Pink Strawberries

Stash Enhancement

2011-11-28T11:18:00.001-08:00

Well, it's been a pretty busy couple of weeks. We all have them now and then, and not a whole lot of knitting has been happening around here. Not only that, but I haven't been posting or reading online, so blogging adventures have taken a real beating.

I'm back to normal now (whatever that means) and I thought I'd share my recent acquisition! Beautiful yarn came via UPS over the weekend and after squishing it in my hands over and over again, I guarantee whatever this yarn becomes, I'll enjoy making it. Let's see, there's some Fleece Artist, Shaefer, and two hanks of Lorna's Laces. Can't wait!

Notice the tendency to lean toward pinky-rosy colors? I just can't help myself, I suppose. The colors in this posting are a bit deeper and richer in person, and I hope this comes through in future photos. Thanks, SUNLIGHT, for not cooperating with me today.

Ball Winding.....gone wild!

2011-11-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Being a long-time-knitter, I've wound hundreds of balls of yarn over the years, but yesterday was a first!

I've been working with wonderful Malabrigo fingering weight yarn (which I love), and the time came to grab a new hank of yarn, wind it, and join it to my ongoing project....no big deal, right?

After winding about one third into a ball, I came to the end of the yarn...what? Ok, I can deal with that. I added the new end to the ball, and continued to wind.....about 6 yards, and another end.....hmmm. Alrighty, then. I added this new end to the ball and what do you think happened? You're right. For the remainder of that darn hank of yarn, every 6-10 yards, another end of yarn slipped through my fingers. What's up with that?

In another life, I'd have chucked the whole hank, and chalked it up to some weird yarn-fluke-thing, but I'm almost finished with that lovely pullover, and this was my last hank of yarn.

The picture immediately above is an example of what I was dealing with. You know what this means, don't you? It means, I'm going to have about 15 joins in this sweater, instead of 3. Crap!

I have used Malabrigo yarn for quite a while, and it's always been a joy to handle. Has this ever happened to you?

I know what you're thinking. Maybe I cut the yarn accidentally. No, I only snipped once, and the yarn hank was tied with a different color of other yarn.

Not wanting to end on such a sour note, I did win a $25 coupon from Eat, Sleep, Knit!

So much knitting...so little progress

2011-11-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

Row after row of stockinette is looking beautiful in this Malabrigo Tiziano Red, isn't it? Although it's an easy knit (I'm nearly ready to begin the sleeve prep), it does take a lot of time with fingering weight yarn.

I'm eager to have this completed before Thanksgiving, and with socks and another shawl on the go, I need to pick up the pace!

Socks and Murder?

2011-10-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a good murder mystery for sock inspiration, right?

The Murder at the Vicarage is the title of these wee little beauties, and I'm certain you can see a definite basket slowly inching its way toward the heel. I didn't find this pattern from any source, other than just repeating row after row of knit-4, purl-4, alternating every 4 rows, but I'm positive there are real patterns out there where a basket can be found.

If you happen to be a follower of Agatha Christie, namely, Miss Marple mysteries, you're familiar with her love of knitting, gardening, and sleuthing! In this book, much of her detective skills are put to the test from her own little garden in Saint Mary Mead.

I loved the book, and the fact that Miss Marple spent so much time in her garden, made me think of a lovely little basket laden with veggies or flowers.

Many of Agatha Christie's novels have been televised, and with the help of YouTube, Joan Hickson's portrayal of Miss Marple is easily available.

Progress

2011-10-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

The sweet little pullover which I began last spring is nearly ready for sleeves. Since the weather is cooling, it would be nice to have this on my daughter while fall is upon us. Since the sleeves are short, finishing up this color favorite will be fun. Heck, I almost forgot what the finished product is supposed to look like!

Violets are Blue, my second shawl in the "Be Mine" E-Book collection is nearly finished, and I'm so glad I decided to hold the lace doubled. It would have been far too 'wispy' and unsubstantial with the lace yarn as is.

My Agatha Christie socks are on the needles, and I hope to post a picture as soon as I'm past the cuff, to give you an idea of what I'm going for. I'm naming these socks "Murder at the Vicarage"....and I'll be sharing how I came to name them after this popular Miss Marple mystery.....soon, so stay tuned.

3rd in my Agatha Christie Sock series....coming up

2011-10-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

This lovely Sweet Georgia fingering weight will be the yarn of choice for my third pair of socks in my Agatha Christie series. I hope to get them on the needles today.

The pullover sweater I've been working on, ever so slowly, is still needing attention. Now, with cooler weather making an appearance, the idea of warm wool across my lap, sounds comforting.

My shawl project has been taking a break, also....remember, "Violets Are Blue"?

I may as well explain why such a lag between postings. As you might recall from my feeble attempt at Haiku....I did fall. I tripped over our flagpole.....hard to explain, but it involved trying to keep the flag from touching the ground, and a sweet little dog on a leash. Trying to manage both at the same time was my downfall, literally!

Without going into too much detail, I landed on my knee, and what would have amounted to an ugly bruise for most normal people, turned out to be a bit more complicated for me. I had ruptured a vein. Long story - short.....It's not serious, but keeping my leg elevated does make knitting nearly impossible. Knitting withdrawal is making me crazy.

Here's hoping my needles will start clicking once again, and a great big thank you, for all your support and kind words.

Haiku drama

2011-09-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

I took a tumble
Will return to knit again
New post on Monday

Ruby Tuesday

2011-09-20T10:11:00.001-07:00

The Moving Finger

2011-09-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Even though the sun wasn't cooperating, I just had to post my final pictures of "The Moving Finger". These are the second in my Agatha Christie sock collection.

We all know how the legendary Agatha Christie's Miss Marple loves knitting, and the needles make regular appearances in her novels. Miss Marple knits as she surveys suspicious suspects, and with her fingers flying, she's able to hone in on the culprit, eventually.

This photo is probably the best representation of color, as the clouds above wouldn't allow the sock color to shine, but the fit, as you can see, is spot on. The comfort can be attributed to one of my favorite sock yarns, Malabrigo Sock. The color is Primavera, and isn't it lovely? It just screams "AUTUMN"!

The Moving Finger took me a little longer than expected, but it wasn't the pattern that delayed the final showing....it was my Kindle. I found myself plunged into a rabbit hole, and I didn't want to find my way out.

I'll try to devote an equal amount to knitting as I do to reading, and maybe I can complete my projects in a more timely manner.....the best laid plans?

ps: That final phrase is from Robert Burns..."The best laid schemes o' mice and men, gang aft agley"
The title of the poem? "To A Mouse"

Ruby Tuesday

2011-08-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

My short haircut is delightfully fresh and cool, but it'll be 2 weeks before I can show my face to my friends!

Violets are Blue

2011-08-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

Remember this yarn from way back when? It's Malabrigo Lace, in the color Indigo. I had this yarn all ready for my "In Dreams" KAL, but, after second and third thoughts, I had to frog the darn thing. Too many beads, and far too complicated a pattern for my taste.

I rescued this lovely lace weight, and decided to use it doubled, for my second in a series of 5 shawls for the "Be Mine" collection. Stay tuned!

Roses Are Red

2011-08-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Shawls? How do I love the? Let me count the ways. Apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

This is the first in a series of 5 shawls I'll be knitting during the coming season. What season is that, you ask? It's shawl-making-season, of course!

Rose Beck has written a lovely little E-Book titled Be Mine. There are 5 shawls included in this E-Book, and well worth the download. They are well written, with charming little notes about how she came to write each pattern, as well as name them.

