It's in the home stretch -- I've got about 6 inches left on the second sleeve!
The final bit will be putting in a zipper...I'm a little scared of wrecking the sweater, but I've got a plan to minimize it by machine sewing the zipper edges to a crocheted chain and then handsewing the crocheted chain the cardigan front edges.
Photos to come!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Felted Hat!
Recently my LYS had some store samples of felted hats that I have been dying to make from a FiberTrends pattern. This weekend my parents came into town and my mom went with me to the LYS to check out the new yarn shipment.She asked me to make her a hat and she picked out some nice 14 ply chunky tweedy wool. I'd tell you the brand if I had the ball band right in front of me, but I don't and I'm too lazy to get up and go grab it off my knitting chest.
Here's pre and post felting photos. It looks a little funny in the post felting photo because it was still wet and had been tried on by me, my mom, one of our boxers and my husband just before we took the photo.It really came out cute, was SO easy to knit. I started and finished it in just a few hours -- so less than 24 hours after picking out the yarn, my mom was wearing a (slightly damp) hat!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
I LOVE BIRTHDAY GIFTS!!!!
Everyone knows that I will immediately open any box or bag given to me no matter how far it is from the date of celebration.
Yesterday I got an envelope in the mail from my in-laws. I asked my husband if I could open the envelope. He said yes, but if anything inside had wrapping paper on it I couldn't open it. SUCCESS! Just a white jewelry box. :) (With nice blown glass earrings inside)
Today I got a big box from my mom. I called her to tell it got it. Her reply? "You opened it already didn't you?" I didn't. I waited until we were on the phone together. She was smart -- she gave me unwrapped goodies in the big box to try to keep me out of the other smaller box inside that was sealed with tape. I told her it was a shame that she used such crappy packing tape -- the small box just 'popped' open ALL ON IT'S OWN! (nah, she didn't believe me either...)
Anyway, I am now the giddy owner of the new KnitPicks Options needle set. However, I do think I'm going to still save up for a Denise set as well. A girl needs choices in her life, don't cha' think?
PS My husband is an enabler -- he actually went upstairs and brought back down a wrapped gift that he had hidden away that I was not supposed to see until Saturday. I opened it. And I love my new boxer dog sculpture.
Yesterday I got an envelope in the mail from my in-laws. I asked my husband if I could open the envelope. He said yes, but if anything inside had wrapping paper on it I couldn't open it. SUCCESS! Just a white jewelry box. :) (With nice blown glass earrings inside)
Today I got a big box from my mom. I called her to tell it got it. Her reply? "You opened it already didn't you?" I didn't. I waited until we were on the phone together. She was smart -- she gave me unwrapped goodies in the big box to try to keep me out of the other smaller box inside that was sealed with tape. I told her it was a shame that she used such crappy packing tape -- the small box just 'popped' open ALL ON IT'S OWN! (nah, she didn't believe me either...)
Anyway, I am now the giddy owner of the new KnitPicks Options needle set. However, I do think I'm going to still save up for a Denise set as well. A girl needs choices in her life, don't cha' think?
PS My husband is an enabler -- he actually went upstairs and brought back down a wrapped gift that he had hidden away that I was not supposed to see until Saturday. I opened it. And I love my new boxer dog sculpture.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
How much do I love my husband?
[.......................
T-H-I-S.
...............
M-U-C-H!
...................]
Not only does he get me a KICK-ASS birthday gift, but he gives it to me 11 days early.
I'm done with the body of my cable front cardigan and awaiting more yarn to complete the arms. It's going to be really nice. :)
Also on the needles right now:
1) Socks for amazing husband in a boring black with white toes and a white stripe at the top of the cuff.
2) i-cord handle for a felted bag that I started and finished knitting while watching football on Sunday.
T-H-I-S.
...............
M-U-C-H!
...................]
Not only does he get me a KICK-ASS birthday gift, but he gives it to me 11 days early.
I'm done with the body of my cable front cardigan and awaiting more yarn to complete the arms. It's going to be really nice. :)
Also on the needles right now:
1) Socks for amazing husband in a boring black with white toes and a white stripe at the top of the cuff.
2) i-cord handle for a felted bag that I started and finished knitting while watching football on Sunday.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Cabled Cardigan is Going Well!
Here's an update on the cable front cardigan that I started recently. The raglan sleeves are waiting on stitch holders and now I'm just going round and round and round on the body.
