Easy knit. Except for the attached I-cord. I'm having issues with it. Not that pretty--I'm talking about mine, I think it's a very nice edging for the sweater, that's why I'm working on it. And that tie? I can totally see me always fiddling with it, so instead, I'm going to make a little i-cord loop and on the other side, sew on a button.
But besides the i-cord, it's finished. I lengthened the sweater a bit. I even sewed up the picot edges. Very purty. A pita to knit that much more that gets folded over, but it's a very nice finish. I think I shall have to revisit picovoli and make one that actually has a picot edge.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Cropped Leaf Cardi progress
I uhmm...decided to use the obligatory lime Cotton-ease for this cardi. I should tell you that I managed to have 5 40% coupons to use for procurement of this yarn. And I managed to have the same dyelot for 4/5 and the 5th is the same lot number, but without the 'A'. I figure that if I have to use the last skein (which I think I do), I'll split it and use for sleeves and I-cord or something...the colors don't look different.
As I am knitting (or is that was, since I cannot type and knit simultaneously -- no I don't have my voice recognition software right now)...I think that the front is just a tad well...might look great on a 20 something, but I want a bit more coverage. So, I've tweeked the pattern (already) and increased at the beginning and end stitches for a more fabric. I hope it looks okay.
Anyway, I'm at that boring raglan land...just knitting and purling back, with increases...back and forth...back and forth...me thinks it's time for the MS3 to start soon...back and forth...
Actually, it's an easy knit, so I'll stop complaining now. Oh, I started this sweater Sunday, June 24, 2007.
As I am knitting (or is that was, since I cannot type and knit simultaneously -- no I don't have my voice recognition software right now)...I think that the front is just a tad well...might look great on a 20 something, but I want a bit more coverage. So, I've tweeked the pattern (already) and increased at the beginning and end stitches for a more fabric. I hope it looks okay.
Anyway, I'm at that boring raglan land...just knitting and purling back, with increases...back and forth...back and forth...me thinks it's time for the MS3 to start soon...back and forth...
Actually, it's an easy knit, so I'll stop complaining now. Oh, I started this sweater Sunday, June 24, 2007.
Friday, June 22, 2007
I'm such a joiner...but not a seamer
I joined the Fitted Knits KAL.
I haven't even gotten the button up yet, but I'm planning on doing the cropped cardi. I think I shall be using cotton-ease (old stuff). I have 5-6-7? balls of black somewhere. I bought it before the-time-it-wasn't-abundant. I started making a tank from SnB, but wasn't thrilled about it. Okay, it might have been that I had just learned to knit and hey, whatever.
Anyway, the cropped cardi is another sweater which I've looked at a bunch of different yarns for, but what joy! I found yarn in my stash. How cool is that. Okay, that's figuratively 'found'. I haven't looked for it yet. But I know I have it.
I haven't even gotten the button up yet, but I'm planning on doing the cropped cardi. I think I shall be using cotton-ease (old stuff). I have 5-6-7? balls of black somewhere. I bought it before the-time-it-wasn't-abundant. I started making a tank from SnB, but wasn't thrilled about it. Okay, it might have been that I had just learned to knit and hey, whatever.
Anyway, the cropped cardi is another sweater which I've looked at a bunch of different yarns for, but what joy! I found yarn in my stash. How cool is that. Okay, that's figuratively 'found'. I haven't looked for it yet. But I know I have it.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Walking with Bronto
Specs:
start: June 10, 2007
end: June 21 (embroidering the eyes)
yarn: less than 2 skeins of green acrylic yarn and a bit of the darker green for soles and white and black for claws and eyes
stuffing: more than 1 bag of polyfill. This thing just ate polyfill -- I'd stuff and stuff and it would look all lumpy, I would pull it all out, and then refluff (and do what I think spinners do, I think) and connect more fill with that so that it's one continuous stuffing process and more stuffing would go in. This seemed to do the trick and definitely less lumps.
final size: 27 inches (head to tail), 9 inches (back to feet) and 12 inches (at his widest point)
modifications/comments: Loads! As I said in previous posts, I made Bronto less long, and in the round when I could. These patterns are chock full of errors, but my goodness, it's a darn stuffed toy! I didn't stress, and when numbers didn't match up, I said, oh well.
The seaming of the body was pretty easy, since the body was done in the round. I just had to seam the head gusset and the back of the neck when I was done doing the face. The pain was doing the feet, and 'catching the claws' as you seam...yeah, right. I had crazy Howard Hughes nails on a bronto originally. I had to take it apart and move the claws in (since this is a herbivore) several times until I was happy with them. But once that was done, it was okay. Yes, I know, they're still crazy claws, but what the hey. There were no pointers as to where to place legs on the bronto, so again, I just winged it. It does seem to me that the back legs are way longer than the front legs ---hmm, I hope I didn't skip a line in the pattern that said 'knit 7 rows' or something...
Final thoughts? I did enjoy knitting this guy, and I enjoyed it lots more when I could knit in the round. It's pretty mindless knitting. Would I knit him again? Why yes I would. But this time, I'd do more of him in the round!
The best part? Z loves him. He was very happy to get his bronto.
My only hint to folks contemplating this knit is to make sure you've got a good project bag where all the little fiddly pieces can go in when completed. I used a lovely grocery bag, and I did regret it when I realized I lost a completely knitted foot. Ask z. I was so bummed I almost didn't finish bronto. Apparently, this foot piece jumped from my bag to the clean laundry that had been put away. Whew! Good thing I found it.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Another Dino progress post
Well, darn it. This thing has how many different pieces? So, yes. I'm going to post yet another in progress post.
Actually, I'm done knitting, now comes the part of sewing, stuffing assembling, embellishing. I've already decided that bronto will not have spots (as per original pattern). Who decided that anyway? Spots? on a very large dinosaur?! Like yeah, he's going to be hiding from predators using his camouflage spots...so long as he's in a jungle or such, carnivores aren't going to be able to spot a 80 feet dinosaur!?
The feet. The four feet were kind of a pain. For the back feet, they ask you to make two feet. You knit the main part, then knit toes individually. THEN...they say, knit the soles in a different color, EXACTLY as the top of the feet. Argh! (okay, it's my own darn fault for not reading the instructions all the way through, but hey). So, for the front feet (same construction but smaller), I did all 4 of them on straight needles at the same time -- ala 2 sweater sleeves or 2 socks, except I had 4 items on the same needle. This way, if I screwed up on one foot, they'd all match. See! Am I brilliant or what?! okay, or what.
As for the 16 claws, I knitted them originally as per instructions, but a foot's worth later, I decided that since I have to knit little triangles, then fold them and seam them, I might as well...yep, you guessed it...knit them in the round. I actually knit them as I-cords, decreased to claws. So, at the knitting group I attend, I managed to finish up the 16 claws.
Anyway, here's a picture of the parts. As I said, I had to stuff as I went on the main body. The legs and feet were knitted flat and the claws in the round. If I could figure out a way to make the feet in the round, I would. But if I did that, I'd have to make itty bitty 'gloves' and they would be the same color. If that weren't more painful than knitting them flat, I'd probably forgo the color switch.
Actually, I'm done knitting, now comes the part of sewing, stuffing assembling, embellishing. I've already decided that bronto will not have spots (as per original pattern). Who decided that anyway? Spots? on a very large dinosaur?! Like yeah, he's going to be hiding from predators using his camouflage spots...so long as he's in a jungle or such, carnivores aren't going to be able to spot a 80 feet dinosaur!?
The feet. The four feet were kind of a pain. For the back feet, they ask you to make two feet. You knit the main part, then knit toes individually. THEN...they say, knit the soles in a different color, EXACTLY as the top of the feet. Argh! (okay, it's my own darn fault for not reading the instructions all the way through, but hey). So, for the front feet (same construction but smaller), I did all 4 of them on straight needles at the same time -- ala 2 sweater sleeves or 2 socks, except I had 4 items on the same needle. This way, if I screwed up on one foot, they'd all match. See! Am I brilliant or what?! okay, or what.
As for the 16 claws, I knitted them originally as per instructions, but a foot's worth later, I decided that since I have to knit little triangles, then fold them and seam them, I might as well...yep, you guessed it...knit them in the round. I actually knit them as I-cords, decreased to claws. So, at the knitting group I attend, I managed to finish up the 16 claws.
Anyway, here's a picture of the parts. As I said, I had to stuff as I went on the main body. The legs and feet were knitted flat and the claws in the round. If I could figure out a way to make the feet in the round, I would. But if I did that, I'd have to make itty bitty 'gloves' and they would be the same color. If that weren't more painful than knitting them flat, I'd probably forgo the color switch.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Cool stuff and Happy Father's Day!
Last week, I was surfing the Destash Blog (RIP) when I came across yarn that I thought I'd be interested in. So, I clicked onto the blog to check it out and was looking at the very cool knit bowling set when Z walked in and said ' ooh, Mom. Can you make that for me?'
What's a mom to do? I emailed the blogger with the question and she promptly emailed me back w/ the answer. The pattern's in Vicky Howell's book, by the way.
I went back to her blog and began reading it...hmm...something sounds familiar...wait a minute...I KNOW her. I met her awhile back at the local coffee shop -- I didn't even know she knit. How weird is that?! Anyway, I emailed her back and thanked her for the info and she has very graciously lent me her book.
I love knitters! How kind. How cool.
On a separate note. I actually broke my first needle (bamboo) the other day. I emailed Crystal Palace and guess what came in the mail yesterday? yep, not one, but 2 needles. That's what I call a good company.
On the knitting front, still working on bronto. The time consuming parts are the legs/feet. Four legs has (seriously) TWENTY EIGHT separate pieces!!! argh! 16 of the 28 are toe nails, so I'm going to see how much of a pain it is to knit little itty bitty triangles for claws...or whether I can embroider them on. Okay, that's not too cool, but the fact that I'm at the feet part is cool.
What's a mom to do? I emailed the blogger with the question and she promptly emailed me back w/ the answer. The pattern's in Vicky Howell's book, by the way.
I went back to her blog and began reading it...hmm...something sounds familiar...wait a minute...I KNOW her. I met her awhile back at the local coffee shop -- I didn't even know she knit. How weird is that?! Anyway, I emailed her back and thanked her for the info and she has very graciously lent me her book.
I love knitters! How kind. How cool.
On a separate note. I actually broke my first needle (bamboo) the other day. I emailed Crystal Palace and guess what came in the mail yesterday? yep, not one, but 2 needles. That's what I call a good company.
On the knitting front, still working on bronto. The time consuming parts are the legs/feet. Four legs has (seriously) TWENTY EIGHT separate pieces!!! argh! 16 of the 28 are toe nails, so I'm going to see how much of a pain it is to knit little itty bitty triangles for claws...or whether I can embroider them on. Okay, that's not too cool, but the fact that I'm at the feet part is cool.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Dino Progess, with a picture
Okay. I am cranking. Okay, not so much. But look at this:
Does it look like a brontosaurus --which is the incorrect name, btw. It's apatosaurus, and there is no such thing as a 'thunder lizard'.
