Monday, February 27, 2006

The good, the bad, the very bad and the ugly.

First, lets talk about the good.



A completed mitten. Not too shabby if I may say so myself. Once it has been blocked, it may be very very good!

The bad.
I knew I had to cast on that second mitten. I love the process of knitting. I kind of conquered that fair isle technique on the first mitten, and really want to move on to bigger and better things. I must finished that second mitten. So, I pick up the needles I just put down (I know you see where this is going).

Yes, those needles there. I just put them down...right there and here they are.

Knit...knit...knit...knit...knit...hmmmm....I can do this two handed fair isle...look at me go...this isn't so hard...it seems a little loose....hmmmmm...knit...knit...knit...knit...I hope I have the correct needles....knit...knit...knit...this is wrong.

WRONG NEEDLES.



Rip...rip...rip.

The very bad.
So I cast on yet again...the yarn is all tangled and crapity crap crap.

Knit...knit...knit...finally back to where I was...knit...knit...knit...just a couple more rounds, I know it is past midnight...knit..knit...knit.
*go to bed, and start again with the morning coffee.*
Knit...knit..knit...sip..sip...knit..knit...oh the pattern I am loving...knit...knit..you have a problem just getting up and knitting in the morning...knit...knit...knit...oh no. Oh NO! The thumb...where are the thumb stitches?



Rip...rip...rip.

The ugly.
I pick up all those stitches and start again. Get the thumb this time! This is my problem. I keep dropping stitches when I am "picking".



Damn...it's not so easy this two handed knitting...but I am getting a lot of practice!

Sunday, February 26, 2006

It's a GOLD medal for this knitter!

The Gull Stitch Cardigan is done! I've been trying to photograph it for a couple days...I think I've got it.



Started: February 10, 2006
Finished: February 25, 2006
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Merino Chunky. 20 Balls in colour 607 (Make note, that between the actual sweater and the swatches, I used 1000m- they called for 871m)
Pattern:
Gull Stitch Cardigan IK winter 2005
Adjustments: A little adjustment on the crochet edging you can see here. I did actually do the stem stitch embroidery on the sleeve, but took it out because I didn't really like it. I tried tightening it and then doing it at a lower point, but it just wasn't working for me.

Overall, I do like the cardigan. It is really thick and super heavy. I will be wearing it as a jacket...or I would just overheat indoors! The weight of it is amazing. If I would have known it, I would have tightened up the guage to prevent it from stretching so much. I made the 40" for my 38" bust line...I should have made it smaller. With no ease would have been perfect.

It zips up smoothly...with the crochet edging. Without it, it would snag on the edging.



I love the colour! Debbie Bliss yarns are just fabulous.



Until the next games...

Friday, February 24, 2006

Finishing touches.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! That's right people...I've been knit blogging for one year!
Thanks to everyone who encourages me and to everyone who inspires me. I have learned so much in the past year and I enjoy doing whatever I can to show you something that maybe you could do.
Thank you for the comments, I love to hear your ideas, suggestions, pats on the back...all of it! Welcome to the new comers...or those who have chose to "de-lurk" themsleves;)

Now...the final moments of the Olympic Knitting...
Another technique under my belt...Stem Stitch Embroidery.



It is really simple to do and it adds a nice touch to the sleeve.



I can see the finish line. All that's left is to weave in the ends.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Forced to Hook last night.

I knew I would eventually have to do it.
Hook.
Damn pattern...it had to add a little crochet to it.
Reverse single crochet. Not just normal crocheting, but I have to reverse it to. Great.
No pictures of me crocheting. It was painful to see people. Seriously.

I worked at it, ripped it (many times), worked it again...until finally I got it. I know the pattern says to work in every stitch, but that creates some sort of wavy edge...not what I wanted. So I worked every other stitch and that produced a lovely flat edge.
I also did not overlap the right side with the left. It was way too bulky. So the right side hides the zipper and the left butts up to it.

Mouseover the picture for how the closed zipper looks.




The zipper was not really what I wanted...but with 3 days to go, I don't have alot of options. The sweater is deep purple and the zipper is a brighter purple. But hey, you can't even see it...so I don't mind.

Here is the neck edge all finished up.



