Needles to Say

More sewing

2011-08-10T17:44:00.000+10:00

I promise to return to knitting posts soon. But in the mean time I only have photos of sewing projects & fabric to share.

I randomly entered a Free Fabric Friday over at Sew Mama Sew. My first comment on a sewing blog. And would you believe it, I won! That was so strange seeing my name on the list of winners.

I was REALLY hard choosing a fabric, by I finally decided on this

It's Confetti White from the Happy Mochi Yum Yum collection. I think it may be a dress or peasant top for Mim this summer.

In the meantime she has this pair of overalls to roll around in.

I was given the pattern amongst a big pile of knitting patterns. It's rather cute, but realistically, overly complicated for babies' overalls.

And even though the pattern is a little old (from the early eighties), it's still a tight fit for her cloth nappied bottom.

There are a few areas where the finish isn't too crash hot. But these are the first thing I've made from a 'proper' pattern since I sewed under supervision.

I AM pretty pleased with the inseam - it has snaps for easy nappy changes. That was a bit of fun with the hammer!

The next pair of overalls I make will be more like these, at Whipstitch. Cute, and not too fussy.

But before I sign off, here's another pic of a cute girl in her cute overalls.

A different type of needle

2011-08-08T16:39:00.000+10:00

I'm such a fan of knitting. I love it's portability. I can knit just about anywhere - car, lounge, waiting room, centrelink queue, birthing suite. Aside from that, I have a certain level of trust in what I have knitted. I know that it won't randomly fall apart (my seaming has improved dramatically over the last few years). I know how to read patterns (and ignore them when necessary). And I have all the basic equipment ready to hand - a variety of straights, circs & dpns in many sizes, stitch holders, needle gauges, row counters, post-it notes, safety pins, crochet hooks etc etc.

However, when it comes to sewing - ie fixing together pieces of material, with a needle and thread and/or sewing machine - I've not always been such a fan. It's not particularly portable, and requires a decent amount of room on the dining table or floor (and the floor needs to be clean/swept too). I don't trust a seam I sew not to fray. I'm not too sure on when it's okay to treat the pattern as a guide, and when to follow it to the letter. I haven't had all of the basic supplies to hand. And I have flash backs to sewing attempts as a child: when I seamed straight over pocket holes (instead of going around); cut patterns out the wrong way; forgot to put right sides together; and could make no intelligible sense of a pattern without my mum to interpret.

I've come to realise, funnily enough, that I used to have the same attitude to knitting. And now I'm all grown up (ha ha), and sewing is starting to make a little more sense. I've also realised that it's a lot quicker to sew a garment than to knit it.

Here's my first sewing project. Made in one evening. It took longer to wash & dry the fabric. I don't want to think about how long it would take to knit something similar.

The pattern was rather simple, I downloaded it from here. Overall I'm happy with it, and will make another. A few issues, though. I think the print settings were a little off (I now make sure 'shrink to fit' is not selected). I was a bit rough, and though I pinked the hems, I didn't clip them around the curves, so there's a bit of a pucker under the arms. Finally, I need more practice hemming - the base of the pinafore is circular, and I could have been more careful lining up the two hems.

I love the buttons. I bought them ages ago from Made It, and they were waiting for the right project.

There has been knitting, and more sewing. But that will have to wait for another time.

Growing Room

2011-07-21T21:51:00.009+10:00

Towards the end of last winter (2010) I started knitting another little boy's jumper.

The idea was to make one that would have a bit of growing room.

8 months later, there's still plenty of jumper left to grow into.

The pattern is from an Heirloom Color Works booklet published when the yarn was first released. I reworked the sleeves, knitting them from the top down, so I could add more length if needed.

He wasn't too keen on trying this jumper on last year, when it was finished. But now is happy to wear it.

I like the collar, and splits at the side - easy to get over a head & and easy to play in.

Specs:
Yarn: Heirloom Color Works (for once I actually used the yarn specified in a pattern). I love this yarn, it's so soft to work with, and has a pretty good range of colours. I also like it's Bendigo Woolen Mills doppelganger, Luxury.
Pattern: 'Style 3 Jumper or vest with optional hood' Heirloom Color Works 8 ply.
Needles: Knitpicks (pro) 4mm circulars
Mods: As above, worked the sleeves top down.
My only point of frustration is that, even though Heirloom is an Australian company, they insist on forgetting the 'u' in colour.

I think we'll manage another winter out of this jumper!

