What's Going On

So despite the dearth of posts on this supposed log of my crafting adventures, a fair amount of crafting has actually been going on.

Evidence #1: Baby Thorpe Hat

This knit is not technically done because I can't decide if I want to add the braids at the end of the ear flaps or not. Here are a few examples with the braids. But it looks kind of cool without. Since this hat is intended for a baby, will the braid be a safety problem? What do you think?

Evidence #2: Birthday Tote Bag

It is my first sewing project in a long time and OMG! I love sewing! I'm going to have to incorporate more of it into my crafting time. Sewing is near-instant gratification compared to knitting.

I spent a few hours on my birthday to indulge in making this project and it was pure bliss. The fabric is from Purl Warehouse, purchased during this blog buddy visit, and the pattern is adapted from this tutorial. Nothing but good things to say about this finished object. I've been using the bag everyday and it makes me proud and happy every time I pick it up. If that is not the point of crafting, then I don't know what is.

Evidence #3: My Current Work in Progress...The Flutter Sleeve Cardigan

Smooth sailing so far. I am determined to finish this before starting another project, so thank goodness it only has three pieces!

So let me know what you think about the braids on my Baby Thorpe Hat. Otherwise I'll be forced to flip a coin! Decisions, decisions....

Just Right

Today is a government holiday so I had the day off. Sometimes it really is fabulous to work in the public sector. It has been a rare freedom lately to have the day off and not be sick, so with Mr. Hipp busy on schoolwork, I took full advantage of the time to finish something for my long-suffering mother. She may not have her guilt socks yet (they're coming, I promise!) but at least her hands will be warm.

Project Specifications
Pattern: Evangeline from MagKnits January 2008 (Ravelry link)
Yarn: Cascade 220 Paints. My mom picked out this yarn herself when I dragged her to The Woolie Ewe during our Thanksgiving visit with her.
Needles: US7 KnitPicks Options 40" circular (magic loop) and a nice little wooden cable needle that I got from Mr. Hipp as a Christmas gift (sweet man).
Modifications: Did two extra cable repeats before the thumb and an extra 10 rows of ribbing at the top for extra warmth. Picked up extra stitches (16 total) for the thumb because the first try was just too darn tight.
What I learned: Cabling without a cable needle! It is fantastic. I didn't trust the technique enough for the 4/2 cables (six stitches off the needle at once! eeek!) but it worked like a charm for the smaller ones.

It took me a long time to decide on a pattern for these mitts. For months, I waffled between these (too bulky for the yarn) and these (too fussy). Then I saw Tiennie's post on her million and one Evangelines and it was like Goldilocks and Baby Bear's bed...just right.

The 2001 Cobblestone Sweater

Superbowl Sunday ended up being rainy and cold - a rare wonder in Southern California. It was ideal for wearing a new wooly sweater, but not so ideal for getting Mr. Hipp to go outside for a photo shoot. Indoor lighting and a flash will have to suffice for the time being.

So what does a man do in his first hand-knit sweater? Well, I can show you.

He finishes his homework...

...watches some football...

...finds enlightenment...

...and promotes world peace.

You know, the usual stuff.

I got him to wear it again for a mini modeling shot tonight. He's trying so hard to look serious. :)

Project Specifications
Pattern: The brilliant Cobblestone (Ravelry link) by brooklyntweed (AKA Jared Flood) from Interweave Knits Fall 2007
Size: 43" chest circumference
Yarn: Reynolds Lopi
Needles: US10.5 KnitPicks Options 40" circular to start the sleeves (magic loop), do the the body, and the yoke. US10.5 Clover bamboo 16" circular to do the rest of the sleeves (SO much faster than magic loop or DPNs) and finish the yoke.
Modifications: Adjusted stitch counts to accommodate the bulky yarn. Made sleeves 20" instead of 19" because Mr. Hipp has a high ape index. Left out last short row at the neck because it didn't need it.
What I learned: I tried a new increase method on the sleeves and LOVE how it turned out. It's totally invisible. Also, Lolly's moisturizing conditioner wash suggestions worked like a dream - the sweater is much softer and smells terrific!

On a health note, I am feeling back up to 90% and the knitting mojo is back on! What did I cast on this weekend? You'll have to wait until the next post to see...