This is a pattern from Espace Tricot that when I saw, I knew I immediately wanted to make!  I loved everything about it so decided to knit it in the exact same yarn/color.  The yarn is dreamy but I never met a mohair I haven't loved!  
 I did make a few modifications which I will explain further on my podcast.  But basically, I wasn't happy with how it was looking on a US size 8 even though I was getting gauge.  So, I ripped it out.  Ouch!  Ripping mohair can be a bit challenging!  (I did receive a message over on Instagram telling me to pop it in the freezer next time before ripping.  Apparently, it helps with the process! -Thanks Caitlin!)   So, I dropped down to a 7 and therefore had to adjust the pattern.  I cast on for a size 2 but needed to jump up to a size 4 stitch count in order to get the 44.75" measurement at the bust.  (44.75" is a size 2.)  I adjusted the increase rows, increasing more each increase row until I was at the correct number of stitches for the size 4 before separating for the sleeves.  

And because I was knitting on a size 7 needle, I was going through yarn quicker. Because of this I wasn't going to have enough yarn to knit a full length sleeve.  I contemplated buying more yarn but decided to try to make do with what I had.  

I ended up making the sleeve length 3/4 and I actually adore the way it turned out.  

At one point I thought it was going to be a very boxy sweater but after a light blocking not only was I able to adjust the body,  it truly bloomed into what I was hoping it would be.  

Basically, I love how this ended up and it truly feels as light as a feather.  Did I mention the pattern is FREE!  

Pattern:  Mousseux

Yarn:  4 skeins Espace Tricot Halo in Opera  (2 strands held together throughout)

Size:  2 (See above.)

Needles:  US 7

Mods:  Mentioned above.  

Through these uncertain and changing times it is so nice to focus on what is constant in my life.  Family, food and knitting are at the top of the list.  Thank you God for knitting!  I decided to gather all of my sweaters that I knit in 2020 and they are pictured above.

From bottom to top:

1.  One Lovely Sweater  in white

2.  Hotline Sweater

3.  Striped sweater

4.  One Lovely Sweater in grey

5.  Miromisnil 

6.  Missoni Accomplished

7.  Lawrenson Sweater

8.  The Ida Sweater

9.  Frida

10.  Slipstravaganza MKAL

11.  Flower Power Cardigan (Blog post coming soon.)

12.  Mousseux  (Blog post coming soon.)

13.  Be Thankful Cardigan  (Not pictured above.)

It's safe to say that Knitting was an incredible force in my life in 2020.  

I'll be back to share some of my knitting goals for 2021.  (Thank you for prompting me to make them, Nadine!)

I wish you all the health, peace, love, happiness and projects on your needles for 2021.  

 •I made caramels for the first time ever.  They are pretty easy to make but mine turned out a bit hard.  I'm going to try to remelt the caramel to try to soften them.  I don't want anyone pulling out a filling! Wish me luck.
• I filmed and uploaded Episode 13 of my Podcast.  If you want a free pattern for TOAST mitts head on over for the coupon code.  You still have time to make a few for gifts or a special pair for yourself!

• I still have plenty of shopping ahead of me.  How about you?

• I plan on finishing the body of Mousseux this week.  That's the goal anyhow. :)

Happy Day to YOU! 

 {Thanksgiving 2020}

My three children grew up with Chalk Lots and are actually still using them. We doodle, draw and decorate.  My son, Charlie, is helping with the small business.  He's updated the website, he posts on instagram and he is still a giant fan of using them around the house.  He believes they belong in every household! 😍

Because we love them so much we want to share the happiness with one of my friends to knit with!  By signing up for our email, you will automatically be entered in the giveaway to win a set of Chalk Lots placemats.  Your choice of Licorice or Graham Cracker.  You see, he really is quite a talented writer and I would love if more people were reading the emails!  

So, by signing up, you will be entered in the giveaway and be inspired on how to use the Chalk Lots to make life even more fun.  They truly promote creativity and encourage those to use their imagination.  If you aren't fully satisfied you can unsubscribe at any time!

So, enter here.  We will announce the winner next Monday night, the 7th of December.  You will have them in plenty of time for the holidays.

xx, leslie

Have you ever heard John Mayers song, "Stop This Train"?  Well, that is pretty much how I am feeling.  I cry every time I listen to that song.  
Although, I was always super excited for a new day and a new week during this Mystery Knitalong by Stephen West.  He brought so much joy to this time.  If you haven't ever participated in one of his KAL,  I highly recommend it!
This shawl did not disappoint on the interest, challenge and excitement.  Stephen West puts so much thought into his designs.  His design creativity is truly off the charts.  
There were stitches I have never worked.  There were deadlines I pushed myself to make.  There were rows that seemed to go on F O R E V E R.  There were nights I couldn't put it down and mornings I couldn't wait to get out of bed.  
I love how the combination of my yarns give it the perfect drape.  And, as I have mentioned before, Stephen encourages you to do some stash diving to find your combination.

I have built up quite a stash because of my Knitcrate subscription.  And when I went diving, I was so grateful!  As all of these yarns are from past Knitcrate boxes.  

You can literally make this in about 20 minutes!  Get busy, friends!