Tour de Fleece 2014

It has been eons since I have posted here!  Things always seem to get in the way.

I decided to participate in the Tour de Fleece this year.  I joined the wonderful Babe group as there are some terrific people who have Babes.  I always find it is a good community and very encouraging!

My goal was just to spin every day.  I didn't set any amount of fiber or anything else.

Unfortunately, I didn't meet that goal.  *sigh*  However, it was because I woke on Friday night/Saturday morning at 3:30 in the morning.  My stomach was cramping...  Won't bore you with all the details.  But the short version is that I am fairly certain I either ate something that didn't agree with me or I had a stomach bug.

So for day 16 & 17, I didn't spin.  I barely even moved for that matter.  Blah!

On the plus side, I did spin every other day.  So hey, I had two rest days.  Of course, they weren't the same as the TfF, but it is all good!  *smile*

It just felt *really* good to get back to spinning.  I don't think I had spun at all in over a year.  The last thing I have listed for handspun was added in Feb. 2013!

Finished yarns:

DyeingforColour in the Nobility III colorway

Superwash Merino Firestar blend.

Ravelry link

Pics don't do it justice.  Nice shimmer but not overpowering.  Lovely purples & black with gold shimmer.  Beautiful fiber & the prep is amazing.

4 oz.

WPI 8-13

~200 yards

Semi woolen spinning.  Lots of loft and squishiness.  Lovely.

My DD has already claimed it for mittens.  Might work really well for them.  So it might be hers...  We shall see.  I really like it too!

The fiber came from Dyeingforcolour's Etsy shop.  Lovely fibers at very good prices.  And the prep was sooo nice on this.

The First Draft Merino/Silk in Coldilocks Colorway

From the fourth Dresden club.

Ravely Link

Came in a braid.  I divided it in half.  Then I took one half & divided it into eight more strips.  The other half I drafted out so there were longer color repeats.

The trick was that with the half that I drafted, it came out thicker than the one I split further.   uneven.  I still had about a third of the spool left of the one I had drafted out thinner.

6 oz.

WPI 14-21 WPI (average around 18)

~560 yards

Brown Alpaca

This fiber was sitting on a bobbin.  I know it is alpaca from the feel.  But honestly, I don't have a clue how long it was on that bobbin!

I think it is part of the NorthStarAlpacas Roving from Sonata & Berringer that I spun.  I had blended that with a black for a project.  Though honestly, I am not certain that is what it was.

Unfinished Spinning:

Loop BULLSEYE Bump in Hidden Passions colorway

Ravelry Link

 

Lovely colorway with reds, purples & black.  Made specifically for me and has my fav colors!

Started this when I got it in April 2012.  Set it aside for the TdF in 2012.  Then picked it up again about a year later. 

I figured I would spin it for the Tour de Fleece this year!  It spins super fine.

I finished the single on the last day of the TdF.  I am planning on letting it rest a bit & then Navajo plying it.  I wish I felt like I did it justice.  I think parts are thicker.  So I really wonder how this will come out when I ply it.

I am going to post this.  If I don't, who knows when I will!!  *laugh*

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*

Tour De Fleece 2009

I know, I know. This is long past due. But July was a rough month and this is the first I have gotten to post pics and write a bit about it.

I started the Tour with a lot of vigor. I spun a lot over the July 4th weekend, taking my Babe Double Treadle Production wheel with me to the Adirondacks. It was lovely getting to spin there.

Problem was when I got home from the long weekend, my cat was sick. I have posted about her on my non-knitting journal. If you read it, you will see that it was a rough month. In the end, I had to let her go. It still hurts so much. But it was her time to leave us I believe. I still get all teared up just thinking about her. I miss her a lot.

Between all the trips to the vet, caring and spend time with her and the sadness involved, I didn't get as much done for the Tour as I hoped. But I did complete 8 oz. of fiber.

