I don't have anything to show you this week because I'm working on birthday and Christmas presents, and since I'm not sure who in my family reads the blog and who doesn't, I'm going to hold off posting until I give them away. There is one birthday next week, so you'll get to see that one soon. I did finish the Katharine Vest (Ravelry link) this week, but I just managed to steam out the cap sleeves yesterday before I went to visit my brother at college and I haven't been home since.
Speaking of which, on Wednesday I had a couple of hours between class and work that I clearly blocked out as knitting time (my Wednesdays start at 5:30 AM and I don't get out of work until 10:00 PM). I brought the birthday present mentioned above, which was nearly finished, and the Katharine Vest, which only needed two-thirds of the applied I-cord edging on the front. I thought that I could finish both in the ample time provided (although I forgot to factor in eating dinner, changing, and actually driving to work). Almost, but no cigar.
The counter point to this is that yesterday I brought a sock to work on. I had finished the heel, and it was a short-row heel so there were no stitches to pick up, but I still had the entire foot to do. On size two needles, for an average woman's foot. I did the entire length of the foot during Down With Love, and this morning I did the toe. I always bring more than one project with me, except for this time. Which is exactly why I finished it, and why I didn't finish my projects on Wednesday.
Lesson learned, Murphy.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Lunchbags
On Labor Day, just before I headed back to school, my mom and I crafted these excellent lunch bags. Now I can finally throw out that old plastic grocery bag I've been using! We bought vinyl tablecloth material and I used iron-on vinyl to make the inside waterproof (that stuff is cool but expensive, and hard to find). If you want more details feel free to e-mail me.
I kind of made it up as I went along (when I was trying to explain to my mom what I did she got a little frustrated because I couldn't always remember!). I just enlarged the dimensions of a paper bag, added a ribbon handle, some beads as a charm,
I kind of made it up as I went along (when I was trying to explain to my mom what I did she got a little frustrated because I couldn't always remember!). I just enlarged the dimensions of a paper bag, added a ribbon handle, some beads as a charm,
and another ribbon around the top edge to dress it up. A snap magnetic closure from Clover and, hey, an awesome lunchbag with lots of room.
Happy fall!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
End-of-Summer Wrap Up
It took me a minute to realize that I had finished three garments this summer--and I even did one garment each month! I'm very happy with each of these but I'm excited to start knitting fall sweaters.
First up: Blissful (Ravelry link)
Pattern: Blissful by Keridiane Chez from Stitch'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fine in Rue, no idea how much.
Source: Stash. I had knit the Lucky Clover Wrap Sweater from Stitch'N Bitch Nation with a little less than two cones of this, but I wasn't happy with the fit or gauge so I unraveled it. It was more than a little painful but I'm happy to have reclaimed the yarn. It made this and there is a lot left over, some of which is going into another project that I hope to show you soon.
Hooks: Pony aluminum 3.75 mm (an E for me) and Clover Soft Touch 4.00 mm (an F for me). Here I got a good lesson in why it's important to check the millimeter measurements for your hooks--if I had just used an F and a G it wouldn't have been as tight (which is what I was going for).
Modifications: I did eighteen repeats of the lace bodice part instead of twelve and added extra even rows when working the cups to accommodate my figure. From the Ravelry photos it looks like I did something funky with the weaving row (a ribbon is supposed to run through the stitches under the bust), but it works for me. I didn't have hook-and-eye closures on hand, so I tried sew-on snaps, but they didn't work well. I ended up crocheting the back together. I'm a little nervous about it losing shape and sagging in the back as it gets stretched out, but we'll see how it goes.
I definitely only plan to wear it as in the photos above, over a tank top or a shirt. I intended it to be more of an apron-style top than a stand-alone halter, and I'm really happy with how it came out. I had to rip it out once, and I finished it just in time to wear it Labor Day weekend, but this was a good project for August. It also solved my dislike of knitting with cotton: crocheting with it is easier and seems to suit the fiber better.
This is July:
Pattern: Orangina by Stefanie Japel
Yarn: Patons Grace, (just over) 7 balls Rose
Source: Michael's
Needles: US Size 3 Inox 29" circular (pattern says 24" but I only a 29"--I think I did either the 38" or 40" bust size, and stitches moved around easily)
Modifications: I added an inch or so to the bottom ribbing.