Roses are Red is so sweet, it makes my teeth hurt. I love the little flowers, and even though they might seem intricate, it's quite easy.

Yarn: Yarn Love
Colorway: Warm Brick
Needles: Size 4 U.S. Circular

Confession time....I ran out of yarn. There should be one more complete pattern repeat, before the garter stitch edging. The pattern called for 380 yards of fingering weight yarn and I used 2 hanks of Yarn Love, which each have 195 yards. I'm not very good at math, but my calculator tells me, that adds up to 390 yards, which should have been more than enough. It wasn't.

Note to self: Always have more yarn than you need.

Color Exercises in Progress...

2011-08-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Continuing my color and drawing exercises, I used various degrees of the color blue, and added a spot of green for added interest.

Here, I've used transparent paper. copying my design. I marked the page with a grid.

I used the grid to transfer a small portion of my picture, and enlarge it on another page of my sketchbook.

In the next lesson, I began mono-printing. This is my first experience with this form of art, and I'm afraid it shows. Nevertheless, I will display my dismal results, and suffer the consequences.

Huh?

Next....

Hard to believe, I've never done this before, right?

Now, that's sad...

There were a couple I was able to rescue with a little water color. I'm not quite finished with this one.

After outlining the flowers with a bit of water soluble crayon, I applied a water color wash to the background. Not bad, but it needs something.

Believe me, these are only a few of my mono-printing tries. I have a stack of about 50 more on my table, but they are just more of the same. I haven't given up, and I know I can do better.

Monday: Knitting News!

One Potato, Two Potato...

2011-08-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Talk about bringing back memories! Potato printing seemed so easy when I was 6 and uninhibited.

Here's a closer view, and although it isn't perfect, I do like the darker outline on some of the images.

Here, I applied a wash to the background, still following Gina's wonderful lessons. I'm so thankful for her seemingly one on one tutorial.

In this image, I applied some gold oil crayon to some of the outlines. I like the look of this.

Good grief....knowing when to stop is one of the hallmarks of a good artist. In the above image, you can see that my work became a bit heavy handed. A little muddy on the left, and I just kept trying to improve the look....Thankfully, poor results only make me want to try harder.

Exercise in Color, part 2

2011-08-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

In my first use of color, I've washed the background in blue, and used an oil pastel to highlight the flowers. Again, Gina's color exercises are my inspiration.

Here, I've added some contrasting color for interest.

My white oil highlight isn't quite as stark as I'd have liked.

Here, I tried my hand at adding interest in the form of shadow.....wow, It's been a long time since art class, and I've forgotten so much more than I've remembered.

Next, potato stamping?

Exercise in Color

2011-08-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Taking just a small break from knitting, I'm following Gina's wonderful exercises which combine sketches and a single color to create some interesting art pages.

Right off the bat...My love of art does not coincide with my ability to produce art, but I really want to give it a try, so here goes.

The first thing I did was try to reproduce a couple of examples of our Echinacea (which are almost spent) in the garden.

Today, I'll begin manipulating these drawings, and my progress will be forthcoming.....I hope!

Ruby Tuesday

2011-08-02T10:27:00.001-07:00

A little girl needs a haircut.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

2011-07-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

I wish I could post the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, and say that I have some projects that are quick as a bunny, and others that are slow....ly nearing completion. Alas, all my knitting projects seem to be taking a terribly long time to get to the finish line.

One problem, of course, is the weather. It's been so very hot, (I'm sure some of you are experiencing this across the country) and having a shawl or sweater across my lap is sweaty work, not fun, and not conducive to blog about.

The other thing is, we're doing a bit of a re-model in our guest bathroom, and it is taking some time. We're also trying to keep up with a little patch of a garden, and hoping our new plantings aren't succumbing to the weather.

Here's hoping I have something 'finished' to show you soon.

Knittingly

2011-07-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

This little shawlette has been taking most of my knitting time. Why? Because I LOVE it. What a delightful pattern. It's so much fun, I'm afraid I've neglected other knitting items.

Every time I spot this in my basket, I can't help picking it up...then the clock ticks away, and another day without sock or pullover sweater progress.

Already anticipating what 'blocking' will do for this pattern, yummy.

2011-07-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! I thought I'd share the lovely, but a little haggard, flower bouquet my daughter carried yesterday. She was a bridesmaid at her dear friend's wedding. The colors were so beautiful.

The girls dresses were a subdued lime....not too bright, but with the orange flowers.....heavenly!

What's for Breakfast?

2011-07-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I was so hungry this morning, but I was. Usually, it's coffee and toast, and on more adventurous occasions, I might whip up a smoothie with whatever fresh fruit I have lingering in the fridge.

Today, I had to have an Egg McMuffin, homemade, that is. Having never made one, it couldn't be difficult, and I had all the ingredients. Toasted muffin, cheese, fried egg, and ham.

Yes, it was delicious, and now I'm contemplating what type of toe for the spiral socks I'm working. Goodness, they're taking a long time....longer than usual, as I'm just ending the first sock, and my original goal was to have them for this weekend to gift to a friend.....Not Bloody Likely!

Pink...ish?

2011-06-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Something new on my 36 inch circulars. I know it's a little on the pink side....well, a lot on the pink side. Honestly, in good light, it's more of a "brick" color. In fact, that's the name of the color on the label: "Brick". That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Yesterday, I cast on a new little shawlette. Saving the details for later, I can only say this...I'm loving the pattern. That's all it is, really, an all-over pattern, with a teeny bit of an edge, both literally, and figuratively.

The yarn is soft, but it isn't as tightly twisted as I am used to. This is both good and bad. The good thing is, the yarn is very fluffy, filling in the knitting, while showing off the pattern. The bad thing is, it separates a bit while I'm knitting. Not enough untwisting to drive me crazy, yet!

Stay tuned!

Market Bag - Complete!

2011-06-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

I've finished my new market bag, and I'm very happy with how it turned out. It's very stretchy, and very sturdy, which is a good thing for something that will be slung over the shoulder when I do a bit of marketing.

You can see how much it stretches, and I didn't really pack the bag, as I could have. The pattern can be found here on Ravelry. It was an easy pattern, and the only warning I'd advise is, pay attention to the length of the handles you choose to make. They are very stretchy, so adjust for that.

The top portion of the bag is done in garter stitch, and so are the handles. It goes quickly, and I'm assuming it can also be made deeper than the pattern suggests, by adding a few more rows of the 'netting' portion.

The materials list is as follows: Tahki 100% cotton, 3 hanks
size 5 and 6 US circular needles, plus size 5 dpns for the bottom portion

I made a gauge swatch (I know, weird) to arrive at the needle size I mention. The author's recommendation was somewhat different.

Now I can tick another finished knitted object off my list. Yippee!!

Turning the Heel, my way

2011-06-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

When I first started knitting socks, I became anxious about the heel. Most patterns are similar, but not exactly the same. This required reading and re-reading the pattern, trying to make sense of something I thought quite complicated. I'm self taught, after all. That's to say, I had no one by my side, leading me in the right direction. Thanks to YouTube videos and the various blogs I frequented, socks became one of my favorite things to knit. My first few pairs were less than wearable, to say the least.

I created a formula for turning the heel, and it has worked out well for nearly every pattern....of course, after the heel, I return to the pattern I'm using to complete the sock.

This formula assumes you have 32 stitches on one of your double point needles. The other 2 double points should have 16 stitches each. This can be altered by moving stitches from one needle to another, for the purpose of the heel, and adjusted back again to complete the pattern.

