Posted on March 24, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
The ever popular Gretel. I actually made a regular version of this in February with the Tubular cast on and this same yarn. I wasn’t paying attention and it resulted a lot of errors. It also looked a bit odd on my big head even if it did cover my years. I frogged the hat and my Koolhaas too (since that was too big and hopefully I have enough yarn to make another regular one of those) to make a slouchy version. This time, I used the German Twisted cast on instead of the Tubular cast on because I was lazy and it works just as well.
When you’re knitting this pattern, it does seem awfully big on the needles, but it wasn’t as slouchy as it looked on some others because my head is rather large. If I had aran weight, I’d have made the regular. I spray blocked the beret with water mixed with Eucalan. I’ve never owned a beret (I gave away the first one made), and this is a big one. I’m going to have get use to it and incorporate it to my style somehow. The yarn is very yummy though.
Gretel, started March 16th 2008, finished March 22nd 2008 
Pattern: Gretel by Ysolda Teague
Size: Slouchy.
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool (100g/ 100% Highland Peruvian Wool) in Cranberry – 1 skein
Needles: #7/4.5mm 100cm circs and #4/3.5mm 80cm circs Magic Looping
Modifications: One needle size down for the band and I took out one decrease row.
Tools/Notions: I cabled without a cable needle during the 4 st cables, but I used one for the 3 st twist cables because they messed me up the first time I was doing them. It still went along fairly quickly.
Lessons Learned: Tubular cast on.
Cost of Project: $8.
Would I knit it again? Yes, but the band gets loose fairly quickly so I would go down to 3.25mm next time. I want to make the regular again and the fitted style too.
Posted on March 13, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
The tension of this hat is a bit odd, and it ends up being too large on most people. I got gauge, and it was even a little big than I liked on my large head. Still, a simple pattern that uses short rows. If you’ve never wrapped and turned, this is good for beginners especially since short rows feature in a lot of shaping of socks. I hate seaming though, but if it covers my ears, so that’s a plus. Not a lot of forehead coverage though.
Amelia Earhart Cap, started March 5th 2008, finished March 9th 2008
Pattern: Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap by Flor
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool (100g 204m/223yds 100% wool) in Natural Chestnut – less than one skein
Needles: #7/4.5mm bamboo circs
Cost of Project: $5
Would I knit it again? Yes, but on smaller needles and/or DK yarn.
Posted on March 8, 2008 in Beauty & Skincare, Knitting & Crafting, Photography
One of my best knit items yet. Last summer, I tried making Evelyn A. Clark’s other popular pattern Swallowtail Shawl and ran into a lot of problems so it has been hibernating. I am ready to tackle it again after this wonderful project. Popularized by Brooklyn Tweed’s version of aran lace, I decided to do some stashbusting with my Patons. This was one of my most enjoyable knits; it’s easy to knit up and remember. It’s also very classy and great pattern for gifts. Usually, I make a few noticeable mistakes and due to my never ripping back policy, I don’t fix them. With this project, I made one or two mistakes, and I don’t even know where they are. Even the invisible/provisional CO worked out, and I hate provisional COs. The heavier yarn makes the knitting flow better. Good signs for my lace future; other than Branching Out, I’d never done a real big lace project until now. I am going to be making BT Hemlock Ring Blanket as well. Hopefully it’ll turn out as beautiful as this project.
Shetland Triangle, started February 26th 2008, finished March 5th 2008
Pattern: Shetland Triangle by Evelyn A. Clark from Wrap Style
Size: approximately 65″ wide x 35″ long blocked (unblocked, it was 10″ less wide)
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino (100g – 204m/223yds – 100% wool) in 00240 Leaf Green – 2 skeins and a bit
Needles: #9/5.5mm 100 cm bamboo circs and 7.0mm circs for BO
Modifications: Subbed yarn from 2ply lace weight to worsted weight, skipped last two rows of edging chart, 10 body repeats instead of 8 in pattern. Brooklyn Tweed apparently did nine repeats with 400m aran yarn. Doing nine reps would probably be enough with 2 skeins of this wool if you don’t mind using stretchy and bouncing merino. I BO on a 7.0mm using this lace nameless BO I found on Ravelry forums: “k1, k1, sl. both stitches back on left needle k 2 tog. through back loop, [k1, sl both stitches on left needle and knit tog. through back loop,] rep across row.” It looks okay so I may or may not use it next time.
