The One Were I Admit I Am Not So Clever...

My DH is awesome.  He made me a warping board & large swifts back when I was dyeing yarns.  He is pretty nifty.  And he really tries to get me presents I really want.

But since the Littles came into the picture, half the time we have skipped presents for each other.  The kids come first.

This year, it happened he was able to splurge this Christmas.  And he knew what a headache I had been having with ball winders.  I have three since I started knitting.  Frustrating.  Mind you, none were over $25, but still. 

The first one I snapped the piece off because the yarn caught & when I tried to pull it, the piece pulled off, snapping part of the base where it attaches.  Then I tried a Knit Picks one.  Again, just seemed to wrap super tight.  I had the center piece pop off.  Also, the loop for the yarn moved all over the place.  I complained to Knit Picks and they were super & sent me a new one.

However, I had similar issues.  I was so fed up with it.  I tried unwinding the yarn from the swift.  Tried to get it to behave.  But I nearly always ended up with wonky balls with threads on the top & bottom.  I just figured it was something I was doing.

So when DH offered to get them the Strauch wooden ball winder, I was beyond thrilled.  They are pricey, but built to last longer than I am!  *grin*  So I opened it on Christmas Day.  Such a happy camper.

So I pulled some yarn from the stash & went to winding it.  It is some beautiful String Theory on their discounted SW wool/bamboo base.  So yummy.

And what should happen?  It was pulling.  It was snagging around the top and bottom.  The usual issues.  With a high end ball winder.

So I figured the issue was something I was doing with my winding.  I really thought the ball winder was just supposed to do all the work.  So clearly, there must be more to it.

Hit YouTube.  Multiple videos later, I realized that in fact I was doing things right.  So what was the issue?

The swift!

It is a good, solid wood swift.  I paid about $50 for it which is a good deal for a wooden swift.  But clearly it wasn't spinning with the ease it should be.  When a video is showing a plastic one that is working beautifully with a plastic ball winder...there is an issue.

I love the internet.  After some searching I found this:

http://www.knittersreview.com/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=50453

Clearly I was not alone with my swift issue.  And luckily others had figured out a solution.

A can of Liquid Gold later, so somewhere around $2-3 later, I have a swift that moves without sticking much.  There is still a bit of grab in it, but the difference is stunning.  Two beautifully wound balls later, I am feeling both very happy and very silly. 

I really thought that the turning being stiff was normal for the swift.  Not like I had a lot of experience.  But I am feeling very sheepish after destroying multiple ball winders.  *sigh*

On the happy side, I should now be able to wind nearly any yarn without resorting to language that could make a sailor blush.  So I shouldn't have to resort to waiting til night and the kids are asleep to attempt winding yarn.  *laugh*

I am posting this now.  Wanted to talk about the sock challenge.  But I figure if I start, I won't get this posted in the next week.  *grin*

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents - Part Two

I like that the Yarn Harlot put together a list of ideas for the non-knitters to give knitters. Kinda fun posting my desires.

Day 10 - pottery. Funny thing is this year pottery has a lot of appeal. I broke the handle on my fav mug about 2-3 weeks ago. I am really sad about it. I miss it on a daily basis. Luckily I found the maker. I love etsy. But her current stock is mainly animals like horses & rabbits. Not really my thing. (Turns out the mug I had was made when Comet Hale Bopp was in the sky. But she liked the design and is going to create a new series with rockets & stars in the spring. Can't wait.

Though this still leaves me without a mug that fits my hand so beautifully. *sigh*

The Yarn Harlot & others swear by Jennie the Potter's items. I think her pieces are pretty. But I confess the prices tend to more than I want to spend on myself. So maybe as a present it would be nice.

I do wonder about a yarn bowl. They seem kinda neat. But with two kids under three and a cat in the house, I am not sure how practical they would be. The etsy search for yarn bowls got me looking at this site. Kinda like the more simple one but also like the black with hearts but there are a bunch that are really lovely. Like this one.

Day 11 - woolie wash. Have to say, that one is kinda brilliant. That Soak sampler would make the perfect stocking stuffer. I lean to Eucalan, but like Soak too. The less it smells, the better.

