I promised to do a hat for a friend, um... a while ago, and haven't gotten to it yet. I finally got some yarn for it though!
But, so many other projects need my attention. I have to finish a hat for the shop, and a hat for testing one of my own patterns. It's meant to be a for sale pattern on Rav, but I'm not so sure I want to bother continuing with that. I knew it'd be hard to establish myself, but I just think there are too many free patterns on Rav for people to bother buying from someone that they've never seen on knitty or in magazines.
But I still have designs in my head! There's a cloche hat design that wants attention (like a whiny five year old) and it's interesting enough that it's edging out the projects I should be doing.
Oh yeah, and I should be typing up the cryptic notes I scribbled for a pattern for the stocking I made for Devlin.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
links I like
http://www.thedietdiary.com/blog/lucia/189
I don't think I'll ever understand it, but since I don't have time to study it now and I have stuff to do this morning, I have to save it for later.
Things I'm working on: A to-be-felted purse. I'm sort of swirling the two main colours with the Noro. It seemed like the thing to do. I found a skein of Noro without a speck of icky pink and it begged to be mixed with a light grey and dusky, eggplant-y purple. I've been obsessed with hats lately and so it's still about half finished. Hats. Lots of hats. I applied my Mimsy pattern to a cowl, but it rolls and that annoys me, so, perhaps a new cast on? Maybe just knit the thing like a scarf and kitchener it together?
I do have a cloche hat idea rattling around in my head. But I'm trying to ignore it.
I don't think I'll ever understand it, but since I don't have time to study it now and I have stuff to do this morning, I have to save it for later.
Things I'm working on: A to-be-felted purse. I'm sort of swirling the two main colours with the Noro. It seemed like the thing to do. I found a skein of Noro without a speck of icky pink and it begged to be mixed with a light grey and dusky, eggplant-y purple. I've been obsessed with hats lately and so it's still about half finished. Hats. Lots of hats. I applied my Mimsy pattern to a cowl, but it rolls and that annoys me, so, perhaps a new cast on? Maybe just knit the thing like a scarf and kitchener it together?
I do have a cloche hat idea rattling around in my head. But I'm trying to ignore it.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
procrastination
And it's nearly a month later and the patterns still aren't up for sale. Why? Because I always second guess myself. And because I can never stop tweaking a pattern.
The Vorpal Vortex got a brim tweak, which needed a math fix and then eventually a decrease fix - but only in stitch count and sections, not procedure. So that shouldn't be too difficult.
The Slithy Tove hat needed to be re-worked for worsted weight yarn. Which meant math overhaul on the whole thing. I thought I had the math worked out, only to be almost done with the brim section and realise that no, I didn't have enough stitches. Rip out, cast on, try again. It's going well now and when I get to the decrease section I need to write out what I'm doing, exactly, not just type up place notes and blithely continue knitting. (like I did for the last version)
Mimsy hat is ready to go though! So I did try to fling it up on Rav only to encounter problems with changing the store name and then a glitch during upload.
I would like to clone myself so that I have knitting minions, 'cos I can't knit two hats at the same time. feh.
The Caroline hat is done - except for weaving in a few ends and attaching the buttons. I'll do that today and she will likely be at the shop tonight. I never washed it though, have to tell her it needs that.
The Vorpal Vortex got a brim tweak, which needed a math fix and then eventually a decrease fix - but only in stitch count and sections, not procedure. So that shouldn't be too difficult.
The Slithy Tove hat needed to be re-worked for worsted weight yarn. Which meant math overhaul on the whole thing. I thought I had the math worked out, only to be almost done with the brim section and realise that no, I didn't have enough stitches. Rip out, cast on, try again. It's going well now and when I get to the decrease section I need to write out what I'm doing, exactly, not just type up place notes and blithely continue knitting. (like I did for the last version)
Mimsy hat is ready to go though! So I did try to fling it up on Rav only to encounter problems with changing the store name and then a glitch during upload.
I would like to clone myself so that I have knitting minions, 'cos I can't knit two hats at the same time. feh.
The Caroline hat is done - except for weaving in a few ends and attaching the buttons. I'll do that today and she will likely be at the shop tonight. I never washed it though, have to tell her it needs that.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Even more hats!
And these hat patterns may just find their way to Ravelry. Yes, I finished some of the other hats, but I never got pictures and still feel somehow that they're not worthy.
But working on Chuck's beret inspired me to make my own slouchy beret designs and made me revisit a stitch that I invented over a decade ago. At least I think I invented it, I've perused many stitch dictionaries since then and never found anything exactly like it. Some stitches look similar, but they have different methods than mine.
Originally I used the stitch in a project for my mother in law. An Easter basket using Re Heart acrylic. The stitch is really tight, with twisted stitches and stitches that are passed over other stitches and in that Red Heart yarn it came out so stiff it didn't need wires or inserts or anything. I wrote down lots of notes - this was before the internet and way before Ravelry and way before I had a local yarn shop with people who might want to recreate my patterns - but I guess since this was my creation I tried to keep some notes.
The stitch leans to the left a lot and so I've tried different techniques to mitigate that, but nothing seems to work. However, that was before I knew anything about blocking, so I imagine that blocking would help the left leaning bias problem.
Anyway. A few year ago while messing around with sock designs I tried making the stitch a bit lacier, but it made the sock twist around and that bugged me. After making the beret it occurred to me that my weird stitch would look good as a slouchy beret and so I tested it out with some leftover worsted wool. I liked it a lot and so used some really yummy merino wool and I am delighted with the hat design. I also used this stitch in a cowl neck-warmer type thing, although I think it'd look good in a longer, infinity scarf type thing. I want to do that design in several weights and offer that up as a pattern.
I also repurposed the Vortex Swag stitch as a slouchy beret. I used it in a brimmed hat, but I think it's better as a slouchy hat.
Everything has been washed and is drying and then I need to find a model and take pictures. feh.
But working on Chuck's beret inspired me to make my own slouchy beret designs and made me revisit a stitch that I invented over a decade ago. At least I think I invented it, I've perused many stitch dictionaries since then and never found anything exactly like it. Some stitches look similar, but they have different methods than mine.
Originally I used the stitch in a project for my mother in law. An Easter basket using Re Heart acrylic. The stitch is really tight, with twisted stitches and stitches that are passed over other stitches and in that Red Heart yarn it came out so stiff it didn't need wires or inserts or anything. I wrote down lots of notes - this was before the internet and way before Ravelry and way before I had a local yarn shop with people who might want to recreate my patterns - but I guess since this was my creation I tried to keep some notes.
The stitch leans to the left a lot and so I've tried different techniques to mitigate that, but nothing seems to work. However, that was before I knew anything about blocking, so I imagine that blocking would help the left leaning bias problem.
Anyway. A few year ago while messing around with sock designs I tried making the stitch a bit lacier, but it made the sock twist around and that bugged me. After making the beret it occurred to me that my weird stitch would look good as a slouchy beret and so I tested it out with some leftover worsted wool. I liked it a lot and so used some really yummy merino wool and I am delighted with the hat design. I also used this stitch in a cowl neck-warmer type thing, although I think it'd look good in a longer, infinity scarf type thing. I want to do that design in several weights and offer that up as a pattern.
I also repurposed the Vortex Swag stitch as a slouchy beret. I used it in a brimmed hat, but I think it's better as a slouchy hat.
Everything has been washed and is drying and then I need to find a model and take pictures. feh.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Oh, that's gonna bug me
It's done! But even in this crappy picture you can see that the back piece and the right sleeve have the same colour tones and the left sleeve is different. You can totally see where I joined on to finish the collar.
It makes me want to rip out the sleeve and the back piece and swap them. Except I'd very much like to wear it to the Knitter's Day Out event. Which means I just have to suck up and deal with how the colours wanted to be. *sigh*
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
I think I'm almost done
The shrug design has finally resolved itself and I'm just about to cast off on the last section. Then comes washing and blocking and drying and sewing it together.
Then comes the megasuperawesomefuntime of trying to decipher my pattern notes. And trying to resize it. I have figured out a way to measure the sides of the octagon without actually drawing it out, which helps a bit. Although not as much as I could hope for. I will still need to graph out those oh-so-complicated sleeves, so that I will be able to properly calculate what number of stitches should be in the the short rows. I hate graphing things.
The sleeves. Oh my, the sleeves. I am not entirely sure that many other people will be able to comprehend my instructions for the sleeves. It's not that I don't think people are incapable of doing them, if I can do them, anyone can. It's that I don't think I'm capable of giving proper, clear, concise, non-confusing instructions.
And do I try to submit it to a magazine or online thing or just fling it up on Rav? I really don't know.
Anyway. One last row to cast off.
Then comes the megasuperawesomefuntime of trying to decipher my pattern notes. And trying to resize it. I have figured out a way to measure the sides of the octagon without actually drawing it out, which helps a bit. Although not as much as I could hope for. I will still need to graph out those oh-so-complicated sleeves, so that I will be able to properly calculate what number of stitches should be in the the short rows. I hate graphing things.
The sleeves. Oh my, the sleeves. I am not entirely sure that many other people will be able to comprehend my instructions for the sleeves. It's not that I don't think people are incapable of doing them, if I can do them, anyone can. It's that I don't think I'm capable of giving proper, clear, concise, non-confusing instructions.
And do I try to submit it to a magazine or online thing or just fling it up on Rav? I really don't know.
Anyway. One last row to cast off.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
links I like
Yay! I found it!
I like this way of picking up sock gusset stitches. It is extremely fiddly, but it does create a nice edge. Whenever I pick up edge stitches I always get holes or long stitches and it bugs me.
I tried to explain this method to a fellow sock knitter at the yarn shop and couldn't quite remember how to do it. I also couldn't remember much about the video, except that it was a guy knitting the sock, he was Australian and I think he made the video to help his sister knit socks. I knew I found it on a thread on Ravelry, but it was months ago, possibly over winter, and I had very little hope of remembering which thread it was. So, I searched Ravelry discussions, but didn't find it and ended up searching youtube for 'how to pick up heel gusset stitches' and there it was!
Now I just have to get back into the habit of knitting socks!
I like this way of picking up sock gusset stitches. It is extremely fiddly, but it does create a nice edge. Whenever I pick up edge stitches I always get holes or long stitches and it bugs me.
