Hi all. Long time no blog. Long, long time, in fact. I've been knitting, but not nearly as much as when I blogged regularly -- so I thought maybe if I started blogging again, I would get some energy back into my knitting.
The picture is a swatch for a sweater I'm about to make. A co-worker had this fabulous sweater, and I am going to copy it. I had been looking for a pattern for some yarn I bought last summer (Sirdar Eco Wool DK), and I think I should have enough for this project. Even though its a DK weight, the sweater is going to be knit on US8s -- so that should stretch the yardage considerably.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Pea-nutty
Thought I'd share a pic of a recent baking project. These are peanut butter sandwich cookies. The filling is made with cream cheese, peanut butter and some sugar.
This picture is kind of like my life lately: nutty and nuttier. I've been at my 'new' job since December and I think it's messed with my head a little bit. I'm trying to get a little perspective on things now and hopefully blogging will help with that.
I've really appreciated the comments and notes I've received encouraging me to blog and/or to not to feel guilty about whether I blog or not. It's nice to know that if I want to share about my life through this medium that you are happy to listen. I hope you are all well and I plan to be checking in here more often.
This picture is kind of like my life lately: nutty and nuttier. I've been at my 'new' job since December and I think it's messed with my head a little bit. I'm trying to get a little perspective on things now and hopefully blogging will help with that.
I've really appreciated the comments and notes I've received encouraging me to blog and/or to not to feel guilty about whether I blog or not. It's nice to know that if I want to share about my life through this medium that you are happy to listen. I hope you are all well and I plan to be checking in here more often.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Whither Goest the Blog?
As the blog goes, so goes the knitting? You might think I haven't been doing any knitting, since I haven't been blogging - but that wouldn't be true at all. I participated in NaKniSweMo and actually finished my sweater, I made some holiday gifts (and even got them in the mail mostly on time), and now I'm close to finishing another sweater I've been working on for a while.
The truth is, I'm just not sure about the blog thing. I like writing and sharing about knitting, but somehow the blog feels like a lot of work for a small part of my life. Sometimes I think I should write about other stuff too, but I worry that a) it will get too personal or b) people won't want to read about anything but knitting/crafting. On the other hand, I know that some people read this blog to keep up with me generally, so maybe a (slightly) personal post every once in a while wouldn't be so bad.
I'm also aware that my new job has been a big change, so maybe once I get a new rhythm going I will get back to posting more regularly. But, blog posts were somewhat sparse before the change, so maybe that's not it either. I've also been somewhat flaky about other life commitments so the blog could be just another victim of my state of mind.
All of this to say - I don't know what I'm doing or where I am going just yet. Hopefully I'll make a decision soon. Talk to you then.
The truth is, I'm just not sure about the blog thing. I like writing and sharing about knitting, but somehow the blog feels like a lot of work for a small part of my life. Sometimes I think I should write about other stuff too, but I worry that a) it will get too personal or b) people won't want to read about anything but knitting/crafting. On the other hand, I know that some people read this blog to keep up with me generally, so maybe a (slightly) personal post every once in a while wouldn't be so bad.
I'm also aware that my new job has been a big change, so maybe once I get a new rhythm going I will get back to posting more regularly. But, blog posts were somewhat sparse before the change, so maybe that's not it either. I've also been somewhat flaky about other life commitments so the blog could be just another victim of my state of mind.
All of this to say - I don't know what I'm doing or where I am going just yet. Hopefully I'll make a decision soon. Talk to you then.
Monday, December 03, 2007
WOW!
Wow, what a welcome! I had no idea my presence in blog-land had been missed. I also really appreciate everyone's good wishes on my new job. I have another week to go (leisure!) before I start. I'm looking forward to it, but trying not to think about it so much, so as to enhance the relaxation. :)
I think I mentioned that I was participating in NaKniSweMo this year. It was going great until the middle of the month, when I just got really busy with work and preparing for Thanksgiving travel. But, I'm happy to say I got back into it and finished -- on the last day! Here's a couple pics:
This is the Radiance Cabled Jacket from Webs (there's a little picture here.) I thought the pattern was well-written, and the only think I changed was the cable pattern. I changed it partly because I was trying to finish in one month, and the braided cable seemed harder, and also because in other versions I saw, there was a weird hole at the bottom of the cable pattern. I also had to make the sleeves longer.
