Ellen's projects

I've moved

2011-09-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

I realized some time back that my own knitting projects are all shop projects, so I'd been double posting which was kind of a pain. So I decided to merge all the relevant posts from this blog to the Crazy for Ewe blog. If you're interested in what I'm knitting and what I'm doing, check it out.

Nob Hill blocking and finishing

2011-01-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

This yarn isn't so stretchy, so my Nob Hill wasn't rolling as much as it might, and I was almost not sure it needed blocking, but I wasn't ready to sew it up, so I went ahead and pinned it the board. Couldn't find my spray bottle, and the steamer lives in La Plata, so I did it the old fashioned way - wet towels laid on top.

It wasn't quite dry when I took it off the board, but I wanted to take it up to La Plata to seam and let Paula see it. I pinned the sides in preparation for seaming. It was amazing how much better it looked after the blocking. You know, everything benefits from blocking, even if it doesn't need to be flattened, or shaped, or sized. It just looks tidier and more even. See.

Obviously, it doesn't go with what I was wearing today, but I love it. I would make the Nob Hill again, but I think I might make the smaller size. This one is very easy-fitting and comfortable, but maybe just a tad big. The sizing goes from 32 to 40, which is kind of tricky, so I'd probably have to adjust the pattern myself. I'll try to put it on tomorrow with something that actually goes with it and see how I feel about the fit.

Armhole finishing

2011-01-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

I had finished my Valour Vest some months ago, and although I loved the color and the styling, I had never worn it. I tend to like my clothes somewhat form fitting, so when I wear something that wraps, I pull it close around the waist. When I put the vest on and pinned it to fit my waist, the armholes stretched at the back giving it an odd appearance. See how big the armholes look even when it's on the hanger. It was even worse when I put it on.

Thinking back on the pattern, I remembered that it said to pickup around the armhole and then bind off on those stitches. The number of stitches it directs you to pick up is substantially fewer than you would do if you were picking up for a button band or some other type of border. The result, of course, is that the armhole pulls in to fit while you still get the nice effect of the ribbing around the bust. Genius.

This morning I finished around the armhole and it looked perfect. I can pull it as close at my waist as I like without looking like I"m wearing a wife-beater undershirt. The only down side of finishing the armhole is that now I have defined an inside and an outside of the garment whereas before, with the flat seam, it had been reversible. Of course, if I wasn't going to wear it at all the way it was, then it didn't really matter whether it was reversible or not, now did it! I chose the side with the strong rib texture for the outside (per the pattern), as it really is the more interesting side. Here's the new and improved Valour.

Calling Einstein for some mindless knitting

2011-01-17T20:48:00.000-08:00

There have been so many times in the last few weeks that I've just needed to sit down with my knitting and not think at all. I think that's an indication of stress level, exacerbated by lack of an appropriately mindless project on the needles. Or, it could just be a renewed interest in football with the playoffs and what not. I had some fuchsia Donegal Tweed Chunky hanging around and decided to make it into a new Einstein coat since my current one seems to have been confiscated as a blanket by my youngest son. I'm making it 1 inch shorter around the bottom (53 stitches). Here's where I am so far.

That's just over one skein in - it measures about 15 inches so far. Hmmm... that's 15 down and some 30 or 40 inches to go. It should be done by Easter. When is Easter this year anyway?

Nob Hill Sleeve

2011-01-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here it is from the right side. It's a very nice reverse stockinette rolled edge. It's an elaborate method, but it gives a very clean effect inside and out. She has you pick up stitches around the armhole with the wrong side facing, so the little pick up ridge is on the right side. This is so counter to the way we normally pick up on garments that I didn't even really look at the directions the first time and just picked up the normal way with the right side facing.

Then you work in reverse stockinette, making short rows to give the center section more length. See how the armhole edge tapers down toward the underarm.

When you've worked all the short rows and picked up all the wraps (knit wise and purl wise), she has you use a crochet hook to bring the live stitches from the right side to the back side where you slip them onto a smaller needle and finally bind them all off.

Here's a shot from the inside. Very nice and clean inside - and for those of you who hate finishing, there's no sewing.

Honestly, I think it might have been easier to pick up from the right side, work the short rows , bind off and then whip stitch the bind off to the pick-up ridge. But hey, I'm one of those weird knitters who likes finishing. I am anxious to wear this.

I love shoes

2010-12-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

Today the UPS man brought me four pairs of shoes I'd ordered.

My husband saw all the boxes and tissue and stuff on table, looked at my happy face and said, "It's so cute how you get so much pleasure from such a little thing as shoes." How could you not love this man!

Nob Hill progress

2010-12-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon Colton called to me saying, "Come see the beautiful sunset," and it was indeed lovely.

After dinner we watched a movie and I finished the body of my Nob Hill. Here it is just before binding off the bottom edge.

The movie was Home Alone 3, Colton's pick, and possibly the worst movie I've ever seen, but he loved it, and I had my knitting.

Nob Hill progress

2010-12-27T14:13:00.000-08:00

I started this little shrug a while back - like mid December. I know that doesn't sound like a long time ago, but on size 13 needles with no sleeves, it really should already have been finished. The back has been done for a while, and I had worked most of one side of the front. I've been really distracted over the past few weeks, and I'm pretty sure I'd messed it up. One of the things that bugged me was that the pattern has you working the back then putting one front and the back neck on holders while you work the other front. You know I hate that approach because it just find it so much more intuitive to work both fronts at the same time - then you only have to keep track of where you are once - half the opportunity for distraction. So I ripped out what I'd done and began the fronts together. During Project Runway (the one where the poor guy who doesn't get to go to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has a total meltdown) I worked quite a bit of the fronts. Actually even more than I had done of the one front. And then I ran out of yarn. Here I am, zipping along, and I am out of yarn. Oh, there's more yarn to be had, but it was at the shop, and we were having a snowstorm that was already keeping me from getting to the Kennedy Center, so I sure as heck wasn't going to risk life and limb to go to the shop. Frustrating, yes, but there really wasn't anything to be done but fold it up and tuck it back into the bag until Tuesday.

I did end up going in to the shop today, though, and picked up two more skeins of this delicious brown Sundae, so I might be able to finish it all up tonight. Woo hoo!

Brigitta in Ushya

2010-12-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

At long last, I had my new Brigitta and my camera in the same place at the same time. As far as this yarn for this project, it is a match made in heaven. Ushya is super chunky, but so light - a 100g hank gives you a generous 114 yards. I made the size 36, and it took just 6 skeins. Ushya is also really springy, so it bounces back from knitting errors and garments made from it keep their shape really nicely. I love this color too - a great heathery teal. Yum.

You're kidding me, right?

2010-12-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

In case you can't see the print, this is a jury summons. Not familiar with such? Well let me explain. This is when you have to show up for days and days to view the court proceedings of someone who has been charged with a crime. These cases can last a couple of days, or they can drag on for weeks and months. As I understand it, you are required to sit in the jury box and not only stay awake, but listen attentively to the evidence presented. All this you have to do patiently without your knitting. Um, did you catch that? WITHOUT MY KNITTING. I don't do that whole sitting still thing very well without my knitting. I am always surprised when people who see me knitting in the doctor's office waiting room or at some school sporting event with my knitting and feel compelled to tell me that they don't knit because they don't have the patience. Excuse me? How do you have the patience to sit and wait three hours without knitting? Oh well. Not everyone gets it. Too bad for them. Anyway, back to the Jury Summons. I am not at all looking forward to serving my community in this way. My life has been too much these past two weeks to deal with it right now. It is raining, and I am cold and tired. My bed looks amazingly appealing although it is not even 9 p.m. My dog agrees.

So I fixed myself a big mug of hot chocolate and got my Nob Hill Shrug and climbed on in. I'll think about jury duty tomorrow.

Brigitta body done

2010-11-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

The color on this is off a good bit - it appears turquoise, but it's really much darker - more a teal. See where the top of the back section angles off? That's where the top of the fronts get seamed pushing the shoulder seam off the top of the shoulder and down to the back. It's a much sleeker fit and is a really great approach for such a chunky yarn. Those two little bits that extend on the fronts get seamed along the horizontal section of the back to create a little collar.

