Posted on November 4, 2020 in Knitting & Crafting
This lace pi shawl was my heirloom knit. How do I define an heirloom knit? I think it’s one that I wanted to invest a lot more in terms of the material and the time. I did invest more in the yarn and pattern, but I had to rush to finish it as my September became hectic. I was knitting it everyday for about a week to finish it. I even had a little cramping. I finished this two days before the ceremony and the blocking was finished drying the day before. I really wish I had more time to enjoy the knitting because it is absolutely beautiful.
Continue reading →Posted on December 13, 2016 in Knitting & Crafting
I wanted to make and send a gift to a dear friend of mine in Australia. He told me that it does get cold enough in Sydney to warrant scarves so I decided to make up a small cowl for him. Unisex and not too bulky. Fit was good. If it were met, I’d have made it tighter but he couldn’t try it one as I made it.
Nice, simple pattern that I would make again.
Bandana Cowl, started November 6, 2016, finished November 11, 2016.
Pattern: Bandana Cowl
Made for: Mark and sent to Australia.
Yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool – 100% wool
Needles: US9/5.5mm
Modifications & Notes: This pattern was made for thicker yarn. Next time, I would add one row between the first few decrease rounds for the point to be less pointy.
CO 97 German Twisted CO. Adapted heavily from happygolightly’s Bandana Cowl on Ravelry.
Set-up Round: Purl all stitches.
Round 1: K47, S2KPO, knit to end of round. (95 stitches)
Round 2: P46, S2KPO, purl to end of round. (93 stitches)
Round 3: K45, S2KPO, knit to end of round. (91 stitches)
Round 4: P44, S2KPO, purl to end of round. (89 stitches)
….
beginning the short rows:
Row 5: K48, wrap and turn.
Row 6: P7, wrap and turn.
…..
Set-up Round: K20, place marker, k49, place marker, knit to end of round.
……
knit 3 rounds after the first decrease.
* decrease round
then knit 2 rounds and repeat from ! 3 times.
** decrease round
then knit 1 round and repeat from !! 6 more times.
Cost of Project: This yarn was part of 2 skeins I bought to make other things and have gotten a couple of small projects from it. I’d say this was $2 in terms of percent in yard or even less.
Would I knit it again? Yes. I was even considering making one for myself.
Posted on February 12, 2016 in Knitting & Crafting
I really enjoyed this pattern overall. It only had two rows and was very easy to knit with while watching movies or TV. I didn’t feel pressured to finish it and loved going back to it. I don’t always wear my Stephen West shawls, but I’ve enjoyed knitting everyone of them.
Shortened mine from the pattern because I had read many people ran out of yarn. I went to about 12″ rather than 14″ before doing the final garter rows. I did four garter rows instead of the six. Finished off with an Icelandic bind off which was new to me and stretchy. I’ll use it for socks next time.
The yarn is lovely. It didn’t bleed very much and the photos don’t capture how nice it is. It was soft and knit up so well. No issues with knots, abrupt colour changes, or ply issues. I’d definitely use Fleece Artist again.
Pogona, started December 16, 2015, finished February 3, 2016. 
Pattern: Pogona by Stephen West
Yarn: Fleece Artist Merino 2/6 – 350.0 meters (382.8 yards), 125 grams – in Sangria
Needles: US6/4.0mm
Measurements: Post blocking 18”/46cm from centre stitch to BO edge. Wingspan: 46”/117cm which is ten inches less than the original, but mine is longer at the centre.
Modifications & Notes:
- Alternate cast-on method from KarenK (The No-Garter-Tab Method): Cast on 3 sts. Row 1: K 3; Row 2: K1, M1 (using backwards loop increase), K1, M1, K1 (5 sts); Row 3: K 5; Row 4: K2, M1, K1, M1, K2 (7 sts); Row 5: K3, P1, K3; Row 6: K3, YO, K1, YO, K3 (9 sts); Start with Set-up Row 1 (WS) in pattern
- Slipped slevedge. Slipped first stitch of every row and knit tbl on the last stitch.