I LOVE this sweater. I kind of got obsessed with the idea of it and the next thing I knew I had bought it and ran to the store to get yarn. Why I decided to start a new sweater project in the last week of my crazy summer semester is beyond me, but it was actually really calming. The pattern is an easy four-row repeat, there is no shaping (I think) and it goes pretty quickly for being on 3's. I knit it in just over a week. I love Stefanie's designs and I plan to knit everything she designs ever. (Her new book, Glam Knits, is coming out soon!!!)
Pattern: A Good Bias by Lisa Daehlin from the Spring 2005 Interweave Knits
Yarn: Cotton Clouds, 5 or 6 skeins "Sunshine"
Source: Stash. My grandma found this nubbly cotton and rayon yarn in her attic, and for awhile I had no idea what to make with it. I've wanted to make this and the original was knit with Mission Falls 1824 Cotton, which is also nubbly, so this yarn was a perfect fit.
Needles: US Size 8, Susan Bates Quicksilver 29" circular needles (circs aren't necessary, I just used them for portability purposes)
Modifications: None.
I finished this just before we left on our cruise to Bermuda in June, and I wore it with just about everything on the boat. It's a pale yellow, so I can wear it (some yellows do not work well on me) and it's better than a shawl because it stays on your arms. I've also worn it at work in over-air-conditioned libraries, and it's warm too.
A very productive summer, with lots of stash busting. Too bad I didn't knit very many socks (um, what Summer of Socks?) Time for wool :)
Thanks to Jack for taking the awesome pictures with his fancy camera!
First up: Blissful (Ravelry link)
Pattern: Blissful by Keridiane Chez from Stitch'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fine in Rue, no idea how much.
Source: Stash. I had knit the Lucky Clover Wrap Sweater from Stitch'N Bitch Nation with a little less than two cones of this, but I wasn't happy with the fit or gauge so I unraveled it. It was more than a little painful but I'm happy to have reclaimed the yarn. It made this and there is a lot left over, some of which is going into another project that I hope to show you soon.
Hooks: Pony aluminum 3.75 mm (an E for me) and Clover Soft Touch 4.00 mm (an F for me). Here I got a good lesson in why it's important to check the millimeter measurements for your hooks--if I had just used an F and a G it wouldn't have been as tight (which is what I was going for).
Modifications: I did eighteen repeats of the lace bodice part instead of twelve and added extra even rows when working the cups to accommodate my figure. From the Ravelry photos it looks like I did something funky with the weaving row (a ribbon is supposed to run through the stitches under the bust), but it works for me. I didn't have hook-and-eye closures on hand, so I tried sew-on snaps, but they didn't work well. I ended up crocheting the back together. I'm a little nervous about it losing shape and sagging in the back as it gets stretched out, but we'll see how it goes.
I definitely only plan to wear it as in the photos above, over a tank top or a shirt. I intended it to be more of an apron-style top than a stand-alone halter, and I'm really happy with how it came out. I had to rip it out once, and I finished it just in time to wear it Labor Day weekend, but this was a good project for August. It also solved my dislike of knitting with cotton: crocheting with it is easier and seems to suit the fiber better.
This is July:
Pattern: Orangina by Stefanie Japel
Yarn: Patons Grace, (just over) 7 balls Rose
Source: Michael's
Needles: US Size 3 Inox 29" circular (pattern says 24" but I only a 29"--I think I did either the 38" or 40" bust size, and stitches moved around easily)
Modifications: I added an inch or so to the bottom ribbing.
I LOVE this sweater. I kind of got obsessed with the idea of it and the next thing I knew I had bought it and ran to the store to get yarn. Why I decided to start a new sweater project in the last week of my crazy summer semester is beyond me, but it was actually really calming. The pattern is an easy four-row repeat, there is no shaping (I think) and it goes pretty quickly for being on 3's. I knit it in just over a week. I love Stefanie's designs and I plan to knit everything she designs ever. (Her new book, Glam Knits, is coming out soon!!!)
Pattern: A Good Bias by Lisa Daehlin from the Spring 2005 Interweave Knits
Yarn: Cotton Clouds, 5 or 6 skeins "Sunshine"
Source: Stash. My grandma found this nubbly cotton and rayon yarn in her attic, and for awhile I had no idea what to make with it. I've wanted to make this and the original was knit with Mission Falls 1824 Cotton, which is also nubbly, so this yarn was a perfect fit.
