It’s time for a new knitting project! This time, I’m knitting up a little something for myself and I’m calling it the Spring Dress Shrug. It’s real name is the Posh Wedding Shrug but my new name is much more fitting, don’t you think?

I’m knitting this up in Knit Picks Andean Silk which is a step up from my normal yarn choices. I’ve always gone for cheaper brands and fibers (acrylics, wool blends) since they’re easier on the budget, but I’m starting to understand the importance of good materials as an investment in yourself and your craft. Andean Silk is an incredibly fluffy alpaca, silk and merino wool blend that is relatively inexpensive. I can’t wait to wear it.

After 8 years, I have also retired my Denise Interchangeables. They have been with me through many knitting projects and were my first big knitting buy. However, the plastic tips and big cords are more suited for a beginner knitter and I have been very frustrated for the past year or two with their limitations. I finally purchased a set of the Knit Picks Options with nickel-plated tips for my birthday and oh, my… I had no idea what I was missing. Knitting with these is like driving a sports car after being stuck with a station wagon for years. They’re slick, fast and seamless; just what I was looking for.

This project is going to be a fun knit, I just know it!

In February, I posted about a project I had on the needles, a face mask for my Dad’s motorcycle ride down to Daytona Bike Week. I finally have some finished photos to share!

I love how it turned out. The weather was still chilly, and it worked perfectly as a barrier from the wind and cold.

Now, on to a new project… This one goes on the needles next week.

My dad is travelling down to Daytona on his motorcycle in March for Bike Week and asked me to knit him something up that would keep his face warm during the trip. I decided to do a modification on a traditional helmet liner, and I went with an alpaca/wool blend for extra warmth for the ride and softness since it will hug the sensitive skin of the face.

I’m knitting this up in Blue Sky Alpacas’ Worsted Handdyed in Coal, and it’s absolutely the most beautiful yarn I’ve ever worked with. I usually don’t splurge on luxury yarn but many experienced knitters have told me that these yarns, although a splurge, are absolutely worth the money in the long-run, and this yarn is making me a believer. It’s beautiful to work with and creates a very warm, soft fabric. Those little fibers you see in the photos are the alpaca fibers. I think these give it character.

I’m almost done with it, so it has been a pretty quick knit as well. If you’re on Ravelry, you can view the project here.

While I had my camera out, I took a couple shots of Snow. Here’s one of my favorites:

Happy early Valentine’s Day!