Knit One Pearl Too

No Humdrum in Sight

2007-12-19T12:59:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much Jenn! My package arrived yesterday and the mittens are absolutely beautiful!

The colors are so pretty and great together - I don't think I would have thought to use a variegated yarn with this pattern! The cuffs are a tad tight, but I've worn them a couple of times now and they feel a bit looser already, so I'm hoping with more wear they'll relax. I think the least stretchy part is the cast on, which I'm unfamiliar with. Is it supposed to be so inelastic, or is this a needle issue (I've heard many people have to go up in needle size when using Eunny's patterns)? Either way, I'm in love with them. According to Jenn's Ravelry page, she used Artyarns Ultramerino 4, and though it's a fingering weight, I'm finding them to be very warm.

The rest of the package was filled with goodies too;

Two balls each of Elsebeth Lavold Classic AL in white and teal to make Kate Gilbert's Bird in Hand Mittens, some Eucalan wash, some fancy Italian hand lotion, a knitting key chain(!), and some yummy treats, along with a very nice note. I'm so excited about the Bird in the Hand mittens and can't wait to make them!

Everything is just so great and I'm so glad I took part in the swap. Deb is getting ready to host another round, and while I'm not sure if I'm going to take part (there's too many other things I want to knit before it gets warm again), but I had the best time getting to know Jenn and my other partner and I would recommend the swap to anyone looking for something a little different. We all deserve fancy mittens! Thank you so much!!

FO: Mittens From Lapland

2007-12-17T12:07:00.001-06:00

Every year it seems like December goes by even faster. This year I'm scrambling to get everything done, not to mention working and getting enough sleep! I've been behind in the blogging lately, and I've missed it, but the lack of sunlight so far this winter is sure putting a damper on photo ops.

Here are the mittens in action. Pardon my cheesy hand position:

These were probably the most enjoyable thing I've knit in awhile, I think mostly because the color changes were constantly pushing me on; instead of "just one more row," it was "let me get to the next pattern!"

This picture is especially bad, and I apologize. The sun and snow didn't come until after I'd already shipped them off to my secret swap partner for the No More Humdrum Mittens Swap. I don't think she's trolling the blogs for hints on who her partner is, but I'll save her identity for another time. I sent these beauties (I'm pretty sad to let them go!) with some other goodies and hopefully they'll be keeping her hands warm very soon. As for the details:

Pattern: Mittens from Lapland, from Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski.

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers in colors 2423 (light blue) and 2427 (red), plus some vintage Bernat worsted wool in Winter White.

Needles: Susan Bates metal DPNs in size 2 throughout.

Modifications: None, though I think my gauge might have been slightly smaller than in the pattern. The mittens turned out perfect for my hands, though more snug than other mittens I've had in the past. I hope they turn out as well for the recipient. The gauge issue might have been caused by the stranding (which I now realize I missed taking a picture of - what a bad blogger I am!), but I paid close attention to it while knitting. Like I said, they were perfect for me and hopefully they'll be fine for their new owner as well.

I would definitely make these mittens again. They were quick, interesting, and pretty inexpensive. I have my eyes on a few other patters in the Folk Mittens book, as well as the plethora of other mitten patterns available online (check out out the side bar of the swap page if you're looking for some, both free and non-free).

Now I just have to wait for my mittens!

One Down

2007-11-29T12:11:00.000-06:00

If they gave out prizes for the bloggers who completely ignored NaBloPoMo (a No Blog Posting Month, or NoBloPoMo, if you will), I just might win that one. I'm sorry for my unannounced absence that lasted longer than a month (I can hardly believe it!). Things were just piling up, one on top of another, and I could hardly find the time to think much less knit and write about it.

Student teaching is finished now, which is a huge accomplishment for me. The last day of school was a bittersweet one. I'll definitely miss the kids and it's weird not to be in school right now (though I am enjoying getting up a bit later!). Now I'm working my way through the holiday season: if you need a book recommendation, I'm your girl! Anyway, between finishing teaching, finishing all my homework about teaching, Thanksgiving, and starting work, knitting time has been a bit scarce. I'm hoping to do some more in the coming weeks though, especially now that it's getting really cold.

I did manage to finish the first of my Mitten Swap mittens:

This is the mitten (soon to be mittens, of course) from Lapland from Folk Mittens, and I absolutely love it. I sure hope my partner does too.

I've already cast on for the second one (not giving myself a chance to forget about it), and hopefully it'll go quickly. The pattern actually moves very fast because all the color changes make you want to keep knitting until the next one.

I'm also working on a super secret project for Christmas. I wonder if I can keep Guy from reading the blog so I can show you what it is. If not, I'll be able to show you the FO, which, I've just noticed, hasn't happened for awhile around here. It's so good to be back with you all, so I'll try my hardest to actually finish something!

DROPs and Mittens

2007-10-21T13:39:00.001-05:00

The days are just flying by lately. This fall has been one of the busiest I can remember, so forgive me if posting is a little unpredictable. I'm down to the final few weeks of student teaching, so hopefully I can stay strong and get everything done and then things will calm down a bit.

This fall has also been a strange one weather wise - two weekends so far in October with 80 degree temperatures?! It sure isn't helping me keep on track with the beautiful Drops Jacket. So far I've finished the back and one front and I'm about half way with the second front piece.

This was supposed to be my quick, easy knit to keep me warm. Now, since the air is keeping me warm all by itself, I've gotten a bit lazy.

I will finish this beauty, but it might take a blast of cold air to get me back on track...

In other news, I got my partner for the Mitten Exchange! I'm super excited about this swap and my partner's color preferences and the prospect for a very nice package in the near future. So excited, that I cast on pretty much immediately and quite a bit to show for it.

This is mitten number one (of course), using the Mittens from Lapland pattern from Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski (a beautiful book if you're looking for interesting mittens). I'm using Cascade 220 and size 2 DPNs, but it's turning out to be quick, pretty easy, and so interesting because the color patterns change so frequently. The only thing that is slowing me down a bit are the rounds where all three colors are used. I haven't figured out an efficient way to hold all three yarns yet. Any suggestions?

And to my Mitten Pal - I'm so glad you're as excited about this project as I am and that I could oblige with the color choices! That's so cool that we have things in common - I hope a lot of us in the swap will make some friends! Anyway, I would have to say my favorite artist is Cezanne because of all the advances he made for modern art, but I'm also a pretty big fan of Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Neil Jenney, and Dana Schutz. Feel free to email me if you have anymore questions!

A Day Off

2007-10-08T16:45:00.000-05:00

Today's Columbus Day for those in the U.S., so I celebrated by having a day off of school, sleeping in, watching some trashy court shows on TV, knitting, eating a warm lunch for once, reading, knitting, and cleaning (not much progress with the cleaning, so I'll spare you the photos from it).

The Easy Flame Lace Scarf is coming along, though to you it doesn't look much different than before. I promise it's longer. I'm loving the pattern and the yarn (Laceweight Malabrigo) since the pattern is ridiculously easy and yarn feels like butter, but the Susan Bates metal needles I'm using are holding me back. After awhile of knitting it all just feels tight and metallic - yuck. I'm not sure why this happens after knitting for some time (maybe I just don't notice it at first?), but I'm taking some breaks and trying to get through it.

And I love this stuff so much that I bought another couple of skeins. I'm not sure yet if I'll make more Easy Flames or not, but they sure are pretty to look at, no?

Too Hot to Knit

2007-10-06T23:57:00.000-05:00

While it seems like fall has come to the rest of the country, the Midwest is still definitely in summer. I suppose that gives me some time to finish up the jacket, but the piles of wool are just too much right now.

I found this instead:

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Easy Peasy

2007-10-04T22:14:00.000-05:00

Tuesday and Wednesday were busy and hard. A bad day followed by a busy day of picking up the pieces. Nothing too dramatic or interesting, but they didn't leave any room for blogging or even knitting (and I think I'm pretty good at finding the spare moment to knit!).

But today was better. School is going well and I'm really excited about what is happening and what will happen.

The Easy Flame Scarf is exciting as well:

I'm loving the pattern and just how easy it really is, and the laceweight Malabrigo is amazing, but these tiny needles and yarn sure are making this thing last awhile. I can't wait for it to be done because I know it'll be beautiful, but the Drops jacket is carrying me away with it's quickness.

The days are getting shorter all the time, but this weekend promises to almost set a record for high temperatures, so I'll try to stick with the scarf for now. A nice little scarf is much better quasi summer knitting than a huge pile of chunky yarn anyway. Even if I could finish that sucker in a couple of hours if I tried. I'll try not to think about it as I toil away.

Knit Faster, Fall is Coming

2007-10-01T19:56:00.001-05:00

Today was just one of those days. It rained all night, was still dark and cloudy when I left for work, and was cold enough that I felt unprepared in my little fine gauge store bought cardigan (that secretly, or not so secretly is a little too small for me now). Just one of those days.

What's the remedy? The jacket that's sweeping blogland, finally reaching home sweet home right here. That's right, the Drops jacket!

I finished the whole back today, which is awesome and definitely a bit of a boost. Who says knitting has to take forever?

