because I know I will forget and likely loose tags. I'm up to 10 skeins for the beekeeper.
Lorna's Laces: Patina
Lorna's Laces: Monkeyshines
Malabrigo: Butter
Lorna's Laces: Magnificent Mile
Madeline Tosh Vintage: Ginger
Malabrigo: Rich Chocolate
Malabrigo: Applewood
Madeline Tosh Vintage: Dusk
Lorna's Laces: The Bean
Araucania Coliumo Solid: Color 24
I need to make a decision soon. Either just keep adding random colors (in my scheme obviously) or consider those a good amount of variety and go buy more skeins in each one. I'm not sure yet. I'm leaning towards that being plenty.
Monday, November 14
Friday, November 11
Spinning Coi
Awhile back, close to 3ish years ago, I bought a bunch of fiber off Etsy. Some of it got spun super fast but one sat. Unloved. Untouched. It was Coi.
As you can see it was gorgeous. In person, it was even better but the colors are hard. The changes are on the width and I know when I bought them, I thought they were on the length. It was gorgeous but I didn't know what to do with it.
Fast forward to 2 nights ago. The youngest has a birthday coming up and I'm in the process of making her a doll. Dolls need hair. Hair is usually lovely yarn. I had nothing in my stash that was worthy. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Coi and knew it was meant to be. I dusted off the wheel (it's been a year since I last spun!) and got to working.
In the end I got 2 large skeins (unsure of yardage) and 2 mini skeins. One mini isn't a real one since it was more an issue of running out of bobbin room. I ended up plying a lavender thread into it as well (which you can see here...I swear the spinning isn't as sloppy as it looks!).
In the end, having a mini skein of just one color (one single was longer) worked out in my favor. I have enough there to do the scalp portion of hair without the added fussiness of COLOR! to distract the eye. All the multi colored parts will be able to stand on their own against a solid back.
I don't know that I love the yarn. I expected it to be brighter. The green and peach tones in the center were kind of murky once spun which was a bummer. I do like (just not love) it though and it'll rock as doll hair I think. It's a tad thicker than I normally spin but I was hoping to get as much texture as possible. Between that and the thread I think it worked out in my favor.
Why did I let myself go long without spinning? It was so nice to feel the pull of the fiber through my fingers as I peddled. My wheel needed a bit of love to get it ready (moving wasn't easy on it) but once it was in top top shape it was a dream. I'm glad I pulled it out.
As you can see it was gorgeous. In person, it was even better but the colors are hard. The changes are on the width and I know when I bought them, I thought they were on the length. It was gorgeous but I didn't know what to do with it.
Fast forward to 2 nights ago. The youngest has a birthday coming up and I'm in the process of making her a doll. Dolls need hair. Hair is usually lovely yarn. I had nothing in my stash that was worthy. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Coi and knew it was meant to be. I dusted off the wheel (it's been a year since I last spun!) and got to working.
In the end I got 2 large skeins (unsure of yardage) and 2 mini skeins. One mini isn't a real one since it was more an issue of running out of bobbin room. I ended up plying a lavender thread into it as well (which you can see here...I swear the spinning isn't as sloppy as it looks!).
In the end, having a mini skein of just one color (one single was longer) worked out in my favor. I have enough there to do the scalp portion of hair without the added fussiness of COLOR! to distract the eye. All the multi colored parts will be able to stand on their own against a solid back.I don't know that I love the yarn. I expected it to be brighter. The green and peach tones in the center were kind of murky once spun which was a bummer. I do like (just not love) it though and it'll rock as doll hair I think. It's a tad thicker than I normally spin but I was hoping to get as much texture as possible. Between that and the thread I think it worked out in my favor.
Why did I let myself go long without spinning? It was so nice to feel the pull of the fiber through my fingers as I peddled. My wheel needed a bit of love to get it ready (moving wasn't easy on it) but once it was in top top shape it was a dream. I'm glad I pulled it out.
Sunday, November 6
Consumed
Do you ever get a project going that consumes you? One of those ones that you think about all the time, that you refer to by pattern name as if it were its own person, maybe even dream about?
I have one.
It's not cooperating.
It started with some yarn (as all projects do). This yarn to be exact.
Prairie Silks It's from the Brown Sheep Company and, sadly, a discontinued line. It is a blend of silk (10%), mohair (18%), and wool (72%) and while it's lovely the mohair in it is bothering my hands. I have a lot of this. A LOT. I bought a small lot of 14 skeins, with 9 being in the color you see above (Ruble Red). Other colors in the box are: Bolivar Blue, Franc Framboise, Burnished Copper, Green Back, and Baht Blue. A color card can be found here.
The skeins are tiny. 1.75 ounces and a whoppin' 88 yards. What on earth could I make with that!?
Enter Abalone.
I've had this lovely cardigan in my queue for awhile. Browsing Ravelry the night after I got my yarn, looking for motivation to work on ANYTHING, I came across it again. I did a check on yardage and double checked my new stash and sure enough I had plenty!
It started out very well.
The color is awesome and the drape of the fabric is nice. I suppose I could easily go up one needle size and have a much drappier fabric but it's working on the ones the pattern calls for. I've worked on this for a week now. The entire body is done. The sleeves are seamed. The arm cuffs are complete.
Yet this sweater sits, disgruntled, in the chair behind me. Unfinished. Festering. Uncooperating.
The pattern is more of a guideline by the time you get to the edge. While I am ok with this, the actual cardigan doesn't seem to be. I'm on my THIRD go round of it. The first time was only a half attempt. I had made a mistake and frogged it for the sake of doing it right.
The second time? Well here, take a look.
Lots of puckering and it pulled in so much that the bottom, the part that SHOULD come around my hips, was sitting on my back near my ribs. It was like a tight bolero. Frogged.
I asked for help online and got suggestions. I picked up less stitches last night and placed markers for my corners. FAIL. I could tell 3 rounds in that it wasn't working. Did I frog it?
