Penina's Knitting World

Holy Toledo (well, maybe I-80)

2007-06-13T09:58:00.000-04:00

I did it!
I began knitting again.

Sunday while driving to visit the 'rents, I picked up the light blue yarn and started the skirt to match the little fake denim jacket.
Arianna will be 1 in July, and this was always meant for her to wear this fall/winter/next spring, so it must be done. To top it off, Larry, Noel & the baby will be up here Saturday, so if I can have it finished, they can take it with them.

The bottom of the skirt was made with a short slit in back. No, it was not the pattern. I just found that the 3.75 circ I had with me was way too long to join such a small garment, so I knit flat, then when I switched to 4.0, I had the short circ, and that is where the skirt moved into 'in-the-round. I think it will be cuter this way.

While I was at the 'rents, I used a sewing machine on the second arm-hole. Boy, let me tell you it was a hugh improvement over the handsewn/cut first arm-hole. Like night and day. So for anyone contemplating Norwegian knitting with the cut arm-holes, never, let me repeat NEVER handsew before cutting. Machine zig-zag only!
I'll try to take some pictures before I set in the sleeves.

2007-05-26T09:01:00.000-04:00

Well, I DID find the second R2D2 mailbox in Jehigh Valley Mall (Whitehall PA), although it is at the BACK entrance!

Total fluke that I found the darned thing.

Still no knitting, although I DID hold a UFO that I would like to have done by the beginning of July... the 'denim' jacket and skirt...I really just have to make the skirt, embroider the orangy top-stitching, put on the buttons and insert the sleeves. Good thing I started it as a size 2T....Arianna will be 1 this July, so hopefully it will fit her over the winter/spring.

I actually began to look at the Dale of Norway zip pullover pattern for Jimmy.....I do not have all the wool for it yet, and I have not earned enough from my spying to be able to buy any yet. But at least it is not a thought in my head!

For a catch-up....

The twins have flown up to Cadette in Girl Scouts, have their Bronze Awards (and finally go their hands on the 1920 Handbooks I was able to find for the troop to give to the Bronze awardees). A Council wide award ceremony for the Bronze and Religious awards will be in Scranton June 3.

Got Julia a real bow for her Viola...turned out to be one size smaller than she is using, PLUS her teachers would like her to take a stab at moving up to a 'full-size' 15" over the summer, so that would need a bow TWO sizes larger. Oh well, the best laid plans and all that.

Jimmy had a go at taking on his supervisor's job for a couple of weeks and showed his stuff to the owners of the business...let's see if that gets him 'financial renumeration' or a promotion. He was re-elected to VP of his fire-department too.

Me.

I am spying around the region, donating plasma for the Tetanus immune globulin, waiting to see if I can get into the Rabies program (more $), Girl Scouting to some extent.

2007-04-29T08:34:00.000-04:00

Yes, I found it...the R2D2 USPS mail box in Scranton, PA

I think tomorrow I will look for the one in Whitehall, PA... I think it is in or near the Lehigh Valley Mall, which I just happen to have scheduled some jobs around.

What else is going on?

I intended to finally get back to work on my knitting while the girls were busy at a Junior Bridging event, but after we left the house, I realized I forgot to pack the knitting bag. Four hours of having to make small talk with other GS moms and leaders.

Did I mention that the kids finished up their Junior Bronze Award work? Delivered bags and stacks of good to the local SPCA last week. I was lucky getting out of there without adopting anything.

News that finally the school board up here will have the school years begin immediately after Labor Day, instead of the week or two before. I guess I will miss having the school year end early...it allowed some time for trips with the kids before the biggest crowds showed up.

Daffodils made it back up this year.

I love the way our 4-legged cockroaches (read DEER) don't touch them at all. I am going to try some other bulbs that are allegedly deer resistant, but I won't take chances...I will prinkle the ground and the sprouts with my own home made concoction of fresh grond garlic and jalapeno pepers. That should keep their snouts out of my business!

Please give me your vote!

2007-04-29T07:36:00.000-04:00

2007-04-15T11:02:00.000-04:00

Been WAY too long.
Unfortunately, I just have not been knitting at all.
I THINK about knitting, just have not done anything, even for the 2006 Holidaze season.

Been playing SPY at local stores.
You can actually make some pocket moolah once you get organized. Nothing to plan a household budget on, but it can be fun, and handy change.

Also busy with wrapping up the year with the Junior GS troop. Helped the twins earn their Bat Ohr award (National Jewish Girl Scout award), and now they are finishing up their Junior Bronze Award with a project to collect needed cleaning, enrichment and nourishment supplies for the local SPCA. In two weeks they should be ready to 'fly-up' to Cadette level.

Jimmy is still working hard at his HazMat company. The next two weeks he is covering for his boss, so he will get to show more of his many talents.

Welcome to my old friend Gary...he just started a blog at http://emslieu465.blogspot.com.
Not knitting, but if you are any way interested or connected to EMS, you might like to follow his blog.

2007-01-20T18:19:00.000-05:00

Been a LOOOONG time.
For blogging and knitting.

In October I began taking on assignments as an Independent Contractor.
Fun, not easy.
Have to locate assignments through MANY job boards, but I can set up my schedule as I like.
However, it seems to consume much of my time, and I have let many things go for now.
Knitting first.
I should be flogged, I know.

2006-11-02T10:25:00.000-05:00

So, what I ended up doing was pulling out a silver lace sleeveless gown, and try to make myself up as Ginger from Gilligan's Island.
Ah, it was a good try...I just suck at 70's eye-makeup.

My Desperate Hausfrau

2006-11-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

Working on a knitted wig, from the last Knitty.com, which was titled "Desperate Housefrau, basically a Halloween wig, knitted with curlers in it. Ingenious, frankly.
(http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/PATThousefrau.html ).

Had a bit of a hard time using DPNs, as when the curlers get put in, it is all too stiff to manipulate. Even switching to the 16" #10 called for is rough, so I find myself at times putting stitches back and forth from the circular to the DPNs in small areas.

Anyway, here is how it looks to date... I'll never have it ready in time for the GS party this evening.... I was going as a "Blue Tufted Biddy" (a nosy, blue rinsed old noodge). I'll keep plugging away, and in the end I may have to chose between my old Kimono outfit, or drag out my Paramedic uniforms and go like that.

2006-10-18T16:43:00.000-04:00

Got almost up to the arm-hole shaping.
Whoo-hoo!

2006-10-16T08:42:00.000-04:00

My fingers are getting cold!
Instead of shying away from knitting, I should buckle down and do more, that should keep the circulation up, right?
RIGHT?

I think this past week, I got a whole two rows done on the wrap baby dress (which BTW, the picture in the last post IS NOT of Arianna, it is the one that is on the pattern for the dress. Sorry if some misunderstood)

2006-10-10T07:48:00.000-04:00

WOW!

Has it really been this long since I blogged?
My bad.

Really bad.

Almost have the second sleeve completed on the baby denim jacket... why it is taking so long to make a size 2T sleeve, I can't even answer. Boredom?
Second sleeve, sock, mitten always seems such a chore. In my head it goes "But I did this already...want something new to do!"

Why it is not getting done is probably more about being on the computer too much.

Instead of finishing that, I began a wrap baby dress that I found on MagKnit.com site.
Here is the pattern for the cute picture http://www.magknits.com/Jan06/patterns/blossom.htm

I'd give a picture of my version, but I only have the back 1/2 done, and hubby has the digital camera with him this past week.
Guess I could try to use the new cell-phone's camera.

