Chewy Spaghetti's Finished Objects

(Not So) Baggy Bolero

2010-08-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Project: (Not So) Baggy Bolero

Pattern: Baggy Bolero from Pickles

Material: stash yarn- hand dyed dk wool

Notes:
I didn't want this bolero to be quite so baggy, so I didn't make the last section quite as long as directed. I have been wanting a shaggy vest for fall, and this is sort of my stand in piece. I like the way that it turned out, and I am hoping to wear it over long sleeve tops when it cools down. It's much warmer than it looks- being wool. I really enjoyed the simple knitting and unique construction of this project. Thanks to BJ for posting it at the YLF board!

Drop Stitch Sweater

2010-08-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Project:
Drop Stitch Sweater

Pattern:
Modified Top Down Raglan generator

Materials:
DK Wool/Silk, US Size 5,3 and 2 needles

Notes:
I had seen a sweater at Nordstrom's with a design of dropped stitch stripes, and decided to copy it. My version was created as a top down raglan with a deep V neck and stripes of rows of dropped stitches. I finished in in about a week, and am looking really forward to wearing it in the fall. I'm glad to finally use up this great yarn that had been just sitting around.

Pickled Socks

2009-01-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not even going to write a real FO report. This is just another pair of plain Jane top down socks in my own sportweight yarn.

Sulky Socks

2009-01-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

Project: Sulky Socks

Materials: one skein Chewy Spaghetti Spaghettoni, US size 1 DPN's

Notes:

These are just basic, top down flap heeled socks for The Boy Wonder. I think that it took me longer to write the FO report than to actually knit them LOL

Frenchie Scarf

2008-12-30T17:04:00.000-08:00

Project: Frenchie Scarf

Pattern: Briloche stitch over 18 stitches with yarn held double

Materials: leftover Patons Merino in black, US size 7 needle, pom pom maker, and leftover Knitpicks Merino Style in black for the pom-poms

Notes:

I ran out of yarn sooner than I had hoped, so I blocked this scarf to make it long enough to wear. It eliminated most of the "squishyness" of this stitch, but it's still a nice scarf. The length turned out perfect- the "dingleberries" can hang on your chest where they can be appreciated.

Stained Glass Hat

2008-12-29T10:33:00.000-08:00

Project: Stained Glass Hat

Pattern: The Armando Hat by Gina House

Materials: Lion Wool in brown (just a bit for the brim), Handpaintedyarn.com Bulky Merino (1/2 skein), US size 4 16 inch circ(brim), and US size 6 16 inch circ

Time to Knit: 3 hours or so

Notes:

I used the thinner Lion Wool for the brim. I did a k1tbl, p1 ribbing for the brim, and it worked out very nicely. I really love the simple stitch pattern for this hat, and I think that it nicely highlights the handpainted yarn. It makes a nice, warm, hat. I have been wearing it since I finished it. I used up all that was left from the two skeins that I had. I found these in the Odds N Ends section at Handpaintedyarn.com. The rest became The Rusty Knight's Keeping it Warm at Sunrise hat. This was a great use of what was left.

Chubby Cabled Tam

2008-12-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Project: Chubby Cabled Tam

Pattern: Chunky Cabled Tam by Heather Carlson from Knit.1 Fall/Winter 20008

Materials: Elsbeth Lavold Chunky AL in a burnt orange color (3 balls), US size 6 16" circ, US size 11 16" circ, US size 10 DPN's

Time to Knit: about 4 hours

Notes:

I made quite a few mods to this pattern. I wanted to make it smaller and less bulky for my dd, and also not run out of yarn. I did not do the second set of 44 increases, in fact I decreased 4 stitches for a total of 96 sts for the body of the hat. I also made the hat shorter in length, doing just a single pattern repeat before the additional 5 rows and the decreases. I also knit the brim on size 6 needles, and when I switched to DPn’s I used 10’s (both out of laziness, because I couldn’t find the other sizes) I’m glad that I didn’t make it any bigger, because this is still one big hat, and fits me as well as dd. I knit this on Christmas Day as I sat chatting with my folks. The mods that I made also fit the amount of yarn that I had almost perfectly. I had just a few yards left when I was finished. I held the yarn doubled throughout the pattern, and I think that the alpaca in this yarn gives it a nicer drape than the 100% wool that was used.

Mp3 Cozy

2008-12-23T13:34:00.001-08:00

Project: Let the Music Play

Pattern: just a band of two by two rib (knit through the back loops), with a picked up garter stitch pocket

Materials: Elan Esprit (half a ball in a solid turquoise), and US size 1 12" circular needle

Time to Knit: a couple of days

Notes:

I just needed something to hold my MP3 player while I use the elliptical trainer, and this was just the thing. The yarn is stretchy, so it shouldn't fall down.

Clapotis

2008-12-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Project: Finally Caught the Clap

Pattern: Clapotis by Kate Gilbert

Materials: Chewy Spaghetti Spaghettoni (2 skeins in Thankful 07 colorway), and US size 4 needle

Time to Knit: one week

Notes:

I didn’t keep track of how many repeats of each section I did, I just made it a size that seemed good for a scarf. It ended up being 14 inches wide, and 80 inches long.

I enjoyed knitting this, especially dropping those stitches off. This scarf will go great with my blue corduroy trench coat. this is one of those patterns that I could see myself knitting again with a different yarn.

Lost Shower Scarf

2008-12-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

Project: Lost Shower Scarf

Pattern: Shower Scarf by Mette Nielson

Materials: one skein Yarntini variegated sockyarn in The Numbers, US size 1 36 inch circular needle

Time to Knit: 5 days

Notes:

I'm not sure how many stitches I cast on, but I wish that I had made it wider and not quite as long. That being said, it's fun to knit a scarf the long way, and I will probably use this pattern again with a thicker yarn.

Wednesday December 10, 2008

2008-12-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

I finished my Cross Cabled scarf, pom-poms and all. I really like the pom-pom trim. I'm going to have to make something with that on it for myself, as this is a gift. I forgot that acrylic doesn't block very well, but it still looks ok. I had to start a new scarf since I finished this one. I had some Yarntini that I thought was self striping, so I wanted to knit this Shower Scarf (but it turns out it isn't self striping). That's ok, I lined the colors up to pool, so I think it will still turn out neat. I haven't knit a scarf the long way for quite some time. I hope that I cast on enough stitches, but I guess I will have to wait and see.

Cross Cabled Scarf

2008-12-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

Project: Cross Cabled

Pattern: Criss-Cross Cable Scarf by Wollhuhn Knitting

Materials: Moda Dea Twedle Dee in Indigo Run (about 1 1 /2 skeins), and US size 9 needles (plus a pom-pom maker)

Time to Knit: 10 days

Notes:

I used the original pattern as inspiration, but had to really re-write it as my own due to the drastic difference in yarn thickness used. I saw this type of pom-pom fringe on a scarf in a store, and wanted to try it. I think it looks really cute, and I will probably use it again.

Oh No, Another Lace Scarf!

2008-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Project: Oh No, Another Lace Scarf!

Pattern: Omo Scarf by Lucia Tedesco

Materials: Schafer Yarn Company Anne in Warm Earth (about half a skein), and US size 3 needles

Finished Dimensions: 5 inches by 74 inches

Time to Knit: about 3 weeks

Notes:

This was a really enjoyable pattern to knit. I memorized it easily, and it became addictive. I have half a skein of this yarn left, and I am considering doing the same pattern again for myself.

Jade Carpathia

2008-12-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Project: Jade Carpathia

Pattern: Carpathia Scarf by Jacquelynn Vance-Kuss

Materials: Socks That Rock mediumweight in Jade (one skein), and US size 4 needle

Finished Size: 6 inches by 90 inches

Time to Knit: 4 days

Notes:

I originally intended this as a Christmas gift, but I loved it so much that I decided to keep it. It's a good sized scarf, and warm even though it's lacey. Green is my favorite color, and I don't have any green scarves.

Scarf for Dummies

2008-11-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

Project: Scarf for Dummies

Pattern: One Row Lace Scarf by Turvid

Materials: Jo-Ann Sensations Kashmira in robin's egg Blue (almost a full skein) and US Size 9 knitting needles

Time: 2 days

Notes:

I wanted the simplest lace pattern, and this was great because you do the pattern to both sides. It was fun and easy, and it turned out great.

Winey Paves Scarf

2008-11-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

Project: Winey Paves

Pattern: Hazy Paves Scarf by Terry Ann Hagerman

Materials: Crystal Palace Kid Merino (one ball in a wine color), and US size 8 Straight needles

Time to Knit: 4 days

Notes:

I decided to use a single color for this scarf. It was the perfect way to use up this ball that had been in my stash for so long. I liked that this pattern was lacy, but not actual lace. It was a very easily memorized pattern, and easy to knit (other then the fact that the yarn kept sticking to itself). I started this scarf for myself, but Princess Stomping Foot laid claim to it before it was even finished. I may steal it back to wear, though.