Anyway, I've altered the body drastically. And there seems to be a slight hump, but I'm thinking it'll squish down. I knit the body in the round, but I realized I had to stuff the body before I knit the neck 'cause otherwise, I would get a lumpasaurus.
So, I knit the tail, then body, then stuffed, then knit the neck, then stuffed. The head I did not knit in the round. I have not sewn the last bit in case I need to do something in the head region (like sewing in eyes).
The legs I'm having issues conceptualizing. There were random (to me anyways) decreases and increases. So to be on the safe side, I'm knitting the back legs (so far) flat, like the pattern. But oh, like sweater sleeves, I'm doing both at the same time. As I'm knitting the legs, I'm super glad I didn't knit the body in pieces. I'll post finished pictures when I'm done.
Then the next request is for spinosaurus -- at least on the dino knitting front.
Does it look like a brontosaurus --which is the incorrect name, btw. It's apatosaurus, and there is no such thing as a 'thunder lizard'.
Anyway, I've altered the body drastically. And there seems to be a slight hump, but I'm thinking it'll squish down. I knit the body in the round, but I realized I had to stuff the body before I knit the neck 'cause otherwise, I would get a lumpasaurus.
So, I knit the tail, then body, then stuffed, then knit the neck, then stuffed. The head I did not knit in the round. I have not sewn the last bit in case I need to do something in the head region (like sewing in eyes).
The legs I'm having issues conceptualizing. There were random (to me anyways) decreases and increases. So to be on the safe side, I'm knitting the back legs (so far) flat, like the pattern. But oh, like sweater sleeves, I'm doing both at the same time. As I'm knitting the legs, I'm super glad I didn't knit the body in pieces. I'll post finished pictures when I'm done.
Then the next request is for spinosaurus -- at least on the dino knitting front.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The end of Destash!?
Oh, sadness. I LOVE this blog. Once I found destash, I would visit almost every day and just think about why someone would get rid of this lovely yarn, book, whatever...such lovely yarns... And then there were times where I was thinking to self "What were they thinking?! and they want HOW much for that?!" Okay, but I did really love this blog. I've made a few purchases and was also able to destash a bit of unwanted yarn and even a book.
There were definitely folks who had really bad blog etiquette and would do ridiculous things like put their time of blog way into the future so that their item would always be on top. And then there were the newbies that kept pressing the publish now button. Argh!
Dudes! Couldn't you work out the page on your own blog, then cut and paste onto the destash? Then there wouldn't have been 20 drafts of the same darn thing! And of course, this is my own theory, but I think that blogger operates in the space time continuum such that no two bloggers shall publish simultaneously. So, don't try to edit your page on destash blogger, go edit on your own darn blog, then cut and paste it (oh, wait, I already said that?!)
Anyway, it was fun while it lasted. My hope is that someone else will set up another destash blog, and that people who didn't play nicely don't get to play.
(gets off soap box)
Now, I'll go and send a email to the nice folks at destash to tell them how much they'll be missed.
Monday, June 11, 2007
totally forgot...I won a contest!
I really did totally forget. I won a contest over here. 'Here' is the Walker Treasury Project. What a cool and very useful concept (and application of concept). You all know the books, now see what the stitches look like. Very cool.
And I wanted to join in and submit samples (so that I can get a blanket done w/ squares). But I just haven't had time to go through the books I have (I've got I &II in hardback -- a craigslist find) and have gone through them a little bit, but not to zero in on the patterns I want to use for the said blanket so I haven't emailed to request a pattern because I haven't picked a pattern...anywhoo, I did leave a comment on the blog and won a contest!
I won an audiobook. I chose The Road. Anyway! Go and check out the WTP site. It's amazing, and inspiring.
And I wanted to join in and submit samples (so that I can get a blanket done w/ squares). But I just haven't had time to go through the books I have (I've got I &II in hardback -- a craigslist find) and have gone through them a little bit, but not to zero in on the patterns I want to use for the said blanket so I haven't emailed to request a pattern because I haven't picked a pattern...anywhoo, I did leave a comment on the blog and won a contest!
I won an audiobook. I chose The Road. Anyway! Go and check out the WTP site. It's amazing, and inspiring.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Did you KIP?
No, I didn't either.
No, I take that back. I took Z to soccer practice and managed to cast on and knit one row of a bib for A. That counts, doesn't it?
I meant to do more. There was no way that I was going to make it up to Berkeley for their event. I would have loved to, but I'm playing single mom this weekend whilst z&a's dad is off doing some guy time w/ his buddies. Next year. I'll try harder next year.
Besides soccer, we had a nice lunch w/ grandma at our favorite dim sum place. And then we had a relaxing afternoon (okay, it was relaxing for me because Z took a nap!). So, of the 5 items planned for Saturday, we managed to do more than half. That's not too bad. The 2 things we didn't do? Go check out the Sand Castle building contest and go to a picnic at the park.
However, this morning...woken up at 4am by A, who woke up Z. And yes, they're still up...
On the knitting front, I got the very cool Patons Dino pattern (thanks so much to the wonderful chemgrrl) and have started brontosaurus. I've managed to completely change the pattern to knit it in the round and I 'm hoping this will work. Maybe I should have read all the directions first, but I thought I'd wing it. The finished dino is huge, so I sort of am making him shorter. I'm using my Crystal Palace US2 dpn with a green acrylic worsted weight yarn (speckles) . When I find the tag, I'll let you know. As this is a toy, I stash bust some acrylics. (did I mention that the cotton knitting so traumatized me that even acrylics are feeling pretty okay?!).
I believe that for at least one of the dinosaurs, I will make as per instructions...and if bronto turns out wonky, well, I'll be remaking it in the flat (but I'd rather not).
btw- I was bummed when I got these dpns because they were longer than other dpns I normally use, but this has totally worked out for toy making in the round because you've got to increase to large number of stitches from small number, and while magic loop rocks, it's kind of a pain to do unless you've got a fair number of stitches to work with.
So, for example, the pattern goes from tail to head, so I decided to use dpn's for an I-cord that I increased to knit in the round...
So, how many WIPs?
stalled out yoga bag
market bag in cotton
luna moth shawl
bib
dino
*these are just the 'active' ones. There's a serious bunch of WIPs that need to be worked on.
Have a good Sunday!
No, I take that back. I took Z to soccer practice and managed to cast on and knit one row of a bib for A. That counts, doesn't it?
I meant to do more. There was no way that I was going to make it up to Berkeley for their event. I would have loved to, but I'm playing single mom this weekend whilst z&a's dad is off doing some guy time w/ his buddies. Next year. I'll try harder next year.
Besides soccer, we had a nice lunch w/ grandma at our favorite dim sum place. And then we had a relaxing afternoon (okay, it was relaxing for me because Z took a nap!). So, of the 5 items planned for Saturday, we managed to do more than half. That's not too bad. The 2 things we didn't do? Go check out the Sand Castle building contest and go to a picnic at the park.
However, this morning...woken up at 4am by A, who woke up Z. And yes, they're still up...
On the knitting front, I got the very cool Patons Dino pattern (thanks so much to the wonderful chemgrrl) and have started brontosaurus. I've managed to completely change the pattern to knit it in the round and I 'm hoping this will work. Maybe I should have read all the directions first, but I thought I'd wing it. The finished dino is huge, so I sort of am making him shorter. I'm using my Crystal Palace US2 dpn with a green acrylic worsted weight yarn (speckles) . When I find the tag, I'll let you know. As this is a toy, I stash bust some acrylics. (did I mention that the cotton knitting so traumatized me that even acrylics are feeling pretty okay?!).
I believe that for at least one of the dinosaurs, I will make as per instructions...and if bronto turns out wonky, well, I'll be remaking it in the flat (but I'd rather not).
btw- I was bummed when I got these dpns because they were longer than other dpns I normally use, but this has totally worked out for toy making in the round because you've got to increase to large number of stitches from small number, and while magic loop rocks, it's kind of a pain to do unless you've got a fair number of stitches to work with.
So, for example, the pattern goes from tail to head, so I decided to use dpn's for an I-cord that I increased to knit in the round...
So, how many WIPs?
stalled out yoga bag
market bag in cotton
luna moth shawl
bib
dino
*these are just the 'active' ones. There's a serious bunch of WIPs that need to be worked on.
Have a good Sunday!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
I spoke too soon. NOT so easy lace
I'm blowing this lace pattern. Argh! Do you know how many times I've had to tink? Argh!
This is supposed to be easy lace, so that I can start thinking about Peacock...
Argh!
This is supposed to be easy lace, so that I can start thinking about Peacock...
Argh!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Easy lace project
I received as part of a swap, a lovely ball of Knit pick's Shimmer (that would be the alpaca/silk) in Morning Mist (blues/white). 440yds...what to make? another swallowtail? naw. Lace leaf? flower basket? I know, perfect. The Falling Water Lace Scarf (pd.f). I decided on the 5X repeat scarf and knit 4 inches of the scarf before I came to the sad realization that this scarf needs either a heavier weight yarn or needs to be a stole. Oh, and my magic 5X repeat results in some serious pooling (sigh).
Frogged it and instead decided on the Elann free triangle Luna Moth Shawl. What?! Not another triangular shawl! Oh, yes.
My take on this pattern. I always do this, I know, but I have a hard time remembering the pattern until, I'm almost done. And with the variegation, it's tough right now to check pattern. Anywhoo that's what I'm working on right now.
I'll do pictures next time since unblocked lace looks horrid. Oh, yes, I started this 6/1/07
Frogged it and instead decided on the Elann free triangle Luna Moth Shawl. What?! Not another triangular shawl! Oh, yes.
My take on this pattern. I always do this, I know, but I have a hard time remembering the pattern until, I'm almost done. And with the variegation, it's tough right now to check pattern. Anywhoo that's what I'm working on right now.
I'll do pictures next time since unblocked lace looks horrid. Oh, yes, I started this 6/1/07
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
I've been a bad blogger - FOs
Can't believe I've not posted. But I've been busy.
Item 1: White tomato.
I finished (all except for weaving in) of my white tomato. It's made w/ Plymouth 100% cotton. I dropped the needle size to US6 to obtain gauge (see below--they recommend a US8!?). And did my fingers get sore. Ouch.
Here's the specs of the yarn:• 100% mercerized cotton medium weight yarn.
(the picture is wonky because it's sitting on our couch and I was leaning a weird angle.)
But it's finished. I made a size medium. I also had to rip out the neckline because it turned out floppy. The modification I made was that I was supposed to decrease between the markers and I actually also decreased 2 ribs on each side.
