Bitten by Knittin'...

Back in the saddle

2012-01-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

Somehow, when I set a project aside, I assume that when I pick it up again in a day or two, I will know exactly where I left off. That assumption does not apply to projects that get set aside for weeks, though. It took a bit of knitting and tinking and counting and puzzling to figure out whether I was slipping the first stitch of every row and how I was decreasing the sleeves, etc., but now I "have traction" on the gray and pink suspender sweater. I just hope I don't run out of yarn again.

The KoolAid dyed blanket project is languishing a bit while I work on the sweater, primarily because I need to make a decision on the dyed-not-so-completely yarn. And then actually do something about it. The problem is I have to work for a living (boo) and there are only so many hours in a day.

The legwarmers are progressing, though, because they are small and portable and require no thinking or counting, perfect for keeping my hands busy and my mind from wandering during business meetings. Next week I have to take the car in to be serviced (and to find out why the gas mileage is dropping). I would not be surprised if the legwarmers did not get finished then.

Have a great weekend!

Poodle Skirt scarf

2012-01-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

Another scarf in fingering - I don't think I will do that again for a while. I usually get tired of scarves halfway through, and scarves in fingering seem to take forever. I don't know why I would think they should knit faster than socks, though, even if the needles are bigger.

Pattern: Favorite Scarf Ever by Lisa Bruce
Yarn: Barn Yarn, in 'Poodle Skirt'
Needles: US5
Modifications: I did not knit this scarf in two halves to be grafted together, so I ended with 2 knit rows and a bind off.

I love this colorway (especially the name), but the color runs were too short for socks. I'm loving the tiger-stripe chevrons, though.

Now. I REALLY need to get back to the gray and pink suspender sweater, before winter passes us by.

Stash reorg leads to leg warmers

2012-01-13T12:59:00.001-05:00

I decided to copy all my CDs onto my old laptop, thereby eliminating the need to even have the CDs. But I really like the CD shelving, so I repurposed it to hold some of the stash.

My daughter noticed the big ball of Toasty Toes and wondered what that was for. I said leg warmers and she said I'd like some leg warmers.

But instead of the Toasty Toes, I am knitting hers in some self-striping Austermann Step.

The pattern calls for DK yarn and this is fingering, so I'm not sure how long they will be. But they will be colorful!

Not according to plan

2012-01-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

In the continuing saga of dyeing yarn with KoolAid, I took that pretty sample and knit a swatch in garter stitch.

That got me itchy to get going for real on the blanket. But first, I had to dye the rest of the yarn. In the name of efficiency, my first inclination was to try to dye it all at one time. Sanity prevailed, so instead I tried two skeins at a time. The results were less than stellar.

I used more KoolAid, to try to get a more saturated, more even color, but what I got was more variation, from very saturated to almost no color. There is still more yarn to dye, so I will try one skein at a time. Depending on the result, I will then maybe re-dye the above skeins.

To dye for

2012-01-08T08:04:00.001-05:00

My daughter requested a new, bigger blanket for toddler N, who has outgrown the baby-sized ones I made. It would need to be washable, of course, and wool (wool is naturally flame resistant, plus it breathes), but I did not want to break the bank. So I purchased some undyed skeins from KnitPicks (my first purchase from them), with the plan of dyeing the yarn myself, using KoolAid.

(I keep typing "KookAid".)

An article on knitty provided the how-to and examples of what each flavor might look like. My daughter chose the Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade, but I decided it might be prudent to work up a sample. It's really simple.

First, I measured out one ounce of yarn.

Not a bowl of spaghetti

Washed the yarn.

The casserole dish is sitting on a burner but not over a flame

Mixed one package of unsweetened KoolAid into water in a pot.

Blue lagoon

Added the yarn and heated it all to almost a boil.

Blue spaghetti

Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinsed and washed the yarn.

Smells like KoolAid

Ta-da!

The color, while very pretty, is uneven in saturation, which my daughter likes but is something to keep in mind for future adventures in dyeing. Once the yarn is dry, I am going to knit up a swatch for this pattern: Prairie Blanket by Oat Couture.

Grounded in Degradee

2012-01-06T10:45:00.001-05:00

I did not think anyone would want white-ish socks, so I used this yarn for a fingering weight scarf.

Pattern: Grounded, by Kirrily Robert
Yarn: Fortissima Socka Degradee Color, colorway 101
Needles: US4
Modifications: None to speak of, although I did slip the first stitch of each row knitwise

I *love* how the colors change, although in real life they are more muted than in these photos. And the fabric is incredibly soft and airy.

Can't wait to wear it. Too bad it is going to be 50F here today. Maybe I should move farther north.

First FO for 2012

2012-01-02T15:52:00.001-05:00

Actually, I finished this last year, but was too lazy to take a photo, much less post. Besides, I already had my recap for 2011 finished.

Pattern: Smilla by Susan Luni
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky, in 'Oregano'
Needles: US15
Modifications: I knit this flat, so had to seam it. Ugh. Also, I did not understand the instructions, so instead of a neck wrap, it is more cowl-like. I may have to take it for a test run, to see if I need to make further modifications - it seems really bulky.

2011 recap

2012-01-01T10:14:00.000-05:00

Today seems like an appropriate time to post a recap of all the knitting that actually got finished in 2011. More knitting occurred, as evidenced by my WIP list. Maybe one of my New Year's resolutions should be to eliminate WIPs? That intention has been semi-permanent for a long time. We shall see what happens in 2012.

Socks
Jaywalker socks
Undulating Rib socks
Twin Rib socks
Bluebell Rib socks
Retro Rib socks
Baby Cable Rib socks (for my SO)
3x3 Cable with Moss Stitch socks
Inlay socks
Baby Cable Rib socks (for me)

Scarves/wraps
Mobius Ring wrap
Zandloper scarf

Hats
Suede Baby Hat
Kromboomssloot Snood
Spiral Tweed Cloche
Watch Cap
Classic WWII Watch Cap
Official Kittyville Hat

Sweaters
One-piece Baby Kimono
A-line Cardigan
Hooded Pullover

Misc. baby stuff
Summer Slumber Sack
Feather and Fan baby blanket
Baby Bib o' Love
Baby Genius Burp Cloth
Pinafore Dress
Mittens

Household
Gridded Kitchen Towel

Happy New Year! And knit on!

Last socks of the year

2011-12-31T11:12:00.003-05:00

With this pair, I am done with socks for 2011. No sock WIPs are being carried over into 2012, which is unusual.

Pattern: Four-Stitch Ribbing Patterns by Charlene Schurch, baby cables
Yarn: Schoeller+Stahl Fortissima Socka Degradee Color, colorway 106
Needles: US1
Modifications: none but I cast on with a 2x2 ribbing stitch

And that is also the last of the Degradee except for a skein that is becoming a scarf.

Happy New Year!

Baby needs a new pair of mittens

2011-12-29T14:22:00.001-05:00

It still is not very winterlike around here - a bit of snow here and there, but its not sincere - but it still became obvious that Toddler N needed some mittens. So while she napped, I whipped out these:

In the pink!

Pattern: Child's Mitten
Yarn: Wool-Ease, I think, left over from who knows what
Needles: US3 DPNs
Modifications: None

With toddlers, you never know what they will like and what they won't like, but she seems to like all her grandma knits.

Ready for Rhinebeck!

I have not knit her any socks beyond the infant ones she rapidly outgrew, but I'm sure that will change.

Startitis needs to turn to finishitis

2011-12-28T07:39:00.002-05:00

While I realize that my WIP in pile is nothing, nothing compared to some, it does weigh heavy on my mind. Not that that stops me from casting on something new, but still. Lets see just where we stand. (Note: I am not including any WIP that is not on my Ravelry page - some projects are best not mentioned.)

Minimalist Cardigan - All this needs are some seams. Please, please, knitting gods, give me a little fortitude, to finish this. It will expand my minimalist wardrobe greatly.

Belinda - This is finished, sort of. I bound off, then decided it needs a few more rows. The undoing of the bind off is my undoing - this is Kidsilk Haze.

Historic Danish shawl - This is languishing because I am afraid I will run out of yarn, and then what will I do? Plus, the yarn is not very knitworthy, as it was spun for weaving. I'm tempted to take up weaving, just to use this yarn for its intended purpose.

Mitered Crosses blanket - What is holding me up here is indecision about how best to assemble the squares. I've tried several methods, none of which I like very much. Maybe kitchener?

Baby cable socks - These I have been working on and have just the toes to knit.

Suspender cardigan - I am happy to report that GardeningWitch supplied me with a skein of yarn (and some stitch markers! She is one of those naturally generous people I try to emulate). Again, finishing this sweater will expand my wardrobe.

Mohair Bias loop - I put this away for the holidays, to keep it out of harm's way, and there it sits. My only excuse is it's Kidsilk Haze.

Cowls - There are four of them, all still waiting for their buttons. I decided to block them before buttoning them, but I'm sure they are dry by now. Seams and buttons - my downfall!

Scarves - While knitting the cowls, I would bind off one and drape it over the back of my neck while casting on another, and discovered just how much they helped ward off the winter chill. So I started wearing this scarf with a navy sweater that is usually not warm enough by itself. And now I want more "inside" scarves, ones that I can wear as accessories. So I started two. In fingering. What was I thinking?!?

And that is the end of the list. What's in your WIP pile?

Gridlock

2011-12-26T09:54:00.001-05:00

Detail

This pattern is a good one for stash busting if you have a lot of spare cotton yarn on hand (which I do, for some stupid reason). I also think this pattern would make good dishrags and hot pads because of the garter ridges.

