Friday, June 30, 2006

Trellis

I am just waiting for the laundry to finish...and I put the buttons on moments ago...



Just in time for the party...in an hour!

Started: June 23, 2006
Finished: June 30, 2006
Yarn: Rowan All Season Cotton 6 balls...not 5 like the pattern calls for...there is no possible way that they knit the largest size with 5 balls.
Pattern: Trellis from Knitty.
What a great pattern. It really looks impressive, and it is quite easy to knit. The yarn is machine washable...perfect.
Adjustments: None.

Now I can get back to BEA!

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Droplet Hat

I finished up the Droplet Hat...



The pattern seems to work out fine...and it only took a couple of days to knit.
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad Tweed.
Pattern: Droplet Hat from Knitting Nature.
Adjustments: I added a little length...my row gauge must have been off. So I didn't end up making the last set of bobbles. I think the three bobbles up the side of the droplet looks just fine. I also forgot to do the ribbing twisted at the rim of the hat...oh well.

The way Norah does the bobbles is a great technique to learn. It's like cabling without a cable needle...less work for bobbles...you got to love it.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Visiting an old friend...

Thank you for the well wishes for my little guy...there are some funny stories you all have! Actually things got a little worse...and he got dehydrated which prompted a trip to the hospital. After a couple days of iv's all is good. We are home and I have a lot of catching up to do.

I did pick up Knitting Nature again...even though I have never received a response to my email! I decided the "Droplet Hat" would make a good belated birthday gift. Please excuse the photo...red is so hard to capture...it is actually a deep crimson tweed.



The way Norah makes her bobbles without turning the work is ingenious...it is worth a look at, even if you don't want to do the hat.
I wish I had come across this before I knit Forecast.

More to come as I get some rest...and do a lot of blog reading...etc...etc.

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Not for the faint of heart.

Oh Karma! Did you have the baby yet? Here is a little motherhood story for you...

Until last night, I have never had to deal with this one:

So, my 2 1/2yr old calls to me in the middle of the night...about 2:30 a.m.
"Mommy help me"
So I drag myself out of bed into his room...oh man...I think he has vomited all over his bed.
I bring him in the bathroom and try to clean him up...Realizing that it is not vomit at all...it came from the other end!
Ahhhhhhhh gross! All over his bed, pillow case, me, him...OMG.
God Bless Mothers everywhere.

Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep last night (with the worrying, the cleaning, the laundry, showering, waiting for it to happen again)...so it will be a lazy day of knitting.

Yesterday I was drugged up with migraine meds and spent the day on the lounger outside knitting this...



You remember this little guy...his birthday is a week away.
I decided to knit trellis after seeing it on Karma's blog. I am using the Rowan all season cotton that I picked up at the yarn sale the other day.(which is pretty much exactly like the handwork cora that I have in the stash, oh well...I know of a couple more babies on the way I could knit for.)

I will make atleast one front today...and of course go to the last day of the yarn sale!

Friday, June 23, 2006

Progress and filling up my plate.

Bea is progressing as expected. The back and the left front are complete.



I love brilliant knit designers. Not only am I loving the w-i-d-e garter stitch button bands...it is knit with the front pieces and has a fabulous picot edge on it for a beautiful finish.



So, when you've completed knitting the pieces, all you have left is the neck band.
Brilliant and beautiful.

Silvia had a question about the Kim Hargreaves kits...

The socks are lovely, but I have a question about Bea. I love all those KH patterns, but I noticed that skill level recommendations for the patterns aren't exactly clear. Bea is listed as "suitable for the average knitter" and the other two levels are "for a knitter w/ a little experience" and "suitable for the experienced knitter". Does that make Bea an intermediate, and the "suitable for a knitter w/ a little experience" patterns beginner knits (although I'd guess an advanced beginner)? I'd love to try one, but I don't want to bite off more than I'm ready for. Any thoughts?

Let's talk a moment about skill levels.

I don't even know what skill level I am.

I have learned so much over the past couple years of serious knitting. I try to pick projects that will teach me something new. I never really look at the skill level, I just look at the garment...and I know if it is something I would attempt.

Obviously, if you have never cabled before, don't attempt a sweater that has an all over cable pattern. It will just be frustrating and disappointing.

I find that most patterns include instructions for whatever techniques used, or you simply look up how to do it on the internet or in your knitting books.
Then, you will knit a swatch. I firmly believe in knitting and washing swatches. Attempt the pattern/technique in your swatch...that gives you a feel for it.

So, Bea is listed as suitable for the average knitter.
Well, I guess I am average. It doesn't really challenge me, but it gives me new ideas for knitting sweaters and how designers develop them. (Yes, I do plan on designing some in the future, so I love to get all of these under my belt.)

I do love the all over pattern and the garter stitch details...and I know I will love wearing it.

If you can cast on, knit, purl, decrease with instruction (ssk and k2t0g), make the little pattern (and being able to recognize where to start it and incorporate the increase and decrease into the pattern), pick up stitches for the neck band and able to cast off...you are an average knitter.

