Tuesday, December 30, 2008
FO: Ibiza Blues Hat
Details:
Checking on the Colonel, by Kimberly Lewis
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Ibiza, approx. 130 yards
Needle: Size 7 circular
Time: 10 days
Recipient: possibly, my very sweet neighbor (or possibly me if it's not her style)
Thoughts: Upon first glance, the FOs on ravelry did not sell me on making this pattern. However, I decided to try it with the variegated yarn. I love the result. The hat is larger than most of the ones I've made, and it works well. It fits differently, as it's not a "skullcap" (Dean refers to most of my hats in this way; I don't think he means it in a complimentary way). I probably won't make this pattern again, but it was a fast knit and is easy to follow.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Now that it's gifted, an FO to share
Details:
Malabrigo Hand Thingies, by Anne Sahakian (ravelry link)
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Purple Mystery, approx. 90 yards
Needle: Size 6 dpns
Time: 1 week
Recipient: my mom
Thoughts: I loved this pattern. It knit up incredibly quickly, and the variegated (I wouldn't call it semi-solid) looks so neat in the slip-stitch pattern. I will definitely use this pattern again, and I may even make myself a matching pair, as they were hard to part with. My mom received them Thursday, so I don't have to keep them a secret anymore!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Progress-Not pink
I really love the way this yarn feels and looks. I think I've settled on a solid sweater, no stripes, although, who knows? I could surely change my mind again.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday Stash #3 (a little late)
1/2 yard of each print
Better late than never. I've already used most of the bird print on a bag for my aunt.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Yarn for sale
Information on pricing and stats can be found on here for ravelry users and here on flickr.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Trouble cat
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
FO: Sunnyside Cowl
Details:
Darkside Cowl, by Sarah Fama (free pattern on Ravelry)
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Snow Bird, approx. 170 yards
Needle: Size 7, KP circular
Time: 3 weeks
Recipient: my grandmother
Thoughts: I finished this cowl in two knitting sessions. It's very cozy, and the variegated Malabrigo is a great complement to the rib and welt stitch design. I would use this again for another gift, although I don't think I'm really the cowl type. I'm pleased to have a nice offering for my grandmother at Christmas. I believe she'll really enjoy it.
As for the yarn, I don't really have to repeat myself on the joys of Malabrigo, do I? Even my boyfriend now knows the name of my favorite yarn, and that's saying something.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The only yarn I've bought in over a month
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday Stash-intro post
So here's my initial post:
I purchased this fabric from Bee Square Fabrics about six months ago. In fact, a couple of the fabrics you see have already been used up. The majority of these are by Lecien, the My Folklore line, which I adore.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Taking a note from Something Red
The reason is clear now, and I think I know how to fix it. When working the increases, I kept increasing well past the point that I needed to stop for my body. This is an obvious realization for most knitters, but there you go.
I now know what a sweater should look like when it's time to separate the sleeves. I'm taking this new found knowledge in my next sweater attempt (even though I have a vest and my Central Park Hoodie on the needles, I know), Pink, by Wendy Bernard. I just got Wendy's book, Custom Knits, and the first design is a basic raglan sweater. I decided this is a good place for me to try again, and hopefully end up with a better fitting sweater that I can wear regularly.
I cast on with one of the first yarns I purchased, Berroco Touche. It's so soft, and the color is really rich. It knits up beautifully. I'm not sure about stripes (the design features a couple of stripes on one sleeve), but I've got three possible yarns to use for that purpose.
Hopefully, I won't lose momentum on this one.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Video post-Olias
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
FO: Sendoff Scarf
Details:
ScWiNoNa, by Weezalana
Yarn: Knitpicks, Wool of the Andes, Black Cherry Heather, 2 skeins
Needle: Size 7, straight
Time: 1 month
Recipient: Jenny
Thoughts: The pattern is easy to memorize, and really looks lovely. Both sides are attractive. I don't know if I'd make this again, though, as scarves aren't really my thing. This is a great and FREE pattern, though-highly recommended.
I frequent Weezalana's blog, and always enjoy her content.
Bella is such a good helper-look how she blocks!
