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
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
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
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.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Quickie Update
Just feeling like I should take a sec for an update. Though not too much to report.
The Baby Surprise Jacket still hasn't had what little seaming there is completed. Have I mentioned how much I dislike seaming? *grin* I should do it soon.
I was really glad I had my knitting with me in the car on Friday. DH and I were running around, looking at baby stuff. Unfortunately, there was a minor fender bender (more details on my non-knitting journal). We were both fine. It was start and stop traffic. So no one was going very fast. I don't even think our seat belts locked up.
It did mean that we had a lot of time to just sit around and wait for the cops to arrive and such. I had the First Coat for the kiddle that I was working on. It is a very simple knit which was sorta perfect. I also had the BSJ with me, but I just knew seaming at that moment could be a disaster. So I left it alone.
The funny thing was that I forgot my tape measure. So when I got home, I realized I had knit more than I should have. So I ripped back to the point when I should have started some decreases. Whoops!
I have finish the pieces other than the collar. Of course, that means that it is time for the dreaded seaming work! *laugh* I have to attach some pieces before I can pick up the stitches for the collar.
Overall, it is going well. And I think it will look really nice.
Though sooner or later I need *buttons* so I can complete the Baby Surprise Jacket, Loving Memories Lacy Bunting and the coat! I had actually stopped at a Michael's before the accident but they didn't have any buttons. *grumblegrowl* I should go up to the Garment District in the city and get some. It is just between all the baby stuff and having too much work to do these days, it has been a challenge to get away from my desk for lunch, much less out of the building to do anything else. Maybe next week. *crosses fingers*
The Baby Surprise Jacket still hasn't had what little seaming there is completed. Have I mentioned how much I dislike seaming? *grin* I should do it soon.
I was really glad I had my knitting with me in the car on Friday. DH and I were running around, looking at baby stuff. Unfortunately, there was a minor fender bender (more details on my non-knitting journal). We were both fine. It was start and stop traffic. So no one was going very fast. I don't even think our seat belts locked up.
It did mean that we had a lot of time to just sit around and wait for the cops to arrive and such. I had the First Coat for the kiddle that I was working on. It is a very simple knit which was sorta perfect. I also had the BSJ with me, but I just knew seaming at that moment could be a disaster. So I left it alone.
The funny thing was that I forgot my tape measure. So when I got home, I realized I had knit more than I should have. So I ripped back to the point when I should have started some decreases. Whoops!
I have finish the pieces other than the collar. Of course, that means that it is time for the dreaded seaming work! *laugh* I have to attach some pieces before I can pick up the stitches for the collar.
Overall, it is going well. And I think it will look really nice.
Though sooner or later I need *buttons* so I can complete the Baby Surprise Jacket, Loving Memories Lacy Bunting and the coat! I had actually stopped at a Michael's before the accident but they didn't have any buttons. *grumblegrowl* I should go up to the Garment District in the city and get some. It is just between all the baby stuff and having too much work to do these days, it has been a challenge to get away from my desk for lunch, much less out of the building to do anything else. Maybe next week. *crosses fingers*
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Baby Surprise Jacket in Handspun
Cast On:
August 7 2009
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*
August 7 2009
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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*
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.
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*
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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 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!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
What Ewe Are You?
This link is on Knitter's Review.
http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/blog/2009/06/which_ewe_are_you.html
It is a silly little quiz about which ewe are you.
I got Finn:
Finns resilient nature makes them practical and straight forward, a quality these mediumwools balance with curiosity and a zest for life. Fastidious in personal appearance and reliable, Finns stay true to their flock and make loyal friends.
I am so not fastidious in my appearance. But the rest is pretty good (other than some of the writing *chuckle*).
It is silly. Though they really should have some code for sharing it on blogs though.
I went to see the orthopedist about my wrists. The bad news is that I have to wear wrist braces until I see him in a few weeks. So there hasn't been any knitting to report. *sigh* I may give it a try later with the braces on this weekend. It is haunting me not being able to knit or spin!
http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/blog/2009/06/which_ewe_are_you.html
It is a silly little quiz about which ewe are you.
