Somewhere in all the chaos that was the Christmas queue I completely forgot that I needed to have samples for the two upcoming library knitting programs!
Whoops!
Luckily the teen program just needs a garter stitch scarf or two...I have plenty of those in the bin-o-scarves.
But...
How long is it going to take me to design, knit, and felt a simple beginning purse?
Hopefully not more than this weekend, since I need to have it when the library reopens on January 4!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wizardy Whiz!
Funny, I had been feeling bad about not giving Whiz enough blog attention...and this is his 3rd post in the past month or so!
For Christmas, Psych commissioned a scarf for Whiz. A Wizard scarf. Specifically a Harry Potter Gryffindor House Scarf for Whiz.
I have a knitting book called Charmed Knits in which every pattern is from/inspired by/based on the Harry Potter books and movies. In it, there is a pattern for a Gryffindor house scarf.
As usual though, I didn't like the pattern all that much. I thought the stripes were too wide, the scarf itself was too wide, and that the yarn called for would be itchy. So I changed it up. I substituted a different yarn, used a different needle size, cast on fewer stitches, and changed colors more frequently. In fact, the only thing that stayed the same was that it was striped, knit in the round, and had fringe.
The first problem I had was with the yarn. As mentioned in previous posts, this scarf DEVOURED yarn. It sucked it up like it was the black hole of knitting projects. For more information on the pain I suffered as a result, please refer to previous posts.
The second problem was that the pattern did not give a very accurate finished length, instead it told how many stripes to knit, and what the finished length would be (approximately) including the fringe. My scarf stripes were a different dimension, so when I had finished the completed number the scarf was still really short. Since Whiz is a kid, his neck is thinner than mine and he is shorter than I am. I had a hard time judging size based on myself. Solution: take the scarf to the library and try it on one of our volunteer's third grade sons! Success!
I delivered the scarf to Psych at the ornament exchange. (My normal delivery time/place is church, but there was no way to do that without Whiz seeing.) She loved it.
Christmas morning, bright and early, she texted me a picture of him proudly wearing the finished product!
For Christmas, Psych commissioned a scarf for Whiz. A Wizard scarf. Specifically a Harry Potter Gryffindor House Scarf for Whiz. I have a knitting book called Charmed Knits in which every pattern is from/inspired by/based on the Harry Potter books and movies. In it, there is a pattern for a Gryffindor house scarf.
As usual though, I didn't like the pattern all that much. I thought the stripes were too wide, the scarf itself was too wide, and that the yarn called for would be itchy. So I changed it up. I substituted a different yarn, used a different needle size, cast on fewer stitches, and changed colors more frequently. In fact, the only thing that stayed the same was that it was striped, knit in the round, and had fringe.
The first problem I had was with the yarn. As mentioned in previous posts, this scarf DEVOURED yarn. It sucked it up like it was the black hole of knitting projects. For more information on the pain I suffered as a result, please refer to previous posts.
The second problem was that the pattern did not give a very accurate finished length, instead it told how many stripes to knit, and what the finished length would be (approximately) including the fringe. My scarf stripes were a different dimension, so when I had finished the completed number the scarf was still really short. Since Whiz is a kid, his neck is thinner than mine and he is shorter than I am. I had a hard time judging size based on myself. Solution: take the scarf to the library and try it on one of our volunteer's third grade sons! Success!
I delivered the scarf to Psych at the ornament exchange. (My normal delivery time/place is church, but there was no way to do that without Whiz seeing.) She loved it.
Christmas morning, bright and early, she texted me a picture of him proudly wearing the finished product!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas Gift Parade!
Here are all of the projects that I haven't been able to blog about over the past several weeks. Some of them will be featured in individual entries over the next few days...but for right now, a picture parade:
Sister and her felted catnip mice
Mom and her Scarf that Goes with Everything
Sis-In-Law and her knitted earrings
Dad, Brother, and Nephew in their Generational Beanies
Nephew's Manly Sweater (which looked so tiny when I knit it...but huge when I held it up to him!)
Ontie with her version of the "Blood and Shadows" scarf
The parade of pictures will continue as I get photos from the Christmas commissions I took on as well...
Sister and her felted catnip mice
Mom and her Scarf that Goes with Everything
Sis-In-Law and her knitted earrings
Dad, Brother, and Nephew in their Generational Beanies
Nephew's Manly Sweater (which looked so tiny when I knit it...but huge when I held it up to him!)
Ontie with her version of the "Blood and Shadows" scarf
The parade of pictures will continue as I get photos from the Christmas commissions I took on as well...
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Packing...?
I have actually finished my knitting to-do list for Christmas. With two days to spare!
This leaves me with an interesting quandary...I no longer have any projects that I have to do...so what projects do I want to do?
I am heading to WA as we speak to be with the family. I needed to take at least 3 projects, one of each type:
1. Purse Project: Beret Pour Moi, which doesn't require a pattern, but does require attention.
2. Brain-free Project: Les Tuileries...which just keeps going and going and going
3. Pattern Project: Martinelli Sweater...I have the goal of completing it by New Years.
(I am also taking my Rivendell socks...they are small and portable, but totally require a chart. I figure they will be good for the car trip to my aunt's for Christmas, or the plane trip home.)
This leaves me with an interesting quandary...I no longer have any projects that I have to do...so what projects do I want to do?
I am heading to WA as we speak to be with the family. I needed to take at least 3 projects, one of each type:
1. Purse Project: Beret Pour Moi, which doesn't require a pattern, but does require attention.
2. Brain-free Project: Les Tuileries...which just keeps going and going and going
3. Pattern Project: Martinelli Sweater...I have the goal of completing it by New Years.
(I am also taking my Rivendell socks...they are small and portable, but totally require a chart. I figure they will be good for the car trip to my aunt's for Christmas, or the plane trip home.)
Monday, December 21, 2009
You're in the Wrong Field
Candid, my nay-saying coworker, has finally come around.
All the way around.
When I mentioned that I was making my ornaments for the ornament exchange, she poo-pooed the idea. She felt that I should just buck up and face the mall traffic. She thinks my whole knitting thing is silly. I apparently act like an old woman.
(You may recall that she was also averse to the whole CONCEPT of knitted dishcloths...until she got one!)
Well, I took the finished ornaments to work with me on Saturday, and wrapped them on my lunch break. Candid saw them and told me that they were beautiful. She was astonished at how professional they looked. (She even went so far as to say that she might pay for something like that.) She also saw one of the Christmas queue commissions on Saturday, and was impressed by it as well.
I was flattered, and surprised...since it was, after all, Candid.
I was even more surprised this morning when I heard her discussing them with one of my other co-workers. She brought them up, and asked if Miss-A had seen them. She then told me that she thinks I am in the wrong field. She suggested that I open a retail store or a yarn store...or at least teach classes professionally. (As opposed to the for free stuff I do here at the library.)
Hmmm...my own boutique...it is a thought.
(Although, I fear if I knit as a full-time professional that it might lose some of its charm...and I highly doubt that I could completely support myself that way...)
All the way around.
When I mentioned that I was making my ornaments for the ornament exchange, she poo-pooed the idea. She felt that I should just buck up and face the mall traffic. She thinks my whole knitting thing is silly. I apparently act like an old woman.
(You may recall that she was also averse to the whole CONCEPT of knitted dishcloths...until she got one!)
Well, I took the finished ornaments to work with me on Saturday, and wrapped them on my lunch break. Candid saw them and told me that they were beautiful. She was astonished at how professional they looked. (She even went so far as to say that she might pay for something like that.) She also saw one of the Christmas queue commissions on Saturday, and was impressed by it as well.
I was flattered, and surprised...since it was, after all, Candid.
I was even more surprised this morning when I heard her discussing them with one of my other co-workers. She brought them up, and asked if Miss-A had seen them. She then told me that she thinks I am in the wrong field. She suggested that I open a retail store or a yarn store...or at least teach classes professionally. (As opposed to the for free stuff I do here at the library.)
Hmmm...my own boutique...it is a thought.
(Although, I fear if I knit as a full-time professional that it might lose some of its charm...and I highly doubt that I could completely support myself that way...)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Ornament Exchange
The ladies at my church had an ornament exchange tonight.I hate ornament shopping, especially this time of year. The ornament shop at the mall is always crowded, dark, and claustrophobic making. The mall in general is to be avoided at all costs.
So instead of buying my ornament...I made two!
I used the same mitten pattern I used for my mitten storytime. I used red and green dk wool, and embroidered the snowflakes on in white. (Actually, the yarn is all from my stash...the red is leftover from Twilight's beret...cream is from my beret...green is from Hawaii's wrist warmers...) I think they really turned out cute.
And, Blondie seemed very pleased to take them home! (She stole for them!)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
FINISHED
...kind of.
That is to say, I have done all of the knitting required for everything in the Christmas queue.
I still have all of the finishing up to do...such as weaving in ends, blocking, etc.
This is a continual struggle with me. I finish the knitting and my brain is creatively satisfied. I know what the finished product looks like, or will look like, so I have no more motivation. Also, I hate weaving in ends. HATE it. This is how I have, in the past, ended up with garbage bags full of projects with "tails".
I need to buckle down and bust out the darning needle.
I need to do it. Tonight. NOW.
The goal: by this time tomorrow the queue will be both completed AND wrappable.
That is to say, I have done all of the knitting required for everything in the Christmas queue.
I still have all of the finishing up to do...such as weaving in ends, blocking, etc.
This is a continual struggle with me. I finish the knitting and my brain is creatively satisfied. I know what the finished product looks like, or will look like, so I have no more motivation. Also, I hate weaving in ends. HATE it. This is how I have, in the past, ended up with garbage bags full of projects with "tails".
I need to buckle down and bust out the darning needle.
I need to do it. Tonight. NOW.
The goal: by this time tomorrow the queue will be both completed AND wrappable.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
NEPHEW!!!