Tools/Notions: 4 stitch markers
Lessons Learned: The aforementioned nameless BO
Cost of Project: $15 (though I only used a tiny bit of the third skein)
Would I knit it again? YES! Good for gifts, and I would love to make this in a silk/wool mix or with non-merino wool fabric such as alpaca. I’d prefer to stick to the heavier weight yarn rather than lace with this project.
Posted on February 29, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
My first Noro experience! It was on clearance and a steal at $6 a skein. It was scratchy, but I soaked it in Eucalan bath for blocking and I’m not one that is averse to textured fabric.
The pattern is quick, reversible, and easy to memorise. I highly recommend it for any colourful yarn you may have to use. Two skeins of Noro yielded less than 50″ scarf, but I was able to block about 20″ out of it.
Drop Stitch Scarf, started February 23rd, 2008, finished February 24th, 2008
Pattern: Drop Stitch Scarf by Christine of Frazzled Knits
Size: 67″ x 7″ blocked.
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden (45% silk 45% kid mohair 10% Lambswool) 50g 100m in #233 (discontinued) – 2 skeins
Needles: #8/5mm bamboo straights
Cost of Project: $12 for yarn.
Would I knit it again? Yes.
Posted on February 17, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
See my vest!
When I first saw this pattern in the book, I was not that into it. First of all, this is my first real sweater vest. I haven’t ever owned or wore vests even though my style can be described as sometimes being on the preppy side (love those blouses). Also, I do not like u-necks; I’m a v-neck girl. My decision to make the vest came when I realized that the wool would be affordable, and the patterns in this book do seem fitted and relatively easy. With that in mind, I made a few mods to the vest to my style.
I lengthened the ribbed body by an inch, lowered the neck, did 3 repeats of the bust increases of 5, made the straps 11 sts instead of 14, used three needle BO instead of seaming, and I used 4.0mm needle (I didn’t have a 3.75 circ) to do 2 purl rounds on the edgings on the neck and the armholes. My gauge swatch was over by half a stitch, but it ended up still working out. I’m often between 34-36 in bust any way. In the end, I only used 2 full skeins of the Patons which means it was a cheap and relatively fast knit.
Even though it turned out okay, I won’t knit this again. The ribbing and the bust increases were fine, but I found out that I sort of suck at reverse shaping and decreasing. The straps are not symmetrical at all, and I ran into problems with the back shaping and the edgings too. It was not as fun towards the end, and I rather try knitting other vests. I think I will wear this, but not sure how often.
It also was my first time wash blocking. I bought some Eucalan in Lavender to wash this and future knits. After I soaked it, I put it in a pillowcase and ran it through the Delicates Spin cycle and that saved a lot of time in drying. I love Eucalan, and I wish I had bought it earlier. My knits came out soft and smelling wonderful.
Back-to-School U-Neck Vest, started January 24th, 2008, finished February 15th, 2008
Pattern: Back-to-School U-Neck Vest by Stefanie Japel from Fitted Knits
Size 34″
Yarn: Patons Classics Merino Wool (100% merino wool – 223yds/204m – 100g) in #00231 Natural Chestnut – 2 balls
Needles: 4.5mm/US#7 100cm/40″ bamboo circs (Magic Looping as usual) and 4.0mm/#6 16″ circ for edgings
Modifications: Lengthened ribbing, narrowed straps, three needle BO for straps, lowered neckline, 2 purl rounds for edging
Lessons Learned: Three needle BO, LLI and RLI, and some general shaping.
Cost of Project: $12 for yarn.
Would I knit it again? No.
Posted on January 24, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
Chevron Socks, started December 15th 2007, finished January 22nd, 2008.