Oh, and of course, AFTER I finished it, I checked other tomatoes, only to find that maybe I should have made it in a cotton blend instead of 100% cotton. For the reason that every extra bump on your body apparently leaves its mark on the sweater. Darn. Oh, and it's very heavy. 100% cotton! what was I thinking.
specs:
yarn:6 hanks of Plymouth Fantasy Naturale Yarn in white
needle: US6
time:2.5 weeks? maybe?
Item 2: Zimmerman's Baby February sweater
This was done using 2 skeins of worsted weight Encore. I don't know about you, but knitting Encore after struggling with this cotton...it felt like butta! Well, I wasn't going to start my lace project (cashmere) yet...that would result in me never knitting w/ cotton again.
Anyway, again, much larger sweater since I used worsted instead of baby weight.
specs:
yarn: Encore 2 skeins red
needle: US6
time: May 20-May 27, 2007
mods: I followed the 'pithy' directions (and read alot of Zimmermaniac blog). I knitted the yoke as per spec, didn't like it, ripped it, redid it, ripped again, and well, ripped again when I realized you're supposed to be putting button holes in at the same time. I did decide that buttons don't have to come all the way down the front, and I liked the buttons only on the garter stitch yoke look. So, I ripped again and figured out how to put button holes into the yoke (not as easy as it seems since I didn't want them to hit right on top of the increases).
The sleeves are too long. I made one sleeve, then the other, and realized that they're too long. Will roll sleeve instead (and tack down w/ yarn). Hey, it's not like a's going to be wearing the sweater too soon. It will likely fit a 3 year old?
For her well-baby checkup, we found out that she's now a whopping 10% in weight. And she's at 20% in height, so no worries. Maybe she'll wear it when she's 5.
Item 3: An O.
Oh, I've been experimenting. I wanted to make a hoop out of yarn. So I went to check out the doknit (google the spelling, please) and had an epiphany. Well, of course.
I wanted a ring, not a donut, so I doubled up some acrylic (did I mention that the cotton so trashed me that all yarns not cotton was feeling fabulous?!) and knit this (yes, that cheerio in the middle is for size reference):
Specs:
needle: US6 dpns
yarn: acrylic yarn worsted weight doubled (surprisingly, maybe 1/2 skein)
time: a couple of hours? Most of the time was spent sewing it shut.
Mods: I increased the initial number of stitches. It uhm, turned out a bit larger than expected. When finished and stuffed, I had to double-check that A's head was larger than the hole so that it doesn't become some sort of hanging hazard (her head IS bigger, thank you). I also wanted it to be fatter, so that's what I did. When it was on the needles, the hoop looked normal size, but when stuffed and sewn, well, it's a tad large.
Item 4: a doknit
I figured I had to do it. But when following the directions, realized that yet again, I needed to modify. I used smaller needles, and decreased the cast on stitches. I also decided to do a normal cast-on instead of the fancier ones because when you sew it together, you can't see it.
When z&a's dad saw the finished doknit, he said, 'nice. what is it?'
When z saw it, he said 'cool. you made a donut'. (my very bright boy)
specs:
needles: US4 dpn
yarn: brown and tan acrylic yarn a smidgeon of each
time: the House season finale
Where's the picture? I gave it to A to play with and it's gone MIA.
Item 1: White tomato.
I finished (all except for weaving in) of my white tomato. It's made w/ Plymouth 100% cotton. I dropped the needle size to US6 to obtain gauge (see below--they recommend a US8!?). And did my fingers get sore. Ouch.
Here's the specs of the yarn:
• 100% mercerized cotton medium weight yarn.
• Machine wash. Imported.
• 3.5 oz/100 grams/140 yard/128m hank. 18 stitches=4" (10cm)/size 8 (5mm) needles. The bummer part? There was a knot in every single hank! And when you're knitting in the round, where do you hide the joins? I did it on the side. What a pain. It was such a pain that I actually emailed PYC.
(the picture is wonky because it's sitting on our couch and I was leaning a weird angle.)
Oh, and of course, AFTER I finished it, I checked other tomatoes, only to find that maybe I should have made it in a cotton blend instead of 100% cotton. For the reason that every extra bump on your body apparently leaves its mark on the sweater. Darn. Oh, and it's very heavy. 100% cotton! what was I thinking.
specs:
yarn:6 hanks of Plymouth Fantasy Naturale Yarn in white
needle: US6
time:2.5 weeks? maybe?
Item 2: Zimmerman's Baby February sweater
This was done using 2 skeins of worsted weight Encore. I don't know about you, but knitting Encore after struggling with this cotton...it felt like butta! Well, I wasn't going to start my lace project (cashmere) yet...that would result in me never knitting w/ cotton again.
Anyway, again, much larger sweater since I used worsted instead of baby weight.
specs:
needle: US6
time: May 20-May 27, 2007
mods: I followed the 'pithy' directions (and read alot of Zimmermaniac blog). I knitted the yoke as per spec, didn't like it, ripped it, redid it, ripped again, and well, ripped again when I realized you're supposed to be putting button holes in at the same time. I did decide that buttons don't have to come all the way down the front, and I liked the buttons only on the garter stitch yoke look. So, I ripped again and figured out how to put button holes into the yoke (not as easy as it seems since I didn't want them to hit right on top of the increases).
The sleeves are too long. I made one sleeve, then the other, and realized that they're too long. Will roll sleeve instead (and tack down w/ yarn). Hey, it's not like a's going to be wearing the sweater too soon. It will likely fit a 3 year old?
For her well-baby checkup, we found out that she's now a whopping 10% in weight. And she's at 20% in height, so no worries. Maybe she'll wear it when she's 5.
Item 3: An O.
Oh, I've been experimenting. I wanted to make a hoop out of yarn. So I went to check out the doknit (google the spelling, please) and had an epiphany. Well, of course.
I wanted a ring, not a donut, so I doubled up some acrylic (did I mention that the cotton so trashed me that all yarns not cotton was feeling fabulous?!) and knit this (yes, that cheerio in the middle is for size reference):
Specs:
needle: US6 dpns
yarn: acrylic yarn worsted weight doubled (surprisingly, maybe 1/2 skein)
time: a couple of hours? Most of the time was spent sewing it shut.
Mods: I increased the initial number of stitches. It uhm, turned out a bit larger than expected. When finished and stuffed, I had to double-check that A's head was larger than the hole so that it doesn't become some sort of hanging hazard (her head IS bigger, thank you). I also wanted it to be fatter, so that's what I did. When it was on the needles, the hoop looked normal size, but when stuffed and sewn, well, it's a tad large.
Item 4: a doknit
I figured I had to do it. But when following the directions, realized that yet again, I needed to modify. I used smaller needles, and decreased the cast on stitches. I also decided to do a normal cast-on instead of the fancier ones because when you sew it together, you can't see it.
When z&a's dad saw the finished doknit, he said, 'nice. what is it?'
When z saw it, he said 'cool. you made a donut'. (my very bright boy)
specs:
needles: US4 dpn
yarn: brown and tan acrylic yarn a smidgeon of each
time: the House season finale
Where's the picture? I gave it to A to play with and it's gone MIA.
Monday, May 28, 2007
I've been a bad blogger
Happy Memorial Day!
I've been not bloggering, but I have been knitting. Please stay tuned. I will post pics of FO's soon!
I've been not bloggering, but I have been knitting. Please stay tuned. I will post pics of FO's soon!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mom's Day!
Happy Mother's Day!
For me, this has been a super good day so far. I got to sleep in (yes!) and z&a's dad took the children away to the living room. Then I went to the gym and did a gnarly spin class(not that kind of spin, the cycling one). Then I stopped at a garage sale and purchased a new to us jogging stroller for A. And when I got home, there was a wonderful card and lots of chocolates!
Knitting-wise, I'm working on a white tomato from 'No Sheep' without the stripe across the sweater. We'll see how it turns out...yes, I realize that I might as well go to Target and purchase a white top, but you know, this is more interesting. The yarn is a 100% merc cotton from Plymouth. And it's a pita to knit with, mainly because to get gauge, I've had to drop from a recommended US8 to US6 -- and I still have to tighten every stitch.
For me, this has been a super good day so far. I got to sleep in (yes!) and z&a's dad took the children away to the living room. Then I went to the gym and did a gnarly spin class(not that kind of spin, the cycling one). Then I stopped at a garage sale and purchased a new to us jogging stroller for A. And when I got home, there was a wonderful card and lots of chocolates!
Knitting-wise, I'm working on a white tomato from 'No Sheep' without the stripe across the sweater. We'll see how it turns out...yes, I realize that I might as well go to Target and purchase a white top, but you know, this is more interesting. The yarn is a 100% merc cotton from Plymouth. And it's a pita to knit with, mainly because to get gauge, I've had to drop from a recommended US8 to US6 -- and I still have to tighten every stitch.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Zimmerman BSJ
I'd been meaning to make this sweater. I followed directions and here's what I ended up with.Specs: Encore yarn 2 balls
needle size US8
time: April 29-May 3, 2007, seamed May 7, 2007
The wonky part- note the sleeves. Yes, both of them are like that. there's a delineation between the point where the sleeves are knitted and where they're added onto the sweater. It wasn't noticeable when knitted, but now that it's seamed up, argh!
I've still got to find buttons, but other than that, it's done. It also turned out much larger than I expected, oh well.
One final thing. I actually had to tear out both seams once because when I was done seaming, I realized that the neck opening was way way too small. So, it all got torn out and I pinned them to make sure that the neck opening was big enough.
Next up for Sparky A is the February sweater -- out of red Encore. I think I'll go down another size in the needle and hopefully, she'll actually be able to wear it this fall/winter
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Picovoli II on Spinner
As soon as I got the cone holder working, I thought I had to knit something fast. I had in my stash Crystal Palace cotton on a cone and I thought I need myself a tank as the weather's getting warmer. I figured I'd make another picovoli since I'm not sure I have enough yarn. Since this is a top-down one piece pattern, I figure that I'll try it and if doesn't work, well, there's always the frog pond. Most importantly, I don't have to cut the yarn. I just have to knit round and round and voila! tank--OR--no tank and cone again.
Of course my gauge is off. Of course. Grumperina suggests a gauge of 22st/inch for this. I got 16 on this yarn. So, with my spidey powers, I worked out the calculations and cast on.
Here's the finished Picovoli:
Yarn: CP Monterey cotton
Amount used: almost the whole cone (420yds/cone)
needles: US8, US9
started 4/21/07
finished 4/27/07
Modifications: gauge mods and I switched to a larger needle after the waist shaping.
The only issue I had was that right at the end of this top, there was a knot in the yarn. I lost about a yard of yarn because I wanted to have the knot on the side.
The only other issue is this. I wore it today and it's dragging (the armholes have gotten larger). Oh, drats! I just finished weaving the ends in, so I'm not in a huge hurry to frog the thing and redo it. I may have to wear another tank underneath. Oh, well.
Edited to add: hmmm...don't think I'll try to take my own picture again...hmmm
Of course my gauge is off. Of course. Grumperina suggests a gauge of 22st/inch for this. I got 16 on this yarn. So, with my spidey powers, I worked out the calculations and cast on.