No.
I was hoping that if I got a couple more rounds in things would lay right and I'd be in the home stretch. It doesn't seem to be that way.
At this point, I have a feeling the all consuming focus is more about just finishing it, than it is about being in love with it. I WILL finish it. I WILL do it soon. I still haven't frogged it. I tried to convince myself earlier that if I just finished it, I could try and block out the puckering that's happening. I know it won't work. Which is why it sits in the chair behind me.
What's consuming you lately?
**This post is a perfect example of why red tones are difficult to photograph. The most accurate color is the second picture.
I have one.
It's not cooperating.
It started with some yarn (as all projects do). This yarn to be exact.
Prairie Silks It's from the Brown Sheep Company and, sadly, a discontinued line. It is a blend of silk (10%), mohair (18%), and wool (72%) and while it's lovely the mohair in it is bothering my hands. I have a lot of this. A LOT. I bought a small lot of 14 skeins, with 9 being in the color you see above (Ruble Red). Other colors in the box are: Bolivar Blue, Franc Framboise, Burnished Copper, Green Back, and Baht Blue. A color card can be found here.
The skeins are tiny. 1.75 ounces and a whoppin' 88 yards. What on earth could I make with that!?
Enter Abalone.
I've had this lovely cardigan in my queue for awhile. Browsing Ravelry the night after I got my yarn, looking for motivation to work on ANYTHING, I came across it again. I did a check on yardage and double checked my new stash and sure enough I had plenty!
It started out very well.
The color is awesome and the drape of the fabric is nice. I suppose I could easily go up one needle size and have a much drappier fabric but it's working on the ones the pattern calls for. I've worked on this for a week now. The entire body is done. The sleeves are seamed. The arm cuffs are complete.
Yet this sweater sits, disgruntled, in the chair behind me. Unfinished. Festering. Uncooperating.
The pattern is more of a guideline by the time you get to the edge. While I am ok with this, the actual cardigan doesn't seem to be. I'm on my THIRD go round of it. The first time was only a half attempt. I had made a mistake and frogged it for the sake of doing it right.
The second time? Well here, take a look.
Lots of puckering and it pulled in so much that the bottom, the part that SHOULD come around my hips, was sitting on my back near my ribs. It was like a tight bolero. Frogged.
I asked for help online and got suggestions. I picked up less stitches last night and placed markers for my corners. FAIL. I could tell 3 rounds in that it wasn't working. Did I frog it?
No.
I was hoping that if I got a couple more rounds in things would lay right and I'd be in the home stretch. It doesn't seem to be that way.
At this point, I have a feeling the all consuming focus is more about just finishing it, than it is about being in love with it. I WILL finish it. I WILL do it soon. I still haven't frogged it. I tried to convince myself earlier that if I just finished it, I could try and block out the puckering that's happening. I know it won't work. Which is why it sits in the chair behind me.
What's consuming you lately?
**This post is a perfect example of why red tones are difficult to photograph. The most accurate color is the second picture.
Saturday, November 5
It's been knit (in the past): A pretty hat
This hat has been waiting for it's day in the spotlight for about a year now. I knit this last year, intending to gift it, and due to random life occurances I never had the chance. I don't remember who it was knit for now! I do know that I ended up making it a bit longer than the pattern (Ear Warmer Cap) says too. I also opted for no texture on it. 
The body of the hat is Knit Picks Wool of The Andes. I don't remember the color name but it reminds of sweet cream butter. It's a gorgeous yellow without being neon or Crayola hued.
The flower and ruffled part are my favorite thing about this hat. For longtime readers of this blog you might remember seeing the yarns before. Both handspuns were used to make baby items for my last kiddo. Each skein had just enough leftover that I wanted to keep it (in the case of Tumble it was quite a bit). I think both of them complimented the yellow of the hat perfectly.
It was geared to fit a young child (my oldest here is 6) but has enough length and stretch that I can easily wear this. The flowers are on their nice and snug (and were a pain to knit! that's a lot of ruffle!) and help make the hat feel more sturdy. Wool of the Andes isn't the thickest of yarns so I actually really appreciate that fact. I love the hat. I know someone else will too (the oldest has declared it not for her). Eventually this hat will get some lovin'. In the meantime, it'll sit on my finished items shelf and make me happy everytime I see it. What more could I ask for?
The body of the hat is Knit Picks Wool of The Andes. I don't remember the color name but it reminds of sweet cream butter. It's a gorgeous yellow without being neon or Crayola hued.The flower and ruffled part are my favorite thing about this hat. For longtime readers of this blog you might remember seeing the yarns before. Both handspuns were used to make baby items for my last kiddo. Each skein had just enough leftover that I wanted to keep it (in the case of Tumble it was quite a bit). I think both of them complimented the yellow of the hat perfectly.
It was geared to fit a young child (my oldest here is 6) but has enough length and stretch that I can easily wear this. The flowers are on their nice and snug (and were a pain to knit! that's a lot of ruffle!) and help make the hat feel more sturdy. Wool of the Andes isn't the thickest of yarns so I actually really appreciate that fact. I love the hat. I know someone else will too (the oldest has declared it not for her). Eventually this hat will get some lovin'. In the meantime, it'll sit on my finished items shelf and make me happy everytime I see it. What more could I ask for?
Thursday, October 27
It's been knit: Halloween 2011 v.2
The youngest is a fiesty thing. She has spunk. The amount of delightful mischief twirling around insider her is enough to make anyone giggle. As such, we call her something. We call her it a lot actually. It fits, across the board, for any mood she might be in.
Turkey.
She's a turkey, plain and simple. A sweet turkey but a turkey none the less.
This year, I'm in charge of trick or treating by myself. The Spouse will be gone to a convention and the idea of trick or treating with 3 small people by myself seems a but overwhelming. As I sat here pondering my plan of attack one evening I decided I'd wrap the youngest on my back. She'll be out of the way of other trick or treaters and I will have 2 hands free.