Monday, December 1, 2008
WIP: Sunnyside Cowl
I worked on it a bit Thanksgiving night at my grandparents', and my grandmother commented on it. I'm now working to complete it by Christmas (which won't be too difficult), and it will be hers. Funnily enough, when I bought this colorway of Malabrigo (still my favorite yarn-love it), I thought of my grandmother. It's called Snow Bird, and my grandmother loves to watch the birds outside her home in the country. She feeds them year round, and sits by the window in the winter, working puzzles and watching the birds. The colorway is vibrant, and difficult to photograph. I'm eager to finish it so she can wear it through winter and hopefully, for years to come.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Ren Fest '08
Dean got an awesome leather hat, and Rhonda and I got chain belts. I love mine-it's awesome. I hope to wear it often; it seems like something I could get away with at non-festivals.
I wish I could have my face permanently painted like this.
Side note: I love the woman to my right. It looks like she's banishing me.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Olias cat
We've named him Olias, and we suspect he's near six months. However, when Dean took him to the vet last week, they said he's a year. We don't see how he can be, unless he's a runt. He's rather small, although that could be due to him being a stray cat. We've noticed weight gain in the short time we've had him in our home.
He's got white boots (all four paws), and a white belly. My favorite part is how he's half-white, half-gray underneath his nose. So cute.
So the other pets don't feel left out, here's photos of Bella and Ninja, doing what they do best:
Ninja
Watching outdoor activity
Bella
Slugging
Currently enjoying:
Check it out-it just went into my blog reader.
Coming up, a new pet has joined my little family, and I finally have a new FO to share.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I only knit 2 rows this week
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Not much knitting
Tonight I'm planning on camping out on the couch with one of my new WIPs to watch the election coverage. I voted Friday, and waited almost an hour to do so. Harris County (Houston) had about 750,000 early voters. That's an impressive figure, and I'm proud to be one of them.
Soon, I'll have two new projects to share with you, and hopefully, eventually, I'll have something finished!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Drumroll, please
Ikkinlala is the first winner, whom I've already e-mailed to find out preferences of yarn weight. Winner #2, because what's a contest without a second prize, is Indigomouse.
I will e-mail you shortly as well! Thank you so much to all 11! of you that commented, and who hopefully, enjoy my internet sharings. I thoroughly enjoy documenting my crafts, and appreciate your ears and eyes. <3
Saturday, October 25, 2008
One year old
9 hats
2 scarves/neckwarmers
4 pairs of gloves/mitts
2 purses
1 cozy
1 sock (my worsted practice sock)
2 shrugs/sweaters
Of the 20 projects I completed, 14 were gifts.
I'm out of town for the weekend, but I will announce a winner (or maybe winners??) on Monday. Thanks to everyone who participated! Good luck!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Celebratory giveaway
You can win some yarn or fabric if you're an addict like me.
If you don't knit or sew, you can still win! I will make you a little crafty item (like a hat, tote bag, pouch, etc.) in your favorite color(s).
I will also include a few random treats/trinkets in either prize.
Here's how you can win:
by 8:00 PM CST on October 25th (my blogibirthday), leave a comment on this post with an interesting random fact about yourself. I'd also love to know about your favorite etsy shop. I will randomly select a winner, or maybe two.
I really enjoy the hobbies I've picked up in the last year. Here's to many more years of crafting!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sewing with birds
First up, another zipper pouch:
I streamlined my zipper installation and things went much more smoothly this time. I love this fat quarter I got from Joann's, and the one I chose for the lining:
The inside is so bright and I think it works well with the bold outside print. I suppose this will be a gift, or maybe I'll keep it for myself!
Next, I made another tote bag. It's so sunny!
I used coordinating Timeless Treasures prints that I purchased on etsy. They came in the mail last Thursday and by Saturday, I used up two of the three fat quarters. I love the birds!
Here's the last sewing FO:
I just finished it last night, and I'm gifting it to my aunt. Her birthday is next week, and I'll be visiting her at the end of the month, so the timing is perfect. Again, I love the birds. The exterior fabric is Joel Dewberry, and I used two coordinating fabrics for the trim, straps and interior. I didn't add pockets to this one, as I felt the birds were bold enough to stand on their own.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Another item off the list
I finished fixing the button band bind off this past Sunday afternoon (with Bella's help, of course!). Approximately eight months of needle time later, I have my first actual sweater (I'm not counting the shrug, cause that's how I roll).