I tried to explain this method to a fellow sock knitter at the yarn shop and couldn't quite remember how to do it. I also couldn't remember much about the video, except that it was a guy knitting the sock, he was Australian and I think he made the video to help his sister knit socks. I knew I found it on a thread on Ravelry, but it was months ago, possibly over winter, and I had very little hope of remembering which thread it was. So, I searched Ravelry discussions, but didn't find it and ended up searching youtube for 'how to pick up heel gusset stitches' and there it was!
Now I just have to get back into the habit of knitting socks!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
links I like
Last night I tried to explain to someone at the yarn shop how to pick up the purl bumps on a heel gusset and I totally failed. I know it was a video and I know I found it on a thread on Ravelry and I know the guy who did it was Australian, but I haven't a clue how to google for it.
And I generally use facebook or google+ to jot down notes as I'm designing things. But those posts can get lost on the shuffle and although many of my friends find my enthusiasm for knitting interesting and fun to read, I sometimes feel like I'm spamming them with crap they don't want to read.
So, I'm going to utlise this blog to store my knitting ideas and inspirations and whenever I find a web or video tutorial that I think it's helpful I'm going to link to it here.
Like this one: German short rows
I thought I had settled on using Japanese short rows (from nonaKnits) and I did like the way they looked but the pins are fiddly. The German short rows don't use pins and it looks pretty good.
Now I have to figure out how to write out what I'm doing. I can't just put that in the pattern, Now use German short rows to work the sleeves, go look at this video. I suppose I can mention where I found it - I did that for the hat pattern and my directions were merely 'for best results use a provisional cast on, I liked this one' But provisional cast ons are pretty basic, in my opinion. And people can trawl Ravelry or the internet to find out how to do them. And the hat didn't absolutely need a provisional cast on, it just gave slightly better results, in my opinion. But this sleeve *needs* short rows to accomplish this wonky angle.
I may need to take pictures for the pattern. I definitely need to write out some sort of instructions. Which won't be easy to do without practically plagiarising other websites - I mean, I'm getting this information off the internet! But I'm planning on selling this pattern, so how can I justify using someone else's information? Well, partially because I'm not getting info from just one source, I google a lot. And partially because my pattern will be the design as a whole.
And frankly I'm not so sure that selling patterns is the way to go for me. It's not going to make me enough money to justify having that stupid tax license, so, should I even bother keeping my patterns for sale?
Anyway. The point of this post was Links I Like, so I'll leave it at that :)
And I generally use facebook or google+ to jot down notes as I'm designing things. But those posts can get lost on the shuffle and although many of my friends find my enthusiasm for knitting interesting and fun to read, I sometimes feel like I'm spamming them with crap they don't want to read.
So, I'm going to utlise this blog to store my knitting ideas and inspirations and whenever I find a web or video tutorial that I think it's helpful I'm going to link to it here.
Like this one: German short rows
I thought I had settled on using Japanese short rows (from nonaKnits) and I did like the way they looked but the pins are fiddly. The German short rows don't use pins and it looks pretty good.
Now I have to figure out how to write out what I'm doing. I can't just put that in the pattern, Now use German short rows to work the sleeves, go look at this video. I suppose I can mention where I found it - I did that for the hat pattern and my directions were merely 'for best results use a provisional cast on, I liked this one' But provisional cast ons are pretty basic, in my opinion. And people can trawl Ravelry or the internet to find out how to do them. And the hat didn't absolutely need a provisional cast on, it just gave slightly better results, in my opinion. But this sleeve *needs* short rows to accomplish this wonky angle.
I may need to take pictures for the pattern. I definitely need to write out some sort of instructions. Which won't be easy to do without practically plagiarising other websites - I mean, I'm getting this information off the internet! But I'm planning on selling this pattern, so how can I justify using someone else's information? Well, partially because I'm not getting info from just one source, I google a lot. And partially because my pattern will be the design as a whole.
And frankly I'm not so sure that selling patterns is the way to go for me. It's not going to make me enough money to justify having that stupid tax license, so, should I even bother keeping my patterns for sale?
Anyway. The point of this post was Links I Like, so I'll leave it at that :)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
some things right, other things wrong
OK, so, Japanese short rows are the answer to my wonky angle problem BUT I did the math wrong, so, I have to rip out both sleeves to the cast off bit and start them over. Paying attention to how I do the short rows. I should get clips or at least try it with some bobby pins or something.
I almost had to knit it out first to catch on to my mistakes, so I'm not terribly upset at having to rip it out. Because I'm determined to make this a proper, size-able pattern and not just something that I I fling on and say I winged it.
And I had to pencil it out on the graph - I hate graphing it out! It won't need a graphed pattern for the final version, but I need to graph it out so I can check the math. *sigh*
Anyway. Even though I do have to rip it out I'm not going to to do that just yet, I want to take it to the yarn shop.
I am not going to take this project on vacation with me. I want more portable things like hats and probably that giant skein of cotton/rayon. I can put .pdf files on my Nook, so I can pop the patterns on there for the trip.
I almost had to knit it out first to catch on to my mistakes, so I'm not terribly upset at having to rip it out. Because I'm determined to make this a proper, size-able pattern and not just something that I I fling on and say I winged it.
And I had to pencil it out on the graph - I hate graphing it out! It won't need a graphed pattern for the final version, but I need to graph it out so I can check the math. *sigh*
Anyway. Even though I do have to rip it out I'm not going to to do that just yet, I want to take it to the yarn shop.
I am not going to take this project on vacation with me. I want more portable things like hats and probably that giant skein of cotton/rayon. I can put .pdf files on my Nook, so I can pop the patterns on there for the trip.
details, details. details
I really should have revisited the nonaknits site where I found out about Japanese short rows, because I really did the purl version wrong and ended up with strands on the purl side and loose, uneven stitches.
I am actually debating ripping it out to the cast off/back sleeve section, just so I can do the pinned short rows properly. And hopefully if I understand what I'm doing well enough then I can explain it well enough.
I am actually debating ripping it out to the cast off/back sleeve section, just so I can do the pinned short rows properly. And hopefully if I understand what I'm doing well enough then I can explain it well enough.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Too many design ideas!
Still working on the starflower jacket. I didn't go with the short rows angle idea because I though front flappy pieces would be nice too. And I thought I could do it sideways by just adding stitches to the bottom bit. It might look fine on a very thin girl, but alas, I am not that girl.
I think front flappy bits would work, but need to be worked from the bottom up or the top down and then pieced together. And I will likely work on that design some other time, but for now I really prefer the design as a shrug.
The Japanese short row technique worked really well for this. Although I didn't actually use the pins, I just used my left needle to pick up the purl bump and thus tighten up the stitch.
Making this pattern in different sizes is going to be a non-trivial problem. I may need to hire a tech knitter for help with actually writing this pattern because I don't know if I can convey my directions very well. People had problems with the hat pattern and I thought I was being clear and concise and that it was a simple pattern.
So, if I can't even do something that basic, I doubt my abilities to make this pattern understandable to anyone but me.
I think front flappy bits would work, but need to be worked from the bottom up or the top down and then pieced together. And I will likely work on that design some other time, but for now I really prefer the design as a shrug.
The Japanese short row technique worked really well for this. Although I didn't actually use the pins, I just used my left needle to pick up the purl bump and thus tighten up the stitch.
Making this pattern in different sizes is going to be a non-trivial problem. I may need to hire a tech knitter for help with actually writing this pattern because I don't know if I can convey my directions very well. People had problems with the hat pattern and I thought I was being clear and concise and that it was a simple pattern.
So, if I can't even do something that basic, I doubt my abilities to make this pattern understandable to anyone but me.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
solutions
I think short rows might be the answer to my weirdy triangle shape.
I test knit a bit in some other yarn which isn't quite the right gauge, but the angles look good. I think.
I test knit a bit in some other yarn which isn't quite the right gauge, but the angles look good. I think.
Sleeves
Years ago I made up this jacket/shrug thing with an octagon as the back piece. I just winged it, like always, 'cos back then I figured, who else but me would ever wear it? I created it a bit before Ravelry existed, so I didn't have access to design info or anything like that. It was all my Inner Designer. Who occasionally gets things wrong.
I did the sleeves wrong. I calculated from the wrong angle. No wonder it always lay wonky. The angle I created is actually warping and twisting the bottom/back point that the front is connected to.
So. I need to erase the pencil lines I did yesterday, print out a few more pages of graph paper and start in again.
I don't think I really have the proper brains to be a designer!
I did the sleeves wrong. I calculated from the wrong angle. No wonder it always lay wonky. The angle I created is actually warping and twisting the bottom/back point that the front is connected to.
So. I need to erase the pencil lines I did yesterday, print out a few more pages of graph paper and start in again.
I don't think I really have the proper brains to be a designer!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
knitting woes and musings
Last night when it finally got cool enough to knit I settled down for some telly and to hopefully finish that circle. OK, so it's really an octagon. It's going to be the back part of a jacket, but I need that done so that I can properly graph out sleeves. Well, I noticed some wonky lines in one section - seems I messed it up about 4 rows back. Which meant I had to tink all those rows. Because I don't have the talent of being able to rip out just a section and re-knit just a section. I really should learn how to do that! Why am I re-making a sweater I have already made? Because every time I wear people say, that's awesome, do you have a pattern? Why did I not make a pattern? Well, I made it somewhen around when Ravelry was created, so I figured no one but me would ever wear it, it didn't matter how I did it. Which is how I thought for twenty years.
I did write things down, I still have some of my old notebooks. But typically it was more of jotting down how many rows I did, or quick calculations for size, or the pattern I used in one section, rather than instructions for the project as a whole. Because I never believed that anybody other than me would make it. As for sizes, it was usually made to fit whatever person I intended to give it to. Could I have worked out the math for various sizes? Sure, but why would I, I was only making it for one person.
Ravelry didn't exist, the internet didn't exist, and I rarely liked patterns in magazines. So I made up my own. Why didn't I submit anything to knitting magazines? I think I thought those people were 'real designers', that they went to school and had a degree or something. And I rarely bought those magazines and so never read the fine print on whatever page asking for submissions.
I used to not really knit over summer and it took me a long time to do projects. Then I discovered that I really could do a large cabled-all-over sweater in about 3 months, when I thought it would take 3 years! The internet existed then, but only as a dialup. A few yarn shops existed, but never quite had the yarn I wanted to use. ACMoore had coupons, which was the only reason I really shopped there. And I still kept getting design ideas. Sometimes they worked out, but usually they didn't. I never minded, I'd just rip it out and start over. After all, it was only for me.
