Stitch 'n Moan

Up and Out

2009-10-16T21:43:00.001-04:00

So, I haven't posted in awhile.

Lots has changed.

I had a baby.

Holy crap.

Anyhow, come visit me at my new place.

canadianna.wordpress.com

Babies, knitting and food.

Huzzah!

Ravelry - Bonjour!

2007-09-11T23:38:00.001-04:00

I'm in!

"redcorset"

Come find me!

baaa

2007-09-08T21:27:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I'm a copycat, what can I say?

I saw several of these over the past couple of weeks and felt the undeniable urge to cast on.

Yarn: Marisol Hacho; 2 skeins each #303-Coral Reef and #309-Double Fuchsia
Pattern: Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
Needles: 3.5mm Lace Addi Turbo's

I say it's more of a scallop than a chevron, but whatever. It's fun to knit.

you're teaching what?

2007-09-08T21:04:00.000-04:00

So, I'm teaching a class at Connie's new store.

Crochet for Beginners.

Heh.

Anyhow, here's what we'll be making.

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Bulky #1015 Orange - 3 skeins
Hook: 10mm
Pattern: None of which to speak
Measurements: 4" x 88" (length includes 6" fringe)
Time: About an hour. Seriously.

raw fish

2007-09-06T00:02:00.000-04:00

I'm kicking some serious ass with my sample knitting.

I finished The Sushi Purse (a Pick Up Sticks kit) for Unwind.

And my first ever Baby Surprise jacket (in Dream in Colour - Classy #310 Petal Shower) turned out so well.
I love it.
I will make more.
Many, many more.

One step forward - two steps back

2007-09-02T23:54:00.000-04:00

Another sample piece for Unwind.

I LOVE the yar n.

As for the pattern, it is easy to remember and navigate, but I swear it's mocking me.

I measure it at 10", knit another two pattern repeats (20 rows), measure again and suddenly it's 9".

Someone please explain that to me.

Oooh! And see the beyond pretty crystal stitch markers I got from Connie? She's carrying them both online and at her new shop.

I don't actually need them for this pattern, but they're just too sparkly not to use.

Yes, I accessorize my knitting.

Spinning wheel

2007-09-02T02:33:00.001-04:00

So, I loved my spinning class so much, I've decided I need a wheel.

I don't suppose anyone has a second hand one for sale?

Ravelry

2007-09-02T02:14:00.000-04:00

So close I can taste it.

You signed up on June 30, 2007
You are #11710 on the list.
727 people are ahead of you in line.
18400 people are behind you in line.
36% of the list has been invited so far

Ethno

2007-08-26T23:23:00.001-04:00

Look at me with the serial posting.

I must be trying to make up for lost time.

***

So, I finished some more sample knitting for Wendy at Unwind.

Pattern: Fickle Fingers from Knitting Daily
Yarn: Zitron Ethno (85% merino, 15% nylon; 90 m/50g) - colour #10, 2 balls
Needles: 5.5mm HiyaHiya 32" circulars

shopping

2007-08-26T21:18:00.000-04:00

I caught the end of a sale today at Fabricland.

I picked up a bunch of new fabric combinations for the dpn holders.

I'm in love with all of them.

I need this tshirt

2007-08-26T20:14:00.001-04:00

spun

2007-08-25T23:58:00.000-04:00

So, Connie's been at her wits end, (not surprising, what with the new store and all) and as such, passed her space at a spinning wheel class at Lettuce Knit to me.

I'm totally in love with this new (to me) craft and am now on the lookout for this wheel.

My first attempt was less than inspiring.

My sad, sad attempt at Andean Plying.

This silk/merino blend was gorgeous to work with.
My technique, however, left much to be desired.

I'm actually pretty proud of this bitty baby.
Husband? Not so much.

Husband - (Makes a face) What the heck is that?
Me - Hey! Don't be hating the two ply. I'm quite proud of myself.
Husband - Well, that makes one of us.

Thank so much to Connie for thinking of me to take her place.

silly fangirl

2007-08-23T17:21:00.001-04:00

So, I met the Yarn Harlot on Tuesday.

Gave her a little present.

And she liked it.

She really, really liked it.

I think I may actually be hyperventilating.

SUCH a happy cow.

Me - holding The Gift and The Travelling Sock

Exhibit G

2007-08-22T13:04:00.000-04:00

I just about had a heart attack when I opened up my shipment of undyed yarn.
For a second, I thought the company had simply vomited 80 000+ metres of yarn in a cardboard box.

Luckily, they were all nicely wound in 100g skeins.
Whew.

I now have yarn on every conceivable surface in my home.
Of course, it's the squishiest, most beautifully dyed yarn, so I'm not complaining...much.
And if anyone says anything on the dust under the yarn on every conceivable surface...

Oh! And look how professional I am.
(Does it still count if you then brag about your own professionalism?)

busy, bitten and bitter

2007-08-21T10:35:00.000-04:00

So, it's been awhile.

A rough few weeks, to be sure.

I won't (can't...whatever) go into it now as it's still a little too fresh and horrifying, but trust me when I say I'd much rather have been with y'all.