Enchanting Wrap

2008-11-04T09:44:00.001-08:00

Project: Enchanting Wrap

Pattern:Enchanting by Marika Lundgren

Materials: Handmaiden Sea Silk 150 in Forest (May 07)- one skein, and US size 3 circular needle

Time: 2 months

Notes:
While this was a very simple lace pattern, I still had problems with it. There are many mistakes in this project; and while I can see them- nobody else probably will. Sometimes I just push through my lace-phobia, just to prove to myself that I can do it. This was one of those times. It's a beautiful finished garment, and I think that I will wear it a lot.

Grey Socks

2008-11-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

Project: Grey Socks for the Boy Wonder

Pattern: Improvised top down sock with a flap heel

Materials:Jo-Ann Sensations Soles & More a little over 1 skein in the black/gray/white colorway and US size 1 Inox coated DPN's

Time: about 3 weeks

Notes:
Just plain vanilla socks for The Boy. I like this yarn- it's a little thicker than most fingering weights, and not particularly splitty. I'm going to use the leftovers to make him some arm warmers.

Camouflage Crew Socks

2008-10-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Project: Camo Crew Socks

Pattern: top down flap heel (improvised)

Materials: S.R. Kertzer On Your Toes 4 Ply in Camouflage Print (one ball) and US size 000 DPN's

Time to Knit: 3 months

Notes:

These are just plain vanilla socks for The Boy Wonder. I used really tiny needles in hopes that they will last a little longer than his other knit socks, but it was so unpleasant to knit them that I won't do it again. The finished fabric is very tightly made, but it took me three months just to suffer through making them.

Staying at Home Scarf

2008-10-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Project:

Staying at Home Scarf

Materials:

various worsted weight wools in leftover quantities (specifics on Ravelry), US size 8 straight needles, US size 4 needle, and a tapestry needle

Time to Knit:

3 days

Notes:

In the vein of the Traveling Scarf swaps that are going on right now, I decided to make myself a patchwork scarf to go with my Global Economy Hat. I love the combination of blues and greens, and being able to try different stitch patterns. It’s also nice to just do a little bit, and be able to switch to something different when I am tired of that stitch. This was a very fun scarf to make.

Another Rock Star Scarf

2008-10-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Project:

Another Rock Star Scarf

Materials:

one skein Socks That Rock medium weight in Chickabiddy, US size 19 circular needles, and a tapestry needle

Time to Knit:

2 days

Notes:

This scarf is just like the first one, except I didn't have to pry it out of my daughter's hands (because she already has one). I can see myself varying the stitch pattern and making more of these from sockyarn. Maybe the next one will be garter stitch.

Rock Star Scarf

2008-09-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Project:

Rock Star Scarf

Materials:

one skein Chewy Spaghetti Spaghettoni in Sunkissed, US size 19 circular needle (20 inch), and a tapestry needle

Time to Knit:

one day

Notes:

I was inspired by the Zauberschal scarf pattern that I saw on Ravelry, but I didn't understand her instructions. So, I just knit a tube in stockinette on really huge needles. It looks really similar, and I think it's a great use of handpainted sockyarn.

Global Economy Hat Pattern

2008-09-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Global Economy Hat Pattern

Materials:

about 100 grams of worsted weight yarn (all in one color, or up to three colors) and coordinating needles in DPN's and 16 or 20 inch circular, one circular needle size smaller for ribbing and flower, and a tapestry needle

Size: completely customizable

Stitch Patterns

GARTER STITCH (in the round)

Row 1: purl all stitches

Row 2: knit all stitches

2x2 RIBBING (in the round)

knit 2, purl 2

all rows

FLOWER RIBBING (worked flat)

Row 1: purl one, knit one

Row 2: knit 1 TBL, purl 1

Notes:

I saw a hat like this at an import store and I thought "That is *so* cute- I could make that!" So, instead of buying the solid colored, acrylic hat, I knit a multi colored hat out of leftover wool from different projects.

This pattern is worked from the crown down, enabling you to make it exactly the size that you want. You can also knit the hat as long as you want. I wanted my hat to have a sort of flapper/Cloche feel, so I made it long enough to cover my ears. I used a size 4 needle for the hat, and a size 3 needle for the ribbings. I am a very loose knitter, and I wanted a fairly tightly knit hat for winter wear. Use the needle that gives you the feeling that you want from your finished fabric. Leave the flower off, or try a different type of flower if you want. I used a different color of yarn for the hat body, the ribbing, and the flower trim. The hat that this pattern was based on was all the same solid color. Customize the colors to make it your own!

Pattern:

Using a long tail cast on, cast 8 stitches onto your DPN's. Divide the stitches onto 4 needles and purl one round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker and join stitches for circular knitting. Knit into the front and back of each stitch on the next round. Purl one round even (no increases). Next Round: knit 1 stitch, knit front and back into the next stitch* repeat across row. Purl the next row even. Continue in this manner, knitting one extra stitch between increases on each knit row until your hat is the correct width, and switching to circular needle when needed. (For me, this was 82 stitches. Just be aware that if your number of stitches is not divisible by 4, your ribbing will have to be adjusted) Be sure to put your hat on waste yarn and try it on as you go.

When your hat is big enough around, continue in Garter Stitch until your hat is 1 1/2 inches shorter than you desire. (or the length that you want your ribbing to be)

If you want your ribbing to be a different color, switch yarn now. Begin knitting onto smaller circular needle in 2x2 ribbing. Knit until ribbing is desired length, and bind off in pattern. Weave ends in.

Flower

How big your flower will be is determined by the amount of stitches that you cast on. I pulled out about three yards of yarn and cast on until almost all of it was used up, although I don't know how many stitches it was. You may have to play around with it a bit to get it just right. Knit in Flower Ribbing Pattern for about one inch, and bind off in pattern. Block the flower into shape, sew it to itself when it dries. Sew it onto the hat at the edges. Weave in all ends, and pop it on your noggin.

Celebrity Scarf

2008-09-20T17:05:00.001-07:00

Project: Celebrity Scarf

Materials:
Suss Designs Handpaint in pink/red (2 skeins), and US size 11 needle
Time to Knit: 6 hours

Notes:
I got this yarn from a friend who got it at at Stitch N Pitch game a couple of years ago. I used every last inch of the two skeins, but it is a long, skinny scarf. It’s just garter stitch- I tried several other stitch patterns, and this is just what worked best for it. I knit the entire thing in one night- it’s really bulky yarn.
I told my daughter that I always see pictures of celebrities in long, skinny scarves, so this is my Celebrity Scarf LOL

Murky Socks

2008-09-19T08:51:00.001-07:00

Pattern:
Improvised cuff down with a flap heel

Materials:
Chewy Spaghetti Spaghettoni in Murky colorway (1 skein) US Size 0 Inox coated metal DPN's

Time to Knit:
3 weeks

Notes:
I'm hoping that knitting these on the smaller needle helps them to last a little longer- The Boy Wonder is really rough on his socks!

Lavendar and Lillac Diagonal Scarf

2008-09-15T09:23:00.001-07:00

Project: Lavender and Lilac Diagonal Scarf

Pattern:
Sweeney Todd Scarf by Vanessa Gribowski

Materials:
Patons SWS in Natural Violet (2 skeins), US size 7 needle

Time to Knit:
5 days

Notes:

This was perfect vacation knitting- not too big, and easy enough to remember, but enough of a pattern that you have to watch what you’re doing. I did quite a bit of this on the plane, and the rest in front of the TV.
It’s a little on the short side, but it will block out a bit. If I were to do it again with the same yarn, I might make it a little thinner, and longer- I’d use three skeins instead of the two. But I think it will be nice to tuck into a coat or jacket when it gets chilly.
I’d actually love to do another one in a hand dyed solid color. I love the way that it’s knit on an angle- so unexpected from such a simple garment. It really gives something plain a bit of sophistication.

It still needs a good blocking for length, but I had The Princess model it for me.

2008-09-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Project: Keeping it Warm at Sunrise Hat

Pattern: 18 Seconds Before Sunrise Hat by Tipper

Made For: The Rusty Knight (modeled by Princess Stomping Foot)

Materials: Handpaintedyarn.com Merino Bulky from the Odds N Ends section (one skein)
US Size 10 DPN's

Time to Knit: 2 days

Notes:
This was a really fun little project. It would have been more enjoyable if I had a circular needle, but that was no fault of the pattern. I can't believe that I found a hat pattern written for big heads, and got gauge with the yarn that I wanted to use. The pictures don't really capture how great this hat looks. I added pom poms to the ends of the I-cord, rather than the tassels. I think it's a very fun look. I have some yarn left, and I may have to make one of these for myself.