One note about the yarn. I used Blue Sky Alpacas' new yarn Suri Merino in Crimson. The yarn is amazingly soft and has a beautiful sheen to it. It definitely has a fuzzy halo when knit, so I will be interested to see how well the cable pattern stays visible as it gets worn. It's a single, which I guess sometimes means a weaker yarn - but I tugged and tugged and couldn't break it. The only difficulty is that the yarn is very, very splitty. This can cause problems with seaming (I struggled at first but it got easier). But all in all, this is a luxurious yarn that is worth the price tag. I ended up with a skein left over! I think there's a scarf calling my name...
I'm also working on some holiday knitting, but believe it or not, I'm mostly finished! I'll be giving a few things I made earlier in the year, as well as some hats I've just finished. I also need to make a few baby items, which are always fun! I'm hoping to wrap up a few more projects that have been languishing - I have a bag that needs one more strap and then a trip through the washing machine, and a cardigan that needs half a back to make it ready for sewing up. Hopefully I can jump-start myself to tackle these items!
Well, enough babbling. Hope you are all well!
I think I mentioned that I was participating in NaKniSweMo this year. It was going great until the middle of the month, when I just got really busy with work and preparing for Thanksgiving travel. But, I'm happy to say I got back into it and finished -- on the last day! Here's a couple pics:
This is the Radiance Cabled Jacket from Webs (there's a little picture here.) I thought the pattern was well-written, and the only think I changed was the cable pattern. I changed it partly because I was trying to finish in one month, and the braided cable seemed harder, and also because in other versions I saw, there was a weird hole at the bottom of the cable pattern. I also had to make the sleeves longer.
One note about the yarn. I used Blue Sky Alpacas' new yarn Suri Merino in Crimson. The yarn is amazingly soft and has a beautiful sheen to it. It definitely has a fuzzy halo when knit, so I will be interested to see how well the cable pattern stays visible as it gets worn. It's a single, which I guess sometimes means a weaker yarn - but I tugged and tugged and couldn't break it. The only difficulty is that the yarn is very, very splitty. This can cause problems with seaming (I struggled at first but it got easier). But all in all, this is a luxurious yarn that is worth the price tag. I ended up with a skein left over! I think there's a scarf calling my name...
I'm also working on some holiday knitting, but believe it or not, I'm mostly finished! I'll be giving a few things I made earlier in the year, as well as some hats I've just finished. I also need to make a few baby items, which are always fun! I'm hoping to wrap up a few more projects that have been languishing - I have a bag that needs one more strap and then a trip through the washing machine, and a cardigan that needs half a back to make it ready for sewing up. Hopefully I can jump-start myself to tackle these items!
Well, enough babbling. Hope you are all well!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Ravelry ate my blog!
I'm only half kidding...I have been spending LOTS of time on the site. Browsing through projects was time consuming, but that was NOTHING compared to when I discovered the forums and started posting. But as great as Ravelry is, it doesn't take the place of my own little home on the web where I can talk about whatever I want.
Knitting has been abundant lately. I recently finished the sweater you see here - the Hourglass Sweater from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, done in Pear Tree 8-ply. Very soft, in a beautiful pale spring green. It's one of my best fitting sweaters yet. Now I'm working on the Radiance Cabled Jacket from Webs - I'm using Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino. (it's like that shampoo commercial: because I'm worth it!) I changed the cable from braided one to a - er, less twisty one. I don't know what it's called. Anyway, this is a terrific project in a beautiful (if sheddy) yarn). It's my project for NaKniSweMo - Knit a Sweater in November! I'm up to the armholes with one sleeve down. Moving right along!
Speaking of which - big new thing! New job! I start in December. It's a job I've wanted for a long time, but the timing never worked out. It's also more in line with my education. I'm REALLY excited. And, I get a couple of weeks to relax before I start! Can we say lots of knitting!!?I hope everything is well with all of you. More posts and more pics soon!
Knitting has been abundant lately. I recently finished the sweater you see here - the Hourglass Sweater from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, done in Pear Tree 8-ply. Very soft, in a beautiful pale spring green. It's one of my best fitting sweaters yet. Now I'm working on the Radiance Cabled Jacket from Webs - I'm using Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino. (it's like that shampoo commercial: because I'm worth it!) I changed the cable from braided one to a - er, less twisty one. I don't know what it's called. Anyway, this is a terrific project in a beautiful (if sheddy) yarn). It's my project for NaKniSweMo - Knit a Sweater in November! I'm up to the armholes with one sleeve down. Moving right along!