And then Glenda opened her shop and whenever I did something new she was ask if I could write the pattern and I thought, 'yeah, how hard can it be to just write down what you do?' And then Ravelry happened and there were all these fabulous patterns and I didn't have to think about or re-calculate or anything! So, I made other people's patterns for a while, but my inner designer just won't give up and so I'm back to doing my own designs. And writing them out, with various sizes. And making sure that the directions I write out are understandable to knitters with varying degrees of skill.
And I wish I had done this back when Rav first started up, I might have become an established designer. As it is now, I'm a goldfish in Lake Superior and no matter how cute my designs are I'm not going to get any recognition any time soon.
I'm going to have to advertise on Rav, but I think I should have a few more patterns up for sale first. Only I need to make the hats and take pictures and I don't have any good models near me. And I don't look good in hats or clothes. So I'm kinda stuck!
I did write things down, I still have some of my old notebooks. But typically it was more of jotting down how many rows I did, or quick calculations for size, or the pattern I used in one section, rather than instructions for the project as a whole. Because I never believed that anybody other than me would make it. As for sizes, it was usually made to fit whatever person I intended to give it to. Could I have worked out the math for various sizes? Sure, but why would I, I was only making it for one person.
Ravelry didn't exist, the internet didn't exist, and I rarely liked patterns in magazines. So I made up my own. Why didn't I submit anything to knitting magazines? I think I thought those people were 'real designers', that they went to school and had a degree or something. And I rarely bought those magazines and so never read the fine print on whatever page asking for submissions.
I used to not really knit over summer and it took me a long time to do projects. Then I discovered that I really could do a large cabled-all-over sweater in about 3 months, when I thought it would take 3 years! The internet existed then, but only as a dialup. A few yarn shops existed, but never quite had the yarn I wanted to use. ACMoore had coupons, which was the only reason I really shopped there. And I still kept getting design ideas. Sometimes they worked out, but usually they didn't. I never minded, I'd just rip it out and start over. After all, it was only for me.
And then Glenda opened her shop and whenever I did something new she was ask if I could write the pattern and I thought, 'yeah, how hard can it be to just write down what you do?' And then Ravelry happened and there were all these fabulous patterns and I didn't have to think about or re-calculate or anything! So, I made other people's patterns for a while, but my inner designer just won't give up and so I'm back to doing my own designs. And writing them out, with various sizes. And making sure that the directions I write out are understandable to knitters with varying degrees of skill.
And I wish I had done this back when Rav first started up, I might have become an established designer. As it is now, I'm a goldfish in Lake Superior and no matter how cute my designs are I'm not going to get any recognition any time soon.
I'm going to have to advertise on Rav, but I think I should have a few more patterns up for sale first. Only I need to make the hats and take pictures and I don't have any good models near me. And I don't look good in hats or clothes. So I'm kinda stuck!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sun hats
I wanted a cute little sun hat with ruffles and the Garland eyelet pattern. Ruffles gave me fits for a while, but I worked it out. Didn't like how it looked anyway, tried some other way, didn't like that, ended up with a version I do like. Had to rearrange the garland pattern for working in the round. Got to the decreases, only to decide I didn't like where the eyelets were placed and discover that I was doing the decreases wrong. Ripped it out, started the garland pattern up a bit higher, decided to add extra knit rows to help separate the eyelets from the purl rows (I think it looks better) and now I'm doing the decreases.
I think I can work out the math for various sizes. The intended recipient of this hat isn't even born yet!
I also think I am going to have to pay for some Ravelry advertisements, but I think I'll add some more hat patterns first. I have to work on the math for the Vortex Swag hat and this Garland Eyelet hat, so I can have the pattern in various sizes. I still have ideas lurking in my head too, so just call me The Mad Hatter!
I think I can work out the math for various sizes. The intended recipient of this hat isn't even born yet!
I also think I am going to have to pay for some Ravelry advertisements, but I think I'll add some more hat patterns first. I have to work on the math for the Vortex Swag hat and this Garland Eyelet hat, so I can have the pattern in various sizes. I still have ideas lurking in my head too, so just call me The Mad Hatter!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
More designs
I need to finish the starflower jacket design. But that back circle/octagon thingy bugged me, so I changed it, only the changes made it come out too big. So, ripped it back a bit, only to realise that it needed to change back even further, at the first design shift. So, that's ripped out, pattern is re-written and needs to be knitted so that I can work on the sleeves.
But I also have a ruffled sunhat design lurking in my brain. Tried to work on the math this morning only to have my brain just rebel and ended up going at it the long hard way, only to finally realise that it was actually so very easy to get the proper number of stitches. duh.
There are a truly massive number of stitches for one small hat, but they will get decreased, so that's not so bad. I hope it works out OK. If not I'll find some other hat on Ravelry and make that.
But, right now, the sun has gone down a bit, there's a lovely breeze out there and the weeds are invading my garden.
But I also have a ruffled sunhat design lurking in my brain. Tried to work on the math this morning only to have my brain just rebel and ended up going at it the long hard way, only to finally realise that it was actually so very easy to get the proper number of stitches. duh.
There are a truly massive number of stitches for one small hat, but they will get decreased, so that's not so bad. I hope it works out OK. If not I'll find some other hat on Ravelry and make that.
But, right now, the sun has gone down a bit, there's a lovely breeze out there and the weeds are invading my garden.
Monday, July 11, 2011
July knitting
I should be finishing the white hat, but I was slightly frustrated that I had to buy another skein, basically just to finish the bow. It's wool, so I'll be able to use it for felting or maybe I'll just get another skein of white and make another hat and put that on Etsy.
The Flapper Swag Hat is up for sale on Ravelry! It's been favourited a bit and queued up a few times, but no one's bought it yet. *sigh*
The Starflower jacket thingy beckoned to me. It also whined that it needed the mesh pattern rearranged, so that the points line up better. So, I'm trying something else there. The circular needle has a kink in it or something, 'cos it keeps feeling like it's twisted. It annoys me, but I can't do much about it until I start the sleeves. Or buy another set of size 7 needles.
Also have a baby-sized cotton sunhat design in my head. I want ruffled edges, an eyelet pattern on the hat, maybe try out the other decreases. Just need to get past the ruffles first. I don't want to use the long tailed cast on for 200+ stitches, but this crochet cast on is too loose. I guess I'll try the cable cast on.
Also very frustrated by technology lately!
The Flapper Swag Hat is up for sale on Ravelry! It's been favourited a bit and queued up a few times, but no one's bought it yet. *sigh*
The Starflower jacket thingy beckoned to me. It also whined that it needed the mesh pattern rearranged, so that the points line up better. So, I'm trying something else there. The circular needle has a kink in it or something, 'cos it keeps feeling like it's twisted. It annoys me, but I can't do much about it until I start the sleeves. Or buy another set of size 7 needles.
Also have a baby-sized cotton sunhat design in my head. I want ruffled edges, an eyelet pattern on the hat, maybe try out the other decreases. Just need to get past the ruffles first. I don't want to use the long tailed cast on for 200+ stitches, but this crochet cast on is too loose. I guess I'll try the cable cast on.
Also very frustrated by technology lately!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
So, I wanted to sell patterns
but apparently I need a PA tax license thingy. sigh. I hate filling out forms! Writing that pattern was hard enough! And yes, it's a cute hat, but is anybody really gonna buy it? OK, one person bought it. But am I really going to make anything to sustain a tax number? sheesh.
Maybe I can use it for Etsy and try and sell the finished hats. and things.
Maybe I can use it for Etsy and try and sell the finished hats. and things.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
design elements
So, I want the top of this cloche hat to just sort of close up, not swirl the decreases one way or the other. And I decided to do paired decreases right next to each other. Well, I love hoe K2tog looks and want to totally mirror that. It's not happening because I'm not decreasing every round. And so I tried slipping a stitch on the knit round. That gives the left leaning decrease line a nicely linear look, however, it looks different than the line of K2tog next to it. You can see the left line has longer stitches.
This annoys me.
So, there will be more ripping out of the hat in a bit, but I'm trying something first.
Nope, that didn't work either. I guess it will just have to be K2tog decreases.
This annoys me.
So, there will be more ripping out of the hat in a bit, but I'm trying something first.
Nope, that didn't work either. I guess it will just have to be K2tog decreases.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
more hats!
I see designs in my head and have this ridiculous notion that I can make it come out my fingers and into the yarn and bingo, there's the thing I saw in my head.
Some designs do make it out and mostly look like how I imagined, but they've never made it out on the first go. I'm not sure why I think I can just start in on something and it'll come out right.
The new hat design has... issues. I *think* short rows will fix them. But, I have to try it out on some experimenting yarn first. I think I rather like the Japanese short rows tutorial from nonaknits.
And so I'm experimenting. gotta remember to write down the things that work.
Some designs do make it out and mostly look like how I imagined, but they've never made it out on the first go. I'm not sure why I think I can just start in on something and it'll come out right.
The new hat design has... issues. I *think* short rows will fix them. But, I have to try it out on some experimenting yarn first. I think I rather like the Japanese short rows tutorial from nonaknits.
And so I'm experimenting. gotta remember to write down the things that work.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Hats!
I have lots more ideas stuck in my head, but I'm determined to finish up this kimono cardi first! I may even wear it to NYC, despite the high temps. 'cos, well, it's cotton, so it wouldn't be much heavier than a t-shirt, right? Maybe I can find some khaki pants or a skirt.
I managed to get the Flapper Swag cloche, plus the bow, out of two skeins of Tahki Cotton (but I needed 3 skeins of the Merino 5) I know they're different fibres, but there's supposedly less yardage on the cotton skeins, so, go figure.
Since I have a skein of cotton leftover I'm going to try to modify it to a baby size and use some funky new ribbon yarn for the swag parts and the bow. I have at least two other ideas lurking in there, but the green yarn is giving me a different gauge in the round, so I'll need to knit a bit more and get a proper gauge swatch.
I had a button idea for the Ella Rae hat, but it just didn't suit me. I plan on looking for something in NYC. The colours are very moody though and I wish I had chosen a different colour.
Trawling Rav for baby hat and bonnet patterns and finishing up the sleeve on the kimono cardi. I did actually finish the whole thing and decided I didn't like how the colours striped on one sleeve, but it won't take long to finish that.
I managed to get the Flapper Swag cloche, plus the bow, out of two skeins of Tahki Cotton (but I needed 3 skeins of the Merino 5) I know they're different fibres, but there's supposedly less yardage on the cotton skeins, so, go figure.
