Knitting Park

Fix It Friday... Late and Early

2012-01-26T09:43:00.001-05:00

I'm a little behind on Fix It Friday (ya, as tomorrow is an other Fix It Friday!). However, this Fix It project is taking me long enough that it's going to be a carry over anyway.

The project is my Tatamy Tweed Summer Braids. It had two issues.

First up: The button bands were wonky.

It's a major pet peeve of mine, I hate to see rippled button bands. They look sloppy and not "professional". Part of the issue is the garter stitch (which is VERY stretchy) and then the sweater went and shrunk up a bit on me, making it worse.

So I removed the bands and I've spent all week trying to get a good ratio on the pick up row, a sturdy tight gauge, and appropriate button spacing (which requires math!). I ended up going down two needle sizes and got the button band nice and firm. I'm currently doing the button band, which is much easier (same number of picked up stitches and no buttonholes!).

So it basically took me all week just to do the buttonhole band, and I still have to fix the sleeves!

I was never happy with the sleeves. They're a little wider than I like, then when it shrunk up a bit, they're also now a little short. Just not a comfortable wear. So I'll rip back to about the elbow, do a faster decrease and add to the length.

There are a lot of things I like about this project, but I wasn't wearing it, so it was time to get these issues fixed. It just seems that even fixing this one has been a challenge! Hopefully, I'll have a new project for next Fix It Friday!

Fix It Friday Week 2

2012-01-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

Today's Fix It Friday is quite easy, but something I've been meaning to do for a while. That's my Flyingdales Cardigan. One of my warmest sweaters. It gets a lot of wear (it makes a lovely lightweight jacket). However... if you look closely you can see I made a head slapping mistake.

Yep... the button bands are reversed. Which would be fine for Matt, but this is obviously my sweater (tho' I do like it on him. He'll get one in his non-color range one of these days).

I also have to say that I don't love the buttons. Well, that's not quite true. I do love the buttons, but they're not working on this project. Not sure if I have something else, but I'm going to stash dig and see if I can find something I like a bit better. If not, these are going back on, as I don't want to be without this cardigan for any length of time.

Last week's Fix It project was a huge success. I added maybe 12" to Matt's multidirectional scarf and he's very happy.

Since I was asked in comments: yes, the multidirectional scarf is an easy project... unless you stripe it like I did. This adds a little difficulty, as the second triangles you have to reverse the color changes (and the color changes happen at the short row side, not on the edge). Not necessarily hard, but not simple either.The scarf looks so fabulous in self striping yarns, and that makes it a super easy, yet effective scarf.

Fix It Friday

2012-01-06T09:59:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping this becomes a regular schedule for me this year. I have lots of projects that need a little tweaking. Usually not a lot, and it's not like the projects aren't usable, but I know they would be better if I fixed the issues. Taking one day a week to work on fixes seems like a good way to chip away at them.

Today's issue is easy, fast... and needed. Matt's multidirectional scarf was too short for his taste:

He likes to wrap it around his neck (I usually do the pull thru loop method, which doesn't take as much scarf... plus I was pretty tired of short rowed garter stitch). Using two color stripes adds a little extra attention to the project, and I had to remember exactly how I handled the second triangles (I have to switch colors in middle of the scarf rather than on the edge).

So it's progressing quickly, now that I'm back to remembering what I did. It's a gorgeous scarf (black Cascade 220 with some gray Silk 'n' Wool). After the frigid cold snap this week, it's best to get this one done!

New Year! New Project! New Issues!

2012-01-03T10:39:00.000-05:00

Olivette in Highland Donegal

As is tradition, I have a new project to start off the new year. Okay, I cheated and actually cast it on before Jan.1. I started Dec. 31, but since I didn't swatch, I counted that first inch as a really big swatch!

The pattern is very me (cables/lace/scoop/cardigan in worsted weight yarn). I'm using the wonderful Elann's Highland Donegal in a dusty mulberry-esque color (I think it's officially called "mineral rose").

The ribbing went quickly and I'm about 2" into the main body (past where I am in the photo, which was taken on Sunday). It's knit all in one piece, which I know I'm in the minority here, but I don't really like. The long rows feel tedious, and I don't mind seaming. However I didn't want to bother with the math, and there's a lot of changes across the row between the cables, the lace and the st. st. Hasn't been bad... yet.

However, I did something REALLY stupid. I didn't look at the schematic before starting the project. I just went with a bust measurement and away I went (I chose a size to give me about a zero ease). The problem is that pattern is written with tiny (at least for me) sleeve circumference.

The sad thing is... it's right there in the modeled photo (you can see it in my photo... not that I was trying to show the too tight sleeves on the model, so it's a little out of focus in the photo). You can see the fabric is really stretched over upper arms and the fabric is buckling at her armpits. She's only wearing a tank top, so there's no room to wear anything under this cardigan.

The pattern goes up to a size 52.75", and even on that size, the sleeve circumference is only 15.25". Still not enough ease for me (and be able to wear something with sleeves under it). I know I have heavy upper arms, but this one seems overly narrow even for the average body.

So the question becomes: do I abandon this and find a different pattern (there are a lot of cute cardigan patterns out there in this gauge) or do I do the math to make the sleeves fit? I'm leaning towards the math option, especially with as much knitting as I already have done. I have done it before (even for set in sleeves, as this is). However, this might get benched while I work on something else.

Winding down 2011

2011-12-28T11:16:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. Matt and I enjoyed a lovely holiday, and with him off this week, we're still in holiday mode.

Matt's Cambridge Jacket was a big success. I knew he was going to love the yarn. It's so soft and it's a very lightweight sweater. Things he loves. However, there is some tweaking that needs to be done.

My fear was the sleeves were going to be too long, but I knew they would be easy to shorten. However, the sleeve length was fine, it's the collar that doesn't fit. It hits him a little higher than is comfortable.

I'm actually thinking of doing a folded collar on the Cambridge Jacket. The zipper that I ordered came in at 36", so I had to shorten it. Not my first choice, as I find it very hard to get a neat finish on a shortened zipper (unless there's a facing). Doing the folded collar with help hide the top shortened section much easier.

The original directions also has a decrease on the neck, but I think I'll forgo that, as it's not needed, plus it'll make the fold over easier.

I did see a lot of other knitters think the sleeves were too wide, and I would agree with this. Matt's not a bulky guy, and the sleeves are VERY roomy on him. It would allow for more layering (it is listed as a jacket, not a cardigan, so I'm assuming that the designer allowed a lot of ease to compensate for clothing layers).

All in all, a fine project. Classic, stylish and comfortable. Very Matt. Now I just have to fortify myself with ripping and re-doing (when I would rather be casting on something new!!!).

Cambridge Jacket

2011-12-23T11:32:00.000-05:00

I finished up Matt's Christmas project this morning. I might go back and do one more steam block and maybe reinforce the bottom of the zipper. However, it's done... and with a day to spare! Let's do some project stats!!

Pattern: Cambridge Jacket by Ann Budd

Yarn: Berroco's Blackstone Tweed (worsted)

Problems with the pattern: None, really. All mistakes were me not actually reading (I skim patterns, looking just for the numbers. This came back to bite me twice with this pattern).

Changes to the pattern: I used a smaller needle to cast on, did 3 rows of 1X1 rib over the st. st. sections for the front and back. Did a one row of sc for the front openings (habit: I almost always do that for a zippered opening). I also almost always use a crochet cast on anymore (one too many "ran short of tail for the long tail cast on), and for this one, I wouldn't want to do any other cast on. Since you crochet around the edges, that crochet cast on made for a very easy finish.

Overall impressions: it's a great basic very male friendly pattern. Easy to do, yet the little bit of ribbing not only makes it visually appealing, it's more fun to knit than straight st. st. The yarn? What can I say? It's a wool/mohair/angora tweed blend. So very yummy that I'm hoping this baby is too big for Matt and I can totally steal it.

I can't give an impression on fit, as Matt hasn't tried it on yet, but my only real concern is sleeve length. Easy to shorten if I have to.

So now I can either finish my wool/cashmere socks, get back to concentrating on Matt's St. Patrick sweater or cast on something new!

Block Party!

2011-12-20T09:49:00.000-05:00

Matt's Christmas cardigan is progressing... and only one day behind. It's currently blocking, so I'm just killing time waiting for it to dry.

The yarn (Berroco's Blackstone Tweed) is wonderfully soft and tweedy. However, it doesn't spit splice that well. I assumed that the wool/mohair/angora blend would splice beautifully, but the yarn is almost felted from the spinning, so it took a little extra friction to splice. It also took me longer to soak because of it, as the yarn doesn't absorb water that well. Matt's going to love it! It did bloom a bit in soaking, as expected, and it's just beautiful.

I did have one minor set back. As usual, I skimmed the pattern, made an assumption, and screwed up the front ribbings. Had to rip back the left front and rework it. This put me a bit behind, but I should have no problem finishing this in time (she says cockily... ya, that won't come back to bite me, right?)

So I basically have the day free to work on something else. Or maybe vacuum?

Shortest Year in Review Ever!

2011-12-16T08:47:00.000-05:00

That time of year again! Time to look back at all my finished projects and give updates and final thoughts. I usually spread this over several posts, keeping to just 4 projects a day. (hey, remember that one year that my goal was to finish 24 projects? ya, let's not review that, as some of those projects were not successful).

This year, it's a one and done year in review. While it feels like I knit more this year, I definitely have shifted from "get it done" to "get it right". A lot of frogging, more focus on quality and I don't have a lot of finished projects to show for it. (I will have one more project finished by the end of the year: Matt's Christmas project is well on target to be done by Christmas).

The first finished project of the year didn't come until June! Eeeks (okay, we'll also blame some home construction and Dragon Age 2).

Anyway, first up: Harriet!

I'm very pleased with this project (tho' I will say the black yarn is a wee bit difficult to get a good photo of! I can't do this sweater justice). The yarn is lovely and it's a very comfortable sweater. I've worn it several times, so it's definitely a success!

Next up is Hey Addiction! (yep, the 4th project off the Hey Teach pattern):

I spent a lot of time fine tuning this pattern to get the perfect fit. There are still some things I would like to fit a bit better (I have very narrow shoulders and an extreme bust line, which can be a challenge to get the right fit, especially for set in sleeves).

I am very happy with the project, but I confess: I haven't worn it. Not for lack of wanting, just haven't really needed it. I wanted this more for over air conditioned settings, as it's not real warm or real cool. I'm sure it will get wear this coming spring when I need that light cover up.

So we'll call it a thumbs up, but the proof is always in the wearing and since I haven't worn it yet, I'm a bit reluctant to give a final grade.

Meanwhile, I also finished an absolutely wonderful project for Matt: Aspinwall Revisited:

I have to say that this was a huge time suck, especially since I did the bottom section of half brioche stitch twice (and the stitch itself is a huge time suck: 10 rounds equal 1 inch). It was soooo worth it, as Matt has been wearing this a lot so far this winter.

I love the colors, the cream flecks are wonderful and the yarn (which is a single ply, so yes, it's going to pill) is very soft.

He loves it and so we both are giving this a Huge Thumbs Up. Maybe even one of the best projects ever.

Even with having knit this pattern twice now, I would knit him an other in a heartbeat. We both love it that much.

Next up: The Sampler Block Cardigan:

This is my kind of project, and a delight to knit. I still have to do some tweaking on it (the sleeves are a smidge too long and I don't like my closure), but I have been wearing it quite a bit.

I'll probably knit this sweater again, with a couple of changes. I think my next version will be in easy care yarn. I'll also probably do a V neck rather than the lapels. Maybe go down a size (I made this "roomy" and it might be a little too much so). It's a great around the house sweater and was fun to knit, so definitely a success.

The albatross project for the past year was the Polar Bear Chullo.

Matt had been wanting a chullo for sometime, and while browsing patterns, the Polar Bear Chullo appeared. So cute and he loved it. The drawback? I suck at fair isle. After several false starts, and a lot of procrastination, I finally got it done as an anniversary gift.

He loves it (and I think he's been wearing it this winter for the dogs' morning walk). Again, proof is in the wearing, so it looks like this project is a success.

I, however, will never knit it again.

So that's it! All finished projects of 2011 (with one still to finish). All successes, which is nice. There were a lot of projects that were ripped back. Quite a few projects have been started (and I'm willing to bet that there will be a few finished projects finished early 2012, as I have about 3 projects that are nearing completion). However, Mass Effect 3 will be out in March, and the knitting will come to a screeching halt at that point. Unless they bring back the long elevator load screens.

So off to work on Matt's Christmas project! Only the right front to finish up, and I hope to be blocking this weekend!

Accidently becoming a tradition

2011-12-07T08:27:00.002-05:00

I don't make gifts (with the exception of baby gifts). I get stressed by the dead lines and I've had some ungrateful reactions over the years. It's best to just buy gifts so I can concentrate on my own projects.

Matt is the only person I knit for other than myself (apart from a friend or two that knit, and therefore appreciate the cost and time put into a hand knit project). I don't knit Matt surprises either. I'm not going to put the hours into a project that he doesn't like, and therefore won't wear.

So that means I can blog about his Christmas sweater! This has sort of become a tradition, and not delibrately. For some reason I seem to start a project for him Thanksgiving weekend (or there about) and strive to have it done by Christmas (or at least by the new year).

My intentions this year was to finish his St. Patrick sweater, which is better than halfway done (the back and one sleeve is done. I'm just about done with the second sleeve, leaving only the front to do). However, after the Black Friday frog fest (which was totally successful, btw), I was just browsing patterns to use the City Tweed HW for. Matt loved the yarn so I was looking at potential patterns, and he gave a thumbs up to the Cambridge Jacket. Then he gave a thumbs down on the City Tweed HW (it's the blood red color, and not to his taste). No problem. I have a stash.

I dug out some Blackstone Tweed in a lovely charcoal, and got the double thumbs up (who wouldn't? I mean, wool, mohair, and angora! sweeet). I love this yarn! It's cranking out pretty quickly, as I have the back done and one sleeve finished. I'm working on the second sleeve now and I've ordered the zipper.

Hmmm... maybe I'll even have it done in time for my year in review (coming soon!!!)

My Version of Black Friday

2011-11-25T08:22:00.001-05:00

Black Friday Frog Pile

Instead of fighting hoards of crazed shoppers on this lovely Black Friday, I decided to have a little at home Black Friday... and not with shopping.

The pile of sweaters above will be torn apart and frogged today. Well, maybe one (frogging completed sweaters can be physically exhausting as well as mentally depressing). While all three projects had good intentions, they aren't wearable as is.

The top one is a gauge issue. I used a wool/alpaca gauge that knits between 18-16 stitches/4" for a pattern that required 14 sts/4". I thought this would make it lighter and drapier... and it did. Too much so. The alpaca content also sort of "sticks" to the turtlenecks that I like to wear. So while I love the pattern and the yarn, they were not a good match. I'll definitely knit the sweater again... but I'll use a more gauge appropriate yarn.

The middle green sweater is one of my favorite yarns (Elann's Adara). The slip stitch pattern looks fabulous in the yarn (the pattern is Radiate from knitty). However... the A line shape does not suit me at all. I'm going to look for a slip stitch pattern for the yarn, with a more tailored fit (more suited to my body type).

The bottom sweater is actually not a complete frog (yay!). However, the buttonbands and the sleeves will be frogged. The yarn shrunk up a bit when washed, so the buttonbands ended up wavy (a personal pet peeve) and the sleeves are too wide and now short. Should be a pretty straight forward frog/fix, and the yarn (Tatamy Tweed DK by Kraemer yarns) is a lovely cotton/acrylic blend that makes is an all season cardigan.

I'll try to get one done today, and maybe one tomorrow, then one on Sunday. Unless I have a complete mental breakdown and have to cast on something new!

You mean I have to do an other???

2011-11-14T09:26:00.001-05:00

Charade socks: one down, one to go!

The real reason I'm not a fan of knitting socks. To have to do the exact same thing twice. Blah. For some reason it's worse than knitting two sleeves (I think because the sweater isn't wearable until the sleeves are done, plus I can break up the sleeves: back, sleeve, front, sleeve... doesn't feel quite as redundant).

I will say that I do love these socks. I even have the second one cast on. Not sure how well they'll wear (softer yarn always pills/wears faster, eh?).