Speaking of which - big new thing! New job! I start in December. It's a job I've wanted for a long time, but the timing never worked out. It's also more in line with my education. I'm REALLY excited. And, I get a couple of weeks to relax before I start! Can we say lots of knitting!!?I hope everything is well with all of you. More posts and more pics soon!
Saturday, October 06, 2007
No Purling, Just Knitting
Hi, everybody! It's been a while. I've been knitting, just not finishing much of anything. I was all set last weekend to block and sew up Edie, but then I discovered that (ahem) my armholes did not match up. So, I have to redo the top half of the back, and then I should be able to sew it up. I'll be glad to see that project come together - it was essentially my big summer knitting project. Although, given the weather in Chicago - maybe I still have some summer left! It's supposed to be 88 degrees today!
I'm working on another sweater, one that doesn't require very much assembly. I'm making the Hourglass Sweater from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Somehow I always forget that making a sweater in one piece means no purling! This is hard on my hands - I definitely need the balance of the knit and purl. So - I'll be glad when this one is finished. Here's a progress shot:
I'm working on the sleeves, since the body is long enough to connect them. Only problem is - can you see it? - there is a slight stripe about a third of the way down. Sigh. I might rip back and cut out the length of yarn that is causing the stripe. The yarn is Pear Tree 8 ply, in the color Grass. The color between skeins has been remarkably consistent, with the exception of the aforementioned stripe. This yarn definitely makes a beautiful garment - kinda pricey, though. But, I don't feel so bad since I first saw it about four months ago, didn't buy it, but then when I saw it again last week I decided I liked it enough to justify the purchase. Sorta sad that waiting only delays my spending on yarn, rather than reducing it. :)
Hope everyone is doing well!
I'm working on another sweater, one that doesn't require very much assembly. I'm making the Hourglass Sweater from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Somehow I always forget that making a sweater in one piece means no purling! This is hard on my hands - I definitely need the balance of the knit and purl. So - I'll be glad when this one is finished. Here's a progress shot:
I'm working on the sleeves, since the body is long enough to connect them. Only problem is - can you see it? - there is a slight stripe about a third of the way down. Sigh. I might rip back and cut out the length of yarn that is causing the stripe. The yarn is Pear Tree 8 ply, in the color Grass. The color between skeins has been remarkably consistent, with the exception of the aforementioned stripe. This yarn definitely makes a beautiful garment - kinda pricey, though. But, I don't feel so bad since I first saw it about four months ago, didn't buy it, but then when I saw it again last week I decided I liked it enough to justify the purchase. Sorta sad that waiting only delays my spending on yarn, rather than reducing it. :)
Hope everyone is doing well!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Craftivity (for want of a better title)
Hi all! Thanks so much for your encouraging comments on my little project. It gives me so much energy to try something new, and an even bigger boost since it's going well. Hopefully I can finish it this weekend.
In other project news: I'm still working on my Edie sweater. I need to finish the shoulder and neck shaping, and then I'll starting blocking. It seemed like a good idea to wait to block until all the pieces are finished, in case there are some minor sizing issues. I'm also working on the Pompom Tie Cardi I posted about a while ago. The Shelridge Farms is great to knit with, but the dyeing is a little inconsistent. I've looked around on Ravelry and on the Shelridge website, and no one else seems to have this problem, so maybe I just got a bad dyelot. I ripped out one piece because the tones were just too different than the back piece I already finished. Sigh.
All of that to say...I needed a quick project! I just finished a Montego Bay Scarf, featured in the Summer Interweave Knits:
The yarn is Blue Heron Rayon Metallic, and aside from the fact that it's so dang hard to photograph, I have NOTHING but good things to say about this yarn. It's really soft, but also sturdy (I tugged on it a lot to block it). The metallic thread running through it makes it gorgeous and shimmery - not gaudy. All the colors work together and there was no pooling. It has great yardage, too.
This scarf is going to someone close to me who could use a little pick-me-up. I hope it will remind her that *she* has a sparkle all her own, no matter what she wears.
Hope to see some of you at knitting tonight!