My NEPHEW WAS BORN YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!
Words cannot express my excitement!
There are not enough exclamation points in the world!
I already have quite a little pile of baby gifts ready and waiting...
And I still have some Christmas queue to work on...
But, I needed to knit for Nephew!
I will celebrate his entrance into the world in stockinette!
(I am hopefully making a baby toy...no pattern, figuring it out on the fly as I go...we'll see what happens!)
Words cannot express my excitement!
There are not enough exclamation points in the world!
I already have quite a little pile of baby gifts ready and waiting...
And I still have some Christmas queue to work on...
But, I needed to knit for Nephew!
I will celebrate his entrance into the world in stockinette!
(I am hopefully making a baby toy...no pattern, figuring it out on the fly as I go...we'll see what happens!)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Whiz's Wit
I did a special Christmas storytime at the pajama party the foster fam had last night for all of the small folk from church.
As I was leaving, I was slowly putting on my gloves, scarf, hat, coat, etc. and talking to Whiz. (Who had been wearing the Whiz Bang Beanie, by the way...) The conversation went like this:
Whiz: Did you make your hat?
Me: No. I probably could have, but this one was on sale at Target.
Whiz: Do people ask you that a lot? If you made everything you own?
Me: Yep. All the time.
Whiz: It would be pretty cool if you could make, like, everything you ever needed.
Me: Well, I do make a lot of it.
Whiz: Well, but not stuff like food or money.
Me: It would be pretty cool if I could just knit up some money.
Whiz: Yeah...but...you know that's illegal, right?
Me:...
I love that kid. So concerned that I might try and counterfeit cash with yarn from the stash...wanted to make sure I was aware of the government's current stand on currency production!
As I was leaving, I was slowly putting on my gloves, scarf, hat, coat, etc. and talking to Whiz. (Who had been wearing the Whiz Bang Beanie, by the way...) The conversation went like this:
Whiz: Did you make your hat?
Me: No. I probably could have, but this one was on sale at Target.
Whiz: Do people ask you that a lot? If you made everything you own?
Me: Yep. All the time.
Whiz: It would be pretty cool if you could make, like, everything you ever needed.
Me: Well, I do make a lot of it.
Whiz: Well, but not stuff like food or money.
Me: It would be pretty cool if I could just knit up some money.
Whiz: Yeah...but...you know that's illegal, right?
Me:...
I love that kid. So concerned that I might try and counterfeit cash with yarn from the stash...wanted to make sure I was aware of the government's current stand on currency production!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Continuing the Birthday Joy...
Happy Birthday Dad!You might not knit.
You might even be the man who lovingly informed that just because something could be knit, that didn't mean it should be.
Yet, you have always been supportive and appreciative. No one can admire a handknit like you can admire a handknit. You are one man in a million!
Also...you are a great enabler. Like the time you brought me back a skein of 100% alpaca from your trip to Idaho! You went in a YARN SHOP...ALONE...to buy ME something!
Or, the time I left my cabling needle at your house, and you drove it all the way over to me at my condo because I was home sick. That is true love.
I love you! Happy Birthday! See you in a few days!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Crisis Averted...Sort Of
Thought I would give an update even though it is an "even" day.
After taking a major chill pill last night, I re-evaluated my situation.
I could either unravel the whole project and start over, adjusting it so that the yarn I had would be sufficient. (So not going to happen...)
OR
I could go to different stores and try to find more yarn and hope that the dye lots were close enough that it wouldn't matter.
I obviously went with the second.
Without divulging what the project is, since it is a commission for a GIFT...I can say that it has stripes. So, I am going to intersperse the new skeins with the old skeins until the old ones run out. The new skeins appear to be identical to the old ones, but better safe than sorry. Luckily they should be separated by enough space that any minute differences won't show.
I hope.
(Postscript for my mother: I know I told you yesterday morning that I had purchased the rest of the yarn. But it turned out that it was the wrong brand. I hadn't taken the ball bands in with me at the store, and they had moved stuff around to mask how low their stock was. I grabbed yarn from the right aisle that was the right color, but the yarn I needed was wool/acrylic blend and the stuff I bought was 100% acrylic. I realized the error when I got to work. Called my friend, she told me they were out of what I needed. So...I got the right stuff at another store after work tonight, and will return the wrong stuff tomorrow.)
After taking a major chill pill last night, I re-evaluated my situation.
I could either unravel the whole project and start over, adjusting it so that the yarn I had would be sufficient. (So not going to happen...)
OR
I could go to different stores and try to find more yarn and hope that the dye lots were close enough that it wouldn't matter.
I obviously went with the second.
Without divulging what the project is, since it is a commission for a GIFT...I can say that it has stripes. So, I am going to intersperse the new skeins with the old skeins until the old ones run out. The new skeins appear to be identical to the old ones, but better safe than sorry. Luckily they should be separated by enough space that any minute differences won't show.
I hope.
(Postscript for my mother: I know I told you yesterday morning that I had purchased the rest of the yarn. But it turned out that it was the wrong brand. I hadn't taken the ball bands in with me at the store, and they had moved stuff around to mask how low their stock was. I grabbed yarn from the right aisle that was the right color, but the yarn I needed was wool/acrylic blend and the stuff I bought was 100% acrylic. I realized the error when I got to work. Called my friend, she told me they were out of what I needed. So...I got the right stuff at another store after work tonight, and will return the wrong stuff tomorrow.)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Crisis!
I started a commission project.
I went to the store and purchased the yarn.
It was on sale! Woo-Hoo.
I bought a bunch of it.
I started the project.
I knit faithfully on it every chance I got. (At work on breaks, at home during movies...it is a very handily brain-free project. Knit every stitch for forever and a day with an occasional color change.)
I am out of yarn.
The project is not done.
The project apparently eats yarn like I eat green beans. Voraciously.
The store, having had a sale on this particular brand of yarn, is out of my colors.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
I went to the store and purchased the yarn.
It was on sale! Woo-Hoo.
I bought a bunch of it.
I started the project.
I knit faithfully on it every chance I got. (At work on breaks, at home during movies...it is a very handily brain-free project. Knit every stitch for forever and a day with an occasional color change.)
I am out of yarn.
The project is not done.
The project apparently eats yarn like I eat green beans. Voraciously.
The store, having had a sale on this particular brand of yarn, is out of my colors.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Insanity...Thy Name is Mine
I had a LONG Christmas queue this year. Long in quantity, but not necessarily in difficulty. A lot of the projects/gifts that I had decided to make were verystraightforward knits. They were things that, generally speaking, I could knock off in fairly short order.
The problem was that even if a project by itself is fast and simple, when you add a gazillion more fast and simple projects to it...well...
I am crazy.
I started planning and knitting the Christmas queue way back in October.
Still not done.
In addition to my own projects this year, I took on several commissions for the holidays. Don't ask me why. I don't know.
All of the commissions were also straight forward simple knits. When I was asked, I thought, "Of course! That is an easy peasy project. It will take no time!"
But again, get enough easy peasy projects in a queue and you have a huge mountain of knitting. So, these just add to the general insanity of my life. Not to mention the fact that commissions need to be delivered on time...and in my case, on time means early since I am going to my parents for the holidays. Unlike my own gifts, I can't IOU a Christmas commission.
Oh, and just to make myself even more loopy, or because I was already loopy...I actually knit 7/8 of a gift for a family member. Then I decided that it was utter rot and I needed to do something entirely different. Hours of knitting gaily abandoned and additional hours tacked on. (In my defense, the original project was a good idea conceptually, and I knit it perfectly according to the pattern...the pattern was just cruddy and not at all what I had envisioned...) Then the back up project also wasn't working out, so I have abandoned it as well. Hopefully, the third time will be the charm.
Now I sit here, on my floor, surrounded by project bags. I have put each project, its pattern, extra yarn, and needles into its own bag in order to stay organized. I am literally overwhelmed by organization. It is a huge ordeal to prioritize what needs to be knit now, what can be put off...if I put it off will I still be finished with it on time? Not to mention having to take into account who will be around while I'm knitting it. Oh the agony!
Thinking positively...I am almost done with the queue...I am almost done with the queue...I am almost done with the queue...
The problem was that even if a project by itself is fast and simple, when you add a gazillion more fast and simple projects to it...well...
I am crazy.
I started planning and knitting the Christmas queue way back in October.
Still not done.
In addition to my own projects this year, I took on several commissions for the holidays. Don't ask me why. I don't know.
All of the commissions were also straight forward simple knits. When I was asked, I thought, "Of course! That is an easy peasy project. It will take no time!"
But again, get enough easy peasy projects in a queue and you have a huge mountain of knitting. So, these just add to the general insanity of my life. Not to mention the fact that commissions need to be delivered on time...and in my case, on time means early since I am going to my parents for the holidays. Unlike my own gifts, I can't IOU a Christmas commission.
Oh, and just to make myself even more loopy, or because I was already loopy...I actually knit 7/8 of a gift for a family member. Then I decided that it was utter rot and I needed to do something entirely different. Hours of knitting gaily abandoned and additional hours tacked on. (In my defense, the original project was a good idea conceptually, and I knit it perfectly according to the pattern...the pattern was just cruddy and not at all what I had envisioned...) Then the back up project also wasn't working out, so I have abandoned it as well. Hopefully, the third time will be the charm.
Now I sit here, on my floor, surrounded by project bags. I have put each project, its pattern, extra yarn, and needles into its own bag in order to stay organized. I am literally overwhelmed by organization. It is a huge ordeal to prioritize what needs to be knit now, what can be put off...if I put it off will I still be finished with it on time? Not to mention having to take into account who will be around while I'm knitting it. Oh the agony!
Thinking positively...I am almost done with the queue...I am almost done with the queue...I am almost done with the queue...