Here's the finished Picovoli:
Yarn: CP Monterey cotton
Amount used: almost the whole cone (420yds/cone)
needles: US8, US9
started 4/21/07
finished 4/27/07
Modifications: gauge mods and I switched to a larger needle after the waist shaping.
The only issue I had was that right at the end of this top, there was a knot in the yarn. I lost about a yard of yarn because I wanted to have the knot on the side.
The only other issue is this. I wore it today and it's dragging (the armholes have gotten larger). Oh, drats! I just finished weaving the ends in, so I'm not in a huge hurry to frog the thing and redo it. I may have to wear another tank underneath. Oh, well.
Edited to add: hmmm...don't think I'll try to take my own picture again...hmmm
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Happy Birthday to Sparky!
Today is A's birthday! She turned ONE today. Can you believe it?! Yikes. Time has flown, she has flourished, and it's a year later.
Anyway, I'm planning her party this weekend, so I've got nada to show on the knitting front. Actually, I do. I've finished Picovoli II (will blog about it next week), I'm also working on a couple of knitterly items. But I'm waiting for my battery to arrive (and hoping it'll work) for my camera.
Anyway, I'm planning her party this weekend, so I've got nada to show on the knitting front. Actually, I do. I've finished Picovoli II (will blog about it next week), I'm also working on a couple of knitterly items. But I'm waiting for my battery to arrive (and hoping it'll work) for my camera.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Do it yourself Cone Spinnerrette - a tutorial
I love cones of yarn. Not hanks, skeins, center pull balls...nope. If at all possible, I will buy the cone. Did I mention cones I like? Why do I like knitting from the cone? It gives the illusion that you have a never ending supply of yarn (you don't, and there have been times where I have run out). The yarn's all contained on the cone, you don't have to worry about losing that one ball of 16 you needed for a project. And they look so neat and tidy too. However, there's a downside to cones. You can unintentionally put a bias in the yarn. Putting a twist is okay when you're knitting with several strands held together, but when you're only knitting with one, well...
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention, and I had so far just winged it using a paper towel holder to hold my cones. Letting the cone spin on it's own is okay, but the McGuyver in me said there must be a better way. Remember that I met a knitter at the lacy knitter's guild a couple of months ago, and he showed me his cone holder? Remember? He told me that I could make one using a bearing and some wood. He also said I could get my husband or boyfriend to do the woodwork, but we won't go there--I love z&a's dad so much, but if I had asked him to build this for me...well, let's just say that as an engineer, he would have over engineered and spent several years mulling it over and then tried to make it better than I needed and then well, he's an engineer...I figured I could build this thing. The only difficult thing to get was the bearing. btw-they don't carry it at big orange store. Nor did I see it at Orchard. I found it at my local Ace Hardware. But I had to ask. And this will also be the most expensive part (at least for me) of the project. It was $7.99
I was thinking that I would have to buy a wooden disc, and a large dowel and a small dowel, then get a large drill bit and drill a hole on top, then pound a dowel the size of the inner hole of the bearing on to hold...ack! what a project. But I figured out a much easier way.
So, without further ado, here's my tutorial:
Unfortunately, I made it before I took any pictures, so this is a re-enactment.
Title: Yarn Cone spindle developed from simple vertical paper towel holder
Materials and Methods: General tools were used for this construction. A rubber wood paper towel holder (Local thrift store, CA) was dismantled and the screw from the center pole removed using standard procedures. . The screw from the guide pole was also removed with a wrench.The bearing was procured from Ace Hardware (figure 1).
Figure 1
The hole in the guide pole was enlarged using a drill and a drill bit of the same size as that removed from the main pole. The larger screw was screwed in (figure 2).
Figure 2
Figure 3
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention, and I had so far just winged it using a paper towel holder to hold my cones. Letting the cone spin on it's own is okay, but the McGuyver in me said there must be a better way. Remember that I met a knitter at the lacy knitter's guild a couple of months ago, and he showed me his cone holder? Remember? He told me that I could make one using a bearing and some wood. He also said I could get my husband or boyfriend to do the woodwork, but we won't go there--I love z&a's dad so much, but if I had asked him to build this for me...well, let's just say that as an engineer, he would have over engineered and spent several years mulling it over and then tried to make it better than I needed and then well, he's an engineer...I figured I could build this thing. The only difficult thing to get was the bearing. btw-they don't carry it at big orange store. Nor did I see it at Orchard. I found it at my local Ace Hardware. But I had to ask. And this will also be the most expensive part (at least for me) of the project. It was $7.99
I was thinking that I would have to buy a wooden disc, and a large dowel and a small dowel, then get a large drill bit and drill a hole on top, then pound a dowel the size of the inner hole of the bearing on to hold...ack! what a project. But I figured out a much easier way.
So, without further ado, here's my tutorial:
Unfortunately, I made it before I took any pictures, so this is a re-enactment.
Title: Yarn Cone spindle developed from simple vertical paper towel holder
Materials and Methods: General tools were used for this construction. A rubber wood paper towel holder (Local thrift store, CA) was dismantled and the screw from the center pole removed using standard procedures. . The screw from the guide pole was also removed with a wrench.The bearing was procured from Ace Hardware (figure 1).
Figure 1The hole in the guide pole was enlarged using a drill and a drill bit of the same size as that removed from the main pole. The larger screw was screwed in (figure 2).
Figure 2The top of the guide pole was whittled with an exacto knife to fit the circumference of the bearing(figure 3).
Figure 3The original guide pole, now with the larger revised screw was replaced on the platform in the center. The spinnerette was assembled and tested. (figure 4, 5).
Figure 4 
Figure 5
Figure 4 
Figure 5Friday, April 13, 2007
Swap-a-rama goodies
I finally discovered this thing called swapping. What a great idea. You've got some stuff that you got whenever, and now you see some stuff that you want that someone is trying to get rid of, and you exchange your stuff. How cool is that? Anyway, I went through a sock craze a bit back (peaked when pregnant w/ a) where I was acquiring sock yarn, sock knitting implements, etc. But now, even with all the lovely socks out there, I'm sort of not that interested. I might be interested in some of the cool lace socks, maybe...
So, anyways, I find folks that want my sock stuff and want to exchange other stuff (like lace yarn and funky patterns) for my sock stuff. Cool!
here's my cool swapped stuff. I think z&a's dad might think I bought this stuff, but I didn't. I got other stuff awhile ago and have shipped those away to get more different stuff. Although, I think that at this point, I may (gulp) have enough laceweight yarn (of all types) to last me for awhile. The only picture I don't have is the gossamer (Knitpicks) that I received. I've wanted to try Knitpick's laceweight, and when it was offered up, well, I had something to trade for it.
This yarn is Brown sheep cotton/wool laceweight.
And the patterns are some vintage patterns. But I don't know if you can see the very very cool stitch markers that came with the patterns. They are gorgeous! That wasn't originally part of the trade, but she added them in since there was a discrepancy with swapped items. I love the stitch markers. I will definitely use them.
So, anyways, I find folks that want my sock stuff and want to exchange other stuff (like lace yarn and funky patterns) for my sock stuff. Cool!
here's my cool swapped stuff. I think z&a's dad might think I bought this stuff, but I didn't. I got other stuff awhile ago and have shipped those away to get more different stuff. Although, I think that at this point, I may (gulp) have enough laceweight yarn (of all types) to last me for awhile. The only picture I don't have is the gossamer (Knitpicks) that I received. I've wanted to try Knitpick's laceweight, and when it was offered up, well, I had something to trade for it.
This yarn is Brown sheep cotton/wool laceweight.
And the patterns are some vintage patterns. But I don't know if you can see the very very cool stitch markers that came with the patterns. They are gorgeous! That wasn't originally part of the trade, but she added them in since there was a discrepancy with swapped items. I love the stitch markers. I will definitely use them.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Bianca Fini
Milestones on this one.1) a Finished Object
2) a sweater!
3) One that fits.
4) I like it
5)most importantly, one that I'll wear (in fact, it's already been worn, and I've not even blocked it)
Specifications:
Pattern: IK Fall 2006
yarn: Crystal Palace Flamme (100% merc cotton)
amount: less than 7 balls
Completion time: March 30, 2007-April 9, 2007
modifications: no major change*. 5 buttons instead of 6.
*I think the charts were incorrect. As written, there's an extra ridge in the lace pattern. I worked on the sleeves at the same time on the same needles and finished the first lace pattern, went on with the 2nd, realized it didn't look like the picture, and decided that was going to be my little modification. The first lace pattern has a ridge in the sleeves (not the yoke). It looked fine, so I just kept going, ignoring that one line and purled on the wrong side.
thoughts:
My gauge was off (smaller), so I made a large instead of medium. It's a tad big, could have made it in a medium. Would like to make the bottom as one piece instead of 3. Very annoying--that seaming the panels. Magically, the sweater actually fits, albeit a tad large, even with the row gauge definitely being off.
I did have another modification with the buttons. I found (in my button stash, no less), these cork resin buttons. See how perfect they are for this sweater? I even had six buttons, but I decided on five. Anyway, I had finished off the button loops for six and decided that the buttons were always going to be slipping out, so I only did 2 chains w/ crochet hook and I really like it.
Oh, yes. This sweater took me NINE days to finish! I'm straining trying to pat my own back...
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Happy Easter Bunny!
Hope everyone had a really nice Easter. I could show you the aftermath of our celebration, but there would be lots of empty plastic eggs and colored foil...
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Bianca
I've wanted to knit this sweater since I got the Winter 2006 IK. And I've procured several different types of yarns for this project. In fact, I've got several sweater's worth in different yarns...silk, cotton, wool, etc...I just saw a pretty one in Cotton-ease when I googled it. Then I thought I'd make one in the new Cotton-ease...argh! Must make at least ONE first, before thinking about procuring more yarn.
Instead, I went into my stash and picked out CP merc. cotton (that's been discontinued). The color is similar to the one pictured here.
Anyhow, the gauge was off, so I am making a larger size. Altho', as I'm knitting it, I'm finding that maybe I got gauge, after all...hmmm...The way the sweater's constructed, I think a little wider isn't going to make a difference (I'm hoping).
The beginning of this sweater is ho-hum, just endless St stitches with a bit of shaping here and there. Will post pictures as it becomes more interesting. btw-- started this sweater March 30, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
My buttons picture
The Dorset buttons. You know you want to make some. They were fun to make and quite therapeutic. I'm trying to decide whether I need to make double the buttons...As you can see in this self-taken picture (or maybe you can't), I've got a set of buttons in every other hole. 
I'm kinda in a quandry. On one hand, these were fun to make and it would be fun to make a bunch more. On the flip side, these buttons eat yarn, I mean devour it. And on the third side of that coin(?), maybe I should make more buttons now in case I lose a set. But but what if I lose the extra ones I made, that would be a waste. And on the 4th side of the square(?), I still have enough silk yarn to make a head band or something so if I use it all up...ahhh, dilemma.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Belated pic of winnings
Sorry it's taken so long in posting, here's the picture of my winnings from Gilmore Girls KAL.