Since I have a skein of cotton leftover I'm going to try to modify it to a baby size and use some funky new ribbon yarn for the swag parts and the bow. I have at least two other ideas lurking in there, but the green yarn is giving me a different gauge in the round, so I'll need to knit a bit more and get a proper gauge swatch.
I had a button idea for the Ella Rae hat, but it just didn't suit me. I plan on looking for something in NYC. The colours are very moody though and I wish I had chosen a different colour.
Trawling Rav for baby hat and bonnet patterns and finishing up the sleeve on the kimono cardi. I did actually finish the whole thing and decided I didn't like how the colours striped on one sleeve, but it won't take long to finish that.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
design elements
The blue hat was finished last week. I know it's bragging, but it's really cute. :) A friend of mine is test knitting it for me. Some other friends will model it for me on our NYC trip. I have awesome friends!
I'm working on yet another hat. I think I'm obsessed! I love cloche and bucket style hats, they just don't look good on me. I have the wrong face or head or hair... But I think I've managed to actually write a proper pattern, even though it's only one size. I don't really know if I should work the patterns in more than one size or just figure it's a cloche hat, and generalise.
I also found out that I don't really like SSK. Even when I do it as slip one knitwise, slip one purlwise. It just doesn't lay right. For Nom-Nom's blankie I tried TechKnitter's SYTK method and quite liked the results, at least in chunky yarn on big needles. But I didn't care for it on this hat. Which is smaller needles, tighter stitches and the yarn held double. And so I'm trying K2togtbl. I like how it looks, although it's fiddly to maneuver.
I want it to slant off to the left, even though the angle is wrong. And my SSK stitches are just sloppy looking.
So. Yet another hat! And I have some more design ideas lurking in my head. Not sure if any of them are worthwhile, but I'll try to knit them. :)
I'm working on yet another hat. I think I'm obsessed! I love cloche and bucket style hats, they just don't look good on me. I have the wrong face or head or hair... But I think I've managed to actually write a proper pattern, even though it's only one size. I don't really know if I should work the patterns in more than one size or just figure it's a cloche hat, and generalise.
I also found out that I don't really like SSK. Even when I do it as slip one knitwise, slip one purlwise. It just doesn't lay right. For Nom-Nom's blankie I tried TechKnitter's SYTK method and quite liked the results, at least in chunky yarn on big needles. But I didn't care for it on this hat. Which is smaller needles, tighter stitches and the yarn held double. And so I'm trying K2togtbl. I like how it looks, although it's fiddly to maneuver.
I want it to slant off to the left, even though the angle is wrong. And my SSK stitches are just sloppy looking.
So. Yet another hat! And I have some more design ideas lurking in my head. Not sure if any of them are worthwhile, but I'll try to knit them. :)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Design decisions
I sometimes wish I didn't get these design ideas. It always loos so good in my head, but I can't quite make it come out my fingers. I got up to the the pleats and realised that I had done the math wrong. And so I hadn't cast on enough stitches. And because I kinda wanted this to be a proper pattern I need to factor in those stitches, I can't just wing it and add some or because there's a decrease round, just not decrease a few over the pleats part.
Also, why am I so hyped up about doing this on a smaller needle? Just because that's the gauge I needed for that other hat? The yarn I settled on is very different. So since I had to start over anyway I'm knitting a gauge swatch on a size 6.
Things that shold be done by now if I wasn't so obsessed with this stoopid hat idea: The purple and green kimono. The other sock. The baby blanket.
Also, why am I so hyped up about doing this on a smaller needle? Just because that's the gauge I needed for that other hat? The yarn I settled on is very different. So since I had to start over anyway I'm knitting a gauge swatch on a size 6.
Things that shold be done by now if I wasn't so obsessed with this stoopid hat idea: The purple and green kimono. The other sock. The baby blanket.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Finally a pattern for the Scalloped Pearls Kimono
This jacket was inspired by many things. I've always loved the pattern since I saw it in one of Barbara Walker's Treasury books that I got out of the library nearly twenty years ago. But I never knew quite what to do with it, except that it would make a lovely little jacket. I bought the Jawoll Magic sock yarn intending to use it for a pullover, then changed my mind and tried it out in a cardigan, using the yarn doubled, but it didn't stop the yarn from striping and I dislike horizontal stripes on me. Then my yarn shop owner, Glenda was wearing a sideways-made cardigan and she got a book of kimono patterns and the design just popped into my head.
Pearl Barred Scallop pattern:
Multiple of 14 stitches plus 1
Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, 9: (wrong side) Purl
Rows 2,4,6,8,10: K1,*YO, K3, SSK, YO, slip1, K2tog, psso, YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K1*Row 11: Knit
Row 12: Purl
Notes: In pattern, slip the stitches knitwise. For the I-cord/tubular edge, slip the stitches purlwise. The I-cord/tubular edge stitches are worked by either slipping last 2 stitches on the purl side/and then the knitting those 2 stitches on the next knit row (on the Back Right and Left Front pieces) or slipping the last 2 stitches on the knit side and then purling them on the next purl row (Back Left and Right Front pieces) It is also done at the neck edges for one pattern repeat of rows 1-12, then the neck stitches are decreased to create one selvedge stitch, which is used to sew the shoulder seams.
I made this to fit me and it's a kimono style jacket, so it's meant to be large and boxy. It has not been test knit in any other size, but the basic idea would be to add or subtract sections of pattern repeats of rows 1-12, which measure 2.25 inches.
Gauge: 17 sts/24 rows = 4 inches on a size 9US
Finished measurements: 27 inches wide across the back, 22.5 inches long.
Brown sweater/long version: 27 inches across the back,26.25 inches long
The brown sweater was done using Jawoll Magic, held double throughout.
Back Right: Cast on 89 stitches for short version (103 stitches for long version)
Row 1: Purl
Row 2: (pattern row 1)begin pattern, slip the last 2 stitches purlwise
next row: Knit those slipped stitches, continue in pattern, slip the last 2 stitches purlwise. Continue those Icord edge stitches on both sides for one pattern repeat (rows 1-12) then decrease the neck side to one selvedge stitch.
Work 6 pattern row repeats, on last repeat work to Row 12, bind off purlwise 50(64) sts. 38 stitches remaining for sleeve section, finish remaining stitches in pattern row 12.
Pattern alters to:
Rows 1,3,5,7,9: (wrong side) Purl
Rows 2,4,6,8,10: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K1, (YO, K3, SSK, YO, slip1, K2tog, psso, YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K1)2x, end K1
Row 11: Knit
Row 12: Purl
Work three pattern row repeats and bind off purlwise on Row 12.
Back Left piece: Cast on 89 (103) stitches,
Row 1: purl
Row 2: (pattern row 1) begin pattern, slip the last 2 stitches purlwise
next row: Knit those slipped stitches, continue in pattern, slip the last 2 stitches purlwise. Continue those Icord edge stitches on both sides for one pattern repeat (rows 1-12) then decrease the neck side to one selvedge stitch.
Work 6 pattern row repeats, on Row 11, bind off 50(64) stitches knitwise, 38 stitches remaining for sleeve section, continue Row 11 and 12.
Pattern alters to:
Rows 1,3,5,7,9: (wrong side) Purl
Rows 2,4,6,8,10: K2 (YO, K3, SSK, YO, slip 1, K2tog, psso, YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K1)x2 end YO, K3, SSK, YO, K2tog, K1
Row 11: Knit
Row 12: Purl
Work three pattern row repeats and bind off purlwise on Row 12.
Front Right piece: Cast on 88(102) (Icord edging will be at the end knit/beginning purl side, which will become the bottom edge. shoulder edge has 1 added selvedge stitch.)
Row 1: purl
Row 2: (pattern row 1) slip first 2 stitches purlwise, purl the remaining stitches. Continue in pattern, slipping the Icord edge stitches on the end of the knit row and purling them on the purl row and working the shoulder selvedge stitch for 5 pattern row repeats(4 for long version), on Row 11, bind off 50(64) stitches knitwise, 38 stitches remaining for sleeve section, continue Row 11 and 12.
Pattern alters to:
Rows 1,3,5,7,9: (wrong side) Purl
Rows 2,4,6,8,10: K2 (YO, K3, SSK, YO, slip 1, K2tog, psso, YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K1)x2 end YO, K3, SSK, YO, K2tog, K1
Row 11: Knit
Row 12: Purl
Work three pattern row repeats and bind off purlwise on Row 12.
Front Left piece: Cast on 88(102) stitches(Icord edging will be at the end purl/beginning knit side, which will become the bottom edge. shoulder edge has 1 added selvedge stitch.)
Row 1: purl
Row 2: (pattern row 1) begin pattern, purl to last 2 stitches, slip them purlwise. Continue in pattern, slipping the last 2 stitches on the purl side and then knitting them on the knit row, and working the selvedge stitch for 5 pattern row repeats(4 for long version) on last repeat work to Row 12, bind off purlwise 50(64) sts. 38 stitches remaining for sleeve section, finish remaining stitches in pattern row 12.
Pattern alters to:
Rows 1,3,5,7,9: (wrong side) Purl
Rows 2,4,6,8,10: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K1, (YO, K3, SSK, YO, slip1, K2tog, psso, YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K1)2x, end K1
Row 11: Knit
Row 12: Purl
Work three pattern row repeats and bind off purlwise on Row 12.
Sew the back left and front left pieces together at the shoulder seam, sew the sleeve and side seams, repeat for back right and front right pieces, sew center back seam, weave in all the ends.
Optional: Icord fastener for the front pieces. Length is optional, but should be long enough to weave through the holes made by the yarnovers and tie a knot.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
Oh my! There was just far too much to really look at yesterday. I wish that I had had a sweater in mind for some of the lovely worsted or DK weight yarns that I saw, I'm sure I could have gotten a great deal on it, but I didn't have a clue of what I could do with some of those yarn. Or if I do have a clue (like the kimono thingy I'm working on) I can only guess that I would buy enough to make it. And what if I didn't? And so projects like that I feel much more comfortable shopping for yarn at my local yarn shop (plus, Glenda is all kinds of awesome!)
So mostly I just wandered around and gawked. And there was so much to look at! And for the most part the vendors were very nice, asking how you were and chuckling when I said 'Overwhelmed!' And the tents and stalls were very crowded, but generally we all managed to look at the stuff we wanted to see by all being polite and saying 'excuse me, can I get through?' to anyone in our way of the pretty yarn. Except for one tent. I assumed the line was for people buying stuff from that tent and so tried to walk into the only open flap of the dark little tent only to be stopped by a woman with a clipboard (she was tiny, but physically moved to block me coming into the tent) saying 'In an effort to keep the crowding controlled you MUST go stand in line!' And she was just so very rude about it that I didn't even bother waiting in line to see what treasures she must have been hiding, because my brief glimpse inside that dark tent didn't seem interesting enough to wait in line to see.
