February 27 Progress Update

Below is our update on how many projects we have completed, started, or are still waiting. If a project is still waiting it may have a name next to it. Some may not because a few of them we are going to decide on later. As in previous update posts if the project name is colored pink it is in progress by Brittany and if colored green it is in progress by Em. If the project name is colored and crossed out that means it is completed. We will also have Pattern Entries linked next to each project as we update the blog with our evaluations and input on each pattern.

As of February 27, 2011:
17/60 Projects - Completed
14/60 Projects - Works In Progess
29/60 Projects - Waiting to be Started

Pattern #1 Chain-Link Scarf (Brittany)

Pattern #2 Cable Brim Tam (Brittany)

Pattern #3 Waffle Mittens

Pattern #4 Puppy Mittens

Pattern #5 Tweed Watch Cap - Project Entry

Pattern #6 Tied Rectangle Wrap

Pattern #7 Embroidered Mittens

Pattern #8 Lion Scarf

Pattern #9 Monkey Hat (Em)

Pattern #10 Diagonal Stripes Hat (Brittany)

Pattern #11 Wave Scarf

Pattern #12 Cables & Wraps Scarf

Pattern #13 Ribbed Wristers - In Progress Project Entry

Pattern #14 Zigzag Scarf (Em)

Pattern #15 Striped Bobbled Hat (Brittany)

Pattern #16 Ribbed Bonnet (Em)

Pattern #17 Plaid Mittens

Pattern #18 Striped Graduated Scarf

Pattern #19 Twisted Toque

Pattern #20 Textured Triple-Stripe Scarf

Pattern #21 Birdcage Mittens (Brittany)

Pattern #22 Bobbles & Cables Cap - Pattern Entry

Pattern #23 Smocked Fingerless Mitts - Project Entry

Pattern #24 Mittered Scarf (Brittany)

Pattern #25 Ribbed Keyhole Scarf

Pattern #26 Basketweave Scarf

Pattern #27 Scalloped-Edge Beanie - Project Entry

Pattern #28 Reverse Stockinette Mittens

Pattern #29 Cupcake Hat (Brittany)

Pattern #30 Eyelet Scarf

Pattern #31 Garter-Ridged Hat

Pattern #32 Garter-Stitch Neck Wrap

Pattern #33 Pocket Cap

Pattern #34 Checkered Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #35 Textured Tam (Em)

Pattern #36 Leaf Scarf (Em)

Pattern #37 Mock Cable Wristers - In Progress Project Entry, Completed Project Entry

Pattern #38 Garter-Ridged Scarf

Pattern #39 Cables & Stripes Mittens - Pattern Entry

Pattern #40 Tweed Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #41 Pocket Scarf

Pattern #42 Ribbed Pillbox (Brittany)

Pattern #43 Octopus Mittens (Brittany)

Pattern #44 Tasseled Topper (Brittany)

Pattern #45 Bunny Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #46 Leaf-Lace Gauntlets (Em)

Pattern #47 Striped & Ruffled Wrap

Pattern #48 Starfish Hat - Pattern Entry

Pattern #49 Slip-Stitched Hat - Pattern Entry

Pattern #50 Ruffled Scarf (Brittany)

Pattern #51 Cabled-Cuff Mittens (Em)

Pattern #52 Cabled Scarf Hat

Pattern #53 Two-Color Slip-Stitched Hat

Pattern #54 Twisted-Rib Hat (Em)

Pattern #55 Triple-Cable Scarf

Pattern #56 Flip-Top Mittens

Pattern #57 Drop-Stitch Neck Wrap

Pattern #58 Spotted Fair Isle Mittens

Pattern #59 Hugs & Kisses Mittens

Pattern #60 Scandinavian Mittens

More information to come soon!

Pattern #22 Bobbles & Cables Cap

Hello readers, this is Brittany! Yesterday, I finished the bobbles and cable cap. This pattern was another pattern that I knew I had to make almost from day one. It could have been the purple in the book (as I have an addiction to the color purple) or the texture and look, but I just had to make this hat!