I got Finn:
Finns resilient nature makes them practical and straight forward, a quality these mediumwools balance with curiosity and a zest for life. Fastidious in personal appearance and reliable, Finns stay true to their flock and make loyal friends.
I am so not fastidious in my appearance. But the rest is pretty good (other than some of the writing *chuckle*).
It is silly. Though they really should have some code for sharing it on blogs though.
I went to see the orthopedist about my wrists. The bad news is that I have to wear wrist braces until I see him in a few weeks. So there hasn't been any knitting to report. *sigh* I may give it a try later with the braces on this weekend. It is haunting me not being able to knit or spin!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Happy Happy Joy Joy
The June shipment just arrived from the Vamp Yarn Club by Fresh from the Cauldron. I am a happy camper. It is lovely stuff.
Yes, I need to take pics. But it literally just arrived moments ago. (And my camera on the phone just doesn't do anything justice, so it will have to wait until I get home.)
I also really like the pattern. It is a Volturi sock pattern by Teri Christensen. I got the Volturi colorway so it is a great match. Though the funny part is that my plan was to knit something for the kiddle in the Volturi colorway. I ordered two skeins of the same colorway. So I figured I would just wait for the second one and do something at that time. But now, I am not sure I want to wait! And that might not come for up to another four months.
The deal is that I got to pick from a bunch of different colorways. There were five colorways I needed. But there are six months so six shipments. So I decided that I would get the two Volturi in the superwash yarn so I could make socks and one in the silk/non-superwash wool base so I would make a scarf or something that wasn't laying against my skin.
However, Jenn (the dyer) was able to get the silver superwash base. So I am getting both Volturi on that base. In theory, it will be two skeins of the same color. However, she handdyes all these. So it is entirely likely that the colorways won't really match.
So maybe I get socks and the little gal gets a sweater or something out of the other skein. It would be kinda cute to have her dressed in something where I could have matching socks. *laugh* I know, silly.
Though with the way things are going, I suspect the little girl will get hers before I knit mine. *chuckle* The knitting I have been doing has all been baby stuff.
The good news was that I was able to knit yesterday & Saturday. The bad news is that I put some weight on my right hand this morning and had pain shoot up my forearm. *sigh* So I am going to see the doctor. I fell last Monday and landed on my hands and knees. I really thought I was nearly all better. But this morning definitely indicated it is time to get it checked out. *sigh*
Yes, I need to take pics. But it literally just arrived moments ago. (And my camera on the phone just doesn't do anything justice, so it will have to wait until I get home.)
I also really like the pattern. It is a Volturi sock pattern by Teri Christensen. I got the Volturi colorway so it is a great match. Though the funny part is that my plan was to knit something for the kiddle in the Volturi colorway. I ordered two skeins of the same colorway. So I figured I would just wait for the second one and do something at that time. But now, I am not sure I want to wait! And that might not come for up to another four months.
The deal is that I got to pick from a bunch of different colorways. There were five colorways I needed. But there are six months so six shipments. So I decided that I would get the two Volturi in the superwash yarn so I could make socks and one in the silk/non-superwash wool base so I would make a scarf or something that wasn't laying against my skin.
However, Jenn (the dyer) was able to get the silver superwash base. So I am getting both Volturi on that base. In theory, it will be two skeins of the same color. However, she handdyes all these. So it is entirely likely that the colorways won't really match.
So maybe I get socks and the little gal gets a sweater or something out of the other skein. It would be kinda cute to have her dressed in something where I could have matching socks. *laugh* I know, silly.
Though with the way things are going, I suspect the little girl will get hers before I knit mine. *chuckle* The knitting I have been doing has all been baby stuff.
The good news was that I was able to knit yesterday & Saturday. The bad news is that I put some weight on my right hand this morning and had pain shoot up my forearm. *sigh* So I am going to see the doctor. I fell last Monday and landed on my hands and knees. I really thought I was nearly all better. But this morning definitely indicated it is time to get it checked out. *sigh*
Friday, May 29, 2009
I am overdue for some pics as per usual lately! *laugh* I have a finished object & some WIP pics.
Baby's First Blanket
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.
Baby's First Blanket
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.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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