And the knitting's sublime...

So it's vacation week here in Vermont. And it's been windy, grey, rainy and snowy. Brrr! But that means it's been great knitting weather.

I'm not in the office this week - we have some big projects going on at home - including a major clean out of the house, basement and garage. We've lived here for more than 16 years, and even though we clean out often, there's always stuff you can get rid of. It's a great lesson in learning to live with less.

I don't have much time to knit this week, so when I was scrambling last Friday to pick up a new project before leaving the shop, my co-workers laughed at me. They said, "You'll never have time to knit that!" But luckily, before the major clean out started on Sunday morning, I DID have time to do some knitting.

I started and finished this adorable baby hat in Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK. It's in the new Eighth Little Sublime Handknit book and I just love the shape!

I also was in the mood for colorwork, since Barb recently completed her headband for the upcoming class. I'm not great at knitting with 2 colors at the same time and I wanted a project that would strengthen my "picking" ability. I love the hat, and loved the pattern. Here's my finished hat:There were two things I didn't like about the pattern, though. It's knit back and forth, which meant I had a number of rows that were on the purl side involving 2 colors. I'm quick to admit that I am terrible at picking and throwing (at the same time) while purling. So I need work there.

The other thing I did not like was that the pattern was that in many cases, you would use a color and then not need it again until an odd row, meaning you had to cut the yarn and start it again, when it was next needed. Ick. This meant TONS of ends to weave in, and I found that a bit frustrating.

Oh well, the end result is still precious. I love the colors I chose! And since I had to use 5 colors for the hat, I have a lot left, so I am making up a few of the booties from some of the Sublime baby books. They're quick to make and super cute.

I also made a Bovva bootie from The Second Little Sublime Handknit Book #606:And next up is a Little Pump from The Sixth Little Sublime Handknit Book #634. This is their image - I haven't decided which of my five colors I will be using...

And really, the yarn is just so luscious, that I'm not ready to part with it... just yet. So I may have to keep finding more ways to use up these scraps.