Here's the Bobble Blue sweater from Interweave Knits Spring 2006. The yarn is Ella Rae Classic, and I have to say I'm not a huge fan. Firstly, I hate that it's not washable. So sue me, I like washable garments. Also, there were a NUMBER of knots in the skeins. Enough to really piss me off. But the color is great, and it was relatively soft on the hands. I adored this sweater when I first saw it (it's on the cover of that Interweave issue) and had to make one. My version is a lighter blue- teal, according to the roommate.
Blocking photo:

And the back:

This was my first project with button holes. I didn't do the ribbon-and-sewing-machine approach, mainly because I'm lazy and my sewing skills are subpar lately. It still should be fine! I got some great wood buttons to go with it, which will really kick it up a notch. I love that this sweater is work appropriate!

More Bobble Blue joy:


Lest you think I've only been knitting for myself- not so! I started a baby sweater for one of my oldest friends. We met at 3 years of age or so, and went through Temple School together. And now he's having a baby. Crazy! I'm using Classic Elite Sand with a Classic Elite pattern. Yarn and pattern were given to me by Abby-upstairs!
Here's the pattern:

And some pics in progress:


Also, I got a bit further on the pastel baby blanket. Loads of my friends are turning up preggers- this shouldn't surprise me as much as it does. I left the pattern at my parents' last weekend, but I'll pick it up when I go to the baby shower in a couple weeks with my Mom. Whew! This is her all-time favorite baby afghan pattern, and having already made one myself I can guarantee they are addictive. Too bad the pattern is from the 70s and probably impossible to find. Isn't that always the way. The yarn is just Read Heart Baby, but so cute!! Pastel variegated, with a strand of nylon for shimmer.

That should do it for now! I am seriously behind on kitty hats for this summer's anime conventions. Also on the needles? The February sock club kit from The Celtic Knot shop in Ellicott City (started tonight when I couldn't handle baby stockinette anymore). Also, the peach baby sweater (better finish it this spring!), and those darn green socks I never finished. I should really get on that. I'm still teaching knitting classes every other week, too, which is delightful. Who knew so many Jews wanted to knit but didn't know how??
Happy knitting, folks!











































