I haven't had much time to knit this week, because of finals. BOO!
So, I've done a couple more rows on the Pomatomus socks, but I've still barely even begun.
I restarted Rambling Rose, and I am still not completely happy with the ribbing on it. I think it's better than before, but I'm not sure that I won't rip again. Once I get past the ribbing, I'll be ok. The ribbing sucks. No matter what tension, I haven't been getting even enough stitches. I hate ribbing!! It usually looks fine, but I think this small gauge is getting to me.
I also started a new summer tank from Craftster. I really like it, but I keep messing up on one of the lace charts, since there are two and a cable (the DNA cable), and keeping up with all of those rows is annoying. I need a row counter for each section, I think! I want to finish it soon... right now, it's my top priority.
Over break, I'm going to finish Dustin's hat, work on the DNA tank, and, of course, the Delphine sweater, and maybe on Rambling Rose a little. I'm also going to try my hand at sewing a dress!
I sewed a purse that I'll post soon. I had to find handles online and I'll have to attach them when they come in. I am definitely going to sew more purses. It was hard to get the hang of, but I am happy with the (almost) finished product, and it is really unique!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Rip-it, rip-it, rip-it
Wow, right now, all of my knitting projects suck. Ok, not really - but I am going to have to do a lot of ripping!
First, Rambling Rose. I knit about half of the ribbing for this, decided I was unhappy with it, because the stitches weren't even enough for my taste, and so I ripped out today. There IS something very satisfying in ripping out a project that has frustrated you. I hate 1x1 rib, but this cardigan will be worth it.
The (Desert) Sunrise Circle jacket is going to look beautiful in the yarn I chose, but my gauge is off, so I'll have to rip back. I don't understand how that happened; it was perfect when I swatched, and I even measured it when I started. But now I'm about two rows off, and it's an inch longer than it should be. I guess I loosened my gauge farther into the piece. I found out I should be knitting a front piece first, anyway, so it's ok.
So, instead of redoing either of the projects I've just mentioned, I started on the Apricot Jacket. The ribbing on it went rather smoothly, and even quickly, until I got to the chart. The directions are very poor in this pattern, and since I hadn't been able to get my edge stitches right, I just cut them out and did 2x2 ribbing, not realizing how it would screw with the chart. I'd read that others did this and still had their jackets come out ok, but I don't know how and now I can't find any of those blogs. So I MAY have to rip that, too... although I really, really hope not.
So I cast that aside, too, and started my first pair of socks, knitty's Pomatomus socks. And now I am in love! I'm not far into the chart at all, but so far, the pattern is very clear and instructive, I can understand the chart, and knitting in the round, I don't have to worry about remembering which way to knit the chart, which is often a problem for me.
First, Rambling Rose. I knit about half of the ribbing for this, decided I was unhappy with it, because the stitches weren't even enough for my taste, and so I ripped out today. There IS something very satisfying in ripping out a project that has frustrated you. I hate 1x1 rib, but this cardigan will be worth it.
The (Desert) Sunrise Circle jacket is going to look beautiful in the yarn I chose, but my gauge is off, so I'll have to rip back. I don't understand how that happened; it was perfect when I swatched, and I even measured it when I started. But now I'm about two rows off, and it's an inch longer than it should be. I guess I loosened my gauge farther into the piece. I found out I should be knitting a front piece first, anyway, so it's ok.
So, instead of redoing either of the projects I've just mentioned, I started on the Apricot Jacket. The ribbing on it went rather smoothly, and even quickly, until I got to the chart. The directions are very poor in this pattern, and since I hadn't been able to get my edge stitches right, I just cut them out and did 2x2 ribbing, not realizing how it would screw with the chart. I'd read that others did this and still had their jackets come out ok, but I don't know how and now I can't find any of those blogs. So I MAY have to rip that, too... although I really, really hope not.
So I cast that aside, too, and started my first pair of socks, knitty's Pomatomus socks. And now I am in love! I'm not far into the chart at all, but so far, the pattern is very clear and instructive, I can understand the chart, and knitting in the round, I don't have to worry about remembering which way to knit the chart, which is often a problem for me.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Why do I need sleep? Time is better spent knitting!
As I can't seem to figure out how to completely do away with my need for sleep, and since I must put my school before all else, I've gotten very little done on my latest project, Rambling Rose. I'm about an inch into the back ribbing. I am far enough to say that I do love the fabric that is working up! The color of the Brown Sheep Cotton Fine I am using, Victorian Pink, is not quite what I'd hoped for (I was picturing my Rose in a beautiful, very pale mauve), but it IS a lovely dusty-rose pink.
I'm finally going to get around to getting another copy of the manual for my sewing machine; soon, I hope. I've found a Butterick pattern for a dress I just HAVE to make, and will be buying it soon. It's supposed to be super easy, which is wonderful as I've no idea how to sew, and really haven't even been able to do a straight hem yet, but I've wanted to learn for the longest time. I also think I've found the perfect fabric online! First, of course, I'll have to try the dress using some $1 fabric from Wal-mart, but if it comes out well, I'll soon have an adorable dress hand-made by me! This is something I won't be able to mess with until my short break in mid-May, which is approaching far too quickly. I'm already nervous about finals! Yikes!
Oh yes, would any of my faithful readers (hahaha!) happen to read Russian? I have found a lovely crochet pattern that needs deciphering!
I'm finally going to get around to getting another copy of the manual for my sewing machine; soon, I hope. I've found a Butterick pattern for a dress I just HAVE to make, and will be buying it soon. It's supposed to be super easy, which is wonderful as I've no idea how to sew, and really haven't even been able to do a straight hem yet, but I've wanted to learn for the longest time. I also think I've found the perfect fabric online! First, of course, I'll have to try the dress using some $1 fabric from Wal-mart, but if it comes out well, I'll soon have an adorable dress hand-made by me! This is something I won't be able to mess with until my short break in mid-May, which is approaching far too quickly. I'm already nervous about finals! Yikes!
Oh yes, would any of my faithful readers (hahaha!) happen to read Russian? I have found a lovely crochet pattern that needs deciphering!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
FOs - Modeknits' Silk Corset Top and Ribbon Shrug from Knit.1
First of all, please excuse how horrible I look in these photos. I was completely sober, although a bit tired, and there is no excuse for how cracked-out I look!
Silk Corset Top:
From: Modeknit
Size: 32"
Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Brilla, cotton/rayon blend, color #400, almost 4 skeins
Needles: size 6 straight
Mods made: I used all one color, instead of a MC and CC. I didn't add buttons to the very bottom, and would have needed 24, I believe it was, if I had. I did buy them, but so many people told me it looked great the way it was that I decided to leave it. I worked chart D for an extra inch before beginning the bottom lace. I have yet to do the crochet edging because I know I don't have enough yarn left, so I'm waiting until I can find another skein in the color I need.
Other details: I feel the Brilla was a great yarn for this project; it's a little thinner than the yarn called for, but it's not so thin that I HAVE to wear something underneath (although in these photos I am wearing a red cami under the top). It was really nice to work with once I became used to the inelasticity of the yarn. The pictures are a little bright; in reality it doesn't appear to have any orange in it at all.
Sizing was a hard decision for this project; I normally wear about a 33", but I chose a 32", and it is really, really tight, as you can see. Also, if knitting this top, be sure to pay extra attention for the first few rows; that seems to be where many people get most confused on this project. I joined the knit along for this. The URL is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/silkcorsetknitalong/
Incredible Ribbon Shrug:
From: Knit.1 Spring/Summer '05
Size: 35"
Yarn: Lion Brand Incredible Ribbon, color purple party, ~ 3.5 skeins
Needles: size 15
Mods: I think my gauge was off; at any rate, it was really hard to measure this thing. It doesn't really matter, because I didn't realize it was probably going to come out too large, and it did. I should have gone down to 13s, maybe, or sized it down somehow. It still looks alright, I think.
