Knitting and More...

2007-12-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ribbing is a problem for many people. Not the technique itself because it's just a series of knits and purls, but that first purl after a knit segment tends to be loose and if you're like me it drives you crazy. nonaKnits figured out how to make improved ribbing when knitting flat, but ribbing in the round still vexed me. Her method doesn't provide good results (IMO) when knitting in the round so I searched Ravelry and then internet in general and discovered that others had problems too, but no one had definitive answers. So I played around with knitting in the back of the first purl, wrapping the yarn clockwise instead of counter clockwise and finally settled on a method that IMO looks great.

So here's what I discovered.. on the first row of ribbing in the round knit into the back of the first purl stitch after a knit segment and wrap the yarn clockwise. Purl any other stitches normally. Do this on every first purl stitch. This twists the first purl stitch.

On the next and every following ribbing row purl into the twisted stitch through the front loop (like a normal purl) and wrap the yarn clockwise. Purling into the front of the stitch keeps it twisted. Wrapping the yarn clockwise shortens the amount of yarn that is used for that stitch. All other stitches are knit and purled normally!

A warning: Because that first purl is twisted this method is not reversible because the knit on the opposite side looks funny. So use it for ribbing that will in the round with the RS facing out. So no flipped brims.. ;)

2007-11-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

Finished projects! Wooo!

First up..the two Heartbreakingly Cute One Piece Baby Kimonos from Mason Dixon Knitting. My daughter wanted them to give as gifts to friends. She chose the colors from Caron Simply Soft in grape and watermelon and the ribbons. These were a lot of fun and very easy.

I also finished my first socks on two circular needles. I knew basically how to make socks, but I took a class Yarn Lady to make sure I got it right since it was a new technique. I have some more yarn for the next pair!
That's it for now!

2007-10-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

If you watch the news you may have seen stories about the fires in southern California. There are 12 according to the news today. Last night as my daughter and I were coming home from Target we saw smoke that seemed relatively close and then we saw flames. When we got home we told DH and we took off to see what was going on. We stopped in a parking lot with at least a hundred, probably more, other people and got out of the car to watch the fire creep down a hill and spread off in the distance. It's quite a sight. And yes, we stayed well out of the way. The area we were in was fine and probably a couple miles away from the actual fire.

I woke this morning to a fine layer of ash and the strange and eerie sky that comes with fire and smoke, but we are in no danger here. The fire in Orange County (my neck of the woods) was arson I heard this morning, too. The winds have been blowing off and on here, but howling in the fire areas with gust of up to 90mpg. The humidity is in the single digits. Yikes!

So that is what is going on today here..other than some knitting.

2007-10-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the start of my socks for the sock class. No, they don't match. I thought I'd let the colors fall where they may and see what happens. ;) I've got both tops down in wait for Wednesdays class.

2007-10-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

So you all don't think I'm not knitting... I did make something recently, but mums the word because it's a possible gift.

I also started my socks on two circular needles class at The Yarn Lady. I have made a few pairs of socks on DPNs (double pointed needles), but wanted to learn a new technique. It's possible when you know what you're doing to knit two socks at once..how cool would that be!?

So I started the sock, but the fabric was too loose for my taste and it felt like it might be too small. I frogged it and started on smaller needles (size 1) and added a few rib repeats. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

2007-09-16T10:50:00.003-07:00

Finally added the ribbons to this little sweater and it's joined the others at Yarn Lady for the Stitches from the Heart baby sweater project. I was planning on use matching green ribbons, but couldn't find any so I went with the purple. I did a seed stitch border rather than garter and I think it finishes it better.

In other news, I'm making ME a sweater! Wooo! It's not regular pattern, more of a "sweater recipe" that I saw on Knitty Gritty one day. I had the yarn and couldn't find what I wanted pattern wise so decided to give this a try. My math skills tripped me up again figuring out the CO...but I guess it was really more my not paying attention skills that got me. Anyway, I've got about 4 inches done so... yeah!

2007-08-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Bad blogger...bad, bad blogger.. :/ I've been making many, many charity items. I've made a few new baby sweaters and finished up some that work WsIP. They've been donated to Stitches from the Heart through my LYS, Yarn Lady. I've also made several burial buntings for a hospital that asked for them. And finally, finally.. I am going to attempt another sweater for ME! I got the yarn awhile back at the Yarn Lady bag sale and found a pattern that will work with it. The pattern is free from Knitty and is called Sitcom Chic.

