Sunday, May 29, 2005

Grumps Tshirt

I've got grumperina's t-shirt on the needles! I love the "Shine" yarn for this t shirt...it feels so soft.
A little progress shot...

My gauge is on...except for the first few rounds that I did on shorter circs. I wonder if I naturally knit looser on smaller rounds? It is bothering me a little...we will see once I get to the dart starts. I will try it on and rip if I have to...but I think it will be ok. I chose the crochet hook cast on I was taught at a poncho making class last year...it is from Sally Mellville's book. It made a nice cast on finished edge, and it will match the cast off edge at the bottom of the t shirt.


Happy 40th Catherine!

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Harry Back

So one day I have nothing to knit...besides the never ending baby blanket...and the next I'm up to my neck in projects! I started "Harry". The back is moving along quite quickly...I really am liking this yarn.

It's such a nice blue, and the yarn is so soft, not buttery, but marshmellowy soft!
Now my elann order comes...

A lovely lavender for "Orangina", which may sit for a while...or I may get the itch before I clear off some other needles!


The "Ribby Cardi" colour selection...the wisteria looks more like grape, but I still like it. I think they will work. I am noticing on the pattern that the contrast colour I need 4 + 1 ball...I didn't see the plus one...maybe it is not listed on elann's site...or I am just blind. So I only have 4 balls. Guess I'll have to place another order with elann!

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Where is blogger?

I have been toying with the thought of switching to typepad...hmmmm. My blog is here for editing but does not exist in the blog world tonight. I am not the only one...some other bloggers sites I read are not out there either! Not liking this at all.

It's swatching night!
Up and coming projects...."Harry" for my little Matteo. Done in a beautiful light blue cotton acrylic...yes I said acrylic...blend. I bought this yarn on my last trip to Toronto...a yarn sale. My first time with such a blend, but I must say...I really like it! I am using it instead of Rowan all season cotton.

Still awaiting my elann order...but I found some peruvian wool in my stash so I decided to swatch it. A few of you have been asking my colour choices for ribby cardi...it's not this blue that I swatched, I am hoping that grey and wisteria will look nice...I hope. If not, I have this blue and some brown in the stash.

And I am also swatching for a little something over at grumerina's site! Here is some left over orchid coloured Knit Picks shine...

I finally got some back issues of IK...loving it. I feel inspired...I am back in the game...

Monday, May 23, 2005

Looking for inspiration

My computer shut down in the middle of my wonderful post...so here I am again...this time I will save it!
The baby blanket is progressing...I am a little bored with it now. I started the edging to keep me interested.

I am waiting for yarn from elann to start my cardi, and orangina. I am also waiting for IK and some back issues...for inspiration.
While searching for inspiration I came across "Bouton D'Or" magazine. It is from france, and I am not sure if it comes in english....has anyone used their patterns? Check these out...


I am just loving these tanks! I need to research more...
I leave you with the boys, cruising for chics this weekend...

Saturday, May 21, 2005

And now...the moment you've all been waiting for...

The ugly socks...

I would like to thank everyone one who participated in the ugly sock KAL...what a relief they are done.
I know the heels look wacky...I made the heel flap incorrectly in the first sock, if you recall...so I matched the incorrect heel correctly in the mate!
FYI I got this horrible leg cramp in my calf from this sock revealing photo.

Friday, May 20, 2005

Flying Crap

Here is my baby blanket progress...flanked by my lovely potted flowers I worked on yesterday.

I know the picture is crap...I am working on it. I am also working on my ugly sock...its coming along nicely...I seemed to have managed to match the pattern up perfectly! I worked on ugly sock until poop fell from the sky onto my knitting arm...thank god that bird didn't poop on the ugly sock! What would I have done?! That ended ugly sock knitting for the day.
Let today be remember as the first "poop on" of the season...this happens to me frequently.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Beware...the following contains boring knitting content...

So, I am pretty bored with my knitting right now. I don't have that awesome project that takes up every spare waking moment. That project you dream about, constantly think about, can't wait to get done...you know the project I am talking about.
So, I went back to the ugly sock.