BTW, if you are into tweaking your electronics, here is a great blog that helps out of you have an LG VX8300 cell-phone:
http://vx8300.blogspot.com/

2006-09-17T14:10:00.000-04:00

First sleeve done, second one started, but that is it.... not even quite sure what kept me from knitting.

Probably getting a new LG VX8300 cell-phone.
Just busy playing with all the expanded features, especially trying to load a Gig of songs onto the microSD card I put in it, searching out hacks and backdoors is just too much fun. Helping Jimmy with the same.
We are actually seriously considering flashing the firmware to V02 while waiting to see if Verizon will ever release it or the V03 that is rumored to be coming down the pike from LG. Should improve the sound, ability to work with Bluetooth headphones, etc. Found a great blog right here that spurred much of this research that lead to us to much freeware/shareware that is better than some of the software we had paid for in the past (instead of ever renewing DataPilot, I'll probably stick to BitPim... besides synching contacts/calendars, this can also help make MP3s into clips for ringtones that can be loaded into the phone through USB, can get into the phone's program files and edit to improve or unlock functions.... just good stuff)

2006-09-08T14:24:00.000-04:00

Almost finished the first sleeve for the faux-denim baby jacket.
The striping yarn from Knit-Picks arrived yesterday, but before I start the baby pullover (and matching socks??) with it (or even chose not to make it at all), I must finish MY sweater from last year.
The cranberry colored chevron stitched button collar pullover.

I had 1/2 sleeve made, and actually did all the finishing work on the button-fronts and collar. You would think a sleeve goes quickly, but I was getting annoyed with making the edge increases at the same time working the chevron patterns. But I can always use another piece of clothing, so I had better get to it.

Was contemplating making sweaters for the kids out of WoolEase chunky, however after attending Open House at their school, I am thinking that they need SUMMER clothes to stay in that building. Stifling is not even the word. So this year I think I will NOT be doing much holiday knitting. Just not convinced that anyone appreciates it at all.

Knitting and meeting new [little] people

2006-09-03T10:07:00.000-04:00

So yesterday we were to travel to take out James and his sister Michelle for lunch. With some time to kill, we were going from craft store to craft store to see if any of them had the Bernat book for the denim jacket...you got it, I forgot it at home and I could not recall to what number you continue to increase, or sleeve length to begin armhole shaping (at least I did ALL the finishing work on the jacket body/collar/button bands/pocket flaps...even hand sewed one steek and CUT IT IN A MOVING CAR with my kid's craft scissors, OY!).... anyway, Jimmy gets a cell call, and the secret was out. Larry is back from the USAF in the United Arab Emirates, and is 'hiding out' for the weekend in Michelle's house WITH Noel and the baby!

Man, I grabbed 10.5 Clovers, and a skein of that LB VelvetChenille, started casting-on in front of the very amused cashier at Michael's, and in the short time while Jimmy food shopped for the full house in Modena, I made a warm baby cap off the ball-band pattern in Lilac. I figured with Earnesto coming through, the temps were suddenly dropping, and being from southern Ohio, they probably only had summer clothes for Arianna with them. Luckily we already had the pink sweater/booties (FINISHED!) with us to leave with Michelle, so we were not empty handed.

Arianna is a very cute little girl, I think she looks more like her mom. Man, what a hugh smile Jimmy had when he held his granddaughter. Somewhere I have to find the cord to download the one cell-phone picture that I took yesterday. If it looks like anything, I will post it here too.

2006-09-01T09:31:00.000-04:00

You'd think with the kids at school, I would have done massive amounts of knitting, but alas no, just began the first sleeve of the denim jacket.

Against all I wanted to accomplish, I now have a pile of UFOs waiting for finishing touches. I mean stupid stuff, like Icord or crochet laces for booties, cut steeks and sew in sleeves. Let me see if I can at least get the laces done, so I can drop off the pink sweater/booties set when we p/u James tomorrow. Larry should be out of USAF in a few days (cross all your fingers!), and he, Noel and Ariana are due to move to New Windsor early October, so she will need knitted goods. Especially since neither will have a job/income, they will need whatever the family can help them with.

I caved, and ordered some closeout striped sock-yarn from KnitPicks... make the free Baby pullover with it, and if leftover yarn, socks to match. Figured the Autum colorway is good for boy or girl, so this will definitely be aimed as a pass-around-the-family item.

What I am thrilled to have accomplished is that I got the parts for an External HD, and FINALLY have a FULL backup of my computer put away. And this is SO MUCH FASTER than CDs or DVDs, and probably cheaper than tape backups.

2006-08-27T07:25:00.000-04:00

Must dig out the camera....

Have the body of the little 'denim' jacket done. Button bands on, and I knitted on the collar and the pocket flaps directly. Cannot decide if I am lazy, or smart as heck for inventing/unventing ways to NOT have to sew/weave/graft parts on at the end.
I will of course have to play with cutting the steeks and sewing in the sleeves (or do I? Can I cut the steeks, and find a way to make the shaped sleeve cap using shortrows top down and from picked up stitches at the steek? I am sure somewhere I heard of finishing the cut edge with I cord.....)

Been more busy this week working on updating my financial things... I even found two things I never changed my name on, and tomorrow is my 5th anniversary!
But I do so like having upgraded my Microsoft Money software... much easier to keep track of more of my financial doings (like I have so much, HA!)

School starts tomorrow!!!!!
Amazingly, the school assigned both twins to the same Homeroom teacher, and schedule. First time for us. I am psyched that they will both be doing the same homework every night, which should lower the intensity of having each whining at the same time for help with their very different homework. And scheduling parent teacher conferences will be a snap, no more fighting that I went as chaperone on one kid's class trip but not the other's... oh, this will be an interesting year!
Also, this year I can access much of their records on-line, and they both know it, so there will be no hiding tests or anything!

Getting back into the Groove

2006-08-21T10:35:00.001-04:00

So, I am not the greatest lecturer... but the Junior GS got the idea, and helped hand full a sample piece I brought along. At the end, I cut it up into teeny pieces, gave one to each so they could see how it did not shred apart (strength), and that even while drying, it was not COLD the way other fabrics would be.
I think I should write up a better proposal for use in future programs, so that anyone, even a non-knitter could easily demonstrate the skill and illustrate to the kids why a fulling machine was invented, and why it would save so much time.

Seems I have been designated the "Master Chemist". Somehow I ended up working with Lye and Nitrogen and then the dyes so that all the GS (Brownies/Juniors/adult Counsellors & Program Aides) in the camp could make spiral Tie-Dyed shirts. At least they ALL came out the way they should! The one I made was designated for hubby, but somehow ended up on the back of my 16 YO step-son. At least it was liked enough to be worn (and in a turn of fate, he wore it to Woodstock, NY.... where else is more appropriate than that town for tie-dyed shirts???????!!!)

I did bring along the Bernat faux-denim jacket I was working on... KIPPING around kids is a great way to bring the loners in... those that were not participating with the group seemed drawn to come over, touch, ask questions. And even had the side effect of a girl, and one of the Program Aides start bringing their knitting in.

So, at this point the body is made (steeking the arm-holes later), 1 and a 1/2 button bands are done. All this while upstate NY in Saugerties and the Hunter Mountain Irish/Scottish Festival this past weekend.

ONE WEEK TO THE START OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Should I practice the Happy Dance now, or should I wait till the kids are not here to see and get a complex???????

2006-08-15T06:55:00.000-04:00

Funny thing...
I was 'shanghai-ed' into working at a GS day camp. The Junior group will be learning about inventions today, and in perusing the teaching guide, I noticed an entire page will be dedicated to the concept of the water-wheel driven Fulling machine.
You KNOW that I had to offer to bring in pre-and post hand fulled knitting, so that the kids could actually see what is involved in hand-fulling, and then why the invention of the fulling machine was so fortuitous.