Other details: It's a bit tricky figuring out how you're supposed to tie it, but I think I got it right. I had one very off dyelot that was much brighter and not as pretty as the rest, so I did the sleeves with that one. At least it kinda looks purposefully done. In this picture, it looks a little wonky. I promise it's not! It looks that way because the flash was so bright. I couldn't get a good picture of it, but it's much cuter in real life!
Silk Corset Top:
From: Modeknit
Size: 32"
Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Brilla, cotton/rayon blend, color #400, almost 4 skeins
Needles: size 6 straight
Mods made: I used all one color, instead of a MC and CC. I didn't add buttons to the very bottom, and would have needed 24, I believe it was, if I had. I did buy them, but so many people told me it looked great the way it was that I decided to leave it. I worked chart D for an extra inch before beginning the bottom lace. I have yet to do the crochet edging because I know I don't have enough yarn left, so I'm waiting until I can find another skein in the color I need.
Other details: I feel the Brilla was a great yarn for this project; it's a little thinner than the yarn called for, but it's not so thin that I HAVE to wear something underneath (although in these photos I am wearing a red cami under the top). It was really nice to work with once I became used to the inelasticity of the yarn. The pictures are a little bright; in reality it doesn't appear to have any orange in it at all.
Sizing was a hard decision for this project; I normally wear about a 33", but I chose a 32", and it is really, really tight, as you can see. Also, if knitting this top, be sure to pay extra attention for the first few rows; that seems to be where many people get most confused on this project. I joined the knit along for this. The URL is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/silkcorsetknitalong/
Incredible Ribbon Shrug:
From: Knit.1 Spring/Summer '05
Size: 35"
Yarn: Lion Brand Incredible Ribbon, color purple party, ~ 3.5 skeins
Needles: size 15
Mods: I think my gauge was off; at any rate, it was really hard to measure this thing. It doesn't really matter, because I didn't realize it was probably going to come out too large, and it did. I should have gone down to 13s, maybe, or sized it down somehow. It still looks alright, I think.
Other details: It's a bit tricky figuring out how you're supposed to tie it, but I think I got it right. I had one very off dyelot that was much brighter and not as pretty as the rest, so I did the sleeves with that one. At least it kinda looks purposefully done. In this picture, it looks a little wonky. I promise it's not! It looks that way because the flash was so bright. I couldn't get a good picture of it, but it's much cuter in real life!
Friday, April 21, 2006
Tomorrow, tomorrow
I tried to post this last night:
Tomorrow, I'll try to take and post some pictures of the (nearly) completed corset top, the (nearly) completed fish bag, and the fully completed ribbon shrug. I mention the first two with the word nearly, because they are both wearable, but not technically finished. I'm going to have to buy another skein of yarn to do the crochet edging of the corset, and I need to embroider one more side of the fish bag. I haven't had much time for knitting lately, nor for anything else.
That's all for now, just wanted to do a quick update so y'all would know I'm still around. Bedtime now!
Tomorrow, I'll try to take and post some pictures of the (nearly) completed corset top, the (nearly) completed fish bag, and the fully completed ribbon shrug. I mention the first two with the word nearly, because they are both wearable, but not technically finished. I'm going to have to buy another skein of yarn to do the crochet edging of the corset, and I need to embroider one more side of the fish bag. I haven't had much time for knitting lately, nor for anything else.
That's all for now, just wanted to do a quick update so y'all would know I'm still around. Bedtime now!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Almost!
The corset is nearly complete! I love it already. All I need is to add buttons and do the crochet edging, which I've not yet done because I just know I'm going to run out of yarn. I need to find some great buttons for this top. I really like it right now, though, even with the safety pins holding it closed.
Once I started over on the final two charts, it was really easy and came out great.
Yay!
Once I started over on the final two charts, it was really easy and came out great.
Yay!
Monday, March 27, 2006
Knitting annoyances
I haven't messed with the corset in a few days. I was working charts E and F, somehow managed to drop a couple of stitches, somehow managed to get horrible stitch counts, and decided I needed to rip back to chart D. Now, I don't mind ripping. The problem? Oh, I forgot to mark where chart D ended and charts E and F start! So now I have no idea how far back to rip (I know it can't be very). Ugh!
So then, I tossed it aside (ok, fine... carefully laid aside) and picked up the Fish Bag. I've never claimed to be a needlework genius, but I figured I could at least pick up the couple of embroidery stitches required for this bag. WRONG again! I messed with it for hours, and my stitches still looked crappy. So, I improvised for now, but I'm not entirely happy with the way it looks, and really need to figure out how to do the embroidery. It looks cute for now, and at least I can wear it around, but it's not 100%.
Still not wanting to try the corset top again, I thought I'd try swatching the big, fat cable for the Delphine sweater again. I'm starting to get a better idea of what to do for this, but so far my cable sucks. Someone from Livejournal figured out a beautiful version of it, but I'm still not doing so well, even with her instructions, which are really good. I figure a couple more tries, and I may have it.
I haven't had time to knit in a couple of days at all... school comes first and I have two exams on Wed - Organic Chem and Bacterial Genetics.
I really need to do something with my webpage. I think it's been almost a year since I updated. I need to link this blog to it also.
And, my pick for knit of the day is this
Rambling Rose, from Rowan 39. Beautiful! Rowan doesn't always do right, but when they actually do, they do it BIG. I love everything about this design.
Now, for some "I can't believe they did that!" I generally try to avoid this, but well, I just can't this time!
I have nooooo freaking idea what the photographer for this photo shoot was thinking... or smoking for that matter. All I know is that when I want to look at knitting designs, I should not feel like I'm looking at "barely legal porn." Honestly, I can't tell whether any of the knitwear is good or bad, because I'm too disturbed by the feeling of being a creepy pervert when I look at these pictures. See what I'm talking about here.
Ok, that's it for now!
So then, I tossed it aside (ok, fine... carefully laid aside) and picked up the Fish Bag. I've never claimed to be a needlework genius, but I figured I could at least pick up the couple of embroidery stitches required for this bag. WRONG again! I messed with it for hours, and my stitches still looked crappy. So, I improvised for now, but I'm not entirely happy with the way it looks, and really need to figure out how to do the embroidery. It looks cute for now, and at least I can wear it around, but it's not 100%.
Still not wanting to try the corset top again, I thought I'd try swatching the big, fat cable for the Delphine sweater again. I'm starting to get a better idea of what to do for this, but so far my cable sucks. Someone from Livejournal figured out a beautiful version of it, but I'm still not doing so well, even with her instructions, which are really good. I figure a couple more tries, and I may have it.
I haven't had time to knit in a couple of days at all... school comes first and I have two exams on Wed - Organic Chem and Bacterial Genetics.
I really need to do something with my webpage. I think it's been almost a year since I updated. I need to link this blog to it also.
And, my pick for knit of the day is this
Rambling Rose, from Rowan 39. Beautiful! Rowan doesn't always do right, but when they actually do, they do it BIG. I love everything about this design.
Now, for some "I can't believe they did that!" I generally try to avoid this, but well, I just can't this time!
I have nooooo freaking idea what the photographer for this photo shoot was thinking... or smoking for that matter. All I know is that when I want to look at knitting designs, I should not feel like I'm looking at "barely legal porn." Honestly, I can't tell whether any of the knitwear is good or bad, because I'm too disturbed by the feeling of being a creepy pervert when I look at these pictures. See what I'm talking about here.
