I'm cheating on my knitting and crocheting

Ok. The reason why I haven't posted is #1: I haven't had anything to post about. And #2: I have been cheating on my knitting and crocheting. With what, you may ask? Needlework. Occasionally, I get the urge to sort colors of thread, get out the fray check, and do some work. Usually in winter time while watching Jane Austen movies. I haven't done it in a month of Sundays. And all this knitting was just getting to be an overwhelming pile of jumbly yarn to me. But don't worry. The siren song of yarn is still calling. But for now I am pleasantly cross stitching a quilt sampler.

Finished Fridays:Oak Grove Mitts

Sorry about the long time no finished. But I forgot that I had finished anything, until I realized that I had these. These are the Oak Grove Mitts by Alana Dakos, and this is what I gotta say about them:
I got this yarn in exchange for a test knit. The color saturation was really nice. Exactly what I wanted, as the sunlit amber demonstrated would be too orange for me, and I look beastly in anything with an orange hue. The pattern kept me on my toes. I must confess that I experienced a bit of second mitt syndrome. But I am glad I did it. I had a bit of a looser gauge with the second mitt and I had a better leaf due to it. I only regret that my pics aren’t nicer because my husband isn’t really down with taking pics of me in knitted items, and it is really hard to take pics facing down of yourself in mittens.

Review Wednesdays:Eden Madil Print

Today I am reviewing Eden Madil Print, a 100% bamboo yarn in my stash. I bought it so long ago, that I fear that it is no longer in production. I am currently making a shawl with it, so I thought that I would review it anyways. I love the colorway that I chose. I chose it because it reminded me of my beloved Pacific Ocean of the Bodega Bay that I grew up near and am so fond of. It goes from grey to blue green to kind of a turquoise color. Fantastic. It drapes well. I mean really well. Almost too well. The down side is the drape. It is almost like working with seaweed. I know the irony. Ocean. Seaweed. I get it. Also, the yarn is kind of splitty. On the whole, I think it bamboo is best mixed with another fiber to retain shape. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. ( I took pics but can't find my cable. Pics to follow.)

Better Late Than Never:Finished Fridays:The Sugar Bear Hat

I know, I know. Technically it is a Saturday. But I forgot. We will blame it on the time change clock thingy or something. Wait. That is happening today. Nevermind. Anyhoo, I made the sugar bear hat for a friend about to give birth in the cascade 220 superwash  in a light blue. Problem is, I forgot to take a picture of it before I sent it out. So you will have to trust me when I say that it turned out super cute. The pattern is by Kate Oates. Everything by her is super cute. I made the 0-6 months, and my guage was spot on, and it still turned out large. I take comfort in this because the pic of the pattern showed the 0-6 month hat stretched out on what looked like a 2 year old. So it looks like he will get a lot of use out of it. At least I hope so. It is always a hit or miss game when you knit something for someone else. But I have faith. Anyways, it turned out adorable.

Wednesday Review:Becoming Art Cielo Sport

This week I have the fortunate opportunity of reviewing Becoming Art's Cielo Sport yarn. Becoming Art hand dyes their yarn, aiming for a complete saturation of color, and an uniqueness all their own each time. I ordered clove, which I enjoyed immensely. I would say that clove was an accurate description, since it came in shades of woodsy browns. Dried cloves in fact. It was just what I was looking for. The twist is great. The stitch definition is fantastic. I would love the chance to work with it more and review the other products that the owner, Lisa Sanchez, has to offer. I would definitely reccomend it. The only drawback is the price. At over $20 a skein, it is not out of range with other hand dyed yarns, but may be out of range for the average knitter. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Wednesday Review:Cascade 220 Sport Superwash

I had the opportunity to make a baby gift for a friend out of a light blue skein of Cascade 22 Sport Superwash. I think that it is the perfect all around yarn to make baby gifts out of. Not only is it, in theory, washable. But most baby patterns call for sport weight yarn. It comes in a variety of colors as well. The loft and twist is acceptable to work with. It is easy to work with and a dream to handle. For a baby yarn, I would give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Finished Fridays:Julius Dawson Sutton's Granny Square Blankie

This is my second afghan squared, which I made out of stash seconds and scraps for a baby. His name is to be Julius Dawson Sutton. Unique. I know. I made it out of my left over Vanna's Choice scraps.I think it turned out pretty well. It was full of neutrals and autumnals, which was the mother’s preference. And I am getting addicted to stash burning.