Festive Fall Vest for DS

Here is a Ravelry link to the project.

As per usual, I can't get pictures to do the yarn justice.  Though Little Guy's adorable face should make up for that.  *smirk*  Yes, I am a biased mommy...  Why do you ask?  *laugh*



There are a bunch more pics on Flickr.  I just posted the one I liked best of LG.  *laugh*

Pattern:#407 Chris Woven Yoke Vest by Schaefer Design
From the 2012 Knitting Calendar

Made for:DS Will

Size:12-18 Months

Needles:US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 7 - 4.5 mm

Yarn:
Fresh From the Cauldron MCN Worsted in Ares Colorway
About 1 skeins = 185.0 yards (169.2m)
Purchased at:
Fresh From The Cauldron
Purchase date:
May 2, 2011

I love the Ares colorway by Fresh from the Cauldron and wanted to make something for the Little Guy with it.  The colors scream fall though I don't know if it will be big enough for him to wear come fall. 

I have been watching to the Round the Twist videocast.  Carin, the host, has deemed 2012 the year of the sweater and has invited others to KAL with her.  I decided I wanted to push myself.  So one of my 2012 goals is to knit four sweaters.  One for DH, DS, DD and DD's 18" doll.  This is the first sweater done.  And certainly not too soon!  I fear it probably won't fit him next year.  But it fits him perfectly.  And luckily the temperatures have dropped so he might get a few wearings out of it.  *crosses fingers*

I tried to use this for another vest that just kept going horribly wrong.  So I frogged it. 

I kept praying that there is enough yarn to finish the vest.  Problem was that is says 1 skein of Chris which is 220 yards.  FFtC is 185 yards.  *gulp*  Luckily some amazing folks offered to share their Ares, so I could have finished it.  Hooray for knitters.

It came out wonderfully.  It looks adorable.  And just in time too.  The vest will probably only fit for the rest of the spring.  *sigh*  But I might have to take up an offer to buy some Ares and make another one in a bigger size as I have a bit left from the 12-18 size.

I love the Chris yarn too.  So I might have to get a couple skeins and make a larger one at a later date!

I also really need to take pics of my socks.  They were another 2012 goal I have met.  They look wonderful, but I haven't photographed them or worn them yet.  I really should since the lovely FftC folks are having a 2012 KAL that ends in April.  I keep debating if I could actually finish another object for that one.  I don't know...but it is tempting to try!  I have long been debating making a Clapotis with some FftC yarn.  Thoughts?  Crazy to think I can complete that in a month with everything else on the table...  But I think it is a quick knit by most accounts.

On the 2012 goals, I also have done some spinning!  Woohoo!  I have the Bullseye Bump I got on my wheel.  I have only done about a half ounce to an ounce tops.  But it is lovely.  Again, I should take some pics.  I had high hopes of getting some spinning in last night.  But Little Guy is sick and was fussy most of the evening.  So there wasn't a chance to pull out the wheel.  *pout*

Also, because Little Guy was sick, I didn't get to do a bunch of car knitting.  That was my hope.  I wish he wasn't a drippy mess.  He was miserable on Saturday night/Sunday morning.  But luckily, he is doing better today.  I am hopeful that tomorrow will mean he is back to 100% okay.  *crosses fingers*  I am sure the sweater helped him feel better.  How can you not when you look so dapper?  *grin*

A Little Knitting Guilt

I am having a little knitting guilt.

I have knit one sweater and a hat for my baby boy who is due in just *gulp* 6 weeks. One sweater and one hat. That is it.

And of course, the sweater doesn't have buttons... *sigh* I don't have 5 or 6 buttons in the right size & color. Of course.

Haven't even washed & blocked them. So if he were to arrive tomorrow, he couldn't wear them.

With DD I knit a lot before she arrived. I spent about 7 months knitting only for her. Sweaters, blankets, hats, a dress, a baby surprise jacket out of handspun yarn, mary jane shoes. Loads of stuff.

Here's the List:
EZ February Baby Sweater
February Baby Bonnet
Baby's First Blanket
Wave Jumper 3rd Attempt
Going Home Mary Janes
Baby Surprise Jacket in Handspun
Black Mary Janes
First Coat for Kiddle
Kimono Jacket
Heart Hat
Loving Memories Lacy Bunting (started while pregnant, finished in Nov. - in time for her christening)
Lucille Sweater in Fresh From the Cauldron Vamp Yarn (started while pregnant, finished Jan.)

Quite the list.

So why is the boy getting jipped?

Let's go back to the list of DD's items.

EZ February Baby Sweater
Worn a lot. She really did live in that sweater from the time she could wear it until a while afterwards. Got tons of compliments on it too. Loved it.

February Baby Bonnet
Got a fair bit of wear too. Liked it a lot and looked adorable on her. A chin strap is your friend with a new baby!

Baby's First Blanket
Had it on her for the trip home from the hospital and beyond. Had hoped this would be her blankie. But so far, she prefers a fuzzy one that was a present from DH's SIL & her mom. Still, she did get snuggled in it a good deal.

Wave Jumper 3rd Attempt
Never worn. Nope. Not once. I tried this pattern three times before I was happy with the yarn/pattern combo. And she never wore the *@#* thing. *sigh* Also it was fingering and took eons to knit.

Going Home Mary Janes
Wore oodles. Same yarn as EZ February Baby Sweater & hat.

Baby Surprise Jacket in Handspun
Worn once! Handspun yarn took hours to do. Just didn't fit her til June/July! And who needs a jacket in June/July?? The only reason she even got one wearing was because we went to the Adirondacks and it was raining and chilly one day. That's it!

