2 FOs. They were finished rather recently (like, last week) and not an FO I failed to mention in my days of silence here on my knitblog. I guess thats the thing about having many WIPs at one go. There is at least 3 other WIPs that are soclose to becoming FOs.. But I haven’t had time to work on them. Before I begin to blabber on again, here are the FOs.
First: The popular Owl project. Lets face it, this cute design kinda took the online knitting community by storm. I see it popping up everywhere on ravelry. I think its ingenius and omgsodamncute.. Although I had been biting my nails on this because I’m not sure how I am going to wear owls on my garment, walk around in it and not expect to be thought of as a knit-crazy head-in-the-clouds out-of-place weirdo. Which I am. 
In anycase, I thought if I’m going to wear owls, I should at least make sure it flatters me. (and Kessa’s modification demon rears its head) That means bulky cables DO NOT sit on my shoulders, making me look like I’m part of a rugby team. So, basically I took the cable chart and main idea (set cables in plain stockinette stitch – my favourite) and went off on my own…
Cables on the bust, which makes more sense to me.
Magic Owl
Yarn: Lamb’s Pride Bulky in Blue Magic, 3.65 x 4oz
Pattern: Owl by Kate Davies
Modifications: Changed it into a cardigan, changed sleeve length, changed placement of cables, changed basic construction.
Afterthoughts: Bulky yarns = woohoo!
Why do I call this Magic Owl? Dude, this only took 3 days to knit. Its a new record for me. I wasn’t even knittng this exclusively. I was doing my other usual stuff.
I threw in the shaping as and when I thought it will be needed. I like the idea of the butt shaping (not sure what the proper name, but I think butt shaping is quite clear 
) because another bulky sweater I was knitting had this crazy empty space right above my butt. Needless to say, that WIP is being hidden under the pile of WIP until I’m brave enough to RRrrriiipp and start over. D:
The blue buttons are one of my favourites from my meagre collection of buttons. They are really simple and I think the colour is perfect for this project. I had them for the longest time and had been waiting for the right project to come along.
I used some simple metal snap-buttons for the owls’ eyes. The holes are small and its black so I had trouble sewing them on (pokepokepokepokepokepokepoke oh, got in. *repeat*) and I’m really glad I only have 16 snap-buttons to sew in.
I made the sleeves short because
i) I think they’re more suitable.. Bulky fitting sweaters and long sleeves can get kinda draggy, and when I bend my arms, the fabric will be uncomfortable. At least to me.
ii) I was running out of yarn. Bought this yarn when I visited USA and only bought 4.
This yarn blocks out really nicely. At first I was worried it might be kinda small, but after blocking it grew nicely and now it fits just nice. (: I didn’t have time to block the sleeves properly though (was going out and wanted to bring the project along to seam while waiting).. I was originally planning to add a collar but after blocking, the neckline was rather clean and I thought the somewhat raw edge fits in with the rugged-looking yarn and whimsical design.
This is come in real handy for my upcoming trip in less than 2 weeks’ time.
The second FO is a shawl you’ve all seen before.
Beautiful Blue Swallowtail
Yarn: Sirdar’s Snuggly 4ply, 2 x 50g
Pattern: Swalllowtail shawl by Evelyn A. Clark
Modifications: Used a heavier weight yarn.
Afterthoughts: I really like this pattern. Will definitely make this again.
This is a gift for the upcoming trip. At first I was worried maybe the holes and the material might result in a less cozy shawl. However, just the meer couple of minutes for this couple of photos had me convinced that is not the case!
I love the colour, and I hope the recipient will like it too.
Last pic: something thats quite close to being finished..
It shouldn’t be difficult to guess what it is.
As for the WIP featured in the previous post, its too big so I’m giving it to my mom. I will, however, make it again once I have time.
3 days???!!!! Magic indeed! Reminds me of Hedwig =)
Say, those shots of you in your sweater and the shawl, do you use a tripod or some family help?
Kessa loving your little owl sweater – but you just know some guy out there is gonna say to you when your wearing it – cute “hooters” – get it owls hoot, hoot!
hahaha
Hi,
This is gorgeous! I’m knitting the pullover but would love a cardigan version for the warmer days. I’m not a new knitter, but still learning some things… did you do this with steeks? Are the front and back separate pieces? I could probably fake a cardigan if I was knitting the front and back separately but can’t yet figure out how to knit as one piece… I love the shorter sleeves also. The original design is so great, and knitting up a treat, but the weeks are marching on and I don’t think I’ll get to wear it til winter comes around (which, in Britain, will be August!)
With much admiration,
Emma