Ok, that's it for now!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Dear Phildar,
Dear Phildar,
I love you so! Your patterns are just beautiful! I don't think I've seen nicer knits anywhere. Everytime I look at your designs, I love them even more. Please, please, please create a working English version of your site, so I can actually navigate it. Additionally, selling your patterns and yarns in the US would be so kind.
Love,
Crystal
I love you so! Your patterns are just beautiful! I don't think I've seen nicer knits anywhere. Everytime I look at your designs, I love them even more. Please, please, please create a working English version of your site, so I can actually navigate it. Additionally, selling your patterns and yarns in the US would be so kind.
Love,
Crystal
Monday, March 20, 2006
Silk Corset Top update.
Sorry to disappoint my readers (haha... I'm pretty sure no one reads this!), but no, it's not complete. It IS coming along very nicely! My birthday was on the 16th, and I had to wear something else, something I didn't make. Oh well! I'm really enjoying working on this. The only reason now I'd like to hurry and finish it is that I'm a bit worried I'll run short of yarn. I'm down to having less than 1.5 skeins left, with still two charts to work! I really hope I have enough. Another problem is that it fits, but it's really tight. I mean skin-tight. I know it's supposed to be tight, but I think I needed mine a bit larger. I'm making the 32" size. The only other option was the 35", and my bust is 32.5" or 33", so I thought that would be too big, considering that I've been told my cotton blend yarn is going to STRETCH. I just had an idea about a possibility if I run out of yarn and can't find anymore in the right colorway. I have fat, red, cotton crochet thread I may be able to work with. It's thinner than the DK weight Brilla, but I may at least be able to use it for the crochet edging, if I need to. Hopefully, I'll have enough yarn to finish.
I've not had much time for knitting, so I'm not really working on any other projects. I really want to finish my fish bag! I've found several other bags in the book I'd love to make, too... but first, I need to get back to the Delphine sweater. Too many beautiful things to knit, with too little time to devote to them!
I do have another project in mind, although I'm not really sure yet about all the details. I'm seeing a light, lacy stole/wrap-with-sleeves (similar to the one from Rebecca, but much lighter). Maybe something like Eunny Jang's Print O' the Wave stole, with sleeves. Basically, a long, lacy rectangle, with two armholes worked in, and then sleeves grafted. I believe the Rebecca one is worked in halves and then grafted together. I think it would be really neat to find a lace pattern that looks pretty with the stitch used on the Pomatomus socks from knitty, and use that stitch pattern for the sleeves (my arms always get cold!). Or something like that, anyway. I just realized the Rebecca wrap looks soft and romantic and flattering on the model, but on me, it would just look bulky. It would not flatter my figure at all. I've seen wraps on Stitch Diva similar to what I'm planning, but they are too "modern," and not really soft or romantic. Maybe that's just the way they have them on the models. I also haven't been able to find anyone on Google who has made one of those wraps.
I'm really excited about Eunny Jang's brocade jacket plans. That is just going to be amazing; I can't wait to see how it turns out!
I've not had much time for knitting, so I'm not really working on any other projects. I really want to finish my fish bag! I've found several other bags in the book I'd love to make, too... but first, I need to get back to the Delphine sweater. Too many beautiful things to knit, with too little time to devote to them!
I do have another project in mind, although I'm not really sure yet about all the details. I'm seeing a light, lacy stole/wrap-with-sleeves (similar to the one from Rebecca, but much lighter). Maybe something like Eunny Jang's Print O' the Wave stole, with sleeves. Basically, a long, lacy rectangle, with two armholes worked in, and then sleeves grafted. I believe the Rebecca one is worked in halves and then grafted together. I think it would be really neat to find a lace pattern that looks pretty with the stitch used on the Pomatomus socks from knitty, and use that stitch pattern for the sleeves (my arms always get cold!). Or something like that, anyway. I just realized the Rebecca wrap looks soft and romantic and flattering on the model, but on me, it would just look bulky. It would not flatter my figure at all. I've seen wraps on Stitch Diva similar to what I'm planning, but they are too "modern," and not really soft or romantic. Maybe that's just the way they have them on the models. I also haven't been able to find anyone on Google who has made one of those wraps.
I'm really excited about Eunny Jang's brocade jacket plans. That is just going to be amazing; I can't wait to see how it turns out!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Long time, no see.
Well, it's been awhile since I have updated. I've been on quarter break, been to Mardi Gras, got a new kitty, and done some knitting, of course. Over the break, I also made this:
Here's a close up of the ribbon used:
Isn't it cute?!
I also got quite a bit done with my Folk Bags chinese fish bag; in fact, I have only to do the embroidery and I'll be done. Since I don't really know how to embroider, I'm a little nervous about messing with it. It looks so cute thus far, though! I took it into Knitwits knit shop when I was in Mandeville, and everyone just loved it. The people there are so nice, friendly, and helpful; I really recommend their shop. They also gave me some advice on needle felting, which I've never done, but was thinking of trying instead of the embroidery to make the designs on the bag.
I also finished the ribbon shrug from Knit.1 Spring/Summer '05... well, almost. It is a little big for me, so I am trying to find a way to remedy that without ripping it out... it's not so bad that I can't wear it now, but I would love it so much if it fit just the way I want. I was thinking maybe elastic would do the trick. It's adorable though; I haven't taken any photos yet of it, but I will soon and post them here.
Also, here's a link to a kitty picture and story, if anyone is interested. It's a photo of Butters! See my kitty!
No more work on the Delphine sweater yet, thanks to all the distractions I have had lately. I started on the silk corset top instead of working more on my sweater. Bad Crystal. Bad, bad Crystal. I'd love to finish it by my b-day on Mar 16, but I seriously doubt that will happen! It's lovely though, and going quite well after I got my confusion about yarn overs straight. This is my first project using lace! The Brilla is wonderful, and I'm currently wondering what else I can make from this yarn. I have a feeling it's going to be fab against the skin, and nice for Louisiana's almost eternal warm weather.
Alright, that was the short update. I'm going to work on my corset top some more. And then study. Stay tuned for pics of Mardi Gras; I'm going to scan them and post. We got some great pictures of all the costumes from the contests!
Here's a close up of the ribbon used:
Isn't it cute?!
I also got quite a bit done with my Folk Bags chinese fish bag; in fact, I have only to do the embroidery and I'll be done. Since I don't really know how to embroider, I'm a little nervous about messing with it. It looks so cute thus far, though! I took it into Knitwits knit shop when I was in Mandeville, and everyone just loved it. The people there are so nice, friendly, and helpful; I really recommend their shop. They also gave me some advice on needle felting, which I've never done, but was thinking of trying instead of the embroidery to make the designs on the bag.
I also finished the ribbon shrug from Knit.1 Spring/Summer '05... well, almost. It is a little big for me, so I am trying to find a way to remedy that without ripping it out... it's not so bad that I can't wear it now, but I would love it so much if it fit just the way I want. I was thinking maybe elastic would do the trick. It's adorable though; I haven't taken any photos yet of it, but I will soon and post them here.
Also, here's a link to a kitty picture and story, if anyone is interested. It's a photo of Butters! See my kitty!
No more work on the Delphine sweater yet, thanks to all the distractions I have had lately. I started on the silk corset top instead of working more on my sweater. Bad Crystal. Bad, bad Crystal. I'd love to finish it by my b-day on Mar 16, but I seriously doubt that will happen! It's lovely though, and going quite well after I got my confusion about yarn overs straight. This is my first project using lace! The Brilla is wonderful, and I'm currently wondering what else I can make from this yarn. I have a feeling it's going to be fab against the skin, and nice for Louisiana's almost eternal warm weather.