Here's a few of the sweaters.

Baby's Coat

Easy Baby Cardigan
...from Knitting Pure and Simple. I did the collar and added buttons.

Seamless Yoked Baby Sweater

AND... I finally got invited to join Ravelry! Ravelry for those who don't know is the most awesome place for knitters (and crocheters although I can't speak for them). It makes it so easy to add your own projects and find others who have done them as well so you can see how it looks in different yarn or with modifications. As of this writing you still have to put your name on a waiting list, but they expect to open it up soon for all to join. The response has been overwhelming so it's taking a little longer to go public. If you're a knitter check it out!

2007-06-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

A few hats for charity. The multi stripe is made from wool sock yarn, the other some random part wool donated yarn.

2007-05-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well... been awhile since I've been here! It's been busy the last several weeks. Lisa graduated from the University of Michigan with a masters in public policy and Kristen will be graduating next week from CSU Fullerton with a BS in child and human development. Both have done well and we're very proud of them!! ♥

I'm halfway through a pair of socks, started on a dog sweater from the summer issue of Interweave Knits, and halfway through a scarf that I was testing the pattern on. Been kind of a scattered knitter lately, but it's all good and still fun. ;)

2007-04-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

I've made a couple more felted toddler hats. I figured out how to felt them and have them still curl... follow the directions on the pattern. Heh. I like this, but I still like the pink/purple striped one better. I need to get a wighead or something to dry hats on..these got a little flat on top from the tupperware. LOL

2007-03-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

An adorable felted toddler cloche! I started with this pattern, but the brim didn't roll after felting.. I thought this was adorable so I've dubbed it the Toddler Cloche. ;) No little kiddies here so I'll probably give it to charity.

2007-03-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the pattern for my Simple Bow Hat. Click here for the PDF file. Let me know if the link doesn't work. Now I just need to figure out how to add it to the sidebar. Why is Blogger so complicated!?

I changed my blog and now I have added the pattern link on the side bar! Yippee! Thanks to Lu at KH for the help! Thanks to Vendie for the help also with the blog ring link.

2007-03-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Another little sweater made from stash yarn. This was fun and easy!
Steppe Sweater (pdf file) from the Dulaan Project patterns.
I've also learned entrelac and made this for practice. I'm going to felt it to see how it would work for a trivet or potholder.

2007-02-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yeah, some FOs! Here are the two Baby Surprise Jackets I've done other than buttons. These are easy and fun. The i-cord is not difficult, but time consuming. Click image for a larger size.

Since the last post I've completed the i-cord bind off and attached i-cord.
Here's the second one. I like the i-cord bind off..it gives it a nice finished look. I extended the sleeves on this one and I like the way they came out.
I also made a little bear.. created the pattern myself because I hate seaming!Not sure what I am doing next...maybe another BSJ or possibly the Bog Jacket also by Elizabeth Zimmermann. Stay tuned...

2007-01-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

The Baby Surprise Jacket is almost finished! The knitting is done...just have to weave in a few loose ends and seam the shoulder/sleeve area. It was fun to knit not knowing how it was going to turn out. I think I'll make one for me, too!

After knitting and before folding.

Before seaming and sewing on of buttons- the front
The back

2007-01-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

I finally figure out how (with help) to make this blog wider. There was so much wasted space it was driving me nuts. Short trip I know. :) Anyway, now I apparently need to make a new header and clean up some stuff, but at least it's not all squished.

I am now working on Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Jacket. You can see the picture there, but I don't have the video right now. I also bought the adult size pattern so I'll get to that sometime, too.

I recently finished a little vest from Knitty called Easybreezy. Such a simple construction! Not sure which charity it'll go to. This is the side showing how it's "seamed" together. Kinda cool!

Oh I also forgot to mention that I have 5 little sweaters ready to go to Knit for Kids. These are all acrylic or mostly acrylic and Knit for Kids is one of the groups that still accepts something other than wool. I used various patterns from the book Knitting for Peace, the Knit for Kids website and Knitting Pure and Simple.

2007-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Wow..been a long time since I updated!! We had a nice Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I'm glad the holidays are over.

All the little hats for Caps to the Capitol have been mailed. Now to mail all the little sweaters to Knit for Kids after I finish the one I'm working on. I started making the kids sweater in the book Knitting for Peace. I've finished one side and am working on the second now. It's my kind of sweater with very little seaming and lots of options for personalizing.