Saturday August 30, 2008

2008-08-30T08:39:00.001-07:00

I finished these socks that I had abandoned in my WIP basket. I', glad to have them done, and The Boy Wonder will be glad to have them. Even he doesn't wear wool socks when it's this hot. The last few days have been the hottest this summer, it seems. I didn't even go to the baseball game last night. I couldn't take sitting out in the heat. But, I got the socks finished, and I started a new pair.
The new ones are my own yarn, in the Murky colorway of my sportweight. I'm knitting them with a size 0 needle, and it's just small enough to make a nice, tight fabric, and still be enjoyable to knit. I'm also done with the skirt on Hey Teach! I have to look at the pattern and figure out how to combine the directions for the three pieces before I go on.

Boy Wonder Socks- Red, White, Black

2008-08-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Project: Plain vanilla top down socks with a flap heel for The Boy Wonder

Materials: one skein Spunky Eclectic Super Nova, US size 2 DPN's

Notes:
These are The Boy Wonder's favorite colors. This was a project that I had abandoned and left in my WIP basket for who knows how long. I'm glad that I was able to pick it up and finish it. The Boy Wonder really does love his "yarn socks".

Thira-ly Modern Halter

2008-08-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Thira

Source: Knitty Summer 08

Designer: Beverly S.

Materials: Elann.com Esprit in Aegean Sea (3 balls)
US size 4 circular needle

Time to Knit: 12 days

Notes:
I made the XS size for my dd. It will probably fit her for years to come since it's so stretchy, but it also fits her right now. The strap could be a little bit shorter, but since she's layering this it allows whatever is underneath to peek out, and it looks cute. I only made it about an inch shorter than the pattern calls for, and while it's a very stretchy garment, I can't imagine the length stretching as much as the width. This was a very quick and easy project. It would have made great traveling knitting.

Freehanded Cardi

2008-08-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

Project: Freehanded Cardi made for Princess Stomping Foot

Pattern:Gathered Cardi

Source: Knit.1 magazine Spring/summer 2008

Written By: Cathy Carron

Materials: Debbie Bliss Wool/Cotton in pink (6 skeins) US size 3 needle

Time to Knit: 13 days

Notes:
I never saw the actual pattern for this sweater. I saw the pictures, and just freehanded it. I probably should have done the increases in every other stitch, rather than every stitch, and I wish thew bottom was a little longer, but The Princess is happy.

Little Flyaway

2008-08-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

I started this thing more than a year ago, with no pattern. I used some thicker crochet cotton that I had gotten really cheap, and I started it as a top down raglan with a simple lace pattern. I connected the neck ribbing, then separated the two sides , so that it would be closed at the top, and then hang open with edging at the sides. When I discovered this in my WIP pile, it was nearly finished. I don’t know why I let it sit like that for a year- it took me less than an hour to finish it. I think what happened is that I finished everything but the sleeves, and couldn’t decide what I wanted to do with them, so it sat. Eventually, I needed the needle that was in the project so I stole it and left it on waste yarn. When I finally went back to it, I had forgotten what size needle I was using and the end of the sleeve ended up being too small (both in pattern and the dimension). Then I got frustrated and let it sit some more. I ripped back that portion of the sleeve, and just capped them both off with ribbing. It’s perfect! This is a great little sweater to throw over my summer stuff as it gets a little cooler.

Sunfire Shorty

2008-08-06T11:15:00.001-07:00

Project:
Shetland Shorty by Gundrun Johnson

Source:
Knitty Summer 08

Materials:
Zen Yarn Garden Bamboolicious in Sunfire (1 skein- 450), Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Solid in red (partial skein), US Size 1 needle

Time to Knit:
Started July 3, 2008
Finished August 6, 2008, but left to sit for about two weeks of that time

Notes:
I was worried about running out of the yarn for the body(which I needn't have been), so I chose a contrasting yarn for the tie. Unfortunately, I ran out of the yarn before I could do the shaping, so I just bound it off. I made the body a little bit shorter, but I could have made it even shorter. I found some more of the yarn from the tie to use on the sleeve edging, but I had to only pick up three stitches per pattern repeat instead of four since I didn't have a smaller needle to go down to. All in all, a quick, easy knit and an adorable finished product. The Princess can't wait to wear this to dance tonight, and I am contemplating making a second one for myself.

Ms. Hazy Days

2008-07-29T10:25:00.001-07:00

Project:
Mr. Greenjeans by Amy Swenson

Source:
Knitty archives

Materials:
Chewy Spaghetti Spaghettoni in Hazy (4 skeins)
US size 4 needle
button

Notes:
This is one of my favorite knitting projects to date- both in the knitting, and the finished product.
I chose to do short sleeves, and use a DK weight machine washable yarn. I think that I will get more use out of it being that it is lighter weight and short sleeves (living in the hot desert and all), and I love having the option of machine washing it. I haven't knit anything for myself out of my own yarn, so this was a fun project. I love this colorway, and I can't wait to wear it. The top down raglan construction is my favorite way to knit. You end up with a really good fit, and it can easily be modified at any point. I followed the pattern, modifying for fit. I started the cabled section a little higher, and made the sweater length a little longer. I also added a gusset along each side to provide coverage for my hips. I also did not switch to a smaller needle size for the cabled section of the body. This was a really fun project, and a great pattern.

Shetland Shopping Bag

2008-07-29T10:19:00.001-07:00

Project:
Shetland Shopping Bag of my own devise

Materials:
Elann.com's Coto Canapone in Piquant Green (2 balls)

Notes:
This didn't really turn out how I had envisioned it. It's much too wide, and not long enough. I also ran out of yarn and had to do the handles in something that I had lying around. It will be ok for groceries, but I would make changes if I were to do it again.

Raspberry Hew

2008-07-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Project:
Hew by Canary Sanctuary

Materials:
Reynolds Rise and Shine in Raspberry (4 balls)
US size 1 circular needle

Notes:
I really love the interesting construction of this pattern. You end up with almost no finishing, which I love. I will remember these tricks for future projects. The end result is so cute, and fits The Princess perfectly. I'm lightly blocking it so the edges stay straighter, and then I am going to add a belt loop to the back. The Princess wants to wear it to class tonight.

Waterfall Ecobag

2008-07-06T11:01:00.001-07:00

Project:
Ecobag by Bonnie Evans (a free Ravelry download)

Materials:
Elann.com Adara in Waterfall colorway (2 skeins)
US Size 8 circular needle
US size 4 circular needle and DPN's

Notes:
I used the pattern as more of a guide. I knitted my bag circularly from the top down, and did the bottom in a circular fashion as well. I forgot to place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round, and so my pattern got off in several places, but it doesn't really matter for its' purpose. This stitch pattern was a little different than the other ones that I have used, but gives a similar mesh effect. I really wanted to do two straps on this bag, but I ran out of yarn and had to settle for one.

Curacao Market Bag

2008-06-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Project:
Curacao Market Bag

Pattern:
Sully Market Bag by Christine Kurowski

Materials:
Elann Sonata Print in Curacao (2 skeins), US size 8 circular needle, US size 4 circular needle and DPN's

Notes:
I varied the pattern slightly by just starting at the top, and working down from it. It was a very quick knit. I finished this bag up Saturday morning, stuffed it with things for the kids to do, and took it to recital. It worked out really well- even holding a board game. I like that this bag has a circular bottom, rather than the square bottom that many market bag patterns use.

Coral String Bag

2008-06-26T08:03:00.001-07:00

Project:
Coral String Bag
Pattern:
Emerald String Bag fromWorsted-Knitt
Materials:
Rowan Handknit Cotton (2 balls), US size 19 circular needle, US size 4 circular needle
Pattern Notes:
This was a quick and easy knit with minimal finishing required. I want to try a few other market bag patterns, but I have a feeling that I will come back to this one. This is the smaller size, and I even made it a little smaller due to running out of yarn. The large one must be humongous. I used up nearly every bit of both balls of yarn for this, but you could modify it to be as big or as little as you want, really- and to use whatever yarn you have. I have a desire to fill this up with "stuff" and carry it around all day.

Nutmeg Mini Sweater

2008-06-19T08:29:00.001-07:00

Project:
Nutmeg Mini Sweater

Materials:
US Size 0 DPN's, partial skein of All Things Heather Merino/Silk in Nutmeg

Pattern Notes:
I have been using my sock leftovers to make these little sweaters for Christmas. I wrote this pattern on my blog a while ago, but I just put a link to it on my regular blog (in the sidebar under "Go Here"), and also listed it on Ravelry.

Spicy Ribbed Socks

2008-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Project:
Spicy Ribbed Socks

Materials:

One skein of All Things Heather Silk/Merino in Nutmeg

US size 0 Inox DPN's

Pattern Notes:

I just did a twisted rib pattern on this sock. The yarn is nice and soft, but despite that I didn't enjoy knitting these. It was just the pattern that I didn't like. The color is gorgeous, and I can't wait to wear these. It took me about 4 months to finish knitting these, and it usually takes me less than a month to knit a pair of socks.

