Xena's Crochet Autumn Leaves Cardigan

I started Xena's Crochet Autumn Leaves Cardigan while I was pregnant and it was definitely one of my longest, lost and nearly forgotten WIPs that took 3+ years to finish.  I used Koigu KPPPM sock yarn that I bought back in 2017 and a size E hook to crochet a mini-version of the cardigan that I crocheted for myself.

 

I thought that since the button band was so thick, it would be fun to make it double breasted.  Figuring out the button holes wasn't very difficult and I found some terrific big, black anchor buttons at work!

 

I love the texture of this stitch but I will admit that crocheting it with sock yarn was a total PITA, beyond time (and yarn) consuming and I swear I will never do it again!

When I began this project, I assumed that I would have plenty of time to finish it.  I wrongly guessed that Xena wouldn't be able to fit into it until she was 5 but she's been growing like a weed and although the sleeves are a little long, it fits her perfectly at 3.5 yrs old.  I imagine she might even grow out of it before she turns 5.

In other news, I haven't posted much this summer because the vast majority of my projects have been gifts that I haven't been ready to share but I will begin sharing them soon.

 I've also been busy teaching knit & crochet classes every Thursday night.

Then in July, the shop was renovated, I took a short break from teaching and spent a lot of time getting things reorganized.  

 

In the meantime, we hosted Molly Girl and Dream in Color trunk shows.  I bought myself a few nice treats like the Ritual Dyes Summer Solstice kit above and worsted weight sweater quantity Molly Girl yarn below.

Then I miraculously won a prize for participating in the #comfortfadewithus KAL from the extraordinarily talented and admirable La Bien Aimée in Paris, France!

I am so stoked on this beautiful yarn and I cannot wait to use it!

The mustard lined project bag is made with extreme quality and care.

We also travelled to NOLA in July and I couldn't leave without visiting The Quarter Stitch. 

Earlier this month we travelled to Chicago for a stamp show and I was furiously knitting Xena's Fall wardrobe during our travels.  Unfortunately I was stranded at the stamp show for the entire trip and I didn't get a chance to go yarn shopping in the city but honestly - I'm all good!

 

I knit Xena a pair of socks to match my own.  Toddler and baby socks are so gratifying because they can be finished so quickly and they look SO CUTE!!!

Xena starts preschool tomorrow and throughout the next week, I will create a mini-fashion show of all of the garments I've made her.