SofiaSofisticates

Can you believe it?  This year has come and gone!  Each year I like to focus on improving a specific technique in knitting.  My goal is to keep growing and learning. Color work and chart reading have always been a bit intimidating.  Thus, I chose to really practice those this year.  While I did not get it perfect and certainly need more projects under my belt...I did good and am proud of the progress I've made in 2018!!! It is only fitting that my very last project of the year include some simple color work!  Here is the hubby wearing his brand new, hot off the needles, Rustic Buffalo Plaid Hat.  Originally, I made this in a toddler size for my sweet nephew.  Hubby saw it and decided he had to have one too!  The yarn: mix of acrylics from my ever growing stash.  Includes I Love This Yarn and Red Heart Pattern: this one is actually free handed. However, I did see some very similar styles/patterns on Ravelry. 

My sister is a photographer in the DFW area.  Her best friend is currently pregnant with her fifth baby boy!  He is her rainbow baby. For those that aren't familiar with the term... a Rainbow baby is a child born after a miscarriage/loss/stillbirth. Many families are choosing to celebrate their rainbow babies by including the colors into nurseries and their photo sessions.  My sister wanted to do that for her friend. Thus, she requested that I make her a Rainbow gown for the maternity session. I was a bit nervous. However, after several ideas we figured out a way of doing this easily on our own. She first purchased a cheap white gown off of Amazon.  I took the bottom part of it completely off and kept the top. This helped me know the right size to make the gown. Then, we added long chiffon scarfs and ruffled them.  They were sewn on to the original bottom because it was my guide for how wide to make the waist area as well as the length. The finished...

I have been testing for the Huntt Boutique for several years!  Actually, I'm pretty sure that she was one of the first patterns I ever purchased for prop making!  Her bonnets are always spot on with size! It has been a while since I have tested for her and was excited that she allowed me to have a hand at this piece!  Her request for natural fibers really lit some excitement in me as well! If you are seeking to make some newborn props for your studio or local photographer... check out The Huntt Boutique. She is lovely to work with and is incredibly creative! The Huntt Boutique on Ravelry:  https://www.ravelry.com/stores/the-huntt-boutique This pattern does require some counting! But so worth it!  The end result is just a beautiful piece that showcases a gorgeous texture! I knitted this up in a very soft alpaca.  It is light weight and I can't wait to see it on a baby!  Love the pattern and love the finished piece! Fiber spotlight: I...

The Mara Cowl  This cowl is perfection!  Perfect texture.  Super soft and squishy.   Trendy and versatile for this fall/winter look.  And, most importantly, very very quick and easy to knit!  Teagan & Lu is the designer for this gorgeous pattern. I will update this post once her pattern is LIVE. Please be sure to follow her page on FB and IG.   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=teagan%20and%20lu Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teaganandlu/ Ravelry:  https://www.ravelry.com/designers/theresa-denham It was an absolute pleasure to get to test this.  It was our first collaboration. And I hope there will be many more!   From first glance, this cowl looks like a difficult project. It boasts a mock cable and can look a bit intimidating! However, the two row repeat in this pattern makes you feel super accomplished! I can't describe how quickly this knit up....

Weaving Wonder's Basic Knit Beanie Weaving wonder is quickly becoming one of my favorite designers to test for. I appreciate her ability to use simple stitch combinations to bring forth gorgeous texture! And I have come to expect those textures from her patterns!  Thus, this pattern took me by surprise! Weaving Wonder on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/weavingwonder/ Weaving Wonder on  IG:  https://www.instagram.com/weavingwonder/ NOTE: I will update this post once the pattern is LIVE At first glance the hat doesn't look too incredibly special.  It is a common design that is easily accessable online. 1x1 ribbing followed by stockinette and finished with a pom pom!  Simple, quick, and practical. However, the catch to this pattern has more to do with construction. I adore this decrease/crown shaping because it makes for a perfect fit! It is also super fun and gives you something to look forward to at the end of a simple knit. The hat...

 So excited to introduce you to The Ellsworth Bonnet by Weaving Wonder! This precious bonnet is perfect for a little Pixie baby! It reminds me of a woodland fairy!  Don't you just love love love it? The pattern uses a combination of simple stitches to create this lovely lace-like texture!  It is perfect for photography use.  I tested the newborn size. However, there are other sizes in the pattern. I will update this post once the pattern is LIVE. My favorite part of this project is how quickly it knits up!  It is really fun to start to see the pattern come together.  Also, the stitches fort a beautiful border to frame the face.  I just adore it! Fiber Spotlight: Sublime Cashmere/Merino in light sage.  Super soft and luxurious feeling. Perfect for a tiny baby!  Special Elements: I added the matching sage chiffon ties. However, the pattern has instructions for braided ties made from matching yarn.  Either one works. However, the ...

This is my first time testing for Weaving Wonder. Her gorgeous patterns and info can be found on Facebook and Instagram! Go check it out! I tested this bonnet in the newborn size.  Obviously, this size would be my go-to. However, the pattern will be available in a range of children's sizes. This bonnet uses a combination of basic stitches. It is a perfect knit for someone that is learning how to knit and wants to make something other than a dishcloth! It knits up fast and boasts a GORGEOUS texture. As usual, my newborn items have to be sent off for professional photos and this is no different. It goes home tomorrow, Monday, and I will be looking forward to the magic that Twinling Photography produces with this newest prop! I really think this is a great knit. And you will too!  I will be sure to update the post once the pattern is LIVE. Here are some photos I took this morning just to document.  The baby is one of my dolls that I use to test sizing! Her name...