I spun a single of the 4 oz. of DragonFibers Superwash Merino/Tencel fiber over the July 4th weekend. It is lovely to spin. I really want to pick up more from DragonFibers as they do some lovely fibers.

Thanks Silvercat for sending it. It really is lovely stuff.

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

Though I confess, the pinks in there are *bright*. It is the reason I knew I didn't want to do a Navajo ply with this one. It just would have been too bright in sections.

I debated what to ply with the DragonFibers. I wanted something superwash as I was figuring this was going into something baby related. And given my wooly allergies, I don't really want to have any wool on the baby other than superwash. Superwash is specially treated and doesn't set off my allergies so I am hoping she has the same response.

I tried predrafting some superwash fiber I bought from Etsy in a darker colorway. But honestly, I am not thrilled with the way it was drafting. So I put it back and looked at my other fibers. I have a lot of fibers that either didn't match or weren't fibers I want to put against baby skin.

I finally remember the superwash/silk blend I bought from The Fiber Denn. http://thefiberdenn.etsy.com It is a beautiful fiber. And the silk gave it a nice long draw with some great petability. I figured the silk shimmer would compliment the shine of the tencel. So they would work well together and the violet wouldn't seem dull by comparison.

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So I plied the two singles together and got ~398.0 yards of the two fibers together. I had some of the Fiber Denn single left. I was able to make a small skein that was about ~47 yds.

Honestly, this was the only thing I accomplished for the Tour. I am saddened that I didn't get more done. But under the circumstances, I actually did pretty well. I didn't spin every day that I should have. But given things with my cat, I got a lot more spinning done than I would have otherwise.

Spun on Babe Double Treadle Production Wheel. I love my Babe wheel. *smile*

I will confess though. I haven't done any spinning since the Tour! Ack. Once this was off my wheel, it has been dormant. I have been working on baby knitting or just too wiped to do anything.

Less than 6 weeks until my due date. So it isn't surprising that I am a little preoccupied. *laugh*

Chevron Lace Scarf in Tempted Handspun

Cast On:
February 21 2009

Completed:
March 9 2009

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Pattern:
Spot-Dyed Chevron Lace Scarf Pattern by JP
http://the-doily-underground.blogspot.com/2007/10/spot-dyed-chevron-lace-scarf-with.html

Needles:
US 9 / 5.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Handspun by Me
145.0 yards
Fiber is Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber in Roxanne - Red & Black
Purchased at The Loopy Ewe in St. Louis, Missouri

I am pretty happy with this scarf. I wore it today. *grin* Nice spring/fall weight. Not too heavy, but cozy.

I think it came out well. I am happy with my spinning. It is getting more consistent. I am also pretty thrilled that I was able to do a Navajo ply to keep the colors separate, but didn't overtwist it. So it has a nice feel to it. Soft and squishy. Definitely nice!

I picked the pattern because I wanted a pattern that should be easy yet feature the yarn really well. I found this pattern. It is an ideal fit.

The pattern allows for great customization. Yet it is only 2 row repeat (one of which is purl), so it is super simple & quick. It definitely shows off the striping of colors wonderfully.

It was a quick knit. It only took as long as it did because there were a lot of nights I didn't touch it at all while working on socks. It could have been done in a weekend easily.

Definitely happy with this piece.

Brigit Socks in Jitterbug & WIP

I finished up my Brigit Socks in Jitterbug last night.

Brigit Socks in Jitterbug

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Cast On:
February 12, 2009

Finished:
March 3, 2009

Pattern:
Brigit by Monkey Toes (Ravelry only pattern)
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brigit

Made for:
Me - 9" circumference, 9 1/4" long

Needles:
US 0 / 2.0 mm & US 1 / 2.25 mm Knitpick Options & Harmony
2 socks on 2 circs

Yarn:
Colinette Jitterbug in Vatican Pie - 160
1 skeins = 320.0 yards (292.6m)
Purchased at:
Tucson Yarn Company in Tucson, Arizona


I knit these toe up as I wasn't sure how much length I would get out of the Jitterbug. I have heard it is kinda short on yardage. So I figure it is safer to do it this way.

