On Mindless Projects and Musical Passings

Well, it's another Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday here at chez Voie de Vie. I am actually working on another sweater (go figure!) in the midst of holiday crafting and other design projects. Have you all heard of or read about the Scandinavian Skappel sweater phenomenon? It seems the mamma Skappel knit a sweater for the daughter Skappel. Daughter got so many questions about the sweater that mamma eventually wrote up the pattern ... and then created a sweater kit. The pattern eventually was translated into English, and 275 projects later, I'm making myself one. 

Yes, that's the back of my Skappel sweater, patiently awaiting the front.

It's garter stitch with 2x2 ribbing at hem and cuffs - truly mindless knitting, which is exactly what feels right to me at the moment. I'm making some adjustments and/or otherwise tinkering with mine so it will be slightly different than the original. I'm already done the back and just started the front. I do love wearing oversized, warm sweaters in the winter much like an outer garment since it doesn't get too chilly here; it very rarely dips below freezing, so a warm sweater, some neckware and hand coverings and I'm pretty much all set. This project is also allowing me to use up some mohair that I've had in my stash for quite a while, and that also feels good.

Finally, a true jazz legend passed on this week - Dave Brubeck. NPR has posted an educational tribute; I just know that along with a few other select works - A Love Supreme comes quickly to mind - Take Five is a jazz piece that transcends all time and space. I listen to quite a bit of jazz when I crochet and knit. What do you listen to when you've got the sticks or hook in your hands?

Fiber on Saturday?

You know it, my fibery friends. It is December 1st, and November's NaKniSweMo challenge (knit or crochet a sweater in a month) is over. And yes, I was victorious; I present my Rouge Que Sera Sera:




This is my inter-pretation of Doris Chan's Sera Lace Top. I absolutely love how this turned out. Top down construction and almost no finishing, other than weaving in ends. Again, blocking really opened the lace and accentuated the picot edging.

I purchased the yarn for this top (Drops Lace + Elann Silken Kydd held together) back in September, and then found these shoes:

Oh yesssssss.

 I also want to thank each of the wonderful blogs that have hosted my Accessories: Autumne 2012 bloggy tour: Knitspiring Odyssey, Underground Crafter, Bits and Pieces, Life on the Double Point, Wisdon Begins in Wonder and Knitted Bliss. It was a pleasure awarding these prizes as well as reading all of the wonderfully warm comments not only about my first collection, but also about crochet in general. I cannot tell you how much it thrills me that my designs may get some to view crochet in a new, modern and beautiful light. I am also humbled by each of these respective blog mistresses' kind comments about the collection. I hope I can continue to inspire.

You can view and/or purchase the collection
patterns here

There's a join-along (JAL) still in progress on Ravelry for the collection through the end of next week. Feel free to hop on in, pick up a pattern or two, and share your version of these accessories. They also make great gifts. Yes, yes they do.

A Few Gift Ideas?

Well U.S. Thanksgiving is done and I hope you're all happily munching on leftovers. We are now in the grip of holiday gift buying and giving. I must admit I usually stick to my motto: if I can't make it or bake it, they don't get it. However, not everyone is as big-box-store-shopping-averse as me, and I thought a round-up of some holiday gift ideas might be in order. Heck, I might even buy some of these (if I haven't already).

Books

Read my review of this amazing book here.

This has been a stellar year for knit and crochet books. Some that would make great gifts (along with some amazing yarn, of course!) are Dora Ohrenstein's Custom Crocheted Sweaters or Crochet Noro; on the knit side, how about Knit Noro: Accessories or the upcoming Kate Davies title The Colours of Shetland? Of course, one could gift my Accessories: Autumne 2012, which has both knit and crochet patterns. Just sayin.

Magazines

For those who may have space or packaging restrictions to consider, how about a magazine? Again, there has never been a better time for handcrafters to choose a great magazine brimming with patterns and yarn ideas. The seasonal Interweave Crochet or Crochet! Magazine are both great; for knitters there's knit.wear (my new favorite magazine), Vogue Knitting or, for a slightly different twist (heavy on depth writing, slightly lighter on patterns) Knit Edge from Cooperative Press (which is only available electronically). Any of these can be purchased individually or gifted as a yearly subscription. Nice.

Fiber Gathering is a great book from which
to research ideas about the best fiber
gatherings in your region.

Crafting Experiences

Consider giving your favorite knitter or crocheter a crafting experience in 2013. There's (once again!) never been a better time to get out there and get one's craft on. Stitches, Knit and Crochet Shows, Vogue Knitting Live, various Interweave Knit getaways as well as smaller, more niche crafting experiences and fiber festivals are happening across the country in 2013. North, south, east or west, there has to be one close by for your giftee to attend and take a class that will inspire long after the class is completed. This is one gift your recipient will be absolutely thrilled to receive.

I'd love to hear some of your creative crafting gift ideas from past years. What have you given or received that has really stayed in your memory?