Closed for Vacation.

Dear Reader,
This here blog will be closed for the next week.
Gone on vacation:)
Maybe I will come across a computer and give you an update, but no promises. I am bringing my sock to knit and have temporarily abandoned the glove project. No comment. Well ok, just this one...DAMN GLOVE. I would never wear a sock that thick, so maybe I will try a lighter weight yarn...yeah that'll work.

Have you got your hands on the new Vogue Knitting. Some goodies in there.
Next up: Olympic Training.

I will tell Mickey you all have said "Hello"...wish me luck with the 2 and 3 year olds!

Spencer Gloves

Thank you all for your wonderful comments on the Lace Leaf Sweater...I still don't know what I will do with it. Maybe it will grow on me. Catwalks...you are all too funny!

Faced again with nothing to knit, (the other Canal Sock I am saving for my trip, my Knitting Olympics yarn has arrived...but I can't start that until the official start date, and I have also acquired the yarn for Aranrose in the upcoming IK...but it doesn't arrive until next month.) I decided to cast on for some gloves. I have been wanted to knit the Spencer Gloves from the current Rowan and even have the Wool/Cotton in the stash for it.
I swatched...really I did...and got gauge. Of course, when I have the thumb done I realize that my gauge is not correct and have to start again. Now this time I definitely have got gauge and get back to thumb...knit and seam it.



Too small. The pattern is for the average sized adult hands. I guess I am not average sized. Hmmm. I searched for other knitters who have made the gloves and came across these. Gorgeous! Notice that she also says that they are small.
I consult my Knitters Handy Book of Patterns and for my size hand, there are just not enough stitches. So now I have to start again, this time increasing the size.
Well, you are already aware of the other problems with seaming up digits in a glove. I knew of them already, but thought I would try it.



Wrong.
Holey Moley. Also, the seam is quite uncomfortable.

Over to Nona's Blog I go. Have you seen her wonderful tutorial on icord finger gloves? So why not do the icord fingers, knit the glove from the top down then add the wonderful details from the Spencer Gloves?
That is on the new knitting agenda.

Lace Leaf Pullover

Here it is. Hmmmm...just as I thought it would turn out. Mouseover for the I-let-my-hair-down-I'm-trying-to-be-a-model-hoping-this-sweater-will-look-better photo.



I am done with jumbo knits. The photo doesn't show how big it actually is...trust me. I knew it would turn out exactly like this. Why did I knit it? I don't know. It is way too big for my taste. I guess if you like that big sweatshirt type of knit, this one is for you.

Started: January 17, 2006
Finished: January 23, 2006
Pattern: Lace Leaf Pullover by Teva Durham in IK summer 2005. There are a few of typo's in this pattern. If you know what you are doing, you will see. I looked for corrections and none are posted on the IK site. For instance, you CO NOT BO the 8 sts under the armpit. Little things like that.
Yarn: Katia Himalaya in denim. I would not use this yarn again. If you happened to split the plies, especially while seaming...it really sucked. It also stunk when I washed it...now I have to rewash my handknit socks that I put in with it. Although I did pop it in the dryer for a couple of minutes on very low heat and it survived wonderfully.
Adjustments: None really. I didn't cast off the top (not sure why you would) I kept the stitches live inorder to graft them to the bottom piece.
Overall the pattern was quite simple and the seaming and grafting is not as hard as some others seemed to think.

I knit it, I wore it for the photo...and that's all folks.

Finally one sock is complete.

This sock seemed to take forever to knit. I guess I just wasn't able to grasp the pattern as quickly as I usually do. Eventually I got it and the foot was done in no time.



Here is a close up of the stitch pattern, it is quite interesting.



The only problem is that it fits me. It should not. I need to rip the toe back and get rid of 1/2 inch. That brings me to this question...today, on sockapaloooza sign up day...do you account for a negative ease in the length of a sock?

I've already cast on and knit a couple inches of the second sock...so it is ready for Mickey!

Bootiful Weekend.

I had sisters visiting this weekend, so there wasn't too much knitting happening. I did manage to try some baby booty patterns out. I was going to knit something a little more substantial for my girlfriends new baby girl...but I decided on some booties.
First up, the "two-colour shoes"...