I like the pattern. It worked out pretty well doing it toe up. I used the heel from the Wendy Johnson Toe-Up Feather and Fan socks. I found I like her double wrap. It closes up the holes that I can sometimes get with toe-up socks. So that is good.

I am pretty happy with these. Nice solid socks. Not earth shattering, but they will be good to wear.


Chevron Lace Scarf in Tempted Handspun

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Pattern:
Spot-Dyed Chevron Lace Scarf Pattern by JP
http://the-doily-underground.blogspot.com/2007/10/spot-dyed-chevron-lace-scarf-with.html

Needles:
US 9 / 5.5 mm Knitpicks Options


Yarn:
Handspun by Me
145.0 yards
Fiber is Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber in Roxanne - Red & Black
Purchased at
The Loopy Ewe in St. Louis, Missouri

Wanted a pattern that should be easy yet feature the yarn I had spun quite nicely. I found this pattern. It is an ideal fit.

The pattern allows for great customization. Yet it is only 2 rows, so it is super simple & quick. Definitely is showing off the striping of colors wonderfully.

Finished Object & Fiber

Finished Object & Fiber

I finished the scarf for my friend Meredith. I think she will really like it. Though the pictures really don't do it justice. The problem with the photos is that the alpaca fiber I spun is that it is dark brown & black. So it is impossible to show it off well!

Alpaca One Row Handspun Scarf with Silk Garter Edges

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Pattern:
One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2006/10/12/one_row_handspun_scarf.html

Needles:
US 10 / 6.0 mm Knitpicks Options


Yarn:
NorthStarAlpacas Chinella's Baby Fleece Plied with Roving from Sonata & Berringer
~130.0
2 oz of each, so 4 oz. total
Purchased at
North Star Alpacas - http://northstaralpacas.etsy.com

Second Yarn:
Silk Hankie in Madrona Colorway
Purchased at
The Yarn Tree - http://www.theyarntree.com/

I really love the fiber from North Star Alpacas. I know I have mentioned Maple before, but I can't help but say it again. She has some lovely fiber.

I had spun the yarn specifically for my friend to make a scarf. I kept debating what I wanted to pattern I wanted to make given the fiber. Given NYC has been pretty cold as of late, I figured something solid would be a good idea rather than anything lacey.

The pattern was super easy so it was a fast knit.

I only cast on 22 stitches because I wasn’t sure whether I would have enough length if I did 26. It was definitely the correct choice.

For the edges, I looked at various stitch patterns. I tried casting on the silk single I had spun. But it was just way too thin in spots. It wasn’t work well. So I did a Navajo ply on the singles to create a thicker yarn.

I decided to just do garter stitch for the edge. I had tried a couple other things, but it didn’t work well. I picked up more stitches at the edge which was a mistake. The edges bell out a bit which wasn’t the intention. But I may be seeing my friend soon so I am blocking it as is. If she hates the edges, I can take them off and redo them. Or leave it plain. Though I think plain it might look a bit masculine with the brown & black.

But the main part of the scarf is luscious and super soft. The silk at the edge could be better. I do wonder if it won't haunt me enough that I will decide to redo the edges. But I have blocked it already. So I just need to step away from the project!

Fiber

I got some Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber. I order it fro the The Loopy Ewe for $26 for 4 oz. So not inexpensive stuff, but for the cashmere in the blend it isn't a terrible price either. I fell in love with the red & black. Go figure. *chuckle* And the colorway is called Roxanne. As a big Police fan in my youth, it spoke to me.

Problem is when I opened up the fiber to do some predrafting, I found the dye hadn't penetrated all the way to the center of the fiber. So there are spots in the black that look brown with some white. And the red has spots that look kinda pink. The fiber from the outside looked just red & black.

