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January 22, 2014

Two Small Projects



After finishing Hubby's hat, I decided to start one for myself.  As I mentioned before, I don't have a winter hat, and with temperatures back down below zero, I thought it was time I had one. I searched for just the right pattern. Since this was going to be my only hat (for now) it had to be stylish as well as warm, but I also wanted to learn a new knitting technique. I found this pattern that has a bit of cabling around the brim of the hat. I have always liked cable-knit hats, and this one didn't seem too difficult.  I was a bit hesitant, thinking maybe I wasn't ready for cables, but I wanted to give it a try. A few rows into the pattern, I quickly realized that cables really weren't as difficult as I first imagined; they were actually quite simple. I started thinking maybe I wanted to try a hat that had the cables running the entire length.  I quickly went on another pattern search and found this hat pattern.  I loved it, and thought it would look great in the cream Capra Cashmere that I bought on sale a few weeks ago.  I ripped out the few rows I had originally started and set to work on Cable Up.  I did have to rip out about half of what I had done because I had somehow missed a row of cabling, but after an intense, lip-biting evening of ripping, catching stitches, and fixing a missed cable, I was back to knitting.  I am now almost ready to start decreasing.  The cables are so pretty...I have to keep stopping to look at them and remind myself that I actually knit them myself. I'm so happy that I chose to go with this pattern.

I also started another book, A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers.  I am thoroughly enjoying it, and I can't wait to hunker up tonight with a cup of tea and the next chapter.  I can always count on Francine to be a good read, and I tend to pick up one of her books after reading something that wasn't so fulfilling.  

The next project is something Hubby has been working on...a new cutting board.  He made it  for me from small scraps of hard wood that he has been saving from various jobs; scraps that would normally be thrown away. Isn't it lovely?  It is more of a piece of art than a kitchen utensil.  My cutting boards are generally tucked neatly away when not it use, but not this one.  It has taken permanent residence on the counter. It is just too pretty to put away.  At first we were reluctant to blemish it's smooth surface by, you know, actually cutting on it, but I'm beginning to think it looks better with each use.  The color is deepening a bit, and it is starting to take on a character of its own. I love using it, knowing it was made by my husband with materials that were considered trash.  It's a good feeling when we make use of what we already have and create what we need rather than going out and buying it.

Joining Ginny and Nicole and The Barn Hop


14 comments:

  1. I like your hat. I have to come up with another style to try my hand at. I like Francine Rivers and haven't read this, so I'll have to add it to my list!!
    And my son made a cutting board in his tech class very similar to this and I know what you mean about not wanting to use it. You are inspiring me to set it out and get cutting!!

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    1. It's hard to make that first cut. ;) I have a cutting board that my brother made in tech class over ten years ago. I still use it almost daily.

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  2. Your cables are so pretty! I really love the yarn you are using, you are right that it matches the pattern nicely!
    My husband made me a cutting board that sits on our counter this year too, using the leaf from our old table. I love it and use it constantly but felt the same hesitance at first! Your is just beautiful!

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    1. Oh, I love the idea of make a cutting board from an old table or the leaf of one. Your board must be beautiful!

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  3. Two great projects. You are brave for tackling cables - if you say they aren't that hard, perhaps I'll give them a shot. I just bought a great beginners knitting bookazine with lots of pictures and they have some cable patterns. I've never seen those needle toppers for the DPN before - what a great idea! I've almost poked my eye out several times over the past week with mine! The cutting board looks great - your husband did a good job! My brother makes awesome cutting boards and has just started selling them in a local shop. I am so proud of him! It is so nice to have something that is functional AND beautiful.

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    1. The needle toppers are from KnitPicks. I love them...I don't have to worry about my stitches falling off.
      http://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/Knitting_Needle_Point_Protectors__DPointProtectors1.html

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  4. I loved this book! Old Testament stories really speak to me. Your cables are beautiful!

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    1. Thank-you! I love how Francine Rivers makes the Bible stories come alive.

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  5. I just made a square for a swap group I'm apart of and I did a while square of cables as practice for a sweater I'm attempting later. It had been a long time since I'd done them and I thought better to practice on something small rather than the back of a sweater. Gorgeous cutting board he made you!

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  6. I recently learnt cables too, like you I thought they were hard and I kept looking at them in amazement as I had knitted them. They are easy and beautiful aren't they? Your hat is lovely hope you get to wear it soon to keep out the cold :)

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  7. Great projects, that hat looks like it is going to be warm :)

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  8. Good for you! My first knitted project was a cable knit sweat that has been through four children now! I can't wait to see your finished hat, I actually am making myself one, too. What is it with us moms? I just don't have one, either. Hat, that is. Mine is just a plain slouchy hat, though. Something I knew I could finish quickly while watching t.v. I haven't read anything by Francine Rivers, though I just googled her, and she has a blog! She appears to be an amazing woman, I can't wait to spend more time reading what she has to say.

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  9. Great hat. You have given me hope that maybe I can tackle cables sometime soon.

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  10. I love the cutting board! I was intimidated by cables too at one time but was also pleasantly surprised that they were much easier than they looked.

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