What's Hot: Ravelry (13)

It's hot hot hot and it has just been listed on Ravelry! Every week or so, I show you the finest recently added patterns on Ravelry! Don't worry if you've missed it! Click on the image and queue it! Please note that all the images are not mine. They belong to the designer. You may need a Ravelry account (free!) to view the pattern profile.

Hi guys! This week's What's Hot on Ravelry is different. The way I used to do this post was taking me way too much time. It took to much time to a) gather a whole bunch of beautiful new patterns, and b) format and edit all the pictures. I will try to publish this post more often, but with less contents. I also changed the way I presented the pattern. Let me know what you think! Did you like the sections better? Do you still want to know which one's my fav? I'm waiting for your feedback!

Back in the knitting basket

February is coming, and even though Winter is far from over, I can hear Spring knocking at the door. We knitters have to think at least one season ahead, if we want to wear our masterpieces. And you know what? I'm no exception. I'm a knitter, and I'm thinking one season ahead. This is why, my friends, I decided to put warm and cozy Iberville back in the knitting basket. Yes! I mean, why would I want to knit something that I will only wear in several months? I love it with a passion, but my heart is screaming for something else!

One of my 2010 knitting resolution was Knitting must stay a pleasure. Even though I did succeed last year with this resolution, it doesn't mean that it's now out-of-date. I'm sticking to it. And knitting Iberville doesn't give me any knitting pleasure right now.

This is why, after looking through my inspiration board, I decided to cast on something springy, summery, light and feminine. I wanted something that I could easily wear on a chilly Summer night, or all day during Spring. And I wanted lace.

I had three skeins of gorgeous Fleece Artist Merino 2/6 sleeping in the same knitting basket where I've put back Iberville (yes, I have a few). I knew they would be perfect! And this, at least, will be ready for the right season!

Etsy update

Hi guys!

Just to let you know... I updated my Etsy boutique with some new gorgeous Stitch Markers (click on my Etsy boutique on the right!)

If only I could knit more!

Despite all the work I have with school, I managed to squeeze some knitting time. One of my 2011 knitting resolution is to blog more, again despite all the schoolwork. And I'm really proud because I feel like I'm blogging more!

I wanted to show you some sneak peeks of Iberville, which will be a new design. I wanted some vintage-ski pullover fair isle, and something cozy. With these patterns and the Berroco Peruvia Quick (Super Bulky), I think everything is checked...

I'm super excited about it. But, sorry for the crappy pictures. It's -20 Celsius outside, it's über sonny, and unfortunately, I'm not able to take pretty pictures...

I'm just a little but disappointed; not because of how the design is going or the yarn! Not, I'm disappointed because I don't have enough spare time to work on it! Let's just say that I am halfway through the body part...

Ok, time to go back to homework! *sigh*

What's Hot on Ravelry? Issue # 12

It's hot hot hot and it has just been listed on Ravelry! Every week or so, I show you the finest recently added patterns on Ravelry! Don't worry if you've missed it! Click on the image and queue it! Please note that all the images are not mine. They belong to the designer. You may need a Ravelry account (free!) to view the pattern profile.

I know you've been waiting for it! The first What's Hot on Ravelry Issue of 2011!!! I hope you made some room in your queue! Oh and... I shamelessly included my newest patterns in there somewhere! Have fun and enjoy!

MY FAVORITE (and in my queue!)

CARDIGANS AND PULLOVERS

SHOULDER AND NECK WEAR

HEAD WEAR

HAND WEAR

LITTLE ONES

Giveaway winner!

Thank you very much to all of you guys who participated. I am really happy to announce the winner of the 100 (read lot more) followers giveaway:

Carla!

"I love reading your blog because of the Rav Roundups, but also because that AWESOME striped fella's cardigan keeps showing up! I just love it! I hope I win, just to get that pattern!

Carla"

Thank you all again for your participation and Congratulations to you Carla!

FO: Kerrera

Raveled here!

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Lichen Mix; 6,2 skeins

Needles: 5,5mm and 5mm

Source: Kerrera by Gudrun Johnston

Overall: I'm dead from too much love.

Psst... update: Go look at the pattern page on Ravelry! My pic is there!

I am really, really, excited. This garment is, in my opinion, one of the best garment I've made for myself. I am really, really happy. I know, I say really all the time. Although this time, it is love, love, love!

But this love story didn't happen before a long time. At the beginning, even before casting on, I was in love with this cardigan. I had the yarn in my stash, the pattern was already bought. It's just that, I was afraid. Yes, I was feeling like a high school girl, too shy to talk to guys. I was afraid to cast this sweater on. Everything felt scary: the double garter stitch, the short-row sleeves, the hood, the pocket seaming... I even wondered if I would have the patience to knit the bottom part in the round!

And then, after months and months of dreaming about this sweater and of wondering about how it would look on me, I decided that this year's Christmas vacations were the best time. I had gain knitting confidence during 2010, and I felt ready for a good, long selfish knit. Plus, I had just finished my semester, so I knew I had plenty of time to knit. On December 17th, I decided to challenge myself and knit this entire sweater during the holidays, despite working and family dinners, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't make it. Disappointed, I though that, with school,t I wouldn't have much time to knit. Well, I made room for it. Because you know what? Knitting is as important as anything else. Yes it is.

My determination and my overcoming of my knitting fears led me to this beautiful, cozy, wearable, enjoyable, marvelous knit. I knew that Gudrun Johnston was a well-known knitting genius (and fairy), but I had no idea that she could make a so well written pattern. Gudrun, if you read this, please know that I love you. This is my first Gudrun, and certainly not the last.

I also really enjoy modelling Kerrera. I was feeling so comfortable in it, that I didn't feel like directing the shoot and always looking at the pictures my lovely boyfriend was taking (his knee is better by the way. I was just enjoying myself so much, that I almost forgot that somebody was taking pictures...