Pattern: Chevron from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch.
Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Marathon Socks – San Diego (75% Wool 25% Nylon 100g 400m/437yds)
Needles: Hiya Hiya stainless steel 40″/100cm US1/2.25mm circs
Modifications German Twisted cast on, and Magic Loop.
Lessons Learned: German Twisted Cast On, Forethought heel.
Cost of Project: $4 for the yarn!
Would I knit it again? Unlikely.
Pattern Notes and Comments: This yarn was in clearance for only $4! I still have a lot left because I got very bored doing the first leg. It’s a rather short cuff as a result. I’m not crazy for the yarn colours which is why I wanted to use something like chevron to make it interesting. I hate provisional cast on. The forethought heel was not difficult, but it wasn’t fun either. The pattern is not a stretchy one which will be good to wear in these cold winter days as it really hugs my foot. It is rather mindless knitting for awhile which can be both good and boring. I love my Hiya Hiya needles though. Also, I love this book. It has so many wonderful sock patterns. I’m probably going to knit a pair of socks in February as well.
Posted on January 20, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
Tudora, started December 30th 2007, finished January 17th 2008.
Pattern: Tudora by Cheryl Marling from Knitty, Winter 2007.
Yarn: Cascade 220 (100% Highland Peruvian Wool – 100g/220yds) – Cranberry – less than one skein
Needles: US6/4.0mm 16″ circs
Modifications: One row button hole
Tools: Cable needle, button
Lessons Learned: One row button hole
Cost: $2 button + $8 yarn (not really since it was less than one skein and I’m going make another hat out of the leftovers).
Would I knit it again? Yes.
Pattern Notes and Comments: Love this yarn, and the historical theme of this piece. I want a toggle button, but the store I went to had an iffy selection of those so I went with this nice silver button. This is a very quick knit; it took me awhile because I ran out of yarn. Guess now I’ll have to make another hat. I also put off buying the button for weeks. A cable needle was used most of the time, and sometimes, I did it without. With large cables, I’m not as good than without a cn. I can not wait to wear this when it gets a bit warmer. It’s more of an autumn/spring piece since this would be too flimsy for Canadian winters. It’s -14ºC today without wind today. It’ll smashing in the Fall though.
Posted on January 8, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
Some yarn I got in the last days of 2007. I don’t take a lot of pictures of yarn, but I can’t resist showing off my Noro Silk Garden. This is my first Noro purchase. It’s Silk Garden (55% silk 45% kid mohair 10% wool) in shade #233 which is discontinued. I practically stole it for 2 skeins of $12. I’ve seen the colours of this shade on Ravelry projects, and I can see why they would discontinue it. Still, I’m excited about using this company’s yarn. When I found the first skein, it felt very scratchy and twiggy. I hear it lengthens and softens up after a wash of the knitted product. I bought Eucalan the other day so I’ll use that for the Silk Garden scarf I intend to make. It’ll have to be a skinny scarf since I don’t have much yarn. Though the scarf won’t need to be that warm as it seems to be intended for a warmer season accessory. Am inclined to a drop stitch scarf pattern at present.
I have four 50g 100m balls of this German produced wool. It’s actually a new 100% wool by Gedifra which I bought 4 for $16. I took a picture because Ravelry didn’t have any photos of it. The colours and the tweed does look rather fetching. 400m would make a very warm winter scarf with fringe too. I am inclined possibly to make “My So Called Scarf”, “Scrunchable Scaf”, “One Row Handspun” etc. Lots of options for the coming seasons.
I am very tempted to also buy a skein of Malabrigo for the first time as early birthday gift to myself. Probably make tiny scarf out of it too. I seem to have moved from hat patterns back to scarf ones quickly enough.
