Wishful Knitting

Friendship Blanket Done.....

2010-09-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

To say our little knit group was "close knit" is the perfect cliche! When we moved to Italy, I desperately missed having a knitting circle and the weekly meet-ups. I tried for a long time to find other knitters- then I decided to create a few of my own. I started offering knitting classes. It went well, I am proud to say everyone who signed up WAS able to learn to knit. There was a teen-age girl, however, who was very resistant.

At some point during this time, I remembered that a woman from my Italian language class had mentioned that she liked to knit. Then I met my dear friend Stacy who had the bug to learn how to knit. So there! I created my own little group!

We were intermittent and not very focused, but boy did we have fun! I really looked forward to our meet ups. Then, like all good things, our friend Janny had to move. We decided to knit blankets- one for each of us. We each chose a color- Janny did all the research and ordering. Then we chose patterns- one horizontal, one vertical, and one mixed. We each knit 9 rectangles with our "color." We had a blast teasing each other about not getting done, etc. It was a riot. Our other knit-chic called it the "Blanket that pulled apart your friendship." But it was all in good fun.

When Janny was leaving, I volunteered to finish her blanket- we had just completed the rectangles. Then I left the project unfinished and languishing in my closet. I started it at one point, but I was REALLY bothered by the seams on the "wrong" side produced by mattress seaming. I just didn't like the way it looked. I searched high and low for another technique, and then I just walked away from the project....for about a year.

Then my friend Stacy left...and our time to leave is looming over my head. I guess finishing this blanket was part of tying up loose ends- really sorry about the pun, but it fits, dare I say like a glove? : ) So, once I accepted the "wrong" side and started seaming, not only did it move quickly, it was FUN! (I really do wish I had kept Stacy's to finish for her...maybe she can send it to me when we are stateside. )

So, Janny's friendship blanket is finished and mailed, and mine is almost done- one more movie to watch over the weekend, and it will be done. I will wait and see what Janny does as an edging and probably copy her...she has lots of blanket experience.

Our friendship blanket is done! What a wonderful hand-made masterpiece of memories!

Specs:
Pattern: 3 stitches from Vogue Stitch Guide
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Bulky

I'll have to see if I can find a picture of us!

Love-Hate Neckerchief....

2010-08-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

When I received this yarn, I wasn't so thrilled with it....I am not sure why. But THEN, I started knitting it up and I love it! This pattern was great for mindless knitting and I really love how it turned out. So, maybe it wasn't really love/hate, but rather less love then more love : )

I-cord bind off was a nice touch. I was worried it would be too tight, but it's not, it might even be a little loose...but not enough to bother me!

Picture courtesy of my 6-year old- she's come a long way.

Vitatl Stats:
Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightwieght
Color: Pink Granite
Pattern: Anake
Mods: none
Size: 51” wingspan and 12 1/2” depth
more info here: ravelry link

Bulls-Eye-fel Tower Shawl....or how this shawl was saved by candy....

2010-08-16T08:50:00.001-07:00

This story on this shawl is long and likely not all that interesting. It all started when I saw the pattern on Ravelry. I had already planned a quick trip to Paris with my Mom and Joceylne, so I was overwhelmed by the magical draw of that city. I decided that not only would I make the shawl, but I would buy the yarn for it in Paris- perfect!

Despite the debacle of the 2010 Ravelympics, I joined the KAL. I didn't finish on time, or win any prizes, but I DID meet another, very nice knitter online- my first "virtual" friend : ) She and I shared the ups and downs, okay, mostly downs, of this project. It was awesome to e-mail back and forth about this project.

Of course, the pattern was not published in time for our trip...but I purchased what I thought would be the correct yardage in Paris. As it turns out, it was not the correct yardage!

I decided to continue this project with yarn from our not-so-local yarn shop here in Italy.

I cast on during our cruise and knitted away. All was fairly well until I hit the lace portion- oh, man, it was VERY difficult for me! I surmise it was uber-challenging because the pattern was not easily memorizable. This meant I absolutely had to give this project ALL my concentration. I had to sit there and knit while staring at the pattern and meticulously marking every row.

Eventually, I was struggling to finish row after long row. With my Mom's help, we started a candy for knit program. Yep, for every knitted row- I got a piece of candy to celebrate! I didn't reward myself for the purl rows....well, sometimes I did because they were soooo long! I also vowed that I would continue and fudge any small mistakes I made along the way, but if I made a big mistake, that I was going to frog the whole thing. Lucky for me, there were only a couple very small mistakes made....

I gifted this shalw to my French Mom, Jocelyn. She uses shawls regularly when she sits on her veranda, so it will get some use. I was happy to knit something for her. All's well that ends well.

Z's shawl....

2010-06-01T03:53:00.000-07:00

This is one of those skeins- the Socks That Rock lightweight. The colors are sweet and very gentle. Here it is modeled by my elder daughter, but the little one has laid claim to it. For whatever reason, she calls it her own. I am almost starting to relax enough about my paranoia of them having things around their neck, that I just might be able to let her wear it once in a while. She can have it, but I prefer her stuffed cat wear it.

I love working with this yarn- it's got a great texture!

As you can see in this pic, it's too bulky to wear as a neck wrap, but it seems too small to use as a shawl. I wish I would have gotten two skeins for this one. Who knew? And it's all just part of the great experiment to find a little neck wrap that is NOT a dickie!

Specs:
Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight- colorway Goody Goody
Pattern: Multnomah
Needles: size 6 knitpicks circs

P.S. For you there, family member who would like a shawl of some kind- here's what you have to do. Go to this website: Webs, or this one- STR and get a skein or two for you and a skein or two for me and there you go! You have to let me know which pattern you like best- there are a few more in the works : )

Simple Things Shawlette...

2010-05-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

This was a quick little knit. It was great to watch the colors ebb and flow. I don't mind the pooling a bit. I think this colorway is called Sophie, but I would have called it "think spring!" My handy helper is always ready to help with the drying and blocking process- she loves it.

It's probably time to buy some blocking wires and maybe a board- but the bed works for now. I just have to ensure it's dry by bedtime! (Oh, and I have to keep my furry friend off the bed as well during these drying times.)

This photo shows my only modification of the pattern, I added more rows of garter stitch at the end to use up the yarn. I didn't have enough left for another repeat of the eyelet section, but I wanted to finish the skein. Plus, I thought the extra rows would be additional anti-roll protection : )

The fabric has a nice drape- it seems like I will get use out of this when the weather gets chilly. I suppose time will tell, but The Truth Is.....I just like seeing it around the house. To further my knowledge of how yarns are dyed- this one is very short runs of colors- like 3 inches each.

Specs:
Pattern: Simple Things Shawlette
Yarn: Socks that Rock, Lightweight, 100% merino
Needles: size 6
mods: added a few extra garter rows at the end

So, the scarf saga continues....

2010-05-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

Well, as I said before, my favorite little scarf is starting to show it's age : ( There are pinpoint holes, and the ends are beginning to fray.

I started searching around Italy to see if I could find a similar scarf at one of the markets. What I learned about myself is that I really had no idea what actual specific colors were in the scarf- so I started taking it everywhere I went to try and find something similar. I didn't have any luck- and then I had an idea. I had heard of custom-dyed yarns, so I could send it off and see if someone could re-create the colorway with yarn. Then I had another idea....surely this colorway already exists....somewhere.

So, I headed to the Blue Moon Fiber Arts website to have a look. Their colors are amazing and wonderful! I decided to give myself a little Mother's Day present and I splurged on 4 skeins!

After I made Azzu's Shawl with merino, it was a little itchy. I had an "OH NO!" moment, when I imagined the Socks that Rock Lightweight yarn might be itchy as well- but that was, alas and unfounded fear. Three out of the four colorways listed were an attempt to match up and one is clearly just for fun- who am I kidding, they're all fun! The colorways are- Sophie, Peaseblossom, Goody Goody and Pink Granite.

Here's the scarf- the black lines are not on the scarf, that's the back of the chair coming through.

Here's how they lined up.

And here's the winner....maybe? Now, off to knit like the wind. I am knitting several small shawls to see which pattern is my favorite. Then I will use the Peaseblossom yarn. At first I thought I wanted something with some open work, and then I thought I might like something more solid. Hmmmm, decisions, decisions.

This new shawl knititng has blossomed into a new love! I am forcing myself to knit the three patterns I purchased before purchasing any additional patterns : ) Oh, I won't even mention the new yarn- hey, it was a gift certificate, so it doesn't count, right?

Once, when My Man and I were chatting about spending money, I mentioned that although I am not a "shopper" per se, I do buy yarn. And he said, "Well that doesn't really count because you make useful things with it." Yep, he's wonderful!

Smooshy.....roll-y knits

2010-05-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

From what I can tell, my current shawlette/scarf passion started for two reasons:

1.) a giant "leftover" ball of fairly expensive yarn
2.) my current favorite scarf is showing some serious signs of wear

These 2 factors have converged and my knitting craze has aggrandized.

I never paid much attention to shawls because I have never worn one draped over my shoulders in the traditional sense. I do, however, wear little scarves around my neck frequently when I have a little chill. So a small shawlette would be perfect.

The leftover yarn was a ball of Dream in Color Smooshy. I made fingerless mitts out of this yarn and still had a ginormous amount leftover. I should check the yardage on the skein- it must be like 1,000 yards : ) Anyway, this extra ball of yarn was hanging out downstairs on the table daring me to use it in some way.

I'll save the discussion about my ancient scarf and it's signs of wear for another time perhaps.

So, off to Ravelry I went to find a pattern- and I came up with this one. This free pattern seemed like a good place to launch my new fad. I knitted along quickly, and although I was concerned about the "rolling" of all the stockinette portions of the shawl, I knitted on.

The featured picture on the pattern showed eyelets along the edges. Being new to shawl knitting, I figured they must be added at the end to deter the roll. Knitting, knitting, knitting along until I reached the bind off- and there was no more information forthcoming about the eyelets. I researched a new bind off for lace and chose the k1, k1, then k2tog for this one.

The next thing I knew, I was being told to block it. There were no directions about the edging, and my shawl did not look like the one in the pattern. I figured I must have done something wrong, and reviewed my work and that of others on Ravelry. Nope, I think I did it according to the pattern, but a few shawls looked different. I e-mailed the designer who informed me that the featured picture had some modifications that were not in the pattern- but she assured me that in her experience the shawl did not roll.

What a new experience, to knit something, follow the pattern, and have it not match the picture on the pattern. I will say it was irksome. Oh well, it was a free pattern after all. Knit at your own risk, so to speak.

It rolls like crazy from both ends, but it doesn't matter much as I wear it bunched up around my neck anyway.

This shawl has also started me thinking about color options in yarn. I haven't worked with yarns of color all that much. So, this coloring was kind of like a "smattering" of color here and there and resulted in patchy colored bits. It's okay, it's just a hint of color.

Finally finished.....

2010-05-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

This tank top was seriously languishing in my project bin forever. I started it when I was knitting just about every project from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I heavily modified it to make it more wearable- I made the straps wider and added a little waist shaping. Then, when I had but a mere 20 minutes more work to do, I ignored it for a year or so : )

It turned out quite nicely. I am eager to wear it to see how the hemp behaves. This is the first time I knit with hemp- it was a bit rough on my hands.

When I washed it, there was not any color bleed, but the smell was very strange. I happen to have a very good sense of smell- most of the time, I wish I didn't! Nonetheless, when I was washing this tank top, it smelled kind of "chalky." There are some bugs that smell like that when they are smushed. It's a strange smell. The garment did not smell when it dried- thankfully!

I know it looks lumpy here, and I was in a hurry to get the picture, but it fits well. It's reversible- in other words, I can't really remember which side is the front and which side is the back- so, it must not matter : )

Specs:
Pattern: Silk Camisole from the aforementioned Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Elisabeth Lavold Hempathy
Mods: widened straps

Z's Driving Thru....

2010-05-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite picture for the moment. Since there are 2 little gals in my life, there are frequently 2 very similar knitted items : )

I am so happy that she wound up choosing her own colors. Originally my little Z-bomb wanted the same color scheme as her sister. I was not intrigued by the idea of knitting 2 nearly identical sweaters, but I would have done so if needed, of course.

I think the swinging point came when I told her the name of the purplish colorway- yep, it's called Fairy Tale.

She loves it and so do I.

Specs:
Pattern: Drive-Thru by Wendy Bernard
Yarn: Knitpicks: Wool of the Andes
Size: 6
Mods: Made the sleeve circumference larger

Storm Cloud Shawlette

2010-05-10T03:42:00.000-07:00

This project was in the boot of the car for a long time. I had it stashed back there so I always had some knitting with me. As it turns out, it's an excellent idea for me- I was able to work on it quite a bit.