Begin by creating a heel flap: WS: slip 1, purl across remaining 31 stitches, turn, slip 1, k 1, slip 1, k 1...continue across RS, turn.
Repeat back and forth, purling WS, and slip/knit RS until the desired length.

The length of the heel flap should be 1 1/2 inches if your heel is small or narrow, 1 3/4 inches, if your heel is average and your instep isn't too high, 2 inches if you have a large or wide heel and/or your instep is higher than average. The longer the heel flap is, the more room you'll have between the bottom of your foot and the top of your instep....it may take a few socks to find your perfect "heel flap length", but remember, most sock patterns tell you to make the heel flap a certain number of rows, or a certain length, and this will make all the difference in your sock size.....so, my advice is to know what works for you.

The next adjustment can be made for the width of the heel (chubby heels?) or (narrow heels?). After the heel flap is complete, you should be on the RS of your work, slip 1, knit across to the mid-point of the heel flap (16 stitches, right?) knit 2 more stitches * (for narrow), then proceed as follows:
   RS ssk, k1, turn
WS slip 1, purl to mid-point, then purl 2 more stitches,** p2 together, p 1, turn
   RS slip 1, knit to 1 stitch before the gap (you'll see a space between stitches), ssk, k 1, turn
   WS slip 1, purl to 1 stitch before the gap, purl 2 together, p 1, turn

Continue in this manner, until all the stitches have been worked on the heel flap, and you're ready to pick up stitches along the side of the flap.

* If you are knitting socks with a larger heel, this can be changed to 3 stitches. Just remember, you must change the WS to correspond, by purling 3 stitches, prior to **

Lemonade Cake

2011-06-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

It was lemony, it was tart, and it was yummy.

"The Moving Finger"

2011-06-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

The second in my Agatha Christie sock collection...The Moving Finger. Appropriate, don't you think? Needles and fingers clicking away on a new pair of delectable socks is the perfect way to spend the afternoon.

The Moving Finger is a Miss Marple mystery, and a very good one, worth the read.

I've only just begun, but the fiber is fabulous and the design will be in a spiral design....stay tuned!

Pullover progress

2011-06-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Progress is slow on the bottom-up pullover.....but, the good news is, the yarn is a joy to work. Not only, is it soft and squishy, but the color is deep and luminous. It reminds me of those little jewels inside the pomegranate....so juicy and delicious.

Pink Strawberry Jam

2011-05-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

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!

Stash Enhancement

2011-05-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

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!

Re-thinking Nice Edges

2011-05-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Market Bag - progress

2011-05-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

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!

PINK - I can't help myself

2011-05-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Murder is Announced....socks complete

2011-05-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Mother's Day goodness!

2011-05-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

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

Market Bag

2011-05-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Something Old, Something New

2011-05-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

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!

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

These eggs are not necessarily Easter Eggs, but they are definitely dyed eggs, and appropriate for display during these Holy days.

I'm not sure where the art of Pysanky originated, but I believe it is a Ukranian art, or at least, that's its home.

The process is complicated, and several years ago, I dove head first into the art of Pysanky. They are dyed in a batik style. Eggs are decorated with lines and designs with a tool called a kitska, then, they are dipped into dye, and more layers of wax, dye, repeat, until the colors and drawing are completed. After this, the wax is melted off the egg using a candle flame. The result is an egg with the design and colors of your choice.

The designs can be as simple or complicated as you choose.

I was getting a little better at operating the kitska, but when we moved, I had to dismantle my Pysanky station, and I haven't returned to it yet. There are excellent videos on YouTube about this form of art, if you're interested in seeing more examples, and absolutely more professional artists.

Happy Easter everyone, and I hope your holiday is glorious.

Murder is Announced!

2011-04-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here's what happened: I was about three-quarters the way through Agatha Christie's "Murder is Announced", and one of the suspects was telling Miss Marple what she'd been doing during the time of the murder. Well....what do you know, she was in the process of turning the heel while knitting socks. I thought it was funny, since that's exactly what I'd done before going to bed, ready to cuddle up with my Kindle and continue with Miss Marple's latest murder mystery.

Coincidences like this one, gave me the name of my newest sock pattern. Perhaps it might seem a bit gruesome, but I love murder mysteries, and Agatha Christie always fits like a glove, or should I say, sock?

Frogging...oh yeah

2011-04-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

In case you thought I'd given up knitting, entirely, here's proof that I was hard at work, trying desperately to make a little knit bag for my granddaughter.

The pattern I chose came from Knitting Little Luxuries, by Louisa Harding. The book is great, but the yarn I chose was not so great. The knit was becoming far too 'holey'...not like the picture in the book.

This is cotton yarn by Tahki. The color is pretty, but I just found out, I'm not crazy about cotton yarn.

About halfway through the knit bag, I made up my mind....this was NOT going to work out. I just wanted a little draw-string bag, that's all. This cotton yarn is stiff and does not suit the pattern. Not only that, but the bag was becoming quite large, even though my gauge was spot on. I'll still make the little draw-string bag, but use a softer yarn, and see what develops.

As for 3 hanks of Tahki? I'll be looking for some kind of market bag to knit for myself, so all is not lost.

More Origami

2011-04-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

In response to Regula (thank you so much, for your comments), there are several books on the art of Origami on Amazon. Tomoko Fuse has written a couple of my favorites, which show step by step instructions.

All shapes and all sizes are fun to try, but I must admit, I prefer square boxes. First of all, they're more sturdy. Remember, these are made with thin paper, and I'm a purist who doesn't use scissors or glue...not one smidgen. Don't let that stop you from using a bit of glue here and there, if you're having trouble at the beginning. Patience is definitely a plus, if you're going to attempt these. Some boxes take an average of more than 100 folds to complete.

The lid of this box is only about 2 inches in diameter! Isn't the paper gorgeous? You can also find paper cut to size on the Internet...every color you can imagine, from plain colors to beautiful prints and florals.

Another thing to keep in mind is this: The larger the box is, the more fragile it is, so bear that in mind. Start small.

The types of boxes and the color combinations are endless. In Origami, the inside of the box is as important as the outside, so take your time, and practice neat and accurate folds. Good Luck!

Boxes with Topses

2011-04-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Origami boxes....I can't resist them.

Several years ago, I fell into the Origami Box rabbit hole, and I never fully recovered. I still love them, in all shapes and sizes. One doesn't live by knitting alone, right?

More about this beautiful art form, later in the week.

New on the Needles

2011-03-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

My head is swimming with beautiful sock patterns, but which one? I'll be using Cherry Tree Hill in this luscious Pink Strawberry color, of course. How splendid!

Ruby Tuesday

2011-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

New Knitting Bag

2011-03-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

My new bag for future knitting projects...very cute.

The bag was knit in two pieces, using scrap DK weight yarn. These colors aren't necessarily "me", but why not knit outside the box, now and then?

I had a pretty piece of pink fabric (say that fast, 3 times) and decided to line the bag with something patterned and a wee bit funky. The pattern, itself, can be found in Debbie Bliss's book, The Knitter's Year.

The lining was seamed separately, but the top portion was hand stitched to the knit...a little finicky, but not difficult.

The top four inside edges were left open, with a little running stitch to keep the lining from peeking out.

I found these cute pieces of bamboo at Michaels. I'd have liked a lighter color, but the diameter of this richer shade of brown was just perfect.

The bag is very roomy, and I'm so delighted with the way it turned out, I'm already thinking of making another, perhaps in a solid color. By the way, you might notice the knit sections don't match. That only adds to the funkiness, right?

What is it?