Thanks to Mandie!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Curved shawl edging done!
You may remember my dilemma about the Curved shawl from VLT -- you know, the fact that the edging looked all floppy and sloppy and such? Well, I spent some time poring through my VLT and Heirloom Lace and other lace books, only to decide that I liked the original edging for this shawl. What to do?
I decided that I'll just go down a couple of sizes in needles and see how that looks. Hey, if it looks dumb, I can always rip it out. (The wonderful part of the edging is that it's not actually connected to the body, so...if you feel the need to rip, no harm, no fowl.)
So, I went down to a US6 needle and sort of followed their pickup strategy. Since I'm now using a smaller needle, once in awhile I would join a third stitch to the body of the scarf (instead of the 2 into 1 suggested by the book). I forgot to do some simple math toward the end and didn't finish off a whole edging pattern, but it was close enough that I was totally okay with it.
Here's the finished shawl, and I think it looks purty.
Did I ever give the specs for this shawl?
Specifications:
US9 for main lace, US6 for edging
Yarn: 70% angora 30% nylon in raspberry (amount? gee, 2 balls of yarn)
pattern: VLT curved shawl
time to finish: beginning of March to March 25 (blocked March 28)
I decided that I'll just go down a couple of sizes in needles and see how that looks. Hey, if it looks dumb, I can always rip it out. (The wonderful part of the edging is that it's not actually connected to the body, so...if you feel the need to rip, no harm, no fowl.)
So, I went down to a US6 needle and sort of followed their pickup strategy. Since I'm now using a smaller needle, once in awhile I would join a third stitch to the body of the scarf (instead of the 2 into 1 suggested by the book). I forgot to do some simple math toward the end and didn't finish off a whole edging pattern, but it was close enough that I was totally okay with it.
Here's the finished shawl, and I think it looks purty.
Did I ever give the specs for this shawl?Specifications:
US9 for main lace, US6 for edging
Yarn: 70% angora 30% nylon in raspberry (amount? gee, 2 balls of yarn)
pattern: VLT curved shawl
time to finish: beginning of March to March 25 (blocked March 28)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Buttons buttons
Thanks Sarah for the suggestion about soldering the wire so that the buttons won't snag the yarn if wire is used to put the buttons together. The funny thing is that I actually own two soldering irons. And I've been thinking about soldering the joints on my markers so that the rings don't open up and catch. So of course I could just do the same with the buttons. My only concern was that short of using glass or metal beads, the buttons may melt (I'm not very proficient at soldering).
I went to the local craft/sewing stores to look at buttons, and honestly wasn't very inspired. Then I remembered reading Craftzine and seeing this . At the time, I was thinking, 'Yeah right. Make your own buttons by wrapping thread around a plastic ring. Someone has wayyy too much time.' The other thing I was thinking reading that article was 'Hey, that's what you do with those plastic rings'. Anywhoo, yep, guessed it. I made the Dorset Buttons for my Convertible. It didn't actually take that long, it just took a bunch of my leftover silk yarn. For directions on how to make these, follow my link.
And the best part? The buttons totally match without looking dorky and they aren't too heavy. I didn't want heavy buttons that would slowly stretch out the Convertible to become kimono sleeves!
I'll get z&a's dad to take a picture of me wearing it when I get a chance. Oh, the funniest thing was that when I was done, and modeling it for him, he told me he didn't get it, and why did I only make sleeves (as in, where's the rest of the sweater?!). There was also a comment about being a spider lady, but I let that one slide.
I went to the local craft/sewing stores to look at buttons, and honestly wasn't very inspired. Then I remembered reading Craftzine and seeing this . At the time, I was thinking, 'Yeah right. Make your own buttons by wrapping thread around a plastic ring. Someone has wayyy too much time.' The other thing I was thinking reading that article was 'Hey, that's what you do with those plastic rings'. Anywhoo, yep, guessed it. I made the Dorset Buttons for my Convertible. It didn't actually take that long, it just took a bunch of my leftover silk yarn. For directions on how to make these, follow my link.
And the best part? The buttons totally match without looking dorky and they aren't too heavy. I didn't want heavy buttons that would slowly stretch out the Convertible to become kimono sleeves!
I'll get z&a's dad to take a picture of me wearing it when I get a chance. Oh, the funniest thing was that when I was done, and modeling it for him, he told me he didn't get it, and why did I only make sleeves (as in, where's the rest of the sweater?!). There was also a comment about being a spider lady, but I let that one slide.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Knitty Convertible almost ready to go
Instead of working on the edging for the curved shawl, I finished convertible instead. I have been stressing about the length of the the thing...what a cliff hanger...will it or won't it be too long? will it be too wide? should I block before I'm finished to figure out the length? oh, what to do what to do?
Yeah, right. I'm going to preblock. That would just drive me batty if it still didn't turn out properly. I decided that if it didn't block out properly (either the sleeves are too wide or long), I'll just wear it as a summer shawl. And hey, I won't have to do the fiddly buttons. How many buttons do you need?
Without further ado, here's my finished convertible.
stats:
yarn: almost a cone of dk weight navy 100% smooth silk from colourmart
pattern: Convertible from Knitty (go look it up)
needles: US6
time: 3/6/2007 - 3/20/2007
finished size: 23in X 76in (a bit larger than expected, but oh, well, that's what happens when you don't block a swatch)
modifications: cast on 77 stitches and did 5 pattern repeats.
My thoughts: this yarn is steam set by colourmart and it cost $2 more than if you just ask them to wind the strands on a cone. Is it worth it? for me, it was this time. I've got some doubled silk yarn that I'd like to try and see how that goes. The only time I split the yarn was when I wasn't paying ANY attention -- and it serves me right.
So now I've got to think buttons. I was going to connect them via Knitty's suggestion using wire, but apparently, that's difficult to do and the wire sticks out and such. Instead, I'm almost thinking some sort of frog bead closure thing. a loop that a bead can toggle through. hmmm...when I have that done, I'll of course show it off. Until then, I've got a pretty darn nice summer wrap (at least it's sunny today).
Yeah, right. I'm going to preblock. That would just drive me batty if it still didn't turn out properly. I decided that if it didn't block out properly (either the sleeves are too wide or long), I'll just wear it as a summer shawl. And hey, I won't have to do the fiddly buttons. How many buttons do you need?
Without further ado, here's my finished convertible.
stats:yarn: almost a cone of dk weight navy 100% smooth silk from colourmart
pattern: Convertible from Knitty (go look it up)
needles: US6
time: 3/6/2007 - 3/20/2007
finished size: 23in X 76in (a bit larger than expected, but oh, well, that's what happens when you don't block a swatch)
modifications: cast on 77 stitches and did 5 pattern repeats.
My thoughts: this yarn is steam set by colourmart and it cost $2 more than if you just ask them to wind the strands on a cone. Is it worth it? for me, it was this time. I've got some doubled silk yarn that I'd like to try and see how that goes. The only time I split the yarn was when I wasn't paying ANY attention -- and it serves me right.
So now I've got to think buttons. I was going to connect them via Knitty's suggestion using wire, but apparently, that's difficult to do and the wire sticks out and such. Instead, I'm almost thinking some sort of frog bead closure thing. a loop that a bead can toggle through. hmmm...when I have that done, I'll of course show it off. Until then, I've got a pretty darn nice summer wrap (at least it's sunny today).
Monday, March 19, 2007
Bubby for a Bubby
This gift is already gifted. This was for a lovely boy who just turned one at the beginning of the month. He's a doll. So I knit him a bubby.
This knit was fiddly. But cute. And it hurt my fingers knitting tightly. I am not a natural born tight knitter. (sigh) Remember, I'm the loosey goosey kind of gal.
The directions were followed, except that I used doubled Woolease with US5 needles. I did add a tail and a bellybutton. For the tail, I crocheted a chain of 4 and tied a knot and sewed it on. For the belly button, I used the yarn used for putting the tail on and came out through the front, and back into the back. Put a bit of tension there so that you got a little 'insie' and that was that.
I will have to make one of these for my little girl child too. I wonder if I can knit it and felt it to get that tightness?hmmm...I've got some lovely worsted weight 100% wool in a pink that I really shouldn't use for anything but toys. I may even try to make a dinosaur, for my boy z (but maybe not in pink).
This knit was fiddly. But cute. And it hurt my fingers knitting tightly. I am not a natural born tight knitter. (sigh) Remember, I'm the loosey goosey kind of gal.
The directions were followed, except that I used doubled Woolease with US5 needles. I did add a tail and a bellybutton. For the tail, I crocheted a chain of 4 and tied a knot and sewed it on. For the belly button, I used the yarn used for putting the tail on and came out through the front, and back into the back. Put a bit of tension there so that you got a little 'insie' and that was that.
I will have to make one of these for my little girl child too. I wonder if I can knit it and felt it to get that tightness?hmmm...I've got some lovely worsted weight 100% wool in a pink that I really shouldn't use for anything but toys. I may even try to make a dinosaur, for my boy z (but maybe not in pink).
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Gift
I was reading the Gilmore Girls KAL and was inspired by Mandie's cabled purse to make this.
I followed the directions from this site after I got frustrated looking for spytastic.blogspot (this blog no longer exists?).
Anyway, here's the specs:
yarn: 100% wool doubled (LB's Fisherman's wool)
needles: US10 tight.
cable repeats: 7
time for completion: knit in one evening? Another day for lining.
dimensions: 11in width X 6in height (without the bamboo handles - small D style)
Hand sewn lining ( I am not a sewer and do not own a sewing machine*)
The handles were attached with whip stitch (I think that's what it's called)
1 yard of ribbon to finish it off.
*we have a little itty bitty one that I can't use properly.
Other than that, followed the directions. Cast on 38 stitches, etc. This was a fast knit. Reminder to self: must alternate lace knitting with instant gratification knitting.
So, I was looking for a gift for a 10 year old and couldn't find anything appropriate. I also wasn't going to knit her a sweater, don't go there. Anyway, I hope she likes it.
I still need to knit myself another purse. My Lucy is looking a bit frayed. Time for it to go back in the washer.
While looking for this cabled purse pattern, I came across some lovelies. However, I have some specific ideas. I really like to form from the doctor's bag from Knit2gether, but I want it felted. I am in the process of deciding what type of yarn to use. I may just use my old Paton wool yarn because I really like the green they have (not to mention I've felted so much with this yarn that I am finally getting an idea of the properties of the yarn. But who knows. Kinda like the one from IK, but maybe not the felted intarsia flowers. Pretty, tho'.
