Works in Progress Wednesday #170

Big Button Hat, Amy Duvendack
First off, I have been looking at the statistics and one of the posts you all seem to go to is from two years ago. The topic was finished objects, and I had quite a few, but the one pattern that everyone commented on is the Big Button Hat by Amy Duvendack.

If this appealing little knit looks like it needs to jump onto your needles, then you should visit Amy's blog page and scroll down to the bottom to find her simple, written directions. I use Lion Brand bulky yarn and the hat is a snap to whip up. I am currently making some for the craft fair we will have at school in two weeks.

Big Button Hat, Lion Brand Hometown Yarn
Pattern: Big Button Hat Amy Duvendack
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun in the Tampa Spice colorway on size 11 needles.
I am trying to stockpile items to sell in our school's Christmas Craft Fair in two weeks. This hat knits up quickly and the affordable and washable Lion Brand yarn makes it a good seller. I do miss my wool while knitting this, but I will slog on.

Also on the needles.... (I am so embarrassed to share how much!) thanks to the Knitting Pipeline Maine retreat and the after effects of seeing so many beautiful hand knits!

Magic Cake Ruffled Shawl, Hijacked version
Magic Cake Ruffle Shawl, the Hijacked Version. Pattern by Paula Emons-Fuessle
Yarn: Remnants from Space Cadet Creations mini skeins on size 3 needle
I am nearly done, but Paula was right when she warned the ruffle will take time! I have not counted how many stitches are on the needles, it might just derail my progress if I knew how many I was working now! Don't you love the colors? If you missed the previous post, I call this the Hijacked version for a good reason. Mel and Barb spent considerable time arranging these Space Cadet Creations mini skeins to get the most optimal rainbow of color.

Drizzle in Manos del Uruguay, Wildflowers colorway
Drizzle Hat, pattern by Mel of Single Handed Knits
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend on size 5 needle
(De-stash from my Knit Night friend Becky)!!! THANK YOU!!!
I accepted the KAL challenge of a new friend on Instagram. Rose invited Mel and I to join in knitting the two hats (the other hat I'll be casting on soon is the Intersections Break) designed by MskiKnits. I haven't made as much progress as Rose, but I am relishing in the delight of this silky merino and the gorgeous rainbow of jellybean hues.

Swatching for Antrorse
Antrorse Blue, pattern by Shannon Cook in the new book Journey
Yarn: De-stash Louisa Harding Ca' d'Oro on size 10 needles
I was so excited to start this sweater after seeing it on my friend Juniper Grace. It has not seen much love but I am hoping it will make for car knitting when we head out for holiday house visits!
The Antrorse is just one of the many patterns featured in the Journey collection. Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook have surpassed their Island collection. The book is inviting and the photography makes for interesting viewing. Look for a review here in the next week. Or better yet, go and have a look and order this one for your knitting bookshelf!

Stockholm Cowl
Stockholm Cowl Pattern by KnittedBliss JC
Yarn: Madelinetosh Vintage in the Amber Trinket colorway on size 8 needles
Another cast on for knitting at the retreat. Who am I kidding? This was reportedly an easy knit, but me with my short focus, need to work this one in a peaceful spot with no TV. (Don't judge, y'all). This yarn was a treasure from the end days of Windsor Button.

Cambrian Cowl
Cambrian Cowl Pattern by Alana Dakos from the book Coastal Knits
Yarn: Bernat Alpaca Naturals in colorway aqua on size 10 needles
This was a project I cast on before going to the retreat, I thought it would be easy enough to work on in the company of other knitters. Ha! It never left its project bag! I need to pick up stitches and I will be smooth sailing again. Buttons were a find in Joann Fabric.

I have so many things to share with you, I know I have been signing off with that handle for the last few posts, but it is true. Patterns, people, stash to flash.... But I have been too longwinded today. You will have to wait for more.....

For those of you who are visiting here after attending Paula's Maine Knitting Pipeline Retreat, you might want to check out the following podcasts and blogs. We are all in agreement, we miss Paula's hospitality and the camaraderie of that humble place.

Mary tells of her fun, friends and stash enhancement at The Knitting Dish blog.

Julie writes of the experiences we shared, new acquaintances, and friends for keeps at Urban Mouse to a Country House.

Paula has a Knitting Pipeline episode detailing her experiences of helping in her community after the effects of the many tornado touchdowns in Washington, Illinois. Please consider contributing to the fundraiser that Paula mentions. It will help a selfless soul who has donated two weeks of her time and cooking expertise at the Crossroads shelter and community resource center.