I had ordered this yarn a while back from Knitpicks. I got 2 different colors and I was going to make the chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. But, once I started knitting, I didn't like how it looked, so this yarn has been hanging out in my stash for a while.

Even though I like these colors, I don't wear these colors and I don't think they look great on me. Since I realized this mid-knit, I only used one skein of the 2 I had. So, it's very short, which is fine since I don't wear shawls, but I do frequently wear little scarves.

It's the perfect size for a 4-year-old!

But would look ridiculous on me draped out like that. This photo brings me to the second thing that I don't love about this shawlette- it's too "holey." I suppose I should have used smaller needles- the stitch is a dropped garter stitch, so it's really stretchy and loose. This coupled with a too large needle= holey. You can see part of it was pulled out of shape- it's there on my shoulder. I think the dog's toe got stuck in it. This is the same principle that stops me from making lace baby blankets- because I can't bear to think of their little fingers tangled up in yarn. This has also stopped me from knitting the ever-popular Clapotis.

All this being said, I wear it here and there. It's a cute pattern and deserves another chance!

Specs:
Yarn: Knitpicks Essential Multi
Needles: size 9
Pattern: Storm Cloud Shawlette
Rav link: Storm Cloud

Fonzie's Cowl...

2010-05-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I was cold!

It seemed like a good idea- I mean I frequently wear a scarf inside!

It makes sense. It's practical.

Cowls are IN. It's a good use of small amounts of yarn.

It keeps me warm........no matter what the excuse, my friend Stacy put it best when she SHOUTED (in public), "IT'S A DICKEY!" followed by peals of laughter!

The good news is that my daughter H loves it...so she'll happily wear it around the house. Fashion is so much more forgiving for a kid : ) Drat.

Specs: I don't think they matter much : P

Also, H thinks this also makes a perfect hat!!!

The Happy-Girl Sweater....

2010-05-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

These first pictures were right when the sweater was finished. As you can see, she is thrilled with it and for that I am happy. Otherwise, this sweater is not my favorite.

For whatever reason, the sleeves (the first time I finished the sweater) were too tight. I think fellow knitters had mentioned this on Ravelry, and although I had her try them on a couple of times, they were too small. After I knitted the yoke done is when I decided the sleeves were not going to work. At this point some of my kind and loving friends and family tried to convince me to weave in the ends and give it to my second daughter, then re-knit another for my oldest. But, well, the colors were those chosen by H and Z had picked out her own, and well, I just couldn't! So, I frogged and re-knit. Then I didn't like the yoke, which I changed around a few times and I still don't necessarily love it. I think the colors don't have enough contrast-but she LOVES it, and for that I am happy!

I picked up too many stitches for the bands, so it's a bit wavy. I was concerned about it pulling up too much from the bottom, so I over compensated. The buttons came from a place on line- I think it's called Cute as a Button. They have a wonderful selection, but I should have read the description better. I was very surprised to see that our chosen buttons were plastic! I thought they were going to be metal! But, my daughter said, "Oh Mom, they are like sparkly, shiny jewels down the front!" There you have it. She loves them, so for that I am happy.

The pattern was nice, except for the sleeve issue. I made the largest size sleeves for the 8-10 size sweater AND the 6-8 sweater I made for my second daughter. The yarn, Wool of the Andes from Knitpicks, was excellent. It was very forgiving even after being knit and re-knit several times! I like the colors and the feel of the yarn. I think it will hold up well.

Specs:
Pattern: Drive Thru- Wendy Bernard
Size: 8-10
Mods: larger diameter sleeves- and I think I made the sleeves and the body longer
Yarn: Wool of the Andes

Rav link here

French Press cacahuètes pourpres slippers...

2010-04-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

How could I resist? I am a francophile after all. I was sucked in by all the hype on Ravelry and all the pictures of the beautiful slippers. I wanted to make my Mom a nice pair of cute slippers for Christmas, so I bought the pattern and cast on.

Then the first problem reared it's fuzzy purple head. My Mom's feet are bigger than mine. Not having her around to try them on during the felting process was problematic. I made my dear hubby try them, and then my younger sister. Nothing like begging family to try on wet stinky slippers!

Hmmmm, these are My Man's legs and not my sisters in case you were wondering : ) It was hard to determine when to stop the felting.

Here is the first pair- sans button band. I cannot account for the difference between the two slippers, but you can see, the first finished pair was way too shallow by the heel! It just would not stay on her foot. Seems simply adding rows to make the foot bed longer for larger sizes leads to a shallow fit. : (

As much as my Mom said they were perfect, I could see they weren't!

Too shallow!

So, I started on the second pair, and made all sorts of modifications to make the fit better....well, who knew that by changing them soooo very much, the "cute" factor went would go out the window????

Before the button band was sewn on, they looked like giant purple peanuts...which would be "cacahuètes pourpres" in french....still sounds cute!

Nannio says she likes them and they don't slip off- success. I hope she puts some "tread" on the bottom soon so that I won't feel too guilty if she slips wearing her french scuffs!

So, I am among the few who have these as an UGH! on Ravelry. I may try them again, after all, it could be part pattern, part felting process and part yarn to blame, with felting, no one really knows for sure...that's the fun of it : )

Details:
Yarn- Woolpack from NZ- at the bottom of the stash
Pattern- French Press Slippers
Needles- size 11
Buttons- made in Italy

Ravelry posting....

Don't let the "Cat out of the Bag" or rather "The Bird out of the Egg"

2010-03-24T01:41:00.000-07:00

Look who is drying on the radiator after a nice overnight soak in the sink. (I forgot about the poor little thing and I felt sorry for him this morning when I found him belly up in the basin : ( But he's feeling better now!

I am trying to make these little reversible duck/egg toys as a surprise for the girls for Easter. The surprise part isn't going that well. I have been working on them when my youngest is around and she's far too knit-curious for it to be a secret....I am hoping the old "out of sight out of mind" will come into play.

People, this is an all-time record for me- usually my Easter treats require a grueling late-night last minute finishing fest. Hmmmmm, I probably shouldn't count my ducklings before they hatch.....

How to knit an "Instant Doggy Bed"

2010-03-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here's my pattern for an instant doggy bed......

I just couldn't resist posting this.....think I have too many knitting bags all over the house? Don't even think for one minute that I "shooed" him off, he'll only climb back up there as soon as I walk out of the room : ) Besides, he looks so comfy....who could disturb him?(!)

Slouching toward the weekend......

2010-03-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

I thought a nice slouchy hat would be a good addition to my winter hat collection, so I set off to find one that I had seen from Knit and Tonic. Unable to locate the pattern, I found one that was a copycat version. The first hat I knit wasn't slouchy....I figured it was the faux cables that were causing the problem. In my quest for the slouch effect, I frogged it and re-knit it with larger needles. Well, the result was roughly the same : P

It fits, just not with envisioned slouch effect. But, alas, I am not interested in knitting it again. Oh well.....it's still a usable hat- and the faux cables were very fun! I am happy to have added that technique to my repertoire.

Specs:
Pattern: Slouchy Copy Cat Hat (Ravelry link- if you haven't already, JOIN!)
Yarn: Berrocco Comfort Worsted- this is a great yarn! I really like it and it's machine washable- I think Berrocco has some cute patterns out too.

The faux cables are actually well-placed decreases followed by an increase- a nice little technique!

Crossing the finish line.....

2010-03-05T01:40:00.000-08:00

These little mitts were started a while ago. I fell out of love with them at some point and, sadly, they were languishing at the bottom of some knitting bag with only one thumb left to knit!!! I eagerly finished them up before the Ravelympics started. I realize the Olympics only lasted 2 weeks, but I really felt inspired to complete several UFOs. Hurray!

As you can see from these pics, the mitts look pretty cute. The pattern is nice enough and the yarn was pretty.

But this next picture may show when I stopped feeling the love.

You see, as you increase the stitch count along the gussets for the thumb, the pattern becomes a bit wonky. For this glove, I just let the space grow between the spirals.....not really the best looking pattern I have ever seen.

Then for this glove, when the numbers were right, I started another spiral to see how that looked. You can see it here in the pic, it just starts out of no where.

So, they are finished and I have worn them several times. I simply put the wonky sides on facing down, along my palms. No big deal, but not a pattern I would want to use as a gift, nor would I want to make them again. Oh well. I still have a TON of the yarn left, so I will have to stash it for later.

Pattern: Winter Wonderland Mitts by Kristin Handen
Yarn: Dream in Color- Smooshy, fingering weight
Needles: size 4's
I couldn't actually find the pattern on their website.....maybe they took it off?

The yarn was wonderful and very soft...maybe I'll use the rest for some baby booties!

For the first time in my life, I have knit something that I am a little embarrassed about....and no it's not a string bikini or any of the items listed as "Naughty" on Ravelry! It's a "neckwarmer" but both my hubby and good friend saw it and shouted- "It's a dickey! Oh My Gosh-- you made a dickey!"

So, I am hesitant about divulging information- I know my friend wants to paste my picture all over facebook, BUT I have been wearing it a lot and I do LOVE it!!!!! Shhh, it's a secret!

The Agony of Defeat.....

2010-02-25T01:36:00.000-08:00

Well, it was fun while it lasted! I got sooooo many little projects finished in anticipation of the Ravelympics.....but, well, I am out. I will admit defeat in the boards on Ravelry today : ( I will definitely try again next year, but the sweater of choice didn't get out of the starting block, so to speak.

Here's how it's coming along:

During the peri-olympic time frame, we took a 4 day trip to Dublin, my daughter lost her first tooth, and I had to finish 20 hours of Continuing Education. The trip was fun, and Dublin was lovely, but I got zero knitting completed. My daughter lost her first tooth on Valentines day- which means she REALLY wanted, and has been patiently waiting for her tooth pillow- how long can I make her wait???!!!! The CE is self-explanatory- can't knit and read very well! So, that's how the odds stacked up- not looking good.

For the actual sweater- my very generous and thoughtful Mom gave me some Malabrigo Merino a little while ago. It is luscious and soft. She bought it at a shop in Key West (!) and the color is called shocking pink- it's lovely.

So, I decided to try the February Lady Sweater. The pattern is a swingy fun sweater- which I think will be perfect for the spring. There are tons of people who have made it on Ravelry, so there's lots of tips available. So far, so good. Test swatch was duly knit and washed- no big surprises to be had- the yarn behaved quite nicely.

Here's the first red flag thrown- the kettle dye process of the yarn leads to uneven coloring in some cases. The recommendation is to change the balls every couple of rows. I knew I didn't want make the changes on the edges and risk them being sloppy, so I figured I would hide the change in the back....well, it's not pretty. To me, it looks like a little worm just under the surface that's disrupting the even flow of the garter stitch. I agree, I am picky about my workmanship, but I have learned this, if it bothers me NOW on row 60 or so, it is STILL going to bother me at the end of row 260. I don't know if it will even out in the wash, but I do know that I will have put a lot more work into it by then. So, my prospects of completing by the deadline are dimming.

Can you see it in this picture? I think it looks better because I have spent a lot of time trying to even it out. I am not sure why it's behaving like this- I tried to get the tension just right.....

In this picture the trouble area is in the top- even with the red stitch marker:

The next issue is the sizing- I am on target with the gauge, but it is still too small for my liking around my torso. I know that garter stitch stretches like crazy lengthwise, but I am not sure about width wise.

So, there you have it folks- it's heading to the frog pond today. I am going to knit it again with bigger needles and I am going to change the yarn just outside the button band. I also MUST finish that tooth pillow today, so the fairy can work her magic!

P.S. While knitting with the Malabrigo, I have a cheating heart. I keep thinking- I must knit a scarf or something snuggly with this yarn!

Sam's Cabled Vest....

2010-02-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

The Ravelympics (trying to knit a sweater in 2 weeks, which starts at 3 am local time tonight) has spurred me to finish off several long-languishing projects and to tie up some loose ends, if you will : )

It has been my goal to make a garment for my nephew. There have been a couple of hats, but I wanted something more substantial for him. I don't know if the little fellow was ever able to wear the baby bunting I made for him- his size was a little "healthier" than I had anticipated, so if it fit at all, it was probably for about 10 minutes.

Enter the cabled vest:

Moose seemed like a good model- I don't care for those pictures with creepy-looking dolls in them.

The cables seem to allow for more stretch in the middle- just where a little one might need it if he had a bit of a Buddha belly...