2006-08-13T09:08:00.000-04:00

Has it really been this long?
Summer and knitting just don't mix for me. The humidity and sweat just don't allow yarn to flow.

So, things must be getting better because I started a jacket for Arianna. It is in a Bernat acrylic baby yarn/pattern, will look a bit like a denim jacket and skirt, complete with topstitched 'seams'.

Of course, I am making the jacket body in one piece, instead of the three pieces it was written for. No one would know it was me if I did not do that!
I was contemplating doing the sleeves from shoulder down so that there would be NO sewing at the end, but in thinking about it more, that would not look natural for a denim jacket, so I will sew the sleeves in at the shoulder so that there will be a very defined seam.

Ka-Ching

2006-07-03T18:14:00.000-04:00

Sold and mailed out 2 skeins of discontinued Red Heart Baby Sport in "Starbright" colorway.
It is gorgeous, but I made my baby bunting with matching tam out of it years ago, don't wish to make another.
Hope my teeny stash reduction found a great new home.

2006-06-20T10:31:00.000-04:00

Found a few more "Want It Nows" on Ebay, so I posted a few more acrylic yarns from my SABLE that just don't speak to me....but they must speak to someone!

2006-06-19T11:01:00.000-04:00

Ah, the A/C in Jimmy's car is fine.
Fine enough that I was able to finish the Homespun bias baby blanket even though temps outside hit over 100 degrees in spots during the drive to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn was relatively quiet....guess the 'bungalow colony crowd' was all upstate NY.

Got to visit a few minutes with Tanta Sarah... first weekend alone in her apt after weeks in ICU and then staying with my parents. She looks pretty damn good for someone who could have 'left us' just a month, month and a half (and $186,000+ insurance dollars) ago.

Kids start Summer Academy today.
Every M-F for 5 weeks, 8A-12P. They don't see it as punishment, or as some kind of label on them, they truly enjoy school, and this will help them retain what they learned through the 4th grade, and even get a leg-up on math/literature for 5th grade.

FIRST SALE

2006-06-17T07:55:00.000-04:00

I did it, made my first sale, and my SABLE stash reduction has begun.
As well as putting funds back in the bank.

Cool.....helps me, and seems to have fulfilled a great knitting need of my buyer.

Stash reduction? MAYBE

2006-06-16T15:18:00.000-04:00

Tried something new today.

Been doodling around with Ebay since I realised "A" will need a clarinet for school, and it may pay to get one that is lightly used and/or in refurbished state, rather than spend WELL over $260/year to rent one.....but I accidentally tripped over an interesting feature, the "Want it Now" section, which is basically wishes posted, hoping that someone will put up that item.

Guess what?

I found a section on YARN wishes, and actually had two of them in my stash!

Took some digital pictures, stumbled around with the on-line selling features, and I now have my first two items listed on Ebay.
Hopefully the 'wishers' will find these to their liking and make some offers.

Hope to find more things I can winnow down this way.

2006-06-13T17:04:00.000-04:00

No knitting news lately...kids are out of school, yarn is sticking to my hands!

However, I feel a sense of accomplishment, won two items at E-Bay, a pair each of Brown and Black Paddock boots for the kids to use at Girl Scout camp. They need safe heeled boots for the horse program they are going to, and they can be used for other wear too.

Makes me want to take out my old riding boots...too bad my calves are no longer SLIM!

Hm....maybe I should put THEM up on E-Bay????

Weather woes

2006-06-02T19:16:00.000-04:00

It's been almost unseasonably hot.
90, humid.
Between feeling washed out and drained, the darned Homespun sticks to my hands!

I am tired of baby blankets. When I finish the lilac, I don't know if I can face making the melon/white stripped yet.
Have to get to the post office and mail off all the baby gifts (as well as my hard-drive cooler, which stopped cooling just at the temperatures spiked, OY!)

One good thing....
Last week hubby's SUV died. While he personally rebuilt the transmission two years ago (his first try!), this time the job just was not worth it. The truck is a '92. So thanks to the generosity of my MIL, we picked up a '98 Explorer XLT.
Now I am not stuck at home [because he needed my SUV to get to work and fire calls]...especially good in that school ends on the 9th, they don't go back 'till Aug 28. Could you imagine being stuck on top of a mountain for 2.5 months with two whiney kids????

2006-05-28T08:23:00.000-04:00

If I never made it plain, yes, the blue 'diamonds' baby blanket is done. Just have to get to the post office with it....a bit difficult, as we are currently down to one vehicle, and DH needs mine to get to work.

Passed the halfway point on the lilac Homespun bias blanket.
I started that thing three times.
First I was doing garter stitch, then I decided to try it in stockinette for the body with garter edges....then I ripped that out and went back to all garter. I am STILL not sure which way I liked it better.
When this one is done, I am supposed to start on the melon/white stripped baby blanket.
It is PC to say I am getting sick and tired of making blanket after blanket????

2006-05-16T20:34:00.000-04:00

The 5-hour sweater got its second sleeve, buttons, and even a 'made by' tag done, with at least an hour to spare .
And the baby shower was a big surprise to Vered....we snuck it in the middle of a Hebrew School Lag B'Omer picnic.
The striped blanket seemed to be a hugh hit with the ladies there.

Pictures to follow.

Started a lilac Homespun bias baby-blanket, but realised that I need to get the button-bands done on the baby-bunting, so that is next.

One of these days I will need to clear off a spot, get out the sewing machine, and do the steeked armholes on the bunting, and the snowflake sweater (also the neckline for that)

2006-05-13T13:24:00.000-04:00

Ooh ooh....BIG GIRL KNITS arrived, and is this ever a fun and interesting book.
Written for 'size 14 and up', this book is still a valuable aid for those under that size who have "boob, bell or butt" issues and wish to find what are the best shapes, and yarn weights to enhance your shape, and how to add shaping to established patterns.

Amusingly written, sometimes a bit "in your face", this book should be on every serious knitter's shelf, whatever his or her size.

And may I again complement Amazon.com. The price was excellent, but even taking advantage of the free shipping offer, the books arrived in three days from ordering!

2006-05-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

7/8th done.

5 inches left to go (appx 3 inches of pattern, 2 inch of garter border)

My fingers hurt!

Since the camera is out....

2006-05-12T09:10:00.000-04:00

Purple Bias blanket made from Bernat Baby Coordinates.

Christopher Sean Keller...

2006-05-11T19:56:00.000-04:00

...is here.

Whew, I gambled on the denim blue color for the blanket, and made out alright...
now I just have to work like a demon, and get it in the mail.
I'm at almost 32 inches, needs to be about 40 in length.
I figure by Monday morning I will have it done, washed, and packed, ready for the post-office.

Next I had better get that second sleeve done on the ivory 5-hour sweater....the impromtu shower for the kid's Hebrew School teacher is this Tuesday afternoon.

Progress?

2006-05-11T13:42:00.000-04:00

About 2/3 done on the baby blanket....but my hands hurt.
Really need to get this done.
Still no news from Texas.

2006-05-10T11:32:00.000-04:00

I believe I am at 1/2-way point on the blanket, but Trish/Heaven went into the hospital this morning to [cross Ur digits] have the baby!

Woe is me....

Big Girl Knits

2006-05-09T14:05:00.000-04:00

I caved.
Ordered Big Girl Knits.

Amazon.com had the best price by far, plus free shipping (when I added another book to hit $25), btw.