Triangle Hat

2011-07-12T21:02:00.005+10:00

Quite some time ago, I promised my son a Triangle Hat.

Shy? I don't think so.

He was quite taken with the idea, but it took me some time to get started.

In May we flew out to Lake Eyre. With 6 hours of flights in a (very) small plane I cast on with some rather squooshy dk I found in a little store outside of Christchurch NZ.

The hat was based on Elizabeth Zimmerman's three cornered tam, found in the Knitter's Almanac. The hat starts with a garter stitch band, then starts increasing at three points, before decreasing again at the same three points.

Ready, set, GO!

There was a 'bit' of ripping out of stitches after I realised that the measurements given were for an adult sized hat. Scaled down, the knitting progressed a lot quicker.

The finished item was warmly received, and has been worn often.

New hat AND new gumboots. What more could a little boy want?

I love that my little boy is so willing to wear what his mum makes him. I'll be sorry to see the day when he decides he's too cool to wear a triangle hat.

Taking a photo like mummy

Checking in

2011-07-06T14:20:00.005+10:00

Things have been busy lately.

Once upon a time (in February), a brand new baby girl arrived.

And four months flew by in the blink of an eye, and the click of a knitting needle.

So what do I have to show for that time?

Some crochet

Some (as yet unblocked & unbuttoned) fair isle

Some cables

Some toddler headwear

And some socks

Of course, there's actually more than this, but they're not photographed yet. You'll have to take my word for it.

Holidays are good for ...

2011-01-01T19:58:00.003+11:00

going for bike rides. According to my lovely husband - who's been enjoying the time available to try and regain some fitness a baby (then toddler) pinched from him.

As for me ... the extra time at home, and sunny weather has meant more time for knitting, for blogging, and for blocking.

This lovely shawl(ette) has been waiting at least 6 months to be blocked. Since I finished it, I have actually knitted another (in black) for a friend's wedding (worn by one of her bridesmaids).

The pattern is interesting enough to be knitted twice. I charted an extra pattern repeat and changes to the edging for the second shawl - to add some length (and warmth for an August wedding).

Pattern: Japanese Feather and Fan by IzzyKnits (Rav Link)
Yarn: Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18
Needles: 3.5mm (I think)
No mods, written as per the pattern.

Here it is again, modelled by some of our new outdoor furniture - I'm not dressed appropriately for showing off shawls, and wanted photos tonight.

Hopefully a beary friend for the bunny should be finished by this time tomorrow. I like holidays.

Bunny Love

2010-12-31T13:24:00.003+11:00

Some squooshy woollen cuteness has made its way into our house.

Taking Random Knits' summer baby knitting advice on board (ie toys are great for summer babies), I decided to cast on this cheeky little rabbit Wednesday evening.

Our little Llama spotted him this morning with no ears or arms (just head, torso & legs), and after pointing out the 'Teddy' insisted on helping. Luckily I needed someone to put the extra wadding that had just been pulled out of the bag, back in. I was quite impressed that he recognised from the unfinished shape that it could be a teddy - the pattern is actually a base for a rabbit, bear & elephant, the differences are in the heads and ears.

Here he is, posing for a portrait on the new easel that has taken up residence in our living room.

Specs:
Pattern: Lovable Toys by Marion Edmond, from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts (Rav Link)
Yarn: Bella Baby Sugar 4 ply (random 4 ply pure wool from Spotlight - originally purchased when on special so I could do some jelly crystal dyeing - guess who now has many out of date packs of jelly crystals).
Needles: 4mm knit picks. Knitted magic loop, cause I can only find one set of 4mm tips.
Mods: The base of the ears are sewn up a little, to disguise the fact that the pink inserts don't go all the way down. According to the pattern, they don't totally fill the inside of the ear, but I'd knit the the inserts a little longer next time.

All-in-all a project that I'm very happy with. Especially as it took about 3 days to make.

Next-up, a bear.

Christmas Goodies

2010-12-23T14:00:00.003+11:00

Here's a little something I whipped up in time for Christmas.

Not for me ... but for someone secret.

The pattern is from one of my Japanese knitting/crochet books.

The only sewing is in the handle (so that it has a double thickness to keep a firm grip).

Specs:
Yarn: 3-4 ply I had in my stash - some Patons, some Shepherd, some Spotlight special.
Hook: 3.25mm
Pattern: no idea as it's all in Japanese.

