new dress!

I'm sad to say that I have not been able to photograph this in a way that does it justice. However, I'm quite happy with the result (although I would tweak it a bit)...

(headless wonder shot)



(fuzzy attempts at self-portrait in a bedroom which was really supposed to be cleaned this past week during our week off - oh well...)




(on the hanger - doesn't look as good there as on, I don't think)...



Yarns: Trendsetter "Segue" (polyamide ribbon) and Fleece Articst Curlilocks
Needle size: 9 mm plus 7 mm crochet hook
Time spent: 10 hours approx
Design by: ME!

I am motivated to keep working on the design and can already see where I went "wrong" and what I would like to change. I think I'll try it next in some Berroco Suede (which I bought to do a very funky handbag, before making about 50 other funky handbags... would rather make a dress. Plus, another excuse for a trip to the LYS as I will not have enough to finish the dress).

a week in the (so-called) life...!

Well, actually, I must confess that it has been a great life this week and accordingly I've been able to allot a disprortionate amount of time to knitting! Ribbing section of a sweater, two tank tops and other WIPs later, here is the progress report:

I kicked off the week in uncharateristically selfish fashion by starting on the He Gansey from the No Sheep book for DH:



... but then I got bored with the colour, which was DH's choice (sorry, DH, I should never have asked your preference...) so I turned my thoughts to the other items posted below... and to colour choices for the Bacardi cardigan from the same book for ME...



... which I will probably start on Monday or Tuesday after I have finished this little dress...



... and also this (which involves no little frogging of the way-too-large boxer shorts)...



Colour me (apart from the grey gansey yarn) obsessed!!! It has been a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing week (and I did even manage to fit in a few social events and a trip or two) - and I will have great difficulty going back to the office on Monday. But - I've got to pay for all this yarn somehow... ;-)

more sale yarn...

...led to this new summer knit (I don't think I've knit as many summer things in all my life as I have this week!).



And it is my own design, so I'm feeling quite chuffed as they say in the UK (I think, anyway!)

Yarn: South West Trading Co Phoenix Soy Silk and Kerzner Sari ribbon (2 skeins of soy silk, one skein approx of ribbon)
Needles: 6 mm circular + 4.5 mm crochet hook

The tank was knitted in the round - no sewing!! (did I mention I hate sewing?) It was my attempt to avert the twin disasters of not liking the ribbing I had picked and realising about a thrid of the way through that I would have only enough of the soy silk to finish halfway up the armpits. After panicking and running around my apartment like a jackass for about 20 minutes I raided the stash and found the sari ribbon which I had bought (just because it was so pretty and it cost only $1 per skein). So, all was good again.

I'll call it "Silken Sunset", I think. ;-)

Neckline and hem are crocheted in 2 rounds hdc. The armhole edging was knit in with a slip stitch pattern.

the one-day tank

Well, thanks to kind people on the Knitty Board responding yesrterday morning to a plea on what to do with some sale yarn": here is the result!!!

Pattern is the Ribbon X-Back (found on the Knitty webiste at Knitty.com)




Yarn: Rowan Cotton Tape - most of 4 skeins for the x-small - I combined deep pink and purple which is what I had bought on sale

Needle size: 8mm

Time spent - total 5 hours!!

A GREAT summer pattern!

Samus, redux

Here it is: based on the Samus pattern at the Knitty website: http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/PATTsamus.html




Yarn: (body) Super 3 (Kerzner - discontinued - mercerised cotton, aran weight) - 650 g approx; (edging) Newport Pima Cotton by Classic Elite Yarns (mercerised cotton)
Notions: 5mm circular needles; 3.5mm crochet hook

I had committed some kind of sin some months back by knitting a cardigan for DH where I knew I would want to use the same pattern again for myself (see my post on 25 October 2006). So - the challenge was to make sure that the two, seen together, did not look some some cutesy "his n hers" deal. I think I've managed, more or less. How?

Some notes:

- when I first saw the pattern (which was knitting in roughly the same orange colour as you see above), my first thought (with no offence to the designer at all) was "Who would knit a gorgeous sweater like this in the colour of a pumpkin"? Answer (with the cold light of 20/20 hindsight): *I* would... at least if I came across a Super 10 like yarn on sale!