While I am not size 14+, I certainly have issues with the way patterns ARE NOT generally written for anyone with boobage....or an hourglass shape (other than WhiteLies designs). I am hoping that this will finally be a book that helps to identify patterns that would be adaptable, and exactly how to figure the changes needed.

Knit Your Own Norwegian Sweater

2006-05-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

Dale book arrived.
WOW, is it dated.
So MOD.
The models all have blistering blue eye-shadow, heavily lined 60s/70's eyes.

The designs are quite different than today's Dale of Norway or GarnStudio patterns.
Actually less involved, but most of the sweaters have straight across neck-lines, and those that do have deeper, or V-necks, are not made with steeks exactly, but are simply knit all the way to a straight across bind off, and the shape of the neckline sewn and cut.

In the meantime, this weekend has been relatively knit-less.
I really need to get back to it, my friend is due this week, and I am LESS than half-way done on the denim-blue blanket.

I do note, on the all purl rows, I get into a groove, and do not mind it.
But on the mixed rows, it is the switching from knit to purl that annoys me.

At least this pattern, does not seem to be showing a discrepancy where the switches are, in terms of a wider stitch.

2006-05-05T18:12:00.000-04:00

Ah, I have ALL 7 of my Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes books.
Nice re-reading them in order....like old friends.

However, still have not seen my Dale of Norway book...
I can't wait!

2006-04-30T08:28:00.000-04:00

Been on a bit of a book-binge.

Amazon.com, ABEbooks.com, Paperbackswap.com...even made an attempt on e-bay.

So, what am I ordering?

Mostly the Laurie R. King "Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes" series.

After reading them through twice, I realized that this was a series I liked enough to re-read, and recommend to others, so they belong in my personal collection.

OK, also the latest of the "Amelia Peabody" Egyptology mystery by Peters

Lucky for me the Amazon books were basically freebies, as I had 'earned' gift certificates from answering various surveys...and despite figuring that the free super-saver shipping would take a week or two, I still had the books in hand in two days!

But the most work went into the last....I found ONE vintage copy of "Knit Your Own Norwegian Sweaters" by Dale of Norway on e-bay.....the price went up too high for my liking, with no idea if it would keep going by the end-of-day, so I turned to www.goodsearch.com and there found my way to www.ABEbooks.com ... with one of their sellers offering a copy for almost the same as e-bay was up to... should be in the mail tomorrow.

Mostly hoping that this book will have great background/history as well as teach how to plan one out on my own with perfect attention to te steeks and interior finishing techniques.

I wonder why after doing the Dale cardigan (which, btw, is still awaiting the button-bands!) and tinkering with steeking (but not yet cutting/finishing) other baby gear, I feel the need to consult anywhere????

Purl

2006-04-30T07:54:00.000-04:00

I hate purl stitch.

OK, maybe not HATE, but avoidance has been my mantra.
Circular knitting, besides reducing seaming also tends to severely limit, or eliminate purling.

So why am I working on a baby blanket that is totally based on PURL stitch?

Am I punishing myself, or is this some misguided attempt at balancing the world, or disciplining myself to accept more purling in the future???

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the meantime, the purple striped blanket is done...... the Denim colored "Pound of Love" blanket is on the needles utilizing a Bev Galeskas/Fibertrends baby-blanket pattern based on you-guessed-it, purl stitch.
"Pound of Love" is a CHEAP Lion Brand yarn geared towards use around babies, but it is quite soft to the touch for an acrylic....have to wonder how it will perform in the long-run, both in daily wear-and-tear, and in the wash.

2006-04-23T07:48:00.000-04:00

Making blankets is nowhere near as much satisfaction as the making of sweaters, especially when on-the-fly a pieced pattern is turned into a one-piece garment!

Been a busy weekend with the kids (all of them, including my step-son....wish I could post a movie of him practicing JROTC drill with his dummy rifle...he is AWESOME!)

Not as much knitting happening the last couple of days as I wished (migraine Friday, and also got the very sad news that an old friend succumbed by her own hand to her intense grief over the death of her son.)

Although I did use my _________ coupons to get the Bernat Coordinates stripes in MELON for Ariana....while I like the purple I am currently making, I thought it was time to bring in a really unusual color for the baby. Nice and bright orangy. And I believe I will make her bias blanket in stockinette with garter borders. Should bring out sharper definition to the stripes, as well as giving more variety of textures for the baby to feel (garter borders, stockinette, and reverse stockinette), while also giving bold color for her to see early on.

2006-04-20T20:51:00.000-04:00

Into the decreasing on the striped blanket.

Followed the directions to make this in garter stitch, but if I make another, I will try it in stockinette (w/garter or seed-stitch edges).
The stripe definition seems "muddy" when done in garter, or at least it does to me.

2006-04-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Trying to get myself back on track, so I put aside the striped blanket, to finish the sleeve for the snowflake sweater. I'll work the blanket for the rest of the day (my goal, as this is just a two skein blanket, is to finish the first skein), then before I do any more, is to knit the second sleeve onto the 5-hour sweater, and put ALL the buttons on the finished sweaters, the ribbon into the pink booties (and sew them in at the back seam, so that no one has to fish the ribbon out of the baby's hand, or have to rethread the whole thing through the eyelets)
THEN I will go back to the striped blanket, then a blanket for TX, who may have the baby in two weeks!

Is it time to take a breath yet???

2006-04-18T13:36:00.000-04:00

I officially fell off the wagon.

Yes, there are numerous UFOs about.
The one armed 5-hour baby sweater, the second sleeve on the needle for the snow-flake pullover (and never even begun the pants for the set), and I find myself dragging around a bias blankie being made from the new-ish Bernat striping baby yarn.

ARGHHHHHhhhhhhhhh!

2006-04-15T14:33:00.000-04:00

One sleeve done, second on the DPNs for the ivory/lilac snowflake sweater, and I was amazed to see that I had enough yarn to finish a pair of booties that match the leaf pattern at the bottom of the pink baby-cardigan.

What is more amazing is that I FINISHED the sewing of the seams on the booties, so I just need to get some nice ribbon (I think grosgrain instead of satin, just thinking that won't untie as much as slippery satin).

Waiting to see if my friend in TX will give me more clues on the baby before I start making a blanket....

2006-04-14T17:12:00.000-04:00

Body of the snowflake pullover is done....looks like a weird pillowcase with two holes in it.

I took a basic pattern, did it in-the-round, bound off the first row of the neck-line and steeked it, and did not make arm-holes, chosing to wait until the sleeves are done, and sew/cut armholes.
Also, did short-row shoulder shaping and then a 3-needle bind-off of the shoulders, and kept the back-of-the-neck stitches live, on a spare circ.
Looks weird, but at the same time, looks so much more complete than I would have imagined.
Hopefully this gives inpiration to finish quickly.
First sleeve is on the DPNs (making baby sleeves is a PITA, thankfully it goes quickly).

In the meantime, my friend looks to have the first baby.
Doc told her she is due in three weeks, and she feels it may come sooner.
YIPES!
This is the one baby I do not have a gender on, so I really am not sure if I have anything ready to send.

Busy with the Camera

2006-04-11T13:44:00.000-04:00

This pattern was almost done, when I decided to frog it to below the center motif.
My error was in carrying the lilac yarn all the way around. Looked terrible...bubbly, threads showing. So what I am trying now is only carry around on every fifth row (the lines where there are dots), and the rest I am going to have to weave in ends from the pieces of yarn I incorporate just in the front.
Hopefully this will work out well, and will be strong enough to withstand washings.