Posted on January 7, 2008 in Books, Knitting & Crafting
Dewey has been blogging about the knitting books she’s been perusing and using. I’ve looked through a lot of knitting books for instructions and patterns. Since most of the knitting books are straight forward pattern books so I don’t necessarily count them as books consumed as would others. I have barely knit anything from them, but I save a plethora of patterns. I intend to knit thing from the following books in any case. This is just a simple list of knitting books that have helped me in the past or more likely, books that have really nice patterns. Links to Ravelry (or Amazon).
Stitch and Bitch: A Knitter’s Handbook by Debbie Stoller – The first knitting book that I ever bought. Not too crazy about the patterns, and I’ve found other resources for techniques. Still a really good resource that I often go back to remind me of techniques.
The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe – A technique book that is a treasure. On my wishlist since it has directions, advice, and tips for so many knitting related topics.
Interweave Knits magazine – I’ve browsed Vogue Knitting too, but this is probably the best all around knitting magazine on the market. It consistently has magazines that are wearable, well designed, of different gauges, yarns, styles, etc. It’s multi-faceted and well edited. It seems to have actually gotten better since 2005/6 since I want to knit even more tings in the recent issues.
Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Haverson – This is just a pretty book with simple, quick, and nice patterns. I find myself constantly taking it out of the library. One day I’ll knit the Hourglass Sweater, Chevron Scarf, and that Child’s Placket Neck Pullover.
Mason-Dixon Knitting by Kay Garinder and Ann Shayne – Patterns for useful things! I love the washcloths and really want to make some towels and blankets one day off this book. Not to mention the baby knits.
Sensational Knitted Socks and More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch – I am knitting a pair of socks from SSK now. Really clear instructions with socks that be customized hundreds of ways. Some of best sock knitting books I’ve encountered.
Favorite Socks ed. Interweave Press – Really nice sock patterns from IK. Embossed Leaves and Ribbed Stockings are the top of my list.
Folk Socks by Nancy Bush – The Scottish Kilt stockings call me often among other lovely sock patterns in this book.
Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski – A variety of well designed mitten patterns from around the world. I’m taken with a lot of these patterns.
Scarf Style ed. Interweave Press – One day, I’ll knit that entrelac stole.
Hats On by Charlene Schurch – Schurch’s designs are well written. I love knitting hats and there are lots of traditional hat patterns in this one.
Anything by Elizabeth Zimmermann – I’ve looked through most of the books, but I don’t own any of them yet. There are a lot of fun patterns, but EZ patterns are more like schematics. Still lots of useful tips.
Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel – I am going to knit the vest from this soon. I love form fitted sweaters and tops. The patterns are easy to understand for the most part.
Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan – A designer with a distinctive style, there are some really nice patterns in this. I like the hats in this.
Charmed Knits by Alison Hansel – As a HP fan, how could one not like some of these patterns? I want to make a Weasley Sweater, though I don’t think it’s exactly my style. The House Sweater, socks, and various other accessories are really nice too.
One Skein by Leigh Radford – Who doesn’t like a good stashbuster book?
One Skein Wonders – Some of the patterns are only so-so, and it really isn’t one skein for some of them. Still, 101 patterns for small projects.
Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss – I have no idea why, but I have a penchant for baby knits even though I have no intention of having children in the near future or know anyone who is expecting. DB’s baby patterns are probably her best though. I even want to knit the teddy bear from this book.
Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick – Really good gift ideas and a couple of very nice quick knits. I don’t like knitting bags, but that counterpane bag is in my queue.
Socks Socks Socks – Patterns are not as good as the above sock books, but the techniques section has some good info for beginners.
Rowan Scottish Knits/Scottish Knits by Sarah Dallas et al. – I love Rowan yarns. Sarah Dallas patterns are sometimes really nice too. Wish I had more resources to those patterns.
Knitting Classic Style by Veronik Avery – I am consuming this now. So many nice garments. Like many, I am enamored with the Military Cardigan.
Will post more when I have consumed more pattern books as I do often.