In other project news: I'm still working on my Edie sweater. I need to finish the shoulder and neck shaping, and then I'll starting blocking. It seemed like a good idea to wait to block until all the pieces are finished, in case there are some minor sizing issues. I'm also working on the Pompom Tie Cardi I posted about a while ago. The Shelridge Farms is great to knit with, but the dyeing is a little inconsistent. I've looked around on Ravelry and on the Shelridge website, and no one else seems to have this problem, so maybe I just got a bad dyelot. I ripped out one piece because the tones were just too different than the back piece I already finished. Sigh.
All of that to say...I needed a quick project! I just finished a Montego Bay Scarf, featured in the Summer Interweave Knits:
The yarn is Blue Heron Rayon Metallic, and aside from the fact that it's so dang hard to photograph, I have NOTHING but good things to say about this yarn. It's really soft, but also sturdy (I tugged on it a lot to block it). The metallic thread running through it makes it gorgeous and shimmery - not gaudy. All the colors work together and there was no pooling. It has great yardage, too.
This scarf is going to someone close to me who could use a little pick-me-up. I hope it will remind her that *she* has a sparkle all her own, no matter what she wears.
Hope to see some of you at knitting tonight!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Success!
You may recall that I was working on a project of my own design. I thought it was going to be too big, and I was considering ripping. I talked myself into finishing the project as I had first intended it, and then - if it wasn't right - I could rip it. Well, I'm SO glad I made myself finish it! (or at least, get it finished enough to try it on.)
It fits!!
It's nothing too fancy, just a U-necked vest - but I'm proud that I figured it out myself. Now all that's left is the ribbing around the neck and armholes, to match the ribbing at the hem. I'll post a pic as soon as it's finished! I can picture the outfit now: brown tweed wide-legged pants, collared shirt with a small stripe or pattern, and some great shoes to finish it off.
It fits!!
It's nothing too fancy, just a U-necked vest - but I'm proud that I figured it out myself. Now all that's left is the ribbing around the neck and armholes, to match the ribbing at the hem. I'll post a pic as soon as it's finished! I can picture the outfit now: brown tweed wide-legged pants, collared shirt with a small stripe or pattern, and some great shoes to finish it off.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
What I Did on My Summer Vacation
An excellent trip - less than a vacay but more than a mini-break. Hung out with my best bud A. Did more knitting, late-night chatting and reading than I usually do in real life. Enjoyed the quiet (after the ringing in my city-fied ears subsided).
Relaxing
Eating
Knitting
Hope you had a great Labor Day weekend too!
Relaxing
Eating
Knitting
Hope you had a great Labor Day weekend too!
Monday, August 27, 2007
200
Blogger tells me this is my 200th post! Pretty cool.
I've been knitting a lot, but nothing is at a point of completion. All the pieces of Edie are finished, save one. I'm waiting for the blocking board I ordered so that I can lay everything out and get ready to seam. I have about a zillion baby sweaters in various states of done-ness. And, I've been working on a vest (in the pic over there). It's going to be a somewhat cropped, U-necked vest. I've been trying it on as I go, and it's knit to the measurements I calculated, but I think I may need to down-size it somewhat. It just seems like it will be a little bulky. It's knit with zero ease, but I think I should knit it with negative ease. Anyway, I'm trying to force myself to just finish it the way I originally planned, and then see if I need to change it. I think that way I'm not second-guessing myself. The yarn is Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted. I found three skeins of the light blue in the clearance bin at Lakeside Fibers - $9.00 a skein! And since I knew three would not be enough, I got a fourth skein of chocolate brown, which will be used for the hem, neckline and armhole trim. I'm using US 10 1/2 needles to stretch the yardage. Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. The weather was pretty breezy today - maybe I'll even get to wear it soon!