Anyhoo...

I've been knitting.

And sewing.

And dyeing.

Evidence:

Exhibit A

My Frankenblanket is coming along smashingly.
Thanks so much to Michelle, Renee, Connie and Lisa (who is blogless...shocking) for their respective bits.
To contribute to Angela's Salvaged Sock Bits Blanket (aka Frankenblanket, or Frank to those who love him) drop me a line.

Exhibit B

This is a bit o sample knitting for Wendy.
It's a fairly quick knit and an easy pattern.
Gotta love Fleece Artist.
And Buster, the fattest (despite my efforts) cat on the planet.

Exhibit C

I've finished knitting the front of the cotton tank.
Naturally, I'll have it finished by October.
I have to work on my timing.
I might actually have enough yarn, though.
Perhaps I won't have to get more shipped in from France after all.

Exhibit D

A simple pair of Jaywalkers in Supersocks.
Not my favourite yarn, but I'm a sucker for a sale.

Exhibit E

Here's the circular knitting needle holder I've been working on.
There will be eight pockets and a Velcro closure.
It's far from finished and there are some major bugs to be worked out, but I'm happy with the basic concept, if not the end result.
The problem? It takes almost a full metre of fabric, so, unlike the roll up bag, it's going to have to cost quite a bit more.
Suggestions?

Exhibit F

I'm sewing valances, drapes and pillows for the new Pick Up Sticks store.
The fabric (a heavy, embroidered canvas) Connie chose is understated and lovely to work with.

See? See?

I've not been slacking.

Promise.

Sleepwalker

2007-07-19T21:34:00.000-04:00

So, I was asked to knit up a sock in one of my handpainted colours, to see how it turned out (understandable, as some things that look amazing while skeined look brutal when knit).

I'm pretty pleased with the result.

Pattern: Sleepwalker from Dream in Colour
Yarn: Wheatgrass by Red Corset Designs.
Needles: 2.75mm (I've never used such big needles for socks)
Time: Less than a day

Store Front

2007-07-16T17:31:00.000-04:00

It doesn't look like much yet (except for the beautiful wood door), but this is the facade of my new favourite yarn shop.

Pick Up Sticks...and knit!!

ZOMG!

2007-07-14T09:24:00.001-04:00

Okay, so someone (can't say who yet - it's a secret) saw my new handpainted yarn and wants to stock it.

One hundred and fifty skeins of it.

::squee::

Okay, but here's my dilemma:

I have to find a less-expensive-but-still-gorgeous yarn than the one I've been using (Louet) as:

$12 gross profit - $10 cost of yarn and dye + 4 hours of work = not a whole heck of a lot of cash.

So, here's my question: does anyone know a nice, inexpensive place to by undyed yarn?

Like straight from the mill, or whatever?

Eye Candy

2007-07-06T01:08:00.001-04:00

I'm just so ridiculously pleased with the results of my foray into hand painting that I went a little nuts with the pictures.

What can I say?

I'm a camera whore.

My brown eyed girl

2007-07-05T23:56:00.003-04:00

Hey where did we go?
Days when the rains came

Down in the hollow
Playin' a new game

Laughing and a running hey, hey
Skipping and a jumping

In the misty morning fog with
Our hearts a thumpin' and you

Age of Aquarius

2007-07-05T23:56:00.001-04:00

When the moon is in the Seventh House

And Jupiter aligns with Mars

Then peace will guide the planets

And love will steer the stars

Coconut

2007-07-05T23:50:00.001-04:00

Brother bought a coconut, he bought it for a dime

His sister had another one, she paid it for a lime.

She put the lime in the coconut and drank them both up

She such a silly woman

Mood indigo

2007-07-05T23:42:00.000-04:00

You ain't never been blue
No, no, no

You ain't never been blue
Till you've had that mood indigo

That feeling goes stealing
Down to my shoes

While I just sit here and sigh
Go along blues

good measure

2007-07-02T21:37:00.000-04:00

So, I got a little tired of the Dip Dye Method.

Behold, more Cold Pour.

Attempt #1
Teal - Fuchsia - Brown Cocoa

I mucked the colour joins a bit in this one....hence the purple bits.

It totally reminds me of that taffy candy I use to get as a kid.

The question remains: What shall I make with you?

Attempt #2
Scarlet - Fuchsia - Tangerine

The colour joins mattered not at all in this one.
Bleed away.

It's like Sherbet on Crack.

In my opinion, all good colourways should remind one of food.

One eye'd - One horn'd

2007-06-30T18:46:00.001-04:00

4th and final (for now) attempt.

I'm ALL OVER the Dip Dye Method.

Go me.

Well, bless my soul.

Rock and Roll.

Flyin' purple people eater.

Love and kisses on all your pink parts

2007-06-30T16:05:00.000-04:00

Attempt #3

So. Much. Fun.

Fuschia. Oh, Fuschia.

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways.

green peace

2007-06-29T23:35:00.000-04:00

Attempt #2

Green this time.

All finished and purdy.

I don't know why I keep photographing the cakes in this white bowl. Must be trying to be artsy or something.