I've cast on for the first sleeve and have worked about half way up. This should be done by Friday when I want to start Gudrid, which you can see here, along with the new colors of Baby Llama.

Ushya Brigitta

2010-11-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

This is the amount that I got done while riding in the car up to Bethesda and back. So fast. Haven't knit one stitch on it since then, which is a shame I love the feel of this yarn and the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes from such quick progress.

The good news is that the St. Andrews bazaar is over (we cleared $4000) and I can get back to my knitting. Woohoo!

Newport in Kochoron

2010-10-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

I loved the Newport jacket so much that I wanted another one in a very different fiber. You know Kochoron is one of my favorites, so that's what I used. Yes, Kochoron sheds like a bunny. Yes, Kochoron often has knots in the skein. Yes, Kochoron is pricey. I know all this, but still, when you see the finished project, you just can't help yourself.

Sweet Charlotte

2010-10-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Finished Charlotte Wednesday night. I had been really concerned about the fronts as they seemed to be drooping a bit. So, when I picked up for the front bands, instead of picking up three stitches for every four rows, I picked up two stitches for every three rows, and the fronts hang perfectly. Also, instead of doing garter stitch for the front and neck bands, I used reverse stockinette. It matches the lace edging fine, but doesn't stretch. The collective wisdom Wednesday night was that Charlotte looked better without a closure at the neck (which honestly, at my age, looked just a little too sweet) so I am opting to just wear it open.

Except for the front bands, I worked this pattern pretty much as written. It was a little unclear to me why the designer opted for double decreases every four rows on the body rather than standard decreases every other row, but I did it anyway. The result is a decorative little motif along the body portion of the raglan sleeve.

Here's a lclose up of the double decreases (left slanting on the right side)

and right slanting on the left side.

As you can see, when you make the decrease lean in the opposite direction of the shaping, it is much more noticeable, and can be very decorative. I'm not sure if I would work the decreases that way again, but it is really attractive The designer uses slip one knit two together, pass slipped stitch over for her left slanting double decrease. I opted instead for sssk which I think looks a little better. You can use whatever you like best.

On the sleeve, the pattern instructs you to decrease on the front and the back. Again, she probably had a good reason for that guidance, but I like to keep things simple, so I did all of my decreasing on the right side. Here's a photo of my sleeve.

After it's all said and done, I really do like this pattern and am thinking of doing another one.

When will it be fall

2010-10-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

so that I can wear my Brigitta? This was so quick and fun to knit up. I think it took all of a week. I knit the second size (36) and was afraid that it would be too short, so I followed the length directions for the next size up. I didn't want the sleeves to hang down onto my hands either. I followed the directions for the sleeve in my size and then just did the cuff as directed and it was perfect. You want to be sure to bind those cuffs off really loosely so that you get a nice graceful bell.

You can see more photos of my Brigitta on the shop blog.

I like this pattern so much that I'm doing another one in Mirasol Ushya - gorgeous shade of sea glass green. Ooh ooh ooh.

Charlotte

2010-10-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

We went to Pittsburgh to visit Elizabeth this past weekend. My DH prefers the scenic route which meant a wonderful drive through the Virginia countryside and near perfect leaf-viewing. It also meant 7 uninterrupted hours of knitting each way. Life is good.

I had narrowed my knitting options down to either a second Brigitta in Ushya or Charlotte in Sulka. Isn't Charlotte beautiful!

They're both perfect car projects because they're knit in one piece and have fairly simple directions. I needed something that was engaging but not so demanding that I couldn't enjoy the leaves.

It was tempting to simply knit up another Brigitta because it was fresh in my mind and it goes so darn quick. On the other hand, I had never knit a big project with Sulka, and it In the end I decided on Charlotte simply because the Sulka took up less room in the car. What a luscious yarn that Sulka is! I picked a colorway called red onion, which is, of course, purple. It's a single ply yarn with lots of loft, so it could be knit anywhere from 3 to 4 stitches per inch. It's a firm fabric at 4, and a little loose at 3, but on at 3.5 on a size 10 needle, it' s really lovely.

Charlotte has two repeats of Vine Lace around the bottom and then stockinette the rest of the way up. By the time we got home Sunday I'd finished the entire body and cast on for the sleeves. Here's it is blocking.

Newport Cardigan

2010-08-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's the cardigan finished. I added ribbing around the bottom because the single crochet didn't really keep the back from rolling up along the bottom edge.

Here's a photo before the bottom ribbing was added. It's hard to see because I was holding the bottom in place, hence the ribbing decision.

I do very much like this pattern, and I have pulled a gorgeous colorway of Kochoron for another one. This time I will make the next larger size (finished bust 40") This fits well enough, but there's not much ease.

On the next one I'm going to try another edge treatment that is sure to prevent rolling but doesn't require an edging or ribbing.

Valour- seaming and staging

2010-08-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

As I said in the newsletter, I started this July 23rd, and finished it today. I’m very happy with it—the yarn, the style, and the color. I am also very grateful to our fellow Ravelers who posted pictures and wonderful advice about joining Valour back and fronts. In particular, one wise knitter said she’d used a flat, reversible seam to join the parts. How brilliant! I had been really ambivalent about the right and wrong sides of this fabric. The three by one rib gives a very strong textural element about which I have not made up my mind. With this reversible seam, I can wear it either way depending on my mood. Here's how it works

and how it looks on both sides

It's not a seam that gives the fabric a smooth and flawless join, but it is flat and you really have to look closely to see the seaming yarn. I am very happy with the effect, and especially the flexibility it gives me to wear the vest with either side out.

Other Ravelers mentioned using a sock yarn to keep the seams from becoming too bulky, which I often do anyway, but I was particularly pleased to find this bit of leftover Berroco Sox Metallic with all the same colors of the Colourscapes. I pulled out the metallic bit so as not to draw attention to the seam.

This vest is a beautiful way to try out Colourscapes. I made the second size--a medium to fit bust 36-38, and I got gauge using size 10 needles. You will want to swatch it yourself and be sure you’re using the needles that are right for you. Per other posts on Ravelry, I took only three skeins off the shelf, and sure enough, I finished the vest with a small ball leftover. I think I may, however, get another skein because the color that's leftover is the very pale blue, which may not be the best option for trimming around the armholes.

Here's the back.

I really like this vest and the yarn. Can't wait for fall!

Valour

2010-07-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

I started the back of my Valour Friday night, and finished it today on the way home from Virginia. How's that for fast!

I really love this yarn - so quick to work up, but it really doesn't feel bulky or heavy. And the colors - so bright and fresh, but not at all in your face. I have the "wrong side" up in this photo. The pattern calls for a 3x1 rib with the purl 3 side as the right side. You get a strong sense of the texture in the photo here.

I think I prefer the smoother side up--just not a big fan of reverse stockinette in great quantities. I am picturing this with a pair of grey trousers, a white blouse and this belt.

Always looking for an excuse to wear this belt.

Willow

2010-06-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Finished my Willow sweater last week. I really love the way it turned out. I made it an inch longer, gave it a scoop neckline, and moved the lace panel to the other side on the front so that it would match up with the back. It's fabulous to wear, and so quick to work up. The lace panel was a really fun addition that kept the knitting interesting. I would make this again!

Gyrid

2010-05-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is the back, obviously. I decided not to do the cable motif on the back because I needed a very easy, straightforward piece to work. You know, the calming, mindless knitting that we do simply to relax? This has been the one, and it's been great. I love the Mulberry Silk. I love knitting with it, I love the way it shines, and I love the way I can throw it in the washing machine. Oh yes, I love it très beaucoup.

Willow progress

2010-05-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

The one side is done, and I have 7 inches done on the other. I moved the lace panel on the back so that when the two pieces are sewn up at the shoulder, the lace panel will be on the same side of both the front and the back. Make sense? It will when you see the thing all done, which I hope will be this weekend. Probably not the sleeves, but at least the front and back. I'm still toying with my thoughts on the neckline - not a big fan of the bateau neckline.