I hope that helps a little.

Ah yes...remember this yarn sale...it's on again!



Here is the first haul...it really is difficult to decide on future knits. Obviously I am loading up for my Christmas knits!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...




Wednesday, June 21, 2006

The huge striped socks.

Here they are dad...all done, finally.



As you can see, they don't even come close to fitting me...but they surely will fit dad's size 14...or 15, depending on the foot!

Started: WELL, I attempted that grey one, then ripped and started this pair on June 8, 2006.
Finished: June 20, 2006
Yarn: Knitpicks Essential sock yarn. 2 balls blue and 1 grey. (Hey, have you seen the needles they are selling? I really didn't have time to examine them, but check out those tips!)
Pattern: It is a basic toe up pattern, based on Wendy's but using a figure 8 c/o (the toe is much nicer than the short row, if you ask me). The stripes are taken from the Hiiumaa Mate #1 pattern in Knitting on the Road.

I added calf increases to accommodate dad's large calf (I see I am not the only one doing that for their dad!)



Dad hates when he is strangled by socks with elastic at the cuff...so I also cast off with a much larger needle. (I used #1 for the sock and cast off with #6) This will hopefully work out for him.

I'll let you know how the yarn wears and washes. I am sure he will be wearing them quite a bit. Dad...these are NOT golf socks. Please.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Bea is on the needles!

Kim really knows her stuff. Look at how gorgeous Bea is...



I love the garter stitch on the bottom. There is something about garter stitch, so simple yet so lovely. The pattern has some "dart" decreases and waist decreases in the garter stitch, which gives it a beautiful shape.

Look at the stitch pattern...



Beautiful.

The pattern is done on the WS but shows on the RS. You have to check the beginning of the row of the right side to see where to start the pattern.

I really love this Rowan Wool Cotton. The stitch definition is wonderful and it is easy to knit with. Plus, being part cotton, I won't overheat in it!

I have already decreased the armholes on the back and am currently heading for the shoulders. It won't be long...I can't put it down!

Don't worry Dad, I have been working on your socks as well...I am nearing the cuff of the second sock. Look for the finished pair this week!

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Sunday Sewing.

This is just a warm up...like a stretch or walk before the run.

I came across this on Doggedknits. Perfect for those little fly away fuzzies that appear for the summer!





Pattern: Hooray for Headbands by Heather Bailey
Fabric: I just picked up some of those little quilters packages at Walmart. The pieces are 18x22 perfect for this project.
Heather also has a cute little bootie sewing pattern as well...all on her sidebar.

Hopefully this week I'll get to the fabric store so I can pick fabrics for my Weekender Bag!

Thank you all so much for your comments on my Green Cherry, I am glad it is off the needles...Now I can start my Kim Hargreaves kit...

Friday, June 16, 2006

Freshly picked

Pick it, eat it, bake a pie...whatever.
It's done.


Started: May 25, 2006
Finished: June 16, 2006
Pattern: Cherry
Yarn: Online Linie 160 Season wool/cotton. 8 balls...every last scrap, including undoing my swatch and knitting the neckband with it! Check out that tie...yeah, unraveled armbands, I need to do something about that...maybe some ribbon. I just wasn't going to buy another ball of this colour yarn!
Adjustments: The gauge of the yarn was a little off, so I need to knit the bigger size then blocked it to a 37" bust. I should have gone with the bigger size, because if I move it will gape at the buttons. Mind you, I didn't put in the snaps between them, that would help.

If I feel like dealing with this yarn again (which I really am sick of it...through that Basalt Tank episode...which I still haven't received a response to), I may do a full wet block and try for a little more stretch. If not...I think you would really like it...Mom!?

The pattern was easy to follow.
I do like the outcome...but remind me to give some room to a cardigan...no ease, and negative ease just don't really work!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

It's not ripe yet...

So, you thought you would see the finished Cherry...well, not yet.

I know, I know...when will I learn to listen...

Your Inner Knitter always knows best.

That ribbing is way to tight for these pipes.

A couple problems...I was using susan bates #3 (love the tips...but I need a needle a little larger, addi's #3...RENEE...I need my 3's, I know you are never going to finish that sock!)
I also love the tubular cast on...well, It doesn't have the same stretch as a standard cast on.

Sooooooo....this is what I did.



Using a smaller needle (#2) I picked up the right leg of each stitch under the ribbing, all the way around the arm hole. Since I have already seamed it up to try it on, I will now knit the armband in the round.



Then, I clipped a purl stitch at the start of the ribbing, and removed the ribbing from the arm.



Voila! The arm is safely on the smaller needle.
*Do not knit with this needle, ok, I did forget to switch to the larger needle and knit the ribbing...don't tell anyone.

Switch to the larger needle (I used #4) and knit the ribbing....



I also cast off with a larger needle so that the cast off doesn't cut off my circulation...

And there you go!

It fits perfectly now.

