yarn – aquatique

Knitting & Crafting

WIP Wednesdays: Frogging Paris

January 2, 2013

Happy New Year, everyone!

This past week, I decided to frog one of my handknit cardigans. This is not really an actual WIP, but frogging nearly 1000 yards of sport alpaca yarn is a job of a kind.

I was never really happy with out Paris turned out. I knit a lot items and it’s true that I do not wear some of them at all. I just couldn’t even see myself wearing this cardigan. I also wanted to salvage the yarn which is Susan Andrew Collection Inca Gold Baby Alpaca.

This was my first time completely ripping apart a sweater. I’m already finished ripping it out and putting them into balls. That took quite a number of days, but I had patience and the time for it. I was sick for most of it so I had not much else to do.

Things I learned: with knitting in the round, it’s easier to start from the bind off end. With knitting flat, start at the cast on edge. I learned this the hard way which is why I have so many left over balls. It was inevitable though with my shortrow sleeves that it was never going to be a simple frogging process.

Do you see the edge of a ball in the top right hand corner. This is the sixth ball that I didn’t use in the cardigan by accident. After I ripped the cardigan, I only had 240g. That’s when I realized I never used the sixth skein which was hiding in my yarn box. No wonder I ran out of yarn, but I wouldn’t knit Paris again.

The next step will be winding the balls on the Niddy Noddy. Thank goodness I made one of those; it is finally proving useful these days. After I tie it up, I will wash, tie, and hang the yarn to dry. I will skein them until I am ready to reball them and use them for a future project.

Plans for yarn afterwards: another cardigan or pullover. The main contender is Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier which I will likely lengthen sleeves. But it’s time I do something with positive ease. This is alpaca after all.

Has anyone else been frogging projects?

For more WIP Wednesdays, go to Tami’s Amis.

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Athena 2 Comments
Knitting & Crafting

FO Friday: Girasole

September 21, 2012

This project took me almost four months to complete. Unlike some knitters, I knit wool through the summer. I once made my Hemlock Ring Blanket, another Jared Flood pattern, in early summer too. I can bare heat pretty well. I live in Canada so the summers are not unbearable for wool knitting until this year! I started in May, but I put it on hold for a month to knit something else. I almost didn’t knit in July, the dryest and hottest July in my hometown’s history. Most of the work was done in August and early Sept.

I wanted to knit Eco 8014 with this. I really love the Eco wool, but I could not afford to make this project with that yarn. Come last Boxing Day, the Fishermen’s Wool was on sale (and I also had a coupon) making the price of it about a third of what the Eco would have been. Even though I wanted to do this originally in the Oatmeal, there was only the other colours available. The Fishermen’s Wool is a fine affordable yarn, but it has a lot of knots. I think I averaged 2-3 per skein. Sometimes, I would get lazy and not cut them out, but usually I’d cut and felt together again.

Blocking: I’ve been so lazy with my lace blocking of late. I didn’t even bother to pin this one. I did my usual which is soaked it in Eucalan and spun it in the washing machine. Then, I put it on a clothes rack (like the ones you buy for indoor hanging), but put it outside in the setting sun. Afterwards, I just laid it on my bedroom floor and walked on it. The edging looks the most floppy and unblocked, but the center is very lacey. It also came out bigger than in the pattern which is good. It’s definitely a nice size for a double bed, but I sleep on a twin/single. I am already using it as it’s a great extra layering blanket on these autumnal nights.

Girasole, started May 19th, 2012, Bound off September 9th 2012.
Pattern: Girasole by Jared Flood from Brooklyn Tweed
Size: roughly 84″/220cm in diameter which is larger than the pattern’s projected 72″ diameter
Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool – 4.12 skeins in Natural. Four whole skeins and 27grams from a fifth one. Thank goodness, I bought more when it went on sale again in February.
Needles: HiyaHiya #10.5/6.5mm 120cm/60″ bamboob circulars with an additional bamboo 100cm/40cm circular of the same size to finish the edging.
Modifications: None, really. I used techknitter’s circular CO, which is my preferred circular cast-on. Video for that here. As an added tip, for the double YOs: I knit 1, purled 1 into the first YO and then knit 1 into the second.
Tools/Notions: Used lifelines a few times and stitch markers always for lace.
Cost of Project: For the four skeins, $28 but with the fifth, an additional $7. I bought these needles specifically for the project when I bought the pattern in 2010. I think the needles were $10.
Would I knit it again? Doubtful. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it, but the longer it took to knit, the more it became this big chore to finish. The reason that I wanted to do this so bad was because I loved my experience with the other blanket. This one was OK. I’d totally do another lace blanket again, but perhaps not this one.

