Housework? What's that?

Okay, let's do a catch up of my knitting from the last two weeks. Well, I only knit last week in the airport/airplane... but still lots to show! (note: all these photos were taken yesterday morning... so all projects are further along than shown).

First up, my Tangled Yoke Cardigan:
Tangled Yoke Cardigan
click to enlarge to see the lovely heathered yarn
This is my third attempt (or is it 4th?) on this cardigan. There are lots of things I love about the pattern, and some things that I knew I was going to have to tweak to get it to fit me right. Right now, things look good with only 25 more rows of waist increasing, then I'll add bust darts. This was definitely the right yarn choice (Bartlett Sportweight) and I love the way the yarn is looking and knitting up.

Next up is a new project:
Hey, Theresa in Cotton Angora (yum)
click to enlarge if you want to see a close up of black yarn in st. st.
This is the Hey Teach I'm knitting for Theresa. Using Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora (which has been delightful to knit and the fabric has a great drape). The deal is I knit this and I get to keep the leftover yarn. I'm adding quite a bit to the length on this (Theresa is much taller than me), but I'm already at the waist ribbing on the back (got a lot done yesterday, eh?).

Finally... the "vacation project", the Kathmandu Gansey:
Kathmandu Gansey
ya, be sure to enlarge this one... the fabric is scrumptious!
While I don't dig knitting with wooden needles, this was perfect for airport/airplane knitting. Around and around in simple st. st. using a wonderful yarn (and the color is just stunning. Gray with a touch of navy and black flecks). Matt's going to love this one. I'm already at the arm gussets on this (Matt's not as tall as Theresa).

I spent very little time yesterday "not" knitting. That's the plan today as well (hey, I spent a lot of time before we left for vacation getting the house ready for our dog sitter... Thanks Kyle!!... so I mean, I'm ahead on the housework thing, right?). So I'll cycle thru these projects... maybe work on an other one or two sitting here. It's nice to be back to our regular routine!

It's All About Laundry

So Matt and I did our first vacation together in over 3 years last week (ya, I've traveled more with Theresa and Julie in that time span going to knitting events). We were blessed with fab weather during our time in Orlando... but Philly wasn't so lucky on Friday (when we were flying home). The airport grounded flights for over 4 hours. Of course this has a trickle down effect and we lucked out on seats for the first flight leaving Orlando to Philly (which had a 4.5 hour delay... which is what our original flight was heading towards). Yay for not checking bags and my superior eavesdropping skills (heehee).

So I didn't get much knitting done during vacation, but I did take a simple gansey I started for Matt. Of course I had to start a project to take with me... the TSA recommends you use wood or plastic needles (which is soooo not my preference). Of course I couldn't change needles mid project, as that would change gauge. What else to do, but cast on something!

I took some of Matt's fave yarn (Queensland Kathmandu Aran) and cast on a self designed gansey, thinking that knitting around and around in st. st for the body would be perfect for travel. It was... however I was concerned about our proprosed 4 hour delay that I was going to run out of yarn!!! Since we snagged a seat on an earlier flight, I had just enough!

So now that we're back and I'm done with laundry (I swear it was a week of laundry BEFORE we left and I spent all weekend doing laundry since we've been home), I can get back to some knittin'. I'll get some photos of current in progress projects for tomorrow.

If you want to see vacation photos... good luck with that. As usual, I dragged my camera, but it never left my bag. All I can say is we had a great time, with fab meals and minimal sunburn.

Well, off to my knitting nest and day baseball! Photos tomorrow!!!

Have a plan... then not stick to it!

Tangled Yoke Cardigan Again
click to enlarge
So I did cast on the Tangled Yoke Cardigan yesterday. I'm using some Bartlett Sport. It's a beautiful color and I'm pretty happy with how it's knitting up (however one day I'll do a rant about this trend of cardigans in one piece... some of us don't mind seaming... and these 300 stitch rows irritate me... ask me how many I've cast on and then got tired of knitting. I like turning my work, feels productive).

Anyway, so I'm happy with how the Bartlett is knitting. I'm getting a nice drape, yet there's enough structure to support the cables for the yoke. One of the things I've seen on the finished versions of this is the lack of stability in the buttonbands. The Felted Tweed has alpaca and rayon in it... so it is a softer yarn. Some have used ribbon to stabilize the buttonbands, but I don't think I'll need it with the 100% wool. Oh and I decided to just go ahead and make the 42" and add bust darts (as I've also seen that the bust area is a problem area on most of the ones I've seen finished).

Just for fun, I dug in my closet to look at Salina:

Salina in Felted Tweed
click to enlarge
I was curious to compare the yarns... and I ended up knitting to the waist increases. I do love this yarn, but I don't think I would want it for the Tangled Yoke (see notations above). I've had this project sitting in my closet for some time, and I barely had it cast on (just the seed stitch section at the bottom was done). I'm not sure why... I know I don't love st. st., but there was some kind of mental block with this. Now that it's out of the closet, I'm having problems putting it down. The color is just stunning (and extremely hard to photograph... even after a lot of color playing in Photoshop it's still not accurate). The fabric is so soft and thin and drapey. This is going to be one nice sweater when it's done (and yes, I'll be adding bust darts to it as well... do you see a trend here?)