I've been knitting a lot, but nothing is at a point of completion. All the pieces of Edie are finished, save one. I'm waiting for the blocking board I ordered so that I can lay everything out and get ready to seam. I have about a zillion baby sweaters in various states of done-ness. And, I've been working on a vest (in the pic over there). It's going to be a somewhat cropped, U-necked vest. I've been trying it on as I go, and it's knit to the measurements I calculated, but I think I may need to down-size it somewhat. It just seems like it will be a little bulky. It's knit with zero ease, but I think I should knit it with negative ease. Anyway, I'm trying to force myself to just finish it the way I originally planned, and then see if I need to change it. I think that way I'm not second-guessing myself. The yarn is Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted. I found three skeins of the light blue in the clearance bin at Lakeside Fibers - $9.00 a skein! And since I knew three would not be enough, I got a fourth skein of chocolate brown, which will be used for the hem, neckline and armhole trim. I'm using US 10 1/2 needles to stretch the yardage. Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. The weather was pretty breezy today - maybe I'll even get to wear it soon!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Kim Hargreaves
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Stitches Report
As I mentioned, I went to Stitches Midwest last week. I had prepared ahead of time by updating my Future Projects list, being careful to note the weight of yarn and quantities needed, and even thinking about colors I'd like to use for the upcoming season. Of course, even the best-laid plans can crumble in the face of the sheer volume that is the Stitches Market. I was totally overwhelmed! Good thing I decided to spend the day there, because it took a good 2 hours before I had a handle on what/who was there, and still longer before I made any purchases! I had the good fortune to run into Corinne, and I also had made plans to meet up with Jewell. They both helped me get off the dime and buy some stuff. So, without further ado, here's the haul:
This is organic yarn! Woot! It's from Green Pastures Fiber Co-operative in Illinois. It's 100% merino, and it's been fulled - so it's kinda fuzzy. Also beautifully hand-dyed, you'll note. There's enough here for a special scarf...and I know just the recipient.
I tried to get a good picture of this stuff - I may have failed. This is Shelridge Farms DK weight. I got enough for a fab sweater for moi. I was totally stalking their booth all day - they had a lot of beautiful stuff. I was considering this kit, until I learned it was fingering weight...never gonna happen! But I loved the color, which is the same as you see here.
Last but not least...an awesome combo from the ladies at Knitche. The pink is Lobster Pot Worsted - this is from a one-woman operation on Cape Cod. Her colors are soooo beautiful - this one is called Salt Rose. (if you don't believe me, ask Corinne about Drawn Butter!) The multi-colored yarn is handspun, and is (I think) only available at Knitche. I thought this would make a great combo - as if the pink needed any 'brightening'! Anyway...I'm not sure what this will be - probably some sort of scarf.
Well, I've gone on long enough. Hope everyone is having a good week!
This is organic yarn! Woot! It's from Green Pastures Fiber Co-operative in Illinois. It's 100% merino, and it's been fulled - so it's kinda fuzzy. Also beautifully hand-dyed, you'll note. There's enough here for a special scarf...and I know just the recipient.
I tried to get a good picture of this stuff - I may have failed. This is Shelridge Farms DK weight. I got enough for a fab sweater for moi. I was totally stalking their booth all day - they had a lot of beautiful stuff. I was considering this kit, until I learned it was fingering weight...never gonna happen! But I loved the color, which is the same as you see here.
Last but not least...an awesome combo from the ladies at Knitche. The pink is Lobster Pot Worsted - this is from a one-woman operation on Cape Cod. Her colors are soooo beautiful - this one is called Salt Rose. (if you don't believe me, ask Corinne about Drawn Butter!) The multi-colored yarn is handspun, and is (I think) only available at Knitche. I thought this would make a great combo - as if the pink needed any 'brightening'! Anyway...I'm not sure what this will be - probably some sort of scarf.
Well, I've gone on long enough. Hope everyone is having a good week!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Still Stitching
This is a sleeve. A what? A sleeve. Oh, a sleeve.
I'm about 40% finished with the knitting for Edie. Unfortunately, I haven't started blocking anything, so the only piece that looks halfway decent is this one. I'm using Lorna's Laces Fisherman, as called for in the pattern. I had been wanting to try this yarn, and when I found it at my LYS on sale in a good color for me, it was all over. The yarn has a lot of bounce and the hand dying gives it a beautiful, dappled effect. I'm really enjoying this project and this yarn.
Today is Stitches! I'm headed off in a couple of hours. I have an invitation for dinner, but I may be too pooped by then - we'll see. I'm not going on Saturday, so I'll probably miss most people. I'm hoping to avoid going on Sunday, but if I am indecisive I may have to go back.
There are so many things on my shopping list! I don't plan to buy something for every project I'm considering, but if I don't have enough things on the list, I might strike out entirely. So my list includes a mix of big, grownup sweater projects, smaller vest and scarf projects, baby projects, etc. My strategy will be to try and get yarn that I can't find anywhere else, or things that are just a really good deal (but that still will work for a specific project). I'm also looking for things like Rebecca magazines and certain types of needles. Hopefully I will have some luck.