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Finally Feeling Festive
Yesterday, my day off, I put up all of my Christmas decorations: the garlands, the wreaths, the tree! (In order to do so, I had to rearrange ALL of the furniture in the living room...I actually like it better this way, so I will probably leave it like this...the fact that my couch is REALLY heavy has nothing to do with it!)
So, tonight I am sitting here knitting in my muck luck slipper socks and snowflake pj pants. My Christmas tree lights are twinkling, Karen Carpenter's voice is singing, and a mug of peppermint hot chocolate sits at my elbow (with marshmallows)...I finally feel festive! I might just put on the Muppet Christmas Special when the CD ends.
Part of my joyous mood might also stem from the fact that I am 3/4's done with my Christmas Queue! And that includes the crazy commissions I have taken on!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Recuperating
Well, I am over my fever...hooray!
I was able to get a little bit of knitting done yesterday afternoon, but it was hard.
I needed a project that required next to no brain cells.
I also wanted to make sure that it was one that was okay to knit while sick...one that would be impervious to germs.
I ended up making a dishcloth. For myself.
Today I went back to work, and am doing MUCH better. So, tonight I jumped back on my Christmas queue...actually finished one project that I had started last week, and did a second one start to finish. Unfortunately, these are not bloggable since they are gifts...
Productivity. It's a beautiful thing.
I was able to get a little bit of knitting done yesterday afternoon, but it was hard.
I needed a project that required next to no brain cells.
I also wanted to make sure that it was one that was okay to knit while sick...one that would be impervious to germs.
I ended up making a dishcloth. For myself.
Today I went back to work, and am doing MUCH better. So, tonight I jumped back on my Christmas queue...actually finished one project that I had started last week, and did a second one start to finish. Unfortunately, these are not bloggable since they are gifts...
Productivity. It's a beautiful thing.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
To Knit or Not to Knit
I am home sick with a fever.
I have decided that being drugged and loopy means that I probably shouldn't mess around with sharp pointed objects...like knitting needles.
So, no knitting today.
On a happier note:
It is Mom's birthday. The woman who not only brought me into this world, but who also taught me how to knit.
I love you Mom!
I have decided that being drugged and loopy means that I probably shouldn't mess around with sharp pointed objects...like knitting needles.
So, no knitting today.
On a happier note:
It is Mom's birthday. The woman who not only brought me into this world, but who also taught me how to knit.
I love you Mom!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Pumpkin Toilet Paper Cozy
Nothing is sadder than a naked roll of toilet paper sitting on the toilet tank. To solve this problem, dress your TP in it's autumnal best! The ribs in the cozy imitate the ridges in a standard pumpkin.
Pumpkin Toilet Paper Cozy Pattern
Finished Size: Fits Standard Toilet Paper Roll
1 - 2 oz ball of orange 100% cotton worsted weight [MC]
Small amount of green worsted weight [CC]
1 - 16" circular US size 6 needle
1 - 16" circular US size 6 needle, or 1 set of double points when needed.
Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch
Cast on 70 stitches onto circular needle, join for working in the round
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: K5, P2* (Repeat to end of round)
Repeat Row 6 until cozy measures 4.75" from cast on edge, or try it on a roll of toilet paper, knitting should equal the roll width
Begin decreases, switching to two circulars or double points when necessary
Row 1: K2tog, K3, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 2: K4, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 3: K2, SSK, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 4: K3, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 5: K2tog, K1, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 6: K2, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 7: K2, P2tog* Repeat to end of round
Row 8: K2, P1* Repeat to end of round
Row 9: K2tog, P1* Repeat to end of round (14 Stitches remain)
Change to CC
Knit even for 6 rows
Decrease Row: K2tog* Repeat to end of round (7 stitches)
Decrease Row: K1, K2tog, K1, K2 tog, K1 (5 stitches)
Cut off yarn, and use a darning needle to thread tail through live stitches, pull tight.
Weave in ends. Block on roll of toilet paper overnight to acheive proper shape.
Enjoy!
Colors: I used Peaches & Creme #11 Sunburst and #53 Verde Green
Pumpkin Toilet Paper Cozy PatternFinished Size: Fits Standard Toilet Paper Roll
1 - 2 oz ball of orange 100% cotton worsted weight [MC]
Small amount of green worsted weight [CC]
1 - 16" circular US size 6 needle
1 - 16" circular US size 6 needle, or 1 set of double points when needed.
Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch
Cast on 70 stitches onto circular needle, join for working in the round
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: K5, P2* (Repeat to end of round)
Repeat Row 6 until cozy measures 4.75" from cast on edge, or try it on a roll of toilet paper, knitting should equal the roll width
Begin decreases, switching to two circulars or double points when necessary
Row 1: K2tog, K3, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 2: K4, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 3: K2, SSK, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 4: K3, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 5: K2tog, K1, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 6: K2, P2* Repeat to end of round
Row 7: K2, P2tog* Repeat to end of round
Row 8: K2, P1* Repeat to end of round
Row 9: K2tog, P1* Repeat to end of round (14 Stitches remain)
Change to CC
Knit even for 6 rows
Decrease Row: K2tog* Repeat to end of round (7 stitches)
Decrease Row: K1, K2tog, K1, K2 tog, K1 (5 stitches)
Cut off yarn, and use a darning needle to thread tail through live stitches, pull tight.
Weave in ends. Block on roll of toilet paper overnight to acheive proper shape.
Enjoy!
Colors: I used Peaches & Creme #11 Sunburst and #53 Verde Green
Friday, November 27, 2009
Dewey Scarf
*This Pattern Was Not Accepted for the Winter 2009 Issue of Knitty...so I give it to you here!*
Dewey Scarf
Knitters are a subculture with their own language, jokes, blogs, and celebrities. Librarians are another subculture...also with their own language, jokes, blogs, and celebrities. Belonging to both, I wanted to design a scarf that wed my two loves together.
Libraries, much like yarn shops, have their own organizational system…and a secret language to go along with it. The Dewey Decimal System is a code that can guide those in the know, and confuse the non-initiated. The Dewey scarf was designed to allow the wearer to proudly, yet slyly, declare their love of reading, libraries, and knitting!
The Dewey scarf’s stripes and ribs are both taken from the call number for knitting pattern books at the library: 746.432! The vertical stripes give the call number when read horizontally. The horizontal rib pattern, intended to resemble a stack of books, gives the call number when read vertically. It is 746.432…or knitting…any way you read it!
SIZE
1 size
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
4.5 inches wide
70 inches long
MATERIALS
[MC] Ultra Alpaca, Berocco [50% Alpaca, 50% Wool; 315 yd per 100 g skein]; color: Cashel Blue; 1 skein
[CC] Ultra Alpaca, Berocco [50% Alpaca, 50% Wool; 315 yd per 100 g skein]; color: Stonewashed; 1 skein
24-inch US #08/5 mm circular needle
Tapestry needle
GAUGE
22 sts/23 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch
PATTERN NOTES
Dewey Rib Stitch (multiple of 26)
Odd Rows: K7, P4, K6, P4, K3, P2
Even Rows: K2, P3, K4, P6, K4, P7
PATTERN
Cast on 312 stitches loosely with MC.
Work every row in the Dewey Rib Stitch changing colors as follows:
Rows 1-7: MC
Rows 8-11: CC
Rows 12-17: MC
Rows 18-21: CC
Rows 22-24: MC
Rows 24-26: CC
Cast off loosely.
FINISHING
Weave in ends with tapestry needle. Lightly block if necessary.
Dewey Scarf
Knitters are a subculture with their own language, jokes, blogs, and celebrities. Librarians are another subculture...also with their own language, jokes, blogs, and celebrities. Belonging to both, I wanted to design a scarf that wed my two loves together.Libraries, much like yarn shops, have their own organizational system…and a secret language to go along with it. The Dewey Decimal System is a code that can guide those in the know, and confuse the non-initiated. The Dewey scarf was designed to allow the wearer to proudly, yet slyly, declare their love of reading, libraries, and knitting!
The Dewey scarf’s stripes and ribs are both taken from the call number for knitting pattern books at the library: 746.432! The vertical stripes give the call number when read horizontally. The horizontal rib pattern, intended to resemble a stack of books, gives the call number when read vertically. It is 746.432…or knitting…any way you read it!
SIZE
1 size
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
4.5 inches wide
70 inches long
MATERIALS
[MC] Ultra Alpaca, Berocco [50% Alpaca, 50% Wool; 315 yd per 100 g skein]; color: Cashel Blue; 1 skein
[CC] Ultra Alpaca, Berocco [50% Alpaca, 50% Wool; 315 yd per 100 g skein]; color: Stonewashed; 1 skein
24-inch US #08/5 mm circular needle
Tapestry needle
GAUGE
22 sts/23 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch
PATTERN NOTES
Dewey Rib Stitch (multiple of 26)
Odd Rows: K7, P4, K6, P4, K3, P2
Even Rows: K2, P3, K4, P6, K4, P7
PATTERN
Cast on 312 stitches loosely with MC.
Work every row in the Dewey Rib Stitch changing colors as follows:
Rows 1-7: MCRows 8-11: CC
Rows 12-17: MC
Rows 18-21: CC
Rows 22-24: MC
Rows 24-26: CC
Cast off loosely.
FINISHING
Weave in ends with tapestry needle. Lightly block if necessary.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Gifts Given
I have, against my own better judgment, allowed a bit of a gift IOU queue to build up.
This is less than ideal for two reasons:
1. I hate giving IOU's instead of an actual gift...it makes me feel flaky.
2. With the holidays swiftly approaching I have lots of projects to finish NOW...I don't need to still be playing catch up with a retroactive gift list!
But...Frabjous day, calloo callay...I was able to almost catch myself up last week! (I would be completely caught up, except Psych still hasn't told me what she actually wants for her birthday...hint hint...not so subtle suggestion...TELL ME!)