The pattern is Charade (Ravelry link) and the yarn is Fearless Fiber's wool/cashmere/nylon sock yarn (um... can I get one of each please?).

I haven't actually tried the sock on yet... as I think I may have made the foot too long (my feet are like the rest of me: short and wide).

detail of the lovely yarn and pattern stitch

Surprisingly, I followed the pattern on this one (except the top ribbing, but that's because I didn't pay attention that it was a 2X2 twisted rib, I just did a 1X1 twisted rib). So yes, that's a heel flap. I normally do afterthought heels (it prevents color pooling, and I love it when doing self striping yarns!), but one of the things I looooove about the Fearless Fibers: no pooling. It's a pet peeve of mine. I don't like color bands spiraling around my socks. However, I have 3 socks waiting for their afterthought heels, and the advantage of heel flaps: when you graft close the toes, it's just a matter of weaving in ends. Afterthought heels means I finish the socks, then have to do the heels. Let's face it, it's more fun to cast on something new then do boring afterthought heels. Now that winter approaches, I'll want them done. As soon as my needles are empty. Sure.

I even did the toe decrease as the pattern is written, and I have to say that I'll be using it from now on. I like the ratio of decreases and where the decreases happen. So does this mean I'm now a sock knitter. Eh. It's a nice break from my other knitting, but I'm not sure I'm ever going to be a sock knitting junkie. I still would rather be knitting a green cardigan.

No Empty Needles!!

2011-11-04T10:25:00.000-04:00

Seems that my policy of "No Empty Needles" is a truism. Even when I have empty size US 1 DPN's, they must have yarn cast on them. Even if they're going to be socks.

Yes, I know I don't normally knit socks, but I found them so very welcome last winter... and look at that yarn! One of my favorite colorways from Fearless Fibers ("Sublime"... and I think it is). I have not used this sock base yet (it's wool/cashmere/nylon) and it feels fab to the touch. Oh, and did I mention how beautiful the colors are?

Now just to decide which pattern!

Edited to add: so I just went thru my Ravelry queue. I have one pair of socks in my queue. Out of 514 queued projects.

Polar Chullo

2011-10-30T14:19:00.000-04:00

The ~~Albatross~~ Polar Chullo is finally done! Almost a full year!

Quick summery: Matt wanted a chullo. I showed him Mary Ann Stephens' lovely chullo from Twist. (note to self. Do not show husband knitting projects that you don't actually think you can knit).

If you've been reading my blog over the last 7 years, you'll know that I rarely knit fair isle. So of course I knit him an advanced fair isle chullo.

A hard steam block, and the polar bears did flatten a bit, but my gauge obviously was a little snug (hmmm.. think I was tense while knitting it?).

Anyway, it's done, he's happy and I can move onto some lovely cables! Let's do project stats!

Pattern: Polar Chullo by Mary Ann Stephens

Yarn: Brown Sheep Naturespun in neutrals.

Problems with the pattern: not so much an error, more of a taste thing. The pattern has you k2tog, but I found I preferred a k2tog tbl (or knit 2 together thru the back loops). Much neater looking, and looking at the modeled photo, it looks like how it was done.

Changes to the pattern: I changed the construction a bit. I really really struggled with the ear flaps, so I did a temp cast on for the base of the hat, knit it, then worked the ear flaps down. This also gave me live stitches for the attached I cord, which was actually quite nice. If I were to do it again, I would do the ear flaps in the round so that they're lined (and fair isle is sooo much easier in the round.)

Overall impressions: stitches are fairly uneven, especially over the long floats of the polar bears. The ear flaps are kinda sloppy looking. was fairly torturous to knit. Matt is very happy so that is all that matters. Seriously doubt I would knit it again (but ya never know... I do enjoy a challenge!)

So it took me a year to knit and I got it done in time for him as an anniversary gift. Now I'm thinking he wants me to finish that quilt I started 15 years ago...

editor's note: Matt is also stylin' his new Aspinwall Revisted, one of my very favorite projects I've knit for him. I'm even tempted to knit him an other!

2011-10-27T10:27:00.000-04:00

The Sampler Block Cardigan is done... sort of. Seems I made the sleeves a smidge too long (and here I was trying to conserve yarn!). I'm hoping that I have enough after shortening that I can re-do the button bands in the original yarn.

While the different dye lot doesn't look terrible, it would be nice for it to be all in one dye lot... if I can do it. For now, we're calling it a FO, so let's do some Project Stats!!

Pattern: Sampler Block Cardigan by Ewe & I Originals (according to Ravelry, they've closed up shop, so no link)

Yarn: Black Water Abbey worsted in silver

Problems with the pattern: I don't remember any errors. I will say that they list it as a beginner pattern, and I'm not sure I would say that. Keeping track of the pattern stitches while shaping (which IS minimal) might be a challenge for a brand new knitter.

Changes to the pattern: Only thing I think I changed was the insert sleeve. The pattern has you pick up stitches all the way around the insert sleeve. I only picked up the top, then seamed up the little bit for the insert.

Overall impressions: LOVE IT! for many reasons. First, it was a blast to knit. My style of knitting. The stitches changed up enough that I didn't get bored. Second, I love how it fits (too long sleeves not withstanding). Third, the color and yarn are exactly what I wanted. I have a tendency of hoarding my Black Water Abbey yarn... I have a fairly good stash of it, yet this in only the second time I've used it (not counting the two fair isle tote kits I knit). It's not like I can't get more, but there is definitely a "too special" to use mentality that I'm trying to get past.

This cardigan is going to get a lot of wear this winter. I absolutely would knit this again (in a smooth, easy care yarn... hmmm... Cotton Ease??)

Now I've got to focus on Matt's Polar Bear Chullo... one ear flap to go (and I got one whole row done yesterday on it!)

Edit: Thanks to Robin in my comments, it seems like the pattern designers' shop is still opened. Pattern can be ordered from their site: Ewe & I Originals!

Diagnosis: Yarn Consuption Mania

2011-10-20T15:06:00.001-04:00

Click to enlarge. Feelin' lazy, so bad light photo.

My Sampler Block Cardigan is nearing the end... and it has been an emotional roller coaster of complete confidence that I have enough yarn, followed by the near panic of not having enough, then a quick swing back to feeling optimistic.

I finished the first sleeve feeling pretty good about the whole yardage thing, as I barely had to dip into my last skein to finish it, meaning that I would be able to finish the second sleeve with that last skein... and maybe even have enough to finish the button bands!

Well, the good news is that the sleeves are done. The other good thing is that the button bands are fairly small. They only go up to the lapel, and only 4 rows of garter. No biggie, right?

Except you can see how much yarn I have left... and even in my highest confidence, I know that is not going to be enough (I don't care that I don't have enough for seaming. I have some Cascade 220 in gray that I can use).

So now comes the debate: order an other skein (different dye lots guaranteed), or just go ahead and use the Cascade 220 that is already in stash, and make it look like a design feature? Or just do a crochet edge/loop instead of full button band????

UPDATE: ordered a one once skein of the silver from Black Water Abbey. Perfect (hey, I may even have enough now to seam it!)

Yet an other Sampler Cardigan!

2011-10-03T10:23:00.000-04:00

...and this one isn't even green!

I got this pattern from Ewe & I Originals (and several others) at the Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet show. Sadly, it looks like the designers have closed up shop, so I don't think their patterns are available anymore. It's a shame, as I really like their designs (keep an eye out, as there are more to come!).

I'm using some well aged stash... so aged in fact, that it's not labeled. That doesn't mean I don't know what it is. Not only do I know what it is, I know what I bought it for. I got this from Black Water Abbey many years ago (remember when Stitches East was in Valley Forge?) So yes, this lovely gray heather is a BWA yarn bought to knit Matt a pullover vest. However, I'm pretty sure Matt will not like the yarn (it's a very natural wool... not soft enough for his sensitive constitution) and it's EXACTLY what I wanted to knit this cardigan in.

However... Matt wears a small. I do not. This is a cardigan and I bought the yarn to make a vest. See where I am going with this? I knew I was going to be short on yardage. Even the pattern told me I was going to need more. I've been hoping that between my short arms and the lack of finishing requirements, I would have enough yarn.

Since these photos were taken, I've picked up the stitches for the first sleeve and I'm halfway down. I'm not even thru my next to last skein. I'm feeling pretty optimistic at this point that I can get thru it. I figure I can always use a different yarn to seam it, but even if I do need an other skein, I think I can get away with it a different dye lot. The way the button band is done, an off dye lot will look like a design element.

Oh, and yes, Blogger made some changes and I've been playing a bit with my layout. Probably will play some more, but I think this is my favorite so far.

Aspinwall Revisited

2011-09-22T17:37:00.000-04:00

After much procrastination, I finally got the zipper installed in Matt's Aspinwall Revisited. I did a quick steam block and it's officially done. This was sooooo worth doing again (and sorta again).

Fair isle is not my favorite knitting technique, however Matt loves it. This project was a good choice for both of us and the reason why I knit it a second time. The first was knit on a deadline, and I misread the directions for the ribbing. While I think the first does look fine and Matt does wear it often, I really liked the original pattern and wanted to try again.New colors, a favorite yarn and a lot of frogging (I tried to compensate for issues with the first by knitting it flat. That didn't work out, so the bottom ribbing was done twice on this one).

Let's do some project stats!!!

Pattern: Aspinwall Pullover by Susan Dittrick. Published in Interweave Knits, Winter 2009 (also available for download)

Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Donegal

Problems with the pattern: there is a minor correction on body length, but when followed correctly, there are no problems with the pattern

Changes to the pattern: other than color selections, none.

Overall impressions: this turned out exactly as I wanted. The single ply tweedy yarn was delightful to knit (yes, yes, it's gonna pill. don't care) and I love the color combo. It's very Matt. I am glad that I not only decided to knit this sweater again, but that I also decided to fix the ribbing so that it looks right.

Since it's frickin' hot and muggy today, I obviously didn't want to make Matt model it for me. We'll do a fashion shoot one of these days (why did I knit so many wool and alpaca type projects in middle of a hot and muggy summer????)

Semi-Knitting Content

2011-09-12T16:18:00.003-04:00

One of the advantages of having a consistent taste in colors is that my stashes are fairly interchangeable.

After digging thru my fabric stash (now muchly reduced thanks to the reconstruction of my studio), I found this lovely purple/green fabric... which matches my Hey Addiction perfectly. I originally had planned on wearing this cardigan with my favorite black skirt, but it didn't look right.

So the skirt was cut out yesterday and apart from the waistband, it's done (it's a simple little bias cut skirt... easy as long as the bias doesn't stretch on ya... and I did stretch the lining a bit, but that's been fixed). I'm letting it hang overnight to make sure the bias is hanging properly and I'll get the waist done.

It feels good to be sewing again. After not much sewing over the last couple of years (aside for the tote bags... which I'll probably be making again soon, I'll post if I put any more on Etsy), I jumped back into sewing with a bang:

Yep, we have friends getting married in October, and I shortened the wedding dress. Apart from a good steam, the dress is ready to go (and I do believe the bride is very ready as well!).

Some other knitting has been done, but it's all just more of what I've been working on. I'll try to keep better updates, as nothing says fall like knitting sweaters!

Aspinwall Final Stretch

2011-08-16T13:14:00.002-04:00

The knitting is complete for Matt's Aspinwall Revisited. I'm blocking the neck opening in preparation of the zipper installation. Then I'll do a final blocking. I like doing it separately so the neck opening doesn't stretch out.

After some debate and consultation, it's been decided that a black zipper would look sharp. Plus easy to find. As a matter of fact, I sort of expected to have one in my sewing stash. I do have two 9" black zippers actually. Both are invisible zippers (as that's my preference in skirts).

The neck opening should be dry and ready in a day or two, so that give me time to get to the sewing store (assuming they even have a 9" black zipper in stock. I don't have good luck with our local Joann's and zippers. Usually end up mail ordering them).

Meanwhile, two other cardigans are complete (meaning I finally got buttons on them):

Harriet (still not a color accurate photo. That's not gonna happen):

Hey Addiction:

Meanwhile, I now have empty size 6 and size 7 needles. Since that's against my knitting rules, I need to find something to cast on, right?

Visual Update

2011-08-13T12:10:00.003-04:00

Stitched Slapped (again!)

2011-08-08T14:06:00.002-04:00

I've been plugging away on my second attempt at the Aspinwall Pullover. I had already been at this point before on this version, and I decided to rip back. Always a hard decision, but I really wanted to be happy with it, not just have it done (and be constantly annoyed at how I screwed it up. Again).

When I first made this sweater for Matt, I obviously screwed up the stitch pattern, causing the half brioche stitch to bias. Which is why there's only about 3" of the half brioche stitch.

I just tried to get an updated photo, but the dark navy and the light fair isle section has been challenging for my limited photography/Photoshop skills:

(I refused to ask Matt to model it for me. It's August and while he is always a good sport about modeling for me, even I recognize that it's frickin' hot).

Anyway, back to the current version. I already had this project past the fair isle band (having worked the half brioche stitch flat). The problem? row gauge. My seam stitches were at such a different gauge from the half brioche that I had super ugly seams. Not good. Ripped the whole thing back and worked it in the round. Which took forever! Even working the stitch correctly, 40 rows to 4" gauge is a wee bit time consuming! Good thing I didn't have to lengthen it!

I am glad I ripped it back and I do think this version is going to be nicer than his first (which is saying a lot: it's in heavy rotation in his wardrobe).

I'm hopeful that this will move much more quickly now. I already have one sleeve done (the non biasing on the cuff was the reason I decided to frog) and the rest is st. st. in a much more friendly 28 rows to 4" gauge!

It's simply too hot for Polar Bears, right?

2011-08-01T12:50:00.003-04:00

Remember Matt's Polar Bear Chullo? Ya, I sorta have been ignoring it. Even tho' it's sitting in a bin next to my Knitting Knest. However, my goal was to have it finished for his birthday (since I didn't get it done in time for Christmas).

As his birthday is fast approaching (like... um, Wednesday), I still have the second earflap to do (I cheated on construction so I could do them last rather than first. hmmm.... seemed like a good idea at the time). Plus the I cord. Plus blocking (and trust me: this baby needs Serious Blocking). Sure... no problem, right? Okay maybe not for this birthday.

Let me just say that I have learned a great deal about fair isle. Mostly that I totally suck at it. All those yarns, size 1 needles, ear flaps worked flat. I love the look at it and I am totally jealous of those who not only do it, but prefer it. I will never be converted. I'm a cable girl, and I think I'll be sticking to that from here on out.

Oh well, it's not like he can wear it in 95 degree weather, anyway.

(I'll also say that while it is too hot to knit fingering weight wool yarn, it is not too hot to work a wool/mohair aran weight cabled sweater.)

FO: Hey Addiction

2011-07-22T08:58:00.002-04:00

(aka: Hey KAL). My 4th Hey Teach is basically done. The buttons I had originally planned are too heavy, so it is still buttonless.

Not a great photo of the front. Will update once I get buttons.

Project stats:

Pattern: Hey Teach (4th time knitting this pattern!)

Yarn: Classic Elite in Classic Silk (Yummy!)

Problems with the pattern: I made the 46", and as I've noted before, there are no seam stitches in the lace section. I increased two stitches on the last row of ribbing so I wasn't decreasing on the selvege.

Changes to the pattern: I obviously made some modifications:

Added 2" to the skirt

Added 2" to the lace section before sleeve shaping

Made the neck not as deep (okay, this was an accident, but I like it)

Did all ribbings on size 6 needles rather than the 8's

Went down to a size 7 needle for the last two lace pattern repeats to make the shoulders a little more narrow

Made 7/8 sleeves (the sleeves hit me about 2" above my wrist)

Overall impressions: LOVE! The yarn is wonderful. Soft and lightweight, yet not terribly hard to knit with. Has a great drape and the color is just what I wanted (which is ironic, as this was not the color I ordered... one of those kismet accidents!). I really like the way this cardigan knits up (obviously: I don't think I've knit anything 4 times). This project is just what I wanted: a light airy cardigan for over air conditioned restaurants. It can be dressed up or down. A true wardrobe staple.

Hey Blocking!

2011-07-19T14:40:00.002-04:00

My 4th Hey Teach is blocking. Well, at least the body is. The sleeves are done, but still need to be blocked. I ended up with 7/8 sleeves (not quite full length, but longer that 3/4). I did a lot of tweaking this time around, so I hope that I didn't mess it up.