I'm sorry about the horrible pictures. The shorter days and generally rainy-ness along with a camera shy sweater make for frustrating photo shoots. I ordered the "true navy" colorway of Laines du Nord Soft Light, but this is the blackest navy I have ever seen. Definitely much darker than the picture online. Not a huge deal as I think I look okay in black (maybe even better than yellow, wink wink), just not what I was expecting.

The sweater might be done by the end of the week, which would rock my socks and keep me prepared for the next cold front, so hopefully I'll have some better photos soon. Cross your fingers!

Deep Breaths

2007-09-30T19:31:00.001-05:00

The past two weeks have just flown by. School is very very busy and taking up a lot of my time. I'm having fun with it, but it's not good for blogging! Thankfully, since I'm teaching art, at least part of my day is making something and helping the kids make things (even if it's not of the yarn variety).

This week was unusually tough because of a bad cold I picked up somewhere, plus it was Homecoming week at school, meaning lots of activities were planned to keep me busy. Anyway, I spent most of this weekend resting, catching up on grading, and knitting a little something:

This is my Easy Flame Lace Scarf from Wendy Bernard, and it looks suspiciously just like hers, but I was gifted the Malabrigo Lace for my birthday and I didn't intend to copy her shamelessly. The pattern is great and easy to memorize, making this a great on the go project. I might be about half way right now and I'm hoping to finish it before it gets much colder. I might save this for a Christmas present too.

I hope you all had a good weekend, it's almost Monday! I'm going to try to post every day this week to get myself out of this posting slump I've found myself in. Some days I look around and wonder, why would anyone care about this? But I've learned that when I look for beauty and interesting things in my life, I usually find them. I'll put that to the test in the next few days. Wish me luck!

Recovering, or, At Least Trying To

2007-09-17T20:22:00.001-05:00

I had a beautiful weekend, after a somewhat trying week. I took over teaching some classes and I'm liking the kids and the projects a lot, but they're all taking a lot out of me and it's all I can do not to fall into bed right after getting home (hence the lack of pictures, sorry. I'll try harder tomorrow). But the kids are good and I'm excited about what they're learning and making, so it's all worth it.

Anyway, the weekend. I went out of town to visit some friends after school on Friday, where I had dinner with Guy and saw the apartment I will move into in January. On Saturday we all slept in (and inadvertently missed the Farmer's Market), but then I went to a barbecue, where the weather was perfect, and then went to a party later that night. Sunday I traveled home and took a nap after all the excitement. And now it's back to school again! It's funny how fast time is moving these days.

As for knitting, I have startitis. Ravelry and the new Knitty aren't helping. I absolutely love Henry and Totally Autumn, and Urchin and Mr. Greenjeans have definite possibilities. I love the neck detail on Neiman, but I'd change the fit of the whole thing. I could've passed on the constipated baby with an ill-fitting hat, but the toys are unbelievably cute.

An FO of a Different Flavor

2007-09-11T19:38:00.000-05:00

As fall continues (or, I guess, as summer comes to a real close), the days seem to be going by faster and faster. Student teaching is taking a lot out of me, and there hasn't been much knitting to speak of in the last few days. I'm at school all day and then my nights are full of writing lessons, doing assignments for my professor, and The Office. Is anyone else super excited to have season 3 on DVD?

Anyway, I finished something else recently:

It's the easy beach quilt from Denyse Schmidt's Quilts and it was so fast that I didn't have time to blog about it! It's pretty much two large rectangles put together with a small strip in the middle, but I absolutely love it. I especially like the wave quilting: if it's a beach quilt might as well go all out right?

Nothing too fancy with the fabric or anything, just some plain Jane solids with a couple of cool prints for the strip. It's definitely coming in handy now that the weather is getting cooler. Happy fall!

Mitten Swap Questionnaire

2007-09-03T12:17:00.000-05:00

I've decided to take part in the No More Humdrum Mitten Swap (my first swap ever), and I'm super excited about it! Hopefully I'll get to create something great and make a new friend in the process.

Anyway, here's the questionnaire I have to fill out:

1. How long have you been knitting and how did you learn? I've been knitting for about 10 years, though when I first learned and through middle and high school I would knit only in spurts. Now I knit all the time. I first learned from my mother, a bit from my grandmother, then I took a beginner class, and the rest I've learned from books.
2. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate, or advanced? I would consider myself pretty advanced because I understand the knitting process, but there are some things I haven't tried yet.
3. What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike? I love pretty much all colors, but I especially like reds, oranges, blues, greens, and purples. Bright and rich colors are best.
4. Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns? I do like the Latvian mittens I have seen, and I think Lisbeth Upitis' book of Latvian patterns is great, but I can't link to any specific favorites.
5. Do you desire mittens yourself, your "special someone else" or your child? I definitely want mittens for myself.
6. What other things do you enjoy knitting? I'm in a sweater kick right now, but I also like making blankets and smaller accessories.
7. What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs. circs, bamboo vs. aluminum) I definitely prefer circs over straights, but it depends on what I'm making if I prefer bamboo or aluminum. Since getting my Denise set though, most of my knitting has been with them, and they are plastic.
8. What's one project you've not yet tried but are dying to make? First, I really want to make a sweater with a short row shawl collar, but I'm also really interested in making more fair isle or equally complex mittens and hats.
9. What's one yarn you've not yet tried but are dying to work with? I've never tried any Rowan or any kind of cashmere and I would really like to.
10. What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Cook? I also paint and lately I've gotten into a bit of quilting. I also dabble in sewing and would like to learn to cook.
11. Besides yarn, do you collect anything? I have a little collection of postcards, but I'm also a big fan of magnets and maps.
12. What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you ate or are allergic to? I love love love dark chocolate and anything sweet. I'm not a huge fan of almonds or other nuts in cookies or chocolate, but I like them peanuts and cashews by themselves.
13. Do you have any kids? Pets? No kids, but my family has a Golden Retriever.
14. What is your favorite part of Winter? Christmas, especially Christmas lights, sledding, and getting to wear more sweaters.
15. What is your least favorite part of Winter? Driving in the snow and the shorter days.

Rusted Root on a Long Weekend

2007-09-02T22:38:00.000-05:00

My first week of school went well, and though I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed, I think it will be a rewarding experience. I will definitely learn a lot in the next few weeks, and lucky you guys will get to hear about it!

On the knitting front though, I finally wore my Rusted Root today.

Pattern: Rusted Root
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, 3 skeins, Butter Cream colorway
Needles: Denise size 5 circs
Modifications: I just love how the top down construction of this sweater allowed for some very easy mods, like adding some increases under the arms after the sleeve stitches were set aside, creating some bust darts to accommodate, well, the bust, and then increasing at the waist so the cop would sit nicely around my hips.

Adding these increases put me very close to running out of yarn as I explained here, but I think it was worth it to have a better fitting top. My only real complaint is in my worrying about actually finishing with the yarn I had, I bound off a little too tightly on the sleeves. I'm not sure if that comes through on the picture or not.

And to be honest, the lace panel gave me a little problem at the beginning, but it was my fault for not following the directions closely enough. I think this was mostly due to not having a chart to follow, but as I went along I became more comfortable with it, and I really like how the leaves came out.

I need an honest opinion though: is this color just not for me? My mom insists it's fine, but I just don't know. And looking at the picture, I'm not sure the fit is even the best. What do you guys think?

Have a great rest of the long weekend! I know I'll definitely be making the most of my day off.

Powering Up

2007-08-27T16:01:00.000-05:00

Power came back on late yesterday. I am so so happy. I can finally shower in the light (my house's only full shower is in the basement), I can do laundry, and I can keep things cold in the fridge again. Losing power for so long makes you grateful, both for when it comes back, and that you didn't lose things like water or phone service. Thanks so much for all your concern. Even though living without electricity for so long was tough, others had it much much worse. I saw a story on the news the other day about a couple in Ohio trying to pull off their wedding in the midst of massive flooding, while I was here trying to keep the freezer from melting all over the floor. I do think it's pretty funny though, that TV news reporters give advice for those still without power, like how to protect your food or how to contact the utility. C'mon now. The power is out and much as we'd like it otherwise, that includes the TV.

Anyway, I finished the yolk part of the Somewhat Cowl, meaning (I think I've got the terminology right) I've put the sleeve stitches on stitch holders, which is making the rows shorter. Not that I'm complaining of course, I'm loving this project with miles and miles of stockinette. I need a project like that every once in awhile.

I spent a lot of time on Ravelry this weekend, and goodness, is it a gem. I can't wait to keep exploring this site because I keep finding things that just make me excited about knitting again. Like the designer profiles. Click through them and I promise you'll find some awesome patterns you didn't even know were out there.

Bonus surprise: I found out my own pattern, Heartwarmers, is already on there. Crazy!

A Bit of Change

2007-08-25T14:33:00.001-05:00

Change seems to be my operative word for this week. I began student teaching on Wednesday (institute days at least, which are so far filled with meetings, speeches, and organizing the classroom), which is a HUGE change for me, but the school is also experiencing some changes like a new principal and bell schedule.