The left her costume though. If she were going to be walking she'd have been a bee. A bee just won't fit on my back though so she was stuck with a hat again.
A turkey hat.
Because she's a turkey.
What? Not what you were expecting when I said turkey? :)
I have to say this is one of the worst patterns I've used in a long time. My hat base is slightly different than the pattern calls for in that I did a seed stitch brim (wouldn't it be awesome done in some bobbles and red yarn...you know...like cranberry sauce) and I made it a tad longer. The pattern is written for a 12m size and the youngest is 2 so I added half an inch or so before starting the decreases. The pattern, as written, does not do a flat top. It has shaping and a finish that looks like a turkey would (the bone piece of the cavity basically). I wanted a flat top so skipped that part.
The drumsticks are easy but a pain. The pattern numbers are wrong. As are line numbers. It was easy enough to figure it out since the only changes are on 2ish rounds. As written, you pick up stitches so that there is no stitching them on. I did one that way and the other was done off. I think I prefer them done off and stitched on to be honest. They seem to lay better and I can manipulate positioning easier.
It doesn't have any ties right now but I'll likely add some before Halloween. A simple icord most likely. While the hat itself doesn't need it (it comes down plenty far to cover ears) and the kid knows to keep hats on I'd rather secure it's presence just in case.
Halloween knitting is done! I haven't looked around the Blogworld to see what others are making but I'm thinking I might. It's such a fun time of year for this!
Turkey.
She's a turkey, plain and simple. A sweet turkey but a turkey none the less.
This year, I'm in charge of trick or treating by myself. The Spouse will be gone to a convention and the idea of trick or treating with 3 small people by myself seems a but overwhelming. As I sat here pondering my plan of attack one evening I decided I'd wrap the youngest on my back. She'll be out of the way of other trick or treaters and I will have 2 hands free.
The left her costume though. If she were going to be walking she'd have been a bee. A bee just won't fit on my back though so she was stuck with a hat again.
A turkey hat.
Because she's a turkey.
What? Not what you were expecting when I said turkey? :)
I have to say this is one of the worst patterns I've used in a long time. My hat base is slightly different than the pattern calls for in that I did a seed stitch brim (wouldn't it be awesome done in some bobbles and red yarn...you know...like cranberry sauce) and I made it a tad longer. The pattern is written for a 12m size and the youngest is 2 so I added half an inch or so before starting the decreases. The pattern, as written, does not do a flat top. It has shaping and a finish that looks like a turkey would (the bone piece of the cavity basically). I wanted a flat top so skipped that part.
The drumsticks are easy but a pain. The pattern numbers are wrong. As are line numbers. It was easy enough to figure it out since the only changes are on 2ish rounds. As written, you pick up stitches so that there is no stitching them on. I did one that way and the other was done off. I think I prefer them done off and stitched on to be honest. They seem to lay better and I can manipulate positioning easier.
It doesn't have any ties right now but I'll likely add some before Halloween. A simple icord most likely. While the hat itself doesn't need it (it comes down plenty far to cover ears) and the kid knows to keep hats on I'd rather secure it's presence just in case.
Halloween knitting is done! I haven't looked around the Blogworld to see what others are making but I'm thinking I might. It's such a fun time of year for this!
Monday, October 24
It's been knit: Halloween Edition 2011
Last year we had Vikings and an Alien. They were awesome and well received.
This year, I had a more vocal crowd. The middle child wanted to be a MERMAID!!! and she knew I was up to it. MERMAID!!! she is.
I'd like to claim the blurriness in these pics is due to her being a really fast MERMAID!!! but the fact of the matter is she doesn't hold still and we don't have a replacement camera yet. :)
That yarn. Oh boy. That yarn is really very ugly. It works fantastically for anything with scales though. The bottom fin, surprisingly enough, blocks out well with a quick blast from my iron. I considered buying some wire to weave into it and give it a bit of strength but this will work just fine.
I love the stitch pattern. I've seen it elsewhere (mostly in shawls or sweaters) but not in such numbers. Really pulls off the scale look and helps keep things tight. The only change in fit that I made was length. I could have (and probably should have given the stretch of the body) gone with less stitches. The waistband, as written, is large. The pattern says for 5-6 years old and this is baggy on my 6yr old and even more so on the intended 4yr old. I did a quickie belt for it though which actually helps in the end. It allows the ribbing to sort of flare and be "more fancy like the WHOLE THING!!!".
I think I only cut out a total of maybe 6 pattern repeats. It's just long enough to flip up when she walks but not long to trip on. The front is shorter than I would like but only because I had a set idea in mind.
She loves it and that's good enough for me. :) Stay tuned for this years hat.
This year, I had a more vocal crowd. The middle child wanted to be a MERMAID!!! and she knew I was up to it. MERMAID!!! she is.
I'd like to claim the blurriness in these pics is due to her being a really fast MERMAID!!! but the fact of the matter is she doesn't hold still and we don't have a replacement camera yet. :)
That yarn. Oh boy. That yarn is really very ugly. It works fantastically for anything with scales though. The bottom fin, surprisingly enough, blocks out well with a quick blast from my iron. I considered buying some wire to weave into it and give it a bit of strength but this will work just fine.
I love the stitch pattern. I've seen it elsewhere (mostly in shawls or sweaters) but not in such numbers. Really pulls off the scale look and helps keep things tight. The only change in fit that I made was length. I could have (and probably should have given the stretch of the body) gone with less stitches. The waistband, as written, is large. The pattern says for 5-6 years old and this is baggy on my 6yr old and even more so on the intended 4yr old. I did a quickie belt for it though which actually helps in the end. It allows the ribbing to sort of flare and be "more fancy like the WHOLE THING!!!".