The construction on my new craftroom is done and I'm mostly moved in. At this point it's more of an organization issue, which is better to figure out as I use the room. It's so nice to not have to use the dining room table to block! Since it's an attic room, and gets really toasty (read: HOT, especially in the afternoon. Even with central air), I'm guessing this won't take long to dry.

Meanwhile, I've cast on the first sleeve of Matt's St. Patrick, but I'm also considering an other cardigan to cast on. A girl can not have too many cardigans.

Happy St Patricks Day!

2011-07-04T13:11:00.003-04:00

on the 4th of July!

That's right, nice hot July weather and instead of working on my latest Hey Teach, I've been plugging away on St. Patrick for Matt. I'm using Beaverslide worsted in a lovely taupish brown color (I've lost the label, so I have no idea what the color is called).

I started this last year, but after a two repeats, I decided to go up a size. Matt likes slim fitting sweaters, but I think this one needs some ease for the more traditional fitting aran.

While this isn't knitting up as fast as his Staghorn did, and I am not able to memorize the cables, I am happy with the progress. At some point, I do think I'm going to have to figure out how to knit to season! It has gotten large enough that having it sit in my lap in this hot weather is uncomfortable! Yet I continue to knit on it instead of switching to a lighter weight project.

Harbinger of Haggis

2011-06-28T16:21:00.002-04:00

Harriet is basically done. I still need to find buttons and it needs just a light steam on the seams and button bands. All I can say is: I LOVE IT!

The yarn at this gauge is so light and soft. Works well with the lacey pattern and the drape is fabulous. This is going to be a staple piece of clothing in my wardrobe. So while I still need buttons, and I can't get a decent photo of it, I'm calling it done for now.

Project stats:

Pattern: Harriet (yes yes, it's from A Fine Fleece... project #5). Oh and yes, I couldn't help but think of So I Married An Ax Murderer the entire time I was working on this sweater!

Yarn: Elann Highland Donegal in licorice

Problems with the pattern: None

Changes to the pattern: None

Overall impressions: I am very happy. The fit is relaxed, it's lightweight and the black will go with a lot of my wardrobe. I did struggle a bit with the lace pattern with I first started this, but then when I picked it up after a break, it clicked and I was able to plow thru the rest very quickly.

Now to just find the perfect buttons for it and some cool weather!

It's not how you start...

2011-06-27T12:56:00.003-04:00

fronts blocking
Well, actually quality finishing does start with quality starting. However, that's not the problem here.

Harriet is at the finishing stage. Shoulder seams done and the neckband is done. I'm struggling a bit with the button bands. I have the button side done after two attempts and I'm about to rip back the buttonhole band. Finishing makes or breaks a sweater, so I want these button bands to be very neat and even. Picking up the stitches hasn't been an issue, but the garter stitch can look sloppy easily.

the back on the dressform
I really thought I was going to have it finished yesterday, but I've been distracted and the quality of my knitting is showing it. Just need to buckle down and concentrate on getting this done!

Black is the New Black

2011-06-20T13:28:00.003-04:00

I have discovered the worst to photograph sweater to date: Harriet (yes yes, it's from A Fine Fleece are you really surprised???).

I love Elann's Highland Donegal yarn. Single ply. Tweed. Scruptious colors. True worsted weight. However, cables and black yarn don't usually mix well (I'll say "usually", as I've seen some lovely black cabled sweaters). I did know that I didn't want to do a cabled sweater in this charcoal color. So... Harriet to the rescue.

I'm suddenly zipping along on this. For some reason, I really struggled with the lace panels of the main body when I first started knitting this... and there was a lot of ripping back. However, seems that my knitting mojo has returned enough that with careful tracking, I have been able to finish the back and one sleeve.

It's not going to photograph well, to say the least.

The charcoal is either too black, the tweed parts get lost or the knitting itself just dissapears. Oh well, it's going to look lovely over a mock turtleneck come fall (I hope!)

All I can say is that it feels good to be back to my regular knitting groove, enough that I don't care that this is the worst to photograph sweater. Ever.

Corduroy is Done!

2011-06-19T12:11:00.003-04:00

One more project off the needles! A lovely wool/alpaca gansey! Perfect for June! Okay, maybe not, but I am very happy with it. It still needs to be blocked, but I think I'll wait til the fall to do that (why block it then store it for the summer?) Let's do some project stats, eh?

Pattern: Corduroy from A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd. (4th finished project from the book. Have I mentioned how much I love the patterns in this book??)

Yarn: Knitpick's City Tweed DK, color: Enchanted

Changes to the pattern: only change was on the cuff. I went down to a size 4 needles for the last 3 pattern repeats just to make the cuff a smidge smaller

Problems with the pattern: none.

Overall impressions: I sized this so that hopefully both Matt and I can wear it. It seems successful on that front (I'm very happy with the fit on me). I do know that this super soft yarn is gonna pill like crazy, but I don't really care. It's so soft and lightweight. The color is beautiful (and really hard to photograph... but I'm beginning to think this might be the photographer, as this is a standard issue I have with all my projects, eh?).

I will say that this project is pretty basic... almost too much for my usual taste (no cables? huh?). However, it was a great project to just pick up and knit when I needed something mindless to work on. Since it has no seaming, minimal shaping (only the neckline and the sleeves), plus the pattern is only knit/purl stitches, this is a perfect beginner sweater.

So we're going to give this a thumbs up! Here's an other view that shows the side welts:

Frog Fest Friday!

2011-06-17T09:58:00.002-04:00

My backlog of "to be frogged" projects has gotten out of hand. So many projects that need to be ripped back (either entirely or just "mostly"). Today I'm going to rip 3 projects between other projects.

First up is my Gaelic Morning Mist:

There are two major issues with this: wrong gauge and wrong size. I even tried blocking it, but there's no way this was going to fit! I already frogged it this morning... and it was the one I was the most worried about. The yarn is a single ply, and I had already blocked it. I was concerned that the yarn wouldn't handle the ripping, but it seems fine. I'll see if I need to reblock the yarn before I reknit it (it's a wee bit kinky!)

This one is pretty annoying. An almost complete sweater! Just needed the buttons bands and ends woven in! (it's a Sitcom Chic in Adara. I love my first one, and thought a second in a very different color would be handy). Head slap! I used the wrong size needles for the ENTIRE sweater. There's no excuse for that! I've knit it before with this yarn and KNEW what size needle to use to get gauge. I'll rip and re-do, as I really love the color and the Sitcom Chic is just one of those standard patterns!

Fortunately, this one is not a complete frog:

This one has a math error. Basically, I just forgot to add enough stitches when I divided for the sleeves (I only did half of 'em... this will not work!). So not a total disaster, but that's still a lot of ripping and re-knitting.

I just have to remember that sometimes ya gotta step back to move forward! To keep me from wallowing in frog pond depression, I'll work on the second sleeve of Corduroy!

Fixing what isn't broken

2011-06-16T10:55:00.003-04:00

I'm still plugging away on my 4th Hey Teach. I had decided to add some body length, and for some reason this threw me off with everything else. I ripped the armhole shaping/neck shaping and other incidental stitches multiple times (I'm going to have a lot of ends to weave in!)

It looks fab on my dress form, but I'm still concerned that the ribbing is too high for my bust line. Weight gain = bigger boobs... and not in a good way. So, we'll see how it goes post blocking. Unblocked lace is almost useless to get a good feel for sizing anyway.

I also washed and reblocked my Hey Cara Mia:

This is basically what I wanted to replicate with the Classic Silk. Still not sure if I'm going to do full length sleeves or 3/4 sleeves.

I made one change with this Hey Teach: I followed the lace pattern with the S2KP instead of the centered dec (for comparison purposes):

I still sort of prefer the centered decrease, but there is something very "lace-like" about the S2KP.

So two major things to decide. The sleeve length and the buttons. All three of the versions I've made I only did buttons on the lace yoke. I'm still leaning towards that, but I'm thinking more smaller dainty buttons? Hmmm... think I'll tackle the sleeves first.

Hey Addiction!

2011-06-08T14:06:00.006-04:00

Yep, that's my 4th Hey Teach. I love this pattern, and I blame my friend Julie. When she mentioned that she planned on knitting it, I was already playing around with an other one in my head (I was wearing my Hey Cara Mia at the time... and while I love the long sleeves, it was really warm. Decided that an other "cooler" one would be handy).

My first one is fab, but it's a wee bit short and not the best color for me (still wear it a lot). The second was knit for my friend Theresa. The third (the Hey Cara Mia) is the one I wear the most, and I wanted to carry over the mods from that.

So just like the previous versions, it's a fast knit. I joined the left front onto the back and did a quick body check. The ribbing is a bit high for my full bust, so I'm going to frog down to the armhole shaping and add an other repeat (or maybe just a half repeat).

The yarn is Classic Elite's Classic Silk. In Cobalt. I had ordered Blue Yonder and they sent this by mistake. One of those happy accidents, as I loooooove the color. It's more of a periwinkle than a cobalt (I now do own the Blue Yonder for an other project, and it's much more "teal" blue. Lovely too, but the cobalt is more of the color I had in mind for this project).

Of course my intentions were to make it like the Hey Cara Mia with longish sleeves and a longer skirt. However: I suck at math. Big time, as I didn't order enough yarn. I don't think I have enough yarn to do the long sleeves, especially with the lengthened body.

So more frogging. Sigh. I'm tired of ripping back! Granted the lace section goes really fast and I loooove knitting with this yarn (not kidding... I'm addicted to this yarn!). At least it's a good project for this hot weather (the wool alpaca sweater: not so much).

Meanwhile... I'm already thinking a 5th Hey Teach might be in the plans (I have some Tatamy Tweed Worsted in Cherry in stash!)

Simply Simple

2011-06-05T11:56:00.002-04:00

Sometimes simple st. st. is all ya wanna knit. I've been working here and there on this project when I just want to pick up a project and knit without having to do a lot of counting or chart reading.

The pattern is Corduroy by Lisa Lloyd (why, yes that is from her book: A Fine Fleece, and yes I do intend to knit all the sweaters from it). The yarn is Knitpicks' City Tweed DK, color is called Enchanted. Lovely yarn. I'm sure it's gonna pill like crazy (wool/alpaca/donegal tweed), but the drape, softness and color makes me not care at all.

All that is left are the sleeves, which are picked up and knit in the round top down. Should be a breeze... but it will require counting. Oh, and it's now summer, and a wool/alpaca sweater in my lap can be.... challenging, depending on the weather. Good thing I have a Hey Teach on the needles in Classic Elite's Classic Silk (my new favoritest yarn!). Photos coming soon!

Newsbreak: Cindy Finishes a Sweater!

2011-05-23T10:11:00.003-04:00

... and is happy with it!

It has been a while, that's for sure. The knitting mojo might be back! It feels like this is the first project in almost two years that I feel really good about. There was very little frogging, it went together easily and I'm very happy with how it looks (Matt has yet to try it on... hopefully he'll be pleased with the fit).

Guess I should do some project stats, eh?

Pattern: Kearsarge from A Fine Fleece (my favoritest knitting book, ever!)

Yarn: Elann's Naples (a special edition wool/silk/viscose blend, very similar to Silky Wool) in walnut.

Changes to the pattern: None

Problems with the pattern: None

Overall impressions: I love it. The yarn is a bit splitty to work with, but I love the "crunchiness" of the silk combined with the wool. The color is just yummy. A dark brown with ochre heather highlights. The pattern was fabulous. I love knitting basket weave and my short attention span loves that the sleeves are a different pattern stitch than the main body. I would absolutely knit this sweater again.

I will say that my trend of finishing projects on bad photography days continues, as I did have to do a lot of color adjustments in Photoshop. So here's the usual disclaimer: photo does not represent actual color of sweater.

So I'm feeling a bit inspired again. It's nice to not have to rip the whole thing back thanks to bad gauge or poor fit or lack of following directions (all things I've been really really good at lately... did I mention that I did finish an entire Sitcom Chic? at the wrong gauge???? hrumph).

Next up is my fourth Hey Teach. I blame Julie. She's knitting one... so I have to knit yet an other!

Let's Go Frogging!

2011-02-01T09:29:00.003-05:00

No photos today, but wanted to do a quick catch up of what's happening here at Knitting Park.

First, let's say that I am not enjoying this winter. I'm fortunate that I don't have to go anywhere in bad weather (and Matt works from home most days, so I don't even have to stress about him traveling in it), but I'm tired of cold wintery weather.

I'll also say that this has been a bad year for knitting projects. Part of this is a new philosophy. Back in 2009, I did a "finish 24 projects" goal... and while I made the goal, it wasn't, in fact, very productive. A lot of the projects that I finished have serious issues with them. In my rush to get things done, I let things go that I shouldn't have.

This has completely changed my perspective on problems now. I used to debate pretty heavily if something was worth frogging and fixing. Now I simply will not go forward until the problem has been fixed. So I have three projects I'm working on, and I'm in the middle of fixing all three of them.

The biggie is Matt's Aspinwall Revisted (see previous post). I'm on the second sleeve, but I've realized that I need to frog the body and re do it. I had changed the construction to work the half brioche stitch flat, but after working the sleeves, I realized that I must've done the first version incorrectly, as there is no biasing and the stitch was easy to work on the sleeve. I do not like how the body seamed up. It bothers me enough that I think it's going to be worth frogging and re-doing it (as I seriously doubt I'll be making this sweater a third time, even as lovely as it is).

I also have a simple st. st. sweater on the needles, and my stitch count is off. I must've not done the armhole shaping correctly (this is my breakfast knitting, so counting pre-coffee is not really the best idea). Plus I have a crochet pullover I've been working on... with lots and lots of ripping (but that seems to be how I crochet: trial and error).

So I'm still plugging along. Slowly. However, this new philosphy of focusing on getting it right rather than just getting it done will actually produce more usable projects. I hope.

Stitch Slapped!

2011-01-11T09:42:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I over think things. Aspinwall is a perfect example of over compensating.

The first Aspinwall (the navy heather version) was knit for Christmas last year. I had a horrible time getting into rhythm on the half brioche stitch in the round. I found it incredibly awkward to work and on top of that it was really biasing on me. So I only worked it for a few inches then switched to st. st. Matt loves this sweater (as a matter of fact, I was going to blog this yesterday, but he wore the sweater to work) and so I wanted to do an other in a different color combo, but closer to the original sweater.

The Aspinwall Revisited was approached with the issues from the first one in mind. Mainly, I decided to knit the lower section flat, then seam it. I had no issues with biasing and the stitch worked up quickly (k2tog is much easier for me than a p2tog). However, I got to the seaming and I realized that the st. st. side seams made the sides longer than the half brioche stitch. Hopefully, it will block more evenly. I figured it was a small price to pay for making the stitch easier to work and no-biasing.

I was dreading the sleeves, as I had a few inches of the half brioche cuff to do. Cast on... and it was a breeze. The stitch worked up quickly and it didn't bias at all.

So the question... did I do the first one incorrectly (good possibly. I might have misunderstood how to do the stitch) or is the single ply yarn a better choice for the stitch? Either way... my new knitting mantra: start with the sleeves! I can't believe how much easier this would've been if I had just started with a sleeve!

New Year: New Project!

2011-01-03T08:46:00.003-05:00

Okay, not really a "new" project. Not only is this a pattern I've knit before, I started it back in December.

See, I "can" do fair isle... in the round, at least! This is my second Aspinwall Pullover. Matt and I loved how the first one turned out, but as I wanted it done for Christmas last year, I cut some corners. Mainly, I HATED doing the half brioche stitch in the round. I don't think I can describe the tortured pain I suffereed doing only 3" of it. So I switched to stockenette stitch and trudged along. Still turned out well:

(holy krappy photo!, gotta convince him to do an other photo shoot).

One of the problems I had with doing the half brioche in the round was that it biased terribly. Even with only 3" of the ribbing, it's very noticable. Blocking helped a bit, but I can't image how bad it would've been if I had done the entire bottom section with it (not that I would ever know... I hated working the stitch so much that the project would've stalled).

So I figured I would do the bottom section this time flat, then seam it up. The stitch is soooo much easier to work back and forth and there is zero biasing. However, like everything in life, there is a drawback. I added seam stitches, of course. The problem is that the half brioche stitch has a different row gauge than st. st. (which is my standard seam stitch). In retrospect, I should've done a slipped stitch seam. Eh, blocking fixes everything, right?

