Rambling Rose

I finished my Rambling Rose couple weeks ago but I was only able to get a decent photo on Saturday when the skies were clear enough during the few hours in the morning.

I simply adore this design, everything seems to be right ( or acceptable) ,the magenta color, the buttons and the ribbon and the fit as well. ;) Do you remember that I was afraid about it been too loose in the underarm and bust areas? After attaching the sleeves , it wasn't an issue at all, it fits just right. The bottom part looks to be snuggly but it's all ribbing and I purposely knitted it with a tighter tension. As you shall agree, it's very unpleasant to have a loosen ribbing after a few wearing.

Last weekend while I was visiting a new mall , I found a small boutique selling very unique purses. To my excitement, I saw a lovely purse that was just the perfect companion for Rambling Rose. The price tag was a bit high for such a small purse, so I put it back to the display hanger. I found it so tempting and picked it up couple more times. Soon, I fell into the saleslady words when she told me it was the last one. :D I normally avoid to buy accessories that are not in neutral shades and that are hard to match with the rest of my wardrobe. But this one had to come home with me... The fabric is silk with velour , the black center button and the side rings are made of onyx and the straps are leather.

Pattern: Rambling Rose from Rowan 39

Yarn : Kid Sport 100% cotton ( Italy), used 8 balls

Needles: Japanese 2 ( 2.7mm) for the ribbing and size 3 ( 2.9 mm) for the body

Modifications: I resized the sleeves, somehow my sleeves came out too long on the arch area when I followed the directions from the pattern. I also casted on less sts for a snugger fit and knitted longer sleeves than in the pattern. Though I wished for a 3/4 length, I didn't have enough yarn. Only a small tread of yarn was left for this project. I also had to split the yarn in order to sew the buttons. The length from the armhole to the shoulder in my cardi is not as long as in the pattern. As a result, I was only able to have 5 roses instead of the 6 in the patterns.

This was a great project for me as I was able to follow an English pattern and it was fun to match the buttons and the ribbon. And last, found the matching purse. ;) Though, I don't enjoy knitting the same pattern twice, I'll make exception for this design. I plan to knit another one using thin wool yarn and with long sleeves or 3/4 length. If only I didn't have so many other things to knit, it would be next on my list!

I am so excited with this top that I added one more photo. Hope you are not tired of it! :D This top is so versatile, it goes well with jeans for a relaxed look or paired with a black skirt and high heels for an evening occasion. Now, I have a complete outfit to wear to a party, perhaps Christmas evening? ;)

I want to thank you all for the lovely comments and the great support on my first shawl! Therefore, my second one was soon in line. Though, this is not a lacy style, it's a practical one for the winterly days ahead. There is a fur trim going around that practically makes the style of the shawl.
Last week, I signed up for a membership at a LYS to learn new techniques and improve my knitting skills. It's about 30 minutes drive, kind far away from where I live. There are other LYS around here but I wasn't very impressed with their knits.

I started this Entrelac ( or Domino) technique that I wanted to learn from a long time ago. I started this hat since it's a smaller project. I am using this Japanese yarn that I believe it's a combination of wool, mohair, acrylic(?). The range of shades is incredible, just simple plain sts will make the work beautiful. This is going to be my first hat, and I believe I'll soon have my first gloves and Joy, perhaps.... socks as well? ;)