- Used KFB instead of YO at the edge stitches so that my rows would be: Sl1pwise, K1, KFB… KFB, K1, Ktbl
- Going from purl to knit: Purl st through the back loop. I didn’t find any benefit to this one.
- 12” before garter rows.
- Do 4 garter rows rather than 6.
- Paired lifted increases
- Icelandic bind off
Tools/Notions: Many stitch markers.
Lessons Learned: Icelandic bind off.
Cost of Project: $16CAD for the yarn.
Would I knit it again? Yes, but doubtful I would. Recommended pattern for easy project.
Helpful Links:
Posted on December 13, 2013 in Knitting & Crafting
I wanted a giant cowl to go with my first leather jacket. I’ve had this pattern queued up for awhile now. It was between this or the Herringbone Cowl, but this one won over by being reversible and textured. I did forgot how boring it was to knit moss st/single rib though.
Continue reading →
Posted on August 20, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
I found one odd skein of Araucania Nature Wool Chunky on sale at the LYS, and instead of using it to make one project, I wanted to maximize my project possibilities by getting two neckwarmers from one skein.
Quick, easy, and good excuse to use a cool wood toggle button. I cast on 17 sts. since my yarn less than super bulky. I knit for 22″ and then blocked it severely because it curls quite a bit.
Not So Cashmere Neckwarmer, started August 17th 2008, finished August 18th, 2008
Pattern: Cashmere Neckwarmer by Kim K.
Size: 5″ (13cm) x 25″ (64cm) blocked
Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky 100g 131 yards/120 m #115 – less than 1 skein
Needles: 7.0mm
Tools/Notions: 2″ wood toggle button
Cost of Project: $6 yarn + $2 button = $8
Would I knit it again? Yes, but I’d slip the knit stitches and/or find another to make it so it wouldn’t be that curly. I also would love to use it in the intended bulky cashmere.
This is quite the popular neckwarmer pattern, and I can see it why. The chunky yarn makes it go by fast, and the feather and fan stitch is very attractive. Definitely a good stashbuster and gift knit. I am going to give this one to a friend.
Luxe Neckwarmer, started August 18th 2008, finished August 19th 2008
Pattern: Luxe Neck Warmer by Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark from Knit 2 Together
Made for: Nathalie
Size: 4.75″ (12 cm) height
Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky 100g 131 yards/120 m #115 – less than 1 skein
Needles: US9/5.5mm
Cost of Project: $6
Would I knit it again? Yep.
Posted on July 16, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting
A simple yet enjoyable project with gorgeous result. My second Noro project, but my first time with Kureyon. I love this scarf; I am definitely a fan of Noro. It is yet to be blocked, and I am someone who is not bothered by really course or textured yarn. Though, I may block it eventually when it actually gets cold so it can soften up, but it is already quite long and really wide even when I restarted on a 4.0mm with 35 sts cast on.
Noro Striped Scarf, started May 27th 2008, finished July 14th 2008
Pattern: Noro Striped Scarf as popularised by Jared Flood.
Size: 6″ x 76″ (6 feet 4 inches) unblocked
This was a very enjoyable knit, as I knit slowly while watching films or when on break of other more advanced projects. I really enjoy making easy and enjoyable scarves even after having learned so much. The colour variations of the yarn makes this scarf even more unique and fun than most. This will definitely be my new go-to winter scarf.
Yarn: Noro Kureyon (100% wool 50g 110yds) – 2 skeins #156, 1 skein #147, and 1 skein #159
Needles: #6/4.0mm
Cost of Project: $28 for yarn (the most expensive project that I have undertaken yet I think)
Would I knit it again? Yes! Next time, I would make it skinnier, and one could probably make one skinny scarf (casting on less than 25 sts) with two skeins of Noro.
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.