No matter, as I love how it's looking! The colors are just what I wanted. The Highland Donegal (from Elann) is a lovely yarn (yes it will pill: I have yet to find a single ply yarn that doesn't pill).

So body is to the armholes. I'm ready to tackle the sleeves (eeks, that's half brioche stitch in the round again... at least it's just for the sleeve cuffs. I can live with that. I hope.)

Close up of the fair isle band.

Year in Review

2010-12-29T07:36:00.002-05:00

Well, 2010 is winding down, and I need to get the year in review in before 2011.

The last couple of years my YIR has taken me several days to get thru all my finished projects. Uh... not this year (unless I include Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age, as that is what I spent most of the year doing).

I did start the year with a bang:

Matt's Baueresque Pullover. Probably one of our favorite finished sweaters. Matt loves it and I'm thrilled with the finished project. The project was based on a sweater Matt saw in an Eddie Bauer catalogue. There were a couple of other color combos... don't be surprised if there is an other.

Things slowed down quite a bit after that (did I mention Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age?), but I found that a crochet sampler afghan makes a great cut scene project:

This A-Z Sampler Afghan worked up much more quickly than I expected, used up some stash yarn and is a personal favorite.

Next up was a fun and fast little cardi for me:

Radiate in Adara. Love this yarn and I'm fairly happy with the finished project. My only issue is that the neckline feels a little wonky. It's hard to keep in place. In retrospect, I would do some short rows to give a little neck shaping. Still very happy with it, and it's a nice little cardigan.

More quick crochet:

The Sunny Shoulder Bag was a great project to do, especially with the self striping cotton yarn. Still haven't lined the bag (and I have perfect fabric) and I want to shorten the strap just a bit, but this was a great project.

This is an other favorite pattern:

The Sampler Pullover done in a bright cheery red has already gotten a lot of use this winter. The boxy shape might not be stylish, but boy is it comfy.

The Year of Crochet continues:

The October Vest was actually quite a challenge for me, and it really did try to tell me to not to finish it. I plugged away anyway, and while it was a complete disaster for Matt (the Bartlett yarn is a very natural wool and he can't stand the smell, plus it's way too big for him), it ended up in my closet. I've worn it several times and like it. I'm not a huge vest wearer (my arms get cold, not my core), I think it's pretty stylin'.

Yet an other Ribby:

The TLC Ribby went thru several style changes before I ended up with the mock turtleneck. I'm very happy with this one. Comfy and easy care.

Yet an other crochet afghan!

The Cottage Throw was not only a delight to crochet, but it's one of my favorite finished afghans. Color, yarn, stitch pattern. I snuggle under this every morning with my breakfast knitting and cup of coffee.

Never too many Chicknits patterns:

The Mondo Cable Pullover will become a staple pattern for me. I already have two more planned for this pattern. The Brooks Farm yarn knit up beautifully and even tho' I still haven't blocked it, I've worn it many times (can't stop wearing it enough to take the time to block it!)

So in summery, while it was a light year for finished projects (there are two afghans missing from the list: a smaller version of the A-Z Sampler and a mitered square afghan that went to Project Linus, but I didn't have decent photos or project stats to link to), I will say that what I did complete was sucessful. Lots of projects were started and frogged... as a matter of fact I think this was the year of frogging. I'll also admit that not a single goal that I made last year was accomplished. Oh well... they're more like "guidelines" anyway.

So what's in store for 2011? Well...hmmm... Dragon Age II is coming out March 8th.

Like I Don't Have Other Things To Do...

2010-12-16T12:59:00.002-05:00

Let's face it. I like knitting cables. A lot. So while I'm avoiding doing projects that I don't love (for someone I do love), I cast on a new project.

I got some Beaverslide worsted during the Thanksgiving/Black Friday sale. I love Beaverslide yarns. So soft and yummy. While Matt's Patrick was a disaster, it wasn't the yarns fault (nope, I'm blaming The Worst Written Pattern Ever and some poor decisions on my part).

So, even tho' Patrick was a disaster, I'm staying in theme and cast on St. Patrick from the book A Fine Fleece in the new Beaverslide. I love it. It feels soooo good to be doing a traditional cabled project in yummy yarn. The cables are just complex enough that I do have to track the charts (so unlike Staghorn, don't expect this one done in 16 days).

Meanwhile, I haven't touched the chullo in about 2 weeks, but I am on a second glove (first is seen in photo). At least he should get new gloves for Christmas... and maybe a St. Patrick sweater for St. Patrick's day.

No Earflaps Today!

2010-12-02T11:25:00.002-05:00

Here's my latest procrastination project:

It's not blocked yet, and I just did a quick photo (which does NOT do it justice, to say the least). However, I LOVE it! Shall we do some project stats?

Pattern: Mondo Cable Pulli by Chic Knits

Yarn: Brooks Farm Riato

Problems with the pattern: it's a Chic Knits, so no.

Changes to the pattern: I did a little tweeking. I lenthened the body so it hits me mid-hip rather than at the waist, meaning I added an extra cable cross. I did a 2X2 ribbing (except over the cable, where I did a 4X2). I also changed the neckband so my grafting is on the center back (my grafting skills are better suited to the back).

Overall impressions: I LOVE it. The yarn is scrumptious (wool/mohair/silk) with the perfect amount of halo. The color variation is subtle and interesting. The pattern was just what I wanted (perfect to balance the high concentration of the fair isle chullo). Yes, I have 2 more Mondo pulli's planned! Like the Ribby, this will be a staple pattern where a different yarn will give me a very different sweater.

I'm very tempted to cast on an other one right now (thus avoiding a second earflap)

The Ego Buster!

2010-11-26T09:43:00.002-05:00

First let me say: earflaps in fair isle suck. Oh wait, I think I've already said that. I'm still on the first earflap. Considering how many times I started those suckers, it's nothing compaired to how many time I've had to pull back rows as I've knit them (it's almost a knit 3 rows, rip 2 process).

Let's face it: I'm fairly cocky when it comes to knitting. I skim directions, do my own thing... sheez, I barely even swatch (the ultimate in cocky). This project has kicked my butt. A true test of my skills, and I'm failing fairly well, thank you very much.

My stitches are very uneven, I've had to do a lot of ripping/tinking/restarting. While I think the pattern is quite lovely, my knitting skills have not done it justice. I will hold off final evaluation until after blocking (the knitter's best friend), but I will honestly say that the desire to do another fair isle chullo is non-existant.

Bring on a cabled project... and soon!

Now shooting for the 10th Anniversary....

2010-11-19T08:19:00.002-05:00

That is the start of Matt's Salt Lake 2002 Olympic sweater. Started in 2001. All that lovely black stockinette stitch (is there anything less mindless than knitting st. st in the round?). Lovely, no?

Uh, no. The issue is that it has been 9 years since I started that sweater. That is the 48" finished size. For my currently 38" chested husband. Yep, it ain't gonna work anymore. So like many of the projects that I had started for him at that time, it needs a complete start over.

After some serious debating/measuring/discussion on ease, we decided that the 42.5" would be roomy and not sloppy. Matt hates oversize sweaters, and it's the advantage of knitting him sweaters rather than buying them. I'll shorten the body and sleeves and hopefully he'll have a sturdy well fitting sweater... just in time for the 10th anniversary of the 2002 Olympics!

Plus it gives me a distraction from earflaps.

Procrastination Technique #2

2010-11-18T10:01:00.003-05:00

As we established yesterday, blogging is an excellent way to avoid knitting earflaps (is earflaps one word or two? hmmm ear flaps doesn't look right, does it?)

Today we cover the "it's almost done, why not just finish it" procrastination technique:

A crochet afghan that I've been using as my breakfast project for a while now. It has a few ends to weave in, but it's basically done.

Let's do some project stats, eh?

Pattern: Sweet Tangerine by Barbara Schaffer (pattern is from the Leisure Arts booklet: Contempary Cottage Afghans)

Yarn: Lion Brand Woolease in Sage

Changes to the pattern: none

Problems with the pattern: none

Overall thoughts: wonderful pattern. The pattern stitch was easy and interesting to do. The resulting afghan is just what I wanted. One of the prettiest crochet afghan patterns I have ever seen. The Woolease is great afghan yarn for our house (machine wash and dry: whoot!) and the sage color is right up my alley! (editor's note: the photograph is not accurate. The color of the yarn is a true sage, not the light green as shown).

So tomorrow we'll discuss the benfits of sock drawer organization and how it's not really procrastination (oh what? you thought I would be knitting earflaps. HA!)

Blog equals Procrastination!

2010-11-17T08:39:00.002-05:00

Yep, I'm updating my blog purely in avoidence of earflaps:

I'm very glad I used a smooth acrylic yarn for my crochet cast on, as the Naturespun yarn is very sticky. It was pretty easy unzipping the temporary cast on to get the stitches back on the needles.

This hat really really needs a good steam block! It's a snug fit right now (which Matt likes), but the steaming should help (hopefully) even out my stitches and give just a little more ease to the fit.

I must confess, I'm dreading those earflaps. I really can't procrastinate any longer, and I do have a plan that might make it easier for me. We'll see... I can always just throw on some ribbing if all else fails, right???

Heading towards the polar cap

2010-11-15T09:12:00.002-05:00

The Polar Chullo is progressing a little more smoothly. I think the second set of polar bears are a little less wonky than the first set. I'm on the next to last chart for the body of the hat (then I'll have to tackle those earflaps: but now I have a strategy!).

While this is not my first fair isle project, those polar bears are the longest floats I've had to deal with. I tried the weaving process and had way too much bleed thru, so I ended up doing them the traditional way. I really do need more practice, and maybe I should even read one of my technique books (oh ya... those knitting books aren't just for the pretty pictures. Who knew?).

So fair isle is football friendly, but not movie (or video game cutscene) friendly. It's the chart reading/counting that will be my continual challenge with fair isle. I even avoid cable projects that I have to follow a chart row by row.

I have decided to restart Matt's Salt Lake City again (all that black st. st! now that's good cutscene knitting!). I also have to remember that I'll be making the smallest size this time, so it'll go faster. Right???

2010-11-09T09:18:00.002-05:00

Ya, those are some pretty wonky looking polar bears. Let's hope they enjoy a nice steam bath.

So Matt's polar chullo is moving along. Slowly. Awkwardly. He thinks I just need more practice (and I think he's compiling a list of projects for me to practice on).

StephCat left me a great suggestion on the earflaps on my last post. She suggested I knit them in the round, thus making a two sided (and much warmer) earflap. Brilliant. I had thought of steeking the earflaps, but doing them in the round makes total sense and I'm going to give it a try.

I will confess that I don't think I'm ever going to embrace fair isle. I love how it looks, don't get me wrong. I have sooo much respect for those that do it flawlessly. I just feel so incredibly awkward doing it, plus it's not good for cutscene knitting (you can't just pick up and knit. There's that whole chart reading thing).

However, I will keep plugging along and do the occassional project for Matt (yes, I do have the Salt Lake City Olympic sweater to re-do. Uh, who started a 48" sweater for Matt again????. edit: I tried to find a link to the sweater and seems that the 2002 Olympics were soooo long ago that this pattern is gone. Best I can do is my first dog hair encrusted attempt, which is here).

So I'll finish the current chart section on the Polar Chullo before I start playing Fallout: New Vegas.

Earflaps... we don't need no stinking earflaps!

2010-11-05T14:20:00.004-04:00

Yes, that is the start of a chullo. Specifically the Polar Chullo from Twist Collective.

I don't knit a lot of fair isle. There are many reasons. I'm not a fan of multiple strands of yarn at one time (and one of the reasons I don't use hand dyed yarns often, thanks to having to alternate rows). I'm a slave to the pattern with fair isle. It's like doing cross stitch where every stitch has to be counted and done correctly (and ripping back is a royal pain in the tuckus). Oh, and it doesn't help that I pretty much suck at it.

However, Matt is a HUGE fan of the fair isle style. Yes, he likes the cabled projects I knit him. He likes cables just fine, but he's been wanting me to knit him a fair isle project for some time now. He's also been wanting a chullo for a while as well. It will keep his ears nice and warm on those cold morning dog walks. So I figure this would be a good project for me to practice my fair isle skill and kill two birds with one stone for him (btw: he still wants a fair isle vest and/or sweater. He thinks the chullo will be good practice for me).

Well.... I started the Polar Chullo as per the directions. Starting with the earflaps. Which of course are knitted flat. On size 1 (US) needles. Did I mention I SUCK at fair isle. Add working flat to that and after 7 attempts (no exaggeraton), I realized that this chullo was going nowhere fast. Enter the brilliance of a crochet cast on (my favorite cast on, btw). I decided to do the body of the hat, then do the earflaps top down later. Why do it now when I can procrastinate (that's always been my motto!). So we'll see how it goes, but I'm already well underway with 11 rounds done (and only had to tink back one row!).

If all else fails, he'll get solid or striped earflaps, but at least he'll have some cute polar bears on his dog walks!

Comfort Zone

2010-11-04T13:38:00.003-04:00

The TLC Ribby is done. I'm glad I decided to drop the scoop and re-do the yoke. This will be a lot more comfy for me. Plus, it's finished (no more debating on how to do the too deep scoop/fake double layer).

Let's do some project stat's, eh?

Pattern: Ribby Pulli by chicknits (this is my 4th finished one, I believe)

Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus

Problems with the pattern: I found the scoop to be way too low for me, but I am short (I also have to shorten the sleeves about 6")

Changes to the pattern: I did a fake double layer on the sleeves. I was afraid that I wouldn't have enough of the multi to do the long sleeves, and figured this was a good way to save some yardage. The bonus is that the multi colored yarn did that icky color stacking spiral thing (which I personally hate), so doing the white sleeves ended up having an additional advantage. Used a 2X2 ribbed mock turtleneck.

Overall impressions: since I'm feeling a little frumpy right now, I won't judge that aspect on the sweater right now. I will say that I love the idea of the fake double layer sleeves. The yarn is soft (and did I mention easy care???) and it's a comfy fit. Perfect for what I wanted.

So it's done... and I can move on. I'll get a lot of wear out of this, especially on cooler days (too warm for a wool sweater, yet too cool for just a long sleeve tee).

hmmmm.... that also means I have a set of empty knitting needles, doesn't it?

Prevent Defense?

2010-10-31T11:37:00.002-04:00

I've been playing around with some projects lately, and I'm still working on the yoke for my TLC Ribby. I really wanted something "New!". So here's a new project (sorta):

This is actually a restart. I've always loved this Jean Frost cardigan (it's called "Bobbly-pointed edges" and it can be found in the Best of Knitters: Jackets).

I originally started it in Cotton Ease. I loved it, but I kept screwing up the lace pattern (what? I have to pay attention on the wrong size???? eeks). After some thinking, I also realized that the Cotton Ease might not block well for the lace (of course I could "swatch and block" uh. huh.). Instead, I decided to just simply start over. A fresh start.

I also decided to start with a sleeve. I really should do this more often, as I find it really helps with the second sleeve syndrom later.

I'm making a few changes. The sleeve is going to have to be a little wider and much much shorter (the sleeves are too long on the tall model from the book... imagine them on me!).

My first version, I just didn't do the bobbles, but I do think it looked odd without. So I did them, but I made a smaller bobble. I think it's just enough.

I'm also using a great yarn. Kathmandu DK, so it's going to be very light and soft. At first I wasn't sure the pattern stitch would show up, but I'm happy with it. (btw: the color is Hot Pink!!, not as mulberry as the photo shows. I tried to color correct it in photoshop, but gave up).

So when I feel like concentrating, (did I mention that the lace pattern is worked on BOTH sides??), this is the project right now. When I need mindless, it's the TLC Ribby. Of course that's when I'm not playing Fallout: New Vegas.

Re-booting

2010-10-27T12:37:00.003-04:00

Fallout: New Vegas is a little... buggy. Okay, it's super buggy with lots of crashes and weird happenings. I lost about 4 hours of game play due to a corrupted file save, so I'm now rebooting often (and anytime the load screens start to take too long to load). I'm well over 80 hours of saved game play (not including crashes and corrupted files). It's been a decent game, but very frustrating (for obvious reasons).