- I changed the cable pattern on the bottom from the original, partly in aid of avoiding the "his 'n hers" syndrome. The pattern I used is located in the fabulous book "Cables Unlimited" by Melissa Leapman.

- the edging choice was torturous and expensive (considering that I spent only $45.00 or so on the yarn for the body). My initial thought was fuschia Super 10, then lime green. I ended up buying two skeins each of fuschia and KELLY green (the latter "by mistake"). I couldn't find the lime green (one of my favourites) and ended up buying another scarlet coloured skein yesterday. After all that, the Super 10 did not work out well for me because the gauge (DK) was too different. AND I now have spent more on the Super 10 than I did for the original yarn! (probably just my subconscious telling me "Buy and hoard Super 10... buy and hoard Super 10...)

- re. edging: I'm also a bit sad because my ultimate choice, the Classic Elite, did not work well for the i-cord eging specified as there was not enough give and the slip stitches seemed to pop out. I was particularly peeved at this as I had wanted to do a cable I-cord edging. Oh well. I resorted to the handy old crochet needle - at which point I could not find a way to make the edging 100% even. This, I will term a "design feature".

- there are no fasteners. I will be using this as a spring/summer light jacket and find I don't do up my other jackets in the spring and summer anyway.

- the sweater has not been properly blocked. This is because I am lazy and impatient and hate blocking. (I must reserve any energies I have for seaming, which I also hate). I did throw the knitted pieces into the wash after finishing and steam-ironed the crocheted edging and trim. I'm sure it would look much better if blocked, but I can't be bothered.

- the sweater was very fun to knit (as was DHs) and I would highly recommend this pattern for people relatively new to knitting who want to try out a cable pattern for the first time. The one in the actual Samus pattern is quite a bit more intricate than the one I chose, and ultimately looks better with the cardigan... but I'm happy with this one as well and it was quite a bit simpler.

Now, on to the He gansey from No Sheep and to figuring out how to convert some sale yarn (polyamide wide ribbon, Rowan Cotton Tape and Pheonix "soy silk" into cute little tank tops... I don't know that I have enough in quantity of the latter two nor that I have the mathematical brain required to compute the stitch count for wildly different gauged yarn in the tank top patterns I have... SIGH).

pics of older stuff

Here is a dress I designed - have not worn often because not 100% happy with it, but good for a first effort at knitting a skirt, I think:



Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece



And here is a photo of a "phony seam" on a sweater knitted in the round...
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece

what to do?

I wish I had never bought the No Sheep For You book by Amy Singer. Not because I don't like it - but because I'm having a difficulty getting to work with all the great patterns. And - the stash which I had successfully started to bust is now burgeoning again.

Plus: also I am loving working on a Samus-style cardigan (Knitty website) I'm now facing the dreaded SSS (second sleeve syndrome and just want to start something else.

So - I'm posting my WIP photo of the Samus to re-invigorate myself:



Yarn: Super 3 by Kerzner (discontinued) - purple is for the i-order border and is Newport Pima Cotton (mercerised)

And with all greatest intentions, my plan was first to knit the Bacardi pattern, calling for Super 10, in order to engage in some stash busting - it's getting to the point otherwise where I could probably open a Super10 store:



....but then I went on-line and bought Rowan cotton for the following two projects:




What's a girl to do? Good thing I've got this week off work... but the danger is that I will never go back! However, no work, no money for more yarn... such a dilemma.

And, on the upside, I just rescued a 3 drawer plastic "file cabinet" from my apartment disposal which will help to contain the stash...

... but on the downside, I still have two bags to sew together and line... (I HATE this part)...

;-)

Calmer vs. Elastico...