Front

Pattern: Gridded Kitchen Towel
Yarn: Lion Brand Lion Cotton Solid in 'Espresso' and Pisgah Yarn Peaches & Cream Ombres in 'Daisy Ombre'
Needles: US7
Modifications: I cast on 66 stitches after trying the recommended 87 because it seemed HUGE, but am now hoping it does not shrink a lot, as it is close to being the same size as my store-bought kitchen towels

Back

I made a mistake at one end of the towel - purled when I should have knit, so one of those garter ridges came up missing. By the time I discovered it, I was NOT going to rip back. However, I duplicated the error at the other end of the towel, thereby turning a minus into a plus.

Ha-ha

2011-12-18T10:14:00.002-05:00

Oh, why not?

Knitted but not done

2011-12-16T19:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry for my absence, but after working on a computer all day, it is difficult to go online in the evening as well. In fact, I make it a soft rule to stay offline in the evenings, just to give myself a break. But I wanted to post something before I forget what I am working on. So here are four cowls I've recently knitted.

Kerchief Cowl

Schmatta 1

Schmatta 2

Smilla

And here are the buttons to go on the cowls.

I think I should make Sunday a sew-on-buttons day. Sounds like a good activity to watch football by.

Meanwhile, I am almost done with the Gridded Kitchen Towel.

I made a mistake near the beginning, something I did not discover until near the end. But if I duplicate the mistake at the other end, then a flaw becomes a feature, right?

Good news!

2011-12-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

Re the yarn shortage for the Suspender Cardigan: Ravelry to the rescue! Despite the quirky search feature in their yarn section (you can enter the lot number as a search criteria, but it doesn't seem to do anything), I found some knitters with matching yarn. GardeningWitch is sending me a skein (all the way from the UK!), and if that is not enough, I have an offer of a half-skein from LauraB69. Aren't knitters grand?

Meanwhile, I have been cowling away - four are completed, using three different patterns. I will post pictures and details once the buttons are added.

And the baby cable socks are progressing nicely.

And if that were not enough, I started a Gridded Kitchen Towel. I guess I am in the mood to bust some cotton stash.

Stuck

2011-11-30T14:02:00.000-05:00

At first, I was hoping to name this post "Two steps forward, one step back" because I had to redo the sleeves when I realized I had forgotten to include the decreases.

But after correcting my error and continuing on my way, I RAN OUT OF YARN.

WAH! The sleeves are about elbow length, NOT what I was aiming for. I tried looking on Ravelry for duplicate colorway (8401) and dye lot (9338), but their search feature leaves a lot to be desired. And most knitters don't record the dye lot anyway. So I emailed the store where I purchased it, to see if they have more (because of course I did not purchase it locally). If so, maybe they will be willing to mail me an order. Otherwise, I may have to drag the sweater from LYS to LYS, looking for a match. Unless one of you has a suggestion?

I am also stuck on the mitered crosses blanket, but only because of personal dissatisfaction with joining the squares. The pattern recommends a three-needle bind off, which I am not loving. I tried slip stitching and single crocheting as well. Next I will try a simple whipstitch.

So, I'm stuck working on my baby cables.

It has been a while since I've knitted socks, and it is nice to return to an old standby.

And let's finish off with another pic of Toddler N, this time modeling the Debbie Bliss hooded pullover.

Adorable!

More progress

2011-11-26T13:25:00.001-05:00

The Suspender Sweater continues to toot along. I've been alternating sides, and am actually farther along than these photos indicate. In fact, the sleeve caps are done, as are the sides. All that is left are the sleeves.

I'm getting a little anxious about running out of yarn. When I purchased the gray and pink, I did not have a sweater in mind, much less a garter stitch one. I also envisioned using more of the pink.

If I run short, I can repeat the suspender pattern at the cuffs, assuming all I need is two extra inches per sleeve. And I have enough black Cascade 220 to use that to i-cord around the hem. Let's just hope the knitting goddesses look with favor upon this project.

The Mohair Bias Loop is limping along. I can stand to work only a few rows at a time - love the result but hate knitting this yarn (Super Kid Seta by Trendsetter Yarns - very much like Kidsilk Haze).

You would think using US10.5 needles would speed things up, but no. I even have to count each stitch, to make sure I don't drop one. This project will take a while.

And just because she is so darn cute, here is Toddler N, modeling her Debbie Bliss A-Line Cardigan on Thanksgiving Day.

I am thankful for a lot of things, but especially for grandchildren.

Carry on

2011-11-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

When it came time to start the suspenders for the Suspender Cardigan, I found myself questioning the instructions, especially the slipping of a stitch wyif on the right side of the fabric. I started, stopped, ripped back, sat and thought, researched online and on Ravelry, thought some more, knitted a sample, then bit the bullet.

In the book, there are photos of several sample suspenders, but no closeups of the one described in the pattern. I contemplated doing something creative, using some oddball yarn, but in the end fell back on following the instructions and knitting with black, dark gray, and pink Cascade 220. I think it works.

Garter stitch orgy

2011-11-13T12:42:00.000-05:00

Now that the baby/toddler items are done, all I want to do is knit. No seed stitch, no ribbing, no purling, just knit. The Mason-Dixon Mitered Crosses blanket is perfect for that.

I have all the mitered cross squares done, but am struggling with the joining of them. So I decided to weave in ends first, a Sisyphean task that is easy to put down.

When not weaving in ends, I have been knitting EZ's Suspender Cardigan from Knit One Knit All. Not only is this all garter, all the time, but it incorporates some interesting construction.

First, you knit the back.

Then you knit up one side of the front, and build the collar while attaching the back.

Then it is back down the other side of the front, making i-cord loops along the way.

That is just the center front/back. Once that is complete, you pick up stitches along the sides and knit the "suspenders" and sides and sleeves. Quite clever.

Last week I was on the road, so I do have a pair of baby-cable socks on the needles, but they are not progressing very quickly. And while trying to neaten up the craft room, I grabbed some mohair-silk lace weight (not Kidsilk Haze, but like it) that has been laying around for quite some time, and started a wrap. It's another project that is easy to put down, primarily because of the yarn. I guess I am feeling lazy, want only something easy to work on. Hence, the garter.

Last one

2011-11-04T15:24:00.001-04:00

Technically, this project is not 100% finished. I purchased the buttons today but cannot sew them on until Toddler N tries on the pinafore. If I were to knit this over, I might put a series of buttonholes in the straps and attach the buttons inside the waist, to make it adjustable. Not that moving buttons is a big deal.

Pattern: Pinafore Dress from Debbie Bliss Essential Baby
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in colorway 340026 (kind of a blue/green/gray)
Needles: US2 and US3
Modifications: None

The hem was not the nightmare I envisioned because I had the sense to block the pieces before assembly, including the fold for the hem. Some of the moss stitch does not look perfect, but I decided not to inspect it too closely.

Thus ends this year's knitting for Toddler N. At least, that is the plan. I wonder if she needs mittens?

Finally

2011-11-01T15:24:00.000-04:00

Last night I took advantage of the small turnout of ~~goblins and witches~~ Yankees and Scarecrows to finish up the hooded pullover for Toddler N. (YES, she is walking now, albeit not very enthusiastically. She's like a new skier, disbelieving her ability to stay upright.) The seams - and there were seemingly a bazillion of them - actually came out halfway decently (eventually - there were several do-overs). Maybe the trick to becoming adept at seaming is to stop avoiding it and to practice, practice, practice. Duh.

Pattern: Hooded Pullover by Debbie Bliss (in Design It, Knit It Babies)
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto in colorway 23006 (oatmeal) and Debbie Bliss Rialto 4-Ply in colorway 22015 (lime-ish green)
Needles: US6 and US3
Modifications: None

There are a few errors in the pattern that are published and a few that become apparent as one goes along. The instructions become kind of vague toward the end, but I managed to muddle through. All in all, a success.

My daughter recently returned a bagful of handknits that Toddler N has outgrown. Now that she is a toddler, sweaters and hats will fit her for at least a season if not a year or two. My advice to new grandmas is to refrain from knitting up too many newborn and baby things, sweet as they are, but to save one's efforts for the later stages of growth.

One done

2011-10-23T09:13:00.000-04:00

The seams are not the best but they were sewn and the buttons were added in time for Baby N's first birthday party.

Pattern: A-Line Cardigan, from Debbie Bliss Design It, Knit It Babies
Yarn: Baby Cashmerino in 340026 (a greenish-grayish color)
Needles: US3
Modifications: Several - after all, the book title says "design it"

One obvious modification was substituting ringwood stitch for the stockinette in the body. This greatly reduced curling. The sleeves I kept as stockinette, but on Chrisknits advice, added a little ringwood at the cuff. And I dropped the collar, at my daughter's suggestion.

Using a different stitch than simple stockinette was a bit of a challenge in places, like under the arms, where I reverted to stockinette to reduce bulk. But apparently I cannot count, because the back and fronts did not line up right.

Fortunately, two wrongs make a right, so while the stockinette is not a perfect match, the back and fronts were the same length. Whew!

I still have the pinafore to seam up and the hooded pullover to finish. My best excuse for not having these done is I was sick last week, with an intestinal virus, that laid me so low that I could not even knit. Feeling much better now, though, so hopefully the rest will be finished anon.

My own "grandma set"

2011-10-18T15:12:00.000-04:00

I knit these up a while ago, but per usual, it took me forever to get a button sewn on. I make these for my agemates as they become grandmas, and decided I should make a set for myself.