So, while my Xbox takes a little rest, I thought I would do a quickie blog post. I'm still slowly plugging along on the TLC Cotton Plus Ribby Pullover (man, that's a mouthful! TLC-CP-RP? hmmm, not much better). I'm really glad I decided to frog the yoke back and do a mock 2X2 ribbed neck. Much more my taste, and I know I'll get a lot of wear from it once it's done.

Those first couple of rows of yoke are always tight on the circular needles, but after about 8 rows, I'm in a good rhythm. Hopefully I can get it done during the World Series.

Meanwhile, I'm still looking for inspiration. I'm finding lots of projects on Ravelry that I love, and I've even pulled out some yarn/needles and cast on a project or two, but I can't quite find that passion for a project. I feel a bit like I'm slugging thru projects rather than enjoying them. I know that magic project is out there, so I'll keep looking (and swatching/casting on) until I find it! I mean, I'm not even BUYING yarn (what's up with that??? think I've actually hit max. capacity?).

In the meantime, the Xbox is ready for a reboot, the coffee cup is refilled and I'm ready to head back to the Mojave Wasteland!

Eight Years Later...

2010-10-21T11:51:00.002-04:00

... and I'm still blogging. Granted, no longer daily (and this year we'll even say "rarely"), but I'm trying to be more consistant again. I find that it really helps for me to keep track of what I'm working on.

I started blogging back in 2002 as a way to keep track of my knitting progress. The idea was to help me stay focused on projects. It certainly has helped on some levels, and I'm so glad that I've been journalling projects for the last 8 years.

I've gone back thru a lot of my blogs (mostly since I switched to blogger a few years ago, the pre-blogger blogs are basically gone). It's fun to read what I thought of projects as I was working on them. It's scary how many projects were started and stalled (or were frogged). It's also amazing how totally krappy some of my photographs were (still not great, but a HUGE improvement, that's for sure!)

This was the project I was working on when I first started blogging:

Cornwall by Alice Starmore knit in Cascade 220

The photo is more recent (it's dated 2008), as I re-photographed it before I changed the neckband. Matt never liked the open neckband, so it was frogged and after many attempts, a ribbed neckband was put back on (which I don't have a photograph of anywhere. Hmmmm, need to fix that! Where's my model????)

So, while blogging isn't quite the "thing" anymore (let's face it, most twitter or facebook now, plus there's Ravelry), I plan on continuing to blog. I love having a reference for my projects! So thanks for all the page hits over the years, I hope you keep stopping by occassionally!

Rainy days are for frogging!

2010-10-19T09:43:00.002-04:00

Even tho' Fallout: New Vegas arrived this morning, I hope to spend some time with my TLC Ribby today. (If I can stop playing Mass Effect. I have issues).

I love everything about this top... except the neckline. The photo is one of many attempts to try to do a double layer insert. It's not working.

I finally realized that the biggest issue is the scoop. It's too scoopy (it's waaaaaay too low for me) and it's not what I actually want. I realized that I'm going to be happier with a traditional 2x2 rib neckband.

So I'll frog it back to the start of the neckline (which is basically the entire yoke) and re-do it. This pullover is perfect for this time of year and I love the colors. The TLC Cotton Plus is soft and easy care.

Meanwhile, the mitered crochet afghan is done and waiting for me to switch laundry so I can wash and dry it. Matt and I have decided that it's perfect for Project Linus (good size and kid friendly colors), so I'll drop it off later this week. I'll have finished photos/project stats probably tomorrow!

On The Border!

2010-10-18T12:56:00.002-04:00

The mitered crochet throw is getting close to being finished. I'm at the border, which always takes longer than I think it's going to take!

I did end up doing an extra 5 squares. The afghan is written for 5 blocks by 6 blocks, making the finished size 48" X 57". Even as vertically challenged as Matt and I are, that's not a comfy length for us. 5 extra blocks, and it's now 5 blocks by 7. Fortunately, I had some of the light periwinkle in my stash so I didn't need to buy any extra yarn for it.

Have I mentioned how much I love these colors? I hope to have it done today, then I think I'm going to tackle a knitting project that I've been ignoring for a bit. Winter is coming!

Mitered Squares

2010-10-13T14:27:00.003-04:00

My mitered blocks crochet afghan is moving along quickly. I have about half of it sewn together:

I have to say, I LOVE the colors!

This has been a fast project so far and I think I've learned some valuable things about myself.

I learned that I prefer to do individual blocks, even if they do need to be sewn together. My hexagon afghan is annoying to work on, as I'm attaching as I go. I just can't get into a groove with it.

I learned that I prefer to do my blocks in the round blocks rather than do the mitered blocks. They are easier to seam up (even tho' I'm actually crocheting these blocks together).

I found out that color is my first priority (after washability for afghans). While I love the colors of this afghan, let's face it: Red Heart Super Saver is not a real "snuggly" yarn. The cornmeal is actually quite harsh (there's a huge descrepency between colors on softness, that's for sure). However, the colors totally make this afghan for me, so I can live with the texture of the yarn.

I also learned that weaving in ends after completing a block is prudent (yes, I've learned that lesson before, but I guess I needed a refresher on that one!).

So I should have this baby done by the end of the week. I already have an other afghan ready to go when this one is done (and yes, I'm still working on three others at the same time. Yay for short attentions spans!)

Still Knitting! Really!

2010-10-08T13:43:00.003-04:00

I know that I've been showing more crochet projects than knitting projects of late (mainly, as I have been working on more crochet than knitting). However, that does not mean that I'm not knitting. I'm just not knitting as much as usual (yes, we can blame Bioware for some of that too).

Meanwhile, I am still trying to knit all the sweaters from A Fine Fleece. Here's some progress updates:

Corduroy, this simple gansey has been perfect for my current attention span knitting. Simple and mindless. Great to pick up and knit a few stitches during cutscenes or long load screens. I'm loving how the Knitpicks City Tweed DK is knitting up. Yes, it's going to pill like crazy, but oh how soft and warm is this sweater going to be!

Since I love the City Tweed DK so much, I decided that to use the aran weight for Amanda. I originally started this one in Brooks Fiber Farm Rialto, but reality hit and I knew I wasn't going to have enough yarn (which is too bad, as it was turning out beautifully). I'm thrilled with the pattern stitch/drape/color of this so far. This is an other great just pick up and knit project!

Meanwhile, I decided that I loved Matt's Staghorn so much, I needed to knit one for myself. In yummy Black Water Abbey (the yarn color, Iris, doesn't photograph real well. It's either too purple or too blue. The real color is somewhere in between). This is a great cabled project for me. The cables are easily worked (not only do I have the patterns memorized, I don't need a cable needle to work them). So it's an other just pick up and knit project.

So lots of projects being worked on (as usual) with out a lot of finishing (as usual). Eh. Things get done when I get them done!

Crochet Squared

2010-10-06T10:42:00.003-04:00

I'm really digging the colors Matt helped me pick out for the mitered crochet throw. I've got the pattern down, but I am having some gauge issues:

My gauge relaxes as I go, so my squares aren't very square.

It has gotten better (my first two squares are unusable), but I have to really watch how loose I get, especially on the last two colors. I'm hoping that sewing the blocks together will help them square up. However, I'm avoiding weaving in ends, just in case I need to go back and rework these blocks (ya, has NOTHING to do with me procrastinating on the weaving in ends thing).

I'm actually debating if I should do the last color in a smaller hook just to help tighten up the last two rows?

More on afghans

2010-10-05T13:44:00.002-04:00

I admit I was going to do an actual knitting update today, as I do have a few knitting projects underway. However, the afghan phase is still in full effect.

Matt and I had a few errands to run, so I picked up a couple of skeins of yarn to do a mitered square afghan. I've been playing with the colors and this is what I've decided on:

Now all I have to do is figure out how to keep my squares "square" (my gauge relaxes as I go, so I really need to concentrate).

For some reason, my knitting has a bad case of startitis. I can't seem to stay focused on a single project. The afghan projects are getting much more attention (depending on where in the house I'm sitting).

Maybe the afghan phase is due to the dreary weather... or maybe the still fresh memories of last winter? Maybe I'm more into crochet right now (I like my sweaters knitted and my afghans crocheted). Or maybe it's not having to worry about fit?

Afghans!!!!

2010-10-02T14:26:00.003-04:00

Let's give a shout out to fall! Now that October is here, the temp has dropped to cool and comfortable and the leaves are definitely turning (and falling, but don't tell Matt. Raking season is one of the drawbacks this time of year), it's time to dust off some snuggly soon to be winter projects:

I'm a fan of afghans, especially sampler afghans. and green (I will say that in real life these greens are not as close in color as they would appear in the photos. Really. Well, mostly.)

This is a sampler crochet afghan I've been working on for a few years, but had to rip a bunch of it back (I was losing stitches as I went, and I prefer a retangular afghan. Just sayin'):

This is an afghan from a Leisure Arts book (doing it in Woolease, which I'm finding I don't love to crochet. It's very splitty, especially with the FPS):

Here's an other samper square afghan. This one has been around for a while. I'm actually using two different booklets and using which squares I like. I'm hoping I took good notes as to which ones I've already done:

Now this one doesn't quite fit in with the rest. First, it's not green and second, It's Done! Woo!

Just a quick summery on this one. It's small. I only had enough yarn to make 16 squares, and I just used the A-Z Sampler pattern that I used for this one. It's a soft, cozy, lapghan and I'm very happy with it. Ya, I like making afghan squares. Bring on some more!

The Disaster Zone

2010-09-30T09:55:00.002-04:00

After several years of procrastination, I've spent about 2 hours in my sewing room this morning doing a little purging.

It's bad. Really bad. The room has many issues, not the least of which is that it's basically an attic space. This has several drawbacks: first it's got temperature issues (it gets HOT! especially with my steam iron on). It's also tucked away from regular house activity... with lots of soft cozy fabric for the mice to find. Ugh. It's also the "don't know where to put it" room.

Since my energy levels have improved a bit, I've been meaning to tackle it. However, every time I would walk into the room, I would get overwhelmed and turn around and go play Mass Effect 2 (or Dragon Age, depending on my current obsession).

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), my hand has been forced. We have to replace our shingles on the roof, and we always planned on adding some dormers to the room when we did.

While adding dormers and changing the roof angle will give me a much more usable space, I now HAVE to clean out that room, as we have a contractor coming today for our first quote. Eventually, I'll have to take everything out of that room (eeeeks!), but it's a great way to purge an overwhelming stash of stuff (do I really still need to keep the oil paints from college? I mean really? when was the last time I painted?)

Well, I guess I should head back to tackle some more. Enough procrastination, eh?

Epic Fail

2010-09-17T07:56:00.002-04:00

So here's the third finished project in as many days. This one, however, will be looking for a new home:

This project has been nothing but a pain in the ass from the beginning. I had gauge issues (then decided to go up a size, so Matt could wear it over a jacket... shouldn't have bothered). I found the directions VERY hard to follow and made globs of mistakes that required a lot of ripping back. The zipper installation is not the best (not the worse either).

The icing on the cake: Matt doesn't like it. Not his fault. I know that Matt does not like the smell of natural wools (we went thru this when I made him a pullover out of Paton's Ballybrae). However, I didn't think that the Bartlett was that bad (I wear it and don't notice it, but I think knitters find the smell pleasant. You know... smells like wool). I will also say that while the idea of "oversized to wear over a jacket" sounded like a good idea... the 44" is still way too big for him.

So the Bartlett stash is now for me (even tho' the oatmeal is sooo not my color, I have enough left over from this project to make me something) and I'll find this very warm wooly vest a new home. Let's do some project stats:

Pattern: October Vest from Interweave Crochet Fall 2009

Yarn: Bartlett Fisherman in Oatmeal

Problems with the pattern: found the directions very hard to follow. Paragraph breaks didn't coinside with structure of garment. Hard to keep track of where you are (row counts would've been nice).

Changes to the pattern: none... not that talented of a crocheter to tweak.

Overall impressions: While I think the final product ended up okay, this was a doomed project from the start. Way too many mistakes on my part, used a yarn that didn't suit Matt in a size that didn't fit him. Part of my stubborn nature wants to try again with a different yarn, as the style is very him, but I think he'll get a knitted vest next.

Samplers Rock!

2010-09-16T09:43:00.002-04:00

Having been blessed with the attention span of a 4 year old (ooooh shiny and new! must cast on!), I'm a huge fan of sampler projects. Many sampler afghans have been made and I love the Sarah James sampler series. Case and point: The Sampler Pullover in Wool.

This is the second pullover I've made (I've made the cardigan twice now). My first pullover was done in TLC's Heathers and I wear it ALL the time. It's like a comfy sweatshirt. However, I wanted a wool one too! Stash dove and found some Kraemer Naturally Nazareth in a bright cheery red (called "Fire"... and no it does not photograph well).

The boxy, dropped shoulder might not be the current fashion trend, but it gets a huge thumbs up for comfy and ideal for around the house on cold dreary winter days. I don't want to wear a fitted, tight sleeved sweater while vacuuming. Let's do some stats!

Pattern: Sampler Sweater by Sarah James

Yarn: Kraemer Yarns's Naturally Nazareth in Fire

Changes to the pattern: I changed a couple of the sampler panels so that each section is unique (the pattern has you repeat one or two, I don't remember which one). I picked up the sleeves and worked them top down.

Problems with the pattern: None.

Overall impressions: exactly what I wanted. A comfy cozy warm brightly colored sweatshirt style pullover for long dreary cold winter days.

So a huge thumbs up and a staple pattern for me. Fun to knit and comfy to wear. Hmmm... Maybe Matt needs a pullover version, too?

Two Days with Two FO's!

2010-09-15T21:00:00.002-04:00

I finished up one of my crochet bags yesterday and finished up my Sampler Pullover today (both need a little blocking, and I haven't lined the bag yet... but it's a usable bag, so I'm counting it).

I didn't redownload Photoshop yet, but I'm trying a freeware program (much less of a memory hog), so I was able to get some photos today.

First up is the Sunny Shoulder Bag:

As the photo shows, I can wear it a la messanger bag style, which is great (that's with the length given in the pattern). I would probably shorten the strap 6" if I wanted a shoulder bag. Let's do some project stats!

Pattern: Sunny Shoulder Bag from the March/April 09 issue of Crochet Today!

Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream Stripes (for the hexagons) and Solid for the border/strap.

Changes to the pattern: I used a self striping yarn to make the hexagons rather than the 2 row color changes in the pattern. I made the bottom by mitering decreases rather than sewing in the rectangle. My straps are wider than what is given in the pattern.

Problems with the pattern: None that I could find. The directions were clear and it included charts (yay!)

Overall impressions: I'm very very happy with this. It was a lot of fun to make and I most defintely will make it again (it's a great stash/scrap buster). My only complaint was with Lily and the lack of coordinating colors for with the self striping yarn. None of their blues/greens went with the colors in the stripes, which is why I ended up with the ecru (which I think worked just fine). I do plan on lining this down the road, but it's a great bag as is.

I'll do a run down of the Sampler Pullover tomorrow!

TBF (to be finished)

2010-09-13T09:21:00.003-04:00

My pile of "almost finished" projects is getting larger, yet I'm casting on new projects rather than finishing them up:

Both of my crochet tote bags are getting very close (one needs the lining sewn in and the handles attached. The other needs some ends woven in, the handles to be crocheted and a lining).

The zipper has arrived for Matt's October Vest, but I need to steam the finishing before I sew it in.

My Sampler Pullover is halfway on the second sleeve.

Meanwhile, my laptop died over the weekend. Fortunately my IT department (aka: Matt) was able to retrieve my files. All those PDF patterns. Sadly I had just bought a flash drive to back them up, but hadn't gotten around to doing it yet. They're backed up now!).

I've commandeered Matt's laptop and decided I'm keeping it (not sure if he knows this or not...). I like it much better and it's much much quieter (the fan on the my laptop was LOUD, and I don't think it worked well, which is what we think killed it).

Saying that, none of my software has been installed on it yet, and that includes Photoshop. So no photos for the time being.

Not sure how long that "for the time being" is going to be. Halo: Reach is out tomorrow. Might be busy for a few days (we'll see... the Halo franchise has sort of moved away from the single player campaign to concentrate on it's multiplayer, which I don't play. I'm a lone wolf gamer).

Meanwhile today I'll see if I can at least weave in some ends on the Sunny Shoulder Bag!

