block 'n tackle knitting

A while ago, I acquired some brightly coloured cotton yarn and started making granny squares out of it (something I like to do in my spare time because it's fast and fun). However, I also really have a hard time sewing anything, so whenever I make these little suckers, I usually have them sitting around a long time before I work up the energy to stitch them into something -- which is too bad, because I love the way they look. Anyway, I decided to quit while I was ahead on this batch and stitched them together into a scarf which I then finished with a couple of rows of single-chain crocheted edging. Cute! And here's a nice video on how to make a basic granny square (though there are many lovely variations to be found).

It's finished! And I'm pleased with the crocheted bit on the buttonholes. I'll definitely be making more variations on Laura Chau's Easy Top-down Raglan Cardigan . This was really just made with scraps and bits from my yarn stash, so now I want to go get some pretty worsted wool and try another version, maybe with some lace?

A late-summer cardigan is just what I needed for relaxing knitting while I laze away the remainder of my summer, anticipating working in an air-conditioned office in the fall. This is my adaptation of Laura Chau's Easy Top-down Raglan Cardigan , and I can vouch for the fact that it is indeed both of these things! I'm looking forward to the finishing with a bit of a surprise (and buttons). Top-down raglan cardigan WIP Sleeve detail

Okay, I tend to go a little crazy when I find a pattern I like a lot -- especially when it's one that's easy to knit while doing other things, like listening to podcasts of Stuff you Missed in History Class.  This is a pullover (the colour block one is finished; the green stripey one is in progress) from a knitting book I picked up second-hand last month ( Best of Knitscene, by Lisa Shroyer, 2011 ). The pattern is simple but adaptable, and best of all, it uses worsted-weight yarn, which is my favourite, as it knits up fast. I'll be making more of these over the fall.... Colour block raglan pullover  WIP raglan pullover, made with scraps from my stash!

Finally, I'm posting some pics of the knitting I've done this summer (some still in progress). First are two shawls I made for Pride festival, using a simple pattern, the Dovetail Scarf from Purl Soho (which is here for free). I really like how they both look together, with the rainbows reversed. I used cotton worsted I bought from the dollar store, because I couldn't resist the selection of rainbow yarn.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only knitter/crocheter who spends as much time looking at projects online as they do making them. I have a few favourites I keep coming back to again and again -- sometimes for free patterns and sometimes just for the eye candy and inspiration. Here, in no particular order, is my list of current faves. What are yours? Fringe Association -- I love the photos, the stories, and the tutorials are really, really helpful. I could browse this blog for hours (possibly on my coffee breaks at work, ahem). Purl Soho -- There are tons of free patterns on here in sumptuous colours, and you can purchase materials and patterns as well. The designs are simple, so I admit I've adapted a few of them (posting one soon, actually)! Brooklyn Tweed -- I can get lost in their lookbooks for hours, and their yarn is amazing. Bonus that my LYS in Victoria now carries it! Westknits -- Stephen West is just the funnest knitter out there right now, and the dressiest...

I always come back to scarves for comfort knitting -- but really, scarves make any outfit look amazing. This was a yarn my sweetie picked out when we were in Portland this winter, and I'm finally getting it finished, in time for summer. Fortunately, it's a squooshy, summery cotton that's going to feel and look amazing with summer dresses and t's, like a warm sunset on your shoulders. Lang Sol Degrade yarn in easy drop stitch pattern. Yummy!