I didn't really do a big enough swatch, but the colours are quite nice.
Very...Irish.

It's amazing how different the yarn looks after it's been re-skeined.

Orange you glad?

2007-06-29T14:18:00.000-04:00

So, I've been dabbling, again.

The Dip Dye Method this time.

See, I have all these amazing lacy/scaley/etc. sock patterns that I need something a little more subtle.

Well, as subtle as Tangerine can be.

Here's the mound (20 - 50 gr skeins) of Louet's Gems (in cream) I procured from Connie.

I need Test Subjects, after all.

I felt the need to colour coordinate.

All trussed up and ready to dye.

Can you hear its thin, high screams?

It's trying to escape.

Le petit spaghette

The process is a little tedious for someone (like me) who needs instant gratification.

The dying process (not including prep soaking and prep time) took three and a half hours.

Anyone hungry?

Yarn - in the wild - basking in the sun.

Dyed, dried and twisted.

Re-skeined.

I'm in love. Seriously.

::contented sigh::

Smells like Nirvana

2007-06-27T09:31:00.000-04:00

So, I promised myself no blogging until I'd finished my latest project.

Needless to say, I had no idea just how long the flipping thing would take.

What is this mysterious 'thing'?

The Lotus Blossom Shawl, naturally.

On the (hopefully annual - hint hint, Connie) Yarn Crawl I saw the most beautiful shawl on display.

I had to create and possess said shawl.

I had to create and possess said shawl in Handmaiden's Sea Silk.

The yarn is ridiculously beautiful and regardless of what Husband thinks ("It smells like fish.") I could sit for hours just fondling and smelling the stuff. ("It does not. It smells like The Ocean.")

Now, this was my first lace project, but as I'm a pretty quick knitter, I didn't expect it to take me SO LONG. Almost three weeks from start to finish.

Huff.

This is also the first project I've ever blocked.

I know, I know. Bad/lazy/impatient knitter.

I honestly think that you can't realize the true benefits of blocking until you've actually done it.

I wondered if it would take forever to dry, what with how humid it has been lately. I needn't have worried.

Unfortunately, I pinned it wrong side up, so you'll have to use your imagination a bit.

The demi-mannequin I have just doesn't so it justice.

It's absolutely scrumptious.

I'm actually a little turned on.

By the shawl.

Not the naked mannequin.

Meme along with me

2007-06-15T10:21:00.000-04:00

I've never been one for those "If I was a superhero/mixed drink/Harry Potter Character/whatever" kind of memes. I do, however, like those "Getting to know all about you" kind.

Having said that...

Here are the rules: Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. I am phobic about dirt. Specifically, dirt on my hands. I cannot stand it when my hands are dirty/gritty/oily/sticky. Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl. To cope, I was my hands. A lot.

2. I still (at the ripe old age of 29) sleep walk and talk. I've freaked my husband out several times waking him up because one of our pets are missing, or the house is on fire, or whatever. He's more used to it now and makes a point to mock me into consciousness.

3. I'm rubbish at keeping in touch. If I don't see you regularly, I fall out of touch. This does not make for lasting relationships.

4. I'm an excellent cook. Years ago, I went vegetarian, and, as I knew nothing about food prep that didn't involve premade meals and a microwave, I set about the enormous task of learning to feed myself (vegetarian, organic, whole foods). Six years later? I'm not any thinner, but I'm a whole lot healthier and I get invited to potlucks. A lot.

5. I'm addicted to Harry Potter fanfiction. Specifically, HG/SS fanfiction. (After she's out of school, of course. I'm not a pervert). Bright young woman. Tortured older man. It's all very Wuthering Heights.

6. I cry at the drop of a hat. Any hat. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm happy or sad or angry or frustrated. It's horrifying, as I was raised to believe that crying is either a form of a) feminine manipulation, or b) weakness. I've often swore to myself NEVER to use the phrase "I'll give you something to cry about" when dealing with my own kids.

7. I've got a split personality when it comes to socializing. When I'm out with friends, I'm extroverted. I can talk to anyone and can go all night. When I'm at home, I'm introverted. I will hole myself up in my cozy little nest and never leave. I'm sure there's a clinical term for this affliction of which I am unaware.

8. I love my job (I work, downtown Toronto, with street kids. Specifically girls in the sex trade). Unfortunately for my bank account, it's one of those jobs where you have to raise your own support (does it strike anyone else as ironic that I have to pedal myself to churches/businesses/individuals/etc. to work with girls who do the same thing?). As I am rubbish at public speaking, I mostly work for free.

***

As for the tagging of others, I'm not going to specifically name people, but I encourage you to fill this out yourself. Leave me a note if you do, so I can read up on you.

Don't forget!

2007-06-06T09:35:00.000-04:00

This Saturday is:

Allo

2007-05-31T09:27:00.000-04:00

So, I'm back from France and it was wonderful.

If anyone is actually interested in the 1000 pictures I took, I'll post a link once I get them organized.

I figured I'd talk about the most interesting stuff first.

