My generic knitting blog

A hat that is more than a hat

2011-02-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

When someone is ill, more so when terminal, most people wish they could do something. A casserole is standard, but when one is suffering through cancer and chemotherapy and can't eat then ideas can run a bit thin.

A few months ago I received a skein of hand dyed yarn. I tried making a few pairs of socks but nothing turned out. Then I found a pattern and quickly knit up a hat. I mailed it off to my husband's aunt who was undergoing cancer treatment and recovering quite well.

It had been just long enough that I started to wonder if she received the hat when I got a beautiful 'thank you' note in the mail. I was glad to have offered a little comfort to someone so deserving and, of course, received the gifter's thrill of knowing your gift was really appreciated.

The day after I received the note I got an email explaining that his aunt had recovered from her stomach cancer and subsequent intestinal complications wonderfully but the back pain which had been plaguing her was more than back pain. The cancer came back near her pancreas and this time the only treatment is to extend her life a few months by undergoing more chemotherapy.

She had requested that anyone who wanted to visit do so before she started treatment again since she will be vulnerable to infection. I called to set a time and she explained to me how much she loved her hat and that she wears it every day as she's been trying to continue walking for health, that it was the perfect color, perfect fit, but that it fell out of her pocket and was lost. She asked if I'd make her another one and insisted on paying me for it.

I had just enough left from the same ball and set to work on the twin hat. It was done just enough to give it to her during our visit. She smiled broadly which was payment enough. I explained to her that this was meant to be her hat. I had tried to make other things with the yarn but those projects did not work out. I told her that her loving the hat was so fulfilling for me and I couldn't accept money for a gift.

While it's only a small gesture I'm glad that I found some way to show how much we care for her.

OFFF

2010-09-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

I went by myself to the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival since my good friend was ill. It was crowded and muddy and cold and pretty fun too.

I looked at each booth before purchasing anything (thought I ended up going back to the very first booth that caught my eye).

I really wanted to find a shawl pin but didn't see anything like what I envisioned. I've seen some on etsy which I really like. I did see some solid gold and sterling silver ones but I wasn't willing to shell out $75 for them.

After visiting all the booths, most of them twice, I settled on 3 fibers: one batt of superwash wool, one natural white merino roving, and one roving of corriedale. Since I'm brand new I thought it wise to try different fibers so I can get a feel for them.

They were $5 a piece so along with my Burgerville lunch this was a pretty thrifty day.

I enjoyed being able to go without the kids too. It was nice to get to concentrate and think only about myself for a few hours.

The featherweight is finished...for now

2010-09-25T14:25:00.001-07:00

So it's done but I don't have a picture because I'm not wearing a bra. No one wants to see that and I'm too lazy to put on a bra today.

I'm thinking of adding a decorative edge to the collar but that will need to wait since I'm going to the Flock and Fiber Fest tomorrow and wanted to be able to wear it.

It's rather perfect. Light weight and just barely there.

It's perfect that I'll forgive how awfully large the arm holes turned out to be and how I had to put it down for 3 weeks while I came up with an action plan to fix it.

Next I'll need to decide whether to rip out and completely reknit the last sweater I made or to see if the washing machine and dryer can help me adjust the too large size.
It's a conundrum.

Ok, here is a terrible picture taken by my 8 year old. I think there are smudges on the lens. She took about 10 pictures but none in which I'm actually smiling or looking at the camera.

Christmas stash has begun

2010-08-30T11:15:00.001-07:00

I finished a simple pair of socks that is going into my gift bag.

Very simple toe-up pattern that I winged. These are made from Berroco Sox which is a washable wool so these are a good choice for gifting.

Last night just before I finished the socks I ran across this

and I just couldn't help myself. I bought the pattern.

I've already got some yarn that I bought for a great price from Smileys that has just been waiting for a project. I considered Anhinga

but ultimately decided that this is more of a cardigan and it will get more use than a sweater, though I'd still like to make the sweater (I'll just have to save up before I can buy another sweater quantity of yarn).

I'm working on the gauge swatch today for the Dramatic Lace Top Down Wrap Cardi (and I need to think of a shorter name).

It's too damn hot

2010-08-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

but I wanted to share these lovely socks.

After a lovely evening at Jacob's partaking of Sangria, Absinthe, and incredible company I got Absinthe on the brain and decided to finally dig this one out of the queue and make it happen.

Specs:

KnitPicks bare fingering hand dyed by me using Wilton's Cornflower blue and citric acid
size 1 for the foot and ribbing, size 2 for the leg
August 18-24

The first time through the instep chart threatened to turn my brain to mush. I think my main problem was that some of the symbols were too small to clearly see. And some of the symbols had abbreviations that I'm used to seeing another way. For example, the pattern called for SK2P which despite my 8 years of knitting I've never seen abbreviated that way. Because I'm not a chart knitter it required a little bit of fiddling every now and then to make sure I was interpreting it correctly.

The second sock went much faster. As far as cabled and charted socks go these were really fast.

I just cast on a nice plain toe-up so I could practice that method with a single 40" circular some more (and also not have to think too hard). I'm thinking I might like to do Skew after this sock.

Dreams of the purple fairy

2010-08-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Absinthe

This sock has been an exercise in patience.

First I dyed the yarn which was lackluster and just plain boring. I let it sit around in the back bathroom for a few days while we stubbed our toes on the casserole dish it was sitting in. Then I decided that crockpot dying was the way to go. It really couldn't look worse than the washed out, uneven colors with which I started.

I popped in the crockpot with a ton of dye and some citric acid and put it on the high setting for 6 hrs and then it switched to warm for the next 3 hrs. I was rather impatient as I pulled it out of the dye and ended up burning myself but really it was worth it. The color has depth and shine now. Even though it was a hot day I couldn't wait so I put the yarn in my dehydrator to speed along the drying process.

After I finally cast off what should have been a really easy hat I pulled my dyed yarn out of the drawer already caked up and ready to go.

I've been trying really hard to knit from my queue so I picked Absinthe. I've looked at and admired this pattern for a while but hesitated to begin something that took a lot of concentration and focus as I have little of that in my life with my 3 small children.

With some trepidation I cast on. This pattern has not been without frustration for me as I'm not a chart reader. This is not how my mind works. I've had to fudge a few parts because damn if I'll frog and reknit cables mixed with increases!

These socks are only for me so I don't care if they are not perfectly perfect.