The biggest change though, looks like this:

As most of you have probably heard by now, most of the Midwest as been having some strange weather in the past couple of weeks, but a string of massive storms ripped through all of Northern Illinois on Thursday, leaving very large trees and power lines laying on the ground like twigs. There's no real damage to my house, but we're on day 3 so far without any power. I'm hoping it will be back tomorrow, but no real promises. Whole neighborhoods and towns around here are dark. A weird sight, to be sure.

Right now though, I'm hanging out in a cafe with free WiFi, trying to catch up on everything. The Somewhat Cowl is coming along nicely, and is a little greener than the picture shows. Every time I start a new top-down raglan I'm impressed all over with how simple and beautiful this technique is. So easy to execute but also such a great way to ensure a great fit.

Yikes, I better get back to it while daylight allows!

Perseverance

2007-08-21T10:55:00.000-05:00

You wouldn't think that a few little washcloths would take this long, but like it or not, I still have three more to go. How is it that with all the time I've spent making the rounds in the doctor's, dentist's, and optometrist's offices that I'm not done with these yet? The stitch patterns are interesting, and I'm looking forward to having the complete set, but the 100% cotton yarn is a bit hard on the hands. Actually, a lot hard on the hands after half an hour or so. It always seems to go like that, the little things take forever (the Roomie's mittens, for example) while the big things, like a full size sweater in fingering weight yarn, just breeze by. A knitting mystery, perhaps?

And with such a tough assignment, I needed something to balance it out. Here's the beginning of my Somewhat Cowl: another beautiful sweater in another beautiful color I'm not sure will work on me. The yarn is delicious though, so it's definitely a nice break from the cotton. I'm a little nervous about some of the reports from Ravelry, though. Most people ended up ripping theirs at some point, and more than half of those who finished aren't happy with how it turned out. I'm wondering what the problem is, as the reasons vary among knitters. We'll have to see I suppose.

Sorry about the picture quality; it's been raining for days with no real hope of sun anytime soon. This is about as good as it'll get. Though bad for pictures, the rain is bringing some great cooler weather. Can't wait for fall!

Hello Again

2007-08-15T20:32:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the long absence, the time sure is flying around here this summer. Plus, as many of you are experiencing also, it's been uncomfortably hot. My house doesn't have air conditioning, so that combined with just finishing the Rusted Root (I promise there's a proper post coming about it with pretty pictures and everything, but I need to find a place where it can dry after a good blocking; something that will take at least a couple of days given the humidity) led me to a quite a few days in a row without any knitting at all!

It's cooled off a bit around here and I'm working on a couple of smaller things, namely Back to School for my sister, who, incidentally, is going off to college for the first time.

I made a whole bunch of washcloths last summer (the perfect summer knitting project, I think), spurred on by Ann and Kay and their love of the ballband warshcloth. While they advocate using them for dishes and in place of paper towels, I found I used them more as facial clothes, which I think is what these are meant for. Anyway, I really liked using mine while at school, so hopefully my sister will enjoy these while she's so far away from home.

I've also been inspired by both some birthday yarn and the new Interweave Knits magazine, which I picked up yesterday. There are some beautiful projects in that one! I'm so excited to see the direction that Eunny is going to take the magazine. Below is the birthday stash (clockwise from top): some Trekking XXL, Malabrigo laceweight (which I think might be the exact same color Wendy has just whipped a pattern together for - score!), some Cascade Ecological Wool, and then some Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca and Silk for Wendy's Somewhat Cowl. Just looking at it all makes me excited for all the fall knitting in my future.

And speaking of Wendy (twice now), I loved her post today about the use of the term "muggle" to speak of a non-knitter or someone who doesn't "believe" in knitting the way some knitters do. I think this is mostly being made popular by the Yarn Harlot, but I think it's a bit disturbing. Creating a name for a group of people seems to also create a us versus them mentality, that I don't think is helpful to bringing more people to the craft or bringing acceptance to people that knit (especially in public). While I know it started out of good fun, I find it very judgmental and condescending, implying that knitting is the best hobby for everyone, regardless of personal preference. I've also seen this happen with vegetarians judging the food choices of those around them, and since I'm a vegetarian a lot of people have expected me to yell at them for eating meat. They seem surprised when I say that I've made their choice and they've made theirs, so why get all upset about it? In a way, I think this whole muggle thing is sort of the same way. There is so much pulling people apart these days that this needless labeling doesn't do any good, and I believe actually does some harm. I sure wouldn't want to be treated like a "muggle" by someone, no matter what the activity was. I don't really understand extreme fandom, or people who love manga comics, or people who love cats more than anything, and that's cool. We don't all have to be the same. We just have to respect each other.

Birthday Flowers

2007-08-03T17:23:00.000-05:00

Aren't they wonderful?

And what's that on the table?

Yep, that's all that was left once I finished the Rusted Root. Let's take another look at those flowers shall we, as we contemplate the nervousness of working with such a small bit of excess?

That's a little better.

All in all, the sweater's done. Tomorrow I'm going to block it, as it has a few ladders in it and the sleeves are a bit tight, but for now I'm just enjoying it.

P.S. Still hot as blazes around here. I could barely stand to put the silly thing on for a few minutes. Initial impression: the yellow might just work after all.

22!

2007-08-02T23:15:00.000-05:00

Twenty-two years ago today, I burst forth, late as usual.

Ha, let's not go there. We'll save that for the sentimental and lovingly critical guest blogging of the Mom. You know, when I fully explain what blogging is.

Anyway, I've mostly recovered from the family and work stuff, just in time for my birthday and some time off. I'm sleeping, reading, knitting, catching up with some friends, and reading blogs. I found some great new ones, so check out the updated (again) link list. I'm sure that list will be a work in progress as I keep discovering all the talent and beauty out there. This and this are especially drawing my attention right now.

Thanks for all your notes while I was away; I think we all need a breather once in awhile. Not that this space is a chore: even in the short time that I've been blogging I've loved every minute of it and wish I could devote more time to it, but at least for me, I sometimes need to give myself permission to put things on the back burner for a little bit.

I've been knitting like crazy these past couple of days and I'm almost done with the Rusted Root. So close I'm doing the inevitable race as I try to knit faster than the yarn (how does that make sense at all?). In the next day or so I'm hoping to finish it and show it off, especially now that it's so HOT. After a relatively cool spell, we're back into what a Chicago summer usually feels like.

You'd think with me being born in the summer I'd be loving it, but I can't help but feel sticky, all the time. And we all know that feeling of wanting to have nothing to do with the pile of knitting that would be on your lap. I'm trying to win out, but tomorrow I'll probably have to cave and find some good air conditioning.

Maybe that's what I should have wished for - a good breeze.

Pause

2007-07-24T23:29:00.000-05:00

I wish I was taking some time off to write a book, or because I had just written a book, or because I was going on a cruise, or camping in the mountains, or because I was moving across the country to set up a new life, but sadly, there's nothing close to that exciting on my horizon.

I need to take some time to take care of some family issues and also to deal with some stressful time at work. A lot has been happening in my life recently (though none of it interesting, amusing, or knitting related enough to blog about), and blogging (or at least thinking about and planning for blogging) has become a chore like so much of the rest of my life. I need to get some work done and recharge my batteries a bit.

I think knitting will play a big part in me getting back on track, so I hope to be back in a week or two with some knitting progress and joy to share. In the meantime, enjoy the summer! The cool fall will be here before we know it.

Harry

2007-07-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow (though technically Saturday) marks the midnight release of the 7th and supposed final book in the Harry Potter series, and I for one will be glad when it's over. Not only because of the extra work and grumpy customers I've come across in the past few days, but because I'd love to return to a world where everyone is interested in, and reading, different books. Here's a great article written by someone much more articulate than me.

I will say, though, that I've never seen a series of books or movies do so much for knitting. Both incarnations treat knitting as an integral part of life that represents domesticity and love, and while the knitted objects themselves weren't always treasured, they were recognized for what they meant, and I think that's really great. I hope everyone can appreciate the knitters in their lives, maybe not for the finished products, but for what all those yarn loops mean: great affection.

And if you need some Harry Potter inspired affection, there's no better place than this book.

Bags

2007-07-18T15:11:00.000-05:00

As they say, you can never have too many bags. I've always loved containers of any kind - boxes, baskets, pockets, jars, and bags. Of course, I've never been very good at fashion or wearing the latest style, but in a bit of research I've done, there aren't that many great knitted bags out there. I think we have the nature of the fabric against us - crochet can produce a much less stretchy fabric great for bags - but still. Knitting is so amazing and beautiful that it must be able to create some great bags.

I'm trying to whip up a little clutch pattern, something I'd definitely carry around and something I think is pretty cute and fun. It's in the picture there, the little purple thing.

I'm also working on one of the handbag patterns from Amy Karol's new book Bend-the-Rules Sewing, and I'm loving how it's turning out. I'm using some linen and batik leftovers, so it's also great for the budget.

Pretty soon I'll be off and running with some cool new accessories. What are your favorite bag patterns? I'm always up for knitting a few more.