Lacy Summer Shrug

2008-06-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

Project:

Lacy Summer Shrug

Materials:

Zen Yarn Garden Bamboolicious in Fuzzy Navel

US Size 1 needle, US size 8 needle

Pattern Notes:

I used the same stitch patterns as my Lacy Summer Hat. I knit it flat, and seamed the arms up after it was finished. My intention was for this to be for me, and for the cuffs to go below my elbows and the sleeves to blouse over them. I ran out of yarn, so it became a short shrug for The Princess instead. I used one skein of yarn for both the hat and the shrug.

Lacy Summer Cap FREE PATTERN

2008-06-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Lacy Summer Cap

Materials

US size 1 circular needle (16 inch), US size 8 circular needle (16 inch), US size 5 DPN

(or sizes needed to obtain gauge)

one skein Zen Yarn Garden Bamboolicious in Fuzzy Navel, (0r other sockyarn in similar weight)

Gauge

in K1tbl (knit 1 through the back loop), P1 rib slightly stretched

5 sts= 1 inch

Size

fits average sized women's head (21-22 inches)

To adjust size, cast on more or less stitches

Stitch Pattern

*YO, K2tog, repeat from *

Pattern

I did not have the proper length of needle in a size one, so I knit the ribbing flat and joined it at the lace pattern. I then sewed the ribbing when I had finished the rest of the hat. This is a fast knit, it only took me a couple of hours.

RIBBING

Using size 1 circular needle, cast on 120 sts, place marker, and join (being careful not to twist the stitches). Knit in K1tbl, P1 ribbing until piece measures1 1/2 inches or desired length.

BODY

Switch to size 8 needle and knit one round.

Knit one round in Stitch Pattern, and continue to alternate between a knit round and a stitch pattern round until piece measures 6 inches or desired length.

CROWN

K2tog around the next row, switching to size 5 DPN's

K one round, and continue to alternate a round of knitting and a round of K2tog until you are left with 8 sts.

Break yarn and pull through the last 8 sts.

FINISHING

Weave in ends, block lightly if desired.

Dance Sweater

2008-05-15T09:20:00.001-07:00

Project:

Dance Sweater

Materials:

one plus skein of Chewy Spaghetti BPS April in Impudent, US size1 circular Addi's

Notes:

This was knit from the top down using Stefanie Japel's Leaf Tie Cardigan as a guide, and then modifying it. I connected it, and knit it in the round from that point down. I also picked up and knit a ribbing around the collar when I had finished. That neck ribbing was the only portion of the sweater knit from the second skein. It pulls a little bit at the front (which could probably be fixed with a second blocking), but I really like the way that it turned out. She'll be able to wear this for a while, unlike her other shrug that is getting too small already.

Baggy Hat

2008-03-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Project: Baggy Hat

Materials: one skein of Handpainted Yarn (can't remember the style or colorway), size 6 and 9 DPN's

Notes: I couldn't sleep last night, so I just cobbled this hat together. Actually, I knit it once, then ripped it back halfway, then knit it again. I started with 66 sts, and increased to 99 after the ribbing (by knitting one, knitting into the front and back of the next stitch all the way across). If I were to make another one, I would do the increase round twice to make it floppier, and more like a beret. I may even get to wear it, as we're still having some cold weather.

2008-03-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Project: Envy Ornament Sweater

Materials: leftovers of Fearless Fiber sportweight in Envy

Notes:

I had to do short sleeves on this one, because I ran out of yarn. It may end up belonging to Ken after I figure out what i am going to do with them. Now I am onto the next sock- I think that it is going to be something with a little pattern to it.

Envy Socks

2008-03-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

Project: Envy Socks

Materials: Fearless Fiber sportweight (1 skein in colorway: Envy), US size 1 DPN's

Notes:

I knit these top down with my favorite formula. I love the colors, and they are nice and soft. My feet are pretty big, but I didn't make the cuffs super long, and I didn't have much left. In fact, I had to make my mini sweater with short sleeves because I ran out of yarn.

Boy Wonder Socks

2008-02-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

Project: Top down plain vanilla socks

Materials: 1 skein Spunky Eclectic Super Nova in Grand Opening and US size 0 needles (Inox coated DPN's)

Notes:
This is just my standard sock recipe for my son's socks. He doesn't want anything fancy, and I am happy to oblige. He likes the weight of a sportweight sock, and I like that it has nylon and can stand up to his wear. We both love the colors. Knitting these is a nice break between more complicated patterns.

Upside Down Double Eyelet Rib Socks

2008-02-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

Project: Upside Down Double Eyelet Rib Socks

Pattern: Double Eyelet Rib Socks by Wendy Johnson

Materials: Posh Yarn Lucia (70% Merino, 30% Cashmere- 360 yards/100g) in 'Dainty', size 0 Inox coated metal 8 inch DPN's

Notes:

I worked this pattern as charted, but I knit them from the cuff down, so that the pattern is reversed. The pattern was easy to memorize, and makes for a nice, stretchy sock. I loved working with this yarn. It has a nice spring to it, and subtle color variation. I think that these will become a faviorite, they fit very nicely and the bottom of the sock is nice and tight.

Saturday Jan 5, 2008

2008-01-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

First off- the Rusty Report.
The Rusty Knight is doing really well. He's completely off the prescription pain meds, getting back to a normal sleep schedule, and walking around a lot. The only things that he can't do now are lifting and bending (although he has perfected the art of grabbing things off the ground with his prehensile toes). Yesterday, he had an appointment to get his staples removed, but they only removed two because it was too soon. It gave me a chance to finish up the socks that I started Sunday when he was in the ER (you can read the details here- and by the way, I love that Fearless Fiber and am considering buying more in a different base). He goes back on Friday to try again. I think that the hardest thing for him has just been his inability to do what he really wants to. He's already had his boss send him some work that he can do from home, because he can't just sit there anymore. He told me that he's going to be one of those men who can't retire. Well, I already knew that. He wasn't even home from the hospital for a full day before he called and ordered cable TV. (We've never paid for cable TV before- we had it a couple of times when the kids were little because it had been spliced into our apartment, but I have always been against paying for it). If he hadn't just come out of emergency surgery, I probably would have put my foot down. He can have his cable TV, I am going to get a cell phone again. I guess that it's time to join the new millennium. I was just thinking what would have happened if I were out and there was an emergency. With one car, the cell phone is more important. I will miss going on errands alone and having peace and quiet. But the peace that I will have knowing that he can reach me is better.

Hospital Socks

2008-01-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Project: Hospital Socks

Materials: Fearless Fibers Cashmere in Endless Night (1 ball) and US size 4 DPN's

Pattern Notes: These are just a simple, top down sock. I made the ribbing continue down the top of the foot to compensate for the unstretchiness of the cashmere. The yarn was a pleasure to work with, and I can't wait to put these on.

Mom's Socks

2008-01-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Project: Generic cuff down socks for my mom

Materials: Apple Laine Apple Pie in Royal Blue (2 skeins), and Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silkie Socks That Rock in Love in Idleness (less than a ball)

Pattern Notes:

I started out with the Apple Laine, and used that for the cuff, heel, and toes. Every fourth row was the STR. These are really decadent fibers- mohair and silk along with the wool, and I think the colors really worked to spice up the plain pattern. I love these socks, and I hope that my mom does too.

2007-12-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

Project: Errol

Source: Charmed Knits : Projects for Fans of Harry Potter by Alison Hansel

Designer: Andi Smith for knitbrit.com

Materials: Flynn (left): Merino Style from Knitpicks in Nutmeg and Harvest and Socks That Rock Mediumweight in Tera Firma- US size 7 needles

Hester (right): Knitpicks Bare Peruvian Highland Wool in Worsted Weight, Kroy Sockyarn in Flax and Patons Classic Merino in Camel- US size 8 needles. Less than a full ball used for all yarns listed.

Pattern Notes:

My owls turned out decidedly different than the picture in the book. If I hadn't been assembling them on Christmas Eve, I probably would have re-worked them a bit. My owls are quite a bit larger (I am a loose knitter), and more duck-like. The bottom flap piece was much too large for the opening, and I remember hearing this same problem from other knitters. I simply inserted the flap, stitched it in and let the excess stay on the inside to help fill the space. The kids like them, and that is all that really matters.

Tilted Duster

2007-12-01T08:34:00.001-08:00

Project: Tilted Duster

Pattern: by Norah Gaughan

Source: Interweave Knits Fall 07

Materials: Elann Peruvian Sierra Aran in Walnut (16 skeins)

Notes:

I had to knit the sleeves in a larger size than the body, but once it was put together it fit fine. I also modified the way the closure worked. I really liked this sweater until I saw a picture of myself in it. It's not flattering at all, and I probably won't wear it again in public. But it was fun to knit.

Legwarmers

2007-12-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Project: Legwarmers for Princess Stomping Foot for dance

Materials: Chewy Spaghetti Cheeky Spaghetti (2 skeins, held double throughout), US size 2 and US size 3 bamboo DPN's

Notes:

I just knit these as a straight tube with the ribbing at one end done on a size smaller needle for the ankles. These fit her fine, but the doubled yarn makes them a little heavy and they slip down. I'll have to work on the construction and make her another pair. I knit through the back loops on the ribbing to match the little shrug that I made her out of this yarn.