Projects and mishaps

2010-08-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

I really don't keep this up mostly because I'm not sure anyone reads it but also because there are so many other fabulous resources for keeping up with knitting, specifically my knitting, than this blog. For now I'll pretend I've got at least one reader and update a bit.

May brought to our family many significant days. Mother's Day, of course, on which I now get the red carpet treatment and the birthdays of both my mother and my mother-in-law among several others. My mother was celebrating both her 50th birthday and her divorce finalization which was indeed a celebration in her case as it began the chapter of her life in which she has begun to find herself and live her life for herself. I wanted to do something special to commemorate that date and as a knitter that of course means knitting.

I wanted to make something that she would wear (I'm not sure she wears either pair of socks I've made her other than perhaps around the house) and that really seemed like it was "her". I decided on the Featherweight Cardigan in a heathery green color.

This did break a few of my own personal knitting guidelines as I had to buy a pattern which I generally avoid if I can find something I like as well that is free as it keeps the budget open for more yarn. But this also meant I was knitting a garment sized piece and in 3 weeks in lace weight yarn. I'm a pretty dedicated knitter and thus I worked on this project and this project alone during that time. I started on April 2 and finished on May 6th, certainly longer than the 3 weeks I'd allotted. It took so long in fact I didn't block it. I sent it to mom with a soap sample and instructions on how to block. I severely underestimated her confidence in herself to wash and care for this garment though.

She was very touched and appreciative though. I overheard her on the phone showing it off to coworkers and telling family about it which certainly made me feel good that I had made her so happy.

Yet still, it's not blocked and has not been worn.

Because of that I don't have a picture to show you. I will call mom soon on a day off with blocking instructions.

Enter Featherweight Dos.

I decided I loved the way this barely there cardigan looked on women of all ages and I wanted one. I had 3 skeins of lace weight in the same brand but a different color than the one I made for mom but I needed 4 for the largest size.

I searched on Ravelry first only to discover that this was a discontinued color. Luckily I turned up 1 full and 1 nearly full skein and got a great deal. My $10 cardigan was up and running. I wound and wound those lace weight balls and cast on. Things were groovy until I separated for the arms and then I started getting an inkling of doubt that this might be too big. I looked at the gauge and I looked at the sizing and reassured myself.

Once the sweater body was complete I started considering different collar options. I wanted something different. I considered a ruffle, some pretty lace, and poured through "Knitting on the Edge" by Nicky Epstein. I was so eager I scrapped all those fancy plans and did a 1x1 rib. That's when I took a closer look at the sleeves. They are HUGE.

Crappy camera phone at night pic:

I posted on Ravelry about my problem and was given solutions such as to rip out and reknit (not going to happen), make a dolman sleeve (that only makes me look fatter), and that it really doesn't look that bad.

It really does look that bad. This sweater has been sitting, hibernating on my knitting basket for 9 days now. I figure my options are to finish it and see just how bad it really turns out or to give it and the remaining yarn away to a larger friend and let her finish it.

One poster on Ravelry did suggest that the largest size was probably too big for me. I think I might agree now though according to the pattern this should fit me. If I ever get brave again I might try knitting another in a smaller size. I really do love the look of this beautiful, skimming cardigan that seems perfect for all seasons.

It's been one hell of a year

2010-05-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

and I'll let that stand on it's own without further comment. This blog has been neglected in favor of more important things like kids, family, work, kids, housework, and kids.

Here are a few things I've worked on, though the two biggest projects aren't pictured (one was a cardigan for me and the other was a cardigan for my mom's birthday).

The socks I knit as we crazily crossed the Klamath Pass in a freak late Spring snow storm.

These turned out just like I imagined. I adore this yarn from the Sanguine Gryphon.

Two plain pairs but I love them just the same

There were lots more projects but these are some of my favorites.

I hope that life is looking up for my anonymous readers and that the sun brings brighter days for you all in spirit as well.

Things about me

2010-03-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

1. I only knit one thing at a time with the exception of occasionally having a sock going while working on a big project so that I can have something portable.

2. I'm working on my first adult garment (see #3).

3. I'm a nickle and dimer. While I've got a decent stash there really aren't any sweater quantities because I have a hard time bringing myself to spend big chunks of money at a time.

4. I struggle with half-assedness, ie. knitting things to the proper length (see #5).

5. I own a lot of short socks but my favorite go almost to the knee.

6. I'm a gift stash knitter. I've got a small bag of gifts at the ready next to my stash.

7. I rarely follow patterns but have been trying to trust the pattern a lot more lately.

Lazy weaving in for circular knitting

2009-09-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

So a few years ago I saw how Pamela Grossman took care of her tail in her pattern Knucks and I've modified it over time to work for me.

For some patterns holding the working yarn and tail over several stitches can alter the look and function of the garment, especially with thicker weight yarns, so what I do is to hold both yarns together for 2-3 stitches and then drop the tail and finish my round with just the working yarn. On the next round I knit the first two stitches making sure to include both the working and tail in each stitch then I pick up the tail again and knit 2-3 more stitches and then drop it again for the remainder of the round. I do this for 3 or 4 rows and then cut my tail.

Here is my crappy photoshop rendition of this technique.

The red is shows the stitches in which the tail is incorporated.

It's lovely to finish a garment and find that you don't need to work in that tail. It also leave a really nice edge .

I've used the darker purple bars to show you the stitches that have both the working yarn and the tail knit together. See how well it blends in?

Swirling

2009-09-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've got so many projects on the brain and not nearly enough time to accomplish them all. I generally only allow myself to work on one thing at a time or perhaps two if I need something simple for the car.

I'm knitting Cable Rib Socks with some lovely Starry in Cocoa Kiss. For big socks they are coming along quickly.

The other night I miscrossed a cable and was convinced I could drop down and fix it without ripping back 8 whole rows. So I undid the errant 9 stitches and dropped down one row below the mistake. I picked up and corrected all 8 rows of the first 3 stitches (without a crochet hook too because I don't have one small enough for fingering weight) but then it came time to do the cable. Things got hairy. I might have cursed a few times but I kept going. I ended up making a mess. Much worse than just leaving the cable alone and knew I was done for. I set the sock down knowing that I really couldn't work on a cabled sock with black fingering weight yarn in the low light of evening.

