INSPIRED // giant knitting

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I am naturally drawn to bulky yarn and bigger needles. Is it because the bigger the yarn the quicker the project? Maybe. But mostly because I like all things cozy.

I'm interested in the challenge of working with large needles. I can only imagine that working with large straight needles would be physically demanding - imagine how heavy they are and awkward they would be to maneuver. Considering that, I found myself fawning over these US 50 25mm circular needles a few weeks ago.

But who can really just drop $40 on a pair of knitting needles on a random Sunday evening?

My other dilemma - where am I going to get the giant yarn?

The method shown in the first link above is very lovely, but it looks like a lot of work. I watched this tutorial on creating your own giant by chaining yarns together with a crochet hook. Clever! I love the natural, fuzzy fibers so, so much though. I know these natural fuzzy fibers do not come cheap, either. A giant blanket is likely going to be an expensive endeavor. This may all pay off though as you definitely will not be knitting for as long as you would a blanket made with regular sized yarn / needles. The blanket will also be nothing short of uh-MAZING.

I've come to the only real conclusion. I need a sheep. I would be able to shear it and spin my own fabulous giant wool (and then dye it with kool-aid) and my cattle dog can herd it around the yard. Win / win.

Have you ever considered raising live stock?

CROCHET // Happy Valentine's Day!

And happy quarter of a century birthday to ME! I whipped this up the other night for fun. Do you like the addition of the initials? Hehe. I thought AJ would take it to work and hang it on his bulletin board, but he never did. Weird. 

Here's the pattern. This was my first time doing "trebles". What an adventure! 

This is a fun, quick in between project. 

Sending extra love out on this special day! xo 

KNIT // brioche infinity scarf

In my sweet 18 months of knitting, I have made a lot of scarves. Some very long, many not long enough. Some have been too stiff, while others just hang too loose. Finding the perfect balance between warmth and loftiness + length has been an equation that has kept me up at night. It has been something that has led to many hours scouring raverly, pinterest and craftgawker. I was looking for something that looked like a rib - I love those little sideways V's - but something that wasn't a rib. Something different.

Finally, back in the fall I came across this pattern on raverly. For the love of bulky yarn, I swapped worsted weight for something heavier and the US 7 needles for US 13s. After a few cast ons and unraveling due to mistakes and missed yarn overs, I got the hang of it. And then my life was changed forever. 

The Brioche stitch is fun. It is not so complicated that you can't do it while you watch Netflix (thank GOD!). But it has enough yarning over and slip stitching to keep you interested.

The best quality of this scarf is that it falls really beautifully while wrapped around your neck. It is lofty and light. It will keep you warm when you're out walking in these winter months. But it's also light enough that you can wear it throughout your day as a hip neck accessory.

I've written out my version of the pattern below. It looks intimidating, but once you get going it is easy-peesy-lemon-squeezy.

Let's get knitting!

supplies:
2 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (in the very rich, Dark Burnt Orange)
US 15 straight needles
Darning needle
Scissors
Measuring tape

OR 

2 skeins of Loops & Thread Charisma (the one I am wearing in the photo is in "Taupe", so perfectly neutral - it goes with everything. The one I am beginning is in "Grass". )
US 13 straight needles

(you're going to have left over yarn for both)

abbreviations:
sl - slip stitch knit wise (slip needle into stitch as if to knit, but just slide it off your needle)
sl pw - slip stitch purl wise
k2tog - knit two together
yo - yarn over

cast on 15
*always slip the first stitch*
Row 1: sl 1, *yo, sl1pw, k* repeat * until end
Row 2: sl 1, k2tog, *yo, sl 1 pw, k2tog* repeat * until 1 stitch is left, k
Row 3: sl 1, *yo, sl 1 pw, k2tog* repeat until end

Repeat row 2 and 3 until scarf is approximately 55". Bind off and leave a long tail. Invisibly seam ends together using a mattress stitch and your darning needle.

Are you confused? This is a great tutorial video to show you exactly how it is done.

Now you can gift this luscious scarf to a loved one OR keep it for yourself. It's funny, I always make garments such as these with intentions to gift them or sell them in my imaginary Etsy shop. But somehow they always end up around my neck?

What is your favorite scarf stitch?