Alright, that was the short update. I'm going to work on my corset top some more. And then study. Stay tuned for pics of Mardi Gras; I'm going to scan them and post. We got some great pictures of all the costumes from the contests!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Ooo, Noro!
Yes, I got my Noro yarn for the butterfly jacket from the Noro Knits book, and WOW. I now know why people go so crazy for Noro. It doesn't feel any softer to me than WotA, but the COLOR! Mine is colorway #74 and it is amazing. Such vivid fuschias, pinks, purples, blues, greens, ohmygosh! I don't have the book with the pattern yet, but now I am going to have to get it sooner, so I can actually work with this wonderful yarn and see how it knits up!
Some very nice person on www.bookcrossing.com sent me the Folk Bags book. She didn't even ask me to pay shipping! How sweet. I offered to do a trade, or at least pay shipping. I'm really glad I was able to get it through there, because now I can check it out and decide whether I want to actually buy it, or just knit the one pattern I know I want from this book and send it on its way. I haven't been able to look through it yet, because all of my mail goes to mom's, and I won't be going there until tomorrow. Yay, the break starts tomorrow after my Chemistry final!!!
Also, the Brilla. Oh! This yarn really does have such a wonderful sheen to it; it looks like silk. It's really a beautiful yarn, although I already am not fond of working with it, because it has no elasticity. I knit up a swatch to see whether I could get gauge for the Modeknits' corset top. I was able to get a decent gauge, but I found it difficult to get even stitches, which normally is not too much of a problem for me. So I think I need to get used to working with it before I start my top. I'm also worried about running short - I think I'll have enough with the 4 balls in colorway #400 (a nice, bright red), but I'm not sure. I did read that Marnie Maclean knit hers in the 35" size using just over 4 balls of Brilla, which mades me feel a bit better about it, because I'm knitting mine in the 32" size.
I was able to procure a copy of IK Fall '04, and I didn't have to buy it off of ebay or spend even $20 on it! I've seen it go for between $20 and $40, but I made a post in the Livejournal knitting community, asking whether anyone had a copy, and was able to get it for what it would have regularly cost! All of the patterns are in perfect shape, and that's all I cared about, so yay!
Somehow, I also got in the mail a copy of Jan 2006 Crochet magazine. There are some supercute designs in there. It has a jacket, sweater, and a cropped top that are fab! I also love the idea for the little Christmas trees using Bernat Disco. Which reminds me, I never got my free ball of Disco I'd requested from their special offer.
I haven't had much time to knit because of finals; actually, this week, I've done no knitting at all. Last week, I thought I was making progress joining the flowers on the Ella crochet scarf. I got 4 done (which really did not take long), and thought "boy, this really doesn't look quite right." So I looked more closely at the picture again, gave the pattern another read through, and I'd be danged if I wasn't doing it wrong. Crap! So now I have to take them apart and start that much over.
And... we're getting a kitty! I think. Dusty and I "rescued" this pretty orange stray cat with the intentions of keeping him at Dusty's parents' (his mom oked it). We took him to the vet and discovered he is positive for FIV (which is cat AIDS). Dusty's mom has 3 other cats, so they can't keep the cat. So, now I think my mom is going to keep him until Dusty finds his apt, and then the kitty will stay at Dusty's. I know it sounds crazy to keep a cat who has FIV, but he's such a good and sweet cat, and I think we can handle it. Yay for kitty!
Ok, time to go study for my last exam.
Some very nice person on www.bookcrossing.com sent me the Folk Bags book. She didn't even ask me to pay shipping! How sweet. I offered to do a trade, or at least pay shipping. I'm really glad I was able to get it through there, because now I can check it out and decide whether I want to actually buy it, or just knit the one pattern I know I want from this book and send it on its way. I haven't been able to look through it yet, because all of my mail goes to mom's, and I won't be going there until tomorrow. Yay, the break starts tomorrow after my Chemistry final!!!
Also, the Brilla. Oh! This yarn really does have such a wonderful sheen to it; it looks like silk. It's really a beautiful yarn, although I already am not fond of working with it, because it has no elasticity. I knit up a swatch to see whether I could get gauge for the Modeknits' corset top. I was able to get a decent gauge, but I found it difficult to get even stitches, which normally is not too much of a problem for me. So I think I need to get used to working with it before I start my top. I'm also worried about running short - I think I'll have enough with the 4 balls in colorway #400 (a nice, bright red), but I'm not sure. I did read that Marnie Maclean knit hers in the 35" size using just over 4 balls of Brilla, which mades me feel a bit better about it, because I'm knitting mine in the 32" size.
I was able to procure a copy of IK Fall '04, and I didn't have to buy it off of ebay or spend even $20 on it! I've seen it go for between $20 and $40, but I made a post in the Livejournal knitting community, asking whether anyone had a copy, and was able to get it for what it would have regularly cost! All of the patterns are in perfect shape, and that's all I cared about, so yay!
Somehow, I also got in the mail a copy of Jan 2006 Crochet magazine. There are some supercute designs in there. It has a jacket, sweater, and a cropped top that are fab! I also love the idea for the little Christmas trees using Bernat Disco. Which reminds me, I never got my free ball of Disco I'd requested from their special offer.
I haven't had much time to knit because of finals; actually, this week, I've done no knitting at all. Last week, I thought I was making progress joining the flowers on the Ella crochet scarf. I got 4 done (which really did not take long), and thought "boy, this really doesn't look quite right." So I looked more closely at the picture again, gave the pattern another read through, and I'd be danged if I wasn't doing it wrong. Crap! So now I have to take them apart and start that much over.
And... we're getting a kitty! I think. Dusty and I "rescued" this pretty orange stray cat with the intentions of keeping him at Dusty's parents' (his mom oked it). We took him to the vet and discovered he is positive for FIV (which is cat AIDS). Dusty's mom has 3 other cats, so they can't keep the cat. So, now I think my mom is going to keep him until Dusty finds his apt, and then the kitty will stay at Dusty's. I know it sounds crazy to keep a cat who has FIV, but he's such a good and sweet cat, and I think we can handle it. Yay for kitty!
Ok, time to go study for my last exam.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
More on the Delphine sleeve...
I now have two completed sleeve bottoms. Yay!!
I know people are just dying (ok, so maybe not!) to know what I'm doing for the top part of the Delphine sleeve. Well, I've been thinking about it alot, and have run two or three different ideas around in my head, but I've finally settled on something I think will look really nice. I don't particularly care for the holes in the sleeves of her sweater. True, they are very interesting and make you wonder how she did them, but well... I just don't see the practicality of a sweater with holes in it. I mean, the whole idea of a sweater is to be warm, and well, this just seems to be defeating the purpose a bit. So, instead, here is a little drawing of my proposed sleeve. The picture looks pretty bad, because I sketched it as quickly as I could. But anyway, here it is, with a little explanation.
This picture isn't perfect, but it's close enough. For the upper section, I plan to do another tube, again, picked up from the armband. I'm going to do two regular cables. The tricky part is that I want mine to cross over one another like hers do, except no holes. So I'm (hopefully) going to have two cables, that are going to travel in a curve and cross over at the elbow of the upper, and then come apart again at the armband... assuming I can figure this out. I'll do some shaping and all...hopefully this will work out; I'm just going to fudge it until it does. I am so glad I'm not afraid of ripping out!
I know people are just dying (ok, so maybe not!) to know what I'm doing for the top part of the Delphine sleeve. Well, I've been thinking about it alot, and have run two or three different ideas around in my head, but I've finally settled on something I think will look really nice. I don't particularly care for the holes in the sleeves of her sweater. True, they are very interesting and make you wonder how she did them, but well... I just don't see the practicality of a sweater with holes in it. I mean, the whole idea of a sweater is to be warm, and well, this just seems to be defeating the purpose a bit. So, instead, here is a little drawing of my proposed sleeve. The picture looks pretty bad, because I sketched it as quickly as I could. But anyway, here it is, with a little explanation.