The pattern is on the PurlSoho blog, and it is VERY well-written. I don't think I have ever knit such a thorough pattern before. It knitted up pretty quickly. I learned a new technique- knitting without a cable needle- as seen in pics on Grumperina's blog. If I hadn't, I think it would have taken me until Sam's 5th birthday to finish it. This project was a nice combination of easy+interesting=perfect :)

The yarn is a merino, machine-washable from our local store here in Oderzo, Italy. I got the buttons in Sacile. I modified the pattern to make it larger by using bigger needles and I made it a little longer to try to ensure good coverage- we'll see!

My lovely assistants- they always think it's so fun to go outside in their socks...I guess it's the little things in life that make it fun.

No animals were harmed in these pictures.

Pumpkin Hats

2010-02-08T04:18:00.000-08:00

I made these back in October- and the girls loved them. The pattern is excellent and I love the way they turned out.

The first one I made, I added more stitches because I was concerned it would be too tight for H. The rim of the hat seems less forgiving after you attach the leaf section. So, in my infinite wisdom (!) the hat turned out to be much too big. So, I sent it to the Great Pumpkin in Ohio! (Nannio- you know who you are!) As she loves all things Halloween, this probably fit right into her repertoire....although I am still waiting for a photo!

I definitely recommend this pattern- it's clever in the increases and how the leaves are attached.

Details:
Yarn: Italian market variety- 70% wool, 30% acrylic.
Size: large
Needles: size 7
Pattern: Patrick's Pumpkin Hat

I see I should block them to make the leaves stand up, but they didn't care and wanted to wear them right away- cant' argue with that : )

Ravelry link

2010-02-07T01:30:00.000-08:00

Come and join the craziness : )

The challenge is to knit a project during the Olympics. We cast on during opening ceremonies...which is posted as 3 am in Italy, but I need to double check that. Then you have 2 weeks to finish the project. I have been yearning to knit my Malabrigo from Nannio for a while now, and I have decided to jump right in. I will attempt to make this cardigan: February Lady Sweater.

I oscillate between feeling confident I can knit a Lacy sweater in 2 weeks and feeling like it's mission impossible.....

The Great Cardigan Conundrum.....

2010-02-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

This cardigan has been giving me GRIEF! (The alternate title to this post could be "Never knit any project that promises to be simple, fast, or quick.")

In the beginning, I let H pick out the colors...I am not crazy about the very pale rose, but, it was her choice. When reading about the pattern, several folks said the sleeves ran small- so I increased the size and knit along happily.

Alas, it was too small, and a sleeve with no ease looks ridiculous! By then, I had also finished the yoke because at this point I was excited about doing some color work. I liked this initial arrangement of colors on the yoke, but did I write down the sequence? Heavens no! Why, I was going to remember it, of course! Friends and dear ones tried to convince me to finish it up at this point and give it to my younger daughter- the sleeves would fit. I thought I could, but in the end, I wanted to fix it.

Ribbit Ribbit Ribbit........the first of many dips in the frog pond.

Then, I re-knit the sleeves a larger size. Problem solved! Now, how did that yoke section go????? I tried this one:

and I didn't like it. Then I tried maybe 4 more versions???? (I just could not bring myself to photograph them all.)

Finally, I ended up with this one. So, at this point, we are in decent shape, right?

Well, not exactly. You see, there is this problem....

The pattern calls for ribbing along the button band....it's not so great! At first, I thought I could solve the problem of the shrinking edges of the ribbing by picking up more stitches- this, I reasoned, would make the button band thicker and counteract the dreadful appearance....not so much.

I also don't like the way it looks along the top, either.

Of course, I wove in the ends already....I would like to just keep knitting....I could be done this weekend. I only have the other side of the button band to knit. I even have button "stand ins" already- but I don't really like those, either. They are pale pink and the saleslady rushed me into choosing them. I only bought them to use until my USA scout finds heart-shaped ones. When the real buttons arrive, I can simply change them. Maybe I should forge ahead and finish with the weird button band, or maybe I should just ball this whole thing up and hide it in a distant corner of my freezing cold basement......what to do, what to do.

The other less than pleasant aspect is that I am already finished with 3/4 of another one of these....for my youngest daughter. The colors are different- they kind of coordinate- which is what the girls were trying to achieve....UGH!

Holiday Mittens.....

2010-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

She has been asking for matching mittens for a while- well, at least for a couple of days. Her nagging just makes it seem longer. Are my mittens ready? Are my mittens ready? Will they be done today?

Yes, they are finished. Then, at the park, she asked, "Can you make me a hat just like this one- only with this yarn?" I reminded her that I made her about the elf hat. Well, could I have one just like the one I am wearing, only with holiday yarn? Sure, why not....I probably should have asked her first anyway! Oh well, I guess I HAVE to knit more : )

Details:
Yarn: Herrschner's Holiday yarn
Gauge: 20 sts/4"
Needles: size 6
Pattern: The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd (great book!)

Mods:
I only changed the length of the cuff- I made it about 3 inches long to make sure her wrists stay covered. I forgot about how pointy the thumbs and tops turn out the more decreases made before pulling the string through the stitches. I wouldn't mind re-doing them, but I am going to let it go- let them go : )

Hats off to the holidays!

2010-01-09T02:54:00.001-08:00

This year the holday knitting was nothing but fun. I have read in the blog-o-sphere about many bloggers getting overwhelmed trying to make gifites. I have done that before, but not this year! I was so excited about making these for the girls (and nephew), I knit them up super fast.

In my enthusiasm, I bought 10 balls of yarn- a green, red, white and metallic blend- a little tacky, abut a lot festive! Normally, the colors would have conjured up holiday thoughts, but I couldn't stop thinking that the colors were the same for the Italian flag! I also think the Italians would love the flashy metallic bits!
However, after the knitting got under way, it was pretty boring! Worse yet, the girls weren't super-thrilled with their new hats! I think they would have liked the striping called for in the original pattern- oh well, there's always next year. I was able to sweet talk them into donning their elf hats a few times........

Overall, it was a nice holiday project. Next time, I will consult the girls first

This little fellow seems happy with his- super cute!

Project details:
Pattern: Striped Stocking Caps
Yarn: Herrschner's Holiday
Needles: size 7
Sizes: baby and small child- cast on 72
Bigger child- cast on 80

Tooth Fairy pillow for Maxwell

2009-11-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

Although I am not looking forward to the loss of deciduous teeth among my own small fries, I am super excited that our little nephew Max has started the process!

Of course, where there's an event, there's a fun little knit to go with it!

I've promised another one for H-bomb- the only way she would let this one go.

The coffee cup is in the picture to show the size, although it does look good : )

I think the pillow even arrived to be of service : )

Specifics:

Pattern: free download from Knitpicks
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted
Needles: size 6
Gauge: 18 sts/4 inches

It was a very easy pattern- it would have been nice to have the closure of the pillow at the bottom instead of the top so the crown would be smoother, but I didn't feel like thinking about it all that much.

Happy birthday, hot legs......

2009-10-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

A little flashback to the 80's for my little sister's birthday : )

This was a fun, straightforward project I worked on during the drive to France. (Fret not, camper, My Man was doing the driving: ) I admit I ripped them out quite a bit in the beginning (nothing new for me). At first they seemed too small, then, it was something else that bothered me, but when I was done messing around, they knitted up just fine. It makes me want a pair......oy!

Details:
Yarn: Patons Classic wool- self-striping, love that!
Pattern: Cast on 60, work in 2x2 rib for 20 rows, then change to stockinette until desired length. Finish with 20 rows of 2x2 rib at the other end!
Gauge: 20 sts/4 inches
Needles: Size 6- magic loop method used.

Nannio's Mitts

2009-09-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

In this picture, my daughter looks different to me. Sometimes, I think certain photos seem to flash forward to a glimpse of the future of a child. She looks older than her 5.84 years! I love that expression : )

So, Nannio made a scarf and I made the matching mitts. I didn't like this yarn much, either. It's got too many sparkly bits in it. But the mitts are cute. I'd like to make some more of theses....

Here's them on my second daughter...

And of course, here's what they look like on the puggy : ) Sorry, you know I can't resist!

Specifics:
Yarn: Bulky Italian yarn
Gauge: 6 sts/2"
Needles: size 11
Pattern: Cast on 20 sts and work in the round in k1p1 rubbing for 17 rows. Change to stockinette stitch and work 12 rows in the round. Work back and forth for 6 rows to allow for a thumb opening. Rejoin to work in the round for 5 more rows- bind off. Weave in loose ends.

These work up very fast, as you might imagine. Hopefully they will help Nannio beat the chill this fall.

Anastasia's Shawl....

2009-09-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

I knit this shawl for my big sister. Although it didn't take long to knit, it has taken me a long time to finish it up. Seems I have several projects that are near completion - over 90% done, yet they remain 10% undone.

I have really changed to a process-type knitter and not a project oriented knitter, but STILL!

The yarn was not my favorite. My knitterly friends seem to think the finished product looks nice, but it's hard for me to see past the yarn. As usual, I am not a fan of novelty yarn.

Specs:
Yarn: Karabella Gossamer, black
Pattern: Karabella KK230
Yarn used: 3 skeins, 220 yards EACH
Gauge: 14-16 sts/4 inches
Needles: size 10

Mods: Cast on 30 rather than 16 and then I just kept knitting and increasing until it was the length I wanted from neck to elbow. The final measurements are:

neck to elbow-19"
neck down back- 25"
length across at widest point-46"

I knit this with smaller needles than called for, so it has a tighter feel and should be warmer. At the recommended gauge, the stitches seemed too big to me- it had too many "holes." So, I used 3 skeins rather than 2. Even with the extra skein, I had to make the ruffle smaller so I didn't run out of yarn.

It's a very simple pattern and a ruffle is always nice.

Look for this in the mail soon....sis!

Catching up...with baby steps

2009-08-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

I made this little sack for my new nephew...of course I haven't posted in a while and now he's 2 years old. Just kidding, it hasn't been THAT long, but he is 2 months old : )

I hope this fit him at some point, though not anymore! While I was making it, I was thinking how small it seemed, but I sized it up against a little 5 week old and it seemed like it would be alright. I don't know for sure.

Specifics:

Yarn: Berroco Comfort DK
Color: green
Washing: machine wash and dry until nearly dry
Pattern: Mrs. Brak's Drawstring Bottom Baby Kimono with Raglan Shaping by Georgia Porter
Mods: I made a crochet chain to tie it....and a matching little hat
Buttons: from a crazy little italian shop!

There's an Italian woman at the library who directed me to a button/fabric store. There were dozens and dozens of boxes stacked up to the ceiling. Each box had a dozen or so little buttons stuck on the front of the lid. The idea was to point to a box that might have something of interest and then the sales lady would get it down and help you. I found the buttons straight away and I love them. Of course, I forgot to sew on the spare : (

Overall the pattern was seriously CUTE! I would definitely be interested in more sizing information next time.

I decided not to place a scarey-looking dolly in it for picture purposes, you can thank me later : )

Inspired by the Cleveland Zoo's Rainforest

2009-04-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

This pattern is very sweet- I love the way the wings button. We recently went to the zoo and saw a live bat exhibit in part of the Rainforest. Usually, my little Z is easily intimidated by all things she deems spooky- she uses her own scale of creep-factor and it's hard to predict what she will deem unacceptable. Interestingly, she was really intrigued by the nocturnal antics of these creatures! She now professes a LOVE for bats!

I always forget, when making these toys, that the knitting portion is faster than the assembling portion. I am not a huge fan of the assembly, but it’s always worth it. I have several requests for more of these fellows.

I remain unimpressed by this yarn- Vanna's Choice- I should have made it with Cascade 220 as called for in the pattern. The Vanna's Choice was splitty and hard on my hands.

Just Enough Ruffles.....

2009-04-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

(photo by H-bomb)

I have stated on numerous occasions that I wanted something made with Aurora 8 around my neck. This lovely yarn is the yarn that gave me gauge fits when I knit "Hourglass." But, with a scarf, there is no gauge with which to have an issue : ) I do love gauge-less projects, you know.

So, this scarf is Just Enough Ruffles. It was a quick, fun knit. It's a great intro to short rows. The only aspect I DON'T like about the scarf is where it rolls. Despite several rows of garter stitch at the beginning, it rolls. I tried to block it to stop the rolling and it didn't really help. I think I can just let it go, we'll see.

Surprisingly, the Aurora 8 for this scarf doesn't seem as soft as the same yarn knit up in my sweater. My friend Buffy and I spent lots of time debating whether it has a little itch or not. I guess if you can't tell very easily, the itch factor is pretty negligible...but I am always searching for no-itch natural fibers. All in all, I like it.