All that's left are the sleeves...and they are busy blocking.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Just knitting a sock.

I started the lovely lacey sock from the current IK. I decided to do the dk weight...but I don't know if I love them. They knit quickly, but they are a thick sock.



Around the house they will be perfect. I do like the pattern. It is simple and would look fabulous in a lighter weight yarn. So yes, I will be knitter the fingering weight as well.

Lets take a moment and talk about the Olympic Canadian Women's Hockey Team. I really don't know to much about hockey...so help me out. It was late...but I am pretty sure that I heard the announcer say that the spare goalie (you know, the understudy...the one you put in when the regular goalie is injured...whatever they are called) does not...I repeat does not get a gold medal. She is part of the team, but I guess did not play. Ok, rules whatever.
Not only do I see this as unfair...but I am sure the announcer said that in the Mens Hockey team...the spare goalie does...yes that is right...does get a medal. Explain please.
Correct me if I heard incorrectly.
It is shocking.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Bringing home the gold

It's knit. It's done.
The fronts and back pieces are blocking. I need to find a zipper that matches pronto! I haven't had any luck and it is too late to order one on line.



I finished the sleeves in a panic yesterday. I thought I was going to be short yarn. The requirements must be off for this pattern. (Gull Stitch Cardigan IK Winter) I will investigate and post it with the finished object.
Now, more blocking...a lot of seaming...sewing...and hoping that this baby will fit!

Go Canada Go!

Monday, February 20, 2006

Armed and dangerous.

I paid a visit to the library to arm myself...



I started two different pair of socks with baby ull...then made an executive decision. I'm siding with Purly on this one...it is just a little too scratchy for socks. Maybe it softens up with a soaking in eucalan...I didn't wait around to find out. Mittens. Baby Ull is great for mittens.

So after a little reading about Komi knitting, (similar to fairisle, I guess. Komi knitting is Russian and the geometric design was the attraction for me.) I started on a mitten.



I cast on a couple times, deciding that the Old Norwegian Cast-On suited the cuff the best. Then on with the corrugated ribbed cuff. Simple so far. Now the exciting part...the pattern.



I am just loving this! My tension seems pretty good. I think it's because of the fingering weight and the size 1 needle. It seems easier to keep an even tension on the floats in this fine knit.

Have you visited Oliphaunt Knits? I think I found Lisa's blog when I was knitting Ene's scarf. She has inspired me to try fairisle knitting. It was on her blog that I first observed steeking. Knitting and scissors just scare me! Check out the gorgeous Komi hat she knit!

I have made one very interesting observation. Throwing a curve at my love of magic loop. It is so difficult to float in magic loop. The edge stitches are pulled to tight. I don't know if there is a way to correct this...but I think I may have to pick up the dread double pointed needles. We have been apart for some time. I must learn to love them again if I want to be a successful "colourful" knitter.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Odessa hats complete.

Three Odessa's all in a row...



Are they the cutest or what! I have promised Maia a beaded version...and she has requested pink of course!

Cashsoft. Dare I say it could me my favourite yarn?! Love it. Seriously.
I made the first one in DB Baby Cashmerino in cream. I didn't check gauge. Lazy. I figured it would fit a child...and I was in need of something to knit. Let me just show you the difference in sizing between the baby cashmerino and the cashsoft...



I just loved the pattern. Interesting enough...plus bead knitting...yet easy enough to mindlessly knit along.

This hat could be knit in a day. I actually did the first beaded one in a day.
Yarn: Cashsoft (blue), Baby Cashmerino (cream).
Pattern: Odessa Hat
Adjustments: None.



I have been searching on line for the cheapest Cashsoft...and I think it is here.
I paid $12.95 a ball canadian...totally a rip off!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Thoughts on colour.

I know what my problem is. I can knit.
Seriously, I can. I can knit fast...yes, even with small children in the house...I can knit a sweater in a couple days.

I love texture. Not that it's really challenging, just follow the instructions or chart, I love how it really looks like you have knit something.

I love knitting lace. Sometimes I don't have the patience, but I do enjoy it. It is more of a challenge to me, only because I occasionally need to tink back or recreate a section by dropping stitches.

