July 30, 2006
Hemplace
I whipped up this necklace this week using allhemp3 I bought in Chicago. Yay souvenir yarn! Yay Chicago! It still needs a good blocking and maybe starching.
(Jesus, could I look any fucking grumpier? Like I just crocheted this necklace out of a dead puppy.)
And a closeup.
The two motif patterns are out of Harmony Guides' 300 Crochet Stitches and they are Moorish Medallion and parts of Crystal Motif. I don't remember where I bought the beads. Oh, did I mention the bead store in town closed down a few months ago? Harumph.
Having also finished the Salvia wrap and Pirate vest this week, I am now free to finish up the crocheted rug for my bathroom (HAHA! I just mistyped that "batroom". Similar to--but not as damp and dark as--the batcave.) I am also going to start working on my Aunt Dot's quilt--sandwiching the layers and commencing to quilt! I have the batting, backing and binding. I can't wait to use it!
(Jesus, could I look any fucking grumpier? Like I just crocheted this necklace out of a dead puppy.)
And a closeup.
The two motif patterns are out of Harmony Guides' 300 Crochet Stitches and they are Moorish Medallion and parts of Crystal Motif. I don't remember where I bought the beads. Oh, did I mention the bead store in town closed down a few months ago? Harumph.
Having also finished the Salvia wrap and Pirate vest this week, I am now free to finish up the crocheted rug for my bathroom (HAHA! I just mistyped that "batroom". Similar to--but not as damp and dark as--the batcave.) I am also going to start working on my Aunt Dot's quilt--sandwiching the layers and commencing to quilt! I have the batting, backing and binding. I can't wait to use it!
Show your work
Remember math class? They would give you a problem and then say "show your work"? So if you had to guess, even if you were lucky and guessed right, you still got the problem wrong because you couldn't show your process? Now, I lovelovelove math, but the one thing I don't like about it is the absence of luck and fortune. There should always be room for a little rule bending.
So I'm showing you my work on the pirate vest. Here are the insides. I'm sure they may horrify some of the more experienced knitters out there, but I think it looks okay.
And here it is put together and complete. The little dude is starting preschool this fall and I can just imagine him wearing this to school! So!Cute! Haha, it's pretty bad when my own personal vest obsession gets foisted onto the innocent.
Have you done intarsia?
So I'm showing you my work on the pirate vest. Here are the insides. I'm sure they may horrify some of the more experienced knitters out there, but I think it looks okay.
And here it is put together and complete. The little dude is starting preschool this fall and I can just imagine him wearing this to school! So!Cute! Haha, it's pretty bad when my own personal vest obsession gets foisted onto the innocent.
Have you done intarsia?
July 24, 2006
Salvia Wrap
Well, no one guessed what my completed project was this weekend. So here is the answer in photo form.
No, I don't know why I didn't go get my sunglasses, either.
And what the hell am I looking at? A bird, a plane, a finished object!
So the pattern is Iris Schreier's multidirectional wrap from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer '06. The yarns, sweet god, the yarns! 2Dye4 rayon/cotton is the main variegated boucle. The teal is Douceur et Soie. The light purple is CP Cotton Chenille and the navy is MaggiKnits Ribbon.
I mean, it's pretty. But I probably won't wear it much. I'm not a wrap gal, so why did I make this? Well, the pattern was all mathy and geometric and I'm a sucker for math. It was very handy in learning to do triangles. Oh yeah, I don't know if it's obvious from the photos, but the stripes are random.
What project have you made just for the experience?
No, I don't know why I didn't go get my sunglasses, either.
And what the hell am I looking at? A bird, a plane, a finished object!
So the pattern is Iris Schreier's multidirectional wrap from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer '06. The yarns, sweet god, the yarns! 2Dye4 rayon/cotton is the main variegated boucle. The teal is Douceur et Soie. The light purple is CP Cotton Chenille and the navy is MaggiKnits Ribbon.
I mean, it's pretty. But I probably won't wear it much. I'm not a wrap gal, so why did I make this? Well, the pattern was all mathy and geometric and I'm a sucker for math. It was very handy in learning to do triangles. Oh yeah, I don't know if it's obvious from the photos, but the stripes are random.
What project have you made just for the experience?
July 23, 2006
Contents under pressure
As a public service announcement, I wanted to share my experience with Crystal Palace's Daisy needles. They are those terribly cute and colorful plastic needles with tips and caps in contrasting colors. Very lightweight and inexpensive.
However, after only one week of use, the tip broke off one of them. Granted, I was knitting fast because I was trying to finish the vest, but I wouldn't say I was knitting hard like you sometimes have to on cotton or heavy wool. I was 75% through the pirate vest and I wasn't able to get to a store, so I finished knitting with one broken needle. I need to stop making a habit of that. Anyway, I'll just stick to bamboo, I guess, because at least they could be sanded back to a point if they break.
I spent most of yesterday making pickled squash. Mmmmmm.
Doing stuff in the kitchen like canning always puts me in the mood to dye. So maybe sometime this week I'll bust out the crockpot and some of that cotton or linen yarn I have. I also have quite a collection of stained clothes that need to be dyed.
However, after only one week of use, the tip broke off one of them. Granted, I was knitting fast because I was trying to finish the vest, but I wouldn't say I was knitting hard like you sometimes have to on cotton or heavy wool. I was 75% through the pirate vest and I wasn't able to get to a store, so I finished knitting with one broken needle. I need to stop making a habit of that. Anyway, I'll just stick to bamboo, I guess, because at least they could be sanded back to a point if they break.
I spent most of yesterday making pickled squash. Mmmmmm.
Doing stuff in the kitchen like canning always puts me in the mood to dye. So maybe sometime this week I'll bust out the crockpot and some of that cotton or linen yarn I have. I also have quite a collection of stained clothes that need to be dyed.
July 22, 2006
Pegleg Pete
I keep forgetting to show you the front of the pirate vest! Here it is blocking.
This weekend I'll finish up the arm and neck trim. I probably won't be able to get a modeled shot for a while, though. I hope it fits him this fall!
Anyway, now I have to find something to use 2 full balls and 7 almost full balls of DB Cathay (cotton/microfiber/silk) in the above piratey colors. Does anyone remember a strapless camisole/tube top pattern that is knit vertically in stripes? I could have sworn it was a free pattern on knitty or magknits or something about two years ago, but I couldn't find it in the archives. It was shown in red, green, white, blue and black stripes with a black edge and black buttonhole bands in the back. It was photographed outdoors in front of a fence or trellis or flower garden.
Oh! I'll have another FO this weekend, can you guess what it is?!?
This weekend I'll finish up the arm and neck trim. I probably won't be able to get a modeled shot for a while, though. I hope it fits him this fall!
Anyway, now I have to find something to use 2 full balls and 7 almost full balls of DB Cathay (cotton/microfiber/silk) in the above piratey colors. Does anyone remember a strapless camisole/tube top pattern that is knit vertically in stripes? I could have sworn it was a free pattern on knitty or magknits or something about two years ago, but I couldn't find it in the archives. It was shown in red, green, white, blue and black stripes with a black edge and black buttonhole bands in the back. It was photographed outdoors in front of a fence or trellis or flower garden.
Oh! I'll have another FO this weekend, can you guess what it is?!?
July 16, 2006
Return from Sea
So that our pirate party could be truly authentic, the weather was tropical on Saturday. You can see me, er, I mean some wench "glowing" in this picture.
We decided that the oddest thing about the black haired wig and mustache was that we both have blue eyes and it just looked unnatural. But apparently beaded dreadlocks, eye patches and rotten teeth are completely natural.
Speaking of natural, there is quite possibly no more effective or inexpensive birth control than attending a third birthday party with hordes of anklebiters crying about inflatable swords and cake. Sure it's fun to get them dressed up and on a sugar high, but I'm just saying I'm glad I'm home. Alone.
So the vest did not get completed in time for the opening of gifts. But the front is blocking now and tomorrow I should be able to put the eding on and take a picture for you. I mean, he won't be able to wear it until it gets cooler anyway. And any three year old would rather walk the plank than open a gift of clothes.
How was your weekend?
We decided that the oddest thing about the black haired wig and mustache was that we both have blue eyes and it just looked unnatural. But apparently beaded dreadlocks, eye patches and rotten teeth are completely natural.
Speaking of natural, there is quite possibly no more effective or inexpensive birth control than attending a third birthday party with hordes of anklebiters crying about inflatable swords and cake. Sure it's fun to get them dressed up and on a sugar high, but I'm just saying I'm glad I'm home. Alone.
So the vest did not get completed in time for the opening of gifts. But the front is blocking now and tomorrow I should be able to put the eding on and take a picture for you. I mean, he won't be able to wear it until it gets cooler anyway. And any three year old would rather walk the plank than open a gift of clothes.
How was your weekend?
July 11, 2006
We named the monkey Jack
So here's the back of the vest, blocking.
My schedule is fucked tomorrow, so either I'll have tons of time to finish the front of the vest, or I'll have no time at all. Either way, the front won't get blocked as nicely as the back and most likely the next pic you see will be of the recipient wearing it.
Oh yes, and pictures of my costume. Tee hee!
My schedule is fucked tomorrow, so either I'll have tons of time to finish the front of the vest, or I'll have no time at all. Either way, the front won't get blocked as nicely as the back and most likely the next pic you see will be of the recipient wearing it.
Oh yes, and pictures of my costume. Tee hee!
July 09, 2006
Pirates and the parrots who love them
A few weeks ago I helped out someone I only casually know. I knew ahead of time he wouldn't be able to repay me. He wondered why I would help him and all I could think of was "because I'm able to". What is the point of being able to help people if you never actually do? My thought is if you waste the opportunity you won't have the ability for very long.
Anyway, last week I received an unexpected inheritance from a dead distant relative that was twice as much, to the dollar, as what I gave out. Call it whatever you like, but I've never known [luck/karma/coincidence] to act so fast. I'm not complaining and I don't mean to get all philosophical. So moving on...
The back of the pirate vest is complete and blocking! Pics tomorrow. I've started on the front and I've decided to just make it a v-neck pullover--less finishing. I'm also just putting the pirate dude on the front, instead of the pirate and the parrot. It will still be cute, aye?
Anyway, last week I received an unexpected inheritance from a dead distant relative that was twice as much, to the dollar, as what I gave out. Call it whatever you like, but I've never known [luck/karma/coincidence] to act so fast. I'm not complaining and I don't mean to get all philosophical. So moving on...
The back of the pirate vest is complete and blocking! Pics tomorrow. I've started on the front and I've decided to just make it a v-neck pullover--less finishing. I'm also just putting the pirate dude on the front, instead of the pirate and the parrot. It will still be cute, aye?
They're more like guidelines
So the pirate vest (or I guess the more seafaring term would be waistcoat) progresses. I am using a pattern out of Zoe Mellor's Colorful Knits and Ms. Mellor is very casual with her instructions. "Cast on. Follow chart. Bind off. Finish." I can't help but chuckle at the fact that I'm making pirate rags using guidelines.
Today we started on our costumes today for the pirate party. I wonder what my petsitter thinks when she comes in and sees my shopping list on the bulletin board.
kitty litter
lysol wipes
razor blades
gold tooth
leather corset
monkey
I found a neat blog last week, Saunshine, and she's also making a pirate sweater from a different Zoe Mellor book. Go check it out. Oh yeah, the yarn I'm using is DB Cathay. I know I'm insane for using silk content for a three year old, but this stuff is a dream to knit. Besides, it's mostly cotton.