I needed something simple so I did a gauge swatch hat. Nice and Easy. Just what I needed to fortify me. See, I need some confidence because I'm making a cardigan for the 7 year old and I'm steeking it. I've never steeked before but I really hate knitting flat.

I'm using Diane Soucy's pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple and I think I've got a plan. I even made a swatch so I could practice steeking (which failed as it unraveled at the edges so I clearly need to make another). I'm both thrilled at the idea of cutting my knitting and also really freaking scared.

I also bought yarn to start this as soon as I can.

I'm in love with it!

A, B, C, V...

2009-09-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to make Ivy a sweater for the season but didn't want to have to buy a new pattern (and also it wasn't in the budget) but I remembered that years ago I made a V-neck sweater as a tester for a pattern that never was released. I searched high and low for my copy in our old computer back ups and through the myriad paper stacks of printed patterns I've got stashed here and there. I couldn't find it. Then I remembered that other people had been testers too. I contacted Abigail and she emailed me a copy. I cast on immediately.

In one night and two days I had this completed

Pattern: WonderFaux Sweater by Pamela Grossman
Yarn: Blackberry Ridge Merino in Kaledescope Medium Weight Grapes on the Vine
Needles: #7 16" and DPNs
Mods: Added ribbing to the waist and cuffs and didn't do the faux cable on the side (it really is ingenious though for those cablephobic folks)

I've completed a few other things too. I made a dishcloth with the Chinese Waves pattern in a night of Lost watching.

It's pretty long though so it's more of a dish towel...or something.

I'm getting ready to cast on Boheme. I don't actually have enough yarn to finish it though. I'll either make it shorter or hope I come up with some other magic solution.

I've working on something new

2009-08-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

hopefully perfecting it. Maybe even publishing it or at least offering it for free on here.

This is an early version. Do you see it? Can you see what makes these different?

Start to finish

2009-08-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'm a very monogamous* knitter and these socks were no exception. I started these socks the day I went to Sock Summit. I had intended to buy a single memento skein since I didn't have much cash but when I saw this yarn and I'd already purchased my skein of Starry but when I saw this yarn from Sanguine Gryphon I had to have it.

I (relatively) quickly worked it up some Circle Socks.

These are the resulting beauties.

I absolutely love the yarn and need more!

*I keep a simple project in the car for when I'm stuck in line somewhere or one of the kids falls asleep and I need entertainment. It's a plain garter stitch scarf

Even when you think you know better, you don't.

2009-08-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I acquired some lovely Eidos sock yarn at the Sock Summit which was marked "Charmides" though from looking at their website I think it looks more like 'Calliope'. I frustratingly wound it into a ball (my ball winder doesn't handle sock weight well and my swift is jenky) then cast on for Circle Socks which has been sitting in my queue for a really long time.

I thought I knew better than the designer so I'm frogging and starting again for the third time.

I'm upset at my own stupidity and bull headedness (yes, I realize that is not a word) and will accept condolences in the form of this, these, or this charming fellow.

It really is beautiful yarn so starting over is preferrable to tossing it into a forgotten corner.

How you like these Apples?

2009-03-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Wendy's Generic Toe Up Sock
Mods: k2p2 along the top of the foot, switched to size 2 needles for the leg (wish I had stayed with 1s because I like a tight sock) and k2p2 for the cuff.
Yarn: Dashing Dachs Superwash Merino Fingering 560 yards in Carmel Apple

Overall I like them. I don't care for the pooling on the cuff on the second sock (the one pictured on the bottom foot). I like my socks to fit tighter than this usually but I wore them all day and they were quite comfortable.

What I've been up to lately

2009-03-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Fibonacci

Easter socks

Winter Nights

Baby Cables (so freaking soft!)

Prefelted slippers

Stocking

One row scarf

Sara's birthday facecloth

Japanese Garden

Details at Ravelry

I do still knit

2009-01-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

A lot more on Ravelry

OMG! Thank goodness he's cute

2008-08-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

See how cute he is

And in case you don't read my other blog, I had a baby about 2 weeks ago

This is Ivy.

Stuck in the mud

2008-05-22T00:42:00.000-07:00

I've been stuck on some socks. I'm generally a one at a time knitter (is that supposed to be 'an one' because that does not sound right!) but lately I'm not.

I messed with some sock yarn several times to finally get the fit I wanted. I'm halfway down the foot and not inspired at all to finish it. Using the same yarn in a different colorway I'm still having trouble. I like my socks to fit tightly, no slouch for me. But I'm quite sure that this sock is not going to be tight enough for my tastes.

So I stuffed them both in a box and have worked several other projects. Simple things that required little thought.

A hat

A tiny soaker

And now a slightly bigger soaker I just started tonight.

Knitting is supposed to be fun so that's what I'll make it. I'll either frog the socks later or give them to someone with big ankles.

I've been doing a lot of sewing

2008-05-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

here are a few of my favorite items but no, by far, the entirety of what I've sewn in he last week.

A late mother's day present for my mom.

A matching zippered tote

3 wetbags for cloth diapers, the small one is to bring along prewet wipes

A medium diaper cover

3 medium diapers for G

A small diaper cover

This is all thanks to a friend that gave me so much fabric! Its a lot of work but its nice not to have to buy all these things since I can make them myself.

La Stash Enhancement

2008-05-08T18:53:00.001-07:00

So I received a package of free yarn today. All of the sock variety...

Knit Picks Sock Garden in Star Gazer Lily

Mint Chocolate Lorna's Laces, 2 skeins

Lorna's Laces

Zen Yarn Gadren in Passion

Such a wonderful mail day!

56 is my magic number

2008-04-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

I started and completed an entire sock and knew there was no way I could wear it.

Ick.

I decided to try a plain stockinette sock using Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Basic Sock pattern which calls for a cast on of 64.

Almost as Ick as the first version. Plus it was really loose.

So I frogged again. I left the ribbing at 64 and decided to decrease 8 sts.

Look just above the ribbing. Its perfect. No pooling. I did a short row heel and still no pooling. Its perfect. I'm quite happy with it now.

Yarn Harlot

2008-04-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

I did get to Stephanie Pearl-McPhee on Tuesday. I did forget my camera (see the post below). I did have an excellent time. I did have great company. I did complete some socks.

I did buy two skeins of yarn. The profits of which are going to a great charity as did the proceeds from her new book which I also bought.