I didn't get a whole lot of knitting done (does that mean I had a good holiday, or a bad one?) but here are the products of hours spent at the airport, in the air and driving 'round the french countryside.

This was the first pair I finished.
The yarn is Louet Gems Merino, (the one I dyed myself) in a simple 4x1 ribbed pattern.

This pair was Yarn Pirate in Culture Club. It's the Anastasia pattern. I'd been wanting to try it out since I saw it on HeyAwesome! The pattern was easy to remember and shows off the yarn really well.

I love working with Fleece Artist's Sea Wool.
The pattern is the one that came with the skein - Bordello Socks

Just a simple pair of ankle socks. Austermann Step.
Socks and a manicure all at once. Lovely.

As for yarn stores. It was a little disappointing.

Okay, it was more than disappointing. It was tragic.

I found two that weren't their equivalent of Michael's, and even then...not a skein of hand dyed anywhere.

As I said - Tragic.

This store, la marchande de couleurs, was the most visually satisfying. Nothing hand spun or dyed, but quality. Cotton, alpaca, bamboo, merino as far as the eyes could see.

I found the method of purchase awkward, however.

I don't know if you can see the tags, but the yarn (on these huge conical spools) is sold loose and by the gram. That is 3€50/50 grams. No mention of how many metres/yards in a gram, nor how many stitches to an inch. I'm sure that method works for them, but I'm definitely not used to it. Consequently, though the yarn I bought was beautiful, I don't think I bought enough of either for the projects I had in mind.

Grr.

Speaking of the yarn I bought: here it is. The 100% bamboo (amazingly soft and silky) in Merlot and some 100% cotton (glossy and gorgeous) in Sienna. The store ships to anywhere in the world, so I can get more, I just don't relish the thought of transatlantic shipping charges.

Anny Blatt is exclusively yarn. They have some decent stuff (like this superwash merino sock yarn) but most of it is novelty yarn. High quality novelty yarn, but furry (or sparkly or bobbley or whatever) just the same. Oh, and I picked up a pair of wood needles to get started on the clapotis (for which I'd earmarked the bamboo), but they turned out to be 1/2 a millimeter too big. Pfft.

In conclusion, while France has many beauties, they are seriously lacking in qualty yarn and the stores to sell it.

The problem is that they neither know, nor care about this deficiency.

The French may be ahead of us in handbags and shoes, but they are ages behind in Knitting as Art.

Au revoir

2007-05-10T12:44:00.001-04:00

No posts for awhile.

I'll be back in June with stories and pictures.

Souhaitez-moi la chance!

Frankenblanket

2007-05-09T11:01:00.000-04:00

So, Frank is coming along quite nicely.

He has fast become my favourite project.

This worries me, as I am fast running out of 'bits'.

Colour Your Wool

2007-05-07T12:04:00.000-04:00

So, I've been a bad, bad blogger.

A busy knitter, but a bad blogger.

Anyhow, I've been up to a few things (not the least of which, planning my trip to France).

Naturally, I've documented them all photographically.

Firstly, my DPN's were driving me quite insane, floating as they were at the bottom of my notions bag. Necessity, being the mother of all invention, require I sit down and create some pretty funky DPN organizers.

The coolest part? Connie, proprietress extraordinaire of Pick Up Sticks, decided to stock them!

(Get there quickly, as there are only five left and I don't know if I'll be able to get more before I leave on Thursday.)

I'm working on a few other handy bits, so stay tuned.

***

I was also lucky enough to go to The Knitter's Frolic.

I managed to control myself and came home with only two items:

A gorgeous skein of Hand Maiden's Mini Maiden (SILK!) and a hand-turned Nostepinde. There's just something about the woodgrain that I find wonderful.

***

My biggest project though?

Hand-dying.

Good Lord, I'm in love.

The Process (agonizingly long, but so worth it):

I purchased two 50g skeins of Louet Gems Merino in "Cream".

I decided I wanted the colour sections to be longer, so Husband and I reskeined them together making one huge 100g skein.

I tied the yarn together (no too tight!) every .5 m or so (this keeps it from tangling), then soaked it overnight in a soloution of vinegar (3/4 cup) and water (enough to cover the yarn). Notice the stratigically placed book on France.

The next morning, I mixed my dyes.
1 tsp of the powdered dye to 1/2 cup water.

After squeezing out the excess liquid from the yarn, I laid it out on the kitchen table, putting (good quality) plastic wrap underneath.

I applied the dyes, trying not to spill, or muck up the joins too badly.

I was fairly unsuccessful on both counts.

The plastic wrap was then wrapped around the yarn, placed in a small baking dish, wrapped in aliminum foil and 'baked' at 250*F for two hours.

After the yarn cooled completely and was rinsed under cool water to remove any remaining dye, I hung it outside to dry. This took FOREVER. I am not a patient person.

I'm very happy (ecstatic, more like) with the results. I could not stop petting the skein all morning.

I like how it knits up, too, with a minimal amount of pooling.

I am SO going to try this again.

bits

2007-04-20T12:12:00.000-04:00

So, I've been wondering what to do with my leftover bits of sock yarn.