This picture isn't perfect, but it's close enough. For the upper section, I plan to do another tube, again, picked up from the armband. I'm going to do two regular cables. The tricky part is that I want mine to cross over one another like hers do, except no holes. So I'm (hopefully) going to have two cables, that are going to travel in a curve and cross over at the elbow of the upper, and then come apart again at the armband... assuming I can figure this out. I'll do some shaping and all...hopefully this will work out; I'm just going to fudge it until it does. I am so glad I'm not afraid of ripping out!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Rambling about knitting, and the knitting olympics
Well, I'm ~ 1 inch from being done with the bottom of the second sleeve. Then I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do for the upper parts. I'm considering two or three different things, all with cables, of course.
The knitting olympics is tempting me! I really want to do this, but I'd have to pick something really simple because I'd really only have a couple of days to work on it, since finals week is during that time and I'll be putting aside everything else to study... including knitting. I'd been wanting to knit a hat with the DNA cable on it, so I may enter that. I'll be winging it, and since I've never done my own pattern before, that should make it a bit more complex. Or I could do the little cropped sweater I want to make with the hyacinth WotA. I've been wanting to cast on, and it's all stockinette with a little ribbing, so it shouldn't be too hard... again, the biggest challenge would be finishing it in the alloted time. Or I could do the craftster circular shrug. I'm only looking at the couple of things I have yarn for already.
I am so mad that the only place I can find to order a 5th skein of Brilla in the colorway #400 is http://yarnlady.com/. I've never bought from there before, and for all I know, this may be a great store, with wonderful service, but $7.25 for one skein? Is the retail value even that high? Geez. Everywhere else I've seen Brilla, it's been for $6 or $6.50. With shipping, I'd be paying $12 for one skein! But I can't find it elsewhere, so if I need it, it will have to be from there. Their Trendsetters Kashmir is a bit expensive, too, not that I'm considering buying any. I'm in love with the stuff, but at $23 a skein (or $25.75 if you buy from yarnlady), it's out of my budget. It's the softest, most beautiful yarn I've ever touched; they have it at "my LYS" (in quotations because it's actually about 4 hrs from me, but it's the only actual yarn store I've been to). One skein is only 110 yds, so there wouldn't be much I could do with it, other than just enjoy touching it!
Ok, I really think I do want a subscription to IK. Like I need more patterns... more things to add to my To Do list. It will probably take me a year to finish all I have on there right now. But... I'll just say I'm subscribing for the articles!! Hehe. I doubt I'll be fooling anyone more than the guys who say they read Playboy for the articles! Before I subscribe, I want those back issues I mentioned in a previous post. I've been looking on ebay; it seems to be the only place I'll have a chance getting the one.
Another knitting mag I've discovered and now love is Phildar. I cannot understand one word of the site, but ohmygosh are the patterns beautiful! Their "English" version of the site is not very helpful, since when I click on it, nothing is in English. Oh well. Here are a couple that intrigue me the most:
Possibly from the Autumn-Winter 2005-2006 catalog (?? a guess), is this jacket:
and my absolute favorite of these patterns is this "riding jacket"
which is in the Spring 2006 catalog?? I really couldn't tell. I want this jacket so badly! :-)
... and there are seriously, so many other gorgeous patterns. There are also some lovely FREE patterns, but I'll be danged if I can find them just now. Just look around a bit... it's wonderful! Well, the site isn't wonderful, just the knitwear! I think even if I could read French, this website would still be annoying. Sites like this are almost always difficult to manuver, for lack of a better term.
The knitting olympics is tempting me! I really want to do this, but I'd have to pick something really simple because I'd really only have a couple of days to work on it, since finals week is during that time and I'll be putting aside everything else to study... including knitting. I'd been wanting to knit a hat with the DNA cable on it, so I may enter that. I'll be winging it, and since I've never done my own pattern before, that should make it a bit more complex. Or I could do the little cropped sweater I want to make with the hyacinth WotA. I've been wanting to cast on, and it's all stockinette with a little ribbing, so it shouldn't be too hard... again, the biggest challenge would be finishing it in the alloted time. Or I could do the craftster circular shrug. I'm only looking at the couple of things I have yarn for already.
I am so mad that the only place I can find to order a 5th skein of Brilla in the colorway #400 is http://yarnlady.com/. I've never bought from there before, and for all I know, this may be a great store, with wonderful service, but $7.25 for one skein? Is the retail value even that high? Geez. Everywhere else I've seen Brilla, it's been for $6 or $6.50. With shipping, I'd be paying $12 for one skein! But I can't find it elsewhere, so if I need it, it will have to be from there. Their Trendsetters Kashmir is a bit expensive, too, not that I'm considering buying any. I'm in love with the stuff, but at $23 a skein (or $25.75 if you buy from yarnlady), it's out of my budget. It's the softest, most beautiful yarn I've ever touched; they have it at "my LYS" (in quotations because it's actually about 4 hrs from me, but it's the only actual yarn store I've been to). One skein is only 110 yds, so there wouldn't be much I could do with it, other than just enjoy touching it!
Ok, I really think I do want a subscription to IK. Like I need more patterns... more things to add to my To Do list. It will probably take me a year to finish all I have on there right now. But... I'll just say I'm subscribing for the articles!! Hehe. I doubt I'll be fooling anyone more than the guys who say they read Playboy for the articles! Before I subscribe, I want those back issues I mentioned in a previous post. I've been looking on ebay; it seems to be the only place I'll have a chance getting the one.
Another knitting mag I've discovered and now love is Phildar. I cannot understand one word of the site, but ohmygosh are the patterns beautiful! Their "English" version of the site is not very helpful, since when I click on it, nothing is in English. Oh well. Here are a couple that intrigue me the most:
Possibly from the Autumn-Winter 2005-2006 catalog (?? a guess), is this jacket:
and my absolute favorite of these patterns is this "riding jacket"
which is in the Spring 2006 catalog?? I really couldn't tell. I want this jacket so badly! :-)
... and there are seriously, so many other gorgeous patterns. There are also some lovely FREE patterns, but I'll be danged if I can find them just now. Just look around a bit... it's wonderful! Well, the site isn't wonderful, just the knitwear! I think even if I could read French, this website would still be annoying. Sites like this are almost always difficult to manuver, for lack of a better term.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
A quick update
Well, I finished the bottom of one sleeve for my sweater. This is really going slowly, I know, but I'm so busy with school that I have little time for knitting, sadly. It looks nice, though, if I may say so myself. I'm very pleased with how it's coming along; more so than I thought I'd be after looking at the beginnings of this sleeve. I can't wait to see how the rest goes along. I'm still unsure what to do with the upper sleeves, but I've got a couple of ideas. Just a FYI, I did go back down to 9 repeats for the cabled band, and I am happy with the fit that way. I then picked up 36 stitches for my lower sleeve.
There are now two issues of Interweave Knits I'd love - Spring 2005, as I previously stated, and Fall 2004. I definitely want to make that Sideways Spencer someday, and the mag is hard to find. I can't find any site that sells it! So if you've got an extra copy of either, please let me know! :-)
Nothing else new here...
There are now two issues of Interweave Knits I'd love - Spring 2005, as I previously stated, and Fall 2004. I definitely want to make that Sideways Spencer someday, and the mag is hard to find. I can't find any site that sells it! So if you've got an extra copy of either, please let me know! :-)
Nothing else new here...