I had to rewind the other ball to find the starting point in the pattern. After that I was spent. So I attacked it this afternoon...after a morning with a horrible migraine (I opened the emergency "Maxalt" pill). You may or may not notice, but do take my word for it, that the colourway of the second ugly sock is much deeper than the first. Why? I don't know. Why did I have to rewind the ball? Why did they not start the printing at the same point for each ball? I don't know.
In my boredom, I decided that I should embark on the "Ribby Cardi". I know this is an older project for most of you, but it is perfect for my current lifestyle. Kids. Not the sooooo impractical attempt at the "Loll" cardigan in cream calmer...yeah cream...with two boys...what was I thinking? I ordered some peruvian wool from elann.com along with some endless summer cotton for that little "orangina" number some of you are knitting. I love it! Look at knit and tonic's orangina...oh yeah! Where will I wear it with two little boys? I don't know...grocery shopping!?

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

She's off the needles...

I will not be defeated. I took "Loll" off the needles, I knew I wasn't happy with her. Mrs. Ripperbacker has not entered the scene yet, but "Loll" is out of my sight, in a bag, hidden at the bottom of my stash. I conquered the problems with her. I could do the time consuming bobbles...I am not defeated.

On another note, I have started a baby blanket for Maria (she knits with me all the time, I don't think she reads my blog!). She is due the first week of July, so I thought I better get on something. She didn't find out the sex this time, so I took out my cream coloured knit picks "Shine" and started this blanket from Debbie Bliss "Special Knits".



So far, so good. It is a simple pattern, and it really looks nice in the shine. Perfect for babies because it is machine washable. Let me tell you what comes out of babies and gets all over everything...it must be machine washable! This is her 4th child...there is no time for handwashing baby blankets!
Practical sock is done...one down, one to go...I will post a picture of the pair!

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Loll Progress

I am having horrible thoughts about "Loll". My gauge is suddenly off. I think it is the Calmer pulling it in? Is this even possible? I made a swatch people...gauge was on. I mean it is really off. I decided to block what I had so far to size on the schematic. That requried stretching...which I shouldn't be doing. It still is 1 1/2" smaller. Will it fit? Maybe...

Here is the lovely shaping I did

So now what? Do I continue and stretch the crap out of it.....I know, I know. Don't even say it. I don't want to hear it.

Here is "practical sock" progress:

Nice little cable down the side...perfect for black boots in the winter! I turned the heel correctly this time. I still have a hole at the gusset....even though I picked up an extra stitch and knit them together on the next round. Any sock knitting tips to solve this?

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Soleil was finished...then she was taken from me!

Here she is...with the help of my MIL's crocheting

Started: April 30th, 2005
Finished: May 6th, 2005...waited for crocheting untilMay 14th!
Yarn: 5 1/2 balls of Knit Picks "Shine" in "Orchid". Very nice to knit with, machine washable. I definitely will be using this yarn again!
Pattern Revisions: I lengthened the body...added more shaping. I should have started the neck line higher...it is very low cut! Shoulder seams were grafted, which seemed to suit the pattern! Crocheting attempts sucked, so my MIL came to the rescue.


Here is Hazel, completed, being modeled by the recipient...my MIL.

Started: April 10th, 2005
Finished: May 12th, 2005...including ripping out. the shoulders and lengthening
Yarn: 7 balls of Debbie Bliss Cathay in Teal. Yarn is very nice but is is loosely plied (I know there is a technical term for this...) If you snag it, too bad!
Pattern Revisions: I made the neck more of a rounded neck than boat. I could have made the size smaller, but it still looks good, and the colour is perfect for her.

Then the swipe...you know she liked this one too!

She has now met her quota for receiving handknits from her lovely DIL! Atleast for this year!

Friday, May 13, 2005

Sometimes, I impress myself...

Ok, first off. I have changed some settings for commenting...some people were unable to comment on the site because they are not "bloggers" so I changed that...be it good or bad! I have a similar problem on sweetgeorgia's site...Felicia if you are out there...I can never comment on your site...can I just say I love your knitting...love it.
Now, may I take up a moment of your time to impress you. I played today with my swatch...that's what swatches are for! I tried many decreases, increases, slip sts....here they are:

I tried to point to the final choice with the other needle...wish I could make a fancy arrow on some program but don't have the time to figure that out! So I used my new knowledge of cabling without a cable needle and moved that slip stitch to the left. I then slipped the two purls plus the slipped stitch onto the right needle yib. Continued and on the WS I purled those three together...voila! A beautiful decrease with the slipped stitch in place. Thank you, thank you, no applause please.....no really...come on....ok...I am a knitting diva!
Now I am half way up the back of "Loll" with no batteries in the camera, so you will have to wait.
I did visit my LYS today to pick up some needles...THAT IS ALL...don't look at me like that, I bought no yarn...none. I did however find the spring interweave knits. I know I am late in the game, but very excited about this magazine. Anyway, I have started my Christmas knitting! Well, not actually started, like on the needles...but the planning...oh yeah. For fear that the person who will be receiving this lovely handknit, priceless, gift is reading my blog, it will have to be kept somewhat secret. So, turn to page 52....don't you just love it! You know who it is for! Elann.com has some lovely Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed that would work perfect. Hmmmm...what colour....
What about page 92....yeah I can handle those! She'll love them!
Man do I have some knitting to do!..."Just hear those sleigh bells, jingalin'...ring ting tingalin' tooooo......."

Thursday, May 12, 2005

HELP!

I know that I am not the only one who finds Rowan patterns quite confusing when first read. They do speak a whole other knitting language. So here I am, working away on "Loll"...just loving it, when I question my knitting...am I doing this right? So I present it to you...what would you do...
I marked my stitch (counting in from both ends of last row, place markers on 30th sts.)
Keeping slipped sts correct throughout, shape waist as folls:
work 2 tog, (rib to within 1 st of marked st, p3tog-marked st is centre st of this group of 3 sts) twice, rib to last 2 sts, work 2 tog.
exibit A:
So the marked st is the slipped stitch in the pattern, then I have to p3tog including that slipped stitch...is this correct? Now there is no slipped stitch in the rib pattern and there is a large reverse st st area. It did say to keep slipped stitches correct...but they have eliminated this one...right?
exibit b:
I then have to work 11 rows then decrease again...this time I will eliminate the slipped sts on either side of the marked st by p3tog across the slipped st in the same way. It's hard to see in the picture how the pattern looks in this "darted" area...but the whole thing looks ribbed with the slipped sts.
Anyone? Anyone? I'm sure I will run into the same problem when I increase.

"Hazel" was calling me from my knitting bag today. Unfinished, waiting, not feeling good about it. So I ripped back the shoulders...did some short rows...first time...not sure if I like the way I tried to figure it out. I added some length to the shoulder area...making the neck more rounded than boatnecked. I think my MIL will like it better. Here she is as I reblocked the repairs...

Ok, in preview, the picture looks horrible...but she is done I tell you...DONE. Now for my MIL to try on....oh man...

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

SHHHHHHH...they are finally sleeping

Oh, I have a minute to myself....the boys are sick and I am a little irritable from sleep deprivation. I can't wait till my DH comes home!
I just had to start a major project, I couldn't take it anymore! The ten balls of Rowan Calmer have been calling out to me, so I started "Loll".

Can I just say that I love Rowan Calmer. I used it once before for a hat....but this sweater...man do I love this yarn. The feel, the drape, the weight, the fibers...oh yeah baby. No wonder it comes at such a high price.
The cardigan has the most interesting edge...that takes forever to knit...but look at this

Isn't it just beautiful! I am going to love this cardigan!

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

More socks...

So as I wear my one finished sock...very comfortable I might add, I figured out that I screwed up the heel. I thought the stitches were a little tight...well, on the purl row I slipped, purl, slipped, purl all the way across. Don't ask...I'll just have to make the mate the same. A lesson learned.
I started to look at different sock patterns. Interweave Knits online has some nice patterns to choose from. I tried out the diagonal rib. I like it, but not for me in this colour. I just decided to do a plain sock with a cable down the side, for more practice. And perhaps I will turn the heel correctly on this one!

I really love learning new knitting techniques, thanks to all of your informative blogs and information found on the net. For sock making I have learn:
  1. How to work on one long circular needle.
  2. How to make a tubular cast on.
  3. How to cable without a cable needle.

What knitting techniques have you learned lately?

Now, what major project to work on next? I just don't know. I have 10 balls of rowan calmer in drift...cream colour...calling my name. Did you see knitin chicks Mariah in calmer? Love it! But I don't have enough, and I would do it in a colour other than cream! So I am thinking about the "Loll" cardigan from the "Calmer Collection" book.