I followed the directions from this site after I got frustrated looking for spytastic.blogspot (this blog no longer exists?).Anyway, here's the specs:
yarn: 100% wool doubled (LB's Fisherman's wool)
needles: US10 tight.
cable repeats: 7
time for completion: knit in one evening? Another day for lining.
dimensions: 11in width X 6in height (without the bamboo handles - small D style)
Hand sewn lining ( I am not a sewer and do not own a sewing machine*)
The handles were attached with whip stitch (I think that's what it's called)
1 yard of ribbon to finish it off.
*we have a little itty bitty one that I can't use properly.
Other than that, followed the directions. Cast on 38 stitches, etc. This was a fast knit. Reminder to self: must alternate lace knitting with instant gratification knitting.
So, I was looking for a gift for a 10 year old and couldn't find anything appropriate. I also wasn't going to knit her a sweater, don't go there. Anyway, I hope she likes it.
I still need to knit myself another purse. My Lucy is looking a bit frayed. Time for it to go back in the washer.
While looking for this cabled purse pattern, I came across some lovelies. However, I have some specific ideas. I really like to form from the doctor's bag from Knit2gether, but I want it felted. I am in the process of deciding what type of yarn to use. I may just use my old Paton wool yarn because I really like the green they have (not to mention I've felted so much with this yarn that I am finally getting an idea of the properties of the yarn. But who knows. Kinda like the one from IK, but maybe not the felted intarsia flowers. Pretty, tho'.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
I can button!
Okay, I finally figured out the button thing. I likely tried to reinvent the wheel, but oh well. I now have listed destash and vlt.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Knitting Progress
I have too totally been knitting. See! 
I really liked the funky Curved Shawl, and had wanted to knit it as soon as I got VLT. Of course, it took me a while to figure out the charting, especially the instructions in red (that would be the ones about the number of repeats per row...I still don't get that, and I've got a PhD! Okay, I didn't look at it too hard). The casting on using e loops -painful. but once I got going on this sucker, it was easy peasy (especially since it's a garter stitch lace). I could totally work on it while I was tired since you totally can tell when you've messed up.
Initially, I read in VLT how this pattern can be knit using much larger needles for a much looser and yet still very lovely lace. Well, judge for yourself. I used US9 instead of US6 for this fingering yarn (70%angora).
This is not blocked, in fact, it's not finished and here's why...I stopped knitting before the end of the pattern because I did not want a huge ginormous wrap, but a nice medium sized one. I then cast on for the edging, to find that using my needle size, the edging is over 3 inches wide and very loopy and not at all attractive. Which means that I need to actually (y'all gasp now) figure out my own edging! Oh, criminy!
That is why I started and am almost finished with this beauty.
This is knit with Colourmart's dk weight smooth silk (they had their lace weight steam plied by somebody). The resulting yarn is absolutely divine and scrumptious and yes, that's the other reason I started on this instead. The yarn is super. And it's much darker than the over exposed picture shows. In real life, the color is much much darker, as in blackish, as in I can wear it as black. As for working with it, it's only a slight pain because it's plied by twisting their lace weight yarn and I've accidentally pulled on a strand or two. I think that's my only worry, that upon wear, it's going to get snagged.
specs (before I forget)
yarn: Colourmart
needle: US 6
pattern: Convertible from Knitty
modifications: yes. I cast on (5X13) for pattern plus the 6X2 edging is 77 stitches (hey, I did that without calculators or paper and pencil)
Folks on the intarweb said that if Convertible is too wide, then the shrug look is way too big. So I swatched (yes, me. I swatched) and figured out the width it should be. Of course, as I'm almost finished, I'm totally stressing about it being too narrow, resulting in my arms looking like sausages encased in intestine lining (wait, there's got to be a better metaphor), resulting my arms looking like a Christmas ham (you know, with the netting?), or like play dough being pushed out of an extruder? Okay, I'll stop now.
Actually, it will be fine (unless my arms get monstrously huge like from this show The Man With Exploding Arms I watched last night. ew. again. eww.). Without blocking, there's enough room, so with blocking, it'll be awesome. And if not? well, I'm not a shrug person anyway so I'll wear it as a scarf.
I really liked the funky Curved Shawl, and had wanted to knit it as soon as I got VLT. Of course, it took me a while to figure out the charting, especially the instructions in red (that would be the ones about the number of repeats per row...I still don't get that, and I've got a PhD! Okay, I didn't look at it too hard). The casting on using e loops -painful. but once I got going on this sucker, it was easy peasy (especially since it's a garter stitch lace). I could totally work on it while I was tired since you totally can tell when you've messed up.
Initially, I read in VLT how this pattern can be knit using much larger needles for a much looser and yet still very lovely lace. Well, judge for yourself. I used US9 instead of US6 for this fingering yarn (70%angora).
This is not blocked, in fact, it's not finished and here's why...I stopped knitting before the end of the pattern because I did not want a huge ginormous wrap, but a nice medium sized one. I then cast on for the edging, to find that using my needle size, the edging is over 3 inches wide and very loopy and not at all attractive. Which means that I need to actually (y'all gasp now) figure out my own edging! Oh, criminy!
That is why I started and am almost finished with this beauty.
This is knit with Colourmart's dk weight smooth silk (they had their lace weight steam plied by somebody). The resulting yarn is absolutely divine and scrumptious and yes, that's the other reason I started on this instead. The yarn is super. And it's much darker than the over exposed picture shows. In real life, the color is much much darker, as in blackish, as in I can wear it as black. As for working with it, it's only a slight pain because it's plied by twisting their lace weight yarn and I've accidentally pulled on a strand or two. I think that's my only worry, that upon wear, it's going to get snagged.specs (before I forget)
yarn: Colourmart
needle: US 6
pattern: Convertible from Knitty
modifications: yes. I cast on (5X13) for pattern plus the 6X2 edging is 77 stitches (hey, I did that without calculators or paper and pencil)
Folks on the intarweb said that if Convertible is too wide, then the shrug look is way too big. So I swatched (yes, me. I swatched) and figured out the width it should be. Of course, as I'm almost finished, I'm totally stressing about it being too narrow, resulting in my arms looking like sausages encased in intestine lining (wait, there's got to be a better metaphor), resulting my arms looking like a Christmas ham (you know, with the netting?), or like play dough being pushed out of an extruder? Okay, I'll stop now.
Actually, it will be fine (unless my arms get monstrously huge like from this show The Man With Exploding Arms I watched last night. ew. again. eww.). Without blocking, there's enough room, so with blocking, it'll be awesome. And if not? well, I'm not a shrug person anyway so I'll wear it as a scarf.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
My take on the new Knitty
Boy! Am I lazy?! How many posts now don't show knitting?
Well, here's another one. I just perused the new Knitty.com and what to say? er...it's okay. If you love socks, then this one's for you. Lovely sock patterns. I really like bmp (but not enough to knit it). And if you like girl stuff, this one's for you. Yes, I probably should be more thrilled about the girly items and such, but I'm just not a big believer in knitting something very small that gets outgrown in 2 minutes. But I did like that there's a pattern made with Caron Simply Soft (or Woolease). Good for you, Knitty! But boo hiss on the $30+ toddler sweaters. (That is unless you're my 'auntie' and you've knit these lovelies for my children, then I say, wow, how beautiful! and Thank You! And they'll wear it at least once, even if I have to pin them down to put them in them -- for pictures).
As for the adult sweaters, they're okay. Cute sweater, ribena, but did they have to use discontinued yarn? There was no way to use something that could actually be purchased? I guess I'm just noticing the yarns Knitty patterns are actually knitted with. Once, just one time, I would like to a) use the suggested yarn b) not break the bank when picking out said yarn. I like More Stripes, at least the concept of the steeked vest. But I can tell you that this vest is not flattering for certain body types...okay, mine (shudder). My favorite sweater is the lace one, Isabella. How beautiful! How dainty! How insane to ask me to knit a mostly stockinette stitch sweater with US3 needles and fingering yarn. But darn, it's purty.
What I will knit is palette (without the hand spun yarn). I like the lace and I need to make a scarf for my sister. Bauble would be fun too.
Well, here's another one. I just perused the new Knitty.com and what to say? er...it's okay. If you love socks, then this one's for you. Lovely sock patterns. I really like bmp (but not enough to knit it). And if you like girl stuff, this one's for you. Yes, I probably should be more thrilled about the girly items and such, but I'm just not a big believer in knitting something very small that gets outgrown in 2 minutes. But I did like that there's a pattern made with Caron Simply Soft (or Woolease). Good for you, Knitty! But boo hiss on the $30+ toddler sweaters. (That is unless you're my 'auntie' and you've knit these lovelies for my children, then I say, wow, how beautiful! and Thank You! And they'll wear it at least once, even if I have to pin them down to put them in them -- for pictures).
As for the adult sweaters, they're okay. Cute sweater, ribena, but did they have to use discontinued yarn? There was no way to use something that could actually be purchased? I guess I'm just noticing the yarns Knitty patterns are actually knitted with. Once, just one time, I would like to a) use the suggested yarn b) not break the bank when picking out said yarn. I like More Stripes, at least the concept of the steeked vest. But I can tell you that this vest is not flattering for certain body types...okay, mine (shudder). My favorite sweater is the lace one, Isabella. How beautiful! How dainty! How insane to ask me to knit a mostly stockinette stitch sweater with US3 needles and fingering yarn. But darn, it's purty.
What I will knit is palette (without the hand spun yarn). I like the lace and I need to make a scarf for my sister. Bauble would be fun too.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
In lieu of knitting, I give you this.
I normally don't post this stuff, but this one, er, I sorta had to, doncha think?
| You Are Dr. Bunsen Honeydew |
 You take the title "mad scientist" to the extreme -with very scary things coming out of your lab. And you've invented some pretty cool things, from a banana sharpener to a robot politician. But while you're busy turning gold into cottage cheese, you need to watch out for poor little Beaker! "Oh, that's very naughty, Beaker! Now you eat these paper clips this minute." |
Dirt
You may know that I watch everything, including that new show w/ Friends and Dancing in the Dark Courtney Cox. I didn't watch the whole thing 'cause I was doing other things, like trying to figure out a VLT pattern (the red curved one with the circles in it). Anyway, my favorite line from last night?
'Dude, you killed Kenny!'
'Dude, you killed Kenny!'
Friday, February 23, 2007
Stitches wow!
Well, I'm back from my one day at the Stitches market. No, didn't do classes, didn't meet up with internet folks, just went to look with MIL.
I didn't have that many sightings , but man, were the one's sighted cool. I saw Cookie of the sock fame from SF. But major coup was meeting and getting a bookplate signed by Jane Sowerby of VLT. Cool or what. She seemed like a really lovely woman. I wish I had told her how much I enjoyed her book and that I'm actually participating in the KAL (but I didn't). Cookie had tons of folks all around and I'm just too shy to go up to her and introduce myself...'hi, I'm a blogger stalker and uhmmm'...right. I'm pretty sure I had additional sightings, but I was there for the fibers.