Posted on January 5, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
Koolhaas, started December 25, 2007, finished December 30, 2007
Pattern: Koolhaas by Jared Flood – Interweave Knits, Holiday 2007
Made for: Intended for self, but given to Dad
Yarn: Cascade 220 (100% Highland Peruvian 100g/220 yards) – 600 Cranberry (variegated red)
Needles: 4.0mm/#6 16″ circs and 4.5mm 4.5mm/#7 40″ circ (Magic Loop)
Modifications: Needle change in ribbing, and I used the slip and switch cable method.
Cost of Project: $8 for yarn
Would I knit it again? Yes, but 4 reps instead of the full five.
Pattern Notes and Comments: Usually, I have to make hats on the larger sizes because they are a bit too small. This hat was a bit too big in the large size, and it’s quite stretchy so I should have just done the normal 4 reps. I’ve given this hat for my Dad. The decreases are a bit ugly because I messed up, but the bottom cables turned out wonderfully. I didn’t realize until after I took these photos that I forgot to block.
The yarn is very nice My first time with Cascade 220, and it really makes Patons Classic Merino look poor in contrast. The 220 is soft, and the variegated red I got it in is a very nice shade. I had to buy another skein since I used the leftovers from the hat to make something else, and then ran out. So another Cascade 220 hat to knit in the near future.
Bought a lot of yarn in the last couple of weeks. It’s a disease I tell you!
Posted on December 26, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Danica started December 12th 2007, finished December 25th 2007
Pattern: Danica by Jesse Loesburg – Knitty, Winter 2005
Yarn: Patons SWS in Natural Earth – 80g 110yds 70% Wool 30% Soy – 4 skeins
Needles: #8/5mm straight bamboo
Modifications: Due to yarn change, no changing of yarn between sections. Added fringe from Lady Eleanor Stole in Scarf Style.
Lessons Learned: Entrelac and knitting backwards (purling on the RS)
Cost of Project: $20 for yarn
Would I knit it again? Yes. Not for awhile though. I want to make the LE stole one day.
Pattern Notes and Comments: For a scarf, this took a long time even though I knit backwards. You should definitely learn to knit backwards for entrelac. I enjoyed it for the most part because I was able to memorise the pattern by the end and watching the squares and triangles shape up was neat. I really do want to make the LE stole one day. This is going to my bulky winter scarf for awhile. I did not block it, but I’ll wash it eventually so then it’ll be blocked.
The fringe I made is really ugly which is why there isn’t a photo of it. I wasn’t in the mood to make a fringe; I just wanted to finish the scarf so I didn’t make the effort. It is the nice knotted fringe from the LE stole in Scarf Style. It matches my Fake Isle Hat now though. It’s definitely over 60″, and when I do wash it, I know I could probably stretch it quite a bit.
Posted on December 1, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Fake Isle Hat, started November 13, 2007, finished November 30, 2007
Pattern: Fake Isle Hat by Amy King from MagKnits November 2006.
Yarn: Less than 1 skein of each Patons SWS in Natural White and Natural Earth (70% wool 30% soy 80g 110yards)
Needles: #6/4.0mm 16″ metal circs and DPNs
Modifications: CO for small size, but I added a few rows it at the rim and in the middle, and then realized it was too long so I skipped a few of the decrease rows.
Lessons Learned: Two handed stranding.
Cost of Project: $10 for yarn
Would I knit it again? Yes, but I’d probably just do the Small size as written, maybe add a couple of rows for extra length.
Pattern Notes and Comments: First colour work project. Started this project on 13/11/07, but had to CO three times. The first time I did it with the big size and it seemed too loose for me (I have a slightly bigger than normal cranium), so I recasted on 18/11/07. That somehow twisted. This actually was actually finished between 19/11/07 and 30/11/07. It’s a bit big because I did knit the large size row wise for a bit, but realised that it was going to be huge so I skipped a lot of decrease rows. It’s not that bad, but this hat knits up larger than most. The good thing is: it covers my ears!
This is my first time using the Patons SWS. I bought a lot of it for this hat and a scarf that I will be making to match. It’s really fuzzy, but not itchy as I’ve heard some people say. My tickle factor is low. I used less than skein of each of the SWS colours so more for the stash.
I love stranding.