I Told You it Was Coming

2007-07-12T22:52:00.000-05:00

A little friend visited today:

It's amazing how much happier and lighter you can feel after seeing a butterfly. Maybe that's a little girly, but I was in a bad mood when I saw this guy and then instantly I felt better, like there really is beauty in the world.

Speaking of beauty, I have something to show you:

Let me introduce the Honeymoon Cami, something that had layed in my works in progress basket for almost a year before I got off my butt and finished it. I'm so glad I did. The pattern description warns that you will bare a lot of skin wearing this, but I think I made the straps on mine a little too long, making it show way too much off. Of course, I could have ripped back and fixed the strap length, but I like how long it is and how it looks over another tank.

Pattern: Honeymoon Cami, from the Spring 2004 issue of Knitty.

Yarn: KnitPicks' Main Line, in Dusty Purple. I believe I used 8 skeins to make the 36" chest size.

Needles: Denise interchangables, US size 8.

Modifications: Virtually none. I lengthened the body (between the hip decreases and bust increases) some, but I wish I had done more. I also wish I had used short rows in the bust area because I think it would have fit me better, but overall, I'm very happy with how this turned out.

Here's a detail shot of the eyelet rib at the bottom of the cami. I love this little detail to the simple design. I would definitely recommend this pattern, especially since it can be such a quick summer knit. The Main Line yarn was also great, and better than I expected. It still gave me that little cotton ache in my hands if I worked on this for too long in one sitting, but the finished fabric is nice and soft. It is pilling slightly, but so far not too much and I've been able to pick it off easily.

I think I might try this again, or at least a modification of it to give myself some practice with short row busts, but I've really enjoyed wearing this so far. Plus, it makes me feel young, as I've been noticing all the tweens and super skinny teenagers are layering their tanks now. Huh, I'm actually on time with a trend this time. Go figure.

P.S. It was really sunny when my wonderful sister took these pictures of me, but I was still shocked to see how white I came out. Still, my only colors seem to be white and red, so I'll try to be thankful that I don't look like a lobster.

An Exploration

2007-07-09T21:19:00.000-05:00

Goodness, this weekend was hot. So hot it was all I could do to hide in the air conditioning at work, swim, and convince myself that knitting with mostly cotton yarn isn't that hot.

The Rusted Root is coming along nicely. I had to do a few adjustments so it could fit over my ample bosom, and then miscalculated and made too many increases, leading to a bit of frogging. I think I'm back on track now, helped along by the continuing discussion on Knitting Daily (if you haven't already signed up for the newsletter, you should because it's really great and the free pattern section is awesome). Sandi is knitting Wendy Bernard's cute little tee Tomato (featured in No Sheep for You, as well as a free pattern for those who sign up with the site), and as a curvy gal, she's making some modifications to fit her better. With her help, I'm trying to do some bust darts in addition to the written waist shaping for the Rusted Root. I'm not really a plus size girl, but I definitely have a pair of plus size girls, as in, the girls. You know what I mean. So we'll see how that goes. I sort of guess on where to put the darts based on Sandi's pictures, but the beauty of top down patterns like Rusted Root is that you can try them on to make sure they're perfect. And let me tell you, I love that. How else would I know that the top didn't fit me as written? It sure saves a lot of heartache and re-knitting later on.

They say it's going to rain tomorrow and then should cool off. Let's see if I can work out those darts during the storm. Ah... perfect knitting weather. There's isn't anything much better than a summer thunderstorm.

Happy Fourth!

2007-07-04T22:55:00.000-05:00

In the midst of summer busy-ness, the 4th stands almost as a beacon of sanity, or at least it does for me, mostly because it's so predictable. This year I worked in the morning (with some not-so-happy customers, let me add: if you're going to insist on shopping on a major holiday for something that isn't neccessary to have, at least be nice to the people stuck waiting on you), but then went to a barbeque at Guy's house, another one at my house, and then to see some fireworks. Here I am sitting by the river the fireworks were near, in broad daylight because we wanted a good viewing spot, and passing the time happily with the Rusted Root.

Though, looking again, my photographer missed the knitting almost entirely in that shot. Ah well. It's not nearly as bit as I'd hoped. I realized soon after my last post that I had completely messed up the number of stitches I had allotted for the lace panel. I've always found it a little confusing to adjust for sizing in a pattern (doing the medium size, with numbers in parentheses, for example, rather than the first number I see), and that's probably where I went wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with row 5 as written: it's my brain that hasn't adjusted to working a lace pattern without a chart. I now have the correct number of stitches and I think the lace is going better. We'll see more when there's a more substantial amount of fabric.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions about stitch markers. Angelika reminded me of the yarn loop method (just a bit of yarn tied into a circle), which I've used in the past. I think I'll try that or the rubber circles soon.

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, full of the things and people you love. I know mine was, and made especially nice with a nice fireworks display:

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

The Root

2007-06-26T23:06:00.000-05:00

Ah, the excitement of a new project. I love this Rusted Root pattern and how it will look, but I'm also a little nervous that it won't look good on me, or that I chose the wrong color (I don't think I've worn something yellow since I was very small and I've never knit with it - let's hope I still like it as much as I do now when I'm done).

I am having a bit of a problem with the lace panel though. Has anyone else had a problem getting row 5 to work? I always seem two stitches short and the decreases don't seem to line up with the previous row's decreases. I searched through Google Blog Search (an ingenious tool, by the way), but didn't find anything particularly useful. Maybe I'm searching wrong. Or reading the pattern wrong. I'll do a little more research and then contact the designers.

And yes, those are paper clips I'm using as stitch markers. While they're working in pinch (the pinch being I have no stitch markers because I always lose them), they're not that great. They keep catching and falling off the needle. So I thought to myself, maybe I am mature enough and responsible enough to actually have some stitch markers. With some quick research online, I am officially overwhelmed. So many choices. Here are the traditional and cheap ones. Here's someone that calls them "jewelry for knitting" and has just about every do-jiggy I could ever imagine to attach to the rings. Ebay has even more options. The offerings on Etsy seem to be the most promising, showing rings that don't look like they would be overly distracting. Here's even some instructions on how to make your own with Sculpey, something that turns out looking great, but also a bit complicated. And that's only a skim on the surface.

I might just stick with the paperclips for the time being.

Summer Time

2007-06-24T22:31:00.000-05:00

I'll be honest: the summer is keeping me pretty busy lately. Work is eating up lots of time, which is good because I have a little income, but at the same time frustrating and tiring. Don't get me wrong, I love books, the people I work with, and even most of the customers, but at the end of the day, working for a major bookstore chain is just not my calling.

So I've been hanging out with Guy, catching up on old TV shows, going to the park, the zoo, and for ice cream. Today we went to see a show called The Musical of Musicals: The Musical and it was highly entertaining. Also, we've taken up something called geocaching, which takes us to random parts of town in search of random hidden treasures. I'm sorry to say, though, that during many of these adventures I've forgotten the camera. I'll try to remember it next time.

On the knitting front, I didn't finish all my Spring Cleaning. Here's a taste of a bit I did finish:

I'm trying to get some better pictures of the Honeymoon Cami and Thermal while I'm wearing them, but it's been hard to find a time when the weather and a photographer are both cooperating.

The Print o' the Wave is also coming along nicely, and believe it or not I almost have the pattern memorized. I guess that's what you get for doing it twice.

Today I finally got ahold of the new KnitScene magazine, and while some out there think it's full of the fugly, I like most of the patterns and might actually make some of them. I'm already eyeing the cover sweater, as well as Road to Golden on page 23 (the Fair Isle worsted weight sweater in reds, greens, and yellows). I love it's little optical illusion of looking like two layered shirts.

I'm hoping to start a couple of new things soon, maybe something quick to jumpstart me. I might be in danger of the summer knitting blues. Tell me it ain't so!

Whirlwind

2007-06-17T21:08:00.000-05:00

Whew. I feel like I haven't been around much at all. Between moving back home (which in some ways is more traumatic than just moving), the graduation, graduation party, my grandmother visiting, starting work, trying to unpack, and then my mother's birthday and Father's Day today, it's been a busy couple of weeks.

Coming back home makes me realize how much stuff I have around - all the stuff I needed (and didn't really need at school) plus all the stuff I've collected throughout the years makes for a cramped room and no real place to put anything. I think some real cleaning and organizing is in my future.

All in all, there hasn't been much knitting around here either. I frogged the Print o' the Wave and I think I'm about half way done with the body again. Hopefully this time the border will work better. I also picked up some Cotton Fleece in a yellow to begin work on a Rusted Root, and along with the rest of my stash I think I'm set for summer knitting.

Wow, I just reread that and I sound so boring. Really, I'm not, just a bad writer. Well, maybe I am marginally boring. Check out the updated blog links for some actually interesting people.

Stay tuned. More knitting content to come.

Lies

2007-05-30T11:52:00.001-05:00

Okay, I lied. Turns out, in the few days I have off between classes and going home, I have some time to blog after all. Finals are finally over and I think for the most part they went well. I liked all of my classes this term and I worked really hard and I feel like I learned a lot. Now I just have to wait to see if my professors agree.