I love the look of the fringe on it. Maybe I will swatch for it today. Other than that...being sleep deprived from sick toddlers...yet again...I am going for another coffee...and taking it one step at a time today!

Happy Birthday Kurtis...my little (6 foot) nephew is 15 today!

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Here it is...The Ugly Sock

Ok, keep in mind this is a learning sock...it has been through alot...and in the end is forced on to my big flat size 10's! (no wonder I haven't made socks!)
Loving the single circular needle method...it took a little learning where to put what on the circ...a couple markers...and we were good to go.

The stitches are really tight at the heel, I guess that is how it is ought to be...but hopefully I will loosen up a bit with work.
Here is the final...single sock...hoping to get a mate...

Yes, it does look long...well I didn't want it all the way up the leg, so that part is shorter than normal...and I am a size 10...yeah...10.
It will get a mate...and maybe one day...I will wear in public!

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Ugly Sock Knit A Long

Are you joining? It seems that I am partaking in my own ugly sock KAL. Check these out...

Check out the lovely...*cough*...colourway. I ripped out the day before's attempts, used smaller needles...and at least it looks a little better.
Notice the beautiful tubular cast on...oooohhhhh yyyeeeeaahhhh...
Here is submission #2 to the ugly sock KAL

I used bigger needles and some zara yarn from stash. Much nicer in a soft merino wool...but...way too thick...more like a 2x4...really. Do notice the lovely cable down the side....done without a cable needle....ooooohhhhhh.....yyyyyeeeeaaaaaahhhhhh. Thank you Kathy.
Not sure what I do once I get to the heel using one long circular needle...I will cross that bridge....if I get to it!

Friday, May 06, 2005

Techniques

Lately I have been tempted by all the fabulous knit bloggers socks out there. I've made two needle baby socks, and two needle to four needle childrens socks...and once attempted Debbie Bliss cabled socks from her "Simple Living" book (didn't really like the look on my ankle...could have been the yarn...and I had a ladder problem that needed to be solved).
So last night I sat infront of my computer and searched around. I must say I love Grumperina's "pretty comfty sock" but I can't attempt that first. How about Diana's "Stripey Sock"...love those...and look pretty simple. She also uses a tubular cast on...this I had to learn. I found a site with good instructions and made some attempts. It's not that difficult and it produces a beautiful and stretchy edge.
Next, how to fix all of those ladders. Well, I decided to look into knitting socks on a circular needle. Found this site very helpful. Here you can learn about knitting them on one or two circulars. I fancy one needle...so I tried it out with some scrap yarn. Not to bad! Now I just have to watch ladders in two spots...what about getting the tubular cast on onto one circular? Hmmmmm, later. Here are some attempts at my socks and techniques...

It was really difficult to choose the yarn...I am not a fan of coloured socks...black and thin is what I wear...unless its sandles or runners! But, I did want to find some fun colourway. I couldn't find the regia stripes at my LYS so I settled for the ugly pattern you see. Whatever, these are learning socks! I also go some really nice regia silk grey...ohhhhh exciting, feminine grey! Ok, I will do some sort of a feminine pattern with it...just wait...you'll like them...I promise...

Ok...Soleil...here she is in Knit Picks Shine (love this yarn)...before crochet...oh man...crocheting the neck and arm holes.

I must say...I made it longer...and could have gone even longer! Also, it is extremely low cut...dad would say "aren't you wearing a dickie with that?". A dickie...whatever. Anyway, not sure how much wear this will get! We'll see once it is completed and blocked.
What do you do for shoulder seams? I usually fake graft the cast offs together. I experimented with actual grafting the stitches together and the three needle bind off.

I went with the actual grafting this time. I solemnly swear that my next major project will fit beautifully and I will love wearing it...without a dickie!

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Book tag...oh man....

So I saw this tag going around in the knitting blog world, about books you own...oh man...thank you Grumperina! So trying not to reveal to you that I actually don't sit down and read novels...I am busy knitting...here it is...

1)Total number of books in your house:
Ok, are we including the kids books? Because I would be pushing 100 with their books! I am a "how to" book reader...I do have some books in a bin downstairs from University...much of which are Art History books. I own Cookbooks galore and any and all of Martha Stewarts books. As for novels...I would really have to search for these. I am a magazine junkie...seriously. I get Martha Stewarts "Living", "Kids" and "Everyday Foods", "Weight Watchers" (a new addition), "Canadian House and Home", "Style At Home" and just ordered "Interweave Knits"...and then there are the ones I just buy as I see them. I try to edit my mags every now and then...even though it is hard to part with Martha...I did have to get rid of a couple years worth only because of lack of space!