There was lots of lace -- maybe 'cause that's all I was looking at. I saw that Malabrigo has laceweight yarn (nope, control. remember?!). After walking around and fondling many a yarns, I showed much restraint and only bought yarn at 2 places. I left with 2 cones, one 100% crunchy silk, and the other, alpaca/silk from WEBS--both laceweight.
What did I miss? Lace Addi Turbos. The very nice man from the Lacy Knitters Guild told me they were here, but I just didn't see it. But he did show me his cool gadget for knitting off cones. I got to get me a bearing doodad. He mentioned that your whole piece could end up biased if you don't have a way of making your cone turn while you knitted because you'd be putting extra twist into your yarn.
I'll post pics soon, I promise.
I didn't have that many sightings , but man, were the one's sighted cool. I saw Cookie of the sock fame from SF. But major coup was meeting and getting a bookplate signed by Jane Sowerby of VLT. Cool or what. She seemed like a really lovely woman. I wish I had told her how much I enjoyed her book and that I'm actually participating in the KAL (but I didn't). Cookie had tons of folks all around and I'm just too shy to go up to her and introduce myself...'hi, I'm a blogger stalker and uhmmm'...right. I'm pretty sure I had additional sightings, but I was there for the fibers.
There was lots of lace -- maybe 'cause that's all I was looking at. I saw that Malabrigo has laceweight yarn (nope, control. remember?!). After walking around and fondling many a yarns, I showed much restraint and only bought yarn at 2 places. I left with 2 cones, one 100% crunchy silk, and the other, alpaca/silk from WEBS--both laceweight.
What did I miss? Lace Addi Turbos. The very nice man from the Lacy Knitters Guild told me they were here, but I just didn't see it. But he did show me his cool gadget for knitting off cones. I got to get me a bearing doodad. He mentioned that your whole piece could end up biased if you don't have a way of making your cone turn while you knitted because you'd be putting extra twist into your yarn.
I'll post pics soon, I promise.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Off to Stitches tomorrow!
Is 'sqee' a word? I'm darned excited. I will have control. I will.
It will be lots of fun since z&a's dad is going to be watching little a while mom(me) and his mom (my mil) will be off to the yarn convention.
happy dance...see you later.
It will be lots of fun since z&a's dad is going to be watching little a while mom(me) and his mom (my mil) will be off to the yarn convention.
happy dance...see you later.
Monday, February 19, 2007
KALs
I can't believe I forgot to blog about this, that's lame. I won some yarn from the Gilmore Girls KAL. How'd I win? Well, go and read about it here . How lovely was that? Mandies was looking for how to make a scarf LG was wearing, and I thought it looked like something I'd seen before. And she liked it. Anyway, I was gifted some lovely yarn.
(unfortunately, I've not had the opportunity to download pics from my camera, so it'll have to wait)
Thanks Mandies!
As for the KAL itself...well, I'm one of those delayed viewers. I tape (not Tivo) the show and then watch it the following day or two. I usually can't KAL since there's wrangling of small child usually occuring...does that mean I can or cannot join? or would that be should not?...
Oh, there's also Grey's Anatomy KAL I've discovered. hmmm...too bad grey's not my color. This show I watch live because I'm taping CSI. And I do knit when I watch this show. Maybe I should look for grey at Stitches West this week.
Finally, I did join another KAL, VLT. But ofcourse, I'm doing this new fangled blogger and I've not figured out how to put that little tag on my sidebar. I will figure it out this week...end.
an aside -- TV watching: I watch too much. I watch anything and everything, so please don't judge me too harshly...
(unfortunately, I've not had the opportunity to download pics from my camera, so it'll have to wait)
Thanks Mandies!
As for the KAL itself...well, I'm one of those delayed viewers. I tape (not Tivo) the show and then watch it the following day or two. I usually can't KAL since there's wrangling of small child usually occuring...does that mean I can or cannot join? or would that be should not?...
Oh, there's also Grey's Anatomy KAL I've discovered. hmmm...too bad grey's not my color. This show I watch live because I'm taping CSI. And I do knit when I watch this show. Maybe I should look for grey at Stitches West this week.
Finally, I did join another KAL, VLT. But ofcourse, I'm doing this new fangled blogger and I've not figured out how to put that little tag on my sidebar. I will figure it out this week...end.
an aside -- TV watching: I watch too much. I watch anything and everything, so please don't judge me too harshly...
Friday, February 16, 2007
Lace leaf
I finally finished, washed, rinsed, blocked etc. for this shawl. This is an Evelyn Clark pattern and has been knitted by many. It's an easy lace pattern, but that's sort of what I needed to take to my SnB. It went very slowly simply because I didn't have the opportunity to knit. Then I got bored, but really wanted to finish it.
And yes, this is what my back yard looks like. That would be California burclover (Medicago polymorpha) aka a real pain to get rid of.Specifics:
start: Feb 3, 2007
finished: Feb 16, 2007
yarn: 2/28NM cashmere/cotton in Natural (maybe 1/3 of a cone)
needle size: US4
pattern: Lace Leaf shawl
adjustments: I stopped pattern 2 (body) after 287 stitches because I got bored and wanted to move on.
Here it is in a little ball post washing with Dawn detergent and rinsing well with water to remove residual machine oil.
Another shot of the shawl. Now I just have to figure out when I'd actually wear a shawl, much less a triangular one...
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Non-knitting post Today was z's birthday
Can't believe that it's already been 4 years. Four years ago, I stopped in at my lovely OB's office and was told to get going to Alta Bates, they would have a room for me and that the induction was going to commence that day. Four years ago, I called z's dad to tell him that I'd like to have Korean food for lunch (since I knew that they were going to not let me eat once I got to the hospital). Four years ago, we were trying to figure out what to name him. And four years ago, our most amazing fun intelligent son was born.
This was his first real kids party. He invited 7 of his friends (mostly girls, go figure) and we invited some of our friends and we had a really nice bowling party at the local AMF. I highly recommend this if you happen to have a birthday during rainy season (of course, the one day it didn't rain? yep, on his birthday). Oh well. It was stress-free and everyone seemed to have fun.
This was his first real kids party. He invited 7 of his friends (mostly girls, go figure) and we invited some of our friends and we had a really nice bowling party at the local AMF. I highly recommend this if you happen to have a birthday during rainy season (of course, the one day it didn't rain? yep, on his birthday). Oh well. It was stress-free and everyone seemed to have fun.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
I'm going to be better...or aka 'well, duh...'
The reason I don't respond to comments is that (insert duh) I never had the notification setting set to let me know when I've got a comment. And it's not like I'm CAP or anyone like that who gets hundreds of comments, I only get one or two tops...
Anyway, it was too difficult (insert I was too busy or lazy) to respond to comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them (when I noticed I received one, anyway), so please keep sending them to me.
In summation, I'm going to be better.
Anyway, it was too difficult (insert I was too busy or lazy) to respond to comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them (when I noticed I received one, anyway), so please keep sending them to me.
In summation, I'm going to be better.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Yarn over and unders?!
So, I'm surfin away, minding my own business, when I encountered a yarn over question on the knittyboard. Apparently, I've been yarning under? Oh shoot, now I'm totally confused. I just watched knittinghelp.com and argh! This is not a good thing, especially since I'm in the midst of Fiber Trends Lace Leaf shawl. BTW-- easy peasy, except for the fact that now, I'm going to be trying to figure out whether I've been doing it incorrectly. Of course they're showing English style and not Continental style, but I'm not sure what I do...hmm...
Mantra to self...forget...forget all that you just watched (not too terribly difficult thing to do since I only had maybe 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep last night, thanks to the a girl)...forget, yarn over...just do as you've been doing...continue...
But then again, the person having the problem wasn't able to get a hole in their lace, and I definitely can. So, even if I'm yarning under, I must somewhere, somehow be compensating for it.
Did I mention I'm using 50% cashmere/cotton laceweight yarn for this shawl. Tis quite lovely yarn. Go to their site (colourmart.com) and buy some yarn! If you need convincing, just google cashmere yarns and see what you get. The way I figure it, why not use cashmere when it's so reasonably priced? It seems like alot, but for 2300yds of laceweight, you just gotta do it.
As for this yarn (the 50% cash/cotton), it's sweet. It's nice to knit and literally from the never-ending cone.
Mantra to self...forget...forget all that you just watched (not too terribly difficult thing to do since I only had maybe 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep last night, thanks to the a girl)...forget, yarn over...just do as you've been doing...continue...
But then again, the person having the problem wasn't able to get a hole in their lace, and I definitely can. So, even if I'm yarning under, I must somewhere, somehow be compensating for it.
Did I mention I'm using 50% cashmere/cotton laceweight yarn for this shawl. Tis quite lovely yarn. Go to their site (colourmart.com) and buy some yarn! If you need convincing, just google cashmere yarns and see what you get. The way I figure it, why not use cashmere when it's so reasonably priced? It seems like alot, but for 2300yds of laceweight, you just gotta do it.
As for this yarn (the 50% cash/cotton), it's sweet. It's nice to knit and literally from the never-ending cone.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
H2O Bottle cozy II
I made another cozy. This time, I sorta kept track of the pattern.1)Start with 8 stitches. Every other round increase in this series [k1, inc1, repeat to end of round...k round...k2, inc 1etc....k round...etc.] until bottom circle measures 7 inches. Stop increasing and knit in round (60 stitches) until 13 inches. knit bumper and bind off. I added a pocket for this cozy (eh hem, for my gym card) and the strap is 40 inches of not i-cord (5 stitches stockinette).
I had to 'experiment' (ripped it about 6 times, but who's counting?!) as I knitted because the first several times, there was massive pooling of colours, and that just won't do. I had to rip and reknit, trying to get that striped effect. I ended up just keeping track of the colours and making sure of the colour changes.
It ends up that for my loosey knitting style and US10 needles, I was able to knit the yarn such that it appears striped.
When I felted this, I started to worry because it was too large!. I had to do additional hand felting in the kitchen sink until it was the correct size. The edge I'm still not too happy about, I suppose I can try to spot felt this area, but then that may just be too much of a hassle.Specifics:
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool in Harvest (less than 1 skein)
needles: 10dpn and US10 circs for magic loop
time: a couple of days?
Things to do differently:
1)Probably not put a lip on the cozy.
2)Figure out a way to change the pocket. Maybe do it in one of the solids.
3)Just make it a tad smaller so I don't have to over-full it.
4)Try to find a knitted swatch of the yarn before I make a whole cozy (altho' this is growing on me, I'm not that keen on the orangy bits).
Monday, January 29, 2007
Scharffen Berger good...