Best weekend ever

2010-05-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Wednesday in La Plata, I was feeling kind of down about missing the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. But we had tons of family stuff to do, and it just wasn't going to work out for me this year. Turns out that we had such a great time this weekend that I wouldn't have traded for anything.

Saturday morning, Johnny was confirmed at the National Cathedral. Here he is with the other kids from St. Andrews.

with The Rev. Christopher Wilkins who was so amazing in helping him make his decision to be confirmed

And all of us together afterwards

Then we all went out for a fabulous lunch at Petit Plats in DC.

Elizabeth was not with us because her prom was that night, so we got home in time to help her get ready for the big night. Elizabeth's best girlfriends all came to the house to get ready

and have pictures taken. Here's Elizabeth and Ben

and the beautiful girls

When the group finally got off to their dinner reservations and the big dance, Bill and I settled in for the best homemade pizza in the history of the universe and some excellent wine. Then it was early to bed because Sunday

Was Colton's birthday and party

Whew! but it really was a wonderful weekend!

Willow is addictive

2010-04-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

I've made good progress on Willow. Even though I'm really focused on finishing my wrap sweater, the little lace pattern on Willow is makes it substantially more interesting to knit. I will probably make the body 12-14 inches long and increase the armhole depth as well. Nothing worse than a too short sweater, except perhaps a too tight armhole...

Love working with this yarn. Great hand and wonderful stitch definition.

Finally Fringed

2010-04-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

I've had the Lady Eleanor finished for three years now, but for some reason I'd never done the fringe. I originally put on all the fringes, but never tied them because I thought it was too much fringe. I took out half the fringe and thought I'd put beads on the remaining strands and resurrect my 70s macrame fetish. Then I read that someone had gone the macrame route and that the square knots were unstable (oh yeah, forgot about that part). So on Earth Day I sat in the shop and tied the stupid overhand knots. I only did half as many as the pattern called for, but I think more would have been too many. I'm really happy with it now. Maybe I need a cotton Lady Eleanor for the summer...

Neck down to the waist

2010-04-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

Been working on the April KAL top-down wrap sweater. It's very mindless to knit, but the yarn is lovely - aqua seems to be my new favorite color. I'm finally at the point where you make a tiny opening in the side for the wrap tie and you stop increasing for the neckline and begin the garter stitch edge. I'm toying with doing a 5-stitch seed stitch edging instead of the garter. Tomorrow I will take it into the Leonardtown shop and ask the oracle (Ginni and the Friday morning coffee group) for an opinion.

Willow and Fleurie

2010-04-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Swatched this Friday so that I could knit it Monday when I knew I had some time to kill. The ball band said 16 stitches to 4 inches on a 10. I figured it was pretty unlikely that I'd get 4 stitches to the inch on a 10, so I started with a size 9. After working a fairly large swatch, I was getting 14 stitches, so I decided to try an 8. Perfect! I will say that the yarn still looked good at 3.5 stitches per inch, and I would totally use it in a project that called for that gauge - like maybe this Sharon Stone sweater by Sally Melville. I've wanted to knit this for years.

But back to Willow - Willow is a beautiful design by Louisa Harding in her new book Chinoiserie.

It's going to be our next Fit and Finish class, so I wanted to knit it up and see if there were any problems with the garment or the pattern. The yarn is really nice to work with, and boy does it knit up quick. I did this in less than an hour

Here's a close-up of the lace portion - not hard, but not boring either.

Coco Vee all wrapped up

2010-04-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it was about this project that compelled me. I just had to get it done. Mitered squares have this addictive quality to them the same way entrelac does. Interesting but still easy. I guess the fabulous Silk Garden colors are also exciting to watch as they emerge.

I plan to wear it to Colton's lacrosse game today because the weather is sunny, but it's going to be windy and cool. I like it wrapped up this way so the points hang at a diagonal, but it's also a great ruana-looking style worn straight.

Tessa is finished

2010-04-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

and it's actually even better than I expected. I've worn it three times already.

Here it is on the blocking board. It really does need to block so that bottom border doesn't flip up.

There was quite a bit of re-knitting on Tessa Wednesday because when I tried it on, I decided that I would really like to be able to wear it alone as a summer top, so the armholes needed to be shortened about an inch and a half.. I love the way the shoulders cut in.

It's a really flattering kinda' sexy halter look. I could be persuaded to knit another one. Maybe in white. Lynne had a fabulous idea to do one with sequined yarn along the ruffle. Wouldn't that be just fabulous!

Last day of spring break

2010-04-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

It was a really wonderful spring break. I love having the kids home so we can go and do lots of great things. It's especially nice to know that my phenomenal team keeps all things moving along in the shop equally well whether I am here or not.

Yesterday was the last day of spring break for the kids, and we'd made a reservation for Katie to visit UMD College Park. It was a quick and uneventful trip up there as we were a good distance behind the commuting traffic. The presentation by the admissions officer was informative - get that application in early! Fortunately Katie is just a sophomore, and she tends to be on top of things she wants. After the 90 minute walking tour around campus she has decided that she really wants this. Good for her.

The trip home was somewhat more stressful. I was exhausted; it was hot, and we were in the thick of the commuting traffic. We got home around 6, and had leftover Honeybaked Ham sandwiches for dinner. I could eat those every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of them.

Tessa is coming along

2010-03-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

I am dying to wear this vest. It's been a pleasure to knit - the yarn is fabulous (Tupa silk and wool) and the color is so spring time. The fronts are done, and I've worked about an inch or so up the back. I have 6 more rows with a single stitch bind off and then it's just straight stockinette on 62 stitches for 6 inches or so. The ruffled lapel stitches continue around the back of the sweater and meet in the center, rather like Chris Bylsma's Solo. It's a beautifully smooth back neckline treatment.

Blocking is definitely in order as the edge of this thing rolls like crazy--

Rather than using the steamer on it, though, I think I'll do a cold water block. Takes more time, but it's just safer. Can't start my Wickle-West until Tessa's done, so I need to get a move on. This Wednesday is my goal.

Eastscarf

2010-03-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

I finished my Eastscarf last week. The pattern called for you to work the lovely leafy lace section over the first 100 or so rows at the beginning and then work the remainder of the scarf in simple repeat on the 16 center stitches. I worked the 100 rows of the pattern (which took almost exactly one skein of gorgeous Inca Gold), and several repeats of the boring part when I realized that the boring part was not going to be in my future.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy mindless knitting as much as the next guy, but this boring part was just different enough to require that I carry the pattern with me (yes, I know, lots of you can keep a 30-row lace repeat in your head, but my brain is already too full of other details on kid schedules and such to remember). So I decided to cast on again with a new skein and worked the 100 row pattern over again. My thought was to have a symmetrical scarf with an attractive leaf motif at each end. I was going to graft the two halves together in the center. Here's how it looks. I like it.

Here is a close-up of the center join. You will notice that the scarf is NOT grafted. That is not to say that I didn't try to graft it. If you'd been in La Plata last Thursday, you would have seen my valiant attempt at grafting 2x2 ribbing, reverse stockinette and yarn-overs to one another. After about an hour, I decided that the return on investment for a grafted join was way too low, so I bound off both ends and seamed them. Not bad, and that part took less than 15 minutes.

Petra complete

2010-02-02T08:21:00.001-08:00

Really do like this garment. Petra is perfect in Noro because it's knit all in one piece so the stripes on the body match up perfectly. The shaping in the front biases the fabric so you get diagonal rather than horizontal striping. I had hoped it would look as good as the ones I'd seen on Ravelry, and I'm genuinely pleased with the results.

Outer space, rockets, and UFOs

2009-12-29T12:20:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we took Colton up to DC to see the National Air and Space Museum. He is really into the planets, and he and Bill spend quite a bit of time looking at the NASA's astronomy picture of the day. For Christmas Colton's Uncle Ralph and Aunt Karen sent him a model of the solar system, a puzzle of the planets, and a very cool book on space. We've been having a great time with it, so this seemed like a perfect outing....apparently a few hundred dozen other families and several small countries thought so too.