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I have dyed things so I do understand how this can happen. I had hoped it would be less noticeable once I started spinning. But there are definitely areas where the color is kinda heathered. I really wanted to Navajo ply this to keep the colors solid. But now I am not so sure.

I just wrote someone from Tempted via Ravelry. I figured the dyer at Tempted should know they need to get more dye into the center of their fiber in the future. It is my guess they didn't realize it at all given the outside was very saturated with color.

I am debating what to do with it now. I had been thinking a scarf. But now I am debating if it might be thin enough yarn for socks. I doubt it. Also, the cashmere probably won't wear well for socks. I will see what the yarn says after I ply it.

Scarf/Wrap in Handspun for Xmas Present

Cast On:
January 5 2009

Completed:
January 20 2009

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Pattern:
Three Way Scarf by Sarah Wilson
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/three-way-scarf-3
http://greatballsofyarn.com/freepatterns.htm

Made for:
Karen

Size:
22" x 42"

Needles:
US 7 / 4.5 mm & US 8 / 5.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Handspun by Me from Custom Cashmere/Merino/Silk Batt
~433.0 yards in stash
Fiber Purchased at Winderwood Farm on Etsy

I love this yarn. The blend is amazing - 45% Cashmere/45% Merino/10% Silk. It was a custom blend for me by Winderwood Farm on etsy. I was expecting all black, but they mixed this saying I could skip it if I didn’t like it. I really love it. I hope Karen will too.

The fiber spun like a dream. It was so easy to work with and produced the thinnest singles I have made yet. It came out to around15 WPI. Some places say that is sport. Others say fingering. I think it is probably closer to sport given it is spun woolen, so there is loft to it. Super soft & petable. I kept stroking the piece as I knit it. *sigh* I need to order some of this fiber for myself! But given the high cashmere content, it wasn't exactly inexpensive. So I may wait a bit.

I decided to go down to a size 7 needle for this pattern because my friend is always too cold. So I didn’t want it to be too open a weave, otherwise it would never keep her warm. And if you knew Karen, you would understand how critical that is!

I will have to knit some to see if it will work for my friend. I want her to be warm as she recently moved back to the Northeast after being in AZ for many years!

I decided to modify things. I did 12 rows of the repeat on the pattern.

Then I placed stitch markers 9 stitches from the end. I am continuing the pattern at the edges. I switched to a size 8 so that the center shouldn’t pull the more open edges too much.

I did 2 rows of garter at the center with the edges in pattern. I then did stockinette for the center. This way it was a closed weave and keep my friend toasty.

I repeated the edge when I was getting close to the bottom. It worked out nicely I think.

When I blocked it, I decided to make it more narrow & a bit wider. I think that will work for my friend. I really hope she likes it. *crosses fingers*

Two New Projects

With the Deleted Expletive socks completed, I should have been wise and picked a simple pattern, right? Why would I do that? *grin*

The Sock Knitter Anonymous KAL for January has either a sock with beads, a pattern from an online magazine or the beaded mystery sock.

I was considering doing the mystery sock. But it is a beaded knit where you place the bead on the stitch. Problem was I would have to go out and by more beads. I figured that was probably a bad idea. I have a ton of beads hanging around that I haven't used. Seems silly to go get more. Also, I feel like I just recently tried that type of beading with Karen's beaded purse (which I need to do some finishing work on before I can say it is 100% done).

So I figured I would like to try bead knitting. The difference is that string the beads onto the yarn & move them up when you are ready for them. So they are strung on the yarn itself.

The advantage was that I can use beads I already have. The disadvantage was that it took eons to string 180 beads per sock. Of course, being me, I added extra to be sure. *laugh* The beads I have were cheap so they aren't 100% regular. So sometimes the hole was too small. So I had to take them off the thread & needle. It took hours to do it. But thank heavens they are all on there!

