The Inevitable Dog Sweater

For the holidays, I decided to get Ty a new haircut.  She looked a bit scruffy, and the impending days filled with festivities inspired me to give her a change.  Coincidentally and unfortunately, the temperatures dropped suddenly and with force, sending us all into below zero weather.  As the entire family descended, they all looked at me to assist her.

Ty in her new sweater

“Where’s her sweater?”

“She doesn’t have a sweater?”

“Can’t you just make one real quick?”

As soon as I finished my Christmas crocheting, I searched Ravelry and found the Darling Darby.  This great template allowed me to create a quick little sweater by the 29th.

For me, the most surprising part of this little voyage into the world of dog clothing is the fact that she was so excited to try it on.  She hates to have her feet touched, but held them up expectantly when I showed her the sweater.  We’ve put it on and taken it off without a squeal.

The bright pink 100% acrylic yarn (Patons something or other) was a stash dive away, and only took a little over one skein.  It’s hard to tell from the photo, but the neck, legs and border are made with seed stitch, while the body is straight stockinette.

When she wears it, she prances as proudly as when she decides she’s startled one of the cats.  On the trail, I can always find the bright pink against the snow.  I was reminded of how fabulous this can be when I heard Cappy barking on Spring Creek yesterday, and was unable to see him until I convinced him to come running to me.

Cappy in his new cowl

Once I finished up the sweater for Ty, Cappy began giving me a look that said, “Hey!  What about me?”  Since he has long hair, he doesn’t need a sweater, and would probably be uncomfortably warm in one.  As I finished up his little buddy Eric’s hat, I decided that Cappy needed a matching cowl.

Made in entrelac from an unknown Noro gifted to me by our friend Chris, this narrow cowl stays out of Cappy’s way while giving him a natty flair.  After taking this picture, we rushed from the house and forgot we’d left it on him.  When we returned, he was still wearing it, so I am convinced he loves it.

(FYI – I’m holding an entrelac class this Saturday from 3-5pm if you want to learn this fun and unusual technique.)

Now that my dogs are so well dressed, I don’t know how I’ll be able to keep up.  In the morning as they watch me throw on the same old plaid flannel shirt, they shoot each other looks that say “Again?  Where’s her Style?  Doesn’t she pay attention to Fashion?”

Sadly, the answer is no.

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The Knitting Week in Steamboat

Ask the Pros – Thursday, 4-6pm – Sew Steamboat:  Now you can ask a pro the next time you have a “how do I” sewing, quilting, knitting or crocheting questions. The pros, Gayle and I are available to assist you with whatever projects you are working on, including class projects (at no charge). Go ahead, ask a pro!  Cost is $15 (Free for students with questions about a class project).  Come on down and get those questions answered!

Sit ‘n Stitch – Friday, 4-6pm – Sew Steamboat: Mariana and Gayle create a fabulous atmosphere for conversing, learning and needlework of all sorts, so come on down and join us!

Yarn It! – Saturday, 10am-12n – Mountain Brew:  Come on down to Mountain Brew for a yummy beverage and tasty treat while knitting and chatting!

Entrelac – Saturday, 3-5pm – Sew Steamboat:  This beautiful modular technique expands your knitting universe by adding all sorts of cool tools to your knitting toolbelt. We’ll make a simple swatch and learn how to pick-up stitches both knitwise and purlwise, the knitted cast-on, and how to knit backwards. Embrace your inner fearless knitter and join us! Confident beginner knitting skills recommended.  Cost is $25.  Call Sew Steamboat at 879-3222 to make a reservation.  FYI – the new Gina yarn is great for playing with this new technique!

Knitting at the College – Monday, 1-3pm – Bristol Hall 2nd Floor Lounge at CMC: Join these fun folks to knit and laugh and have a good ol’ time. I swear, I’m going to make it someday….

Learn to Knit – Monday, 5-7pm – Sew Steamboat:  Class 1 of 3. This is a 3 week; 2-hr/week class. Learn how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off, increase and decrease – all the tools necessary to make a pair of fingerless mitts and a hat!  Cost is $75.  Call Sew Steamboat at 879-3222 to make a reservation.

SOCKS!  The Double Heelix – Tuesday, 5-7pm – Sew Steamboat:  This darling pair of socks is a great next step for anyone looking to try something new! With heel-out construction, helix knitting, Judy’s Magic Cast-On, the Interlock Bind-off and the Crochet Chain Provisional Cast-On, there’s so much to learn just from this one fun pattern!  The first class of three.  Cost is $75.  Call Sew Steamboat at 879-3222 to make a reservation.

Knitting Group – Tuesday 6pm – Yampa Public Library, 310 Main St., Yampa: All levels are welcome. Bring yarn and knitting needles. For more information call 970-638-4654.

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I’m so excited about the Double Heelix socks!  I finished up my first pair this week, and my mother-in-law immediately claimed them.

The completed pair of Double Heelix socks

Mariana brought in a whole cubby-full of really fun solid color sock yarn to choose for your own pair.  I grabbed skeins of lime green and peacock blue for Steph’s!

Also, is everyone getting excited about the Knit and Ski weekend coming up?  I received my class information this week, and I’m so happy to be learning all about Orenburg lace from Galina Khmeleva!  With Cat Bordhi, Lucy Neatby and Ann Budd also on the roster, we will be in the company of knitting royalty the weekend after next.

Knit On!