The museum was a mob scene, but we we managed to score tickets to the Imax 3D movie on the international space station narrated by Tom Cruise. It was really amazing to see how it all worked, and quite inspiring to see how different nations collaborated to build this enormous orbiting ship.

The scale of these things is just amazing.

It was a long and full day, so my usually chatty boy was very quiet on the way home.

Since this is a knitting blog, you're probably wondering about the UFO I mentioned in the title of this post. Perhaps some of you remember Petra, the beautiful jacket from CocoKnits that's worked in one piece. I started mine about a year ago, and then got distracted by other projects (yes, it happens to the best of us). So yesterday morning, I pulled it out and knit on it while Bill drove up to the museum. Size 11 needles, it goes really fast. I only had a few inches done, but by the time it got dark I had done this much. It doesn't look like much in the photo, but as I mentioned, it's worked all in one piece, so this is the length on the back and the fronts.

Last night I bound off for the armhole, and today I started the sleeve. I hope to have it done by the time I re-open the shop Tuesday.

French Press Felted Slippers

2009-12-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

I thought these little slippers were just about the cutest thing ever, and I ordered the pattern through Ravelry. This is the first pattern I've bought this way, and I must say that I really like it. They use Paypal, and you can use your credit card even if you don't have a Paypal account. Ravelry stores the pattern PDF in your Ravelry library for you to access wherever you are!

I picked up a skein of Shepherd's Wool in hot pink for my Katie and one in navy for my Elizabeth. The pattern is really easy and goes very quickly, as you might imagine, on size 15 needles. I happened to have a set of size 15 dpns in my bag (no idea why), and since you never have more than 15 or so stitches on your needle at a time, I decided they'd be perfect. You could, of course, use longer needles and work two sets at the same time if you wanted.

The Yarn Harlot says that it took her 90 minutes to knit a pair. While I didn't time myself on the complete set, I did find that I knit one of the sides in 20 minutes while I waited for Johnny at physical therapy. So, even if you consider yourself a slow knitter, it's fair to say that you could probably whip out the pieces for one slipper in about 90 minutes.

Here's a picture of Katie's right after they came out of the washer before I sewed on the strap.

Here I've pinned the strap and button in place. When I sewed the strap on, I placed it a little further down, over the vamp a bit as shown in the first picture of this post. I like it better this way.

Here's are Elizabeth's in navy with red buttons.

I made the pink one in the second size (7/8) and the navy in the largest size (9/10). Not a huge difference. You can control the size by stretching the slippers while they are still wet from the felting. I had each of the girls try on the slippers and let them stretch to fit their feet.

Each pair took less than a whole skein of Shepherd's wool, even though the pattern calls for 33o yards of yarn. I checked my gauge before felting, and it was correct, but even so, perhaps I knit a bit tighter than the designer. A very loose gauge is tricky to measure. Anyway, both girls are happy with their slippers. Now I need to knit a pair for myself - maybe rhinestone buttons are in order...

Bleaklow Vest

2009-11-09T14:07:00.001-08:00

I love this vest, but I wondered how it might look with a rounded neck - here's my modified version. I think it's going to be more flattering for me.

Top-down and in the round cardigan

2009-11-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Is done. Honestly, this is the quickest thing I've ever made. Got my next one picked out already!

How about a quickie?

2009-10-25T08:19:00.001-07:00

No, not like that...even better. I cast on for this little gem Friday night after dinner. I didn't have much chance to knit on it during the day Saturday because I had the Tweed Waistcoat class in the morning, and we were busy with customers and trick-or-treaters in the afternoon. After dinner Saturday, I did the rest. Honest. This represents maybe four full hours of knitting. The pattern says to work 5 rows of ribbing around then sleeves and then bind off, but I think I'd like a three-quarter sleeve on this. I've got another one planned in a finer yarn with a smart front edging. This is the project we'll be doing on November 4th in La Plata and 7th in Leonardtown. Call the shop to join us.

Tweed Waistcoat is done

2009-10-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

I've worn this several times already and just love it. It looks great with a turtleneck, a blouse, or even just a camisole. Such a great quick knit. Maybe now I need one in the black tweed...

The Interview

2009-10-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

We took Elizabeth to Pittsburgh last week for her interview at CMU. I snapped this photo of her dressed and ready to go leaning over the laptop checking some last minute detail.

Reminds me of this other picture of her when she and C-boy were cooking something together. I thought it was interesting how similar this old picture from 4 years ago is to the one just last week.

Waistcoat Progress

2009-10-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

I've been working on the Tweed Waistcoat and the Fusion jacket simultaneously--see the bit of Fusion on the left waiting for the last sleeve to be complete? The back and fronts of the waistcoat are done, and I'm 5 rows away from completing the ribbing (all 200+ stitches worth) around the front and neck.

Here's a close-up of how the ribbing looks around that curved edge. This is such a flattering shape. I can't wait to wear it- it just feels like fall.

My Fusion is coming along

2009-09-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

As you can see, the back is done and the right front is almost done. It should be further along, but I've been a bit busy with the kids going back to school and the move. All things are settling down, and I have time to knit again.

I pinned my back to the blocking board to be sure that the back and front were the same size. Lo and behold I had just gone a little crazy with the front, and it was clear that I had knit 2 inches beyond where the armhole should have started, so I ripped it back. This is why I LOVE this blocking board so much. I'm always saying that you should ensure that your width is correct before you measure your length. The board makes it so much easier to do that.

Clivia

2009-08-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know this isn't a knitting picture, but I did get the plant from my friend, MaryJo, who works at the Leonardtown shop. Isn't it beautiful - and it seems to thrive on my benign neglect. I took MaryJo's advice and poured whatever was left of whatever I was drinking in the pot. This particular Clivia has a fairly steady diet of iced tea, iced coffe, and the ocaisional sugar-free soda. Seems to like whatever it gets, because it rewards me with a regular clump of amazing orange blossoms that last for weeks and weeks. It's a beautiful plant even when it's not in bloom.

Fusion mid-fuse

2009-08-11T20:10:00.001-07:00

I've since finished the back of my Fusion, but here it is half way. The sparkly bits in the Berroco Sox Metallic don't show up very well in this photo, but it's a fun bit of glitz in real life.

I've started the right front, and was at the point today where I needed to decide whether or not to add the pockets. Linda's pocket looked so nice, I went for it. Must make note to self to not actually put anything in said pockets, though. They're just for looks.

Adult Surprise Jacket - as worn

2009-07-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here it is on an actual body. I'm long-waisted, so it looks very cropped. Ty, who's about 5'2, was in yesterday and tried it on, and it hit her right at the waist.

Nikola - it's a 10

2009-07-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

This is a GREAT little top. Didn't work steadily on it, but in terms of straight knitting time, it took less than 10 hours. Worked on size 10 needles in the lovely chunky cotton Chacabuco, it was quick to knit, and is lovely soft to wear. I'd wound 4 hanks, but it ended up taking only two. Wow! I'm already planning another one with the lace detail at the bottom.

Adult Surprise Jacket --surprisingly cute!

2009-07-20T20:02:00.001-07:00

As you know from the newsletter, I've admired Erica Raspberry's version of this jacket for some time, so I had hoped that mine would come out as nicely. Since I had chosen Taiyo, a delicious Noro blend of cotton and silk, I wanted a cropped style that I could wear all summer.

After the decreases were complete, I knit only enough increases to get me back to my starting number. Then I did the neckline and continued for about an inch. Then I picked up all around and worked for another inch. Finally, I picked up around the collar, worked one round, and bound off all the stitches. I'm very pleased with the way it came out. It hangs off the hanger in this photo, so I'll try to post a photo that shows how it looks on an actual body.

Movie night

2009-07-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are huge fans of Clint Eastwood, and we've been introducing his old movies to the kids. Okay, so they're not exactly high intellect, but they're fun and they're part of our family culture. We started with some really old ones: Every Which Way but Loose and Any Which Way You Can. These are the ones where really young Clint plays a street fighter who owns a gorilla named Clyde. The kids think they're hilarious. For me, they're a fun way to spend a few hours with everyone together enjoying themselves - and I get to knit.