Day 12 - ANYTHING SMALL. You know, all those things a knitter can never put your hands on when needed. For me, it is cable needles. Just ask, DH. I am sure you will get a litany about it. Can't blame the guy given how often I lose them. I have purchased at least 5. I think I might have one in my notions bag right now. She also suggest the Knit-kit which I love. Best money I have spent given it means I have everything from a tape measure, row counter, scissors, crochet hook and yarn cutter in one thing large enough so that I don't lose it, but small & light enough that I can carry it with me. Love it. (Only thing I would change in hind sight. I would have gotten the red or some other bright color. Me and black... I love it. But sometimes it is hard to find in the bottom of my knitting bag when knitting in the car.)

She also mentioned darning needles. Best thing I *ever* did with my knitting tools...I kept the card my darning needles came on and put them back on it. Yes, it means I can lose them all at once. But it does mean I can actually lay my hands on them when needed. Though one of the two large ones has taken up residence in the Knit-kit. Fits in the back and is get to have at any time.

Day 13 - A scale. Kinda a brilliant suggestion. One I wouldn't have thought of. I have one already. Though some day I should get a new one.

Day 14 - Knitting related ornaments. Not really my thing. But a cute idea for some folks. Though believe me some of the DIY ideas would be awesome if one of the kids made them for me when they got older.

Day 15 - an iPad. *grumblegrowl* Say tablet!! *shakes head* I really hate people that assume a tablet = iPad. You can get a good Android tablet for less than you would spend on a similar iPad and there is an sd card so you can expand it.

I already have a tablet. And yes, I like the idea of having my patterns on it. Nope. I haven't transferred all my patterns to it.

Why? Because tablets suck up energy and batteries drain. I put a pattern on DH Kindle when he got it, thinking that would be amazing. Honestly, not so much. I know the Kindle isn't as good as a tablet with charts and such. But it retains the words *even when you turn it off* which makes a huge difference. (Given how much ereaders have come down, I do confess I have considered getting a base model Nook for ebooks & patterns. But then I think about lugging around another device...)

Day 16 - Magazine holders. Not a big magazine gal. I confess I am way more tempted by Interweave now that they have it in e-format.

Gotta scoot!

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents

Things have been crazed so I haven't been keeping up on any blogs. But today is actually a quiet day with work. I have some database items that have to be run and while they are running, I can't work in the database.

So it was the perfect excuse to catch up on some blog reading.

The Yarn Harlot has suggestions for Non-Knitter to give to those Knitters in their lives:
http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2011/12/01/for_the_others.html

I love the way what she wrote. I confess day 1 pressies aren't for me. I am *terrible* about writing thank you cards these days. I *bought* cards for presents we received when Little Guy was born...over eight months ago now. I planned on sending them for presents we got around his birth. Then I intended to use them for the combined event of his christening presents and Eldest Munchkin's second birthday which was three months ago. Have I written even one? Nope. No cards for me.

In the past I have made tags for knitwear with washing instructions & fiber notes on them. I don't know if I will do that with the few presents I knit this year. I didn't do much honestly. There is always next year. (Though I did do one for work this year, so I need to at least type up a note that it is superwash wool & there for machine washable.)

Day Two is jewelry. Anyone that knows DH knows he has given me jewelry in the past. But I am terrible about wearing jewelry. Though when the kids are bigger, I confess the Knitting Abacus does have some appeal. I do need a shawl pin at some point too.

Day three. Tools. Who doesn't want a Strauch Ball Winder? *sigh* They are so beautiful. Day four is cases for knitting in progress. Though day five was project bags. (Kinda thought day four covers that. But not my list.) I *really* want the Starry Night Dr. Who bucket bag by JessaLu. Which sells out the minute they are posted! I am thinking post holidays... YH mentioned project bags with a clear bottom so you can easily see what project is in them. Interesting.

Currently my project bags are mainly whatever bags I have gotten through work or my local health food store (which gave a half dozen light fabric ones). The only real one I have is a medium purple GoKnits bag. I really loved it. But the loop with the snap that made it easy to attach to something came off. Also, my needles poked through. So it is no longer my go to bag. It does have my lingering socks in there. So maybe part of that is just about not wanting see the lingering socks. *laugh* (I am embarrassed to admit I cast them on when my feet were cold *last* winter.)

