What the HK is on Viki's Needles?

For the current Hazel Knits Ravelry Variegated Knitalong I decided to knit a pair of Monkey socks. Believe it or not, this is my very first pair of Monkey socks. I don't know what it is about these socks, but they make a variegated yarn look smashing. I'm knitting mine out of an old club colour, Autumn Bounty.



I also wanted to show you my final project for the HK / Anne Hanson KAL that finished up a couple of weeks ago on Ravelry. I chose to knit Miss Doolittle in the recent club colour Pick Me. I haven't been able to block it yet but my daughter was happy to model it for me as is. I'm hoping to gain a couple of inches from the blocking so that it will look this good on me.



There isn't a lot of time for knitting right now as tomorrow is moving day, but I'm looking forward to getting back to it once I unpack a few of the boxes and find my yarn and needles again. I have a special project chosen to start next, but I might have to squeeze in a few emergency knits first. I'm going to knit a beautiful baby blanket out of this gorgeous pile of HK Lively in Sagebrush ...



... but first I have to knit a couple of tiny baby sweaters for this same baby that decided she wanted to come nine weeks early. The blanket should be done by her original due date. Babies I knit for usually wait until right after I finish knitting their baby gifts before they arrive. Apparently this little girl is going to keep me on my toes.

And finally, here are a couple of shots of my favourite flowers from my garden. I will have to be sure to add them to my new garden next year when we are allowed to landscape.



I will miss my Ruby lily most of all.



More knits soon!

New KAL

July 1st saw the beginning of a new Knitalong on the Hazel Knits Ravelry group. For the months of July and August we are inviting everyone to knit any project in any variegated Hazel Knits yarn and to share their projects with the group. You can find more details here.

I've always found variegated yarns to be so beautiful in the skein and hard to resist, but a lot of them end up hibernating in my stash as I search for the perfect project. I've managed to knit up several skeins over the years and the results are always pleasing so I'm delighted to participate in this KAL and hopefully knit up a few more.

The best part of the KAL for me is being able to discuss the best patterns for variegated yarns with the other knitters and gaining from their experiences.

Here's a little look back at some of my favourite variegated HK projects.

Estonian Button Socks in Baroness knit for my Estonian mother in law - she loved them.


Basic Mittens in Cami Chic for me. Perfect in the Fall and as a liner in my heavier Winter mittens.



Chevron Scarf in Cami Chic and Weekend Warrior. They make a nice set with my mittens.



And finally, Saartje's Booties in Greenlake for a friend's baby. I'd say these are probably the most achingly cute thing I have ever knit.



I've already cast on a project for the KAL. Updates and photos soon!

What the HK is on your Needles? Vol. 10

Last week we explored alternatives to sock knitting and featured several mitts, mittens and gloves. This week I want to take a look at another sock alternative. Shawls.

There are so many beautiful shawl patterns available and many of them are one-skein wonders. A great choice for that extra special skein in your favourite colour that you don't want hide in your shoes.

Let's have a look at a few recently completed examples.

Helen (ravname: stickeri) knit this gorgeous Coleus in Plum Glace in Artisan Sock. I love looking at the details up close.



Zoe (ravname: zoetribe) knit up the popular Multnomah in Evergreen in Artisan Sock. I've knit this pattern myself and it is a fun and quick knit.



Mel (ravname: stickchick) designed this stunning shawl, Eurybia, in Emerald City in Artisan Sock. Designed specifically for this colour, it is a beautiful match up of colour and pattern.



Sue (ravname: sues153) knit the very recently released Alcyone in Sweet Crush in Artisan Sock. And she knit it in just a few days. Amazing job.



Nikki (ravname: knittyfish) knit her Sagano in Lochness in Artisan Sock. Where can I get my hands on a dress form like that one? Swoon!



And finally, Beth (ravname: mdquilter) knit this Aestlight Shawl which she amusingly calls Wearing Coveralls in the Rainforest in, of course, Coveralls and PNW Rainforest in Artisan Sock. Great colour pairing.



Thanks to everyone for sharing their projects with us.