Bagging Crochet

2010-09-08T10:59:00.003-04:00

I have a couple of projects that I'm trying to finish up, including 2 crochet bags that are semi-close to being done.

This is the Sunny Shoulder Bag from the march/april '09 issue of Crochet Today! (love that they use an explaination mark! Such enthusiasm!)

The original bag uses a two row color change. Hmmm... that sounded like a lot of ends! So I used some Sugar n Cream Stripes. The drawback? Seems Lily didn't bother making coordinating colors for with their stripes. I couldn't find any of the colors used in the stripes as a solid. I didn't want to use the stripes for the fill in hexagons (which aren't really hexagons since they lack the proper number of sides, eh?) Anyway, I originally planned on just using white, but after all the hexagons were done, I found the white to be way too stark of a contrast. Tried a denim and a dusty green. Nope. So I do have a cream (or is it ecru?). A few more ends to weave in, then I'll start filling in.

Meanwhile, I'm also trying to sew up an older crochet back that been around for while. I'm hoping to have it done in a day or two. A girl simply can't have too many tote bags (plus no short row bust darts!)

Bring on Fall!

2010-09-07T08:56:00.002-04:00

Since Labor Day is past, the days are getting shorter and I'm already enjoying Sam Adams Octoberfest beer, we all know that colder weather is around the corner.

I'm going to try to blog a little more frequently, as I think I've discovered why I've lost my momentum (yes, we'll blame the Xbox 360 as the major reason).

It comes down to picture taking. I'm not a huge fan of pictureless blogs, so I like to include when I can. However, I've also found that I get better photos in the afternoon than in the morning. I was in the habit of doing my blog first thing in the morning before I got my day started. Once I started waiting for better light, I simply never got around to it. So I need to find a new schedule (maybe take the photos the day before I blog?)

Anyway, just because I haven't been blogging, doesn't mean that I'm not working on stuff. I will say that I've been doing more crocheting than knitting lately (and a lot of frogging. I am no master crocheter!)

I have an almost Fo, the October Vest from Interweave Crochet Fall 2009. I'm waiting for the zipper to arrive, and the finishing needs a light steam. Here's what it looked like in progress:

I will say that I have never been so frustrated by such a simple project. I'm sure that it's crochet had a lot to do with it. Plus I find Interweave patterns very hard to read (I understand space issues. I used to do typesetting for magazines and know that there is limited space for content). The problem for me is that you have to meticulously read the directions. The content is not broken down logically (like the collar directions are not at a paragraph break). This probably isn't an issue for meticulous pattern readers. Which I am not one. I am a skimmer. I glance at my patterns while I'm working and really don't like being tied to my pattern (and probably why I'm not a huge fair isle fan).

Anyway, I'll give specifics on my struggles with the vest when I do my project review, but suffice to say that I think I can say I've made this vest 4 times now.

Meanwhile, I'm hoping to get some crochet bags I've been working on finished up this week. I also need to dig out a cabled project. I'm feeling a little cable-less right now. Matt might need a Na Craga.

Radiate Fern

2010-08-09T13:31:00.005-04:00

Woo-hoo! An other FO... and I LOVE it!

I have a minor... okay, MAJOR obsession with Elann's Adara. Not sure why, but I love it. I started this pattern the Adara in Teaberry, but I was worried that I wouldn't have enough, so I recast it on with Fern.

The pattern was inspired by my friend Julie who is also knitting it (in TLC Heather... with longer sleeves. Ya, who wants to bet that I end up casting that on too?)

A great pattern/yarn combo to be sure... so glad I didn't rip back the Teaberry version, as I'm totally planning on finishing it (but I might just do little cap sleeves). Especially since I know I have enough yarn!

Project Stats:

Pattern: Radiate by Helene Rush (who is quickly becoming a favorite designer. How many Hey Teach's have I knit?)

Yarn: Elann Adara in Fern

Problems with the pattern: none. as expected. Ms. Rush knows what she's doing.

Changes to the pattern: only made 4" sleeves (we'll call that more of an impatience factor than a design change). Worked the sleeves in the round rather than flat.

Overall impressions: Love it! The color. The yarn. The pattern. The marled yarn works well with the slip stitch pattern. It was fun to knit and I love how it fits. A staple pattern to be (especially since the Teaberry one is already cast on... heehee).

It feels good to have happy project for me. Seems like it's been a while since I've been happy with a sweater for me in a while. Might be just what I needed (and thanks to Julie for the inspiration!)

I Adore Adara

2010-07-28T09:18:00.002-04:00

Seems I have a bit of an obsessive personality (yes I am still playing Dragon Age). Not only on games, but on yarn and or patterns. I like to think of it as a "variation on a theme" rather than true obsession.

Elann has this lovely marled cotton/linen aran weight yarn called Adara. I love this yarn. I've used it twice and bought a whole bunch last year when they had full bag sales. I now own every color except one. I even bought 2 more bags of Waterfall (which is what I used for my favorite Sitcom Chic. Love that sweater!)

So when my friend Julie started a Radiate, I figured that the Adara would be perfect. It is! However, I started it in Teaberry. I only had 10 skeins of the Teaberry (full bag sale, remember). On top of that while I know I had bought 10 skeins, I only had 7 in it's bag. Hmmmm. So I stopped working on it (and I sent a PM to a member of Ravelry that had 5 skeins of it in the same dye lot. Sadly, she never got back to me). I eventually located all 10 skeins, but in the meantime I cast it on again:

In green! That's the Fern colorway and I love it! I really like the way the slip stitch pattern works with the marled yarn and it's perfect cut scene knitting. I'm already thinking of other yarns I want to try this pattern with (we'll see how it actually looks on me before I start a third. Promise.).

The irony is that it looks like I'm only going to need 10 skeins. So I may end up with two of these sweaters in Adara. One in Teaberry and one in Fern. Yay for minor obsession issues!

A-Z Sampler Afghan

2010-07-24T12:39:00.003-04:00

So it took me less than two weeks to make this afghan. I think the seaming/border took me as long as the blocks themselves. I blame the heat, as I had to do the seaming and border in small spurts.

Let's do the project stats:

Pattern: Crochet A to Z Sampler Afghan by Darla Sims

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Flecks

Changes to the pattern: none (huh? nope, other than not paying attention the the block layout, I followed the pattern as written. Shocking).

Problems with the pattern: none. Considering my mediocre crochet skills, I was able to figure out all the patterns.

Overall impressions: this was a fun project to make (less than two weeks is a good indication that it kept me interested), and overall, I'm happy with it. As I've said before, my bigget issue with crochet sampler afghans is the variety in density in the different squares. I think of this more as a decorative afghan than a true snuggling afghan. However, I'm willing to bet that it will see some nap time. So we'll give it a thumbs up.

Well, so I guess that's really my first completed project of 2010. Eeeks (okay I did finish a sweater for Matt back in January, but the bulk of the knitting on that was done in 2009). Now if I can just stay on track on any of the other 30 projects started and or abandoned maybe I'll get something else done this year.

Afghans in Summer

2010-07-21T12:52:00.002-04:00

The A-Z Sampler Crochet afghan is almost done. I've completed the blocks and I've sewn them all together. Haven't woven in a single end yet. Plus I still need to do the border.

It's late July, with typical late July weather. Upper 80's (not bad... considering the mid 90's we've been dealing with) and high humidity. Yes, we do have central air and yes it is still on... but the idea of having that afghan on my lap to weave in ends and do a border... feels soooo wrong.

So while there's lots of advantages of doing sampler blocks for afghans in the summer (small, fast, and fun), there are a couple of disadvantages. Weather being a big one. Of course I could just wait until fall, but I want to get SOMETHING finished this year!

The other thing I'm not thrilled about with sampler afghans is the variety in density. You get this with both knit and crochet, but it always seems worse with crochet. I have some super dense blocks and other blocks that are very open and lacey. It's the nature of the beast, and some designers are better than others at the balance. This one isn't bad, but there are still some pretty large swings in density. Of course I try to offset them with placement (lacey next to dense) as much as I can. Overall, I know it'll be fine and I'm overly obessing right now.

I'm pretty happy with this project so far (and FYI: I did order 2 more skeins of the yarn, but it doesn't look like I'll need them. I can't tell you how many times I've done that!). It went SUPER fast. Hopefully will have it done tomorrow. Stay tuned for pictures!

Short Attention Span

2010-07-16T10:28:00.003-04:00

I'm obviously not very focused on much (other than Dragon Age... but that's a whole other issue). I've been flitting between projects, casting on new things. Ripping old and new project (as a matter of fact I think there's been more unknitting than actual knitting lately... as well as crochet).

So what's the solution? Especially when I don't knit socks?

A Sampler Afghan of course!

One of the many sampler afghan patterns that I have collected over the years (and I'm always looking for more!) This is an Annie's Attic crochet pattern won from Ebay several years ago. 30 block based on the alphabet (with 30 blocks, four of them are just basic stitches).

I'm on a roll. I have 13 blocks done (obviously need some ends woven in and some blocking) and I even had to rip an entire block and re do it (gauge issues). I forgot that I love doing these samplers so much and for some reason this one is moving very quickly. The size of the blocks help: no large sweater sitting in my lap during this hot steamy summer (and it is a VERY hot steamy summer).

I am no master crocheter (as the last couple weeks attempts at some other crochet projects that have since been frogged have proved), but I do enjoy playing around with the different stitches. At some point, maybe I'll even be able to translate these into something other than just afhgan blocks (but then... can you really have too many afghans? no, of course not, cause Project Linus ALWAYS needs them!)

So while the reviews of Dragon Age may have complained about long load screens, I see it as "crochet time"! It's all about time management folks!

2010-07-06T10:12:00.003-04:00

The TLC Cotton Ribby is getting there! I decided to finish it up, as I needed the size 7 needles to continue on with the Denim Lace Basic Hoodie.

As the photo shows, I went with the scoop neck. I'll double the neckband to reinforce the fake double style.

Ironically, I decided on the this fake double pullover look due to my concern about not having enough of the multicolored yarn. I have plenty left over. However, I am soooo glad I decided to do it this way, as the entire sleeves would've had those spiralling color issues (and the 2" or so that I do have I can live with).

So I have some ends to weave in plus the double neckband then I'll get back to the denim lace basic hoodie.

I must confess that I have worked on a lot of other projects since I last posted... and all were frogged. I always seem to get into a crochet groove in the heat of summer, yet everything I tried was a complete disaster. My crochet skills (especially with garments) are iffy at best. I think I'll stick to crochet afghans and leave the clothing to knitting.

Meanwhile... the whole Dragon Age addiction has not really ended. I'm still spending a lot of time with this game. I've tried other games (Bioshock 2 was a HUGE disappointment), but I feel like I'm just putting in time on them and Dragon Age ends up back into the Xbox 360. Oh well, the cutscenes do make quality knitting time!

A little TLC for the Ribby Pulli

2010-06-08T09:53:00.003-04:00

This is one of the other projects that has been getting a little attention during my non-knitting phase. Yet an other Ribby (this one the pullover) from Chic Knits. I love this pattern. It's interesting, yet mindless knitting, and I love how it looks and fits. Perfect!

I'm using TLC Cotton Plus (a favorite yarn. Soft and easy care). I didn't think I had enough of the multicolor to do long sleeves, so I decided to do a fake layered pulli (a style that I favor when I buy tops). The first sleeve is done, but I'm not thrilled with the color stacking of the sleeve cap:

I might live with it (it's part of the quirkiness of working with multicolored yarns, and why I don't use them much), as I'm not really sure any fix would be worth the work (assuming I can even get it to not color spiral).

I'm getting close to have to make the decision on the neckline. I'm not sure if I want to do the scoop (and I'll double layer the neckband to highlight the fake double layered look) or if I will do the hoodie version (as it looks like I do have enough of the yarn to do that... or I could do the hood part in white, but I don't think I want that. Might look cool, but I think I would rather use up the multi and save my white for an other project).

Either way, I still have an other sleeve to go before I have to make the decision. Plus I'm still plugging away on the denim and lace Basic Chic Hoodie.

Is that... Lace???

2010-06-01T11:26:00.002-04:00

My Basic Chic Hoodie is progressing... quite well, actually. After that one panel got fixed (twice), I've been on a roll. I actually found a pretty lace pattern that I can memorize (yay!).

I figured a project would come along and get me back into the groove. Of course it's something I needed rather than just wanted. I'm hoping that this hoodie will be like a denim jacket... goes with everything, light weight, not bulky. So far, it seems to be fitting the bill.

The yarn is knitting up just like I wanted, too. The 400 yd skeins is great (less ends to weave in), but since it's on a ball, I've got to watch for it kinking up on me.

So I've divided for the sleeves and I'm several inches into the body. Now it's just a matter of back and forth on the body. If only I could knit and play Dragon Age at the same time (well, I sorta do... some of the cutscenes are nice and long, and if I don't skip them, I can sneak a little knitting in. Hmmm... then I wonder why I can't knit lace. Think it might be a distraction issue?)

What I've Been Knitting While I Haven't Been Knitting

2010-05-25T10:20:00.003-04:00

Okay, I have to be honest, even when I'm not in a knitting groove, some knitting still gets done. (Breakfast knitting never really stops... some days I might not knit during Quick Pitch on the MLB channel and eating my Lucky Charms, but then there are other days that I'm quite productive).

Breakfast knitting needs to be simple (pre-coffee... or rather... during coffee), and so I've been working on one of my favorite "go-to" patterns:

The good ol' Sarah James Sampler Pullover. I made this in an acrylic yarn years ago... and I wear it a lot (seen here). It's a sweatshirt style pullover: comfy, easy care and truely practical. Plus it's fun to knit.

I'm using 100% wool this time (not so easy care, but it'll be warmer) in a bright cheery color for those dreary winter days (the yarn is Kraemer's Naturally Nazareth in Fire). I knit the front and back, seam up the shoulders, do the neck band then pick up stitches to work the sleeves top down (so only the underarm and side seams to sew). The first sleeve is about 3/4 done. So I should have this baby done right at the peak of summer (just when I'll need a nice warm wool sweater).

Meanwhile... I keep trying to knit lace (and not with much success). It's what I want to wear, but I just don't knit lace well. Probably not the smartest thing to keep trying when I'm not in a knitting groove (hmmmm... can you say "discouraging"?). However, this one might be a "go":

Chic Knits Basic Chic Hoodie (lace version) in Aunt Lydia's Quick Denim.

I've had this yarn in my stash for a while, and I'm pleasantly surprised how much I like knitting with it (it's really marketed for crochet). The 75% cotton/25% acrylic makes for a much more "cottony" feel than say Cotton Ease, and I love the denim color. It's been easy to knit (better than 100% cotton on the hands).

I was surprised that the lace panels on the sleeves didn't start until the body was divided (seems a bit lazy to me), so I started my lace panels as soon as I had enough sleeve stitches. The lace pattern is actually memorizable for me (rare), but that doesn't mean I didn't screw it up at one point (laddered down, fixed it, immediately made a mistake and had to ladder the same panel again... knock on wood I'm in the groove and won't screw it up again). I'm at the hard point on top down sweaters... getting close to dividing for the body/sleeves. That's a lot of purling on the wrong side (and the rows keep getting longer and longer). However, it's great to work on while I watch cutscenes for Dragon Age (and yes, I'm still playing Dragon Age. I've lost count how many times I've played it, and I have no intention of stopping... even with other games sitting here ready to play. It's still fun to play, so I'll keep playing! Not that I'm defensive about the amount of time I've spent playing this game or anything).

So I might be back in a groove a bit with knitting. More is getting done now than has been for a while (baseball season always helps), so I might be updating le' blog a bit more.

Uh... Hi!

2010-04-07T20:39:00.002-04:00

Just realized that I haven't blogged in over a month... which is the longest I think I've gone since I started blogging many many years ago.

After playing Mass Effect 2 thirteen times, I realized that I needed to find something else. So I got Dragon Age: Origins. Ya... the knitting thing is still on the backburner as I obsessively persue every possible romance and ending. Many many quests, lots of things to kill, many hot romances. Obsession might be a bit of an understatement.

This is not the first time that Bioware sucked my life away. If you have been reading my blog for a while, you might remember that whole "Knight of the Old Republic" phase. I think it was then that I swore off RPG's due to the time suckage thing. Shooters are ususally much much shorter... but finding a story driven shooter is always a challenge.