As I do with almost every pattern, I first did a little research. This step is something I encourage everyone to do. If you are going to invest your time in making something it is good to see what other people found about the pattern and learn from others mistakes. After all, many people that blog about their projects or write descriptions on Ravelry are not just putting it up there for their health. They are documenting their mistakes or things they would change for themselves (in case they want to make that pattern again in the future) and in hopes that they can save other people from the mistakes they made. If you are looking to do some research on a particular pattern, I would definitely suggest first checking out Ravelry. I am sure if you are reading this you probably already know all about Ravelry, but if you do not you should definitely check it out. You can learn a lot and meet a lot of interesting people.

When doing research on this pattern I found out the following information: First, there is an errata in the pattern. You can find information on many erratas in the book here. However, you will notice there is no errata for this pattern. The errata for this pattern would be the fact that there is no bobble pattern. This is quite a problem as it is a Bobbles & Cables Cap. The errata is mentioned in the pattern notes on the Ravelry pattern page. It states that you should make the bobble as follows:
K1, p1 twice in same st, making 4 sts from one; slip these stitches back to left hand needle and knit them again; then pass the 3rd, 2nd and first sts over the last st made.

Then after doing a bit more research I found that the pattern was used over 30 times on Ravelry. Many reviews talked about the bobbles and stated things like this:
Noreen1009 - The bobbles the pattern calls for are pretty puny--just increase 4 in one stitch (K1, P1, twice) and then pass the stitches over the last one in sequence. To me, it doesn’t look right. I’m doing a two row, 4 stitch bobble instead. (k1, p1, k1, p1 into one stitch; turn work and knit 4, turn work and purl 4, and then pass the stitches over the last one in sequence).
Hatlover - Modifications: Used Noreen’s Bobble to make it stand out more.
Pprincess626 - Bobbles not big enough - but turned out cute!
Bdorner - Got all the way to the decreases and decided the bobbles were too small.

Since I saw so many comments about the bobbles I looked at pictures and experimented with different ways I could do the bobbles. I finally decided to make my bobbles the same way I did on the starfish cap. If you would like to do the same thing I did, here is the bobble pattern I used: K1, p1, k1 in same st, making 3 sts from one; turn. P3, turn. K3, turn. P3, turn. SK2P.



In the end I really liked the way it came out. I would agree with some comments made on ravelry that it is a little big. I would have liked it to be a little bit more snug, but I do not feel as though it will fall off my head.

Yarn Information: Cascade 220 - #9924 (Blueberry Bliss)

I hope you learned a bit about the importance of researching and I hope that my post helps you with your own project. If you would like to see more pictures of this project or any of my other projects check out my Flickr Account.

Brittany

Pattern #39 Cables & Stripes Mittens

Hey Everybody It's Em!

Brittany and I are going to try to introduce ourselves at the beginning of the entry so you know who is talking! We are sorry if there was any confusion in prior entries. We will do our best to identify ourselves in the future!!!!

Now onto the knitting...

The reason I bought this book...was because of these mittens!!!

I love the cable mittens!

Two of my friends in school requested for me to make them a pair. The first pair I finished are used with Eco Cascade. I won it last year at Stitches Midwest:) Since the yarn is a little finer (at least I felt it was) than the worsted 220, I feel my personal pair of these mittens are a little thin. If I could go back I would have made these with an actual worsted weight yarn.


I think that is why the mittens are much smaller than the other pair too. I followed the pattern exactly and the mittens came out two difference sizes. I don't have a picture of the other mitten, but when I finish them, I'll post a picture!

The pattern is a little misleading. I thought the pattern went all away around the mittens. Turns out, it is only the top of the hand that gets the awesome pattern.

That is okay, I enjoyed the fact it was only on part of the hand. When the other hand has just the st st it makes them different. Plus, it makes things fit in the hands nicer. Once I got the pattern down, the knitting went by quickly. I liked how the cables were layed out like a checkerboard. It kept things interesting during the knitting.

The thing I don't like about this pattern? The color changes. It's not the pattern's fault, I just don't like don't color changes. While Brittany doesn't mind the sewing, I do. That is because I am an epic failure at it. When I join yarn, there is always some kind of hole that I have to resew up. There have been times my knitting has come apart because the ends were cut too early. Now, I try to weave all my ends in, but I detest it greatly. I am just not a fan. Therefore, I was glad with my friend Angie mentioned she wanted these in one color.

