Takeout for Two

I tried to make a scarf with this sock yarn, but it kept saying no. So I gave in and made not socks but leg warmers for my daughter.

Pattern: Takeout for Two, by Cathy Carron (from Joy of Sox)
Yarn: Austermann Step, colorway 0026
Needles: US1
Modifications: See next paragraph

The pattern called for DK yarn and I used fingering, so I cast on 64 stitches, as I would for socks for my daughter. The pattern uses multiple skeins of different colors, inserting a round of plain knit amongst the k2p2 ribbing at the color changes, but my yarn was self-striping and I did not bother with the plain knit rows. I knit the foot length indicated in the pattern, then knit 6 inches of leg before increasing stitches and changing to k4p2 for the calf. I knit 6 inches for the calf before switching back to k2p2 for the top. Then I simply knit until I ran out of yarn. The DK version goes above the knee, but my fingering version just reaches the knee, which I consider perfect for leg warmers.

Still plugging away

It seems like forever since I posted, let alone posted about an FO (why, oh why, can't I force myself to sew a few measly buttons onto some otherwise completely done cowls?!?) I have been knitting, though: the KoolAid blanket is about 30% done, the stripey leg warmers are about 80% done, the Suspender sweater is - stuck again, because I ran out of yarn, again. While I was trying to figure out what to do about that, another Raveler I had contacted and forgotten about contacted me, and yay, yarn will be in the mail tomorrow. Surely, one more skein will do the trick. (Who knew my arms were so long?)

If you are in need of some inspiration, check out 500 Felt Objects. There is not much in the book about technique, but there are a jillion photos of objects made from felt that will blow you away. I kid you not.

Now my Amazon Contextual Product Ads are not showing up at all. Someday I will have to redesign this blog.

Almost famous

As I am undergoing physical therapy for my right wrist and both shoulders, I decided to lighten up on the knitting a bit. But that doesn't mean I can't read about knitting. My SO picked up a new Rachael Herron at the library for me, not knowing I "know" her.

Initially, I just leafed through A Life in Stitches, but the chapter on love blankets caught my eye. In this chapter, Rachael describes the love blanket she received, and the one she conjured up for Zoom, a Canadian blogger who was having a rough year. I didn't participate in the former but I did the latter. So, while not mentioned by name (or by pseudonym), I still feel like I am part of Rachael's story. And it's a good book, too, very readable and entertaining. While there is a lot of knitting and knitting metaphors, this is really about Rachael and her life so far.

Meanwhile, I redyed the not-dyed-very-good yarn, then started on the Prairie Blanket.

The redyed yarn looks more saturated, so I plan to alternated skeins, to spread the color out. So far, I am liking the results.

(A while back I added a widget for Amazon Contextual Product Ads on the right sidebar. The resulting ads are odd, to say the least, and sometimes a little hysterical. Money Ball? Seriously? How did they come up with that, from a knitting blog?)

Back in the saddle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh, why not?

Knitted but not done

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.