The new socks on said yarn have frozen up though. I knit and then measured the cuff, 3", knit 10 or so more rows, 3", knit 10 more rows, 3". I think I'll just keep going for a while and put the tape measure away so I don't put them to the side. I did already break my own rules and started something before finishing something else.

I'm working on these for Mar

I've got one done and am halfway through the cuff on the second. I just needed a break though so I cast on to make myself some socks. I'll come back to hers tomorrow as she's so eager to get them!

Knitterly things

2008-04-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

I've got all these knitterly things to say. I keep thinking of them and then forgetting. Interesting, deep, and meaningful things. But then I forget. I'm forgetting a lot of things lately. I want to be a real blogger (ala Pinocchio) but just don't know if I have the stuff for it.

I will share a few diamonds in the rough that I retained though.

Reasons Knitting is easier than parenting:

~If I yell at my knitting I don't lay awake at night worrying that I've destroyed my carefully crafted bonding.

~If I get tired of a project I can move on to a new one and no one thinks less of me.

~I can ignore knitting all day and no one gets hurt.

~Knitting never wakes me up at night.

Feel free to add your own in the comments section.

Some new projects

2008-04-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

I finished these pants with my favorite yarn Blackberry Ridge Merino and added some stripes of PureWool to contrast and to break up the pooling.

I'm also almost done with a pair of Oak Ribbed Socks by Nancy Bush and am proud to say that I've done very few modifications. I've got issues with using other's patterns and always try to better them. This time though they are practical and logical. I made the cuff shorter because its my preference and I took out 2 rows of plain knit in the toe because I was worried they were getting too long. Both worked out splendidly on the first sock.

Here is the only photo so far

I'll be wearing them tomorrow when I got meet Stephanie Pearl-McPhee along with hundreds of Portland's other knitters.

A week or two ago I finished some baby pants as well

Hand dyed Cascade 128 and using the Perfection Pants pattern. Love them!

I did finally break Second Sock Syndrome and finished my pin stripe socks but can't seem to find a picture of them. Perhaps I'll have the H take one for me tonight as I don't think I've got any of me wearing them anyway.

I'll be back with Yarn Harlot pictures soon!

I need to go on a diet

2008-04-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

I bought some yarn tonight. I bought some yesterday too. Its all money I have and projects are in mind. But I've got enough. I don't need to buy any more till I use up at least half of what I already have. I figure that means I don't need to buy yarn for a year. Its a commitment to me and my finances! I will stop acquiring and start make use of what I've got.

In case you were wondering I got 3 skeins of Blackberry Ridge Merino undyed and two dyed in the Tropical Fish colorway. These will be pants. Part of the undyed I'll dye for trim.

I got 2 skeins of bulky Cascade wool, its a nice 2 ply and undyed. The Purl District also had some really good prices on a merino superwash sock yarn that looks hand dyed. I got two.

I have completed some projects lately too. I lengthened the sleeves on a cardigan I made 1.5 years ago and Grey refused to wear. I made a bolero for Mar. I finished half of a vest for ds. I made the Foliage hat. I finished my reversible cable scarf too.

I knit something!

2008-03-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

not only that but I completed it in a day!

I made Foliage in a deep wine color. Gorgeous!

I took a picture but it was first thing in the morning. I'll save you the horror and take another one later post makeup, hair doing, and tea.

Update

2008-02-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

Brandy's comment reminded me that its been a long time since I've updated. I've got a few projects floating around unfinished but haven't completed anything in quite a while.

Life is getting in the way of my hypnotic pastime. I miss it. The quiet repetition, each seemingly meaningless movement coming together to create something. There is peace in that. Bits of fiber woven together in harmony to make something useful and perhaps beautiful. I lack the eloquence to fully explain this but since I imagine the few that will read this are already knitters you already know.

Perhaps if I had a reason to knit I'd complete something. Do you have a cold neck or perhaps a head that needs covering? Request something and I'll happily make you a gift. Or if that's not your style drop a hint. Its always best to know that my handknits are wanted and will be appreciated.

Productivity

2007-12-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

I've gotten a lot done this month.

Do you have Ravelry? Well then go on over and look!

If not then I'll list a few things here that I've completed.

Nearly all of these are gifts so that's why so many small projects. I've also completed a scarf that has no pictures yet and a few owl dishcloths for my friend's dad that also don't have photos.

Absolutely gorgeous

2007-12-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

I remember coveting this scarf when I first saw it a year or two ago. Gorgeous. Absolutely.

Double Knot

But $11 for just the pattern? Its probably worth it but I won't buy it for myself.

Lots of knitting lately but not lots of pictures

2007-11-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

at least not good ones.

My Ravelry

If you aren't on the list get there!

Birthday present or blocking is awesome

2007-11-06T21:07:00.001-08:00

this went from 55" to 97" with blocking.

Yea for blocking!

More photos after its been gifted.

Its been a while

2007-10-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

I'm so in love with Ravelry I don't come here that often anymore. Plus I'm working 20-25 hours a week.

Today I frogged a Jaywalker that was almost complete. It made me sad but the sock wasn't going to fit.

Have you knit these before? Was yours really, really tight too? The pattern just doesn't seem stretchy at all.

I switched these to a basic stockinette sock. I'll still love them and they won't take as long.

Half a pair and a better picture

2007-10-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

So I just don't have the time to knit that I did before. Between work, trying to do better with housework, and novels I just don't seem to have as much time.

Here is half a pair of Cafe Curtain Socks made with KP Landscape in Mesa.

And a better pic of Grey's vest

Grey's vest

2007-08-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

I finished it yesterday.

I had started it last month, got to the split then Grey hid the pattern.

It was found and I started and finished it in two nights. Before this I haven't knit for a while. I was working on a sock but I made a mistake or there was a mistake in the pattern.....it disgusted me so much that I just sat it down and haven't knit for a few weeks.

I'll get back to the sock though. Perhaps to frog and use a new pattern though.

Without further ado here is the vest:

I've not gotten a good picture, hope to get one outside today. My camera does better outside than in.

Pattern: Knitting Pure and Simple Basic Vest for Children # 256
Size: 2 but my gauge was bigger so it fits like a 4
Yarn: Rowan All Seasons Cotton, 2 skeins in Chocolate

Mara's Hat

2007-07-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

I wrote and shared this some time ago but now its time to put it here for all the world to use and love!

This is a fun little hat with cables and lots of texture but is so easy to do that its good for even an advanced beginner.