Some info about my recent geeky quest to finding a cheaper substitute for the Rowan Calmer called for in the Morrigan pattern (from No Sheep For You - highly recommended). I had come across Lana Grossa Elastico - like the Calmer, 50g = 160 m. The results from my tension sample tests are in...(pardon the stripes from my balcony railing - my camera works better in natural light). The tangerine colour is the Calmer, the yellow the Elastico. All samples were knitted on bamboo circular needles. The tension sample is taken from Chart R3 of the Morrigan pattern from No Sheep for You - meant to yield a 4" swatch from 40 sts. and 44 rows.


1. Comparison
The two adjacent samples were knitted on 3.25mm as the pattern calls for. The smaller sample on the top was knitted on 3mm needles.








2. Calmer
This tension sample worked out just about right - 4" x 4" approx.










3. Elastico - 3.25mm

When knitted on the same size as the Calmer, this sample worked out to a touch over the right width (4.2" approx) but quite a bit too long (at over 4.5")...






4. Elastico - 3mm
... so I tried the Elastico again using the next size down of needles. I got lazy, though, and only finished 1/2 the sample (the row length is 22 rows instead of 44). Results still not 100% - width right this time at 4" but length still too long (at 2.25" approx for 1/2 the sample).




You may also notice that the Calmer has knitted more evenly than the Elastico. No doubt part of this is due to my own (lack of) skill :-). However, the difference in quality is quite pronounced in my samples. If anything, the Elastico sample closest to the appropriate tension is the most uneven.

So, for myself, I think I would have to stick with the Calmer. A surer cable knitter than myself might have some luck with the Elastico, though.

A note about the relative characteristics of the yarns: the Calmer was quite a bit "thicker" (read: fluffier) to the feel than the Elastico and also had quite a bit more stretch. I liked working with both equally but they were quite different.

Another note: I felt quite clever with myself by managing to knit part of these samples without using a cable needle! (I did the Calmer sample half and half, and can't tell the difference between the two parts myself. For the technique, see the new book Cables Untangled by Melissa Leapman).

in progress...

It's been a while since I posted. Have been too busy knitting and being depressed with the lack of sun. Now the sun is back... !!!

1. Periwinkle Bag

I need to put in some lining yet...



Specs:
yarn: Burley Spun - Brown Sheep, one skein
needle size: 10 mm
time to make: 2 hours approx

2. Samus-style cardigan (in progress)




Specs:

Yarn: Super 3 (discontinued) - Kerzner - aran weight mercerised cotton. I plan a border with lime-green Super 3
Inspiration: Samus pattern from knitty.com
Needle Size: 5 mm

3. Tension sample for Morrigan



This is my attempt to see if I can substitute yarns for the gorgeous Morrigan sweater in the new book No Sheep For You by Amy R. Singer. Designer = Jenna Wilson. More to the point, it's my endeavour to see whether I actually have the guts to try the sweater. This is a sample based on chart R3. Not the colour I would go with... I just had this lying around, which is 1/2 the price of the yarn called for (Rowan Calmer). The tension sample (meant to be 6 inches) is about 1/3 inch too wide. Height was OK.

Specs:
Yarn: Lana Grossa Elastico
Needle Size: 3.25 mm.
Time Spent: er.... don't ask... 2 hours.

the perfect sweater!

... many months in the knitting (well, actually, only about 3 days in the knitting but spread out over a long time). The pattern is found at masondixonknitting.com.

This is a detail of the LOVELY yarn:



Specs:

Yarn: Fleece Artist Kid Silk 2 ply (70% kid, 30% silk) - most of two skeins (total weight approx. 450 g). Colour is called "blue rainbow"
Needle size: 4 mm (bamboo)
size: small

I loved working with this yarn - and the sweater will be luxurious to wear. For once, am hoping for cold weather tomorrow.

And - the sweater fits as though it were made for me!

;-)

spring has sprung...

... well, almost. So here is my first spring project in progress: cheerful boxer shorts!!! (just started tonight)



Pattern from Greetings From the Knit Cafe by Suzan Mischer. Yarn = Lana Grossa Elastico Print (96% cotton, 4% nylon). Didn't do a swatch (too lazy) so we'll see how it goes...!

And... who thinks I can accomplish this next project (my 2nd pair of socks) while watching the tube? ;-)

Hi all:

Two new FOs...