Okay, see you later! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Eyelet Cardi Recap
I promised a little recap of my experience with the pattern/yarn/etc, so here goes:
I didn't modify the pattern at all. For me anyway, the sizing was perfect as written. The pattern was extremely easy to follow - I really commend the designer, Alison Williams, for a terrific pattern.
The yarn - ah, what can I say? Blue Sky Dyed Cotton is one of my favorites. Well, I should say it's one of my favorites to knit with...I don't yet know how it will wear. After three or four day-long wearings, the sweater is developing pills in the areas under the arm, where the most friction is - but they pull off easily without damaging the fabric. It's very soft and despite the thickness of the yarn, the sweater doesn't feel heavy at all.
The only other thing to say is that I plan to make another one in wool for fall/winter. As far as gauge goes, the Blue Sky Worsted would probably be spot on...however it is pricey. And, I think something with plies would make for more stitch definition - isn't that right? Anyway, I'll be looking for the perfect yarn for this perfect pattern. Maybe I'll find something at Stitches Midwest. Who's going?
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Eyelet Cardi at Work
Warning! Crappy cell phone pic ahead:
I just couldn't resist an action shot!
I will share details about the pattern, etc. later, but in the meantime - have a good weekend, everyone! Back soon...
I just couldn't resist an action shot!
I will share details about the pattern, etc. later, but in the meantime - have a good weekend, everyone! Back soon...
Monday, July 23, 2007
Technique
I appreciate everyone's comments about colors, especially the idea that it's the combinations of colors that end up looking dated, rather than a specific color on its own. I really love vibrant colors, but it's the whole weeks-of-knitting thing that gives me pause about using them for a sweater. I think I'll hang onto to the magenta yarn and let it marinate in the stash until the weather is colder. I think that the strong color will look more 'right' as my color palette starts to darken for fall and winter.
In the meantime, I have been working on baby gifts, which I am electing not to show here so that no surprises are ruined. I've also knit three hats - but they are black, so no photos there. My best photo op is the Eyelet Cardi I posted about oh so long ago! I finally got up the nerve to set in the sleeve. Here's a pic:
I'm pretty proud of myself! I think this might be my first grownup-sized set-in sleeve. I've made a decent number of sweaters, but they are all raglan-shouldered. I used the slip-stitch crochet seam taught to me by this fine knittress. First I seamed the back of the sleeve and then pinned it into the armhole. This may be a pretty standard method, but I was so surprised at how easy it was. The pinning part is genius. I hope I can repeat my success on the other sleeve.
Anyway, that's about all for me. Have to get some shut-eye. I'm looking forward to this weekend, though. I'm headed to Madison, WI and Lakeside Fibers! Wee!
In the meantime, I have been working on baby gifts, which I am electing not to show here so that no surprises are ruined. I've also knit three hats - but they are black, so no photos there. My best photo op is the Eyelet Cardi I posted about oh so long ago! I finally got up the nerve to set in the sleeve. Here's a pic:
I'm pretty proud of myself! I think this might be my first grownup-sized set-in sleeve. I've made a decent number of sweaters, but they are all raglan-shouldered. I used the slip-stitch crochet seam taught to me by this fine knittress. First I seamed the back of the sleeve and then pinned it into the armhole. This may be a pretty standard method, but I was so surprised at how easy it was. The pinning part is genius. I hope I can repeat my success on the other sleeve.
Anyway, that's about all for me. Have to get some shut-eye. I'm looking forward to this weekend, though. I'm headed to Madison, WI and Lakeside Fibers! Wee!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Thinking about Fall
As I said the other day, I've started thinking about my knitting projects -- patterns and colors -- for fall. I can't wait to read all the August magazines and see the new fashions. As far as colors go, here's what Pantone says we'll be wearing this season:
This season includes colors like magenta, mustard yellow, and shale green. I like magenta, and it's a good color for me - but I'm a little nervous about using it for handknits. (I just ordered this yarn from kpixie.com, but now I'm re-evaluating.) Will it look dated in a short amount of time? Or does this not matter if the color suits you well? I don't want to look like a 'blast from the past'.
Of course, there's always the 'neutrals' route, in order to be sure you are knitting a classic and not something too terribly trendy. I'm not sure how Pantone deals with neutrals, but it seems like they change with the seasons too. So, if I choose a favorite neutral that doesn't seem very popular this year, I might end up with a basic (but maybe boring) wardrobe staple.
How do you decide on colors for your handknits?