To fit baby(toddler, child)

1- 16” #8 circular
1 set of #8 dpns
11 stitch markers or scrap yarn
tapestry needle

Gauge: 4.5 sts = 1” and 6.5 rows =1”
Lamb's Pride

Cast on 72(80, 88)
Join in round adding stitch marker A at beginning of round

Row 1: *k6, p2* repeat till end of round
Row 2: Same as row 1
Row 3: *sl 1, k2, psso, sl 1, k2, psso, p2* repeat till end of round
Row 4: *k1, m1, k1, k1, m1, k1, p2* repeat till end of round

Repeat rows 1-4 two (two, three) times.

Row 13-14: same as row 1

Row 15: purl around
Row 16-18: knit around
Row 19: purl around

Baby and Toddler:

Rows 20-29: knit in stockinette
[Variation for a longer fitting hat, current pattern produces a very short hat that sits above the bangs, continue stockinette for 5 additional rows, not recommended for baby size]

Row 30: add stitch markers as follows
K6, add marker, k2, add marker, *k14, add marker, k2 add marker* repeat until end of round (8 stitches will remain after last marker and before marker A)

Start decrease rows (move to dpns when project no longer fits on circular) disregard marker A, this marker is only used to let you know when to begin each row’s directions

Row 31: *knit until 2 sts before marker, k2tog, k2, ssk* repeat till end of row
Row 32: k around

33-40: same as row 31 on odd rows and same as row 32 on even rows
(baby:64 sts on row 31, 56 sts on row 33, 48 sts on row 35, 40 sts on row 37, 32 sts on row 39, 24 sts row 41, 16 sts at beginning of row 43)
( toddler: 70 sts on row 31, 60 sts on row 33, 50 sts on row 36, 40 sts on row 37, 30 sts on row 39, 20 sts on row 41, 10 sts at beginning of row 43)

41-43: *k2tog* repeat around

Break yarn leaving 6” tail, thread tapestry needle, run tail through live stitches, weave in loose ends

Child:
Rows 20-39: knit in stockinette

Row 40: add stitch markers as follows
K6, add marker, k2, add marker, *k14, add marker, k2 add marker* repeat till end of row, 8 stitches will remain between last marker and marker A

Start decrease rows (move to dpns when project no longer fits on circular) disregard Marker A for decrease directions

Row 41: *knit until 2 sts before marker, k2tog, k2, ssk* repeat till end of row
Row 42: k around

43-50: same as row 41 on odd rows and same as row 42 on even rows
(64 sts on row 43, 52sts on row 45, 40 sts on row 47, 28 sts on row 49, 16 sts at beginning of row 51)

51: *k2tog* repeat around

Break yarn leaving 6” tail, thread tapestry needle, run tail through live stitches, weave in loose ends

Index of terms:
k knit
p purl
m1 make one stitch, I prefer to lift the bar between sts from front to back and then knit into the back
psso pass slipped stitch[es] over
SSK slip 2 stitches as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together
K2tog knit two stitches together

(here is a baby size on a toddler head)

Another fabu swap package!

2007-06-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

this is actually the last thing I'm expecting (oh, how I love getting mail!)

Wow! Seriously! Socks that Rock in Rolling Stones.

A supercute cherry bag that was meant for me but may become dd's lunch bag instead as its just the right size.

A set of DPNs

And the Folk Socks book. Yeah!

And a cute sticker that will take some convincing of dh for me to put on the car.

I received my swap package today

2007-06-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

And its really nice!

*Two skeins of Lorna's Laces sock yarn in two colors: camoflage and pin stripe.
*My favorite chai
*Some buttons that are perfect for the cardi that is in my queue for dd.
*A set of sock DPNs in #1s and 7s

A really, really generous swap!!!!

One day = One anklet

2007-05-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

I had some leftover yarn but not enough for a full pair of socks. Unsure if I even have enough for two whole anklets, these have a contrast toe.

The fit was just what I was looking for

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Whitewater and unknown

Zephyr

2007-05-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

I finally got these done. It felt like they were going to finish.

They are a gift so I don't to keep me them :(

Some stash busting hats

2007-05-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

A few hats to use up some extra yarn.

The hand dyed is just some fishermans's leftover from some socks that I eventually felted and dd wears as slippers.

The blue is Knit Picks WOTA leftover from ds' sweater.

Rayne's Socks finished!

2007-05-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

I cast on and finished the first one in one night. Granted I stayed up till 2 am. I cast on at 9 pm and knit on and off till 10 when ds fell asleep, then nearly straight through till 2 am when I realized it was so late and I should go to bed.

Cherry Tree Hill Supersport in Java

I altered the pattern from a child's sock by simply using bigger yarn and needles with more pattern repeats in the foot to get the right length. I also did a short row heel. Someday I'll learn a heel flap but probably on a child's sock so I can do it on a smaller scale first.

Rayne's Socks 1 down

2007-05-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Sissy's socks are all done!

2007-05-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

She loves them!

Sis' Socks

2007-05-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

one is done

Mom's socks are done

2007-05-05T23:48:00.000-07:00

and I don't want to give them up.

Oh, homemade socks!

Recent dye jobs

2007-05-02T22:44:00.001-07:00

Recent dyed yarns. All BFL, yum.

Mom Socks

2007-04-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

One down and one to go.

Her feet are smaller than mine so she'll have a better fit.

Grey wanted to try them on

I hope she likes them, I'm worried she won't.

I'm just not in the mood, Honey

2007-04-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

I'm actually not really in the mood to knit lately. I was sick for a week and a half and for some reason just loathed the idea of knitting. Probably because I was too exhausted to think.

Now I'm feeling better but still not in the mood. Last night I got to watch most of "Grey's Anatomy" alone and I felt guilty about not finishing Shawn's Dashing so I picked it up and got all but the thumb and weaving in done. I finished the rest of that today while he and Grey napped (Shawn is still sick).

The other day, in the middle of my funk, I bought some sock yarn thinking I could make my mom socks for Mother's Day. So I cast them on, going to use my own pattern because I can't find one I like.

Really is it a good idea to start socks that I have to be done in two weeks when one is in a knitting funk?

Oh, mom's b-day is also in May. Maybe something that's not knitted would be best for that occasion.

New yarn!

2007-04-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

A nice skein of worsted blue faced leceister that I call Tropical Fish

Ready and waiting for your eager needles at the store.