I think I only cut out a total of maybe 6 pattern repeats. It's just long enough to flip up when she walks but not long to trip on. The front is shorter than I would like but only because I had a set idea in mind.
She loves it and that's good enough for me. :) Stay tuned for this years hat.
Saturday, October 22
Over the moon and then some!
Can you believe it!? That right there, is my 3rd place blanket from Rhinebeck!!! After a couple days of fretting, it made it's way back home safe and sound. I have horrible luck with the postal system so when my delivery confirmation code wasn't working right away on Monday I panicked a bit. It finally went in the mail a day or so later. I assumed I hadn't won/placed at all. They had my email and my phone number. I assumed that if I had, they'd contact me. I'm glad they didn't. The excitement and pride I have coursing through me right now is enough to jumpstart a space shuttle.
I won 3rd place!!! In my first ever time entering anything I PLACED THIRD. They left me a note on one of my tags as well. It says:
Nicely knit. The gauge is a bit tight for the yarn. A looser knit would have made a larger and softer blanket.
I knew this. I knit tight. It's a drawback of mine but one that I am very aware of. This blanket is thick. It's scrunchy and thick. I could have easily gone up 2 needles and been fine. I am also, however, a purist when it comes to patterns. I have a hard time making alterations unless I've done the pattern at least once. I don't know why but my mind balks at the thought. I'm happy with this though. It was made in a colder climate and I didn't want to make it too loose.
I GOT THIRD PLACE! and I'm so incredibly proud of myself right now.
Thursday, October 20
Under the weather
My body (specifically my lungs) has decided to revolt against me. Also? Our camera was recently stolen so this post will be as drab as the weather is gray today.
* Almost done with the mermaid tail. After noticing the total length was supposed to be 34" and knowing that the intended kidlet was only 20.5" from waist to ground I decided to shorten it. I STILL needed another skein of the horrible yarn though. I have maybe 4 inches total left to do and the majority of that will be the waistband ribbing.
* I have 2 new skeins of yarn for the beekeeper quilt. Madeline Tosh and something else that escapes my brain fog right now. Color names and maybe a picture to come later.
* Started a second side slip cloche last night (on new needles!) in a delicious plum purple.
* While getting new beekeeper yarn I also snagged some Rowan Chunky (more like worsted). Same evening I bought Koolhass. I think they'll be a lovely match and I can't wait to get started. I've adored that pattern for far too long.
I think that's it for now. Being picture-less makes it hard for me to see what I'm wanting to share. :)
* Almost done with the mermaid tail. After noticing the total length was supposed to be 34" and knowing that the intended kidlet was only 20.5" from waist to ground I decided to shorten it. I STILL needed another skein of the horrible yarn though. I have maybe 4 inches total left to do and the majority of that will be the waistband ribbing.
* I have 2 new skeins of yarn for the beekeeper quilt. Madeline Tosh and something else that escapes my brain fog right now. Color names and maybe a picture to come later.
* Started a second side slip cloche last night (on new needles!) in a delicious plum purple.
* While getting new beekeeper yarn I also snagged some Rowan Chunky (more like worsted). Same evening I bought Koolhass. I think they'll be a lovely match and I can't wait to get started. I've adored that pattern for far too long.
I think that's it for now. Being picture-less makes it hard for me to see what I'm wanting to share. :)
Tuesday, October 11
Progressing my WIPs
First off...the giveaway is over! Congrats to Lorraine. I hope she loves the hat as much as I do. :)
Moving on to WIPs.
This year, kidlet 2 wants to be a mermaid. I have been dying to make a mermaid tail since the first kidlet was tiny. Our last trip to the library I checked out New Knits on the Block which happens to have a tail (and matching top) in it. So I took her to the store to let her pick her yarn. Do you know what happens when you let a 4 year old pick BEAUTIFUL yarn?
They pick something that makes your retinas bleed. Let's get a closer look.
It's called Bonbon print and reminds me cotton candy throw up. From the state fair. After a whirly ride. Lucky for her I happen to be quite fond of her and wil lcontinue to plow through. It's an interesting pattern. You start with the tail fin and work your way up. I'm liking the part that makes the scales (a butterfly stitch). Quick and easy and aside from garish colors an enjoyable knit.
BEEKEEPER:
I'm up to 26.5 hexapuffs (not counting the one on the needles). Woot. I have officially finished off 2 skeins and am on to the 3rd (out of 7).
I am rethinking making the half ones. I'm not sure I like it. While the clean symmetrical shape of the final blanket appeals to me MASSIVELY, I feel the bind off warps the shape a bit. They seem a bit too long. The other night at knitting night I was contemplating the options with someone and neither of us could agree. There are perks to both ways. IF I nix them I'll mix and match yarns once I get to the end of skeins. It'll add a bit more variety and interest I think.
Still not sure on the blue one. I like that it provides such a stark contrast and it reminds of the dead cells in an actual hive BUT I only have enough for 2 puffs.
I did a quick look around at available yarns the other night in preparation of my future needs. I'm liking the theme I have going with it but don't want to rebuy the same skeins. I want to add a bit more variety in tones and what not but there is a limited honeycomb range it seems. If I end up just getting the same stuff that'll be fine. The intended person isn't going to care. It's just a personal quirk of mine. :) I am contemplating getting another skein of blue. I'm not sure, if I keep it in, that I can handle having only two.
Moving on to WIPs.
This year, kidlet 2 wants to be a mermaid. I have been dying to make a mermaid tail since the first kidlet was tiny. Our last trip to the library I checked out New Knits on the Block which happens to have a tail (and matching top) in it. So I took her to the store to let her pick her yarn. Do you know what happens when you let a 4 year old pick BEAUTIFUL yarn?
They pick something that makes your retinas bleed. Let's get a closer look.