I ordered some Patons Classic Merino on sale at Joanns, plus free shipping! I'll have enough for a felted bag for DD2 and a few little sweaters and/or hats for Afghans for Afghans, Children in Common or some other charity. I wish the yarn would get here already!! LOL

....off to knit.....

2006-10-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

I've completed 12 little hats now. I'm not thrilled with the dark gray one, but it was fun trying the fair isle diamonds on it.
I've started working on another Knit for Kids sweater now using stash yarns. It's going to be pretty bright, but I'm sure some little kid will love it!

2006-10-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

Wow..it's been awhile since I've updated! Since this is mainly a knitting blog I didn't have much to share. :( It was so freaking hot this summer, unusually hot, that I didn't knit for at least 6 weeks. With no a/c the house was just too warm. Plus August was full of relatives visits so with all that I just set it aside for awhile.

It's cooler now and I'm back to knitting though! I am making some itty, bitty hats for a Save the Children project called "Caps to the Capital." I've got 6 done and one on the needles. They are really fast..I made two yesterday. The original pattern was to knit flat and then seam. Ugh. Someone from Knitting Help was kind enough to post a link to the pattern done on DPNs so that's they way these are done. I threw a little fair isle in there to make them more interesting since they are all the same pattern.

While I'm here, I'd like to make my last comment/review on Boca Java Coffees and Tea. The last one I tried was Late Night Log In. I really, really liked that one! I think it was probably my favorite although the decision was a hard one. My least favorite was Blogger's Boot Up Blend. It was enjoyable getting to try lots of different coffees and I do recommend Boca Java!

2006-07-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Boca Java Coffee review #4

I've been trying the New Media Mavericks blend this week. This one is really good! Not too strong and no bitterness even made nearly full strength. I think I'd have to say this is one of my favorites so far. It's a tough choice between this one and Pajama Passion blend. That one is flavored though so it holds it's own special place! Yum!! :)

2006-07-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

I just finished this little hat! I made up the pattern and I'm pretty happy with it. I wasn't sure about the i-cord, but it came out okay. Modeled by the lovely Cheer Bear. :)

2006-06-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Boca Java Coffee review #3

I tried Blogs of Bravery today and really like it! The package said it is a blend of dark and medium roasts so I was expecting it to be a little strong or to have a bite to it, but it doesn't at all. It's nice and smooth and very tasty even made a little stronger than I normally do.

2006-06-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here's the little sweater I'm working on for charity. It's a Knitting Pure and Simple pattern #9730. The yarn was donated for my charity stuff. ;)

I just finished my first fairisle/stranded hat! I love doing this and found it pretty easy so I think I'll be doing more in the future! I made this pattern up myself.

2006-05-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Boca Java Coffee Review #2

Since I'm the only one that drinks coffee at home on a regular basis it takes me awhile to get through a bag so I'm only on bag #2. Today I tried the Boot Up Blend. It says on the bag that it's a medium blend and I've have to agree with that assessment. I'm not a strong coffee drinker so this one is right up my alley. I made it slightly stronger than I normally would based on suggested brewing instructions and it's still rather light so I might try it even stronger tomorrow. I'm not very good at judging "hints and overtones" in flavors, but I will say it's really good!

I would also like to say I love this coffee mug that came with my sampler! I tend to drink coffee slowly because I'm always doing something else at the same time so my coffee sometimes has to be reheated in the microwave. The cup and coffee get hot, but the mug handle does NOT get hot unlike some other cups! It's a great size, too!

In other news...it probably looks like I'm not knitting...but I am. I've done some squares for a preemie blanket project and I'm working on a charity sweater. The body is done so now it's just the sleeves left. I also completed my first fair isle project! It's just a little sampler purse, but it came out really cute. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be!

2006-05-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple sweaters I recently completed for Knit for Kids . I don't think I'll make anything that requires that much seaming at least for awhile. I made these using the magic ball method. It was fun watching the colors all come together, but there were a lot of loose ends to weave in. I prefer that to seaming though. LOL

2006-05-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

I just received my coffee from Boca Java! For promising to review their coffees on my blog I received a hat, mug and 6 bags of various blends! I have to tell you they all smell great even through the sealed bags! My DH was in the room when I was checking them out and he asked me to make the Bloggers Pajama Passion blend. I made it stronger than I normally do but not as strong as they recommend. I LOVE this blend! The flavor isn't overwhelming, just light hint of the flavors in the blend and the scent is wonderful! I think the scent alone would sell a house! I will definitely make this one again and can't wait to try the others!

