Posted on November 11, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Anthropologie Inspired Capelet (Cropped Cardigan), started October 21, 2007, finished November 2, 2007
Pattern: Antropologie Inspired Capelet from Peony Knits
Yarn: Naturally Yarns Naturelle 14ply (131 yds 100g 100% Pure New Zealand Wool) Shade 551 – less than 3 skeins
Needles: 7mm 100cm circs
Modifications: Lengthened body and sleeves, magic looped the sleeves
Lessons Learned: Well, this is my first sorta real garment, so I was able to see the raglan increases happening
Cost of Project: $15 for the yarn.
Would I knit it again? No, I don’t think so. It’s nice for a beginner, but I’d try to make a better capelet, cardigan or whatnot next time.
Pattern Notes and Comments: The yarn was on sale and originally intended for Ester. I decided to make this instead, and I’m not a big fan of the colour, but it’s warm. Since I made it longer, it has no shaping in the arm or the waist. My mother convinced me to lengthen the body so it’s now more of a cropped cardigan than a capelet (but it was also more of a shrug really). The yarn is not superwash so I don’t know how often I’ll wear it. Also, it’s only so so as a piece I’d actually wear, but it is my first real garment since I’ve only done accessories, socks or dishcloths up to this point.
Posted on October 22, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Nomad Hat and Scarf, started October 5th, 2007, finished October 18, 2007
Pattern: Nomad Hat and Scarf by Kate Coyle from Interweave Knits, Fall 2007
Made for: Mom
Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed (75% Acrylic 25% Wool 123 yards per 100g) – 3 skeins of Earthy Brown Tweeds
Needles: #9/5.5mm 150cm circs for hat, #10/6mm and 7mm for ear flaps
Modifications: Needle size changes, different cast-on.
Lessons Learned: I didn’t like the tutorials for the Emily Ocker cast-on online, and wished I had looked in EZ’s explaination earlier because it seemed simpler. Anyway, I used this circular cast-on.
Cost of Project: $15 yarn + $6 for needles = $21
Would I knit it again? Bit boring, but it’s good ear flap hat pattern.
Pattern Notes and Comments: My mom has wanted an ear flap hat for awhile now. I was going to do a conventional, tie below the chin sort of ear flap hat when she said she wouldn’t mind the flaps being long. That’s when I remembered that I had just seen this pattern in the Fall IK. I Magic Looped the hat portion of the pattern. I love Magic Loop even though the bamboo circs I used had a cheap cord. The flaps were about 38″ long, and I modified when I switched needles between the 6mm and the 7mm. Each flap took exactly one skein of the Chunky Tweed. I love tweed. This is my third tweed hat in two months. I’m a bit of a yarn snob and this was my first time knitting with acrylic in awhile. My mom wanted it to be brown, and apparently, it was hard for me to find affordable, chunky brown yarn. Besides, I think it’ll be warm enough with the flaps being so long.
Posted on October 10, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Thrummed Mittens, started August 27, 2007, finished October 8, 2007
Pattern: Thrummed Mittens Interweave Knits Winter 2006 by Jennifer L. Appleby
Yarn: 1 skein – Naturally Naturelle 10ply (100g/186yds – 157 – aran/worsted) and alpaca/correidale rovings
Needles: #4/3.5mm and #6/4.0mm DPNs
Modifcations: Needle sizes changes, thrums knit tbl as advised by the Yarn Harlot
Cost of Project: $5 yarn + $6 rovings = $11
Would I knit it again? Maybe, but with pure wool because the alpaca was fuzzy. I also miss having a thumb gusset.
Pattern Notes and Comments: I became sick not too long after starting this project which is why the first mitten took me a month to make while the second one took only about a week. The second mitten is a little longer and a little less than dense than the first one because my thrums for the first one were thicker. I made the Child’s size which makes them quite snug because I also went down needle sizes. The yarn was on clearance, and it’s 100% pure NZ wool. It’s nice, and I think there’s a tiny bit more lanolin in it than other pure wools I’ve used. The rovings I bought were fuzzy. I hope they felt when I start wearing them in the winter.
Posted on September 30, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Tweedy Beret, started September 13th, 2007, finished September 28th, 2007
Pattern: Purl Bee Beret
Made for: No one in particular, but I think I’ll give it to Sandy.