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Can anyone guess what this is?
Yes, that's right! It's the Delphine sleeve. It's coming along rather well!
Monday, January 23, 2006
One down, one to go.
The cabled armbands, that is. I did "finish" one (in quotations because I've gotten it to the length I think I want it, although I may have made it a little long). I went ahead and did 10 repeats and have about 10", which is really almost an inch too long, so I may end up ripping about an inch out. I haven't have time to start on the second yet, and am really not sure when I will. One good thing though, now that the band is long enough to reach around my arm, I put it on a stitch holder and wrapped it around my arm, and it hasn't made me itch yet at all. So I may take back what I said about the WotA being itchy against the skin.
Still no luck finding the size 2 dpns around here for those Pomatomus socks. :-(
Still no luck finding the size 2 dpns around here for those Pomatomus socks. :-(
Friday, January 20, 2006
A little about the De sweater, and a lil rambling about random knitting stuff.
I tried to post this last night, but it didn't work, so I'm trying again.
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I wish there was something interesting and exciting to post today, but there is not.
I did, however, work my armband today long enough to get it to about 5". I can do cables quite easily (most are of the opinion that they are not hard, and I agree), but I'm pretty slow with them, partially because I have to watch my stitches all the time, to avoid dropping any, since I'm working on Al needles. For cabling, I'd prefer to have bamboo, but my inventory of bamboo needles is quite limited, and so are my funds. Therefore, I am cabling with cheapo Al needles that I actually like for nearly any other purpose. I'm generally a rather tight knitter, so with simple stockinette, I actually like the slipperyness of the metal.
Anyway, the cabled armband, knit rather tightly on size 6s, looks nice so far. There is one spot where I apparently twisted a stitch, and didn't notice it until a couple of repeats later, but since it will be on the inside of the sleeve (not inside the sleeve, but you know what I mean), I didn't worry about it. I am very pleased with the color I chose. Hopefully, I wear gray rather well (at least this pale one), and the color doesn't really look gray to me, anyway. Plus, it's going to be beautiful with my wonderful sequined shoes! Also, from knitting, I've found that if you stare at a very light color for a very long time, it begins to appear white until you actually look at something white.
I also finished my grandma's hat in time to hand it over to mom. I wanted to do more with it (like add a little star), but I didn't know when I'd be back in Monroe, and if I'd waited much longer, she'd have no need for it. We don't keep cold weather long; another reason my newfound love for knitting sweaters kinda stinks. Not that knitting beautiful sweaters stinks, just that rarely being able to wear them does. Ah well, why complain? It's not as if I don't love spring, and even our overly hot summers.
I've decided that with the purple sock yarn, I am going to make Pomatomus socks from knitty.com. Since I've never knit socks or lace-type patterns before, it may be quite a challenge, but the only reason I'm knitting a pair of socks is for the challenge anyway; may as well make it a good one. I can buy a whole pack of functional socks for cheaper than making this one pair, but I just want to make some. Plus, these are the neatest socks I've ever seen. They are seriously Awesome. Yes, with a capital A. Who could resist? I've got to find a set of size 2 double point needles first; something neither Wal-mart nor Michael's carries. It sucks, not having a real LYS. I think all the online stores I've searched thus far would be pretty expensive for one set of dpns, since they charge full retail price and standard shipping! How insane! Then again, I haven't checked Knitpicks yet... oh, no, I sense an addiction!
The hyacinth WotA has decided it wants to become a cute little cropped sweater from the Spring/Summer '05 Knit.1. I've heard bad reviews about this mag, and I will admit, there are things in there that I would never knit or wear, but there are also some gorgeous things that aren't too expensive to make, and I still have at least 3 things I want to make from the book, excluding the cropped sweater. I haven't subscribed, but I may someday. Then again, there are already so many free patterns (or cheap single patterns) I have found and want to make, that I probably wouldn't get around to doing any of them, and there are lots of free tips on the web. With great resources like knitters' blogs, the Livejournal knitting community, and knit related websites (such as stitchguide.com, a site from which I learned much), I'm not sure that I need to splurge on mag subscriptions, as much as I'd love to. I would, however, love to buy a book or two full of cables and lace patterns, and one of those books that pretty much covers everything. I haven't messed with lace yet, but I love knitting cables. It's just crazy, how something so simple can look so complicated. Well, following a chart is simple... designing my own is definitely a different story.
After knitting with the WofA, I've decided it may end up being a little itchy. I'm not too worried about it; I figure either hair conditioner or fabric softener should remedy this. When it comes closer to time, I'll probably post a question in LJ knitting about which is better for wool. I know if Downy could make that Red Heart not only wearable, but actually cuddley, it should work wonders for this, too!
This isn't about knitting, but oh my goodness, I figured out my Genetics homework on my own today! Go me. I should give the DNA scarf some time in honor of that, right? It won't be tonight though, because I have been typing, waiting to go out with my boyfriend. That should be fun! :-)
---------------------
I wish there was something interesting and exciting to post today, but there is not.
I did, however, work my armband today long enough to get it to about 5". I can do cables quite easily (most are of the opinion that they are not hard, and I agree), but I'm pretty slow with them, partially because I have to watch my stitches all the time, to avoid dropping any, since I'm working on Al needles. For cabling, I'd prefer to have bamboo, but my inventory of bamboo needles is quite limited, and so are my funds. Therefore, I am cabling with cheapo Al needles that I actually like for nearly any other purpose. I'm generally a rather tight knitter, so with simple stockinette, I actually like the slipperyness of the metal.
Anyway, the cabled armband, knit rather tightly on size 6s, looks nice so far. There is one spot where I apparently twisted a stitch, and didn't notice it until a couple of repeats later, but since it will be on the inside of the sleeve (not inside the sleeve, but you know what I mean), I didn't worry about it. I am very pleased with the color I chose. Hopefully, I wear gray rather well (at least this pale one), and the color doesn't really look gray to me, anyway. Plus, it's going to be beautiful with my wonderful sequined shoes! Also, from knitting, I've found that if you stare at a very light color for a very long time, it begins to appear white until you actually look at something white.
I also finished my grandma's hat in time to hand it over to mom. I wanted to do more with it (like add a little star), but I didn't know when I'd be back in Monroe, and if I'd waited much longer, she'd have no need for it. We don't keep cold weather long; another reason my newfound love for knitting sweaters kinda stinks. Not that knitting beautiful sweaters stinks, just that rarely being able to wear them does. Ah well, why complain? It's not as if I don't love spring, and even our overly hot summers.
I've decided that with the purple sock yarn, I am going to make Pomatomus socks from knitty.com. Since I've never knit socks or lace-type patterns before, it may be quite a challenge, but the only reason I'm knitting a pair of socks is for the challenge anyway; may as well make it a good one. I can buy a whole pack of functional socks for cheaper than making this one pair, but I just want to make some. Plus, these are the neatest socks I've ever seen. They are seriously Awesome. Yes, with a capital A. Who could resist? I've got to find a set of size 2 double point needles first; something neither Wal-mart nor Michael's carries. It sucks, not having a real LYS. I think all the online stores I've searched thus far would be pretty expensive for one set of dpns, since they charge full retail price and standard shipping! How insane! Then again, I haven't checked Knitpicks yet... oh, no, I sense an addiction!