I did the front bands in the larger needle...no, no, no. I must rip it, it is too loose.

FYI...I don't have enough yarn for the neckband...that's right, I need a 9th ball of yarn! This yarn is cursed!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Green Cherry is about ready to pick!

Almost there...



(this photo is not the true colour, it is a deeper green)

One thing my inner knitter kept saying to me...

Don't you think that ribbing is too tight? Maybe you should use US#4's...don't you think. Boy you are sure going to have to block that ribbing!

It's true...I should have used 4's...but we will see after blocking.

All that is left (after drying) is seaming then the buttonband and neckbands. I am into my 8th ball of yarn...I hope I will have enough!
There is a mistake in the arm ribbing. The number of stitches doesn't work for the ribbing she wrote...I will let Anna know. Also, a little confusion in the first couple rows after the ribbing. I knit the first row of the pattern, when I should have cast off 4 sts beginning with row 1. Then another 4 sts on the following row.

Hopefully I will have something to show tomorrow!

Monday, June 12, 2006

Single Striped Sock.

SSS looking for a potential mate. Loves long walks in the park, or an evening at home keeping some toes toasty warm.



Dad, this is the sock. There will be no ripping here, the knitter is quite satisfied.

It did finally meet with Dad's approval...after many times trying it on..and a lot of knitting, we have a sock. I have already cast on the toe for the second sock...but with my left wrist "over knit"...I will take my time with this one!

Thank you for all of your suggestions. I think I will wash and then soak in conditioner to soften it up. The yarn is ok...the blue seems nicer!?
The stripes gave me plenty of length, I still have yarn left over in both colours.

Now, time to finish up "green" Cherry...I have cast on for the sleeves...the end is near.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

If I just pull on this piece of yarn...

You knew it would happen eventually...listening to my inner knitter...



Much to my fathers dismay...I ripped the sock and started a striped sock so I would be able to make one with more leg to it.
It has not met his approval...seems he liked the first sock...I fit nicely. I think it was the ribbing he liked. The more he talks about the first sock, the more I learn of how he likes a sock to fit.
So, good bye striped version....on to one with ribbing. I will have to keep the stripes in order to gain the length though.

Some of you have asked what I don't like about this knit picks yarn...




You see that "Hairiness". I don't like it. The navy isn't as hairy as the grey...for whatever reason. It is scratchy and splits a little. It also doesn't like being ripped and reknit. I hope blocking helps.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

A single big sock.

Here is one big sock. Not the most perfect sock...I would definitely need 3 balls for a full pair....but this will do for Dad's first pair of socks.



I will sew in the end once he gives it a try. I am using the leg pattern in Nancy Bush's Folk Socks of the Highland Schottische Kilt Hose.

The cast on is the figure eight cast on. I like the way the increases look at the toe more than a short row toe.
I did do the heel in short rows.

The yarn, Knit Picks Essential, not my favourite. I will choose differently for his next pair.

First, I must complete this pair...here comes another huge sock.

Monday, June 05, 2006

I'm still here...no laughing please.

Sorry, it's been a little busy over the past couple days...but I am still here!

What I am about to show you may cause smirking...and even some out right laughter...just remember, you most likely have some similar old photos!

Sewing.
Many of the knitters in blogland are venturing into sewing and it has rekindled something in me.
I know how to sew...well, mom taught me the basics once and then I ventured into patterns on my own. Learning as I went...just as my knitting experience was developed.

Here is a little bit of my sewing history.
I never could imagine spending the hundreds of dollars on prom dresses that fellow students were doing in highschool, so I decided to sew mine.

Remember, no laughing...well, atleast don't point and laugh, please.

I'd say this is 1989...did you own a tulip dress?



(notice the matching hairpiece! Look out! Also, before I discovered frizzease.)


1990...I'm in the middle, black dress with puffy sleeves. I made that one...not all of these! Look at all the matching shoes!



1991. Ah that was the year. First, look at Maria's dress...black with some gold specks. I just want to share that we used 1 meter of material. ONE METER! HAAAAAHHHAAA! Another pink number for me...with rhinestones around the neckline. My own design!




Lastly, a huge undertaking of bridesmaid dresses. Simple black, floor length. Six of them! OMG, never again.




I haven't made a dress in a long while, and with my new knitting knowledge and garment sizing, I think I would be really good at it...hmmm. Maybe I will make one for the wedding this summer.

Up next in sewing...that Weekender Bag that many have made...I can't stand the temptation any more!

Oh, I am still knitting...more to come this week!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Green Cherry progress.

I've finished the back and one front to my "green" Cherry.



It does move quite quickly, and the pattern is really easy. I will run out of yarn though...I was short a ball for the basalt tank anyway...I better go today to get the other ball, or two it will take to complete it.
Something is up with my shoulder decreases. I remember thinking that when I was knitting the back...I need to check what I did and what the instructions say.

Always listen to your inner knitter!

The reply to the problems in the Knitting Nature book..none. Still waiting. I will let you know if and when I hear from them.