Needs a name

2007-04-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

I dyed this BFL the other day. It needs a name and I'm feeling uninspired.

Do you like this colorway?

Its a nice spring green, grey, and some blues.

Lots of new stuff

2007-04-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

We moved and didn't have internet a week, most things are still in boxes. This did not keep me from knitting. I did all portable smaller projects.

The Center Square hat from Knitty. I have never done this before and it was too tight so it fits Grey. I did make another and it does fit me.

Dashing also from Knitty.

Only one though, I ran out of yarn. I did order more though. Its just KnitPicks Wool of the Andes. They are for Shawn to wear while riding his motorcycle under his leather gloves, they close the gap and keep his wrists warm.

A bunch of random dishcloths

Yet another one!

2007-03-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Its not actually crooked but I don't feel like taking a different picture.

This pattern was one that I altered and it was a huge PITA. I had to redo certain parts so many times!

I'm glad its done.

Anudder dish cloth

2007-03-17T23:38:00.000-07:00

I know, another one! I like making them because they are quick and with the move I don't feel like big commitments.

dd took the pic for me, quite the photographer I think.

New dishcloth

2007-03-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

From this pattern

I'm considering sending it my Great-Aunt for her birthday. Its a pretty sage-y color. She could use it to wash dishes or put it under a pretty vase. She lives in a very small home so I have to be conscientious when giving her gifts.

Oh, and all 3 of my sister-in-laws are pregnant and due this Fall. So I guess I'll be doing newborn knitting. One of them at least will probably use cloth diapers so at least one soaker for her!

Hat for a newborn

2007-03-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sending this off for Shawn's cousin's second baby, a boy named Isaiah to be born fairly soon.

Its the leftover yarn from my socks. Hand dyed merino.

I hope they like it!

More importantly I hope they read the book I left for them when we saw them at Thanksgiving titled "Doctors Re-examine Circumcision"

Finished cardigan

2007-03-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

These are the best pictures I could get because he was bawling, he's so tired!

The almost finished cardigan for Grey

2007-03-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

I have to go to the LYS to get another skein of the self striping. I bought the grey for the collar and trim but didn't want it to go up so far on the sleeves. So another skein it is.

Pattern: Cabin Fever
Size: 2T
Yarn MC: Crystal Palace Yarns Taos including the hat I used 4 skeins
CC: Lamb's Pride worsted "Misty Blue" one skein

I like the pattern, easy to read. Even a somewhat beginner could do this cardigan with the options for knitting in one piece.

I'm thinking wood toggles for the buttons, opinion?

Dishcloth KAL

2007-02-20T23:17:00.000-08:00

I joined a dishcloth KAL but have not been following along. Basically there are 10 rows to do a day and right now I should be on day 5. I did the first two days tonight, while very distracted by the kids. Its really a pretty pattern

Then I got to row 20 and things didn't work out right and noticed this

Ugh, what is that?! No way to fix it unless I rip out a bunch of rows and try not to drop YOs. Is it even worth it? Or should I wait till the next one and actually follow along (when I am not distracted hopefully?)?

He can knit too

2007-02-17T12:39:00.000-08:00

Another one for the store

2007-02-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

I started these two nights ago and finished all but 2 rows and bind off last night.

I have to find the label as I am having a brain fart and can't seem to remember the name.

Medium with the wider/longer crotch

hip 18"
rise 20.5"
thigh 11"

So romantic...

2007-02-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

Shawn is knitting me a dishcloth! I showed him how to knit last night (and purl too). He's amazing!

Pics when its complete.

A couple of soakers

2007-02-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

The BFL mentioned below came and was on the needles the next day. I'm really trying not have more than one or two WIP. I want to produce and if I am dividing time amoung too many things it just won't happen.

Here is the completed soaker from the Nada BFL yarn

My own pattern: just gauge, measure and do the math. K3P2 ribbing several short rows, picked up stockinette cuffs (which I may decide to loosen, depends as I think his thighs will probably start thinning out now and not getting any bigger based on experience with dd).

The yarn is beautiful and so soft. I love the soaker other than some small areas of color pooling (see the black? and two small spots on the back). I just ordered 6 skeins of BFL so I'll be making some more soakers from it soon.

And I also used some naked BBR to make a Warm Heart Woolies soaker for ds. Its still blocking but here are some pics

I made a large and this is how much I left of the 4oz once all ends were woven in and it was totally completed

I absolutely love this yarn. I made the BFL soaker first and didn't think the BBR was nearly so soft in comparison. However, once I lanolized the BBR it became so incredibly soft! I especially love the stretchiness of the BBR. I swear its like elastic! I'll need to get some more of this once I've sold a few soakers.

I am actually going to purchase a cottage license from Ruth of WHW (the first person to do so in fact).

I really like a lot of features of this pattern. Here are some detail shots.

Built in cuffs are so nice, less to finish and less to weave in (only two ends to weave-in in fact!).

I've made a few of these soakers and they just fit my kids well and are easy to customize.

Normally when I knit soakers I measure and do the math on the gauge but that gets tiresome. There is something to be said about having the math already done for you!

So soon they will be up on my Hyena cart at Cherry City Crafters

More shorts pics

2007-02-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

I need to do some more once ds wakes up from his nap and I can go outside (don't want to risk him waking up alone inside, he'd get very sad).

I like how these turned out, kind of skater or surfer length. This is about how long dh wears his shorts too.

And because I really don't want to resize again, just go to this this page to see the cuff detail.

Warshrag

2007-02-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, so if you have "Mason-Dixon Knitting" chances are you have made at least one of these.

I made some variations though.

I cast on 45 and thought it was way too big so I changed it to 30, much better. Most of my washrags around around 30 co.

Then after one repeat of the pattern I changed something else. Instead of knitting the first row of the CC, I purled it. So all cc rows are reverse stockinette. Not a big deal but I like it better that way.

After I finished this one I cast on another in opposite colors.

Finished shorts for the store

2007-02-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

Malabrigo Elijdo in Cueros

Its blocking but looks a little funny from the angle. Notice the funky beach towel ;)

The cuff detail, inspired by "Knitting on the Edge"

hip 19"
rise 20"
inseam 3.5"

Amara learns to knit and other stuff

2007-02-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

Look at my big 4 yr old girl! Today at breakfast we were talking about how I could teach Amara to knit when she turns 5, she seemed enthused. Then later we went to Joanns to use my coupons to buy cotton yarn (because I bought Mason-Dixon Knitting and if you have that book you understand why I must now knit with cotton and make cabin style things! even though I generally hate working with cotton at least the mercerized-splits-so-much-I-want-to-jam-this-needle-in-my-eye kind. Kitchen cotton is different though!!!! /rant/rave).