Dance Shrug

2007-11-25T14:38:00.001-08:00

Project:

Dance Shrug for Princess Stomping Foot

Pattern:

My Own

Materials:

Chewy Spaghetti -Spaghetti (fingering weight- held double throughout) in Cheeky: two skeins, and US size 1 Addi circ

Notes:

This is just a simple one piece shrug to go over leotards on chilly days. I knit it flat, and seamed up the sleeves about an inch and a half past the end of the ribbing (which is a twisted rib with the knit stitches knitted through the back loop). Now I'm working on matching leggings.

Little Minisweater

2007-11-10T08:46:00.001-08:00

Project:
Little MiniSweater

Pattern:
Glampyre Knits Freebie ( byStephanie Japel)

Materials:
2 skeins of Chewy Spaghetti Spaghettoni in Alluring, US size 4 bamboo 16 inch circular needle

Notes:
Since I was making this in a child size, I used a smaller gauge yarn (sportweight) and an appropriate needle, but followed the directions mostly as written just adjusting for the difference in row gauge. Since it's a top down raglan pattern, it's easy to adjust for fit. The fit is perfect on her- and it will be a nice dance cover up. I knit this whole thing in just a day- and had a lot of fun using my own yarn. I actually only used up a single ball's worth of yarn, but I knitted back and forth between two different balls to minimize pooling. I think that the color worked up very nicely. It will go well with her new pale blue leo.

Shark Socks

2007-11-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

Project:
Shark Socks

Pattern:
Improvised

Materials:
Spunky Eclectic Super Nova in Shark, size 1 DPN's

Notes:
These are another pair of plain vanilla socks for The Boy Wonder. They are top down with a flap heel. I love this yarn, and I will be back to buy more when I can stomach more plain sock knitting. (Maybe after the holidays)

Brown Spunky Socks

2007-11-05T06:58:00.000-08:00

Project:
Spunky Socks

Pattern:
Improvised

Materials:
Spunky Eclectic Super Nova in Gunsmoke, size 1 metal DPN's

Notes:
Another pair of top down sock with a flap heel- the same as the other one. I love the color, and I guess that the boy does, too. I finally got these off of his feet so that I can wash them.

Spunky Socks

2007-10-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Project:

Spunky Socks

Pattern:

Improvised

Materials:

Spunky Eclectic Super Nova in Landsails

Notes:

These are just a simple top down sock with a flap heel. These seem to fit my 11 year old son well, and I cast on 54 stitches with this sport weight yarn. I was excited to see that Spunky Eclectic carries a sportweight superwash with some nylon in it because my son has cold feet, and is also very hard on his socks. I really enjoyed knitting with this yarn, and have already cast on a second pair in a different colorway. The color is beautiful, and the finished fabric is really nice. If these hold up to wearing, Spunky Eclectic will be my Go-To-Gal for sockyarn for my son.

Vesper Socks

2007-10-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Project:
Vesper Socks

Pattern:
Improvised

Materials:
Vesper Sockyarn from Knitterly Things in colorway Crew (one skein)
and US size 000 DPN's

Notes:

These were started for The Boy Wonder, but they turned out a little bit too small so Princess Stomping Foot inherited them. Vesper reminds me a little of Opal, and the colors are very fun.

Juliet

2007-10-04T09:10:00.001-07:00

Project:
Juliet

Source:
Zephyr style

Designer:
The Zephyr Gals

Materials:
Elsebeth Lavold Chunky AL (10 balls)

Notes:
I really love this sweater. It's got a very modern silhouette, but being written top down it's easy to customize. The lace pattern was simple, but adds so much to the finished garment. I did add a couple of extra garter rows after separating the sleeves, and I made it a bit longer than the pattern calls for. Those were really the only modifications. I love the yarn that I used for this- and it's a really flattering color for me (although I can't get it to come out true in pictures). I wore this the other night, and got a compliment from a stranger. She had no idea I had knit it myself. That is really the mark of a good hand knitting pattern, I think.

Thuja

2007-10-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Project:

Thuja

Source:

Knitty Winter 05

Designer:

Bobby Ziegler

Materials:

Lorna's Laces Sheperd Sport in Denim- 2 hanks, bamboo DPN's US size 2

Notes:

This is a nice, simple sock pattern. I probably should have gone down a needle size, since the fabric was a little loose, but I think they are fine. It's nice to find a sock pattern written for a man's foot with a sportweight yarn. My dad has requested a thicker sock, so I hope he likes these. They will be a Christmas gift for him.

Back to School U Neck Vest

2007-08-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Project:

Back-to-School U Neck Vest

Source:

Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel

Materials:

Cascade Quatro (100% Peruvian Wool 3.5 oz, 220 yards) 4 skeins in color "Antigua"

Addi Turbo circular needle in size 5 and 3

Notes:

This is a typical pattern from Stephanie Japel (of Glampyre Knits fame). Written as a bottom up pattern, it is knit in the round, and easily adjustable. The only modifications that I made to this pattern were to knit the bottom ribbed portion longer, and to leave the shoulder stitches live and use a three needle bind off to attach them. I like the fit of this vest, although I did have to use a very tight bind off on the neck and armhole edges in order to get them to lay right. It was an easy knit, and would have been quick if this were my only project going.

Monkey Socks

2007-08-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Project: Monkey

Source: Knitty Winter 06

Author: Cookie A.

Materials: one skein Chewy Spagehtti fingering weight spaghetti in colorways Sunkissed and size 000 metal DPN's from Susan Bates

Notes:

These are for my daughter (who is 8), so the tiny needles got the me correct size for her. I wouldn't use them on my yarn again- the fabric is really dense, and it just took so long to do these. But they turned out really nice, and they fit Princess Stomping Foot. Cookie's patterns are always really well written, and this is no exception. It's one of those stitch patterns that just makes sense as you're knitting it, and fits neatly on your needles.

2007-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Project:
Silkie Socks- basic cuff down socks with a flap heel (no pattern)

Materials:
one skein Silkie Socks That Rock in Love in Idleness, size 1 Inox coated DPN's

Notes:
I made these a little smaller than I normally would for myself because I wanted them to fit my mom. I'm afraid I made them too small, though- and they may become Princess Stomping Foot's. Either way, they will have an owner that loves them. (Yep. I just has her try them on and they fit the Princess perfectly, so sorry mom- you'll get something else) I like the thickness of this yarn, and the way the dye takes unevenly. It gives the finished sock a more tonal look than a plain handpaint.

Seduction Socks

2007-06-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Project:

Seduction Socks

Source:

Interweave Knits Spring 2007 (available online in PDF form)

Written By:

Ann Budd

Materials:

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Seduction (one skein) in colorway: Blue Moonstone and size 1 Inox coated DPN's

Notes:

I think this was the first time ever that I used both the yarn that a pattern was written for, and the same colorway. But, these socks are perfect in this color, and I had to try the yarn. It's nice yarn, but I don't think it's any nicer than the other merino/tencel yarns available. I did have one knot, and as a dyer I know that knots are inevitable, but for the price I was hoping to avoid them. Anyway, the finished socks fit great- I'm sure that I will wear them a lot. The lace pattern was easy to memorize, and looks so pretty on. I didn't modify this pattern at all- it is well written and easy to follow. All in all, a great pair of socks!

Fancy Cotton Socks

2007-06-02T08:52:00.001-07:00

Project:

Fancy Cotton Socks

Pattern:

stitch pattern from Infant's Fancy Silk Socks (star toe and french heel)

Source:

Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush

Materials:

Fortissima Cotton Colori (75% cotton, 25% nylon) - two 50 g skeins

Inox gray coated DPN's size 1

Notes:

I used this stitch pattern on a much larger sock (adult sized). It worked out fine. I didn't realize until just now that this yarn doesn't have any wool in it. I'm concerned about how it will wear, and how it will stretch. The cuff is already stretched out. These will be good for a spring day when I just want as little sock as possible, they are light and airy.

Lace Shrug

2007-05-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Project:
Lace Shrug (stitch pattern found online)

Materials:
Crystal Palace Kid Merino in a wine color- 2 balls

Notes:
This started out as a stole. I found the pattern online (I can't remember where now), and made it a little wider. I was using the yarn doubled, and knew that I wasn't going to have enough to make a decent sized stole (only having two more balls). I also wasn't enjoying the knitting, so I just bound it off and blocked it to see what I actually had. It turns out that with just a tiny bit of seaming at each end, it is the perfect little shrug.

