In like a Blizzard, out like a Frog

This is how my February started. 

Full of high hopes and aspirations for some new winter wearables. I got my yarn and Knitpicks nickel plated interchangeables ready, and settled in for a long winter's knit.  (And since I don't have any other knitting pictures to show you, I thought this one would try to give a little life to this post.)

So if March comes in like a lion, how does February go out? 

Like a frog.

A frogged cardi. 
One or two button cardi's are going to accentuate my middle no matter how cute they look on the size 0 model.  And even though I plan to lose 10 pounds, I haven't lost it yet.

A frogged pullover, twice.
Even if everyone is making it, the bulky knit v-neck with the beautiful cable pattern in the center isn't all that flattering with negative ease.  Especially when I can't get gauge and have to make it one size two sizes bigger making the cable pattern, the highlight of the design, seemingly disappear.

March will be a return to the things I do best.  Small items finished in a relatively short amount of time.  I have some charity stuff to make, a cashmere (yes!) cowl to finish, and a second sock in teeny tiny sock yarn to start.  I will get some pictures up for you soon.  But for now I'm going wait for the April flowers to start blooming before I go and get all inspired again.

Faux i-cord

My newest pattern has been hibernating since June. I'm not sure why. It was fast, fun, and easy to knit. The pattern probably can fit onto one page. Which reminds me, where are my notes anyway? Darn it, see what happens when things just sit around for ever?

But one part of this new pattern has me pretty excited. For the straps I made an i-cord. But not the traditional kind that takes forever doing three or four stitches, one row at a time, or the kind that hurts your hands from trying to pull that yarn tight in the back.

Ladies, hold onto your needles. Gentlemen too, but I don't think there are any of you out there since I haven't heard from you yet! (Hint, hint.) I am about to present you with a groundbreaking knitting technique. (I checked.)

This is a faux i-cord. I'm sorry to say that it only works if it is felted, but it works like a dream and is so much easier to do!

For this particular one, I cast on about 250 stitches (you don't really need to count) and joined in the round. Keeping the stitches straight for the join is the hardest part, I promise! Then just knit away for 4 rounds or until your work naturally curls back onto itself (I was using worsted weight for this project, you may have to adjust rows depending on your yarn). Bind off.

Yes, that's it. Do not weave in yarn tails! Do not sew tube closed! Throw it in your washing machine and give it a nice strong tug when it comes out. When it's dry and you are ready to use it, cut it to the length(s) needed!

I'm starting a search party for the missing notes so I can finally get the pattern out. Soon!

Edit:
I have been asked a few times about making this on straight needles.  Yes, you can! 
There are two reasons why I didn't.  First, I wanted to get as many stitches as possible on the needles and the best way (for me) to accomplish this was to use a circular needle.  And the second reason is that if you work in the round, there is no purling!  Yay!