This season includes colors like magenta, mustard yellow, and shale green. I like magenta, and it's a good color for me - but I'm a little nervous about using it for handknits. (I just ordered this yarn from kpixie.com, but now I'm re-evaluating.) Will it look dated in a short amount of time? Or does this not matter if the color suits you well? I don't want to look like a 'blast from the past'.
Of course, there's always the 'neutrals' route, in order to be sure you are knitting a classic and not something too terribly trendy. I'm not sure how Pantone deals with neutrals, but it seems like they change with the seasons too. So, if I choose a favorite neutral that doesn't seem very popular this year, I might end up with a basic (but maybe boring) wardrobe staple.
How do you decide on colors for your handknits?
Monday, July 16, 2007
Summer Reading
Knitting has slowed to a crawl lately because I have been reading Anna Karenina. I was invited to join a friend's book club - just my luck that they read a 900-page book for my first meeting! Anyway, I just finished last night (the group meets on Tuesday). There were some slow parts, but on the whole, it was an excellent read. It covers most of the major issues in life: love, marriage, family, religion, politics, culture...with a few theories on agriculture and political economy thrown in. It's amazing how a book can tell a story so embedded in a particular time and place in history, and yet have such universal themes and truths about people. The end has a few twists and turns, and so I found myself thinking for hours about why things had happened, what the characters must have thought about it all, and whether there was any other ending I thought would make sense. I haven't decided yet.
I was surprised to learn that this was an Oprah Book Club selection. There was a whole page of Q & A about the book, which must have been done by some heavy duty scholars. I consider myself a fairly close reader, but there were so many things I hadn't even considered! It definitely gave me a deeper perspective on the book.
Anyway, for those looking for a little lighter reading, I commend this to your attention: the Pantone Fall 2007 fashion color report. Yay fall fashion! More on this later...
I was surprised to learn that this was an Oprah Book Club selection. There was a whole page of Q & A about the book, which must have been done by some heavy duty scholars. I consider myself a fairly close reader, but there were so many things I hadn't even considered! It definitely gave me a deeper perspective on the book.
Anyway, for those looking for a little lighter reading, I commend this to your attention: the Pantone Fall 2007 fashion color report. Yay fall fashion! More on this later...
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Day Off Baby Hat
Happy Fourth of July, everyone! I don't know about you, but today was a much-needed day off for me. It was so nice to sleep in and then spend the afternoon at a parade. We went to Evanston, IL, which - believe it or not - pulled off a three-hour parade! Luckily the weather was not too hot for all of these festivities, making it a perfect 4th.
On the way there, on the way back home and all evening I worked on this hat, which is now finished (although the seam needs fixing):
The pattern is from Debbie Bliss - this one is from the Baby Cashmerino 2 book, but it appears in various gauges in other books she's written. I had a run-in the first time I tried this pattern a few years ago - I tried to make it in one piece, instead of using a seam as the pattern is written. [Note to self: gauge in the round is NOT the same as gauge on a flat piece!] I used Pear Tree Yarn 4-ply, which just happens to be the same gauge as DB Baby Cashmerino (sorry, Debbie!). However, this yarn is not superwash, while the Baby Cash is (good job, Debbie!).
I am a baby-gift-knitting storm right now! My sister-in-law and another friend had babies in June, another friend is due by the end of July, two more friends are due in the fall and one in the winter...there really is something in the water! (grin) I've got yarn queued up to make a little something for each of these special little ones who will join us in 2007.
Hope you all had a safe and relaxing holiday!
On the way there, on the way back home and all evening I worked on this hat, which is now finished (although the seam needs fixing):
The pattern is from Debbie Bliss - this one is from the Baby Cashmerino 2 book, but it appears in various gauges in other books she's written. I had a run-in the first time I tried this pattern a few years ago - I tried to make it in one piece, instead of using a seam as the pattern is written. [Note to self: gauge in the round is NOT the same as gauge on a flat piece!] I used Pear Tree Yarn 4-ply, which just happens to be the same gauge as DB Baby Cashmerino (sorry, Debbie!). However, this yarn is not superwash, while the Baby Cash is (good job, Debbie!).
I am a baby-gift-knitting storm right now! My sister-in-law and another friend had babies in June, another friend is due by the end of July, two more friends are due in the fall and one in the winter...there really is something in the water! (grin) I've got yarn queued up to make a little something for each of these special little ones who will join us in 2007.
Hope you all had a safe and relaxing holiday!
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