Black Mary Janes
Wore oodles.

First Coat for Kiddle
Wore about a half dozen times. It was too big at first. And by the time it did fit her, it was getting warmer. So she never got a lot of wear out of it.

Kimono Jacket
Attempted to have her wear it three times. I swear twice that the minute it went on her, she would cry and fuss to the point where I would take it off her. It is frustrating as it is beautiful yarn and even the right size at the right time. But I think sock yarn with silver threads made her itch so she got cranky. Mind you, it wasn't like I was putting it against bare skin. But she didn't like it. *sigh*

Heart Hat
Worn a lot. Fit well and was wool so it was warm. Worn nearly every time she left the house during the winter. It also stretched nicely. So that meant she could wear it longer.

Loving Memories Lacy Bunting (started while pregnant, finished in Nov. - in time for her christening)
Worn once for her christening which was the point. Glad I did that one as the venue where we had the party was chilly. So it was good we had another layer for her. But kinda a lot of knitting for a few hours of wear. And I don't see reusing it for a boy.

Lucille Sweater in Fresh From the Cauldron Vamp Yarn (started while pregnant, finished Jan.)
A half dozen to a dozen times. Made in a larger size. But again, it was size & season not matching. She was able to wear it some during the spring. But she outgrew it pretty quickly.

So all these items. Some got a fair bit of use, like the February Sweater & heart hat. But some never even got worn. All the hours that went into knitting them to never have them used. I really wish there was some donation place for these sorts of knit items! I don't know what to do with them now. They are beautiful pieces, but I don't know anyone who can use them.

I had hoped there was a Ravelry group for these sorts of items. But I don't see anything. There are tons of baby related groups. But nada that is for sending items off to other people who will use them. *sigh* I mean I will keep the items I actually used a lot for her in the future. But the ones she never wore? Why?

I know some knitters would say rip it and reuse the yarn. I am just not good at that. I feel like there is time and effort in the knitting and would prefer someone actually use the finished object. But who?

So back to the original point. The poor boy is getting jipped. Mind you, I have a whole lot less knitting time now that DD is here. But that isn't to say I have none. I have finished projects in the time since she was born that weren't for her. Though I only started knitting items not for her in about the last 6 months or so. Before that I was still knitting other items for her.

I realized with the items I knit for her, I need to know what is practical and what will be worn. There is no point in making something if it will never be worn. And kids don't grow uniformly. I swear she skipped over the 9-12 month sized stuff. She sprung up in size so that size was barely used. And bigger isn't always better. I made items figuring she could always wear them even if they were too big. That really isn't the case.

So the boy is getting jipped. *sigh* I have some guilt about it. But only a little. I do want to make him a baby blanket. But I never got out and found yarn for it. And I don't see that happening in the next 6 weeks. Just not enough time. (No, I don't have anything in my stash that is soft enough for a newborn and with enough yardage for a blanket.)

On the other hand, I suspect the boy won't care in the least! While I loved the handknit items for DD, I don't think she felt any additional love pouring out of the items that were handknit! *laugh* And in some cases, she got downright cranky that I kept putting her into outfits. So I am guessing the boy will be just fine.

Or heaven knows, in 20 years he will be sitting on a therapist's couch talking about how his mom loved his sister more because she got all the cool handknit stuff. *laugh*

Overdue Pics of Finished Objects

I am long overdue on some finished object pics. So I figured I would put this together before the baby arrives. She is already past her due date which was Sunday. But it is pretty typical for a first time pregnancy.

I still don’t feel like she is coming any time soon. My OB says she will induce next Wednesday which will put it at nearly 42 weeks (which is when they get worried the baby might have problems if it doesn’t come out).

I am sure you will sense a theme in my knitting as of late. Surprise surprise!


Kimono Jacket in Fresh From the Cauldron Silver Sock Volturi Colorway

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Cast On:
August 29 2009

Completed:
September 10 2009

Pattern:
Garter Stitch Baby Kimono by Joji Locatelli
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garter-stitch-baby-kimono

Made for:
Kiddle due in Sept. 09

Size:
6-9 months

Needles:
US 2 / 2.75 mm Knitpicks Options
In Vamp Club colorway The Volturi
~1 skeins = 420.0 yards (384.0m)
Purchased at Fresh From The Cauldron
http://squibstitcher.etsy.com


I decided to do this in stockinette to show off the beautiful yarn.

I started with 6 rows of garter to get it not to roll. Then I kept the 6 stitches at the edge in garter as well. Again, easy way to keep it from rolling yet make it simple to knit.

I did it a bit backwards for the pattern instructions. I bound the shoulder seams and then knit the sleeves in the round. Less seaming work involved is always a plus.

Also, I didn’t want to worry about finding buttons (still have two sweaters not completed as I need to find buttons for them). So I skipped the button holes and made i-cord closures & Chinese knot closure.

http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2008/10/24/handmade-closures-chinese-knot.aspx

All in all, a simple, quick knit that was great for tv knitting.

I am glad it only took one skein. It means I have a second skein of this beautiful yarn for something for me!


First Coat for Kiddle

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Cast On:
July 25 2009

Completed:
September 2 2009

Pattern:
First Coat by Debbie Bliss
from Essential Baby by Debbie Bliss
http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Baby-Handknits-First-Steps/dp/1570763682

Made for:
Kiddle

Size:
6-9 months

Needles:
US 2 / 2.75 mm & US 3 / 3.25 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Knit Picks Stroll Sport
~4.5 skeins = 616.5 yards (563.7m) in Hollyberry
&
~0.25 skeins = 34.3 yards (31.3m) in Black
Purchased at Knit Picks
http://www.knitpicks.com


Definitely glad I got extra yarn. The pattern says 4 skeins for the size. But it took at least 4 1/2. The Stroll sport says it has the same yardage per skein as the Cashmerino the pattern calls for.

