Aaaahh! This week has been a wonderful week. For one thing, I finally got a day off after working 14 days in a row at my day jobs. I also managed to bust out the pair of bulky weight slippers in the below post. ;o) I'll write a final review of the pattern and how I like the slippers in a later post... but after all of that, I had not one, but two patterns release this week!! :oD

Here is Marika! A fun and simple shawl done for Quince and Co's Scarves, Etc 5 Collection. :oD A mixture of garter stitch, and simple lace; it combines some of the best things for comfort knitting. It is done in Owl, an alpaca and wool blend, that compliments the pattern beautifully.

The Owl was such a pleasure to work with. It is a somewhat new yarn for me, and I can't seem to get enough of it. I love how the alpaca adds some depth to the color, which adds to the rustic feel it has. I actually can't wait until I can get my hands on some more and knit myself a Marika for myself to enjoy!

And here is Lady Olivia, the third pattern in my Twelfth Knits collection. This textured knit was a well needed thing for me this winter. My pair of Rivolettos were just not keeping my hands warm enough! While great for the spring and early fall (or winter in Austin), they just couldn't cut it for the colder climate in the Pacific NW. Lady Olivia is a long worsted weight mitt that goes higher on the thumb and fingers for some extra warmth! I made the ribbing extra long so that it could be folded back in case a bit of extra dexterity is needed. ;o)

These mitts take about 170 yds of worsted weight yarn (Shepherd's Wool Worsted used for sample), and US 7 [4.5mm] DPNs.

And now for some more pretty knitting pics! (All pics of Marika were taken by the lovely and talented Pam Allen.)