I've probably said it before, but it's worth repeating. I LOVE Japanese knitting & crochet patterns. Especially crochet. Soooooooo much easier to read that something written out in full.

And just to show you don't want to mess with the ladies of the CWA ... here's the cake mix for 'Christmas Cake #2' (from the CWA cookbook), before I attempted to mix in the flour (that's just a dusting on the top, the rest of the flour is in the sifter to the right).

I managed to cream the butter and sugar in the Kitchenaid (that's its bowl on the left) - but had to transfer to our largest salad bowl to stir in the fruit. It was lucky I decided to HALVE the recipe.

And the finished product ....

The small looking cake at the back is from a standard 20cm tin. Will have to have a taste test this evening.

Honey Baby

2010-12-19T08:59:00.006+11:00

I stumbled upon this pattern while looking at shawl patterns with a friend. I loved it! But having been informed that I was not to knit it for any of my own offspring (hint hint), I decided to knit it for my niece or nephew, due to make an entrance in November this year (2010).

The pattern is meant to be reminiscent of a field of bees, especially when knit up in warm honey-yellows.

I discussed the enterprise with the wonderfully talented Knitabulous, who agreed to dye a super huge skein of yarn in honey colours. After making some (minor) modifications to my ball winder, I had a super huge ball of yarn - ready to for the long drive down to Melbourne.

The pattern was really well written - as I expected from Anne Hanson - and the changes in patterns kept my interest, and meant there were some good milestones to work towards.

I knitted the blanket/shawl nearly monogamously - there were some side projects that were more portable - hoping to have it finished before the baby arrived. Things were looking good .... until I hit the border. I love a knitted on border, it gives a lovely finish to a blanket, and there are so many nice patterns you can use. Unfortunately 816 stitches on the last round means 1632 border rows (plus 4 extra at each corner).

Samuel gave me a bit of extra time, arriving on December 1, with only 1/4 of the border completed. Luckily he's a patient baby (as is his mum), and didn't kick up a fuss that he had to wait, not only for the knitting to finish, but the rain and humid weather to go away. I finally got the blanket blocked on December 12 (while little toddler hands were away for the weekend).

Overall I'm really happy with the project. On re-reading the pattern, I think it may be a little 'overblocked'. But I felt pretty happy with the result.

Pattern notes:
Honey Baby by Anne Hanson (Ravelry link)
Yarn: Courtesy of Knitabulous (not sure on the exact base yarn) - there's a bit more variegation than what's visible in most of the photos, it's a lovely golden semi-solid.
Needles: 3.5mm Knit Picks (I even used the 'key' to tighten the tips - after I got sick of them loosening all the time).

Oh Dear!

2010-10-16T17:37:00.004+11:00

It's been a VERY long time since my last post.
Here's a quick update:

Our little boy (Llama) has been keeping us busy, and is about to turn 2
Baby #2 is expected in early March 2010. Currently referred to as New Bob (we don't know if it's a boy or girl ... I was talking about the new bub, and was misheard).

Knitting has been continuing, though at a slower rate than previously (I have sometimes struggled to stay awake long enough to get the Llama into bed.

Here are some pics I could quickly find:

February Baby Sweater
The neckline is modified a little. The cast-on edge was a little tight. So I snipped at the first lot of increases, and knitted back a few rows in the contrast colour. A pretty fun and relatively quick knit.

Llama's blanket. This was meant to replace his cot blanket that was lost somewhere at Shellharbour Stocklands (a tragedy)! The size was meant to be for a cot/pram blankie. He's now in a big bed, so it will just have to be a snuggle blanket. I've made up the design, using domino knitting techniques. I'm onto the 3rd square, and so far it's working - but is the current designated 'long-term project' so spends a lot of time resting while I grapple with self imposed deadlines.

And an old project reborn. I gave the peacock shawl a decent blocking, and even wore it as a 'garment'. It was able to provide much needed warmth at a wedding. I had one positive comment from a friend, and nobody laughed as I walked past, so that's a pass in terms of wearability.

Now that's out of the way, I can focus on updating the blog with current knitting projects. 'We' have a new digital SLR, so there may even be some nicer photos of completed projects.

A Winter Jacket

2010-06-25T20:00:00.003+10:00

After knitting our little one his Star Jumper, I decided to knit him something to wear, that was made to fit him - rather than something for him to grow into. He always seems to have pant legs rolled up, and baggy tops, so that his clothes will fit him a whole season.

Well, it was time for a change, and here's what he ended up with.