They took about 3 hours to complete the pair...I am guessing.
Pattern: Two-coloured shoes from Debbie Bliss The Baby Knits Book.
Yarn: Baby Cashmerino in pale pink and cream.
Adjustments: Well, I made the 6-9 months but they are way too big. My gauge seems to be right, but they are more like a 9-12 month size.

Here is the button detail:



I love the Baby Cashmerino already, but in garter stitch it is just delicious! I truly think that this is my favourite yarn. As much as I love these, they are too big...so I knit these next...



These took a little longer...like 4 hours for the pair.
Pattern: Bootees with picot edge from Debbie Bliss Quick Baby Knits.
Yarn: Again, the baby cashmerino in pale pink. I completed both pair with one ball...and maybe a yard of the second ball, plus the scrap cream I had for the two colour shoes.
Adjustments: None. They are for 0-9 months and look right on the money.

The sock is moving, slowly. I have made a couple mistakes and have had to tink back...the pattern sucks for that. I am just not sure of the stitches when they are crossed...a pain to tink back. I am hoping to finish the first one today or tomorrow so that I can knit the second one on our little family vacation next week....going to Disneyworld!

Lace Leaf is just about complete. After preliminary try ons of the top section, all I can say is....hmmmmm.....

Lace Leaf begins....

Well, I did go to my LYS in search of some yarn for the Lace Leaf Pullover. I found this Katia Himalaya in denim. It wouldn't normally be my first choice in colour...but there wasn't much of a choice here. I went with a 50% wool and 50% acrylic blend hoping that it wouldn't be so hot...although the owner of the shop did inform me she doesn't like acrylic because it doesn't breath and therefore makes her sweat. Interesting, I never thought of it that way...we will see.

I started a couple days ago, working inbetween my sock. I did a sleeve a day...I screwed up the increasing for some reason on the second sleeve and had to rip the whole thing out and could still knit it up again that day.
Here we are today. Two sleeves and the collar.



Now I need the circs. Don't ask why I have the US#13 needles in the first place (has to do with when I started knitting...and a poncho...and I don't really want to talk about it). It does move quickly because of the gauge and the needle size, but it is so awkward to work with needles so large.

AND...after searching and searching for yarn...look what is up on elann.com. Perfect for this sweater, wish they had put it up a couple days ago!

Oh...and I was just looking for something to knit!

I know. You've seen it. The Spring Interweave Knits preview.
Look out.

Hello gorgeous! Made from pattons classic wool! I am going to buy the yarn today!


Beautiful. I am not sure about the practicality of the front. Wouldn't that flap open...but I love it!


Yes, so gorgeous. I can't see the front...I am really hoping for a v neck...it looks to be so. LOVE IT!

Loving this as well. Made from Lion Brand! Love the cables.
Oh, and I have to make this. I think I have the perfect tweed for it!
This is also cute...cotton...it may weight a ton!

Anyway, back to the knitting at hand....wouldn't this make a gorgeous sleeve to a sweater?

34 sts in 4"...it would just take forever to knit! But, it is not a sleeve, it is a sock. Here is the interesting heel flap and turned heel. Not very durable...but lovely I think.


A couple of questions were asked from my wonderful readers. The needles I always use, for practically everything I knit are addi turbos. I knit very tightly and I get too much of a grab on bamboo needles, so addi turbos are perfect for me. I do hate their blunt tip though. Especially in this pattern trying to knit into the back of the second stitch...almost impossible with these suckers.
Also, how do I like the Regia silk? So far, it is beautiful yarn. Soft, elastic, warm. How durable will it be, not sure. I am sure it will pill, but look at how wonderfully it knits up!

The Knitting Olympics

Direct from the Yarn Harlot...THE KNITTING OLYMPICS!

Rules:
1. The project must be a challenge for you to complete in 16 days.
Ok, so if I do the Gull Stitch Cardigan...Day one is a crapper. No pun intended...I have to go to London for a medical test.That leaves me 15 days to complete it. 5 pieces with seaming and blocking...and sewing in a zipper...hmmmm. So, 4 days to complete the back. Lets say 4 days to do the fronts. 5 days to do the sleeves. I will block as I go. A day to seam and weave in the ends. The last day to put in the zipper and model!