It's called Bonbon print and reminds me cotton candy throw up. From the state fair. After a whirly ride. Lucky for her I happen to be quite fond of her and wil lcontinue to plow through. It's an interesting pattern. You start with the tail fin and work your way up. I'm liking the part that makes the scales (a butterfly stitch). Quick and easy and aside from garish colors an enjoyable knit.
BEEKEEPER:
I'm up to 26.5 hexapuffs (not counting the one on the needles). Woot. I have officially finished off 2 skeins and am on to the 3rd (out of 7).
I am rethinking making the half ones. I'm not sure I like it. While the clean symmetrical shape of the final blanket appeals to me MASSIVELY, I feel the bind off warps the shape a bit. They seem a bit too long. The other night at knitting night I was contemplating the options with someone and neither of us could agree. There are perks to both ways. IF I nix them I'll mix and match yarns once I get to the end of skeins. It'll add a bit more variety and interest I think.
Still not sure on the blue one. I like that it provides such a stark contrast and it reminds of the dead cells in an actual hive BUT I only have enough for 2 puffs.
I did a quick look around at available yarns the other night in preparation of my future needs. I'm liking the theme I have going with it but don't want to rebuy the same skeins. I want to add a bit more variety in tones and what not but there is a limited honeycomb range it seems. If I end up just getting the same stuff that'll be fine. The intended person isn't going to care. It's just a personal quirk of mine. :) I am contemplating getting another skein of blue. I'm not sure, if I keep it in, that I can handle having only two.
Friday, October 7
It's GIVEAWAY time!-Closed
Go check out Naturally Simple. The giveaway is up and BONUS! a mini interview. I know you are all dying to read that. :)
Thursday, October 6
Late FO's and competition
I know today is Thursday and normally this would be a Thursday's Bag post but not today. Today I want to talk to you about that one project you have hidden somewhere. Something about this item is a no-go for you. You know the one. The one you thought you'd rock and be proud of and in the end something happened that punched your knitting ego in the gut so hard it threw up.
I have one.
I also want to talk to you about gift giving. Every crafter the world over knows who is and isn't worthy of their items. Whether it's because the intended person would misuse/abuse it or because they have told the crafter "I DON'T WANT IT!", every crafter knows who they are. Knitters, it seems, are cursed with this. Ever hear of the boyfriend/husband sweater? Rumor has it you will no longer be part of a couple if you make one. Something about knitting makes people act stupid. Do you have a person like that?
I do.
In fact my gut punching item was given to the person. I miscalculated that one to say the least. I blogged this project almost a year ago and then never came back with an update. That post showed my pride and excitement for the entire thing. I ROCKED IT. I spun 1 lb of fiber and knit it into a lap blanket in 5 days. 5 DAYS! I was embarassed at the lack of intuition with this one.
(Leaf was not done on purpose.....stinking wind!)
It was ill received. I know some of you are saying to yourselves, "What!? Not possible!" but I assure it is. It wasn't unfolded. It wasn't ooh'd and ahh'd over. It wasn't petted. Nothing. The sucker punch my knitting ego took that day was a big one. I went home and I placed that carefully folded blanket on the top shelf in my closet and never made mention of it. Others, no the intended person, have since seen it and are dumbfounded it didn't go over well. As am I. Sometimes you just don't match a gift to a person as well as you'd like to think.
This blanket has moved around with us and stayed packed for almost a year now. I couldn't bear to part with it but I couldn't bear to use it either. I recently found the PERFECT person to send it to. One that I know will love and appreciate the effort and thought and love put into it. I also had an Aha! moment last night.
Rhinebeck.
I'm submitting it to Rhinebeck. It's labeled and sitting here waiting for me to finish this post. As soon as I'm done I'm headed to the post office, where I will nervously stuff it into a package and pray that the Postal Service doesn't hate me this go 'round. Wish me luck. I'm hopeful and giddy and nervous. I'm thinking this will restore some good mojo to it. Even if I lose, I tried. And that's what counts.
The colors are pretty accurate here. It's rather difficult to get a decent shot of reddish earthy toned lace. :) The pattern is the Pine Forest Baby Blanket. If you knit it, be sure to let me know! I'll hold out hope that yours will be lovingly embraced for the awesome that it is.
I have one.
I also want to talk to you about gift giving. Every crafter the world over knows who is and isn't worthy of their items. Whether it's because the intended person would misuse/abuse it or because they have told the crafter "I DON'T WANT IT!", every crafter knows who they are. Knitters, it seems, are cursed with this. Ever hear of the boyfriend/husband sweater? Rumor has it you will no longer be part of a couple if you make one. Something about knitting makes people act stupid. Do you have a person like that?
I do.
In fact my gut punching item was given to the person. I miscalculated that one to say the least. I blogged this project almost a year ago and then never came back with an update. That post showed my pride and excitement for the entire thing. I ROCKED IT. I spun 1 lb of fiber and knit it into a lap blanket in 5 days. 5 DAYS! I was embarassed at the lack of intuition with this one.
(Leaf was not done on purpose.....stinking wind!)
It was ill received. I know some of you are saying to yourselves, "What!? Not possible!" but I assure it is. It wasn't unfolded. It wasn't ooh'd and ahh'd over. It wasn't petted. Nothing. The sucker punch my knitting ego took that day was a big one. I went home and I placed that carefully folded blanket on the top shelf in my closet and never made mention of it. Others, no the intended person, have since seen it and are dumbfounded it didn't go over well. As am I. Sometimes you just don't match a gift to a person as well as you'd like to think.
This blanket has moved around with us and stayed packed for almost a year now. I couldn't bear to part with it but I couldn't bear to use it either. I recently found the PERFECT person to send it to. One that I know will love and appreciate the effort and thought and love put into it. I also had an Aha! moment last night.
Rhinebeck.
I'm submitting it to Rhinebeck. It's labeled and sitting here waiting for me to finish this post. As soon as I'm done I'm headed to the post office, where I will nervously stuff it into a package and pray that the Postal Service doesn't hate me this go 'round. Wish me luck. I'm hopeful and giddy and nervous. I'm thinking this will restore some good mojo to it. Even if I lose, I tried. And that's what counts.