The pattern calls for ribbing at the bottom, but I think I'm going to skip that bit. It also calls for the collar to be stitched in half towards the inside to give it weight, again I think I'm going to skip that and instead fold it to the outside.
I can't remember if the sleeves are supposed to be ribbed at the cuffs, but I don't think I'd like that either. I wonder if I could pick up stitched and make a cable around the cuff?
Other suggestions on a different cuff idea?
The pattern calls for ribbing at the bottom, but I think I'm going to skip that bit. It also calls for the collar to be stitched in half towards the inside to give it weight, again I think I'm going to skip that and instead fold it to the outside.
I can't remember if the sleeves are supposed to be ribbed at the cuffs, but I don't think I'd like that either. I wonder if I could pick up stitched and make a cable around the cuff?
Other suggestions on a different cuff idea?
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
10 Knitterly Things You Don't Know About Me: A Meme
1. I'm not a "thrower", I knit continential.
2. I recently have taught myself to purl backwards so I don't have to turn my work. It makes for an easier time when using two colors -- no ball tangles!
3. I'm a lifeline addict when working on lace. My lace project has a lifeline at least every 10 rows.
4. Everyone knows I am a sock addict, but I'm shit at traditional heel flaps which is why I use short row heels.
5. When I learned to knit I just couldn't understand casting on and had to look at a picture everytime!
6. I tried to learn to knit two years ago, thought it was too hard and quit.
7. I'm obessive about finishing project and the thought of having UFO's hanging around bothers me. The only exception is my lace stole and that's because I can't knit longer than about an hour at a time on this on.
8. When I learned to knit, I made 1 or 2 scarves, got bored and jumped right to socks!
9. I can't knit when it's too quiet. I like watching TV, listening to a book on tape or being with friends.
10. I never leave the house without a knitting project. You never know when you'll have a few extra minutes!
So that's my list. Are you surprised by any of it? Or did you really already know all of these things about me?
2. I recently have taught myself to purl backwards so I don't have to turn my work. It makes for an easier time when using two colors -- no ball tangles!
3. I'm a lifeline addict when working on lace. My lace project has a lifeline at least every 10 rows.
4. Everyone knows I am a sock addict, but I'm shit at traditional heel flaps which is why I use short row heels.
5. When I learned to knit I just couldn't understand casting on and had to look at a picture everytime!
6. I tried to learn to knit two years ago, thought it was too hard and quit.
7. I'm obessive about finishing project and the thought of having UFO's hanging around bothers me. The only exception is my lace stole and that's because I can't knit longer than about an hour at a time on this on.
8. When I learned to knit, I made 1 or 2 scarves, got bored and jumped right to socks!
9. I can't knit when it's too quiet. I like watching TV, listening to a book on tape or being with friends.
10. I never leave the house without a knitting project. You never know when you'll have a few extra minutes!
So that's my list. Are you surprised by any of it? Or did you really already know all of these things about me?
Think Pink
In honor of the women who have touched my life and have been affected by breast cancer, I intend to "think pink" with my next project.-- With each stitch I knit, I send out a prayer to each family who is devasted by this disease.
-- With each stitch I purl, I celebrate each family who has beat this disease.
-- With each row, I am grateful for the time I am still able to celebrate with my mother.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
Cable Front Top Down Raglan Sweater
Typical of me, when I want to try something new I jump in with both feet. I started my first big sweater project over the weekend. It's a cardigan with a cable front and raglan sleeves. I'm knitting it top down so that I can avoid the whole seaming and adding sleeves issue.
The pattern is a Paton's booklet pattern I got from a friend who works at the LYS. I'm thrilled at my progress so far!
The pattern is fairly easy to read and the questions that stumped me were pretty stupid ones. (Example, the pattern said "place a marker in the stitch" for some reason I wasn't getting that I actually PUT THE MARKER IN THE STITCH. duh, then I was a little confused on the wording for the repeats but got that situated with one phone call to the very helpful friend, Debi, who gave me the pattern).
The yarn is Cascade Ecological Wool, which is one of my favorites.
The pattern is a Paton's booklet pattern I got from a friend who works at the LYS. I'm thrilled at my progress so far!
The pattern is fairly easy to read and the questions that stumped me were pretty stupid ones. (Example, the pattern said "place a marker in the stitch" for some reason I wasn't getting that I actually PUT THE MARKER IN THE STITCH. duh, then I was a little confused on the wording for the repeats but got that situated with one phone call to the very helpful friend, Debi, who gave me the pattern).