While there Mar picked up some sparkly yarn and stated that she needed to have it. She was so excited we ran over to the needle section and picked up some brightly colored kids needles with cats on the ends. After a bit of tandem practice she made this

Its a bracelet for Leo, she says.

Here is the back

10 sts x 4 rows

She now knows how to, "put it in, wrap, pull it through, and push it off" as we repeated. I did only the wrapping part after the first row.

I'm so dang proud!

In other kid news, though not at all proud, my son pulled the blocking sweater off the kitchen table while I was dressing. It landed in a pile of cracker crumbs and will need to be blocked again.

This is the non-blocked version

When blocked the details pop a lot better, its also a bit longer.

In other news I found the forgotten huge shorts

my gauge was off and they are truly huge. If you want them they can be yours though. Send me $5 and I'll mail them to you along with the yarn to finish the drawstring and kitchener the crotch. Otherwise I'll frog these babies as the rise is not long enough to felt them.

Ding, dong the sweater's done!

2007-02-04T00:14:00.000-08:00

Hallerlu-yer! The baby cardigan is done for my friend's sil. I'll take a picture after its dry. I'm so glad its done, when you don't like the yarn it certainly makes it feel like the project is taking forever.

As to my list below, I completely forgot that I need to make a few baby sweaters for pregnant friends and family. 2 of each actually, so 4 sweaters. Eek!

I think I'll use the pattern in One Skein Wonders

This one actually

It uses bulky yarn and I think its in one piece so it will fit my needs.

I don't know genders except for one that's a boy so I will need to make them all gender neutral.

Planned projects

2007-02-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

Name: Elbac
Description: A gorgeous cabled scarf, I've been looking for a pattern just like this forever.
Yarn: Cascade 220
The purple stuff I bought at random last week

Name: Cardi for Grey
Description: Basic cardigan for next winter, the ear flap hat is completed
Yarn: Lamb's Pride worsted in Grey Heather (they even spell it the same as his name!)
Taos for the big fat stripe in the middle and maybe the collar

My yarn is way cuter than this, BTW. I'm not sure who they are trying to appeal to with the yarn and button choices, ick!

Name: KPS Cardi for Amara
Description: Basic winter cardigan for next season
Yarn: Lamb's Pride in Blue Magic and I have some Noro that I'd like to incorporate for her but not on her skin as she doesn't like the feel of it. Ideas?

And I just bought Black Rainbow with matching black trim. I think this will have to be a soaker for ds for this spring as its 3oz and 1oz which should just be perfect. Oh, and its blue faced leicester yarn!

I also just got some natural BlackBerry Ridge Merino.

And have traded for some hand dyed BBR.

Still looking for projects to use my 10 skeins of my super cheap All Seasons Cotton and the beautiful skein of Lorna's Laces that Pam gave me. Again, ideas? I'm considering a cabled vest for ds, something semi-dressy but would look great with jeans too for the ASC. And maybe some socks from the Lorna's, though I'd hate to make socks since I'm so hard on them.

There is lots of other random yarn to use up of course, but these are definite projects.

And just for your viewing joy, my gorgeous kids that are sick with icky ears, runny noses, and hacking coughs (yet they find the energy to run amok, Shawn assures me this is how its spelled but I doubt it, all day!)

Needle Storage

2007-01-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

My friend, SuSu, made me this

Its for my DPNs. I love the fabric.

I was fooling around last night and made this

It doesn't roll up well but I guess I could hang it somewhere. Or maybe give it to someone who uses straights or perhaps long DPNs. I still like it though. What I had wanted to do I couldn't because my fabric is in boxes in dd's room and she was sleeping. I have some see through thing plastic that would make a really need needle holder. I'm going to try to look for it today.

Do you think denim needles would be the best choice for heavy fabric like that?

Berry

2007-01-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

I made this last night while we watched Superman

2007-01-26T22:52:00.000-08:00

Finished socks and a tiny soaker

2007-01-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

Here are the first socks I made. Not sure why I never got around to posting them.

And here is the soaker I was asked to make for a baby that is expected to be 3 lbs at birth.

10" rise and waist on these!

Today

2007-01-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

I acquired these today.

The back left is Cascade 220, I loved the color and bought it for that reason alone. I'm sure I'll find some project for it.

The in front of that is a skein of Lorna's Laces that Pam gave me. Its so fabulous. I'll need to think of something special to make with it.

And on the right is some superwash that was super cheap. It will be socks, maybe cabled socks for me.

You can also see some of my Costco treasures in the background. The kids love Craisins! I'm just glad they found something other than bread or cheese they like to eat.

The most infuriating pattern!

2007-01-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me to make a set for her pregnant sister-in-law. Time was running short so we decided to just do one nice cardigan instead.

I sent her to the yarn store with instructions as to what pattern to get

But they were out of stock and so she told the lady there what she wanted and they helped her find a pattern and some yarn (that is a completely seperate rant).

The pattern leaves me without words. It tells you to do something and then doesn't say where or how. Its a top down raglan cardigan and where you do the increases is important but apparently not important enough to note.

Now for the yarn. Its a slippery mercerized cotton. I hate working with yarn that has no stretch, all the tension issues show and I find it doesn't block as easily.
Not only that but it splits very easily. I'm constantly correcting stitches. And she paid almost $14 a skein for it.

I don't know who was working there that day, probably the older lady as the owners are usually much more helpful and knowledgable.

I can't do anything about the yarn because her one of her kids pulled the label off one skein. I did change patterns though as I just couldn't keep wasting time with the other one.

In which I post lots of pictures

2007-01-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

I finished the second brown sock. They are so great! I will make lots more as soon as I can.

I sent this hat to my sister

I made this one that I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet

I had 5 skeins of Lion Brand Thick and Quick Woolease that I bought to make a cardigan for dd but couldn't ever find a pattern I liked for it so its become several hats, those are just two of them.

I bought this pattern, its so gorgeous and was desinged when she was only 17. Too bad its pieced though, I might try to mess with it and do it one piece (then it will be a lot more likely to actually make it).