Very simple knit. Just some decreases and increases. Mostly it is pretty mindless knitting so good for tv viewing and such.

I am very glad Knit Picks came out with a washable sport weight yarn. I think it is prefect for this project.

Made in size 6-9 so my baby can wear it during the winter. Might be a bit big, but might not be. Hard to tell. So I figure it is better to be too big than too small.

Decided to add the contrast color to the edge of the sleeves. I wish I had thought to do it at the bottom edge as well. I think that would have looked good.

The size 3 needles for the pattern definitely gives the piece a thicker, denser coat quality. I think it would have had better drape if I had used 4s instead. But it should be thick for winter wear this way.

The only downside of the pattern was seaming all the pieces together. My least favorite task. Just glad it was a baby item as there was a lot less of it.

Finished all but the buttons Aug. 23rd. Forget when exactly I got the buttons. I think I finished it around the beginning of Sept. I will just blame it on the pregnancy hormones. *grin*


Black Mary Janes

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Cast On:
August 26 2009

Completed:
August 30 2009

Pattern:
Mary Jane Booties by Lucie Sinkler
http://home.howstuffworks.com/free-baby-bootie-knitting-patterns2.htm

Made for:
Kiddle due in Sept. 09

Size:
0-6 months

Needles:
US 3 / 3.25 mm Knitpick Options

Yarn:
Knit Picks Stroll Sport in Black
~0.5 skeins = 68.5 yards (62.6m)
Purchased at Knit Picks

Second pair of Mary Janes I made. Like the pattern as it is quick, easy and looks adorable. I am tempted to make these in every possible color.

I had nothing on my needles for the baby who is arriving in just 3+ weeks. *gulp* Given they are black Mary Janes, they should be cute & match everything. The wool will help keep her feet warm.

I put snaps instead of buttons on the straps. Much easier than fussing with tiny buttons on baby feet. I will do this with any I make in the future.


This may be my last post for a while. I suspect when the baby arrives, there won't be much time for updates! And the pics will probably be of the baby.

My general journal is where I keep the baby stuff - http://akkasha.livejournal.com.

Baby Surprise Jacket in Handspun

Cast On:
August 7 2009

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Pattern:
The Infamous Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann

Made for:
Kiddle

Needles:
US 8 / 5.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Handspun blend of DragonFibers Superwash Merino/Tencel & The Fiber Denn Merino/Silk
~300-350 yards

Fibers:
4 oz. DragonFibers Superwash Merino/Tencel Fiber
Purchased from http://DragonFibers.etsy.com
Colorway - Heart of Darkness
Present from Silvercat

4 oz. Violet Silk/Superwash Fiber
Purchased from http://thefiberdenn.etsy.com
Colorway - Violet


Making for my baby due in September. Since the baby isn't born yet, I figured it would be good to make this now. Using the handspun means I wasn't sure what size the BSJ would be. But it means at some point in her life, it should fit her.

The handspun is 8.5-9.5 wpi. I tried a size 7 needle. A little too dense in garter. The size 8 needle has a nice feel. Tight enough to be warm, but loose enough to have some drape.

The yarn was spun for the 2009 Tour de Fleece. I was worried I might not have enough to complete the jacket. But I have yarn to spare.

I am so grateful for the pages with this project. The YouTube videos by L2Belt are extremely helpful. She offers some great suggestions on how to make this an easy project.

The wiki page photo by Nancepance also really helped to see where I wanted to add some strips. I am going to add it at row 21 for 6 rows and row 53 for 10 rows. This added enough without being too much.

I also used the spreadsheet by Civilgrrl. It is very straightforward which I found useful. It just gives the counts for each row. But it is set up row by row which helped me a great deal.

The DragonFiber has some striping to it already. But because I plied it with the Fiber Dragon, it is more modeled than straight striping. I only have a little of the solid violet from Fiber Denn.

Overall, I liked how quickly this went. I cast it on on Friday and bound it off on Monday. It was definitely quick to knit.

Just need to seam up the shoulders & add the buttons. Then it will be done!

I think if I had only had Zimmermann's instructions, I would have been pulling out my hair. But since I could use the different bits of help, it really made a huge difference. It made it a quick and fun knit. I think I just have trouble with Zimmermannese. Her patterns are very short and don't lay out much detail. So I am never sure about when you keep doing increases, when you are done with them, etc.. So it helped me so much having others who had done this and share the knowledge. Thanks heavens for Ravelry. Made it easy to find the info as the pattern has its own wiki page.

My DH did say there was a lot less swearing involved with this one. *laugh*

Though I am gonna have to figure out some creative words for when I run into trouble once the little one is born! *chuckle*

Finished or Almost Finished Objects

I have been a busy bee with baby knits. I want to get as much done for the baby's arrival as possible. And heaven knows I love the instant gratification of baby knits! *grin*

So I have been working on knitting as much as possible.


Loving Memories Lacy Bunting

Cast On:
May 20, 2009

All Knit, Just Waiting for Buttons & Bottom Closure:
Around July 30th, 2009

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Pattern:
Loving Memories Lacy Bunting by Lion Brand Yarn
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kwe-bunt.html

Made for:
Kiddle Due in Sept.