I was very tempted by some Handmaiden Sea Sock. And some yarn by Dragonfly Yarns. But it was so difficult to decide on colours and so I will likely peruse those on the net at my leisure. I squished some skeins though.
I ended up buying some yarn from Sanguine Gryphon - in part because of the pageantry of the whole setup. :) I love their website and the Renn Faire ambiance of it all. I also bought a skein from Silver Spring Looms, it's purple and green and shiny. I don't know what to do with either skein, but I'm sure I'll figure something out.
It was a long and tiring day, but we had gorgeous weather! Sun and blue sky with a few clouds, warm enough to be nice, but not so hot that I felt uncomfortable in my sweater (although the bus was too hot for it) And I hope we go again next year!
I forgot the camera, so no pics of my new jacket thingy, but a great many people saw it and liked it and that made me feel really good. I am working on a pattern. Well, I'm writing down what I'm doing, which I hope will become a pattern of sorts. I'm basically OK at making something for myself, it's making size changes that daunts me. But I think I keep jumping the gun on that and not just finishing the directions for a size that fits me, putting out those directions, and only then working on pattern sizing.
Anyway, I have two patterns to work on and I'm going to apply that method: Just writing down what I'm doing and not fretting about how it doesn't look like a pattern.
So mostly I just wandered around and gawked. And there was so much to look at! And for the most part the vendors were very nice, asking how you were and chuckling when I said 'Overwhelmed!' And the tents and stalls were very crowded, but generally we all managed to look at the stuff we wanted to see by all being polite and saying 'excuse me, can I get through?' to anyone in our way of the pretty yarn. Except for one tent. I assumed the line was for people buying stuff from that tent and so tried to walk into the only open flap of the dark little tent only to be stopped by a woman with a clipboard (she was tiny, but physically moved to block me coming into the tent) saying 'In an effort to keep the crowding controlled you MUST go stand in line!' And she was just so very rude about it that I didn't even bother waiting in line to see what treasures she must have been hiding, because my brief glimpse inside that dark tent didn't seem interesting enough to wait in line to see.
I was very tempted by some Handmaiden Sea Sock. And some yarn by Dragonfly Yarns. But it was so difficult to decide on colours and so I will likely peruse those on the net at my leisure. I squished some skeins though.
I ended up buying some yarn from Sanguine Gryphon - in part because of the pageantry of the whole setup. :) I love their website and the Renn Faire ambiance of it all. I also bought a skein from Silver Spring Looms, it's purple and green and shiny. I don't know what to do with either skein, but I'm sure I'll figure something out.
It was a long and tiring day, but we had gorgeous weather! Sun and blue sky with a few clouds, warm enough to be nice, but not so hot that I felt uncomfortable in my sweater (although the bus was too hot for it) And I hope we go again next year!
I forgot the camera, so no pics of my new jacket thingy, but a great many people saw it and liked it and that made me feel really good. I am working on a pattern. Well, I'm writing down what I'm doing, which I hope will become a pattern of sorts. I'm basically OK at making something for myself, it's making size changes that daunts me. But I think I keep jumping the gun on that and not just finishing the directions for a size that fits me, putting out those directions, and only then working on pattern sizing.
Anyway, I have two patterns to work on and I'm going to apply that method: Just writing down what I'm doing and not fretting about how it doesn't look like a pattern.
Friday, May 6, 2011
links
This site actually printed out graph paper to my gauge and sized properly! whoo!
http://www.knitonthenet.com/designchart/
I'm going to go look at all the other stuff that's there now, but I'm just happy this version worked. And so I'm linking it here in the hopes that I won't forget it.
http://www.knitonthenet.com/designchart/
I'm going to go look at all the other stuff that's there now, but I'm just happy this version worked. And so I'm linking it here in the hopes that I won't forget it.
Designs, again
The kimono was fixed, somewhat, by adding an icord strap that I just wove in some of the yarnover holes created by the pattern, to keep it closed across the bust. I added an old key that I used to wear as a necklace with the icord threaded through it.
Also working the sleeves for the starflower shrug. I wore it yesterday and once again everyone said they loved it and asked how to do it. When I originally did it I had a vague idea, knitted it up, it didn't quite turn out how I wanted, but it got cobbled together and I figured I'd be the only one wearing it, so it didn't matter.
I think I should find that knitting graph paper where you can type in your stitch gauge and it prints out squares to fit that gauge - print out lots of them and tape it all together, then I can do the math and draw it on the graph paper. Because the shape I want is really weird.
Tomorrow is the MD Sheep and Wool Festival!
Also working the sleeves for the starflower shrug. I wore it yesterday and once again everyone said they loved it and asked how to do it. When I originally did it I had a vague idea, knitted it up, it didn't quite turn out how I wanted, but it got cobbled together and I figured I'd be the only one wearing it, so it didn't matter.
I think I should find that knitting graph paper where you can type in your stitch gauge and it prints out squares to fit that gauge - print out lots of them and tape it all together, then I can do the math and draw it on the graph paper. Because the shape I want is really weird.
Tomorrow is the MD Sheep and Wool Festival!
Monday, May 2, 2011
It's done...
...but I'm not entirely thrilled with it.
The neck line is a bit too wide. I think it's because the front pieces aren't quite wide enough. The back pieces fit pretty good except I don't like the extra garter stitch rows I did, they look a bit odd in the centre because they are too thick and not wavy like the rest of the pattern.
I quite like the sleeves and they could be made longer if there's enough yarn left.
Possible fixes: Do one less pattern repeat in width (which would actually make it shorter) and do one extra pattern row section on the front pieces. Which would mean doing only one I-cord pattern row section on each back piece at the neckline.
Also, it's possible I didn't really have to double the yarn - I may have gotten just as nice an effect by using a single strand and used a size 7 needle. hmmm.
I think it's a pattern worth tweaking, but maybe do it in cotton. It's be quite nice in the Haze yarn, but that's set aside for the Starflower shrug thingy.
Notes on that: I toyed with the idea of front pieces, but have decided that I really prefer it as a large shrug thing. But the sleeves need modifications, definitely, as does the neckline. And I don't really think I need flappy bits all the way around. So, that project may be next! But unfinished projects are mocking me! The green BHM yarn is sitting there, petulant and unloved. I may just rip it out and start in on a clapotis. Or possibly the Seafoam pattern, only wider. I do think my stitch is interesting, but I'm not convinced it'd be good in a wide shawl. Maybe the coin lace clapotis? Also, that second Sausalito sock is just lurking there. I did do a few rows whilst watching Doctor Who. Maybe I'll take it on the bus trip. Also also, the star blanket! I really liked the radiating star pattern, this one, not so much. probably because of colour changes and there really isn't much of a pattern to keep me entertained. I'll get back to it soon! I think because I know there isn't an immediate deadline I know I can put it on hold while these other patterns obsess me. :)
Pictures soonish.
The neck line is a bit too wide. I think it's because the front pieces aren't quite wide enough. The back pieces fit pretty good except I don't like the extra garter stitch rows I did, they look a bit odd in the centre because they are too thick and not wavy like the rest of the pattern.
I quite like the sleeves and they could be made longer if there's enough yarn left.
Possible fixes: Do one less pattern repeat in width (which would actually make it shorter) and do one extra pattern row section on the front pieces. Which would mean doing only one I-cord pattern row section on each back piece at the neckline.
Also, it's possible I didn't really have to double the yarn - I may have gotten just as nice an effect by using a single strand and used a size 7 needle. hmmm.
I think it's a pattern worth tweaking, but maybe do it in cotton. It's be quite nice in the Haze yarn, but that's set aside for the Starflower shrug thingy.
Notes on that: I toyed with the idea of front pieces, but have decided that I really prefer it as a large shrug thing. But the sleeves need modifications, definitely, as does the neckline. And I don't really think I need flappy bits all the way around. So, that project may be next! But unfinished projects are mocking me! The green BHM yarn is sitting there, petulant and unloved. I may just rip it out and start in on a clapotis. Or possibly the Seafoam pattern, only wider. I do think my stitch is interesting, but I'm not convinced it'd be good in a wide shawl. Maybe the coin lace clapotis? Also, that second Sausalito sock is just lurking there. I did do a few rows whilst watching Doctor Who. Maybe I'll take it on the bus trip. Also also, the star blanket! I really liked the radiating star pattern, this one, not so much. probably because of colour changes and there really isn't much of a pattern to keep me entertained. I'll get back to it soon! I think because I know there isn't an immediate deadline I know I can put it on hold while these other patterns obsess me. :)
Pictures soonish.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Blocking
I just eked out the front pieces with just enough yarn leftover to sew up the seams! Pieces are washed and blocked and I put them outside to dry since it's such a nice day. Although the pieces don't really need stretched, blocking is helpful to make all the stitches look nice and make sure it all lies flat. It probably makes it easier to sew up too. I must admit that when I started out I never blocked anything. It's tedious and time consuming, but it does make everything look nice.
Since this is a slightly lacy pattern and I did it on larger needles (even though the yarn was held double) I did have some stretchiness while I was pinning it out. It's likely that I could have stretched it to a larger size, but whether that would hold after blocking, I really don't know. I didn't want to stretch it (although it did, width-wise, by about an inch) I just wanted it to lay flat and make the edges scallop nicely.
Pattern is still just rough notes, not sure if it'll make any sense to anyone but me, but I will work at typing them up.
Since this is a slightly lacy pattern and I did it on larger needles (even though the yarn was held double) I did have some stretchiness while I was pinning it out. It's likely that I could have stretched it to a larger size, but whether that would hold after blocking, I really don't know. I didn't want to stretch it (although it did, width-wise, by about an inch) I just wanted it to lay flat and make the edges scallop nicely.
Pattern is still just rough notes, not sure if it'll make any sense to anyone but me, but I will work at typing them up.
Friday, April 29, 2011
yay!
I finally decided to just press on and see how far I got and I managed the get the front piece with a bit left over! So there will be enough yarn to sew up the seams. Now, if the other section works out the same... I might even be able to wear it to the festival. :)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
waffling
So, I did weigh that section and if I take that weight and multiply it by how many pattern repeat row I have the final product should weigh more than it does. And so I really don't think I'll have enough to make the front pieces, even though they will be smaller, because I'm doing two less pattern repeats.