Yarn: Rowan Rowanspun Spun 4ply SH705 – 1 skein
Needles: US#3/3.25mm DPNS and 16″ circular
Cost of Project: $5 for yarn
Would I knit it again? Yes.
Pattern Notes and Comments: The tweed knits up very pretty, but the yarn was a bit persnickety. It’s a bit flimsy, and not as good as other yarns in this weight (sock yarn, etc). It didn’t hold up well on DPNs, and I had more ladder issues than normal so the resulting stitches are not as neat as I’d like. It even snapped at one point which was the first time that’s happened to me. This doesn’t look that bad since the hat is so rustic and tweedy; it masks all the mistakes and shortfalls. I still have another skein of this discontinued yarn so I can make another one for myself or another friend. The pattern is marvelously easy and quick. One of these days, I’ll do it with the intended Koigu.
Posted on August 19, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Ballband Dishcloth, started August 9th, 2007, finished August 17th, 2007
Pattern: Ballband Dishcloth from Mason-Dixon Knitting
Made for: Steph
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Yarn in Hot Green and Hot Purple – less than one skein each
Needles: #7/4.5mm (Aero DPNs)
Lessons Learned: Surprisingly, my first time having to actually to switch between two balls of yarn.
Cost of Project: $4 for yarn.
Would I knit it again? Yes, it’s very fun, quick, and nice. Good for gifting.
Posted on August 10, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting, Photography
Shedir, started July 22nd, 2007, finished August 9th, 2007
Pattern: Shedir from Knitty.com Special Fall 2004
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed (50% Merino Wool – 25% Alpaca – 25% Rayon/Viscose [50g / 191 yards]) – #153 Phantom – 1 ball
Needles: US3/3.25mm 16″ circ and DPNs (Boyle)
Modifcations: 4 repeats instead of 5, knit stitch through the back of the loop for stitch definition
Lessons Learned: Cabling without a cable needle (mini-cables with slip stitch method)
Cost of Project: $13 yarn + $7 for the circs + $6 for the DPNs = $26
Would I knit it again? Yes, but with yarn in a lighter colour and I may graft the top rather than cinch it next time.
Pattern Notes and Comments: One of the reasons I took up knitting was to make a hat for myself because I’ve had trouble finding a winter hat to fit my slightly larger than average head and cover most of my ears. This hat doesn’t protect the ears as well as I’d like, but I think it will stay put rather than slip up on my head as the store bought ones have done. A lot of knit bloggers do only three repeats before decreasing since this hat is long, but I felt safer going with four due to aforementioned reasons. Five would have been too long for me. This hat may be too thin for the upcoming winter, but definitely will look good in autumn with all that tweed.
The yarn is very nice. I liked it right away; I’m partial to DK, and I’ve grown fond of tweed as well. It is also quite stretchy, and I always like alpaca and merino. Rowan wool is expensive around here, but the Felted Tweed is actually less expensive than the patterns’ recommended Rowan Calmer. Still, the most expensive yarn I’ve bought yet. The other gripe is that the wool may be a little scratchy for some people, but I’m usually not bothered by this in the long term. The Phantom colourway may have been too dark, but the cables still pop out. I’m glad I knitted tbl for this as I tried the first repeat with a DPN (lost my small cable needle) and most of the stitches not tbl, and it does look a tad better with the tbl.
Speaking of the cables, it’s almost necessary to know how to cable without a cable needle to make this hat move along faster. It did not take me a long time to actually make this piece, but it felt like it did when I was doing all those mini cables. I don’t frog or rip back things so my decrease cables are a little sloppy, but overall, I’m pleased. The ladies at the LYS were very impressed since I’ve only been knitting for less than 1 1/2 years. Won’t knit this again for awhile, but I like the result.
Posted on July 24, 2007 in Books, Fitness, Knitting & Crafting, Movies
Knitting: I got my Ravelry invite finally this past weekend which means I’ve been spending my merry time over there. If you’re on it, add me as I am “athenablue”. For knitting, I am still dismayed by the Swallowtail Shawl, but I cast on Shedir this week using Rowan Felted Tweed. I love the yarn. The yarn is quite dark, so I hope the cables show up well. I’m debating about cabling without a cable needle. I’ve lot both of my cable needles at the moment.