I didn't find these difficult. I would encourage first time mitten makers who are going to go beyond st st for the first time to try this knit. The cabling is simple and it looks so flashy!

Over and Out!
Em

February 21 Update

Em and I sat down last Sunday and went through the book. We decided which patterns we would complete to make it easier for us later. Below is our update on how many projects we have completed, started, or are still waiting. If a project is still waiting it may have a name next to it. Some may not because a few of them we are going to decide on later. As in previous update posts if the project name is colored pink it is in progress by Brittany and if colored green it is in progress by Em. If the project name is colored and crossed out that means it is completed. We will also have Pattern Entries linked next to each project as we update the blog with our evaluations and input on each pattern.

If you are looking for more information on a project just look through the blog archive for the post labeled with the project number and name. (We are just starting out, but eventually we hope to have blog posts for all completed projects)

As of February 21, 2011:
15/60 Projects - Completed
14/60 Projects - In Progess
31/60 Projects - Waiting to be Started

Pattern #1 Chain-Link Scarf

Pattern #2 Cable Brim Tam (Brittany)

Pattern #3 Waffle Mittens

Pattern #4 Puppy Mittens (Em)

Pattern #5 Tweed Watch Cap - Project Entry

Pattern #6 Tied Rectangle Wrap

Pattern #7 Embroidered Mittens

Pattern #8 Lion Scarf

Pattern #9 Monkey Hat (Em)

Pattern #10 Diagonal Stripes Hat (Brittany)

Pattern #11 Wave Scarf

Pattern #12 Cables & Wraps Scarf

Pattern #13 Ribbed Wristers - Project Entry

Pattern #14 Zigzag Scarf (Em)

Pattern #15 Striped Bobbled Hat (Brittany)

Pattern #16 Ribbed Bonnet (Em)

Pattern #17 Plaid Mittens

Pattern #18 Striped Graduated Scarf

Pattern #19 Twisted Toque

Pattern #20 Textured Triple-Stripe Scarf

Pattern #21 Birdcage Mittens (Brittany)

Pattern #22 Bobbles & Cables Cap

Pattern #23 Smocked Fingerless Mitts - Project Entry

Pattern #24 Mittered Scarf (Brittany)

Pattern #25 Ribbed Keyhole Scarf

Pattern #26 Basketweave Scarf

Pattern #27 Scalloped-Edge Beanie - Project Entry

Pattern #28 Reverse Stockinette Mittens

Pattern #29 Cupcake Hat (Brittany)

Pattern #30 Eyelet Scarf

Pattern #31 Garter-Ridged Hat

Pattern #32 Garter-Stitch Neck Wrap

Pattern #33 Pocket Cap

Pattern #34 Checkered Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #35 Textured Tam (Em)

Pattern #36 Leaf Scarf (Em)

Pattern #37 Mock Cable Wristers - In Progress Project Entry, Completed Project Entry

Pattern #38 Garter-Ridged Scarf

Pattern #39 Cables & Stripes Mittens

Pattern #40 Tweed Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #41 Pocket Scarf

Pattern #42 Ribbed Pillbox (Brittany)

Pattern #43 Octopus Mittens (Brittany)

Pattern #44 Tasseled Topper (Brittany)

Pattern #45 Bunny Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #46 Leaf-Lace Gauntlets (Em)

Pattern #47 Striped & Ruffled Wrap

Pattern #48 Starfish Hat

Pattern #49 Slip-Stitched Hat - Pattern Entry

Pattern #50 Ruffled Scarf (Brittany)

Pattern #51 Cabled-Cuff Mittens (Em)

Pattern #52 Cabled Scarf Hat

Pattern #53 Two-Color Slip-Stitched Hat (Brittany)

Pattern #54 Twisted-Rib Hat (Em)

Pattern #55 Triple-Cable Scarf

Pattern #56 Flip-Top Mittens

Pattern #57 Drop-Stitch Neck Wrap

Pattern #58 Spotted Fair Isle Mittens

Pattern #59 Hugs & Kisses Mittens

Pattern #60 Scandinavian Mittens

More information to come soon!

