Polar Chullo

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!

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

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!

...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

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

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

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

Stitched Slapped (again!)

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?

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

(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!

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!

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

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...

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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!

... 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!

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!

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!

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.