First I finished Wiz's Whiz Bang Beanie. I know that I don't give Wiz nearly as much blog-attention as I give to his siblings, Spaz and Angel...but he is an AMAZING kid. He is genius smart, good natured, athletic, super polite, and (my favorite) a voracious reader. For his birthday I gave him a choice: hat or scarf. He chose hat, and asked for bright blue and red. I used a wool acrylic blend (all the warmth, none of the itch), but can't find the ball band so I don't know what brand/color it was. I made a simple 2X2 ribbed beanie, 80 stitches cast onto US8 needles. (I had to look at my Harry Potter knitting book to get an idea of juvenile head circumference, since I generally do adults or babies not in between.) I think he liked it.
I gave it to him Sunday morning. Knowing that a picture had to be taken for the blog, he wore it with a color coordinated sweatshirt to worship services Sunday night. We had a mini photo shoot in the back of the building, and he chose his favorite one for here!
Next up was Lady's scarf. She recently acquired a new coat that is a dark orchid color. She wanted a "fancy" scarf to match it, but one that would go with her other clothes as well. She specifically mentioned forest green. I know she wears a lot of jewel tones, so I chose a variegated wool that had the orchid, some royal purple, forest green, and turquoise mixed with a wee bit of black. (I think the black in the colorway offered a nice contrast and added some elegance. It kept the variegation from appearing rainbow-y.) My original intent was to use some sort of chevron pattern, or a mitred square. However, after casting on and knitting an inch or so I noticed that the pattern was totally obstructed by the color patterning. (Why put in all the work if it wasn't even going to show up?) So, instead I went with the lacy scarf pattern from Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair. The lace travels on the bias, and is enhanced by the color changes rather than obscured. I think it is marvelous.
This one was delivered tonight...and yet another church building photo shoot ensued. Now I can truly embark on my holiday knitting tomorrow with a clear conscience!
This is less than ideal for two reasons:
1. I hate giving IOU's instead of an actual gift...it makes me feel flaky.
2. With the holidays swiftly approaching I have lots of projects to finish NOW...I don't need to still be playing catch up with a retroactive gift list!
But...Frabjous day, calloo callay...I was able to almost catch myself up last week! (I would be completely caught up, except Psych still hasn't told me what she actually wants for her birthday...hint hint...not so subtle suggestion...TELL ME!)
First I finished Wiz's Whiz Bang Beanie. I know that I don't give Wiz nearly as much blog-attention as I give to his siblings, Spaz and Angel...but he is an AMAZING kid. He is genius smart, good natured, athletic, super polite, and (my favorite) a voracious reader. For his birthday I gave him a choice: hat or scarf. He chose hat, and asked for bright blue and red. I used a wool acrylic blend (all the warmth, none of the itch), but can't find the ball band so I don't know what brand/color it was. I made a simple 2X2 ribbed beanie, 80 stitches cast onto US8 needles. (I had to look at my Harry Potter knitting book to get an idea of juvenile head circumference, since I generally do adults or babies not in between.) I think he liked it.I gave it to him Sunday morning. Knowing that a picture had to be taken for the blog, he wore it with a color coordinated sweatshirt to worship services Sunday night. We had a mini photo shoot in the back of the building, and he chose his favorite one for here!
Next up was Lady's scarf. She recently acquired a new coat that is a dark orchid color. She wanted a "fancy" scarf to match it, but one that would go with her other clothes as well. She specifically mentioned forest green. I know she wears a lot of jewel tones, so I chose a variegated wool that had the orchid, some royal purple, forest green, and turquoise mixed with a wee bit of black. (I think the black in the colorway offered a nice contrast and added some elegance. It kept the variegation from appearing rainbow-y.) My original intent was to use some sort of chevron pattern, or a mitred square. However, after casting on and knitting an inch or so I noticed that the pattern was totally obstructed by the color patterning. (Why put in all the work if it wasn't even going to show up?) So, instead I went with the lacy scarf pattern from Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair. The lace travels on the bias, and is enhanced by the color changes rather than obscured. I think it is marvelous. This one was delivered tonight...and yet another church building photo shoot ensued. Now I can truly embark on my holiday knitting tomorrow with a clear conscience!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Miss-A's Birthday
Miss-A is allergic to wool.Which stinks.
I like wool.
Also, other fibers I enjoy (such as alpaca or cashmere) are still for all intents and purposes...wool.
But, Miss-A had a birthday party on Saturday. And birthdays call for handknits.
Just not wool ones!
She had seen Mama L's birthday sushi roll and thought it was funny. Her bathroom is all pumpkins...she is obsessed with pumpkins...much like I am obsessed with the color orange. Also, having been in her bathroom, I had observed sad little naked toilet paper rolls sitting on the back of her toilet. So I made her a pumpkin toilet paper roll cover!(It is so handy that pumpkins are orange...I had plenty of yarn available in stash for this one!)
I will write up the pattern and post it at a later date.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Another Midnight Showing
My friends and I went to the midnight showing of New Moon Thursday night. There were 26 of us. Boys and girls. (Or, men and women...since we ranged in age from tween to mid 40's!) Luckily, my friends are not easily embarrassed, because I did indeed knit the entire time. In the car, in the line, in the theater, during the movie.
Last year I worked on my Twilight scarf at the Twilight midnight showing. This year I wore my Twilight scarf to the New Moon midnight showing.
The projects of the evening were:
1. Beret pour Moi, which was small and portable, but required some attention to be paid to it. I worked on this one in the car and then while waiting in line. Unfortunately, I messed up in one of the stitch repeats, and finding the error and unknitting was going to require too much attention be paid to my hands and not my friends, so I went on to my back up project.
2. Lacy Lady Scarf, which was larger, still portable, and brain-free. I worked on this one the rest of the time in line, and then in the dark DURING the movie. I didn't need to look at what I was doing. Also, I was sitting by the time the project grew to the point of being slightly unweildy.
The movie was good. The knitting was productive.
...and thankfully I was off work the next day, so I got to sleep in!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Broken Heaters
I got a text message from Vodka last week.
This is not unusual. We text a lot.
This particular message had the basics: she misses me, how is my life, we need to get together...
It also gave the interesting update that she loves her new job in Berkeley, but that the heater in her office building is broken.
The poor thing is freezing.
(Not to mention the fact that she has to take BART into work, and BART stations and trains are COLD!)
She needed wrist warmers. So, I obliged! (Actually, this was my ultimate frisbee project.)
We decided on olive green, since it goes with just about every other color. It wouldn't show BART dirt and grime as much as some colors. And finally, it just seems to be a good serviceable color that won't fade out! Why else is it used in so many military uniforms?
Depending on how this pair works out for her, and how soon they fix the heat at her work, I may be making more!
This is not unusual. We text a lot.
This particular message had the basics: she misses me, how is my life, we need to get together...
It also gave the interesting update that she loves her new job in Berkeley, but that the heater in her office building is broken.
The poor thing is freezing.
(Not to mention the fact that she has to take BART into work, and BART stations and trains are COLD!)
She needed wrist warmers. So, I obliged! (Actually, this was my ultimate frisbee project.)
We decided on olive green, since it goes with just about every other color. It wouldn't show BART dirt and grime as much as some colors. And finally, it just seems to be a good serviceable color that won't fade out! Why else is it used in so many military uniforms?Depending on how this pair works out for her, and how soon they fix the heat at her work, I may be making more!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Wearing of Handknits Begets the Wanting of Handknits
I loaned JoNo my handknit wrist warmer gauntlets during my brother's Halloween party for his rock star costume...the black ones that go all the way up to my elbows. As the evening wore on, a lot of us ended up around the fire pit in the back yard. I was in a toga, and therefore cold. JoNo, the epitome of a gentleman, gave me my gauntlets back to keep my arms warm.
Tenn was also out at the fire pit, and also dressed as a rock star. She was wearing black STORE BOUGHT wrist warmers that barely covered her wrists. We started talking about how much we liked wrist warmers. Both of us tend to get very cold, and the wrist warmers allow us to stay warm but still work/type/knit. The next day, as we were both shivering in the back of Brother's car, wrist warmers came up again. She asked about commissioning a pair, I quoted her a price, she accepted it, and we settled on a color. We also discovered that our hands/arms are the same size, so I didn't need to take measurements.
I delivered the wrist warmers stayed with Tenn last weekend when I was in town for the ultimate frisbee tournament (cheering/knitting...not participating...see the previous post). They are a lovely shade of dove grey. I think she was pleased, considering that she didn't want to take them off!
(Unfortunately, in all the weekend hubbub, I did not get a picture of her wearing them...)
It strikes me that had I not been wearing the wrist warmers on Halloween, Tenn would never have known about them, and never have asked for a set, and I would not have the commission fee to put toward stash building. (Especially since *GASP* I did not knit at all at the Halloween party...I know, the mind reels! How was that even possible?)
Conclusion: The wearing of handknits begets the wanting of handknits...sometimes my best advertising is me!
Tenn was also out at the fire pit, and also dressed as a rock star. She was wearing black STORE BOUGHT wrist warmers that barely covered her wrists. We started talking about how much we liked wrist warmers. Both of us tend to get very cold, and the wrist warmers allow us to stay warm but still work/type/knit. The next day, as we were both shivering in the back of Brother's car, wrist warmers came up again. She asked about commissioning a pair, I quoted her a price, she accepted it, and we settled on a color. We also discovered that our hands/arms are the same size, so I didn't need to take measurements.
I delivered the wrist warmers stayed with Tenn last weekend when I was in town for the ultimate frisbee tournament (cheering/knitting...not participating...see the previous post). They are a lovely shade of dove grey. I think she was pleased, considering that she didn't want to take them off!
(Unfortunately, in all the weekend hubbub, I did not get a picture of her wearing them...)