Pattern #37 Mock Cable Wristers

I am so happy to say that I am completed with the Mock Cable Wristers!

As I said before, I found these to be quite fun to make. The pattern was easy to follow and they look awesome!!!

One of my favorite things about this pattern was the thumb. Looking back at the thumb, I realized that there was no thumb per say to make. Instead, it was all in the matter of adding a bunch of stitches in between the markers and then binding them off when you wanted the thumb. To me, that was the best way to do an open thumb. I have read patterns (like the ribbed wristers) where you have to do a few rows and then bind off. To me, that's just silly.

For my hands, I would have made these wristers just a tiny bit longer, so they fit my entire hand. I wore them at Stitches West 2011 for the entire weekend and they kept on shifting upwards. However, they did keep me nice and toasty throughout the working day. I caution one to wear these while doing something extensive with your fingers. I was playing piano in church when I couldn't move my fingers apart from each other well enough to hit my notes. I ended up epically failing at a song!!!!

Em

Pattern #48 Starfish Hat

I fell in love with this pattern from the second I laid my eyes on it. It is so beautiful. I chose a nice pale pink that I thought would match both of my coats. My mom was surprised by the color because I normally choose purple, but for some reason I was just drawn to the pink. I wanted to pick a somewhat light color that really drew your eye to the starfish in the back of the hat.

Before starting the project, I read many reviews on the pattern and noticed many people saying that the hat seemed to small or did not slouch enough. To change this I decided to use a size 7 knitting needle instead of a size 6. If I were to make this hat again I would use a size 6 needle on the brim and then switch to a size 7 needle. This would make the brim tighter on my head, but still give the hat a nicer slouch. I like the amount of slouch my hat has, but some might not think it is slouchy enough. If you don't seem to think the hat has enough slouch (based on my own pictures) you could always add a few extra rounds of -K17, work twisted rib panel over next 5 sts; rep from around-. The directions say to repeat the rows until the piece measures 7 1/2" however if you want it more slouchy maybe keep knitting until it measures about 8 1/2" or 9".

I can honestly say this was one of my favorite patterns in the whole book and I would happily make it again in the future. (As soon as I'm finished with my other 60 Quick Knits projects)

Yarn Information: Cascade 220 #9475 (Cotton Candy)

More pictures of this and other projects on my Flickr Account
Brittany

February 12 Progress Report

This post will keep track of our progress. There will not be pictures or long descriptions because we will post about our projects individually. All projects from the book will be listed in order. If they are crossed out that means the project is completed. If the project font is colored green or pink it means it is in progress. If the project is just listed that means it is still waiting to be started or made. Pink font stands for projects completed by Brittany and green font stands for projects completed by Em. If you are looking for more information on a project just look for the blog post labeled that number. (We are just starting out, but eventually we hope to have blog posts for all completed projects)

As of February 12, 2011:
15/60 Projects - Completed
11/60 Projects - In Progess
34/60 Projects - Waiting to be Started