Now that the summer is officially under way for me, I'm bursting with ideas on how to spend the next few months and I'm excited to talk about it, so bear with me.

First of all, I want to knit more. I have so many ideas for patterns and yarns to try, in addition to some ideas for some new things I'd like to design.

This summer I also want to have time to paint, as I'm thinking of applying to graduate school and need to work on my portfolio.

I'd also love to take a few days trips to the zoo or art museum or whatever, sort of like a mini vacation.

Of course, I'll need to work and I want to see a few friends as well, so even with just those few goals I think the summer will be full indeed.

And as for knitting, I'm having a bit of a dilemma:

I was clicking along on the Print o' the Wave, loving it despite the mistakes I made at the very beginning, and I finished the body of the stole. I began picking up stitches for the border, but I got to the required 240 stitches on one side about 8 inches before the end of the stole. Of course, that meant I cleared the mistake I made at the beginning. And being the knitter I am, I thought of course I can just rip out from the bottom back until where I have the picked up stitches and then be just fine. I forgot though, that the beginning of knitting does not unravel like the end of knitting does, and now I have a mangled mess right at the beginning.

Take a deep breath: I might have to take out the whole thing and start over. I'm going to think about this a little longer and then probably take the plunge. I'm comforted knowing I probably wouldn't have been able to unravel like I wanted to and I definitely wouldn't have liked keeping that mistake.

Something Old and Something New

2007-05-25T16:57:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again. Like many bloggers out there, for the next week or so I'll be taking finals, writing papers, and presenting the work I've been doing all term. It's an exciting time, but not known for its time for knitting. I did finish sewing up the Thermal, but with all the clutter around here I don't have a good place to block it and leave it to dry, so I'll wait until I get home. I'm still madly in love with it though and I promise not to forget about it. This week will be crazy busy though, so you might not hear from me for a little bit - I'm moving back home, visiting with family, attending my sister's high school graduation, and trying to get settled again.

In the meantime, though, there's something very new and exciting. I finally got invited to Ravelry - the new knitting/crochet site that helps you organize everything from yarn and needles to which patterns you want to do next. I think this thing will be a godsend. I already added a few things, but I need to get a Flickr account set up which should make it easier. Something tells me that getting everything organized, labeled, and photographed will be a project all its own.

And, as a little taste, here's something that should be there soon:

Some Karabella Aurora 8 in the Sable color, which I'm hoping to make a Blustery with. I think it'd be the perfect addition to a soon-to-be-teacher's wardrobe, don't you?

Enjoy the long weekend!

Curse and Blessing

2007-05-15T23:25:00.000-05:00

Guy and I were talking the other day about spinning, yarn, and sheep. Now, Guy's a knitter, but only once every so often and he doesn't seem to be plauged by multiple projects or a love for yarn like I am, and I don't think he'd be very excited about even more kinds of fiber sharing our space. I admire those knitters out there that are expert spinners and dyers, and even those who are not and only want to know more about the craft and material that lead up to the knitting process, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to make the leap. I can't help but think that it would take precious time away from the needles.

I feel the same way about seaming. Tonight, as I looked at a few empty hours all I wanted to do was knit. Of course, I have quite a long list of unfinished projects with a self-imposed deadline, and I'd say more than half of them are actually pretty close to being done if I'd give them a bit more attention. When it comes right down to it, though, I'd rather be knitting something than not knitting something. I don't think new projects are all that inticing for me because they are new, just because they promise more time doing the repetivie motion I love so much. I think that's the curse of the Broadstreet Mittens - there's just too many fiddly parts keeping me from getting that motion going.

Anyway, I forced myself tonight to actually do some seaming. And I'm so glad I did.

Sorry for the horrible picture - there will be more to come in the next few days, I promise. But look at that seaming job! It looks great (the blessing part), if I do say so myself. I love how the ribs match up on that curvy part, and the whole thing fit without too much trouble. Look out world, I might just be wearing a Thermal in the next few days or so. Especially if the weather stays rainy and cool like it was today. What is up with this spring so far?

It's Official

2007-05-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

Thermal is nearly complete. Not one more stitch is needed - well, at least that's what I'm telling myself. It still needs to be sewn up, of course. After such a lovely knit it's hard to get excited about sewing the pieces togeter. Really, this is probably one of the most enjoyable things I've knit for quite some time, which is saying something because I had a mean miter and washcloth knitting stage thanks to Kay and Ann.

I know that this thing will need some blocking and right now I'm trying to decide if I should do it before I sew the sleaves in or after. I'm a smidge worried about the blocking process because I've never done it on a complete sweater before, I'm not in the best living space right now, and I don't have any of my serious knitting reference books with me. I'm hoping the blocking will calm down that collar too - why is it so wiggly?

And much to my joy and relief, the sleeves look like they'll fit into the sleeve holes. I've been in that boat too many times where for some reason or another my row gauge was different enough to affect how the pieces fit together.

I'm hoping to work on this this weekend, along with some other ideas and projects I have kicking around, but as always school is getting in the way. I have to keep reminding myself that I only have two more weeks and then one more year and then I can be done for a little while. Won't that be nice?

Some Progress

2007-05-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

A morning's work:

I always forget how long it takes to wind up balls of thin yarn. Especially for the lace one - over 400 yards!

Both the Print o' the Wave and Thermal are coming along nicely. I'm nearly done with the body of the stole, but I've been warned that the border takes just as long as the first part. I'm looking forward to the blocking process though, as this is my first real piece of lace.

And thankfully, Thermal is finally resembling something more like a sweater. I actually might finish in the next couple of days! The way the weather is acting lately, I just might get a chance to wear it, too. Let's all cross our fingers.

Have I Been Knitting Without Yarn?!

2007-04-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

Ribbit

2007-04-19T18:06:00.000-05:00

This'll teach me not to brag how fast this tiny gauged long sleeve sweater is going.

I misremembered the final count of stitches after the increases and had to frog about six inches. This should teach me not to rely on quick (sometimes incomplete or wrong) notes scribbled on pieces of paper rather than the full pattern. We're off and running again though, and I'm hoping to have the sweater done before it gets too much warmer.

A New Adventure

2007-04-15T01:46:00.000-05:00

I suppose you could call this a slip up on the path of Spring Cleaning, but I'm having a lot of fun with it and it's nice to start something new. Plus, it'll take me awhile, probably much farther than most of the other projects right now, and I'm enjoying the challenge.

I do have some other progress on the mittens and Thermal to share, but it's been a busy week and I don't have any decent photos. I'll do a decent update in the next few days (after I turn a few things in), and I definitely haven't forgotten about that pattern I promised. Maybe the weather will finally get warmer and I'll get motivated to blog properly. Let's cross our fingers.

And just because, here's another video about our beloved sheep:

One Small Step

2007-04-11T00:13:00.000-05:00

Forgive the bad lighting and ends not woven in, but I wanted to share what feels like a monumental accomplishment: both Broadstreet Mittens are off the needles.
I'm not sure yet how the top is going to work, especially because the pattern as written is unclear and confusing, as well as lacking any pictures of how the top flap fits with the back of the hand. Hopefully we'll see tomorrow.

Stitch and Bitch is improving: I think it might turn into a movie and knitting night until some more people are interested and we get a bigger group together. Tonight's flick was D.E.B.S. which turned out to be just what we all needed.

I ran across this video the other day and I think there should be more cute knitting YouTube videos out there.

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T19:38:00.000-05:00

And Then There Were Two

2007-04-06T12:31:00.000-05:00

Thermal is just clicking along, isn't it? Sometimes it surprises me how fast this thing is going. I'm sad to see that Alison is putting hers off; it's so easy and interesting to knit that I think everyone should give it a try. Seriously, I'm hoping this cold weather sticks around until I'm done so I can wear it. Actually, scratch that: it can stay cool, but not this cold. After temperatures in the 70s last week, this week's highs in the 30s has been a shock to say the least.

Anyway, the only things I'm having troubles with are the sleeve increases. I get distracted by the pattern or whatever I happen to be watching and then I lose count of the rows. So I've figured out a system of flaps on a piece of paper (as a sort of quasi abacus or counter) so I don't have to carry a pen around with me (am I the only one who ends up losing it or accidentally writing on something?), but even that isn't working very well. Any suggestions?

Here's some proof of how beautiful it was just a few short days ago - flowers and trees were budding, the grass was very bright, and we no longer needed any jackets. Now half of the country seems to be stuck in an early spring freeze. I sure hope it ends soon.

P.S. I must be a boring blogger - the weather seems to be an interesting subject for me.

P.P.S. I'm working on the pattern for the thing I mentioned a couple of posts ago, but I can't figure out how to save the chart in a format I can then upload. Any ideas?

The Bright Side

2007-04-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

Let's look on the bright side: when you have a fledgling knitting group that is very sporadic and no one is really committed to coming to it, at least you don't have to look at projects like these.

Really, we should count ourselves lucky. College students on a budget are not always a pretty sight. I suppose we'll try again next week. I'll even make cookies this time.

I seriously have no words for this last one. I do believe that it is a kind of hat/mask though. As in, there's a person's head under there.