The yarn is Cascade Ecological Wool, which is one of my favorites.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Patriotic Socks
I attended a weekend long workshop last weekend -- and because I know I can't sit still for very long I made sure I had knitting with me to keep me focused.
ta-da! Patriotic socks. Originally, I was going to make them tall socks, but when I tried them on at this length they screamed "WE'RE DONE!"
Aloha long tail cast-on
Magic Loop on US1
Short Row Heels
Fortissima sock yarn
These will be posted off in the mail to my mother this weekend. :)
ta-da! Patriotic socks. Originally, I was going to make them tall socks, but when I tried them on at this length they screamed "WE'RE DONE!"
Aloha long tail cast-on
Magic Loop on US1
Short Row Heels
Fortissima sock yarn
These will be posted off in the mail to my mother this weekend. :)
Friday, September 29, 2006
The "Poncho" Socks are Done!
Thanks to my husband for taking a picture of my feet. Though the socks are actually much lighter in color than they appear.
They are a top up, stockinette foot, short row heel with K2P2 ribbing on the cuff on US1 (Magic Loop). No pattern, just winging it as I went.
They are a top up, stockinette foot, short row heel with K2P2 ribbing on the cuff on US1 (Magic Loop). No pattern, just winging it as I went.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Teeny Tiny Preemie Baby Hats
Making these for the Knitting Guild Charity Project. I love a project that takes less than an hour or two.
Two Socks on the Needle
Back when I was learning to knit I made a poncho -- very badly. The poncho had dropped stitches, my gauge was off by a mile, the tension was all over the place, it didn't fit well and in a nutshell was as a disaster.
However, not being a wasteful person I recently carefully ripped out the poncho, balled up the yarn and tucked it into my "to be knit" stash basket.
When we left on our most recent road trip I tossed this yarn into my travel bag and started a pair of socks with it on the way home. :) They are *way* nicer than the crappy poncho. The yarn is an acrylic blend by Encore in worsted weight. But I am using a 2.25 mm/ US1 needle (magic loop) so they are a super tight knit and looking great.
I won't talk about how I'd ripped the heels out no less than 4 times because the yarn was splitting on me since the heels are now done and have no holes in the short row wraps.
However, not being a wasteful person I recently carefully ripped out the poncho, balled up the yarn and tucked it into my "to be knit" stash basket.
When we left on our most recent road trip I tossed this yarn into my travel bag and started a pair of socks with it on the way home. :) They are *way* nicer than the crappy poncho. The yarn is an acrylic blend by Encore in worsted weight. But I am using a 2.25 mm/ US1 needle (magic loop) so they are a super tight knit and looking great.
I won't talk about how I'd ripped the heels out no less than 4 times because the yarn was splitting on me since the heels are now done and have no holes in the short row wraps.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Little Pink and Sparkly Socks
Here are the little anklets I made on the drive down to Las Vegas over the weekend. As always it's nearly impossible to take a good picture of your own feet and capture the colors as well!
The pattern was 2 socks on 2 circs toe up with aloha long tail cast on and the 'crazy toes and heels' heel with side gussets and a slip stitch patterned heel. I also stopped the ribbing around the ankle so that the stockinette would make a nice little curled edge.
Yarn is a Fortissma in pink with stripes and a silver metallic fleck that was gifted to me by a friend who had part of a ball left over from her anklets. In hindsight I should have kept going up the leg since I still have yarn left over, but honestly, I'm impatient and just wanted the socks off the needles and on my feet.
The pattern was 2 socks on 2 circs toe up with aloha long tail cast on and the 'crazy toes and heels' heel with side gussets and a slip stitch patterned heel. I also stopped the ribbing around the ankle so that the stockinette would make a nice little curled edge.
Yarn is a Fortissma in pink with stripes and a silver metallic fleck that was gifted to me by a friend who had part of a ball left over from her anklets. In hindsight I should have kept going up the leg since I still have yarn left over, but honestly, I'm impatient and just wanted the socks off the needles and on my feet.
Missing in Action, but Still Knitting
I have been trotting around Colorado, Utah, a bit of Arizona and into Nevada with friends from Britian over the past week and a half. However, this did not prevent me from starting and finishing one pair of socks and casting on another pair. :)
A friend gave me the leftovers of some sock yarn from a pair of socks she just finished and was able to make a pair of anklets using the yarn. So, now we have matching socks. How sweet...