So I'm waffling over whether to rip it out and start over and do one less pattern repeat - which because it's knitted sideways will mean it won't be as long - and still run the risk of running out of yarn. And do I do it in two pieces instead of four? I like the idea of less sewing together. I like that it will make the yarn stripes match up better. Not entirely sure how to knit for two pattern row repeats and then add on stitches, 'cos I don't want to do the cable cast on. I suppose I can figure something out.
And the big question is still: Will I have enough yarn?
So I'm waffling over whether to rip it out and start over and do one less pattern repeat - which because it's knitted sideways will mean it won't be as long - and still run the risk of running out of yarn. And do I do it in two pieces instead of four? I like the idea of less sewing together. I like that it will make the yarn stripes match up better. Not entirely sure how to knit for two pattern row repeats and then add on stitches, 'cos I don't want to do the cable cast on. I suppose I can figure something out.
And the big question is still: Will I have enough yarn?
Friday, April 22, 2011
kimono-ish design
There have been a few minor tweaks so far, but really, it's a rectangle with another rectangle attached for the sleeve, s'not much of a 'design' is it?
Anyway, I have to cast on for the other back piece, knit two pattern repeats and weigh them, then subtract that amount from what the other back piece weighs, to see if I will have enough yarn to finish the front pieces or if I will need to buy another skein.
I know that probably makes little or no sense to anyone who may read this, but it's just notes to myself.
Anyway, I have to cast on for the other back piece, knit two pattern repeats and weigh them, then subtract that amount from what the other back piece weighs, to see if I will have enough yarn to finish the front pieces or if I will need to buy another skein.
I know that probably makes little or no sense to anyone who may read this, but it's just notes to myself.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
designs
Every so often I get plagued with knitting designs. My inner designer just yammers at me until I try it out.
I don't like the way the sock yarn is striping on the ribbed cardigan thingy but I wouldn't mind it as much if it was vertical instead of horizontal, so, I have in mind a kimono style jacket, with no shaping, in the Pearl barred scallop pattern.
I need to figure out some edging for it, but I think it might work. Maybe.
Started the star blanket. didn't like the fluffy stuff in the centre, so I started with the purple, did 20 rows in that then changed to green.
I don't like the way the sock yarn is striping on the ribbed cardigan thingy but I wouldn't mind it as much if it was vertical instead of horizontal, so, I have in mind a kimono style jacket, with no shaping, in the Pearl barred scallop pattern.
I need to figure out some edging for it, but I think it might work. Maybe.
Started the star blanket. didn't like the fluffy stuff in the centre, so I started with the purple, did 20 rows in that then changed to green.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Hat and stuff and things
I've got as much brim out of the hat as I'm going to get, so I'd say it's done! :) I'm working on typing out something coherent from my pattern scribblings. I do hope it's understandable. Actually, I'm not sure anyone would even want to knit it, but it was in my head and now it's out. I'd still like to try it in Noro or something stripey.
Can't get motivated to start the star blanket, not sure why. I thought I'd like to have the fluffy white/yellow/green in the middle, but I don't think I like it much. I think I'll try the purple in the middle.
Also still have the other sock to do, exchanged the yarn (thanks Glenda! (my Yarn Shop Lady is awesome!)) but I just don't feel like doing a sock.
The blue yarn from the Starflower jacket is in cakes and mocking me. I do have some ideas for that, so maybe I should work on that.
Or maybe I'll work on a new felted purse.
Can't get motivated to start the star blanket, not sure why. I thought I'd like to have the fluffy white/yellow/green in the middle, but I don't think I like it much. I think I'll try the purple in the middle.
Also still have the other sock to do, exchanged the yarn (thanks Glenda! (my Yarn Shop Lady is awesome!)) but I just don't feel like doing a sock.
The blue yarn from the Starflower jacket is in cakes and mocking me. I do have some ideas for that, so maybe I should work on that.
Or maybe I'll work on a new felted purse.
Monday, April 11, 2011
When yarn goes wrong
So, a while ago I finished one sock with the Sausalito yarn, moved on to other projects and last Friday finally decided to start the other sock. It looked a bit odd, it was too green, but I figured it'd work itself out after a while. Tonight I thought I'd pull out until I hit the colour changes. And then I pulled out a centre bit and realised it was all wrong:
The yarn on the left half has a marled effect, two strands of different colours twisted together. Somewhere in the middle it is knotted together with rainbow coloured strands. sigh.
This is particularly annoying because I frequently buy sock yarn for the stash. I sometimes have sock yarn for a year before doing anything with it. The wrong colours were all tucked in the centre and totally not visible when I bought the yarn. And I'm sure my yarn shop lady will exchange it, but it's really not her fault, it's the fault of the company she bought it from.
It's in a bag now and I have other projects to knit.
The yarn on the left half has a marled effect, two strands of different colours twisted together. Somewhere in the middle it is knotted together with rainbow coloured strands. sigh.
This is particularly annoying because I frequently buy sock yarn for the stash. I sometimes have sock yarn for a year before doing anything with it. The wrong colours were all tucked in the centre and totally not visible when I bought the yarn. And I'm sure my yarn shop lady will exchange it, but it's really not her fault, it's the fault of the company she bought it from.
It's in a bag now and I have other projects to knit.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
experimentation
So, the curling edge really annoyed me and I went trawling the project pages for that pattern on Ravelry. Found a few that seemed promising, and added some ideas of my own.
At first I thought that perhaps instead of YO, K2tog I could alternate that with YO, P2tog and then after trawling the project pages I decided that adding some garter stitch rows would be nice too. Only one of them really said anything about adding stitches to keep up with the pattern increases, so I thought about it and came up with this:
Do Row 93 as stated
Purl Row 94 instead of knitting around.
Row 95: (YO, k48)each of the 8 sections
Row 96: Purl tbl of yarnover, purl all other stitches
Row 97: (YO, K1, *YO, P2tog, YO, K2tog* rep ** 12 times)each of the 8 sections
Row 98: Purl
Row 99: (YO, K50) each of the 8 sections
Row 100: Bind off loosely, P2tog, return that stitch to Left Needle, repeat (remember to twist the yarnover stitch before P2tog)
I haven't yet finished a section, but I think it'll work. I like the way it looks too.
ETA: It worked out nicely!
At first I thought that perhaps instead of YO, K2tog I could alternate that with YO, P2tog and then after trawling the project pages I decided that adding some garter stitch rows would be nice too. Only one of them really said anything about adding stitches to keep up with the pattern increases, so I thought about it and came up with this:
Do Row 93 as stated
Purl Row 94 instead of knitting around.
Row 95: (YO, k48)each of the 8 sections
Row 96: Purl tbl of yarnover, purl all other stitches
Row 97: (YO, K1, *YO, P2tog, YO, K2tog* rep ** 12 times)each of the 8 sections
Row 98: Purl
Row 99: (YO, K50) each of the 8 sections
Row 100: Bind off loosely, P2tog, return that stitch to Left Needle, repeat (remember to twist the yarnover stitch before P2tog)
I haven't yet finished a section, but I think it'll work. I like the way it looks too.
ETA: It worked out nicely!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Still no sun
Nom-nom's blankie is done! That was a really quick project. Of course I need to weave in ends - but only the beginning and end because I used the Russian Join throughout the project. Although I wasn't thrilled with the results. It started off looking nice until I knit with that strand and then ends would poke through. I kinda wish I'd used a different method, but it's too late now. :) We shall see what it's like when I wash it. I do hope it doesn't just fall apart!
Also, despite the YO, K2tog edging, it's still curling, I hope that takes care of itself after washing it, too.
Also also, I got chocolate on it. *gasp*
Since it's going to a pregnant lady and I'm not sure how sensitive her nose has gotten, I shall wait until it's a nice day, wash it and air it outside, wait 'til it's dry and package it up outside and ship it off with the instructions that someone else wash it in her favourite detergent before letting her have it.
I remember how sensitive my nose was and I don't want these ladies to dislike something they should adore. :)
Next up: The other Sausalito Sock and I need to get some yarn for the Starghan.
Also, despite the YO, K2tog edging, it's still curling, I hope that takes care of itself after washing it, too.
Also also, I got chocolate on it. *gasp*
Since it's going to a pregnant lady and I'm not sure how sensitive her nose has gotten, I shall wait until it's a nice day, wash it and air it outside, wait 'til it's dry and package it up outside and ship it off with the instructions that someone else wash it in her favourite detergent before letting her have it.
I remember how sensitive my nose was and I don't want these ladies to dislike something they should adore. :)
Next up: The other Sausalito Sock and I need to get some yarn for the Starghan.
Monday, April 4, 2011
I love finding new techinques
I love this Radiating Star pattern, it's got just enough design elements to not totally bore me, but not so many that I can't read something on the Macbook. Plus in chunky weight yarn it's a fast project.
I made two very minor modifications: I didn't like how huge the centre hole was when I just cast on 8 stitches and started in, so I tried knitting 8 stitches in 1 stitch and tightening it up, that didn't look nice in chunky weight yarn. I settled on casting on 8 stitches and knitting one round, then starting the pattern. Also, I didn't much care for SKP: slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over. Don't like how it looks, don't like doing that procedure. So I changed it to SSK, which I do as: slip 1 as if to knit, slip 1 as if to purl, put the left needle through the front and knit both stitches.
I do that last procedure a lot for left leaning decreases, but I notice that on socks it tends to show when I'm wearing them. bluh.
I read a discussion on Ravelry about this problem and it led to many links and descriptions of how to manage it. I like Techknitter's technique best.
However, I'm about halfway through this project right now, so changing now would annoy me. It's unlikely that the recipient would notice without me pointing it out, but I'd know it's there. :)
But now it makes me want to rip it out and start over! I (probably) won't do that, but I will use it for the other sock whenever I get around to starting it and then get to the gusset decreases.
I made two very minor modifications: I didn't like how huge the centre hole was when I just cast on 8 stitches and started in, so I tried knitting 8 stitches in 1 stitch and tightening it up, that didn't look nice in chunky weight yarn. I settled on casting on 8 stitches and knitting one round, then starting the pattern. Also, I didn't much care for SKP: slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over. Don't like how it looks, don't like doing that procedure. So I changed it to SSK, which I do as: slip 1 as if to knit, slip 1 as if to purl, put the left needle through the front and knit both stitches.