We've seen Heartbreak Ridge, Grand Torino, Dirty Harry, and tonight we watched about an hours worth of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. I finished my Adult Surprise Jacket, and even wove in the ends. I LOVE the way it turned out. I had admired the cropped version Erica did, and I'm pleased that mine came out the same size. I wanted something really colorful for summer, that I could just throw on over a cami and go. Noro Taiyo, is just the perfect fiber - a terrific blend of cotton and silk. I'll try to get photos tomorrow.

Adult Surprise Jacket - ASJ

2009-07-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's the fabulous colors in this yarn that jazz me so much. Maybe it's the simple garter stitch over long rows, but for whatever reason, I feel like this project is going pretty quickly. I didn't work on it at all the first week after we started, but tons last week. The double decreases are done, and I've started the double increases, so that's probably a third of the way finished.

The yarn is Taiyo, but we just call it cotton Kureyon. I love, love, love this yarn. The colors are spectacular, and it has a nice smooth, soft hand. Seems the perfect yarn for the ASJ because mitered decreases really show off the colors, and no matter how the colors go in the yarn, it's perfectly symmetrical. And did I mention the colors? This color way has fabulous, clear jewel tones. It's so exciting to see them come along. Cathy chose a beautiful caramel, beige, and pink colorway that is beautiful as well. Mary, who was the first of the Leonardtown group to finish chose the gorgeous pink, black, and white colorway.

Can't wait to wear this fun colorful jacket!

My Blossom

2009-07-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Blossom is a spectacular design by Elsebeth Lavold. Love this pattern, but for some reason it's going very slowly for me. I have just a few rows to work before the armhole bind off, but just can't seem to get energized. The fabric is stunning, though. Louisa Harding's Mulberry Silk is the nicest silk yarn I have ever seen or knit (no kidding), and the pattern is easy but not boring, so it should be going faster. Maybe after I get the armholes bound off and do the decreases it will get me going. Everyone else is just zipping along with theirs - Lynn, Susan, and Ginni are nearly done altogether, and Evelyn, Sandy, and Marilou are going great guns. Maybe what I need is a movie night where I can just knit all evening.

Key West

2009-06-29T20:28:00.001-07:00

is complete!

I really love this design. Wouldn't it be great in merino for the fall!

Misbehavin' Cables Vest

2009-05-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

is done. This photo is new, as the other one was altogether unflattering. I really love this vest, and I plan to knit another one. Ginni and I were talking about how it might be fun to add a zipper to it because it has this really wonderful facing that would hide it perfectly.

Key West Progress

2009-05-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last sleeve is knitted, but not yet set in. Went ahead and did all the finishing on the rest of the jacket while the last sleeve was in process. I am thrilled with the way this jacket is turning out. There's quite a bit of finishing effort involved, but it really makes for a very professional look - this turned back cuff, for instance.

Here's a look at the mitered corner at the hem

and the neckline

Can't wait to finish this and WEAR IT! I cast on for the tank yesterday. Woo hoo.

February Lady

2009-04-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

Don't know if I ever posted this. Started in October and finally finished in, you guessed it, February.

The unfinished Symphony...

2009-04-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

...has been completed.

Take Two

2009-03-22T14:25:00.001-07:00

Finished all the knitting and seaming Thursday evening while Elizabeth practiced her violin. I'm really happy with the syle and shape.

Katarina

2009-02-02T16:56:00.001-08:00

This was the second of our Fit and Finish classes. I love the way it turned out. The shoulders, which are usually way to big actually fit me just right, and it's long enough - woo hoo. Goes to show you that Sally Melville is right: the decisions we make in the first 5 minutes - even before we begin the knitting - are the most crucial of all.

Join us for our next Fit and Finish class. We're doing Chris Bylsma's Take Two Jacket. You can see photos on the Crazy for Ewe blog.

Chris Bylsma Mini Trunk Show

2009-02-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

Chris Bylsma graciously shared with us several of her sample garments: Key West, a twin set in three coordinating colors of worsted, Take Two, one of her newer garments which uses two strands of dk weight yarn in related colors, and Spirit - a pullover that will show you that anyone can wear stripes beautifully. Ginni and I had fun playing dress up.

Key West with the shellSpirit

Key West Jacket alone over a turtleneck

Take Two

Circular Shrug

2008-11-26T05:45:00.000-08:00

is done...
Not the greatest outfit to wear with it, and you can probably tell that it's late and I'm tired, but this is a fabulous garment. I'm ready to make another one!

My new puppy!

2008-11-19T10:16:00.001-08:00

Dorey! Isn't she adorable. Love at first sight all the way around.

2008-11-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Back panel of my circular shrug is finished. Now for 6 inches of 2x2 ribbing. It was a little scary there for a while knitting 20+ inches of the back, which did not include the 6" of ribbing at the bottom. Needing a little reassurance, I emailed the designer on Ravelry, who reminded me that the 20" section goes not only up the back but over the shoulder as well. I feel much better now. Did I tell you how much I love Ravelry?

February Lady Progress

2008-11-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

Progress is slow on my February Lady, but I am into the fun lace part. I love how the colors are coming out, and it is such a fun pattern. Challenging enough that I have to pay attention, but not too much. Ginni is nearly done with hers...humph.

Circular Shrug

2008-11-10T08:09:00.001-08:00

This is a great little pattern I found on Ravelry (of course) Not only is it a great shape, but you can work it in any gauge yarn you want, any size you want. You can improvise all over the place - add contrasting ribbing, throw in a lace panel, or change the stitch pattern across the back. Just two little seams, and you've turned a fairly simple piece of knitting into a fabulous, flattering garment. I'm about a quarter of the way up the back section.

Here's a close-up of my lace panel insert

I'm using Ellyn Cooper Metallo in Vercchino for the ribbing and Sublime Cashmere, Merino Silk for the back. Shelly, Sheila, Cindy. and Joan are working on the same design in different yarns. It's really cool to see how this shrug turns out in other fibers.

My own February Lady: Week 1

2008-10-27T11:14:00.001-07:00

Week 1: knit the yoke. Okay, here we are. I started with the Leonardtown group on October 18th, so by this past Saturday, the 25th, I should have had the yoke all done. As of last night, Sunday, October 26th, I had completed all the raglan increases and the non-eyelet increases. I only have two buttonholes worked, but I think I'm ready to work the final one. You know, this would have gone much faster except for having to count two hundred and some stitiches every other row.
The pattern says to continue in garter stitch until the sleeve stitches almost meet under my arms. This should be interesting. I guess I'll stip it onto a piece of spare yarn and see. Ginni is way ahead of me, of course. And MaryJo? Hers is probably already done.

Seville Jacket is done

2008-10-27T10:43:00.001-07:00

This went together really quickly. Here's the back that I started the last week of September.

The fronts and sleeves were done by early October

And here it is, all together the 20th of October. I love this garment - already thinking about another one in a finer gauge. And I already know it fits!

Taking stock

2008-10-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

or, what the heck am I working on anyway? Well, tons of stuff, if you must know. My second Secret Garden Vest is all knitted. it only needs the bands picked up and knit around the armholes and fronts.

My Seville Jacket is done, and the band is 80% knitted - just need to start seaming it to the jacket. Drat that Amy who suggested that we reverse the cables at the back of the neck. Now you just know I have to do it too.

What else? Let's see. Louisa Harding's design in the gorgeous Thalia. Back is knit, one front is part way done. It seems to be resting just now.

Then there's the February Lady I started Saturday. Such a FUN knit. Couldn't resist.

Of course there's the second Crayon Box Jacket that waits patiently for me in La Plata each week.
I do love Chris Bylsma's designs. Oh yes, and the Symphony jacket that is all knit except for the last 20% of the second sleeve.

Tonight I will finish up that Secret Garden Vest - why not. That will be one FO, so maybe I can start a fabulous hat like Barbara's... but first to finishing the vest!