I picked up a bunch of solids to stretch the remnants into another pair of socks, but then I saw this and this and decided that I'd start one of those possibly-stunningly-beautiful-hopefully -wholly-satisfying-but-takes-a-hundred-years-to-finish projects.

With that in mind, Frankenblanket was born.

I'm really enjoying the whole process, and am not, shockingly, bored by knitting square after mitered square.

Starting it was rough, as I couldn't get any of the patterns I found online to make a square. They all ended up more ice cream cone shaped. Odd. I could have easily fixed the problem if I'd gone with a garter stitch square, but I was determined (obsessively so) to make them all stocking stitch.

The result tends to curl at the edges (I'll have to figure out something to do at the edge when I'm done) but it definitely has the look I was going for.

The problem? The blanket size is directly proportional to the number of sock pairs I've completed.

So, yeah, if anyone has leftover bits they'd be happy to part with...

Oooh! I also picked up a few more not-yet-bits of yarn.

Shiny!

suffer

2007-04-13T23:38:00.000-04:00

Okay, so it's not knitting.

Deal.

This quilt took me FOR-frickin-EVER.
Cut fabric.
Cut batting.
Quilt 'sandwiches'.
Take a million years (and the entire dining room floor) deciding on 'sandwich' placement.
Sew 'sandwiches' into strips.
Sew strips together.
Snip every (EVERY) seam every 1/4".
Wash and dry.

I actually really messed my hand up during the snipping part.

It's been two weeks and I still have no feeling in the tip of my thumb.
Should I be worried?

In theory, I made these Matchy Matchy PJ's for Husband and I.
In reality, I'm the only one that will be wearing them.

I'm not totally in love with how Mili decided to display either project.
Clothing looks so much better on a mannequin, and you don't get any kind of sense of the colour variegation when the quilt is folded up like that.
Pfft.

Foot fetish

2007-04-08T19:40:00.000-04:00

So, I actually have been knitting...just not blogging about it.

I finished the pair of toe-ups for my mother's Person of Interest.
They turned out nice, even if I don't approve of to whom they'll be going.
The yarn is Fleece Artist's Sea Wool in Ivory.

And since my Husband wouldn't stop whinging that I knit everyone socks except him...
These are the Whitby socks from Knitting on the Road in Fleece Artist (Cosmic Dawn).
He picked both the yarn and the pattern himself.

I also picked up this book.

I've got my eye on the Flame pattern.

MmmMmm.

Greetings from Branson, Missouri

2007-03-27T15:01:00.000-04:00

I finally received payment for this piece, and look what the sweet woman sent me as a belated birthday present:

Knitting-themed greeting cards!
They're so adorable I'm going into sugar shock.

Pfft

2007-03-25T13:26:00.000-04:00

I haven't been doing much knitting lately.

Horrifying, no?

I've been trying to get caught up with all the sewing projects that I've let fall to the wayside.

Here, for instance, is the apron I was commissioned to make in FEBRUARY.

In my defense, I haven't received the money for it yet, which is why it has lessened my motivation considerably.

I did do a bit of knitting to go along with the apron however (sneaky, hey?)
It's sort of a thanks-for-shopping-at-Angela's kind of thing.

The only other bit of knitting I've done (that hasn't immediately been ripped right back out again) are the socks I'm doing for my mother's Person of Interest.

They're just a simple 3x1 toe up in Fleece Artist's Sea Wool in Ivory.

You'll notice that I've started the second without totally finishing the first.

See, the yarn tag says there's enough for a woman's medium-large sock. Since I have no idea how far I'll get making a man's large sock, I figured I'd knit the feet of both, then knit back and forth a bit on each until all the yarn is done.

Tedious, but I'd rather that than having to rip out the socks.

Again.

Thank goodness for Birthday Money

2007-03-21T09:50:00.000-04:00

How else would I be able to afford:

Three skeins of Fleece Artist Merino Wool.
Clockwise from the top: Cosmic Dawn, Mermaid and Rainforset

Three skeins of Fleece Artist Sea Wool.
From left to right: Brick, Fruit Punch and Ivory

Oh! And Connie gave me that bottle of Soak (a biodegradable, no rinse yarn wash).

Thanks Connie!

AG:II

2007-03-17T17:53:00.000-04:00

So, I finished the Duets socks.

I think they turned out really well.

The yarn knit up really well, and there is a tonne of the pink etc yarn left over.

I'm also quite pleased that I had enough of the brown to do a fair-sized ribbed cuff at the top. That finishes it off rather nicely.

Oh! Oh! See my new (to me, anyhow) sock blockers?

My Aunt gave these to me for my birthday. She's got this enormous barn filled to the eaves with antiques and managed to dig these out when I mentioned my sock lurve.

They're not particularly of good quality (they're warped and cracked) and they're functionally useless to me (they're much smaller than my feet) but they do display the socks nicely, hmm?

Anyhow, all I've been knitting lately is socks.

I think it's time for a bigger project.

Husband's sweater, perhaps?

Happy Birthday to me

2007-03-17T17:35:00.001-04:00

So, it was my birthday yesterday.