I'm done with the scarf for my favorite brother (okay, he's my only brother). I lived with him for a year between college and grad school, and he still talks to me (well, that would be sometimes talks, but he's great at answering emails). Anyway, it's his birthday in late February. As I mentioned, I opted for a mock cable pattern.Here's the specifics:
started:Jan 10, 2007finished: Jan 28, 2007 (I worked on a bunch of other stuff too)
yarn: Stag. 100% cashmere made by Todd & Duncan. These yarns are from 3 plies of their standard laceweight (2/28Nm) yarns. ColourmartUK yarn.
needle: US4 Clovers
Cast on: 44 stitches
I may have overblocked it. It looks more lacy than I originally wanted, but we'll see how it looks once it sprongs back. Even if it's a bit lacy, I'd say this is very 'manly' lace.
I love adore crave this yarn. When I received it from UK, I was so not impressed. But upon washing and drying, oh, my friggin gosh. Yep, it's better than chocolate...
Monday, January 22, 2007
kid's hats
I went to the San Leandro LYS last week to find yarn for a boy kid's hat, since I just had a lovely lunch at Luke's Grill with a good friend. Wait, that didn't come out right...I had a lovely lunch at LG, then, since I was in the neighborhood, I stopped by the LYS...yeah, that was it...I was in the neighborhood anyways... They are the mecca of Encore, btw. If you need any in any colour, they have it. I was originally looking for some exotic type yarn, or maybe some sort of brownish wool for a 1 year old's hat (his birthday),but I fell in love with this Encore colorway which results in subtle stripes.
I followed the directions from Weekend Knitting (or was that Last Minute Gifts?) and made this.
Specs:
yarn: Encore (less than half a skein)
needles: US6 because that's what I had handy
cast on:64 stitches (originally calculated that I needed to cast on 82 stitches, knit 2 inches of the yarn, realized that this had would fit my head)
followed the pattern for toddler exactly.
With what I had left, I made myself Calorimeter from Knitty. Again, I followed directions. Altho' at the end, I had a bit of yarn left, so I thought I'd knit another row or two (ended up being another inch). Figured, heh, not a big deal. bound off, put on button, THEN tried it on. Looked dumb...Ripped it back to where I should have bound off and bound off properly. Yes, should follow directions.
I had started off making Panta, but the striping looked funny, liked blocks of colour instead of stripes. So I ripped that one. I liked the look of Panta, so I shall make one (perhaps out of decadent cashmere). I'll post a pic another time.
I also made the cupcake hat for my lil cupcake. Instead of casting on 80 stitches, I casted on 64. When I switched to pink, I added an additional 8 stitches so that it would be pouffier. All I can say is that those little frosting things, a pain to do. I opted not to put the red cherry on top because I can see lots of chewing swallowing issues with a mommy-made pompom...I don't want to find red yarn poop in her diapers...
I followed the directions from Weekend Knitting (or was that Last Minute Gifts?) and made this.
Specs:
yarn: Encore (less than half a skein)
needles: US6 because that's what I had handy
cast on:64 stitches (originally calculated that I needed to cast on 82 stitches, knit 2 inches of the yarn, realized that this had would fit my head)
followed the pattern for toddler exactly.
With what I had left, I made myself Calorimeter from Knitty. Again, I followed directions. Altho' at the end, I had a bit of yarn left, so I thought I'd knit another row or two (ended up being another inch). Figured, heh, not a big deal. bound off, put on button, THEN tried it on. Looked dumb...Ripped it back to where I should have bound off and bound off properly. Yes, should follow directions.
I had started off making Panta, but the striping looked funny, liked blocks of colour instead of stripes. So I ripped that one. I liked the look of Panta, so I shall make one (perhaps out of decadent cashmere). I'll post a pic another time.
I also made the cupcake hat for my lil cupcake. Instead of casting on 80 stitches, I casted on 64. When I switched to pink, I added an additional 8 stitches so that it would be pouffier. All I can say is that those little frosting things, a pain to do. I opted not to put the red cherry on top because I can see lots of chewing swallowing issues with a mommy-made pompom...I don't want to find red yarn poop in her diapers...
Monday, January 15, 2007
Faux Cable with Real Cashmere
I'm knitting with the fingering cashmere. Oh, my...so lovely...It's a scarf for my brother who's birthday is at the end of February. Did I mention it's lovely? Since he lives in SoCal, he's not in dire need for anything heavy and bulky, so I didn't really want to make him something thick and overly warm. I'm a tad hesitant on giving him a gift that doesn't go away (he loves getting consumables since then he's not left with 'stuff'), but I figure he'll like it. It's made from the yarn I just hanked out and washed, then rewound.
I chose a faux cable pattern I saw on some, then proceeded to tweek it. Here's my version. Cast on 44 stitches
knit 3, purl 2, start pattern: (YO, knit3,ssk, knit5, purl 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, knit 2, pattern: (purl4, purl 2 tog, purl 3, YO, purl 1, knit 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, purl 2, pattern (knit 3, YO, knit3, ssk, knit2, purl 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, knit 2, pattern: (purl2, purl 2 tog, purl 3, YO, purl 3, knit 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, purl 2, pattern (knit 1, YO, knit3, ssk, knit4, purl 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, knit 2, pattern: (purl 2 tog, purl 3, YO, purl 5, knit 2)X3, knit 3
that's the pattern.
I'll do a beauty shot when it's done.
I chose a faux cable pattern I saw on some, then proceeded to tweek it. Here's my version. Cast on 44 stitches
knit 3, purl 2, start pattern: (YO, knit3,ssk, knit5, purl 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, knit 2, pattern: (purl4, purl 2 tog, purl 3, YO, purl 1, knit 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, purl 2, pattern (knit 3, YO, knit3, ssk, knit2, purl 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, knit 2, pattern: (purl2, purl 2 tog, purl 3, YO, purl 3, knit 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, purl 2, pattern (knit 1, YO, knit3, ssk, knit4, purl 2)X3, knit 3
knit 3, knit 2, pattern: (purl 2 tog, purl 3, YO, purl 5, knit 2)X3, knit 3
that's the pattern.
I'll do a beauty shot when it's done.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Niddy Noddy
I'm going to see how much of a hassle it is to prewash the cashmere from colourmart before handknitting.But I'm without a niddy noddy and the thought of winding around a chair doesn't hold much appeal--what's a girl to do? I bought PVC pipe, 2X T connectors and end caps(and a PVC pipecutter, because I needed one) and made the niddy noddy in less than 5 minutes with directions found here
I did have to read instructions and watch a video(several times) as to how to use a niddy noddy--the first couple of times I wrapped the wrong way and had to de-niddy noddy
or is that noddy niddy or yddin yddon?!
And yes, that is a paper towel holder I'm using to steady the cone.
The rhyme goes like this:
Niddy noddy, niddy noddy.
Two heads, one body.
'Tis one, 'tain't two,
'Twill be two by and by.
'Tis two, 'tain't three,
'Twill be three by and by, etc.
I was going to try this ditty, but then couldn't figure out what constitutes a complete line vs. wrapping...so I just kept saying niddy noddy, niddy noddy...(z thought that this is a funny word and kept repeating it too.
Monday, January 08, 2007
I want to be an after...
Wait, was I going to make any more scarves? Why, yes I am. I've actually purchased a bunch of (insert expensive) yarn for the sole purpose of knitting scarves...
As an aside, I cannot do this. I can try, but I'd be setting myself up to fail. That's like going on a super strict diet, starving for 3 days, then blowing it by eating a box of chocolates...then beating myself up... Oh, wait, that's what happened, I wasn't starving myself, but I've managed to consume almost a whole container of lovely chocolates. Anyway, I'll try to do it the slow and true way, try my best with yarn I have, and if I have to have something? well, I won't buy the sweater's worth, I'll buy enough for a scarf, or socks or something small...moderation. See, I'll count points. I want to be an 'after'...
I did see a blog where for every 15lbs the blogger lost, she gives herself $30 for yarn (I forget where, I'll look it up tomorrow if anyone's really interested), and if she doesn't lose, no yarn. See, that doesn't work for me either, since I (now) have enough yarn to keep me busy for a really long time. That just isn't incentive for me...but hey, whatever gets you motivated.
Anyway, I found this pattern for the scarf on this site and it called for the gauge/amount yarn I had available. So I had to knit this sucker up. She's got a free pattern for a chemo cap with the same pattern and a smoke ring too, but I figured which would I (or whoever I gave this to) wear more frequently...yep, scarf.
Conclusions: This is a lovely yarn to work with. If you've got the $$, spend it at my new favorite yarn vendor (Colourmart.com). Yes, he's got an intarweb store and it's got some lovelies. And it's cheaper than the ebay site. As for the scarf pattern: I was able to complete the repeats, and I think I did half more than the pattern. The only modification to this pattern is that I didn't do the 6 rows of garter, I only did 3. Given how the bottom is a tad wonky, mayhaps I should have done the extra rows. I really like this pattern, I think I'll do another one, but as a wrap.
Here's the scarf.
The specifications:
Pattern: Wavy Feathers Qiviut Scarf from site above
Started: 01/05/07
Blocked: 01/08/07
Yarn: 100% fingering weight cashmere
yds: 250yds --that little bit is what's left
needle: US7 Susan Bates plastic circulars
Final length: ~60 inches
As an aside, I cannot do this. I can try, but I'd be setting myself up to fail. That's like going on a super strict diet, starving for 3 days, then blowing it by eating a box of chocolates...then beating myself up... Oh, wait, that's what happened, I wasn't starving myself, but I've managed to consume almost a whole container of lovely chocolates. Anyway, I'll try to do it the slow and true way, try my best with yarn I have, and if I have to have something? well, I won't buy the sweater's worth, I'll buy enough for a scarf, or socks or something small...moderation. See, I'll count points. I want to be an 'after'...
I did see a blog where for every 15lbs the blogger lost, she gives herself $30 for yarn (I forget where, I'll look it up tomorrow if anyone's really interested), and if she doesn't lose, no yarn. See, that doesn't work for me either, since I (now) have enough yarn to keep me busy for a really long time. That just isn't incentive for me...but hey, whatever gets you motivated.
Anyway, I found this pattern for the scarf on this site and it called for the gauge/amount yarn I had available. So I had to knit this sucker up. She's got a free pattern for a chemo cap with the same pattern and a smoke ring too, but I figured which would I (or whoever I gave this to) wear more frequently...yep, scarf.
Conclusions: This is a lovely yarn to work with. If you've got the $$, spend it at my new favorite yarn vendor (Colourmart.com). Yes, he's got an intarweb store and it's got some lovelies. And it's cheaper than the ebay site. As for the scarf pattern: I was able to complete the repeats, and I think I did half more than the pattern. The only modification to this pattern is that I didn't do the 6 rows of garter, I only did 3. Given how the bottom is a tad wonky, mayhaps I should have done the extra rows. I really like this pattern, I think I'll do another one, but as a wrap.
Here's the scarf.
The specifications:
Pattern: Wavy Feathers Qiviut Scarf from site above
Started: 01/05/07
Blocked: 01/08/07
Yarn: 100% fingering weight cashmere
yds: 250yds --that little bit is what's left
needle: US7 Susan Bates plastic circulars
Final length: ~60 inches
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