The Ivory sweater is the "Five-Hour Sweater". Something around the yoke bobbles does not look 100% to me.

Musings on my most recent works

2006-04-09T09:37:00.000-04:00

I generally do not enjoy knitting baby clothes.

Not that they are not cute, or fast to do, easy to take along and KIP, but something in me rebels at making things that won't be worn very long, and may be given away to who knows who, or even callously tossed out.

I want to feel that they will become heirlooms, kept in the family, loved by generations that feel a connection through the pieces to each other and to us.

Is that wrong thinking?

Unblocked

2006-04-08T11:39:00.000-04:00

Arianna's sweater (that is Jimmy's grand-daughter, due in June, NOT my daughter Ariella....just want to clear that up).
I'm making matching booties but not sure if there is enough yarn left.

Boy sweater?
Finished the button-bands and weaving underarms since this was taken.
Now just have to see if my friend Trish is having a boy...

Feel free to click on the pictures to see more detail.

Next lesson....

2006-04-06T13:15:00.000-04:00

... is that knitting while getting sick (but before you really realise it) tends to lead to errors.

Sat back down with the pink Paton's baby sweater, and realised 3 out of the 4 raglan seams were fine, but one was SOOOOOOOooooo out of place, that I put the thing down in disgust, and worked on closing the underarm holes on the blue baby sweater (also raglan. Hmmmm)

Back to the pink.
I could frog everything to the point of adding the sleeves to the body...but I would lose all the raglan work, as well as button-holes. Somewhere around 200 stitches a row.
Or, I could isolate part by running the DPNs through a row of stitches below the error, and remove those from the circ, letting them 'run' down to the DPN.

Anyone who reads my blog can probably figure out the road taken.
Yes, #2, isolate and run. Then remake it.

Amazingly, I am just to the point of shaping the neck.
Just feeling worn out now.

Hot bath, nap, and I think I might even be able to finish the knitting of this before I go to bed tonight.

2006-04-04T11:01:00.000-04:00

Was working full steam on an older Patons Fairytale DK baby sweater/jacket (especially on making it without needing to do any seaming at the end) but I am wiped.
Fever, scratchy throat, burning eyes.
General Ickies.

And I am supposed to chauffer the kids to and from Hebrew School today, pick up on child from a school trip (arriving late at school) and chaperone a school field trip tomorrow.

Calgon, take me away.....

Steeks don't kill

2006-04-01T15:37:00.000-05:00

Really....wasn't too bad.
The sewing machine was not familiar, and it had a sharp, instead of ball-point needle, so I knitted up a swatch to try it out on.
I have the front of the cardigan cut, and one armhole.
Class was over (and the room needed for the next class) so I never got to the second armhole.

At my own leisure, I can do it, the button-bands/neckline/placket-facings, and set in the sleeves.

This was not due as a gift until November, so I may put it aside a bit as I work on more baby-clothes.

5 Hour Baby Sweater

2006-03-31T05:52:00.000-05:00

5 hours?

A myth.

For some reason I blanked out on line 9 and 10, and frogged those a few times.
http://www.minidata.co.nz/major/freepatt/patt01.htm

I'm in the groove now, a few rows below the armholes (constructing this so I can p/u the sleeve stitches and working them down in the round...anything to have no seams!)

Pictures to follow.

Oh, and the button bands are on the grey-blue sweater....just as I found out confirmed 2 out of the 3 babies are GIRLS.

OY.

2006-03-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

After inastalling different Nikon software, finally pictures are again transfering to my computer.
So, here are the finished sleeve, and the all but button-band/underarm grafted infant cardigan.

Probably the wrong answer

2006-03-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

....but instead of doing the blocking and finishing work on all the yarn ends for the Dale sweater, I pulled out an OLD UFO, based on the Plymouth Encore Bunting pattern.

Everything but the button-bands are done (even yarn is woven in on it. For me, that is AMAZING!)

Here is a pic off the pattern. It can button as a sack, or with legs, making it easier to use with the harness in the car-seat. And for diaper-changes.

Then I pulled three balls of Wendy Merino DK in a pale grey-blue from my stash, and am using it for an infant v-neck/raglan cardigan. I like the pattern because it is seamless. Lower body is one piece, sleeves are done on DPNs, then on to the raglan and v-neck decreases. Definitely my kind of construction. I figure two more hours or less, and everything but the button-band will be done. Who knows, maybe even the button-band will be done in that time too?
http://knitting.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://knitlist.com/96gift/giftlutzlingsweater.htm

BTW, may I say I really, REALLY like this Wendy Merino DK. I must have picked it up 8 years ago from a clearance bin... It is superwash, medium to firm twist and not too stretchy. Dry finish. The stitches show up very evenly.

I have Rubbermaid bin full of various baby sport and DK yarns, and another of the infamous Lion Brand Jaime baby-yarn. Being discontinued, there are not many patterns still out there for it. I know they label it as sport-weight, but it feels more fingering-weight to me. Just have to do some swatches, decide what my gauge with it is, and look through my books and on the web for some free patterns.

Baby clothes are cute, they work up relatively quickly, but I hate making them. Especially for non-family gifts. The child out-grows them so fast, and after all that hard work, will it be kept as an heirloom, or will it be tossed out for Uncle Sal (Salvation Army)?

Sleeves, DONE!

2006-03-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

'nuff said.

Now, do I start baby clothes, or weave in ends?

Dale Cardigan c'ntd

2006-03-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was the day I was going to work whole-hog, and find out if I had enough wool to finish, get this thing DONE....
Well, working that way is good for one thing, and one thing only.
Making errors and frogging.

Rip-it, rib-it.

THREE times I caught errors rows down. The last time, I just put the work back in the bag, and walked away.

For TWO days.

My intention is to get back to it today.
The thing needs finishing, in both senses. I need to get through this slump, and also that many, MANY ends need to be woven in, so I need the next week to work on that, and get to baby items.

Now it is not just my step-son's baby in June....I have a friend in TX due to give birth in 9 weeks, and there is a Israeli immigrant who tutors at the Hebrew School. She is due May/June, and her husband has been out of work for a couple of months.
So three kiddies all due within weeks.

Guess I won't be getting back to my chevron sweater, or starting Jimmy's Dale pullover. Which btw, I started collecting the wool for. Got the last 4 of a dye lot of winter white (only need 3, but just to be safe), and the burnt orange. Ordered the fern green, the zipper and patch kit, and the store always has Cherry Red and Black in stock.

If I am not careful, I will have many UFOs again!

2006-03-21T06:57:00.000-05:00

What a weird KIP place....up in the stands of my stepson's JROTC Drill competition.
But I got the first sleeve done on the Dale cardigan.
1/3 done on the second sleeve....just worried that I may not have enough of one color (Sisik, Curry). I know two other women in the class are using that color, bought at the same store, so it is probably the same dye lot....wonder if either of them would have 15-20 yards left over, if I even need that much.
I'd hate to have to purchase another skein for so few yards....

Guess I might have to resort to frogging the gauge sample I made.....that might be enough.

2006-03-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

WOW, way too long since I last blogged.

I finished the body (all but tucking in yarn ends), and have more than 2/3 of the first sleeve done.....but an unfortunate run-in with my back acting up kept me from knitting, or doing much of anything for about a week.
Now both kids are home from school with colds, but I hope to get back to the sleeves today.

Found out Jimmy's step-son (who is in USAF and was recently sent to Kuwait) will be having a little girl in June, so as soon as I get the sleeves done, I need to start some baby things. That plus my friend is having a baby in May, although how much knitting does a baby in southern TX really need?
I do have a UFO baby bunting lying around for years....I should finish that and give it to one of them, although it sure is not baby color, some weird taupe/grey RedHeart worsted with flecks of red/blue/yellow. Guess even in spring/summer, nights can be cool.

