few quick snaps. I was surprised at how well the shawl warmed me up.

So happy with the textures, and the lack of lace!!!

It's awesome as a bandanna, a traditional granny shawl, or worn off to the side (like the photo above), which is my favorite way to wear shawls like this. It's an easy wear, but depending on the slipperyness of the yarn, you may find yourself disliking it. The steps are simple:

1) Place shawl over left shoulder, with the point on the back of your shoulder (but not centered on your back)
2) Throw "front" end across chest, over right shoulder.
3) Lay "back" end on top, over the right shoulder, and let it hang down.

With this wrapping style, you get to see the edging and ends from the front, and the dramatic center yarn overs aren't cutting your back in half. Love it!

How do you wear your shawls?
- YX

FO: Viking Hat!

Well, the viking hat (and accompanying beard) is completed, and I did a quick shoot before sending it out the door:

The beard is my favorite part, namely how ridiculously long it is:

The Knitpicks Comfy I used on the hat is great for stitch definition, but may not be stretchy enough. I'm sure a quick wash and light tumble dry would tighten it back up. The trick to the horns is definitely to stretch the base of the horn out as wide as it will go as you're sewing it on, in order to get stability at the base and keep the horns from drooping.

I did a video last night explaining everything I could about the beard, including materials and construction methods. Hope you enjoy it!

- YX