1. a scarf I just finished based on the Moderne pattern (the left half of the pattern for the Moderne blanket in Mason-Dixon Knitting). I added some beads (which are knit in). This was fun and fast to make.

Finished size: 40"x12:, roughly
Yarn: curlilocks by fleece artist (raspberry, eggplant, plum)
Needle size: 6 mm
Knitting time: 5 hours approx.

I decided to use the same size needles for casting off as I wanted to see what would happen. Hence, the warp, which I rather like. If you want to avoid this, use 8 mm needles for casting off.

2. socks

My first pair!

Yarn: Fleece Artist sock merino
Pattern: on the ballband of the yarn
Needle size: 2.5 mm
Knitting time approx: 10 hours (for both socks)

baby's first needlepoint

And here's another photo from my mother (man alive, was I ever generous! and overambitious, as this was my first needlepoint! and counted, to boot).



Note the grid pattern in the background. At the time, this was a rather ill-advised decision to mark the grid onto the canvas with a very dark marker. Now, I have learned to view it as a "design element" (although you may beg to differ).

"vintage" knits (of mine)

My mother sent me these photos of sweaters I had knitted for her many years ago (in less selfish days when I actually knitted sweaters for other people! LOL) Most predate 1991 when I left home. They are all in cotton yarn as my mother is allergic to wool.

1. Flower vest


I do remember this one because it was murder to knit. The honeycomb pattern is not embroidered... can't remember which pattern book it was from but it was a UK one.

2. Tree of Life

This is a sweater that I copied (literally) from one my former boss had bought in Ireland. I took the sweater and photocopied the front. I then knitted the tree. I wish I had a photo of the original sweater - just asked the old boss (with whom I still work) last week but she no longer has it. ;-( It is of more recent provenance than the others - early 2002.

3. Tree of Life 2


From another pattern book lost in the mists of my memory.

4. Sweatshirt

This one, I'm fairly certain, is from one of the Paton's general sweater booklets.

5. Grapevine

Again, can't remember where this is from. I didn't design it.

hurt needle :(

but on the upside: a brand new sock! Now I only have to do the second one...



In the process, I managed to break a wooden dpn needle (sob). Luckily I have enough left to finish the second sock (unless of course I manage to snap the other one as well.

So - here is my memorial to the dearly departed needle:



Please note the trunk on the elephant, which is pointing downward. It was pointing upward before I arranged the needles on top. Honestly! (well, er... no - just have gone a bit insane over sock progress!)

first pair of socks! (in progress...)

Well, have gotten started on my first ever pair of socks - after all these years! To be honest, I have never really seen the point as how many people see socks, anyway? Howeever, I have been persuaded by the latest socks craze and the gorgeous sock yarns available to give it a stab.




This is after about an hour's progress... (re. not counting the first aborted attempt where I managed to twist the stitches when joining them, leading to what perhaps I should market as a pattern for "moebius socks". Grr.).

Yarn= Fleece Artist Basic Merino
Needles = 2.5 mm addi turbos. Also have Brittany dpns (wood)
Pattern = on the ballband ("Nova Sox". Fleece Artist yarn is produced in Nova Scotia. "Nova Sox"... get it? heh heh heh).

In true type A fashion, I had initially decided to knit a very convoluted kneesock pattern found in this seasons "Interweave Knits": entrelac argyle pattern. I then came to my senses and decided that this was *probably* not a beginner sock project - and moreover that attempting this pattern right now would likely lead to me flinging $40.00 worth of yarn and said addi turbos off the balcony into the ravine in complete disgust, never to be found again.

My thoughts so far:
- pattern is blissfully straightforward (so far, anyway, and minus the twist effect!)
- it is quicker work than I thought it would be
- however, not convinced that I like working with the small size of needles required (then again, this *is* blanket and bag queen here. For about 3 months I wasn't using any needle size smaller than 8 mm).

