tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96771022024-03-18T21:46:52.959-07:00Half Baked ObjectsFinished objects...mostly fiber with other crafty goodness on occasion.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-69467885174287984362010-06-03T17:17:00.000-07:002010-06-08T08:09:34.880-07:00Emmaline Inspired<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNyd7g6wDH5jQxM_xPHmhiasi_8KCpHFgirNBD0lqT_LJ1jWmNOajFEE_6VXdYghB97ryPmfNgzkV46Ny7tGCUuUKbX6ihHeVOTdAcrK6EcOdgzb_-gZ81CWULtNs4ufR_sc-tA/s1600/emmaline+back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNyd7g6wDH5jQxM_xPHmhiasi_8KCpHFgirNBD0lqT_LJ1jWmNOajFEE_6VXdYghB97ryPmfNgzkV46Ny7tGCUuUKbX6ihHeVOTdAcrK6EcOdgzb_-gZ81CWULtNs4ufR_sc-tA/s400/emmaline+back.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472026945878179522" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEss10/PATTemmaline.php">Emmaline</a> from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knitty.com/">Knitty.com</a>.<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/woodlandsprite/emmaline">Ravelled</a><br />Needles: US6 and US8<br />Yarn: <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=790">Malabrigo Twist</a> in Olive and <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_46&products_id=184">Malabrigo Worsted</a> in Cypress<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75Cx0Cs8QK3FZXSwyC1-drAh44em6PoogkeaH5OWatVC6TMPsWt-0oInDZnQrKzOxXGE7IVW2HAAfdCxEbz_OzIFyS1GpC89pai0y_6DeNF13S6F4U6XhbcNOsIY_xwAyFpDYcw/s1600/emmaline+front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75Cx0Cs8QK3FZXSwyC1-drAh44em6PoogkeaH5OWatVC6TMPsWt-0oInDZnQrKzOxXGE7IVW2HAAfdCxEbz_OzIFyS1GpC89pai0y_6DeNF13S6F4U6XhbcNOsIY_xwAyFpDYcw/s400/emmaline+front.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472026941992660930" /></a>Buttons: Too many (14) - well, it felt like too many in the sewing on process, but I think it looks nice.</div><div>Pattern Modification: Lots. See comments below :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqkCpZ2h_9UFlhgKYLpbUDxu8t1ecmcYdOD2d5A_I1KHlsIz5QasBTq-YwdWbNDu3B10KeUR_agse7c0xbgIzmixSr9PYCtHJv301LeBLlWNI_bWBlNMIMXn5Ey0LxIM1KuKf0w/s1600/emmaline+b+open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqkCpZ2h_9UFlhgKYLpbUDxu8t1ecmcYdOD2d5A_I1KHlsIz5QasBTq-YwdWbNDu3B10KeUR_agse7c0xbgIzmixSr9PYCtHJv301LeBLlWNI_bWBlNMIMXn5Ey0LxIM1KuKf0w/s400/emmaline+b+open.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472026934551018418" /></a>Comments: I was looking for a quick knitting project to use up some "leftover" yarn from previous projects - Emmaline seemed to be about right for yardage, and it seems like a design that would flatter various body shapes. I tend to prefer the versatility of cardigans, and this design looked easy enough to modify - so away I went.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp7zoBepNpyvn64RhYmhANc3Ptssby-t8KGAlbhBVBzpyE2PPZ3ptr9SO4AZYMWhiK9jM1jLZb7mfMthEQfXb79AiIdgbhQTsRq_hMfFJlQYFuUMSeM29xNa2FvY3p30PXBJZRg/s1600/emmaline+tb+open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp7zoBepNpyvn64RhYmhANc3Ptssby-t8KGAlbhBVBzpyE2PPZ3ptr9SO4AZYMWhiK9jM1jLZb7mfMthEQfXb79AiIdgbhQTsRq_hMfFJlQYFuUMSeM29xNa2FvY3p30PXBJZRg/s400/emmaline+tb+open.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472026928610250194" /></a>I did start with a gauge swatch, all the better to do math to figure out approximately what size I might correspond to in the pattern for reference purposes. Once I figured that out, I also had to make notations on stitch counts - especially since I was going to be knitting this sweater flat rather than in the round. I didn't subtract any stitches in the front to accommodate for the modest button band - I just split the neckline in half and adjusted the eyelet placement to be symmetrical on either side, while allowing for a stitch to be lost when I picked up for the button band later. When I got to the purl bump section, I tried the sweater-in-progress on, and determined that I would need to lengthen that section (to approximately 3 inches below the underarm). I moved the underbust shaping to land...well, under my bust. For the size I was knitting, the original pattern centered the decreases right at the center of the sweater. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyyRdNP3pu8q_9T10pGKBgfnG5oD-jbl4q5QSMxJzFtkooAXW51iyVAlu5FQZ_zsnHEkPYpHs0s856LZLBlj3dr4KfUSOJWS_EqyAyZhTzCcDJ4v2Tm-SfOWz4zQRrc-MSU0hXQ/s1600/emmaline+open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyyRdNP3pu8q_9T10pGKBgfnG5oD-jbl4q5QSMxJzFtkooAXW51iyVAlu5FQZ_zsnHEkPYpHs0s856LZLBlj3dr4KfUSOJWS_EqyAyZhTzCcDJ4v2Tm-SfOWz4zQRrc-MSU0hXQ/s400/emmaline+open.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472026922444393602" /></a>I also wound up moving the body shaping to hit under the underbust shaping, and also changed the increases to happen in the center panels rather than in the side panels. The sleeves were decreased at a much more gradual rate to minimize poof, though if I had it to do over again, I'm not entirely sure I would add the eyelets (and resulting increase in stitches) to the sleeve caps - there is a little bit of excess material at the underarm region - I'm not sure if this was due to the increases in the body, the sleevecaps or both. Body length was shortened to hit at my hip. The trim on the hem and arm bands is done in moss stitch, while the button band is 1x1 rib. To finish the whole thing off and to stabilize the neckline, I added an i-cord trim.</div><div><br /></div><div>Total knitting time was just over a week and included time to tear back and make various modifications. </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-75194818400897329122010-05-04T18:36:00.000-07:002010-05-04T18:36:00.122-07:00Persephone's Socks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCXMk8qyR1IHvRttuJerbESrn9Dj1GnNypUaOe21Zd7XsARLkLXVbdps7ILyPo2vIuEOkso4Aqhs4LGqRJh5k4640ptT-sVk2jko2WTW7GiYEyKK-T9bdCR_oHGEZPy6CMIjTIQ/s1600/persephone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCXMk8qyR1IHvRttuJerbESrn9Dj1GnNypUaOe21Zd7XsARLkLXVbdps7ILyPo2vIuEOkso4Aqhs4LGqRJh5k4640ptT-sVk2jko2WTW7GiYEyKK-T9bdCR_oHGEZPy6CMIjTIQ/s400/persephone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458316874295931618" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_58&products_id=238">Persephone's Socks</a> by Lori Law<div>Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug in Velvet Leaf</div><div>Needles: US1</div><div>Size: to fit a womens size 9.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UhHuaPpdWFjip_H2dp3rGOV_ksHFKsEvchS3YZodhx5CmJo5wgGS4TQVFwKhXzdKORi9jMwyH95pCO15xJcMJHCyVIK3oRDUA030VxpUZV106FpkAOQd3GPpZJ9R0HPfoMcqwg/s1600/persephone2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UhHuaPpdWFjip_H2dp3rGOV_ksHFKsEvchS3YZodhx5CmJo5wgGS4TQVFwKhXzdKORi9jMwyH95pCO15xJcMJHCyVIK3oRDUA030VxpUZV106FpkAOQd3GPpZJ9R0HPfoMcqwg/s400/persephone2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458316871403950994" /></a>Comments: I have no idea why these took so long to come off the needles - they are a simple and straightforward knit provided you don't do like I did and pick up way too many stitches for the gusset ;) I blame it on the fact that I typically do not knit top down socks because I always get paranoid that I'll run out of yarn.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>These socks have a neat construction with a shaped arch - they fit nicely - and when laid flat, they actually look like a foot with an arch! If you're looking for something a little different in sock knitting, you should definitely give these a try :)</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-32461691229683997722010-04-11T15:37:00.000-07:002010-04-11T15:37:00.515-07:00Beetroot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5qVPxfC41WhTmROqd047cpx-krdBhdozxj-wMa6cpBhfbemJ2jWmptHJ4DH9plbubAG0Xz09vQFfWXfyrQoFVFfH-G5ki0qFsywAgNqkGwo3Xdh7CGRUgKmhShFrkMYR6zs1Xw/s1600/beetroot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5qVPxfC41WhTmROqd047cpx-krdBhdozxj-wMa6cpBhfbemJ2jWmptHJ4DH9plbubAG0Xz09vQFfWXfyrQoFVFfH-G5ki0qFsywAgNqkGwo3Xdh7CGRUgKmhShFrkMYR6zs1Xw/s400/beetroot.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454188818214684866" /></a>Yarn: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.spritelygoods.com/">Spritely Goods</a> Cliodhna, Cranberry Colorway, less than 1 skein<div>Needles: US5</div><div>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/KSPATTbitterroot.php">Bitterroot from Knitty</a><br />Size: Shawl, post blocking, mine is approximately 60" across the top, and 30" down the midline.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QyElsHdIngbrNTON3O7PRkRtpeq3RzPJwnGPA18iE5odhJh2mUnKgUPbNE1xTNus36v95jljR0CbSDp0uw8V-tC7gzNSWx46uTevW0tvtavAAjGy-ovHhypkDXY0MKg2IGcCXw/s1600/beetrootdetail.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QyElsHdIngbrNTON3O7PRkRtpeq3RzPJwnGPA18iE5odhJh2mUnKgUPbNE1xTNus36v95jljR0CbSDp0uw8V-tC7gzNSWx46uTevW0tvtavAAjGy-ovHhypkDXY0MKg2IGcCXw/s400/beetrootdetail.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454188816215714178" /></a>Comments: Up until the beadwork, this was a very fast knitting shawl - my favorite bit is the edging, which I thought was rather clever. If it hadn't have been for winter olympic knitting in the middle of February it would have been completed back then - as it was, it languished for a bit, then was bound off....but was still awaiting blocking. For those interested in knitting this, I personally found it easier to put the beads on on the purl side to be less fussy, though it required that I pay more attention to the knitting to make sure I placed them properly. The pattern charts were easy to follow - placing markers to separate repeats may be helpful to some.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The pattern is written for either a full sized shawl or a shawlette - due to yarn and gauge difference, my finished project is right in between the noted finished size on the pattern.</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-25171326692204436532010-03-09T11:51:00.000-08:002010-03-10T11:19:07.049-08:00And now a better photo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyEL4yNQD8CjyzeX3_m3PPOY8uJu6VPFg4uyoHYxM0X7MRLiVZXAXijX_x9Mh7SzSkCo7CHSLm4UM9zlSU4uq9uEJ9cgdfJMnb-8G8LkfoGFUFL6_jnDFTaa4dHcltef09uUacA/s1600-h/buttoned.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 386px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyEL4yNQD8CjyzeX3_m3PPOY8uJu6VPFg4uyoHYxM0X7MRLiVZXAXijX_x9Mh7SzSkCo7CHSLm4UM9zlSU4uq9uEJ9cgdfJMnb-8G8LkfoGFUFL6_jnDFTaa4dHcltef09uUacA/s400/buttoned.