Needles:
US 4 / 3.5 mm
US 6 / 4.0 mm

Yarn:
Bernat Organic Cotton in white - 43006
Purchased at Smiley's Yarns in Woodhaven, New York

I looked at a number of buntings and really like this one. The lacy bits on the bottom will be lovely for my baby girl who is due in Sept.

I have decided to knit the body in the round. I loathe seaming and there doesn’t seem like there is a good reason why it needs to be done for this piece.

I subtracted 2 stitches from each side of the front & back. That means I cast on 180 sts.

I charted out the lace pattern. It is my first time converting a flat pattern into one in the round. It was definitely interesting. I should post the chart to my blog as it might be useful for someone else.

I finished knitting the body on 7/25. Added the hood which was done shortly afterwards.

Just need to add the buttons. I am also thinking about on putting a zipper on the bottom. The pattern suggests velcro. But after having some velcro get stuck to another knit item, I think having it on a knit item on purpose is just asking for trouble. So the zipper might work better.


Wave Jumper

Cast On:
May 17, 2009

Completed:
July 18, 2009

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Pattern:
Wave Jumper by Leslie Barbazette
From from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders

Made for:
Kiddle due in Sept.

Size:
3-6 mns - Middle size

Needles:
US 3 / 3.25 mm (I think, might have been a 2 and I didn't mark it)

Yarn:
Some Assembly Required Socks That Shine
~400.0 yards (365.8m)
Colorway - Roses Are Red
Purchased at Etsy Trunk Sale


The middle size pattern has errors in it. It should be 198 sts cast on. There are additional changes as well.

I was super impressed. I wrote to let the publisher know about the error. Within a day, the editor wrote me back with all the corrections! It was very cool.

They have posted the corrections for the middle size:
http://www.storey.com/correct_book.php?isbn=9781580176880

This was my third attempt at the pattern. The first two were in self striping yarns. I thought they would look good after looking at some finished projects. But they didn’t work at all.

I think this colorway is okay. It is still busy, but the colors relate well and I think it looks good.

I confess that there were times I thought I would never finish it. If it wasn’t that my baby will be here soon, I might never have completed it. The skirt was kinda tedious. But I did a bunch in the car which helped.


Going Home Mary Janes

Cast On & Completed:
August 1, 2009

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Pattern:
Mary Jane Booties by Lucie Sinkler
http://home.howstuffworks.com/free-baby-bootie-knitting-patterns2.htm

Made for:
Kiddle

Needles:
US 3 / 3.25 mm

Yarn:
Knit Picks Shine Sport
~0.5 skeins = 55.0 yards
Colorway - Cherry
Purchased at Knit Picks
http://www.knitpicks.com


Figured these would be cute to go with the February sweater. It is to match my baby to come’s going home outfit.

They were a super fast knit and very easy. They look adorable. They only took a few hours to knit. Hope they fit well.

Suspect I will make others given the simplicity and the look of them. Very cute.

3 1/2” long
1 1/2-1 1/34” wide

I should have taken the pics *before* they got washed as they looked better. But they will look great on her feet!

I suspect I will make more of these. They were so quick and cute it is hard not to.

Quick Update

I really need to do a long post. I have been a busy gal. But I haven't had the time to post.

I am participating in the Tour de Fleece...mostly. I have skipped a few days. Long story but things have been happening with my cat. (I have been posting about it on my general journal - http://akkasha.livejournal.com) So there have been days when I couldn't do anything.

On the knitting front, I finished the Wave Jumper dress. I need to take pics and post them.

I have the button band left to knit on the Loving Bunting. I will also make a hat to match I think. Though I am debating what to do with the lower edge. The pattern suggest velcro. But my MIL pointed out that velcro and knitting can be a bad mix. And after washing a baby blanket with another item that had velcro, I found out she was definitely right. There is an odd patch in the middle of the knit blanket where I pulled off the velcro. I don't think most people would notice it. But still kinda frustrating.

I am thinking about just using the bottom edge to make a casing, then running some yarn through the bottom. Probably the easiest route. I also thought about just adding some trim to the bottom so it won't roll. It starts in stockinette (because they figure you are adding the velcro).

Need to get back to work. Between the work conference, the cat and baby stuff, I feel like I don't have much free time. I am terrified what will happen *after* the baby arrives!

I am overdue for some pics as per usual lately! *laugh* I have a finished object & some WIP pics.


Baby's First Blanket

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Pattern:
Baby Love Diagonal Baby Blanket by Lion Brand Yarn
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/60241.html

Made for:
Kiddle due in Sept. 09

Size:
25" x 25"

Needles:
US 8 / 5.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Caron Simply Soft Eco in Violet Plum 0300
~1.9 skeins = 475 yards
Purchased at Walmart in DE

I had picked up the Caron Simply Soft Eco yarn with hopes of making a baby blanket. It is pretty soft.

I like that it is done on a diagonal. This way I keep increasing until I almost ran out of the first skein. Then decreased with the second skein.

It didn’t make the 30" the original pattern does. But is it 25" x 25'. I think it made a nice size blanket. Small but good for a baby and maybe even a binkie.


Loving Memories Lacy Bunting



Pattern:
Loving Memories Lacy Bunting by Lion Brand Yarn
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kwe-bunt.html

Made for:
Kiddle Due in Sept.

Needles:
US 4 / 3.5 mm
US 6 / 4.0 mm

Yarn:
Bernat Organic Cotton in white - 43006
Purchased at Smiley's Yarns in Woodhaven, New York

I looked at a number of buntings and really like this one. The lacy bits on the bottom will be lovely for my baby girl who is due in Sept.

