March madness March 11, 2009

So a couple of things have been going on but first my OTN report.
“da hood” is going well. So far I’ve got the back, both fronts and am currently working on sleeve number one. Overall it’s been a pretty easy knit although I did screw up a wee bit. I was working on dec for the left front and it said to dec by the neck side – I have no idea why but I started on the sleeve side. I think it’s because I thought the pattern would have mentioned that you need to dec by the hood and it does seem a bit odd that you would do it there. Though I guess it gives the hood piece some slack by the neck.
Either way I don’t think it’s that detrimental to the project and I think it’ll work out fine when I sew the sleeve on. Worst case scenario I could always rip it and dec it again (horrors).
So anyway other then that that project is coming along nicely. I do think that if I were do it again (which I think I will) I’d use a bulky weight yarn. The Jo Sharp has been great to knit with but the project will end up being more of a “light” cardigan cause it’s a bit holy. It’s still a beautiful color and I do like the texture.

Of course I started on the sleeves and didn’t read the full sleeve BEFORE I started. sigh and I missed an inc 4x! I’m debating whether I should rip it and start over again but then again it’s 4 stitches…what to do, what to do. She does have a chunky arm so I think I’m going to measure it against her arm before I make the decision. ARGH!

Next on my project list is the infamous alphabet baby blanket. That one is coming along nicely and I should have it all completed by the weekend…well at least the alphabets. I should be able to sew it all up and then take some crocheting lessons to get the border done. All in all another easy knit project and it’s been a nice reprieve to just mindless knit a square every night. I might just do another one for one of the “kids” – am not sure who yet but it’s an awesome toddler blanket.
So FO pics to be coming soon!
On the queue is my boss’s baby blanket. His baby is due end of April so I’ve got plenty of time yet. The pattern calls for size US 36 which have to be ginormous! I can see how pretty the moss stitch with it will be though so I’ll have to place my order and get them delivered soon. That one should be an easy knit plus if it comes out really pretty I might just make it for Sheena’s baby. Although I do like that cable baby blanket from Drops. I’m thinking about using Debbie Bliss Stella for it since there’s a sale at Jimmy Beans Wool. Hmm we’ll see.

Ode to the Clap February 12, 2009

So I finally finished my Clapotis and I have to say I really like knitting it. There is something just “naughty” about dropping a stitch that I actually raveled in Overall it’s a pretty easy knit and could just be absolutely mindless until you get to the PM or YO. Regardless it was a pretty easy to do and I’m thinking about …dare I say it…xmas presents!
It makes a beautiful shawl particularly using the Manos yarn.

One thing about Manos is that since each skein is a bit different and they don’t do dye lots the colors are a bit darker in the beginning and they get lighter when I added a new skein. A bit annoying although I doubt anyone will take notice.
Another frustrating bit was that I must have forgotten to drop a stitch or I accidently knitted where I shouldn’t have.
-sigh-
So there’s an instance in my pattern that’s missing the drop as you can see below.

Very annoying as I feel everything thing that I knit always has something “off” about it. I read on one of the ravelry forums today that that’s what makes it “unique” which is amusing.

Anyhow, back to the pattern, it definitely knits up to be more like a shawl then a scarf. Which I should have figured since I believe the width is about 20inches. Still pretty and it give it the draped affect. Another thing is that it called for about 6 skeins of Manos and I think I only used 4. Which is great – more yarn to do something else but still the knitter in me is nagging. Do I knit too tight? What’s this going to mean when I do a sweater?

Yea, yea, yea – GAUGE is the answer. To which I say in the memorable words of my 11th grade English teacher, “PSHAW’! I truly hate the gauge and as I listen to more knitting podcasts it’s not making me more enamored by it. There’s EASE you have to worry about and blocking the swatch and way to many things to do before you even get started on the pattern. Alas, patience must be a knitter’s calling of which I sorely lack. Perhaps, I’m half a knitter..like just an “itter”? Okay I’ve gone overboard on the rambling bit.

Back to the clap – I’m thinking about knitting this for one or all three of Mark’s sisters..or perchance my Jersey friend?? Don’t know..I’ll have to be on the look out for yarn deals on Noro or Manos – those are the ones that I think will look fab for this type of project.

Yes talking about xmas knitting projects is insane in Feb but hell I never get to finish them when I start in October so why the hell not start early and just stash it!

The Rainbow Socks January 15, 2009

So alas, yet another day has passed without my new clapotis project yarn. -sigh-
I’ve come to realize that I’m incredibly bored after I put Hayley down for the night and since it’s mid-season for new TV seasons I must do something productive. Hence the rainbow!
I have this great sock yarn that I had originally started knitting an adult size sock for and I thought to myself there’s no way an adult that I know would probably wear it. Though it is such great colors!

So why not do another “Drops” pattern cable socks? So I started this last night.

I decided I’d just make them for Julia since I’ve been telling Peg how much I’ve been into knitting; I really think etiquette dictates that I knit her or her child something.

So hopefully Julia would like them. They’re really more kid centric too. I’m planning on getting them done before my mega yarn purchase comes though with my luck it’ll probably come today and then I’ll have to start on multiple project (which I hate) at once.

For the love of yarn.. December 31, 2008

I’ve found my love of yarn and knitting again. I lost it in the shuffle that was 2008 but it’s bank and my bank account will be worse for wear of it since I must replenish my yarn stash.  Not that I need more yarn since I already have a ton but the more yarn the better!

I’m currently making a hat and sock set in Knit picks Shine cream colored yarn.  It’s like knitting butter if that’s possible   It’s incredibly soft and lovely. Note to self must purchase more!

Hayley’s socks were a quick knit. Cable stitch which I love to do!

 

The hat is going well. It’s a simple rib and moss stitch taken from a Drops design pattern.

After this which I totally expect to finish tonight, I need to plan my next project!. I was thinking about the clapotis but there’s Sheena’s baby that’s due in May and I totally have to knit something fab for that. It’s a trip to Imagiknit for me today to salivate over yarn and break the bank!