I just don't feel challenged in my knitting lately. I think I am not ever going to knit a stocking stitch thing again...unless...I use multiple colours!
That is what I have been thinking about. Colourful knitting. You know, the things you will NEVER wear but are they are fabulous to knit. Only the things a knitter would love.
I shouldn't say that...have you seen these wonderful WEARABLE colourful items...

Purly's Laila's Socks from her Nancy Bush Master Study. I love them. So inspiring to knit fairisle socks. Tell me...how do you account for the stretch you need in a sock? Do you really loosely float the yarn? I am thinking of knitting some argyle socks...like the MEXX ones my SIL had on this weekend...fabulous.

Stephanie's Nordic Mittens over at Unwind. Gorgeous. A perfect item to practice fairisle on. Mittens.

What about over at Knitting Escapism...the biggest swatch I have ever seen! This Deep V Argyle Vest is just beautiful. Come on...I could wear that...well, a little larger though.

Colour. Yes, let's challenge ourselves when we knit. I am turning my nose up to the ribbed sweaters, the stocking stitch sweaters...the sweaters you can just go out and purchase. Colour is where this little blog is going.

Knitting Olympics Update:
Firstly notice my little addition in the sidebar. Doesn't that time ticking away just freak you out! Needless to say I am playing the Hare not the Tortoise. I have plenty of time. Back and fronts are complete and the sleeves have cuffs. SSSSSSllllllloooowwwwww dowwwwnnnn there speed knitter.
Other Olympic knitting events...an Odessa hat complete with beads was knit yesterday evening. A hat in an evening. Beads aren't even challenging me. I love it and will post photos when the second is complete and the twins are modeling them.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Beady Beady.

Ok, you know that I found some Rowan Cashsoft on the weekend. Now for the beads.
So I drive over to Ottawa Street in search of the bead store...Beads are us...Beady Beady...We Bead You Bead, I don't remember the name...whatever.
I drive up and down and there is no Bead store on Ottawa Street. Unless of course it is in some little hole above a store.
But wait...there are two Yarn Stores on Ottawa...ahhhhhh.
A quick stop to Prattes gives a little bead searching satisfaction with 5 balls of Baby Ull. I've heard and seen some of you comment and knit with it. Some like, some don't. I need to try.

Dad...you may finally get a pair of socks!

I looked up another bead store on Tecumseh...here I go again. Finally. Beads. I get the perfect colour for the cashsoft. After a little additional shopping...70% off sweaters...(why do I knit when I can buy a gorgeous sweater for $19.99...I'll explain another day.) I head towards home.
Ready to knit something different than the Olympic Sweater, I start stringing 150 beads...well 160 to be safe. I cast on and get 1/2 way through the ribbing and come to this:



That's right, a knot. Damn. I am not stringing those beads again. So let's spit splice.



Success. The yarn splices wonderfully. I yanked on it and not a problem...the beads pass over with out a hitch.
I start knitting with the beads.

This isn't so difficult! I can do this. I get the hang of it.
Wait...was that 3 stitches then a bead and 3 rows then a bead row.
Damn.



Yeah. I knit 3 rows inbetween the first set and 2 rows on this second set.

Now, back to my Olympic Knitting.

Q&A: Jacqui asks where I got my blocking board. Joann.com. They frequently have on line coupons. I am sure I got it 50% off.

Monday, February 13, 2006

Progress and many pictures.

All is well. No worries, the test was scheduled and went just fine. (I can still knit...all is good!)
So Saturday, feeling that I didn't get much knitting done on the opening day of the Olympics, I pretty much just sat around and knit.
I then knit on the way home from London and late last night after a birthday party. Here is where I am.



A back complete and the start of one side of the front. I am loving this knit. I feel like I am back in the knitting games...literally. It really moves quickly.
The texture is just gorgeous...



The pattern holds my interest, even though it is simple to knit. I know I have a lot done, considering this was the first couple days of the Knitting Olympics, but I have other things on the go as well.

Here is the yarn I picked up in London. I only show you because you must see the gorgeous red (that I have never seen) in DB Baby Cashmerino. It looks a little orange on the screen...but it is a deep beautiful red.



