block 'n tackle knitting

I'm knitting in a cabin in the woods on Salt Spring Island, BC. Socks are necessary. A new shawl for my Etsy shop. Lone apple, with a view of Vancouver Island.

This triangular, top-down shawl was such a pleasure to knit, mainly because of the anticipation I felt watching the colour pallette unfold from my homemade self-striping yarn ball made from small nubbins of leftover wool worsted. I tied the nubbins together for this shawl, using a weavers knot ( great video tutorial here ) so there are teeny knot bits throughout, but I think that just makes it look rustic. Anyway, I like it.

I'm done that hat, and while it doesn't look exactly like the one in the shop, it's pretty nifty. I'm happy with the results of combining the classic feather and fan lace pattern with heavy worsted yarns and knitting it in the round. Now I want to try this one with different yarn, and maybe a pom pom? :)

I'm all done that slip stitch wip I started in September, and I think it's very cute.  I used a combination of soft cotton, bamboo and bamboo/merino scraps, so it turned out plushy and light.

I just happened to see a feather-and-fan patterned cap while strolling through the mall on my way to work the other day and felt a sudden urge. 

A short-sleeved raglan pullover with a bit of fair isle detail at the yoke to brighten the coming winter. I'm pretty happy with how the colour changes integrated at the raglan increases along the sleeves, but honestly, I didn't pay too much attention to getting them neatly lined up.

I like sturdy rubber boots for west coast rainy winters. I buy mine in the boys' section, usually. But I also like to wear them with skirts and tights -- so I need pretty boot cuffs! These knit up in an afternoon. Enjoy! I used acrylic yarn for these, and they didn't even take 1 ball. Use up scraps, change colours, bust your stash and fill yer boots! Wet Coast Boot Cuff pattern: Worsted weight yarn (wool, wool-blend or acrylic) 4.5 mm (US 7) dpns (can use a small circular needle for most of this, but after you reduce it can be a bit tight, so I prefer dpns) One size fits all (women). CO 54 stitches on dpns or circular needle and join to work in rounds, being careful not to twist stitches. Place marker if desired, so you remember where your rounds start. Knit about 5 cm (2 in) in 1x1 k/p rib pattern (k1, p1). Next, knit one round straight (no purling). Start eyelet lace rounds: Row 1: On next round, *k2tog, yo* and repeat until the end of the round. Row...