Pattern #1 Chain-Link Scarf

Pattern #2 Cable Brim Tam

Pattern #3 Waffle Mittens

Pattern #4 Puppy Mittens

Pattern #5 Tweed Watch Cap - Project Entry

Pattern #6 Tied Rectangle Wrap

Pattern #7 Embroidered Mittens

Pattern #8 Lion Scarf

Pattern #9 Monkey Hat

Pattern #10 Diagonal Stripes Hat

Pattern #11 Wave Scarf

Pattern #12 Cables & Wraps Scarf

Pattern #13 Ribbed Wristers - Project Entry

Pattern #14 Zigzag Scarf - Waiting

Pattern #15 Striped Bobbled Hat - Waiting

Pattern #16 Ribbed Bonnet - Waiting

Pattern #17 Plaid Mittens

Pattern #18 Striped Graduated Scarf

Pattern #19 Twisted Toque

Pattern #20 Textured Triple-Stripe Scarf

Pattern #21 Birdcage Mittens

Pattern #22 Bobbles & Cables Cap

Pattern #23 Smocked Fingerless Mitts - Project Entry

Pattern #24 Mittered Scarf

Pattern #25 Ribbed Keyhole Scarf

Pattern #26 Basketweave Scarf

Pattern #27 Scalloped-Edge Beanie - Project Entry

Pattern #28 Reverse Stockinette Mittens

Pattern #29 Cupcake Hat

Pattern #30 Eyelet Scarf

Pattern #31 Garter-Ridged Hat

Pattern #32 Garter-Stitch Neck Wrap

Pattern #33 Pocket Cap

Pattern #34 Checkered Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #35 Textured Tam

Pattern #36 Leaf Scarf

Pattern #37 Mock Cable Wristers - Project Entry

Pattern #38 Garter-Ridged Scarf

Pattern #39 Cables & Stripes Mittens

Pattern #40 Tweed Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #41 Pocket Scarf

Pattern #42 Ribbed Pillbox

Pattern #43 Octopus Mittens

Pattern #44 Tasseled Topper

Pattern #45 Bunny Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #46 Leaf-Lace Gauntlets

Pattern #47 Striped & Ruffled Wrap

Pattern #48 Starfish Hat

Pattern #49 Slip-Stitched Hat - Pattern Entry

Pattern #50 Ruffled Scarf

Pattern #51 Cabled-Cuff Mittens

Pattern #52 Cabled Scarf Hat

Pattern #53 Two-Color Slip-Stitched Hat

Pattern #54 Twisted-Rib Hat

Pattern #55 Triple-Cable Scarf

Pattern #56 Flip-Top Mittens

Pattern #57 Drop-Stitch Neck Wrap

Pattern #58 Spotted Fair Isle Mittens

Pattern #59 Hugs & Kisses Mittens

Pattern #60 Scandinavian Mittens

More information to come soon!

Pattern #13 Ribbed Wristers & Pattern #37 Mock Cable Wristers

Wristers! Wristers! Wristers!

Tis the Season for making wristers!

I am going to Stitches West in less than a week! I am so excited!

I'm going to stitches with these two people...and the boss, Tracy!

I am helping out at the Interlacements Booth (AKA BEHIND THE YARN BARN). While I am there, I want to show off the amazing Interlacements Yarns to potential customers. Since Tracy, Tanya and Zoe rejected the idea of me chasing people around in a big yarn ball costume (jk!) I decided to knit some small Interlacement projects to wear while I was working in the booth. Trick is, I'm from Wisconsin, so we believe warm is 22 degrees. Therefore, I can't be wearing something heavy. The answer? WRISTERS! And since there are knitted wristers in the 60 Quick Knits Book...well...isn't it obvious?

I started off with the Ribbed Wristers (13th Pattern in 60 Quick Knits).

They looked simple enough that if I was going to be doing something with other people, I could still work on these without any issue. Naturally, since I am working with Interlacements, I am using Interlacements Yarn. Tanya and I went up to see Tracy on Wednesday to do some last minute things before we packed everything for California. In result, I walked away with Silk Fooyoung! I believe the yarn is new. I have never worked with the yarn before so having it between my fingers was a real treat. The nice part of Silk Fooyoung is that the yarn is warm but it isn't too thick. Therefore, it's great for wearing while working in the booth at Stitches West!

The downside to the pattern is that they really aren't very long. I'm saddened on how the pattern is written up. Knit until a certain amount of inches, then do two things for the thumb, knit a few more rows and you are done. It is all fine and dandy to knit 5 1/2 inches on a skinny model, but for somebody who has stubby hands, well, it didn't work so well. The pattern really isn't long enough to cover my hands like in the picture.

I also find it silly to make the thumb. According to the pattern, you cast off 6 stitches, cast on 6 stitches for the gusset. Then when working on the thumb, you pick up 6 stitches and knit the 12 stitches for 7 rounds. I feel that there are too many stitches for this thumb. It was a battle to find 6 pick up stitches that didn't create any major holes. I still had to go back and spend a great deal of time finishing these wristers. My thumb is hanging around loose. Needless to say, if it wasn't for Silk Fooyoung, I'd make Brittany do the other mitten.