One more project update, then back ot my needles... this is my new Breakfast Knitting Project:

Summer Braids in Tatamy Tweed DK
click to enlarge
An other project that's sort of just been sitting here while I've been casting on other projects. Since I've moved it to my breakfast time knitting, it's progressing very nicely. the main body is done (an other one of those one piece cardigans) and the left (or is it the right?) front is done and I'm working on the back right now.

Okay, I'm off to decide what to work on. I've got three projects sitting here in front of me... and one of them will eventually be done!

Tangled Yoke Redux

First, thanks to everyone that commented on my Hey, Teach. I really am happy with the results, but it's always nice to hear from you.

So, you know, I'm always a wee bit restless after I finish a project. I was good and worked on Cassidy yesterday (and I am still loving it... but it is suffering from the second sleeve syndrome right now). I need to cast on something.

I've decided I really want to make the Tangled Yoke Cardigan (and it is the reason I bought that issue of Interweave Knits). However, I'm having a serious sizing dilemma. I'm concerned that the 46" won't be fitted enough (the armhole depth will probably be too deep) but I think the 42" will be too snug, especially over my hips and bust (as there would be no ease). Now, the bust is no biggy, as I'll do short row bust darts. I think no matter what size I decide on, I'll need to do bust darts just so it fits properly. Again, tho' since the 46" already gives me more than enough ease, how much do I do?

So I'm going to have to do a lot of math. Sigh. I want 44" for my hips, and I want the 42" for the bust with bust darts. I think this is going to give me the most flattering fit. I'll just do my own numbers for the bottom half, then follow directions for the 42" after the waist shaping. Then I'll add my bust darts and it "should" work. Right?

Finals

Hey, Teach
click to enlarge
The final result. Let me say again how happy I am with this. I will make some minor modifications when I make my next one. Let's do some project stats:

Pattern: Hey, Teach by Helene Rush

Yarn: Plymouth Linen Isle

Changes to the pattern: I don't change much. I did use a smaller needle for the neck and button bands. I also know I didn't pick up as many stitches for the button bands (which is a good thing, as they would've been too loose for my taste). I also decided to "cast off" the back and front neck openings (actually just did a row of sl st crochet on those edges) as I was concerned they wouldn't have enough structure. I'll just cast them off for my next one. I was probably just a little under gauge, but again the yarn is a cotton/linen/rayon blend. It's already stretching as I've worn it.

Problems with the pattern: My only complaint was the lack of selvage stitches. I will add them next time. I didn't realize that they weren't included in the stitch count, and of course I didn't need them until I hit the lace section. Seaming and picking up stitches over a decrease stitch isn't fun (and yet she did have you work a selvage stitch when working sleeve shaping). This might not be an issue with every size, but I'll definitely just cast on 2 extra stitches next time.

Overall Impressions: Ya, this is getting a huge thumbs up. While the color isn't the most flattering on me, I certainly don't care. I love the fit, I love the drape. The knitting was a lot of fun. Easy, yet not boring. I will be making this again (at least once, as I'm making one for Theresa... I will knit for yarn!). This is a bit like the Sitcom Chic... a nice basic cardigan that's easy to work and easy to wear.

So that brings my total finished projects for the year to 16 (and that's not even including the reknit on the first Ribby). My goal for 20 this year is within reach... but I've got to crack down and finish some thing!!!!!

Hey, Teach... I'm going to be late!

So I had hoped to finish up my Hey, Teach cardi yesterday. However we went to a wedding Saturday evening. Let's just say the Reisling was exceptionally tasty ('nuff said).

So I'll finish it up today while doing laundy. Ahhhh, nothing makes me feel as productive as laundry. I feel like I'm doing the good housework thing, yet I've got lots of time to work on my projects. Enough time that maybe I'll even sneak in a new project today (heehee).

Quick Update:


It's done, and it's a krap photo. Let me say that I love it so much that it's very very tempting to cast on an other one. RIGHT NOW!!!! Better photos and projects stats tomorrow!

Rebound

So instead of wallowing over the breakup of the Sunrise Circle Jacket, I decided to jump right back in and cast on a new project.

Hey, Teach
click to enlarge
If I were single, I would marry this cute little cardigan. That's how much I love it. I cast it on Sunday, and I'm blocking it Saturday. I'll be able to seam it up and get the ribbing on it tomorrow.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the color for me. It's a very natural green, and I can look a little like death warmed over in natural colors. Hopefully a white tank under it will balance it... and it is a green. So it should count as a green cardigan, right?

I usually avoid lace projects... especially set in sleeves ("make sure that you have a yo for every decrease when shaping". ya, that seems like I have to pay attention). However, I found the lace pattern very intuitive.

I will be making an other one (as I've made a deal with Theresa... I will knit for yarn!). I might even be making an other one for me. I think I need a black one (who doesn't?) and a bright summery one!