The colors are pretty accurate here. It's rather difficult to get a decent shot of reddish earthy toned lace. :) The pattern is the Pine Forest Baby Blanket. If you knit it, be sure to let me know! I'll hold out hope that yours will be lovingly embraced for the awesome that it is.
Tuesday, October 4
Beekeeper update and GAUGE
First up. Beekeeper Quilt. I have 21.5 hexagons to date (yes, yes I am behind) and am plugging away on them tonight.
I got a new color (see above). Applewood. I think it works great with the other colors I have going. That container? My favorite thing currently.
Once that hexagon in the first pic was finished up I stuck the yarn through the mouth. I'm not sure why but it makes me ridiculously happy. :) Moving on.....I've been pondering the layout of colors for a bit now. Here are two options (one with a blue hex of which there are only 2 maybe 2.5) and one without.
In the second one I was thinking of alternating dark and light and in person it came across as that. That top, multicolored, one throws it all off though. I, personally, see the darker bits in it. The spouse sees the lighter bits. I see them as well in picture form. I think I'm going to need to dedicate an entire day to the layout once I get to that point. I'm thinking about connections as well. As written you just do a long stitch through the corners of 3 at a time. I like the ease of it (if one needs replaced it's easy) but at the same time I'd like to avoid the gap between them in the spots that won't be seamed. Things to think through.
I made a hat the other day. It was intended for an ADULT MAN. The stretch of this hat widthwise is awesome. Seriously awesome. It's a cabled hat and I cannot believe how much stretch it has honestly. The downfall? I knit it as written and didn't measure length. I also didn't measure gauge. GAUGE has foiled me once again. So while it would fit the girth of the dude's noggin it would not fit in length. At all. It barely reached my the bottom of my lobes. You know who it does fit perfectly?
The youngest.
I got a new color (see above). Applewood. I think it works great with the other colors I have going. That container? My favorite thing currently.
Once that hexagon in the first pic was finished up I stuck the yarn through the mouth. I'm not sure why but it makes me ridiculously happy. :) Moving on.....I've been pondering the layout of colors for a bit now. Here are two options (one with a blue hex of which there are only 2 maybe 2.5) and one without.
In the second one I was thinking of alternating dark and light and in person it came across as that. That top, multicolored, one throws it all off though. I, personally, see the darker bits in it. The spouse sees the lighter bits. I see them as well in picture form. I think I'm going to need to dedicate an entire day to the layout once I get to that point. I'm thinking about connections as well. As written you just do a long stitch through the corners of 3 at a time. I like the ease of it (if one needs replaced it's easy) but at the same time I'd like to avoid the gap between them in the spots that won't be seamed. Things to think through.
I made a hat the other day. It was intended for an ADULT MAN. The stretch of this hat widthwise is awesome. Seriously awesome. It's a cabled hat and I cannot believe how much stretch it has honestly. The downfall? I knit it as written and didn't measure length. I also didn't measure gauge. GAUGE has foiled me once again. So while it would fit the girth of the dude's noggin it would not fit in length. At all. It barely reached my the bottom of my lobes. You know who it does fit perfectly?
The youngest.
Saturday, October 1
It's been knit: Side slip cloche- GIVEAWAY CLOSED!
*For giveaway details scroll to the bottom*
Very few patterns in my Ravelry queue stay there for long. I try and thin it out every so often and generally what spoke to me 2 weeks ago no longer does. I recently deleted 20 or so patterns because they were too bulky or fiddly or not the right season. There are a couple that will stay there forever and ever though.
The Side Slip Cloche is one of them. I have added and deleted it so many times. A friend made one a year or so ago and I about died when I saw it. While at the library the other day I happened to grab a knitting book without looking beyond the title on the spine. Turns out it was the book with the pattern. Score!
I have 2 sets of pictures here. One on the oldest small person and one on me. I took the small person ones the night I finished it just so I could show some people. Since the hat is for an adult woman I figured it might be useful to also have an adult wear it.
The ruffle detail about does me in every time I see it. The gather at the top does too. I was working on minimial yarn and near the end was seeing just how minimal it was. This one is about 6 rows shorter than the pattern calls for. I think this is actually a good thing. As you can see it comes down low over the ears even without those rows. It definitely would have been at the bottom of my lobes with those extra ones in. I have a feeling blocking will give it a bit more length.
The band is nice and squishy. The hat is actually done in 3 pieces with the band done first. It is ribbed slightly so it has some stretch to it across the width. It fits snug but, as is plainly noted in the pictures, can fit a variety of head sizes.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This hat is intended for a giveaway over at a blog I'm sure you'll love. I do not have a date yet but I have the hat and I have her blog url. Visit I'm Naturally Simple over the next week or so. I'm sending the hat on Monday and as soon as she gets it she'll decide on a date. BONUS! She's sending things along with it as well. Once I know the officialy start and end date I will post them here in their own post. Watch for it!
Very few patterns in my Ravelry queue stay there for long. I try and thin it out every so often and generally what spoke to me 2 weeks ago no longer does. I recently deleted 20 or so patterns because they were too bulky or fiddly or not the right season. There are a couple that will stay there forever and ever though.
The Side Slip Cloche is one of them. I have added and deleted it so many times. A friend made one a year or so ago and I about died when I saw it. While at the library the other day I happened to grab a knitting book without looking beyond the title on the spine. Turns out it was the book with the pattern. Score!
I have 2 sets of pictures here. One on the oldest small person and one on me. I took the small person ones the night I finished it just so I could show some people. Since the hat is for an adult woman I figured it might be useful to also have an adult wear it.