It strikes me that had I not been wearing the wrist warmers on Halloween, Tenn would never have known about them, and never have asked for a set, and I would not have the commission fee to put toward stash building. (Especially since *GASP* I did not knit at all at the Halloween party...I know, the mind reels! How was that even possible?)
Conclusion: The wearing of handknits begets the wanting of handknits...sometimes my best advertising is me!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Ultimate Cheerleader
I may not play Ultimate Frisbee.
I may not even completely understand the rules to Ultimate Frisbee.
But that won't stop me from cheering on my team.
And knitting.
I may not even completely understand the rules to Ultimate Frisbee.
But that won't stop me from cheering on my team.
And knitting.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Interlude of Supreme Silliness
What do you give the woman who has everything?
A knitted sushi toilet paper roll cozy of course!
Happy Birthday Mama L!
A knitted sushi toilet paper roll cozy of course!
Happy Birthday Mama L!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Open Letter To Wendy Bernard
Dear Wendy Bernard (Exalted author of Custom Knits)-
I purchased your book.
This is unusual...I usually check books out at the library, and only purchase if there are at least 3 projects in the book that I definitely want to make. Your book had a record breaking 9...and several others that I might alter...which I guess is sort of the point of the book.
Because I am not used to knitting top-down-in-the-round sweaters (my previous projects all being misadventures in bulky yarns and horrible seaming), I decided to practice the technique on the project that I was the least in love with. (Please note, still in love with it...just not in that desperate, must make, will die with out it, sort of way.) I chose your "Ingenue" sweater. I loved the classic old-movie feel. I call mine the MDM (using my initials to honor of MGM, old movies, and ingenue actresses from ages past.)
Again, because I was not sure how it would work, I was nervous about investing large amounts of money in materials. So, I cheaped out. I bought acrylic yarn from the craft store. Total cost: $7.45.
Well...I am done with it now...after overcoming a minor case of second sleeve syndrome.
AND YOUR PATTERN WAS AWESOME!!!! Very well written, very straight forward, and a joy to follow. I feel confident about making and customizing the other sweaters in your book...and the skirt. I love the skirt.
I don't know if you did this on purpose, but the way the book is actually put together and bound, the pages stay open to where I need them...without me having weigh them down...and without me having to "break" the spine. And it wasn't just a fluke with the Ingenue pattern. Every pattern stays open. Which is wonderful!
What's more...the sweater looks amazing. It is a little roomier than I would have liked (I forgot about negative ease...), but that is my fault, not yours. The fact that it only cost $7.45 is just icing on the cake...imagine how much better the next one will be out of quality yarn! I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it!
(Actually, I have already found the yarn to make "Skinny Empire." I am going to use a silk/alpaca blend. I can't wait!)
In closing: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for writing a quality pattern for a quality sweater with a quality fit.
This was the first project I have made in a LONG time that was free of headache, frogging, and despair!
Thank You Again,
Your Devoted Fan and Admirer.
I purchased your book.
This is unusual...I usually check books out at the library, and only purchase if there are at least 3 projects in the book that I definitely want to make. Your book had a record breaking 9...and several others that I might alter...which I guess is sort of the point of the book.
Because I am not used to knitting top-down-in-the-round sweaters (my previous projects all being misadventures in bulky yarns and horrible seaming), I decided to practice the technique on the project that I was the least in love with. (Please note, still in love with it...just not in that desperate, must make, will die with out it, sort of way.) I chose your "Ingenue" sweater. I loved the classic old-movie feel. I call mine the MDM (using my initials to honor of MGM, old movies, and ingenue actresses from ages past.)
Again, because I was not sure how it would work, I was nervous about investing large amounts of money in materials. So, I cheaped out. I bought acrylic yarn from the craft store. Total cost: $7.45.
Well...I am done with it now...after overcoming a minor case of second sleeve syndrome.
AND YOUR PATTERN WAS AWESOME!!!! Very well written, very straight forward, and a joy to follow. I feel confident about making and customizing the other sweaters in your book...and the skirt. I love the skirt.
I don't know if you did this on purpose, but the way the book is actually put together and bound, the pages stay open to where I need them...without me having weigh them down...and without me having to "break" the spine. And it wasn't just a fluke with the Ingenue pattern. Every pattern stays open. Which is wonderful!
What's more...the sweater looks amazing. It is a little roomier than I would have liked (I forgot about negative ease...), but that is my fault, not yours. The fact that it only cost $7.45 is just icing on the cake...imagine how much better the next one will be out of quality yarn! I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it!
(Actually, I have already found the yarn to make "Skinny Empire." I am going to use a silk/alpaca blend. I can't wait!)
In closing: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for writing a quality pattern for a quality sweater with a quality fit.This was the first project I have made in a LONG time that was free of headache, frogging, and despair!
Thank You Again,
Your Devoted Fan and Admirer.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Must...Not...Procrastinate
I finished MDM...sort of...
...I still need to weave in the ends and sew the neckline facing...
But, rather than do that, I have decided to work on something else that I have been procrastinating on...the second Rivendell sock. I cast it on, like a good little girl, immediately after finishing the first one. I even knit the first 2 rounds. Then came the rounds which required chart reading...and, well...the socks went in the work basket.
This has not only kept me from enjoying/wearing the Rivendell socks, it has also effectively blocked all other sock projects. (I only have one set of sock needles...) Last night I was minorly stressed and wanted to do some sock knitting and couldn't cause charted sock knitting is not relaxing! So, in order to move on to some less intensive footwear, I need to finish what I started.
...and the MDM will be woven in and seamed up tomorrow when I am more awake. I don't want to do shoddy almost midnight work on this beauty!
...I still need to weave in the ends and sew the neckline facing...
But, rather than do that, I have decided to work on something else that I have been procrastinating on...the second Rivendell sock. I cast it on, like a good little girl, immediately after finishing the first one. I even knit the first 2 rounds. Then came the rounds which required chart reading...and, well...the socks went in the work basket.
This has not only kept me from enjoying/wearing the Rivendell socks, it has also effectively blocked all other sock projects. (I only have one set of sock needles...) Last night I was minorly stressed and wanted to do some sock knitting and couldn't cause charted sock knitting is not relaxing! So, in order to move on to some less intensive footwear, I need to finish what I started.
...and the MDM will be woven in and seamed up tomorrow when I am more awake. I don't want to do shoddy almost midnight work on this beauty!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Postings
For a brief moment of extreme cuteness:
Psych texted me the above photo of Angel yesterday morning...she is all decked out in her Envy Hat and carrying her Birthday Bangle Bag. I had an appropriate moment of reveling in the cuteness, and then went on with my day.
My day included redeeming my birthday pedicure gift certificate from Psych's family. I went to the nail salon, which was surprisingly busy for a Friday at 3! There were 6 other customers there. I sat awkwardly in the chair, wondering what I was supposed to be doing while my feet were being mucked about with. My choices appeared limited to watching a Vietnamese soap opera or reading trashy gossip magazines. I decided to do neither. I reached in my purse and pulled out a blue Envy Hat to work on. Knitting while getting my feet massaged is my new definition of bliss. (Also, since this hat is being commissioned, and the pedicure was free...I was essentially getting paid to have my toes painted...just saying.)
Anyway, by the end of the day I had hats on the brain. It has FINALLY gotten slightly chilly. It even sprinkled a bit yesterday. So I pulled out the tub-o-scarves (which also contains my hats), and started rummaging. I found my alpaca beret and decided on a whim to wear it to church. (We are having a gospel meeting this weekend.)
When I got to services, I was greeted by Angel. She started giggling and announcing that we matched. (This announcement was accompanied by her pounding herself on her head, in case I hadn't seen she was still wearing her hat.) Yet another moment of extreme cuteness:
Psych texted me the above photo of Angel yesterday morning...she is all decked out in her Envy Hat and carrying her Birthday Bangle Bag. I had an appropriate moment of reveling in the cuteness, and then went on with my day.
My day included redeeming my birthday pedicure gift certificate from Psych's family. I went to the nail salon, which was surprisingly busy for a Friday at 3! There were 6 other customers there. I sat awkwardly in the chair, wondering what I was supposed to be doing while my feet were being mucked about with. My choices appeared limited to watching a Vietnamese soap opera or reading trashy gossip magazines. I decided to do neither. I reached in my purse and pulled out a blue Envy Hat to work on. Knitting while getting my feet massaged is my new definition of bliss. (Also, since this hat is being commissioned, and the pedicure was free...I was essentially getting paid to have my toes painted...just saying.)
Anyway, by the end of the day I had hats on the brain. It has FINALLY gotten slightly chilly. It even sprinkled a bit yesterday. So I pulled out the tub-o-scarves (which also contains my hats), and started rummaging. I found my alpaca beret and decided on a whim to wear it to church. (We are having a gospel meeting this weekend.)
When I got to services, I was greeted by Angel. She started giggling and announcing that we matched. (This announcement was accompanied by her pounding herself on her head, in case I hadn't seen she was still wearing her hat.) Yet another moment of extreme cuteness:
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A New Style?
I have been diligently working on the MDM sweater, my version of Wendy Bernard's Ingenue Sweater in the book Custom Knits. (This may surprise you since I haven't blogged about it ...silly me!)There has only been one minor problem thus far...and it was my problem, not the pattern's problem. I forgot to figure on negative ease! I measured myself, and then made a sweater at that finished size, forgetting that you want your sweater slightly smaller than your actual measurements because it is KNIT and should STRETCH a little...so now my sweater is a little roomy. No biggie. (The book actually told me to figure negative ease...I just forgot to when I cast on! This is made more amusing by the fact that this is one of the few projects I have actually made a gauge swatch for...so I went to the trouble to swatch it, but then still figured my sizing wrong...so blonde.)
As of last night, I have the whole body finished and one sleeve. The other sleeve is hanging out on waste yarn waiting for me to pick up the stitches and get going...but I am developing second sleeve syndrome.