I have decided to knit the body in the round. I loathe seaming and there doesn’t seem like there is a good reason why it needs to be done.

I subtracted 2 stitches from each side of the front & back. That means I cast on 180 sts.

I am charting out the lace pattern. It is my first time converting a flat pattern into one in the round. It is definitely interesting. I have learned a lot by doing it.

I really should have taken some new pics as I got through the lacey part at the bottom already and it looks good.

The problem is that I tripped and fell. The good news is that I didn't land on my tummy. So the baby girl is fine. But I did land on my hands and knees. My wrists have both been tender as well as my right forearm. They are about 90% better. So I am hoping I can knit this weekend! But I am playing safe and careful.

Finished Objects

I am overdue on posting some finished objects! I completed them a while ago. But things just keep popping up that need my attention. So I hadn't gotten the chance til now.

Sad thing is, I have another FO that I haven't taken pics of. Not to mention some stash that I got at the Smiley's sale. Between work and baby/pregnancy stuff, there aren't enough hours in the day! amnesia

Gothic Temptress Socks

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Cast On:
April 4 2009

Completed:
May 10 2009

Pattern:
Gothic Temptress by Janine Le Cras (Ravelry Only)
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gothic-temptress

Made for:
Me

Size:
9" circumference, 9 1/4" long

Needles:
US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony
2 socks on 2 circs

Yarn:
Knit Picks Essential in Black
3 skeins = 693.0 yards (633.7m)
Purchased at Knit Picks
http://www.knitpicks.com

I cast these on for April Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL. It fits both pattern possibilities. It is knee high and under appreciated.

I picked up the yarn especially for this pattern. I looked forward to making them. They were an easy knit as there is a lot of stockinette. So it definitely helped. But given they are knee highs, they still took a while.

I also am glad they fit both criteria as I could run out of yarn before I get to knee highs. I have big calves! Luckily, I didn’t run out and they go all the way to the knees.

I added extra stitches to the increases to help them fit my calves. So I ended up with about 10-12 more stitches than the pattern called for. It was easy to do given that they are toe-up. So I just kept trying them on, adding increases as needed.

I put elastic at the top edge to help them stay up. And I am very glad I didn't sew the picot edging at the top too tight. They fit well.

I need to buy the ribbon to lace through the back. I like the way they look even without that. But the ribbon will make them really special.

It is so hard to show the detail with black yarn. There is a picot edging at the top and there are some cables that form Os where the ribbon will be laced.

All in all, a satisfying finished project.


February Baby Bonnet

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Cast On:
May 8 2009

Completed:
May 9 2009

Pattern:
Taken from imajypsee’s february baby bonnet project (Ravelry Only):
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/imajypsee/february-baby-bonnet

Made for:
Kiddle

Needles
US 4 / 3.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Knit Picks Shine Sport in Cherry
~0.5 skeins = 55.0 yards (50.3m)
Purchased at Knit Picks
http://www.knitpicks.com

I wanted a matching hat for the February sweater I made for the kiddle on the way. I thought the picture showed one. It did. But of course it being Elizabeth Zimmermann, she didn't say how. Just that she knit it. *sigh*

Luckily, during my grumblings about EZ, Silvercat pointed out that some on Ravelry had probably already come up with a pattern for it. A search on February bonnet in projects in Ravelry turned up many projects. The one I liked best was one by imajysee. She was kind enough to put the instuctions in her project description. So I was off and knitting.

Given the size, it was a quick knit. And it is a good, straight forward pattern. I love the way it came out.

And yes, I know Bear's ears ruin the lines of it. But the kiddle won't be out til Sept.. So I will have to wait for her to wear it. *grin* And Bear is a very patient model.

There is more I should share. But if I do not post this, I don't know when I will. And it might wait around several more days! So two finished objects down. Still have another I need to take pics of as well as some yarn pics. Whee.

Impressed with Storey Publishing & New WIP

I am really impressed with Storey Publishing. I sent an email yesterday about the error in the Wave Jumper pattern. Today, I got email back from the editor of One-Skein Wonders series, Judith Durant. She thanked me for alerting them to the issue.

She sent me the corrections for the pattern in the middle size! Within a day! I am mighty impressed.

I wanted a baby project to work on last night. After the Wave Jumper, I decided I needed a super simple project. I cast on the Baby Love Diagonal Baby Blanket by Lion Brand Yarn.
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/60241.html

The beauty besides the simplicity is that since it is a diagonal, half the blanket is increases, the second half decreases. I have two skeins of Caron Simply Soft Eco yarn. So when skein #1 is about to run out, I can start the decreases with #2. So that way the blanket will work out regardless of how big it is.

Since I have less yarn than the pattern calls for, I figure my blanket will be much smaller. But I think it should still be a nice size.

First Baby Sweater for Kiddle & WIPs

First Baby Sweater for Kiddle

Cast On:
April 21, 2009

Completed:
May 2, 2009

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Pattern:
February Baby Sweater on Two Needles by Elizabeth Zimmermann
from Knitter's Almanac

Made for:
My Baby Girl Kiddle Due in Sept. - Size 0-6 months

Needles:
US 4 / 3.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Knit Picks Shine Sport in Cherry Colorway
2.5 skeins = 275.0 yards (251.5m)
Purchased at
Knit Picks http://www.knitpicks.com

First project I am knit for my baby girl kiddle due in Sept.. I am so excited to be knitting baby clothes.