Not only did I spend all my birthday money (from Husband's mom and my Nan) on yarn, Husband bought me these two gorgeous books.

And he got them on sale.

I've taught him well.

Army Girl

2007-03-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

All has been pretty quiet on the knitting front.

I finished up a few odd socks - very proud of myself - but while I still have a few more to do, I couldn't help but cast on my Duets Sock (in your basic toe-up pattern with 'Magic' Figure Eight Cast-On).

(I tried, really, but then I saw that everyone else was doing it, and I'm nothing if not a sheep)

I should have listened to my gut however, as The Universe insisted on bitch slapping me at every turn.

Problem: Sock too big.
Solution: Frog and use smaller needles.

Problem: Sock too small.
Solution: Frog and use bigger needles but fewer stitches.

Problem: Short row heel too shallow.
Solution: Rip out (completed) heel and rework wrapping several extra stitches.

FRUSTRATION.

Anyhow, I finally finished up the first of the two, leaving the cast off until I see if there's enough of the brown left to do a cuff.

Cute, yes?

Final Problem: I had planned on these socks for myself. The (pink/green/brown) colourway is very much 'me'. But I'm finding the DK yarn weight is a little too thick for my liking.

Final Solution: Mom will be getting these socks for Mother's Day and I will be pronounced World's Greatest Daughter.

I'm sick of these socks anyhow.

Adare Manor

2007-03-06T22:35:00.000-05:00

So, I finished the Fleece Artist/Adare Manor sock.

I'm glad I didn't rip it out, as I'm not displeased with the final result.

I still think I'll either sell these or give them as a gift, but I no longer hate the sight of them.

Having said that, there are a few things I'd change:

I'd use a solid colour for both the heel and the cuff (to show off the cables).
I'd only do one pattern of the diamond (I like a shorter leg).
I'd decrease the # of stitches down towards the ankle (I like a tighter ankle)
I'd switch to a smaller needle (2.25mm) after doing the cuff (I've a big leg but a small foot).

I'm going to Hell...

2007-03-06T18:52:00.000-05:00

...or Debtor's Prison.

I stopped off at Connie's to pick up a few things...and left with a few things more than a few things.

From right to left:

Duets in Army Girl
Yarn Pirate in Culture Club
Claudia Hand-painted in Navy Olive (for Lucy)
Zen Garden Cashmere in Flowering Crabapple

Connie threw in a couple samples of Soak (a no-rinse wool wash) and a sock blocker key chain.

It's a good thing the Stitch n Bitch isn't at her place, or I'd be bankrupt for sure.

ribbitt

2007-03-05T18:52:00.000-05:00

I got quite a few knitting hours in this weekend.

Unfortunately, I'm not pleased with what I worked on.

It's strange: I love the yarn (who doesn't love Fleece Artist sock yarn?) and I enjoyed the pattern (Adare Manor - Celtic Knot-inspired) but I'm not fond of the combination of the two.

I mean, you can barely see the cute little cables that make up the cuff and the heel flap, and the pattern competes with, rather than compliments, the yarn.

Easy enough to fix for the next pair - use plain yarn on the cuff and heel - but the question is, do I finish THIS pair?

I'm torn. I don't want to have wasted all that time, but I'm really not happy with it.

::sigh::

Maybe I'll just give them to someone for Christmas.

drip

2007-03-01T21:59:00.000-05:00

I love hand dyed yarn.

Beautiful and nearly one-of-a-kind, for sure, but it's the imprefections that I love the best.

Take a close look.

These socks were made for jaywalkin'

2007-03-01T21:16:00.000-05:00

Still sick.

Thank goodness I don't have scarlet fever, or something like that.

They'd have to burn all my yarn.

A fate worse than death, to be sure.

Anyhow, I finished the first of the Spinning Bunny (Denim colourway) Jaywalker socks.
Have I mentioned how much I love working with this yarn?
Hmm? Have I?

sickly

2007-02-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

So, I've been sick.

::sniffle::

This means staying in and knitting.

Lots of knitting.

And sewing.

Lots of sewing.

I finished the set of thrum mittens for the girl at work.
I love thrumming.
Seriously.
Oh, and the hairy arms are my husband's. FYI.

I finished the first of my Trekking XXL Cabled Socks.
I really enjoyed the water colour effect of this yarn.
Not so crazy about the feel of it though.
Hopefully it'll get softer after it's been washed.

And I cast and am 3/4 done the first of the Spinning Bunny Jaywalker Socks.
This yarn is gorgeous.
It feels great and it has this almost satin-type sheen to it.
Beautiful.

I am kicking some serious knitting ass.

As for sewing, I've made a bunch of the needle bags for Wendy.

I've also been trying to come up with a simple and inexpensive version of this nylon knit bag.

These are some of the fabrics I'm experimenting with.
I like the brown/pink/coffee bean one.

Did I mention I have two orders for the Cabbage Rose Swirl blankets I made at Christmas?

$150 each.

Nice.

Oooh! Shiny!

2007-02-22T12:13:00.000-05:00

So, I stopped by Connie's to pick up the February Edition of the PickUp Sticks Sock Club.