I also cast on another pair of "Fetching", but didn't do something right on the pattern and wound up getting to the final rows on the second one and realized they did not match. (rolls eyes). I ripped out the second one, THEN realized that the first one is the wrong one. Twice I've tried to recreate what I did wrong on glove one with no luck. To keep down my frustration, I'm going to rip out the first glove as well and tuck away the yarn for another project.
A friend gave me the leftovers of some sock yarn from a pair of socks she just finished and was able to make a pair of anklets using the yarn. So, now we have matching socks. How sweet...
I also cast on another pair of "Fetching", but didn't do something right on the pattern and wound up getting to the final rows on the second one and realized they did not match. (rolls eyes). I ripped out the second one, THEN realized that the first one is the wrong one. Twice I've tried to recreate what I did wrong on glove one with no luck. To keep down my frustration, I'm going to rip out the first glove as well and tuck away the yarn for another project.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Knitty's "Fetching"
On Friday night I saw one of the these gloves that someone else had made and thought they were so cute I had to give the pattern a whirl myself!
I learned two things with this pattern:
-- cabling
-- thumb gussets with waste yarn.
The pattern is so easy to read and these knit up uber fast. I made the first one in just a couple hours and then cast on and made 1/2 the second one while watching a movie last night. I just finished up the second glove this afternoon in about an hour.
I'd like to experiment with using beads in this pattern -- and make myself another pair in the cashmere/merino I was oogling on Friday night.
EDIT: I used Encore yarn, a wool/acrylic blend.
I learned two things with this pattern:
-- cabling
-- thumb gussets with waste yarn.
The pattern is so easy to read and these knit up uber fast. I made the first one in just a couple hours and then cast on and made 1/2 the second one while watching a movie last night. I just finished up the second glove this afternoon in about an hour.
I'd like to experiment with using beads in this pattern -- and make myself another pair in the cashmere/merino I was oogling on Friday night.
EDIT: I used Encore yarn, a wool/acrylic blend.
Friday, September 01, 2006
The socks are done!
Cute, eh? However, now I have nothing to take to tonight's 'Sit and Knit' except my mystery stole and that is nearly impossible to work on when I am too busy running my mouth to count.
Guess, I'll dig around in my little stash and take a look at some of the new MagKnits patterns in the issue that came out today.
Guess, I'll dig around in my little stash and take a look at some of the new MagKnits patterns in the issue that came out today.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
I'm a sock pimp....
In my quest to overtake the sock world with handknit socks, I taught a friend how to make a teeny tiny sock last night.
I am currently amassing a collection of very small squirrel sized socks in this quest to teach the world the joys of sock making.
I am currently amassing a collection of very small squirrel sized socks in this quest to teach the world the joys of sock making.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
The Latest Socks!
(Austermann Step Sock Yarn with Aloe and Jojoba added)
This striping pattern is what happened when you start one sock from the middle of the ball and the other from the outside -- I think it looks cute that they are similar but not the same. The white and purple are reversed on the two socks (the other color is a forest green).
The bottoms are also plain stripes as apposed to the the chevron pattern on the top.
Hang on, I'll share a photo:
This striping pattern is what happened when you start one sock from the middle of the ball and the other from the outside -- I think it looks cute that they are similar but not the same. The white and purple are reversed on the two socks (the other color is a forest green).
The bottoms are also plain stripes as apposed to the the chevron pattern on the top.
Hang on, I'll share a photo:
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Crazy Toes & Heels Socks #2
I started yet another pair of socks last week -- the day after finishing up the previous pair. I tell you socks are my "crack addiction" of the knitting world. With the current pair I used the "no wrap" short row heels, but without the gusset like the previous pair, from the CTH book. One word: wow! The heels have no unsightly gaps along the middle like most of my short rows. Only one hole and that was due to a malfunction of the needles, ok, ok, it was operator error.
These socks are also done with a chevron pattern from the Sensational Socks book. I got both heels turned this afternoon and am making my way up the legs this evening.
I'm going to feed the dogs, open another Heineken and settle down in the sunroom to try to get 1/2 way up the cuffs on these socks.
(And no, I don't have any updated on the Mystery Stole. Still on Clue 3, side 2. It's taken a back seat to my sock obession...maybe I should change the blog name?)
These socks are also done with a chevron pattern from the Sensational Socks book. I got both heels turned this afternoon and am making my way up the legs this evening.
I'm going to feed the dogs, open another Heineken and settle down in the sunroom to try to get 1/2 way up the cuffs on these socks.
(And no, I don't have any updated on the Mystery Stole. Still on Clue 3, side 2. It's taken a back seat to my sock obession...maybe I should change the blog name?)
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