2006-04-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

The socks are done! I used this tutorial and Parade yarn from KnitPicks. It's not a fine texture yarn and wasn't soft at first, but it softened up with washing. I'll probably wear them around the house.

2006-04-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

I finished the Haiku Sweater. I did change a few things based on what I needed at the time. I used Bernat Softee Baby in pink marl instead of cotton which really didn't show off the pattern as well. I made the pattern stripes a little narrower and ran them around the sleeve rather than up the length. I also added a single crochet border. Other than the seaming (Arrrrgggh!) I like the way it turned out. It's really soft and I wouldn't mind a sweater of my own out of this yarn!

I forgot to post this hat I made from Moda Dea Sassy Stripes. It's not a soft yarn, but maybe washing will help. It was a fun knit, I liked watching the stripes appear! This will probably be donated to a needy cause.

I've now started working on tank top/shell. It's a sort of create/design your own as you go thing so we'll see how it works out. ;)

In other news, I'm working on organizing my computer room/office. We are planning on replacing all the "furniture" that is in here and getting new... YEAH IKEA! LOL I'm also cleaning out my sewing closet. It's a pretty large undertaking considering the amount of stuff I have in here, but I am so enjoying tossing stuff into the charity box and trash bags!

Why am I doing this now other than it being spring? Our youngest daughter, Kristen, is moving back in at the end of the summer. She's been in an apartment for a year, but needs to go to college full time next year (maybe 2) to finish up her degree and get her teaching credentials. This part time schooling is taking forever and she just wants to be done with it. I don't blame her and it'll be nice to have her around more. However the guest bedroom has too much stuff in it, too.. Older daughter, Lisa, still has stuff in there. So I figure if I clean out this room and organize it better I can make room for some of the stuff in the bedroom in here creating more room for Kristen. We'll see how it goes. :)

2006-04-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Been working on various projects lately. I have one sock done, but I'm waiting on my order of sock yarn so I can do the second one. Note to self...check how much yarn you need BEFORE you order!! I'm also working on the Haiku Sweater with some Bernat Softee Baby in pink marl that I had. Not sure what I'll do with it since I don't have kids to knit for, but it's always fun to try new patterns anyway. I've got my yarn and gauge swatch done for a Knit-a-long I'm doing. We're going to make a tank top this time.

My neighbor just gave me this rose! It smells heavenly!!

And here's another of our Japanese Maple. I didn't even know they got flowers!

2006-04-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I finally finished the felted Easter basket and eggs! The basket was in the last issue of Creative Knitting and was very easy. The basket itself is knit with Cascade 220 and the novelty yarn is Sirdar Tuscany. I loved working with the Cascade 220, it felted nicely, too. I don't care for the novelty stuff..it was a PITA to work with.

2006-03-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

EASTER EGGS! I saw some knitted eggs at the LYS, but didn't have a pattern. At knittinghelp.com a friend posted some knitted eggs from a pattern she found on the internet I can now make my own. I altered the pattern to suit my tastes and put a plastic egg inside instead of stuffing. I think they came out cute! Now I need more eggs and an Easter basket!

2006-03-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

This hat was so much fun to make! I liked watching the pattern develop. It's sort of a colorful camouflage look..guess you could hide in a field of wildflowers. :) The yarn is Plymouth Jelli Beenz in color 208. I didn't use a pattern for the hat... I can make a basic one in my sleep now. LOL

2006-03-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

Some more little booties, about 6 mos size I think. This was an easy pattern to follow although I'm not sure I like the way the instep was done. I'm not even sure what I'm going to do with these yet...just wanted to see if I could make them. :)

2006-03-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

I finished a few more little things for the compassionate knitting project. These are made from less than one skein of Plymouth DK in a peachy color. The little "booties" are actually preemie tube socks, but they will work well for this project I think.

2006-03-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to make this Baby Ugg pattern for a long time. I think they are so cute! The recommended yarn is expensive though so I've been looking for alternatives and not having much luck. I decided to try it with some cr@ppy Red Heart I had and some Sensations Icee from Joanns. I figured I could at least see how the pattern was done. It's really easy, but I'm not thrilled with the fact that it has to be seamed. I don't like seaming and it doesn't seem right in footwear even if it is supposed to be for a baby.