Pattern: Baby Bib O' Love from Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Elann Den-M-Nit Pure Indigo Cotton
Needles: US6 (I think)
Modifications: None

Pattern: Baby Genius Burp Cloth, from Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Elann Den-M-Nit Pure Indigo Cotton
Needles: US6 (I think)
Modifications: None

They have already been used. The cotton is very absorbent. And washable. A must with babies.

Warm as wool

2011-10-16T16:59:00.000-04:00

Parts becoming whole

2011-10-13T18:26:00.000-04:00

Parts is parts

2011-10-06T14:12:00.001-04:00

Kittyville - the small size

2011-10-04T20:32:00.000-04:00

I decided Baby N needed a new winter hat. Enter Kittyville. The pattern was for an adult size hat, but using some arithmetic, I determined that knitting it in DK instead of worsted would yield a toddler-sized hat. Since the width of the seed stitch border and the width of the sides below the crown were given in inches in the pattern, I guessed that a 1" border and 3" sides would be about right. And they were.

Too bad the seed stitch is barely visible in this craptastic photo

Pattern: Official Kittyville Hat from Stitch n Bitch (no link - thanks, Blogger)
Yarn: Valley Farms Valley Superwash DK in 03 (black)
Needles: US5 DPNs
Modifications: DK instead of worsted, smaller band and sides

Too bad you can't see the ears in this otherwise adequate photo

Now, a slacker mom like me would view this hat as an opportunity to dress Baby N in a black leotard and tights, add some whiskers, and consider the costume complete for baby's first Halloween. If anyone asks, she is Hello Kitty's evil twin.

Got yarn?

2011-10-02T08:53:00.000-04:00

On our trip to New England, I hit two yarn stores, one scheduled, one not. First up was Charlotte's Web in Exeter, NH. As I have done elsewhere, I asked about local yarn and learned that the hand dyers in that area frequent farmers markets and such. Unfortunately, we would not be around for one. I did snatch up a couple of skeins of this:

It's from Seacoast Handpainted Yarns; content alpaca, silk, and merino; colorway "Shy as Acorn". Yum!

I also purchased some Noro Kureyon for the Mitered Crosses blanket I've been itching to start. Later, at Loom with a View in Newburyport, MA, I added some Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted. And then when I got home, I could not wait to start.

Swatches

Block one of ten started

As if that were not enough, I also ordered from Webs some Debbie Bliss Rialto DK and 4-ply for a hooded pullover for Baby N (who I will start calling Toddler N once she starts walking).

Oatmeal and lime anyone?

And I could not wait to start that project, either.

Cuffs

In case you are wondering about the other projects for Baby N, they are not being totally neglected. For one thing, weaving in the ends took forever. For another, I decided to block before assembling.

A-line Cardigan

The ringwood stitch for the cardigan did resist curling except on the edges, which will be seamed together, so no worries. The button bands lay flat, much to my relief.

Pinafore Dress back

Pinafore Dress front

The only part of the Pinafore Dress I was worried about was the hem, which suffered from some serious curling. Dressing wires to the rescue!

Pinafore Dress hem detail

My goal is to have the Baby N projects completed by her birthday later this month. Then, on to xmas knitting!

Hats off to watch caps

2011-09-23T14:01:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the absence. My SO and I took a week's vacation (more about that later), and I brought home some New England cooties that have laid me low this past week. I have been knitting, but between the cold symptoms and the OTC meds, my brain has not been very functional.

My son told me he "can't find" (is that a euphemism for "lost"?) the hat I knit him. So I decided to knit up a couple of watch caps; he can have his pick. These are both quick and easy.

Pattern: Watch Cap by Judith Durant
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted in colorway 194 (gray)
Needles: US7
Modifications: none

One size fits all

All 1x1 ribbing all the way, and very stretchy. In fact, both these hats are very stretchy. And they are long enough to cover the ears.

Pattern: Classic WWII Watch Cap by Helen Waittes
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted in colorway 999 (maroon)
Needles: US7
Modifications: None

Large size

This one starts out with a 2x2 ribbing, then switches to 2x6. I did not do anything fancy but you can substitute a 6-stitch cable or other stitch pattern for the top part.

Like I said, quick and easy. Also, each takes less than a 100g skein of yarn. Good for brainless knitting. Like when one has a cold and can't stitch two thoughts together.

K1, P1, ouch, ouch, ouch

2011-09-09T12:30:00.000-04:00

After all that seed stitch, I decided give my hands and wrists a break and knit a quick hat. But while seed stitch and 1x1 ribbing may look different, to one's hands, they are the same.

Almost finished watch cap

So then I decided to work on something in stockinette and started this A-line cardigan. But the stockinette started to curl (and I threatened to start crying because I have been here before). After a test swatch, I decided to replace the stockinette with ringwood stitch.

Curl up like a snake or lay flat - choice is obvious

Which is two-thirds stockinette and one-third K1 P1. Maybe I'll make the sleeves stockinette?

Now for the hard part

2011-09-06T19:32:00.000-04:00

The knitting is done. Now it is time for not only the seaming (I think I can handle two side seams) but the HEMMING.

From the back

If I were to knit this over again, I would use a picot cast on instead of something that requires HEMMING.

Over halfway there

2011-09-02T13:53:00.000-04:00

The pinafore for Baby N is over half completed. Last weekend I draped the front half over her, to see what it looked like:

I'm so sleepy!

I'm suffering from startitis, but so far, have managed to fight off the virus. Must. Finish. The. Pinafore. First. Babies grow, you know.

Just what I need

2011-08-23T16:51:00.000-04:00

My SO and I spent a long weekend in Milwaukee (details here), and while not much knitting occurred, some yarn purchasing did. First, we visited Fiberwood Studio, where I glommed onto enough gray and pink Cascade 220 to knit myself a sweater.

I was hoping to find a significant amount of local yarn, but all there was was a handful of skeins from Honeypot Yarns, now sadly out of business. I did purchase a token skein, which I think I will combine with a ribbon yarn for a scribble scarf.

The other LYS we visited (and which is open on Sundays, a rare thing for a LYS) was the Loop Yarn Shop. None of the yarn there spoke to me, although I was tempted by the Spud and Chloe and some Burly Spun Lamb's Pride. Instead, I purchased a pattern for a Mohair Bias Loop, to help me use up some Kidsilk Haze.

Once home, I decompressed by making up for the lack of road trip knitting. The front of the pinafore for Baby N is almost complete. I like Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino and I like the Debbie Bliss patterns, and I achieve gauge for both stitches and rows, BUT somehow I always need more yarn than the patterns recommend. Glad I have extra for this project.

It must be the weather. And approaching football season.

2011-08-18T13:33:00.000-04:00

My knitting mojo seems to have returned - all I want to do is knit, knit, knit. I started a pinafore for Baby N

I love seed stitch!

and have about three sweaters queued up for her. And I want to knit a Mitered Crosses blanket. And a Lanesplitter skirt. And my son needs a new hat. And there is Kauni yarn for brioche scarves. And this year's xmas knitting is to be felted slippers. I even feel like knitting entrelac! And dishcloths! And yes, even socks!

Finally, an FO

2011-08-14T13:13:00.001-04:00

Usually, when I knit socks, I pick a ribbed pattern for the fit. "Inlay" is not ribbed, which may explain why the pattern includes instructions for four sizes. I made the largest ones, but they feel a bit loose, even for my big feet. However, they have not yet been through the dryer, so that may change.

Pattern: Inlay by Hunter Hammersen, found on knitty

Yarn: A Piece of Vermont Superwash merino, bamboo, and nylon, colorway 8006, purchased on the Vermont Yarn Crawl

Needles: US1 DPNs

Modifications: The pattern is not quite correct as written (see my previous posts) plus I adjusted the gusset so that the decreases were not right next to the instep (personal preference)

The crosshatch pattern looks better in these photos than it does in real life, but they still look purty. And they are dense. Should be very wam this winter. If you plan to knit them, check out the KAL on Ravelry for input. All my notes on this pattern may be found on Ravelry, too.

And now I am going to take a break from socks.

Slow going

2011-07-23T14:51:00.000-04:00

Still working on 'Inlay' but it is three steps forward, two steps back. I started the heel flap, with its own chart. The legend said that the slipped stitches should be slipped with the yarn in back. That did not seem right, so I checked Ravelry for errata. Nada, so I forged ahead. After about 6 rows, not only did the slipped stitches not feel right, they did not look right, either. Back to Ravelry, but this time I checked the KAL for this pattern. Another knitter asked the designer about these stitches, but described them much better than I would have, as being "wrapped". It turns out the designer actually meant to hold the yarn to the "private" side of the fabric, or in back on the right side, in front on the wrong side. I tinked back and restarted the heel flap and now it looks right.

What did we ever do before the Internet?!?

She who hesitates

2011-07-19T19:51:00.001-04:00

It is not unusual for me to hit a snag with a project. Sometimes it's the seams, sometimes it's the pattern, sometimes it's the realization that I am not going to like the result. A time out doesn't hurt, unless one is knitting for a growing baby. Then those projects set aside for a moment become hopelessly behind.

Such is the fate of some items I knit for Baby N: the seams on a pair of pants did me in, the curling of the stockinette on a kimono looked unfixable, and the embroidery for Blu was not a pretty sight. Fortunately yarn allows for do-overs. I foresee that the chocolate and lavender Debbie Bliss yarn is going to become something like an EZ Tomten, and the Den-M-nit will become something.

I'm still working on Inlay. I don't consider myself a tight knitter, but I have had to deliberately loosen up when knitting the twisted stitches in the motif. Once I learned to do that, these socks started not exactly sailing along but at least progressing nicely.