My story gets better...I found the Mock Cable Wristers (37th Pattern in 60 Quick Knits) and fell in love.

I selected Interlacement's California Yarn for this project. Needless to say...I LOVE this pattern! <3 The mock cable is absolutely brilliant! I loved seeing how it was working up on the California yarn. The way she had me do the thumb gusset made more sense to me than the last pattern. I liked how we had reverse st st instead of just plain boring st st. The texture gave a lot of contrast to this project.

The only downside to this pattern is they don't specify which row of the mock pattern you are supposed to be on when you are doing the first gusset row. It is unclear whether you make 6 full rounds or 5 full rounds before you do the first row of the gusset. Since my hands are shorter in the palm area and longer in the finger area, I decided to do 5 and then the thumb gusset. One row isn't going to make that much of an impact on something like this and besides, as long as I stick to the mock pattern, I'm all good.

Now I am going to need a scarf to go with these wristers...hm... either the Leaf Scarf (35) or the Triple-Cable Scarf (55), Brittany doesn't care for cables so I'll probably be making both:)

I see that Anne Farnham also made the Starfish Hat (Pattern 48 in 60 Quick Knits) as well. This pattern really made me want to make that hat too. If it is as clearly written as the Mock Cable Wristers, I'm in love!

That's all for now!
E

Pattern #42 Bunny Mittens!

Hey It's Em!

I love knitting mittens!!! They are some of my favorite things to make. I've been working on all sorts of different types of mittens. Most recently, I have been working on the Bunny Mittens from 60 Quick Knits book. Thus far, I love the pattern. It is simply written. They were also very quick to make. I made one mitten in only a few hours!!! I just finished off the pink nose only a few minutes ago.

Where should these beautiful mittens go? I do not know any young girls that would benefit from these awesome mittens, so I am thinking of donating these mittens to the Green Bay Girl Choir Art Gala Fundraiser. The girls need arts and crafts to be autioned off. This will help girls who are not able to afford Girl Choir to have financial opportunities to join the choir.

I need to pick up some buttons for my bunnies eyes. I'm thinking of some tiny pastel pink buttons. The tiny ones that go on men shirts. Add a little pink thread and VOILA, I have cute little bunny mittens!

I'm also trying to locate some type of tool to help me make a pom-pom for the tail. The last time I made a pom-pom like that I ended up having the thing fall apart on me. If I'm going to be donating this (or whatever-ing this) I do not want it to fall apart!!!

That is all for now!
Em

Pattern #49 Slip-Stitched Hat

It is always difficult to figure out a good gift for my dad. I searched through this wonderful book and finally found a pattern that would work. The picture in the book made it seem a bit feminine, but without the leaf pin it definitely works for a man, too. I must have redone this hat about 3 or 4 times before I liked it. My dad loves burgundy and gold, but this hat was difficult to do color changes on. If you would like to do color changes here is what I did:

Color A (burgundy)
Color B (gold)

Garter Stitch - Rnd 1-2 (color A), Rnd 3-6 (color B), Rnd 7-8 (color A)

Slip-Stitch Pattern - Rnd 1 (color B), Rnd 2 (color A), Rnd 3 - K4 (color A), follow direction with color B, k7 color A
Idea is that gold is loose strand then you knit with burgundy and when pulling up the gold use gold.
After about 12 rnds of color A being the base color I switched to color B being the main color, then after about 20 rnds of B being the main color I switched back to color A being the main color and finished off the hat.



I will probably eventually add a piece of fleece inside the hat. The slip-stitches cause a lot of strings inside the hat. If you do the color changes as I have done you will notice even more strings lining the inside. Make sure to knit somewhat loose so that the hat is not too tight when you are finished!