The ruffle detail about does me in every time I see it. The gather at the top does too. I was working on minimial yarn and near the end was seeing just how minimal it was. This one is about 6 rows shorter than the pattern calls for. I think this is actually a good thing. As you can see it comes down low over the ears even without those rows. It definitely would have been at the bottom of my lobes with those extra ones in. I have a feeling blocking will give it a bit more length.
The band is nice and squishy. The hat is actually done in 3 pieces with the band done first. It is ribbed slightly so it has some stretch to it across the width. It fits snug but, as is plainly noted in the pictures, can fit a variety of head sizes.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This hat is intended for a giveaway over at a blog I'm sure you'll love. I do not have a date yet but I have the hat and I have her blog url. Visit I'm Naturally Simple over the next week or so. I'm sending the hat on Monday and as soon as she gets it she'll decide on a date. BONUS! She's sending things along with it as well. Once I know the officialy start and end date I will post them here in their own post. Watch for it!
Tuesday, September 27
It's been knit: Another Pixie Hat
My love for this hat seems to grow daily. I shared the blue one elsewhere online and got a speedy request for another one. This time sized for a 9 month old. Just so happens the lady asking for one LOVES green and since I had quite a bit leftover from the longies and tassle hat.
I still have some left (note: that's 2 skeins of Manos for one pair of small longies, a small hat, and a 17 inch circ. hat plus more for another small project). I'm thinking of saving it for a felted Christmas tree this year.
I kept the button detail to a minimum this time. Seeing as it's intended for a small child I figured that was the best way to go. The buttons are from the batch I bought at Micheal's a bit ago and I'm happy to see they worked out perfectly in terms of color.
I did make the strap a bit longer than the pattern calls for and I added 2 extra button holes (total of 3). Since she wanted a medium for growing room I figured the strap should have growing room as well. I only buttoned it on the 1st and 2nd hole for these pictures.
I did the back seam differently this time. I couldn't find my darning needle so I opted for a 3 needle bind off. I like the look and my internal seam is quite smooth and flat.
Another hat to love.
Stats: Pixie Hat
Yarn: Manos (see other posts)
Needles: 8
Deets: 3 needle bind off, garter tab and button closure, 9 month/17 inch circ.
I still have some left (note: that's 2 skeins of Manos for one pair of small longies, a small hat, and a 17 inch circ. hat plus more for another small project). I'm thinking of saving it for a felted Christmas tree this year.
I kept the button detail to a minimum this time. Seeing as it's intended for a small child I figured that was the best way to go. The buttons are from the batch I bought at Micheal's a bit ago and I'm happy to see they worked out perfectly in terms of color.
I did make the strap a bit longer than the pattern calls for and I added 2 extra button holes (total of 3). Since she wanted a medium for growing room I figured the strap should have growing room as well. I only buttoned it on the 1st and 2nd hole for these pictures.
I did the back seam differently this time. I couldn't find my darning needle so I opted for a 3 needle bind off. I like the look and my internal seam is quite smooth and flat.
Another hat to love.
Stats: Pixie Hat
Yarn: Manos (see other posts)
Needles: 8
Deets: 3 needle bind off, garter tab and button closure, 9 month/17 inch circ.
Tuesday, September 20
7.5 of 17.5
That would be an entire skein of Malabrigo in Butter. 7.5 hexagons with a bit left over for seaming things together. Not sure if I'll do half ones (this was a tester) but so far I'm thinking it's a yes. Total I have 17.5 and based on the layout I did the other night I can do significantly less than I originally planned. Which is great. I only need to do 2-3 a day which seems MUCH more doable. Changing my daily number also means I'm less behind than I though. Woot! Doing a layout meant needing to do math to figure out how many skeins I'd need. I'm going to need a lot more. I bought 6 the day I started and if I only get 7.5 out of each skein (assuming they all make the same amount...HA!) I'm only getting 45 total. Which would make a decent rug in your bathroom but not much more. I'm aiming for 225 (counting all the half pieces as well). We shall see.
I have some yarn that's been on the wheel for sometime now. It's a gorgeous yellow varigated and I bought it along with a solid yellow. They are brighter than the current blanket colors but I'm seriously contemplating finishing the yarn up and using it as well. I'm thinking I'll need more yellows to offset the darker colors but I may be getting ahead of myself.
I'm plugging along. I'm not working on much else really so I have no choice. I think I'll start a hat tonight. Another request for the Pixie Hat has been made. :)
Thursday, September 15
Thursday's Knits
Thursday's are about to get very focused. Not only do I need to work on Lepidoptera but I added on another large scale project.
Behold! The beginnings of Beekeeper's Quilt.
As written, the quilt is made in sock yarn on US 4's. I have high hopes for this though (I want to finish it in time for a Christmas present) so I changed things up. I have a thicker yarn (all of it is worsted though some is on the thinner end of it), larger needles (8's), and more stitches.
The intended Giftee is not a bright and bold color loving gal. I knew a hive-y themed color grouping was what was needed. I headed over to the LYS to browse and as I rounded the corner to the sale room I saw the perfect ones.
So going left to right and top to bottom I got:
Lorna's Laces in Patina
Lorna's Laces in Monkeyshines
Malabrigo in Butter
Lorna's Laces in Magnificent Mile
Madeline Tosh in Ginger
Malabrigo in Rich Chocolate
So far the colors are playing together PERFECTLY. Tonight I'll be working on that. To finish it in time I need to do at least 4 a day. 5 would be better. I'm already behind though so I'm looking forward to going to knitting night tonight. I'm hoping to crank out quite a few. If I can get caught up (and then some) I'll start alternating between this and Lepidoptera. I know it's only September but it feels good to have Christmas presents off to a start. I only have one other thing I want to get done in time (a stocking for the youngest)so I'm feeling optimistic.
What are you working on this week?
Behold! The beginnings of Beekeeper's Quilt.
As written, the quilt is made in sock yarn on US 4's. I have high hopes for this though (I want to finish it in time for a Christmas present) so I changed things up. I have a thicker yarn (all of it is worsted though some is on the thinner end of it), larger needles (8's), and more stitches.