(photo by Z-bomb)

Baby it's cold outside....

2009-01-31T06:20:00.000-08:00

Hat number two- for daughter number two!

Just about the same as the other one, except I made the decreases more severe to have a flatter top : )

She appears to love it!

Knit like the wind- it's cold out!

2009-01-29T09:11:00.001-08:00

This kid is a riot- she picked out these colors herself! I am thrilled about making knitterly items to keep them warm...more to come.

Pattern: Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky
Needles: Size 10, 3.5 sts/inch- nice and tight for warmth
Mods: Changed the crown decreases to be more gradual, added afterthought garter stitch edging and decreased a few stitches so it would hug her head more

I've lost that loving feeling....

2009-01-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

This project is on the verge of hibernation status. I think I know why. It's hard to see the value of a cardigan that doesn't actually close down the center! This functionality is particularly important since I am visiting Ohio and it's COLD here!!

(The pattern actually comes much closer in the center- this is a fit problem.)

But, I have been slogging away, and I was almost done with the body of the sweater. I know you are supposed to be able to try on the sweater as you go, but I usually don't. Ridiculous, really. Sure, I had many signs the fit would not be a good one- for example, my gauge was way off. (You know, the little details!)

To the frog pond it goes....but not for long. I have already cast on and just divided for the sleeve. I decided to forge ahead and see how it goes. I love the yarn, so we'll see.

Kittens who are smitten with mittens....

2009-01-14T03:26:00.000-08:00

There was some concern these mittens would be thumb less, but alas, all digits are covered. I made these with a very utilitarian objective- to help keep the girls warm when we get back to Ohio. Soon, these little projects became a calming outlet for my nervous energy about the trip in general. What I discovered is that they are FUN to make!

I was surprised by my tender feelings when my children donned their new little mittens. I really felt warm and fuzzy inside- it seemed, through my craft, I was able to somehow hold their hands from a distance......

The knitty gritty:
Yarn:- Knitpicks Swish Worsted in sunshine and
Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in mulled wine

Pattern: Knitters Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd - When I purchased this book years ago, (actually I think my mom bought it for me when I lived in Washington, perhaps California?) I had no idea what a treasure it is until this project. First you start with the yarn and then you can find a pattern. This book does all the work for you by giving a wide variety of patterns with a wide variety of gauges. Excellent resource...she's done all the calculations for you! Perfect.

Waving bye-bye before our voyage to the motherland! (and the home of MANY local yarn shops- hurray!)

P.S. It was all I could do to stop myself from embroidering O-H-I-O- one letter per glove....it's ingrained in my brain : )

Free-range Knitter....

2009-01-05T23:40:00.000-08:00

Things are looking up....this book made me laugh out loud! I chuckled my way through it, at one point laughing until I had tears running down my face. I'll have to find her first book, too.

It's a collection of essays ranging from knitting to parenthood. She's hilarious....this should get the knitting back on track : )

Free-Range Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here is the feather and fan shawl I finished a little while back- I think in November. I like the style and the drape, but it is itchier than I thought it would be. I think I'll still use it, especially if our heater goes out again.

I have a bit of startitis or some kind of knitting block going on. While my mom was here visiting, we bought some yarn at the market. The yarn label didn't specify gauge or needles or anything. I was thinking about using it for a little capelet, but it's the wrong gauge. (I won't make that purchasing mistake again!)

So, determined not to stash this yarn, I have tried to knit with it for several days and have nothing to show for it. I tried a cowl, a hat, some mitts, and a scarf. I also tried making my own capelet design, but I really don't want to sit there and figure it out. I just want to knit. So, there it is.

I am not sure what cures knitting startitis. I also have several half-baked amigurumi projects floating around here, and one finished fingerless glove in need of a mate. I have finished (end weaving and seaming) a couple sweaters for my fellow knitwits...but that hardly counts. I did finish a thin, red, sparkly scarf for my friend Jan. I forgot about that.

Maybe I just need some great yarn to get going. I still have the top down cardigan on the needles, I don't know why I haven't been working on that very much. I have most of the body done! I should finish that- I should just finish anything!!! I think I just need to re-evaluate my stash- that might help. I am also annoyed that I still can't find a pattern I purchased for a sweater called Fantine. (I am too tired to link it tonight, maybe tomorrow.)

This is an interesting knitterly start to the new year....I am sure everything will turn around soon.
Here are the kids for scale!

Between this and that....

2008-11-16T06:45:00.000-08:00

there's a shawl.

I am really between projects, so this is what I have been working on. I would like to make Fantine. I have the yarn and the pattern, but I can't find the pattern. We moved a couple of months ago, and the last time I saw the pattern was on the table in our old living room. It hasn't turned up.

I have been thinking about knitting some holiday gifts. Thinking about it isn't that productive.

I have also been thinking about just reaching my hand into my bin o' yarn and knitting something out of whatever I grab. I dream of turning over most of my stash by using it up. Dreaming isn't that productive, either.

Hey, at least I'll have a shawl to show for it. This is a feather and fan shawl with Andean Treasure from Knitpicks. The yarn is truly wonderful and soft. I don't think of this as a shawl as much as a thick scarf to chase away the Italian chill. "Shawl" sounds like something someone really old would use. Certainly someone in their 40's at least : )

Bestest Mom Ever!

2008-11-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

The Aviano Knitwits were the happy recipients of a package from our fervent, stateside supporters- Nanny-o and her knitwit friend Carol. I am surprised Nanny-o could wrestle the yarn from Carol before she knit it into holiday washcloths : )

Let me tell you- we were so thrilled. Those of you in the USA might take it for granted that you can easily go to your local yarn shop or Michaels to browse for inspiration and supplies. It's quite different here, so this box from home was a wonderful surprise.

Here we are charging up the glow in the dark yarn. What fun!!

Our box had candy, yarn, and patterns for ghosts and pumpkins in cute little booklets. There were also some knitterly magazines in there. This box was truly appreciated- we were like kids ourselves-oooh, look at this, look at that. Thank you for such a wonderful gift- it meant a lot to us.

This is one of two pumpkins I made for the girls. H wanted hers to have lipstick and eyelashes, while Z's has a frown. Hers has been missing for a while, I strongly suspect the dog knows what happened to it....but he's not saying a word.

Blanket him with love....

2008-11-12T00:28:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken just before packing this blanket up for its journey to Ohio. I made this for my friend's son's first birthday. Clearly they are fans of The OSU.

I put the camera there to give an idea about the finished size...I think it was about 3.5 feet square.

This was taken hanging over the edge of a twin size bed. Although the pattern is for a baby blanket, I usually make the blanket bigger- more of a toddler-size blanket.

Here's a pic of the little fellow I made to go in the pocket. I just couldn't bring myself to create a Brutus Buckeye. A little lamb will have to do.

Z gives him a christening kiss (even though it looks like she's trying to eat him) for the journey.

I just really love this pattern- this is my third version. The pattern is the Bear Necessities Blanket from Vogue Baby Blankets. Instead of changing colors every row- I make the rows thicker- weaving in all the ends IS a bear! This time I made the pocket bigger. I used Encore Worsted- three skeins of gray, 2 of the scarlet and one white. This is an easy care yarn that seems to hold up well. I also make the seed stitch edging thicker.

The little lambi came from Tiny Yarn Animals.

Also, in knitting news, I have started teaching a class at the community center. We meet on Tuesday evenings. I wonder how they are doing? If you are reading this...leave a comment and let me know!

Eating Crow.....

2008-11-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

or a mouthful of hairy homespun! Yep, that's right. There is a new place in my heart for Hairy Homespun.... Just think, the very reason I started this blanket- after giving up my "crochet blanket dream," was because I couldn't stand the thought of stashing so much of this stuff! I wanted to "use it up," so to speak.
I still don't like the colors, and I certainly did not enjoy knitting with the stuff, but the blanket is soft, easily washed, and snuggly! It was a very nice outcome and it never hurts that is was quite quick to make.
This blanket was knit with 2 strands together. There's a garter stitch border and a single garter ridge between color changes. I fear there will be another one in my future as it has met with rave reviews from the girls, my mother-in-law, my sister and my dog. This original work of Hairy-ness is winging it's way to a new home in Seattle Washington. Enjoy this belated birthday gift my sister- it's a long-distance hairy hug : )

This Girl Can Knit!

2008-09-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

This post is about my friend- I wanted her family to see the proof- this girl can knit! People, let me tell you, my friend S decided she wanted to learn to knit. I only had to show her the basics and off she went. (We had a few phone conversations, and luckily I live close by, so there were home visits- which were all fun...she is, after all, the hostess with the mostess.) Her first sweater is a lacy little cardi for her adorable daughter. The pattern is available on the Lion Brand website and I think the yarn was their cotton blend in the color Berry. It only took a couple skeins.

Her daughter, was a little hesitant to wear it. (In this pic the ends hadn't been woven in, but the little munchkin wasn't bothered by that, she didn't want to wear it because it didn't have princess buttons, or some similar, very valid reason : )

And my friend knitted a little toy for her munchkin- the pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I think this is the first project we made- we did a knit-along. She learned all the basics- increasing, decreasing, etc.

Here's the beautiful sweater.

Here's my daughter modeling it for us.

And, I just realized that we don't have any pics of her little one, and well, what would be the point for a granny to visit a site if it didn't have any pics of her littlest Tinkerbell????

I think the shoes make the outfit, don't you?

Not only that, but she is a whiz at Amigurumi too!

S has been hosting the weekly SnB- and it's an event. It is a funfest- she makes iced coffee (yum) and there's a candy bucket and we stay up knitting until....well, until WAY TOO LATE! It's a blast.

P.S. I believe my friend mentioned something about a sister who was going to have to kiss her feet because she didn't believe she could knit? Oh, and I think that same sister is going to have to wear a sweater that S is making for her EVERY day! Wasn't that the deal???? Congrats on your knitting S- way to go!

Cupcake...sort of....

2008-07-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

I realize this doesn't look like a cupcake. It looks more like a marshmallow wearing a night cap : )
It seems, however, none of that matters to the kids.

Stash Enhancement.....

2008-07-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

It's been cool here, so this yarn is likely higher up in the Q. I am planning on making this sweater Knitting Pure and Simple #241. (It's a long-sleeved cardigan, but with cotton, it should be great for cooler summer evenings. I am not crazy about the color of the yarn....I wanted something neutral but this has a "pinkish" quality I could not notice on the computer screen. It will be nice when I have a local yarn shop again.

I am going to try Sizzle again... I love this yarn.

And now, in order to satisfy my one faithful reader, my sister...here's #2 in her finished (almost, still haven't put a closure on it) cardi.

Inception of the She-Knit "Homespun" Haters Club

2008-07-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe there is a group of crafters on Ravelry- or in existence anywhere- who loves this yarn. I cannot tell you how much I hate it.

It all started very simply. I have started crocheting a little here and there, so I got the notion in my head that I was going to try to crochet a blanket. I can't even remember how I happened upon this pattern. I thought it was just beautiful, I still do.

I was wholly unfamiliar with the Homespun and innocently let the Lionbrand site help me purchase the 2 million skeins I would need to complete this project. The pattern was labeled "Advanced Beginner." With my army of Amigurumi creatures smiling at me, I thought I could handle it. I knew the yarn was synthetic, which is not my favorite, but I knew I wanted something I could easily wash and dry. I honestly can't imagine hand-washing a blanket!

When the package of yarn arrived, I was disappointed. It's "hairy yarn," people. I am not a fan of hairy yarn. It's hairy acrylic yarn. It has these wavy bits in it that remind me of poodle hair. Their coats get wavy. But poodle hair would be better becuase it would be soft and not have that certain "crunchy" element.

With high hopes and hook in hand, I set out. The first trouble came with Row 1. The chain stitches were so hairy I couldn't really see where one started and one ended. I struggled and struggled. Finally I decided to draw a diagram, and color-code the last dozen stitches of each row to help me get started on the next row. Once I got the pattern rolling, I was okay. It was a lot of work.

At long last, I had something to show for my struggle. I proudly spread the few rows out for my hubby to see, and he said, "Oh, it's going to be one of those "holey" blankets." HISSSSSSSssss, I could hear the wind going out of my sails. I was already talking myself into a lot here, and that was all it took. Ugh.

Now I have all this homespun- what to do with it??? I could gift Jan (from SnB) with a dozen shawls from it- she despises the Homespun more than I do : ) I started the search for another pattern. I have given up being able to crochet it- or any blanket, maybe. The other sample is a "waves" pattern....it wasn't so great either.