The hyacinth WotA has decided it wants to become a cute little cropped sweater from the Spring/Summer '05 Knit.1. I've heard bad reviews about this mag, and I will admit, there are things in there that I would never knit or wear, but there are also some gorgeous things that aren't too expensive to make, and I still have at least 3 things I want to make from the book, excluding the cropped sweater. I haven't subscribed, but I may someday. Then again, there are already so many free patterns (or cheap single patterns) I have found and want to make, that I probably wouldn't get around to doing any of them, and there are lots of free tips on the web. With great resources like knitters' blogs, the Livejournal knitting community, and knit related websites (such as stitchguide.com, a site from which I learned much), I'm not sure that I need to splurge on mag subscriptions, as much as I'd love to. I would, however, love to buy a book or two full of cables and lace patterns, and one of those books that pretty much covers everything. I haven't messed with lace yet, but I love knitting cables. It's just crazy, how something so simple can look so complicated. Well, following a chart is simple... designing my own is definitely a different story.
After knitting with the WofA, I've decided it may end up being a little itchy. I'm not too worried about it; I figure either hair conditioner or fabric softener should remedy this. When it comes closer to time, I'll probably post a question in LJ knitting about which is better for wool. I know if Downy could make that Red Heart not only wearable, but actually cuddley, it should work wonders for this, too!
This isn't about knitting, but oh my goodness, I figured out my Genetics homework on my own today! Go me. I should give the DNA scarf some time in honor of that, right? It won't be tonight though, because I have been typing, waiting to go out with my boyfriend. That should be fun! :-)
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Yay! New yarn!
I am in love with Knitpicks now. Their colors are pretty much exactly what was pictured on my monitor. The hyacinth WotA is a beautiful deep blue-purple, exactly the color I've wanted. The fog for my Delphine sweater is a pale, beautiful silvery gray. The lilac sock yarn is gorgeous as well. I need to get Kool-Aid for dying the natural yarn.
I started on the cable for the armband of my sweater today, using the cable Cookie posted yesterday. I only have a small bit of it done, because I had to learn a provisional cast-on, but it looks nice! It's too wide on the size 8s, so I may need to go down a needle size or two. If that doesn't fix it, I may have to undo it and knit only the cable panel and seveldge stitches, without the extra 6 stitches of stockinette. I'd hate to do that, because I like the way the cable looks with the stockinette. So first, I am definitely trying smaller needles. Removing the stockinette will be my last resort.
I started on the cable for the armband of my sweater today, using the cable Cookie posted yesterday. I only have a small bit of it done, because I had to learn a provisional cast-on, but it looks nice! It's too wide on the size 8s, so I may need to go down a needle size or two. If that doesn't fix it, I may have to undo it and knit only the cable panel and seveldge stitches, without the extra 6 stitches of stockinette. I'd hate to do that, because I like the way the cable looks with the stockinette. So first, I am definitely trying smaller needles. Removing the stockinette will be my last resort.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
An introduction and some piccies!
Well, basically I am just copying previous posts from my crafting livejournal account. I discovered I couldn't use the cute lil progress bars on there, and I can on here (mind you, I don't actually know how to put them in yet).
Most importantly though, I got this blog to participate in the Delphine Wilson knit along. I'm excited because this will be the most difficult thing I've ever attempted, and I have never done a KAL (that's shorthand for knit along) before. The people are so nice and have already been tons of help! Although the Delphine sweater still looks daunting, it now seems very possible.
My yarn for the sweater came in a couple of days ago, and since I have to go to Monroe tomorrow anyway for a dr. appt., and since I have some crap I need to take to mom's anyway, I can pick it up then. I'll be using Wool of the Andes, from Knitpicks, in the color Fog. I hope it is as light gray as it appears; the photo on my monitor looks almost silver. I didn't want to use white because I can't stand dingy white, and I couldn't imagine trying to bleach this; I'm pretty sure that would have bad results! This is my first Knitpicks' order and I am pleased with their fast shipping. Their site says 5-14 days, but it was definitely closer to 5 than 14. I didn't count, but I'd say 6 at the most. I also got some lilac sock yarn (I've never tried socks before!), and some yarn to dye using Kool-Aid (that will be fun!). Oh, and I also got some WotA in their Hyceanth (or however you spell that) color. I'm not normally a fan of really dark colors, but on the webpage, this deep blue appears to have a strong purplish tint to it, and it reminds me of the beautiful blue-purple color used in What Dreams May Come. I've wanted something in that color since I saw that movie. I can't believe how cheap their yarn is! I'm also excited because it will be the first 100% wool yarn I've worked with, I think. I've mostly messed with acrylics, cotton, and acrylic/wool blends.
Ok, so now from the LJ.
WIPS
Ella Scarf - crochet, using Lily's Sugar and Cream (~ 40% complete)
Americana hat - crochet using Red Heart Worsted, to match the scarf I made my grandma for Christmas (she loves the patriotic things)(~20% complete)
A hat for me - crochet, using Lion Brand Homespun, Red Heart Light and Lofty, Red Heart Worsted, and crochet thread (~80% complete)
DNA scarf - knit, in Caron's Simply Soft (no dye lot, because I want it to be longer than pictured, and don't know how much extra I will need) (~ 10% complete)
Small flower - crochet, in crochet thread (~ 70% complete)
Fabric-knit purse - knit (~10% completed)
Delphine sweater - knit, in Knitpicks' Wool of the Andes. Currently, I am only working on constructing the pattern for this sweater. Don't expect this to be finished any time soon, it is the most complicated project I've worked on. Yay!
To-do list (someday)
Soon - Hat for my nephew Dustin - knit, Red Heart Worsted?
This silk corset top - knit, in Knitpicks' Shine? I'd love to do it in silk, but it will only cost about $25 to make it in Shine, double-stranded. No one has told me how this would work for this top though.
Something for my boyfriend's mother, she is so sweet! I saw a clapotis knit in beautiful recycled sari silk, and I think that might be a wonderful choice for Mrs. Nancy.
Something pretty and lacy for my elementary G/T teacher, Mrs. Knight... she was such a great teacher.
A sweater for my mom
A knitting bag, - knit, felted or cotton with fabric lining
A knitting needle case - knit, felted
A felted cloche like Ann Darrow wears in King Kong, if I can ever find or design the perfect pattern
A fish bag from Folk Bags
Kimono Sweater from Knitpicks
The Lion Brand Incredible ribbon shrug and camisole in the Spring/Summer '05 issue of Knit.1
This wrap from the same mag.
The ballet wrap from Interweave Knits Spring 2005. If anyone has a copy of this issue he/she would like to get rid of, please let me know! I think it's still available from the site, though.
The beautiful butterfly jacket from Noro Knits. I don't have this book yet either, so again, if you have knitted everything from it you want, and want to get rid of it, contact me. Right now, I'm planning on buying it from the linked site, but if you know of a cheaper place, tell me. :-)
There are tons of other stuff I've found and love, but those are things I will definitely make eventually. I have a lot of schoolwork on my plate though, so I won't be diving into any new projects soon. I also have some scrapbooking pages to complete.
Some completed projects
Crocheted hat made of Moda-Dea Dream and edged with Lion Brand Trellis, plus a flower pin of crochet thread and scarf made of Berroco's Medley. The flower is not supposed to be in the middle, but I didn't check it before taking this pic.
One button cardigan from Spring/Summer '05 Knit.1, in Lion Brand Homespun Coral Gables
Hat I made for my nephew Jeremy, my first 2 color work, in Red Heart, modeled by my sweet, handsome, and silly boyfriend Dusty
Short row scarf made for mom as a Christmas gift, Red Heart in Farmland colorway
Slightly modified Candy cardigan from Knitty.com, in Moda-Dea Dream
Here is my first "knitting mistake." Actually, it's crochet, and it's a hat. I saw this beautiful hat made of yellow, white, and pink/coral bulky handspun yarn, with a huge flower on it. Then I lost the link to it, and couldn't find it again, but thought ok... I can crochet, too, so I will just replicate it. So, in order to get the unique look of the yarn, I used yellow Red Heart Light and Lofty in the Citrus Shades colorway, Lion Brand Homespun in Coral Gables, Red Heart worsted in white, and a really pretty sparkley white crochet thread. Well, the results were nowhere near as pretty as the original hat, and I actually think it looks pretty horrible. But anyway, here it is.
