Two Wooden Sticks and a Ball of Wool

D is for.....

Dreamy.

Specifically, Dream in Colour Smooshy Sock yarn.  This yarn is soooo lovely.  The colourways are beautiful and the yarn itself is a dream to knit with. Seriously. Dreamy.  So dreamy.

Dolomite Socks.  Pattern by Anne Hanson. Her patterns are always wonderful - this is no exception.  I am having a great time working it up.  You MUST knit these! Must.  The colourway: Pansy Golightly. 

Dolomite in Dream in Colour.  How D of me!

Another Dream in Colour pair:

Gentlemen's Shooting Stockings.  Pattern by Nancy Bush (from Knitting Vintage Socks). 

I have modified it to a toe-up sock (Carole never knits toe up, I never knit top down - I DO know how but I am totally hooked on toe up socks) and do plan to incorporate the pattern into the heel turn. 

The colourway, Cloud Jungle, is wonderful (I bought another skein of the same colourway from Julie to make socks for Ed).

Also dreamy: some Dalegarn Baby Ull

Amanda (formerly of Clothesknit) is having a baby!  Due in early summer (June/July) and I plan to knit a baby thing (or two) for her.  This is a possibility - the colour is a lovely pale mauve; suitable for a boy or a girl.  I love Dalegarn Baby Ull. Dreamy baby.  Dreamy possibilities.

B is for.....

... a bonanza of Baby knits!  I can honestly say I have never had the occasion (well, maybe the occasion but not the staying power) to knit anything for a baby so this was a first.  A friend of my Mom's, Naomi, had a baby last April.  Her name is Olivia.  My mother conscripted me (not too harsh a tone for the 'nature' of the request) to knit a couple of sweaters for Olivia. 

What a blast!  Baby knits are really a great thing....fast (talk about instant gratification)...and so incredibly cute.  I finished the knitting in early January and Wannietta (thank you, thank you - the woman is a super fast knitter and a pretty fast finisher too!) was kind enough to sew them together for me (we won't discuss my ongoing finishing issues here but it is a good story...lol) and then I had to put on the finishing touches and baboom! - finished baby sweaters.

Baby Knit #1:

Spanky
From Wee Knits by Mags Kandis
Mission Falls 1824 Wool - MC is Pistachio (028) and CC is Teal (030)
12 month size

A hat and sweater set with some french knot detailing...

It is a jaunty little hat.....

Baby Knit #2:

Cable & Moss Stitch Jacket
The Baby Knits Book by Debbie Bliss
Cashmerino Aran - Colour 330011
12-18 months size

There are some pattern errors but this is a lovely pattern and the yarn is, well, simply beautiful!
B is also for Beatrix Potter buttons.....

Peter Rabbit

and Jemima Puddleduck....

And finally, Baby Knit #3:

 

Baby's Kaftan
The Baby Knits Book by Debbie Bliss
Baby Cashmerino - MC Off White (340101) and a bunch of other 'bits'
12 month size

The embroidery was also a first.  After getting a bit off track with the chain stitch I solved my problem by using a sewing marker to sketch out my chain stitch lines...it all washed out with the soaking...woohoo!

I have to say I am very pleased with my bevy of baby gear (I see how busy you all are out there and I am continually humbled by your energy - I can gauge my own energy level by how far behind I am getting in my bloglines) and I feel really blessed in being able finish these three little beauties (you can click on any of the photos for a larger view).

 

I talked to Naomi today and she is over the moon about the sweaters.  Apparently little Olivia was out stylin' today in her Spanky sweater and hat.....booyah!