Otherwise, knitting is giving way to gardening and murder mysteries (my favorite summer reading), although I am currently working through Stanley Park. The main character is a chef in Vancouver, so there is lots of foodie talk, but the characters are complex and the story engrossing. Worth the effort.

No mojo

2011-07-08T21:06:00.000-04:00

The "Inlay" socks are kicking my butt. In fact, all my knitting is kicking my butt right now. Most frustrating is that, when I try to knit during a meeting, invariably I drop stitches. Grrr! So if you don't hear from me for a while, it's because I'm spending some quality time with my yard and my summer reading.

And done

2011-06-28T21:29:00.000-04:00

These were supposed to be for me, and given the number of stitches cast on, I assumed they would fit. But these were my first cable socks and I did not realize the cables would eat up so much of the real estate. I don't think my daughter will turn them down, though.

Pattern: 3x3 Cable with Moss Stitch, by Charlene Schurch (in Sensational Knitted Socks)
Yarn: A Piece of Vermont (superwash merino/bamboo/nylon) in 8007
Needles: US1 dpns
Modifications: None

I did not set out to knit a pair of socks a month, although that is how it has gone so far this year. Socks are my most portable project, so there is always a pair in progress. In fact, I have already cast on the next pair: "Inlay" from knitty.

Still alive

2011-06-21T14:26:00.000-04:00

Summertime - what can I say? I'm out of L&O:SVU episodes to stream, the garden (or rather, the weed population) constantly calls my name, and then there is that cutie pie, aka my granddaughter, who requires weekly doses of spoiling. SOME knitting is getting done, not much, but always socks.

When I purchased this Piece of Vermont yarn, I thought of the color as brown. When I wound it into a ball, the rose emerged. And now that I am knitting it, I've discovered yellow as well. Fun stuff!

More cables and bamboo, more socks

2011-06-11T12:50:00.000-04:00

I decided to knit socks with bigger cables, and this yarn from a Piece of Vermont just happens to include bamboo. Do I detect a theme?

Last birthday socks

2011-06-02T15:55:00.000-04:00

The final pair of birthday socks are done. I am glad I made them longer in the foot - much better.

Pattern: Four-Stitch Ribbing Patterns - baby cable rib - from Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Schoeller+Stalh Fortissima Socka Degradee Color, colorway 103
Needles: US1 dpns
Modifications: None

I'm loving the baby cables. I'm loving this sock yarn as well - it's mit bamboo.

Do overs

2011-05-31T14:01:00.000-04:00

Still here, still knitting. Or trying to. This past weekend was spent with friends, but my attempts to knit and chat did not work well: I lost a sock needle and could not work on the last of the birthday socks, and I kept dropping stitches on the Danish shawl, so set that aside as well.

Last night I finished the socks, but they are too short in the foot, so I am redoing the toes. And I still have not blocked Belinda because I think it needs a couple more rows of pink.

This is the time of year when the knitting goes nearly dormant. Something has to give - there are only so many hours in the day.

Belinda but for the blocking

2011-05-19T13:32:00.000-04:00

The knitting of Belinda is done, but I still have to block it.

I'm more than a little afraid what will happen when I saturate this thing. The yarn is Kidsilk Haze. Need I say more?

And then there is the actual blocking. Oh, lord, give me strength. And enough patience and pins.

Feather and Fan baby blanket

2011-05-17T13:46:00.000-04:00

I like making blankets. They tend to be simple patterns requiring little thought and not much counting or angst. They are always appreciated and well-used.

Pattern: Feather and Fan Baby Blanket, by Sara Baldwin
Yarn: Dream in Color Classy, in 'Wisteria'
Needles: US8
Modifications: none

I was planning to get a pic of this blanket with Baby N, but it has already left the premises.

That's... odd

2011-05-10T12:22:00.000-04:00

Today I went to the Barnes &Noble site, to see if a particular book was available for the Nook, and was rather surprised to discover that BN.com is now selling craft supplies. Like yarn. I know booksellers are struggling, but does this really make sense? Theoretically, one might want to buy yarn when buying a knitting book, but I can't think of a single time I have done this, even when buying a book in a yarn store. Personally, I think B&N has more problems than just competition from online sellers. I wish they would address those first.

Anyway, a feather and fan baby blanket is in the works...

and the final pair of birthday socks are on their way.

Baby cables!

More birthday socks

2011-05-08T10:34:00.000-04:00

So far, I am liking my plan to knit birthday socks instead of xmas socks. Three down and one to go for 2011.

Pattern: Retro Rib Socks, by Evelyn A. Clark
Yarn: Fortissima Socka Degradee Color in blues
Needles: US1
Modifications: none

I like these socks and the pattern, although I tired quickly of the K2TBL's. Since the ribbing is stretchy, the tops are knit the same for both sizes, then the foot is a bit bigger for the large size. These should fit my son, aka Big Foot, just fine.

Summer slumber sack

2011-05-06T09:27:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the long silence. Once I recovered from my cold, I went on a business trip, and while I could have blogged using my work computer, after being on it all day, I was not so inclined in the evenings. Before I left on the trip, though, I finished this summer slumber sack for my granddaughter.

Pattern: My own

Yarn: Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK, in four colors

Needles: US6 (for main part of body) and US5 (for the bodice) circs

What makes this a summer slumber sack is the absence of hood and sleeves and the addition of open work in the chest area. Hopefully, this will ward off AC chill but not be overly warm. Another good feature is it is open at the bottom, facilitating diaper changing. I put ribbing at the bottom and below and above the diaper area, but I'm not sure it will make much difference. Also, I trimmed the neck and armholes with applied i-cord, to prevent them from getting overly stretched out.

When I first put this on Baby N to take the above photo, she fussed and protested, but once she saw the camera, the smiles came out. What a diva!

Nothing to see here, folks

2011-04-25T10:04:00.000-04:00

Just checking in to let you know I am still alive and almost over my cold. I would have some knitting to show, but I have been reworking the bodice on the summer slumber sack over and over and OVER again. Since all my mistakes may be due to illness and/or OTC medications, I decided to give the knitting a rest for a few days. Instead, I watched all three Stieg Larsson movies. It's difficult to knit while reading subtitles. BTW, I thoroughly enjoyed the movies, but they are not for the squeamish.

I hab a code

2011-04-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

Little girls may be made with sugar and spice and everything nice, but when they are not quite 6 months old, they don't know to cover their mouths when they cough or to sneeze into the crook of their arm or to wash their hands regularly. Hence, my cold, courtesy of my granddaughter. She seems to not only be a new vector for infectious diseases, she also mutates the germs into something my immune system can't cope with. This is the worst cold I have had in a long time. That's the bad news.

The good news is I am not too sick to knit.

Here is the bottom portion of the new sleep sack my daughter requested for Baby N. I want to try it on the baby before finishing the top.

Here are the birthday socks for my son. The gussets are done, so it should be (relatively) smooth sailing to the toes.

Even Belinda has gotten some attention. The pink yarn is much easier to see, so I can work on this even when the lighting is not perfect.

The only thing being totally neglected is the Danish shawl. I would not mind wrapping up in that today, to ward off the chills.

While knitting, I listened to Poser: My Life in Twenty-three Yoga Poses, by Claire Dederer. Initially, I found this book to be mildly entertaining, but there are nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout. Next up on the audio book list is The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. I also downloaded a Sherlock Holmes to my Nook, in part because I have never read any Arthur Conan Doyle, in part to see if I like listening to books on my eReader. And it was one of the few books available through the local library that could be checked out immediately AND comes in MP3 format.

Now, time for a nap.

Breaking news

2011-04-14T10:48:00.000-04:00

I have managed to stab myself with a knitting needle, so I know how sharp they can be. Hope we hear the rest of this story. Maybe a riot at an LYS with good yarn at cheap prices but low inventory?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_knitting_needle_stabbing

It's my daughter's fault

2011-04-04T16:53:00.000-04:00

The sleep sack I made for my granddaughter has had a lot of use this winter. Not only does Baby N sleep in it, she travels in it. And she has not yet outgrown it.

Now my daughter wants a summer sleep sack for Baby N, more like a long jumper, to keep her warm in their air conditioned house while she sleeps. And what knitter can resists a special request and/or the invitation to start something new? Not me. I'm combining some patterns and adding my own ideas to the mix, to come up with a solution, one that does not include a draw string or buttons at the bottom, because Baby N now can do this:

So progress on current projects may grind to a crawl. Here is the status of those soon-to-be-neglected projects:

I am over halfway done with Belinda, as evidenced by the change of colors above. The going will be slow, however, because I am now working 208 stitches per row. Also, I prefer to knit KidSilk Haze on straights, so every one of those 208 stitches has been crammed onto one needle. KSH is light weight, but having all those stitches on one needle can still cramp one's style. Or hands, as the case may be.

I'm plodding along on the Danish shawl, which like many lace projects, doesn't look like much right now. I'm anxious to get the bottom border done so I can move onto the body, which is mostly garter stitch. Theoretically, that part should fly.

The current pair of socks feels like it is dragging, which I blame on the K2TOG's. Otherwise, I would be cruising on these. I like the resulting pattern, plus this is my portable project, so it shouldn't get totally neglected.

These not-quite-springlike gray and rainy days are perfect for knitting, were it not for the need to earn a living. Stupid job.

Dithering

2011-03-27T10:06:00.002-04:00

Last night I inspected the work-so-far on the Danish shawl and decided it's not anything a firm blocking won't correct. So I am NOT starting over. At least, not today. Check back tomorrow.