Days 6 and 7. Blocking Wires. Got them & blocking blocks (which are actually kiddie interlocking foam pads - take up less space & are cheaper than any blocking boards I have seen). 7 is knitting bags. I confess they are much like purses to me. I really can't *believe* people spend that kinda money on a bag!! *shakes head* My purses are in the $20 or so range. $70-100 for a bag? Not gonna happen. Even as a gift.

Day 8. Yarn. Yum. Of course, can one ever have too much yarn. I think so and then Elanor touches my yarn and says "I like yarn" and I get scared. *laugh* Lately I have been trying to buy something *besides* sock yarn. I just haven't knit much in fingering these days. Most of my purchases have been worsted or something for the kids. Though I still love a good sock yarn and still drool over them.

Day 9. The gift of organization. *sighs longingly* Actually, this is my most wanted. But that is more about the apartment as a whole vs. my knitting stuff. Though both would help. We have a guest/craft room. Though I really just want to call it the *crap* room. It is the room where everything gets tossed. It is a maze of Xmas boxes at the moment. Plus the kids strollers - three in total. Plus a wooden unit that doesn't go anywhere else. And the bookshelf from behind the couch that was moved so we could put our tree back there. And and and... You get the idea.

What I would most like for Christmas in an ideal world is a pro to come and help reorganize the entire place. Not gonna happen. Option two - someone comes and watches the kids. DH & I spend a day pulling apart the hall closet, guest room, kitchen & our room. Then we can put things back in a way that makes sense. Maybe even get to the back of what is supposed to be a walk in closet. Currently, the door opens. That is it. Option three - DH empties the hall closet. I sort through it all, reorganizing it and possibly freeing up some space. Then I can deal with the crap room... All such lovely ideas...*sigh*

BTW, love the mittens she did. Tempting me to try something similar, but also what knitting time?? In six days until Christmas?! It also is reminding me I have the Phedre mitten kit waiting for me. *sigh* Not that I actually *wear* mittens. (Kinda hard in the NYC metro area as you have to walk and have your hands *do* things that mittens just don't lend themselves to in the same way a good pair of leather gloves do.)

I really can't believe Xmas is in less than a week! Too much to do and sooo little time!

I will do a second post with more days. This one is already so long!

I Want It!

Quickie post. I have been watching the videocast Round the Twist a lot recently. It is inspiring me to get off my tush and get my needles busy.

The woman who does it recently showed off some bags. I *want* the Starry Night Dr. Who bucket bag! The seller is all out of those bags. I really want to know where she gets the fabric.

The seller also has a box bag in Tardis fabric. I like that one too. But the Starry Night/Dr. Who combo is too wonderful. I actually just wish the Bucket bag had a drawstring or something. But otherwise it is a lovely bag.

I realize that it really does seem like one can never have too many project bags. *laugh* Mind you, most of mine are cheap bags I have gotten free at work or something. My current project bag came from my local health food store that was giving me one every time I shopped there. So I have about 5 of them. And they are super useful.

Back to work with me!

Some People Just Do Not Get How Much Time Knitting Takes

Last year, one side of my DH family did a present swap. Everyone brought a present around $50. You got numbers and could take one of the presents there or go into the pile. I thought it worked well. I was actually a bit disappointed that we went with a Target gift card instead of the cooking book & dvd set I got to start. But since DH & I were in it together, it made sense to get something for both of us.

So DH asked his sister if they will be doing that again this year so we can plan. She said everyone is broke this year so she thinks everyone should make something. *blink*

Ummm. Great. It is 46 days until Christmas. 46. *sigh*

I really think some people don't understand how much time knitting takes. *sigh*

The plus side is that I knit 1 1/2 items already for people that did the swap last year. So that is good. The down side is that I would have 2 1/2 more items to go! And I have other Christmas knitting I would like to do this year. I really don't see any way to complete things in time. So either I finish the 1/2 of the one project and do something else for the other two. Or we do something else completely. So I need to find something cheap & quick. Not fun.

I am not fond of knitting under deadline. I know some people thrive on it. I am not one of them. If it is a chore, I just want to avoid it. And these days I am lucky if I get any knitting time in at all at home. Most of my knitting is done while we are in the car. And with the kids even that isn't reliably time to knit.

We will just have to see what happens.