Books: Well, I’ve read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows this past weekend. I doubt I will make a blog post for long time. I started Beowulf last week, but have yet to delve more deeply. I also acquired the HP&DH audiobook as you see on the bottom. Chapter 33 is the only one I’ve reread so far.
Movies: Last thursday, I rewatched Roman Holiday with a couple of others who had not seen it. I don’t tend to rewatch movies often, but it was nice to do so. I laughed and found it wonderfully dated. I also watched Kitty Foyle during the weekend, the first new old movie I haven’t seen in a long time. Ginger Rogers was very good in it. She can dance and act it seems.
Fitness: So behind. Did yoga on saturday, intend to run again next month. Will start do pilates again.
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Now playing: Stephen Fry – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Disc 18 – Chapter 33
via FoxyTunes
Posted on July 9, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Monkey Socks, started May 25th, 2007, finished July 9th, 2007
Pattern: Knitty’s Monkey Socks by Cookie A.
Yarn: Regia 4ply Ringel Color 100g/420m (75% New Wool 25% Polyamide)
Needles: US#2/2.5mm bamboo DPNs (5)
Lessons Learned: Lots: heel flap, turn heel, short rows, kitchener stitch, all the goodness of making socks
Cost of Project: $13 yarn + $5 DPNs = $18
Would I knit it again? Most definitely. I would probably reinforce the heel next time because I wear my heels out often.
Pattern Notes and Comments: These are my first part of socks. It wasn’t hard at all! It only took so long because I actually finished two projects and started another one while knitting these socks. They didn’t actually take that long as the pattern is not that difficult. I really liked this pattern which is very well written and with the right details, perfect for a first pair of socks if you’ve already done simple lace projects as I have.
The yarn is from a LYS that was closing; there was not a lot of selection, but it was 100g, nice yarn, and less expensive than usual. The colours are crazy; much louder than I prefer, but I’ll just wear them indoors mostly in the winter. They’re clown colours and remind me of Fruit Loops. I still have a lot of yarn left so I think I will make a beret for a friend’s birthday.
I would block the socks if I had sock blockers because it would make the pattern stand out. I’ve become a sock knitter because I’ve already bought two skeins of 100g sock yarn. I want to try toe up socks and Magic Loop eventually. They are addictive to make. Just as with scarves and hats, I was never big on these items before, but now I love them because I can make them. It’s addictive in the bad way when I go to the yarn store and look for discounted sock yarn for no specific reason to possess it for possible socks. Overall, I have been very pleased with with my first socks and definitely look forward to making more.
Posted on July 7, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
I went to the best yarn store in the region (about 15-20 min drive) to get the Rowan Felted Tweed for my Shedir and possibly some 4ply for a beret, and ended up with all of this. In retrospect, most of the above yarn were impulsive buys. I do intend to use them for possible projects. For example, I can knit a hat with that discounted Rown Silken Tweed, and the three chunky skeins I want to use for Ester. The Rowan 4ply was on sale, but still too expensive for $5/25g in thought, but I can make a beret from each small hank. No idea why I bought the one skein of grey worsted wool other than the fact it was a bargain for $5 as well. As for the superwash sock yarn, no need to explain that I have become a sock knitter and thusly buys sock yarn for no specific pattern or idea. It is affordable sock yarn, I must buy. Even with all the money I have spent on this yarn, I am still in need of worsted weight yarn for my thrummed mittens. I think I will use some aran lopi for it when I go to my LYSes.
As for pattern updates, I am on the foot of my second Monkey Sock; I am definitely finishing this coming week. I have started making a Swell hat for my mom with the left over yarn from the wool hat I made Dad. I don’t think I have enough yarn which means I’ll need to buy some more worsted yarn of complimenting colour because I don’t wan to buy another 100g skein of navy yarn. I intend to start on my Swallowtail Shawl since I have both the needles and the yarn for it, but I know that I will be casting on for the Knitty Knit Along (join and spread the word!) two weeks from now. Shedir takes priority, and Ester (which I am apprehensive about since I purchased chunky 14ply for it).
While at the yarn store, my eyes landed on this very lovely and elegant cabled cape from a Debblie Bliss Cashmerino DK book. The book costs half the yarn in the above picture, but it was a very beautiful pattern. My heart aches for it.