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446724297529073714" /></a>with buttons! These are classic leather-wrapped buttons to go along with the classic design of this cardigan. Not sure how everyone else approaches it, but my button jar is rather barren - I tend to finish a project...then I drag it into the knitting store where I can "try on" buttons or finishing accents at will :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-28826834952507147842010-02-28T21:12:00.000-08:002010-03-04T14:58:50.662-08:00Cable Cross-CountryLiterally!<br />Knit for the 2010 Winter Knitting Olympics, this cardigan was cast on during the Opening Ceremonies, and was bound off, blocked and seamed before the beginning of the Closing Ceremonies. While there were no knitting injuries this time round, there were several false starts, and some lost time due to motion sickness. Pieces of the sweater have traveled from the desert southwest clear to Florida (where I tested my tolerance of rollercoasters and motion-simulating rides, in addition to discovering what Portugese Man of War jellyfish look like when washed up on a beach) Even with the cross-country travel and the various do-overs, I found myself parked in front of the TV seaming up the cardigan during the Canada-USA Hockey game - once finished, we set the cardigan aside until an opportune moment for the finishing photo:<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX_XwXynqvu7XYtmyd5HhaK3yC6VdgBZyPsKPX6jWPpiKn9YQOOmwp73pMlEsHc1O2-foRPb5_nTo46U2te7cls2s4xb0iVzklzJ5s0saj7_OehuR2q0dc5hIWJlOYn5frXewUg/s1600-h/olympicback.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX_XwXynqvu7XYtmyd5HhaK3yC6VdgBZyPsKPX6jWPpiKn9YQOOmwp73pMlEsHc1O2-foRPb5_nTo46U2te7cls2s4xb0iVzklzJ5s0saj7_OehuR2q0dc5hIWJlOYn5frXewUg/s400/olympicback.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443529406410733026" /></a>Sorry all the photos are so dark - looks like I'll have to try for some new photos during daylight hours to really show this sweater off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pattern: Cable Cardigan, from Erika Knight's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307460495?ie=UTF8&tag=thehomeofthewood&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307460495">Men's Knits: 20 New Classics</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thehomeofthewood&l=as2&o=1&a=0307460495" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> </div><div>Yarn: <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=790">Malabrigo Twist</a> in Olive</div><div>Needles: US 10 and US10 1/2</div><div>Size: Small, with added length on sleeves.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Bv4w5GTlw-A_fz12NjoPqUB7A_RC894gojZENy2WEsz1cpLzPlQcc2wPNq8_JnrBU0rXbF7wrZUm_TOodUzvh-h0mtbQ_lsbF4YlW1WAtKDDFKEiLdC5c6BwZxqOZvz81T81aA/s1600-h/olympic+side.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Bv4w5GTlw-A_fz12NjoPqUB7A_RC894gojZENy2WEsz1cpLzPlQcc2wPNq8_JnrBU0rXbF7wrZUm_TOodUzvh-h0mtbQ_lsbF4YlW1WAtKDDFKEiLdC5c6BwZxqOZvz81T81aA/s400/olympic+side.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443529398257203026" /></a>Comments: Once I got going, this was a pleasure to knit. I opted to knit the pieces as written, with the exception of the sleeves, which I knit in the round while adding length before knitting the sleevecaps...and the collar, which I knit and attached as I went along....oh, and I grafted the collar together, instead of doing the recommended join...oh and made the 2 st cables mirror each other on each side, and opted for making 1-row buttonholes instead of how they were written...so I guess maybe I did tweak it more than just a little ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>One major error was found in the pattern while knitting - and that was the increase row for all pieces. As written, the increase row does not account for all stitches. It was easy enough to figure out where the stitches needed to be accounted for by referencing the next few rows -but to save folks some time, where the pattern reads [k1, inc in next st] (or [inc in next st, k1]) it should really be k2 in each of those instances in stead of k1. For the back, there are also 2 additional k1's - one before the first set of increases, and the other at the end of the last set of increases. The only other item I warn you about is that the author of this book is british - so double check your needle sizes. A US 10.5 and US11 are not the same size as english 10.5 and 11 needles...it's probably best to reference the needle size in mm. I wound up using a lot less yarn than I thought I would - I don't know the reason for this, I only know that of the 10 skeins I expected to use, I only used 8. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsPLiK7TbLGyF8uRD1b-7mEIsAIV6VqzyUhufgDBz9eF8BbtQmiu4TMoYT0Q8yNOdyCq4ucpvA7xCgyI_voWdklQ2YlSlJOxRXtXEiUPKtAJ3P1zQPwzB_5bb8sVB-qz4C_U8zQ/s1600-h/olympicfront.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsPLiK7TbLGyF8uRD1b-7mEIsAIV6VqzyUhufgDBz9eF8BbtQmiu4TMoYT0Q8yNOdyCq4ucpvA7xCgyI_voWdklQ2YlSlJOxRXtXEiUPKtAJ3P1zQPwzB_5bb8sVB-qz4C_U8zQ/s400/olympicfront.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443529390159015362" /></a>But it still fits perfectly (again, perhaps hard to see due to the dark photo - I'll try to remedy this soon). Unlike my usual cavalier method of knitting sweaters (which involves the casting on of a sleeve and checking my gauge as I go), I actually swatched for this project...and not just swatched, but swatched, then washed, blocked and measured. Because I actually did this, I relied on math to determine total number of rows to knit to determine body and sleeve length - there were times during the course of the knitting that I was questioning this plan, but it all worked out (and it also saved me the aggravation of constantly digging out a tape measure to check progress). </div><div><br /></div><div>Finishing was a little bit of a struggle - but mostly because I'm really rusty at seaming up projects - I tend to prefer seamless knitting when possible. The shoulders took a little bit of time because after I bound off the individual pieces, I decided a 3-needle bind off was the way to go to complete the join, so I had to pick back the bindoffs to make the appropriate stitches live again. Setting in the sleeves was actually less painful than seaming up the sides of the body - probably because I didn't keep a knitted selvedge and had moss stitch all the way out - once I started paying better attention to the columns of moss stitch, it made the seaming up go much faster. I'm very glad I devised a way to knit the collar straight onto the sweater body - partly because it reduced the final seaming, but also because it ensured that the collar was perfect length and not too long or too short - as I mentioned above, I opted to graft the 2 halves together once I got to the center of the back - it made for a much more beautiful finish, I think.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6MqboHzVsX8XppBtrlDC9HaoVryIJHRHvTMUMP0CMCIFCEq7RyNiso5abSU-jGo3Sk6bptaWPNrWI9E1p4onBGoeU094Ju7T2bN8CDQ_JTIIl4TIXJdhNZ6YcxGZgT4f56Fexg/s1600-h/back+collardetail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6MqboHzVsX8XppBtrlDC9HaoVryIJHRHvTMUMP0CMCIFCEq7RyNiso5abSU-jGo3Sk6bptaWPNrWI9E1p4onBGoeU094Ju7T2bN8CDQ_JTIIl4TIXJdhNZ6YcxGZgT4f56Fexg/s400/back+collardetail.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443529366119396322" /></a><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-68770268110959332972010-01-24T22:21:00.000-08:002010-02-01T15:52:31.405-08:00More Slippers for the House Elves<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIyREh1aBKjR8sLYGOglZ1LR-fEA-FqNXurjrqOd9EC9oB8k6Lmz1o7xCSpMNiDGO6Q9cAwAblJXMxpTMqgFxn2YUpM78YZ-ZCt28HoKmUWixsWdwe9ACJAIMdMziQ90vFjeohQ/s1600-h/elfshoes2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIyREh1aBKjR8sLYGOglZ1LR-fEA-FqNXurjrqOd9EC9oB8k6Lmz1o7xCSpMNiDGO6Q9cAwAblJXMxpTMqgFxn2YUpM78YZ-ZCt28HoKmUWixsWdwe9ACJAIMdMziQ90vFjeohQ/s400/elfshoes2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431130955557305506" /></a>Or rather, for the other House Elf :) These are a pair for my husband since the <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.blogspot.com/2009/12/sprites-slippers.html">originals</a> didn't fit.<div>To ensure a proper fit this time, I knitted the wide version, and knit on the foot a bit longer than recommended to accommodate felting shrinkage. They do have a fair bit of stretch to them when they are wet, so they can certainly be stretched to fit, within reason. </div><div><br /></div><div>I should note, I did have to break into some additional yarn to finish off the toe on one of the slippers - you can't really tell in some lighting because the two colors are very similar in value - in bright light, however, it is obvious that one of the slippers sports a stripy toe.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're looking to bring some merriment into someone's life, I personally don't think you could go wrong with a pair of these easy to knit whimsical slippers :D</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-61560179640695275022010-01-05T17:06:00.000-08:002010-01-05T17:06:00.153-08:00Colorwork Cozy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8x7K5nPx3thpWPnaLHW5JPA-V_Sg9YmhWTUxlJgoE3p5_DhJ_8o5hyphenhyphene5v6GoGDXtbuZ-pKh0P59k-i68KmYcDxlrHr6-amhoZdSua3uGK9GfQybuCHwtAcPKxVeLkv7-Vk0lvg/s1600-h/cozy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8x7K5nPx3thpWPnaLHW5JPA-V_Sg9YmhWTUxlJgoE3p5_DhJ_8o5hyphenhyphene5v6GoGDXtbuZ-pKh0P59k-i68KmYcDxlrHr6-amhoZdSua3uGK9GfQybuCHwtAcPKxVeLkv7-Vk0lvg/s400/cozy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423362548016846354" /></a>Pattern: None - this was dreamed up in my head with the assistance of some chart motifs from Alice Starmore's Fair Isle book<div>Yarn: A variety of leftovers and sample skeins in my stash - all fingering weight. The tan yarn is a merino-possum blend, the ecru is pure merino wool, and the green is a silk blend - I just don't remember what the silk is blended with.</div><div>Needles: US0<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMPnI-QMOJbREj9RUSXLA4NRzOq7KFMVgs6E8qp2_cvSNaXiMflLewWsSwbsxVqXgEOi742_ED9aPQxcKvdpVrIId4XpxC3oGU7O26FJQjmHzfYImbghfDsw6E_Wc1QTJEh8B6Q/s1600-h/closed2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMPnI-QMOJbREj9RUSXLA4NRzOq7KFMVgs6E8qp2_cvSNaXiMflLewWsSwbsxVqXgEOi742_ED9aPQxcKvdpVrIId4XpxC3oGU7O26FJQjmHzfYImbghfDsw6E_Wc1QTJEh8B6Q/s400/closed2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423362558387137586" /></a>Apparently all of my portable electronics need some sort of knitted case - and I apparently am partial to practicing my colorwork when knitting these wee things. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3TNIEDiup1ib6EQljdKwz2fAYcEHVcibLkqCkV1P4aADNP4hCJWS4jnIrN6kvbgmC4eF06u3vDja-ACQ-2HdOgqRXgIKM6JDA42_rJQUumGujtm5n990JxVnfx7nNeAr0ibEbw/s1600-h/closed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3TNIEDiup1ib6EQljdKwz2fAYcEHVcibLkqCkV1P4aADNP4hCJWS4jnIrN6kvbgmC4eF06u3vDja-ACQ-2HdOgqRXgIKM6JDA42_rJQUumGujtm5n990JxVnfx7nNeAr0ibEbw/s400/closed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423362550438659282" /></a>I selected subtle neutral tones for this one, mostly because that's what I had in my stash that went together, but also because knitting the pattern in it was almost like knitting up a secret. The motif is indeed very subtle, the lower motif is x's and the upper motif is more like o's or diamonds - they are much more readily apparent when the knitting is wet - but I hope for that to never happen while the ipod is inside! Even better, if I happened to have made a mistake in the knitting, no one will know ;) because it all blends together :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr4_WkkhOD6NWR0oE2rVDM0ryP9GG-8EWgTZTFe0B9wHlO6gJaUZvQ1pQNQ2IXhD1RRRXidVMc_x-_R-rh6SKABbL4Eu2S0JMu7weXs49j8IxZ7DWyfA0e84067ziJlzARCQTTw/s1600-h/dkhalo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr4_WkkhOD6NWR0oE2rVDM0ryP9GG-8EWgTZTFe0B9wHlO6gJaUZvQ1pQNQ2IXhD1RRRXidVMc_x-_R-rh6SKABbL4Eu2S0JMu7weXs49j8IxZ7DWyfA0e84067ziJlzARCQTTw/s400/dkhalo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423362562914048706" /></a>As for the yarn, it was all lovely to work with - the merino-possum has a unique dark halo, and it's so luxuriously soft. The green has a very subtle shine due to the silk and some neat heathering that results in some additional shading. </div><div><br /></div><div>Knitting a wee case like this is a great way (I think) to learn or practice colorwork....though I can't say I'd recommend trying the flat colorwork right off...it's much easier completed in the round!</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-12501311395572170722009-12-29T10:06:00.000-08:002009-12-29T10:16:04.949-08:00A Sprite's Slippers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQC3ThqNW4YU7n6_1vxKl3YEe95fccEvhPvzTA3Akgr0TbAL3ORd2NgD0hWCIXEFu2AqOo1Gyl3fxL5JKbpvyZvXbfHgdInK48Lv7WOMuIO-V07Pb3PoHMzLh9XegRT7xAB-2hw/s1600-h/shoe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQC3ThqNW4YU7n6_1vxKl3YEe95fccEvhPvzTA3Akgr0TbAL3ORd2NgD0hWCIXEFu2AqOo1Gyl3fxL5JKbpvyZvXbfHgdInK48Lv7WOMuIO-V07Pb3PoHMzLh9XegRT7xAB-2hw/s400/shoe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420418595051685202" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elf-shoes">Elf Shoes</a> by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.flintknits.com/blog/">Pamela Wynne</a> (pattern via Ravelry)<div>Needles: US 10.5</div><div>Yarn: Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted in Purple Anthracite and Chartreuse Olive</div><div>Size: Adult (narrow) - originally knit to length for US Mens size 9/10 </div><div><br /></div><div>Comments: The verdict? Not Horrified - but perhaps not quite overwhelmed with joy either ;) and perhaps there was a small sigh of relief when they didn't fit (too narrow and perhaps just a hair short) These were originally knit for my husband, aka Mr. WoodlandSprite (that just made me laugh when a friend of mine called him that) as a last minute stealth holiday gift. The knitting was fast and furious and completed in one long day. Fulling was completed in the super fast felting machine that is the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lusciousgracious.com/">Luscious Gracious</a> washer. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know if it was the washing machine or the pattern - but these came right out looking like wee elf feet - complete with arch and heel cup! I blocked them into shape using my own feet, and tugging on them to gain extra length at the toe. I took final measurements and was pretty sure they would fit, but alas, I think they need a smidge of extra width and perhaps also a smidge of length - the good news is the shoes, when freshly fulled, are quite malleable - and can be stretched quite a bit for a perfect fit. </div><div><br /></div><div>You may notice that these slippers have some pretty crazy curliqued ends on the toe and each tip of the cuff - this was not in the design - I suspect folks who properly finish their knitting and weave in the ends will not have such design features....me, I always leave an inch or so dangling off my knitting whenever I finish - we chucked them straight into the wash, figuring I could trim the ends off after fulling if I so desired. After seeing the results though, I have to admit I have no such urge - I love the crazy curly slightly-grinchy ends so they're going to all stay!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3gTm75acn-vojYlTRgANMpzWv_DXI-sAC1-VnZzWMaEDL_Rl8kKl952BveEK5R2KYbwOm8bHoJxXzQqrRCdZKv7S6-XuNNc5sVqz-yPzuCqe-tclwM8quyYXt-m-lRBgNFbxeg/s1600-h/elfin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3gTm75acn-vojYlTRgANMpzWv_DXI-sAC1-VnZzWMaEDL_Rl8kKl952BveEK5R2KYbwOm8bHoJxXzQqrRCdZKv7S6-XuNNc5sVqz-yPzuCqe-tclwM8quyYXt-m-lRBgNFbxeg/s400/elfin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420418591191819362" /></a><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-32116963805305809982009-12-25T20:25:00.000-08:002009-12-25T20:25:00.488-08:00Squooshtastic!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBDj22bSFTAsgyyLdK3nW91t-Isou56UR8pX9EplD8Jd-ctcPdAsH2ZvVK2ScU_mz4-q8uR1oXVnmRQ7DnEHS6tDfBSFxjEZ2YenRN3ReJ8a2f4KhNoxwEN294lSmmib32JLwCg/s1600-h/squooshtastic3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBDj22bSFTAsgyyLdK3nW91t-Isou56UR8pX9EplD8Jd-ctcPdAsH2ZvVK2ScU_mz4-q8uR1oXVnmRQ7DnEHS6tDfBSFxjEZ2YenRN3ReJ8a2f4KhNoxwEN294lSmmib32JLwCg/s400/squooshtastic3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414943579340818274" border="0" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/198-yds-of-heaven">198 yards of heaven</a> (pattern on Ravelry)<br />Yarn: in this case, I used just under 264 yards of my own handspun :)<br />Needles: US 11 - large needle size, coupled with lace = nice, fast, rewarding knitting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRCo_ixzVPC1BdHrJgq0yYAi1f5TQHhJB_Iiy_YcWvz5cZjJc6jcv1MsfWMxmsYLQ2t4Ix2bdmjKkGzzx_0cBp-lV-luV2vOMkJQqwJStIbFHXOrL7oC1CAhrXCYHE7VAnXDrOg/s1600-h/catincluded.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRCo_ixzVPC1BdHrJgq0yYAi1f5TQHhJB_Iiy_YcWvz5cZjJc6jcv1MsfWMxmsYLQ2t4Ix2bdmjKkGzzx_0cBp-lV-luV2vOMkJQqwJStIbFHXOrL7oC1CAhrXCYHE7VAnXDrOg/s400/catincluded.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414943573041412466" border="0" /></a>Comments: This is a large shawlette - I totally forgot to take measurements before wrapping it up and sending it off. My cat isn't tiny, so use him for reference as you will.<br /><br />Modifications? I believe after 2.5 repeats of the main pattern (it may have been 3.5 - I can't find my notes) I didn't use the proscribed edging - rather I follwed another Raverly Knitter's modifications, repeating rows 11 & 12 a few times (3x each) before binding off - I didn't follow her modifications to mimic the eyelets along the bound off edge....1) I didn't like how they looked and 2) I didn't have enough yarn to do so.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaALqpZx0PhTOh2hlNOnyaj1i_70KscxptwPGD4MGbolDZqXHQb019CNJ7V0yEwjZP9k8yFsFbki6YbWXilfLvcp4k3lewpUhBjaxdsLsvoACReayIWv37SD8svQbDPc-d24HhUw/s1600-h/heavenshawl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaALqpZx0PhTOh2hlNOnyaj1i_70KscxptwPGD4MGbolDZqXHQb019CNJ7V0yEwjZP9k8yFsFbki6YbWXilfLvcp4k3lewpUhBjaxdsLsvoACReayIWv37SD8svQbDPc-d24HhUw/s400/heavenshawl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414943570250911042" border="0" /></a>I'm really pleased with how well this came out - it's open, and plenty warm when wrapped around the neck. The colors worked out well, combining the two handspuns - and because they are both navajo plied yarns, the fabric is incredibly squooshy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9u38D5G7DHV_7a7pZaNgo7LNWFlVDsxyT8fBX_su1D-AcjISiywnwGAgezrePhR3DNRMZ-evM7syIzmZEA6mdJ_TQsRBdESoCkgcKsfciLuhwC_amp1Q-KWrbeXvLKXP1i-bKQ/s1600-h/squooshtastic2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9u38D5G7DHV_7a7pZaNgo7LNWFlVDsxyT8fBX_su1D-AcjISiywnwGAgezrePhR3DNRMZ-evM7syIzmZEA6mdJ_TQsRBdESoCkgcKsfciLuhwC_amp1Q-KWrbeXvLKXP1i-bKQ/s400/squooshtastic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414943562208612002" border="0" /></a>behold :) I love the bits of green at the edge...and the slighty tweeded effects of having handblended while spinning the singles at the wheel. I love it. I hope the recipient adores it as much as I do!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-83788430633849424212009-12-17T17:04:00.000-08:002009-12-18T15:21:22.019-08:00Study in Sock Construction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9X5EKGPULRNcI59cmUbU4MpOY_sepdDaeawijPaXpF4Y84DJlLl0DqQEfnAnbKypBr_kdep_l3ww8LeDHKxFjQ-DmjCnI-z9qpeaxkgx79Pgi88OCQPkbVZjIEZThkrDvMSkKA/s1600-h/tbartcu.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9X5EKGPULRNcI59cmUbU4MpOY_sepdDaeawijPaXpF4Y84DJlLl0DqQEfnAnbKypBr_kdep_l3ww8LeDHKxFjQ-DmjCnI-z9qpeaxkgx79Pgi88OCQPkbVZjIEZThkrDvMSkKA/s400/tbartcu.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412664991910295026" border="0" /></a>please excuse the catfuzz. It abounds in my household.<br /><br />Pattern: Bartholemew's Tantalizing Socks - Sky construction - from Cat Bordhi's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0970886969?ie=UTF8&tag=thehomeofthewood&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0970886969">New Pathways for Sock Knitters</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thehomeofthewood&l=as2&o=1&a=0970886969" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />Yarn: Wollmeise sockenwolle in Hollerstaud'n<br />Needles: US2 and US 1.5<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn8Q3T80klRy2bnahW_tdEoCCkxrsB_r_MZW2RSzEgwBeBvOFIw6HqMfKK_6Vd2eDgJhNI3IcRbwjaNEbOylAk3Z4nH6TmlhvffvHKKZO3TUvTrwpt1_dB1ZO2XkZyu_q4Sob1g/s1600-h/Tbart.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn8Q3T80klRy2bnahW_tdEoCCkxrsB_r_MZW2RSzEgwBeBvOFIw6HqMfKK_6Vd2eDgJhNI3IcRbwjaNEbOylAk3Z4nH6TmlhvffvHKKZO3TUvTrwpt1_dB1ZO2XkZyu_q4Sob1g/s400/Tbart.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412664986655885218" border="0" /></a>Comments: A fast knitting sock that (I think anyway) shows off handpainted yarns nicely, while adding textural elements (yay linen stitch!) that keep the knitter entertained. These are knit top down - a rarity for me, but I wanted to give this sock construction method a try. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-h0wV7g0eYAwQ71a8c09aeukCw9bjtnO_0IyYsZWEFxJiJ5LwSvVgtD2fVnetGllnLfOUWsIKuCgRAXkfZIQwIaVYNr3II-AZ36ig-qZntPvOzlQs8Dl1MSn48nT05gTz0ELzA/s1600-h/Tbarttop.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-h0wV7g0eYAwQ71a8c09aeukCw9bjtnO_0IyYsZWEFxJiJ5LwSvVgtD2fVnetGllnLfOUWsIKuCgRAXkfZIQwIaVYNr3II-AZ36ig-qZntPvOzlQs8Dl1MSn48nT05gTz0ELzA/s400/Tbarttop.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412664976175647682" border="0" /></a>Overall, I still prefer toe-up knitting (mostly because I'm still seriously paranoid about running out of yarn when I knit top down socks) - but these turned out some very nicely fitting socks - the heel construction ensures a nice close fit through the rear of the foot - though it may not be as durable as other heel construction methods (it's simply ribbed, rather than slipped and knit).</div><div><br /></div><div>The split cuff nicely accommodates those of us with more ample calves, and the fabric seems happy enough to stay up without flopping over at all. These socks are actually destined for my husband...to make up for the fact that I ripped out a pair of handknit socks to knit these....don't ask. The tale is a sad one (involving handknit woolens with suspcious holes that looked like one of our pets may have decided they had a hankering for knitted fabric)...but it all seems to have ended well :)<br /><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-18859369386472842702009-11-15T20:48:00.001-08:002009-12-09T13:38:12.195-08:00Rustic Autumn Audrey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuxT6q0HvqneLVLv6vqDQz8PphkSLy7EZfsDlc8wJukR1f1uTpRBG9VDX1TdoCpdul2C6RU1s5SJhOUCpOGF0lF47HhZXw56ilwiW6lr8qsJhDjfdboRvaLwmTDC6B4TCVMBR5w/s1600/audrey.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuxT6q0HvqneLVLv6vqDQz8PphkSLy7EZfsDlc8wJukR1f1uTpRBG9VDX1TdoCpdul2C6RU1s5SJhOUCpOGF0lF47HhZXw56ilwiW6lr8qsJhDjfdboRvaLwmTDC6B4TCVMBR5w/s400/audrey.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404559576101077426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span> <a target="_blank" href="http://twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/75-fall-2009-patterns/418-audrey-in-unst-by-gudrun-johnston">Audrey in Unst</a> from the fall 2009 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twistcollective.com/">Twist Collective</a> by <a target="_blank" href="http://shetlandtrader.blogspot.com/">Gudrun Johnston</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span> SuDan Hug-a-sheep handspun 2-ply Border Leicester (from a sheep named Libby on SuDan farm in Oregon)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Needles:</span> Ravelry fails me - or rather I failed and didn't enter the data. I can't remember if I used US4 or US5 or US6. Regardless, there was math involved.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyqQsayu7A4ImdQKHHCx6WUrI2ZwG4V716U7LtEbi4KJ5w-Z3bs36-hrPs1QiizUuoD5eh1duwwVp8_pB97c_33tx2MZ1HhW5klkdoBZfq1tB7h8XyYhiVCvbgSMMzrUd9GWhUg/s1600/audreyback.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyqQsayu7A4ImdQKHHCx6WUrI2ZwG4V716U7LtEbi4KJ5w-Z3bs36-hrPs1QiizUuoD5eh1duwwVp8_pB97c_33tx2MZ1HhW5klkdoBZfq1tB7h8XyYhiVCvbgSMMzrUd9GWhUg/s400/audreyback.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404559357818348290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments:</span> In short? I love it. This was a fast and fairly simple knit - and it was especially interesting because it's seamless. I love learning new techniques, don't you?<br /><br />Because I seem to get stalled during the finishing, I always look for patterns that have minimal finishing required - in this case, this sweater has faux seams (along with some shaping) on the sides, and seamless set in sleeves (shaped by picking up stitches and short rowing). In addition to the faux seams and set in sleeves, Audrey has nice details including the twist stitch ribbing, the shetland lace bib motif and the I-cord edging at the neckline.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7yFuov8ZXqa1dEIfjDOwUJ2oGq5VyfLGg9u9DfOPy8eqQsTB6VuU5tcl08QT4wj07DmBZ2oyvN5ogPCjpCOWwLefJB7Cs6ZtZZEONj9m-yFvmKt8xjrGFH7hdn7CRqQxOjxGMg/s1600/audreyside.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7yFuov8ZXqa1dEIfjDOwUJ2oGq5VyfLGg9u9DfOPy8eqQsTB6VuU5tcl08QT4wj07DmBZ2oyvN5ogPCjpCOWwLefJB7Cs6ZtZZEONj9m-yFvmKt8xjrGFH7hdn7CRqQxOjxGMg/s400/audreyside.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404559351050016050" border="0" /></a>As I mentioned above, there was definitely math involved - I swatched hoping to get in the same ballpark range as the gauge specified in the pattern, but the yarn is definitely thicker in grist than the yarn called for in the pattern. As you may imagine, the major math bits were around the armscye, the lace motif and the neckline - I wound up reducing the number of lace motifs in the bib motif, while still having it occupy approximately the same space as on the original design. The neckline is a bit more boat-shaped, making it challenging to find clothes to wear under it if I want to layer (I tend to live in T-shirts, and a plain tee neckline just doesn't look right with this sweater - so I'm thinking tank or cami or a collared shirt). The only other modification was the order in which the last bits were knit - First I knit the body, then I did the button bands, then the neck edging, leaving the sleeves for last - this allowed me to use up the most yarn possible...and it just so happens the sleeves wound up a perfect length!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS5WMqDRzugy04iSJDlOITevZ0y8jGAyJ_OtvIVJYpY2khuNG_MJfo4KkcZIpOyPNY8hNKNuNsnINt_gdTm6cHkIPAh9xVRTwKtbpYNqqTZ1DqGOgoPebwF4pnOsMPF6UXI0Caw/s1600/audreyfront.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS5WMqDRzugy04iSJDlOITevZ0y8jGAyJ_OtvIVJYpY2khuNG_MJfo4KkcZIpOyPNY8hNKNuNsnINt_gdTm6cHkIPAh9xVRTwKtbpYNqqTZ1DqGOgoPebwF4pnOsMPF6UXI0Caw/s400/audreyfront.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404559341107218338" border="0" /></a>I don't recall how many buttonholes the original pattern called for, but since it is recommended to knit the sweater with negative ease, I wanted to be sure to prevent any sort of gapping problem and went aggressive with the buttons. After finishing the main body, I pondered installing a zipper instead of buttons, but swiftly killed that idea as I thought the rustic nature of the yarn lent itself much more to some fancy buttons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNetG0wafMh_KnA1N539XJl19O8VsI5arcAUGNFS0C3fbRGm1mHe5pdSb-6R0YAv7zDAiQbMDUDhYeCdfn3c5LxR3JYFW1JNsKhtt68S_Llzp7pb4yYqmO7jEMfRW72SDqtYcFng/s1600/setindetail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNetG0wafMh_KnA1N539XJl19O8VsI5arcAUGNFS0C3fbRGm1mHe5pdSb-6R0YAv7zDAiQbMDUDhYeCdfn3c5LxR3JYFW1JNsKhtt68S_Llzp7pb4yYqmO7jEMfRW72SDqtYcFng/s400/setindetail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404559342785807186" border="0" /></a>Here's a closeup detailed shot of the armscye - isn't it lovely? I'm really glad I discovered this method for creating set-in sleeves, because I hate seaming up set-in sleeves that are knit separately from the body. I'll probably have to study the technique some more to understand the math behind it, because I can tell you the first time I picked up way too many stitches (I went with my intuition and didn't do the math) - once I realized the sleeve was turning out to be big enough for me to put my leg through, I ripped it back and did the math conversion, and it goes to show I should have just trusted Clever Gudrun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4Bn3Jdv8TrHrMKPC_uBGTrbPKL6yYyFDbv5tsU8bm9AipwcpHdSpIK472TE-PiYKM4PmiPlyetD2mKasWUvS0h9fSkPSvAJ7JBy8FEE4MAIHzv_UHuSS2iGJ6Wtkh_vW9kw92w/s1600/buttondetail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4Bn3Jdv8TrHrMKPC_uBGTrbPKL6yYyFDbv5tsU8bm9AipwcpHdSpIK472TE-PiYKM4PmiPlyetD2mKasWUvS0h9fSkPSvAJ7JBy8FEE4MAIHzv_UHuSS2iGJ6Wtkh_vW9kw92w/s400/buttondetail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404559332507101586" border="0" /></a><br />I'll leave you with a closeup of the fantastic buttons I found - antiqued brass buttons with wee trees! Perfect for autumn!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-60310191526321847212009-10-31T16:29:00.000-07:002009-11-03T21:39:23.278-08:00Flaming Featherweight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqs04EkgvWpe70_Spm1KE5idxvIbLeiPpq9-bgJfS5W2zSDDb8doHlI4PE5pxSjJtPc2gstiDc85xbuLRHhVlVbv1eGJxe7YJRn1SwMJk2rnOzShc15rZ-mqF6y0JIHkfrBy2_w/s1600-h/featherweightback.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqs04EkgvWpe70_Spm1KE5idxvIbLeiPpq9-bgJfS5W2zSDDb8doHlI4PE5pxSjJtPc2gstiDc85xbuLRHhVlVbv1eGJxe7YJRn1SwMJk2rnOzShc15rZ-mqF6y0JIHkfrBy2_w/s400/featherweightback.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398910697204105362" border="0" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/featherweight-cardigan">Featherweight Cardigan</a> by <a target="_blank" href="http://knitbot.com/">Hannah Fetig</a><br />Yarn: Jade Sapphire Lacey Lamb - exactly 2 balls.<br />Needles: US3<br />Completed in just under one month to wear in celebration at a wedding :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs8gXOr-Z_CubD8idRhexk2RTokWun47LCRzdxKchHLBQExhnxXb2P909lf8gD4GoW0Yhyphenhyphen_HB18cYhzqNA2b08O-Nsk7skUxlWqohqm0tjK05l7yL6IOdgHsna-GCdyiKO85xhw/s1600-h/Featherweightside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs8gXOr-Z_CubD8idRhexk2RTokWun47LCRzdxKchHLBQExhnxXb2P909lf8gD4GoW0Yhyphenhyphen_HB18cYhzqNA2b08O-Nsk7skUxlWqohqm0tjK05l7yL6IOdgHsna-GCdyiKO85xhw/s400/Featherweightside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398910698851418098" border="0" /></a>Comments and Modifications - because you know there had to be some! The biggest modification was probably the substitution of yarn - lacey lamb is a true laceweight yarn - probably not quite cobweb, but definitely much finer than the <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_46&products_id=326">Malabrigo Lace yarn</a> that was called for in the pattern. Due to the difference in the yarn thickness, I wound up coming down several needle sizes during the swatching process - I basically knit a gauge swatch, switching needle sizes as I went along, until I found a fabric I was happy with...and then I did math to figure out sizing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07UAQmNoaPjJyUygn3qmRdsXoaoJGFjtMwPlWsOFvajmcJ_SBSp73m7aRJ58UlUeplgEP9QMIpjDy6rRo2fWLLiiMgxVigXjmRZMPjz5gZKY5ykI43yXCAxFw8iUYT4H2C8SgtA/s1600-h/featherweighttided.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07UAQmNoaPjJyUygn3qmRdsXoaoJGFjtMwPlWsOFvajmcJ_SBSp73m7aRJ58UlUeplgEP9QMIpjDy6rRo2fWLLiiMgxVigXjmRZMPjz5gZKY5ykI43yXCAxFw8iUYT4H2C8SgtA/s400/featherweighttided.