Gettin enough sleep before working is important!

2006-03-04T15:43:00.000-05:00

I'll post a picture of the Dale sweater, but I have to relate today's adventure.

Last night I was just about finished...all but 3-needle bind-off on the shoulders.
Brought it into class, and everyone ooh'd over it, as no one else was even up to the bottom of the armholes.
COOL.
Then I realised where I measured to was not the end, rather the row where the back-neck shaping began.
So I worked it...and before I got to the end of the row, I knew something was very wrong.
Realised I skipped two row of instructions on front neck shaping!
Argh.
But I did give most of the other ladies angina when I laid the sweater on the table, pulled the needle out, and RRRRiiippped away over two inches of work!
Just could not see 'tinking' that much (189 stitches a row!) when there was a perfectly good double-width table in front of me!
So, I am now ALMOST back to the point of the back neck shaping, and the next class was moved to a month away, two extra weeks to get the sleeves done, and for the rest of the women to get a lot more work done.

I brought up my plan to make the St Moritz zip-neck next, and everyone agreed that not only was it a great choice, but that the entire book was a good investment, as it covers from infant to adult.

2006-03-01T21:00:00.000-05:00

I am just above the split for the neck.
Which means working back and forth.
First purl row at least is a solid color-row, I figured out how to purl English-wise.
Let's see if that looks more even with my knit rows.

Then the fun will be to work out the two-color/two-handed work on the purl rows.

Pictures tomorrow I think...although there is a good chance of a snow-day, with two ten year olds under-foot, so who knows?

2006-02-26T14:23:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update.
13.5 inches done, and beginning the cast-off/cast-on steeks at the side seams....when cut, these will be the arm-holes.
Totally a new concept to me.
Just going to be fun to work the design in line with the rows below, not terrible though.

Dale Inverness cardigan

2006-02-25T07:40:00.000-05:00

Here is the pattern book picture.

I really should dig out the camera to record my personal progress.

In any case, at least 11 inches are done of the (Sisik) cardigan. The first couple of bars with color-work in it has some minor bubbling that hopefully can be corrected with blocking. Still need work on my float lengths. Not even between the right hand (English), and left (Continental).
As this is being done in a 3-4 session class (which basically means a time-frame), I just don't feel that there is time to go back so much to get everything perfect-perfect.

I have become concious of deliberately sliding my work on the rightneedle every couple of stitches, instead of letting it bunch up as I usually do. This is to help keep the color-work a bit looser on the Continental and English formed stitches (and floats) more equal even if it is after the stitch is worked. I figure that the needle should be more the measure of the stitch, rather than my tension. There is no bubbling on the last bar of the pattern, so it seems to be working, and the stitch gauge seems to be the same as my one-color work.

2006-02-18T15:48:00.000-05:00

SO, I have barely done 2 inches of my Fair-Isle Cardigan (and I have to rip out some, as I see it twisted!), and here I am, already picking out the next complex pattern.

The one I intend to make has different charts for front, back, and sleeves, five colors, and a ribbed neck inset with zipper. The book also includes Baby through Adult XXL sizes, as well as matching caps, headbands, mittens, and more for the little ones.

Hows THAT for trying something new ?

I figure each project should build on the last.

This one certainly fits the bill.

2006-02-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

Must be a rut.
And a poor time for it.
Not even finished the first sleeve, and I am going to have to put the Chevron sweater aside for the Fair-Isle class cardigan.
On that front....I still have to try more needles to get gauge. I have the Addi Turbo in #6, but need to do a few inches. Might try the inside out method....but I also have my old Susan Bates in #7 I could try, since using the SB#6 is just a little tight.

Wonder why I am tightening up so much...usually I need to go DOWN a size when I knit.

Weird....

2006-02-07T15:08:00.000-05:00

Just not getting anywhere with the sleeves for the Chevron sweater.
And I wanted them both finished by next Friday.
ARGH!

Not gone back to working on the gauge piece for the Norwegian sweater either.

I need a fire-lighter (for under my AZZZ)

Gauge manipulations

2006-02-03T17:20:00.000-05:00

So, checked the gauge again after letting the piece sit a few days, and it is too many stitches/4 inches, even with a #6US.
So instead of going to a 7 first, I will try two things.
First, switching to an Addi Turbo...let's see how the slickness of this might or might not make the stitches looser.
If not, then I will try to knit inside-outish. The thinking with that is having the floats on the OUTSIDE of the work might make them a skosh longer, loosening up my color-work stitches.

Only if both of those don't work will I resort to move up to a #7.

Now, if only I could kick my kids out and shut the parrot up.

EXCEDRINE!

2006-01-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

Whoo hoo....feels as if it took a year.
Got the front and back of the sweater done, and 3-needle bound off at the shoulders.

All this, AND almost have two kids done with book reports due later this week and next week,
What an accomplishment.

I'm too cold/tired to make the buttonhole placket and collar, but I hope that by tomorrow night that will be done, too.

The one sleeve I started seems to be waaaay too wide open at the wrist, so I am toying with the idea of going down one needle size and making both sleeves at the same time.

Where things stand

2006-01-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

So this is the secret help I have....

Obviously, I'm still working on the Chevron pullover.
But I did take time out to try for gauge on the Dale Sisik cardigan. Pattern calls for US4 or 6....so I of course took the middle road and tried first with US5 12" circular.

Hey, it seemed to make sense at the time.

That came out way too tight.

So I re-did it with #6, Susan Bates Silvalume (or whatever they called them).
At first I was sure that too was coming out too tight.

The pattern wants 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches. I measured 11 stitches and 14 rows over 2 inches a bit into the work, but that is unblocked.

I am toying with the idea to try knitting with the right side on the inside, so that any propensity to tighten up with the floats might go away, and get the EXACT gauge.

Hey, this sample piece IS only the third time I have used the Philosophers Wool two-handed technique, so I think there is still learning to go in terms of tension.

What do you think?

Inside floats...they look neat to me....but I am not an expert in this yet. There were very few of the "pretend/unpretend" type wraps needed.

2006-01-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

It's a bit late, but here is one of my aunt's cats enjoying the catnip filled felted mouse. Looks like she's having a ball with it.

Knit/Purl

2006-01-22T07:34:00.000-05:00

The front of the Chevron sweater was too unwieldy to take out of the house, so I began one sleeve. At least at the start, it is much smaller than an entire front, with split front.

But this seems to have brought out my 'problem' even more.

The longer I am knitting, the MORE prominent the issue with disparity between my knit and purl stitches is, no matter how conciously I am trying to tighten up.

Most of what I have been making the last few years has been heavily knit stitch, because I try to do as much as possible 'in-the-round', so I guess I had not paid much attention to the disparity. Could it be because of repeated bouts of tendonitis?

Because all three stitch patterns are based on K3P3, the frequency of switching is showing a real loosness on the left-hand stitch of the knit column in the ribbing (ladder?), and an almost lace effect in the diagonal patterns.

At the start of this sweater, had made a decision to just consider this a 'texture effect', but I am becoming more unsatisfied with whatever in my technique is causing this....as well as having it shoved in my face that over a large item, this is using up more yarn than I would like.
As well as looking so amateurish.

The next project will again be 'in-the-round' and all knit, so between now and the finish, I need to find a source, either Internet, or preferably a live person, who can help evaluate and correct this.

And in Live Person, it must be someone who can respect Continental knitting.