2011-03-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Amanda's Sweater - complete!

2011-03-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm really happy with the way Amanda's sweater came out. It's luxuriously soft and the pattern worked lovely with the Dream In Color yarn.

This is meant to be a casual 'wear anywhere' type of sweater, because that's what Amanda wanted. Something to throw over her shoulders before marketing or taking the kids to and from school or soccer practice. It's being modeled here by Alexis, who is the same size as Amanda, and it looks great on both of them.

The fit is very nice, and since Amanda chose the color herself, she's very happy that it can be worn with everything from jeans to nicer, dressier pants, or even over a little dress. Please disregard the bits of yarn I neglected to trim...grrrr.

Details: Pattern: Whisk Cardigan, in the fall issue of Knitscene
Yarn: Dream In Color Classy - November Muse
Needles: Size 10, straight needles

Notes: I wasn't getting gauge, but for fear that using even larger needles would make the sweater far too loose and 'holey', I opted for changing the size of the pattern to a medium. When it was measured during blocking, it was a perfect size small. If I were to make it again, I would even use smaller needles and use the large size pattern. I don't know if this would work for every pattern, but it did for this one.

I changed the cuff of the sweater to a k1, p1 rib, and I made them more of a quarter length sleeve. My model has them stretched toward her wrist, but it actually falls about 3 inches shorter.

Stripes! Complete

2011-03-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

My apprehension concerning striped socks has faded. They came out great, and I'm so happy. They will be a little gift for my eldest daughter who lives in Mississippi. My youngest, Alexis, is my model, and although they're just a bit snug for her, they'll fit Anissa like a glove.

Note to self: Next time I do stripes, I'll be sure to pull the yarn from both bolts at once, making sure the yarn matches. I didn't do badly, but I'm just about 1 or 2 rows off in my stripe matching.

I used a standard heel and toe design, and the all-over pattern was lots of fun. I'm not sure what the pattern is or where I saw it, but it's so easy to memorize - 2 rows of knit, alternated with two rows of k2/ p2 - That's it! You can see here how snug the heel is, but they'll fit nicer on my smaller-footed daughter. I'm not sure if she'll like me referring to her like that, but you get my meaning.

Happy Birthday, Alexis, my little 23 year old leprechaun....sigh, I can hardly believe it!

Alexis likes them, and has already commissioned a pair for herself. I also think these would be great socks for men too, with a longer leg, of course.

Details: About 1 1/2 inches of k2, p2 rib, then the pattern, with a stockinette sole.
Yarn: Regia
Needles: size 1 US

Heavenly Smoothie

2011-03-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

What could make me wake up with a smile? Not that...naughty! Thinking of a smoothie is what makes me smile.

No fresh strawberries? No matter. Frozen ones will do. Nice, big, fat frozen strawberries, and a generous squeeze of a Cara Cara orange, pulp and all. I was thinking of bananas, but decided against them at the last minute.

Strawberries and OJ in the blender.

Yes, I know I'm bad. Don't judge me. About 2 Tablespoons, if measured. If you think someone's watching, you can use plain yogurt.

1 Tablespoon sugar, if needed. It depends on the strawberries, and how sweet they are. I also added about 1/4 C water, which I would change to ice cubes, if the strawberries were fresh.

Buzz - buzz - buzz

Oh my! Out of camera range, I was doing the Happy Dance.

Smoothie heaven. Try it for breakfast. It's such a nice change from cereal or toast

Spring has sprung!

2011-03-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

This pretty taffy-colored yarny goodness is aching to be strung across some needles.....but, what to make?

You'll see, you'll see.

Crochet

2011-03-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

First off, my knitting is at a stand-still, until my index finger heals. Opening dog food should not be hazardous to one's knitting ability....but you know how it is. The smallest little cut, in just the right/wrong place, makes all the difference, but I digress.

In my past life, I was absolutely obsessed with crochet.

This rather large 'doily' (do people even use that word today?) was hidden under my stash of bits and bobs of fabric, and it needed a wash and block, before I could use it.

I know it's old fashioned. I mean, who can't recall one of their grey-haired relatives with these little lacy objects d'art all over their couches and chairs?

I remember making this, but it's been many years, and the pattern is long lost. I do believe the pattern came as a little hand-out propped up in a yardage shop, right alongside various balls of crochet thread.

Thanks to Nice 'n Easy, my hair isn't grey, but that doesn't mean this little bit of crochet should be hidden away. It is definitely a 'blast from the past', but I still think it's pretty.

In Dreams - Clue 2

2011-03-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

As of today, I'm nearly finished with Clue 2. It's an interesting pattern, and I can see by the 'leafy' design what the designer is trying to impress....the crown which is intertwined leaves and branches.

The yarn is a wee bit fuzzy, and this seems to slow down my bead application, as if it's not slow enough already.

I'm liking it, but I haven't fallen in love....yet!

Two Stripes - I'm OUT!

2011-02-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

I WILL NOT allow myself to suffer from 'second sock syndrome'. This condition is all too common among knitters, and it's not so easy to cure. In fact, I don't think it's treatable.

The most common cause of SSS is the acquisition of new fingering weight yarn in luscious colors and textures. Put the new batch in a drawer, up on a shelf, or hide it in the trunk of your car. Don't let SSS keep you from completing an actual PAIR of socks for yourself or your loved one.

Progress

2011-02-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

Amanda's sweater is coming along, ever so slowly. The color is 'woodsy' and warm, with so many varied shades of chocolate, and the yarn itself, is a joy to knit. Dream in Color Classy is a great choice for this DK project.

The only down-side, if there is one, are these huge needles. I'm not used to size 10's, and having somewhat small hands makes me feel all clunky and clumsy. It doesn't help, that I switch from these needles to lightweight yarn and small size 3's, while tackling In Dreams.

It's still cold (by my standards) in Southern California, so there might be a chance this sweater will be complete before the cold has melted into summertime.

In Dreams - Clue 1

2011-02-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

It's a beginning. After a rocky start, and several ripping out sessions which were combined with unlady-like vocabulary...I finally got into the swing of things.

Excuse these poor photos. The entire weekend was cloudy and this morning, it's much the same. Hopefully, future snapshots will show off the sparkle of the beads. Yes, they really do sparkle, and I'm very happy with my selection of both beads and yarn.

I am eager to finish Clue 1, and that will be a great accomplishment for me. Wow, I didn't realize how tedious it is to add beads, and you can bet, I'll be more appreciative of hand knit shawls that have beads, in the future.

A Slice of Spring

2011-02-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

I'm so pleased with the pattern on this half circle shawl. It can be found on Knit Picks website. At the reasonable $1.99 price for a download, it surely was worth it.

Even my 'live in' model loved the design. The shawl is knit from the top down, beginning in the center and it alternates with rows of stockinette, flanked by several rows of lace. The edge of the shawl has a very slight ripple effect, which I love.

It's quite generous, as you can see, and although the lace portion was somewhat fiddly, the rests during the stockinette portion was appreciated, especially in the evening. I used the recommended size 7 circular needles and the yarn is Malabrigo fingering weight, in the color ochre. Can you believe this is only 1 hank?

This shawl pattern was very nicely written, easy to understand, and I'm eager to search for more patterns from Knit Picks.

Ruby Tuesday

2011-02-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, our little grandchildren came over, and we had a day filled with hearts and kisses and most of all, love.

The pens, paper and stickers were flying. My husband chose to spend the day on the computer, playing solitaire, while mumbling something negative about all this "dumb ol' heart and lovee stuff".