Not Quite Socks

2007-05-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

Project:

Not Quite Socks (AKA something for Princess Stomping Foot to wear with flip flops)

Materials:

Tofussies (50% Superwash Wool, 25% Soysilk Fibers, 22.5% Cotton, 2.5% Chitin) size 000 Inox DPN's

Project Notes:

I had no pattern for these, I just hobbles together a little of this and a little of that, with some creative engineering thrown in. These are a little short in the heel, and The Princess doesn't like that they cover her pinkie toe, so I will probably be knitting more with some modifications.

Sockotta Ribbed Socks

2007-05-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

Project: Sockotta Ribbed Socks

Pattern: hobbled together generic patterns with a flap heel and funky pointed toes

Materials: one skein Sockotta (45% cotton, 45% superwash wool, 15% nylon) in color #64- greens, blue, yellow and Inox coated metal DPN's in size 2

Notes:
I have been wanting to explore sockyarns that have other fibers than just wool. Since our weather is hot almost half the year, wool socks can only be worn for a few months. This was a good place to start- especially since it was already in my stash. The yarn wasn't particularly pleasant to knit with- a little touch on the hands, but not so horrible that I would ban it from further use. I didn't have much problems with splitting, and the finished fabric is a little rough pre-washing, but nice and cool to the touch. These will be good socks for spring weather.

April Socks

2007-04-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Project:
Plain Jane socks

Materials:
Meilenweit Tweed, Inox coated DPN's in size 1

Pattern Notes:
These socks are very well matched in striping until the toe. I ran out of yarn, and had to use a tiny ball of leftover yarn from the first sock. I managed to match th einitial yarn color- yellow, but in order to have enough yarn to finish I had to use it in the reverse order. Hence, the toes are different colors. These fit well, and sometyiems it's ncie to have a mindless project to knit on.

Swallowtail Shawl

2007-03-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Project: Swallowtail Shawl

Pattern By: Evelyn A. Clark

Source: Interweave Knits Fall 06

Materials: one of skein Handpaintedyarn.com laceweight wool in an unknown colorway (rose/brown) and size 3 Clover bamboo 24 inch circ's

Time to Knit: about a week

Pattern Notes:
I have been attempting lace patterns almost as long as I've been knitting. I always end up frogging them, though. I seem to have some mental block against lace, or so I thought. This particular ball of yarn has been knit, ripped, and re-knit, only to rip it again several times. It has also been sitting in a center pull ball for about a year. The yarn is a bit fuzzy at this point, and I had a heck of a time with it twisting up and felting itself together. I cut the yarn, and re-started it after a knot several times. The pattern itself was more simple than it looked. Either that, or I am finally beginning to understand lace knitting. It's a beautiful pattern, (even though the nubs are excruciating to knit), and I love the finished product. This has wet my whistle for more lace knitting, and I see lots of shawls/stoles in my future.

Friday Harbor Socks

2007-03-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

Project: Friday Harbor socks

Source: Knitting on the Road

Written By: Nancy Bush

Yarn: Socks That Rock medium weight in Terra Firma

Pattern Notes:

I picked this pattern from the picture in the book, (which doesn't show the design on the front of the sock) and also because I got the right gauge. One of the things that I like about this sock book is that it has patterns for several different gauges. As a sock knitter, I know that not all sock weight yarns get the same gauge, so I appreciate that. It also has a beautiful collection of patterns- color work, lace, and simple designs as well. I just discovered that there are lots of errata listed for this book (something to remember in the future when I use it), but the corrections listed for this pattern are already in my printing of this book. The lace patterns in this sock are fairly simple, but I didn't discover that until halfway through my second sock. At that point, I only had to glance occasionally at the charts. The pattern was challenging enough to keep me interested, and simple enough to be good traveling knitting (once I realized the way the pattern worked), and I did knit some if it in the car. Now about the yarn- this was my first skein of Socks That Rock, and I can now see what all the fuss is about. Many of their colorways are just too wild for my taste, but I do love the way that this knits up. I did not have a problem with pooling, and although I would not describe it as particularly squishy, it has a very nice hand. It feels like a very sturdy yarn, and I think that it will wear well. The finished fabric is soft, and I have a feeling that it will be even softer after washing. I can see myself buying more of this yarn- in different weights, etc. I think that these will be one of my favorite pair of socks- even though they weren't my favorite to knit. I wanted to make them taller, but I didn't think that I would be able to get the cuff on any higher on my leg- it isn't very stretchy. They fit really well, and I love the design on the front- they make for an impressive project.

Wicked

2007-03-01T07:41:00.000-08:00

Project: Wicked

Source and Designers: Zephyr Style

Materials: Cascade Ecological Wool in color 8063 (just over two skeins ) and addi turbo circ's size 5

Time To Knit: Just over a week

Pattern Notes:
I did make a few little changes to this pattern. I did a set up row on the collar rather than starting with the twisted stitches on the first row, just so that it would lay flat. I wish that I had gone down a needle size on all the ribbing, and also made the ribbing all a little bit longer. If I make a short sleeved version (I just might!) I will do that. I only had to do 20 increases to get to the separation of the sleeve point (thankfully), and I did the optional waist and hip shaping. I decided to make my sweater longer than the pattern calls for, so once I reached the apex of my hip, I knit 7 more rows of stockinette with no increases. I also made the pocket longer (44 rows total), and I carried the twisted rib pattern down the whole length of the pocket. Rather than do a seed stitch border, I used the twisted rib pattern on the edge. If I had been really thinking about it, I would have matched up the center twist in the pocket with a twisted rib, but that's pretty minor. I changed the sleeves as well. I wish that I could say the 3/4 length fitted sleeves that were the result were just what I planned, but the fact is that they are pure dumb luck. I do love them, though. I decreased one stitch every 5 rows until I hit my elbow (52 sts) and then knit evenly until the ribbing. All in all, I love the end result and I think that I will get lots of wear out of it.

Wrap Around Jacket

2007-02-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

Project: Wrap Around Jacket

Source: Knitpicks

Author: Joanne Seiff

Materials: Addi Turbo circ's size 5, Elann Highland Peruvian Wool- 11 skeins

Time to Knit: 2 weeks

Pattern Notes:
This was a very simple pattern to follow. I wish that I could say that it was well written, but I think that there were several mistakes. I had to change the front decreases to get them all in (obvious math error), my sleeves turned out really long and big (which could mean that I just have short arms, but I wonder if the increases were incorrect for this also), the ribbing should have been done with a needle size smaller than the rest of the sweater, and I know that it's just an opinion of style, but I don't think the suggested crocheted on edging is a nice finish for the sweater design. I decided to pick up and knit a one inch 1 by 1 ribbed band around the front opening. I like that much better. I also did not add the buttons or buttonholes that the pattern called for. I am using a decorative hair stick to close my sweater instead. I am also going to add a few hidden snaps to keep things from shifting around as I wear it. I have already worn it twice, and other than the big, long, sleeves, I love it. It's very comfortable and warm, and I like the style. I'm sure that I will get a lot of use out of it, and I will have to decide about the sleeves as I wear it more. I do have enough yarn to re-knit them if I decide to, without even having to rip it out.

Brother-In-Law Basket Weave Hat

2007-02-15T18:41:00.000-08:00

Project: Brother in Law Basket Weave Hat

Source: Kody May Knits

Written By: Kody May

Materials: one skein of Valley Yarns Stockbridge in Navy

Time to Knit: 2 days

Pattern Notes:
I was looking for a simple, manly hat that had some sort of texture, but could still be accomplished with just one skein of this yarn. (Which was part of the Stitch N Pitch giveaway bag this last year) I like the way that it turned out, and I think that it will fit my dad- who will be the recipient of this gift knitting. The yarn is very nice and soft, and it makes me want to try more of their yarns (available online through Webs). I cast this hat on last night, and finished it up at the park today. This would be great travel or TV knitting. Thanks for sharing this patterm Kody May!

Little Girls's Legwarmers

2007-02-15T18:35:00.000-08:00

Project: simple legwarmers for a 7 year old girl( no pattern)

Materials: fingering weight BFL in self striping hand dyed colorway and size 000 needles

Pattern Notes:
These feel like they took me forever, even though they were small and really simple. Those tiny needles do make a difference. Anyway, they are done now- and she loves them. That's all that's important.

Hand Dyed Socks

2007-02-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

Project: Hand Dyed Socks

Pattern: generic cuff down sized for a boy

Materials: hand dyed Kona DK

Pattern Notes:

These are just generic, cuff down, Dutch heel plain vanilla socks, sized for a 10 year old boy's foot. The only interesting thing about them is the fact that I hand dyed the yarn for them, and ran out on the foot of the second sock. I finally got more of the yarn in stock, and dyed up a little bit to finish it. Funny enough, instead of taking out the yarn and looking at the colors- I just mixed the dyed from memory. As you can see, the green does not match very well. But, as I told The Boy Wonder- that part will be in his shoe and nobody will see it anyway.