From the side
Ok, here is a hat I whipped up in just a couple of hours. It's knit, made in Lion Brand Homespun, Mardi Gras color.
Some of the flowers for the Ella scarf
Some little flower pins I whipped up. These are really easy and quick, and if any of my friends would like one, I don't mind making them.
Not a finished object, but I just love this yarn. It's Moda-dea Cache, and I believe it wants to be wristwarmers, since I only picked up one skein. It's so beautiful!
Here is the first thing I ever completed, another hat crocheted in the Dream yarn.
Here is a closeup of the purple hat I mentioned in my last post.
And here are more flower pins
I made this over MLK weekend.
I got the pattern from bhg.com. This one is really small, but I am going to make a large one soon. I think it turned out so well!! :-D
Today, I finished all of the flowers for the Ella scarf. Now I just have to crochet the borders and join them together. Yay!
I've almost finished my grandmother's hat. I may not have it done tomorrow, but I'm hoping to, so I can leave it with mom, who can give it to grandma.
Other artwork can be viewed by clicking on this link
Most importantly though, I got this blog to participate in the Delphine Wilson knit along. I'm excited because this will be the most difficult thing I've ever attempted, and I have never done a KAL (that's shorthand for knit along) before. The people are so nice and have already been tons of help! Although the Delphine sweater still looks daunting, it now seems very possible.
My yarn for the sweater came in a couple of days ago, and since I have to go to Monroe tomorrow anyway for a dr. appt., and since I have some crap I need to take to mom's anyway, I can pick it up then. I'll be using Wool of the Andes, from Knitpicks, in the color Fog. I hope it is as light gray as it appears; the photo on my monitor looks almost silver. I didn't want to use white because I can't stand dingy white, and I couldn't imagine trying to bleach this; I'm pretty sure that would have bad results! This is my first Knitpicks' order and I am pleased with their fast shipping. Their site says 5-14 days, but it was definitely closer to 5 than 14. I didn't count, but I'd say 6 at the most. I also got some lilac sock yarn (I've never tried socks before!), and some yarn to dye using Kool-Aid (that will be fun!). Oh, and I also got some WotA in their Hyceanth (or however you spell that) color. I'm not normally a fan of really dark colors, but on the webpage, this deep blue appears to have a strong purplish tint to it, and it reminds me of the beautiful blue-purple color used in What Dreams May Come. I've wanted something in that color since I saw that movie. I can't believe how cheap their yarn is! I'm also excited because it will be the first 100% wool yarn I've worked with, I think. I've mostly messed with acrylics, cotton, and acrylic/wool blends.
Ok, so now from the LJ.
WIPS
Ella Scarf - crochet, using Lily's Sugar and Cream (~ 40% complete)
Americana hat - crochet using Red Heart Worsted, to match the scarf I made my grandma for Christmas (she loves the patriotic things)(~20% complete)
A hat for me - crochet, using Lion Brand Homespun, Red Heart Light and Lofty, Red Heart Worsted, and crochet thread (~80% complete)
DNA scarf - knit, in Caron's Simply Soft (no dye lot, because I want it to be longer than pictured, and don't know how much extra I will need) (~ 10% complete)
Small flower - crochet, in crochet thread (~ 70% complete)
Fabric-knit purse - knit (~10% completed)
Delphine sweater - knit, in Knitpicks' Wool of the Andes. Currently, I am only working on constructing the pattern for this sweater. Don't expect this to be finished any time soon, it is the most complicated project I've worked on. Yay!
To-do list (someday)
Soon - Hat for my nephew Dustin - knit, Red Heart Worsted?
This silk corset top - knit, in Knitpicks' Shine? I'd love to do it in silk, but it will only cost about $25 to make it in Shine, double-stranded. No one has told me how this would work for this top though.
Something for my boyfriend's mother, she is so sweet! I saw a clapotis knit in beautiful recycled sari silk, and I think that might be a wonderful choice for Mrs. Nancy.
Something pretty and lacy for my elementary G/T teacher, Mrs. Knight... she was such a great teacher.
A sweater for my mom
A knitting bag, - knit, felted or cotton with fabric lining
A knitting needle case - knit, felted
A felted cloche like Ann Darrow wears in King Kong, if I can ever find or design the perfect pattern
A fish bag from Folk Bags
Kimono Sweater from Knitpicks
The Lion Brand Incredible ribbon shrug and camisole in the Spring/Summer '05 issue of Knit.1
This wrap from the same mag.
The ballet wrap from Interweave Knits Spring 2005. If anyone has a copy of this issue he/she would like to get rid of, please let me know! I think it's still available from the site, though.
The beautiful butterfly jacket from Noro Knits. I don't have this book yet either, so again, if you have knitted everything from it you want, and want to get rid of it, contact me. Right now, I'm planning on buying it from the linked site, but if you know of a cheaper place, tell me. :-)
There are tons of other stuff I've found and love, but those are things I will definitely make eventually. I have a lot of schoolwork on my plate though, so I won't be diving into any new projects soon. I also have some scrapbooking pages to complete.
Some completed projects
Crocheted hat made of Moda-Dea Dream and edged with Lion Brand Trellis, plus a flower pin of crochet thread and scarf made of Berroco's Medley. The flower is not supposed to be in the middle, but I didn't check it before taking this pic.
One button cardigan from Spring/Summer '05 Knit.1, in Lion Brand Homespun Coral Gables
Hat I made for my nephew Jeremy, my first 2 color work, in Red Heart, modeled by my sweet, handsome, and silly boyfriend Dusty
Short row scarf made for mom as a Christmas gift, Red Heart in Farmland colorway
Slightly modified Candy cardigan from Knitty.com, in Moda-Dea Dream
Here is my first "knitting mistake." Actually, it's crochet, and it's a hat. I saw this beautiful hat made of yellow, white, and pink/coral bulky handspun yarn, with a huge flower on it. Then I lost the link to it, and couldn't find it again, but thought ok... I can crochet, too, so I will just replicate it. So, in order to get the unique look of the yarn, I used yellow Red Heart Light and Lofty in the Citrus Shades colorway, Lion Brand Homespun in Coral Gables, Red Heart worsted in white, and a really pretty sparkley white crochet thread. Well, the results were nowhere near as pretty as the original hat, and I actually think it looks pretty horrible. But anyway, here it is.
From the side
Ok, here is a hat I whipped up in just a couple of hours. It's knit, made in Lion Brand Homespun, Mardi Gras color.
Some of the flowers for the Ella scarf
Some little flower pins I whipped up. These are really easy and quick, and if any of my friends would like one, I don't mind making them.
Not a finished object, but I just love this yarn. It's Moda-dea Cache, and I believe it wants to be wristwarmers, since I only picked up one skein. It's so beautiful!
Here is the first thing I ever completed, another hat crocheted in the Dream yarn.
Here is a closeup of the purple hat I mentioned in my last post.
And here are more flower pins
I made this over MLK weekend.
I got the pattern from bhg.com. This one is really small, but I am going to make a large one soon. I think it turned out so well!! :-D
Today, I finished all of the flowers for the Ella scarf. Now I just have to crochet the borders and join them together. Yay!
I've almost finished my grandmother's hat. I may not have it done tomorrow, but I'm hoping to, so I can leave it with mom, who can give it to grandma.
Other artwork can be viewed by clicking on this link
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