Details:
Something Red, by Wendy Bernard (Knit and Tonic)
Yarn: Paton's Classic Wool Merino, red, 3.4 skeins; Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, yellow, .5 skein
Needles: Size 5, size 7, size 9 (bindoff only)
Time: 8 months
Thoughts/Mods: I now know that when it seems like the armholes are going to be too big, I should stop knitting them. I did my first cutting on this project. The sleeves were incredibly wide, so I tried the sweater on, pinned the sleeves where I wanted them, sewed them together realllly well, and cut the excess chunks off. It's not the neatest surgery ever, and there's still a little lumpiness under the arms, but it's vastly improved, and a lesson learned.
Also, I've learned that I should probably use the line under my bust as the measurement to knit for, rather than actual bust. The few garments that I've made so far seem to be on the big side, so I'm going to try this new rule of thumb as a guideline.
I only did one increase round during the ribbing, as it seemed to be large enough without more.
My button band isn't perfect, and I had to undo the bind off, as it was super tight and bunchy (that's a technical term!). When I redid the bind off, I used a size 9 needle, which loosened it incredibly. It looks much better now.
I really like the raglan sweater model. It's very intuitive, and the beginning develops really quickly. Typically, I'm not a fan of much ribbing, so I don't know if I would ever make this again.
I only did about one inch of ribbing on the sleeves.
I'm happy this is complete, and I learned so much from Something Red (and Yellow).
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
FO: One year late hat
Modeled (rather reluctantly) by Dean
Details:
Jacques Cousteau Hat, by Typy
Yarn: Knitpicks, Wool of the Andes, Forest Heather, 1.5 skeins
Needle: Size 7, Knitpicks circular
Time: 2 weeks
Thoughts: I felt like I knot on this forever, even though it went rather quickly. Ribbing is just repetitive, so that's probably where the feeling came from. I like the way it turned out, although if I make this again, I will cast on even less stitches with worsted weight yarn. As it is, I cast on 100, but next time, probably 80 stitches will do. I also am not a big fan of a fold-over brim, so I will probably reduce the overall height of the height next time as well.
I hope he likes it, and I'll find out soon enough!
An amazingly good blast from the past
Monday, September 22, 2008
Progress, and two sewing FOs!
I used some fabric I bought at Joann's for this, and it was my first zipper project. I'm pretty proud of it, and it came together pretty quickly. I have fabric already cut and placed for a second pouch, and maybe I'll finish that up this week. I would like to make some of these for Christmas gifts, if time permits.
Here's my new pride and joy:
Also from Bend-the-Rules, my second tote bag. It's the same pattern as my first tote a few months ago. I made this one a bit larger, and I sewed it up a bit differently than the last. I'm so proud of how it turned out, and I'm actually using it today (to haul around my knitting). I used three different fabrics for this. The big flower print is a Come Quilt with Me fabric I purchased on etsy, and the turquoise trim piece is by Valori Wells, also an etsy purchase. Since I only had an FQ of the Come Quilt with Me print, I used this chunk to match the height of the other side, and I really like the accent. The inside and second strap are from a Joann's fabric. Each inside has a pocket, one in the Valori Wells print, and the other in a My Folklore scrap from my first tote bag:
I've also been knitting feverishly. I'm frogging the Picovoli top, as there were really more mistakes made than I could live with. I think this stems from the fact that the yarn is sort of slippery on metal needles, and it stretches, so when I remake this, I'm going to use smaller needles, and possibly, a smaller size. I started the Back-to-School vest, and am now finished with the ribbing. I'm loving it so far, and have lots of motivation to quickly finish it.
I also made some progress on my sock, which I'm now working on magic loop (much faster!).
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Resolutions, revisited
1) knit a sweater for myself
I'm almost done with Something Red. I just have to undo the bind off and redo it more loosely. This has been on the back burner for way too long. I HAVE to finish soon.
2) take (at least) one knitting workshop/class
I haven't taken any knitting classes this year, but I did take a spinning class this summer, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I plan to take more classes soon, but I'm counting this as complete
3) learn how to knit socks
Although I haven't completed a full pair of adult socks, I did learn the construction of a sock, and complete a worsted baby sock
4) make baby/toddler gifts for the people who had kids last year (Tricia, Linsey)
Nope. Not a single baby present complete. By the time I get around to it, I will probably have to knit them toddler gifts instead!
5) allow enough time before Christmas so that I don't give up on knitted gifts
I wrote this list before making the decision to reduce my commitments for gifts, but I have already started on my Christmas knitting. I have one complete, and a second will be done shortly. There are a handful of others I have in mind, but since it's not yet October, I'm counting this as a success.