On other Christmas knitting notes, Santa got me the measurements on the doll for E. So I was able to compare them with the American Girl measurements.

So here is how the Madame Alexander Favorite Friends measurements compare to the American Girl ones.

Bust: 11 1/4 to 11 1/2" (1/4"-1/2" larger)
Waist: 10" (1/2" smaller)
Hips: 11 1/4" (1/2" from old, 1" from new)

Leg: Inseam 7" - 7 1/8" (same to 1/8" larger)
Around 1 Thigh: 6 1/4" (3/8" larger)
Around 1 Calf: 5 1/4" (same)

Arms Shoulder to Wrist: 6 1/8" (3/4" longer)
Armpit to Wrist: 3 1/4" (1/4" shorter)

Waist to Ankle: 9" (same)

Around the Shoulders: 14 1/2" to 15 1/16" depending on where (AG 14 3/4")

Around Neck: 5 3/4" (1/4" more narrow)
Neck Height: 1/2" (1/4" shorter)

Around Head: 12" / 12 1/2" at ears (same)

Foot (L x W): 2 1/2" x 1 3/8" (same)

The article about measurements said that things like the sleeve length work out okay. Despite the differences between the MA & AG dolls, the sleeves work out. The piece is about a different model of the MA doll than Santa is bringing. However, the measurements seem close.

I am thinking it might be smartest to make sure whatever I make first has a fair bit of give to it. Probably safer.

Scarf/Wrap in Handspun for Xmas Present

Cast On:
January 5 2009

Completed:
January 20 2009

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

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

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

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*

Xmas Spinning

First a random factoid. According to Knitmeter.com, I knit:

Wow! Ten and a half miles! Pretty nifty. And some of that was handspun on top of it! (I really wish that they knitmeter & ravelry were connected!!)

I gave away some handspun yarn to some knitters in my husband's family. Given they have gotten their presents, it is safe to post the pics.

Spun Alpaca from Northstaralpacas.etsy.com

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

I love this fiber. Maple is always a pleasure. She is the one who got me hooked on spinning alpaca. She was sweet enough to send me some fiber when I started spinning. And like any good dealer, I mean fiber enthusiast, she got me hooked! Her fiber is lovely to spin.

I like the carmel candy like look of the two plies. I wish I could recall what type of candies had that look.

My mother-in-law seemed to really like it. She also liked the card & mini alpaca soap. Northstaralpacas always puts in such nice extras with the shipment. I figured my mother-in-law would like to see the critter her fiber came from. There is something so delightful about that. *smile*

I forgot to write down the WPI and all. I think it came out to a bit over 300 yards. And was in the 10-11 wpis. But I could be mistaken.

The fiber spins like a dream and is super soft. I think this is the softest fiber I have spun. It has a lot of loft to it.

The light fawn from Polaris was actually going to be used with the Adirondack Woolery fiber I spun. But the color combo was too muddy. So I paired it with the various creme color fibers she also sent me to sample. Think it came out really well.

Creatively Dyed Seawool (Ocean blend) - 70% wool, 30% Seacell

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

This is the fiber I picked up for my sister-in-law at Rhinebeck. Her Ravelry profile mentioned her fav colors are maroon & coral. This isn't exactly coral, but the color is close. And the fiber & dyeing was too lovely to pass up.

The fiber spins like a dream. I split the braid into 4 strips. I did a little predrafting but not much. Spins easily and into a nice thin single. I did a 2 ply with it.

~333 yds

10-11 wpi (though there are thicker and thinner areas)

Adirondack Woolery Fiber

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I picked up this fiber at the Adirondack Woolery when I was up in the Adirondacks for the July 4th weekend. I saw some on one on of their wheels and really liked it.

This was intended for my mother-in-law originally. I had planned to pair it with light fawn alpaca fiber to compliment it. But when I plied it with some other fiber, it looked really muddy. So I decided to just ply it with the same fiber & give it to my niece Amanda instead. She is a knitter and enjoys bright colors. Honestly, it might have been too tame for her. *grin*

I really can't believe I forgot to take pics of the yarn plied. Oops!

I have been spending a good deal of time spinning recently. I am working on 6 oz. of luscious fiber from winderwoodfarm. It is for a project for my friend Karen. I thought it was going to be black, but he added the silver color. Given I did a purse in black & silver for her birthday present, I think this fiber will compliment it beautiful.