I got the Shine Sport as it is machine wash. I figured it made sense to use it on the infant stuff as it will probably still be pretty warm in Sept.. Then again, you never know!

EZ doesn’t mention adding buttonholes until the pattern started. So I didn’t put any in for the garter rows. I just decided to put an icord tie at the neck instead. I like the way it looks.

I love that is the first baby sweater for my little girl to come!

I do seem to struggle with EZ's patterns though. The way she writes things doesn't make sense to me sometimes. For instance, for the sleeves, she says knit 4" with a 1" garter stitch border. However, it isn't clear if that means it is 4" or 5" total. I went with 5" based on another baby sweater I knit. I figure if they are long they can be cuffed.

She also just assumes you know you should be putting in buttonholes all along the way. I recall from the Tomten that I should read the entire pattern before I start. But I can't seem to translate in my head what it means. I can read it, but it doesn't make sense to me. So I tend to work along the pattern and the find that there was something she wanted me to do! *chuckle*

Either way, it is a pretty sweater. And it will look great on the little one.

I am going to do the matching bonnet which being EZ it is shown but no clear instructions given. Luckily, Jamie/Silvercat pointed out that someone on Ravelry has probably already figured out how to do it. And she was right. There were a few different ones, but I liked this one the most. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/imajypsee/february-baby-bonnet (sorry Ravelry only link)

Works in Progress

I am not sure what should go on my needles next other than the baby bonnet. I do want to cast on an EZ baby surprise jacket. But I am not sure what yarn I want to use for it. Also, two EZ patterns back to back might drive me bonkers!

I have two pairs of socks on the needles currently. That is a rarity. I usually just stick to one pair at a time.

One are the Gothic Temptress socks. I love them, but they are knee socks and took forever to knit. I only have to bind off the edge, then fold over and attach for a picot edge. I will use EZ's sewn bind off so they are nice and stretchy. Though I confess I am worried about sewing the top over to create the picot edging. If it is too tight, they won't stretch enough. I am going to have to just be careful and perhaps leave more yarn than I would think was wise.

I also cast on a sock pattern that my mother-in-law got me while she was in England. I have been wanting to cast these on for a while, but hadn't yet. The Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL for April was underappreciated patterns (or a couple other options). The Gothic Temptress socks are for the April KAL as there were less than 15 in Ravelry. The Wensleydale Lace sock pattern wasn't even in Ravelry. So it definitely fit into that category. So I cast them on April 30th. I have til the end of this month to finish them for them to be included. Though I am aware I might not make it. Especially not with the baby knitting I want to do.

But either way, I want to make them. The yarn is this lovely Schaefer Heather that is superwash, silk & nylon. It has such a beautiful shimmer. And with the laciness of them, they should make nice summer socks.

The yarn I was talking about:

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The SKA KAL for May was cables or a designer who only has one free pattern. I confess that I don't really see cables as spring socks. And I don't buy really buy individual patterns. So I figured it made sense to have a pair of socks I wanted to do. If they get done in time, great! If not, I will still have a lovely pair of socks.

I have rambled enough for today!

Announcement, Pattern Suggestions and FO

It is official. My husband and I are expecting a baby girl.

The due date is Sept. 20th, 2 days before Paul's birthday. (Which of course means some time around then. *grin*)

Though, I keep crying - "no pink"! *laugh* Hey, purple is great! That works. *grin*

(There was testing done so we know it is a girl for certain. It isn't based on an ultrasound. So there shouldn't be any surprises in that department. I am sure there will be plenty of others to make up for it. *grin*)

So I am hoping to get some good baby pattern suggestions from knitting folks I know. Any suggestions?

I have been told a lot not to bother with more than 1-2 pieces in the 0-6 month range. By all accounts a baby will only get to wear them once or twice before they outgrow them.

I am also making sure anything I was is machine wash & dry. I have picked up some Knit Picks Sport Shine in cherry (cotton/modal) and Essential Kettle Dyed in eggplant (superwash wool). I figure Maryland Sheep & Wool will be mostly about baby friendly yarns, though I also know it will be in part about fiber as that is harder to get beside mail order.

Here is the finished object I mentioned. And yes, I will be redoing the pattern for my new addition.

Sweater for New Addition to George Jr.'s Family



Cast On:
March 28 2009

Completed:
April 1 2009

Pattern:
Soft N Seamless Baby Sweater by Lynda Ward
http://www.knitlist.com/96gift/giftsoft.htm

Made for:
New Addition to George Jr.'s Family

Size:
0-3 months

Needles:
US 8 / 5.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Bernat Silky Soft in 135 - Navy
~0.7 skeins = 192.5 yards (176.0m)
Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale (2007?)

I wanted a quickie sweater that would be easy to knit during my work conference. I also hate seaming. This fit the bill perfectly.

I have to admit, I didn’t care for the increase for the raglan. It is a m1, yo, m1. I tried it, but the hole just doesn’t seem right to me for a raglan seam.

Also, I clearly didn’t get what the author was saying about the increase placement. I had finished the increases. However, I had to frog the entire thing after discovering that because I had increased in the wrong place, the raglan line was not diagonals on two of the four increases.

I took the pattern as a template and used a typical raglan increase. I placed a marker before & after the center stitch of the raglan so there was no confusion on my part. I lifted the bar on the left before the marker and knit into it, k1, then lifted the bar after the marker and knit into it. So I got an even increase that was closed.

It was very simple and quick. I was glad I could give it to them when I saw them.

