Flashback Friday: Chi-Chi Cowl

Doc and I have recently been getting in shape for our upcoming 10th wedding anniversary (we're going to Maui - whoohoo)! Since the Dr. is far more heart healthy than I am, he runs and I bike beside him. Because we live on a lake, our evening run/bike can get a little breezy. Those of you who know me know I don't do cold, so I've taken to wearing my Chi-Chi Cowl during these excursions.

 

This is the perfect thing for me to throw on over my shoulders during the beginning of the ride, because it keeps the wind from making me want to turn around and go home while I'm just starting out and I can easily remove it with one hand and toss it in my basket after I'm warmed up. I don't even have to break my pace!

I love my bike! It's an Electra Cruiser 7D.

This pattern is just $3.00 and you can purchase it by clicking here or add it to your Ravelry queue here.

How do you like to stay in shape?

Style Your Knits: Cadence Pullover

Our weather here in KC has been NUTSO lately. While most decent people are enjoying near-summer temperatures by now, our thermometers have been swinging wildly from mid-80s to high-30s. At least it isn't still snowing...don't even get me started on that story. You don't want to know. Anyway, while this post is hopefully out of season for many of you, it's never too early to start thinking about making (and styling!) winter knits! I loved this one:

I've had my eye on Cadence since it very first appeared on Knitty.com over 3 years ago. A little over a year ago, a friend of mine decided that she likes quilting better than knitting, and gifted me the better part of her stash (ain't knitter friends great?). It just so happened that she had a sweater's worth of the very yarn this pattern calls for, in a color I happen to love. Kismet!

 

I did some modifications to this sweater. Firstly, I made full-length sleeves with a generous portion of 2x2 rib. Secondly, I made it much longer than the original, added side vents, and made sure that the back fully covers my bum in the back. I knew I'd be wearing this mainly with leggings, and we all know that leggings are not pants. We all know that, right? Because leggings are not pants, you should make sure that when you're wearing leggings, you have your entire backside fully covered. It's a good idea if your crotch area gets covered, too. Just sayin'.

Shown here:

Pattern: Cadence Pullover by Jordana Paige
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Flamme
Leggings: Betsey Johnson (similar)
Handbag: Deux Lux's "Beribboned Bag" for Anthropologie (this bag has had many incarnations; some are available here, here or here, but probably not for long - I'd recommend checking eBay for more)
Booties: Boutique 9 available here
Necklace: Handmade by me!
Cheetah Ring: Thrifted (similar)
Earrings: BCBG (similar)

While the original Cadence is certainly still modern enough to wear as-is, modifying a knitting pattern for length can be a great way to update a pattern that might be starting to seem a bit out of date. Have you ever modified a sweater pattern to suit your tastes better? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

Get Jordana's knitting pattern from knitty.com for FREE here. Click any of the photos above to see my project on Ravelry.

New Pattern Day: Keria Funnel Neck Pullover

It’s just my second pattern release of the year, but she’s finally here: Keria Funnel Neck Pullover is worked in Alisha Goes Around Stable of Horses and is an easy, quick, bottom-up knit. I was pretty proud of this construction and the resulting fabric and style! With its sturdy lace pattern, bracelet length sleeves, and chic funnel neck, this sweater is the perfect design for spring! The open fabric allows for plenty of circulation, and the overall effect is luxurious - not heavy. Take it into fall by working the sleeves a bit longer and layering it over a bright, long-sleeved tee.




I'm so excited to share this with you! This pattern is on sale at the introductory price of $4.50 now through the end of May, so enjoy this great deal while you can!