These are some of the decorator mags I keep by the bed.

2)The last book you bought was:
A couple Shel Silversteins for the boys..."The Giving Tree" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends"


Lucca really wanted me to take a picture of his books!
3)What was the last book you read?
Of course it was "At Knits End" by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee aka the Yarn Harlot. LOVE IT!

4)Write down 5 (or 6) books you often read or that mean a lot to you.
1. "At Knits End"...I keep it by my bed, and re-read it before bed...or to whomever calls me on the phone...to anyone who has ever meantioned that they knit...the lady at the grocery store...the mailman...
2."What to Expect the Toddler Years" by Eisenberg, Murkoff, and Hathaway. I really like when things come with manuals...like you could actually expect anything that happens...
3."The New All Purpose Joy of Cooking" by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker. A must for every kitchen.
4. "Baker, Baker, Cookie Maker!" by Linda Hayword no this isn't a cookbook...its about cookie monster...I am forced to read about 500 times a day!
5. "ScarfStyle" by Pam Allen. An excellent knitting book to improve all techniques. The scarves are beautiful and make wonderful gifts...if you can part with them.

Of course, knitting books, minus the ones in use...oh yeah, the pilates book that maybe I have opened! Also a gardening book...that I need to read some more of. More mags behind...

5)Who are you going to pass this onto and why? Hmmmmmm...who wants it? Ok, Goodkarmago because it seems she has many interesting knitting books, and has reviewed many knitting books...let's see what are her favorites! Also to Dirty Purls, just for pure curiosity and you must see her blog about mixing knitting with alcohol! Hee hee.

On the knitting front...Soleil should be complete tonight I hope. I did venture in the sock world...and came back really quickly! I will post on that later.
Check out Clara's review at Knitters Review on Knit Picks "Shine"...I can say I agree...yes...yes...all good!

Ok, I just had an idea. I've seen lots of tags going around...are there any knit ones. Like lets say a knitters challenge...with actual knitting involved. Something someone could do in one sitting of knitting? The Knitters Cup? Hmmmmmm. Then you have to post a picture of the finished object...using something from your stash? Anyone?

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Cotton Craze

Ok, I have to admit, I am starting to like cotton. I know, I know, it is not as nice to knit with than lets say merino, but as I try different brands and blends I am strangely drawn to it. It must be the season, or the fact that my body temp seems to be higher than most people...I hate to be hot. Here is a little cascade "Cotton Rich" I ordered (only because my MIL wanted some acrylic...oh man, I never thought I would type that word in my blog...yeah, acrylic for her to crochet...oh man, another one of those words...Crochet her afghans. I am on a yarn diet you know...I am...really.)
It is purple with blue specks in it...interesting looking. I have 10x 80yrd skeins...not sure what to do with it.
I never know how much yarn to get when "enhancing" my stash. A couple skeins...to try it? What would you do with that? A bag of skeins...not really enough for a sweater. How much do you get if you don't really have a project in mind, but an interested in the yarn?
Here is my progress on "Soleil"...a little bored with it but having divided for the fronts and the back, at least I can purl now! I did a little extra side shaping...we'll see if that comes back to haunt me or not.
"Hazel" is in my knitting bag. I can't finish it until my MIL tries it on...as much as I want to get it done. I did and arm hole and seamed that side...I just don't know...only an official try on will tell. Then I will knit and block like crazy to finish it while we visit the inlaws this weekend. Hopefully there will be no ripping.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Is this gonna fit?

ok, I am starting to wonder if this is going to fit my MIL. She is petite and I am tall...we both have larger bust sizes...yet, when I put this over my head...it is short. I did make the shorter version purposely, knowing she is petite.
Image hosted by Photobucket.com
She may be showing so middle! Oh man...maybe I should wait to seem this up until I try it on her this weekend. I did want to give it as a mothers day gift.
Here is a little shot of the neck band, unblocked. I keep screwing up the number to pick up on the arm holes...so I am putting it down until tonight.Image hosted by Photobucket.com