The nice thing is I can now knit these anywhere. With beaded knitting, I have to be able to slip the bead onto a stitch with a crochet hook. This is not something I really wanted to do anywhere but sitting at home. With the bead knitting, the project is easily portable as they are all on the yarn. So there aren't any extra tools. And you don't have to worry about dropping beads. Which believe me, I can't tell you how many times I did that with Karen's purse! *laugh*

I decided on the Reptilian Lace Socks from Knitty. These means I am actually doing two of the three possible options for the KAL. *chuckle* I am hoping the pattern will go well. *crosses fingers*

Reptilian Lace Socks in Handpainted Yarn

Pattern:

Reptilian Lace by Sivia Harding

http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTreptilianlace.html

Made for:

Me - 9" circumference, 9 1/4" long

Needles:

US 3 / 3.25 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony - 2 socks on 2 circs

Yarn:

Cosmic Fibers Bamboo Sock in Black Orchid - Dyed by me, not Dharmahey

385.0 yards in stash

Purchased at Dharmafey's Cosmic Fibers

The funny part is that I actually wound my Schaefer Heather into balls with the intention that I would use that for this month’s project. But after looking at some patterns, I decided I really liked this one. I went looking in my stash for a yarn that could work well. And this one grabbed my eye.

I am curious how these will fit. The gauge says 36-sts, but then only has you cast on 66 sts for a medium. Seems kinda small to me. I went with a size 3 needle in hopes they will fit okay. I might have to go down a needle size for the feet. But I will see.

I suspect I should have done silver beads instead of gold/copper ones I used. But I like the way the beads play off the purples. I just fear it might make the black look more brown. I think they will be nice. And given I have put 200+ beads on each ball of yarn, it ain't coming off! *grin*

I good right off the bat and had to rip out everything after only doing 3 rows, but all the cast on stitches as well. It was better to correct it though. I just hate ripping things out. I read the pattern wrong and given the first three rows are the same, I made the same error for all the rows. *shakes head* Ah well.

I think these will be interesting. Lace, cables & beads! A lot going on. Yet, I don't think they look too busy.

Also, I think it will look good with this colorway I dyed. It will really show it off. And given it is a bamboo/superwash/nylon blend, it works out fine that they will have to be handwashed. Mind you, 95% of the time I handwash all my socks. But I still have dreams about someday tossing some in the washing machine. *grin*

The other project I started is a scarf/wrap in the luscious handspun I created with the cashmere/merino/silk batt I got from Winderwood Farm on etsy. http://winderwoodfarm.etsy.com

Scarf/Wrap in Handspun for Xmas Present

Pattern:

Three Way Scarf by Sarah Wilson

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/three-way-scarf-3

Made for:

Karen

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

Handspun Yarn by Me from Custom Cashmere/Merino/Silk Batt in black & grey

433.0 yards in stash

Purchased at Winderwood Farm on etsy - http://winderwoodfarm.etsy.com

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This yarn was spun by me from a batt that is 45% Cashmere/45% Merino/10% Silk. It was custom blended for me by Winderwood Farm on etsy. Was expecting all black, but they mixed this saying I could skip it if I didn't like it. I really love it.

The fiber spins like a dream. I want to keep it for myself. But I order if for a friend's Karen's present.

It came out to 15 WPI, the thinnest yarn I have plied yet. Some places say that is sport. Others say fingering. I think it is probably closer to sport given it is spun woolen, so there is loft to it. Super soft & petable.

I decided to go down to a size 7 needle for this pattern because my friend is always too cold. So I didn’t want it to be too open a weave, otherwise it would never keep her warm. And if you knew Karen, you would understand how critical that is!

I confess I have to see how this comes out after a couple repeats. I like the pattern. But I need to see if it will work for my friend. I want her to be warm as she recently moved back to the Northeast after being in AZ for many years! So it being warm is really critical. So it might get ripped if it doesn't feel like it will be warm enough.