2. There are no rules about what a challenge would be. Like the real Olympics, there are many areas to compete in. If you are a new knitter, then a garter stitch baby sweater might do...If you are experienced, well. I've already considered Torino. Use your own conscience.
I know that the Gull Stitch Cardigan is with chunky yarn and on fat needles...but I have to paint my SIL's entire house in one of those weeks.

3. While this is intended to be somewhat difficult (like the Olympics) it is not intended to ruin your life. Don't set yourself up for failure. (Olympic athletes may cry, but they do not whine pitifully, sob and threaten members of their family with pointed sticks because they haven't slept in five days. ) This is intended to (like the Olympics) require some measure of sacrifice, and be difficult, but it should be possible to attain.
Attainable...sure.

4. No casting on before the flame is lit.
Ok, not sure when I will cast on...but it will be after the flame lighting.

5. Finish before the flame goes out.
That would be in the evening, right?

6. You may swatch before the games. (I consider this "training.")
Oh yes, and that means sourcing a yarn before that...I am thinking about this Debbie Bliss yarn...maybe the Summer Grape?

Are you in? Join HERE.

When in doubt, knit a sock.

Here is the problem. I am too focused on using up the stash of yarn before purchasing anything new. I have beautiful yarn, and really great patterns that I want to knit, but they don't match up. So there is no point in forcing it. I am still on a quest to find the perfect yarn for the "Lace Leaf Pullover". (Yes, I know Catherine, you want me to knit a skirt, and I have some patterns, but I just don't know. I never wear skirts....maybe.)

So, when in doubt of what to knit, start a sock.



Here is the start of the "Canal Du Midi" sock from Nancy Bush's "Knitting on the Road". I love this book, and have never done a sock out of it. Now is the time. I had this lovely shade of blue in the Regia Silk. These will be the perfect birthday gift for Mom.
I've done the recommend "Double-Start Cast On" which is a new cast on for me. This pattern also has a unique stitch pattern of crossed stitches that is also new to me. So, this is turning out to be a great learning project.

What do I do?

Last night was a knitting nightmare. I just don't really have a project going. I finished the other half to the bag I was knitting...it's awaiting the lining and zipper. My FIL sweater is finished and waiting for another zipper. I did tell you about the sleeves I started for the neglected sweater....but I will tell you about that another day. I have really started questioning why I knit things...and will I actually wear it.
So I swatched for socks...but didn't get gauge and was not really excited about the yarn. I was going to start a gift for a girlfriend who just had a baby...but didn't have the correct needle size.(well, in bamboo I did, but I need addis for the baby cashmerino...seriously.) So at about 10:30 p.m. I started knitting this little bear...just for something to knit.



Cute, yes. I could see a pocket on the front of a baby/children's sweater/vest and one of these guys in it.

So what do I knit. I just can't bring myself to knit that ribbed sweater...boring. I do want to do the lace leaf pullover...but I don't have the yarn.
I've been trying to source one out. If you are knitting the Lace Leaf Pullover, what are you using? I may check my LYS for some of this...I know, it has acrylic in it...but I can't imagine how hot I would be in 100% polar weight wool! I am pretty sure she has it in stock, and I am pretty sure I have used it for a hat before.

Help me decide. It seems that a few of you are talking about doing the lace leaf pullover. Is there a KAL out there?

Itchin' to knit.

Thank you so much for all of your kind comments of the two complete projects of 2006 thus far. I can see what projects get you going enough to comment...all of you silent readers! I love it!
So what is next on the knitting front. What has started the twitch, the endless search for yarn, the blatant forgetfulness of incomplete sweaters (ok, ok, I cast on the sleeves last night)...the "I must knit this"!?

I have googled for knitters working on the current IK projects. Not many out there. Why? Am I the only one loving this issue. At first I flipped through with nothing. Not a twitch. Then I looked closer. I had the yarn for the Ballet Wrap...so I knit it. Success there.