Hey, Teach
click to enlarge

Shhhhhhh....

Trying to knit softly....

Runway Sunday!

Matt was kind enough to dress up for a photo shoot this morning. Here's the finsihed Afghan Cardian.




Yes that's a hole in his jeans... and yes he wears them in public... and no, he won't let me patch them.

So the sweater is completely finished now. We found some machine washable buttons that look like leather (and yes, I had considered doing the leather ones so they could be removed for washing... but again that was too high maintance for what this sweater is. All it would take is one time to forget to do it and the buttons would be ruined. I would rather save them for a better sweater and just have this one get tossed right into the wash with no worries.)

So just to give you an idea... the yarn cost me $7.50 and the buttons cost $4. A perfect "beat up" sweater for Matt. He loves the coziness of it and he won't be concerned to wear it when doing things like cleaning out the gutters or chopping wood.

I have to say that I do really like the style of it and I do think I'll make him an other one. The original pattern used a cotton/acrylic yarn and I think Matt would like that as well.

Frogging

I just finished the front of the Sunrise Circle Jacket. I love the fabric a lot. The tweedy silk looks so great and it's got great drape.

Too much drape perhaps. Even tho' I shortened the sleeves 2", they went and grew on me while I was working on the front. An other 4", which brings the sleeves over my fingers. There's no way this is going to work, as while I can shortend the sleeves, there's no way to easily shorten the body. The body growning is not an option, as I don't want that back waist shaping to hit me mid butt.

So joy of joys, all the knitting I did this week was for naught.

Always have a back up plan

Semptember is a busy month for us. Matt's racing season is coming to a close with only 2 more races left. We have a wedding to attend (the night before the last race of the season... and since it's a fellow cyclist, there's some concern about an open bar and a 10:30 Sunday morning start time. Should be fun). We're also going on vacation this month.

So a wedding means dress up clothes. Ugh. Not something I have. I don't like shopping for clothes. I also like comfy clothes... and dress up clothes aren't usually very comfy. I also have some fitting issues (which is why sweatpants and tees are so very nice).


So I've cast on the Sunrise Circle Jacket...again. I'm using Estelle Silk this time and starting with a front. I think the reason the last 3 attempts didn't work was that I started with the back and I just didn't like the way it was looking (too big for a fitted jacket). Kate Gilbert recommends if you have fitting concerns to start with a front, and that makes total sense. I can easily adjust the back. I have to say that I also like the fabric a lot better with the Estelle Silk. This does not mean that I don't love the Kathmandu Aran, as I do. I just don't think I was getting the right drape with it.

When it comes to dress up clothes and knitting and deadlines, it's always good to have a back up plan, right? Well, this IS the back up plan. I ordered a dress. I'm not sure how it's going to fit (I'm not overly optimistic... as it's not knit... and my bust line does not like non knit fabric) and I'm running out of time to find something else. So knitting a jacket makes total sense to me... as a back up plan.

The Afghan Cardigan

Matt and I live a very routine life. Especially in the mornings. He walks the dogs, feeds the dogs, and makes breakfast for us... while I knit and watch Sportscenter.

I try to work on a single project for my breakfast knitting. Something kind of tedious and not complex. Pre-coffee knitting. It's a good time to work on tedious, as I only work on it during this time frame. It's been a good way for me to finish up some projects... like Mermaid and Shoalwater.

What I've been working on is what we've named The Afghan Cardigan. It's a comfy, easy care cardigan for Matt in my favorite afghan yarn.

The Afghan Cardigan
click to enlarge
Ya, it's a simple saddle shoulder cardigan done in TLC Heathers. It's basically done (and washed/dried). I do have buttons... then I realized that I had bought leather buttons (which look FAB on it!) that can't be machine washed. Kinda defeats the purposed of the Afghan Cardigan! I'm pretty happy with it, and so is Matt. Let's do project stats (and I'll get him to model it as soon as I find buttons).

Pattern: Man's Classic Cardigan from The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville
Yarn: TLC Heathers
Changes to the pattern: shortened the sleeves not only in length but in depth (I mean the sleeves would've had an other 2" in armhole depth! too much for Matt). I also utilized the slipped stitch to mirror the neckline shaping (so I did have to purl a couple of stitches).
Problems with the pattern: Not much. While I understand that the idea behind the book was to use only knit stitches, it made for some funky shaping for the neckline). I'll also say that if I make it again (and this is one I would definitely do again) I would do the construction as top down. A lot less seaming.
Overall impressions: A quick, easy knit and I do like Sally Melville's approach. I love the way the TLC Heather washes up. Matt likes it and he won't worry about hurting it (as it didn't take me long to knit, it's machine washable and the yarn was cheap... I think there's maybe $10 worth of yarn in it). I'm giving it a thumbs up.

Now if I were smart, I would dig thru my WIP/UFO closets and find an other project that has become tedious to knit, but I know I still want to finish.

Edit 9/7/08 to add the finished photo modeled by Matt. Actual cost of sweater: $7.50 for yarn + $4 for buttons)