My Stress Snowdrop Shawl

Pattern:
Perce-Neige (Snowdrop)
Hiroko Payne/The Hare and the Crow

Yarn:
Anzula Wash My Lace
Persimmon

I love pretty much every lace project that Hiroko Payne designs. They are so incredibly unique and intricate. They don't look like anything else I have seen, and they always are a super fun challenge. I feel like I learn new techniques every time I do them. I picked this pattern because it looked like a magnificent challenge and I knew I was going to be super stressed applying for a job back home in Minnesota. I was right... This pattern was the perfect remedy, and it was perfect for working on, setting down for a bit, and picking right back up. There were a few places I would get stuck, but I was able to power through.

The yarn was a gift from my amazing and wonderful friend Barb. When I first received it, I knew that it was destined for a really special project, and I had a devil of a time finding something worthy. As soon as I saw this though, I knew it was perfect. The shawl is so gorgeous, I don't care if I ever wear it, I'm super proud that I finished it within three months of starting. I can't wait to block it!

Elise's Cognac Hat

Pattern:

Cognac

Thea Colman

Yarn:

madelinetosh tosh dk

Celadon

This was a case of me buying the yarn first. I had started to make a Pressed Leaves hat for myself, but tore it out because my dear friend, Elise was complaining that I had made something for "Everyone" and not her. So, I frogged that and bought this pattern. The interesting cables intrigued me because I love a seed stitch. I also liked that it would be a unique hat. It reminded me a lot of Elise. I am pleased enough with the finished project, but I don't know I'd buy another Thea Colman pattern. The cables are cool, but the hat shape itself wasn't the best. It's a little weirdly long without being properly slouchy. I feel like I could have come up with a better shape without spending the money. Oh well, the hat is cute and I like the cable.

The color is prettier in person

Really cool cables

Chicago Skyline Hat

Pattern:

Chicago Skyline

Me

Yarn:

Dragonfly Fibers Traveler

Riptide

I knew I wanted to make a hat that was inspired by Chicago when I decided to move back home to Minneapolis. Originally, I was going to make a hat that was inspired by the Lake Michigan coastline, but it was too subtle and not terribly interesting. Then, I decided to chart out the Chicago skyline. Usually, something like this is done with colorwork, but I wanted something that played with texture. I made the buildings in reverse stockinette, and added some interesting v's up in the sky of stockinette. 

The yarn that I picked out is probably the most gorgeous skein of yarn I have ever encountered. I want to buy more and more of it and make a sweater. I may eventually make the investment, we'll see, it wouldn't be super cheap... But, totes worth it. I absolutely love the colors of the hat, and I love to wear it around.

I love the finished hat. The only trouble is that I am the only one who knows that it's supposed to be the skyline. I need to embroider with white floss the outline of the buildings, and then it will be done. I'm really excited to see the finished product.