What about the Gull Stitch Cardigan? No one? Not a taker? It's a cardigan...so versatile. It is another chunky knit...quick knits people. The design is so different...does up on the side with a hidden zipper. Interesting stitch pattern. No one? WELL, I am searching for yarn. I love it.

The Belted Wrap. Come on. It's gorgeous. Love it. It is the 21 balls of Zara that scares you...the lace pattern? I know, it will break the bank. I am searching for zara on sale or a sub. I will knit this...it may not be complete until next winter, but I love it that much.

The Embossed Leaves Socks are a given. Although I find that koigu is fabulous. I love my socks knit in koigu...but I would have to take out a second mortgage to keep making them in that yarn. I have a lovely black merino/cotton blend I am thinking of using from the stash.

I really like Knitty's Shedir hat. It would make a fabulous gift for someone and I do have some Rowan Calmer in the stash.

Tev Durhams Lace Leaf Pullover is gaining my interest.

Another quick knit. Interesting design with some grafting. What about the yarn? Any thoughts. I could make this for myself but my SIL would look fab in it...may Christmas knitting will start sooner than later!

Let's not forget about Debbie Bliss. I love her. She has some beautiful designs in her new Simply Soft book. Many chunky knits...there seems to be a trend here. This Asymmetric Sweater is gorgeous. My mom would look great in it...another potential Christmas knit. Elann.com has some DB Chunky Merino on sale.
She also has this really cool looking Boa Scarf. Very tempting.

I picked up a copy of WrapStyle. I do love the lace shawl and poncho in it. I know poncho's are so "out" but I think it could pass.

Other than all of that...I need a pair of Jaywalkers for myself...and I have swatched for this simple cardigan. The only fear of it is boredom. That's a lot of ribbing.

So what are you itchin' to knit?

A lesson in grafting.

You know that I wouldn't stand down to the challenge. Sure, there were easier ways out...but I had to learn how to do it.
Graft the ribbing.
So, unable to locate anything visual for those of us who need it, I give you a little lesson on how to graft ribbing. Do not be afraid. It is really easy once you do it!

First, here are a couple tips:
The Vogue Ultimate book of knitting does show you how to graft 1x1 ribbing.
It is really handy to have this weaving in ends technique under your belt.
and knowledge of grafting knit stitches, seen here.
When grafting, you work two stitches on each peice before you go to the other piece. i.e. work two stitches on the top existing piece, then go to the new ribbing piece and work two stitches from that.
I can't tell you "go into the stitch as if to purl...etc." I work visually. Lay the stitches all flat and duplicate the fabric. If something doesn't look right, undo that stitch and try it the other way. Once you start to see the anatomy of the stitch, it will just come naturally...trust me.

Get yourself some scrap yarn, a darning needle, some straight pins and good lighting.
Knit your new piece to be grafted on to the existing piece, leaving a long tail (4x the length of your exsiting piece will do). Thread a piece of scrap yarn through the stitches, taking it off the needle.
Undo the cast on edge of the existing piece and thread a piece of scrap yarn through those now live stitches.

I used the needle to pick out the cast on of each stitch then just put the needle through the stitch and went on to the next stitch.
On your working surface (my favourite is the arm of the sofa), line up your two pieces to graft, edge to edge.

After the first couple stitches, I stretched out the grafted ribbing and pinned it down. You are able to see the stitches clearly then. Go into the first stitch of you new piece of ribbing from the front to back with the long tail you left on it. Then go into the existing ribbing first stitch from back to front. This joins the two pieces. Work across your knit stitches as in the tips above. Until you get to your first purl stitch.


When working your first purl stitch, go from the back of the knit stitch into the front of the purl stitch. If you need to work a second purl stitch, after working the top two stitches, come back to the last purl stitch on the bottom that you worked, go into it from back to front then the next purl stitch from front to back.
Going from a purl to a knit stitch is just as easy.

Going from the back of the purl stitch through the front, enter the back of the knit stitch and go through the front. Now, when you come back to this knit stitch, you do the same move from back to front of it and the same into the next knit stitch, back to front.
All the while, try to keep your tension the same as the existing knitting.

