As someone who appreciates all things beautiful and fair isle (not too obvious from my finished objects so far), my introduction to Alice Starmore’s Book of Fair Isle Knitting arrived way too late to be able to own a copy of THE bible at a reasonable price. Over the last year and a half, I have searched numerous yarn stores across California, and many LYS in New Orleans, Washington D.C, and New York, and of course, flea markets and the internet. I was just about to give up on the idea of ever owning one altogether when a random google search revealed that a fellow knit-blogger in Canada would like to exchange her copy of Starmore’s book for a copy of Mostly Mittens by Charlene Schurch. Thus, email was exchanged, and a deal was made.

(I am now the proud owner of this marvelous fair isle book)

Last weekend my friend Bobby G and I attended a kick-ass Groove Armada concert at the City Hall in downtown Los Angeles. I haven’t mentioned this at all on my blog but Spring and Summer seasons for me usually mean concerts, concerts, concerts. Unfortunately, my ears have been ringing since Saturday night and I seriously hope that I didn’t do any permanent damage. Note: Bring ear plugs next time. If you are in the Los Angeles area and would like to read up on the fun we had at the concert, be sure to visit chewbrew.com.

(yes it was that much fun)

Well, since my last appearance, it’s been quite some time. Who knew “stay tuned!” meant over a month’s absence? If I had held my breath I’d be purple by now. And no, I have not found the appropriate buttons. Again, who knew buying buttons would be such a pain in the butt? The search goes on. But that doesn’t mean that knitting has halted. Oh siree no. I’ve since completed a pair of mittens for a shivering friend in DC, and am currently churning out a cardigan.

Presenting…. the mittens that I had a really hard time giving away..

Project: Squirrelly Swedish Mittens by Elli
Materials: Stash yarn (Rowan 5-ply soft - green, Knitpicks Palette - light blue, New England Shetland - white and brown, Henry’s Attic Kona Superwash - more white), Sz 0 and 1 Addi’s)
Modifications: Used sz 0 for the cuff, added the braids, and knit the rest without modification using sz 1 circular needles.
Pretty huh? I know. I want a pair too. But the recipient has reported back saying how much he likes them and that the mittens have already accompanied him on his recent Sunday trip to Whole Foods grocers.

Oh.. that’s just me guarding my mittens in the apartment complex yard.

And this is me new love. I chose a wool yarn that may or may not be appropriate for it. But I am forging on. We’ll see what happens. I am hoping blocking will work miracles, but we all know how wishful thinking gets us every single time (photo courtesy of Phildar Tendences 468, Cardigan #18).

Happy Turkey (or Tofurkey) week y’all.