I think I am going to try some version of the Ombre blanket in, well, you guessed it, Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It won't be nearly as lovely as the pricey alpaca used in the book, that's for certain. I just don't want to have to stash this stuff- I will have to deal with it sooner or later!

So, I hereby would like to start the She-Knit "Homespun" Haters Club. (Anyone remember the He-Man Woman haters club from Little Rascals?) Okay, Jan, you can be president, and I'll be VP!

An unfortunate turn of events

2008-07-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

I had never had this happen to me before. Here I was, knitting along, thinking everything was fine, and it was not.

I was very surprised to see this. The knitting version of the "cosmic slap." The moment has long since passed, but, it's part of the story.

I am following the silk camisole pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I am using Hempathy to make it. I didn't choose this pattern becuase I am in love with it- and the picture in the book is rather "unfortunate." I chose to knit this based on the fact that I had the correct material, and I wanted to try the hemp.

Of course I am modifying the pattern to make it more "wear-able." Of course, I don't have an "extra" skein. So, I can either stop the mods, or scour the internet.

It calls for I-cord straps over four stitches. There's no way I would wear that, or if I did, my bra straps would be hanging out. Despite current fashion trends, I am not a fan. Sure I could go with a strapless undergarment, but that seems like too much trouble for this simple, summer tank. I guess I could use it for lounge-wear, but I don't have much need for that. I have already lengthened it, and made the "v" a little higher, I don't know how far my last dwindling skein will go : (

I haven't been stung too many times for making alterations (that always use up more yarn) without buying more yarn. So, I am overdue.

Here's the tank-in-progress before I split for the v-neck.

I have an idea, I can just set it aside, work on all sorts of other projects and maybe it will fix itself : ) Now that's "Wishful" Knitting.

Cactus....

2008-06-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

I made this for my fellow SnBer, Jan. I gifted it to her long ago, but I never put up the pictures. It was, as are most of the amigurumi projects, FUN! It's from the book in the side bar there- Ana Paula's. And it's made with mystery market yarn.
Of course, my eldest daughter wanted to keep this little fellow. But he was created specifically for my friend. I told my daughter I would make her one, as she wants every project I make, but I haven't done so yet. It's on the list, I keep telling her. Good thing she doesn't know how long the list is : ) I think I will make the mini-cactus for her instead. I am currently working on an ice cream cone (for both girls) and after that I think she wants the apple. She's even requesting crocheted items for her stuffed toys. Apparently Bitty, who is my second daughter's lovey, needs an ice cream cone too. It's getting out of hand!

Fear not sister of mine, Odd Fellow is on my mind again, and I do mean the knitted toy.

Knitting without a safety net....

2008-06-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

I am certainly no designer. I don't even aspire to "design" anything. I would like, however, to be able to put together a simple sweater/shrug with any yarn for any person. This is my first attempt and so far I think it's going well.
This summer cardigan is actually not for this willing model, but for her sister. (Who is less apt to be bribed most of the time.) I am using white cotton that I picked up at the market. I have chosen to knit it at a tighter gauge than I normally would because I keep thinking the cotton is going to stretch out. Hopefully it won't be like a suit of armor when it's finished!
I am using Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top Down book as my inspiration. So far, so good- I am pleased with it. I finished the sleeves with a very simple yarn-over lace edging- I'll probably use it along the lower edge as well. I think I will single crochet along the front and neck and then use a single button at the top to close it. The weather here has been so weird- hot and then cold even on the same day, that it will likely get a lot of use.

I'd like to try incorporating a simple lace design into a patternless little sweater eventually, but first, baby steps.

Seems I have knitting A.D.D. at the moment. I have 4 projects on the needles, which is a record for me. I thought it would be fun to have multiple projects, but I think I am happier with just a project or 2. That's how I used to knit- one project at a time. Really you can only physically knit one project at a time anyway. I am always looking for some "mindless" knitting, which has led me to this situation. But it seems I get the "mindless" part over so quickly, that I have to find more mindless knitting and then, seemingly suddenly, I have several stalled projects that need lots of attention at once. It's just not working for me. So, I am going to try and finish a few of these projects up. Of course, there's always more yarn calling me.....

Presenting Tiny....

2008-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

My friend's son has an imaginary friend- a bunny named Tiny. I just think it's the sweetest thing EVER.

Apparently, Tiny can be naughty and is responsible for a whole slew of mischievous behavior at her house. Tiny also has been known to jump out the car window- requiring my friend to pull over to give him a chance to catch up. It's just so sweet.

Tiny was born red, and has since metamorphasized to purple. I have wanted to knit Tiny for a long time, and I am so tickled to have finally completed this loving task. Tiny is safely in the arms of his boy- his sister is the one who got the elephante.

Tiny is from the Last Minute Knitted Gifts book and is made from Swish Superwash from knitpicks. The yarn was soft and squishy just the way Tiny should be. I wish I had an entire army of these.

Ella's Elephante......

2008-05-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

My dear friend recently moved her family to the Washington, D.C. area. I thought it would be nice to send a softie to her kids so they would have a little something extra to hold onto during all these changes. Her little girl is named Ella, and here is her elephant. The pattern is from the fabulous Ana Paula's book- see side bar.
I am tickled pink (ha, ha) with how she turned out. I had several hesitations with the trunk. Plus, she looked like a pig right up to the end.
Finishing it was very fiddly and not fun at all. It will be a while before I make another one of these. I don't know how any crochet toy that I make will hold up to "play" from a little one.
Her brother's bunny is waiting in the wings for his photo shoot.

Blooming with Blossom!

2008-05-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Blossom by Knitting@Knoon is done- it's a wonderful knit! The pattern is interesting, but not overly complicated. This is the first time I used Cascade 220- I had no idea what I was missing! It feels very soft and has a nice drape. I adore this sweater and my daughter likes it too. I might try to make one for myself : )

I love the picot edging and the bell sleeves.

And this is what it would look like if you made one for a pirate.

Schmoke and a pancake, latte and a cupcake?

2008-05-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Now that the latte is safely on the table of her new owner, it's blogg-able. The patterns are from Ana's book (see side bar)- and the recipient is my ever coffee-lovin', Seattle-livin' sister. Umm, sorry that the cupcake didn't come along for the ride, but there was no prying it out of H's hand!

Most of the faces in the book have wide-set eyes. They look darling, but when I try to duplicate them, it doesn't seem to look as cute. I usually settle for closer-set eyes.

The finishing is a bit labor intensive, more so on the larger critters. I bought felt here in Italy, but it can't be used for my purposes. It's about 1/2" thick! I should have told the store clerk that I didn't want it, but she went upstairs and then returned with 5 bolts of different colors, while I was shopping around. When I went over to the cutting table, she had most of it cut already, so I just bought it. Oh well. Maybe I'll come up with a use for it- doubtful. I found some felt at the craft store on base.

Cheers Sis!

Little peeps for the little peeps...

2008-05-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

These were my first projects from Ana Paula's book. It all started off so innocently, and now it's hard to stop! I have made several of these little cuties and they get rave reviews from the kids! Easy, cute, why not?
I am still experimenting with the nose. The book calls for a nose made out of felt and sewn in place. I don't like how thin and flimsy the felt seems. The embroidery skills could use a little work, but I think that's the way to go.

Off to the market......

2008-05-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

With any new obsession involving yarn, I find it necessary to acquire more. Although Amigurumi is billed as a stash buster, a stash enhancer is so much more fun!
Here are some misc. pictures of the market. I didn't get a shot of the yarn guy's stall because it's in a tight alley. It was impossible with the alley crowded with shoppers.

Just a few skeins in various colors. They were 3 Euro each, I think. I seem to have conveniently forgotten. The yarn is 80% wool and 20% acrilico.

While at the market, a woman approached me and asked for help. She was a fellow Americana. She thought the yarn was silk because of the name "Silke" on the label. An honest mistake, she would only have to touch the yarn to know it's not silk. Anyway, she was looking for something to take to her mom back in the States as a souvenir! How thoughtful! Help spend someone else's yarn budget- heck yeah! I asked her what kind of knitting her mom preferred- she had no idea. She answered simply, "She's always making something." That doesn't really point me in a specific direction. Then I inquired if she liked novelty yarns, or if she makes kids clothes, or housewares. "She makes everything," was her reply. Okay, a nice merino it is : ) We chose a light worsted weight, cream colored merino. I know I would be thrilled to receive that as a gift, and it seemed like a good choice. I hope she liked it!!!

Rumor has it that the man who runs the stall also has a store- about 45 minutes from here. Did someone say "road trip?"

The beginning of Amigurumi...

2008-04-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

Just look at that happy kid- I suppose this is what/who started me down the path of late nights and tingling digits. Seems I have gotten into the habit of making my girls a new stuffed toy every Easter. This year, she wanted a guinea pig. For weeks I tried to get her to change her mind, to no avail. I couldn't find a knitted pattern- in hindsight, I am sure I could have just come up with something, but instead, I found this site: Planet June. While I have tried basic crochet before (with the help of the Happy Hookers), I hadn't tried anything like this before. So, I gave it a whirl- and, judging from the smiles, I think it went well.
Lucky for me, Nanny-o has been here for Spring break to do the hard part...the faces! And, as usual, we have to do it late at night, the eve before Easter. Hey, it's tradition. It's when we do our best work! (heard that before?)
Note the blue rooster pitcher filled with red wine : )
Thanks for your help Mumsey!

The pattern is the same for both. Obviously, for the fuzzy fellow, I held the eyelash yarn together with the worsted weight yarn. The little guy is just the worsted weight yarn. I was a little surprised by how dramatic the size difference was, but it doesn't matter to the girls.
Some may note that the little one doesn't have legs. In my hurry to meet the Easter Bunny deadline, I overlooked those little details known as legs. My little girl has never noticed, or she has never said anything if she did notice. My elder daughter points it out to me on a daily basis. I tell her it's on my list of things to do : )

Come back Jan!

2008-04-21T14:57:00.001-07:00

The elder daughter, filled with awe, quietly observed, "Mom, she's knitting that blanket AND using that blanket."

Ten seconds later, they couldn't resist any longer and jumped under that handknit- smart girls.

I'm not sure how much knitting we got done, but we had fun. Come back soon : )

Sweet little hat....

2008-04-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

I made this for a baby shower recently. The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It was easy and fun to knit- but there is an error in the pattern that isn't corrected on the errata page. Following the given instructions doesn't leave enough openings to thread the tie properly. This time, (as I was running out of time and wanted it to be washed and ready to wear) I simply overlooked the defect and tied the hat. Next time I make it, I will add another eyelet. The yarn is Mission Falls cotton- from the stash.

I also made this....

I have started to crochet little items (read....current obsession). It seems so freeing to be able to create simple sweet designs with only a hook. The baby's name will be Sofia and the shower was the day before Easter.

Starsky...it's a re-run!

2008-04-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

To say I "love" this sweater does not do my sentiments justice. I really, really adore this sweater. I wear it all the time and it's perfectly suited for this time of season change. It makes me feel like I know how to knit : ) It's comfortable and snuggly.

The pattern is great, easy to follow and I didn't hit any stumbling blocks. I used EcoWool and it's lovely. I am also happy with the color. As you all know, the pattern is Starsky and it's from Knitty.com(Jordana Paige).

I love it...okay, nuff said, you get the idea?

Now that I have extolled the virtues of the sweater, there is, one problem....

Yes folks, there are some "unsightly bulges" with which to contend! YUCK!!! My dear mother-in-law thinks that it was the lighting and the photography. I dare disagree. It was very kind of my father-in-law to take the pictures on the streets of Spilimbergo, and the quality of pics is fine. I don't believe there is a change in "lighting" that's going to change those bulges!!!! (maybe some smoke and mirrors might do the trick!)

When I review the pattern on knitty, the picture of the back of the sweater has the model standing with her arms outstretched in front of her....if I do that, the bulges disappear. However, that's not a natural stance...so when the sweater is belted it has the bulges. I guess I can either, 1) not even give it another thought, knowing personally that I don't have actual "fat back" rolls or 2) skip the belt and close it with a hair stick.

Lucky for me, I haven't attached the belt anyway...so I have been using the hair stick lately. I am still not sure what I will do, but it doesn't diminish my love for this finished project.

Guiness socks.....

2008-04-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

These are happy feet. I finally finished the "guiness" socks for My Man. In the end, he opted not to go with the "sloth toe" (ie flip flop friendly) style...I wish I would have taken a picture of said toe. He decided having fabric between his toes would bother him.

The pattern is an old Lopi pattern for slipper socks. The yarn is Lamb's Pride Bulky.

Starksy is in action....