He's a pretty willing model. I suggested he put his new jacket on, and mummy would take some photos, and he was really keen.

He even put on his 'jacket hat' for a bit.

But not when we played on our walk.

Project specs:
Yarn: Patons Washed Haze (cotton/acrylic) - on special for $15 for a pack of 10 balls, I used 8
Needles: 5.5mm (I think)
Pattern: Robin Hood Cardigan, by Zoe Mellor, in Adorable Knits for Tiny Tots
Mods: The original pattern was written for a heavier yarn (I think). But when I swatched I was just about spot on with the stitch count. Which worked out well, as the pattern was based on measured length, rather than row counts. The hood was joined with a 3 needle bind off, rather than seamed and (as yet) I haven't added a tassel.

Sock Blockers

2010-05-02T19:39:00.003+10:00

I don't have a fancy set of wooden sock blockers (though if anyone's looking to buy me that special gift, I wouldn't mind a set). But I did find the perfect blockers for socks knit to fit my feet.

My feet.

These socks are knit from Lang Jawoll Magic. Purchased by my lovely husband as a 7th anniversary present - I'd been hanging out for that anniversary for a while. The yarn looks a little rough, but is actually quite soft. It holds its twist quite nicely. One and half socks were knitted from yarn that had started life as a shawl that didn't quite look right. But the yarn re-knitted really well.

The pattern is the Mad Colour Weave Sock, designed to be knitted in a variegated yarn. The woven stitch pattern looks really effective, and is easy to commit to memory (always good for a 'grab and go' project).

As lovely as my feet are. Now for some photos of a young model who insisted on trying on his new jumper.

Having returned safely from the show, it was sitting on the coffee table, when he picked it up, and tried putting his hand through the sleeve hole - not a bad first attempt at dressing himself.

There's a bit of growing room. But I think he likes it.

The show is over

2010-04-17T20:07:00.005+10:00

But, until now, I hadn't posted any picks of my entries.

Here's our llama's jumper strung up rather painfully (top left).

Hopefully it will arrive back soon, and I can try and get it back to a 'normal' shape ready for winter.

And here is my Estonian Garden Shawl.

Notice that maroon ribbon - it was awarded a Highly Commended.

The 'deshowing' process has not gone smoothly for all. Randomknits' Venezia hasn't survived unscathed. It's totally shocking that her piece has been damaged in such a way.

Brandywine

2010-04-03T14:12:00.003+11:00

I'm on to a really good thing at the moment. The very talented knitabulous, has given me a ball of laceweight silk, a copy of the Brandywine pattern, and told me to 'Go for it!'*

Here's the lovely colourway I have to work with.

I'm not sure of it's name, but it's a lovely mushroomy kind of colour. Lightly variegated, but not enough to detract from the pattern (just enough variegation, by my reckoning).

Needless to say, with such scrumptious yarn to work with, it's progressing pretty quickly.

Notice those lifelines ???
Normally I don't bother with lifelines in my lace ... if I find a mistake, I'll usually drop down and reknit the affected stitches ... but, it does affect the tension a little, and knitting this for someone else, I'm a little nervous. So in go the lifelines.

I cast on for this project Wednesday night (3 days ago). There's a lot to be said for project monogamy, it's flying off the needles.

*The finished shawl will be a sample at the Canberra Wool Day in May.

Woolly Toy Goodness

2010-03-04T20:08:00.003+11:00

Having (temporarily) exhausted my desire to knit baby vests, I moved on .....

.... To the knitted/crocheted toy.

First up was the knitted toadstool with spots

And it's mate, with stripes up top.

These were so much fun to knit, and are great stash busters. The only problem I could forsee was not being able to source a cat toy/rattle to sit in the cap of the toadstool. My fears were unfounded, they had some the perfect size at the local supermarket - although there was a bit of drama when my 15 month old 'assistant' insisted on holding the rattles all the way around the shop.

Also a bit of a stash busting project was the 'Frog Pond Ring Stacker'.

Crocheted on a 4.5mm hook, using mostly Patons Jet, it was surprisingly quick to make. It was really great sewing the insects together, and seeing a chunk of red crochet transform into a lady beetle.

While the ring stacker was a one off, I'm sure there will be more toadstools popping up in the future.

Retro Baby (Camo boy)

2010-01-30T11:04:00.003+11:00

2009 saw an influx of little boys. Cardigans were out of the question, I was going to keep up with all the gifting. So ......

I made friends with The Vest.