Still wrong

2011-03-26T17:29:00.000-04:00

It wasn't the slipped stitches that made the border points on the Danish shawl list to the left; it was the bind off. Not wanting to take the current work off the circular Addi needles, I worked up a few points on straights, just to see if binding off more loosely would help. Not only did it make the points straight, I liked the resulting lace better, too. Usually I think of needles as being interchangeable sizewise, but not in this case.

SO... maybe I will start over. *sigh*

Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

2011-03-23T14:52:00.000-04:00

I was wrong about the second half of the Danish shawl border being ssk's instead of k2tog's. I was also wrong not to take seriously the instruction about keeping the slipped stitch very loose, which is why the points slant. This would not be so bad if I could figure out how to get the points on the second half to slant in the opposite direction. The shawl is taking a brief time out while I contemplate and experiment and see what I can do. One thing I know I am NOT going to do is start over.

Another pair of birthday socks found their way onto the needles, Retro Rib from Favorite Socks. I have only one skein of yarn to knit a man-sized pair of socks. This pattern is only 64 stitches around, but they are stretchy stitches, so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, over 50% of those stitches are purl, and a good many of the remaining are ktbl. Not difficult, just annoying.

Then I purchased Mitered Crosses Blanket Pattern for Japan, because I like the idea of creating a knitted blanket from a quilt pattern and it's pretty and it's big and the money goes to a good cause. I completely forgot that I don't particularly like to knit mitered squares. Oh, well, it was only $5.

Birthday socks #2

2011-03-20T16:55:00.000-04:00

I was afraid these would be too loose from the YOs, so I knit through the back loop when knitting the YOs. Then I was concerned they would not be loose enough!

Pattern: Bluebell Rib (six-stitch sock pattern) from Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Schoeller+Stahl Fortissima Socka Degradee Color, colorway 104
Needles: US1
Modifications: None, except to knit the YOs through the back loop.

They turned out fine sizewise, but the “bluebells” look like bluebells only to the wearer; to others, they will look like tulips.

In case you were wondering, I am still working on Belinda. I am almost halfway done!

And I am halfway done with the bottom border of the Danish shawl:

The second half of the border uses ssk's instead of k2tog's, so I should have an easier time of it regarding the splitty yarn. Thank goodness!

Because I'm (half) Danish

2011-03-13T09:39:00.000-04:00

My mother's parents emigrated to the US from Denmark, which in my eyes makes me half Danish. When my mother's brother converted to Catholicism, I went around telling people I was "half Catholic" (I was about ten at the time). While I was told that was not accurate, no one really explained why.

Because of my Danish "heritage" I always chose Denmark as the subject of history reports, lorded over my friends the fact we opened our xmas gifts on xmas eve, and periodically bugged my mother to teach me to speak Danish. As an adult, I am drawn to Danish films and knitting. So when I stumbled across the

Kællingesjal shawl, I had to knit it.

Starting out the border

The shawl dates from the late 1800's. Mette Rørbech created her "recipe" for this shawl based on one she saw in a museum. The yarn I am using is some alpaca I purchased at a fiber arts festival from Weavers Loft, yarn I now realize was designed for weaving and not for knitting. It comes in 8-oz. hanks and is single ply with little twist, which makes it split easily. The k2tog's are particularly vexing. But the good news is only the borders are lace; the body of the shawl is garter with stockinette and reverse stockinette bands. And I like to think the yarn is similar to yarn used 100 years ago - a little roughly spun. At least, that is what I tell myself each time I have to rework a k2tog, which is almost every one.

No FOs but she looks good in green

2011-03-06T10:21:00.001-05:00

The February Baby sweater and pants:

But I was born in October!

From the back:

Check out the hair!

The full ensemble:

Any more photos and you will have to call my agent!

And who can resist that smile?

Grandma is SO funny!

Birthday socks #1

2011-03-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

After xmas, I decided that this year I would knit birthday socks for the usual suspects, then at xmas present everyone with felted slippers. First birthday is in April, but these are done now, so happy early bday, son-in-law!

Pattern: Twin Rib - one of the 6-stitch rib patterns from Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Fortissima Socka Degradee Color in colorway 102
Needles: US1
Modifications: None

The photo above does not do justice to the subtle color gradations. The yarn is a blend of wool, bamboo, and nylon, which should be comfortable even in warm weather. It's a nice yarn to work with, too.

Quandry resolved

2011-02-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

I knit up a Spiral Tweed Cloche with the remaining skein of Laughing Tree Farm yarn and did not need to steal yarn from the snood, so the latter will be added to the gift drawer while I wear the former.

Pattern: Spiral Tweed Cloche by Veronik Avery (published in Knitting 24/7)
Yarn: Laughing Tree Yarn 50/50 3-ply
Needles: US8 and US7
Modifications: None, except the pattern calls for some internal ribbon to help shape the cap, plus a big button as decoration, neither of which I have employed. Yet.

Kromboomssloot quandry

2011-02-13T15:52:00.000-05:00

I knit up a Kromboomssloot Snood in just a few days, BUT. I discovered that this is not a good look for me. It looks better on my daughter, but she declared it not her style. I used only half the yarn I designated for this project, so now I am contemplating what to do with the rest and whether I should frog the snood if I need the yarn. Meanwhile, I won't block it yet.

Pattern: Kromboomssloot Snood from Knitting Brioche
Yarn: Laughing Tree Farm 3-play in chocolate
Needles: US7 (for ribbing) and US10.5 for Kromboom Tuck stitch
Modifications: none

Happiness is a new pair of socks

2011-02-07T18:34:00.000-05:00

Mondays are not my best days. My weekends are too enjoyable, I guess. What would make me feel better on this gray day? Orange socks, of course!

Pattern: Undulating Rib Socks, by Ann Budd (from Favorite Socks)

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Zino, in ? (can't find the ball band)

Needles: US2 and US1 DPNs

Modifications: For some reason, the arithmetic in the pattern did not quite work for me, so I made some modest modifications to center the pattern over the foot.

I have a vague memory of trying this pattern once before, without success, but I love this result. And while I think the colorway is gorgeous, I did not like knitting this single ply yarn. Too splitty, especially when worked off the outside of the skein. There are plenty of beautiful yarns out there, so I see no sense in knitting one this cantankerous.

What the ? part II

2011-01-31T21:03:00.001-05:00

It was time for a new ball of Kid Silk Haze for Belinda, but the ball I fetched was all haze, no silk.

Of course, no ball band, or none that did not say "Kid Silk Haze" on it.

What is maddening is wondering where this came from. I don't remember buying a ball of roving that was the same color and size as the Kid Silk Haze. Could there have been a mix-up at the point of purchase? I am baffled.

Zandloper

2011-01-30T11:05:00.000-05:00

I like knitting scarves. Or, more accurately, I like knitting the first half of scarves. After that, it becomes a death march. This Zandloper was no exception, except I also worried about running out of yarn, so once I neared the finish line, I weighed each skein after each pattern repeat, to make sure I had enough for another pattern repeat. I did not achieve 13 repeats, but at 60 inches, I think it is long enough.

Pattern: Zandloper Scarf by Nancy Marchant, from Knitting Brioche.
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino in "Bright Red" and Plymouth Yarns Galway in "9" (black)
Needles: US7 circs
Modifications: None on purpose.

This was my first brioche project, my first Italian cast on, and my first Italian bind off; I'm not sure I did the latter correctly, but (with the help of YouTube) managed a facsimile. Brioche creates a double knit stitch which I anticipate will be warm if a bit bulky. Learning to follow a brioche pattern is like learning a new language, but fortunately one with a limited vocabulary. The instructions in the book are very complete (even if I could not figure out the Italian bind off from them).

I already have the yarn for four more brioche projects: Kauni for the Geveldak Scarf and Wissel Scarf, Laughing Tree Farm for the Kromboomssloot Snood, and Plymouth Encore for the Oor-flap Muts (earflap hat). But before casting on any of those, I want to finish a few baby things. Really.

The unknown kimono

2011-01-27T20:48:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I knit and knit and knit some more, but then completely forget that I have knit something. Two somethings, actually, from the same pattern, but different. I did report the one; here is the other:

Pattern: One-Piece Baby Kimono, from Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: I forget - I think it is Sugar 'n Cream, in white
Needles: I forget - US6 or US7
Modifications: Instead of ribbon, I made the ties from Sugar 'n Cream in "Pastel Print". I would not recommend this, as the result is similar to a cotton clothesline.

Kimono #1 was knit in stockinette; #2 in garter. Number 1 has ties; #2 has buttons. Otherwise, they are the same. My daughter passed on these, so into the gift drawer they go.

Ugg

2011-01-25T14:18:00.000-05:00

It seems like I knit and knit and knit some more, but never finish anything. But I have at least one thing to show you:

Pattern: Suede Baby Hat by Candi Jensen
Yarns: Berroco Suede (brown) and Berroco Plush (white) - I'm not a fan of novelty yarns and knitting with Plush was like wrestling a lhasa apso, but the results are cute
Needles: US6
Modifications: There were comments on Ravelry about how large the hat was, so I measured Baby N's head and decreased the pattern by about 10%. Also, I knit it in the round instead of flat; picked up stitches to knit the ear flaps and brim instead of knitting them separately and sewing them on; and the ties are i-cord.

I was hoping to get a pic of this hat in situ, but haven't had the chance yet.

Sock knitting is going on as well.

This is the Zino yarn that many Ravelers dislike. The colors are gorgeous, but yes, the yarn is splitty. I won't say I'll never knit with it again, but I doubt I will choose it willingly.

And speaking of sock yarn, there is a sale going on over at Simply Socks. I am only telling you because I have already placed my order.