Needles: US Size 8, Susan Bates Quicksilver 29" circular needles (circs aren't necessary, I just used them for portability purposes)
Modifications: None.
I finished this just before we left on our cruise to Bermuda in June, and I wore it with just about everything on the boat. It's a pale yellow, so I can wear it (some yellows do not work well on me) and it's better than a shawl because it stays on your arms. I've also worn it at work in over-air-conditioned libraries, and it's warm too.
A very productive summer, with lots of stash busting. Too bad I didn't knit very many socks (um, what Summer of Socks?) Time for wool :)
Thanks to Jack for taking the awesome pictures with his fancy camera!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Happy Birthday and Fiber Revival
Saturday, August 16th, Katie and I went to the Fiber Revival. It was awesome. I love the NH Sheep and Wool Festival and the Wool Tour, but this was just to sit and spin and knit (or crochet, in my case--I've been doing a lot of that lately) and relax with cool people. Kate Gilbert was there (it doesn't get any cooler than that) and Julia and Alison, who all happen to be connected with the amazing Twist Collective, which I am kind of obsessed with. There were so many other cool people there but I'm forgetting names now.
There were a few vendors there, which is really nice because I fulfilled my need to buy yarn without feeling overwhelmed or spending the whole time shopping. I bought the Bird in Hand mittens from a vendor whose name I can't remember, and these two skeins of fabulous sock yarn from Spunky Eclectic:
The one on the left is "Dinah" and the one on the right is "Watery Melon." One is supposed to be a present (knitted into socks) for someone, and if they weren't so special I would be very tempted to keep the yarn for myself. I've long admired the offerings of Spunky Eclectic (the spinning thread on Craftster is full of her hand-dyed loveliness spun by others) on the web, but after seeing it in person it's impossible to resist.
There were a few vendors there, which is really nice because I fulfilled my need to buy yarn without feeling overwhelmed or spending the whole time shopping. I bought the Bird in Hand mittens from a vendor whose name I can't remember, and these two skeins of fabulous sock yarn from Spunky Eclectic:
The one on the left is "Dinah" and the one on the right is "Watery Melon." One is supposed to be a present (knitted into socks) for someone, and if they weren't so special I would be very tempted to keep the yarn for myself. I've long admired the offerings of Spunky Eclectic (the spinning thread on Craftster is full of her hand-dyed loveliness spun by others) on the web, but after seeing it in person it's impossible to resist.
I turned 23 a couple of weeks ago and my friends and family spoiled me with wonderful craft stuff. Katie got me Intertwined, which I cannot rave about enough. If you think your spinning isn't beautiful, this book will change your mind. It has great projects for chunky funky yarns as well as cool spinning ideas. My mom got me Uncommon Crochet, which I also am in love with...this crochet obsession is threatening to take over. Most of the ideas in this book are really unique. She also bought me the novel The Knitting Circle, which looks sad but really good. My brother gave me Son of Stitch'n'Bitch, and I have to say I want to make most of those things for myself! I love that it's got both knitting and crochet patterns.
Last but certainly not least, I met my friends Susan and Alice for dinner and Mamma Mia! (holy ABBA goodness!) and Susan gave me this beautiful skein of yarn from a farm in Plymouth, NH (where I went to college) from Plymouth's new yarn shop. Even better, Susan knows the woman who raises the sheep! I love getting yarn like this. It's so warm and personal. Also, Blue Garter's last post has made me think more about my yarn and where it comes from (notice the new button?), so I'm happy to use yarn from New Hampshire sheep that supports a New Hampshire farm.
So, a big thank-you to everyone who made my birthday wonderful!!!
Next up: the garments I've been making and haven't shown you because I have a hard time taking pictures of myself...
Friday, August 22, 2008
How this...
becomes a bag:
(Does this answer your question, Katie?) (She watched me work on it at the Fiber Revival (post on that t0 come) last Saturday and wasn't sure how it would turn into a bag--see first photo. I had my doubts as well, but it turned out great!)