This is the result of a very good mail day

One the left is the yarn and pattern for dd's cardigan (Knitting Pure & Simple and Brown sheep worsted in Magic blue) and on the right is the spinning kit dh gave me for my birthday that's in about 2 weeks.

I've been fooling with it and made some crappy yarn

I decided to knit my first attempts into a scarf in the order they were spun as the kit contains 8 oz of roving so it should make a nice funky scarf (some people might think its actually intentional too!)

I finished my socks

2007-01-19T00:22:00.000-08:00

The brown ones are done! I love them, love them, love them.

I'll take pics of the blue and green ones eventually too.

But for now just this announcement that the brown ones are all done!

Now I need to cast on a preemie soaker for a customer and then a sweater for a friend's pregnant sister-in-law.

FOs

2007-01-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad I finished this sweater as it fits just right and will not work next year.

And I made socks. This is the second pair

And this is for my Hyena Cart

Yarn shopping

2007-01-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

I had some Christmas money so I went into the yarn store of course. It didn't hurt that they had sent me a 20% off coupon!

I got three skeins of Taos Mirage as I think it would make a gorgeous cardigan for ds next year. It self stripes in an interesting way. Some of the stripes are solid and some are 2 colors because they did each ply in a different color. There was a small sweater done by example in the LYS.

I got the last skein of Kureyon at the old price. All the new ones have gone up a few $. The color way I got is like this one
But you know as well as I that each skein is slightly different.
Last night a friend finished up a great hat with a single skein. It was done in fat cables all the way up. I'm hoping if its done in slightly larger needles I can make it all the way to the top if not I might have some scraps in my drawers, one of the good things about Kureyon is you can add anything to it nearly and it still looks awesome.

I also got some sock yarn. I've cast on for socks 3 or 4 times and have never liked the way they were coming out.
I got 117 but of course it looks way better IRL.
I hope to make some anklet type that will look good with my fake crocs for the summer.
The yarn seems pretty cool, its reinforced and meant to stretch a bit yet still retain shape.

Oh and I finished a sibling hat set, an eye pillow cover and have all but the thumbs and i-cord done on my mittens.

Here is one mitten

On the list

2006-12-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

Mom liked her scarf I think. I had the colors confused though. I could have sworn she told me a blue coat but her coat is green. The colors are neutral enough that they go well though.

I have a few things I need to complete and quick.

I've been working on my scarf and its taking forever, I need to put it down and work on things that need to be done sooner.

ds' sweater for one. If I wait too long he won't be able to wear it this year and it will be too small next year.

I also want to make both kids matching mittens and hats for their stockings.

Some day I want to make Fake Isle too

Zig zag

2006-11-17T00:37:00.000-08:00

I'm making progress on Zig Zag, my gorgeous handpainted merino scarf

I finished this set for my Hyena Cart

A nice fit I think

My mom's Christmas gift

2006-10-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

Its the Paton's SWS, self striping soy fiber

3ish hour hat

2006-10-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

2006-10-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Store

2006-10-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

I've been sucked in. Yep, I've got a Hyena Cart.

We stock on Sunday @ Cherry City Crafters

a few pics

gnome hat

2006-09-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

To match some pants, not for ds though.

The set

They are for sale as seconds

Unstretched measurements:

hip 20"
rise 20"
inseam 9"

the hat is 15" unstretched but easily fit my dd with a 18" head too. Its has very cute gnome look to it.

$38ppd

Take a guess

2006-09-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

do you know what I am?

I call thee Laguna

2006-09-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

O! Little yarn, little yarn!
What shall you be?
a soaker and hat?
some beautiful longies?
a small baby sweater?
or something for mama?

Only you know
so we will have to wait.

Preview

2006-09-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

harvest

2006-09-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'm working on this set for a trade.

From the top center going clockwise:
squash (pear), lettuce leaf, bunch of green beans, plum, strawberry, radish/beet, carrot, and lemon.
Some of them could be more than one thing and the creativity of kids will make it lots of fun I hope.

I'm working on a little bag for it too.

finished the bag

Projects for the guy

2006-08-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

He wants me to knit for him!

I am making 3 of these

And a Half dome hat for him to wear under his helmet.

The felted bowl goes mod

2006-08-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

Makes a nice hat, huh?

I'm hoping it will soon get stiff enough to make a nice bowl instead, though.

Keppie

2006-07-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

So a while ago I made a Keppie for my friend's son.

Then a few nights ago I thought it needed something else so I added it

She is Shambala Buddist and the sun is an important symbol to her faith.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

2006-07-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

I forthwent spam thee.....or something like that.

I just listed some nursing necklace gift sets on ebay. Buy some for yourself, buy some for a friend!

I hope that you love them!

Here are some picture previews:

Books I want

2006-07-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves Mason Dixon Knitting

I think I need this too.

updates

2006-07-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

Pictures later.

I've got ds' sweater done up to the armpits. I didn't think one thing through though. Its a raglan, bottom up. I did the body in stripes and the sleeves in solid rib. Should I keep changing yarns so I can continue in the solid rib? That will be a lot of ends to sew in. It seems like the only option though so it doesn't look goofy. I wish I had considered that first!

I did get a quick sweater and hat done for a friend's baby. Made with cheapo acrylic yarn

fcc finis

2006-06-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

under two weeks, not bad for a mom of two little ones.

This one is for my birthday girl, she's 4 tomorrow! I'll start ds' after I finish the Brea bag and the cardigan/jacket that I have 1/4 done for dd.

projects in the works

2006-05-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm working on this for dd. In black Thick and Quick Woolease

And still working on Besotted the third skein I needed was out of stock for a long time. I got it when I got the yarn to make my FCC sweaters or rather ds and dd's sweaters. The pattern has not been released yet but I did a test and made a sweater for dd out of it a while ago and loved it. The site is owned by Pamela designer of the fabulous Wheelie (isn't her son just gorgeous!?)

The red FCC sweater I made for dd, oh 2 yrs ago??

over her pajamas of course.

And since its red ds might be able to wear it next winter!

Its been a while but here is some stuff

2006-05-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

not all of it but some

A night time soaker, it works wonderfully and I need to make another. Brown Sheep bulky

Recycled from a pair of pants that were too small, its gloriously soft merino

trying it on for size but its actually for a friend's daughter

same pattern, pink in cotton and green in wool

soaker for a brand new baby