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398910706051251314" border="0" /></a>This cardigan is an entirely seamless top down raglan - as such, the construction is quite simple and straightforward, though it does involve miles and miles of flat stockinette knitting :) Once I got to the point where the sleeves would join the body, I placed the spare stitches on cords to hold them, and wound up casting on a few extra stitches at the underarm (total of 6 for each side) to make up for the difference in gauge. Knitting through to the hemline, I added some moderate waist shaping before finishing with a seed stitch boarder. Keeping in mind that I wanted my front panels and collar to match the hemline, I took note of total number of rows knit to achieve the desired front panel/collar depth. Because I knew I planned on knitting to the end of the yarn. Instead of saving the front panel/collar for last, I bound off the hem and immediately began picking up stitches and knitting up the collar in seed stitch (this also made for one less end to weave in...always a bonus ;) ) As soon as the collar and front panels were done, I knit both sleeves, simultaneously from either end of the ball - I finished with less than a yard of yarn to spare once the cuffs were bound off (also done in seed stitch).<br /><br />Before blocking, the hem was somewhere around hip level on me - I did not anticipate quite the amount of stretch the fabric had once it had gotten wet, though it all worked out in the end because the sleeves were in an in-between zone somewhere between mid forearm and wrist - I aggressively blocked the sleeves longer and they are now a perfect length. If I had it to do over again, I'd consider knitting to smaller dimensions and reducing the number of raglan increases. With the fabric growing considerably during the blocking, this cardi has a bit of excess through the underarm/bust area that would definitely be improved by not completing quite as many increases - though it fit perfectly in this region before it hit the water.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ddnZEcCXaczWN89TSJnDAhY1DJ7tpDzvzYMmQ7vbQkp0eWGLG7ssbEHsraJNZsBVrCGFRigOua3SpnTc3OIIVTduCt1G2DmgwMi1uPYXgQXrQusQ9CXQI1YyT2f-JklaB2OrKQ/s1600-h/featherweight.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ddnZEcCXaczWN89TSJnDAhY1DJ7tpDzvzYMmQ7vbQkp0eWGLG7ssbEHsraJNZsBVrCGFRigOua3SpnTc3OIIVTduCt1G2DmgwMi1uPYXgQXrQusQ9CXQI1YyT2f-JklaB2OrKQ/s400/featherweight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398910707329611938" border="0" /></a>You may notice that my cardigan also is a bit longer in the front - this was not intentional, and was also a result of blocking - and the difference in behavior of stockinette vs perpendicularly knitted seed stitch in laceweight. I'm actually rather pleased with how it came out. This cardigan can be dressed up or dressed down to suit, and I hope to get lots of wear out of it :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-72775330791185063082009-09-30T18:14:00.000-07:002009-10-01T15:58:33.034-07:00OWLsI saw a similar vest on <a href="http://oiyi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oiyi's</a> daughter and quickly settled on what to knit for my friend <a href="http://amy_secrest.tripod.com/blog/" target="_blank">Amy's</a> soon to arrive baby. I had been going round and round thinking hats, baby surprise jackets, other baby sweaters, baby blanket...decision paralysis at its finest ;)<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBNJsv-M_uYmrZ4y6k5smlod_25KrGbFAGxh9EWDbK4os5doMWaGXUc5eNOWWbpN6S0K9ixpogDRtBH1vqydIyrd__9fAcL-18D81FBe3aPhr-80aFlapmg4gPg0BpyKBcCSR-Q/s1600-h/OWLs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386691757162915906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBNJsv-M_uYmrZ4y6k5smlod_25KrGbFAGxh9EWDbK4os5doMWaGXUc5eNOWWbpN6S0K9ixpogDRtBH1vqydIyrd__9fAcL-18D81FBe3aPhr-80aFlapmg4gPg0BpyKBcCSR-Q/s400/OWLs.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-baby-vest" target="_blank">Owl Baby Vest</a> (download via Ravelry) OR get the instructions straight from the <a href="http://caffeinatedyarn.blogspot.com/2008/04/owl-baby-vest.html" target="_blank">designer's blog</a><br />Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto, superwash merino (because baby things *should* be washable<br />Needles: US 4 & 5<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09MJoObT_gOLI3sAYhn2DB8_-_EqT7lAmnrBuf6AzQVyRk2eWacBczrr51G1JHgQkVT4rIQp8tTn9DivtTvUPDOyb04bi0cuZixvrRfO09I-p4ABzoln2uS7O72DI4GW2wG3Z8g/s1600-h/hoot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386691761358328290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09MJoObT_gOLI3sAYhn2DB8_-_EqT7lAmnrBuf6AzQVyRk2eWacBczrr51G1JHgQkVT4rIQp8tTn9DivtTvUPDOyb04bi0cuZixvrRfO09I-p4ABzoln2uS7O72DI4GW2wG3Z8g/s400/hoot.jpg" border="0" /></a>Comments and Modifications: The biggest modification was the elimination of two owls (original vest has 5 across the front) and the seed stitch band that goes all the way around the vest during the course of the Owl section. I don't know why, but I really do prefer the fewer owls and the seed stitch to the purl field and stockinette on the back of the original. The only nit I have with the pattern is that the owls seem not to be perfectly centered underneath the point of the V-neck. At first I wondered if it was something I did during the course of the conversion (and this may well still be the case - that it's all knitter error on my part) - but looking at some of the other finished projects it seems like at least on some of the vests, the owls are off center. </p><p>Overall though, the knit was fast, and the instructions easy to follow - if you're looking to give cables a try, this may well be considered a good project since the more owls you eliminate the fewer cables you actually need to complete ;) </p>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-33960844236361124752009-09-27T18:42:00.000-07:002009-09-28T16:21:37.251-07:00the two-year Secret<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eD0RaO5MLH_T_yVoNpPWEqZY-zVYS_DfVHSPt7mStxpPYRZSn0-VzlxgCWvyjJ5Mm5Hrc2WWW3f3lsYy2NImZf2w7yrgixfEVjQ3cqE3wBUwcc58HTz6b3WyoH5CCWDq4W50TA/s1600-h/secret+of+chrysopolis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384472319014597474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eD0RaO5MLH_T_yVoNpPWEqZY-zVYS_DfVHSPt7mStxpPYRZSn0-VzlxgCWvyjJ5Mm5Hrc2WWW3f3lsYy2NImZf2w7yrgixfEVjQ3cqE3wBUwcc58HTz6b3WyoH5CCWDq4W50TA/s400/secret+of+chrysopolis.jpg" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Secret of Chrysopolis<br />Yarn: <a href="http://spritelygoods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_38&products_id=328" target="_blank">Spritely Goods Cliodhna</a>, in Cranberry (1+ skeins)<br />Needles: US 3<br />Finished Size: 27.5 inches by oh, probably 7 feet or so<br /><br />Comments:<br />In a word, epic. The entire shawl from one end to the other is charted - there are some motifs that repeat, but truely, charted was the way to go. This was a part of a KAL that started back in September of 2007 - and I had cast on way back then. For whatever reason, the shawl was knit on sporadically and eventually went into hibernation....<br /><br />...until I received an invitation to some weddings this fall, at which point I began knitting on it furiously. I finished the shawl on the Saturday Night before my flight out to a wedding - just enough time to block it good and proper and get it dry and packed. I think it turned out beautifully - and I've apparently advanced in my lace knitting far enough that I no longer fear dropping stitches back a few rows to "fix" something that isn't quite right. Not visible or obvious in the shot above, the shawl is not only lace, but tis also beaded :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-55750733428305040212009-04-17T22:29:00.000-07:002009-04-17T22:46:15.874-07:00Whisper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78TxsccKhNxwle7vRdTSN2uIl2rvy6CBxNU_mBo_JqnzeVRmzQtKza-QvYFlhxWnA8KzmvAfsQhv_6D5mHp4bcpSOhnN94edd_glbGNjc5UmoOqMM7gltqe9WCXtppudBxA04lg/s1600-h/whisperside.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78TxsccKhNxwle7vRdTSN2uIl2rvy6CBxNU_mBo_JqnzeVRmzQtKza-QvYFlhxWnA8KzmvAfsQhv_6D5mHp4bcpSOhnN94edd_glbGNjc5UmoOqMM7gltqe9WCXtppudBxA04lg/s400/whisperside.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321461863851140706" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Whisper, from Spring 2009 Interweave Knits<div>Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Sock (~2.5 skeins)</div><div>Needles: US 1 1/2, 3 and 6 (2.5mm, 3.25mm and 4.0mm)</div><div><br /></div><div>Comments: A really fast knit - I actually finished this in 2 weeks, but kept putting off the photography. Clever seamless construction, this is more a "shrug" than a true cardigan as it doesn't really close completely in front. The front is basically a pair triangles that come together like a wrap - the cross point on me appears to be about the same as for others who have knit this - slightly below the bustline. This will definitely do nicely as a light pullover when temps are just a little chilly.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you may guess, I did indeed modify - the most obvious may be that I didn't use the called for lace yarn, and as a result knit to my own gauge/fabric only using the instructions as a guide for construction. The sleeves and bottom hem feature seed stitch (I wasn't fond of the idea of the rolled hem). Also, the sleeves are more traditional in shape - starting with the notched edge, and increasing slightly in size as the sleeve grows in length (rather than starting wider and tapering downward). I also knitted the lower portion of the back to include some waist shaping to make the garment more closely follow natural bodylines, and I also added a bit of length to make it hit at about the same place as a regular cardi would....technically I guess I'm not quite done, since I still have sme ends to weave in!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiATbASKGj5m7TykzsnDBxmhKCBgqo9iNKkTodMQLHjfg7vpaeqYpIXo2i-0VLrKeDJyr8E_Abqz4G_twHbt-9ezpk2zNOnJQdUXoL2xyIAqQtI97U-ujAhalyP_8IOeyS_HlpQ/s1600-h/whisperback.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiATbASKGj5m7TykzsnDBxmhKCBgqo9iNKkTodMQLHjfg7vpaeqYpIXo2i-0VLrKeDJyr8E_Abqz4G_twHbt-9ezpk2zNOnJQdUXoL2xyIAqQtI97U-ujAhalyP_8IOeyS_HlpQ/s400/whisperback.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321461856634192674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-41413283542648765662009-03-26T07:40:00.000-07:002009-03-26T14:03:50.073-07:00Sparkling Ambrosia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxotrmbMBJrfIu-7HQIWwYzf1fF4Ncicq91c6FhlJcsBkzPdgzE7a1qYOK4x7LcUREGGAmWogUKfk3JHBT1oFWc3yrwqDKWWHefejCzqkjEumZ_Y4y3d0ifV3BsIAqIPwWL294w/s1600-h/ambrosia.