Finished object(s)!

I finally got a decent picture of the Greenish Gable.

Specs: Pattern, Green Gable from ZephyrStyle. Size: Small (34 inch). Yarn, Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, color 20, less then 5 skeins. Needles, US 7 and 5. The only reason I know it was less than 5 skeins is because 5 skeins is all I had, and I have most of at least one skein left. When you knit a sweater from yarn that's already been knitted once, it's not usually in the neatest condition. I got this yarn from Cottage Fiber before it closed, but Amber carries Silky Wool, so she's my supplier of this yarn. I have to say, I think this is my favorite yarn for sweaters. It is warm without being heavy, and it is SOFT. It felts a bit, but that's nothing handwashing can't prevent, and it comes in gorgeous colors.

I had a couple of mods, but only minor ones. I did some extra waist shaping, which you can't really see in the photo, and then I knitted the sleeves to 10 inches before knitting 3 rows of 1x1 ribbing, instead of knitting tiny cap sleeves. I also knitted the body an inch or two longer than the pattern called for, and knitted 6 rows of 1x1 rib at the hem and did a sewn bind off. I think this sweater will be a great piece to have between seasons, because it's very lightweight but still warm. In all, this was a really fast pattern, even after I kind of lost my momentum halfway through. It took me just longer than two weeks to knit.

This sweater is, for me, a great example of knowing when to rip it out. The yarn was originally a Gathered Pullover, and I hated it. It didn't fit right to begin with, and then after I washed and blocked it, it was too big. (GAUGE SWATCHES LIE.) The sweater didn't fit anyone I know, so I frogged it. And now I have this gorgeous sweater, and enough yarn left to make a nice beret or something. Don't be afraid to rip. It seems like a lot of work down the drain, but what's the point of all that work if you never use the item?

I've made my mother a new pair of socks, this time for Mother's Day.

Specs: Pattern, Flame Wave Socks from Favorite Socks. Size: larger (there are instructions for two sizes). Yarn: Cascade Fixation, color 5363, 2 skeins. Needles, US 3 and 4. I did actually knit these top-down, and I have to say, the only thing I really, really dislike about knitting socks top down is kitchenering the toe, which inevitably ends badly. Mostly because I can't count. There are a lot of patterns similar to this written for fingering weight yarn, but I was pleased with how quickly these knitted up with a heavier yarn and larger needles. They have already been washed (and dried!) and they fit a bit large on me, which means they should fit my mama perfectly. I knitted 2.5 pattern repeats before the heel flap, and then 2.5 repeats for the foot (US womens' 8 to 8.5). And because they are cotton, they should be impervious to laundry accidents.

And now, because I am A. selfish and B. fickle, I am starting a new pair of socks, all for me.