FO: Wing Top...

Pattern: Wing Top by Kate Gilbert, Interweave Knits Summer 2007
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Silk (5 balls)
Needles: US9/5.5mm KnitPicks Options
Time: 2 weeks
Mods: Omitted last set of decreases around the bust to make it ~31" instead of 30"; adjusted for row gauge difference in the body.

Notes:

I bought the yarn from Stitchy Witch in a recent destash. It's really soft and drapey. Definitely a yarn that needs to be swatched and washed as it fluffs up pretty well. I did knit this a needle size smaller than the ball band recommends even though my tension tends to hit slightly tighter than ball band gauge. I noticed the drap and knew the fabric would be floppy, for lack of a better word. I probably could have knit the 30" size as is but when I didn't like how the swatch looked when I stretched it a couple inches so I took out the last set of decreases to make it 31".

The top stays up pretty well. The loop through which the scarf is threaded is pretty snug, which makes a pretty sturdy strap. This is definitely a top I could wear dressed down with jeans or dressed up with a nice skirt. I also think the neutral brown color works nicely with the unique construction of the top.

My parents just came back from trip to Hong Kong, so I'm expecting some yarn goodies soon. As a result, I've been working through stash knitting up the projects I've had in the queue as well as finding projects for the leftover yarn that's been marinating since the original projects were completed. I'm currently using the leftover yarn from Orangina (yarn from Mom's *last* trip to HK) for the Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt from Interweave Knits Summer 2007. Hopefully I'll have enough yarn but I have a couple ideas of how to improvise.

FOs: Tilted Duster and Lace Ribbon Scarf

Pattern: Tilted Duster by Norah Gaughan from Interweave Knits Fall 2007
Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Wool (12 skeins)
Needles: US9/5.5mm KnitPicks Options
Time: 1.5 months
Mods: Only used 3 buttons instead of 4--Two nice ones on the outside and a clear, inside button

Notes:

I *heart* this duster. It's so soft and cozy. Just right for my heavily air conditioned office. About halfway through the skirt, I realized that I originally intended to make the 36" size (this one is 32") to accommodate layering. Now I have two extra skeins. Given how warm this is, I'm okay with the smaller size because I'd only wear it over a T-shirt.



Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronik Avery from Knitty Spring 2008
Yarn: Spinning Yarns in "Mulberry Bush" (1 hank)
Needles: US4/3.5mm Addi Turbos
Time: 2 months of commute knitting

Notes:

I love how this scarf turned out. The whole time I was knitting this, I didn't realize that the colors were making a zig-zag pattern. I noticed it when I laid it out to dry after washing. It's about 8 feet long. Also, way easy to memorize for mindless commute knitting.