Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Pink Strawberry Jam


This past weekend, I made three pints of strawberry jam....yum



So tempting and delicious.  There is no comparison to store-bought jam. 

I had planned to take you through the whole process, but as the story goes, I kept forgetting to take pictures.  Next time, I promise, and there will definitely be a next time!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Stash Enhancement


Yummy.  Some Dream In Color, Classy, lace weight Malabrigo, and for good luck, a yarn I've never used before, Sweet Georgia!



This Sweet Georgia is so soft and luxurious to the touch.  The color is much better in person, very deep, evenly dispersed, and vibrant.  I can't wait to see what I make with this.  Probably, socks, since I only have one hank, but I'm eager to see how it knits up.

As far as the rest of the stash goes, I haven't really decided, but I'm thinking a vest out of the Dream In Color, Classy. 

Notice?  Not a hint of pink!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Re-thinking Nice Edges


The above photo is of two different sections of a long strip of knitting.  The directions were to knit every row of 12 stitches across, until you had a 49 inch long piece.

Notice the one on the left?  I followed the directions to the letter, knitting every row.  Notice the one on the right?  I slipped the 1st stitch, then knit across on every row.  I like the look and smooth edge of the right photo the best, but you be the judge.



This is a closeup of the knit 12 stitches across edge.



This is a closeup of the slipped 1st stitch, and knit the remainder of the row.  As far as I'm concerned, if you're looking for a smooth edge, and I am, since this will be the bottom of the sweater band, slipping the 1st stitch is the way to go.

There are probably a lot of knitters out there, more experienced than I am, who know this already, and I'm really showing my ignorance,  Oh well, I'm self taught, and I learn everything the hard way. 

When the sweater is complete, the bottom band will be bumpy and smooth.  I didn't pick up on this little clue, until about halfway through.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Market Bag - progress


It's growing, but slow going.  I'm not fond of these circular needles, but they were the only ones I had on hand in the correct size.  Wood and cotton = bad combination, me thinks.



I'm about half-way with the lace portion, and then it's on to the handles.  In the meantime, I'll be ordering some new circulars today.  Price is definitely a factor, but I do believe I want interchangeable needles, with a great join....time to shop!

Monday, May 16, 2011

PINK - I can't help myself


It's kind of rosy, kind of cranberry, but let's face it.  It's certainly pink. 

I know I said I'd try hard to knit with more of a variation in colors, but I'm addicted to pink.



This is the beginning of a pullover sweater.  I know, I know, it looks like a long strip of knitting.  The directions are for a strip 12 stitches wide by 49 inches long.......all will be revealed, eventually.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Murder is Announced....socks complete


The first, in my Agatha Christie sock pattern series is complete, and I love them....they're mysterious, albeit a bit complicated.



The ridges are well defined, but of course, with yarn that is variegated, it's more difficult to tell.



The sock is a good fit, nice and snug at the ankle, but not too tight around the toe.



I can always tell when socks don't fit quite right.  There tends to be some looseness around the instep, or the heel of the sock wraps under the heel of the foot.  These fit my daughter, Alexis, just right.



Yarn:  Cherry Tree Hill
Type:  Supersock Select Semi-Solids
Color:  Dusty Rose
Needle size:  US size 1 dpns

The fit is very nice, and the pattern is pretty, however, I think I could have achieved the same results with a k3, p2 pattern for the body of the sock.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mother's Day goodness!








I'm so lucky to have three beautiful daughters, and that in itself, makes my Mother's Day a beautiful day all around.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Market Bag


This is the bottom of the market bag I'm knitting at the moment.  So far, so good, but I always have a little difficulty with cotton yarn.  The look is great, but cotton is hard on the hands.  It promises to be sturdy and stretchy, which is what I want, right?  If I were to make another, I'd use larger size needles.



When this bag is completed, I'll share needle sizes, as well as project details.  Hint:  It's an easy pattern!

This is a close-up of the outside of the bag, lacy and stretchy.  I do so love the color.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Something Old, Something New


My first sock in this dreamy strawberry colored yarn is finished, at last.  It was a narrow escape from a lapse into "second-sock-syndrome".  Now, I've started the second.  It's been a slow start, since the pattern is a bit fiddly....you know....knit, purl, knit 2, purl 1, etc.  Kind of a strange pattern combo, but I think the finished results will be quite nice...stay tuned.



You remember the little purse I was knitting for my granddaughter out of this Tahki cotton?  I scrapped it, and I've begun a shopping bag for myself.  This cotton will work up nicely for something of a sturdy nature, as it wasn't suitable for a little bag meant to be feminine and sweet.  After all, feminine and sweet is a very good description of my little granddaughter!

My colors today are Red, White, and Blue....very appropriate, after our country's wonderful and long awaited military accomplishment!