FO: Winter's Coming Sweater

While I'd finished the knitting nearly two weeks ago on the dog sweater teased in that June "where we're headed" post, I hadn't tackled all the weaving in of ends. So I packed it in the car for our trip up North for Thanksgiving, thinking it would be a good mindless task for sitting around talking with the family after all the eating and all the cleanup.

Good thing, too, as winter arrived with a vengeance on the holiday, dropping throughout the day and bringing first sleet and then snow. Friday we took my first Fair Isle project for several test walks in my parents' yard. Every walk started like this, with my spirited Violet ready to go...



... only to look like this within 5 minutes. Tops. In defense of my little NM-born pup, it wasn't that much above zero with the wind chill. 



While winter may not be a big hit with Violet, she does seem to enjoy the sweater. The best part about knitting for dogs? Unlike Izzy, she's yet to tell me that it itches. And, oh yeah, Fair Isle is completely addictive. I'll be doing more of it soon!

 

Pattern: Icelandic Beauty Sweater by Judith L. Swartz

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Peer Gynt (Mulberry)
with bits and bob from my stash

FOs: Cassis & Stacked Eyelet Cowl

Got a two-fer today as I try to catch up on blogging. First up, my #10 (this might actually happen) shawl of the year, knit from the lovely birthday yarn from my friend Jane.

Pattern: Cassis shawlette by collete audrey

Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Silk Solid in Spruce

Fun technique with this (free!) pattern: Start by knitting the lace border, then pick up 240 stitches and create the crescent. I decided I wanted the shawl a bit deeper than the original sliver, so I changed the K3s to K2s in the short row section.

Second up is a cowl to match Izzy's fingerless mitts, which you also see again in this very hammy photo. Lest you think fall has come really late to MN this year, full disclosure: The photo was taken nearly a month ago... And the cowl has gotten plenty of wear in the chilly days since the photoshoot. (And unlike Izzy's jaunty top hat headband, which she made at school, it's still in one piece.) Phew!

Pattern: Stacked Eyelet Cowl by Ami Madison

Yarn: Lana Grossa Cool Wool Merino Big Print (#811)