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 343px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxotrmbMBJrfIu-7HQIWwYzf1fF4Ncicq91c6FhlJcsBkzPdgzE7a1qYOK4x7LcUREGGAmWogUKfk3JHBT1oFWc3yrwqDKWWHefejCzqkjEumZ_Y4y3d0ifV3BsIAqIPwWL294w/s400/ambrosia.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316254159067848514" border="0" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/freepatterns/legwear/Ambrosia_Socks_174-1.html">Ambrosia</a>, by Ann Budd<br />Yarn: Berroco Sox Metallic<br />Needles: US0 / 2.0mm<div>Size: One of the larger sizes </div><div><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/woodlandsprite/ambrosia-socks">Raveled</a><br /><br />Comments: Definitely check your gauge - the pattern calls for US3 and US4 needles, but it's easily scaled to suit a tighter gauge knit - I prefer my fabric on socks to be fairly closely knit for better wear, so opted for US0s and a larger size - since these are already a rather girly colorway, and covered with sparkles, I figured I'd go all out and went with a picot bind off (speaking of which, does anyone know how to do a picot bindoff so it *doesn't* flare out like that??). Due to the height of the socks, I also added some calf shaping by doing increases in pattern along the back of the leg. Overall, the knitting in this sock is straightforward, with a short row heel and no gusset. I do find that getting the sock up over my heel is somethings a little difficult, so some gusset increases may be warranted. I found these to be a fast, fun knit - and the pattern is suitable for breaking up colors on handdyed yarns. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the Sox Metallic, it's definitely not as soft as some other sock yarns - While the addition of the Nylon and the metallic might add strength and durability, I can feel it in the yarn and in the finished sock.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnVv5UTFlvS5CjwoRdZKaOzOQSzRVFVy-_PfGNeZ8TyZUr-iIfChslrz0u20GhG0w_bidKRoNp8gKvLcOUdmw73nEXcUajYqlpMT6Erdl8RDTZ9DXuIXYNOZ-B5wM6S97FK9dZA/s1600-h/socks&sky.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnVv5UTFlvS5CjwoRdZKaOzOQSzRVFVy-_PfGNeZ8TyZUr-iIfChslrz0u20GhG0w_bidKRoNp8gKvLcOUdmw73nEXcUajYqlpMT6Erdl8RDTZ9DXuIXYNOZ-B5wM6S97FK9dZA/s400/socks&sky.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316254143904154274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-6540509504968790862009-03-11T20:42:00.000-07:002009-03-11T20:51:06.379-07:00I Mog Di<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9DjLOmKFTpmKbISXhUVjdB2r1pESpv_iProBm3MV8fVQgpaIc9Js87Zkx1PLFl23dpFHgWB00oP8lZ5FnirYLFk3z9EfkJip1cluP9AOwMGwnNqzpNzvovk_CRc6Eq6K6cUuSg/s1600-h/progress.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9DjLOmKFTpmKbISXhUVjdB2r1pESpv_iProBm3MV8fVQgpaIc9Js87Zkx1PLFl23dpFHgWB00oP8lZ5FnirYLFk3z9EfkJip1cluP9AOwMGwnNqzpNzvovk_CRc6Eq6K6cUuSg/s400/progress.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308465093514431154" border="0" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/i-mog-di">I Mog Di</a> - From the Wollmeise 2008-2009 sock club<br />Yarn: Wollmeise Sockenwolle (also from the sock club) in Hollerstaud'n (elderberry)<br />Needles: US1 (then US2 and US3 to increase for calves)<br />Size Knitted: Smaller*<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iSVJqkwedp0zyqigb7wu9jcWSkeOd5sMHtyMVx-uteVYRCXo2rRl9ko94GQmH9usr_dfrUOWTboMAs8jmV5qihSiRGEBJ_vxHjQKzuwjZKHWxDDZg596DoKia5YGdc7Otq6_Uw/s1600-h/imogfinito.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iSVJqkwedp0zyqigb7wu9jcWSkeOd5sMHtyMVx-uteVYRCXo2rRl9ko94GQmH9usr_dfrUOWTboMAs8jmV5qihSiRGEBJ_vxHjQKzuwjZKHWxDDZg596DoKia5YGdc7Otq6_Uw/s400/imogfinito.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308465070745554210" border="0" /></a>Notes / Comments: Well, unfortunately, this yarn colorway seems to be one that is not easily reproduced digitally - in addition, the dark colorway makes it a bit challenging to show off the cable detailing. That said, this was a fun knit - the flat bobbles were something new and interesting :) I did not change needle sizes going from foot to leg - that is until i got a ways past my ankle and needed my gauge to be a bit looser to accomodate my calves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIlMaFUWR9h_k15tIMv3AuuNDJ_cBCmT_mfI9dP7-Zb3qLagitAGKUhb8KmV9fW6YHCjSFFwohBQ_XXYMDvXnNQGQpQAoq8WtBvcSaCEDtmqIyp4kkbo1jZi3lxr4Zh2qhHxoqg/s1600-h/backdetail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIlMaFUWR9h_k15tIMv3AuuNDJ_cBCmT_mfI9dP7-Zb3qLagitAGKUhb8KmV9fW6YHCjSFFwohBQ_XXYMDvXnNQGQpQAoq8WtBvcSaCEDtmqIyp4kkbo1jZi3lxr4Zh2qhHxoqg/s400/backdetail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308465090349854978" border="0" /></a>Other modificiations? Of course....I made each sock mirror the other on the cables...and I also modified the top of the sock by adding matching bobbles on the back of the sock, as well as mimicking the purl field on the toe by carrying the purl field to a point on the back before incorporating the ribbing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9gTKp6j2G5aMFBecCri-FAQjDEWXafmjIFztDNq10Yj05HykQhJx0VHxhB_ud0MEMlhVEpX-uW8IKrim-8PYhmqlEYHdl0olz83sqVn1Vu-Hmlk-NV7Bh31wAFS6AojHx2x3cg/s1600-h/backsidebobbles.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9gTKp6j2G5aMFBecCri-FAQjDEWXafmjIFztDNq10Yj05HykQhJx0VHxhB_ud0MEMlhVEpX-uW8IKrim-8PYhmqlEYHdl0olz83sqVn1Vu-Hmlk-NV7Bh31wAFS6AojHx2x3cg/s400/backsidebobbles.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310600921974481250" border="0" /></a>I do think they came out rather beautifully, don't you?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0r_5nJuBqHB0EkQ3JSRrnsNFYiNjivziImkQIFP94PC5xdy4_-EY7NTy3iMFBB8V78bF_DAsXJElgGKH2cP5XIKpP1HY71tnsOlRKtYdkGM-p-BiSOoObRvc_6tRO-w6o3YIzQ/s1600-h/frontandback.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0r_5nJuBqHB0EkQ3JSRrnsNFYiNjivziImkQIFP94PC5xdy4_-EY7NTy3iMFBB8V78bF_DAsXJElgGKH2cP5XIKpP1HY71tnsOlRKtYdkGM-p-BiSOoObRvc_6tRO-w6o3YIzQ/s400/frontandback.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308465078912661538" border="0" /></a>As you might notice, the socks look a wee bit loose - I have discovered that I can't knit twisted cables on anything smaller than a US1 (it really hurts my hands) - I think if I had ribbed the bottom of the socks and also had not done all the increases for the gussets, these socks probably would fit me much more nicely...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPuvblnyCOYsDsqYSZDCW7rTI5jX8iZelRcIqH7lFt_cW1lXLeiJSdv9wbIMBnvFcfxhGoIQu4C93wX8ZluC24LLu8lt_2xqPCfydRs-pGr1P832n55RjnOjWHTq5_IXZtXib3g/s1600-h/imogfinished.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPuvblnyCOYsDsqYSZDCW7rTI5jX8iZelRcIqH7lFt_cW1lXLeiJSdv9wbIMBnvFcfxhGoIQu4C93wX8ZluC24LLu8lt_2xqPCfydRs-pGr1P832n55RjnOjWHTq5_IXZtXib3g/s400/imogfinished.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310600915898210674" border="0" /></a>...luckily for me (and him too) - it seems these fit my husband perfectly...so guess who gets a pair of fantastically ornate socks? Lucky guy.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-38639604838783035762008-12-29T18:29:00.000-08:002008-12-29T18:29:00.349-08:00Limosaura<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMsRAW7HILE0EbD80oQOdhWO4FcVqz0u5TAau_7MCIi_ZXonPcLIBAPqeMNEawebGpVHya824XsY7PObrHmWu1mDzlL4M_mfrvfSEm4sIKwh5GcKc6sNJYQwp2bAMxC9KVdaWnw/s1600-h/cricosaura.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMsRAW7HILE0EbD80oQOdhWO4FcVqz0u5TAau_7MCIi_ZXonPcLIBAPqeMNEawebGpVHya824XsY7PObrHmWu1mDzlL4M_mfrvfSEm4sIKwh5GcKc6sNJYQwp2bAMxC9KVdaWnw/s400/cricosaura.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285033796505775458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Is It Spring Yet?<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Pattern: Cricosaura, by Blogless Erika (she Ravels <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/erikaseekshank">here</a>)</span><br />Yarn: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.spritelygoods.com/">Spritely Goods</a> Sidhe in limited edition Limonata (very similar to the Chimichurri colorway)<br />Needles: US1 (or 1.5 - they're Addi's)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMAGhLKUcgm4JNH-ofpANxjZHySvLGhGnHMt30IK1eJWiynV_VNFu-d2Od76NwCMb9q9A_uwnZgwxHBXqW8NhcOTogQ9TKORRBg6Wu_vIzkkJrAsH0ATpRtcTJz64u0adOsBtMg/s1600-h/cricosaurass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMAGhLKUcgm4JNH-ofpANxjZHySvLGhGnHMt30IK1eJWiynV_VNFu-d2Od76NwCMb9q9A_uwnZgwxHBXqW8NhcOTogQ9TKORRBg6Wu_vIzkkJrAsH0ATpRtcTJz64u0adOsBtMg/s400/cricosaurass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285033793008864338" border="0" /></a>Comments: I've become taken with patterns that include designs on the gusset - these socks are knit toe up and cleverly incorporate the little scales right on over the gusset. If pressed, I could have probably knit these on US0s - it seems I've become a loose knitter when before it seems I would knit pretty much right at gauge. In any case, knit on US1's, these socks are sproingy and cushy - great for wearing around the house!