And voila! It's so easy! Give it a try. If you have a problem, or my instructions are "way out there", email me and I will try to help.
There you have it. I am not doing the sweater all in one night. The first night, I did one front side and last night the other front. Tonight I will tackle the back and the sweater will be lengthened!

FO's two days in a row!

What are we in a race? No, quick knits people. Fat yarn, fat needles...fat sweater. Let me just say that it looks better in the photos...

The Ballet Wrap



Started: January 2, 2006
Finished: January 10, 2006
Yarn: 100% Alpaca that my SIL brought from Buenos Aries...sorry, not even a tag for you!
Pattern: Ballet Wrap on the cover of Interweave Knits current winter issue.
Adjustments: I made the arms about a inch longer. I also knit the ties as the pattern calls for...but I knew that I wasn't going to wrap it around my waist a thousand times...to thicken it up even more! The left front tie goes through the right hole above the ribbing, as the pattern says, but the right front simply ties to that on the side. I didn't loop it around etc etc.
I do like the sweater. I don't think I have ever worn such a thick knit. They just don't look as good as a thin knit for me. It's fun, and I will wear it...but I don't know if I could fit it under my winter jacket to go out in public;)
Here are a couple more shots...



Now, on to the problematic sweater lengthening...and finishing the purse. What's next for 2006?

The wonderful world of knit bloggers...and Picovoli is Finished!

You are all so fabulous. The ideas and tips you gave are so helpful. I had considered just redoing the ribbing and grafting it where the stocking stitch starts...such a big job...but certainly easier than grafting ribbing. Why not go a little further...as Jackie suggests, and cut off the ribbing and pick up the stocking stitch then knit down from there including the ribbing. It's not a big deal...the entire sweater is not ribbing, but the bottom 6/7" is. Or what about this...cut off the ribbing, pick up the st st and put it on the needles...knit the 3" in stocking stitch that needs to be added then graft the ribbing (with a row of st st still attached) to the new length? Then I don't have to reknit the ribbing. The one problem is the pockets...but I could lengthen them as well. Oh this is just turning into a big job!
Bottom line, I am going to fix it...how, I haven't decided yet. Let me just say, my FIL better wear this sweater every damn day! I'll tackle it after the Ballet Wrap is complete...which will be tonight!
NOW...the first FO of 2006....Picovoli:



Started: December 30, 2005
Finished: January 8, 2006
Pattern: Picovoli
(Oh please help with this...I always forget to ask, does anyone else have problems printing a pattern from Magknits? The right side is always cut off, I've tired moving the margins.)
Yarn: butterfly mercerized cotton. The red did bleed...be forewarned. I will add vinegar to the next wash. Also keep in mind that cotton grows after wear. Notice how fitted the garment was while knitting...and it skims the body now...with some negative ease at the bust line. I measure a 38" bust and I knit a 36".
Adjustments: No real adjustments here. I did screw up the increases under the bust and did the first 4 every 5th row instead of 4th. I didn't rip back, deciding it wasn't a big deal...but I probably should have. There is more room there than I would like, after blocking. I did compensate by only knitting an inch inbetween the increases and decreases instead of the 1.5" that the pattern called for. Whatever, I love it anyway!
A little tip from Grumperina, found over at this here little KAL I joined (oh yeah baby) in regards to the rolling of the edges...use an iron with steam. This worked wonderfully. I wet a cloth napkin and put it over the edges then steam ironed. Beautiful.

Lengthening a sweater.

Ok, here is the problem. I need to lengthen my FIL sweater I knit him for Christmas. It is true that I have been avoiding it because I KNOW what I have to do.
Graft Ribbing.
I was looking for an easy way out. I consulted the Knitting Guru...Grumperina. She confirmed my thoughts that taking out the cast on and knitting down was not going to work for ribbing. Of course, she encouraged me to try on a swatch to see if the results would be good enough...
My little swatch to add length to:



The cast on taken out and the swatch on the needle:



At this point, I knew it wasn't going to work. But I knit down anyway to show you all the results:



The ribbing is going to the right now...no good. So I then separated the knit and purls sides...as if grafting 1x1 ribbing...



Well, that wasn't going to work, but it did help me visually....and I attempted grafting.