2008-03-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

but not quite finished. Seems like this is the never-ending project. I am super happy with the results, but I hadn't put the little belt loops on yet. I wasn't going to, more because I wanted to be finished with this project. But from the first attempts to get pictures of Starsky, I can see it needs to be done. There's an unsightly little ridge/bulge of sweater fabric over the belt in the back. Not a good look for anyone. More pictures to come and sorry Mimi- it fits. Strangely, no matter how it looks, it feels great and I love it. It's just what I wanted, a comfy slouchy sweater. More later, off to start the day. I think it looks more like a "professor sweater" than a crime fighting sweater- more like Starsky, Phd.

A pictures worth.....

2008-02-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

This is a big pile of leftover yarn from all sorts of projects. Looks like technicolor cat barf to me : )

What I really want to blog about are my husband's finished Guiness socks. He decided that having a seperate toe would be annoying, so they are just regular socks. He really likes them, which makes me feel bad about taking soo long to make them.

Also, Starsky is just about done. I seamed it, but while I was working, I became suspicious that the sleeves were going to be too long. That would be an understatment. I cut them (!) and now have the live stitches ready to go. I just need to knit 5 inches of cuff and that shouldn't take long. Looks like it's going to fit : ) The belt is more than halfway done.

There won't be any pics for a while as the camera is on its way to Germany in the luggage bag of My Man's motocicletta.

Move over Granny....

2008-02-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

So, I have mentioned the "c" word before and now I have officially finished a crochet scarf- albeit a while ago. Someohow the post got lost in the din.

Interestingly, My Man, really isn't a fan of this scarf soley because it's crochet. How amusing that in his mind crochet is linked with Grannies! Apparently there are others who share his feelings. (Nanny-O? Mimi-O?) I just can't see it, I really can't. I think crochet is lovely and am exceedingly proud at having taught myself...well, with a lot of help (Happy Hooker).

In the beginning I bought this kit from Lion Brand- oh, about 5 years ago. It could have been more, I am not sure. I started once and gave up. Then I got invited to Ravelry and was taking pics of my stash and I found it. I decided to give it another try. After I got about half of the scarf done, I didn't like the pattern, so I decided to make a variation of one from the aforementioned Happy Hooker book. And now, it looks like this.

I am very happy with it, although the yarn isn't holding up all that well- I think it's Jiffy Yarn or something. There is more crochet in my future!

Happy Birthday Chloë

2008-01-28T14:43:00.001-08:00

Here are some kitty toys I made to celebrate/commemorate Chloë's (my sister's cat) 18th birthday. Eighteen years and still just as ornery : )
I guess catnip works on 4-year old children as well?

A couple of the new S'n'B knitters asked about these. The pattern is Feline Dim Sum. I think it would be suitable for a beginner if you want to give it a try. These were made out of some leftover Encore Worsted and knit to a tight gauge so the catnip wouldn't all fall out.

Starsky plods along

2008-01-27T23:26:00.000-08:00

In keeping with my inability to stay focused on any one project to completion, I have quite a bit of Starsky finished. I am making both the sleeves at the same time, so that's going pretty quickly. I imagine the collar will be slow. I was completely tired of knitting while staring at the graph, but I knew if I set it down for a time out that it would likely be a while before I picked it back up. So, the chart part is completed.

When I was in high school/college we had a black-faced dog named Samantha. It was very difficult to get a good picture of her beautiful face. I am having the same problem with this black sweater! It's made with Cascade Ecowool-the skeins are so huge that it makes obscenely large yarn balls. Lovely to haul around.

First Ever S'n'B Aviano

2008-01-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

Introducing the first-ever (that I know of : ) S'n'B Aviano.

When I got here a year ago, I was saddened to find there was no established group...so I am trying to start our own. Last week was the first meeting and it was really fun. I am teaching a couple of new knitters, and I am sure before long, they will be teaching me a thing or two! See you tomorrow.

P.S. Anne's mom- Look she's knitting : )

Guiness Sock

2008-01-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

We interupt this knitting program to bring you a knitted slipper sock. Oh, wait, this has since been ripped out (several times) and replaced with a new version without the middle stripe of oatmeal color.

I have no idea why I keep starting new projects, when I have so many other projects on the needles. I don't think any of them qualify as "languishing" but the knitting at knoon sweater for my daughter is getting close.

This project has spent a long time in my husband's head. I'll tell you, making a knitted version of what is in someone else's head is no easy task. Yeesh.

I have never knit anything for my hubby. He DOES NOT wear sweaters....except the one that I knit for my Dad and then re-worked the collar to suit him. The only knitted hat he wears is from the 70's and has snoopy on it. He wears specific motorcycle gloves.

What does that leave? Knitted boxers? Well, it leaves knitted socks. He's been watching me knit these for others (and myself) for years. He has been pining (and nagging)for a pair with a Guiness beer motif. It took me a long time and countless discussions to figure out exactly what he wants- I am still not sure I know. His design changes all the time, I'll tell you- even as I knit! (Could this be the reason I have staved off this project for, oh, say, 10 years at least?) So, we settled on some colors and away we go. (Thank goodness Lamb's Pride Bulky comes in so many colors!)

I have ripped several times and am now working on the toe. To "customize" his sock ever further, he wants the big toe separate from the others! Isn't he hilarious? I can't imagine he is going to enjoy having the big toe sequesterd, as he doesn't wear ANY shoe that separates his toes as such, but they are, after all, his socks.

I had to re-work my standard pattern to accomodate his ample foot. It wasn't hard. The only thing I don't understand is why I DON'T have to wrap all the stitches and there aren't any holes. (I haven't made a pair of regular socks- ever, so maybe that's why I don't get it, but I am grateful : )

I suppose this is better than my last "fugue" which involved a crocheted cowboy hat. I came to my senses before it was finished- thank goodness. I don't know what got into me.

To warm the head of a dear friend....

2008-01-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

This is the Odessa Hat.

It was made with my love and positive energy in every stitch to help Sandy fight cancer.

Ironically, she is a hairstylist and has spent her life helping people have beautiful hair. I think about her a lot. It seems I have a "scent memory" connected with her name. She always smells like Aveda products. Every day when I wash my hair, I think of her and hope she is having a good day.
The hat was made with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, one skein. I didn't swatch, because I didn't want to - besides, I am not even sure how to count in a pattern like this. I figured with this style, it would fit most. It was a quick, fun knit. I left the beads off- I thought they might be too lumpy on a sensitive scalp.
I have no idea why Miss H has the long face, I think she was channeling her inner beatnik.
Oh look, here's her inner beatnik now.

Nanny-o's ugly scarf

2008-01-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Just to see how far behind I am in this posting business. This scarf was knitted, washed, dried and mailed to Ohio for a birthday present. (I think it was even on time.)

It has since returned to Italy- smushed in the bottom of a suitcase; been ripped and re-worked into a crocheted scarf.

Here's H being attacked by the stiff and scarey scarf. It was made with large needles, but apparently not large enough to make it a fluid fabric. Everyone who saw it agreed it was ugly, including it's recipient- my mom. Luckily, she was honest and told me about it, and it was re-worked. Apparently it had a destiny in crochet.

Yep, this is a poor photograph, but it was all I had of the scarf in it's new form. It was around my mom's neck the entire time- not only because it's very cold in this old concrete house, but I think because she really likes it!

I'll tell you what, it was lumpy and irregular knitted up and it was wonderful and fluid in the crocheted version.
May we all find our yarn destiny in 2008! Happy New year!

(Inspired by) Ms. Marigold

2007-11-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness My Man came home to take a picture of me - the self-portraits were AWFUL.

I happily cast on for Ms. Marigold from Zephyr style. I ordered the pattern during the summer, but was newly-inspired by Fancy Pants' version.
I thought I could wear it layered with a long sleeve shirt now that fall has reached Italy. I cast on and took off, using Berroco Touche.

I knit down to the waist area and tried it on.

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!! The back was too narrow (I know I have to wear something underneath it, but it wasn't even close to covering my bra straps.)

Rather than being the cute vest in my mind, it was like a knitted bustier. I am not that well-endowed, but yet the sides veered toward my arms and off my chest, and it was not pretty.

I decided to try again. This is the first time I altered a pattern so much. I changed the number cast on, changed the increases, added decreases, changed the neckline finishing, altered the ruffle and all the bands. So, what did I get? Something I really like! I am shocked, to say the least, and happy.

I wish I could figure out where I went wrong on the original. I was on gauge. Maybe I just needed a bigger size, but I started with a size that seemed plenty big. Someday I will try again with the original pattern and see what happens.

I am not against ripping. What's the point of making something that I know I won't like or wear? I really do see knitted items as more acceptable ways to store yarn! I know, I have issues.

fonzie

2007-10-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, our little buddy looks so old in this picture! Here he is in his new sweater. Yep, it's buckeye colors left over from the baby sack. A long time ago, I bought him some Donnegal (sp?) tweed and a fancy book with adorable patterns. It remains unknit...but I did throw together this little number sans pattern. (There's still hope for the other one!)

He does kind of have a funny body shape, though and the armholes were too big, so I tightened them up with some crochet. Of course, there's the "F."

He can't wear it at night because he gets too hot, but during the day, he is more comfortable with his little sweater- no shivering for this pampered pooch.

P.S. Thanks for the cute Halloween card for the boy Nanny-o, he loved it...oh, and he misses you too!

ruffle scarf

2007-10-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

This is a very fun knit- with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino- so nice and soft. I think instead of ruffle scarf, it should be "study in Short row" scarf.

The only think I don't like about it is how well you can see some of the stitches. I suppose this is called "stitch definition." I just don't like it in this particular case. Oh well. Hopefully no one else will notice the lumps. Lots and lots of pics as I owe them to family members who have been stalking me- you know who you are.

See the little bumps???

There was little cooperation on the part of eldest daughter, so it's all the small fry.

I am pretty sure this was the day I decided she MUST get a haircut no matter how many tears would fall!

Mohair Scarf...

2007-10-13T23:06:00.000-07:00

Another finished object that is happily on it's way to France. It was a "thank you for hosting us" gift to French Maman. I sent cereal to R- some granola that I think he'll like. It cost a fortune to mail and we are right next door. The pattern was a simple add a stitch/yarnover triangle. I think she'll like it. I thought I really liked mohair, but in all actuality, I am not a huge fan. Too sheddy.

Snuggly Zodiac

2007-10-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

This little number was soooo much fun to knit. What else can one do when Aunt Buffy and Uncle L are having a baby of unknown gender.....no matter if it's a boy or a girl, we all know it will be a BUCKEYE!

The pattern is Zodiac from Knitty 2007. It calls for a summer weight yarn, but I substituted some Encore Bulky from the stash. It was the first time I put in a zipper, and it wasn't bad at all.

Creepy pic, I agree, but I don't have any little models myself! the only modification I made to the pattern was to opt for crochet edging along the armholes and neckline rather than attached I-cord. The I-cord just seemed too bulky to me with this yarn. The next one I make would probably be a little wider and shorter and I would move the logo up a little bit. I didn't have any buttons, so I attached 2 from one of my favorite sweaters.

In a super crafty moment we decided (Z and I) to make a pompom for the package. She had fun...come to think of it I did too.

The giftie made it to the shower on time and the mama-to-be-was very touched. Overall, it's a long-distance hug for the little one- made with love!

One woman's fizzle is another woman's Sizzle....

2007-10-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yep, my fizzle! I lost steam on this project probably about the same time I realized it was not going to fit me. There was nothing amiss about the pattern, only my choice of size! I don't know what I was thinking....I decided to finish it up and gift it to my mother-in-law. I think it looks great on her. I will knit another one at some point, likely with the same yarn and the same color...we'll have to be careful not to wear them to the same function : ) (in a few years anyway!) I think it looks great on her and the yarn is really smooth and kind of "cool" to the touch. It's Berocco Cotton Twist in the Navy colorway. It's dark blue with some black. It's the only yarn My Man has commented on...wow, that's a nice yarn- or something like that. It would have been a very quick knit had I not slowed to a crawl at the end. So, here's to her Sizzle.....

Mini sweater....

2007-10-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

It's so fun to knit for pets because:
1.) it's a fast knit
2.) the victim always looks so cute in their sweater : )
This sweater is for Jake, a little puppy we babysat for 3 weeks.

This is Jake not sitting in his new sweater.
I made up the pattern by doing the math. It was a quick knit- mostly because he weighs 6 pounds.

The yarn is leftover Encore Bulky from a baby bunting- I used this pattern as a prototype for one for Fonzie.

This is Jake still not sitting.

This is Jake sitting in his new sweater : )

Sent with love across the miles....