This was the second that I knitted out of my own head.

I took the shape from the owl vest I knitted our own little boy earlier.

The first was done in Serenity (bamboo cotton) with a cable pattern in the front. And I forgot to take a photo.

This was my second attempt at the button up shoulder, and I think this one sits a lot nicer.

I think there's something quite retro-cool about a brown vest on a little boy. When I asked my husband if he liked it, he said 'yeah, it'd be good if we were trying to hide him in the grass'. I'm taking that as a compliment.

Starting afresh

2010-01-27T09:31:00.004+11:00

Well it's been quite a while since the last post. I've started a number, but there was such a backlog of projects (and photos to take), that it never really worked.

So I'm starting afresh, making a clean breast of it.

Take it for granted that I've been working on a number of projects since my last update. (Hopefully, I'll manage to include them at some point). But here's my most recent, most favourite project.

Little Star by Zoe Mellor (in Adorable knits for tiny tots).
Yarn: Bendigo Luxury 8 ply, Ocean, Bark & Barley.
Needles: 4mm
Size: 1-2 years

The gauge is a little larger than the pattern, so there's plenty of growing room. I adjusted the sleeve length based on my actual gauge (so they weren't too short).

I haven't tried it on him yet, he'd be more interested in eating it, and I've entered into the Easter Show, so it needs to stay in 'pristine' condition.

I really love this project. I love the pattern, I love the colours, I love the yarn. Hopefully the judges (and our little boy) will love it too.

Birthday Lace

2009-09-11T19:12:00.007+10:00

My mother's birthday came and went very quickly this year. So quickly, that I didn't even manage to purchase yarn for her present before the day came.

My initial plan was to knit her a ring of lace to wear around her neck - something in between a cowl and a smoke-ring. I even had a pattern picked out (Nachaq). But when I swatched up Knitabulous' lovely silk/wool laceweight, I decided it was singing out to be tranformed into a triangular shawl.

After a bit of research on Ravelry, I decided on Percy. Relatively intuitive, with some chart changes to hold my interest.

This photo was taken just after I started the second chart (with no rest rows!). It's progressed quite a bit further now ... I'm working my way back through the first row of nupps in the final chart. Woo hoo, Nupps! I love 'em!

I'm really loving this project. I think I was feeling a bit lost without a lace project on the needles. Now I just have to get if off them!

Dying for Comfort

2009-08-17T14:49:00.004+10:00

The quest to produce the ultimate piece of knitted comfort for our little llama is ongoing.

One of his favourite scarves is one I knitted out of some cream coloured angora blend handspun, that I picked up at a knitting exhibition a couple of years ago. It's lovely and soft, and he has excellent taste.

However, I wasn't too comfortable leaving him in the cot with the scarf ... he's mobile even when sleeping, and the thought of it wrapping round his neck could not be borne. So I decided to knit him a comforter with the left over yarn.

Only one problem ... it's no longer cream.

Back into the dye pot it went. And came out this lovely purple ... if I were to give it a name it would be something like Midnight Passion.

Then after some rather boring, but very practical knitting (in the same stitch pattern as the scarf) it ended up squarish, and ready for use.

Can you see the two finishing touches? There's a wrist/pram strap, and a fringe (how nice is a fringe to suck on huh?).

His third piece of knitted comfort is this fierce bunny blanket.

The pattern is from the Drops Baby collection, and can be found here. It's knitted in Shepherd Colour 4 Me. One of my favourite basic DK yarns.

I decided to embroider the face in duplicate stitch, giving it a rather scary appearance. But he doesn't seem to mind.

And this is a holiday???

2009-08-13T16:19:00.002+10:00

No knitting pictures this post ... we're on holidays at 'the snow' (staying at my parent's place, outside of Jindabyne).

As far as holidays go, it's been rather stressful. What have we been up to? ....

Getting up early enough to get myself and an almost 10 month old ready and in the car by 7:45.

Sharing a room with aforementioned baby who has decided that 3 wakes per night is now a minimum.

Donning layers of clothing to protect against wind/rain/snow, making it very difficult to carry a 10kg child across the carpark to the creche (especially as his super cute ski suit is slippery too).

Gradually remoulding my calves with ski boots.

And skiing from one landmark to another as the weather closes in.

Despite all this (and partly because of it), I'm still having a good time. Will be doing it all again next year.