I still hang out at Ravelry and keep an eye out for inspiration... and I am starting to think about a granny square afghan (ya, 'cause nothing says "afghan" like an early April heat wave, eh?).

Meanwhile, there's new DLC for Mass Effect 2....

A long hard winter

2010-03-03T07:44:00.002-05:00

I have to say this has been a krappy winter. The weather has been beating us down and we still have a lot of snow on the ground. Sunshine is rare, and the rain always seems to be "thick" (like right now... love that "wintery mix").

So my solution is to close the blinds and play video games. I had totally planned on doing my usual "fix-it" Olympic knitting. I have 3 or 4 projects that I really need to do some maintance on before they are truely wearable. However, I ended up just playing Mass Effect 2.

I have been trying to knit. Even working on some projects from A Fine Fleece. Harriet is a project that I am going to love when finished... but it's lace. Even when I'm in a knitting groove, I find lace more challenging than most knitting. Considering that I am NOT in a knitting groove, there's been a lot of frogging (I've now ripped back the same lace repeat 3 times). It's not even a difficult lace pattern. My head just isn't in the game.

My head is in a totally different game: Mass Effect. I even bought the tie in books. I've hit total fanboy status. Doing the forum thing. Watching YouTube videos. Reading the Wiki. The only thing I can't seem to do is get the "insanity" acheivement (not just a clever name... this difficulty level is way past my skill set).

So maybe as winter starts to wind down I'll get a little spring fever and cast on a lovely spring project. Right now, I'm just not inspired enough to do much knitting.

Settling In

2010-02-19T15:37:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, not much posting going on right now. Quite frankly, there's not a lot of knitting going on (yes, I am still totally addicted to Mass Effect 2. Yes I am now on my 6th playthru. No, I am not tired of it).

Anyway, Benny is settling in nicely... especially with Matt. He goes where Matt goes. I'll do in a pinch, but the boys have definitely bonded.

I'm still adjusting to his size. He's half the size of Jake, which makes him 1/3 of the size of Gena. (not quite: Gena is a little over 50 lbs and Benny is about 20 lbs). He is full of energy and curiosity. As Matt says, he's very binary. He's either up and looking for trouble, or he's snuggled in on your lap. He's a huge snuggler.

So that's the focus right now (with a little Mass Effect 2 thrown in). I'm sure the knitting groove with return... hmmm... wonder when Mass Effect 3 is due? Rumors are 2011... must begin preparations!

New Edition

2010-02-14T17:47:00.004-05:00

Matt and I would like to introduce you to Benjamin (we're calling him Benny). He's a rescue from Furry Friends Network (the same rescue group that Gena came from).

He's a 20lb beagle mix and a complete pistol. High energy, high personality and lots of love. He and Gena are playing very well together (which is good... it tires them both out). He's very young, not a puppy, but probably not a year old yet... with all the energy of a young active beagle.

I'm still not knitting much (I'm on my 5th playthru on Mass Effect 2), but I might get back into the groove with the Olympics on.

One Down...

2010-02-03T07:57:00.002-05:00

In case you didn't know.... Mass Effect 2 was released last week. I had pre-ordered mine thru Amazon, so I did't get it until Saturday.

After 3 days of obsessing playing (a little over 30 hours... you do the math), and I have one play thru completed. Of course, I'll be importing other charactors from the first Mass Effect to discover other story paths (and setting up more paths for Mass Effect 3).

While I know this is a knitting blog, this game (and the first one) has been my focus the last month or so (I came late to the Mass Effect party, buying the first one mid-December because it was a good price and Matt thought I would enjoy it... and he might be rethinking the wisdom of that now).

This is what a game should be. It's basically an interactive movie (and better written then most science fiction movies). Your choices have an impact and can change the direction of certain events (and choices you made in the first game carry over). Thanks again Bioware for sucking so much of my life away! I'm having a good time!

Eventually, I'll get back into the swing of knitting, but for now, I'm sticking with my Xbox 360 controller.

You too can knit A $20 sweater for only $40 and 3 weeks

2010-01-28T10:04:00.003-05:00

Matt's Eddie Bauer Knockoff Sweater is done... and we are both thrilled.

I love the Ribby patterns from ChicKnits, and this worked beautifully for this. Let's do some project stats!

Pattern: Ribby Pulli by chicknits

Yarn: Elann's Highland Wool

Problems with the pattern: I like Chicknits patterns (just remember that the sleeves are loooooong. Even for Matt I had to shortend the sleeves almost 2")

Changes to the pattern: okay... this pattern is written for women, so there were some basic changes, plus I converted it to a half zip. I lengthened the body (the original pattern is almost cropped) about 4". I made the 41" for the body, but I used the directions for the 43" sleeve. I also did the increases for the sleeve at a faster ratio so that all the increases were done at about the elbow (every 6th round). I shortened the sleeves about 2".

For the half zip I wrote out the directions for the yoke line by line, then worked backwords from the neckline shaping to know when to split for the zipper. (oh ya... that little thing called "row gauge CAN come in handy). I followed the directions for the funnel neck, but did a 2X2 rib for 6", for a sewn down doubled neckband.

Overall impressions: Love it! The colors were a great choice (thanks Eddie Bauer!) and Matt loves the Highland Wool. The fit is flattering on him (thanks to those side ribs) and we both are giving this a thumbs up! I still want to throw this on the wooley board to block the sleeves a little flatter, but it's good as is and roomier sleeves aren't necessary.

Rockin' the Raglan!

2010-01-22T08:41:00.003-05:00

I finally got the sleeves done for Matt's Baueresque Knockoff and I'm on the raglan shaping. Normally this is nice and fast... but since I'm doing this as a half zip, there's a little more work involved. Not just that I'm doing purl rows, but also the sleeve decreases (some of the decreases are worked on the wrong side). No biggie, just careful planning and good tracking.

I'm also hoping that I did the math right so my 9" zipper works! (working backwords from neckshaping to get the 6" or so I needed... let's hope that my gauge and row count are right!).

I'm very happy with the way this is turning out and the colors looks great together! I think Matt's going to love it.

I hope to get it done by Tuesday... as I should get my copy of Mass Effect 2 mid-week (pre-ordered it from Amazon). I'm assuming that even the minimal knitting I'm getting done right now will be gone once I get the game.

Since I can't play Mass Effect AND watch football

2010-01-17T11:52:00.002-05:00

ahhh... a Sunday blog! Wow.

Anyway, even though I'm not knitting my usual high volume, there has been a little knitting going on. Matt's Baueresque Knockoff is progressing, with the second sleeve well underway. Meanwhile, this is the other project I've been working on, here and there:

That's the back of Harriet by Lisa Lloyd (from her super fab book A Fine Fleece). It's not the most photo friendly project. The black tweed is a challenge, and unblocked lace is always slopping looking. Combine the two, and you have a very unphoto friendly situation.

I'm really happy with how this is turning out, but since I'm not a huge lace knitter, I'm a slave to the chart making this a fairly slow project for me. The back is past the armhole cast off, so it is moving, just slowly. It's going to be a great cardigan when finished!

Okay, off to watch some pre-game football coverage while I knit away on 2X2 ribbed sleeves.

(two projects in dark charcoal means that the next project will have to be BRIGHT!)

Knitting Sleeves

2010-01-15T09:50:00.002-05:00

Matt's Eddie Bauer Knockoff Sweater is progressing... slowly. I've cast on the second sleeve and I hope to get a lot done this weekend watching football.

I may have a little burnout trying to get my goals done for 2009. While I am doing a little knitting here and there, I'm spending the bulk of my time with Mass Effect. However, Matt really is looking forward to this sweater, so I do want to keep concentrating on it (OMG: it has a color in it! lookie... there's a red stripe!!! weeeeeee!!!). No deadline tho! (yay!). So I work on it during long load screens and I know I'll get a lot of that 2X2 rib done during playoff football. Sweet!

Enjoy the weekend!

The Mass Effect Effect

2010-01-10T08:56:00.002-05:00

I am a video game junkie. Like a good book, I can get sucked into a game and obsessly play it over and over again. I avoid RPG's for this reason. A good RPG is story driven, with the player making decisions that effect the story.

Mass Effect is one of those games. The main story is fabulous and the interaction between charactors is well done (with many different ways for the relationships to unfold). Playing as a male or a female changes these interactions. Changing the "background" of the main charactor changes them too. Apart from the crappy driving sequences, this game borders on being the best I've played (and apologies to Matt who suggested I try the game when it came out and I said "oh, I don't really like RPG's". Matt, who is not a game player, was right).

Mass Effect 2 comes out later this month, and I can import my games saves to continue playing the same charactor into it. Good thing I didn't set up a lot of goals for 2010... I still have 4 other games sitting here still in plastic wrap from Christmas.

Meanwhile... I can still knit during the elevator scenes.

Matt's Baueresque Half Zip knock off is to the armholes. I'll cast on the first sleeve today. I have to say that I'm really happy with the color combo (thank you Eddie Bauer!). I've been very happy with the results I getting with the Elann Highland Wool (I used this for Matt's Aspinwall... which he loves).

This cold spell makes for good nesting, and I'm taking advantage of it. Fire, football and knitting today. Left over stew (always better) for dinner. Stay Warm!

Happy Knew Knitting Year!

2010-01-04T08:07:00.002-05:00

Well, here we are into yet an other new year. The holiday decorations are down and my Xbox avatar is no longer dressed in evening clothes, but a more practical sweater and pants (and totally hot boots. I'm obsessed with my avatar's boots).

New Year means a new project, right? After some debating, here's what I cast on.

Yep, it's an other knock off from a mail order catalogue. This time for Matt. I'm using the Ribby Pulli again, and I will do the half zip.

I know I said I was going to do a couple of complex projects this year... but Matt loves his Aspinwall Pullover so much, and this will be very similar. It should make up quickly, and actually it's a good project to have going while I work on something more complex.

Today is a "free day" for me. I received a jury summons for today and tomorrow. I didn't have to report today (and I'm assuming I probably won't have to tomorrow either). So I had planned on being bored to death at the courthouse (knitting needles are banned), and instead will get some laundry and knitting done today. Bonus!

Goal Met!

2009-12-31T12:47:00.002-05:00

The Dymphna Pullover is finished! 11 and half hours to spare (okay, it's not blocked, but I'm not counting that)! So that's 24 completed projects in 2009. Whew and I'm glad that's over. While it was a fun challenge, I won't be doing a volume goal again! However, it does look like I ended on a success.

Project Stats:

Pattern: a heavily modified version of the Dymphna V-neck Pullover from Cable Confidence by Sarah Louise Harper.

Yarn: Cascade 220 in blue velvet (love it!)

Problems with the pattern: none... but I didn't really follow the pattern, just the pattern stitches.

Changes to the pattern: well... a lot. I changed this to a semi-seamless top down. I decided on a mock turtleneck. I added cabled saddles. I did a different ribbing, continuing the cables into the ribbing. It's custom sized.

Overall impression: I'm thrilled. I have to admit, I haven't actually tried it on, but I'm waiting until it's blocked. The slipped stiches and the center box stitch really need to be blocked for proper sizing, and I don't want to be upset if it doesn't fit pre-blocking. I'll wait for it to not fit AFTER blocking (fingers crossed, I haven't gained too much weight). I love the colors and the pattern stitches. I loved the combo of the box stitch with the cables, and it was a super easy pattern to knit. This is my style of sweater 100%! Huge thumbs up!

Okay, that means I'm officially done with 2009... bring on 2010, baby!

Goodbye and Hello

2009-12-30T09:39:00.004-05:00

Well, the projects review is done. As I said yesterday, I think it was a mostly productive year. I still think I can reach my 24 in 2009 goal (as I procrastinate on my Dymphna Pullover by updating my blog). However, I know that I won't be setting a volume goal for 2010.

The biggest problem that I ran into this year was that it confined me project-wise. I made decisions based on how quickly I could get something done. That's not really my style of knitting. There are several things I really wanted to work on that I just didn't want to put the time in.

Those are the projects I want to focus on this coming year. I want ability challenges for 2010. A new technique or a complex project. Things in my queue that I've been avoiding because they're high concentration.

I have already promised Matt his fair isle sweater. I bought the kit back in 2006. I find fair isle to be very high concentration, and it's not my favorite to knit. That makes it perfect for what I want to accomplish in 2010. I also want to get one of my higher concentration cabled sweaters done. Either St. Brigid or Marilyn.

However the number one goal for 2010 is to tackle the sewing/craft room. The current state of my sewing room could easily make an appearance on Hoarders. It was always "messy", but it has become a dumping ground. I need to do some serious purging and organization. It's going to be a lot of work and quite frankly, it's very overwhelming.

So let's do the specifics (so I can look back this time next year).

It's not an overwhelming set of goals, but each is very challenging for me. First tho', I gotta get project #24 done by midnight tomorrow! (I make no promises that it will be blocked this year).

Last of the Year in Review

2009-12-29T08:48:00.003-05:00

These are the last two projects that will be included in my year in review. I still have high hopes that I'll get the Dymphna Pullover done this year... but I certainly won't have time to get it in the review. Let's see what's left!

Asymemtrical Cardi

Quick summery: a simple asymetrical cardigan from Knitting Pure & Simple (hence the clever name).

Initial thoughts: I enjoyed knitting it, but due to my lovely body shape (full figured with narrow shoulders), and the loose gauge, the neckline is way too large. The yarn also works as a "felt board" and sticks to my turtlenecks.

Current thoughts: well, I've worn it and the sticking part is the biggest issue. My under layer needs to be slicker than I have. I'm sure if I could wear blouses, that would work, but the knit shirts just isn't slick enough. I know that the too open neckline is an easy fix, and I will do that... eventually!

Final thoughts: a great pattern and the yarn is lovely (even if it is sticky...). I'll absolutely knit this pattern again, as it was a pleasure to knit and I love the style.

Aspinwall Pullover

Quick summery: a beautiful pattern from the 2009 winter issue of Interweave Knits. Matt's Christmas sweater

Initial thoughts: Loved it! Apart from my having to change the pattern a bit (PSA: half brioche stitch in the round sucks!) for sanity/time issues, it's exactly what I wanted for Matt.

Current thoughts: Matt loves it too! He's been wearing it a lot. He says it's nice and warm. The style is very flattering on him (now that I have a decent camera, I need to get some better photos! Edit: new photo, best I can do with the time constraints I had). We both are thrilled.

Final thoughts: I am seriously considering an other one, completely different colors, but sticking closer to the original pattern style.

So, I think overall, it's been a successful year. I'm close to my goal of 24 projects (and yes time is running out). There were a couple of projects that I did spend a lot of time with that had some last minute issues and ate up a lot of time (the Gaelic Morning Mist has the body done before I realized that it wasn't going to fit. Julie and I finished up Babette, but there was some blocking issues so it's not really finished. oh... and then there was that whole Fallout 3 thing. I easily spent over 200 hours this year just on that alone... and it wasn't the only game I spent a lot of time with!)

I will not be doing a "volume" goal for 2010. I found that I avoided more complex projects just because I wanted to get stuff done. I haven't decided exactly what my goals will be, and with the Winter Olympics this coming year, I also will be doing a specific goal for that. I do know that there are 3 or 4 very specific projects that I would like to do. I'll decide before the end of the year, as I'll want a nice fresh start Jan 1!

Camera Fun

2009-12-28T21:19:00.003-05:00

Gena has agreed to be my test model while I play with camera settings (sorry Facebook friends... they'll be more I'm sure). She's been very patient and low maintenance. It has cut into my knitting time... and put me behind schedule for Dymphna. Eh who cares... look at that sweet face!

Tick Tock Eeek!

2009-12-27T12:51:00.002-05:00

I have one more day of year in review, and I'll get to it one day next week. However, project #24 is still in progress, and time is running out on 2009.

The Dymphna Pullover is moving along... slowly as I'm easily distracted.

I'm hoping that my project photos will improve as I learn how to use my brand spankin' new SLR. No more excuses of my point and shoot (but I've already learned that there is a fairly large learning curve).

The photo is a little dececptive, since it's on my dress form... ya might be thinking it's done. It is not.

The front is done, but I only have about 3" done on the back. It's a simple knit, but I really need to get crackin' if I plan on having it done by 2010.

Here's a detail of my ribbing and extended cables (yet an other change from the original pattern).