What the ?

2011-01-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

I backordered this Kauni 8/2 from Webs, both in colorway EQ ("rainbow"). It arrived yesterday. My first thought was, This is not what I ordered, but yes, they are both EQ.

But what really has me flummoxed is one skein is 180g and the other 130g when they are both supposed to be 150g. Is this common? Good thing this issue should not affect the projects I bought these for.

Another yarn story: I ran out of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in chocolate, but found some at a LYS. When I started pulling the yarn out of the center-pull skein, a mini center-pull ball popped out. My guess is it was a return. I debated whether weighing the skein would just make me madder, but I did and it was 50g as it was supposed to be. My guess is someone needed a yard or two of yarn, then returned the rest to the store. No real harm done, but this is something I never do. I just add the skein to my stash.

I executed my plan on the baby sack and now my granddaughter can wear it in her car seat.

Sort of. Even though I made the smaller version of the pattern, the sack has plenty of room for growth.

The plan

2011-01-11T18:31:00.000-05:00

When I knit the baby sack, I did not take into consideration that baby doesn't go anywhere without a car seat. And car seats have buckles. Buckles that the Baby Sack does not accommodate. Which meant the baby sack was not be utilized much.

So, taking a clue from Baby's First Entrelac (from Entrée to Entrelac), I decided to add a slit for the car seat buckle. Baby's First Entrelac uses a three-needle bind off, but I tried out Elizabeth Zimmermann's afterthought pocket, without the pocket.

Of course, I did not try this on the baby sack itself. Instead, I knit up a sample with some left over acrylic.

The bottom edge of the slit is i-cord bind off. Once the ends are woven in, the edges will hopefully withstand tugging and pulling. I think I will give the flap an oval shape. This slit will be in back, as the car seat buckle should fit between the bottom two buttons on the front just fine.

Now I just need to get up the nerve to snip a stitch on the baby sack to get this going for real. Cutting into knitting just seems wrong.

Last day of xmas...

2011-01-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

... and the last pair of xmas socks are done.

These really are the same size

Pattern: Jaywalkers by Grumperina
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Sassy Stripes in 715 colorway
Needles: US1 DPNs
Modifications: Made the leg about an inch longer than the pattern calls for

Now. Priorities. I need to finish up some baby knitting before that darling grandbaby grows any more.

First FO for 2011 (sort of)

2011-01-03T20:19:00.000-05:00

Most of the work for this wrap was accomplished in 2010, but I don't consider an object truly done until it has been blocked.

Mr. Manly models

Pattern: Moebius Ring by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky, in sable and creme
Needles: US11
Modifications: What is there to modify? It's 60 inches of garter with applied i-cord

This started out as a vest, but after using one skein I realized I would not have enough yarn, so decided rather abruptly that it should be a scarf/wrap/whatever instead. That meant I had to pick apart the cast-on in order to graph the two ends together. My garter grafting is not the best - I have yet to get the tension right - and marrying the two ends of the i-cord took several tries before I was satisfied. That is why it did not get completed last year.

Two comments, one good, one not so good: 1) The wrap is surprisingly warm for not covering much of one's body. 2) The Lamb's Pride sheds.

Speaking of warm, the red, red, red sweater has become my under-the-winter-coat sweater for walking. It's very warm. Too bad it does not look very good on me. And I never have reknit the collar - I think a V-neck would be an improvement.

And speaking of yarn, while looking for a sock pattern for the Zino, I discovered the yarn has generated many negative comments on Ravelry. I've never used it before, so we shall see if I agree with its listed shortcomings.

2010 recap

2011-01-01T15:29:00.000-05:00

What I knit (or at least, finished) in 2010:

My SO's xmas socks (he has yet to receive this year's socks)
A blue BSJ (still up for grabs)
Purple socks
A cowl I have yet to wear or gift
Red socks
An Every Way Wrap
A nine-patch dishcloth (scroll down)
A garterlac dishcloth
Lime and gray socks (scroll down)
A mistake rib scarf
Pinkish-purpleish socks
A runner for the back of my running toilet
A winter set in toddler size
Pink infant socks (which are too small already!)
A reversible baby hat
A BSJ in pinks (with matching infant socks)
A pink and purple BSJ
A Clapotis
A plethora of February Baby sweaters and leggings (three sweaters, two leggings)
Orange and yellow socks
A brown and green baby blanket
A baby sack
A green infant hat
An aqua baby blanket
A pink infant hat
A purple infant hat
Red, black and gray socks
A bog jacket (yay me!)
Gloves
Red and navy socks

Whoa. That's a lot of knitting. If my counting is correct, it amounts to:

8 pairs of adult socks and 2 pairs of infant socks
1 adult sweater and 6 baby sweaters
1 cowl, 1 adult wrap, 1 adult scarf, 1 toddler scarf, 1 baby sack, 2 baby blankets
2 dishcloths and 1 runner
5 baby hats
1 pair of adult gloves and 1 pair of toddler mittens

I have no knitting resolutions this year, other than use more yarn than I buy. I would like to finish up at least some of the long-standing WIPs, but don't hold your breath. SOME DAY, when I have more time, I hope to learn to spin, but for right now, I will just keep knitting.

Shopping interrupted

2010-12-30T19:27:00.000-05:00

My SO and I headed north to Knitting Today yesterday, the 29th (this is important), for their end of year sale. It was a beautiful day for a drive in the country, as a freezing fog had left the landscape frosted. The trees made me want to knit something in evergreen and sparkling silver. Much to our surprise, when we arrived at KT, there were no cars in the parking lot and the closed sign hung in the window. WTH?

We turned around and headed back to town and found our way to Sarah Jane's, where I managed to find something to spend my money on:

I need some orangish socks (haven't picked a pattern yet):

The following is for a Suede Baby Hat and "Ugg" booties (Ravelry links):

And this is for Oor-flap muts (another Ravelry link):

When we returned to my house, my SO checked the newsletter from KT that was hanging on the refrigerator and read that the sale was Dec. 27, 28, and 30. Oh. Maybe I need to pay better attention. And I could not go today, the last day of the sale, because this little stinker came to visit:

Diaper blow out!

I also had a gift card from Barnes and Noble to use, and among my selections was One Yard Wonders. It was only later, when I was perusing the book in the privacy of my own home, that I discovered a bunch of pages were missing and had been replaced with dups of other pages. WTF? I've never seen that in a book before. Needless to say, I will return the book and hopefully be able to replace it with one that has all the pages, nothing more and nothing less.

Happy New Year!

Three down, one to go

2010-12-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

Finally finished these socks for my son for xmas.

Pattern: Four-Stitch Ribbing Pattern by Charlene Schurch (garter rib) - 80 stitches around (I think)
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Sassy Stripes, in color 765
Needles: US1 dpns
Modifications: none

I made a half-assed attempt to match the stripes, but casting on was flummoxing me, so once I got both socks going and discovered they were not going to match, I said, Screw it. These socks are larger than most I knit, so used more than 100g of yarn. No surprise there, but I was surprised when I soaked them and the blue bled out into the water. I will have to warn my son about that, although pale blue tee shirts are not a catastrophe.

On to the final pair of socks for xmas, although I am not so delusional as to think these will be done on time:

Again, casting on was a pain, so no attempt to match stripes. I am liking these blues, though.

No FOs yet

2010-12-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

These photos are out of date already, but I'm too lazy to take more recent ones.

Pair number three of four for xmas is actually closer to the toes than this indicates.

In fact, I measured them this morning, and one is a few rows from toe-start, while the other has another inch or so to go to catch up with its mate. These may get done today.

Not only does this top now have sleeves, the matching pants are over halfway done as well.

I am not happy about the curling, though. This morning I tried several different borders, including applied i-cord, to uncurl the bottom, but none of them worked very well.

Belinda is still far from being even halfway done.

The loss of daylight savings time has not helped.

Only eight more inches to go before the Moebius scarf can be Moebiusized.

Then I will add an applied i-cord border in "natural".

The brioche scarf is about 80% done. The stay-on baby booties ground to a halt because I don't like knitting the yarn - it is too fine and splitty - and now I fear they would be too small anyway.

I have been enjoying my Ringwood gloves, but if I were to knit them again, I would choose a stiffer yarn. The fabric is stretchy to begin with, and the bouncy yarn makes them even stretchier. It difficult to pull them on and slide the cuffs under my coat sleeves. Ditto the Mistake Rib scarf, which has grown in length even though I have been careful not to hang it from a peg. Good thing they are so pretty. And warm!

Not a newborn blob anymore

2010-12-10T20:27:00.001-05:00

Babies grow so fast. One minute their feet are too tiny for the infant socks, the next they are outgrowing them.

Dancin' feet!

Growing out of one size sweater, into the next.

Please ignore the spit-up on my face.

*sigh*

Meanwhile, I am a bit bogged down on the xmas socks. I thought choosing fairly vanilla patterns would help me knit them faster, but instead I am getting bored. I will be lucky to get pair #3 done in time; pair #4 may be just a promise on xmas eve.

It doesn't help that I started another project: a Moebius vest that morphed into a scarf once I realized I would not have enough yarn for the former. Lately, I have had the urge to use up some of my stash. That urge has not translated into not buying more yarn - according to Webs, a boxful is winging its way here right now - but maybe the stash has reached critical mass and I feel I must divest before I invest in more. Or something like that. Anyway, between three and four skeins of Lamb's Pride Bulky is about two-thirds on its way to becoming something warm and wearable.