2007-09-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

I think that could be the title for all my recent knitting endeavours. My not-so-little sister is the recipient of these little goodies. It's an awesome, quick knit. The color makes me think of beautiful Washington State- I wish I had more leftover.
Project specs: Hand/Wrist Warmers from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn-Aurora 8

Because of the stretchy nature of the pattern, they fit almost all hands....
almost.

(Yes, sister dear, I did reknit the sweater...there are pics somewhere on this blog. Oh, and the washing instructions- hand wash in cold water, roll in towels to get rid of the excess water and then lay flat to dry.)

Fizzling Sizzler......

2007-08-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have fizzled a little with Sizzle. There's no good reason, I just have been distracted lately. I am still working my way through the Stitch and Bitch crochet book. It's going well and I have made some huge swatches that the girls are using as blankies for their baby dolls.

Anyway, the Sizzle pattern is great and I am loving the yarn. It has good drape and kind of a "cool" feeling to it. It's Berroco something or other, I forget at the moment. I only need to finish the bands on the sleeves and weave in the ends. I have the sides seamed up already. It would really only take a good hour or so to be completely done with it. Maybe I will do it this weekend. I think it will be a little snug on me, and a little shorter than I would like, but that's okay. I can always make another one. I think I will still get some wear out of it.

I have also been working on this. It's from some mystery yarn that we (Nanny) bought in France at a yarn shop- pics later. It's mohairish with some gold metallic thread. I thought I really liked the colors, but I am now thinking that the balls of yarn look a little like cat barf- you know, like a hairball. Perhaps I have cleaned up too many areas of vomitus on the carpet.

The project is kind of a shawl/large triangular mass. It's just garter stitch with a yarn over at the beginning of each row- I got the idea from the fabulous Knit and Tonic. I like the yarn better knitted up. I have been into the mindless knitting and I can sneak in a few rows while the girls are in their bath.

Oh, I have also managed to waste a bunch of time photographing my yarn stash.

One Skein Wonder II

2007-07-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Another One Skein Wonder. Sure, it's the same color as my last one, but that one has been sent over the pond to my MIL. This one is a little bigger- I think the 17 inch across the shoulders size. I love the color. I love the pattern, and I would love one in every color available.

Specs:
Pattern-One Skein Wonder, Stefanie Japel
Yarn- Cottage Knits Cotton
Gauge- 16 sts/4 inch
Mods- None

I have slowed a bit on the knitting scene- what with summer and all our visitors. I am working on Sizzle and should likely be done by now. I am having gauge problems again. I don't know why I bother making a swatch at all!

Summer knitting.....

2007-07-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting, I just haven't been posting. We have had an influx of visitors and it has been great. I have a hard time sneaking away to blog about knitting, when really, two of my three fans are here in town : ) So, I finished the Tiny Elf's blanket and I love it- she does too. It really went fast at the end, which is odd as it is knit from the center out. I think I just can knit faster than I used to. Progress is good. The yarn is warm and fuzzy after a trip through the washer and dryer- I splurged and used the dryer. I think she will like hers as much as elder elf likes her own fuzzy blanket. EE noticed that TE's blanket had pink on it, and yet hers did not. I noticed that her blanket had a hole. EE requested that I fix the hole with pink yarn so hers would have some pink too. Cute and no problem, as I had some pink left over!

Project specs:
Pattern: Vogue Baby Blankets
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted.

I also have been working on Sizzle- due to a gauge issue, I have re-started.

The wonder is not the one skein....

2007-06-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

The One Skein Wonder is such a fun little knit. This is my second wonder, in approximately the same blue. The first one was gifted to my MIL as she expressed desire and it was a wee bit tight across the shoulders. I would have worn it anyway, mind you.
Since I never know what to get her, and her b-day is in May which is the same month as Mother's Day, it seemed like a perfect match. (She is consequently very happy with it as it allows her to wear sleeveless clothes to work without breaking the dress code. ) This wonder is being made from 100% cotton from cottage knits.

Like I said, the first one was a bit too small as I was nearly out of yarn. At that time, I was thinking that the wonder part was in the "one skein." After knitting one, I have come to conclude that the wonder part isn't the one skein, but rather the simple, elegant design that produces a lovely, wearable and practical knit! It is well worth it to invest in however many skeins it takes to finish the project in a lovely yarn. I will most likely make several in different colors as it's a fun knit between long projects, or less successful projects. Also, it's a fun way to test drive yarn. So far this yarn is lovely- nice drape, etc.

Ribbit...ribbit....

2007-06-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

I always thought I liked to knit lace. I loved working on the Ripple skirt, but the lace wasn't too intense. The Lotus Blossom tank has been relegated to the frog pond- before my hubby could stop me. (He hates it when I rip out!) I was making it with Hempathy in black, as you can see. I swatched like a good little girl and then started working it on the appropriate needles- size 6, I think. Well, that's how much I had done- (like 1 1/2") after 5 hours of good car knitting. Part of the problem was that I was using the markers to try and stop myself from making too many mistakes, but the pattern kept shifting, so I had to keep moving the markers. (PITA!) I thought it looked a little big, so I pulled it off the needles and it was like 10 inches wider than it was supposed to be at the waist. I guess my lace is tons looser than my stockinette swatches. I am not completely sold on the value of a swatch, to be sure.

I wanted a nice breezy little tank (much like that on Dipsy's blog) and this was/is not it. So, I will set the Hempathy in the stash until further notice.

In the meantime, I have ordered yarn for Sizzle and Ms. Marigold and cast on for a quick little One Skein Wonder to make myself feel better : )

What would I do if I were stranded with crunchy yarn....

2007-06-18T05:32:00.000-07:00

I would knit a giant swatch and then practice crochet! When I was considering changing my knitting style to loosen up my gauge, I started making this mammoth swatch out of crunchy acrylic yarn. I am kind of between projects. Well, more that I started a project with which I am not thrilled. So, instead of working on that, I just picked up a crochet hook to add a border and even out the swatch. My elder elf has appropriated it for her dolly.

This pic shows the true size.

I have learned that I mostly know how to crochet- I have been taught several times. I still don't know how to turn around without losing stitches so that the finished project is a square. I don't know how to go around corners well. Crochet is really pretty quick!

Finito!

2007-06-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

This is the picture that elder elf took of me! I am shocked by how well she did! The skirt is done : )(You can just ignore the pink bra showing through- I never would have guessed it would....oh well....live and learn) Also, while we are ignoring things, lets ignore those really white arms, shall we?

Another view....

It was a fun project that knit up pretty fast. The pre-blocking picture was frightening:

After looking at that I thought, "What a waste to make this weird thing!" But it stretched out well. I am very eager to see how it wears. I think I will debut it for the first world travellers who get in on Monday. I am not sure what time on Monday, but sometime. If any of such travelers are reading this, about what time do you land? That will give me an idea of what time you will be here.

The knitting details are at the KAL blog...so I don't think I'll repeat. I was kind of sick of the whole thing by the time I got done with the ruffle. I think that had something to do with why I didn't do the I-cord tie. The crochet tie was much easier and I was ready to be done.

Now, onto that knitted jumpsuit a la Leather Tuscadaro.....

Soon to be finished...

2007-06-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have been posting on the KAL website for the Indigo Ripple skirt. I think joining has spurred me on to finish this project when I may have strayed otherwise. I hope I didn't transform the pattern into a frump-suit by making it longer, but I was going for practicality- heh, heh, yeah, that's right, a practical knitted skirt- out of cotton. It looks more like a pillowcase at this point! I have started the ruffle after 50 (rather than 60) rounds of lace- enough already. It's a long-winded bind off, but it's coming along. I hope to have it done by the first wave of international visitors on Monday. No problem. I am not sure what to knit next....Sizzle?

Swatch city

2007-05-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

If it weren't for Bonne Marie at Chic Knits and her articles about sizing and fit, I don't think I would ever knit a garment that fit! Thanks to her and knitty, I have had some recent projects that I have really loved.

More about the hourglass sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I am very happy with the way it turned out-finally. The yarn gave me terrible troubles, but is so soft! It's wonderful. I probably could be talked into working with it again, if I don't find another Merino of comparable softness. If I were to work with Karabella Aurora 8 again, I would put the balls into hanks and wash them before doing anything else. That would take care of my gauge issues and would make it bearable. It's really soft, did I mention that? I will be curious to see how it wears.

There's a picture of my Friday night. Casting on...again for the Indigo Ripples skirt.. somehow on a size 5 needle, my gauge has more stitches per inch than on the fours! Swatches do lie! So, I took my project off the needles to measure, it was going to be huge. Back to the drawing board. I have made huge progress, though, I just don't have any pics yet. I just joined the KAL : ) My first official knit-along. It's right up my alley, no rules and no deadline..yipee.

This lovely swatch made with crunchy acrylic yarn is for the lotus blossom tank. See, I was going to have this going at the same time I did the boring stockinette for the skirt, but the boring stockinette is done thanks to my mom and the taped shows from the states. So, I will just have to start it up next chance I get and then I will have 2 lace projects at once. That will be interesting.

What a great black background....scroll down to see the truth.

I have to work on taking pics.

Ciao!

Hourglass....it's about time!

2007-05-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Another finished object : ) This is Hourglass from Last Minute Knitted Gifts- I finally finished it tonight and have been wearing it for several hours. It definitely deserved the Cosmo rather than your typical glass of wine. What a marathon. I love it so far- the yarn, Karabella Aurora 8 (my nemesis) is so fabulous. It's like a warm snuggly hug! More later on the details.

Also, a few swatches were underway with my handy helper.

Sage Gables

2007-05-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ta da. I love this sweater and wore it all day today and still love it. It's the green gables pattern (from Zephyrstyle) - it knitted up very quickly and it fits great! I am very happy with it.

The celebratory glass of vino- it's good to have an excuse once in a while : )

I don't know if the lace shows up, but you can see it in yesterday's post. I really enjoyed making this and I might make another one. This is before the blocking of the lace. It still rolls out a little bit at the top, but I don't care. One thing- I was wondering if I could feel the 20% wool content....I felt a bit itchy a couple of times today. Still not enough to make me stop loving it.

Specs:
Pattern: Green Gables
Needles: Size 6 (pretty old metal ones) and 4 circulars
Yarn: Brown Sheep cotton fleece, color dusty sage
Comments: quick knit from the top down- great fun.

I am currently obsessed about knitting a skirt, Indigo Ripple to be exact. I have to figure out a yarn as the one in the pattern is discontinued...I need skirts, but I don't know about the practicality aspect, but...who cares : )

My wishes are coming true : )

2007-05-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

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I have been knitting! Aren't these cute little markers? I couldn't take a decent picture, but there are little blue birds and a snowperson, which is the signature of the creator and she sent it as a free little extra marker. I definitely need practice with the pics- the flash kept whiting them out : ( The markers are from Good to be Girl.

What's this? Could it be matching yarn to finish the languishing Hourglass? Excellent. I have to say that I really didn't think that in this time dye lots mattered anymore- I mean with computers and all...but they do! Oh, is that Hempathy yarn for a little black tank top? Indeed it is.

Will this be a finished object soon????

One Skein Wonder

2007-05-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

It seems like I am always behind the latest web craze. I sometimes make the popular projects and sometimes, I just think about them and then forget about them eventually. Last summer, everyone was making the OSW by Stefanie Japel. I bought the pattern and then didn't get around to making it, but I had every intention of making one. I finally made one with Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton and it's such a great pattern. I like a lot of Glampyre's patterns, and would like to check out her book eventually. Here's the final product.

It's a little looser around the bottom edge than I would like, but it has to stretch so I can move- plus it's cotton. I bound off with needles 2 sizes larger than called for so that it wouldn't be too tight, perhaps it was a bit much.

I won't even begin to tell about the problems that I had with the gauge....seems like that's the story of my knitting life these days, but I think I got it worked out. I knit and re-knit and re-knit and re-knit several times....ugh. I still think it's a bit tight under the arms for me, so I may gift it and re-knit one for myself.

I absolutely LOVE this yarn- it's soft and fabulous. The pattern is adorable, you just sit down and knit and boom, you have a cute little shrug. I definitely plan on making more....I think I might use the same yarn, but I may try something new...we'll see. I have a new favorite online yarn shop... Flyingfingers.com.

This is for my one, occasional reader : ) It's a self portrait, if you can't tell.

Another project from LMKG

2007-04-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts- my current source for projects : ) I made it for my tiny elf after the first sweater I made for her only fit her for a day- I thought I could do a lot more knitting right after she was born- HA! It didn't take long to knit and I only made two little adjustments. I made the body length much longer than the pattern called for. I wanted good coverage and that's what I got. I also made button holes and put buttons on it rather than the beads being pushed through the band.