Or... *lightbulb goes off over head* I can use the pattern more as a template. Keep a few repeats of the lacier pattern at the edges & just knit the center in something solid (either stockinette or garter). If I do that, I would probably go up a needle size. But I think it could work well to keep in the warmth. Hmmmm. Nice to know there are options other than rip it all out! Am I a lazy knitter or what? *laugh*

Speaking of presents, I actually need to go try and find a Christmas present for a friend. I am working on something handspun & knit for her. Problem is I am seeing her sooner than I had anticipated. So I need a present for her for Thursday! Oops. Given her birthday is on the 28th, I can just give her the project for then. It is sad as I am close! But not Thursday close! *chuckle*

Handspun Yarn

Last post for today.

I hadn't posted pics of this yarn yet. I spun it. I really do love it and have been fighting myself from casting it on into a project.

M U S T
F I N I S H
X M A S
K N I T T I N G . . . *grin*



The pic really doesn't do this justice. The colors are really lovely. Black with burgundies, blue & other colors. Really hard to capture in the photo.

4 oz ~ 163.6 yards

Purchased at:
Rhinebeck 2008
Midnight Colorway


Super soft.

62” x 95 (might be more) ~ 163.6 yards
around 9-10 wpi (though is thinner in spots)
2 ply

$9

I definitely want to get more of this. Yummy stuff!

I finally have a chance to take a breath at work. Not saying there isn't still tons to do, but I am getting help on the major project. Also, they are giving us the week after New Years to work on it. So I am not as frantic. Hooray!

So I am catching up on pics of FOs and WIPs. Whee.

I will probably do these a couple at a time from oldest to newest so I post these as I get a chance today. I am hoping to get all caught up today. But that may not happen as I have work that needs to get done. So here goes!

Christmas Tree Dish Towel

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Cast On:

November 25 2008

Completed:

November 29 2008

Made for:

Big George

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns sale in NJ

Size:

Prewash - 12" x 12" (including flap)

The tree chart was created with KnitPro by microrevolt.org:

http://www.microrevolt.org/knitPro/

I was going to use the towel top from the Christmas Lace Kitchen Hanging Hand Towel.

http://wishingiwasknitting.blogspot.com/2008/04/christmas-lace-kitchen-hanging-hand.html

However, I tried that top and ripped it out. That top cuts in very sharply which was obscured the pattern on the towel. Because of the way it pulls in, it was making the top of the tree disappear in the folds.

So I improvised the decreases on the top to not obscure with the design on the towel portion. It is some basic decreases taking into account the seed stitch pattern I had been using. I think it worked out fairly well.

I am planning on posting the finished pattern on my blog when I get the time.

Basic pattern:

Cast on 58 sts.

4 rows of seed stitch in green

At each edge, do 4 sts in seed stitch.

RS Row:

K1, P1 2x

WS Row:

P1, K1 2x

For the center of the towel, follow the chart.

Note:

If you want less bobbins floating around, you can either eliminate the seed stitch edge or do it in the background color.

6 rows of seed stitch in green

Now, start decrease for the top of the towel.

RS Row:

K1, P1, SSK twice *K1, P1* repeat to last 8 stitches, K2tog, P1, K1 K2tog, K1, P1 (54 stitches)

All WS Rows:

P1, K1 across

Next RS Row:

K1, P1, SSK four times *K1, P1* repeat to last 16 stitches, K2tog, P1, K1 K2tog three times, K1, P1 (46 stitches)

Next RS Row:

K1, P1, SSK four times *K1, P1* repeat to last 16 stitches, K2tog, P1, K1 K2tog three times, K1, P1 (38 stitches)

Next RS Row:

K1, P1, SSK three times *K1, P1* repeat to last 12 stitches, K2tog, P1, K1 K2tog two times, K1, P1 (24 stitches)

Next RS Row:

K1, P1, SSK three times *K1, P1* repeat to last 12 stitches, K2tog, P1, K1 K2tog two times, K1, P1 (18 stitches)

Next RS Row:

K1, P1, SSK twice *K1, P1* repeat to last 8 stitches, K2tog, P1, K1 K2tog, K1, P1 (14 stitches)

Tab for loop & buttonhole:

The length on this can vary to what you want. I like it to have a loop that is big enough to be buttoned over an oven door dowel or a drawer pull. So I made mine large enough to do that. But you can vary it to whatever size works for you.