A Little Sidetracked

2007-03-30T14:58:00.000-06:00

First, the Argosy Dishcloth by Vyvyan (based on the Argosy Scarf from Knitty). Seeing Kay's baby blanket reminded me of this great little scarf pattern, but since I don't need another scarf soon, the dishcloth it was. Although, I have quite a few washcloths lying around, so it might not be any more useful. At least it was quicker.

And what's this?

A quick little doodad I'd almost forgotten about. Pattern soon.

Where's the Stitching and Bitching?

2007-03-27T21:05:00.000-06:00

Thermal's just clicking along: I'm done with all the sleeve increases and have just a few more inches left to go. Then the other sleeve and the two fronts, and voila! A whole new sweater. I can't remember the last time I was this close to finishing a sweater I was actually still excited about this far into the process. That in itself is exciting.

I'm not sure yet if I like how the seaming is working out on the inside of the sleeve: something about it looks weird. The ribs don't line up together, sort of like stripes not matching. I do like that it is a recognizable "seam" and I probably won't change it on the next one, but I might if I ever make this pattern again.

Spring is finally here too, which is also very exciting. The weather has been warm enough to hang out outside, and some of the flowers are blooming. Soon the flowering trees will open, but not before some storms and cooler termperatures. I can't wait until it's really warm. But then I'll just wish for cooler weather again, especially after Thermal is done. I guess there's just no pleasing me.

P.S. Another first meeting of Stitch and Bitch was tonight, and again, not really anyone came. Is knitting going out of style? Is advertising the answer? All these and more, answered next week when we try again.

One Down

2007-03-24T15:54:00.000-06:00

Picking up the Clapotis after such a long reprieve proves once again what a simple, beautiful design it is. Almost like riding a bike in fact. I hardly had to look at the pattern while I finished it up; it sort of explained itself. I like that in a design, being able to see how it's constructed, how it makes sense, what a decrease or a yarn over will eventually accomplish.

Pattern: the famous Clapotis
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in color 32 Jewel Blue, 2 skeins
Needles: Denise size 7
Modifications: Fewer repeats both width and length wise: I wanted more of a scarf than a wrap, and the second skein yielded much less length than the first, so it also wasn't as long as I was expecting. Still good though, 12" wide and almost 70" long, unstretched.

I haven't decided yet if I'm going to block it. I probably will because anything could use a nice light blocking to even out the stitches, and I can see where the dropped stitches could use some straightening, but I also like the wrinkly aspect of it. I like that it's not exactly flat. Any advice for light blocking? Is steam the way to go? Or a spritz with a spray bottle?

Next to the scarf is the first sleeve for Thermal, not because I've finished the body but because I needed something simple enough to work on while I watched a movie for class in a dark auditorium. A girl's got to be prepared.

Spring Cleaning!

2007-03-21T12:41:00.000-06:00

Today marks the first full day of spring, and boy am I glad. There aren't any blooming flowers or trees where I am, or even really any sunshine right now, but the ground is soft from last night's rain and the grass is definitely greener. It's warmer too - a welcome relief from the freezing winter we've just had.

With spring marks the beginning of a new school term for me. I'm trying to be more organized this time around. The desk is clean, I'm shopping for notebooks later, and the sheets are new. Just in time.

The knitting though, is dreadfully behind, wrinkled, and forgotten. This spring will be a time to finish all those wonderful things: a new chance for them and a chance for me to actually finish something.

First up, the Roomie's mittens. I promised myself I'd finish them over the break and be able to give them to her in case it got cold again. As you can see, I'm so close to at least having some fingerless gloves.

Thermal has been distracting me with its interesting pattern and tiny needles. I have made some progess though, all the way to the arm hole shaping. There's something about this sweater that keeps me coming back.

Then in the land of forgotten is the infamous Clapotis, a nearly completely finished Honeymoon Cami, and a Picovoli. The Honeymoon and Picovoli I wanted to finish for last year's summer vacation. I'm making the Clapotis out of some great blue and white Malabrigo, and will really make a great soft scarf when it's done.

And this isn't even mentioning the mitered square afghan and the Northern Lights mittens. Or any of the designs I've been playing with.

Goodness, now it looks like I don't finish anything. But that's what this is all about. All these projects should be finished before summer officially begins around June 21st. I better get to work.

Kiss Me

2007-03-17T23:13:00.000-06:00

While I didn't grow up in a strictly Irish or even Catholic family, being Irish was always around, something to explain my red hair or to provide some conversation starter.

But today everybody's Irish. While the green beer is nice, I've always wondered if St. Patrick's Day was actually a good thing for those of us who call ourselves Irish. I suppose emulation is the best flattery, but I still think the green beads, feathers, and kiss me t-shirts are a little cheesy and over done. That is, if anyone's asking. There's more to being Irish than that.

It's great to look at Chicago though, full of green water, with Irish dancers on the local news shows, parades, and a party like the real ones on that little island across the ocean. Looks pretty fun to me.

Beware the Ides

2007-03-15T22:01:00.000-06:00

There's not much new to report on the knitting front: I knit for hours on Thermal and it still doesn't feel like I've gotten very far. I'm almost close to the neck, but any pictures I could show you would look identical to all the other pictures I've taken, so I'll spare your eyes.

I'm full of plans these days. Plans for finishing all those wonderful projects that started boring me after they were half done (in some cases nearly done) and I stuck in a drawer somewhere. Plans for starting new projects in all the new books and magazines I've been seeing lately (the downside of working in a bookstore that recognizes the trendiness knitting is enjoying right now). Plans for some new designs I want to work up. Oh plans.

This spring I want to finish all those unfinished things, a kind of spring cleaning you might say. Though if I stop working on Thermal I'm afraid it might be left in a box or basket, not to be seen until it gets cold again (which by the way, it's still very cold). Anyway: first on the agenda are those little mittens for the Roommate. How long does a girl have to wait for some mittens?

A New Read

2007-03-13T21:59:00.000-06:00

This book is great. I only just picked it up and I love all the pictures, all the fresh, original designs, everything. Like Kay said, Wenlen Chia has done what I didn't think was possible: these chunky knits don't look chunky.

I positively love this sweater. I really like all the collars and cap sleeves in these designs and how so few stitches can make such detailed shapes.

But take a gander at these models! I've never seen such model looking models. Unfortunately, the patterns match these tiniest of all women and a 2 sweaters out of the whole book make it to a 35" bust. As in that's the largest size. Many of the sweaters have the largest size around a 30". One of them has a small size as a 16.5" with a large as 20.5". I can understand having small sizes on the models, because c'mon, everyone wants their designs to look great on skinny people. But seriously, I can't imagine who Chia think will actually knit her sweaters. I suppose you could argue that those are the only kind of people that should be wearing chunky knits, and I'd probably argree with you, but I'd like to at least have a go at a vest or something before I swear it off.

Thermal is coming along, though the progress is somewhat boring as I haven't reached the neck yet and it's still one big tube. I'm enjoying the little needles though and the process of doing it. The stitch is just enough to keep me interested and the yarn just splitty enough so I have to pay attention. It's turning into my zen. Which I think is a good thing, especially now that I'm on break. It's good to slow down every once in awhile.

Finals

2007-03-05T00:09:00.000-06:00

Days like this:

Create work like this:

Yes, that's the Thermal that I promised I wouldn't start until some other things were finished, but we all know how well those sorts of things work out.

That much knitting is somewhat deceiving - even with all that accomplished this week has been terribly busy with getting ready for finals, along with seeing some wonderful theatrical shows (more on that in a few days), and my sister was in town for the weekend.

This week will prove to be even busier as I try to finish several papers, a few paintings, and a presentation in order to prove how much I've learned this term. There probably won't be much knitting, as I have yet to master knitting and reading at the same time, but now that I think of it I guess I'll be typing more than reading anyway.

Spring break is coming fast, and with it I'm hoping to get in some knitting, along with movies and books that I've been missing out on. Stay tuned.

Puddles!

2007-02-25T12:38:00.000-06:00

Last week we had some great weather: it almost convinced me spring was actually on the way. Mother Nature is a jokester that way. More ice, sleet, rain, and snow yesterday and today. Campus is a covered in huge puddles and piles of slush, making me want to stay in and knit. The first picture is a view from the student union, and the second is on the other side of campus, between some dorms and the cafeteria. If you look close you can see the sidewalk that's under at least 6 inches of water.

I finished the swatch for Thermal, and I'm really liking the feel of the Knitpicks Gloss yarn. Soft and sort of delicate because of its weight, but the silk gives it a nice sheen and almost a bit of a crunch when you touch it. I had gauge before I washed it, but because of some of the experiences over at the Thermal KnitalongI went ahead and made a real swatch, washing and all. It grew by 2 stitches over 4 inches, so I'm staying with the 36 inch bust size and trying to knit normally (since I heard the designer is a loose knitter and I tried to knit looser - my way of getting around buying more needles).

And yes, the mittens are lonely and unfinished. Poor unfinished mittens. I will finish you, my friends. I promise.