My DD is on Ravelry

2008-08-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

I was logging in to Ravelry the other day in order to waste away a few hours of my life when I saw that I had three new messages. The first was from a lovely lady who wants to know if my mitered purse would be a suitable laptop bag, which, by the way, it would not, but what a great idea! The second was from a wonderful knitter who shared with me her particular formula for fabulously full felted Noni flowers. And the last was from "Bibis". "Bibis", as many of you know, is the nickname Colton unwittingly gave our oldest daughter, Elizabeth, when he could not manage the four syllable mouthful that was the name of his favorite person on the planet. So I was delighted to see that my darling Elizabeth has joined Ravelry and chosen me as her first friend. What a nice surprise for a mom!

Beads from Ocracoke for my teal Silken Straw

2008-08-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

We went to a cute little bead shop today on Ocracoke Island so that I could get beads for my next Silken Straw Scarf. The color of the yarn is an incredibly intense teal (although this picture shows it as cobalt blue), and I wanted something that would both show up and enhance the yarn. There weren’t 120 of any single bead, so I opted for two different teal beads. The small round one has a cool fused glass center, and the other is sort of striped, as you can see. I totally loved them both. I think they’ll be just right for the yarn.

Rather Huge Carpet Bag is rather wonderful!

2008-07-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

In this photo, I haven't sewn in the lining, but just pinned it. Rest assured that the lining is now safely sewn into the bag, and I'm happily toting everything back and forth to the various shops in it. I have not yet decided which flowers to put on the bag. I had planned first a pink camelia, but then I was thinking about the unfurling roses, but the fushcia's are so lovely, and of course, the tulips are just the essence of elegance. As usual, fraught with indecision, I have done nothing. And I can bet that in a year, I will still not have decided. This is a topic that needs more thought, more discussion, and probably a therapist...or at least a few glasses of wine with my good friends.

Straw into Gold

2008-07-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

Finished the Moonlight Sonata beaded shawlette yesterday - can’t believe it took just one skein to make. After I’d unraveled the fringe, it looked like a pile of seaweed

but then I took a hot steam iron to it, and it turned into this amazingly beautiful, drapey fabric. The fringe smoothed out and the whole thing is just spectacular.

Had to wear it right away – even if it was just with a little tank and capris. Maybe that’s what so terrific about this accessory – it works with casual or dressy outfits. On to the next one!

Outside the box Crayon Box

2008-07-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that practically everything I knit is pink. Can't help it, have no problem with it - at least everything in my wardrobe goes together. So won't you all be surprised when you see the palette for my new Crayon Box Jacket:

Yes, that IS orange in there, and I LOVE it. Who'd have thought! I have almost 7 squares done so far.

This was a fun class to teach - everyone was engaged and excited. Lots of learning and playing with colors.

Swatching Alyce

2008-06-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Bill took his bike for service today at the very wonderful Morton’s BMW. Since it’s such a nice drive over there, and I’m always looking for an excuse to ride my bike, I decided to go along. The service takes several hours, and of course, that means time to knit. But what to bring? My Symphony Jacket only travels with its entourage of glamorous components, so I had to find something else. Something small. Hey, I could swatch for the Alyce Tee. Like I need an excuse to start yet another project. But hey, I need something small to bring.

The pattern diagram and chart looked daunting, but I figure, hey, I’m just going to swatch it. I grab a ball of Grace, my pattern, and needles, shove them into a bag and strap them down with a bungee cord. When we get there, I settle into their comfy leather couch and cast on. I get 5 stitches to the inch on a 7, so that's where I start. Pretty soon I'm engrossed in CNN on the giant plasma screen tv, and my swatch comes along quickly. Even though Grace is billed as a DK weight yarn, it works well at a worsted weight too. Single ply will bloom as much as you let it, so I know it will be fine at this gauge.

Then I take a quick peek at the pattern chart. Hmmm. Twenty-one stitch repeat. Nothing too weird. I give it a try. It's good. There are two yarn overs in a row which is different, but it gives a nice big eyelet and a kind of lattice effect. the central motif makes a leaf. Very pretty.

There are still a couple of rows in the pattern repeat, but you get the idea. There's waist shaping in the pattern to accentuate the positive. This woman really knows how to enhance a woman's body. Thank you, Joan.

Knitting to Rhode Island and back

2008-06-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

We took our DD to Brown today for a summer session. She's excited to be studying computers away at a real college for a month, and I'm excited to have had 17+ hours to knit in the car. My DH took the scenic route so we could enjoy the beautiful scenery through New England. While he drove (bless his soul) I finished the back

and right front of my Symphony Jacket and worked about5 inches of the left front.

Did I mention that this garment is addictive to knit?

Secret Garden Vest is complete...

2008-06-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

...even the buttons.

Thanks to Ty who helped me select these cool fused glass buttons, the vest is a finished, wearable object. I love this design, and the yarn is my favorite - Alchemy Synchronicity. Just luscious to work with, and the colors are so saturated.

This knit up so quickly that I'm planning another one in Ellyn Cooper's Homespun, a slightly heavier gauge silk and wool blend. There's something very perfect about the combination of equal parts silk and wool in a fiber. It's like ice cream and chocolate sauce or strawberries and whipped cream, or some other combination of totally yummy things in perfect balance making the whole much greater than the sum of its parts. What decadent synergy!

Symphony Jacket started

2008-06-19T05:37:00.001-07:00

Ever since last fall when Chris Bylsma taught the Symphony Jacket class here, I’ve been pining for one of these little confections. So I started gathering up my scraps and orphan skeins. And guess what I found? Most of my pile was pink! I know, big surprise. Cast on for the sweater Friday night so that I could knit on it at WWKIP Saturday. Who knew how addictive this is! I haven’t been able to put it down! I’m almost finished with the back, and I totally love it.

This is one of those things where you really have to surrender control - just close your eyes, reach in the bag, and pull out whatever you touch. Cut off some random amount and tie it on. Very freeing this is. I might have to make another one.

Secret Garden Vest

2008-06-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is a pattern from White Lies Designs- we carry nearly her entire line at the shop, and I must have every one of her patterns queued on Ravelry! Anyway, here's the pattern.

It's done in a bulky cotton, but since it just takes around 400 yards, I wanted to treat myself to something rich and decadent. I selected Alchemy Synchronicity in Red Run. Finally got to cast on May 25th as we were driving up to Mt. St. Mary's to pick Elizabeth from her HOBY weekend. It's about a 2 1/2 hour car ride. Here's what I got done on the ride up and back. The yarn is so rich and buttery, and the pattern is an addictive variation of feather and fan, so it's gone really quickly. I put it down for a while and then I changed my mind about how I wanted the lace to look with the shaping. The knitting is done except for the button bands and the armhole edging. Maybe I should have picked a better towel for the blocking! Oh well.

Flying Solo

2008-05-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

In my new pink Solo shell by Chris Bylsma!

This top was an absolute dream to knit. The body is mainly a 4x1 rib, giving a smooth look with just enough stretch. The front has this sleek, easy lace pattern up the center that keeps the knitting interesting. The yarn is Louisa Hardings Mulberry - 100% silk, with a beautiful ply and great yardage. I made the medium size, added a good 2" to the body, and the shell still only took 5 skeins.

Speaking of which, the shop sample from Louisa Harding arrived at the shop yesterday - a simple, easy fitting tee with a cute crochet trim. It's absolutely adorable. I'll post a photo tomorrow.

My little motorcycle obsession

2008-05-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Bill and my anniversary, so we celebrated by taking me on my first trip across the Solomon's island bridge. I kept thinking to myself, "It's only a road, it's not going to rear up and buck me off." The wind is calm today, although at the top of the bridge, it was a bit gustier than below. What an exhilarating ride! I'm so glad to have done it. Here's a shot to prove I was there.
Then we went over to the shop to get a photo of me, my bike, and my LYS for the MotoKnitters group on Ravelry.

The vest...