Here is what I did for mine:

Repeat seed stitch for 3" then create buttonhole.

Button hole -

RS Row:

K1, P1 three times, bind off 2 sts, K1, P1 to end

WS Row:

P1, K1 three times, cast on two stitches, P1, K1 to end

I cast on using the knit on method. It is a little more rigid than some other cast on methods which I find useful for the button hole. I like them to stretch some but not too much.

Continue in seed stitch for 3/4".

RS Row:

SSK, *K1, P1* to last 2 sts, K2tog (12 sts)

WS Row:

K1, P1 across row

RS Row:

SSK, *P1, K1* to last 2 sts, K2tog (10 sts)

WS Row:

P1, K1 across row

Bind off stitches.

There can be a lot of variation with this. That is the beauty.

Other notes:

I find it very useful to place markers every 10 stitches when doing the chart. It makes it much easier to easily find your place in the pattern.

I used brown for the tree stem because I had some. It is easy enough to remove it from the chart or just do it in green.

I like the seed stitch for the tree. I find it gives a nice texture that echoes an evergreen. However, if you find it simpler, I am sure the tree would look good in stockinette as well.

I also thought about adding some embroidered ornaments or such. But I decided not to given the recipient. However, you could make it more fancy if you like.

The one confess I have to make is about the chart. I goofed when charting it. I selected the cross stitch grid, not the knitting one. Oops. So the tree is more squat than I intended. But it is still nice. I think when I do the pattern to post here, I will redo the chart as well. Though that might mean I never get around to posting it. So I might change my mind. *laugh*

Scallop Scarf in Three Bags Full Handspun

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Cast On:

November 22 2008

Completed:

November 25 2008

Pattern:

Scallop Scarf by Wendy Johnson

from Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn

http://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Knits-Never-Ending-Adventures-Yarn/dp/0452287324/

(Picked up book on free shelf at work)

Made for:

Me Probably

Size:

62" x 6" (could have been 85" x 5" but reblocked to make shorter)

Needles:

US 13 / 9.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

My Handspun made with Three Bags Full Silk and Wool Roving in the Midnight Magic

0.88 skeins = 154.0 yards (140.8m)

Purchased at Rhinebeck 2008 (think from Carolina Homespun but not 100% certain)

http://carolinahomespun.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CH&Category_Code=3BF-ROV

Super simple pattern. Easy to memorize. And given the bulky yarn, it was very quick to knit.

I debated a lot what I wanted to do with this yarn. I really love how soft and squishy it is. It feels lovely with the silk and has a subtle sheen to it.

I wanted something that would highlight the yarn. But I couldn't do anything too complex because the yarn isn't very even. Also, I didn't think given the woolen spin on the yarn that anything with a lot of stitch definition would work well.

I decided this was simple yet pretty. I think it will come out well. I just hope it doesn't roll too much. But I think the garter edge will help it to stay flat.

I think it looks good. I was concern that there is enough to make a decent length scarf. I actually have about 1/2 an oz left.

I had to redo the blocking. The first time it was too long (85"). I didn't want that much length as this is a decorative scarf. So I reblocked it. It is now 62" which is a much better length for a decorative scarf. Though it doesn't show the pattern as much, it looks good.

Two for now. I will post more later I hope.

Finished & Almost Finished Projects

With my work conference last week, it was good for my knitting. I was able to knit under the table during a lot of the meetings. *grin* The funny thing is I actually pay much better attention while I am knitting than I did before. I only need to listen for a few critical things. So a lot of my time is idle and I don't need to write much. So it was good.