<br /><br />Modifications: I worked the heel flap a little differently than called for in the pattern - mostly because while I have rather wide feet, my ankles are relatively small - in order to draw in the sock, I did a slip stitch rib underneath the little scales, and slightly delayed the starting of the lace-work until I was a bit further up the leg. I also only managed to get 3 repeats of the lace done before I headed into the ribbing because I was starting to run out of yarn (one of the reasons I love toe-up socks is I can knit until I have just enough yarn to bind off :) in case you're wondering, I have just a few yards to spare after binding these off). With just 3 repeats, I do find them plenty tall - they are certainly tall enough to cover my sock lines from running/hiking :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgyD26o2hpn7ZWXnuh-9ktqmE0tCk8Mm96DTTnJZl-S_d9ULXsIobifNlhybunVyy9-OF5a6p8R0l1lAZEjJziHy1IfYkzqZY3ZJU006C2jnUBLGzHWZUlFRRlHZA2N4VqL-h7g/s1600-h/cricosauraup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgyD26o2hpn7ZWXnuh-9ktqmE0tCk8Mm96DTTnJZl-S_d9ULXsIobifNlhybunVyy9-OF5a6p8R0l1lAZEjJziHy1IfYkzqZY3ZJU006C2jnUBLGzHWZUlFRRlHZA2N4VqL-h7g/s400/cricosauraup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285033798560878962" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-14632182713541450452008-12-26T18:20:00.000-08:002008-12-26T18:20:00.991-08:00Mizar Inspired Mitts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GYjCMSBVB4HABXzbVyIFEM3n1kBa3mDMqi1-nAtfc7_xXKYbOtu8N4zuUbZJtkn1B42ZCDZtgxZQRxDfCMsj-3B-5ev5vLXq7R9d6Y7xXECH1UBv5Y0ryttLABAEb4BH-H82dA/s1600-h/mizarmitts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GYjCMSBVB4HABXzbVyIFEM3n1kBa3mDMqi1-nAtfc7_xXKYbOtu8N4zuUbZJtkn1B42ZCDZtgxZQRxDfCMsj-3B-5ev5vLXq7R9d6Y7xXECH1UBv5Y0ryttLABAEb4BH-H82dA/s400/mizarmitts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282433774707782370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pattern: A combination of the cables found on <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.blogspot.com/2005/12/stashbusting-socks-for-sandals-or.html">Mizar</a> using a modified Jack-in-the-box mitten construction for the flip top<br />Yarn: <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_46&products_id=184">Malabrigo Worsted</a> in the Cypress colorway<br />Needles: US 6 / 4mm<br /><br />The last of the holiday knitting went to my DH who was pressed into service in checking mitten length while I was knitting all those other mittens. He wanted convertible mittens, and I wanted to make him something different from all the other mittens I had already knit - re-casting the mizar cables into mittens worked out especially well, as the cable pattern was already adapted to form a nice mitten-top shape. I adapted the shaping on the top of the mitten to closer mimic a rounded toe on a sock, and actually grafted the remaining live stitches, rather than simply running the tail of the working yarn through to secure them.<br /><br />Mmmm. Malabrigo - lofty and soft, and really nice yardage - I hadn't expected to finish this entire pair of mittens with one ball, but I did....now I'm looking for something to knit with the other ball of malabrigo I had set aside for this project...perhaps I'll have to try for a matching hat...or maybe a matching pair of mittens for me?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-19319412526879711042008-12-25T09:07:00.000-08:002008-12-25T09:51:52.920-08:00Staghorn Flip Tops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8WbQIQjGovs2AfSJWCJgyoTyEh3p2O69HjvXxesWCN_lK072Fi5MV5yL-X7z1Mrl4eTRdvjCv5Bfr1Qy-xCUDk52XGHW2wQV2GxZ0oUWyqjOuUSQ7O9woCe2nJqd0cBJUGLCVA/s1600-h/fliptop+mittens+modeled.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8WbQIQjGovs2AfSJWCJgyoTyEh3p2O69HjvXxesWCN_lK072Fi5MV5yL-X7z1Mrl4eTRdvjCv5Bfr1Qy-xCUDk52XGHW2wQV2GxZ0oUWyqjOuUSQ7O9woCe2nJqd0cBJUGLCVA/s400/fliptop+mittens+modeled.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280250523577402818" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Jack in the Box Mittens, from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1584796669?ie=UTF8&tag=thehomeofthewood&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1584796669">Knitting New Mittens and Gloves</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thehomeofthewood&l=as2&o=1&a=1584796669" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" width="1" height="1" /><br />Yarn: Paton's Classic Merino<br />Needles: US 6 / US 7 (4.0mm, 4.5mm)<br />Pairs Knit? Lots.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh279cQeEuSRCggYS5DxRJ5mo6R0HoV63DXtDCksXP1xEjzR94J1Yciro0b0OpB7JBpOLPmcbOnPPqD3N7jBuoJ4deYntOor_0ludgXJwmhTidUJ0GsFoSbqIrfdTlJ4EobYb2pdQ/s1600-h/fliptop+mittens+solo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh279cQeEuSRCggYS5DxRJ5mo6R0HoV63DXtDCksXP1xEjzR94J1Yciro0b0OpB7JBpOLPmcbOnPPqD3N7jBuoJ4deYntOor_0ludgXJwmhTidUJ0GsFoSbqIrfdTlJ4EobYb2pdQ/s400/fliptop+mittens+solo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280250522706286210" border="0" /></a>Pattern Notes: The pattern is written for 4 sizes of mittens - childrens, Womens M, Womens L and Mens....I happened to knit all 4 sizes, even doing a pair in colorwork (cabling + colorwork? Doable - but definitely challenging) I've always liked the idea of flip-top mittens, and I figured these would be welcome in colder climates - especially given the snow that seems to be flying around this winter! The pattern is clearly written, and both the staghorn and zig-zag cables are quick to memorize. If I could just figure out a way to reduce the bulge at the overlapping points on the mittens, I'd be happy - given time, I could probably figure something out with a finer yarn...but I was working on a holiday knitting timeline. I hope the recipients enjoy them and put them to good use :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAEtiV3Ly3OWSNYeolzkhcifawQ_JfJFV5CO1ksx7Q8LkT3ZJqDLL6jBVWmNeCOERwfKq0usBxU2iDUGXHElDbu-Ov05SjHtpBFvt1HHrfDj-aM5LMvU3MNkSn4BsZBR62tEhrw/s1600-h/mitten+family.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAEtiV3Ly3OWSNYeolzkhcifawQ_JfJFV5CO1ksx7Q8LkT3ZJqDLL6jBVWmNeCOERwfKq0usBxU2iDUGXHElDbu-Ov05SjHtpBFvt1HHrfDj-aM5LMvU3MNkSn4BsZBR62tEhrw/s400/mitten+family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280250521420383186" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-38059868314411743202008-12-25T09:06:00.000-08:002008-12-25T09:51:35.683-08:00Chevalier Mitts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYXU0WT2U0aOCbdySOL563YMPqUiBcGeqS_K-JyfaY3EqSOPDpAtbi1FpHU2YBnxDWl2ocj8_5Musqa9Xofuxsc6iatSuNV0pQURbiXWb_LDSxTweFDyWbC3zD9lkxZPf3QdZCA/s1600-h/chevalier.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYXU0WT2U0aOCbdySOL563YMPqUiBcGeqS_K-JyfaY3EqSOPDpAtbi1FpHU2YBnxDWl2ocj8_5Musqa9Xofuxsc6iatSuNV0pQURbiXWb_LDSxTweFDyWbC3zD9lkxZPf3QdZCA/s400/chevalier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280250205196552658" border="0" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://madebymyself.blogspot.com/2007/10/chevalier-lapaset.html">Chevalier Mittens</a><br />Yarn: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.spritelygoods.com/">Spritely Goods</a> Fey, in limited edition red maple colorway, held double stranded (one skein).<br />Needles: US 5 / 3.75mm<br /><br />Comments and pattern modifications: Once cast on, I knit these pretty much entirely from the chart - I did shorten the cuff section by a little bit, and I made the cables mirror each other on the left and right mitts. While the cabling (without a cable needle) using yarn held doubled was a little bit troublesome at times, these mittens were a pleasure to knit - and they came out really nicely too :) The subtle variegation in a semi-solid handdyed yarn really suits the mittens, I think. If I was to make any further modifications on these, I would change the final decreases for the tips of the mittens - The decreases, stacked as they are, resulted in a little bit of gapping between the stitches. I'm really happy with how these turned out - and I love how bright and colorful they are!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-8502740153137028912008-11-21T15:01:00.000-08:002008-11-21T20:13:56.986-08:00Orchid Lace Mitts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SKXiPMOmJHchlji8_mt1j5veLtZkT84TbNAIlepsbxD-SKGoN7GfJ5EfPPmAQpq7cgb7Fm7hf-ZApFE887B4GIOgnG2PsXEVxyf0yuDKQVftRHnXraedNuDfitpuZUgsY7Ce4g/s1600-h/orchidlacemittson.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SKXiPMOmJHchlji8_mt1j5veLtZkT84TbNAIlepsbxD-SKGoN7GfJ5EfPPmAQpq7cgb7Fm7hf-ZApFE887B4GIOgnG2PsXEVxyf0yuDKQVftRHnXraedNuDfitpuZUgsY7Ce4g/s400/orchidlacemittson.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265683789719748482" border="0" /></a><br />Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_64&products_id=317">Orchid Lace Mitts</a> by Anne Hanson of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knitspot.com/">Knitspot</a><br />Yarn: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.spritelygoods.com/">Spritely Goods</a> fingering (merino nylon blend, yet to be named)<br />Needles: US1<br /><br />Comments: Quick to knit, I completed these mitts just in time for Rhinebeck, and wore them around the sheep and wool festival to help keep warm. I selected this yarn specifically to test its wear properties (and also to use up the rest of the skein after knitting my <a target="_blank" href="http://spritelygoods.blogspot.com/2008/10/slipstream-cuffs.html">Slipstream Cuffs</a>. Since the knitting is shifted around when knitting the edgings vs the main body of the mitts, they can't be done both at the same time on one really long needle (my preferred method for knitting pairs of tubular objects). I should also point out that the tight cables at the wrist on the underside aren't a part of the pattern either - I have notoriously small wrists and I realized I didn't account for that while knitting up the mitts, so rather than rip back, I opted to drop a bunch of stitches down, pick them back up and cable them tightly to draw in the fabric - I think it came out quite well :) These mitts are also an in-between length when compared to the pattern - longer than the short, but shorter than the long...The cuff edge at the forearm is a touch roll-y but I think it's because my cast on wasn't stretchy enough. Regardless, the yarn is wearing very nicely, and I'm very pleased with the finished mitts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT6C00qCCG-h649Ce0kAPdOVHeD5uDNtyJvpYWYCf9Ivt9xZTw6ZTiAfsQ-ohnZRi0NcD0jOxmPixNPUUET0wg_hVqwXpyPa2iEu-MIn2kmLi6HHF8SbOvG16sILDp9kjAnrk8w/s1600-h/orchidlacemittsdone.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT6C00qCCG-h649Ce0kAPdOVHeD5uDNtyJvpYWYCf9Ivt9xZTw6ZTiAfsQ-ohnZRi0NcD0jOxmPixNPUUET0wg_hVqwXpyPa2iEu-MIn2kmLi6HHF8SbOvG16sILDp9kjAnrk8w/s400/orchidlacemittsdone.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265683783679615442" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-38652375132142897352008-10-29T07:05:00.000-07:002008-10-29T15:18:30.447-07:00Slipstream Cuffs<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRDDPrSowiFFAcEkjw2VVyOqYFxe0uBFPVKNjXDExHNDLGx9_Inp5IIBQmGIlPCMRw_BfJLq1DKyKH8EtlYjBsLYGQ4EHrPZ96uS0sGz-4GFrpE5ELFTpbZ13Ge8C7VsV3LPdfA/s1600-h/gauntletstcbldetail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRDDPrSowiFFAcEkjw2VVyOqYFxe0uBFPVKNjXDExHNDLGx9_Inp5IIBQmGIlPCMRw_BfJLq1DKyKH8EtlYjBsLYGQ4EHrPZ96uS0sGz-4GFrpE5ELFTpbZ13Ge8C7VsV3LPdfA/s400/gauntletstcbldetail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260907421681569426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Mmm. Cables.</span></div><br />Pattern: My own, incorporating staghorn cables and a slipped stitch cable.<br />Yarn: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.spritelygoods.com/">Spritely Goods</a> fingering weight merino-nylon blend, for evaluation<br />Needles: US 1<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg2I8Oq372zaY-sMQxtpAxFUD8NJN248d6v3Ymkt9hboMyCb2k6KocpbnzUaJLwoeolWnhiraZGEC23L-KFh_5MVnuLjvbt1pAmJ9LL7qtpxvAx4jJxEx9kSmlUmpD97tr1CldQ/s1600-h/gauntlets.