2008-03-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

You all probably remember the fabulous vest I knitted for my youngest about two years ago. Lovingly chose several yarns and offered him his pick. He selected the green and was very excited about Mommy knitting something just for him. Cables, buttonholes, edging, and hundreds of picked up stitches later, I present the fabulous vest to my darling son. He won't even try it on. WHAT??? I want to throttle him. My husband, sensing my dismay, cajoles the boy into promising that he'll wear the vest tomorrow. Do you think he wore the vest tomorrow? Well, of course not. And over the months that the vest languished in the back of his drawer, I would mention it to him and he would say, "I'll wear it next winter." I swear that boy is going to grow up to be a politician.

So Thursday, the day before his kindergarten class Easter pageant, I pulled the vest out and said, "Here is the vest Mommy made you. Would you just put it on just once so that I can see you in it before I die?" So he did. And you know what he said? He said, "Hey I LOVE this vest!" So I said, "You can wear it tomorrow."

Which he did.
All is forgiven.

On the Town Bolero

2008-02-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

Is finished.

Hooray! I really like this little top. It looked like it was going to be too small while I was knitting it, but since it's kind of a rib, it's really stretchy and fits just the way I like.

Ravelry...

2008-01-07T16:56:00.000-08:00

I love this site! This is a new, highly popular site for knitters to connect, keep in touch, share, and organize. I'm EllenE - join the site and the fun!

Gloria Cardigan

2008-01-07T05:37:00.000-08:00

I never posted a photo of this, but it's one of my favorites. Designed by Jane Ellison for Noro, this cardi uses two heavy worsted weight yarns. I used Aurora 8 for the main body and mixed it with silk garden for the sleeves and body top. It fits great, and it was fun to knit. One word of caution I always give is to hold the pieces up to measure them. The top of the body is worked in garter stitch, which has a tendency to stretch, so if you measure the pieces on a flat surface, they will likely be too long when you wear them. Plus the sleeves are extra long anyway.

Crayon Box Jacket...

2007-10-31T05:54:00.001-07:00

Is finally done.

The picture makes it look uneven, but that's just how I'm standing, I guess. Chris' designs are really sharp, and classic. This was a fun project. It is really good for when you want to be a little creative and play with color. It actually is just like coloring - the lines are there for you, and you just have to fill them in!

My next Chris Bylsma project? Out on the Town. You can see it live and in person at the Chris Bylsma Trunk Show at Crazy for Ewe.

My Ninja

2007-09-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Beach week

2007-07-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

The view from our beach house is lovely. This photo was taken yesterday (even though the date stamp is wrong) - the day we arrived. Colton wanted to get in the water first thing this morning, so out we went. Unfortunately, it was kind of overcast today, and the wind was whipping the sand around stinging our legs. So, we endured about an hour of that and then had a dip in the hot tub.

I've been knitting on Kolsva. I know I should be finishing Chutes and Ladders, but this is such a quick and easy knit. Kinda like cheese and crackers for dinner - hey, I'm at the beach. Here's the back.

This is the knit side, which is supposed to be the wrong side, but I'm not a big fan of reverse stockinette, so we may have to see about that.

Every other beach house we've ever rented has come with complete with either complete linens or no linens at all. This house, apparently, comes only with bed linens, so we had to make a trip out to buy bath towels. Just what I want: overpriced, low quality bathroom linens embroidered with *cute* bikinis and flip flop and emblazoned with Cape Hatteras. Oh well. On the way back to the house there was this most amazing rainbow. It stretched all the way from one side of the island to the other and seemed to sink into the ocean. By the time we got back to the house and I got my camera, it had mostly disappeared, but I thought this was kind of nice anyway.

Sunset over the water

2007-07-14T14:30:00.001-07:00

My daughter, Katie took these photos at the River Concert last night. Spectacular.

Life is a journey, not a destination.

Chutes and Ladders

2007-07-05T18:07:00.001-07:00

Here's a few inches on the Chutes and Ladders cardigan we'll be knitting this Saturday! The little cable twists are staggered, and then the three purl stitches in between are dropped at the bind off row to create this lovely open section. This has gone pretty quickly even though its in 2x2 rib on size 6 needles. It's one of those that's easy enough to do without much thought, but has enough going on that it's not deadly dull. My kinda project!

Rather Huge Carpet Bag comes along

2007-06-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

At Joanne's Fabrics the other day, I picked up several sheets of plastic canvas, hoping to give some serious structure to my Rather Huge Carpet Bag. For some reason or the other, I've been anti-sewing lately. Perhaps it's because my sewing machine rebelled against me and started making this clicking sound, which I've been informed means the timing is off. I've been in search of a decent sewing machine repair person who's not 30 miles away, but I've put the whole process out if mind, assuring myself that I hate to sew. But, I so love these Noni Bags, that I want to finish mine in perfect style. So, back to the plastic canvas and requisite lining. The plastic canvas is in, and it wasn't hard to do at all - kinda fun even. And I found a sewing machine guy recommended by one of my customers. Pretty exciting!

Krista Tee -- c'est fini!

2007-06-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

I did the back in a size small, and the front in a medium, so I had to fudge it a bit at the shoulder a bit, but it is soooo wonderful. The yarn is Alchemy's Synchronicity 50-50 silk and merino. It feels fabulous against my skin - it took just 5 skeins, and is so totally worth the money. I can't wait to wear this. Now, should I do another one of these in a different yarn, or one of the other spectacular White Lies designs....hmmmm......

Noni Bag Update

2007-06-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

I finished the knitting on this bag - here it is unfelted. Talk about huge!

And here it is all felted up.
Now for the finishing...handles, of course, and perhaps lining. I think my sewing machine needs a trip to the doctor's.

Collar Closing Cardigan comes to a close

2007-03-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

This was such a fun project to knit. I started it on January 27th with the knit-along, and finished it as we were driving to the airport to pick up Sally Melville March 12th. Less than 6 weeks for a long-sleeved cardigan. Not too bad, really. Of course, I understand that Sally cranks out an average of one project every two weeks. Oh well, that's why she's Sally Melville.

Her stuff really is great. Simple and elegant. Like the Einstein coat

And the Faith Jacket

And I think Wobbly Stripes is next...

...in Noro - should it be Aurora or Cashmere Island???

My Noni Bag

2007-03-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

These bags are so fabulous! I have been wanting to do one, but had to finish the collar closing cardigan. So, it's done, and I started the Rather Huge Carpet Bag Friday night. And here it is Sunday night, and I'm more than halfway done. What can I say? March Madness has been good for my knitting. I am totally loving the colors. Of course, the camera is at the shop, so pictures will have to come later. I will definitely try and get a shot of the Collar Cardi too.

Collar Closing Cardigan

2007-02-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

When Sally Melville's book Color came out, I totally fell in love with this sweater:

And finally, started it a couple of weeks ago - January 27th, to be precise. It's working up really quickly, and I love the colors. Here's the back of it

And here's a close up of the public side of the collar yarns worked together:

I used Berroco Monet and Louisa Harding Sari Ribbon together with the Aurora 8 merino. You would never think that these three yarns go together, but I love them.

I've done the fronts up to where you begin using the collar yarns, so they should be done soon. I hope to start on the sleeves this weekend and get the whole thing completed by next Friday. Hey, we can all have goals. Julie and Lisa have already finished theirs, so I'll try to get photos posted. Linda's working on hers in a spectacular blue combination. I can't wait to see the collar yarns worked together.

I've already planned my next version of this sweater. Can't wait.

2007-02-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

What a hellish day I had yesterday! I woke up feeling like I had pinecones in my throat. We’re talkin’ four Motrin and three Tylenol are not taking care of the pain kind of pain. so I called the doctor’s. They’re very nice there, and they worked me in at 10:30. The PA said my throat looked red and yucky, but not necessarily like strep, so she prescribed Augmentin which is a little bit broader spectrum than plain old Amoxicillin. The kids have taken it for ear infections with no issue, but, I’ve never taken it myself. Well, let me tell you, it his hellish stuff. In the old days they used to die without antibiotics, but after this one, I only wished I were dead. One little pill and I sicker than a dog. That leftover Indian food I had for lunch – big mistake…

So I called the PA. She suggested Keflex. Keflex is the stuff that made my mother’s skin peel right off in sheets, so I said maybe not. We opted for plain old Amoxicillin, and she made me promise to call in three days if I wasn’t feeling lots better. I got home and crawled into bed around 6. When I woke up at 8:30, I was feeling a little better, because the Augmentin was out of my system but even today I’m still trying to swallow that pine cone. Oh, and look, it’s nine o’clock. I can have more Motrin. I think I’ll crawl into bed…and knit. Yes, I feel well enough to knit…

Maybe tomorrow I'll feel well enough to post pictures of my Collar Closing Cardigan.