I have tried the twisting/untwisting technique...which did not seem to help at all. I thought I heard about a "Combined" method....must look into that.

2006-01-14T19:46:00.000-05:00

Finally getting back into the chevron striped pullover.
Working the front arm shaping, and the split for the placketed collar.
While this is a one size fits most, loose fit, I added a couple of shortrows coming from the center ribbing on both sides. I figure when I stitch the sides, I will bring any extra front fabric up to the couple of inches under the arm-pit, just for a bit of bust ease.
This was not a full-fledged darted shortrowing, just a really little bit for ease.
May not even mean much in the grand scheme of things, but I feel brave for trying to adjust a pattern.

2006-01-07T21:05:00.000-05:00

Good news.
Somehow, I will be going to the Norwegian sweater class. Have pattern and yarn put aside.
WOW, first time at cutting INTO knitting.
Construction of putting in sleeves and neck-line is a bit different too.
Good to have new techniques in the arsenal.

Been working a bit on the Chevron stitch pullover. Almost at the point to divide for the front placket (this is a Johnny color type collar). I decided not to wrack my brains to work out short-rowing for the bust, as this is a loose fit top. Hope I don't regret that decision later on.

I think I may try a new sport.
Sport shop in town has an indoor archery range, and they will allow me to use one of their bows until we figure out if archery and my long standing back injuries will mix. During school hours they tend to not be busy, which is perfect for me.
Not looking to be on the Olympic archery team, but I would like to become accurate to within a couple of inches at least.
At least this I might be able to go out into the woods behind the house to practice...can't do that with firearms, and once you have the arrows, if you take care of them, the consumables are a lot cheaper and more environmentally friendly than ammunition.

2006-01-02T19:40:00.000-05:00

Have to find my cord to download pix from my cell-phone...got piccies of my aunt's cats having a ball with the mice.
Not bad action for a 14, and 2- 13 year old kitties.

I made an attempt to stretch the over-felted beret using the 1 part vinegar/2 part hot water technique.
Only semi-successful. Maybe I did not follow all the directions???
Got the opening wide enough, but overall, the hat did not get bigger. I think the major obstacle was not being able to get anything inside it to maintain the stretch during the drying.
BUT, it has found a home...my friend's daughter is a bitty little thing for a 9 year old, and it works on her head, so now, with a braid down her back, and the beret on, she looks oh so European (as she was born in Greece, she loved to hear that!)
Her mom will be getting a new one made from the Cascade 220 I picked up a couple of weeks ago, hopefully I will get to that before the end of the week.

Tomorrow while the kids are in Hebrew School after regular school, I will get over to Mountain Knits and Pearls to find out more about the Fair-Isle classes in Feb/March. More as in, how can I possibly afford to do this?
The classes themselves are $45....plus the pattern (Dale of Norway, figure $15 for the book), then the yarn....if I go with Dale, probably $100....if I go with something from Knit-Picks, maybe $40.
Why is this craft so darned expensive??

I REALLY want to do this class....just $ is so tight...not easy to live off of hubby's 50% pension.
In fact, currently impossible.
He needs a job to come through, and I probably have to find something part-time if I am to indulge in classes...or even getting hair-cuts!

2006-01-01T07:58:00.000-05:00

I wish I had some pictures, but those felted catnip mice are going over like gangbusters with all the cats I gave them to, even cats that never played with toys before!
WOW...who knew?

2006 kniting Resolution

2005-12-31T08:47:00.000-05:00

For me personally, 2005 was the first time I made a New Year's resolution, and I actually stuck it out until recently.
My only resolution was to not start a knitting project until the last one was completed...I am the type to have 5 UFOs.
When it came time to make many, many scarves, hats, and sundry small items for holiday gifts, I did find I was going back and forth between 2-3 things, although I did finish them all, so not too bad a slip.

For 2006, I intend to improve on knitting two colors with two hands at the same time (just learned that three weeks ago) and to take the next step by making an intricate Dale of Norway style ski-sweater with STEEKS.
Cutting into knitting will take a great leap of faith, but many knitters have done it, and all have survived the experience.
If possible, I won't do it alone, but with Joanne D's class at Mountain Knits and Pearls. Just a bit expensive, but there will be defined dates that parts need to be done by, and others to hold hands with, so this should get me moving it along.

2005-12-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

While having a ball at my SIL/BIL's house this weekend, my kids discovered that no one gave the family dog a gift....so I whipped out my leftover yarn, grabbed the largest needles my SIL had (10 US), and made the mouse with two strands of worsted weight wool, hand felted it, and voila, a rat for the dog.

The teenagers had the most fun with it, rubber banding it to the top of a medium-small radio controlled car and chasing people around with it.

I think I might have a future in making mouse covers for the X-Mod cars.......

Handwork

2005-12-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

Been running around all week, but I THINK I now have enough scarves made to satisfy the masses.

Made one FunFur scarf (half black/half white) because the stuff was on sale at AC Moore...I was just getting so tired of only working with the Gedifra Opera for weeks on end.

As for tonight, I FINALLY tried felting small objects by hand. Other than some upper arm/shoulder tiredness, it really worked out great. Obviously no issues with overfelting, as I can keep track of things second by second, spot felt slower spots.

There are currently 5 little mice with their tails hanging down drying a bit (see http://knitting.about.com/library/blmouse.htm ), as well as three cone shaped ornaments (see http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/klw-ornament.html )

Nice to know I can knock off one teeny item without wasting time waiting for many items to throw in the washer for fulling....but I certainly would hesitate doing large items by hand!

P.S. got one mouse made while still drying...put a paper-towel capsule of catnip in the midst of the stuffing, and Perry Cat, who normally does not play with toys was intrigued...so success...I'll have to make 4-5 more of these!

2005-12-21T11:21:00.000-05:00

Ah, the holiday knitting...
At the BarMitzvah for my nephew, I brought many of the scarves (Gedifra Opera) I had made....they went like hotcakes. Reminded me of a hugh sale at Loehmann's!

So I find myself having to make more, at the same time I picked up a hank of Cascade 220 to remake the beret...but I think that either my friend and her family will get their gifts after Christmas day, or there will be an IOU in her package.

Also have purple Classic Merino/FunFur to make a new hat for my absentminded daughter who lost her stretchy furry hat at the end of last winter, but I did not find out about it until a few weeks ago. For this, I think we will adapt a FiberTrends felt children's hat for her more adult sized head.

Got a bag of catnip, so I will need to make some of the mice soon, also have to make Christmas and Chanukah candies, potato latkes by the ton for calss parties tomorrow, wrap ALL the gifts...and I have had a light migraine since yesterday evening.

Can I hire someone to do all this for me???

Felting failure

2005-12-20T06:03:00.000-05:00

Didn't work.
I now have a beret that would work on a toddler.

Now to find one to gift it upon!

Sheesh...time to grab that 40% off coupon and grab whatever feltable wool I can find at the local 'big-box' craft store, hope to find a few hours to get it done.

Perhaps it is also time for me to try a different beret pattern, and different yarns.
Both Paton Classic wool, and Plymouth Galway felt well, but perhaps too tightly???
I was a bit unhappy even with finished size of the amethyst beret, and that was very well watched during the fulling.

Wonder how Cascade220 would work???

Oh, this is not good....

2005-12-19T11:26:00.000-05:00

Oh boy...after a long weekend with nowhere near enough sleep, I threw the green beret into the wash to full....and something or other came up, and I forgot all about it!
VERY overfelted...
I probably should have handwashed it with hair-conditioner first, but I sat and pulled and pulled, stretched it as well as I could, and somehow got it stretched over an intermediate sized plate to dry.
I hope that this works out, it is a holiday gift for a friend who I noticed last year does not seem to own a hat for herself.