And a note about spending on projects: DH last night asked what I was making. I told him and showed him the ballband, on which I had (rather foolishly) left the price tag. The following conversation ensued (after a short debate on whether one of the colours in the variegation was brown or purple - I won (brown):

- "Australian merino? that's interesting"
- "Actually, it's from Nova Scotia"
- "Where?" (DH having a past Nova Scotia connection)
- "I can't remember - someplace that ends with a -ville. Sackville?"
- "No, I don't think so...' [adjourn for another debate on small Canadian towns ending in -ville", which was aborted when DH saw the price tag...
- "$21.00?!?!?!?!?! The yarn MUST be fron Australia... [pause] now, why would you pay $21.00 to knit a pair of socks?"
- "Because the yarn is nice."
- "But at the white sale at the Bay I get socks for 50 cents each [ASIDE: isn't it funny that people always lie about what they spend on something - either way too much money, or way too cheap. So the inevitable debate ensued on whether socks at the Bay are ever 50 cents on sale... which segues into when was the last time one could buy socks for 50 cents anywhere, aside perhaps from what I like to call "truckload" sales at the flea markets. The debate was resolved when I came up with the irrefutable "socks don't even cost 50 cents at the dollar store!"... until DH said:
- "But just think about how many pairs of socks you could buy for $21.00! [pause] Oh well, it's your money and yours to do with."
- "Well, think about it this way - it's only 2 packs of smokes".

This ended the conversation. Lucky I didn't open my big mouth and yack about how much the addis cost!

Law and Order and knitting?

Well, knitting is full of order, I'm full of law (or so I pretend at work, anyway)... and I happen to love Law and Order in all of its varieties.

So - for anyone cruising by - would you be interested in joining a blog for L&O fans who also knit? (or knitters who are also L&O fans)? A Law and Order KAL/AAL (art-a-long), as it were.

If so, please advise.

Regards,

Kristina

new acquisition

At the LYS near my work today a gentleman asked me if I was planning to knit up some pumpkins!



In fact, I was (inordinately?) excited because there was Super10 for sale (or so I thought until I got to the cash). In fact, it was something called "Super3" (which for some reason I'd never heard of - aran weight mercerised cotton) and which apparently has been discontinued. Can't figure out why - unless it was too heavy to make decent sweaters. So, I'll be making a bag instead (the "Scarlett Carpetbag" from Big Girl Knits, with the following accent colours (in Super 10 (DK) so we'll see how THAT works out...)



Yeah, also acquired yesterday (at full price). Like I *needed* more super10. Oh well, it's made in Greece and so (indirectly) was I... or that's my excuse for this week anyway.

Now all I need to do is line my denim bag... which I have been putting off. Wish I liked sewing... I have finishing anxiety with anything involving more than seaming yarn (which actually I don't enjoy either... but I seem to view as a necessary evil). Please wish me luck!

Oh - and I also bought "No Sheep for You" yesterday. Big mistake. I now want to make EVERYTHING in the book (minus one thing which I would probably still make for someone else...)...I need a second job at which I can knit! (just to pay for the habit...)

log cabin mania!

Here is the freeform log cabin at its new home:



... and, latest WIP - a log cabin style scarf (patterned on 1/2 of the Moderne pattern in the Mason-Dixon Knitting book). I bought these funky glass beads from Mary Maxim and am knitting them in on the borders. You can't tell from the photos, but the beads are coloured in pink, gold, blue and purple. n Yarn is curly locks by Fleece Artist.



... and still to come: SOCK MANIA (having never knitted socks, really, aside from two pairs of slipper socks on large needles. Have bought 3 skeins of Fleece Artist (another current mania): 2 in sea cell/wool and one in merino.

freeform log cabin - done!

Finally this is done! (although it didn't take all that long... only a year and a half to use up the afghan kit ).

Specs:
- measurement is 43" x 53" approx.
- yarn: Fleece Artist afghan kit plus other bits and bobs...quantity 1 kg approx.
- needles: 10 mm for knitting and 12 mm for binding off
- wrinkles: at first I forgot to bind off with larger needles. This led to a big pucker in the middle which made me sad. However, hopefully blocking will have done with that
- destination: draped over my couch
- time spent: 10 days approx.

detail 1


detail 2


detail 3