FO - Odessa
Pattern: Odessa from MagKnits by Grumperina
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK, 1 ball, color # 6 (wine)
Needles: US#4 Addi Turbo circ on ribbing, US#6 Denise circ on body (40″ cord, magic looped it to avoid DPNs on the decreases)
Beads: Size 6 purpley-gray beads from Beadworks in Boston.
Thoughts: This took me about 2 weeks to make, but that is because I am a slow knitter. It could probably be knit in 2 evenings by anyone else. This was my first time knitting with beads and it was easier and more fun than I thought it would be! This is a nice, easy pattern to follow. The pattern calls for Rowan Cashsoft, but I wanted a color to sort of match the neck hug I made and the store I went to didn’t have any in that color. The Debbie Bliss Cashmerino has an identical gauge and nearly identical fiber content, so I got that instead. It was my first time working with Cashmerino and I can see why everyone loves it. It’s gorgeous to knit with! So soft! But I can also see why people don’t like how it holds up…I’ve only worn it once and it’s already pretty fuzzy. As much as I’d love to knit a whole sweater from this stuff, I don’t think I would. I think it would end up pretty ratty after only a few wearings. I’m not sure if Cashsoft has the same problem or not.
Also, as I mentioned above, I used a 40″ Denise circ so I could magic loop it and not have to switch to DPNs for the decreasing…That is the LAST time I am doing this with the Denise circs. The cords are just WAY too thick for magic loop. I ended up with terrible laddering on each side of the joins, a problem I never have with Addis. I think I am going to invest in the KnitPicks interchangeables for this reason.
Color is more accurate in this photo:
And I can actually wear this hat now, since it’s finally Fall in New England! This is the tree in my driveway. It was gorgeous and brisk this weekend! Hooray fall!
In other knitting news, this week I’ll be starting a shawl for a friend. She is making some artwork for the baby’s room and I’m knitting her a stole in return. I found a simple, but classy pattern online that I think I can handle and I’ll be using kidsilk haze for the first time, so we’ll see how that goes. After that, it’s all Christmas knitting, all the time!
In baby news, nothing of note going on. I’ll be 26 weeks on Wednesday. I saw the midwife last week and I’ve finally started to gain some weight. I’ve gained 6 lbs for the entire pregnancy so far, which is good because she said by this time most women have gained 15-20 lbs. She said it’s good that I’m no longer losing weight. I also got my first stretchmark on Saturday! NOT HAPPY about this!!! I was hoping I’d be one of the few women who didn’t get them, but I guess not. Right now it’s just 3 little stripes on the bottom of one side of my belly…I hope they don’t get too out of control! My next appointment is on 11/11 at which time I’ll have the gestational diabetes test…I really, really hope I pass.
Gorgeous odessa! I love the photo with the leaves. And I agree–I love working with the Cashmerino, but there’s no earthly way I’d ever invest the time & money to make a whole sweater out of it. Too bad–it’s so soft and sproingy.
Very nice! I bought the Cashsoft to make Odessa, but I still have to buy the beads before I can start. Now I’m inspired to get moving on it!
Vitamin E oil for your skin might help.
What a beautiful hat! Really lovely! I think you have just taken off in your knitting! It seems like just yesterday that you were learning how for the first time.
So sorry about the stretch marks. You know it’s the curse of being so fair. I would suggest cocoa butter, but resignations might be more realistic!
So cute! Nice work, B.
awesome odessa, and beautiful tree! sigh. that doesnt happen here.
i am hoping to send out the blanket in maybe 2-3 weeks. Is that alright?
Your hat is so pretty!
I think I forgot to tell you that the last monkey arrived and I just love the shoes it has on. Thanks so much!
Cute hat! I love fall! The leaves are so gorgeous and it’s so crisp out!
I’m glad to hear things are going well with your pregnancy
Stretch marks suck. I think it’s a hereditary/genetic thing. I didn’t get them until around 7 or 8 months I think, and they started under the belly and came to about bellybutton. They weren’t toooo bad. They’re still there and I think, kind of ugly, but … kind of like a reminder that I really did have a baby, because oddly, you sort of … forget. Like, did that really happen? Holy crap! I guess it’s true what they say. Anyway, they supposedly fade to a silvery colour and aren’t as noticeable. Right now they are kind of pink.
But round bellies are adorable! And totally worth the stretch marks! As are what comes out of round bellies!
Beautiful work on the hat!
Love the hat!! Glad your gaining some weight. I have AWFUL stretch marks from my time with steroids last year. There’s this stuff called,Striadril- I’ll need to check and make sure that’s right, but it’s the generic of Strivectin, and it costs about $40-$50 a tube, but that’s $100 less than the original stuff, and it really, really works- definitely noticed fading in color.
There’s also this great stuff I get in the UK called Bio Oil, and you could use that now. You may have to do some searching, though!!
Here’s that cream-
http://www.4starhealth.com/striadril.php
Great Odessa! I love the color you chose, and the beads look really nice. Hint: wear Odessa to a knitting event (like a Sheep n Wool Fest), and you will get a lifetime’s worth of compliments on it!
Welcome to the Knittyboard!
Just folowing your comments and to let you know Bio-Oil is now available in the US, about $12 at stores like Walgreens etc. YAY!