Finally, I had nothing to knit the couple days leading to the Olympics...so I decided to make the Odessa hat without beads (only because I had none) in a left over ball of Baby Cashmerino. It turned out smaller than one would made from Cashsoft, but it is perfect for a child. I did pick up some cashsoft and will get some matching beads for the next two for my god-daughters birthday gifts.



Another brilliant pattern kathy. Simple and gorgeous.

Friday, February 10, 2006

KNITTER DOWN. Hold the games...

Firstly, bear with me as I try to type on my SIL's laptop. I am still trying to figure this thing out and have lost 3 posts...not too happy. I don't like this mouse touch square thingy. So there will be no pictures. Sorry.

Well, you don't really want pictures of todays events...

Tired, starving, grumpy (no morning coffee), drugged with an IV needle sticking out of my right hand (yes, a needle in my hand on the morning of the official cast on's for the olympics), sitting on a hospital gurny with nothing but my retro rib socks and a peakaboo gown on. Yes, that's right sports fans.
On top of this lovely scheduled event, I forgot my IK mag with the pattern for my Olympic Knitting project in my sister's bathroom. Again, please don't ask.

Today's rewards for this humiliation:
5 balls of DB Baby Cashmerino (2 balls for you Aunt Joanne!)
2 balls of Rowan Cashsoft
2 skeins of koigu
1 replacement IK mag so I can start knittng (I will leave this copy for my SIL)

Olympic Knitting Update:
2 balls and 7" into the back (HAHAHAHHHHHAAAHAHAHHA...sorry, it's the drugs)

I am not ignoring your questions in regards to the Regia Silk...I am blocking the socks and will give you an update when I get home.
SockapalOOOza sock knitter...I will also get back to your questions ASAP as well. Don't stress...I know I will love the socks!

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Local Knitter goes for gold.

Ever since the day she picked up a pair of knitting needles, Carolyn knew she was destined for the Olympics. A local favourite, she has taken on quite a project for Torino.
There are controversial rumors that she too has denied carrying the Canadian flag in the opening ceremonies...not only would it crap her hands, that is the official cast on time. Understandable.

Has she prepared for the event? Yes indeed...here is the evidence:



The swatches look good...it seems she does need some more work on her reverse gull to even out the stitches. I hope she can pull this off.

The equipment she will be using is not what one would think she would use. Will this throw her game off?



Are those bamboo needles? What about addis? Where was the sponsorship to ensure she had the correct equipment? Well, there may be an advantage to bamboos. The needles are quite large at US 10 1/2, so the bamboos will give more of a grab to keep her balance. No wonky stitches here.
She may not have the speed that others knitters will have using addi turbos, but the stitches will be lovely.

Are the rumors true that she will be competing in multiple events? She was seen eyeing the Odessa hat...it maybe true.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Let's talk about sox baby!

Ok, they're not blocked...but I just can't wait any longer.
The Canal Du Midi Socks



Started: January 16, 2006
Finished: February 7, 2006
Yarn: Regia Silk in pale blue
Pattern: Canal du Midi socks from Nancy Bush's "Knitting on the Road".
Adjustments: The pattern makes a very stretchy sock...similar to the "Go With The Flow" socks. I had to shorten the toe once I tried one on. I took out the 1/2 of plain st st and just started the decreasing.

Here is the heel. Although it won't be nearly as durable as other heels I have knit, it's simplicity compliments the heavy pattern of the sock.


The toe is also very interesting. I love the shape it makes. Not too pointy, but fits the toes just right!

I enjoyed knitting this pattern cuff down...it seems like it had been so long. You certainly have more choice in heel and toe patterns from cuff down.

Once shortened, it does fit snuggly on my foot. It should fit Mom's foot perfectly. She likes her socks loose.


Happy Birthday Mom! They'll be here when you return from Florida!

Speaking of socks...I have also joined the many knitters of sockapalOOOza. I am really excited about this round. REALLY. THAT'S ALL I CAN WITHOUT SPOILING THE SURPRIZE;)

I'm back...

I survived a week at DisneyWorld...here is one of the many favourites:


There are many photos...but I won't bore you with them.

Now, I knit about 2" on the sock while I was there...yeah, not a whole lot of knitting. So I sat down last night a finished it. I ripped back the toe of the first one to shorten it and should have a pair to show you at some time later today...stay tuned.