Okay... off to knit!

A Tough Day for Year in Review

2009-12-22T07:52:00.002-05:00

Both projects today have a high Jake reminder. A month later, and we're still adjusting to the day to day things without Jake. This project is the last project I photographed with Jake.

Casual Delights Afghan

Quick summery: did half of this aghan, put it away for about a year, then it finished up very quickly

Initial impression: easy pattern, the yarn washed up beautifully, good size and very snuggly

Current impression: love it. I snuggle under this every morning with my coffee/knitting/MLB Hot Stove (we no longer watch ESPN, as we don't follow soccer).

Final thoughts: a great afghan... and you simply can't have too many great afghans (especially with 2 feet of snow outside!)

Fylingdales Cardigan

Quick summery: a pattern I had for years, then it was included in Lisa Llyod's book "A Fine Fleece"... this is the third yarn I tried for it, with good results.

Initial impression: loved it! the pattern was easy, the knitting interesting and I looooooove the color (doesn't photograph well)

Current impression: I love it. I've worn it a lot since completion. It is very warm, almost a light weight coat.

Final thoughts: a great project with good results. I have yet to be disappointed in a Lisa Lloyd pattern.

I'm getting close to wrapping up my Year in Review... just 2 more finished projects... and I'm still "hoping" to get one more done this year. (However, between Matt being on vacation til next year plus Mass Effect, I haven't been putting a lot of time into my Dymphna Pullover). We'll see! I still have 9 days left in the year!

Back to the Year in Review

2009-12-21T07:59:00.003-05:00

(as soon as I remember where I left off...)

Kool Kardi

Quick summery: hand dyed the yarn with Kool Aid and Paaz. the pattern is the ribbi pullover, but I cardinized it.

Initial impression: very happy... on many levels. Had a great time dyeing the yarn. very happy with how it knit up and the pattern worked beautifully with the yarn.

Current impression: the sleeves are waaaay too long. I didn't do my usual 4-6" shortening on Chicknits sleeves, thinking I would just cuff them. However, even cuffed, they are too long. So I haven't worn it (oh, and I may still need buttons). A quick fix and this will be a high usage cardigan for sure.

Final thoughts: this is a great cardigan. fixing the too long sleeves (I'll still make them long enough to fold up the cuff, but I need to take 3-4" off) will make this a high rotation sweater.

Patrick the 2nd

Quick summery: a re-do of a sweater I made for Matt last year (which was a total disaster). The pattern is one of the worst written pattern I've ever used, making me a little bitter towards this project.

Initial impression: I hated it. I was very disappointed with it when I finished it (if you click on the title, you'll go the finished project blog entry). I didn't think it fit Matt well and I was most definitely very bitter about the whole krappy pattern thing.

Current impression: Matt's been wearing it and my bitterness has faded. I still love the cables, but wish I had made it a little bigger (both in length and size). I think it's a little too fitted (which is his preferred style, but I think this one should be more relaxed). I may have overcompensated due to how big the first attempt was. I think it'll probably go on the wooley board to see if I can block it a bit larger.

Final thoughts: While I no longer hate it, I still think that I could've made it better. Matt loves it and wears it a lot. So I'll give the final result a B+.

A good question in my comments from yesterday. Christina asked why I hated doing cables in the round. There's a couple of reasons... first I like doing the back side without thinking (the patterns are usually a knit the knits and purl the purls... so it's like a row off). Also I don't really like to track cables. I usually "read" them and this is much harder to do when you work only on the front of the pattern (it's harder to tell if you are on an even or an odd row). The other issue I have with cables in the round is the gap that can happen between the cable and the purl stitch. I have more of a problem with that when working only on the right side, but it's much more minimal for me when I work back and forth. Certain stitches that I love (like moss) can bias when worked in the round, so I prefer to work them flat.

I'll also admit that I think the mattress stitch is magic. I don't mind seaming. Well, I don't like perpendicular joins (like the sleeves and saddles). So my semi-seamless is the perfect solution for me. The perpendicular seams are no longer an issue, leaving only the simple side seams to work.

So, those are my reasons, and it all comes down to how I knit... and maybe even more about how I think about my knitting while I'm knitting. I know that some people hate seaming soooo much that they'll do anything to avoid seams. Since I don't mind seaming (probably because I grew up sewing?), I'll only avoid them if it's not an inconvience to me.

We're still digging out from our 24" of snow over the weekend. The roads are fine now, so I think some errands will be run today. Or I might stay in an knit.

Winter Storm... so what else is there to do?

2009-12-19T11:33:00.002-05:00

The weekend before Christmas and we're all snug inside as we're getting pounded by snow (forecast is between 12"-20"). So that gives me plenty of time to knit and do a rare Saturday blog.

First, thanks to everyone that left me comments! My last post was really a complaint about the 8-10 spam comments per post I was getting. I appreciate comments, but since I haven't come up with an effective way of responding (blogger doesn't allow me to respond via email) I certainly don't expect a lot of comments. Oh, and I should add that I'm horrible at leaving comments on other's blogs, as I'm a lurker too! So thanks for the comments! Tally: 4 real comments vs. 0 spam (let's hope that lasts!).

Meanwhile, I'll get back to my Year in Review on Monday. I need to update my final project for 2009. Well, I hope I get it done this year!

The sleeves are done on the Dymphna Pullover. A quick reminder about this project (as I started this last December). The pattern is from Cable Confidence by Sara Louise Harper. I made a *cough* few changes to the pattern. The original pattern is a V neck. Mine's a mock turtleneck. The original didn't have saddles or cables on the sleeve... mine does. The original pattern is worked traditionally: knit flat and seamed. I'm doing mine top down and semi-seamed.

I hate working cables in the round, but I also would like to do as little seaming as possible... so the top down contruction is perfect. The top down construction makes custom fitting easy and I prefer the insert sleeves. Here's a view of the sleeve cable:

Let me say that I love it. The stitches are really easy to work. The Cascade 220 color (blue velvet) is scrumptious. I think it looks great on my dress form (let's be optimistic that that will translate to my body!).

The snow is still coming down hard and heavy (and is supposed to for a while)... a perfect weekend to snuggle in and knit! (especially since all Christmas prep is done. Don't have to go anywhere or do anything. Yay!!!).

I guess I should keep going

2009-12-18T08:46:00.002-05:00

I'm getting slammed with spam right now (which I don't get. I moderate comments and make it clear that annonymous comments will be rejected* -I don't even read them. So what's the advantage?). It's always a little discouraging to see nothing but spam for comments. Anyway, I want to finish the Year in Review for my own records, so here's two more projects.

My Granny is Scrappy

Quick summery: a completely addictive project using a dk weight baby yarn for a summery afghan

Initial impression: addictive and loved it!

Current impression: the yarn is a bit slippery, so the ends want to pop here and there, but it's getting a lot of use.

Final thoughts: This project sucked a lot of time, but it was totally worth it. I loved making the granny squares and the afghan is soft and light. One of my favorite projects of the year.

Mondo Cable Cardi

Quick summery: a quick fun to knit project (cast on as soon as the pattern was available).

Initial impression: Was happy with it. The pattern was fun to knit and I loved the drape of the yarn.

Current impression: Never worn it. It has some sizing issues (or rather I have some sizing issues). I made too small of a size and it doesn't hang on me properly. The collar is too high and flops down. I thought I could just wear the collar laying flat (as I photographed it), but it's not designed to lay that way, so it doesn't stay down. I think most of what is keeping me from wearing it is fixable (and will require more time with the treadmill).

Final thoughts: This still has the potential of being wearable... but I'm also probably going to make an other (I love the pattern).

So I haven't been knitting as much as I would like, so my final project of the year is not going quickly, but I'm still on my schedule to get it done by the my self imposed deadline (should finish the second sleeve today, then it's just the lower body to work).

*I do accept annonymous comments if they are "signed"... I know not everyone has a blogger account, but I just need some kind of signature so I know that they are "real" comments.

Mid-December

2009-12-16T08:22:00.002-05:00

I'm not very focused on knitting right now (Mass Effect is a good RPG), but I'm hoping to get my Dymphna Pullover done before the end of the year. Top down construction is great... but I'm dealing with that whole second sleeve thing. There's still a lot of knitting left on this one, but the pattern is easy to work, so it's just a matter of actually knitting (instead of playing a video game for 10 hours). Meanwhile, I have two more year in review projects:

Textured Shawl

Quick summery: a stash busting quick and easy project

Initial impression: loved knitting this, loved the "pattern". Quick and easy.

Current impression: falls into typical shawl catagory: wish it was bigger (ran out of yarn), rarely wear it, have it hanging on display in the "yarn room" and love it.

Overall impression: I loved knitting this and I love how I have it displayed in my yarn room. It has actually been tossed over my shoulders on chilly mornings. A good, fun project.

Cotton Sampler Pullover

Quick summery: an other sampler project (I loooove stitch sampler projects) in a lovely natural cotton for Matt.

Initial impression: the pattern annoyed me and I was mildly disappointed with this project

Current impression: Matt looks so fabulous in the sweater. The yarn has relaxed as he's worn it and my annoyance with the pattern faded to the point that I love it now.

Final thoughts: this project is the reason I like doing year in review of my projects. The distance to the frustration on blocking this (it did break my wooly board) and the lazy pattern directions has allowed me to only see the finished project... which is now one of my favorite sweaters on Matt.

So it's always nice to go back to projects and re-evaluate them... sometimes what I loved when I finished a project doesn't work in the "real world" (ie: never wear it) and sometimes the frustration on a project effects how I feel about it when it's completed and that carries over to initial response. Distance from the frustration allows me to evaluate the project for how it's worn rather than how it was knit.

Okay... 2-1/2 weeks left in 2009... must. finish. project.

Back to the Year in Review

2009-12-14T07:03:00.003-05:00

Today's review includes one of my very favorite projects of all time...

Bee Balm

Quick Summery: purchased yarn as a birthday gift to myself, knew it would be perfect for with the pattern

Initial impression: a beautiful, soft, lovely summer cardigan

Current impression: love. love. love. love. love.

Final thoughts: ya, a truely wonderful sweater... to knit and to wear. Pure Perfection.

Baby Gift Blanket

Quick summery: a simple crochet square baby blanket

Initial impression: nice yarn, was a quick project (always nice for a gift)

Current impression: gave to new the new mom and seemed pleased

Final thoughts: a nice break from all the knitting/sweaters and a nice easy care gift

Looking back... so far I would say I've felt most of my projects have been successful... and some spectacularly so.

We interupt the Year in Review...

2009-12-11T07:11:00.003-05:00

The Aspinwall Pullover is done... sans blocking. Sorry for the fuzzy photo... that's the best of the lot. For some reason my autofocus camera has decided that it doesn't like to autofocus anymore (and it doesn't have a manual focus). Good enough to do some project stats, tho, eh?

Project Stats

Pattern: Aspinwall Pullover from the Winter 2009 issue of Interweave Knits

Yarn: Elann Highland Wool

Problems with the pattern: there were some math errors. The row gauge/directions/schematics do not match at all. Easily fixed, but something to be aware of if you are knitting this (especially for someone taller than Matt).

Changes to the pattern: the big one is the change on the half brioche stitch on the bottom. I hated working it in the round (I don't p2tog well). Plus even after only 3", the stitch biases drastically. If I had done the entire bottom in the half brioche, the stitches would probably have biased all the way around. I suggest if you knit this, do the half brioche flat (in two pieces), then seam it to do the fair isle in the round. The rest of the pattern is done as written. (with the exception of the extra st. st. after the fair isle to make the body long enough... which was to correct the gauge/directions error. If I had done it as written, the lower body would've only been 15", and even for Matt's 5'4" height, that would've been too short).

Overall impressions: I'm very happy with it. I do like the look of the half brioche stitch on the bottom half. Changing it to st. st. was purely for self preservation so that I could get this sweater done and not go insane. I love the fair isle band and the half zip. I think it fits Matt quite well and I loooove the color. Giving this a thumbs up.

I now have 3 weeks to finish one more project. No sweat, right? (especially when I consider that the Aspinwall Pullover was done in two weeks.... heck, I can even cast on a new project.... hmmmmm....)

A Few More Year in Review

2009-12-10T07:13:00.002-05:00

Matt's Aspinwall Pullover will be done today. I have maybe a little over an inch to go on the collar, then just the zipper and a few finishing touches (not much... as most of the ends are woven in). Meanwhile... I'm doing 3 projects today.

Sensational Flower Basket Shawl

Quick summery: a beautiful lace pattern in a luxery yarn

Initial impression: very happy, but needed more yarn.

Current impression: just like the other shawls in my closet... never worn. I'm a cardigan girl (I feel "over accessorized" when I wear a shawl). I like cardigans.

Final thoughts: I loved knitting this, and the heavy yarn made for a quick project. I do think that if I find the right winter coat (and I'm looking for one), this will be wonderful with it.

My So Called Scarf

Quick summery: found this lovely yarn at a LYS, perfect breakfast knitting project

Initial thoughts: loved loved loved knitting this... maybe too much so (the scarf is Dr. Who long). The colors and the pattern were wonderful to knit.

Current thoughts: it's a little too long, but it's so snuggly and warm. Haven't actually worn it, but it's a great winter scarf.

Final thoughts: just like the Flower Basket Shawl... needs the right coat.

Summer Sambuca (I want to get a sweater in today).

Quick summery: a top down crochet jacket modified for a lighter weight yarn and with short sleeves

Initial thoughts: instant gratification, perfect light summer cardigan (tho' I still need some work on my crochet skills)

Current thoughts: still love it. It's the perfect little lacey cardigan for summer.

Final thoughts: Really enjoyed making it, think the summer/lighter weight worked out well... so well that I probably will try the wool/long sleeve version again.

More Year in Review

2009-12-09T08:40:00.002-05:00

ya, ya, I know... I wanted a new FO today too. I goofed on the collar and have to rip it back and re-do it. Give me an other day or two, and Aspinwall will be done.

Meanwhile... let's do two more projects from 2009:

Forest Canapy in October:

Quick Summery: a quick and simple shawl pattern combined with great fall colors.

Initial Impressions: was very pleased. The pattern was easy, I loved the colors and thought it was a great way for a non-sock knitter to use up some stashed sock yarn.

Current Impressions: not a shawl wearer. I try... but they just aren't "me". I do like knitting them and I do think it's a great use of my stashed sock yarn. Sure looks pretty dressing up my dress form tho' and that's good enough for me.

Final Thoughts: I'll keep knitting shawls. Probably will never wear them. I don't care.

Lateralis

Quick Summery: this was a self designed cardigan using the summer sampler packs from Elann. Top down, raglan shaping.

Initial Impressions: enjoyed the striping, didn't think I did a great job with the math (thought the neckline was too large). Thought some of the stripes were a little too wide (mainly due to yarn usage... didn't do a nice job balancing that).

Current Impressions: I wore this a lot over the summer. The neckline is a bit too big, but worn the right way, it works (a deep neck tank top under, and not buttoned all the way up). So ended up better than I initially thought.

Final Thoughts: Perfect example of how things work out, even if they don't work out the way that you think they're going to.

Okay... weather is krappy today and I have a sweater to finish. Good day to stay in, drink some (or a lot) of coffee and knit.

Year in Review Part III

2009-12-08T06:57:00.002-05:00

Matt's Aspinwall sweater isn't quite done (collar and final finishing to go). Holiday prep has slowed me down a bit, but I still hope to get it done today. Meanwhile... here's 2 more projects from the year.

Charade Socks

Quick summery: not a sock knitter. never will be a sock knitter.

First impression: actually enjoyed knitting these. the yarn colors are lovely and I liked the pattern a lot.

Current impression: very happy with them, and they are the most worn hand knit socks I've made.

Final thoughts: Still haven't converted to being a sock knitter, tho.

Hey Cara Mia:

Quick summery: a long sleeve version of the Hey Teach in a fave yarn

First impressions: loved it! the Cara Mia yarn is soft and warm. I love the pattern and was happy with the long sleeves.

Current impression: love it! The lace and the drape make this a "go to" sweater, especially if I need a "dressier" sweater. It is warm, so I don't ususally wear it with the mock turtleneck as pictured.

Final thoughts: I love that pattern, love the yarn, love the sweater.

So I think we can say that so far, 2009 has been pretty successful as far as projects go... stay tuned to see if that continues...