Speaking of warm and wearable, I have been making good use of the Bog Jacket lately. One thing I can't understand, though, is why, wherever I go, nobody stops me to ask, "Did you knit that?" or to say, "I LOVE your sweater!" or to proclaim, "YOU are a knitting GENIUS." What is up with that?

It's about time

2010-12-09T09:02:00.000-05:00

The knitting for these gloves has been done for a while now. The buttons were purchased at least a week ago, at Joann's. The gloves were soaked some time back. Only today did I finally sew the buttons on. Now they are finished, just in time for some snowy winter weather.

Pattern: Ringwood Gloves by Rebecca Blair (pattern on knitty)
Yarn: Colinette Cadenza in 'Copperbeach'
Needles: US5 DPNs
Modifications: None

It's difficult to capture on "film" just how pretty this yarn is, especially in the ringwood stitch. However, the fabric is very stretchy, so take that into consideration when choosing needles and size. I have large hands, but the medium size was plenty big, even after dropping a needle size from the one recommended by the pattern.

These are to wear with my brown faux shearling coat, along with the Mistake Rib scarf. Now all I need is a hat to complete the ensemble.

Nothing new

2010-11-28T18:21:00.000-05:00

Despite all the cooking and cleaning and family and friends, some knitting has been going on, just nothing worth photos or commentary yet. So, let's look at the most adorable grandbaby in the world!

Pretty in pink

Pink pilot cap.

Does this hat make my eyes bluer?

Purple baby bonnet.

Acrylic - a fine petroleum product

Sweet Cherries baby blanket.

More sleeves, please

2010-11-23T14:52:00.000-05:00

It took me a little while to decide how I was going to extend the sleeves on my Bog Jacket. My vision was something not as wide but still blousy, extending down to a ribbed cuff, but I was concerned that would look goofy. While perusing Handknitting with Meg Swansen, I came across the Round the Bend Sweater, which is similar to the Bog Jacket in looks, including sleeves similar to my idea.

So I picked up the stitches around the sleeve, which numbered around 90, and decreased the sleeve width by about 10%. Then I knit in stockinette for about six inches before decreasing the sleeve width again, by 50% this time. A couple of inches of 1x1 ribbing finished it off.

I liked the result, but solicited a few opinions before executing the second sleeve. All two of the people surveyed approved. And now that the weather is acting more November-like, I can actually wear this jacket out and about.

Where am I?

2010-11-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

In order to keep the current projects progressing, I try to work on each one a little bit each day.

An inch a day on the xmas socks,

The goal is to finish these by end of November

a finger a day on the gloves,

I'm this many years old. In glove years.

one or two pattern repeats on the scarf and stole.

Side A

Side B

I don't always succeed, but I try.

18 inches

And then, invariably, something new crops up, in this case a pair of stay-on baby booties.

Not an obscene gesture. Really.

Because the grandbaby needs a new pair of shoes.

Oh, wah

2010-11-12T20:49:00.000-05:00

The heels in my Go with the Flow socks are going. They are made from Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Solid which is 100% merino. No nylon. No silk. Just wool. I checked my other Cherry Tree Hill socks, the Diagonal Cross Rib and the Embossed Leaves, and while they are not holey, they are on their way. Lesson learned: knit socks with sock yarn that has been reinforced with nylon or silk (but not acrylic). Please. Save the 100% wool sock yarn for shawls (which will remember their blocking better without the nylon anyway. Ask me how I know.)

So. What do YOU do with holey socks? The cuffs and legs are still good, and I worked so hard on these that I think I may frog them back a bit, then convert them into fingerless gloves or mitts. Or I might just save the yarn for a future crackghan. After a proper period of mourning, that is.

Pebbles of color

2010-11-10T19:19:00.002-05:00

After I knit my SO these gloves, I wanted to make myself a pair. In the latest knitty, I found this pattern. In my stash, I found some Colinette Cadenza in "Copperbeach". The two are hitching up.

(Sorry the pix are so dark. I'll do better next time.)

Two down, two to go

2010-11-09T08:59:00.000-05:00

Here is pair number two of the xmas socks. I bought three 50-gram skeins for these, but since I was doing nothing fancy, used only two of them.

Identical twins!

Pattern: Four-Stitch Ribbing Patterns, from Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Sassy Stripes
Needles: US1
Modifications: Used a 1x1 rib stitch instead of a 2x2 one

After nearly matching stripes on the last pair of socks, I decided to try matching them this time. Of course, before I could even get sock #2 cast on, I came across a splice. I retried, though, and ran into no more splices. Whew!

When is Shibui not Shibui

2010-11-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

When it's Malabrigo.

Pattern: Shibui Baby Bonnet, from Shibui Baby (available from Simply Socks)

Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Sock

Needles: US2

Modifications: None

I have not sewn on the buttons yet - waiting for a "fitting" on Baby N to ensure proper placement. Bawling pictures to follow.

This is the same yarn as used for one of the February Baby outfits. Another complete ensemble!

Heartbreakingly cute

2010-11-07T08:48:00.000-05:00

I was holding off on knitting hats for Baby N until she was born, just in case she was like my babies, who skipped the newborn size. But N is (to my eyes) petite and lean. And nearly hatless, so I had to whip up some headgear.

Pattern: Heartbreakingly Cute Pilot Cap, from Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines

Yarn: Oasis Yarn Aussi Sock, in "Faded Valentine"

Needles: US3

Modifications: None

I found it really difficult to get gauge using sock yarn, but decided to just go with it. The resulting fabric is stretchy enough to fit a baby's head (as demonstrated by my new model, who not only has eyelashes but doesn't cry when we play "dress up".)

This is the same yarn as I used on one of the BSJs, so now N has a complete ensemble in Faded Valentine. If only the socks would stay on.

Done, with picture

2010-11-04T09:16:00.000-04:00

I think I forgot to post a photo of the Pine Forest Baby Blanket.

Pattern: Pine Forest Baby Blanket, by Ingrid Aartun Bøe (available in Ravelry)
Yarn: Lorna Laces Shepherd Worsted Solid
Needles: US8
Modifications: None to speak of, other than the number of repeats - I knit fewer.

I didn't block it with wires and pins, but it did get a good soak and a rest on the blocking bed. Before blocking, it measured about 26" square. After, about 29.5" x 27.5".

Bad sock day

2010-11-02T15:58:00.001-04:00

Since I finished xmas socks pair number two and xmas is only 54 days away, I decided I had better get going on pair number three. But for some reason, these socks don't want to be knit. I have lost track of how many times I have cast on, but I'm sure it is over twelve. And it is not like I am a sock-knitting neophyte. And it is not like I am trying to do something tricky. These are relatively plain vanilla, at least the cuff is, but they are rebellious. So I am just setting the yarn and needles aside for a little time out.

Meanwhile, let's look at that lovely grandchild of mine some more.

She doesn't look real, does she?

Oops, that one is a little fuzzy.

Please do not disturb

That's better. And, oh, look, she is wearing a new hat. I knit that for her when she was still in the hospital, but I forgot to take a picture of it.

Pattern: Super Stretchy Hat by Lynne Beckett
Yarn: Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK
Needle: US6 (I think)
Modifications: None except to cast on a number of stitches that is divisible by four, since this is basically a 2x2 rib pattern, but I can't recall exactly how many that was

I measured Miss N the other day, or tried to. Her head is almost the same circumference as her chest. Good thing that will not continue into adulthood.

No longer bogged down

2010-10-31T08:44:00.000-04:00

I love my Bog Jacket! It is long enough to go past my butt, is as warm as a blanket, and looks good, too.

Pattern: Bog Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann (in Knitting Around)
Yarn: Cascade 220 in black, red, and gray
Needles: US7 for most, US6 for applied i-cord
Modifications: None of my own, but I selected most of the options recommended in the pattern

I still want to do something additional with the sleeves, like add a cuff. They come just past my elbows, are rather kimono-like, and appear to bell although technically they are not bell shaped. But for now, I am going to consider this project done and enjoy the warmth.

Delayed

2010-10-29T12:03:00.000-04:00

The football hold

This little sweetie has impacted my knitting schedule (in a good way!) so I am not making progress on Belinda or Zandloper, but knitting has been going on. The Pine Forest Baby Blanket is done and soaked but not dry yet. Most of the pink washed out, so I am guessing over time, it will all be gone. The Bog Jacket is done except for some weaving of ends and a good soak. Also, I want to do something more with the sleeves, I just don't know what yet. The second pair of xmas socks is almost there - one done except for final grafting, the other down to the toe.

So, of course I started something new: the Shibui Baby Bonnet from Shibui Baby Knits, but not in Shibui yarn. I'm using Malabrigo left over from one of the February Baby sweaters. Whoever said baby things are quick to knit has not knit them from sock yarn.

Let's play dress up!

2010-10-24T17:31:00.000-04:00

I could not wait to see how the smallest outfits I knit fit Baby N, even though she was a reluctant model.

I can't work under these conditions!

All that crying is exhausting!

The sleeves on both the February baby sweater and smallest BSJ were on the short side, while the leggings were plenty long. As you may recall, these items were knit in fingering yarn on US2s. The infant socks (not pictured) which seemed so tiny to me are large enough that they don't stay on. Guess I will have to whip up some stay-on booties for this girl.

The best early birthday present EVER

2010-10-21T14:32:00.000-04:00

Presenting baby N:

7 lb. 2 oz.

Mom, dad, and baby all doing well. Grandma, on the other hand, is beside herself, hopelessly in love, can't get enough of baby N.