I had a rough start but caught on near the left side. I think I can do it...maybe. I would put it on smooth yarn instead of the needles though, for sure. Grafting that many stitches....all the way around that sweater...
So I sat down and started....knitting a cute purse!



Picovoli is done, I need to steam the edges and do another photo, patience please!
Ballet Wrap is blocking and I will knit the ties tonight and hopefully assemble tomorrow.

More weekend reno's

It's been a while since I posted on the weekend reno's. Here was our fireplace the day we bought the house...3 yrs ago...little lucca in the baby seat Pre-Knitting...in a store bought hat!




And the after...



Dad gave me a hand grouting in the fall to finish it off. A couple layers of sealer and we were all set. I love a wood burning fireplace!

Ballet Wrap Progress.

The Ballet Wrap is moving right along. Here is a shot of the front pieces so far.



It is such a simple pattern and moves so quickly that I should finish it this weekend no problem.
Here is a close up of the front edging. I initially thought, by the photo, that it was an icord but it is simply a purl 2 knit 3 rib at the end/beg of the row.



I am hoping to finish the right front piece tonight and start on the hip increases for Picovoli. Maybe I will have two FO's next week!

Picovoli Progress.

Firstly, thank you all for the heads up on felting in a front loader. I assumed that it was impossible (ass-u-me, you know how it goes). There could have been a real knit washing tragedy here. I guess some hot water and other items in the wash to knock them around would felt...HELLO!

I am still working on Picovoli with a little Ballet Wrap in between. I am just loving tivoli/picovoli this time around. Obviously, knitting a smaller size goes a little quicker, plus I really jumped on the negative ease wagon (makes so much sense). I think this may be my favourite knit...the best fitting. Plus after breast feeding and weight loss, the sisters needed a little love. (is that too much information CK?)



Not so bad! Please ignore the hair...it's been raining here for a couple days now...frizz city.

And...the first request of 2006:
"Mommy, can you make me a blue blanket out of this when you are done that shirt?"



Could ya help me out here?!

Just knit more socks!

Don't you hate when all of your handknit socks are dirty. Either I need to handwash more often, or knit more socks! And we all know the answer to that.
Well, to solve the washing time...we got a new washer and dryer. Front loaders...so that ends my short but sweet felting career.
My cold feet...waiting for the hand knits to wash...



And the dryer comes with a drying rack!



How cool is that. This is only for cold feet emergencies...it takes about 45 minutes to dry the socks...but there is no waiting for two days for the socks to dry!

Anywho...on the 2006 knitting front:
The back of the Ballet Wrap is complete.



Can I just say that I know chunky knits are only flattering on those who are about a size 0 but...it only took an evening to knit!



Look at how the alpaca fibers flicker in the light!
Come on...I think it will be cute with a tank top and a pair of jeans.

Good Morning 2006.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A new year. You know what this means. New knits...new knitting projects for 2006...where to start?!
The first project of 2006.....drum roll please..........
PICOVOLI! What? I already knit a Tivoli...well, it's not a Picovoli! A brilliant pattern, and a flattering knit, all I can say is WHY NOT?

I had my problems...all due to my own stupidity (I started with a crochet provisional cast on and started from the wrong end, hence having to undo each stitch to knit the hem...loser. Then I started the increases for the wrong size...loser.) I hope this is not a sign for my knits for 2006.



So far, it is gorgeous. I am using some yarn from my stash (one of my many knitting new years resolutions). It is a beautiful shade of red Butterfly Mercerized Cotton that I purchased in Toronto last April.

That brings us to the new years knitting resolutions:

1. Use up some yarn from my stash (I did put a dent in it for the Christmas knits)
2. Learn a new technique...could it be steeking? I am just not ready for spinning. What about Combined Knitting...dare I?
3. Perfect a technique. My fair isle needs some work still.
4. Only join a knit a long if I am actually going to knit a long. (NBaT, yeah that never happened...and River...I am going to do...so just wait for me!)
5. Start my Christmas knits early this year (I know I hinted that I wouldn't do them next year, but come on...I work best under pressure and I love giving hand knits to those who truly appreciate them.)

Five, that's it. Make it easy. So, what are your knitting resolutions? Will you share?