Productive Weekend

First I have to say thanks to Nils at Babe Fiber Garden. The replacement bracket & bolt for my Babe Production Double Treadle wheel arrived Friday. My darling husband Paul replaced it for me on Saturday. And it is working like a dream again. So I am back to spinning which is happy! *wiggles happily*

I spent a good portion of the weekend knitting Xmas stuff. I am pretty happy with the results so far.

I found a scrubbie pattern that works pretty well.

http://tankhouse.knitability.com/freepatterns/DishClothDuo.pdf

After looking at the Ravelry images of the scrubbie, I decided follow someone's suggestions for a larger size one.

Blue Xmas Scrubbie

Cast On & Completed:

November 7 2008

Pattern:

Circular Scrubby by Gwen Bortner

http://tankhouse.knitability.com/freepatterns/DishClothDuo.pdf

Made for:

Sister-in-law Jennifer

Needles:

US 9 / 5.5 mm Knitpick Options

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton

Dyed by me

0.08 skeins = 14.7 yards (13.5m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale in NJ

Super quick and easy.

Cast on 25 stitches and did 22 rows. It is still kinda small. Good thing SIL has small hands.

Yarn dyed blue by me especially for SIL (to match her kitchen colors).

Ostrich Plume Dish Towel Xmas Present

Cast On:

November 4 2008

Completed:

November 7 2008

Pattern:

Ostrich Plume Dishcloth by Edith Taylor

http://www.groupepp.com/dishbout/kpatterns/ostplume.html

Made for:

Sister-in-law Jennifer

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton

Dyed by me

0.92 skeins = 169.3 yards (154.8m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale in NJ

Yarn dyed blue by me especially for SIL (to match her kitchen colors).

I made a dish towel rather than a dishcloth. I had enough yarn for that & a scrubbie.

Size: 8" x 20"

Grey Xmas Scrubbie

Cast On & Completed:

November 8 2008

Pattern:

Circular Scrubby by Gwen Bortner

http://tankhouse.knitability.com/freepatterns/DishClothDuo.pdf

Made for:

Sister-in-law Bren & Husband Martin

Needles:

US 10 / 6.0 mm Knitpick Options

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton

Dyed by me

0.08 skeins = 14.7 yards (13.5m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale in NJ

Cast on 30 stitches & did 24 repeats to get a decent size. Original pattern makes one that is very small.

It puffs up a bit, but I think that is because I didn't sew the edges together exactly right.

Yarn dyed by me to accent SIL's kitchen.

Basket Rib Dish Towel

Cast On:

November 8 2008

Completed:

November 9 2008

Pattern:

Basket Rib Hand Towel by Traci Heiner

http://traciknits.blogspot.com/2008/05/basket-rib-hand-towel-free-pattern.html

Made for:

Sister-in-law Bren & husband Martin

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton

Dyed by me

0.08 skeins = 14.7 yards (13.5m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale in NJ

Size: 10" x 18"

Fast & easy. Kinda glad I decided on dishtowels. They are going pretty quickly.

Yarn dyed by me. Done in colors to reflect SIL's countertop. Honest, I don’t think it does.

It was supposed to be darker. Still, I think the colors look good & the recipients will like it. *crossed fingers* (Okay, let's be honest, my BIL could care less. *smirk*)

Brown Xmas Scrubbie

(Pic shows the three I have done together. Shows the differences in size.)

Cast On & Completed:

November 8 2008

Pattern:

Circular Scrubby by Gwen Bortner

http://tankhouse.knitability.com/freepatterns/DishClothDuo.pdf

Made for:

Sister-in-law Andrea

Needles:

US 10 / 6.0 mm Knitpick Options

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton

Dyed by me

0.08 skeins = 14.7 yards (13.5m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale in NJ

Cast on 30 stitches & did 22 repeats to get a decent size. Original pattern makes one that is very small.

It puffs up a bit, but I think that is because I didn't sew the edges together exactly right.

Yarn dyed by me to accent SIL's kitchen.

Trellis Sweater

Cast On:

October 4, 2008

Nearly Completed:

October 13, 2008 (all but the buttons and overdyeing)

Completed (finished overdye & buttons):

November 7, 2008

Pattern:

Trellis by Britta Stolfus Rueschhoff

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTtrellis.html

Made for:

Michael & Jen's Newest Leah

Size:

Smallest

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

TLC Cotton Plus Solid in 3810 light blue

~1 skeins = 178.0 yards

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale in NJ

Friday, I stopped by the Point while out during my lunch hour. I found the buttons on this sweater. They are too busy for the sweater. But I know the mom loves busy stuff, so she will like it I think. They also are similar to the buttons on the sweater I knit for her sister for Xmas. http://knittnkitten.blogspot.com/2008/06/trinitys-tomten-done.html

I had finished all but the dying and buttons by October 13. It was a pretty quick project.

I wanted to start on some more Xmas knitting. I have completed the sweater for Trinity, Michael & Jen’s daughter who is about to turn 1. I wanted to do something for their boy who was due in this fall.

I was told when I was visiting my family in Easter that it was a boy. No one told me otherwise. So I made a blue sweater. Then I got the call. It is a girl. Ummm…excuse me?! blink

I dyed the sweater to purple. It looks good. The nylon didn’t take the dye so there is an interesting heather affect to the yarn.

I am glad it looks okay because there was no way I was redoing it at this point. I have enough other Xmas knitting to do.

I did a search on baby projects in the TLC Cotton Plus and found the Trellis sweater. It looked really attractive so I decided to try it.

