Cap Karma

Cap Karma hat side view, originally uploaded by mooserita113.

So I haven't been blogging much since setting up this blog. Too much stuff going on and not much time for crafting or knitting. However, I did managed to finish a few things over the Christmas holidays. Here is the Cap Karma hat. It's made with hand-dyed hand spun yarn acquired by a friend on their trip to London (England). The hat itself is a little big but has been worn alot since it's completion.

The cabling doesn't show up as well now that I've washed it but overall I'm very pleased with it.

Pattern: Cap Karma Free pattern from smariek
groups.yahoo.com/group/smariekknits/
Made with changes from brooklyn tweed (www.brooklyntweed.blogspot.com)

Started: Dec 2007
Completed: Dec 2007
Yarn: hand-dyed handspun purchased at iknitlondon by a friend

Entrelac and some yarn p0rn

Ok so since I was unable to figure out entrelac on my own, I signed up for classes at Lettuce Knit. So here are my efforts so far:


And some yarn I picked up while I was at the class - I can't go into a yarn store without buying something! 2 skeins of Socks that Rock in the Downpour colorway and a skein of Handmaiden Seasilk.


In sewing news I finally finished the shirt I've been working on for way too long:


This shirt is the first one I've made and my first major sewing project. I found the directions very confusing to follow and while I like the final result, the fit is not that great. I can't seem to raise my arms past shoulder height. I am not sure if it is a problem with the pattern or a sizing issue.

Project Summary:
Pattern: New Look 6515 View B
Fabric: 100% cotton fabric - brown Batik fabric for the main body and green cotton for the accents. All fabric bought at Fabricland
Started: March 30, 2007
Finished: April 22, 2007

Some Sewing!

So my first sewing course has finished and I decided on the weekend to try a sewing project on my own. Introducing my first purse!

The pattern is Amy Butler's "In Town" bag, which I modified to use a magnetic clasp. I'm so pleased with how this turned out. It even has a lining with pockets!

Even using the heavyweight interfacing, the purse is a little floppy. I'm thinking that I will have to find something a little stiffer when I make another one. One other thing I would change would be to use an iron on interfacing instead of a sew in one. I will definitely be making more of these!

Project Summary:
Pattern: Amy Butler's In Town Bag
Fabric: Exterior - 100% cotton fabric, Lining - Polyester Cotton. All fabric bought at Fabricland
Started: March 3, 2007
Finished: March 4, 2007

Swallowtail shawl

I cast on last week for the Swallowtail Shawl from the Fall2006 issue of Interweave Knits. I'm using a skein of handmaiden seasilk that I received for Christmas. So far I like how it is knitting up, although I think it might look better if I had used a more solid colored colorway. Oh well, I'm not taking it out now and it doesn't look too bad.

Orchid Show

Today I went to the Southern Ontario Orchid Show which runs for today and tomorrow. I love going to this orchid show because at this time of the year I get the winter blahs and all the colorful orchid blooms really cheer me up.

Here are some highlights from the show:

This is my first post and I'm just seeing how things look. A few pics: