January 30, 2007
Ruin of boring sweaters
I need to stop having so much fun crafting. It could become addictive or something and who knows where that will lead. To my ruin, perhaps, but also the ruin of all boring sweaters! Behold...
These little gems are needlefelted buttons. I am madly, deeply in love and if I didn't list them quickly in my etsy shop I would have surely kept them. I have so many more designs planned out with all the colors of wool fabric and fleece I have. A particular favorite is blue and silver fleece on navy blue wool.
I was going to wait to list these until I have several sets ready, but that made no sense. And I can't be the first person on earth to think of this, but a cursory google search could not find any other needlefelted buttons. Seriously, when I get back from my trip, I'm making a set of these to put on every cardigan I own. They are so jazzy.
Oh, yeah, my trip! I have two interviews in Chicago so I'm flying out there Thursday. I have been trying to email or leave a comment for the Chicago knitters I know. I actually have spare time on this trip, even though I'm only staying for two and half days. And I have a yarn shop gift certificate burning a hole the size of a hank of handspun in my pocket.
Excuse me while I go pack all the purple and orange clothing I own.
These little gems are needlefelted buttons. I am madly, deeply in love and if I didn't list them quickly in my etsy shop I would have surely kept them. I have so many more designs planned out with all the colors of wool fabric and fleece I have. A particular favorite is blue and silver fleece on navy blue wool.
I was going to wait to list these until I have several sets ready, but that made no sense. And I can't be the first person on earth to think of this, but a cursory google search could not find any other needlefelted buttons. Seriously, when I get back from my trip, I'm making a set of these to put on every cardigan I own. They are so jazzy.
Oh, yeah, my trip! I have two interviews in Chicago so I'm flying out there Thursday. I have been trying to email or leave a comment for the Chicago knitters I know. I actually have spare time on this trip, even though I'm only staying for two and half days. And I have a yarn shop gift certificate burning a hole the size of a hank of handspun in my pocket.
Excuse me while I go pack all the purple and orange clothing I own.
Labels: goodies
January 29, 2007
How dreadfully charming, darling
Taking this picture I felt as if I should be wearing elbow-length gloves and smoking a Virginia Slim from one of those holders. I had such a fun time making this necklace. I would giggle every minute or two. Far more entertaining than a drab cocktail party.
Here is a closeup of the felty goodness. I made these beads with Lamb's Pride Bulky in Oatmeal. I wet felted them first, then needle felted them into perfect pearl shape once they dried. So they would stand out, I strung teeny clear beads on the elastic in between each pearl.
I love this look--much more my funky taste than real or faux pearls! I was going to do a quick tutorial, but there are already a few good ones out there. I think I'll make another one that's longer and then a few with brighter colors. Ooooh, grey and black as if they were black pearls!
Here is a closeup of the felty goodness. I made these beads with Lamb's Pride Bulky in Oatmeal. I wet felted them first, then needle felted them into perfect pearl shape once they dried. So they would stand out, I strung teeny clear beads on the elastic in between each pearl.
I love this look--much more my funky taste than real or faux pearls! I was going to do a quick tutorial, but there are already a few good ones out there. I think I'll make another one that's longer and then a few with brighter colors. Ooooh, grey and black as if they were black pearls!
Labels: beads, felt, FOs, links
January 28, 2007
Easy to please
A lot of knitbloggers have mentioned how disappointed they are in the last few issues of Vogue Knitting. I have been perfectly happy with them, as usual. Maybe my standards are low or I have bad taste but I'd like to think otherwise. I find more knittable AND wearable patterns in VK than most other magazines or pattern books. To me, those are two important factors for spending my time on something and when those planets align, you definitely have a winner.
Take the shrug, #12, from Winter 06/07. Not the cover shrug--cosmicpluto is making that one and I'm sure she'll do it justice. I want to try the striped circular shrug on page 83. A shrug, I know! I am five shades of boring and predictable.
But I read through the pattern and the construction is smart. Just sleeve seams but of course with my handy circular needle I will avoid those. And with some provisional cast-ons I'm also going to smooth out two areas of bind-off/pick-up. The pattern does not come in an XL (or an XS for that matter) so shame on you, Shiri Mor (or VK, which is more likely). You must be completely average.
That's okay, three or four minutes of quality time with my calculator and I made the pattern work for me. Now, I needed the calculator only because my gauge was different. Of course I'm not using the recommended yarn, but some leftover DB Cathay from my stash. The colors I have are exactly those six on the top of the sample card though I'm tempted to add something like that dusty blue.
I'll keep you posted on the progress, natch. There is a reason they don't show the back of this shrug in the magazine and it will be interesting to see how that unfolds. I know it sounds like I'm picking apart the pattern after I just said VK had nice patterns. But trust me, this is nothing compared to the picking apart I usually do. And I'm still going to use the pattern which is surely a sign of my low standards. :)
Take the shrug, #12, from Winter 06/07. Not the cover shrug--cosmicpluto is making that one and I'm sure she'll do it justice. I want to try the striped circular shrug on page 83. A shrug, I know! I am five shades of boring and predictable.
But I read through the pattern and the construction is smart. Just sleeve seams but of course with my handy circular needle I will avoid those. And with some provisional cast-ons I'm also going to smooth out two areas of bind-off/pick-up. The pattern does not come in an XL (or an XS for that matter) so shame on you, Shiri Mor (or VK, which is more likely). You must be completely average.
That's okay, three or four minutes of quality time with my calculator and I made the pattern work for me. Now, I needed the calculator only because my gauge was different. Of course I'm not using the recommended yarn, but some leftover DB Cathay from my stash. The colors I have are exactly those six on the top of the sample card though I'm tempted to add something like that dusty blue.
I'll keep you posted on the progress, natch. There is a reason they don't show the back of this shrug in the magazine and it will be interesting to see how that unfolds. I know it sounds like I'm picking apart the pattern after I just said VK had nice patterns. But trust me, this is nothing compared to the picking apart I usually do. And I'm still going to use the pattern which is surely a sign of my low standards. :)
Labels: swatching
January 26, 2007
Socks vs. Boxes
Guy socks are boring to knit, y'all. So much so that I "treat" myself to packing up boxes in between rows. It's my own fault for picking stockinette on one pair. And let's not dredge up the fact that both pairs are for guys with big feet.
But I have a fun silk scarf and silk basket I'm brewing up right now, so hopefully I can show you those soon! Mmmm. Speaking of brewing--I haven't dyed for a while, have I? Anyway, here are some cool things I've found recently.
Not only did Lion Brand bring back Cotton Ease (thanks from everyone who's ever used it!) but they now make an organic cotton. This is great news since I've been secretly working on a Top Ten list for cotton yarns. The only "downside" (haha) to the list is that it involves me buying and knitting with all the yarns I'm reviewing. The organic cotton is also great news because, you know, I need to bump up that Craft Low Impact score.
I always admire those art knitting needles in the shops, with their gorgeous colors and fancy tops. But I NEVER knit on straights anymore, so I wouldn't get the chance to enjoy them. Most people I would buy them for as gifts don't knit on straights, either. So I was thrilled to find these gorgeous glass circulars by Michael and Sheila Ernst. Fucking A! Aren't those amazing?
I read the article in VK Winter 06/07 about 14 year old knitwear designer Phoenix Bess. She has some seriously fun patterns that I'd love to make and that I also want to share with my knittin' nieces. Then, when I was out and about searching for a shrug pattern for my friend's kid, I found this free, snuggly shrug pattern by Phoenix at elann.com. It's cool to see a kiddo designing and having fun. And hey--she's kinda local!
What interesting knit thing have you stumbled upon lately?
But I have a fun silk scarf and silk basket I'm brewing up right now, so hopefully I can show you those soon! Mmmm. Speaking of brewing--I haven't dyed for a while, have I? Anyway, here are some cool things I've found recently.
Not only did Lion Brand bring back Cotton Ease (thanks from everyone who's ever used it!) but they now make an organic cotton. This is great news since I've been secretly working on a Top Ten list for cotton yarns. The only "downside" (haha) to the list is that it involves me buying and knitting with all the yarns I'm reviewing. The organic cotton is also great news because, you know, I need to bump up that Craft Low Impact score.
I always admire those art knitting needles in the shops, with their gorgeous colors and fancy tops. But I NEVER knit on straights anymore, so I wouldn't get the chance to enjoy them. Most people I would buy them for as gifts don't knit on straights, either. So I was thrilled to find these gorgeous glass circulars by Michael and Sheila Ernst. Fucking A! Aren't those amazing?
I read the article in VK Winter 06/07 about 14 year old knitwear designer Phoenix Bess. She has some seriously fun patterns that I'd love to make and that I also want to share with my knittin' nieces. Then, when I was out and about searching for a shrug pattern for my friend's kid, I found this free, snuggly shrug pattern by Phoenix at elann.com. It's cool to see a kiddo designing and having fun. And hey--she's kinda local!
What interesting knit thing have you stumbled upon lately?
Labels: links
January 23, 2007
Is it almost February?
My bf has informed that I need to decide who I'm rooting for: my cousin's team, the Colts; or my future home team, Da Bears. I didn't even know the Super Bowl was coming up. But this is good news because that means all the awesome sales, like Springwater's, will be happening. My LYS, The Fine Needle, usually has a sale, too. But friends--I can only be in one place at a time!
Speaking of being in two places at once, today I realized that the VK Winter issue is not the same as the VK Holiday issue. Well I promptly picked up Winter in the grocery store today. You see, I have no self control when it comes to knitting mags. Seriously, if they had a mag called "Hideous Knitted Crap That No One Wants" I'd probably pick it up just to make sure.
I thought I deserved a little treat after some good news this morning. I don't want to jinx anything like a pending inspection. But let's just say I need to finish packing and knit another sweater for Dobby in the next few weeks! While I'm waiting for Corinne's book to be released, I will probably just make this next sweater using the fabulous Esther Bozak's pattern.
What sale will you be shopping on February 4th?
Speaking of being in two places at once, today I realized that the VK Winter issue is not the same as the VK Holiday issue. Well I promptly picked up Winter in the grocery store today. You see, I have no self control when it comes to knitting mags. Seriously, if they had a mag called "Hideous Knitted Crap That No One Wants" I'd probably pick it up just to make sure.
I thought I deserved a little treat after some good news this morning. I don't want to jinx anything like a pending inspection. But let's just say I need to finish packing and knit another sweater for Dobby in the next few weeks! While I'm waiting for Corinne's book to be released, I will probably just make this next sweater using the fabulous Esther Bozak's pattern.
What sale will you be shopping on February 4th?
Labels: links
January 22, 2007
A new future, a hazy past
T came over yesterday and I made her try on the Mold vest. It doesn't suit her either so I guess I have to keep it. :( But it looks like this vest has a new future! She seconded the motion that I cardiganize it--just cut up the front and add sleeves. The Freestyle I used for the ribbing wasn't pricey and I should only need three balls in addition to the leftovers I have.
I made some really stunning fern buttons for my etsy shop today. The embroidery on these is not vintage, but charming just the same. I have a really boring cream cardigan that could use the fern and ivory buttons to add some interest.
Go over to Spinning Athena and wish Kristin a happy birthday. She's younger than me, so that deserves something. At twenty-six I was still in college (I know!), dating two guys at once and driving an hour to work. It was good times but may I never relive any of those particular events. What were you doing at twenty-six?
(I'd like to add it was really fucking hard for me to remember what I was doing at that age. Seriously, I had to count backwards and shit. So, I know I did all those things at the same time, but I can't guarantee it was five years ago.)
I made some really stunning fern buttons for my etsy shop today. The embroidery on these is not vintage, but charming just the same. I have a really boring cream cardigan that could use the fern and ivory buttons to add some interest.
Go over to Spinning Athena and wish Kristin a happy birthday. She's younger than me, so that deserves something. At twenty-six I was still in college (I know!), dating two guys at once and driving an hour to work. It was good times but may I never relive any of those particular events. What were you doing at twenty-six?
(I'd like to add it was really fucking hard for me to remember what I was doing at that age. Seriously, I had to count backwards and shit. So, I know I did all those things at the same time, but I can't guarantee it was five years ago.)
January 21, 2007
A charm
You have to love Cute Overload. It's impossible to know how many lives they've saved by lowering blood pressure and making people smile. Today they featured a kitteh wearing a teeny sweater. It's hard to see, but it might be handknit!
Ooh, it just started snowing here! I mean, you have to hold still and stare really hard to see the flakes falling, but I'll take it! I'm glad I got all my errands done yesterday and this morning so I can snuggle up with a fat cat and movie. Don't be jealous, come on over--she's fat enough to keep several laps warm at once.
Thanks for all the comments on the Republic hat. As much as I love hats, it is annoying to have to take down my ponytail whenever I wear one. So I pondered on what I could knit that would keep my listening devices warm but not mess with my hair. Of course, Calorimetry!
I had one skein of Berroco Lavish that M gave me a while ago. It was like a unicorn sitting in my stash, so soft, sparkly and unique. I knew I had to use it for something small but special and an earwarmer/headband thing would be perfect.
The only adjustment I made to the pattern was for gauge. The first time I cast on, it was far too large and the gauge was too loose. Then I cast on with fewer stitches and smaller needles but it was obvious I wouldn't have enough yarn. So, how could I stretch the yardage? I doubled it up with some black acrylic yarn which let me go waaaay up in needle size and waaay down in stitch count!
I made these sexy black pleather buttons to close the deal. It even does double duty as a neckwarmer! Though I think it would work best in a smaller gauge like the pattern calls for, I am perfectly happy with my unicorn and will wear it a lot. Here are a lot of other Calorimetries on Flickr.
Can you see the snow in the pics? Haha, it looks like I have out of control dandruff. Anyway, now it's coming down steadily and settling on cars, rooftops, grass. Have you had snow yet where you live?
Ooh, it just started snowing here! I mean, you have to hold still and stare really hard to see the flakes falling, but I'll take it! I'm glad I got all my errands done yesterday and this morning so I can snuggle up with a fat cat and movie. Don't be jealous, come on over--she's fat enough to keep several laps warm at once.
Thanks for all the comments on the Republic hat. As much as I love hats, it is annoying to have to take down my ponytail whenever I wear one. So I pondered on what I could knit that would keep my listening devices warm but not mess with my hair. Of course, Calorimetry!
I had one skein of Berroco Lavish that M gave me a while ago. It was like a unicorn sitting in my stash, so soft, sparkly and unique. I knew I had to use it for something small but special and an earwarmer/headband thing would be perfect.
The only adjustment I made to the pattern was for gauge. The first time I cast on, it was far too large and the gauge was too loose. Then I cast on with fewer stitches and smaller needles but it was obvious I wouldn't have enough yarn. So, how could I stretch the yardage? I doubled it up with some black acrylic yarn which let me go waaaay up in needle size and waaay down in stitch count!
I made these sexy black pleather buttons to close the deal. It even does double duty as a neckwarmer! Though I think it would work best in a smaller gauge like the pattern calls for, I am perfectly happy with my unicorn and will wear it a lot. Here are a lot of other Calorimetries on Flickr.
Can you see the snow in the pics? Haha, it looks like I have out of control dandruff. Anyway, now it's coming down steadily and settling on cars, rooftops, grass. Have you had snow yet where you live?
January 18, 2007
You'll wake up one day screaming, "Republic! Republic!"
Oh happy day! I picked up my car from the shop today and it looks fabulous, darling. Actually, it looks better than before I got hit since they detailed it inside and out. It hasn't been that clean since, uh, the day I bought it!
I'm not someone who looooves their car, but I did pick mine because it had all the things I wanted--great gas mileage, hatchback, modern amenities such as power windows, haha. Those were things I definitely missed while driving the rental for a month. Who knew they still made cars without power windows or locks?
Even though it's dark and rainy today, I wanted to show you my new Republic hat! It just so happens I have my light-colored interior, dry, mobile photo studio back so I can share these pics with you...
The yarn is Plymouth's Handpainted Wool with a bit of Lamb's Pride Bulky mixed in since I was short on the main color. The only adjustment I made to the pattern was for gauge. I picked up the button at The Fine Needle a couple weeks ago. The pattern is Nik's Republic Hat (click here to download the pdf).
This pic shows the inside where I changed yarn every third row. Instead of changing at the same point in the row and having this line of floats all in the same place, I staggered it so it was less noticeable to the eye (or the head for that matter). A nice new squooshy hat just in time to keep me warm!
(The title is a quote from my boyfriend's movie, Gladiator. Actually, both of my boyfriends are in that movie--no wonder I love it so.)
I'm not someone who looooves their car, but I did pick mine because it had all the things I wanted--great gas mileage, hatchback, modern amenities such as power windows, haha. Those were things I definitely missed while driving the rental for a month. Who knew they still made cars without power windows or locks?
Even though it's dark and rainy today, I wanted to show you my new Republic hat! It just so happens I have my light-colored interior, dry, mobile photo studio back so I can share these pics with you...
The yarn is Plymouth's Handpainted Wool with a bit of Lamb's Pride Bulky mixed in since I was short on the main color. The only adjustment I made to the pattern was for gauge. I picked up the button at The Fine Needle a couple weeks ago. The pattern is Nik's Republic Hat (click here to download the pdf).
This pic shows the inside where I changed yarn every third row. Instead of changing at the same point in the row and having this line of floats all in the same place, I staggered it so it was less noticeable to the eye (or the head for that matter). A nice new squooshy hat just in time to keep me warm!
(The title is a quote from my boyfriend's movie, Gladiator. Actually, both of my boyfriends are in that movie--no wonder I love it so.)
January 17, 2007
Group effort
Today's page in the Stitch'n'Bitch calendar is about Socknitters.com. I love that their free pattern database shows me which ones are toe-up without having to read each pattern. Speaking of a wealth of sock patterns, did you know about Mystery Socks Revealed? A ton of people knit socks from patterns that had no pictures and then took pictures of the finished socks. What a project!
Sock toes! This is OnLine Supersocke that will soon become a manly pair of socks--hence why they look too big on my delicate stalks. (Oh, and OnLine? Could you think of a worse company name when a customer is trying to search for anything of yours online?) Back to the socks--T graciously let me borrow her husband's feet (not literally) for sizing to get this pair started. And apparently I was paying attention to cosmicpluto's short row tutorial this time around, because I have no holes in my toes. My short rows are actually acceptable!
So....I think everyone agrees that Mold vest is just a little too chunky and has too much ribbing for me. I don't think I want to do any mods or remake it but that leaves few alternatives. I choose to not think about it for now. :) As a comparison, here is the vest from Target I wore today. Same exact u-neck and not quite as generous ribbing at the bottom, but in a very fine gauge.
This is no epiphany to experienced knitters out there, but wouldn't it be fantastic if I patterned clothing I knit after things I already wear and love? Or if I see a pattern for a vest I love, go to a store and find a similar one to try on first. That is pretty much the first or second piece of advice in every knitting book I've ever read but you know how knit crushes are. All obsession, no reality.
The reality of winter is finally here, though. Last night as the cloud cover blew away and the wind picked up, I started a Republic hat from Nik whose blog post today is titled "Keep your skirt down". Nik, I can't even stay chaste for a yarn crush, how will I ever follow your grandmom's advice in the real world? Anyway, I didn't bother to take a picture of the hat in progress because I hope to finish it tonight!
If you've read this far, I need a bit of technical advice. I have run out of "free" room on Flickr, so I guess I need to upgrade. I'd like your input on that. Also, to help pay for said upgrade (awful lot of pirate speak slipping into this blog) I was considering adding AdSense to my blog. Does anyone else have this and should I bother? Thanks!
Sock toes! This is OnLine Supersocke that will soon become a manly pair of socks--hence why they look too big on my delicate stalks. (Oh, and OnLine? Could you think of a worse company name when a customer is trying to search for anything of yours online?) Back to the socks--T graciously let me borrow her husband's feet (not literally) for sizing to get this pair started. And apparently I was paying attention to cosmicpluto's short row tutorial this time around, because I have no holes in my toes. My short rows are actually acceptable!
So....I think everyone agrees that Mold vest is just a little too chunky and has too much ribbing for me. I don't think I want to do any mods or remake it but that leaves few alternatives. I choose to not think about it for now. :) As a comparison, here is the vest from Target I wore today. Same exact u-neck and not quite as generous ribbing at the bottom, but in a very fine gauge.
This is no epiphany to experienced knitters out there, but wouldn't it be fantastic if I patterned clothing I knit after things I already wear and love? Or if I see a pattern for a vest I love, go to a store and find a similar one to try on first. That is pretty much the first or second piece of advice in every knitting book I've ever read but you know how knit crushes are. All obsession, no reality.
The reality of winter is finally here, though. Last night as the cloud cover blew away and the wind picked up, I started a Republic hat from Nik whose blog post today is titled "Keep your skirt down". Nik, I can't even stay chaste for a yarn crush, how will I ever follow your grandmom's advice in the real world? Anyway, I didn't bother to take a picture of the hat in progress because I hope to finish it tonight!
If you've read this far, I need a bit of technical advice. I have run out of "free" room on Flickr, so I guess I need to upgrade. I'd like your input on that. Also, to help pay for said upgrade (awful lot of pirate speak slipping into this blog) I was considering adding AdSense to my blog. Does anyone else have this and should I bother? Thanks!
January 15, 2007
Mold
I spent most of the day powerwashing mold from the pine trees off my house, so it was appropriate that I finished the Mold vest this evening. The siding now looks great but, unfortunately, the vest does not. Note my displeased expression--I really was trying to smile but the vest wouldn't let me.
It's not wrong in any way, I just don't like it. Through no fault of the pattern or the yarn, it is simply not flattering on me. I will let it marinate in the closet until I decide how to fix it. I have already considered putting sleeves on, cutting it up the front and making it a cardigan.
It's odd, because I love vests. Maybe I love knitting them but not wearing them? I'm sartorially vexed. I enjoyed working with the Gedifra Distrato and Dalegarn Freestyle. My gauge with those two substituted yarns was dead on to the pattern, U-Neck Vest #10 from the first issue of knit.1. Speaking of knit.1, if anyone has Fall 2006 they could part with, I'd love to buy it or swap for it! Maybe I'll trade it for an unworn green vest.
It's not wrong in any way, I just don't like it. Through no fault of the pattern or the yarn, it is simply not flattering on me. I will let it marinate in the closet until I decide how to fix it. I have already considered putting sleeves on, cutting it up the front and making it a cardigan.
It's odd, because I love vests. Maybe I love knitting them but not wearing them? I'm sartorially vexed. I enjoyed working with the Gedifra Distrato and Dalegarn Freestyle. My gauge with those two substituted yarns was dead on to the pattern, U-Neck Vest #10 from the first issue of knit.1. Speaking of knit.1, if anyone has Fall 2006 they could part with, I'd love to buy it or swap for it! Maybe I'll trade it for an unworn green vest.
Labels: FOs
January 12, 2007
January's socks
Now those are socks. Just what kind of socks is really in the eye of the beholder. The adjectives that pop into my head are: finished; tall; colorful. But mostly finished. They feel amazing and I bet they'll be even more comfterbuls after I wash them.
For those of you out there losing sleep at night because you need to know how far a skein of Regia 4 ply will go, here is your answer. That is one skein per sock--your mileage may vary of course. I made these following Wendy's Generic Toe-Up Sock Pattern with 2x2 ribbing on 2.25mm needles.
I started them like ninety-seven years ago and kept referring to them as "my first socks". But time passed and I started and finished other pairs of socks since then. So now I guess they are just January Socks. They are a belated birthday gift for my oldest niece whose given name is January (though she goes by her middle name which is equally unique), so I guess it suits.
I perfected my magic loop with these socks, but it's going to take a lot more practice to perfect my short rows. I did reinforce my belief that taller socks are better. And that I hate with a fiery passion leftover yarn.
'Til next pair!
January 11, 2007
Small treats
Anyone who read my post about the button machine had to see this coming. I was getting creative with buttons all week and eventually I put some together for my etsy shop. But there are already plenty of creative crafters out there making fabric covered buttons and I don't want to crowd the field. So I wanted to do something different, something I hadn't seen yet--enter vintage embroidery.
I had an awesome time searching for vintage embroidered linens then deciding precisely which stitches would go on which size of button. Of course while I was making them I thought of all the projects I have yet to make where I could use these buttons. I posted seven sets of buttons this evening and I have a lot more linens in the stash! Also, stay tuned for a completely different type of button next week!
In knitting news, I am almost finished My First Socks. Hopefully I can get them done tomorrow night since I'll see my niece on Saturday. Can you believe that I already have two more sock projects in the works? What happened to the girl who was "not really into socks"? I guess she got cold feet.
January 10, 2007
One sock fits all
Sometimes I forget my camera at the most important times. Monday was one of those times. Not only did I deliver up a big sewing job that I should have photographed, but I also gave the Get Well Shawl to my grandmom. She almost cried then I almost cried. Good times.
I can always get her to put it on and take a picture of her this weekend. No doubt she will wear it to church and I'll be there when they get home. Now I need some groovy ideas for her birthday which is in April. I thought I'd give her the Salvia wrap since she likes it and I never wear it. It would certainly be more season-appropriate than another wool shawl. Maybe socks? Let me know your ideas!
Speaking of socks, I had still been knitting on my last pair of Sock Wars socks albeit slowly due to xmas knitting. Then I got an email from my final target saying she received socks, presumably from her original assassin. So! I have a pair of half completed black socks that I think I'll finish up for my friend's husband. He's a handknit socky kinda guy and his birthday is later this month. See? This birthday spoiling thing may work for me!
One final sock question for you folks out there. If you were going to put a monogram on socks, where and how would you do it? Instep, heel, cuff? Duplicate stitch or stranded? It's sockweight, kinda dark patterned yarn and the monogram would be black. It's okay if it doesn't show up too well--subtle is good. Thanks for your help!
I can always get her to put it on and take a picture of her this weekend. No doubt she will wear it to church and I'll be there when they get home. Now I need some groovy ideas for her birthday which is in April. I thought I'd give her the Salvia wrap since she likes it and I never wear it. It would certainly be more season-appropriate than another wool shawl. Maybe socks? Let me know your ideas!
Speaking of socks, I had still been knitting on my last pair of Sock Wars socks albeit slowly due to xmas knitting. Then I got an email from my final target saying she received socks, presumably from her original assassin. So! I have a pair of half completed black socks that I think I'll finish up for my friend's husband. He's a handknit socky kinda guy and his birthday is later this month. See? This birthday spoiling thing may work for me!
One final sock question for you folks out there. If you were going to put a monogram on socks, where and how would you do it? Instep, heel, cuff? Duplicate stitch or stranded? It's sockweight, kinda dark patterned yarn and the monogram would be black. It's okay if it doesn't show up too well--subtle is good. Thanks for your help!
January 07, 2007
One birthday at a time
Every year sometime around November, when I'm really getting serious about my holiday gift list, I always think how much more fun and less stressful it would be to concentrate on my family and friends' birthdays and thus be able to do something small and easy for xmas. And then it seems like I forget ever having that brilliant idea. I curse and throw tantrums for having to spend so much time/energy/money in December.
Well, since I just put up my new calendar for Oh Sev and wrote down everyone's birthday, I think I'll give that a shot. That's easier said than done since there are five birthdays in January and two of them have already passed! But my SIL would really dig that red necklace I made on the Wonder Knitter, so I'll put a clasp on that and give it to her.
Then I pulled out some funkay Karaoke to make striped armwarmers for N#2 who just turned 17 (I am sooooo aaaaaancient). But before I cast on, I realized I already have a project that is pink, red and stripey, nearly finished and will fit my oldest niece. My "first" socks! So I'm just doing the last cuff on those and I will be up to speed in the Year of The Birthday!
Post script: Did you see that SWTC has a new Vickie Howell collection of yarns? They are all sorts of crazy with the fibers, but in a good way.
Well, since I just put up my new calendar for Oh Sev and wrote down everyone's birthday, I think I'll give that a shot. That's easier said than done since there are five birthdays in January and two of them have already passed! But my SIL would really dig that red necklace I made on the Wonder Knitter, so I'll put a clasp on that and give it to her.
Then I pulled out some funkay Karaoke to make striped armwarmers for N#2 who just turned 17 (I am sooooo aaaaaancient). But before I cast on, I realized I already have a project that is pink, red and stripey, nearly finished and will fit my oldest niece. My "first" socks! So I'm just doing the last cuff on those and I will be up to speed in the Year of The Birthday!
Post script: Did you see that SWTC has a new Vickie Howell collection of yarns? They are all sorts of crazy with the fibers, but in a good way.
January 06, 2007
FYE
Well here I am in my bathroom wearing my pajamas. I was trying on the Mold vest before I seamed it up just to make sure it fits (it does). And thinking the whole time, "I hope some other knitter gets entertainment out of this. Otherwise I'm posting a picture of myself in my pj's on the internet for nuthin'!"
I'm not very keen on showing works in progress because I think it might be boring. But hey, this is a knitting blog, not a finished objects blog, right? And these pics also help me when my memory is not so good.
So I want to remember that dpn's make great safety pins and if the fronts of your vest/sweater are still on the needle, put the circular needle behind your head to try it on. It will also be helpful to compare how low this neckline looks without ribbing to what it will look like (uh, hopefully higher?) when I'm done.
Can I proclaim 2007 the year of the vest? I'm positive Corinne at Lucky Penny would second that motion. She's finished two already this year--three if you count the dog vest!
January 05, 2007
Wonder Knitter review
For over a year now, I've been intrigued by i-cord. It's so simple but yet the possibilities are endless! Endless, that is, until you get seriously bored of making the same three stitches over and over. Let's face it--i-cord is only fun after you've made it.
Enter the Wonder Knitter by Clover. I know, I know, if you don't want to knit by hand why not just buy machine made stuff? But this is not a machine, you still knit the stitches by hand. But the circular shape makes faster work of i-cord than two dpns.
If you think you're too experienced or too serious of a knitter to play with a Wonder Knitter, I dare you to just try it. There is a technique to master, shortcuts to learn, patterns to try, different materials to use and creativity to be unleashed. Just because it's pink and sparkly doesn't mean it isn't a useful tool. After the first couple inches of i-cord I made, I had all sorts of ideas for things to try with it.
So that I could give you the most comprehensive review I tried several different materials and both pin heads. Here are the results of my experimentation:
Crochet cotton (Senso) on the 6-pin head:
This is probably the thinnest yarn you'd want to use on the Wonder Knitter. It lacks structure, but it is easy to manipulate.
Fuzzy novelty (Polarspun) on the 6-pin head:
Polarspun is just as much a pain in the ass to work with on the Wonder Knitter as it is on knitting needles. However, the i-cord it produces is fantastic! Very round and solid, it would be great for a rug, bag or craft project.
Bulky yarn (Lamb's Pride Bulky) on 3-pin head:
Isn't that lovely? Doesn't it make you want to cover every square inch of your house in mohair i-cord? This was so fast and easy--can you say "Booga Bag handles in 7 minutes"?
Wire with beads on 3-pin head:
This wouldn't be a thorough review if I didn't try wire and/or bead knitting. What excruciating torture. But look at how pretty it is. I made a necklace in half an hour! I don't know the gauge of this wire, but it was very pliable. It took a few inches for me to get the right tension and several times I thought I was going to break the little plastic hook the makes the stitches. The wire also chewed up the sides of the pins. Adding beads was a no-brainer, though. I would recommend either sticking to knitting wire on metal needles or buying a tool made specifically for knitting wire.
I know you want to see how it works, so check out this video. For whatever reason when I watch it, it's in slow motion.
Well, just how fast is it really? When I first started making the i-cord I thought to myself, "This isn't any faster than using dpn's", but after about ten minutes I was proven wrong. Even though you're still knitting every stitch, the fact that you don't have to stop and slide your yarn down a dpn really makes a difference.
Here is the cord I made with a whole ball (100 yards) of Senso-- fourteen feet long! I'm going to use it as a xmas tree garland since it's sparkly. But the best part is, these fourteen feet only took about three hours to knit!
To wrap it up, I am having fun with the Wonder Knitter and it has certainly sparked some cool ideas for me. I am also going to buy one for every kid I know since it's so easy. If you get one on sale or with a coupon, they're less than $6 and most of us spend more than that on wool wash or stitch markers. It would be a cool way to use up leftovers and then you can challenge your creativity with how to use i-cord.
Enjoy!
Enter the Wonder Knitter by Clover. I know, I know, if you don't want to knit by hand why not just buy machine made stuff? But this is not a machine, you still knit the stitches by hand. But the circular shape makes faster work of i-cord than two dpns.
If you think you're too experienced or too serious of a knitter to play with a Wonder Knitter, I dare you to just try it. There is a technique to master, shortcuts to learn, patterns to try, different materials to use and creativity to be unleashed. Just because it's pink and sparkly doesn't mean it isn't a useful tool. After the first couple inches of i-cord I made, I had all sorts of ideas for things to try with it.
So that I could give you the most comprehensive review I tried several different materials and both pin heads. Here are the results of my experimentation:
Crochet cotton (Senso) on the 6-pin head:
This is probably the thinnest yarn you'd want to use on the Wonder Knitter. It lacks structure, but it is easy to manipulate.
Fuzzy novelty (Polarspun) on the 6-pin head:
Polarspun is just as much a pain in the ass to work with on the Wonder Knitter as it is on knitting needles. However, the i-cord it produces is fantastic! Very round and solid, it would be great for a rug, bag or craft project.
Bulky yarn (Lamb's Pride Bulky) on 3-pin head:
Isn't that lovely? Doesn't it make you want to cover every square inch of your house in mohair i-cord? This was so fast and easy--can you say "Booga Bag handles in 7 minutes"?
Wire with beads on 3-pin head:
This wouldn't be a thorough review if I didn't try wire and/or bead knitting. What excruciating torture. But look at how pretty it is. I made a necklace in half an hour! I don't know the gauge of this wire, but it was very pliable. It took a few inches for me to get the right tension and several times I thought I was going to break the little plastic hook the makes the stitches. The wire also chewed up the sides of the pins. Adding beads was a no-brainer, though. I would recommend either sticking to knitting wire on metal needles or buying a tool made specifically for knitting wire.
I know you want to see how it works, so check out this video. For whatever reason when I watch it, it's in slow motion.
Well, just how fast is it really? When I first started making the i-cord I thought to myself, "This isn't any faster than using dpn's", but after about ten minutes I was proven wrong. Even though you're still knitting every stitch, the fact that you don't have to stop and slide your yarn down a dpn really makes a difference.
Here is the cord I made with a whole ball (100 yards) of Senso-- fourteen feet long! I'm going to use it as a xmas tree garland since it's sparkly. But the best part is, these fourteen feet only took about three hours to knit!
To wrap it up, I am having fun with the Wonder Knitter and it has certainly sparked some cool ideas for me. I am also going to buy one for every kid I know since it's so easy. If you get one on sale or with a coupon, they're less than $6 and most of us spend more than that on wool wash or stitch markers. It would be a cool way to use up leftovers and then you can challenge your creativity with how to use i-cord.
Enjoy!
January 02, 2007
400!
It's my 400th post. OMG! PON1ES!
I can't believe I have stuck with something for so long. You know, besides knitting and all that. It's a testament to the fun people I've met, cool projects we've all made and--let's face it--peer pressure of every other knitblogger out there. Nothing like people emailing you, "What ever happened to your three-armed sweater?", to make you finish up a project or at least admit to frogging it.
In case you were wondering why I had been posting so much lately and not talking about the Get Well Shawl--I wanted to make this crazy trifecta of New Year's Day, finishing grandmom's shawl and my 400th post. But that obviously didn't pan out. I'm over it now.
In the spirit of not having to pack as much stuff, I mean, celebrating this milestone I would like to have a little giveaway. The next four people to leave a comment (that isn't spam) will get a little something from the FIAFLW stash. I'll email you to get your address and whatnot.
This afternoon I went to The Fine Needle to enjoy their sale and I picked up Debbie Bliss' Wish You Were Here!. I know, as much as I bitch about her patterns? It's her designs I love and I'm willing to proofread the patterns to make them. Of all the pattern books I browsed through (and I checked them all) this one had the most styles that I would want to wear or make. I also got a Wonder Knitter, which requires a separate post.
What number post is your blog on today?
I can't believe I have stuck with something for so long. You know, besides knitting and all that. It's a testament to the fun people I've met, cool projects we've all made and--let's face it--peer pressure of every other knitblogger out there. Nothing like people emailing you, "What ever happened to your three-armed sweater?", to make you finish up a project or at least admit to frogging it.
In case you were wondering why I had been posting so much lately and not talking about the Get Well Shawl--I wanted to make this crazy trifecta of New Year's Day, finishing grandmom's shawl and my 400th post. But that obviously didn't pan out. I'm over it now.
In the spirit of not having to pack as much stuff, I mean, celebrating this milestone I would like to have a little giveaway. The next four people to leave a comment (that isn't spam) will get a little something from the FIAFLW stash. I'll email you to get your address and whatnot.
This afternoon I went to The Fine Needle to enjoy their sale and I picked up Debbie Bliss' Wish You Were Here!. I know, as much as I bitch about her patterns? It's her designs I love and I'm willing to proofread the patterns to make them. Of all the pattern books I browsed through (and I checked them all) this one had the most styles that I would want to wear or make. I also got a Wonder Knitter, which requires a separate post.
What number post is your blog on today?
January 01, 2007
Get Well Shawl
Grandmom decided to stay home from church this past week to be extra sure she was recovered. But I know once I give this to her she will be itching to wear it out and show all her church friends. Old ladies are competitive that way, you know. Always bragging on their grandkids and one-upping each other. Haha.
I am pleased with how the Get Well Shawl turned out--more than I thought I would be. It's the tricky nature of lace to look sort of ho-hum while you're working on it. Then you wash it, block it and BAM!
Almost enough to make me want to wear a lace shawl. The pattern was put together by Laurie Osborne and is called Wave and Shell, a variation of a couple different lace motifs. In my innernets searching, I found there had been a knitalong like three years ago (I'm not behind the times much, huh?). And here is a beautiful blue and purple one I found on flickr, which she also made for her grandmom who has the same name as mine!
I just need to find a dainty shawl pin (maybe at The Fine Needle's sale tomorrow?) and I will box this up for Grandmom and give it to her Friday. I know I missed Christmas and her birthday isn't until April, so I'm not waiting for an "occasion" to give this to her. She's getting it just because she appreciates my handiwork.
The Museum
Happy 2007, everyone! I hope you are dealing with your hangovers as best as you can. Try not to think about going back to work tomorrow, that will only make it worse. I just got back from spending the weekend with my bf's family who know how to party, but it's always nice to home and enjoy the peace and quiet.
As much as I love to get rid of things, my mom is on the other end of the spectrum and loves to keep things. We always tease her about that souvenir or random scrap of paper that she is saving for "The Museum". There is no Museum, but she preserves things as if there were. All of us kids' first report cards? The Museum may want them when we're famous. That vacuum cleaner that is older than dirt? The Museum will need it to complete the Daily Life exhibit.
So when I asked to borrow her button maker, she warned me to be careful and not lose any parts, because that makes it less valuable to The Museum. But as old as this "machine" is, it still works great!
It's cute that they refer to something with just a handle and a spring as a "machine", but hey--it's patented! I grew up playing with this thing, making fabric covered buttons of every size and texture. It takes some upper body strength to operate, but the buttons it produces are far better than any pop-together kind.
Of course all week I've been making buttons out of every pretty scrap of fabric I have. And I have some plans to do some nifty needle felted ones, too. But today I had to move the button machine and paraphenalia off my table so I could block something fairly large. Stay tuned...
As much as I love to get rid of things, my mom is on the other end of the spectrum and loves to keep things. We always tease her about that souvenir or random scrap of paper that she is saving for "The Museum". There is no Museum, but she preserves things as if there were. All of us kids' first report cards? The Museum may want them when we're famous. That vacuum cleaner that is older than dirt? The Museum will need it to complete the Daily Life exhibit.
So when I asked to borrow her button maker, she warned me to be careful and not lose any parts, because that makes it less valuable to The Museum. But as old as this "machine" is, it still works great!
It's cute that they refer to something with just a handle and a spring as a "machine", but hey--it's patented! I grew up playing with this thing, making fabric covered buttons of every size and texture. It takes some upper body strength to operate, but the buttons it produces are far better than any pop-together kind.
Of course all week I've been making buttons out of every pretty scrap of fabric I have. And I have some plans to do some nifty needle felted ones, too. But today I had to move the button machine and paraphenalia off my table so I could block something fairly large. Stay tuned...