Modello Giuditta

2007-02-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Project: Modello Giuditta

Source: Magknits February '07

Author: Lucia Tedesco

Materials: approximately 440 yds of various worsted weight odds and ends ( Patons Classic Wool in several colors, and some pink cotton, plus some novelty yarn for the trim)

Time to Knit: one day

Pattern Notes:

I saw this pattern yesterday, and I knew that I had to knit it. I had plenty of leftovers from various projects, and a girl who doesn't like anything warmer than a poncho. It's a perfect combination! The pattern was easy to follow, and a quick, easy knit. I wish the fact that it was being knitted from the top down had been mentioned (I've never done a triangular shawl before), but I love the way that it came out. The hem does roll slightly, even though I did two rows of crochet around it. If I were to do another one (and I just might) I think that I would edge it in a non-rolling stitch so that it lays flat. That would be my only modification to this adorable pattern.

FREE PATTERN-Ornamental Mini Sweater

2007-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Project: Ornamental Mini Sweater (my own design)

Materials: one partial skein of leftover sportweight sockyarn (Scout's Swag in Pomegranate shown) and size 2 Inox coated DPN's

Pattern Notes:

I actually designed this as a Christmas tree ornament, but when I walked by Princess Stomping Foot's bedroom last night- sweater in hand, and saw a nekked Ken doll........well, I had to clothe him. It fits him perfectly, and more will be made for the tree. This is a great way to use up the little leftover ends of sockyarn, and would be a cute tie on to gifts.

Pattern:

Gauge: 6 sts/inch on size 2 needles (or size needles to obtain gauge)

Materials: about 1 oz of sportweight or fingering weight yarn (fingering weight version will be smaller)

Cast On 30 stitches, divide evenly on three needles, and join for working in the round.

Knit three rounds

Purl one round

Next row: Knit 5 (left back), place marker, knit 5 (left sleeve), place marker, knit 10 (front), place marker, knit 5 (right sleeve), place marker knit last 5 stitches (right back)

Knit to one before the first marker, knit in the front and back of that stitch, slip marker, knit in the front and back of next stitch, knit to one before the next marker and repeat this process across the round.

Next row- knit

Repeat these two rows five times

Next row- knit to first stitch marker and place sleeve stitches on a stitch holder or waste yarn, removing marker as you go. Connect the last stitch before the markers with the first stitch after the markers, being sure to knit these stitches together tightly. Continue knitting around and repeat this process for the second sleeve.

Continue knitting circularly until body reaches desired length (about 4 inches total, or 2 1/2 inches from underarm) Knit in 1 by 1 ribbing for half an inch, and bind off.

Sleeves: Place sleeve stitches form one sleeve back onto DPN's, dividing them evenly on three needles. Join new yarn, and knit sleeves circularly until they reach desired length (about 4 1/2 inches), then knit in 1 by 1 ribbing for 1/2 inch and bind off. Repeat for second sleeve.

Weave in ends and if desired, lightly block.

Legwarmers

2007-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Project: Legwarmers (no pattern)

Materials: one skein Scout's Swag sportweight in Pomegranate

Pattern Notes:

I didn't use any pattern for these, just cast on an appropriate amount of stitches and ribbed it all the way down. I can pull these down to cover the part of my feet that stick out from my clogs, and they still go halfway up my calf. The ribbing makes them completely versatile, even though it was extremely boring to knit. I enjoyed Scout's yarn, even though I'm not thrilled with the way that the pooling happened. I do thoroughly believe that I could have fixed that if I stopped to fiddle with it. There is no such thing as a bad hand dyed yarn, there is just a bad combination of yarn/pattern. (and, in this case- the lazy knitter who doesn't care since these will go under her pant legs)

Jaywalker Socks

2007-01-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Project: Jaywalker socks

Source: MagKnits

Designer: Grumperina

Materials: DGB Confetti Superwash (75% superwash wool, 25% nylon) color #03.007 and size 2 Inox coated DPN's

Time To knit: about a month

Notes:
This was some yarn that I got in Canada. I didn't want to do a plain sock with the self-striping yarn, and I loved this pattern so much that I just had to knit it again. These are the longest pair of hand knit socks that I own- I guess I will see if I like longer socks or not. I must have knit my first pair on size 1 needles, because these are not quite as snug. That is a good thing, though, because I don't think they would have fit my leg if they were any smaller.

Ruffled Edge Wrap

2007-01-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

Project: Ruffled Edge Wrap

Source: Vogue Knitting Winter 06/07

Designer: Lisa Daehlin

Materials: Knitpicks Andean Treasure (100% Baby Alpaca) in Granite
6 plus skeins, size 8 metal needles

Time To knit: 4 days

Notes:
This little project was exactly what I needed to get back to liking knitting again. It was quick, it was definitely easy, I love the finished product (I'm wearing it now), and I got to use up some stash yarn, so I didn't cost me anything to make. I learned to knit backwards on this project, which made all of the short row ruffles a little quicker and easier. I also knitted in my yarn tails, so I didn't have a ton of ends to weave in when I finished. I think this wrap will get a lot of use- it's a versatile style- it's shown tossed over one shoulder and worn straight down in the magazine, it could be worn across the back and through the arms, wrapped around your neack, and today I used a brooch to fasten the edges and give it a little collar and am wearing it like a capelette.

North Island vest

2006-12-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

Project: North Island Vest

Source: Interweave Knits Fall 2004

Designer: Katy Ryan

Materials: Paton's Classic Merino

Notes:
I started this vest in February of this year. It's been so long since I started it that I can't remember exactly what I did and used. I do know that I omitted the Fair Isle design from the back, and left off the top few rows of it on the front. I believe that I got a different gauge than the pattern was written for, and apparantly that was problematic. When I finished the front and back pieces, and seamed them together, I tried it on- it was gigantic. The vest then sat that way in my WIP basket for 6 months or so. I finally just sewed up the side seams with my sewing maching, cut the edges, and sewed a line of stitching down that edge as well, to keep it from unravelling. At that point, all I had to do was pick up the bands for the arms and neck, and it was done in 2 days. It certainly has issues, but I wore it to knitting last night, and will wear it again today. I am just glad that I was able to rescue it, and turn it into something wearable.

Wonder Socks

2006-12-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

Project: Plain socks for a 10 year old boy- no pattern, cuff down, Dutch heel, in DK weight handpainted yarn

Materials: One 400 yd skein Chewy Spaghetti Superwash Merino DK in Ambiguous colorway (I have tons of leftovers), size 3 Clover Bamboo DPN's

Pattern Notes:
I hadn't knit with this yarn before, and I really love it. It's SUPERFAST for socks, but it's also very soft, has a nice sheen, and doesn't split. It's easy=peasy to knit with, and gives a great finished product. I love the way the colors have worked up on this. My husband even said that he liked the colors. It's almost a camoflage look to it, very masculine. I think The Boy Wonder will love these!

Sportweight Socks

2006-12-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Project: Sportweight Socks

No Pattern

Materials: Size 2 Clover Bamboo DPN's, two 200 yard skeins of Chewy Spaghetti sport weight in Exuberant colorway

Pattern Notes:I just did a plain vanilla stockinette sock that will (hopefully) fit The Rusty Knight. These still need blocking, then they can go into his stocking. I love the colors in this sock. I will definitely be dying more with this method. I am going to use the leftovers from both pair of sportweight socks to make a pair of socks for The Boy Wonder- my last Christmas socks!

Another Ruffled Alpaca Boa

2006-12-11T09:06:00.001-08:00

Project: Alpaca Ruffle Boa

Source: December 2006 Magknits

Designer: Joanne Seiff

Materials: Patons Classic Wool in That's Pink(one skein), Knitting Fuzzy Fur from Target's Dollar Spot (one ball in pastel), size 10 circular needle

Pattern Notes:
I cast on the called for 70 stitches for this one. I also eliminated a couple of the rows to make it not quite so ruffly, and a little smaller, as this one is for Princess Stomping Foot. It ended up being the perfect size for a 7 year old.

Grandpa Socks

2006-12-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Project: Grandpa Socks

No Pattern

Materials: Size 2 Clover Bamboo DPN's, two 200 yard skeins of Chewy Spaghetti sport weight in Tranquil colorway

Pattern Notes:
I just did a 3 by 1 ribbing all the way down, with a flap heel (Dutch), and a toe done on four needles (not sure what that is called). I cast on 56 stitches so that these will be nice and stretchy. I love the way they turned out- I hope my dad does, too!

Alpaca Ruffle Boa

2006-12-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Project: Alpaca Ruffle Boa

Source: December 2006 Magknits

Designer: Joanne Seiff

Materials: Patons Classic Wool in Faded Denim (one skein), Knitting Fuzzy Fur from Target's Dollar Spot (two balls in pastel)
size 10 circular needle

Pattern Notes:
I cast on 75 stitches, rather than the 70 that the pattern calls for. I'm glad that I did- I didn't check my gauge, but the scarf is not very long. I made a mistake somewhere- either I did one row twice, or I eliminated the last increase row. I'm not sure which, but it turned out fine. This is a Christmas gift for one of Princess Stomping Foot's dance teachers, Miss K. I am knitting up a second one with the same yarns in different colors for her other teacher. These are fast (it took me about 4 hours to knit this), simple, and a nice holiday gift. I will probably do the longer version at some point- who wouldn't want a curly, twirly scarf?