Finally

2010-10-19T21:26:00.003-04:00

Finally it is cool enough to wear the alpaca Mistake Rib scarf I knit last spring. It is also cool enough for hand knit socks, but I have been wearing them for a while because in my office, thanks to the HVAC system, there is no sweating, except from nerves or stress. We moved to a new "green" building recently which is even colder, and now I need wool sweaters as well. Good thing I have picked up the Bog Jacket again, and maybe I will "man up" and finish seaming the Minimalist Cardigan as well.

So, how long should a WIP be a WIP before one gives up on it? The WIPs I have the most trouble picking up again are the crocheted ones. Originally, I was a hooker and not a knitter, but now I am a knitter who occasionally crochets. I tried learning filet crochet, but it's too fiddly for me.

I have also tried to become a spinner and have aspirations to be a dyer. Toward the latter, I recently "harvested" the marigolds in my garden, storing the petals in the freezer until that magical time when there will be more than 24 hours in a day and/or I will no longer need to sleep and/or the stops setting.

I have also started saving the dry skins of onions. The robins beat me to the poke berries, though.

Now, where was I?

2010-10-18T18:27:00.000-04:00

Oh, yeah. Grafting the bog jacket.

And I did it! Not perfectly, but good enough. I tried on the jacket and it actually fits, although I'm not excited about the collar. Now it is time for about a mile of attached i-cord.

Progress on Belinda:

That's thirteen inches.

Progress on Zandloper:

And I am still working on the final baby blanket (which I think will become the blanket-that-stays-at-grandmas-house) and xmas socks.

And I want to start these gloves before the snow flies, for moi.

And that's the end of this progress report.

Kinky

2010-10-14T19:46:00.000-04:00

Still no baby, and it is just as well, because, well, you remember that aqua-colored blanket? Frogged. Last Sunday I tried to seam it. Even in the best of circumstances, I find seaming to be challenging. In this case, I quickly became frustrated, and in a fit of pique, ripped the whole thing back to its origins.

It wasn't just the seaming that drove me over the edge, but the whole project. I just did not like the results. If I were to knit this particular blanket pattern ever again, I would knit it all of a piece instead of in strips.

But I'm not knitting it again. Instead, I am knitting the Pine Forest Baby Blanket. Does that stitch look familiar?

Yep, it's the gull stitch, same as what is used in the February baby sweater. What can I say? I love this stitch. BTW, while soaking the kinky wads of yarn, the water turned pinkish, which gives me hope that the dye stains will wash out.

While I wasn't frogging last Sunday, I was watching football and continuing to work on Belinda. I decided to keep my morale up by taking a weekly progress photo.

This picture was taken on Tuesday and illustrates we are at about 7.5 inches.

Done!

2010-10-12T11:36:00.000-04:00

No baby yet, but the baby sack is ready.

Pattern: Hooded Carrying Bag from Essential Baby
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in beige
Needles: US7
Modifications: Instead of a zipper, I added buttons and button loops, just like I saw here.

Challenging

2010-10-10T09:05:00.000-04:00

There for a while, I just could not get excited about knitting anything that was not primarily garter or stockinette. I still wanted to knit, I just didn't want to have to follow a chart or count stitches or do anything but mindlessly knit. That feeling recently gave way to a desire to try something new. So it was serendipitous that Knitting Brioche popped up on the new books shelf at my local library branch.

Simply put, brioche knitting is a method for double knitting that produces a deeply textured fabric. Even the simplest stitch yields dramatic results.

Side A:

Side B:

I'm starting with the Zandloper scarf which incorporates regular double knit blocks to give the item some shape. Unfortunately, I have been making enough mistakes that I am tempted to start over, or at least rip back to where I was in the photos above. The mistakes are not eye-popping, but they are all I see when I look at the scarf.

I thought the button loops for the hooded carrying bag would be a challenge, but these instructions were easy to follow.

Buttons will go on today, then all that remains is seaming the bottom.

Belinda is still crawling along, still at about fifteen minutes per two rows.

I am trying to knit at least two rows a day, to keep my hand in, at which rate it will take me about a year to finish this. I would do more but two at a time is about all I can stand. And thanks to my aging eyes, they must be knit in daylight. Maybe I will try to knit two rows a quarter while watching football today. Surely I can tolerate that.

What was I thinking?!?

2010-10-04T12:32:00.000-04:00

That alpaca I brought home from Johnny Appleseed has been calling my name (the alpaca YARN, not a real alpaca ANIMAL), but I have not yet found the right pattern for it. So I turned to something that has been on my queue for a while: Mason-Dixon's 'Belinda'. That is the good news. The bad news is I am knitting it in Rowan Kidsilk Haze.

I have a love-hate relationship with Kidsilk Haze. My knitting history is littered with started and unfinished Kidsilk Haze projects. The yarn is next to impossible to knit, definitely impossible to unknit, and yet, when I do occasionally win the battle and complete something in Kidsilk Haze, I love the finished product.

Keeping my eyes on the prize, I struggled to get this thing started...

...and am about ten rows farther along than this photo indicates. Each pair of rows takes about 15 minutes to complete. And I have about 260 more rows to go. To be HALF done. Gah.

In the home stretch

2010-10-02T11:49:00.000-04:00

My daughter is less than a month away from her due date, so I am trying to finish up a few things, like this blanket I started shortly after I first learned she was pregnant.

Pattern: My own, finished size approximately 30"x32".
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in "Baltic Sea" (four skeins)
Needle: US7 (I think)

The body of the blanket is based on the Twisted Lattice square from Learn-to-Knit Afghan Book by Barbara Walker. After trying several different borders, I settled on a double round of applied i-cord; I used the i-cord instructions from knitty, but followed Elizabeth Zimmerman's advice in Knitting Around for handling the corners. I would have preferred to add a third round, because the edges really want to curl, but I did not have enough yarn.

I am nearly finished with the hooded carrying bag from the Essential Baby, by Debbie Bliss. The hood is now grafted, and I am starting the seaming. (Note: The seaming instructions in this book are very easy to follow.)

The pattern calls for a zipper, but I have never sewn a zipper into a hand knit item, plus I saw a version of this pattern here that uses buttons and button loops. Hence, the buttons.

Note to self: Never, ever try to shop at Joann's over the lunch hour. The checkout line was long and there were only two cashiers. Several shoppers had to give up and leave without their purchases. Usually I shop at Joann's on my way home from work, when it is dead. I was a little shocked at its daytime popularity.

I still have not decided what to do about the stained blanket. The irony of WanderingCat's suggestion that I overdye the blanket was not lost on me because, gee, I paid a premium for this hand dyed yarn. Still, I will keep that idea in mind.

This and that

2010-09-21T09:08:00.001-04:00

Once again, we attended the Johnny Appleseed Festival this past weekend. Ordinarily, we go on Sunday morning, before the multitudes awaken. This year we went on Saturday morning, and we were not the only ones to think this was a perfect day for being out and about. As we wandered about in a crowd-induced daze, we watched for yarn. We found it in the last area we visited, which ironically was right next to the entrance. Some wildly colored pottery had distracted me and we walked right past the alpacas. Even though I have yet to use what I purchased last year, I bought a package of fingering weight alpaca (a suri alpaca yarn from Zathura and a suri/huacahya alpaca blend from Raval and Tess, who all live at Turkey Creek Farm), 1500 yards, enough for something.

Revisiting Tencel: The cotton-Tencel blend I used for the Clapotis sheds, but it should be noted that the wool-Tencel blend I purchased from Green Mountain Spinnery does not. I knit some socks with this a while back, and there is no shedding or pilling. This particular yarn, Sock Art Forest, apparently has been discontinued, but GMS now offers a DK weight blend called Sylvan Spirit (reviewed here by Clara Parkes - more colors are now available). I guess what I am trying to say is, if you want to try a Tencel-based yarn, buy a skein and knit it up and see how it behaves for you. Tencel gives yarn a sheen that turns color into eye candy, which makes hunting for a suitable Tencel-based yarn worth the effort.

While looking for the information on my blog about the above yarn and socks, I came across some empty promises I made myself about a year ago. There was a list of UFOs that begged to be finished, and some were, but many were not. There was also a sincere intention to spindle on a regular basis, but that did not happen, either. Unlike some people we know, I am not very good at enforcing self-imposed goals or rules AND I have a full time job. Besides, there is an impending grandbaby to knit for!

One down, three to go

2010-09-18T09:03:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Ann Norling Adult Socks (designer: Deridre Wallace)
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Sassy Stripes, in 767
Needles: US1
Modifications: None to speak of, except my gauge is much looser than Ms. Wallace's, as she recommends US3 to achieve 7 stitches per inch.

I considered trying to match up the stripes, but the last time I did that, there were so many splices in the second sock that it did not work. In this case, though, there were no splices and the stripes would have been near perfect. Oh, well. They are not that far off as it is.

Blanket blues

2010-09-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

The one blanket that needed just a border is still giving me fits because, well, borders roll. I have tried several solutions, none very satisfactory, and finally settled on two rows of applied i-cord. Three rows would be better, but I just don't have the yarn. Hopefully, a little blocking will go a long way.

And then there is this:

I decided to block the pieces of the other blanket, but when I put them into the washer to soak, I noticed a pile of handknit socks nearby. Thinking I would kill two birds with one stone, I threw the socks in with the blanket pieces. A little voice in the back of my head said something about the red socks bleeding, but I ignored it. STUPIDLY ignored it. There are products out there to remove dye stains, but I'm afraid they will remove the aqua along with the pink. Any suggestions?

I was not stupid enough to process the Blu jean pieces with the blanket because, well, HOT water in the washer? And HOT drying in the dryer? Even I knew better.

The pieces did shrink a bit, as expected.

And the denim fabric faded a bit as well.

At least some things go according to plan.