FO: Red Lace Top, Christmas Stocking

A summer top and a Christmas stocking finished together? Yep, that's right. It's almost the last official day of summer, so what better time to debut the Red Lace Top, which was actually finished weeks ago.

Pattern: The contruction of this top was pretty simple. Susan was kind enough to send me a copy of the lace chart, and I basically knit up a gauge swatch, figured out how big I wanted it to be and calculated how many stitches to cast on. I knit 2 rectangles (no arm shaping) until it was the desired length. Then I joined together about 17 sts on each shoulder side using a 3-needle bind off. The stitches in the middle I put on a 16" circular and knit 1 round of 1x1 rib and the bound off. I sewed the sides seams and then picked up stitches around the armhole with a 16" circular and knit 2x2 rib for about 6 rounds. Made an i-cord, and that was it!

Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport in Cherry, about 6 skeins.
Verdict: Pretty good. I wish I had 1" more of ease (I thought this sucker would stretch, but nope). This was a fun knit and could easily be adapted into any stitch pattern.

I also finished my first official piece of knitted footwear that's not intended to be worn.

Pattern: Striped Christmas Stocking from Holiday Knits
Yarn: Leftovers of Elsebeth Classic AL in red and white, di Ve Zenith in green.

It was fun to make a giant sock and learn the basic construction of footwear. Regular readers will know that this is my first piece of knitted footwear!! I think this one is going to be the doggies' stocking. I have had "Learn Colorwork Dammit" on my to-knit list for a very long time, so I plan to attempt to make some more interesting stockings for me and Bill. I found a great free pattern on Ravelry and have ordered some cheapo yarn in different holiday colors. I haven't cast on yet but plan to soon. First I have to learn how to do colorwork. Right!

In other WIP news, I am nearly done the 2-year in progress Grannie Smith Cardigan and a My So-Called Scarf, just in time for chilly weather. Enjoy the weekend!