Aren't these sweet? Each card was cuter than the one before. We had a creativity explosion!

Even grouchy grandpa came out from his cave to admire their work. Perhaps love and kisses were OK after all.

I hope you are able to share your love with someone special. Happy Valentine's Day!

Blocking

2011-02-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

The color of this shawl against my alphabet blocks looks putrid, but never fear, the color is really lovely, and I'll display this shawl when it's dry, sharing the details of the pattern, as well.

Notice anything? After soaking this project, I began to lay it out, and noticed a stockinette row unraveling...yes, UNRAVELING!

I believe I'd dropped a stitch along the way, since I recall my count was 'off. I used a crochet hook to repair the mistake, and I'll (hopefully) hide the ends when it's finished blocking.

This weekend, I hope to begin my In Dreams challenge. I don't know how far I'll get, but I've got my fingers crossed concerning the pattern. I've read it and re-read it, and I still find it complicated, sigh.

In Dreams KAL

2011-02-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

Malibringo Lace, in the color Indigo, and sparkling capri blue beads.

On opening the bead container, I spilled about 100 beads all over my table and carpet. This isn't a good sign.

Stripes!

2011-02-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, Jan was rummaging through her drawers, umm...perhaps chest of drawers, is more appropriate... and found two skeins of very old wool. This wool is of the stripe type. Since Jan isn't very fond of stripes, she kept shoving it farther and farther back in the recesses of oblivion, hoping it might disappear, never to be seen again. It reared it's little neglected head once again, and rescue was inevitable.

The yarn is Regia, and although stripes aren't my cup of tea, I'm beginning to develop a taste for these little socks. The yarn is lovely to knit, soft and sturdy, which is good for the wear and tear most socks must take. When they're complete, I'll share the details of the pattern, which I purposely kept simple, taking advantage of the striping ability of this yarn. I'm crossing my fingers, hoping the toes of these little beauties are prettier than my last sock adventure.

I downloaded the pattern for In Dreams, sigh....I had to order a smaller crochet hook, since the one I had wasn't teeny enough for the bead hole. Crap. This will delay the start of In Dreams. I have 4 projects on the needles now, so perhaps this delay is fortuitous.

Good enough to eat!

2011-02-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

This delicious cardigan is well on its way to becoming wearable, really!

The chocolaty goodness and sweet confection comparison is purely accidental.

The yarn is Dream In Color Classy, in the color November Muse. Now, come on...who in the heck names these yummy wool incarnations? It's CHOCOLATE, I tell you, CHOCOLATE!

Little Shorties, final!

2011-02-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

These are the little sockies I began a while ago. They were pretty speedy, but grabbing my daughter for a 'photo op' isn't the easiest thing to do.

The yarn is one of my favorite sock yarns in the business, Dream In Color Smooshy. It's a delight to knit. The best reason for using Smooshy is IMHO, the color distribution. There is no pooling of any kind. I've knit various patterns with this luscious wool, and the color is constant and lively, no matter which one you might choose. This color is COOL FIRE.

I used size 1 US dpn needles, and knit a fairly standard sock, but with a short leg and an even shorter cuff. I had less than 75 grams of wool, so I was doing my best to use it sparingly.

One disappointment was the toe. I'm not sure what I did wrong, probably distracted by something on television, but it didn't work out exactly as it should have. I'll be trying something different for my next pair.

They are cute little socks, and Alexis has assured me, they'll go great with her little white tennies.

Pink Lemon Twist inspired me to join the In Dreams Mystery KAL. This will prove to be a challenge for me, as I've never knitted using beads before. The pattern preview has asked for 5000 beads. Yikes! I did see the swatch, and it's quite lovely. The first clue will be arriving on Friday, but I might not have my supplies by then, so we'll see. Anyone interested can visit the website http://afewstitchesshort.blogspot.com/p/lord-of-rings-collection.html. When I receive my yarn and beads, I'll give you a peek.

Several things on the needles are in various stages of completion, so I'll keep you posted.

Sunshine

2011-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Malibringo fingering weight in ochre....hmmm, this could make a nice little shawl.

Like a sunburst, this oh-so-soft wool shimmers against the sky above.

The pattern details will be coming soon. Stay tuned.

Goodies on my doorstep

2011-01-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

Some yarny goodness was awaiting its escape from the mail box last Friday. I love the arrival of new yarn.

There's some Dream In Color Classy, Malibringo Lace, and some Yarn Love, which I've never tried before. The Classy will be a sweater for my daughter, Amanda. The rest of the new arrivals will have to wait in line for some inspiration.

Namesake fabric...love it!

2011-01-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

Pink Strawberries! How positively perfect. I found this tiny fat quarter (a contradiction in terms, huh?) at a craft shop. I'm on the lookout for more of this eye candy, for sure.

I'd love to make something out of this wee bit of cloth, and if I had a yard or two, perhaps I could make a tablecloth? I've put on my thinking cap for this future project. It's just too sweet to sit in my stash for long.

Madelinetosh sweater...whatever

2011-01-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

My long suffering sweater is complete.

Stats: Madelinetosh DK 100% merino wool, 225 yards, size 5 circulars and straight needles
Color: Moss

I'm not happy with the final result, sad to say. The pattern was easy enough, and I believe I did a very good job knitting it up, without any real problems. I can even say, it was a very enjoyable knit.

This color representation is a bit more accurate, and I do like the color.

What's the problem, you ask?

First of all, I didn't realize that Madelinetosh's DK is decidedly more like worsted, and not even a very soft worsted. It's more like ... well, knitting with twine. If I were knitting a hammock, this would have been the perfect choice.

The pattern was fairly straightforward, with the added 'delicate' knit edging around the sleeves and front.
The pattern also described the bolero type sweater as waist length, with three-quarter length sleeves.

Let me just tell you, there's nothing 'delicate' about this edging. It's heavy and not at all flattering. The yarn was obviously the wrong choice for this project. I don't entirely blame the yarn, because the pattern's sizing is a bit off. I swatched and got perfect gauge with number 5 needles, I thought it would be smooth sailing.

I had no trouble seaming, but the size of the sweater was all wrong. It's at least 2 sizes too big, sigh. It's the right size up and down, but it's about 3 inches too big around. This doesn't compute, since the sleeves knitted up perfectly around, but are about 3 inches too long.

After doing the math, I ordered 7 hanks of Madelinetosh. I only used 5. I re-checked my math, according to the pattern requirements, and I was spot on....so?

I blocked the pieces before seaming. I did try using steam after seaming...hoping the sweater would shrink a bit. No luck there.

Lessons learned: Don't always believe the hype about a certain brand of yarn

Check the sizing as you go, and make adjustments in the pattern ( I was afraid to stray from the instructions)

If the yarn doesn't feel right from the start, it probably won't feel any better later on

Don't be afraid to frog, if you believe you made a poor pattern/yarn choice

Maybe, I should stick to socks

Tweet, Tweet....huh?

2011-01-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Friday afternoon, while immersed in finishing my mossy green bolero, my attention was outside the window. I kept noticing some sort of movement within the niche below my awning. Dismissing this interruption, I continued binding off stitches, and sewing in ends, but I couldn't ignore the little fluttery action going on outside, up high, out of reach.

After about an hour, I couldn't stand it another minute, since I was positive there was nest building, or little birdies peeping, and all I could think of was getting a picture of 'nature' happening right now, right outside!

I wrestled with the ladder, and cautiously climbed step by step. Damn, I wasn't close enough, and the above picture was all I could see. Fluttering, and tweety noises were emanating from the little bunch of twigs close by. I'd have to climb higher still.

