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!

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!

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.

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!

200

U neck vest
Originally uploaded by zeelyknits

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!

Kim Hargreaves

Kim Hargreaves' fall collection is up.

My favorites: Evie, Olivia (seriously might have to buy this one), Cate, and Still. Oh, and this one, without the ruffles.

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!

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!

Eyelet Cardi Recap

Thanks so much, everyone, for your kind comments about my Eyelet Cardi! I feel so good about this project - partly because it's finally done after so much stalling, and also because it turned out so nicely.

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?

News Flash!

Hey y'all, I'm on Ravelry! Look for me as zeelyknits.

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...

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!

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?

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...

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!

Fab Contest!

Blogger and designer Alison is having a contest, and the prize is a skein of Blue Sky Alpaca's brand-new yarn, Suri Merino!!!

Go here to enter. It's not even a hard contest! You just have to leave a comment letting her know at what age you learned to knit.

See, I'm looking out for you! Go win some yarn.

Now, with more knitting!

Hello! Long time no post. My mom came to visit, so I was too busy sightseeing, shopping and gabbing to knit OR post! We had a ball. We even saw The Color Purple, which is playing in Chicago! I give it a two-thumbs up.

So after my mom's visit I was back to working on my Eyelet Cardigan. See, I've made some progress!


I love this pattern. The extremely well-written pattern and soft yarn has made this project smooth sailing. I just made my first-ever button band! Unfortunately, I can't put on the other one until I figure out the button placement. Figuring out the button placement will require...buttons. Not sure when I can pick those up, so the project may be on hold.

Speaking of buttons, Tender Buttons just closed up shop. Their building, which housed a number of boutiques, is going to be demolished so something else can get built there. I am hoping they will reopen eventually, but they say they have not found a location yet. To think I've lived here for two years (in the same neighborhood no less) and have NEVER gone there...hopefully I will get a second chance!

I've started on another project...for my new nephew! I haven't seen him in person yet, but boy, is he cute! Even though it's not sweater weather I was so excited to knit for him, so I'm making a 6-9 month size sweater.



This is the Hooded Striped Top from Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino book. It's going to be sooo cute. I'm using the Baby Cashmerino and it knits up very easily and smoothly. You kinda have to watch the plies but it's still excellent.

I have bunches of other baby projects on deck, and some other project ideas. Lots of fun knitting to come!

More Progress

Just the sleeves & trim to go now:


Two Fronts! Woot!
Also, re: the magazines. I think I should keep Interweave, since I have found many beautiful items in it I'd like to wear (thanks for the reality check, Amelia!). But I will keep an open mind toward VK and consider subscribing (even though it may mean wallpapering my apartment in knitting magazines).

Laters, knitters!

Weekend

I finally, FINALLY started the Eyelet Cardi from Blue Sky Alpacas! Monica and Gay helped motivate me to get this on the needles. It's a terrific pattern - the stitch pattern is really only two rows, and the Blue Sky Dyed Cotton is chunky enough to keep the project moving. I started and nearly finished the back on Saturday.




Free Stuff!
Last Thursday's KIP was so fun! I saw Mary for the first time in I don't know how long, welcomed a new person to the group (hi Molly!), and hung out with the usual suspects. It must have been my lucky day, because Mary gave me an extra copy of Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing!! I had been eyeing this book, and it did not disappoint - it has TONS of well-designed, useful, and gift-worthy projects. Thank you Mary (and Carolyn)! It was so nice of you to think of me. And, Teresa was destashing as well - she brought a bunch of yarn and magazines to share. I scored these two Interweave back issues - there are some beautiful patterns in each, mainly nice warm pullovers. Excellent, excellent!!

Speaking of knitting magazines - I just bought the latest issue of Vogue Knitting, and was surprised to read that their editor is stepping down...but then I was excited to learn that the new editor will be Adina Klein! I've seen her on Knitty Gritty, and read her articles in Knit.1, and I really like her style. So now I have a crisis: do I subscribe to VK? And if so, do I dump Interweave? I kind of hate to, since Eunny will be the new editor, but two knitting mags seems like overkill since I never get rid of old issues. Decisions, decisions.

Hope you all have had a great weekend!

San Francisco

Downtown

Redwoods at Muir Woods

Bread Pudding at Tartine
S.F. was terrif. Really fun. Not sure if I've ever mentioned it, but my little brother lives there. Being a sister never gets old...it was so nice to see him every day during our visit. The trip was full of great food, time with close friends, yarn, baseball, wine tasting, etc. etc. You can cram a lot into four days - it was busy but still relaxing.

Artfibers was a blast. It was totally overwhelming to have so many choices in fiber, texture, and design. They will create a custom pattern for a very reasonable price, based on the yarn you choose, your gauge (or a standard one), and your exact measurements. I went there thinking, "I need a cardigan"; I should have gone in thinking, "If I could design the perfect cardigan, what would it look/feel like?" I think I made a good choice, but you could create a whole wardrobe using their yarns and a series of custom designs. I chose a yarn called Shizen - a 75% silk, 25% mohair blend with a sorta scrunchy texture. Here's a closeup where you can (hopefully) see the colors/shading. I believe this is color 12.


Artfibers Shizen
I was so lucky to get a chance to visit Artfibers. If you go, give yourself a good chunk of time to really take it all in.

Anyway, I should go. We've got houseguests! But I really wanted to tell you about my trip. I'll be more chatty later - promise!