Friendship

2007-02-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

I had lunch with an old friend today. We’re exactly the same age, and we’ve known each other since we were five. Our backyards butted up to each other, and we spent the long summers together lying in the grass, or riding our bikes, or climbing onto the roof of the local elementary school and pondering life from a dizzying height. She was a tomboy, and I was Miss Priss, but we loved each other like sisters. We were inseparable.

Her dad died when we were in fifth grade. It was an unfathomable loss for her whole family – especially her mother, who had married the love of her life. The mention of him still brings tears to her eyes 35 years later. We tried to stay friends through the difficult middle school years, but like all young girls, we developed at different rates and had different interests. The final blow was her mother’s remarriage and the family’s move to another neighborhood. Her new home was not far away, but it separated us by the abyss of different high schools.

We tried to keep in touch, but the familiar rhythm of life together was shattered. She went off to college in North Carolina, and I in Virginia. We seldom saw one another, and it seemed so awkward when we did. How could two people who’d been so close drift so far apart? After college, I got married, and then she did the same. We attended, but did not participate in, one another’s wedding ceremonies. We continued to keep in touch through Christmas cards, but I was living in California, and she in Maryland. We moved back east, and something drew us back together. It was more than just the physical proximity. I’m not sure what. Perhaps it was her insight on the unhappiness of my marriage before I’d dared to see it myself. Perhaps it was that we were each finally comfortable again in our own skin. Perhaps it was simply the enormous gravitational pull of shared childhood experiences. Whatever the reason, 30 years later, I am grateful.

Viking lust still strong

2007-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Pulled this out of the knitting bag in my quest to identify all UFOs. Although the picture is lousy, it's a gorgeous sweater - at least it is in the book, so I'm hoping a little blocking and some better photography will help. Anyway, here's the back of it.

This guy is really fun to knit when there's cable to work on, and pretty mindless when there isn't. It's worked in Rowan's Wool Cotton which just has the most wonderful hand -all the best o both fibers. Maybe I should spend more time knitting and less time blogging and cruising the web...

Four Corner Collar - a finished object

2007-01-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

So, I have had this thing on my needles and 90 percent complete since I went to North Carolina to visit my uncle back in November. It has weighed heavy on my mind, because it’s a tricky pattern, the yarn is expensive, and I’m just not sure that a quick trip through the washer and dryer will fix all these worms. But felting worked on my blue Touch Me scarf, and it will work on this as well. Here is the thing after slipping the stitches to a bit of scrap yarn and before felting:

Worming at the edges

Here is me, gathering the courage to dump $100 worth of Touch Me into a sudsy bath

And here is the capelet after a quick wash (no spin) and a tumble dry. (with several towels that now have a lovely pink hue – yes, it will fade on whatever else is in the wash) You can see that the loose strands of Touch Me have lost all their chenille and are now bald little strands of limp wool. I can see why the tell you to felt the piece before you drop the stitches.

Now, about dropping those stitches. The instructions inform me that I must knit 5 stitches and slip two stitches from the left hand needle, graft those live stitches to the cast on stitches, and unravel the dropped stitches down to the cast on row. Here’s where the real chutzpah comes in. I first unravel one stitch. Despite my fears, it doesn’t unravel into the open area, but rather turns the corner of my short row and makes its way around the square to the cast on row. I do this between each opening. And it looks pretty good. But wait, didn’t I slip two stitches off the needle as I knit that last row? Yes, and there it is waiting to be dropped with its neighbor. And so I do. I’m not sure I like how open this second dropped stitch makes the capelet look. But I forge bravely on. Aaagh. This thing is so fragile looking, and bears little resemblance to the lovely photo published by our friends at XRX.

And here’s a picture of my mannequin wearing the capelet. I’m planning on wearing this thing to the Kennedy Center next month, and I'll try to remember to take a photo.

If I had it to do over again, here are a couple of changes I would make:

Knit the whole thing on smaller needles – maybe size 9s or even 8s to minimize worming
Graft together the seam before felting and drop one stitch at a time by clipping the thread.
Not let fear of failure allow unfinished items to languish in my knitting bag.

Crayon Box Jacket update

2007-01-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

I've been keeping up with my New Year's commitment to work a square a day on the Crayon Box Jacket. You can see that here it is the 16th of January, and I have 16 more squares than I did before! I'm really enjoying the way this thing comes together a little at a time. I've added an extra row of squares across the bottom because my gauge is a smidge tight and I want to be sure it's long enough. So far so good.

Here's a look at Cleo, my favorite problem child yarn in this jacket - Cleo from GGH/Muench. Beautiful, but temperamental.

Here's Cate:

I doubt if anyone remembers this project that I started back in the summer, and I actually finished in August at the beach, but I just never remember to take a photo of it, so here is Cate! It reminds me how much I love Giotto Ribbon!

There's a new pattern from Berroco for a wrap-tie sweater in the fabulous Ultra Alpaca Here's a photo. Isn't it cute!

Horndal scarf update

2006-12-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

Got a comment on this blog asking if I liked the Horndal scarf once done. Yes! I really do. I updated about the project on the shop blog under Withholding Judgement, but didn't post any photos. I don't thing the photos of this scarf really do it justice. The brights seem to be garishly bright while the muted shades have all but disappeared. It's much prettier in person, but here's the photo anyway.

I didn't read the pattern acurately (story of my life), and ended up doing only 4 inches of garter stitch rather than the requisite 8 inches, so mine looks different from those that others have done, but I love it just the same.

It seems that Noro has recognized that people are using Kureyon for a lot of felting projects and Silk Garden for garments. In response, the new Kureyon colors have gotten brighter, and the Silk Garden colors have gotten more wearable. This scarf looks great in bright colors, so I would recommend the Kureyon rather than the Silk Garden I used.

Dragged through the muck

2006-12-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

I've been knitting my mistake rib cowl from the knit-along in a splendid shade shade of pink and ivory. The buttery softness of silk and wool gleaming and and smooth - aaah. So the other day I'm dragging stuff in from the car, my little plastic knitting bag on top of the green washtub of coffee mugs from the shop. I set down the tub and realize that the ball of yarn is still in the bag, but the cowl is not. I see yarn hanging. With the irrepressible urge of a kitten, I pull the yarn. And again. finally I realize that the lovely silk and wool cowl I thought was just in the laundry room had actually fallen out IN THE GARAGE. So by pulling the yarn I had effectively mopped up the dusty garage floor with my silk and wool cowl. What an idiot. I could have just walked my lame butt out there and picked it up, but NOOOO.

I've picked out most of the guinea pig shavings and dusted it off, but it still looks kind of grimy.
So, now we'll have a test on SOAK to see how well it cleans garage dirt and from ribbed silk and wool. Will let you know.

Here's a copy of the pattern in case you want to make your own. Based on a simple mistake rib pattern from Vogue Knitting Stitchionary #1, it's small enough to just fit over your head and still stand up like a large turtleneck. Finished circumference is 24", but you can make it any size you want. Just be sure to use an even number of stitches.

Like the gauntlets, this pattern is perfect for a luxury yarn like cashmere or silk and wool, because it doesn't take much yarn and it lives right up next to your face where you can enjoy the fabulous color and texture.

Two skeins Alchemy Synchronicity
Size 7 needle

Cast on 120 stitches. Join into a round, taking care that stitches are not twisted.
Work one round knitting every stitch.
Next round, knit one, purl one.

Repeat these two rounds until piece measures 8" from cast on row, or until it's as long as you like, or you run out of yarn. It doesn't get much easier than that.