Mmmmore Mmmmmalabrigo & the next generation

I just loved knitting with the Malabrigo Silky Merino from the swap. This is one of the Victoria Fingerless Mittens from Knitting Little Luxuries by Louisa Harding. I accidentally modified the pattern and made the ribbing half as long as written. They won't be durable enough for every day but I plan to wear them when I need some special cheer.


The Malabrigo Junkies over at Ravelry have declared next month as Malabrigo March. I am participating in one of the many KALs, making Herringbone Mittens with Poms, a free pattern from Elliphantom. I am using the green yarn from the swap, along with the beautiful Tuareg blue. Have to wait until March First to cast on.



Kensie was a participant in the most recent round of Yarn Church. She knit her first sock.



And this wrist warmer. Her goal was to master DPNs and I think she accomplished it. It makes me very happy to see another generation learning these skills. I just hope she doesn't fall victim to Second Sock Syndrome.

My sister sends me great links. My favorite one recently is Hello Kitty Hell.

Mmmmalabrigo Swap, some recent knitting & Rats

Phew, I'm deep in Tax Season. It was great to come home the other day to a treasure filled box from my Ravelry Malabrigo Swap partner, Kim.

The entire box of goodies.


The yarn - 2 skeins of Malabrigo worsted in the Verde Adriana colorway and one of the Silky Merino (50% silk, 50% merino) in Purple Mystery. I had never seen or touched the Silky Merino - what luxury. I am already halfway the first wristwarmer.


The knitted by Kim treasures - a little neck warmer I had in my Ravelry Queue and a face cloth with some Valentine's soap.


Edible goodies - Tanzania Peaberry coffee beans and two bars of excellent dark chocolate.


A little Peace bear - because of my past history as a Peacenik?? There was oh-so-much more, a tiny knitting emergency tool kit, a fleecy throw and socks, a strange creature with rolling eyes, hand cleaner (Kim is a nurse) and lotion. Plus she made a donation to Heifer. Wow!


I finished my Monkey socks designed by Cookie A. Thanks again to my Holiday Swap partner, Jocelyn, for the yarn and pattern.




I stole this picture from The Yarn Lounge blog. I made almost matching scarves for Courtney and me. One skein each of Ozark Handspun and buttons I bought in Helsinki back in 1996 when Jim took me to Scandinavia for my 50th.

And, because this is the Year of the Rat, be sure to check out Hero Rat.

What my name means?

What Cate Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Only one 2008 FO so far

Boy, work sure interferes with knitting productivity. These little socks are my only FO so far this year and I knit them on New Year's Day! They are for the latest campaign for afghans for Afghans.

I do have several WIPs - Monkey socks by Cookie A, using the pattern and yarn that were in my Holiday 2007 swap package. I work on these at lunch time and am about 3/4 finished with the second sock. This is the most popular sock pattern on Ravelry with over 3,000 versions posted.

I have finished the sleeves and back and am 3/4 through the left front of Cable Jacket by Martin Storey from Rowan's Knitting for Him. The DXH bought the yarn (O~Wool) and book for me at my request so I could make him a sweater. This is a very enjoyable project, all the cables and patterning keeps my attention and the wool is a pleasure to knit.

The white Cormo yarn from Elsa Sheep Company finally arrived at The Yarn Lounge so I have my Twisty Turns by Norah Gaughan (from Wrap Style) as my endless - ten feet - mindless knitting.

And now for some more 2007 FOs



The Nomad Hat from Interweave Knits made for my next door neighbor out of some absolutely heavenly Australian merino yarn. She gets cold easily and I made this for her to wear when she walks. Don't know if she has needed it yet. It has been a warm winter.



Once Stewart made one of these, everyone at The Yarn Lounge had to jump on the bandwagon. It is the Sideways Cap, a pattern written specifically for O~Wool and knit using some in black. I made it over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and have worn it lots.



My friend, Beth, liked mine so I made one in red for her. I met her because we both have Scottish Deerhounds so I used some antler buttons for her hat. She likes it because it keeps her ears warm when she walks the hounds.