The intended Giftee is not a bright and bold color loving gal. I knew a hive-y themed color grouping was what was needed. I headed over to the LYS to browse and as I rounded the corner to the sale room I saw the perfect ones.
So going left to right and top to bottom I got:
Lorna's Laces in Patina
Lorna's Laces in Monkeyshines
Malabrigo in Butter
Lorna's Laces in Magnificent Mile
Madeline Tosh in Ginger
Malabrigo in Rich Chocolate
So far the colors are playing together PERFECTLY. Tonight I'll be working on that. To finish it in time I need to do at least 4 a day. 5 would be better. I'm already behind though so I'm looking forward to going to knitting night tonight. I'm hoping to crank out quite a few. If I can get caught up (and then some) I'll start alternating between this and Lepidoptera. I know it's only September but it feels good to have Christmas presents off to a start. I only have one other thing I want to get done in time (a stocking for the youngest)so I'm feeling optimistic.
What are you working on this week?
Friday, September 9
It's been knit: Pixie Hat
Since last night was knitting night I worked on a couple projects. Mostly a gift hat. I am so happy with the way it turned out. The color, the feel, the buttons. Love it all. The pattern is Small Things Bonnet by SweetMama-SmallSugar. I opted for the Pixie version (there is a rounded one as well) and since it was intended for an adult I did the largest size. I think the best part of the pattern is the slipped stitch edge. Makes for great lines. On to the pics!
I debated on the closure. Since it's for an adult it's not really super important. I can trust that she won't yank it off on the playground and toss it under the bench. The pattern has 2 choices. Button tab or icords. As you can see, I opted for buttons (which by the way were/are on sale at Micheal's in small packs for $1.50). Since it needed a bit more punch I stuck some on the back as well. No function. Just because.
The back has a bit of short row work to add some shaping. The very bottom curves in and sits closer to the back of the head and neck.
The garter ridge edge goes around the entire thing. The pattern is knit flat and in one piece. You start with the front piece and once you pick up stitches for the body of the hat the slipped edge is displayed nicely. It really is my most favorite part. The slipped stitches just give such a clean line.
It goes out into the mail tomorrow and hopefully gets there nice and quick. I just got her address and she said the timing is perfect as the weather has started to turn. I hope it fits. No matter how long I have been knitting, I suffer from fit paranoia. Will it fit? Will it be too big or too small? If it does fit, will they like how it sits on their body? I know it will. My paranoia is unfounded. I can't be the only one though!
I debated on the closure. Since it's for an adult it's not really super important. I can trust that she won't yank it off on the playground and toss it under the bench. The pattern has 2 choices. Button tab or icords. As you can see, I opted for buttons (which by the way were/are on sale at Micheal's in small packs for $1.50). Since it needed a bit more punch I stuck some on the back as well. No function. Just because.
The back has a bit of short row work to add some shaping. The very bottom curves in and sits closer to the back of the head and neck.
The garter ridge edge goes around the entire thing. The pattern is knit flat and in one piece. You start with the front piece and once you pick up stitches for the body of the hat the slipped edge is displayed nicely. It really is my most favorite part. The slipped stitches just give such a clean line.
It goes out into the mail tomorrow and hopefully gets there nice and quick. I just got her address and she said the timing is perfect as the weather has started to turn. I hope it fits. No matter how long I have been knitting, I suffer from fit paranoia. Will it fit? Will it be too big or too small? If it does fit, will they like how it sits on their body? I know it will. My paranoia is unfounded. I can't be the only one though!
Thursday, September 8
Thursday's bag
Secret Yellow Sock: Worked on it last week and am past the short row heel and into the leg. Pondering the Secret Ribbing I want for the cuff. I decided not to short myself and got another skein of the yarn (to be revealed later) for the second sock. This way I can make the leg and cuff as long as my little heart desires. :)
Surprise Hat: Blue Araucania but can't remember which one. It is one of their heavenly blends. I can't find my tag so I have every intention of snapping a pic of a skein at the store tonight. The Surprise part is for the intended person but since I am fairly certain she does not read here I'll be sharing pics. What you see there is what I managed to get done this afternoon. Only a few more inches and some shaping and its done.
Christmas Lepidoptera: Haven't touched it for a bit. Lucky for me I have sticky notes on the desktop to remind me of where I left off. The yarn (Malabrigio sock in color 810 Cordovan) is nice and springy when held double but a little harsh on my finger when held single. It's a deterrant. That and the lack of focus I've been able to muster. :)
Wednesday, September 7
The proof is in the swatch
You know I'm talking about gauge so just go ahead and groan now. Every knitter on every blog has mentioned gauge at some point or another right? It bears repeating.
When size and fit matter, do a gauge swatch. Got that? When size and fit matter,DO A GAUGE SWATCH.
As a new knitter I often thought that was ridiculous and so long as I had a similar yarn (if using a sub) I would be fine. I've smartened up a bit since then and know that isn't always true.
I have pictures today. Luckily size and fit weren't super important. The item is intended for a baby and the difference worked in my favor.
Same pattern, same weight yarn, same needles, and same mods were made. Both are newborn sized.
Pretty amusing huh? So again, when fit is important, do the swatch.
And just as a bonus....the newest FO.
When size and fit matter, do a gauge swatch. Got that? When size and fit matter,DO A GAUGE SWATCH.
As a new knitter I often thought that was ridiculous and so long as I had a similar yarn (if using a sub) I would be fine. I've smartened up a bit since then and know that isn't always true.
I have pictures today. Luckily size and fit weren't super important. The item is intended for a baby and the difference worked in my favor.
Same pattern, same weight yarn, same needles, and same mods were made. Both are newborn sized.
Pretty amusing huh? So again, when fit is important, do the swatch.
And just as a bonus....the newest FO.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)