I found a pattern today for a 3 way scarf (Ravelry only). I think that might be kinda ideal, though I am not sure yet. It might be too open for Karen as she is always too cold now that she is back on the East coast. But I think it might work well. I will see after I have plied the yarn. Most everything I spin is bulky so far so I am not sure if it will work. I have been spinning these singles much thinner. But I am not sure if it will even be close to the DK the pattern suggests.

I am hoping to post more regularly again. Work was a zoo last month (which is weird for December.) I am hoping things have calmed down some. But it is still kinda busy. So we will see.

Two More Christmas Knits

I am pretty happy. I have gotten though a lot of my holiday knitting. I have half a scrubbie (which are super quick). I might also knit another dish towel before Christmas, might do something else. There are two more larger projects for friends I will see after the holidays. And since I have two weeks off, I will have time to get those done. Woohoo!

Christmas Lizard Ridge Dish Towel



Pattern:
Lizard Ridge Dishcloth by Laura Aylor
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lizard-ridge-dishcloth

Made for:
Greg & Mary

Size:
18" x 8 1/2" prewash

Needles:
US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Lily Elite Cotton
~0.6 skeins = 110.4 yards in Fire red w/fuschia - dyed by me
&
~0.5 skeins = 92.0 yards in Forest Green - Dyed by me
Purchased at Smiley's Yarns in Woodhaven, New York

The designer, LAylor13, was kind enough to reply to my mail asking about how to create this lovely pattern in two colors.

Row 1 & 2 - contrast color
Row 3 & 4 - main color
Row 5 – 8 - contrast color
Row 9 & 10 - main color
Row 11 & 12 - contrast color

I thought this was going to be an easy project, but the short rows do require some attention to get them right. So I had to stop now and again when I was watching something involved on tv. I was watching a movie and had to rip out the entire round short rowing plus some previous rows to fix some errors. But I really love the way it looks so I think it was worth it.

I was a bit worried about running out of the green. It takes more of the contrast color than I expected. But I got to 18" prewashed. I know it will shrink some in the dyer, but not more than an inch or two based on the other yarns I have dyed.

The yarn was had dyed by me. It was basic white.

I hope the recipients like it. *crosses fingers* I really was debating what to make for them. Decided to do with Christmas colors.



Red & Green Scrubbie



Pattern:
Circular Scrubby by Gwen Bortner
http://tankhouse.knitability.com/freepatterns/DishClothDuo.pdf

Made for:
Cullen

Size:
4" across

Needles:
US 10 / 6.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn
Lily Elite Cotton
~0.1 skeins = 18 yards in Fire red w/fuschia - dyed by me
&
~0.1 skeins = 18 yards in Forest Green - Dyed by me
Purchased at Smiley's Yarns in Woodhaven, New York


I wanted larger size than the pattern provides. Cast on 30 sts, did 28 row/14 repeats. Got the perfect size. Lays flat unlike some earlier ones I did which puffed up.

Did 2 row in each color. Worked well and looks good. Super easy & quick pattern.

Giving scrubbie w/dish towel as Xmas presents.

Cabled Cardigan for Littlest George

Cast On:

November 15 2008

Finished All but Buttons:

November 23 2008

Completed:

December 3 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 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 hope it fits the recipient. It looks kinda small. But the measurements are the 3 year old ones. And I measured it. It is supposed to fit. The kid is only two, but I made the larger size just in case.

I like it. Just hope the kid actually gets to wear it.

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

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

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

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

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.

But It's For a Friend...

So it doesn't count as my stash, right...?

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=12510223

I will spin & knit it into something for my friend Karen. But it does look so yummy I suspect I will have a hard time parting with it.

*sigh* Can't wait to get my hands on it. *grin*

The guy at winderwoodfarm was great about doing this custom for me. He dyed the fibers & blended them. Karen is a cashmere junkie so I am sure she will love it. If I can bear to let it go of course. I may just want to roll around on it. *chuckle*

My brillant hubby was looking at some silk I have on my spindle. He mentioned it was in colors that a friend of mine loves! It is brown with some greens & other colors. I also have some yummy dark brown alpaca I bought from northstaralpacas. So I am going to spin that fiber and use the silk as edging. Probably just doing a scarf for her.

