Some Quick Projects

All this hot weather hasn’t stopped my needles, but it has put a size limit on what I’m working on. That means no blankets, sweaters or scarves until the temperature drops below 75! It’s just too hot and sticky to be hauling around projects that large, let along having them in my lap as I work on them. NO thank you.

Instead, I’ve been delving into my stash of quick projects. I want everything on and off my needles within a day or two, which is pretty good timing because I’m starting to look ahead to the holidays and making my lists of what to knit for all the lovely people in my life. This year feels like the year of woven scarves, mittens and cowls with a few toys sprinkled in for some new cousins!

Over the last three days I started and finished a pair of Matilde Skår’s Abra Alba Wrist Warmers, made a Teeny Tiny Knitted Toys white bunny to go with my little vegetable garden from two weeks ago and cast on some nice, plain black Capretta fingerless mittens from the Knitting Venture’s Leap! pattern. And it’s only Wednesday!

Stacey and I both spotted Matilde Skår’s Abra Alba Wrist Warmers on Pinterest last week and were so charmed by the yellow and grey color combination in the photo that we printed the free pattern the same day! I used Palette in White, Sagebrush, Caribbean and Spruce held double to get the right gauge. Each mitten only took about two hours from start to finish and I think they’ll be perfect over a pair of dark gloves this winter.

I’ve had the Teeny Tiny Knitted Toys pattern in my queue, just waiting for the mood to strike. I was looking at the little vegetables I made a few weeks ago (and pinned to my cubicle wall) and decided that they needed a wee rabbit friend. It only took about an hour from start to finish and he’s the perfect size to rummage around in my mini garden. Those carrots better watch out!

Capretta is still my favorite yarn to work with. It’s smooth, springy and makes such a nice, even fabric. I wanted to knit a pair of rather plain fingerless mittens for a fella, but wanted to make sure they were soft and cozy. I’ll be sure to post pictures when I’m all finished, so far I’m just past the thumb on the first one!

This summer has been a bit toasty so far for most people across the country, have you been keeping your needles busy too? What sort of tricks do you use to stay cool and crafting?