In the midst of my birthday celebrations, I thought I'd share a finished object. I provided a little tease last week, but I got around to sewing the buttons on, so it's actually done now.
I had this gorgeous yarn from the Sheep Shop Yarn Co. that didn't work out for a Chevron Scarf and I felt like I had to do something with it to justify its purchase, it was kind of a splurge. For whatever reason, the green cake was longing to be used first, so I tried to figure out what I could do with one hank of this wonderfulness...and then I remembered this little neck hug concoction that Ashley provided a recipe for.
So simple, but a great idea. This yarn is super soft and screams for next to your skin wear (unless you are allergic to wool, if that's the case its not screaming to you at all...). The silk in the yarn makes it scrumptiously soft and the wool makes it cozy. I love it, but I knew it would be a gift as soon as a settled on making it.
At this rate, I will have no Christmas knitting at Christmas time...not a bad deal, I suppose. In any case, it's a genius of a thing. Warmth, comfort and a little style (pearl earrings optional). I like it buttoned with two buttons, but the recipient might button all three, I think her neck is a bit skinnier than mine, I just like the button flash, to be honest.
Neck Hug
Pattern: Neck Hug available at dogged (Thanks Ashley!)
Yarn: Sheep Shop Yarn Co. (the green one, obviously--I don't have the tag anymore), G130
Needles: US 10 (Bamboo)
Modifications: I knit the yarn doubled (since I was working with DK weight and not bulky), cast on 4 extra stitches and I crocheted the buttonholes (mostly just because I could)
This took no time at all. The only thing that took any sort of time commitment was finding buttons and actually sewing them on. A fun little utilitarian knit. I like it, and so will my friend come Christmas.
And hey, there is still a little birthday contest thing happening around here, have you joined in on the fun?
Oh, it's cute! I love how this looks under a coat, too.
Posted by: Liz K. | May 09, 2007 at 06:29 PM
Yay neck hug! It's a great gifty pattern, I think : you get to use a little bit of a lovely luxurious yarn, and you don't have to worry about size!
Posted by: Ashley | May 09, 2007 at 06:43 PM
Cute hugginess! That yarn is really lovely. Glad you were able to use it for something so cute!
Posted by: Kara | May 09, 2007 at 07:15 PM
Very, very cute!
Posted by: diana | May 09, 2007 at 07:22 PM
Love it! And the buttons are fantastic with this yarn.
Posted by: pamela wynne | May 09, 2007 at 07:34 PM
What a great idea - I have never seen a neck hugger before. Would be awesome for skiing... Like it!
Posted by: Asaknitter | May 09, 2007 at 08:42 PM
really pretty!!! and, a terrific scarf alternative that won't blow off in a gust of wind. love that!
Posted by: beth | May 09, 2007 at 09:28 PM
How awesome! Did you get a haircut? Looks cute.
Posted by: tiennie | May 09, 2007 at 10:44 PM
THAT would be quite useful where I live. Have to check out that pattern. Nice use of one skein, for sure!
Posted by: Jen | May 09, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Adorable! And a great use for the yarn.
Posted by: Theresa | May 10, 2007 at 12:13 AM
Happy Birthday, Nova!! I hope you have a wonderful year!
What a cute neckwarmer! Perfect use for one skein of scrumptious yarn. You are really rolling on the Christmas gifts!
Posted by: Brenda | May 10, 2007 at 01:58 AM
Very nice! Having no Christmas knitting at Christmas time sounds great-- keep going :)
Posted by: Kristy | May 10, 2007 at 02:49 AM
WOW, that is GORGEOUS! Good idea for Christmas presents! I am thinking maybe one with angora might be nice for my stepmom! And, the buttons just make the whole thing! BRAVO!
Posted by: Amy S. | May 10, 2007 at 12:28 PM
very cute! hard to think about anything "cozy" with it being in the mid 80s here!
Posted by: stacey | May 10, 2007 at 12:46 PM
So pretty!
Posted by: Felicia | May 10, 2007 at 01:36 PM
Very simple and very elegant. I love the buttons. Looks great, Nova!
Posted by: Lolly | May 10, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Love the colors and the buttons look so cool. Perfect Xmas gift.
Posted by: isel | May 11, 2007 at 01:04 AM
HAP-HAP-PY BIRTHDAY NOVA!
I hope you've had a great day!
Posted by: Stacey | May 12, 2007 at 10:18 PM
Happy birthday Nova!
Posted by: Stephanie | May 13, 2007 at 04:39 AM
Love this under a coat. Beautiful colours!
Posted by: Nora | May 13, 2007 at 08:39 AM
It looks super snuggly and cute to boot. Stop with all these presents ahead of time...what will you have to do in November and December? However will you keep busy ?
Posted by: Christy / Not Hip | May 14, 2007 at 02:55 AM