So here is my attempt. The fluffy substitute for the recommended yarn isn't perfect, but it's not too bad. I like the overall look, but before I commit to doing this again I'm going to see what other seamless "boot type" bootie patterns I can find and of course some decent yarn.

2006-03-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

I finished the sweater except for a few details like buttons or whatever I decide to do. I'm having some problems with the front edges wanting to curl inward so I'll have to deal with that, too. The knitting part is all done though! For those who asked the yarn is Bernat Denim Style. It's cotton and acrylic, machine wash and dry and easy to knit with. I bought it at Joanns.

Click to view larger image

2006-03-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the baby sweater I'm working on. It's a simple pattern, but I don't like the way the sleeves are done do I'm going to pick up the stitches from the underarm (as well as the sleeve stitches on holders) and knit them in the round. No seaming that way! Yeah!

2006-03-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure when I was going to get back here because my monitor died a few days ago. I have a Dell computer and I'd heard lots of people complaining that Dell didn't have good customer service anymore and about all the problems people had. Well, I'm here to say that in less than 48 hours I went from monitorless to having a new one! I don't know if I was just lucky, but I like to think that Dell really is a good company and those people were just unlucky. ;)

I have been working on "stash busting" the last week or so. So to that end I finished a cute little Sophie Bag a few days ago. Not sure what I'm going to do with it yet. I may donate to a charity. It's made with Cherry Blossom and Coal WOTA and then felted.

Click to view larger image

I have some yarn left over from my sweater...enough to make a baby sweater so that is what I'm doing. It's going to be so cute! I think I'll do the sleeves in the round though rather than seam them. Picture later. Or tomorrow.

2006-03-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Here's a few things I've knitted in the last few months since I started knitting.

All three of these hats were knitted as chemo caps for children. The yarn for all of them is Lion Brand Jiffy. This hat pattern is one of my favorites. It knits up quickly and the decrease on top is nice and smooth. The little flower was knitted and sewn on separately.

The scarf was knitted with Plymouth Encore Colorspun in the Scrunchable Scarf pattern. It's really soft and was very easy. I did most of it on the airplane to and from vacation in January. I really like the color pattern in this yarn!

This little preemie hat is sitting over a small naval orange. I knit it for a preemie charity project.

This is my first sweater! I am so pleased with how it came out! I used Knitting Pure and Simple Pattern #9724 in Bernat Denim Style yarn.

I've also made a purse and several more hats that I'll post later. Right now I've got the Sophie Felted Bag on the needles. I'm making it as a stash buster so it's in Cherry Blossom and Coal Wool of the Andes (WOTA) yarn from KnitPicks. Unfortunately it looks like I'm going to run out of yarn right at the end. Maybe I can just make the straps shorter... Hmm...

The Journey Begins

2006-03-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

So here I am in blogland finally! I've been thinking about doing this for awhile, but even coming up with a name was painful... There are just so many choices and with me being somewhat of a perfectionist and having a lifelong lack of self confidence it just made it all to complicated. But today I decided to just do it! The jury is still out at this first posting, but I think I'm going to like this. :)

I started knitting in October 2005 and now have something on the needles nearly all the time. It's become a passion and is incredibly enjoyable. I find I can't sit and watch TV without some project in my hands. The feel of the yarn slipping through your fingers as you slowly create something is just so much fun and so relaxing. Having something in your hands also has a bonus... I can't EAT while knitting! Not just because my hands are busy, but because I don't want to get the yarn all sticky. I haven't lost any weight because of it... but I haven't gained any either. :)

I also enjoy photography with my new Canon Digital Rebel XT. It's my first DSLR and I love it! So I will of course be sharing photos of my knitting, my yard, vacations, the beach...whatever.

Here's a couple photos of our furry friends!

This is Marshmallow. She's a Ragdoll Cat is 14.5 yrs old now. She's such a sweet, cuddly kitty! She was given to our youngest daughter on her 11th birthday. Daughter has moved out now, but the kitty lives with us since she's so old now.

This is Foofoo. She's a Coton de Tulear and is the most lovable, energetic dog I've ever met! She is actually our daughter's dog, but she is in graduate school in Michigan so we get to raise her. She's our grandpuppy!