Posted on June 21, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Wool Hat for Dad, started June 17th, 2007, finished June 20th, 2007
Pattern: New York: A Guy’s Wool Hat
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool in Navy 0026 – less than one skein
Needles: US#6/4.0mm 16″ circulars and DPNs
Cost of Project: $6 for circ + $6 yarn = $12
Pattern Notes and Comments: My father has wanted me to knit him a hat since I started knitting a year ago. This is my third attempt at making a winter hat for him. The first was too big and not really serious effort. The second was a bulky hat from Stitch and Bitch which was way too big for some reason even though I used the recommended needles. Just in case, I swatched for this hat and found my tension was perfect. I knit a lot of this on the road on Monday. It’s very easy since it’s a lot of stockinette and some ribbing. There is nothing difficult about this hat. It’s a great beginner project, and I was attracted to it because I wanted something simple and warm for Dad. This fit him even if he said it could have been tighter (see how persnickety my parents are?). The hat fits me as well because I have a bigger than average female head so one could modify it easily to be tighter or shorter for anyone. All in all, Dad gets his wish as a late Father’s Day present.
Would I knit it again? Yes. It’s simple, quick, stretchy, modifable and looks nice. I would probably use an alpaca mix if I get the chance since I’m not quite convinced this would be warm enough for longer periods of time.
Posted on June 19, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Rose’s Wrist Warmers, started 1 June 2007, finished 17 June 2007
Pattern: Rose’s Wrist Warmers (PDF File) by Christina
Yarn: Wendy Merino DK in Plum #3045 (100% wool) – almost two skeins
Needles: US#4/3.5mm DPNs (Boyle plastic)
Cost of Project: $8 for yarn.
Pattern Notes and Comments: These wrist warmers are from a pattern designed to look like the ones Rose Tyler wears in the season/series two finale of BBC’s Doctor Who. I remember watching the episode and actually liking the look of them. They looked really good on her, and the purple was just a nice colour to complement her black jacket. Afterwards, I stumbled upon the pattern couple months later. It was meant to be. I have this proclivity to knit wrist warmers / fingerless gloves; these are my second pair in less than a year. I like warm hands I guess, and I’m scared of knitting actual gloves. My first pair of mittens sorta sucked, but I did well with Knitty’s fingerless Fetching gloves and these are nice wrist warmers. There is not much of a climate in this part of Canada to wear wrist warmers. It’s either too warm for them or too cold. The diamond pattern is very nice with the moss stitch centres; I also really like that she wrote in a thumb gusset because a lot of patterns for mittens and fingerless gloves seems to forgo on that. It’s oddly appropriate this yarn is from Wendy/Peter Pan because the Doctor/Rose relationship was always reminscient of that. I really look forward to wearing these this autumn. They are already very warm, but then again, it’s high twenties celsius these days. It’s 31C today without the humidex.
Would I knit it again? Unsure. I like the cabling enough, but I had ladder issues due to the cables no matter how hard I tried to avoid them. If I do ever knit these again, I would make them longer, maybe another diamond repeat before the gusset and a couple of rows more after the thumb.
Posted on June 17, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting, Musings
Some blog business first off: I’ve installed a WordPress plugin to allow people to edit comments. In addition to the other comment plugin of subscribing to posts which is useful if you want to know my reply to your comment which happens fairly often. I also have a nifty new archives plugin that is flashy. If anyone wants to contact me, the contact form still exists as do the comments. I also have all the major IM programs, but I have no excuse to really use them anymore. I prefer long or fascinating emails really.
Updates were fewer at the end of the previous week because I was working. I’m working four three days next week plus the following Sunday. This past weekend, I’ve been knitting and listened to the audiobook for Harry Potter book two. I finished the Rose’s Wrist Warmers today too; I’ll blog about that on Tuesday. I also added another item to my knitting project queue this week. I will need a pair of decent pair of mittens this winter. I bought the needles for the Swallowtail Shawl so I’ll start that after the socks. Right now, I am casting on the wool hat for Dad. This would be a late Father’s Day present, but it’s probably going to be an early birthday present since his day is in August. He’s been asking for a winter hat since I started knitting. The first one was a bit of a failure.
The hat will be good knitting for tomorrow because I’ll doing a one day roadtrip with the family tomorrow. Must be up at 5AM, back home before midnight. No posts tomorrow, but I will be back to blogging and reading on Tuesday. Maybe I will have some pretty photos of the highway to put on flickr.