Naturally, I was unable to leave with just that item.

May I present:

Yarn: Spinning Bunny
Colourway: Denim

Yarn: Spunky Eclectic
Colourway: Swimming Lessons

stash it

2007-02-21T16:15:00.000-05:00

So, this is supposed to be a knitting blog, but I'm posting this sewcentric entry anyhow.

First: Because it's indirectly related to knitting.

Second: Because it's my blog and I can do whatever I want. You're not the boss of me. So there.

::cough::

Anyhow, Wendy (owner of Unwind: Yarn House) asked me to sew her up some zippered knitting needle pouches for her shop.

Since she wanted to be able to sell them for under $15 dollars, they're super-simple (not like the roll-up bag), but I still think they're cool.

Love the embroidered taffeta.

Rag Time

2007-02-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

So, I wanted to send Angie a little something personal [but super simple and inexpensive] with the scarf she bought.

I came up with this:

Yarn: Bernat Worsted Weight Cotton
Needles: 4.5mm
Pattern: The Letter A
Time: 1.5 hours

Branson, Missouri

2007-02-19T00:40:00.000-05:00

So, I've just finished my first Commissioned Piece.

An online friend of mine (who happens to have my same first and middle names AND the same birth date - how weird is that?) saw the picture of my recent Michael's acquisitions and wanted a scarf from the "orangy one on the bottom right".

It didn't take me long at all, but it turned out really well, even if it is 'crap acrylic'.

Yarn: Boa by Bernat
Needles: 5.5 mm

Woolly Bully

2007-02-17T14:14:00.001-05:00

So, I just finished the most gorgeous scarf for myself.

The yarn is Woolly Bully by Estelle and the colours (purple and pink and orange oh my) are absolutely stunning.

The finished measurements are 64" x 8", not counting the 9" fringe.

Seriously luscious.

Down the Rabbit Hole

2007-02-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

So, I've been delinquent in displaying my latest Adventures in Knitting.

First of all, my Nan gave me a bunch more of her knitting books.

Some are vintage chique.

Some, not so much.

This one is my favourite.

I ended up taking advantage of the Michael's Yarn Sale.
It's all crap acrylic, but it's pretty fun none-the-less.
I'll probably make a bunch of gift-scarves or something.

Then there is the Slytherin-esque Scarf I made for a friend's husband (V-day present).
I was in such a hurry to get it to her (and collect my $$) that I forgot to get a picture of the finished product.
The end result was quite long, with 5" tassels.

Here are the Regia (Manitoba - self-striping) socks. It's the same stuff from which came my first sock attempt.
This time, for a little interest, I purled the tangerine colour when ever it came around. I like the effect.
The 2nd picture is of both the SweetGeorgia and the Regia.

this warm little piggy

2007-01-28T00:51:00.000-05:00

So, I finished the Jaywalker sock.

I found the pattern showed off the lovely Sweet Georgia [thanks Connie] yarn well, but got a little tedious.

I'd definitely like to try something a little more intricate.

Anyhow, pictures:

Purpose...finally

2007-01-25T11:04:00.000-05:00

So, this blog has been sitting around, gathering dust since April.

I think I've finally found a use for it.

I mean, doesn't everyone need a Knitting Blog?

Knitters on Crack

2007-01-22T11:07:00.000-05:00

Here's the pattern I made up for the fabulous felted bag.

I call it Angela's Fabulous Felted Bag.

Okay, so that needs a little work.

Angela's Fabulous Felted Bag
(acknowledge, use and send pictures)

Materials:
32" - 8 mm circular needles
3 balls Pink yarn
2 balls Green yarn
I'm just learning about yarn weights, gauges, etc, so I'm going to cheat, show you the label of the yarn I used and you can figure it all out on your own.

Directions:

Base
Cast on 25 stitches in Pink
Work 80 rows of garter stitch (knit every row)

Body
Pick up stitches evenly around all sides - ~40 stitches on long sides and 25 on short
Knit 9 rounds in Pink
Knit 1 round in Green
Knit 8 rounds in Pink
Knit 2 rounds in Green
Knit 7 rounds in Pink
Knit 3 rounds in Green
Knit 6 rounds in Pink
Knit 4 rounds in Green
Knit 5 rounds in Pink
Knit 5 rounds in Green
Knit 4 rounds in Pink
Knit 6 rounds in Green
Knit 3 rounds in Pink
Knit 7 rounds in Green
Knit 2 rounds in Pink
Knit 8 rounds in Green
Knit 1 round in Pink

Handle
(all in Green)
Knit 1 round
Purl 1 round
Knit 1 round
Purl 1 round
Knit 1 round
Purl 1 round
Knit 1 round
Purl 11 stitches
Bind off (in purl) 18 stitches
Purl 47 stitches
Bind off (in purl) 18 stitches
Purl 36 stitches (should be back at the beginning of round)
Purl 1 round
Knit 1 round
Purl 1 round
Knit 1 round
Purl 1 round
Knit 1 round
Bind off (in purl) all stitches

Finishing
Sew in all ends

Felting
Along with a pair of jeans (which helps with the felting) machine wash several times on:

high agitation (heavy wash, not delicate)
high heat
lowest water level

Air dry standing up, filled with (an) object(s) of the correct size/shape to hold it open.