Adventures in the City, Part 2

2007-02-21T22:39:00.000-06:00

Yesterday the Art Department took a field trip to Chicago to visit the Art Institute and some other galleries in the area, and I had a really good time, minus one very disgruntled security guard. This was my first time to the museum since starting to study painting seriously, so I found myself looking at the paintings in a whole new way, trying to figure out how they did it.

We took the whole day, but it was still rushed and I didn't see even half of what I wanted to. It was great, and also a good excuse to leave campus (I've been saying that a lot, haven't I?). I got a lot more excited about painting, though, and I think I want to pursue it more, even after school. I don't think I'm that great or anything, but I think I would like to try to figure out something to say and then say it through paint.

Anyway, on the knitting front, one down, seven to go. The yarn for Thermal is finally here and I'm going to start swatching while I finish up those mittens. Poor mittens, having to compete with a new project. I realized the other day that in spite of all the knitting I do, I don't have any sweaters that I made that I actually wear. So I'm hoping this one is different. Cross your fingers for me.

Adventures in the City

2007-02-18T20:21:00.000-06:00

Last weekend Guy and I trekked up to Chicago to see DePaul University's production of The Last Five Years. It felt nice to get off campus for awhile, see some new places, and actually see a play where we don't know everyone in the cast. Not that I don't like seeing plays with friends in them, but it was a nice change of pace.

I think the theater is a converted school and it still has a lot of its institutional feel in the hallways. But the theater the show was in felt professional and intimate. I thought the set was really interesting, most of the costumes were right on, and the script had a really great, well told story that was emotional in all the right ways and places. Definitely check out a production of it if you get the chance.

I'm plugging away on the Broadstreet Mittens: once I finish I'll reward myself with starting Thermal. Let me tell you, though: when doing major modifications to a pattern like I'm doing with this one (using worsted weight instead of sock yarn and trying to fit smaller than average hands) take notes! I winged it the first time and it turned out great. Now I just have to do it again.

School always gets in the way: the drawing in the background is by Dorothea Tanning, the American artist I'm doing my research project on this term. Actually, I'm focusing my paper on this piece right here. I love her quality of line and sense of movement. Plus, her life is so interesting. More on that later.

I'm really interested in Larissa's Recycle Along, especially with inspiration like this, this, and this. Makes me want to run to Goodwill right now and swipe all those sweaters I like nothing about except the color. All I need is some time to make cool things like that and some space to put them.

Heartwarmers

2007-02-15T21:33:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! A bit late, but if you really think about it, it's always time for love.

I'm always a sucker for hearts, so I whipped up this cute little thing. A quick little valentine, something to warm your sweetie's heart. And hands. Heat up the bag of rice, stick it in the pocket of the heart, and it will retain heat long enough to keep your hand warm in your pocket.

Finished Measurements: 4" by 3.5"

Materials:
*Patons Classic Merino in Bright Red, less than one skein
*Size 7 needles
*Tapestry needle
*Sewing thread
*Sewing needle
*Small button.
*Small amounts of fabric.
*A small amount of cotton stuffing
*Long grain rice

Gauge: 20 stitches by 26 rows = 4" square

Directions

Front: CO 3 sts.
Row 1: (and all uneven rows): (WS) purl.
Row 2: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1.
Row 4: *k1, m1, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 6: k1, m1, knit to last stitch, m1, k1.
Row 8: k1, m1, k1, m1, knit to last 2 stitches, m1, k1, m1, k1.
Row 10-16: Repeat Row 6.
Row 18-22: Knit all stitches.
Row 24: k1, ssk, k5, k2tog, k1, turn. (Each top of the heart will be worked individually.)
Row 26: Knit all 9 stitches (all the stitches on the right side of the heart).
Row 28: k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1.
Row 30: ssk, slip 1, k2tog, psso, k2tog.
Row 32: BO3.
Repeat Rows 24-32 for the other side of the top of the heart.

Back: Work as for the front, except:
Row 18: k7, BO8, k7.
Row 19: p7, CO8, p7.
After completing the heart, pick up and knit 10 stitches from the CO edge of the pocket in the middle of the heart. You will now work a pocket flap down over the pocket (working towards the original CO edge). Work back and forth in 2 x 2 ribbing for 8 rows. On the 8th row, make a yo button hole in the middle of the flap. Work 2 more rows in pattern.

Sew the two sides of the heart together. Using the heart as a guide, trace a heart shape on the fabric. You will need 4 heart pieces of fabric. Sew two of them together, stuffing slightly. I put this little sachet in the front of the knitted heart to help it keep its shape. Sew the other two fabric pieces together, adding rice, but do not overfill: the sachet should be movable and slightly limp. I put this sachet in the back of the heart. To heat, put the sachet of rice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and it should stay warm for about half an hour in the heart. Do not warm the knitted piece or stuffed sachet in the microwave, only the sachet of rice.

Enjoy! I certainly had fun working up this quick little valentine, and Guy seems to enjoy it as well. Who knows when it will finally warm up around here. More snow last night and more due later. Oh well, we have the Heartwarmers!

Six Weird Things

2007-02-09T19:16:00.000-06:00

Because everyone else is doing it and I want to feel like a legitimate knitting blogger, I'll give the 6 weird things meme a try. Although, like most of the others, it took me awhile to find sufficiently weird things that weren't overly embarrassing or awkward.

1. I'm nearly always cold. Especially now, but even in the warm weather, if I'm sitting in one place too long I get cold. My hands are the worst and I'm always embarrassed when I have to shake hands with new people.

2. Ever since I was a little kid I've liked to dip my fries in tartar sauce rather than ketchup. Now I'm pretty happy with the ketchup, but if given the chance I'll go for the tartar.

3. Similarly, I usually don't have a problem with burping. That is, until I drink a pop straight from the can. Something about the carbonation makes me go crazy with the burps. I suppose the really weird part is nothing happens when I drink pop in a glass with ice in it.

4. I actually like my retail job. It's around books and cool coworkers, the hours don't suck, and for the most part the customers are nice, interesting, and understanding. At least, most of the time.

5. I was homeschooled until 9th grade, when I was enrolled in a public high school. I never knew anything different until then. In some ways I think homeschooling taught me a lot, but in other ways I'm still struggling with certain aspects of school and interacting with others that I think I would have learned in "real" elementary school.

6. I'm studying for a degree in Education and Studio Art, with plans to teach after graduation. The thing is, I keep having day dreams about being an artist who has shows and gallery space and a studio. And I also want to work in an art museum and design exhibits. I want to travel too and I'm not sure how that would fit in with teaching. So I guess you could say I have a plan with a few backups.

And I'll tag Erin, Evan, and anyone else who hasn't done this yet. Let's all be weird together.

birthdays, colds, and trying to catch up

2007-02-08T00:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Guy's birthday, but since he had class all day and rehearsal until late we didn't celebrate until almost midnight. Roommate and I baked cupcakes and decorated a little, and all around I think it was a good night. I feel so lucky sometimes to have people like them.

I've also caught something of a cold this week and I've been feeling extra tired and lethargic and out of it. Thankfully classes this week weren't terribly demanding.

I've been full of knitting ideas lately and severely lacking in motivation. Stash yarn is crying out to be a pillow, the yarn for Thermal should be along soon, and I need a hat more suited to subzero temperatures. But I'm making myself finish at least something before I start something new.

Also, I've been feeling extra restless. It's still way below freezing here, though warmer than this past weekend. The weather seems to be all that people talk about anymore, especially me. And that makes me feel extra boring. Yep, that's me, the boring knitter, painter, blogger. Don't those kinds of people need to have something to say?

Well I do have something to say (maybe). I'm only 21, but I feel old, and I'm excited to finish school and get life started for real. On the other hand, under that excitement and the endless plans I seem to come up with, I'm afraid. Afraid that I won't like my job, won't be able to pay the rent, won't have cool friends like all the cool 30 something women on TV do, and will certainly never do anything of importance. So for now I'm trying to slow down, to enjoy having a meal plan, movie nights with Roommate, and my parents who occasionally loan me a few bucks.

Goodness, I didn't mean for that to be a downer. I'm just feeling like I'm on the edge of something great. And I can't wait.

The mittens are coming along. I'm down to the fingers now. The weekend is almost here, and I'm hoping to finish them, clean, and get ahead on work for the week. Ha.

new patterns!

2007-02-01T19:24:00.000-06:00

It snowed again last night and today. Large fluffy flakes, covering us with another 3 inches or so. Just enough to freshen up. The campus looks all pretty again. It's still freezing and about to get worse.

There has been a few exciting additions to the free pattern collection online in the last few days. Knitty's Winter surprise went live just a couple of days ago, and I must say I'm impressed. Basically they held back a few patterns from the regular issue that went live in December, and it helps us stay satisfied and interested until the next issue comes out.

Thermal looks like a really great simple pattern and I'm really excited about it. I've been looking for a perfect small gauged sweater and a scoop neck for months! Plus, the recommended yarn is very affordable.

Dragonfly looks really cute on the model and I think the design is really creative and interesting. I'm just not sure if I'd make it for myself.

Elbac is also one of those things I've been looking for. I'm really intrigued by reversible cables, so I might try this one soon with some stash yarn.