I do that last procedure a lot for left leaning decreases, but I notice that on socks it tends to show when I'm wearing them. bluh.
I read a discussion on Ravelry about this problem and it led to many links and descriptions of how to manage it. I like Techknitter's technique best.
However, I'm about halfway through this project right now, so changing now would annoy me. It's unlikely that the recipient would notice without me pointing it out, but I'd know it's there. :)
But now it makes me want to rip it out and start over! I (probably) won't do that, but I will use it for the other sock whenever I get around to starting it and then get to the gusset decreases.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
April 2
It looks like we may have actually have a nice sunny day!
I'm a bit bored with the hat, it still needs to be more brim and less hat and so I have to rip it out again.
So I've moved on the the Radiating Star Blanket - a pattern that I found on Ravelry. I don't know if linking to a pattern there will work for anyone who isn't a member of Rav and I truly doubt that anyone is really reading this blog. It's more of a way for me to make notes of what I'm doing, with the focus on yarn projects.
Several online friends are pregnant, so I get to play Auntie Maeve the Yarn Fairy. :) I'm using Berocco's Vintage Chunky which is nice to work with. Their site calls the colour 'Banana' but to me it looks like rich yellow butter.
The pattern is very easy for me and it's reminiscent of the pattern for my Starflower jacket, so maybe doing this will make me more interested in re-doing that pattern. Or I'll be bored with stars and knitting widdershins and move onto something else. :)
Finished one sock in Sausalito - love the colour gradations!
This is the hat that's been driving me batty - it needs more brim and less hat. Again.
I'm a bit bored with the hat, it still needs to be more brim and less hat and so I have to rip it out again.
So I've moved on the the Radiating Star Blanket - a pattern that I found on Ravelry. I don't know if linking to a pattern there will work for anyone who isn't a member of Rav and I truly doubt that anyone is really reading this blog. It's more of a way for me to make notes of what I'm doing, with the focus on yarn projects.
Several online friends are pregnant, so I get to play Auntie Maeve the Yarn Fairy. :) I'm using Berocco's Vintage Chunky which is nice to work with. Their site calls the colour 'Banana' but to me it looks like rich yellow butter.
The pattern is very easy for me and it's reminiscent of the pattern for my Starflower jacket, so maybe doing this will make me more interested in re-doing that pattern. Or I'll be bored with stars and knitting widdershins and move onto something else. :)
Finished one sock in Sausalito - love the colour gradations!
This is the hat that's been driving me batty - it needs more brim and less hat. Again.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Fake Spring
Sure, it's sunny out there, but it's still pretty cold. You'd think that'd be a good thing for a person who loves yarn as much as I do, but frankly, Winter came early and has overstayed its welcome.
The blue jacket thingy was ripped out and I now have three pretty cakes of yarn. I might get to it after I finish this hat. I needed to rip out the hat too because there was too much hat and not enough brim.
So, after the changes, will I have enough Origami to finish the hat? We shall see.
Things I'm knitting along to: The Daily Show and Tom Holt's Little People.
I really dislike the Adobe ereader program. At least the Mac version. It won't flip pages properly or keep the font size or even remember the last page! I hope it works better on a Nook.
The blue jacket thingy was ripped out and I now have three pretty cakes of yarn. I might get to it after I finish this hat. I needed to rip out the hat too because there was too much hat and not enough brim.
So, after the changes, will I have enough Origami to finish the hat? We shall see.
Things I'm knitting along to: The Daily Show and Tom Holt's Little People.
I really dislike the Adobe ereader program. At least the Mac version. It won't flip pages properly or keep the font size or even remember the last page! I hope it works better on a Nook.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tangled Yarn
Yes, I am one of those strange people who likes untangling yarn. But this weekend I've done my share of it and I'd like to be done for a while!
I much prefer untangling yarn for other people! It's much more satisfying. The Knitter's Retreat was just splendid. I worked on the hat, which may become a proper pattern. I started doing something with what used to be the Stinky Green Yarn and has become the Evil Green Yarn because it became a tangled mess that took me over four hours to untangle. I started knitting with it Saturday night and worked about two inches and then ran into a ball of knots that was still attached to the cake, so I yanked that out and two tangled blobs plopped out. bluh.
I don't know how long I tried to untangled it on Saturday, but Sunday morning I started in after breakfast (I'm guessing around 9am) and by 1pm it was all untangled and balled up.
And now I'm slightly obsessed by the flower jacket thingy. It was almost done, but would have been too small and so I never finished it. Well, I've decided I don't like it and so I'm ripping it out. I have ideas for how to rearrange it.
I am still under the delusion that I can write a proper pattern. And I can't really post much about it because I have a mad notion to submit it to Knitty. We shall see.
I much prefer untangling yarn for other people! It's much more satisfying. The Knitter's Retreat was just splendid. I worked on the hat, which may become a proper pattern. I started doing something with what used to be the Stinky Green Yarn and has become the Evil Green Yarn because it became a tangled mess that took me over four hours to untangle. I started knitting with it Saturday night and worked about two inches and then ran into a ball of knots that was still attached to the cake, so I yanked that out and two tangled blobs plopped out. bluh.
I don't know how long I tried to untangled it on Saturday, but Sunday morning I started in after breakfast (I'm guessing around 9am) and by 1pm it was all untangled and balled up.
And now I'm slightly obsessed by the flower jacket thingy. It was almost done, but would have been too small and so I never finished it. Well, I've decided I don't like it and so I'm ripping it out. I have ideas for how to rearrange it.
I am still under the delusion that I can write a proper pattern. And I can't really post much about it because I have a mad notion to submit it to Knitty. We shall see.
Monday, March 14, 2011
maybe a decision...
I can't settle on a pattern for the Stinky Green Yarn. You'd think that a mottled green metallic yarn and a pattern called Mermaid's Mesh would just beg to be put together, right? meh. Not so much. I almost settled on Pearl Barred Scallop, but then I remembered this stitch I came up with yonks ago and decided to play with that. I think I like it.
I know that's a crappy picture and it's not in the green yarn, but I like it. It's mesh-y, but light and sproingy. And the pattern is easy to remember - the Mermaid's Mesh wasn't difficult, but was very easy to lose track of which row I was doing.
I also found my notes for a hat idea using this stitch. I never knew what to do for a brim and so never did anything with that idea. But I've done a few hats lately that had a nice knitted brim and so I think I might try some Noro and play.
I know that's a crappy picture and it's not in the green yarn, but I like it. It's mesh-y, but light and sproingy. And the pattern is easy to remember - the Mermaid's Mesh wasn't difficult, but was very easy to lose track of which row I was doing.
I also found my notes for a hat idea using this stitch. I never knew what to do for a brim and so never did anything with that idea. But I've done a few hats lately that had a nice knitted brim and so I think I might try some Noro and play.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
(almost) The Ides of March
I really need to finish the Second Blue Sock, but Sock Ennui has set in. I happily knitted around, doing the ankle gusset decreases until they were all done and bam. Sock Boredom. Because I seem to enter some weird Twilight Zone where no matter how many rows I knit, it's merely five inches from the heel. Knit some more. Five inches.
Eventually I get to 7.5 and do the toe decreases, but I need to download a new book or something to entertain me. I am re-watching the last few Doctor Who eps, so that could entertain me for a while, but I really do need to decide on a new book.
Next sock will be with new yarn from Crystal Palace: Sausalito. Love the colours and it's very soft and squishy. It's one of those funky yarns where one ply is a certain colour and the other ply is a different colour and both of them shift. It creates a lovely marled effect and I've already cast on a sock because the Blue Sock is boring. :)
However, I will finish that sock, hopefully today, because I want to cast on the Stinky Green Yarn and work on it a bit before taking it to the Knitting Retreat this weekend *yay*
The pattern as written in the book is a wee bit confusing, possibly because the picture for the pattern is on the previous page? I'm not sure. I perused so many patterns before settling on two possibles: Vine Lace Zigzag or Mermaid's Mesh. It was the description in Mermaid's Mesh that finally chose for me: That 'worked in glittering metallic yarn' it would look great. I'm using Blue Heron Metallic in Granny Smith Apple greens.
I am still really tempted by Vine Lac Zigzag though, but perhaps that'd be best in a different yarn. It might be a lovely possibility for some Ella Rae fingering yarn.
OK, one more pattern to try: Checkerboard Mesh.
Eventually I get to 7.5 and do the toe decreases, but I need to download a new book or something to entertain me. I am re-watching the last few Doctor Who eps, so that could entertain me for a while, but I really do need to decide on a new book.
Next sock will be with new yarn from Crystal Palace: Sausalito. Love the colours and it's very soft and squishy. It's one of those funky yarns where one ply is a certain colour and the other ply is a different colour and both of them shift. It creates a lovely marled effect and I've already cast on a sock because the Blue Sock is boring. :)
However, I will finish that sock, hopefully today, because I want to cast on the Stinky Green Yarn and work on it a bit before taking it to the Knitting Retreat this weekend *yay*
The pattern as written in the book is a wee bit confusing, possibly because the picture for the pattern is on the previous page? I'm not sure. I perused so many patterns before settling on two possibles: Vine Lace Zigzag or Mermaid's Mesh. It was the description in Mermaid's Mesh that finally chose for me: That 'worked in glittering metallic yarn' it would look great. I'm using Blue Heron Metallic in Granny Smith Apple greens.
I am still really tempted by Vine Lac Zigzag though, but perhaps that'd be best in a different yarn. It might be a lovely possibility for some Ella Rae fingering yarn.
OK, one more pattern to try: Checkerboard Mesh.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Updates
Yay! She liked her handwarmers! And now I'm working on the headband, which is what she really wanted, and I'm not crazy about it. The yarn is yummy, I wouldn't have had enough of the dark grey, so I got a skein of light grey to go with it. Maybe that's why or maybe this pattern just needs some slight variegation? I dunno, it's just boring, but I do hope she likes it. Also, I think it may be wider than she wanted it to be. But, she wanted a button, otherwise I would have made the scrunchy type version I saw at Glenda's. Maybe I'll shoot her a message and ask her if a button is totally necessary.
Finished one Blue Sock and two downloaded books! OK, so they were just short, fluffy paperbacks, but I rather enjoyed being able to read and knit at the same time. Of course, now I need something new to read and I don't know what to go for.
Have decided to wait two days for the new Jasper Fforde Thursday Next book, instead of downloading all the old ones at $12 each. I don't mind paying paperback-ish prices, but that's a bit steep, just to refresh my memory. I found a JF book on the library download thingy, so I'm gonna read that.