Project Measurements
Before Felting - roughly 21" square
After Felting - roughly 15" square

Questions?
I'll do my best

And what's up with all the random bruising?

2007-01-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

She lives.

She aches.

She doesn't want to talk about it.

She'd much rather show you all the knitting she's accomplished in the last week.

Finally finished Mom's Birthday Thrum Mittens.

My first try at felting.
Love. It.

I just started knitting this Jaywalker sock with the beautiful Sweet Georgia yarn Connie gave me for Christmas.

Knitting Knonsense

2007-01-07T11:15:00.000-05:00

So, my Nan and Taw have moved.

Their new place is (while exceptionally nice) tiny compared to the house they lived in for the entirety of their first 61 years of marriage.

Needless to say, downsizing was necessary.

Should I feel at all guilty that I benefited?

Didn't think so.

As well as a bunch of needles (straight and dpn's) I got a huge number of pattern books.

Several are all vintage and cool.

My favourite - c 1945 - has the best illustrations and photos.
The patterns are nice and basic.

As for current projects: All I can say is "I have to learn to finish what I start".

This is the 1/2 done scarf cum shawl I'm making for myself.
The pattern is something I stole from Connie.

This is the (alpaca!) yarn and Sublime pattern I'm knitting for Husband.
I'm going to have to bone up on my mad ribbing skillz.

It might not be alpaca, but this it the yarn I'm using to make myself this sweater.

Thrum mittens I'm making for my mother.
She has a green coat and a blue coat.
The yarn will probably clash with both.

In other knitting knews (yes, I know that's spelled wrong):

On the advice of another knitter, I purchased several nice sweaters from Value Village with the hopes of cannibalizing them for future projects.

It seemed like a great idea, until I started the frogging process.

What a giant pain in my giant ass.

I don't think I'll be doing that again anytime soon.

Regardless, I did get some nice yarn out of the deal.

Busy girl

2006-12-02T11:33:00.000-05:00

So, I've finished several projects I'd been putting off.

The Bumble Bee Mitts for Myles.
(Myles' hands are huge. My wee paws are swimming.)

The Pirate Mitts for Janine.
(Today she said to me, "Well, I don't have the money for them just yet." Grrr. I think I'll have her capped.)

The drapery panels for Nan.
(Ugly fabric. Horrible to work with. See my pin tin, though? Cute, eh? Value Village: $0.99)

~~~

Still to finish:

Cabbage Rose Swirl Throws for Nan & Taw, Aunt Pam & Uncle Jim and Mom

Stripe-y socks for Husband

Pajama pants for Kelsey, Raymond, Tyler, Husband and Brother

~~~

Still need to decide what to give:

Guy's mom
Nieces Emma, Gaelle and Veronique

tootsies

2006-11-28T11:35:00.001-05:00

So, I finished knitting my first sock ever.

[I thought of making another Lost Virginity joke, but it just felt a little stale]

They're actually for Guy, but my feet are cuter.

Anyhow, pictures.

[I had to rephotograph as it wouldn't be conducive to sock-worship if people were confused by the why-is-Angela-making-socks-for-Yeti? question]

Next!

2006-11-23T11:36:00.000-05:00

So, I finished another pair of mittens.

For me this time.

They're fuzzy and warm but not too thick.

Love them.

If the picture looks odd it's because I took it myself, with the camera under my chin and my hands extended in front.

Slightly awkward.

wrap it up

2006-11-19T11:37:00.000-05:00

So, I was in my new favourite store (Unwind: Yarn House), when I saw these knitting-needle-holder-organizer-roll-up-type-things.

Naturally, I wanted one.

Naturally, I was too cheap to pay the $45 asking price.

Naturally, I went home and made my own.

Perfect tension

2006-11-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

So, I finished my mittens.

The thrum was interesting to work with. A little tedious, but the results were quite good.

The best bit? Some lunatic is paying me $50 for them.

Fifty dollars FOR MITTENS.

I find I have no problem taking her money.

Oh! and I'm making a cheap-y pair for a friend at church.

He wants them to look like bumble bees, so it'll be yellow and black stripes.

No thrum in his though.

Anyhow...

Brr

2006-10-26T11:40:00.000-04:00

So, since I don't have enough going on right now, I've started yet another crafty-type project.

They're Thrum Mittens and I love them.

First, the autumnal colours are gorgeous.

Second, the thrum (the fuzzy bits you can see sticking out the end) makes them SO WARM.

Very nice for those frosty Light Patrol Nights.

2006-06-10T18:51:00.000-04:00

Going Once

2006-04-06T01:47:00.000-04:00

Hmm. I'm normally a Live Jornal user, but I thought I'd come check out Blogger.

Basically, I'm a blog-whore, selling myself to the site with the best features.

2000-03-21T10:37:00.000-05:00

1988-08-21T11:54:00.000-04:00