Have a good weekend! For more FOs, go to Tami’s Amis.

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WIP Wednesday: Stashbusting Lopi

September 12, 2012

Last week, my first ever yarn/sock club purchase came in the mail from Hazel Knits Yarn Club. I have been waiting for this package for almost a month. Actually, if you factor in the fact I bought the early bird, I’ve been waiting for it for two months!

I am not sure why it was delayed. From the USA, things can take as quick as one week, usually less than two weeks. I became increasingly worried about it because it is very nice yarn and was my first club purchase. Even on the day it arrived September 4th, I was preparing to email Wendee the dyer and/or the USPS.

But it came and it is lovely! I am not sure what to do with it at the moment other than to ogle and fondle it. I may use the green for a stranded sweater I had in mind. Not sure. It did come with a stranded sock pattern which is also tempting. Hmm.

In other news, I finished Girasole and it is big, lacey, dry and with rough edges. The FO post up this Friday hopefully.

As usual, I always start a new project right after I finish the previous one. My current project is stashbusting lopi by making Taska, a purse from Istex Lopi book #25. I own this book because I bought two years ago to make my first sweater, Aftur:

Gosh, I adore lopi. You can’t wear it everyday and it’s difficult to wear indoors because it is so hot, but when for outdoors, it is perfect. I’ve worn it on a hike in the woods in the autumn and skating with a merino turtleneck underneath at -15’C. It feels like iron. I was always proud of this sweater even though it is a bit on the boxy side since I didn’t add any waist shaping. As a first sweater, I think it is pretty good.

When I finished it, I ended up with a lot of leftovers including almost two full balls of the MC and lots of bits from the fair isle. Taska is the companion project and just a way for me to stashbust and knit lopi again. It is unlikely that I will use the purse very much, but it will be cute none the less.

Thanks for reading. Let me know what is on your needles today?

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Athena 8 Comments
Knitting & Crafting

WIP Wednesday: Twist Festival

August 29, 2012

A quick update: I haven’t worked on my Girasole blanket very much. I am on the last repeat of Chart G now. It won’t be finished before September. Oh goodness, I’ll be so glad to finish it. Hopefully cooler weather will allow to work on it before the four month mark. Onto better news…

On Saturday, I went to the first Twist Festival. It was good and I hope they do it again next year.

I did not buy much, but I could have bought more if I was not with my family for which I was gratefully restrained! I did get two things from Gaspereau Valley Fibres:

My first skein of Fleece Artist! It is a Canadian staple and I even bought it from Nova Scotians, but it is generally very pricey. I got this one at a good price and tax free! I don’t know what this colour of the Merino 2/6 is called.

The Fleece Artist is sitting on 400g BFL rovings. Even though my learning to spin is on the back burner, I can’t help buying more fibre especially BFL! I can make a fine shawl from this.

I made a list of possible shawls for the Fleece Artist Merino 2/6. I know people use it as sock yarn, but frankly, I find merino sock yarn with little to no nylon in it prone to holes. They aren’t practical even around the house.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to do with a variegated skein of 4ply 350m merino that isn’t socks?

For more WIP Wednesdays, go to Tami’s Amis.

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Athena 4 Comments
Knitting & Crafting

Kauni in February

March 1, 2012

I love Kauni Effetkgarn. In 2010, I bought three balls of the EQ colour in Switzerland. I used up two that summer, but I had one left to save for the future.

In February, I finally used the third skein in two projects. First, I wanted to make a sweater with the yarn. I picked Margot and decided to stripe it and make it short sleeved. My Margot on Ravelry .

Secondly, the Stripe Study Shawl. It was inevitable for me to knit this striped shawl. My Stripe Study Shawl On Ravelry

Both projects have been striped with Briggs & Little Sport in natural/undyed which is the right weight and has the same rustic appeal as the Kauni wool. Also, the B&L was inexpensive. I used 1.5 balls of the B&L for both projects.

This is the last of the Kauni I have and since it isn’t sold locally, I am not sure when I will buy it again. If I do, I’ll probably stock up. I get a huge kick out of knitting with this yarn and it is easily one of my favourite yarns.

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Knitting & Crafting

Highland Schottische Kilt Hose

August 18, 2008
This pattern has often been paired with Regia Silk, and I would not have used the yarn in particular if it was not on sale; it is nice and soft. This is my first Nancy Bush pattern, and while it was not a perfect project, I look forward to making more of her sock patterns. These are not quite knee socks or kilt hose, more like stockings. The turn down cuff takes a lot of yarn which made me doubt how much I could spare for leg length. I also wanted to do it in 2.5mm as many have, but I only have those in DPNs, and I really like knitting socks magic loop now. I finished these for WIPwrestling of Ravelympics 2008.