I think I may have enough yarn in the light grey to do this pattern. I also think I'd like to add the mock cables in the middle. Maybe. gotta finish it and count rows.
Finished one Blue Sock and two downloaded books! OK, so they were just short, fluffy paperbacks, but I rather enjoyed being able to read and knit at the same time. Of course, now I need something new to read and I don't know what to go for.
Have decided to wait two days for the new Jasper Fforde Thursday Next book, instead of downloading all the old ones at $12 each. I don't mind paying paperback-ish prices, but that's a bit steep, just to refresh my memory. I found a JF book on the library download thingy, so I'm gonna read that.
I think I may have enough yarn in the light grey to do this pattern. I also think I'd like to add the mock cables in the middle. Maybe. gotta finish it and count rows.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
More socks!
I finished Dev's socks last Friday, he promptly put them on and I don't think he's taken them off since. I hope that means that he likes them and he's not merely too lazy to do laundry.
So I'm working on another pair for him. I didn't buy new yarn, I made him pick from the first three balls I could find. He chose the Trekking pro natura denim blue. It's quite nice to knit with, seems a bit thin. I hope it's durable.
I've waffled for a while now about buying an ereader thingy. They just don't seem very book-like. But I've often wondered whether I could knit and read at the same time if I had a book that would stay open and turning pages wasn't too difficult. So I downloaded the Nook and Kindle apps for my Macbook. Someone at the yarn shop had a Nook and I quite liked it and I've played a bit with the Kindle, but didn't like it as much - However, of the two apps I preferred the Kindle app. And so I chose a book, paid for it and downloaded it and less than a minute later was reading the thing. I've gotta say, that part is just awesome. The book is likely in stock at my local Borders and I even have a coupon for that store, but to be able to read the thing right after I ordered it? That was just splendid. And I can knit rather easily while reading off a screen. It wasn't much of a bother to keep bumping the button for the next page either, although I'm doing a sock, so in short time I have to turn my work.
But, it shows promise and for now I'll just stick to using the Macbook. I even took it to bed last night and that wasn't so bad.
Stinky Yarn is still stinky, although it's almost tolerable now. Used the Eucalan (eucalyptus version) and that helped. Hung it outside yesterday and it got it to 'almost tolerable'. It's hanging out again today and it's quite windy, so I hope it gets less stinky and doesn't blow away.
So I'm working on another pair for him. I didn't buy new yarn, I made him pick from the first three balls I could find. He chose the Trekking pro natura denim blue. It's quite nice to knit with, seems a bit thin. I hope it's durable.
I've waffled for a while now about buying an ereader thingy. They just don't seem very book-like. But I've often wondered whether I could knit and read at the same time if I had a book that would stay open and turning pages wasn't too difficult. So I downloaded the Nook and Kindle apps for my Macbook. Someone at the yarn shop had a Nook and I quite liked it and I've played a bit with the Kindle, but didn't like it as much - However, of the two apps I preferred the Kindle app. And so I chose a book, paid for it and downloaded it and less than a minute later was reading the thing. I've gotta say, that part is just awesome. The book is likely in stock at my local Borders and I even have a coupon for that store, but to be able to read the thing right after I ordered it? That was just splendid. And I can knit rather easily while reading off a screen. It wasn't much of a bother to keep bumping the button for the next page either, although I'm doing a sock, so in short time I have to turn my work.
But, it shows promise and for now I'll just stick to using the Macbook. I even took it to bed last night and that wasn't so bad.
Stinky Yarn is still stinky, although it's almost tolerable now. Used the Eucalan (eucalyptus version) and that helped. Hung it outside yesterday and it got it to 'almost tolerable'. It's hanging out again today and it's quite windy, so I hope it gets less stinky and doesn't blow away.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
February is nearly over!
I started Dev's second sock on the drive to Philadelphia to visit the nephew. That was Saturday. Today is Thursday and I've gotten past the heel and the gusset decreases and now it's just boring stockinette stitch until the toe.
Knitting tip found on Rav: Use electrical tape to tape up my right index finger while knitting socks. See, I use that finger to push the needle as I'm making a knit stitch. It's not much of a problem while using larger needles, but with socks it means a sore finger. Which means I won't finish the sock.
Bought some Eucalan to soak the BHM in. I hope that helps diminish the dye smell. Should've hung it outside yesterday when it was nice and sunny. It's all grey and dreary out there today. I'm really twitching to start something with it - I need to play with patterns and it's damp and stinky.
Also, I keep getting plagued with pattern ideas. Why can't my brain realise that Rav probably already has the pattern, I'm just not looking properly?
I would really like to use the Lotus Blossom pattern as an edging to a bolero/shrug raglan sweater. But I'd like to do it from the neck down, so that would mean the pattern would be inverted. dunno how that will look. I suppose I could do a small version to test things and I have some blue yarn leftover from Alex's sweater.
Projects I'm currently working on: Dev's socks, my cardigan, fingerless gloves for Cat. I should get back to those, but although the yarn is yummy and the pattern is interesting, I'm just not that into fingerless gloves. :)
Knitting tip found on Rav: Use electrical tape to tape up my right index finger while knitting socks. See, I use that finger to push the needle as I'm making a knit stitch. It's not much of a problem while using larger needles, but with socks it means a sore finger. Which means I won't finish the sock.
Bought some Eucalan to soak the BHM in. I hope that helps diminish the dye smell. Should've hung it outside yesterday when it was nice and sunny. It's all grey and dreary out there today. I'm really twitching to start something with it - I need to play with patterns and it's damp and stinky.
Also, I keep getting plagued with pattern ideas. Why can't my brain realise that Rav probably already has the pattern, I'm just not looking properly?
I would really like to use the Lotus Blossom pattern as an edging to a bolero/shrug raglan sweater. But I'd like to do it from the neck down, so that would mean the pattern would be inverted. dunno how that will look. I suppose I could do a small version to test things and I have some blue yarn leftover from Alex's sweater.
Projects I'm currently working on: Dev's socks, my cardigan, fingerless gloves for Cat. I should get back to those, but although the yarn is yummy and the pattern is interesting, I'm just not that into fingerless gloves. :)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Perfumed pickle
I did try working with that yarn last night, but as soon as I pulled it out of the bag dad started coughing (which is nothing new, but he doesn't need one more thing to aggravate it) and it made me nauseous as well.
I have worked with it before, but in different colours, so I am assuming it's the dye. It's very perfume-y, like the stuff they add to Febreeze (which may smell 'nice' but always makes me nauseous) So, I re-hanked it by winding it back onto the swift, tied it up and tried to wash the smell out. Just some mild soap didn't help, so I tried some vinegar in the water. Now it smells like a perfumed pickle.
If the weather cooperates I may just put it outside and see if the fresh air helps. Then I can keep it to work on it at the Knitter's Retreat.
I should cast on Dev's Other Sock, so I'll have that for the car ride tomorrow. We're going to visit our nephew in Philadelphia.
I have worked with it before, but in different colours, so I am assuming it's the dye. It's very perfume-y, like the stuff they add to Febreeze (which may smell 'nice' but always makes me nauseous) So, I re-hanked it by winding it back onto the swift, tied it up and tried to wash the smell out. Just some mild soap didn't help, so I tried some vinegar in the water. Now it smells like a perfumed pickle.
If the weather cooperates I may just put it outside and see if the fresh air helps. Then I can keep it to work on it at the Knitter's Retreat.
I should cast on Dev's Other Sock, so I'll have that for the car ride tomorrow. We're going to visit our nephew in Philadelphia.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Shiny new yarn!
Blue Heron Metallic. How gorgeous is this yarn? It's gorgeous mottled spring green tones and I love it muchly. I don't love how the dye smells, but I can live with it.
Thinking about using a variation of Barbara Walker's Scroll pattern.
I really should at least start Dev's other sock, but the new yarn is so pretty!
Thinking about using a variation of Barbara Walker's Scroll pattern.
I really should at least start Dev's other sock, but the new yarn is so pretty!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
mad ideas
Glenda has gorgeous Blue Heron Metallic yarn and I'm trying to find a pattern for it. Saroyan would look perfect, the yarn is mottled subtly in cheery spring green tones. Something with leafs would be perfect, but I'm just not finding anything that's grabbing me.
Found one pattern which is called something else, but is just Barbara Walker's Scroll Pattern. I saw that in a recent trawl of the pattern book and thought I could make it reversible. So that's what I'm currently playing with, although I really should make some tortillas, since we're having fajitas for supper...
It seems to be working, but the yarnovers are getting lost. They might not in the BHM, my test yarn is Berroco Comfort. So I might try this pattern with a double yarnover that will then get dropped the next row. maybe.
Found one pattern which is called something else, but is just Barbara Walker's Scroll Pattern. I saw that in a recent trawl of the pattern book and thought I could make it reversible. So that's what I'm currently playing with, although I really should make some tortillas, since we're having fajitas for supper...
It seems to be working, but the yarnovers are getting lost. They might not in the BHM, my test yarn is Berroco Comfort. So I might try this pattern with a double yarnover that will then get dropped the next row. maybe.
Monday, February 14, 2011
resurrecting my blog
My long neglected blog! I sort of take notes during Ravelry projects, but sometimes I have knitting ramblings that don't really apply to a specific project or do so only indirectly.
Like the cardigan I started on. I'm using two strands of Jawoll Magic held together and I seem to have gotten two skeins with nearly the exact dye spacing. Which would be fabulous if I was making socks. As a sweater it came out all stripey. Which is also awesome, but on a bust as big as mine horizontal striping is not the way to go!
So, I switched to the other two skeins, and those two have different dye spacing and it's coming out all mottled, which is exactly the effect I wanted.
Thankfully I'd only done about 5 inches, so that's not so bad, but I will have to unravel and re-wind one other skein so that the colours don't match up again.
Unwanted stripes:
How I wanted it to be:
Like the cardigan I started on. I'm using two strands of Jawoll Magic held together and I seem to have gotten two skeins with nearly the exact dye spacing. Which would be fabulous if I was making socks. As a sweater it came out all stripey. Which is also awesome, but on a bust as big as mine horizontal striping is not the way to go!
So, I switched to the other two skeins, and those two have different dye spacing and it's coming out all mottled, which is exactly the effect I wanted.
Thankfully I'd only done about 5 inches, so that's not so bad, but I will have to unravel and re-wind one other skein so that the colours don't match up again.
Unwanted stripes:
How I wanted it to be:
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