As an aside, you have to really go by the measurements of the child and not the "sizing" in the book to pick the right size. This was the 2 year old size, and she was closer to one year. I am thrilled with it. The yarn was Debbie Bliss Merino DK. I loved the yarn and the pattern and I will definitely make another one of these- for the elder elf- here she is trying it on for me!

Spring time fun

2007-04-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring from Italy! (No one really needs to know that the elves got their Easter baskets a week late : )

These two little guys/gals were knit from a pattern in Last Minute Knitted Gifts- which is a great book. I used the possum yarn my hubby brought back from New Zealand. It's a bit strange, the yarn. It has a merino feel, but then has real hair that fuzzes like an angora. It works well for a little bunny. Of course, the elves didn't pay much attention to these bunnies and played with their other gifites after devouring the meager chocolates they got- except the tiny elf who just held the M&M's in her hand until they were good and soft. I am pleased with the bunnies and the only change was the faces. Nanny Nonna did a splendid job as my resident bunny face creator. I think the faces look fabulous! Of course, we were up til the wee hours working on these, but that's to be expected!

Round and around again..

2007-03-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

I hereby swear I will never knit with Karabella Aurora 8 again. Even though it is soft and wonderful, it can be hateful when it comes to gauge. I think I said earlier that the gauge really changed after it was washed. What I should have done was to wash all the yarn and then re-knit the gauge swatch and then knit the sweater. (Who thinks that sounds like fun???) What I tried to do (and failed) was to knit the gauge swatch, then calculate how much bigger the swatch became after washing, then make the size that would fit AFTER washing. The opposite of shrink-to-fit. Uh, yeah, not so much. The sweater was just too small.

I decided to frog it and start over. It wasn't fun to have all that kinky weird yarn. Then I gave the yarn a bath, and with the trusty help of my two elves, dried the hanks. Now, re-knitting the sweater bigger, I think I am going to run out of yarn! Lovely. By the way, I didn't re-do the sleeves even though every OCD bone in my body wanted to. So, there they are, in a tighter gauge, and then a looser gauge at the top. I don't care who notices, not that anyone will, I want to be done. I will go as far as I can and then see about getting more yarn. My lovely sister has already checked the store way back in Seattle and they don't have anymore. Of course, I would consider knitting a shawl/scarf thing with aurora 8- it's soo soft and wonderful....

Loose ends to weave in.....er, tie up

2006-11-13T20:37:00.000-08:00

So, here I am not getting things done. No, I was productive today, and here I am whittling away precious time doing this. Oh well. I can likely justify this as needing "a break." The children woke up in their crabby pants this morning, which didn't really make for the most fun day. I have ends to weave in and ends to tie up before the big move! (it is becoming ever more and more a reality!)

I am still struggling with the neck for the flashdance-esque Hourglass, and should be done with it by bed time tonight. No comments on what time that might be. I ran out of stitches in the decrease raglan sections but it was still too wide, so I came up with a center decrease of some kind. I think it looks okay, but we'll see after it gets washed and re-dried- all before weaving in the ends, of course.

And then there's this, which I think is cute- it will be a kitty (Kate to be exact), but this is as far as I have gotten....I think I will try and get finish her for elder elf's birthday Sunday.

Her body shape reminds me quite a bit like the summer sew-fest Juney and I had....

Pattern thanks to Wee Wonderfuls.

Nanny Juney, I provide you with your fix : ) Thanks for the comments... Oh, and elder elf's pants came today.....CUTE!

One skein shy of a sweater......

2006-11-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

It's the weekend...so, we are lucky enough to get a visit from my sister. (We don't have too many weekends left : ( So, what's a girl to do? Make her sister try on her new sweater!

Looks great on her- not too flashdance with a tee underneath. She was kind enough to pick up that extra ball o'yarn for me. And yes, we have decided that I am one skein shy of a sweater.

Here's a photo of the kids, just because.

Oh, and mom, you can make comments right on the blog if you want. No one has ever tried, so let me know if you do. Where's your blog?????

Praise to the Swatching Gods

2006-11-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

I know, these are TERRIBLE pics, but I thought they were better than none-there's one more at the end. Maybe not. Hey, since it's just me reading this, and I want a memory of the 2 am photo shoot, I am posting them! Yeah, in the mirror, not pretty.

About the Aurora 8. So, while I was knitting, it was SUPER tight. I gave it a quick bath and it fits great! I am amazed and have a renewed faith in the whole swatch thing. Usually, I don't wash the swatch first, but I will start. Here are some terrible pics- hubby was sleeping as it was 2 am when I got done. I wanted before and after pics. I got the before, but not the after. I tried the sweater on several times while it was damp and it looks to be just fine. Amazing. I also read on another blog that someone else had the same experience with this yarn. That made me feel a little better too. The only thing is that the neckline has stretched out a ton. It's way too flashdance for me, so I will reknit it and add another 2 inches. I don't know if I should wash the ball of yarn first or just wash the whole thing when I am done. I don't see that it makes too much difference. The drawback is that I don't have any more yarn. I used every last scrap. My sister will pick some up in Seattle and I will get it this weekend. What a relief. I am now wondering, just a little, if the fabric will be too thin at this new gauge. Maybe I just got used to the really tight fabric. We'll see when the sweater is fully
dry. There's no re-knitting of this one in my future : )

Happy Halloween...

2006-10-31T13:55:00.000-08:00

I don't think I even enjoyed Halloween this much when I was a kid. As you can see, my enthusiasm is shared by Arthur over there.

Now that I have 2 little elves, I couldn't be more excited. And I am not one of those moms who is worried about elder elf eating candy- heck, it's all about the candy : ) We are gearing up for lots of tricksters tonight- last year we had over 250. It was great to see everyone.

I love it. Pizza, beer, costumes, what more could you ask for??? Well, we could ask for Nanny June to be here in Washington with us. It is my mom's birthday today. Isn't today a great day for a birthday? I hope she is having a wonderful day and I wish we could be together to celebrate. Happy Birthday Mumsey!

In knitting news, I have been working on Hourglass and should be done after this weekend. Then, we'll see about the fit. Elder elf has now claimed Kate as her own. She said that tiny elf can have the coveted Artie cat, and she can have Kate. That saves me from getting another Artie on e-bay, so all's well that ends well.

And how about some picutres for Nanny's birthday.....

Got gauge?

2006-10-24T14:19:00.001-07:00

These are stitch markers from Good to be Girl. (see sidebar- it's too late to link : ) They say "I knit with Greys" and are soooo fun. Maybe I will get better with indoor photography....maybe not.

When I learned to knit, I was living in France as a foreign exchange student. My french grandmother taught me. I don't remember any details about the lesson. Not a thing. Really strange, nada. I know that she was trying to teach me and my french host sister at the same time. My "mami" didn't speak a word of english. I think I just watched and she said, "Non, non, comme ca!" a lot and that was that.

I eventually learned to read french patterns and I made 2 sweaters while I was there. One was hot pink synthetic mohair- hey, it was the 80's after all. The other one was a nice cotton short sleeved "pull." I don't have any pics of me wearing either item. Sadly, we didn't discuss gauge and the sweaters were CRAZY huge. I mean so big that the cotton one would literally fall off my shoulders. I think I tried to sew some elastic in there to hold it up, but it was a lost cause. When I got state side, I did more knitting, on and off through college, and somewhere along the line, I discovered gauge.

I am a swatcher. I hate it, but I do it. I don't cheat and call a sleeve a swatch, but I may start. So, in making the lovely Hourglass, I did my homework. First I had my sister measure me- which she kindly and willingly (almost) did. Then, I read the article by Bonne Marie (of Chikknits) in knitty. Then I swatched. I measured my work and discovered that I was 21 st/4 inches rather than the 19 required in the pattern. Then I washed the swatch- which I don't always do. Imagine my surprise when I remeasured and the swatch was now 19 sts/ 4 inch as required!

Hmmm. I combed the web looking for knitters of Aurora 8 who had similar experiences. There was one minor reference from a disgruntled knitter on wiseneedle. I even got the nerve to e-mail the infamous Wendy of Knit and Tonic. (She is a fabulous designer and her blog is a riot). She had not encountered this dilemma before. But she did tell me that she sometimes puts Aurora 8 in the dryer to "firm it up." So, maybe it loosens up....but, it really is my personal issue with a yarn that I would really love to love

After all this, I decided to cast on and go for it. In theory, as I am knitting, the sweater should appear too small. After washing, the stitches should relax and the sweater should get bigger and fit.

What am I thinking?! Well, what else can I do? I already have the yarn. So, I started making the second smallest size- as I was knitting, it was HUGE. I have been down that road before, so I frogged. I then started the smallest size and, well, I have tried it on, and I wouldn't wear a sweater this tight. Even more strange, as I measure the gauge of the sweater as I knit, it's spot-on 19 sts/4 inch. Still, if the yarn behaves the same way, it should relax and then fit looser.

As you see, I hope that finally I have a sweater that fits, but I am not holding my breath. I have already decided to wash it before weaving in all the loose ends and if it doesn't fit, I am going to frog it and try again.....yikes. Just maybe not right away.

Late Hourglass

2006-10-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the time theme, I need to keep working on Hourglass from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Of course, I am about a year (or more) late. All the KAL's are long over. The party is over, everyone has gone home. I don't see this posted on anyone's blogs...but still, it's new to me, and I really like the style. I think most of the errata have been corrected in my version of the book, so that's an advantage to starting late.

This is the first time in a long time that I am making something for myself. I would like it to fit, but that's another story. We'll see how it goes. This is being made out of Aurora 8 from Karabella in green. I figured it's my tribute to the Emerald City. It feels heavanly soft and keeps me warm while I knit it.

When hubby was gone, I got most of it done, and now I have stalled a little bit, for no good reason. I had tons of knitting time last night and instead of working on this, I started a new project....Kate. I don't know why. I used to only work on one project at a time, up until this year. Really, I was strictly a monogamous knitter and now- I have more projects on the needles than listed on that side bar, for sure. I guess I get lured into finishing smaller projects quicker. It's just fun. So, hourglass is coming along. I have one sleeve done and the body done up to the yoke....will it fit? I will save the gauge discussion for tomorrow.

Again...on time

2006-10-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

Could it be that I am turning over a new leaf? (he, he...I think I am too old for turning over leaves that lead to MORE self-discipline, but I could surely go the other way!) This is the quintessential "my mommy knits, so I get a holiday hat." AND she has it for the whole season- on time! We had a great time in the pumpkin patch and the hat actually kept elder elf warm. I don't have the pattern here in front of me, but if anyone needs it (ha! I don't think anyone reads this, so I can continue to be lazy!), just put a note in the comments and I will run upstairs and get it.

Project specs:
Yarn: Debbie Bliss cashmerino
Pattern: Fiber trends, I think...

Here's the tiny elf. She's wearing a make shift hat that I cheated with several years ago. I had alreqady purchased the pattern for the fancier hat, but I was making so many of these for friends' kids, that I needed something quick. After making the nicer one, I don't think it would have taken me much longer, but eh, I didn't know. I kind of modified a pattern I found on line and made it very simply. I am thinking about putting a little seed stitch border on it to get a few more miles out of it. She hates hats for the moment, so I don't feel too bad not making her another. Of course, she did wear this hat for a while....

Just in time

2006-10-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

My family is pretty lax about getting birthday gifts to the recipient on time, myself included. I think we take that crazy rule about giving wedding gift to the nth degree. You know the one, where you have a year to do so and still be in proper etiquette- I think you also have a year to write the thank you notes, too? Our gift-giving rule is about the same especially if we live a long distance away.

My older sister was just out to Washington in early September at which time I gave her her birthday gift....mind you her birthday was in May! I suppose one way view is that it extends your birthday for months.

I never realized just how fun it is to be on time with a giftie. The elves and I went to the post office this morning and mailed my mom her Halloween birthday box, which will get there right on time. This little Odd Fellow was in there. I thought I would post a pic of him with legs. I got so used to seeing the elves play with him around the house without limbs, that the appendages looked a bit strange to me.

This little guy is so adorable- it was fun to take pics of him. This is what I do with the little spare time I have???

So, here's one on the dog so you can see how big he is....but Fonz is rather petite for a pug. Still the idea is there.

This one is just because I think he's cute. Of course, this Odd Fellow was originally intended for my sister who lives here in Washington, but it will only take a bit to whip up another one. Project specs: from Jess Hutch's book- see yesterday's post. Yarn: Lamb's Pride worsted, Needles- size 6 dpns.