So, my message is this.
NEVER FORGET YOUR FULLING IN THE MACHINE!!!!

Beret

2005-12-15T17:52:00.000-05:00

Before and after felting.
On the left, bottle green Paton
Classic Wool, right off the needles.
On the right, Plymouth Galway,
felted 2 weeks ago.

2005-12-14T20:27:00.000-05:00

I found such a simple but great pattern for felted mice.
I know, what do I need felted mice for?
For CAT TOY GIFTS!
You can make many from one skein of wool, and these are perfect projects for scraps and leftovers.
In a bit over two hours, I have 5 off the needles! After they are felted, stuff them, and add just a bit of catnip, then close up.

Now, that is MY kind of gift.

But for now, I moved over to making a felted beret for a good friend that I notice does not seem to own a hat. Then onto another one or two two color roll brimmed hats for others.
More mice later, when I have the gift hats out of the way.

December woes

2005-12-13T06:22:00.000-05:00

I'm never going to get all the 'holiday' knitting done at this rate!

2005-12-10T16:57:00.000-05:00

Stoked!
For the first time in my life, I went to a knitting class, and it was so worth the time.
Learned the Philosopher's Wool method to two-handed/two-color knitting, and already have one hat completed.
So, I now know (at least for knit stitch, not purl) how to knit both Continental (what I already do) and English.

Really had a great sense of accomplishment when I walked out of the store.

I almost feel I want to try my hand at a Dale of Norway sweater now....just have to get the courage to cut steeks.
That will be next!

2005-12-03T13:59:00.000-05:00

Churning them out

2005-12-03T11:35:00.000-05:00

Getting back down to business...

2005-11-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

Remember that felted daypack?
I FINALLY put it together....although now I want to swap out the 1" D-rings for 1 2/4" D-rings, and I have to put on a toggle button to close the front flap. This is nice, just a teeny bit of bouncy stretch to the straps/handles, and it was strong and large enough to carry a couple of pounds.
Also felted the matching beret for it.
Not being a big hat person, I am still not sure why I made the beret, other than to say "I did it"

Pictures to follow after the holiday weekend.

Hope everyone has a great (and more importantly, SAFE) Thanksgiving.

2005-11-15T15:06:00.000-05:00

Getting compliments on the Opera scarves...I'll have to find more of this stuff!

2005-11-11T17:42:00.000-05:00

Been wearing my long cardi-coat a lot. Outside, and inside the house.
Definitely warmer than I thought it would be, with the diamond-lace pattern to the main part.
Have two scarves made, one more on the needles.
I would love to go and wipe out that bargain store for these yarns....$2.99 for a $15-$16 novelty yarn? Can't do better than that, huh?

My fair-isle class was cancelled....well, there is another date, but it falls on the last day of deer-hunting season.
I'll just have to make it a point to get out hunting as much as necessary in the two weeks before so that I don't need to go out on that last day.

I wonder how many knitters are also hunters and hand-gunners?
What a weird combo, huh?

2005-11-09T12:01:00.000-05:00

Finished the first "Eros" styled ruffled scarf.
Went back to Odd Lots, and found that they had more "Iross" (come on....could they be any more transparent?), as well as some legit Gedifra ribbon yarns at ridiculously low prices, so a couple of more folks will be getting some kind of long scarf/sash for the holidays.
Whoo Hooo.

2005-11-02T13:31:00.000-05:00

Getting back in the knitting groove.....first I finished the cardi-coat buttons (might still add light shoulder-pads), went right to redoing the sleeves on Ariella's green Homespun hoodie, then went immediately into making a felted beret to match the felted daypack.

Now my right hand is aching something fierce.
Overuse?
Or not enough use over the last few months?

I have an Eros style scarf, and another beret I need to get moving on, then perhaps two or more pairs of socks.

Oh, and fit in making my fleece robe....buttons and button-holes on the kid's fleece robes...lengthening the sleeves on Julia's hoodie...

I need a maid.

2005-10-31T07:45:00.000-05:00

Buttons on!

Believe it or not, I could not find 1" or wider grosgrain, so I went with the flattest 2-hole buttons I could find for the inside. It they support the large main buttons very well, and keep the thread & knitting ripping from the weight of the large buttons, but I hope that they will not catch on my clothing this way.

Time will tell.

How come things never look on me the way they do on the illustration pictures? (Guess because I don't have a fitter with pins to force it to look good just for the pictures...)

2005-10-30T10:32:00.000-05:00

OK, no pictures of it on me, but how about draped over a mirror?

First is the diamond lace pattern:

Then the all but button finished product on a hanger?:

FINI Divine Long Lacy Cardigan

2005-10-27T15:33:00.000-04:00

WHOO HOO!

All sewn and woven up.

I was about to sew on three big black post buttons, but I think they will be better off done with small two-holed buttons on the back of the button band, or at least a wide grosgrain ribbon backing, so that will have to wait until the next time I am at a sewing store.

In the meantime, I am wearing it, and it will be most helpful this winter in helping to keep the temperature dialed down.

Can't get a picture of it on though, hubby is in Buffalo for a HazMat job, and there is already another job lined up for tomorrow, so who knows when an adult will be around to help me out with the pix?

I know that I should get back to the maroon chevron pullover, but shouldn't I put it aside and get working on holiday stuff????

2005-10-21T09:35:00.001-04:00

Can't have more than 2.5 feet of seaming left on the long lacy cardi/coat.
Still need to find three perfect buttons.
But I've been busy running around with the [recently returned from New Orleans] hubby though, getting ready for hunting season.

That's about right

2005-10-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

Your Blogging Type Is the Private Performer

Your blog is your stage - with your visitors your adoring fans.At least, that's how you write with your witty one liners.And while you like attention, you value your privacy.You're likely to have an anonymous blog - or turn off comments.

What's" Your Blogging Personality?

2005-10-16T22:50:00.000-04:00

With all the craziness, I somehow got one complete sleeve/sideseam done.

Makes a nice blanket for the couch at this point!

Hubby got home from a month in New Orleans last night.
Nice.

Light at the end of the long & lacy cardi-coat tunnel

2005-10-11T12:19:00.000-04:00

Better news.
3-needle bound off the shoulders and beckband, then grafted the neckband to the body, and tucked in all the loose ends.
Started the second sleeve....
Once I have that, I can set in the sleeves, sew up the side seams, and all that I will need will be three buttons!
Whew, it has been quite a while since I was this close to completing a garment for MYSELF.

2005-10-10T16:37:00.000-04:00

Aha, one sleeve completed.
Took a good long time too.

Got jealous enough of the kid's new robes (which I still need to make button-holes on!), that I bought a medium lt. rose colored double-sided fleece to make a robe for me. This will have a zipper though....no playing with buttons to the ground for me.

So, I hope by the end of this week, before J gets back from New Orleans, that I will have my long cardi AND my robe done.
It is starting to drop temperature today, I think Fall is finally here, so I will need both garments.

2005-10-03T14:16:00.000-04:00

Finally pulled the amathyst mohair long cardi out to work on.
Secont front panel - DONE
Almost have a sleeve completed.

Now my right hand is starting up again.
Slowly but surely, I will get this completed, then go back to the chevron sweater.

So I switched to sewing in the meantime.

Almost have two fleece robes completed for the kids. Figure it is a way to keep the heat down in the house. Must make heavy robes for Jimmy and I, and if I could figure it out for the parrots, I would!