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg2I8Oq372zaY-sMQxtpAxFUD8NJN248d6v3Ymkt9hboMyCb2k6KocpbnzUaJLwoeolWnhiraZGEC23L-KFh_5MVnuLjvbt1pAmJ9LL7qtpxvAx4jJxEx9kSmlUmpD97tr1CldQ/s400/gauntlets.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260907423402206402" border="0" /></a>Just what are they? Well, it's basically a pair of footless socks....or short arm warmers that go from wrist to just shy of my elbow (yes, in the photo above, one of those is on my leg). They only work as arm warmers when freshly off the needles or when freshly blocked - they get rather short and squat when I wear em on my legs. I designed these primarily to go with my boots (the arm warmer part was pure serendipity):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWetjVzT158rjG6oRFb2apELPv25FNjE1VMpp_3bYf6fzsKL5d7mWzb5YYxjsFfXHCwaeyM2F49fzck1Fa9F2zWgFwvXL8FcIavs4oiKWtl9eUpYhyphenhyphenuz2NdTEEEQ71ffN1D8UTNQ/s1600-h/gauntlets1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWetjVzT158rjG6oRFb2apELPv25FNjE1VMpp_3bYf6fzsKL5d7mWzb5YYxjsFfXHCwaeyM2F49fzck1Fa9F2zWgFwvXL8FcIavs4oiKWtl9eUpYhyphenhyphenuz2NdTEEEQ71ffN1D8UTNQ/s400/gauntlets1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260907420237950034" border="0" /></a>The boots in question have a bad bad habit of chewing on my leg in one spot near the top of the zipper - I haven't found anything rough on the inside of the boot, however every single time I wear these boots, I get matching raw rub marks on my shins where the boots seem to rub. <br /><br />My reasoning for knitting these without feet is because I can wear thin commercial socks with them and not have to launder the handknit part after each wearing. Call me lazy ;) I wore these out East, and I'm happy to report my legs are rub-mark-free and the yarn appears to hold up quite nicely to being stuffed into a boot.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-74874429865922488632008-09-30T17:10:00.000-07:002008-09-30T22:40:21.426-07:00Birthday Bog Jacket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j0K86vjKVkM8lSFiRVa8GZ3BmuyQt2WqDleli4Dyscpmj1uCpgcgcO0BG9M9d9GLtKbAR9xe5d-jtc15yPj36QBrEc3b-q4XzIfuEoatG-EP6nDhma8VCr1-Kb3LfIMB5dyuXw/s1600-h/bogdone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j0K86vjKVkM8lSFiRVa8GZ3BmuyQt2WqDleli4Dyscpmj1uCpgcgcO0BG9M9d9GLtKbAR9xe5d-jtc15yPj36QBrEc3b-q4XzIfuEoatG-EP6nDhma8VCr1-Kb3LfIMB5dyuXw/s400/bogdone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251538342695302466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span> Bog Jacket, with modifications/add-ons - found in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0942018036?ie=UTF8&tag=thehomeofthewood&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0942018036">Knitting Around</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thehomeofthewood&l=as2&o=1&a=0942018036" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span> Southwest Trading Co Karaoke, in Durango (I think), with accents in Forest and a tan colored discontinued colorway.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Needles:</span> US6 / 4.0 mm, gauge 4 st/ridges per inch<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Size:</span> 42"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments and modifications:</span> and there are many! Lets start with the general commentary, shall we?<br /><br />The Bog Jacket is a garment made essentially from a square or rectangular piece of fabric with little to no waste - for more information and instructions on constructing your own Bog Jacket, please refer to either the book above, or check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mtnladyarns.com/weaving.pdf">this PDF</a> on a woven fabric Bog Jacket. Knit in Garter Stitch, this version of the Bog features the similar construction details - the Garter Stitch fabric was chosen because it lends itself easily to the math and grafting required in assembly. That said, it also lends itself to its own peculiarities. In particular, I re-discovered what I already knew...that Karaoke + Garter St + water (by way of blocking) = Ginormous Knitting - so much so that once I properly blocked the jacket, it is now probably considered tunic length (well past my hips, which is where it was pre-blocking) and the sleeves...oh my goodness. The Sleeves are crazy long. Like long enough for an orangutan - Right now, I'm calling the Bog "Done" - without any closures on it (initially I was thinking zipper, now I'm thinking frog closures, or something similar), and with the crazy long sleeves turned back about 3 times for really fat cuffs. If they bother me too much having those massive bumper-like cuffs bongling around my hands and wrists, I'll consider it Steek practice and use a crochet-reinforcement to mark the cutting point.<br /><br />Now then, the modifications - I did the various modifications that were suggested by EZ with the exception of the fake seams and the pockets - these included: Short rows in the back to make a slight dropped hemline in the back of the jacket, short rows in the sleeves in an attempt to make them less kimono-like, shoulder shaping (moved out just a smidge from the recommended location, and they hit my shoulders perfectly now, even with all the extra stretch in the fabric), waist shaping (though I had to rip out the entire bottom of the jacket once I had it seamed to relocate the shaping to be much higher), and applied i-cord all the way around. Other modifications or diversions from the proscribed formula: I made the "body" portion of the bog jacket shorter than recommended - I don't recall the as-knitted length, but with the stretch that occurred during blocking, it is more than long enough! For extra sleeve length, I measured my own "wing-span" and determined and cast on the "appropriate" number of stitches to get me to that length - unfortunately I think with all the stretch that has occurred, I may well have been okay casting on very few extra stitches, though I will have to go back to my notes to double check!<br /><br />Comments for possible future bog knitters - keep in mind that the knitted bog jacket should allow you some flexibility to make the garment fit you in a customized manner. Keeping in mind the extra stretchiness of garter stitch, depending on your personal circumference, you may want to make note of the following:<br /><ul><li>Seriously consider the growth that might happen with your yarn choice and the knitted fabric for your sleeves - you may not need to cast on many extra stitches at all to obtain proper sleeve length!</li><li>50% of your circumference may well be way too much fabric for both the sleeves and body lengths - I'd recommend measuring the armscye of a t-shirt that you like to determine the appropriate number of rows to knit for the sleeves.<br /></li><li>Consider knitting the bog from the top down - if you're really clever, this will allow you to basically make a shrug-like garment - you'd get the kitchenering of the sleeve(s) done earlier on, and you could determine if you've knit way too much sleeve depth or not enough. You may even be able to do the kitchnering without even doing the "thumb trick" but I'm not certain ;) since I haven't completely thought it through. Anyhow, once you have the shrug-like garment completed and the bottom all held on a huge circular needle, you can try it on, and knit your waist shaping accordingly. </li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79C0ahKVy_W_N0IirphFBKD4KGbv8U9DrJ7Ezfn8SUORY-YAwwPzel78zESHhQHWOVzE8NdwswRQoLGDez2i5jEBO5Rltm0rI2Zr0OWlFMJvNg4ltN3M5I9gzGLnSON1JI6TNNA/s1600-h/bogcomp.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79C0ahKVy_W_N0IirphFBKD4KGbv8U9DrJ7Ezfn8SUORY-YAwwPzel78zESHhQHWOVzE8NdwswRQoLGDez2i5jEBO5Rltm0rI2Zr0OWlFMJvNg4ltN3M5I9gzGLnSON1JI6TNNA/s400/bogcomp.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252055818551662930" border="0" /></a>Now updated with a photo of me *in* my bog jacket, and all it's stretched garter stitch glory :) Don't get me wrong, I learned a LOT in this construction, and I do like the jacket - it's just it will likely wind up being more like a house / car coat kind of thing rather than an every-day cardi like my Ribby Cardi or my Cabled Cardi.<br /><br />ps. yes, I know my cardi matches my cat. I wish I could say that his posing on it was planned....but you know cats ;)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9677102.post-73726695920614777812008-08-05T14:51:00.000-07:002008-08-19T20:21:34.318-07:00Hemlock Ring Blanket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRl2X14mErxv3Yuyi8DTClbJfrAjW_AzQSRhTFlBkgx-rdCNIRMEGs_chOHbWDrsX09d82D2pFihZK1zEa3HO0f38Pb4Rt7q3ZIv8WMcPtFFlUXIZ-UaKmW1XxY-UylfxdksTSg/s1600-h/hemlockringfinished.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRl2X14mErxv3Yuyi8DTClbJfrAjW_AzQSRhTFlBkgx-rdCNIRMEGs_chOHbWDrsX09d82D2pFihZK1zEa3HO0f38Pb4Rt7q3ZIv8WMcPtFFlUXIZ-UaKmW1XxY-UylfxdksTSg/s400/hemlockringfinished.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231154865942050786" border="0" /></a>Pattern: <a target="_blank" href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/08/hemlock-ring-blanket.html">Hemlock Ring</a>, adapted and charted by Jared Flood<br />Yarn: Berroco Foliage in Winterhazel (discontinued colorway), 10 skeins + a smidge of Karaoke (I ran out of yarn at the bindoff and there was no way I was picking back)<br />Needles: US 13 / 9.0 mm<br />Finished Size: Over 6 feet in diameter when aggressively blocked.<br /><br />Comments: A very quick knit when compared to some of my recent projects - I actually had it completed within one month of casting on. The biggest trick so far has been trying to figure out just where to block it since its so large! I opted to simply soak the blanket, spin it mostly dry then loosely blocked it under its own weight instead of pinning out each individual loop on the edging. <br /><br />Speaking of edging, if you do knit this blanket, be sure to save lots and lots of yarn - If you are mathematically inclined you can calculate out how many stitches you'll need and estimate the yarn from there - I had thought I had calculated right, but in my haste clearly made a mistake - and wound up binding off the rest of the blanket with some spare yarn from the stash. <br /><br />Hot tip for a hole-less center - cast on 4 stitches as if you were knitting a toe up sock :), increase in each stitch once, then carry on with your knitting. I also recommend the liberal use of stitch markers to mark your repeats on the feather and fan section. Count those yarnovers carefully as you knit, or you may find yourself having to improvise a fix or rip back on the next patterned row.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537066953940920222noreply@blogger.com3