Cotton Socks

2006-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Project: Cotton Socks

Source: pattern modified from Mens Winter Socks- Knitting Vintage Socks

Designer: Nancy Bush

Materials: Cotton Socks from Socks That Fit in custom dyed colorway

Pattern Notes:
I modified the pattern to fit my leg, shortened the ribbing, and changed the heel to a Dutch flap heel. I'm not a big fan of knitting with cottons, but I have been trying to find some cotton sockyarns for the transitional seasons. I do like this cotton sockyarn better than Cascade Fixation- it is a little less bulky, and softer to the touch. It's very stretchy, and I think that I should have stretched it more while I was knitting because I ended up with just a tiny amount of yarn left, even though I made the foot much shorter than my actual foot (due to the yarns stretchiness). These are comfy when on, although I have not worn them throughout the day yet to see how the stretch holds up. They are soft, and on the thicker side so I don't think that they will be my spring/fall socks. They seem like they would be comfy slipper-socks, though- or warm enough for winter wear (here, anyway). In short, I'm not crazy about the yarn, but it's a good alternative for those poor souls who are allergic to wool. I would suggest getting two balls if you have big feet, want long socks, or are ordering a custom colorway- just to be sure.

SWS Hat

2006-11-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

Project: Generic Beanie Hat

Source:The Knitter's Handy Boo of Patterns

Designer: Ann Budd

Materials: Patons SWS - 1 ball

Pattern Notes:

I changed the decreases on this hat to be over more rows, which gave it more of a Beanie shape, than a Hat shape. I'm very pleased with the finished product- I don't think this will itch The Rusty Knight's head (his main hat complaint), but it should still keep him warm. This is going into his holiday stocking.

Another Fruit Flavored Striped Footies

2006-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

Project: Fruit Flavored Striped Footies

Source: Creative Knitting July '06

Designer: Joanne Turcotte

Materials: Marks & Kattens Clown Cotton sockyarn (45% cotton, 40% superwash wool, 15% nylon)- 1 ball

Pattern Notes:
I made this pair as actual footies, just like the pattern says. I still had to add 4 stitches onto the 12 year old size, and I should have added extra rows to the "foot" becaue the heel is very low. I will probably make another pair of these for her- I am still not getting the short row heel right (I either get holes or bumps), and I probably have enough yarn left. Let's talk about that yarn- the mock Fair Isle print is cute, and the colors are perfect for a little girl, but *man* is it unpleasant to knit with. Not so bad that I refuse to do it, but not something that I will buy again. (I think that I bought this yarn in Canada) Next time I want to do more cotton socks, I will go with the Regia Cotton that I like so much.

Fruit Flavored Striped Footies

2006-10-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Project: Fruit Flavored Striped Footies

Source: Creative Knitting July '06

Designer: Joanne Turcotte

Materials: Chewy Spaghetti Handpainted Superwash Merino in Sporty colorway

Pattern Notes:
These don't look much like footies because they're not. It's not easy to find sock patterns for little feet, so I used this footie pattern which was designed for little girls aged 4-12. Unfortunately, my daughter has really big feet. Besides making a full cuff on the sock, I had to "add" a size up. (I added 4 stitches to the size 12 and up to get a sock that fit my 7 year old). These were my first cuff down short row heels, and on the first sock I missed half of the short rows and had to rip back and fix them. They still don't look as nice as I'd like, so I am making another pair of these for her to get some more practice. I do, however, really like the way my yarn knit up. I love these colors, and I think the finished product is adorable. These socks will go into Princess Stomping Foot's Christmas stocking, if I can put them off for that long.

Gentlemen's Half Hose in Ringwood Pattern

2006-10-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Project: Gentlemen's Half Hose (adapted for a woman's foot)

Source: book Knitting Vintage Socks

Designer: Nancy Bush

Materials: Chewy Spaghetti Handpainted Superwash Merino 400 yards

Pattern Notes:
Because this pattern was for a man's sized socks, I had to make it a bit smaller to fit my foot. It's a simple pattern, so it was an easy task. The pattern was very easy to memorize, and I like the subtle texture that it gives the finished sock. I altered the toe decreases (and, in truth, I flubbed them up a bit- but they will be inside my shoe and nobody will see) from the round toe, and I made the leg shorter. I'm very pleased with the finished look and fit of these socks.
It dopesn't show too much in the pictures, but each sock is knit from a separate skein which was dyed in slightly different ways. It has helped me to see the way both of these has knit up.

A Little Twist- Matching Hat

2006-09-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Project: Matching Hat to A Little Twist Armwarmers

Source: altered from Basic Knit Hat pattern

Designer: unknown

Materials: Blue Sky Worsted- a little less than one skein

Pattern Notes:
Since I had these great arm warmers, and almost a full ball of Blus Sky Alpaca's Worsted leftover, I had to come up with a matching hat. I just used the basic rolled brim hat recipe, beginning with the cabled rib pattern from the armwarmers for a couple of pattern repeats, then switched to stockinette. The Blue Sky Worsted makes into such a soft, warm, cozy fabric, that I know this hat will be a favorite through the colder months. It's long enough to pull down over my ears, and the neutral color won't clash with anything. I (almost) can't wait for it to get cold enough to wear it.

A Little Twist Armwarmers

2006-09-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

Project: A Little Twist Armwarmers

Source: Slumberland.org

Designer: Wendi Dunlap

Materials: Blue Sky Worsted- a little more than one skein

Pattern Notes: With winter just around the corner, I am trying to gear up for cold parkdays. Yes, I live in Southern California, and contrary to popular belief, it does get cold in certain parts. I'm in the High Desert- we get snow. It usually doesn't stick, but when it's cold enough to snow, it's cold enough to wear winter gear if you are sitting at a park most of the afternoon. Our homeschooling parkday goes through all the cold weather, so I am working now to be warm later. Plus, being laid up with my back gave me a great excuse to knit- I couldn't do anything else! OK, so on to the pattern...
I used the pattern as it was written, except I added length on the arm, at the fingers, and on the thumb. (Did I mention that it gets cold?) It's a nice pattern, and was easily adaptable. I love the finished result, and I know the mix of Alpaca and Wool will keep me much warmer than any of my other hand warmers (and still allow me to knit).

Rib and Cable Socks

2006-09-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Project: Rib and Cable socks

Source: Interweave Knits magazine Fall '05

Designer: Nancy Bushl

Materials: Cherry Treee Hill Supersock Potluck in Water (1 hank)

Pattern Notes:
I had made a pair of these socks as a gift last year, and had loved the pattern and the finished sock so much that I always intended to make a pair for myself. Last time, I used Knitpicks Essential, and I remember it being fairly thin for sockyarn. I was concerned that these would be too loose, since it's a thicker yarn, so I went down to a 000 needle. They are pretty tight to get on, although I think that if I get them wet and then put them on they will ease up and fit perfectly. I remembered not liking the toe decreases written for this sock, so I just used my standard toe decreases and it turned out rather well. Because of the tiny needles, these felt like they have taken forever, and my wrists have taken a toll. Reminder to self: do not knit socks on needles so small EVER again.
Other than that- I love the socks!

T-Twist

2006-08-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Project: T-Twist

Source: Knitty online magazine

Designer: Jennifer James Farrell

Materials: Classic Elite Imagine in #9203 (a variegated purple/pink/silver kind of color) and #9213 black

Pattern Notes:

As usual, I couldn't just do the pattern the way that it was written. I had found some of this Classic Elite Imagine at my local Tuesday Morning for half off the tagged price, but I dind't have enough to do the whole top with. I went back and found a second color and decided to do stripes. Changing color each round was ambitious, but I like the end result. I liked this pattern- although I might change the front and back center decreases if I were to ever do it again. The end result is a top that I think I will get a lot of use out of. I didn't, however, enjoy knitting with this yarn. It has a tendency to curl back on itself, knot, and tangle. I spent quite a bit of time just untangling the working yarn from loose ends that had not yet been woven in. All in all, It was a good project- I like the fit (although another blocking may be in order to get that center decrease exactly even), and the edging is cute even though it doesn't lay flat.

Another Rainbow Chevron Scarf

2006-08-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Project: Chevron Rainbow Scarf

Source: Original modification of this pattern

Designer: Me!

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool partial skein of each- Too Teal!, RoyalPurple, and That's Pink!

Finished Measurements: 5 inches wide, 70 inches long

Needle: Clover Bamboo straights US size 7

Time to Knit: 5 days

Gauge: 6 sts/inch in chevron pattern

Pattern Notes:

I just changed the colors, and the length of the stripes for this scarf. This is for the daughter of the lady who is getting the original chevron scarf. Now my daughter wants one just like it.