Hinagiku Hat

 As the title of this post would suggest, the pattern for this hat is called Hinagiku. I have no idea how to pronounce it, so don't ask. The designer is Japanese, so that should explain it. It's available as a free download on Ravelry. I love the way it looks and fits. I knit it up in Berroco Vintage DK. The colour is so pretty and is very much loved by the recipient and her daughter. I sent it to a friend of mine, Mrs. S. She used to go to school with me, but we didn't really become friends until we went to collage together way back in 1995. They say opposites attract, and I think that happens with us. While she worked hard, I slacked off. We shared a great love of Alanis Morissette though, so our friendship was formed. I believe good friendship is rare, and so it often makes me sad that so many of my favorite friends live so far away. At least I get to see her every now and then on my trips back home. I know she has been waiting for a hat since I saw her last summer.

The great texture in this hat is created using the daisy stitch or the star stitch, as it is sometimes called. I admit that this was a little tricky at first, and I ended up ripping it back and starting again more than once. After watching a couple of youtube videos I got it down. It's not a fast stitch to knit, but it looks so great. This yet another gift that I plan on recreating for myself in the future. I even think there is some yarn in my stash that I use for it. It may not happen for some time though. I have to get finished with my mothers birthday present and fast! So I'm heading back to work. Laters!

Owls sweater

 I might be the only person who was glad winter lasted a little longer than it should have. Only because it gave me the chance to wear my new sweater a few times. This pattern is called Owls and is available on the Kate Davies website.

You may recognise the owl cables from some hats I knit for my little girls. They were made so I could practice. I knew this sweater was in my future. I knit it up in Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds in Steel Grey Suffolk. The undyed wool smelled like a petting zoo, and made me want a pet sheep! I ended up using six skeins. They came from all over the place. Two from John Lewis, Oxford Street, bought when I was over in England last summer. Once I got home I realise it was the recommended yarn for this project, so I sent my sister to get me three more skeins. She ended up getting them from Liberty of London. She's told me I will love this shop. On my next trip home I will be checking it out! Just as I was starting the ribbing around the neck I ran out of yarn. So I ended up getting the sixth and final skein from Webs. Despite the yarn coming from all over the place, I can't see any difference in the colour.

 I only made one mistake, I put on one of the sleeves back to front. It is hopefully only noticable by me. I couldn't get enough matching buttons to give every owl eyes, so I ended up putting them on every other owl. A friend from knitting group said it looks like half the owls are asleep. I like that idea, so I'll probably leave them that way.

Now I've got to get a little something in the post to my friend in Wales. When she get's it, I'll share it with you.