I sorta wish I had done a bigger size. Knowing Michael & Jen’s daughter Trinity is large, I should have anticipated a big baby. Plus it could have been worn later. But ah well. Honestly, I don’t know if they even liked the sweater I knit for Trinity last Xmas. So I don’t want to spend tons of time on it if it will never get worn.

I confess I am not thrilled with the way the pattern is written. I finally sat down and marked up the pattern with the row #s. I am not sure why the writer wrote it without the row #s. Other than that though, the pattern is great. And I love the way it turned out.

(Though heaven knows if I had known it was a girl I would have done something lacier. Ah well. *shakes head*)

So all in all, it was a super productive weekend. I am happy that I got so much done & am back to spinning again. Hooray!

Two Projects Not Like Each Other...

*in the Seasame Street song tune*

One of these projects is not like the other, one of these projects does not belong...

I have two projects. One done. The other nearly done. Just needs buttons and something very weird for a nearly finished project... *sigh*

The one that is done is the one I adore. *happy dance*

Decadent Fibers Handspun Simple Shawl

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Cast On:

October 14, 2008

Completed:

October 17, 2008

Pattern:

La La's Simple Shawl by Laura Linneman

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/la-las-simple-shawl

Made for:

Me

Needles:

US 10 1/2 / 6.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

My Handspun Made with Decadent Fibers Jelly Roll

Custom Dyed for Me in Black/Purple/Burgundy

~675.0 yards

http://www.decadentfibers.com/wool.htm

Sometime around the Friday before Rhinebeck (Oct. 3rd), I thought it would be great to finish spinning the pound of fiber I got from the Decadent Fibers. They will be at Rhinebeck and I would love to show them how beautifully the colors were on the fiber they custom dyed for me!

So I really wanted to knit something to wear at Rhinebeck. Of course I hadn't finish spinning all the fiber until a day I started knitting it! (And it had to dry after soaking it.)

It is a super easy pattern so I can knit it anywhere. It is kinda ideal knitting for my vacation week. I can catch up on some movies and clearing off the dvr while working on it.

Though like every triangular shawl, as it gets wider, each repeat takes longer. I really wanted to finish it Thursday so it would have enough time to dry while blocking it. But at 1:00, I was messing up a very simple pattern. So I knew it was time for sleep.

I was able to soak it by Friday at noon. I tried to get as much water as possible out after soaking it. I had to hope it would be dry by Saturday so I could to wear it at Rhinebeck. Luckily it was!

Though on the funny side, I wasn't able to show the Decadent Fiber people. Their booth was busy the two times I went by. And they didn't have roving in colors I wanted. So I didn't make any purchase there. But I am still really happy I finished it. I really adore it.

The length is longer that I had anticipated once I blocked it. I like a lot of length so I am hopeful it will be good. It turned out to be 40”. The width is about 72”. So it is very cozy. I was warm enough all day at Rhinebeck and there was a chill to the air. Definitely a piece I love.

I love the way the fiber looks. There is some great striping of color too (which part of the reason I picked the pattern).

For the bottom edge, the pattern says to do the 5 rows of garter & bind off. I wanted something more open. I did a row of YO & K2tg, then bound off the edge. I like that it gives it a nice finished edge. I was going to do that at row 5 of the garter repeat. But I was running out of yarn so I did it at row 3 instead. I think it looks better with that edging.

Trellis Baby Sweater for Xmas Present

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Cast On:

October 4, 2008

Nearly Completed:

October 13, 2008 (all but the buttons and overdyeing)

Pattern:

Trellis by Britta Stolfus Rueschhoff

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTtrellis.html

Made for:

Michael & Jen's Newest, Leah

Size:

Smallest

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

TLC Cotton Plus Solid in 3810 light blue

~1 skeins = 178.0 yards

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale in NJ

I wanted to start on some more Xmas knitting. I have completed the sweater for Trinity, Michael & Jen's daughter who is about to turn 1. I wanted to do something for their boy who was due in this fall.

I swear that Michael told me they were expecting a boy while I was visiting my family in Easter. No one told me otherwise. So I made a blue sweater. Nice cables for a boy.

Then I got the call. It is a girl. Ummm…excuse me?! *blink*

I am going to dye the sweater to purple. I am curious how it will come out. I am hoping it will look good. And hey, if not, I am not redoing it at this point. I have enough other Xmas knitting to do.

I sorta wish I had done a bigger size. Knowing Michael & jen's daughter Trinity is large, I should have anticipated a big baby. Plus it could have been worn later. But ah well. Honestly, I don't know if they even liked the sweater I knit for Trinity last Xmas. So I don't want to spend tons of time on it if it will never get worn.

I did a search on baby projects in the TLC Cotton Plus and found the Trellis sweater. It looked really attractive so I decided to try it.

I confess I am not thrilled with the way the pattern is written. I finally sat down and marked up the pattern with the row #s. I am not sure why the writer wrote it without the row #s. Other than that though, the pattern is great. And I love the way it turned out.

(Though heaven knows if I had known it was a girl I would have done something lacier. Ah well. *shakes head* I should know better than to listen to Michael!! *laugh*)

Other Projects

I actually have another project that is almost completed. I am doing a two color Xmas stocking. I started it for the October Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL on Ravelry. I need to add an i-cord loop. But otherwise that is done too.

The only big project is the black alpaca sweater. It is a nice, simple, mindless project. I think the sleeves are done. But I left them on the cable from the interchangeable Knitpick needles and just put caps on them in case I decide after the body is done that I need more (or even less) length.

I have cast on the back & need to cast on the sides. I figure if I do them all at the same time, I can tweak it as I go along. I am hoping it comes out well. *crosses fingers*