6) learn entrelac
There's still time in the year, and I think I can complete this one.
7) become better equipped to fix mistakes in my knitting, rather than "ribbiting" my way to insanityThis is an ongoing battle. I am definitely better than I used to be, and I've had success picking up missed stitches with a crochet hook, and I'm better at recognizing mistakes, but this still needs improvement.
I've been knitting for a year and a half, and I can definitely see a difference in my skills.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hurricane and whatnot
Houston is really eerie right now. Gas is hard to come by, grocery stores that are open don't have much on the shelves. It's a madhouse.
My little townhome is not damaged, and the bright side of the storm is that I spent lots of time with my neighbors, whom I really enjoy. We grilled for the nights without power. Another bright side is the cool front we are experiencing-it's the only relief this city is getting right now. I took some pictures just before the storm hit, which I'll share soon.
I barely knit a stitch during the storm, even though I haven't been back to work since Thursday (no power there, either!). I just haven't been able to focus on knitting, but I'm sure I'll get back into it soon. I'm just trying to get back into my normal routine first.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Frozen Lemonade Pie
Covered in homemade whipped cream-we couldn't wait for it to get thick
Frozen Lemonade Pie
provided by my mom (I'm not sure where she got it)
Graham crackers (one package)
3 T butter
One can frozen lemonade
One quart frozen vanilla yogurt
Frozen or fresh fruit (optional)
9 X 13 dish
Process or crush graham crackers, and mix with melted butter to form crust, and stick it in the fridge to set.
Mix frozen yogurt, lemonade, and berries (you may want to process or puree the berries, so they don't clump together and freeze). Pour it on the crust. Freeze, covered, for at least 3-4 hours. Eat, and if preferred, top with whipped cream.
You could easily modify this recipe. I added blackberries. After I made it, I thought about using some lemon juice instead of lemonade to reduce the sugar. I thought about using a different kind of juice. I thought about using flavored frozen yogurt, like raspberry maybe? The possibilities are endless.
Make this. You won't regret it. It's delicious and easy.
Thanks to mom for the lovely dessert.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Swatching. No, really.
Swatch #1: Berroco Touche
This was one of the first yarns I purchased. I originally bought a few skeins at Hill Country Weavers in Austin, and then purchased additional skeins in the same dyelot from Webs, after realizing I couldn't do much with the amount I had. I've used this once before, as the sleeves and neckline of my Two-Toned Shrug. It has excellent stitch definition, but my gauge is a bit off with the suggested needle size.
Swatch #2: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy
I just acquired this yarn from Supercrafty, and hadn't decided on a pattern when I purchased it. I wouldn't have considered this pattern in hemp, but after seeing Blumunchie's FO, I decided it was a possibility. After starting a swatch (I didn't finish), I've ruled it out. In comparison to swatch #1, I just don't like Hempathy for this pattern. The stitch definition is not as nice as the other swatches. I'll use it for something on smaller needles.
Swatch #3: RYC Cashsoft DK
I happened to have a swatch of this (in plain stockinette) that I worked a few weeks ago for another project on the same size needles. The gauge is dead-on.
Swatch #4: Knit Picks Shine Sport
I like this one as well. The gauge is similar to the Touche.
I decided to go with the Cashsoft DK. The gauge doesn't need tweaking, which is nice, and I should just a little more yarn than I need, which is good for my yarn stash!
I'm glad I did this exercise. I learned a bit more about gauge, and I recorded my gauge for each yarn on Ravelry, so next time I'm swatching, I'll have a bit more information!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Sparkly Picovoli
I'm already into the second ball of yarn (out of 8), and I've just gotten past the armholes. It's nice to see some progress, especially considering I spent the majority of the weekend playing Super Monkey Ball on Wii (amazingly fun-especially Monkey Target).
I'm a little concerned the collar may be a little loose for my taste, but I've heard you can use elastic thread to help with that, so I may look into that when I'm finished.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Lots of grilling
A variety of fruits and veggies
It's hard to pick a favorite off the grill; everything tastes delicious.
Yesterday, we grilled four types of meats (burgers, sausage, chicken breasts, salmon), as well as tons of veggies.
How can you say no to that?
I've been bringing leftovers to work throughout the week as well, so the grilling love can continue. Mmmm. I can't wait for lunch today!