I really do need to post some finished object pics. I am hoping that work is a lot less crazed this week. *crosses fingers* On the plus side, I have an extra week when I return to the office to finish the major project which I am involved with. So that is good news. I am hoping it won't be as many long nights for the coming week. I get the two weeks after off. So it should give me a good amount of time to spin & knit. *wiggles happily*

Time for bed! Though I think I am still on a fiber buzz. *grin*

Xmas Wish List

@(#*!! *sigh*

I had a post I started yesterday. My puter locked up on of the programs I was working in. So I needed to reboot. And apparently save now only saves it while the browser window is open. *grumblegrowl* Ah well

Things are a zoo at work. I really have been overworked and majorly stressed. So toying with things I want for my wish list is a nice momentary diversion. I need something to keep me relatively sane at the moment!

I know I am not getting this stuff. But hey, I figure it is always nice ideas for my hubby for our anniversary or my birthday. *grin* Though a lot of these are pie in the sky dreams! *grin*

Spinning Wheel

I know I know. I really thought that people with more than one wheel had more money than was reasonable. *laugh* But I can see the appeal. Also, the wonderful Nels at Babe created a new wheel design *after* I purchased mine. The lovely Production Double Treadle with Flyer Lead. The flyer lead offers more control than the one I have currently with is bobbin lead. However, there is a Flyer Lead Conversion Kit ....hmmmm. More reasonable indeed and doesn't require a new wheel.

Not that I don't want a new wheel. I have drooled over some of them. I love the hand carved ones by Golding. *sighs* But not in this lifetime unless someone gives me a lot of money. Though there are ones that are closer to reality. *grin* The Schacht Ladybug looks appealing. Though in reality I should *try* a wheel before buying anyone. But hey, if a nice spinning wheel appeared and needed a good home, I wouldn't discriminate. *grin*

Drum Carder

Yep. Still pie in the sky talk here. *grin* I would love to be able to blend my own fibers. And hey, I want to be able to do a whole batch at once of course. *laugh* Okay. So I am lazy as well as greedy.

Fiber Of Course

So many lovely fibers. Mmmmm... There are so many yummy ones on my etsy wishlist. And then there is my Loopy Ewe wishlist. *grin* Not to mention so many luscious ones available elsewhere. Always willing to try out new ones. *grin*

Yarn of Course

See above. There are also lots of other folks I want to try. I want to get some sock yarn from Cables and Lace. I adore their colorways. So yummy. Given you have seen my tastes in colors, you probably have an idea which ones I need. *grin* So many other vendors I want to try too. Too little time to list them all today. *grin*

Orifice Hook by RainyDaysWoolyDogs

If the Jack Skellington orifice hook is still available after Xmas, it is sooo mine! Though of course, that got me thinking about other things that I am betting Stephanie could do. *grin* I thought about one with Death from Sandman. But then I recalled what happened when I tried to call my wheel Morpheus and how it didn't like that at all. So perhaps getting Death too close to that might be a bad idea. *grin* Though the wheel's name is Door from Gaiman's Neverwinter. So they would be distance cousins in a way. *chuckle*

Knitpicks Harmony Needle Set

I know, I know. I have the Options. But don't certain yarns require something more grippy? *grin* Actually, I have started buy these in the sizes I use regularly.

Knitting Software

I didn't think of this one yesterday. So of course Knitpicks sent a lovely reminder today. Knitting software. I think I would most like the sweater one. Funny given I have yet to actually make an adult size sweater. *laugh* But it speaks to the geek in me. Though the sock & stitch ones also look very cool. In reality though, I would like to see a demo of these before I would spend the money. The charting one could just be a more expensice version of Knitpro which works really well. And I kinda wonder if the sock one would be all that useful.

Spinning & Knitting Books

Yes. I know I have a lot already. But I want more. *grin* I have read mixed reviews of Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning. Love or hate the guy, people seem to agree it is a good reference book. Of course, there are oodles of goodies on my Amazon wishlist.

Enough dreaming for now. I am sure I could add more. Time for me to get back to work! I would like to get home before 9 tonight (which has been my average time leaving the office this week. *sigh*)

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

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

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.