So I’m going to be a little mean with this week’s yarn along so bear with me. I finished the Fisherman’s Pullover (apart from the blocking) but I am only giving a peek of it here today. There was no way I could stick anywhere close to the single picture rule of yarn along after all the sweet pictures I got of my guy modelling his new sweater today. He obligingly pulled out all the ham he could muster so I decided there would have to be a special post tomorrow.
In the meantime, though, I’ve finished off one of the fingerless mitts I started for my six-year-old. She’s been wearing the single mitt around today and asking often if I’m done the second one yet. I used this pattern as my guide (Ravelry notes here). These are so simple and quick – very satisfying!
I’m also starting on this raglan pullover for my almost two-year-old (yes, I keep mentioning it but I am really going to get past that cast-on tonight). I’m really excited to see how it goes and even made a swatch. I thought the wool I chose might be too fine but the swatch seemed alright…fingers crossed. The designer, Jane Richmond, has a 3-for-2 sale in her Ravelry shop right now if you wanted to grab any of her patterns. I went a little crazy buying patterns when she had a similar sale last year.
I had some great books come in for me at the library this week. I’ve heard good things about both of these books: The Backyard Homestead, which I’ve been excited to read for some time, and Knitting Rules, which someone recommended on the yarn along last week (sorry I forgot to write down who suggested it). On the topic of the first title, my husband and I have been talking about homesteading and what it would look like for our family for a couple of years so I’m hoping this book will get us thinking about it a bit more realistically. After my husband watched a couple of the videos here this week, he is even more enthusiastic about how we could make this dream a reality. I haven’t read any of Pearl-McPhee‘s books but I’m hoping that Yarn Harlot will teach me how to properly do some of the knitting techniques I’ve sort of guessed at over the years. I have a feeling both of these books are going to end up on my book wish-list, at the mercy of my non-existent book budget.
I love how these Wednesday’s keep me going with knitting – although all this knitting is certainly cutting into my reading time. Once again, I’m excited to see what everyone else has on the go over at Ginny‘s yarn along this week. Thanks for stopping by – be sure to come back on Thursday if you’re are interested in hearing more about my son’s Fisherman’s Pullover!
Congratulations on the finished sweater. My adult sweater is slogging along
We also dream of homesteading. I will need to check that book out.
Congratulations on finishing a sweater!
I’m very interested in the Backyard Homestead book. Be sure to let us know how you like it!
Ooo… You tease way too well! I’ll be back tomorrow to check out the photos. (I break the rules all the time. Shame on me!)
Don’t you just love the fisherman’s wool? It knits up so well and has a nice feel. I Love Stephanie’s books [ I have one of her books on my post] and am planning on reading all of them.
Warmly,
Tracey
Oh I love that sweater pattern and look forward to seeing it!! And Yay for homestead dreaming!! Thanks for the pattern sale tip :), though the last thing I need is to add another pattern to the queue. But what they hey right?
Rachel! I’m casting on the same sweater soon, and I am also planning on using fisherman’s wool! Only in the oatmeal color. It’ll be fun to do this at the same time.
Hi there, I didn’t get a moment to come by last week, so popping in now to say hi! The yarn colour of the sweater is gorgeous, and I must check out the Homesteading book… I’ll be back on Thursday to check out the sweater! X
You’ve made so much knitting progress in a week! The fingerless mitt is so cute, and I can’t wait to see the finished Fisherman sweater tomorrow
I love my copy of Backyard Homestead. It’s filled with lots of good ideas, but I do always end up having to do a bit more research to actually implement them.
I want to encourage you and your husband to follow your homesteading hearts. A friend once told me that, “You can make the place where you are now your paradise”. No need to move to a rural area. We’re starting with two raised beds this year and four chickens :- )
Love the sweater….I am going to try to use double pointed needles…but I can’t figure them out yet? I would love to start a pair of socks:)
Renee
Oh I can’t wait to see the pullover! How did you like the Fisherman’s Wool? I used that exact same colorway to knit the On the overalls for my baby. I love it and I really liked the price.
I enjoy referring to Knitting Rules. I picked up a used copy at a yard sale last summer.
I can’t wait to see the finished sweater! I am so excited now!
Looking forward to see the finished sweater
A finished sweater is such a satisfying thing to behold. Congratulations!
Those fingerless mitts look perfect, so simple yet practical.
Cannot wait to see the sweater! The yarn along on Wednesday definitely keeps me knitting more.
I hear you about knitting cutting into reading time. I used to be so-so on finishing a book. Not because I wasn’t intrested, but the time crunch. And now it is even worse. I’ll be back to check out the sweater.
Lisa
I’m going to have to come back tomorrow to see the sweater pictures! And I’m going to have to put in a request at my library for the Yarn Harlot. Everyone says such good things about her. Good work on the fingerless gloves…glad your daughter is loving them!
You’re knitting photo looks like mine – a nearly finished fingerless glove and a barely beyond cast on sweater. LOL.
Visiting from yarn along. My link is http://blog.mymummyknits.com/yarn-along-14/
I’m with you! I need to find a way to knit and read that doesn’t involve audio books.
Curious to know what you think of Backyard Homestead as I really enjoyed it and found it a great resource.
I’ll be back tomorrow to see pics of your son in that sweet Fisherman’s sweater!
Oh, your gorgeous blog! Knitting and baking, two of my favorite things.
Your fingerless glove looks great, and I love the yarn you chose for the pullover.
Will be tuning in tomorrow to see your Fisherman’s sweater.
Hello sweet Rachel, I really enjoy seeing what people are up to with ginny’s yarn-along. You are inspiring me…again! The fisherman sweater…hmm…I’ll have to wait all the way ’til tomorrow?!!! Thanks for the book tip, I’m always always always looking for more homesteading resources:)
xo Jules
We’ve (I’ve) been thinking a lot about homesteading as well. My Hubby isn’t quite there yet but we do have rabbits and soon chicks so I cannot complain. I suppose the pigs, sheep and cows will have to wait for a little while :)I can’t wait to see the sweater and your fingerless mitt looks great!
I am in love with the blue hue of the mittens/fingerless gloves. Nice work, super-knitter.
I have the homesteading book on my shelf as well! So many of us are turning our thoughts to homesteading in one way or another, it’s exciting to see it!