I have tried on the sweater. I love how it looks. I even love how it fits, roominess and all. But, with the weather still too warm to wear it, I am starting to lack motivation to finish the second sleeve. I can envision it finished, so my brain is trying to pretend it is. There are so many other projects that want me to knit them right now...
What if I cast the sleeve cap off and just had a single sleeved sweater? Would that be the end of the world? Maybe I could start a new style...
Or not.
Maybe I should stop blogging about the second sleeve and just go knit it.
Yeah. That's what I should do.
*Picking up needles...*
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Hat Envy
There is a very cute little girl, Bounce, at church who came to services in a crocheted beanie a couple weeks ago. The beanie was adorable, very 1920's flapper or 1960's Biba. Psych saw Bounce's beanie and suffered from...hat envy.
Angel had a head, so it followed that Angel also needed a cute beanie. Psych commissioned one the following Monday night. (And since Angel has a tiny head, I went ahead and took it on.) However, lest we be considered copy cats, the beanie needed to be slightly different.
The differences are:
1. I knit the beanie, I did not crochet it.
2. Bounce's beanie was pink, Angel's beanie is cream.
3. Bounce's beanie had a sparkly lame flower, Angel's has a cream knit flower.
Essentially, it is a very very sized down version of what I made for my cousins and I, out of a white merino/alpaca blend from the stash, on size 4 needles. The flower pattern is one I found online here. I started the beanie on Halloween, and worked on it while hanging out at Brother's house. (It was small...and so was portable... with an easily memorized stitch pattern...and therefore a really good travel project!)
I delivered it last night when I was at Preach and Psych's for a bible study. (Poor thing was pretty sleepy when I got there...hence the bleary eyed photo!)Interesting side note: one case of hat envy has spawned another. I finished up Angel's hat in the break room yesterday...and one of my co-workers decided her granddaughter would REALLY look cute in a blue version...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Happy Birthday
I am breaking with my tradition of taking the 31 or the 1 off, and posting two entries back to back because...TODAY IS SISTER'S BIRTHDAY!!!!
She is 24.
Sister gave me my first "commission"...sort of...she never actually paid me. Rather, she went to the yarn shop with Mom and I, picked up some yarn and said:
"Hey, this is pretty. Can you make me a scarf out of this?"
Well, I could. So, I did. I think it was officially her birthday or Christmas present.
Though I have made her a purse, a couple of scarves, and a beanie or two, I haven't knit as much for her as I probably should/could. The problem is that she lives in KY, and I live in CA. (Also, I know for a fact that she can knit her own stuff if she really wanted to, she just chooses not to...I mean, why should she when Mom and I will just knit things for her?)
Still...I love her, and am sad that I can't be with her on her birthday.
Looking forward to seeing you soon, Sister! Christmas is only 55 days away!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
SOOO Cute!
As you may recall, I made a baby sweater for my friend Macchiato's baby Single Shot.
Well, she finally fits into it, so Macchiato sent me a photo:
Isn't she adorable?
Well, she finally fits into it, so Macchiato sent me a photo:
Isn't she adorable?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Warm Hearts Warm Heads
My friend Belle's mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She has already had the required surgery, but now must also undergo chemo.
Belle called me last week to schedule a time for me to come over and help her with some quilting she wants to do. (Yes, I quilt. I actually am probably a more skilled, though less frequent, quilter than knitter. Quilting isn't as portable as knitting...) While she had me on the phone she asked, in a plaintive manner, if I would consider possibly knitting her mother a chemo cap.
Here is the thing. I am very busy right now with school and work and life. Belle knows this. I am also trying to finish up my gift project queue. Belle knows this as well. She was very reluctant to request anything, but really wanted the chemo cap.
Here is the other thing. My mother had breast cancer. My grandmother had breast cancer. I knit mostly because I see it as a way that I can serve others. There were no grad school assignments, library duties, or social obligations that were going to keep me from making that cap.
I went to Knit This, Purl That on Sunday and purchased the softest yarn I could find. It is a cashmere, silk, merino blend. I found several patterns online, and had Belle pick out the one she liked the best. Then I put all other projects on hold till I got the cap finished. (I had a deadline set...tonight when I was going over to Belle's house for the quilting counseling.)
I got it done.
Here is Belle modeling it. (Please note...this photo was taken LATE at night after approximately 6 hours of quilting...)
Best wishes to Belle's mother! I hope that as this cap keeps her head warm, she is reminded of all the warm hearts who love her and are praying for her speedy and full recovery.
Belle called me last week to schedule a time for me to come over and help her with some quilting she wants to do. (Yes, I quilt. I actually am probably a more skilled, though less frequent, quilter than knitter. Quilting isn't as portable as knitting...) While she had me on the phone she asked, in a plaintive manner, if I would consider possibly knitting her mother a chemo cap.
Here is the thing. I am very busy right now with school and work and life. Belle knows this. I am also trying to finish up my gift project queue. Belle knows this as well. She was very reluctant to request anything, but really wanted the chemo cap.
Here is the other thing. My mother had breast cancer. My grandmother had breast cancer. I knit mostly because I see it as a way that I can serve others. There were no grad school assignments, library duties, or social obligations that were going to keep me from making that cap.
I went to Knit This, Purl That on Sunday and purchased the softest yarn I could find. It is a cashmere, silk, merino blend. I found several patterns online, and had Belle pick out the one she liked the best. Then I put all other projects on hold till I got the cap finished. (I had a deadline set...tonight when I was going over to Belle's house for the quilting counseling.)
I got it done.
Here is Belle modeling it. (Please note...this photo was taken LATE at night after approximately 6 hours of quilting...)
Best wishes to Belle's mother! I hope that as this cap keeps her head warm, she is reminded of all the warm hearts who love her and are praying for her speedy and full recovery.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Incompatibility
I have a knitting blog. (Which you probably know, because you are currently reading it.)
On said knitting blog, which I committed myself to updating every other day, I discuss my current projects, successes, epic failures, and quirks.
I also have something called the Christmas Queue, which is the list of all the gifts I need to make by Christmas.
The Christmas Queue essentially devours all available knitting time from approximately September 1 through December 24. (And often later, since I tend to give out gift IOUs.)
The recipients of projects on the Christmas Queue have 2 things in common.
1. I love them
2. They are the vast majority of people who read this blog!
There is a definite incompatibility problem here. I want to blog about what I am knitting, I want people to read my blog, and yet I don't want anyone's Christmas surprise to be spoiled.
It is a conundrum.
On said knitting blog, which I committed myself to updating every other day, I discuss my current projects, successes, epic failures, and quirks.
I also have something called the Christmas Queue, which is the list of all the gifts I need to make by Christmas.
The Christmas Queue essentially devours all available knitting time from approximately September 1 through December 24. (And often later, since I tend to give out gift IOUs.)
The recipients of projects on the Christmas Queue have 2 things in common.
1. I love them
2. They are the vast majority of people who read this blog!
There is a definite incompatibility problem here. I want to blog about what I am knitting, I want people to read my blog, and yet I don't want anyone's Christmas surprise to be spoiled.
It is a conundrum.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Why I Love My Yarn Shop
I went to Knit This, Purl That this afternoon.The owner's daughter, who is around my age, was the only staff person. (I feel really bad, but I never can remember her name...luckily this blog doesn't ever use names, so I can call her YarnMaiden.) I shopped, we chatted, we looked at pictures of handknits from movies, and critiqued the shop's Twilight-inspired custom dyed yarn shipment.
I love this store for many reasons:
1. They have a great yarn selection.
2. They are NICE. They will let me wander around and pet/squeeze skeins undisturbed, or chat with me...depending on MY mood, not THEIR mood.
3. They go the extra mile. (Today I had taken in a pattern which called for one skein of a Cascade yarn that KTPT doesn't carry. It did not tell me how many yards I would need. YarnMaiden looked it up online for me while I browsed.)
4. They have stash cards. (Although, I tend to horde my filled cards...since no project ever seems important enough to use my $25 on.)
5. They are right up the street from the BEST THAI RESTAURANT EVER! (Pleasanton Thai House)
Where else can I go to enjoy the softness wonder of alpaca/silk blends, discuss recent and upcoming films (YarnMaiden and I have run into each other at the theater), be inspired by breathtaking works of handknitted art, and laugh at my own knitting foibles?
A good yarn shop is a terrible thing to waste!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Why I REALLY Love My Job
Yesterday: another teen movie. (Well, to be accurate, the same movie, a different library branch...so really just another screening.)
Finished: another burp rag.
YAY!!!
The truly exciting thing was that this burp rag had a much more intricate stitch pattern, but since I had JUST watched the movie the day before, I was able to pay more attention to what I was doing!
Finished: another burp rag.
YAY!!!
The truly exciting thing was that this burp rag had a much more intricate stitch pattern, but since I had JUST watched the movie the day before, I was able to pay more attention to what I was doing!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Why I Love My Job!
I supervised the teen movie at the library today.
I was able to get one Burp Rag done.
I get to supervise another teen movie at a different branch tomorrow.
Perhaps another Burp Rag will be done as well?
I was able to get one Burp Rag done.
I get to supervise another teen movie at a different branch tomorrow.
Perhaps another Burp Rag will be done as well?
Monday, October 19, 2009
Australis Scarf: Beta Testing
I finished the Australis scarf that I designed for The Client.
I finished several weeks ago.
Actually, I already delivered it.
It is gorgeous, in a manly way, if I do say so myself. (Which, apparently I do.)
Unfortunately, the yarn was also not very photogenic. It was very dark, and so the stitch definition was not showing up very well. (And it is a very architectural design...visible and photographable stitch definition is CRUCIAL!)
So, before I post pictures of it (or possibly post the pattern), I am going to knit another one.
(Rumor has it that the scarf will be worn on a cruise ship off the coast of Antarctica in a few months...any pictures of the scarf as a whole will then, of course, be posted!)
I finished several weeks ago.