Today we started on our costumes today for the pirate party. I wonder what my petsitter thinks when she comes in and sees my shopping list on the bulletin board.
kitty litter
lysol wipes
razor blades
gold tooth
leather corset
monkey
I found a neat blog last week, Saunshine, and she's also making a pirate sweater from a different Zoe Mellor book. Go check it out. Oh yeah, the yarn I'm using is DB Cathay. I know I'm insane for using silk content for a three year old, but this stuff is a dream to knit. Besides, it's mostly cotton.
July 08, 2006
Lamest friend ever
What you see there is M's christmas present, a slipcover that I just finished Friday. Yeah, I mean last christmas. I am so lame. Remember her birthday bag that was also incredibly late? I have promised to never make anything for her again unless I can keep it a secret.
Anywho, now that my sewing table is clear, I will rejoin my Aunt Dot's quilt already in progress (yes, I'm aware the pics are missing). Today I bought the batting, fabric for binding, thread and needles so I can hand quilt it. Haha, T thinks I've hit my head for wanting to hand quilt something any bigger than an eyeglass case. But that's how I grew up, quilting to me means hand quilting.
I also bought some yarn to knit pirate garb for my newphew. The sweater I chose was edited down to a vest since I only have a week and it's the middle of summer. Progress pics of that tomorrow!
July 03, 2006
Natural Selection
Apparently all women in my family lack the sublety gene. Or maybe they know how to be subtle and simply choose to be demanding. The latter is more likely.
Yesterday I was visiting my G-pop in the hospital, working on my Salvia wrap and my grandmother admired it. "Ohhh, I love the colors and the drape. You know, I often get chilly in air conditioning, especially in church. And boy, could I use a lacey shawl to keep my old bones from catching pneumonia." I'm not kidding, she used the pneumonia guilt, like it would be all my fault if I didn't make her a lace shawl.
So of course I have to make her a wrap now. I have this beautiful laceweight wool that Toni sent me. When I told Grandmom I had some wool she said that would be perfect for her, how convenient. :)
I've only made one lace shawl before and would like to try a new pattern. Not that there's anything wrong with Stephanie's pattern, I just need variety and new skills. So, friendly knitters: What shrawlp pattern should I use for my grandmom?
Yesterday I was visiting my G-pop in the hospital, working on my Salvia wrap and my grandmother admired it. "Ohhh, I love the colors and the drape. You know, I often get chilly in air conditioning, especially in church. And boy, could I use a lacey shawl to keep my old bones from catching pneumonia." I'm not kidding, she used the pneumonia guilt, like it would be all my fault if I didn't make her a lace shawl.
So of course I have to make her a wrap now. I have this beautiful laceweight wool that Toni sent me. When I told Grandmom I had some wool she said that would be perfect for her, how convenient. :)
I've only made one lace shawl before and would like to try a new pattern. Not that there's anything wrong with Stephanie's pattern, I just need variety and new skills. So, friendly knitters: What shrawlp pattern should I use for my grandmom?
July 01, 2006
Avast!
I just got an invitation for my nephew's birthday part and it's going to be ... wait for it.....
PIRATE THEMED!
Of course the first two things to pop in my head were: what kind of costume shall I wear? and; I must knit him some sort of pirate sweater!
As for costumes, I will go as a saucy wench and the bf will have a wooden leg. Who knows if I'll have time to knit up a sweater since, as she informed me with no hint of subtlety on the phone this morning, my mother's birthday is the end of this month. I don't have time to knit her something, but I do want to make a crewel piece for her.
So, I guess it's a good thing I have a four day weekend. What am I waiting for?
PIRATE THEMED!
Of course the first two things to pop in my head were: what kind of costume shall I wear? and; I must knit him some sort of pirate sweater!
As for costumes, I will go as a saucy wench and the bf will have a wooden leg. Who knows if I'll have time to knit up a sweater since, as she informed me with no hint of subtlety on the phone this morning, my mother's birthday is the end of this month. I don't have time to knit her something, but I do want to make a crewel piece for her.
So, I guess it's a good thing I have a four day weekend. What am I waiting for?