Pattern: Cocoon Bag by Cecily Keim from Crochet Me (the book)
Yarn: Lana Knits, All Hemp 3; 3 skeins deep sea #16
Source: kpixie (part of my Christmas present order)
Hook: Clover Soft Touch Size G/7
Modifications: None
Close-up of the flower stitch pattern:
I have to say I'm especially proud of myself, since this is given a difficulty level of 4 (out of 4, with 1 being the easiest), and I'm not the most experienced crocheter. If I had noticed that I might not have attempted it. It did take some concentration at times, but it wasn't awful. I'm excited to try more projects in the book now that I know I can handle it (I may already have one on the hook...)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Granny Square Afghan
Almost a year to the day after my first post about these granny squares, I give you the completed granny square afghan:
One of the best compliments I received while working on the squares was from my friend Trina:
"That looks like something from my Polish grandmother's house."
I totally rock the grandma style.
Pattern: Um, just granny squares (instructions gleaned from The Purl Bee's excellent tutorial and the way the previous squares looked--the project was passed on to me by my aunt, who had made a couple of squares). Towards the end I looked at a granny square afghan pattern that I got from my great-grandmother for layout and finishing ideas.
Yarn: Original gangster '70s acrylic in green, yellow, and gold (no idea how many skeins, but there is a lot of yellow and gold left over, and only about two yards of green). I have the labels but I didn't recognize the brand--I'll check when I get home.
Source: My Aunt Nancy (thanks!)
Modifications/Details: I made 42 granny squares (luckily, I wove in the ends as I made them). I made six strips of seven squares each by sewing them, and then joined the strips with single crochet. I then single-crocheted around the entire afghan--two rows of yellow and one row of gold.
Why I felt compelled to finish an afghan in August is beyond me, but it wasn't that uncomfortable. I'm currently kind of obsessed with blankets now...I'm desperate to make the Pinwheel Blanket (Ravelry link) from Knitalong next.
One of the best compliments I received while working on the squares was from my friend Trina:
"That looks like something from my Polish grandmother's house."
I totally rock the grandma style.
Pattern: Um, just granny squares (instructions gleaned from The Purl Bee's excellent tutorial and the way the previous squares looked--the project was passed on to me by my aunt, who had made a couple of squares). Towards the end I looked at a granny square afghan pattern that I got from my great-grandmother for layout and finishing ideas.
Yarn: Original gangster '70s acrylic in green, yellow, and gold (no idea how many skeins, but there is a lot of yellow and gold left over, and only about two yards of green). I have the labels but I didn't recognize the brand--I'll check when I get home.
Source: My Aunt Nancy (thanks!)
Modifications/Details: I made 42 granny squares (luckily, I wove in the ends as I made them). I made six strips of seven squares each by sewing them, and then joined the strips with single crochet. I then single-crocheted around the entire afghan--two rows of yellow and one row of gold.
Why I felt compelled to finish an afghan in August is beyond me, but it wasn't that uncomfortable. I'm currently kind of obsessed with blankets now...I'm desperate to make the Pinwheel Blanket (Ravelry link) from Knitalong next.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Old School Crafty
It's been a little quiet around since I finished the summer semester of graduate school (I'm beyond thrilled that I never have to do that again) and then I spent a week in Plymouth doing this:
"This" would be letterpress. I set each individual letter and symbol (even the lines around the "Ex Libris") and put them on a press and made these pretty things. With the help of two stellar professors, of course. I made several other things but some have to wait since they are Christmas presents for people who may or may not read the blog.
Outside of class I stayed with the fabulously crafty Beth and we ate junk food and watched Audrey Hepburn movies and even went to a concert. When she brought me back on Saturday we stopped at Fabric Fix where I bought this strange green knit fabric, some grey knit fabric for an Infinity dress, and look! A great jumper pattern! I'm getting ready for my last back-to-school (ever. I am so done with academia), and I rocked jumpers all through elementary school, so I want to make one for myself.
Also, Katie and I went to the Knit and Crochet Show a couple of weeks ago and I scored 1200 yards of deliciously soft tweedy alpaca. I'm thinking some sort of cardigan, although it will probably have to be cropped and/or three-quarter sleeves. I really should have bought that third skein...
I have been very busy and I have lots of exciting FOs to show off. Soon, I promise!
I have been very busy and I have lots of exciting FOs to show off. Soon, I promise!
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