I finished up some projects which always feels good. *smile*

Cabled Cardigan for Littlest George

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Cast On:

November 15 2008

Finished All but Buttons:

November 23 2008

Pattern:

Seed Stitch Cardigan by Sarah Hoadley

http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/70204A.html

Pattern used as a base, but modified a good deal

Made for:

Denny / George III

Size:

3 yrs

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm & US 8 / 5.0 mm Knitpick Options

Yarn:

Bernat Silky Soft

1.4 skeins = 385.0 yards (352.0m) in 135 - Navy

&

0.3 skeins = 82.5 yards (75.4m) in 00387 - Charcoal

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns sale in NJ

I have finished everything but the buttons. I need to buy some for it.

I took the pattern as a starting point but didn’t use the seed stitch pattern on the body. I have modified it a good deal to fit with what I wanted to create.

I did the edging in grey & the body in navy. I chose to do a rib at the cuffs and bottom edge with the size 7 needles. The body was done with the size 8s.

I wanted an even # of stitches on the back so I increased it by 1. I figured that wouldn’t make a difference in terms of size.

I decided on a claw cable with a reverse stockinette background highlight it. The cable is a very simple repeat with only 1 of the 8 rows requiring anything other than knit or purl for all the stitches in the row. Simple was important as I knew I would be knitting a lot of this while at my work conference. So it involved a lot of knitting under the table.

I like it. Though I think I should have gone up a needle size. It is a bit stiffer than I would have liked.

The yarn isn't ideal. It is okay. But I stuck with acrylic as it is easily machine washable. I think it was the smarter move. However, I really wish it was softer.

Scallop Scarf in Three Bags Full Handspun

(The pics are the first batch of blocking I did. I need to retake them later.)

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

Cast On:

November 22 2008

Completed:

November 25 2008

Pattern:

Scallop Scarf by Wendy Johnson

from Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn (Picked up book on free shelf at work)

Made for:

Me Probably

Size:

62" x 6" (could have been 85" x 5" but reblocked to make shorter)

Needles:

US 13 / 9.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

My Handspun made with Three Bags Full Silk and Wool Roving in the Midnight Magic

0.88 skeins = 154.0 yards (140.8m)

Purchased at Rhinebeck 2008 (think from Carolina Homespun but not 100% certain)

Super simple pattern. Easy to memorize. And given the bulky yarn, it was very quick to knit.

I debated a lot what I wanted to do with this yarn. I really love how soft and squishy it is. It feels lovely with the silk and has a subtle sheen to it.

I wanted something that would highlight the yarn. But I couldn't do anything too complex because the yarn isn't very even. Also, I didn't think given the woolen spin on the yarn that anything with a lot of stitch definition would work well.

I decided this was simple yet pretty. I think it will come out well. I just hope it doesn't roll too much. But I think the garter edge will help it to stay flat.

I think it looks good. I was concern that there is enough to make a decent length scarf. I actually have about 1/2 an oz left.

I had to redo the blocking. The first time it was too long (85"). I didn't want that much length as this is a decorative scarf. So I reblocked it. It is now 62" which is a much better length for a decorative scarf. Though it doesn't show the pattern as much, it looks good.

Slip Stitch Dish Towel

Cast On:

November 15 2008

Completed:

November 18 2008

Pattern:

Textured Slip Stitch by Dishcloth Boutique

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

Made for:

Cullen Probably

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton - Dyed by Me

1.2 skeins = 220.8 yards (201.9m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns sale in NJ

Cull likes Xmas stuff so I figured the red & green would work for her. I hope she likes it. I might switch some of the red & green dish towels around if I think there is a better fit. But probably staying with Cull on this one. We will see.

Very simple pattern. Was even able to do it at conference, under the table. *grin*

17" x 8" before washing & drying. Suspect it will shrink some with machine drying.