Baa-Ble Hat

Pattern:  Baa-Ble (free on Ravelry)
Yarn:  Halcyon Worsted
Needles:  Size 7

It was Easter weekend and I was looking for a fun and whimsical knitting project.  This one was perfect.

Can you visualize the sheep grazing on the green grass with a beautiful sky above?  It puts a smile on my face.

I love stranded knitting (fair isle).  It's my favorite kind of knitting.  Color A is held in the right hand and color B is held in the left hand while knitting.   If you'd like to know more on how to enhance the finished appearance of your fair isle knitting, read the following article....."The Importance of Yarn dominance"

The yarn for this project was purchased at Halcyon Yarn in Bath, Maine (blue not shown).  I love their yarn.  It is worsted weight, keeps its shape/drape and doesn't pill.  I think I have enough yarn leftover to knit mittens or a cowl.

 

I've now completed the hat and am undecided whether or not to add a pompom. 

 

Just a side note...........when I completed the had, it looked so small and might fit a child.  After blocking it was fine for an adult size head.

 

Happy Knitting!

Zick Zack Scarf

Pattern:  Zick Zack Scarf (free at Ravelry.com)

Yarn:  Mille Colori Baby

Needles:  Size 2 - Knitters Pride Karbonz

This pattern is very suitable for a beginner knitter.  I usually like to work on a simple pattern suitable for tv watching and another project much more complicated to keep the creative juices flowing. 

The pattern is a repeat of 8 stitches and every row is the same.  Can't get any simpler.  It does take awhile to visualize any progress when knitting on size 2 needles but in the end, it is satisfying. 

Because the pattern calls for two different color way selections, and the fact that each is variegated, you will never see two knitted scarves using this pattern that are identical.  

A little expensive at $15/ball, I justify the cost by the fact that I have no other vices but purchasing nice yarn. 

I recently purchased these specialty needles for small circular projects.  The needles are shorter and the cords are 16".  They are delightful to knit with and great for hats, socks, and tubular scarves.

Here is to link to purchase them. http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/31B6C702-FA58-47C3-9696-C0349D662328/productID/75115F69-7FA9-47B8-A00E-643CCA7C4530/

Happy Knitting!
Joan