Yarn Information: Cascade 220 Heather #4008 (Carmine) & Cascade 220 #2415 (Sunflower)

Hope you enjoyed! If you would like to see more pictures check out my Flickr Account.
Brittany

Pattern #40 Tweed Mittens

When deciding on Christmas gifts, I chose mostly 60 Quick Knits. This was of course before Em and I made our resolution. I really enjoy looking at all the lovely patterns in the book. I settled on the tweed mittens and used some yarn I bought from our LYS. The pattern was rather simple and I started knitting them during a rummage sale in the middle of the summer. Of all the mittens I have made these mittens had the nicest thumbs. These mittens were not short like the Checkered Mittens, but instead a nice height. Again I used Cascade 220 to make these. As you can see my sister-in-law enjoyed getting them. They will definitely keep her hands warm this winter and for many winters to come.

Yarn Information: Cascade 220 Heather #2419 (Aster) and Cascade 220 Paints #9921 (Caribbean Sea)

As always, if you would like to see more pictures check out my Flickr Account.
Brittany

Pattern #23 Smocked Fingerless Mitts

Before buttons were added:

I started the Smocked Fingerless Mitts after buying a beautiful purple heather cascade 220 from someone on Ravelry. As soon as I received the yarn in the mail and saw the color I knew they needed to be something beautiful. I had my eye on the Smocked Fingerless Mitts for quite sometime now. I finished the first Smocked Fingerless Mitt during the NFC Championship (which the Packers won! Whoot! Whoot!). During the Superbowl I sewed on the buttons to finish them off (and the Packers won again!!! World Champions 2011!!!). I love how the yellow really stands out from the purple, but does not take away from the beauty of the purple yarn either.

After buttons were added:


Yarn Information: Cascade 220 Heather #1947 (Amethyst)

For more pictures see my Flickr Account.
Brittany

Pattern #5 Tweed Watch Cap

This hat was created for my brother. This was yet another pattern that I knew just had to be made for a family member. I found the perfect colors a nice brown, green, and blue. This hat was a very simple and quick knit, but not boring at all. I hate patterns that are repetitive without any color changes or changes in pattern. They are easy, but I get bored easily. This pattern had just enough change to keep my attention and keep me knitting.

There were absolutely no mistakes in the pattern that I noticed and there was nothing I wanted to change when it was finished. The hat fit my brother wonderfully, as you can see in the picture. When he opened it, he was not the only one who wanted to try it on:


Yarn Information: Cascade 220 Heather #9458 (Bainbridge Island Heather), Cascade 220 Heather #2452 (Turtle), & Cascade 220 Heather #2424 (Summer Night)

For more pictures take a look at my Flickr Account.
Brittany

Pattern #34 Checkered Mittens

The Checkered Mittens were one of the first projects I made from the 60 Quick Knits book. As soon as I saw this pattern I thought of my mom. I started and finished them in July but my mom did not receive them until Christmas Eve. I enjoyed making them, though the thumb was a bit difficult. I noticed after completing them that there was an errata on the thumb. I did not use the errata, though I just adjusted them on my own. The other thing I would like to change is the height of the mittens. I think they seem a snug on my fingers, but my mom has a smaller hand so they work for her.

After my mom received the mittens she said that they seemed very warm. I told her that they were made of wool. She was surprised at the quality of wool and the fact they were not itchy. This is one of the many reasons I love Cascade 220 yarn. It is warm, quality wool that does not cost an arm and a leg to buy.

Yarn information: Cascade 220 Paints #9924 (Blueberry Bliss) & Cascade 220 #7815 (Summer Sky)

For more pictures check out my Flickr Account!
Brittany

Pattern #27 Scalloped-Edge Beanie

I made this hat for a friend from college. She went through my 60 Quick Knits book and told me she wanted this hat. When Christmas rolled around I decided to make it for her. I had to restart this hat several times because I did not do the yarn over correctly, at first. I really liked the colors I chose to make this hat. I purposely chose these colors because they matched the scarf I made her for Christmas 2008. The only thing I was not sure I liked about the hat, was it seemed a bit short when it was finished:

I know in the picture (in the book) it was kind of short too, so it may just be the pattern. My friend Katie was happy with the finished product, which is all that matters. Right?