PS: I don't like ladders, or climbing, or heights, but nature called, so to speak.

There, under that giant leaf, something was happening, something moving...I could hear it. Quiet as a mouse, I inched a little closer...

I moved the larger leaf, and there was nothing!. Nothing, but a bunch of twigs, leaves, and grass, flitting and fluttering with the breeze.

I cursed myself for allowing my imagination to play tricks on me, but while climbing down the ladder, camera in hand, I was smiling, happy to realize my sense of curiosity is well intact, and that felt very good, indeed.

Ruby Tuesday

2011-01-11T11:58:00.000-08:00

Apple Strudel...yum

2011-01-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Being a little under the weather over the last four days or so hasn't completely slowed me down.

I had some frozen puff pastry and a few Granny Smith's in the crisper, and Apple Strudel was on my mind. I never seem to be sick enough not to eat. In fact, being sick and staying home in my jammies is the perfect opportunity for non-stop munching.

There was no searching recipe books or the Internet, I just rolled out the sheet of pastry, after it had thawed out in the fridge...

and grabbed a couple of apples. Aren't these huge? I only needed two!

Some sugar, cinnamon, a squeeze of lemon and a couple of tablespoons of flour; the aroma of cinnamon is heavenly, don't you think?

PLOP! Right onto the pastry sheet, and dotted with butter, of course.

Why do I always forget to show a step? I forgot the part where I covered the apples, and brushed the pastry with an egg wash, then sprinkled some granulated sugar all over the top. Then, a couple of slits with a knife for the steam to escape.

It looks good enough to eat. In fact, I'm having some right now. Whether it's served warm, as in the first picture, or cold, the day after, it is a scrumptious treat.

Apple Strudel is right up there with Chicken Soup, for making me feel so much better. Try it.

Little Shorties

2011-01-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

New Year, and new socks. Life is good.
You might remember this early December yarn from a previous project http://janchavez.blogspot.com/2010/12/socks-du-jour.html. Always excited to begin new socks with new yarn, I was positively giddy as I envisioned my lovely pink socks which would eventually grace my daughter's lovely pink toes. The first sock began innocently enough, however the fit was horrid. They were slouchy, loose around the heel, and the diameter of the ankle was larger than the foot.

I don't know what I did wrong, but I'm certain there were mistakes made. Duly noted, and I hope I can find what I did wrong. Needless to say, the first sock was scrapped, and I was left with less than 100 grams of beautiful Dream In Color Smooshy. What to do?

I opted for a sparkling new pair of little socks, short and sweet and simple. I'm crossing my fingers that they fit!

Blocking, at last!

2010-12-31T10:13:00.000-08:00

I thought this day would never come! This little cardi has taken so much longer to knit up than I thought it would. My daughter's visit from Mississippi, along with Thanksgiving and Christmas, and bits of Christmas knitting are my excuses. Now, my hope is to complete it before our short winter season is over, otherwise, I'll have to wait until next November to wear it.

I did try to stay within the limits of the finished measurements, according to the pattern, but this MadelineTosh is forgiving, and seems to give me a little more width than expected.

After it's seamed, there is still a knitted edging to add. You might notice this piece is laying with the right side down. I decided to lay the sides on top of each other and did the same with the sleeves. This may take longer to dry, but they should be sized correctly.

Something new on the needles, coming soon!

Drunkard's Path Quilt, final

2010-12-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

Whew, the quilt was finished in time for Christmas giving to my little granddaughter. I barely made it. I apologize for not having very nice pictures of the finished project, but my camera was acting up just in time for Christmas....grrrrr.

Above: You don't want to see this, do you? It shouldn't happen, but alas, I knew it would be a tied quilt, and my rush to finish out-ranked my quality control. These things happen.

The centers should match perfectly, as evidenced by these four blocks.

I think it's impossible to start planning Christmas projects too early. Next year, I tell myself, next year!

Quilt, part 2

2010-12-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Fabric shopping is addictive. Did I buy more than I was shopping for? You just know I did.

Since the quilt top I pieced was sewn using old scraps from other projects, there was no way to find anything to use for a backing that would match perfectly. If I'd planned this quilt from the beginning, I'd have selected one of the pieces of the top to use for the backing.

I did find this adorable flannel with little Olivia prancing about, and since the top has some black and white pieces scattered throughout, I thought it might work well. The green fabric above will be used for the binding. This Olivia flannel is very black....the lighting was very bright.

One thing is clear; even though my husband has seen me make many quilts over the years, he has no knowledge about the differences between the terms, backing, binding, border, or basting.....imagine that!

Drunkard's Path

2010-12-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

This is another of those forgotten projects found lurking on the bottom of a dusty sewing box.

Now, with Christmas closing in, I've decided it's time to complete it, and I'm hoping the end result will be nice enough for gifting.

When I dug through my slowly depleting stash, I had some completed 7 inch squares and the rest were in various stages of piecing madness.

All of the fabrics used in this wee quilt were left over from other projects. These aren't the prettiest choices, and some are faded and old. The colors are not at all what I would choose today, but 20 years ago, my taste was less refined, and my pocketbook was more in tune with raising a family, and less with crafting and sewing for pleasure.

After piecing enough blocks for a small coverlet, I sewed the blocks together and added a border. I was running out of fabric scraps and hopefully the pieced border will add a cohesive touch to this long lost UFO.

Stay tuned!

Pie Season

2010-12-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

Every family has a favorite pie.... it's the one that disappears first at various family gatherings throughout the Christmas season. I believe our family favorite is pumpkin.

Pumpkin and all the spices emanating from this custard creation, is the aroma that makes the holidays seem more, umm...holiday-ish! Am I right?

My daughter, Amanda, is pumpkin pie's most loyal fan. She's been loving this sweet and spicy temptation since early childhood. She has always believed it to be a great substitute for any meal, claiming its nutritious ingredients.

When she was a child, I made pumpkin pie every two weeks for about 6 months, when I finally decided it was time for her to learn how to make a pie crust. Amanda was a fast learner, especially when she realized that knowing this technique would be helpful in all future pie endeavors. At about the age of 12, she was a very good pie crust maker, and I'm happy to report, she still loves pumpkin pie, and makes it quite regularly for her own children.

My grandson, Garrett, is the family's new pumpkin pie enthusiast...~~the apple~~ the pumpkin doesn't roll far from the vine.

Gwynedd Hat

2010-12-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

This cute hat modeled by my cute daughter, Alexis, will be perfect for these chilly winter days and nights in California. Of course, us Californians have a whole different view of what is chilly and what is not.

The pattern, found in the fall installment of Knitscene, was a bit finicky, requiring needle changes, and many markers and such. There was much ripping and cursing, prior to getting the hang of an actual pattern emerging.

The outcome is sweet, and my love of 'aubergine' was satisfied. It's lacy and purly and according to Alexis, very comfortable. A touch of whimsy was added by a little bow on the rim.

This design by Cecily Glowik Macdonald is knit using Happy Feet by Plymouth, and it worked out well, even though the magazine opted for using something more mohair-ish, such as Classic Elite Fresco.

The hat was described as being slightly 'slouchy', but I don't see that. Perhaps my daughter's thick hair is filling up the slouch?

No matter. The color is fantastic (disregard the pink looking photo) and Alexis loves it. What else matters?

Socks, du jour

2010-12-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Beginning a new sock and watching it transform from loops hanging off a needle to something that is actually wearable is a great way to start any day.