Actually, I already delivered it.
It is gorgeous, in a manly way, if I do say so myself. (Which, apparently I do.)
Unfortunately, the yarn was also not very photogenic. It was very dark, and so the stitch definition was not showing up very well. (And it is a very architectural design...visible and photographable stitch definition is CRUCIAL!)
So, before I post pictures of it (or possibly post the pattern), I am going to knit another one.
(Rumor has it that the scarf will be worn on a cruise ship off the coast of Antarctica in a few months...any pictures of the scarf as a whole will then, of course, be posted!)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
They Come In Pairs
I spent the evening with Brother, Sis-In-Law, and Big Ben at a reading by one of my favorite authors.
I then took advantage of my family, by turning them into handknit couriers. I asked them to deliver a pair of burp rags I had made for a couple I know from their church.
That was when I came to a stunning realization:
I always make burp rags in pairs!
I thought back. The first burp rags I made were for AVB. I made them two. I went through everyone I have made them for...they always get two.
So, I decided to break tradition.
My nephew is going to get TWICE as many burp rags as a normal run of the mill baby! I am going to make HIM four! (In his nursery colors: orange, green, brown, and white!)
I then took advantage of my family, by turning them into handknit couriers. I asked them to deliver a pair of burp rags I had made for a couple I know from their church.
That was when I came to a stunning realization:
I always make burp rags in pairs!
I thought back. The first burp rags I made were for AVB. I made them two. I went through everyone I have made them for...they always get two.
So, I decided to break tradition.
My nephew is going to get TWICE as many burp rags as a normal run of the mill baby! I am going to make HIM four! (In his nursery colors: orange, green, brown, and white!)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Just Keep Winding
just keep winding...just keep winding, winding, winding!
1000 yards of lace weight takes FOREVER to wind on a nostepinde. (Although, I am betting it would still take a long time even if I had a mechanical ball winder.)
Total Time Elapsed, Measured in Things Viewed While Winding:
2 hours - graduate school lectures
1 hour - Castle Episode
2 hours - Biggest Loser Episode
1 hour - House Episode
1 hour - Lie to Me Episode
1 hour - NCIS Episode
1 hour - NCIS: Los Angeles Episode
___________________________________________
9 hours total
Open message to all spinners/dyers/yarn manufacturers: If you are going to sell yarn in quantities that exceed a half mile in length, the polite thing to do is pre-ball them. Thank you.
By The Way: The yarn was some of Blue Heron Yarns' Egyptian mercerized cotton in "Deep Blue Sea" that I bought on sale when my favorite LYS in WA was going out of business.
1000 yards of lace weight takes FOREVER to wind on a nostepinde. (Although, I am betting it would still take a long time even if I had a mechanical ball winder.)
Total Time Elapsed, Measured in Things Viewed While Winding:
2 hours - graduate school lectures
1 hour - Castle Episode
2 hours - Biggest Loser Episode
1 hour - House Episode
1 hour - Lie to Me Episode
1 hour - NCIS Episode
1 hour - NCIS: Los Angeles Episode
___________________________________________
9 hours total
Open message to all spinners/dyers/yarn manufacturers: If you are going to sell yarn in quantities that exceed a half mile in length, the polite thing to do is pre-ball them. Thank you.
By The Way: The yarn was some of Blue Heron Yarns' Egyptian mercerized cotton in "Deep Blue Sea" that I bought on sale when my favorite LYS in WA was going out of business.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Honk Honk Rattle Rattle Rattle Crash Beep Beep
I was in a car accident this morning while on my way back home from Brother's house.
(Disclaimer: I am fine. My car is surprisingly fine.)
I rear ended a pick up truck on the freeway. He stopped suddenly, presumably because he saw the cop on the side of the road. I hit my brakes, and would have stopped in time if it had not been raining. My tires stopped moving, but my car kept going and slid right into the truck's bumper.
It shook me up quite a bit.
I got to work, but they sent me home to de-stress.
I de-stressed by STARTING to wind a skein of lace weight. It is calming, but taking longer than anticipated.
I think I will take a break and go knit something brain-free.
(Disclaimer: I am fine. My car is surprisingly fine.)
I rear ended a pick up truck on the freeway. He stopped suddenly, presumably because he saw the cop on the side of the road. I hit my brakes, and would have stopped in time if it had not been raining. My tires stopped moving, but my car kept going and slid right into the truck's bumper.
It shook me up quite a bit.
I got to work, but they sent me home to de-stress.
I de-stressed by STARTING to wind a skein of lace weight. It is calming, but taking longer than anticipated.
I think I will take a break and go knit something brain-free.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Forgotten Projects
I am at Brother's house this weekend. Sis-In-Law is out of town.
I was getting ready to get in the shower this morning and realized I didn't have a towel. I went out to their hall closet to grab one, and saw this:
It is the red afghan that I made Brother for Christmas one year, before he had even met Sis-In-Law.
I had forgotten that I had made it until I saw it there this morning.
Frankly, I was surprised that he still had it. It isn't that great of an afghan, comparatively speaking. I was still a starving undergrad when I made it, so it was lovingly crocheted out of cheap acrylic yarn from Wal-Mart (which was my only option at the time due to geography and budget). I shudder to recall the many hours of Law and Order reruns I watched on TNN while making it.
It has held up shockingly well, considering that it has crossed the country several times, been washed often, and used.
It also has gotten me to think about other "forgotten" projects. I think Sister still has her blue afghan that matches this one. I think I gave a creamy colored one to my aunt in TX, too. But there have been a lot of beanies, scarves, dishcloths, and coffee cup cozies handed out over the years. Many that I can't quite remember...and now I'm wondering how many are still in use/existence...
I am also wondering now how many of the things I cherish have been completely forgotten by those who gave them to me...
Interesting.
I was getting ready to get in the shower this morning and realized I didn't have a towel. I went out to their hall closet to grab one, and saw this:
It is the red afghan that I made Brother for Christmas one year, before he had even met Sis-In-Law.
I had forgotten that I had made it until I saw it there this morning.
Frankly, I was surprised that he still had it. It isn't that great of an afghan, comparatively speaking. I was still a starving undergrad when I made it, so it was lovingly crocheted out of cheap acrylic yarn from Wal-Mart (which was my only option at the time due to geography and budget). I shudder to recall the many hours of Law and Order reruns I watched on TNN while making it.
It has held up shockingly well, considering that it has crossed the country several times, been washed often, and used.
It also has gotten me to think about other "forgotten" projects. I think Sister still has her blue afghan that matches this one. I think I gave a creamy colored one to my aunt in TX, too. But there have been a lot of beanies, scarves, dishcloths, and coffee cup cozies handed out over the years. Many that I can't quite remember...and now I'm wondering how many are still in use/existence...
I am also wondering now how many of the things I cherish have been completely forgotten by those who gave them to me...
Interesting.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Switching Paddles Mid Stream
I had been working on yet another scarf for myself, the Corn Rows Scarf.
It was very pretty.
It was also fairly skinny.
I liked it.
Then, I got around to finally organizing and cleaning out my closet.
During said cleaning, I got down the tub-o-scarves. I saw the plethora of skinny, pretty scarves that it contained. All of a sudden, Corn Rows seemed...redundant.
I didn't want to frog it. I didn't want to abandon it. I still liked it.
So, I am switching modes in the middle of the project without changing any of the already completed work.
I am making a belt.
Scarf + Buckle = Belt!
It was very pretty.
It was also fairly skinny.
I liked it.
Then, I got around to finally organizing and cleaning out my closet.
During said cleaning, I got down the tub-o-scarves. I saw the plethora of skinny, pretty scarves that it contained. All of a sudden, Corn Rows seemed...redundant.
I didn't want to frog it. I didn't want to abandon it. I still liked it.
So, I am switching modes in the middle of the project without changing any of the already completed work.
I am making a belt.
Scarf + Buckle = Belt!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Song That Does Not End
Yesterday was the third and FINAL Kids Get Knittin'@The Library program this session. (And I don't currently have a kids' program on the winter/spring calendar...)We added this session last minute, and only opened it to the kids who had been wait listed from the first two sessions. As a result, I had a much smaller crowd. There were four girls, second through fourth grade, and two were sisters. I had not asked Volunteen to come in, because I asked that the kids RSVP to me if they were going to make it. And, although she was standing by, Miss-A didn't come in either.
There was a brief moment of panic shortly before the program began. Although I had left the hand knit socks, the instruction sheets, the project yarn, and all of the paperwork in my program box...for some INEXPLICABLE reason, I had taken my spare needles, demonstration needles, and demonstration yarn home with me the week before! This would normally not be a big deal because I am me. I always have knitting in my purse. Unfortunately, yesterday's knitting was a coffee cup cozy and a sweater...both of which were on circular needles!
I decided to wing it.
I took two pencils out of the supply cabinet, sharpened them, and stuck erasers on the end for needle stops. The girls thought it was pretty funny that I was teaching them how to knit with pencils.
I wasn't the only one using the rubber erasers either. Two of the girls had purchased double pointed needles...so they got erasered as well!
Since I had a smaller crowd, I was able to spend more individual time with each girl. They were amazing, and caught on surprisingly quickly...especially considering how young they were!
(They all were VERY frustrated by the "out" in the "in, around, out, and off" sequence. But that frustration is normal in everyone I have ever taught from five year old Spaz up to senior citizens! It is a difficult step to explain. I truly have to demonstrate it one-on-one with their hands under mine on the needles...)The girls got farther on their bookmarks than the majority of the kids did in previous weeks, but that is probably due to the smaller class size. No one finished though, but I didn't expect anyone too. The bookmark took me a little over half an hour and I have been knitting for over decades...literally.
The next library program is going to be in January or February. It is a scarf for teens at the other library branch. Also, at the beginning of the year, I have a two-part adult felted purse program. (That will be interesting, since for felting you need feltable yarn...)