Yarn Information: Cascade 220 Wool - #7808 (Purple Hyacinth) & Cascade 220 Paints - #9921 (Caribbean Sea)

If you would like to see more pictures check out my Flickr Account.
Thanks for reading and looking,
Brittany

60 Quick Knits Progress

This post will keep track of our progress. There will not be pictures or long descriptions because we will post about our projects individually. All projects from the book will be listed in order. If they are crossed out that means the project is completed. If the project font is colored green or pink it means it is in progress. If the project is just listed that means it is still waiting to be started or made. Pink font stands for projects completed by Brittany and green font stands for projects completed by Em. If you are looking for more information on a project just look for the blog post labeled that number. (We are just starting out, but eventually we hope to have blog posts for all completed projects)

As of February 7, 2011:
13/60 Projects - Completed
10/60 Projects - In Progess
37/60 Projects - Waiting to be Started

Pattern #1 Chain-Link Scarf

Pattern #2 Cable Brim Tam

Pattern #3 Waffle Mittens

Pattern #4 Puppy Mittens

Pattern #5 Tweed Watch Cap - Project Entry

Pattern #6 Tied Rectangle Wrap

Pattern #7 Embroidered Mittens

Pattern #8 Lion Scarf

Pattern #9 Monkey Hat

Pattern #10 Diagonal Stripes Hat

Pattern #11 Wave Scarf

Pattern #12 Cables & Wraps Scarf

Pattern #13 Ribbed Wristers - Waiting

Pattern #14 Zigzag Scarf - Waiting

Pattern #15 Striped Bobbled Hat - Waiting

Pattern #16 Ribbed Bonnet - Waiting

Pattern #17 Plaid Mittens

Pattern #18 Striped Graduated Scarf

Pattern #19 Twisted Toque

Pattern #20 Textured Triple-Stripe Scarf

Pattern #21 Birdcage Mittens

Pattern #22 Bobbles & Cables Cap

Pattern #23 Smocked Fingerless Mitts - Project Entry

Pattern #24 Mittered Scarf

Pattern #25 Ribbed Keyhole Scarf

Pattern #26 Basketweave Scarf

Pattern #27 Scalloped-Edge Beanie - Project Entry

Pattern #28 Reverse Stockinette Mittens

Pattern #29 Cupcake Hat

Pattern #30 Eyelet Scarf

Pattern #31 Garter-Ridged Hat

Pattern #32 Garter-Stitch Neck Wrap

Pattern #33 Pocket Cap

Pattern #34 Checkered Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #35 Textured Tam

Pattern #36 Leaf Scarf

Pattern #37 Mock Cable Wristers

Pattern #38 Garter-Ridged Scarf

Pattern #39 Cables & Stripes Mittens

Pattern #40 Tweed Mittens - Project Entry

Pattern #41 Pocket Scarf

Pattern #42 Ribbed Pillbox

Pattern #43 Octopus Mittens

Pattern #44 Tasseled Topper

Pattern #45 Bunny Mittens

Pattern #46 Leaf-Lace Gauntlets

Pattern #47 Striped & Ruffled Wrap

Pattern #48 Starfish Hat

Pattern #49 Slip-Stitched Hat - Pattern Entry

Pattern #50 Ruffled Scarf

Pattern #51 Cabled-Cuff Mittens

Pattern #52 Cabled Scarf Hat

Pattern #53 Two-Color Slip-Stitched Hat

Pattern #54 Twisted-Rib Hat

Pattern #55 Triple-Cable Scarf

Pattern #56 Flip-Top Mittens

Pattern #57 Drop-Stitch Neck Wrap

Pattern #58 Spotted Fair Isle Mittens

Pattern #59 Hugs & Kisses Mittens

Pattern #60 Scandinavian Mittens

More information to come soon!

The Adventure of Knitting 60 Quick Knits

Hey All!

Em (of EMBellished Knits) and Brittany (of Britter's Little Critters) decided for New Years to come up with a resolution.  Instead of trying to lose 50 pounds, get a boyfriend, travel the world, or some other really unrealistic goal, we decided to knit the entire 60 Quick Knits Book by Cascade!!!

(In case you have been living under a rock, here is the book we are referring to:)

This blog is a blog for both of us to update everybody on our adventures in knitting these awesome projects!  Stay tuned and please follow us to see how we are going to make our dreams come true!

Love, Em and Brittany!