Highland Schottische Kilt Hose, started July 25th 2008, finished August 17, 2008
Pattern: Highland Schottische Kilt Hose from Folk Socks by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Regia Silk 4-ply / 4 fädig Solid in #091 (50% Wool, 25% Nylon, 20% Silk) 50g – 3 skeins
Needles: My faithful Hiya Hiya #US1/2.25mm 100cm/40″ metal circulars

I am a little more than 5’4″, and my calves are not the most slim so I was worried about it slipping especially since I knit it on such small needles than originally called for. They do slip a bit, but not too much since I think the elastic threading I knit into the 2″ ribbing really helps. I knit the leg for 11″ (mostly because I was afraid of running out of yarn, the leg itself took nearly one 50g ball). It was all for naught though since I could have easily knit 1 or 2 inches more of the leg; the first (right) sock weighed in at 62g. I knit the foot 2″ before toe instead of 2 1/2″ called for due to fingering weight change.

Modifications: Yarn weight and needle change (pattern intended for a man), elastic threading in ribbing, 2″ before toe on foot, and magic loop as usual for me.
Tools/Notions: Elastic threading
Lessons Learned: Picot edging, and I finally did Russian Join correctly. I had tried learning it before, but this was the first actual successful time.
Cost of Project: $18 for yarn
Would I knit it again? Even though I do not seem to love the calf decreases as much as other people seem to, I would definitely like to knit this again. I’d knit the leg 12″ to 14″ next time and use 2.5mm, and keep the mods I had this time.
Helpful Links:
- Picot Edge tutorial
- Russian join tutorial
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Athena 3 Comments
Knitting & Crafting

Noro Striped Scarf

July 16, 2008

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.

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Athena 4 Comments
Knitting & Crafting

Quant

July 14, 2008

My second entrelac project after Danica. I really like the technique, but I think of the two projects I liked Danica more. I bought this odd ball yarn with the intention of making a Calorimetry with it, but I made one of those earlier in the week for a friend and the Quant entrelac was a-calling. I am unsure if I will wear it since it is flashy and not actually that warm; I have never really loved headbands. It is cute objectively speaking.

Quant, started July 10th 2008, finished July 12th 2008
Pattern: Quant by Star Athena, Knitty Winter 2007
Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Sonnet #715 (50g 93yds/85m) – 1 skein
Needles: #7/4.5mm HiyaHiya long circs

Modifications: Since I did not have enough yarn and was afraid of running out, I knit only 12″ instead of the 15″ called for and then blocked like mad. I used mightbekatrina’s mods to make it symmetrical at the end:

Ending with Section 1:
Set up: (RS) pick up 5 stitches along triangle edge (6 total), pass last one back to ssk as usual. Turn.
Row 1: (WS) p to last 2 st, p2tog
Row 2: (RS) sl1, k to last st, ssk
Repeat these 2 rows until 1 st remains.
Repeat this procedure for the other two triangle ‘holes’. 1 st will be left on the needle. Turn.
(WS) Pick up 17 more stitches along the edge: 5 in the first triangle, 6 in the other two. 18 sts total.
Row 1: (RS) k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
Row 2: (WS) p all sts
Repeat these 2 rows until 6 sts remain.
(RS) ssk, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1 (or any other 3 st decrease you like). 3 sts .
Work in I-cord to match the other side. BO.

Cost of Project: $4 for yarn.
Would I knit it again? Yes, and maybe try using DK weight yarn.

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Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth

May 13, 2008

Often, I go through periods of knitting washcloths. Like most knitting projects, finding yarn will inspire, and I found out my LYS had all this brandless purple cotton chenille. I never tried knitting with it until this project, and I have already cast on for another project. Having said that, the chenille shed when I was weaving the ends for this cloth. It’s soft, but this pattern has to much ends to weave, and I’m not too keen on the chenille either. I do like knitting cloths though, even if I never use them. I will someday, and I like the practicality of using knitted items not only to wear but around the house.

Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth, started May 5, 2008, finished May 8, 2008 (+1-2 days blocking)
Pattern: Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth by Cindy Taylor from Weekend Knits.
Yarn: Unlabeled 100% cotton chenille 98g – less than one skein.
Needles: US 6/4.0mm 16″ circs and DPNs
Cost of Project: $4 for yarn.
Would I knit it again? No, too many ends to weave in.

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Drop Stitch Scarf

February 29, 2008

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.

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Yarny – First Noro

January 8, 2008

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.

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Koolhaas

January 5, 2008

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!

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Athena 3 Comments