I'm flipping through my "Socks a la Carte" knitting idea book, and trying to decide what the body of the sock should be. The cuff is a sort of twisted double rib, and since I've never done this pattern, it will be interesting to see what the finished cuff looks like.

The beginning....

The yarn is Dream In Color Smooshy, and it truly is 'DREAMY'. How this color will disperse itself throughout the sock is still a mystery, but the fun is in the anticipation, right?

Ruby Tuesday

2010-11-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

Harry Movie Madness

2010-11-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

Don't tell me! That's my usual opening line to anyone who has almost anything to say regarding Harry Potter, for at least a couple of weeks.

Yes, I am a Harry Potter lunatic. Perhaps that's not entirely true, after all, I am a movie lunatic, in general. That's to say, I can't abide being told anything about a movie before I've seen it myself. It's a horrible flaw in my personality, I know, and I probably should lock myself in a closet or join a self-help group, or something.

It's always difficult trying to keep the mystery alive, especially when changing the television channel and being zapped in the face with scenes from the movie when I least expect it. You don't know what I go through! I purposely do not watch any trailers or interviews with stars or directors, and if some news network starts interviewing people as they leave the theater, I switch channels immediately, and if that's not possible, I run screaming from the room with my fingers in my ears. It's not pretty.

I am a mystery fan. Even when the mystery isn't all that mysterious. I mean, the book has been out for quite a time, and I've read it the prerequisite 3 times already, right? I should know what the movie is about. I do, I do, but we all know the movie is always a bit different. Ahhhh, that's where the mystery lies....where are the differences, can I spot them, and of those differences, which ones do I think were done well and which ones missed the mark?

It's hard being me.

Not Socks

2010-11-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

Believe me, this yarn is absolutely beautiful. It reminds me of a plump eggplant, basking in the sun. Could I be any more descriptive? You can call it plum, or concord grape, even purple, but 'aubergine' sounds so much more deep and rich, and it is...it really is.

I'm knitting up something a little different. Can you guess what is working its way on and off the needles?

This yarn is my footsies favorite, Happy Feet, by Plymouth, and although this won't go anywhere near the toes, this gorgeous color can't help but be noticed....no matter what part of the body it adorns.

Feet Smothered in Diamonds

2010-11-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Promises, promises! Yes, I promised these would be completed before Halloween. I didn't lie, honest. Finding my daughter available for modeling during the day is always an undertaking. I grabbed her on the way out the door, and asked her to put on some shorts, quick! I'm glad you can't see the expression on her face....ouch.

These are pretty, don't you think?

The yarn: Knitpicks, Stroll
Needles: US size 2 dpns
Pattern: My own. A simple 2x2 rib cuff, with a diamond pattern for the leg and foot - stockinette on the sole. The heel and toe are fairly standard, but any favorite heel/toe combination would work well, I think.

They are toasty warm, and just in time for our cooler weather. It never really feels like Autumn when the temp is in the 80's.

Fall Sweater on the Needles

2010-11-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

I'm loving this very fall-like colorway of MadelineTosh. It's called 'Moss", and I couldn't have thought of a better name, myself. The browns and greens, as well as the lights and the darks are a delight to the eye. How Madelinetosh creates these strands without a hint of stripes is a mystery.

I've completed the back portion, and started the sides. The yarn is pure joy to work, but I do question the idea that it's a DK weight. It surely works up more like a worsted.

What's this? Well, it's the lower edge of the left side of a cardigan, of course. This stockinette refuses to lie flat, and I'm thinking that I might have to block the individual pieces before joining.

Christmas knitting and a few surprises are in hiding. They might make a few appearances as the holidays draw near.

Ruby Tuesday

2010-11-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

UFO Sighting

2010-11-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

This square was my first attempt at making a Baltimore Album quilt. The colors used in these type of quilts vary, but green and red seem to dominate most patterns. Some quilts use green and red alone. I didn't copy this pattern, but combined some of my favorite aspects of several really pretty quilts to create my own little design.

You can see the itsy bitsy stitches used in this 'fold and pin' technique.

Even the wee rosebud was given extra special care. It's so cute.

I have 3 of these completed 14-inch squares.

The flip side of each square must be trimmed of excess fabric, otherwise quilting would be nearly impossible. Just look at the layers, and this is prior to adding batting and a backing. Yikes!

Trim, trim, trim.

Oh oh, where's the center?

The center of the 4th hibernating square needs love and attention.

I began this project about 12 years ago ( yes, I am very naughty). The colors and the flowers are very nice, but my enthusiasm has waned for this bold color and very bold style of quilt. Now, I'm thinking a nice little coverlet folded at the end of the bed, is the smart way to go. After adding a generous border, it'll look sweet. Any thoughts?

Castlegar Cardigan Final

2010-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Designer, Laura Chau, came up with a fingering weight gauge cardigan that really piqued my interest.

   Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll
   231 yards per skein
   Color: Burgundy
   Needles: Size 3 US circular needles and size 2 dpns

This cute little cardi took considerable time, but I'm not a very speedy knitter, and I do believe I could have made it a little shorter, probably 2-3 inches. I always forget I'm not 5'5"....crap.

Do you notice the puckering? Yeah, me too. I could have made a size smaller, but there's nothing more uncomfortable than a tight sweater. Well, I guess having to go to the bathroom while standing in line for tickets at the movies is a bit more uncomfortable, but I digress.

Ignore the fold line down the back of the cardi. It was waiting patiently for a photographer. Thanks, Alexis.

This was truly a breeze to knit, and I highly recommend the pattern. Just make sure you have enough yarn. The neck area could have been about an inch higher, if I hadn't been living on the edge, with less than half a skein of yarn and no button bands.

See what I mean about the buttons? They do seem to be a bit heavy, but I love them with this pattern, so I think I'll leave them as is. I will definitely take that into consideration when I make another lightweight sweater again. By the way, those are freckles, not age spots! Don't judge me.

Ruby Tuesday

2010-10-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Button Hunt

2010-10-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

The task of finding the perfect button for a hand knit sweater is daunting. I've made my choice, but I'm having second thoughts. The nickel buttons I've chosen might be too heavy for the lightweight sweater front. I'll sew them on first - decide later. I might have to choose some kind of lightweight plastic button. Finished pictures coming soon.

New Socks on the Needles

2010-10-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a good time to indulge myself in the beautiful colors of the season. I simply love fall in all its majesty. Here, we have some pumpkin colored yarn that I purchased for a sweater, but it was not to be. All that yammy color was just too much.

I made up the pattern myself. That's to say, I didn't use a pattern from Ravelry, or any book or website. I'm sure someone out there has made socks with a diamond pattern on them, so they're probably not 'original' in the truest sense of the word. I used graph paper to sketch out the design I wanted, and began knitting using basic sock measurements. We'll see how they come out.

The diamonds are subtle, I know, but I didn't want anything too fussy with this very bold and stripey color. I hope to finish them before Halloween.

I'm loving my little sock project bag.

Twisted Rib Socks - Complete

2010-10-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

At last! These socks featured a twisted rib cuff, and a simple knit all-over design. Nothing complicated, at all.

Yarn: The Woolen Rabbit
           Essence/ Merino Wool
           Pussywillow
           400 yards

This lovely yarn is very soft with a muted blue/grey color. They were knit using US 1 dpns, at 8 stitches per inch gauge.

My daughter was kind enough to model them for me, but they're knit for someone with slightly larger feet, so they're not quite the perfect fit in these photos. Sorry for the gloomy looking pictures, but the lateness of an already cloudy day was not in my favor.