I'm not that impressed by Mad River, mostly because they don't seem that different from other mitten patterns I've seen and I'm not looking for patterns specifically for handspun yarn. They are pretty though.

Then over at Magknits, the February issue went live today! Since they're coming out monthly there are fewer patterns than in the quarterly Knitty issues, but there's usually at least a couple promising ones. Here are some highlights:

I like the look of Invested, but in practice I'm a bit wary of bulky yarn across the tummy and my largish bust. I really like how the cables were used though, and might try to modify it for a smaller yarn.

The Strawberry Tea Cosy is ridiculous and kitschy, but I kind of like it. If I had a kitchen, a tea pot, and threw ironic tea parties I just might make it.

The Very Cropped Hoodie is my version of a fashion disaster. Cropped things like that just scream "look at my boobs!" while not keeping the rest of you warm (which makes me cold all over), so I don't get the point. I guess the tweens like 'em though.

All was not lost at the nonmeeting last night: I worked on the zen of all knitting - a garter washcloth.

P.S. I ordered yarn for both Thermal and Eunny's Print o the Wave stole. Now the countdown...

a DIY guide

2007-01-31T21:32:00.000-06:00

I've had some requests recently to learn how to knit, so I thought I'd put together a list of some of my favorite resources, especially those online. I think the best place to learn new techniques is Knitting Help, especially if just looking at pictures isn't enough: they have videos for nearly everything. I still go there! Learn to Knit has some good diagrams on the basic stitches, plus some articles about finding the right yarn for the project as well as some easy peasy patterns. My Craft Book has clear photos of just what you need to get started, plus the site is easy to navigate.

But then what? Knitty is by far the best place for mostly cool and flattering patterns every season, plus they have a great section of articles and techniques, and their archives are easy to navigate. Magknits is also a great resource for free patterns. Now they publish once a month, which is pretty cool. I'm not a fan of their archives page though. As for the patterns that might not make it to these magazines, there's the Island of Misfit Patterns. I love pretty much everything that's on there, plus they can be a great way for a designer to get started. There's still tons of stuff out there, so Knitting Pattern Central keeps track of it in easy to navigate pages, helping you to find the perfect pattern for just about everything. Knitting on the Net is really great too, with a huge list of patterns and stitch patterns for when you want to make something up on the fly.

Okay, so now you know what to do and how to do it. If you want to pass on some kharma, there are tons of places you can help to put your knitting towards a good cause. I think Warm Up America is one of the easiest ways to get involved, all you have to do is knit squares! You can send them in or make it a community project and put together a whole blanket with your friends, then donate it to a shelter or other place in need. Project Linus is the same sort of idea, but specifically for children, which can be more interesting for you than squares, but easily accomplished too. If you're into scarves (whether you're still learning or in need of a break from more complicated projects), look into the Red Scarf Project, that sends care packages to former foster kids in college that don't have a home support system any more. If you want to think globally, check out the Dulaan Project that sends hats, gloves, mittens, sweaters, vests, really anything to needy families in poverty stricken Mongolia. They need all kinds of sizes, especially children's. And finally, if pets are your thing, Snuggles allows you to share your knitting with homeless animals.

These pictures are some of the most famous ones depicting knitting, and because I just turned in a huge art history paper and have art on my brain. Which, I suppose, isn't anything that new, but they're pretty and I don't have much progress of my own to share.

The first Stitch and Bitch meeting on my campus was tonight. I'm leading it this year, and needless to say, I was excited. Until nobody showed up. So I ended up watching Arrested Development with the hosts of the house and drinking a beer.

one down!

2007-01-29T20:31:00.000-06:00

The cold continues here in the middle of no where: snow and single digit temperatures again today, making me have visions of palm trees and beaches while trudging from class to class. In addition to the weather, classes are tough this term and are keeping me extremely busy (hence the sporadic updates).

I have snuck away a few times to do a little knitting though. The mittens are coming along fairly well. I'm surprised how quick of a knit this one was, all that's left is the Kitchner at the top and the thumb. Unfortunately it's a tad too small for my hand. I'm hoping some aggressive blocking will help with that and any uneven stitches and floats. The question is, how do you block a 3-D item like a mitten?

I've been feeling restless, almost lost, the last week or so. I find myself day dreaming about after college, getting my own place, doing my own thing. Which is sort of weird because I think I'm doing pretty much my own thing now. Maybe it's just the weather, or suddenly being alone most of the time.

Ah well. This weekend I'm going thrifting, hopefully to find a sweater I can deconstruct. Plus, stay tuned, I have a pattern in the works. I just have to do some laundry and felting first.

This little gem is a swatch for someone special. She picked out the yarn and the pattern. Which usually spells doom for me because the project isn't enough of what I picked out and then I subconsciously start to hate it and I never finish it. Doubly bad is this one has two complete parts. And two flaps. I supposed I could call it star crossed.

Baby it's COLD outside!

2007-01-15T22:40:00.000-06:00

Winter is officially here on the prarie. Last week an ice storm came through, and last night it snowed again, covering us in about 6 inches of snow. We'd been lucky so far this season - right around the 40s for the last couple of weeks - but now the wind and cold are here to stay, it seems.

With the exception of my two new hats, this recent cold makes me blisteringly aware of my lack of handknits (at least, handknits for me: those around me seem to have them in abundance). So I cast on for Knit Picks' Northern Lights Mittens. I'm using the recommended yarn, because honestly, who can argue with reasonably priced mittens? So far I'm getting the hang of holding a strand of yarn in each hand, and I think my tension is turning out alright. I'm looking forward to this project as something a little more portable and maybe if I'm lucky quicker than some of the other things I'm working on. Maybe it's just school and other class-related things, but this week stressed me out, put me behind, and made me think about what happens after school - probably the subject I least want to think about.

Remember the scene from The Bell Jar where Esther talks about her future as a tree full of fruit? She just has to pick which piece of fruit to choose out of all the other possibilities, but the prospect of picking just one terrifies her. I think I might be in the same boat right now. Small deadlines and due dates make me forget that graduation is coming relatively soon and then I'll have even more to do and figure out.

Anyway, I'm trying something new with my knitting... What could this possibly be?

New Favorite Hat

2007-01-11T21:36:00.000-06:00

I've never been much of a hat person. My parents were very utilitarian when it came to fashion, so my childhood was full of dreadful overalls, souvenir t-shirts, and itchy, tight watchcaps when it got cold. Of course, I wasn't the most fashion conscious either, but I hated the hat hair, the static, the dorkiness. I remember begging for ear muffs and never getting them.

Now that I have knitting though, there will probably never be a shortage of ridiculous, "fashionable" hats that I think are my own little piece of the runway, a la The Devil Wears Prada. Needless to say, my mother is proud of me.

This is the latest creation, thanks to probably my favorite blogger, Wendy Bernard:

Pattern: Le Slouch

Yarn: Unknown pure wool that's a deep blue with hints of purple throughout.

Modifications: Virtually none, though I had a bit of trouble getting the right number of stitches right at the end. No biggie though.

This was a cute, fast project that I think turned out pretty well. Definitely not as soft as my recent Odessa, but it's a great tweedy color and very warm.

In other news, I'm trying to stay motivated with my Mitered Square Blanket. Most of the knitting is done, creating quite a pile. Knitting the squares are so fun because each row is smaller than the last one, but this project is proving once again that I don't like seaming as much as I probably should. I am using the No-Sew (or nearly so) method that Kay recommends, and no doubt that will cut the seaming time in half, at least.

I'm also thinking of tackling something a little more complicated, a little more complex. I haven't really stretched my knitting muscle lately. I'm seriously considering Eunny's Print of the Wave Stole or maybe Leaves and Waves, though I haven't decided if I like using two colors or not. Any ideas from anyone who tried either of these?

Happy New Year!

2007-01-08T19:02:00.000-06:00

While I think that most of the hype about New Years is just that - over sold hype that makes us feel bad about ourselves and at the same time that we might actually have the power to change ourselves. So I think that starting a new diet or exercise routine might not be the best idea right now, but I think that change is still possible, if we learn from the past and are brave about the future. I suppose that's what this is for me, an experiment, turning over a new leaf.

I've been knitting for years and spent the early part of that knowing only cast on, knit, purl, cast off (my toys had lots of cool blankets and beach towels). Lately I've been trying new things and having more fun than I imagined. I want to do even more though, learn more, do more, encourage more, share more, so here I am.

This is my first FO of the year:

Pattern: Odessa from MagKnits

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted Merino in Verdes (from their varigated line)

Needles: size 9 (US) bamboo DPNs

Modifications: Since the Malabrigo has a much larger gauge than the recommended Rowan Cashsoft DK, I used the size 9 needles and cast on 100 stitches. I used size 9 needles thoughout, so the ribbing at the bottom of the hat doesn't pull in like it would if I had used a smaller size like recommended in the pattern. However, I wanted a hat that wouldn't crush my curly hair, so its bigger size and loose bottom is just great.

I loved this project because the Malabrigo is one of the softest yarns I have ever felt and the pattern was interesting, but easy to master and remember. All in all, it's a great hat just in time for the cold weather!