Monday, October 5, 2009
Bangle Bracelet Bags...Another Commission
Psych's mom saw the purse that I made Angel for her birthday and absolutely fell in love with it. She has two other granddaughters, and wanted them to have matching purses. She offered to pay me for them, so I agreed. I had to do some improvising though since I didn't have enough of Angel's purse yarn to make two more, and I didn't have the same bracelets. Luckily, I did have some felt-able pinks. I knit with 2 colors of Cascade 220 yarn held together. I think the colors were 9478 and 7803. I used sterling silver bracelets in a dark steel color for the handles. Angel's purse used pink sparkly bangle bracelets.
So, while listening to the first round of grad school lectures this quarter, I knit up 2 bangle bracelet bags.
Finished the knitting on Thursday.
Did the seaming up and first round of felting on Friday.
Second round of felting on Saturday.
Will deliver them tonight.
Best part...since they were a commission, they are helping finance the sweater that I want to make! Woo-Hoo!
(Also, I am glad that they aren't exactly the same as Angel's, since I made Angel's as a special gift for her birthday. This way, her cousins have purses too, but Angel's is still one-of-a-kind!)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Living on the Edge
I am living on the edge! I am not going to buy another skein of the yarn for Les Tuileries.
I would like to say that this is because I am a risk taker.
Or that I am frugal.
Or that I am a math whiz who figured out that 2 skeins was indeed sufficient.
I'm not.
The truth is I am a weenie little spendthrift blonde.
However, I am an uptight weenie little spendthrift blonde.
I actually went to Knit This, Purl That yesterday to buy another skein.
Unfortunately, none of their stock of this "dye lot" was even remotely close to what I purchased last time. (Funny...I thought the point of having a dye lot was that the yarn WOULD match...call me crazy...)
Anyway, the perfectionist in me refuses to buy another skein that is so completely off color.
I will make do.
It will be ok.
I hope.
I would like to say that this is because I am a risk taker.
Or that I am frugal.
Or that I am a math whiz who figured out that 2 skeins was indeed sufficient.
I'm not.
The truth is I am a weenie little spendthrift blonde.
However, I am an uptight weenie little spendthrift blonde.
I actually went to Knit This, Purl That yesterday to buy another skein.
Unfortunately, none of their stock of this "dye lot" was even remotely close to what I purchased last time. (Funny...I thought the point of having a dye lot was that the yarn WOULD match...call me crazy...)
Anyway, the perfectionist in me refuses to buy another skein that is so completely off color.
I will make do.
It will be ok.
I hope.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Same Song, Second Verse
Tuesday was the second Kids Get Knittin'@The Library. Once again it was Miss-A, Volunteen, and me.It amazed me how much having a different group of kids completely changed the whole dynamic of the class.
We had thirteen girls show up for the program. Of those thirteen, eleven of them were second graders. Of those eleven second graders, two of them were lefties. All I can say is that I am SO grateful to Sis-In-Law for being a leftie! Because it meant I had experience with knitting "backwards." (Actually, Jester was a leftie, too...I think.)One major difference between this program and last week's program was the adult presence. We have consistently told the parents that they needn't stay. However, the vast majority of girls this week came for their brownie troop's field trip. As a result, we had 5 additional parents staying in the room. A couple of them even knew how to knit. This was very handy since the girls were younger and required more individual attention.
Another good thing was that this week all of the kids had the correct needles. We didn't have to eraser tip any double points, or give out loaners. (If we loan needles, we slip the projects onto unsharpened pencils when the program ends.)Overall, it was a very smooth program.
I have developed a couple of mantras that I have the kids recite before we start each program:
"I love my needles."
"My needles are my friends."
"I will NOT strangle my needles with my yarn."
That seems to be the number one problem with kids knitting...they pull everything VERY tight.
Oh...and the steps to the knit stitch are also repeated verbally over and over and over and over:"In. Around. Out. Off."
(Out, by the way, is wickedly hard for kids. They can get in and around fairly quickly. And off happens more frequently than it ought to...But "out" is killer.)
In the end, I had a lot of fun, and I hope they did as well.
We ended up with a large enough waiting list for both sessions that we decided to add a third session NEXT Tuesday for those who were not able to make the first two. (We are not advertising this however. Miss-A and I directly contacted those who were wait-listed. If everyone comes, the group will be half the size it has been. I am not sure we even told Volunteen about it.)
(By the way, as costume, Miss-A and I have been wearing my handknit rainbow socks and Sesame Street socks. Miss-A has been impressed with how INSANELY comfortable they are. She keeps offering to take them home and wash them. But I am afraid if she does that they will not make it back to me. I currently have them folded neatly in the program box under my desk, and there they will remain until next week when I take them to MY apartment and wash them myself!)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Meet: SuperKnitter
Last week I threw a teen National Comic Book Day party at the library. One of the activities was to design your own super hero. Here is what I came up with.
Name: SuperKnitter
Powers: Advanced Knitting, Speed, Nimbleness, Accuracy with Knitting Notions (Yarn, Needles, Etc.), Extreme Intelligence
Origin of Powers: Knitting outside with metal needles, when a thunderstorm suddenly arose. The needles were struck by lightning.
Hometown: Downtown Seattle
Lair: Hidden Basement of a Local Yarn Shop
Transport: Souped-up High-Powered Orange Vespa
Gadgets: Yarn Rope, Crossbow that Shoots Double-Pointed Needles, Circular Needle Garrote
Enemies: Mothman, Crook Crochet, The Tangler
Catchphrases: You Made Me Drop A Stitch! By All the Fleeces in Scotland! Existential Yarn Boogers!
Name: SuperKnitterPowers: Advanced Knitting, Speed, Nimbleness, Accuracy with Knitting Notions (Yarn, Needles, Etc.), Extreme Intelligence
Origin of Powers: Knitting outside with metal needles, when a thunderstorm suddenly arose. The needles were struck by lightning.
Hometown: Downtown Seattle
Lair: Hidden Basement of a Local Yarn Shop
Transport: Souped-up High-Powered Orange Vespa
Gadgets: Yarn Rope, Crossbow that Shoots Double-Pointed Needles, Circular Needle Garrote
Enemies: Mothman, Crook Crochet, The Tangler
Catchphrases: You Made Me Drop A Stitch! By All the Fleeces in Scotland! Existential Yarn Boogers!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
One Sock Off and One Sock On
I grafted the toe on the first Rivendell Sock last night...I felt a great sense of accomplishment.
I then immediately cast the second Rivendell Sock on...
Lest I be tempted to do something else.
I didn't get much done on it. (Honestly, after the first row, I got nothing done on it.) But at least now I won't merrily start another pair before this pair is finished! And all those lovely skeins of OTHER sock yarn will be a great motivation to get this pair done so I can have the needles back!
Take that Second Sock Syndrome!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Now...Or Later
I am getting a lot of work done on Les Tuileries...
It is turning out beautifully.
Although, it is a wee bit of a pain having to alternate skeins every 2 rows. (Honestly, they had the same exact dye lot on the label, and looked the same when still skeined...once they were balls though...WOW...huge difference...I'm talking a difference you could drive a Mack truck through...)
The problem is, that I am not sure that the two skeins I have are going to be sufficient for the wrap I have envisioned. If they are not, I will need to introduce a third skein into the mix, alternating it every two rows with the remainder of original skein A, and then every 2 rows with the remainder of original skein B. Which means, I will need to get it now so that I can start the intermingling as soon as possible.
But I am on a budget.
And there is always the chance that the two original skeins WILL be sufficient, in which case I will have spent 20 odd dollars for nothing. AND I will be left with little bits of left over yarn in odd dye lots...
I'll probably just cave and buy another skein...Ugh.
It is turning out beautifully.
Although, it is a wee bit of a pain having to alternate skeins every 2 rows. (Honestly, they had the same exact dye lot on the label, and looked the same when still skeined...once they were balls though...WOW...huge difference...I'm talking a difference you could drive a Mack truck through...)
The problem is, that I am not sure that the two skeins I have are going to be sufficient for the wrap I have envisioned. If they are not, I will need to introduce a third skein into the mix, alternating it every two rows with the remainder of original skein A, and then every 2 rows with the remainder of original skein B. Which means, I will need to get it now so that I can start the intermingling as soon as possible.
But I am on a budget.
And there is always the chance that the two original skeins WILL be sufficient, in which case I will have spent 20 odd dollars for nothing. AND I will be left with little bits of left over yarn in odd dye lots...
I'll probably just cave and buy another skein...Ugh.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Get Knittin' @ the Library 4 Kids
Yesterday afternoon was the first of two kids knitting programs I am doing at the library this month. (It is a one session beginning class being offered on two different dates.)I had 13 kids show up, ranging from 2nd-5th grade. Miss-A and 1 volunteen helped. (We wore some of my handknit socks and got to be shoeless in the library!)
It was a LOT of fun.We provided the yarn (red heart worsted rainbow variegated acrylic), but the kids had to bring their own needles. I had had teen volunteers cut and ball the yarn during the summer. We made VERY easy garter stitch bookmarks. Still, its amazing(and endearing) how many bloopers you can make when you are 7 and have never knit before...even when it is an easy pattern!
We had one child show up with double points, so I stuck a few rubber erasers on the end. We also had one show up with size 13 or 15...so I loaned her some 7's and at the end of the program we moved her knitting onto a pencil to take home.The kids were very patient, with themselves and with us. They waited their turn for help without whining (which I REALLY appreciated!). We quickly learned some things...kids learn better by doing, not watching. I ended up sitting behind most of them and doing hands on hands teaching. I also learned that the variegated yarn was hard to work with if you started with the blue/purple bit...the yellow made for a better beginning.
Pattern: Cast on 7 stitches. Knit every stitch in every row until you have a bookmark length. Cast off.Next Tuesday...same thing all over again...
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