All in all, a very comfortable TV watching knit, though the pattern seemed to drag on. I suppose there should be a balance between what is easy and what is interesting. Hmm, I'll have to give that some thought for my next pair of socks.

Doggie Treats, anyone?

2010-10-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

I've been making Ruby's doggie treats for years. One reason is economical, but the most important reason is, Ruby absolutely loves them. She turns down Snausages, Bacon treats, Milkbone, and almost any purchased dog treat on the market.

Even if your dog likes name brand treats, you might give these a try. They're so very easy to make.

2 C. flour
1 C. grated cheese, any cheddar will do
1/2 tsp. salt
1 individual size serving of apple sauce
water

Mix the above ingredients until a somewhat soft dough forms. The exact porportions are not important.

Pat or roll out the dough until approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Parchment, Silpat, or use a cooking spray of your choice. It should form somewhat of a rectangle.

The dough can be scored lightly with a butter knife or a pizza cutter. I forgot to take a picture of the scoring part. You can skip this part if you want, but scoring makes the cooked treats a little easier to cut after baking. Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes or so. It should be brown around the edges and the cheese bits on top should be starting to brown too.

Cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Here's the important part: Since there are NO preservatives, they should be kept in the freezer, in a ziplock bag. I usually portion about 10 at a time in a little container in the refrigerator and use those for Ruby. As many treats that can be used up in about 5 days is a good amount for the fridge. The rest of the treats will stay nice and fresh in the freezer. Re-fill the fridge supply as needed.

Doesn't your dog deserve homemade treats?

A story and some progress

2010-10-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

What a crazy week!

First, our computer crashed. Bummer. It was down for 2 whole days, and I have no other computer resource, so those 2 days seemed like 2 long weeks.

The following day, I had an overflow of sticky, sugary batter in my oven. When the cake directions say to use a certain size pan, I suppose they mean it. My pan was too small....way too small. I wasn't too worried, because I have a BRAND NEW oven, and it has a 'self-clean' feature. Ever since we moved, I've been using a, what shall I say.... economical oven... yes, that's what you call an oven that doesn't have any bells or whistles. Understand, I love to cook, and spending time using Easy-Off on crusty, greasy bits is not a good way to spend an afternoon. After a lengthy discussion on the benefits of my cooking versus going out to eat every night, my husband agreed. Back to the story. The spill was truly nasty. After removing the disgusting cake pan from the oven, I was eager to try this miracle of technology - an oven that cleans itself! Did I wipe up the spill first? Of course not. Did I read the directions first? No way! I just pushed the cleaning pad, and heard the oven door lock. Did I mention it was 10 o'clock at night? Smoke began billowing out of the oven vent faster and thicker than one could imagine. All four smoke alarms were blaring while Ruby began barking and running around the house like it was on fire...ahem, yeah, weird. I began opening all the windows, yelling at my husband (who was soundly sleeping at the time) to help me. Long story short - the smoke cleared, but the smell lingered on. We've spent several days cleaning drapes, washing every fabric that was possible, and yesterday, we finally shampooed the carpet.

Today, it seems we won't have to call professionals, after all. The smell is about 95% gone. We are somewhat back to normal, and I can get back to really important matters, like knitting.

The Castelgar cardigan is winding down, finally. I'm nearly finished with the collar portion, then come the button bands.

My biggest problem is YARN. Do I have enough? I'm on the last skein, and it's going fast. When I bought the yarn, I thought I would make the sleeves quarter length, but I changed my mind when I began the project. Can I say "Houston, we have a problem"?

The directions say to graft the underarm section, after the cardigan is completed. I suppose this means using a Kitchner stitch? That's the only graft stitch I know. Maybe an online search is in order.

Lace Ribbon Scarf

2010-09-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

I finished the Lace Ribbon Scarf about a week ago, but I haven't had time to block it properly. The pattern can be found on Ravelry, and the instructions are pretty straight forward. After ripping it back three times, I decided to use a 'lifeline' ; something I rarely do, and that helped considerably.

The pattern is full of yarn-overs and just one mistake is quite noticeable. I came THIS close to frogging the whole thing, and re-winding the yarn for another purpose. The yarn is from my stash, Knitpicks, fingering weight. It's obviously a variegated yarn color, but the band was lost long ago, so that's all I know. I think it's quite pretty, even though the above picture is the 'wrong side' of the scarf. Sheesh!

Cinnamon Rolls

2010-09-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

There's something about the aroma of cinnamon that just knocks me out!

Saturday, after pampering a mild cold that kept me sleepless at night, and sleepy during the day, I decided to do some baking. Baking always makes me feel better. Maybe it's the sweet aroma and warmth surrounding the kitchen, creating a homey atmosphere. Whatever the reason, it works for me.

Oh my! My husband was close by, cup of hot coffee in hand, waiting patiently.

Harry a la carte

2010-09-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that I haven't read every single Harry Potter book, right? Having read the last three books, "Order of the Phoenix", "Half Blood Prince", and "Deathly Hallows", I've decided to begin at the beginning, and read the first four books.

I think most people agree that reading the book is almost always better than the movie, so I can hardly wait to see what I've missed. The movies have been super, but die hard Harry Potter fans can always find something they wished were done differently.

Nursing a bit of a cold is a good excuse to set down my knitting for a couple of days, make a cup of tea, and read "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone".

Progress

2010-09-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've ever constructed a cardigan from the bottom up. As you can see, I've held both underarm sections from the sleeve and the body of the sweater on waste yarn.

The area above the 'hole' needs to be about 3 inches, before I start decreasing for the yoke.

This has been quite the challenge. Fingering weight yarn with a size 2-3 needle.

My head is bursting with so many pretty cardigans waiting in line. Does anyone feel the same way? I can hardly wait to finish, just so I can start another.

Ruby Tuesday

2010-09-14T10:34:00.001-07:00

Not Pink

2010-09-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

New yarn from Madelinetosh is perfect for a new fall cardi. This is a DK weight yarn in the color Moss. It looks more like a snake, the way it's curled itself up. The edge of the sweater won't be stockinette, so I'm hoping the 'snake' will unwind and pose in a more flattering picture, eventually.

I'm using a pattern from this magazine, KnitSimple. How simple this new little cardigan will be, remains to be seen. This is my first time using Madelinetosh, and the DK is working more like a worsted weight, in my view, but time will tell. The color is scrumptious, in person. Details are for another day.

Oh, Brother!

2010-09-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last night, my brother came over to wish me a Happy Birthday. He brought me these beautiful flowers, and a much appreciated gift certificate to Michael's. After the hugs, he took me to one of my favorite restaurants for a yummy dinner.

I'm the luckiest girl on the planet, to have a brother that's not only thoughtful and sweet, but so much fun to be around.

September Blues

2010-09-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

A box was waiting patiently for me at my front door, last week. Inside was some beautiful yarn from The Woolen Rabbit. It is called 'Essence', in the color Pussywillow. The color is very soft, very muted, and I want whatever I knit to show off the color in the very best way.

I decided to work some plain socks, with only a bit of twisted rib for the cuff. I've never used this yarn before, and it has such a lovely hand, I know the lucky recipient's feet will jump for joy.

So far, so good.

I know, it's Tuesday, but my Ruby Tuesday will have to wait until next week. The holiday totally screws with me.

Labor Day, Hoorah!

2010-09-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Shortcake, for breakfast? It's Labor Day, after all, and finding a reason to have strawberries has never been a problem for me. Strawberries are fruit, and full of anti-oxidants, and the biscuit (leftover from last night's dinner) is a grain, right? Tie it all together with calcium from the whipped cream and we have a winner!