Knitting Curse

I seem to be under a cloud this week when it comes to knitting, so I don't have much to show. First, I tried to start a Trellis cardigan for my co-worker's soon-to-be baby (his wife is due in March). I used a big ol' ball of Steinbach Wolle Jumbo yarn that I found on sale at yarn store in Connecticut. It is 80% acrylic and 20% wool, and machine washable which seemed perfect for baby clothes. However, this yarn was just not happening for gauge, so I ripped out what little I had done. The pattern calls for Rowan All-Seasons Cotton, and I actually have some in my stash, but it's hand washable only. Hand wash baby clothes? This seems like more of a curse than a gift! I'm starting to think about just contributing to the office pool for a gift instead!

Then I tried to knit this hat pattern using some Lion Brand Color Waves yarn. This is what the hat looks like now:

Yup, ripped it. It came out WAY too big! I looked like I had a big mushroom on my head. I really like this yarn despite being Lion Brand, it is quite soft and with very pretty sunset colors. I think I might just make a simple soft scarf with it instead.

Last night I cast on for the same hat pattern but using two strands of Lion Brand Homespun:

I'm not sure if this is going to work either. I couldn't find the yarn the pattern calls for. The good news is that this hat only takes an hour or two to make, so if it comes out bad I haven't wasted too much time.

I forgot to show the new book I received in the mail last weekend: I'm so excited about this book! I have been wanting to get this for the last year, so I took advantage of the Barnes and Noble gift card my mom gave me for my birtday to finally order it. I love almost every pattern in it, but here are some of the ones I'm considering doing first:

Cherie, which is the dark tweed-y boatnecked sweater.
Collette...the striped panels are done in lace patterns. I might pick different colors if I do this one. Salina, a very pretty basic pullover. I really want to do something in tweed yarn, can ya tell? I think this one is called Beau. G and I both looked at this book separately. Afterwards, I told him I really wanted to make him this one and he actually liked it too (this is a rare occurrence). It's also done in tweed yarn.

I'm going to mail order some yarn tonight, so I'll probably get yarn for at least one of these. I know you're all on the edge of your seats wondering which one I'll pick!

Here's one last picture, which I took while I was visiting a site for my job. Can you see the little track of mouse prints? I think that snow bank must have seemed like Everest to him! Have a good weekend everyone!