Comfort

2009-07-22T08:57:00.004+10:00

Our knitting obsessed son was just about strangling me, trying to eat my scarves while I put him in the cot/car/pram. One nap time, after 10 minutes of wailing, I gave up, and gave him my scarf ... he was asleep in 2 minutes!

So how to give him his knitting fix, without the risk of potential strangulation??? A new knitted blanket is still a while off (though I have a plan, and I think it's going to work), so I made him his own mini-scarf comforter.

Here 'tis

And here it is being devoured.

It's two sided, worked in double knitting (using two strands, you alternate yarns and knit/purl stitches, so that you knit both sides at once). A smaller version of the Exchequered Scarf from Knitty. The photos are actually of the second one I knitted. The first was dropped from the pram 2 days after it was completed (you'd think I'd have learnt by now).

I've also finished another baby cardigan for 'the stash'. I've been working through an old book of Patons patterns. Not sure what I'm going to do next.

And in between all this, I've been having some fun with the a new yarn from heirloom. It's called bliss, and I know why.

Tragedy (and another FO)

2009-06-23T15:13:00.004+10:00

I've posted before about the blanket I knitted for our llama while I was pregnant here.

I like to think he loved it. It was a lovely size for a pram, and being knitted, he liked to suck on it when feeling a little sleepy, or whenever he got his hands on it. (Elijah's ears a looking a little worse for wear because of his taste for knitted objects) It was special, cause I made it just for him, before I knew him. I took the squares along to appointments with the obstetrician, in the car on road trips, whenever I needed a project that I could grab and take with me at a moments notice. And with all the grafting involved I'm ever so confident whenever I come to a sock toe, or soaker gusset.

Alas, the blanket is lost.

Probably in Target at Shellharbour. But nobody has handed it in.

So after a day or two of mourning, I started thinking of a replacement. I'm now thinking something blue and cabled. I've had a look around, and nothing is quite what I fancy, so it looks like I shall have to design one myself (not so hard, it's just a rectangle with some cables running around).

While I've been pondering this future blanket, I have actually finished a cardigan (buttons and all).

This baby cardigan will either go to a friend's son, or enter the stash of 'cardigans to be distributed as babies arrive'.

The construction is really interesting. Starting at the bottom front, you knit up and over (splitting for the neck, then rejoining at the back). The sleeves are made by casting on then casting off stitches, with the cuffs picked up at the end. Only 2 seams and 3 buttons. What a lovely pattern.

While I remember I have been meaning to thank RubyGirl for asking if the striped jumper was a top down raglan (on account of the stripe alignment). What a compliment! As there are seams lurking in there ... very carefully counted mattress stitch seams.

And on the matter of baby socks. Charmaine should recognise those socks keeping his feet warm. Such a useful baby present. Right when he was big enough that most outfits no longer had feet, and the weather turned cold, there was a stash of socks to keep those tootsies warm. They're probably a little small now (we have a large-footed llama), but I can still squeeze them on in a pinch. Of course the ability to find only one sock of a pair is seriously exacerbated when they are so small, and can lurk in all manner of places.

Quick cheap knits

2009-06-09T15:57:00.003+10:00

A week or so ago Spotlight was selling off their cotton blend summer yarn. At 50c a ball it was too hard to resist. Especially when I had these projects in mind.

Owl Baby Vest (rav link)

Yarn: Patons Serenity

Needles: 3.5 & 4.0 mm knitpicks options

Mods: Worked in a stripe around the bottom, neck and armholes. The armhole stitches are picked up in the contrasting colour but the neck stitches in the main colour (before knitting the next row in the contrast). I think I prefer how the armholes look (not as many reverse stitches visible).

This was a quick and easy knit, with enough going on to avoid monotony.

And with the left over contrast yarn I was able to knit this:

Pattern: Based on a hat owned by a friend's daughter

Yarn: Patons Serenity

Needles: 3.5 & 4.0 mm knitpicks options

I'm currently working on another version of this hat, trying to adjust the size, and see if it looks better worked completely on the smaller needles (I forgot to change, so decided to experiment).

And for a friend's daughter:

Puddles Bib.

Yarn: Patons Washed Haze

Needles: 5.5mm knitpicks options

No mods made, knitted as written. The designer has a number of other bib patterns that I'm likely to work my way through. I like the pattern, and the bib is nice and large.

Is there an excuse?

2009-05-21T11:40:00.003+10:00

For the lapse in blogging ... Not really, no.

I wanted to post about a really cute hat I knitted for our little llama ... a three cornered tam from EZ's Knitters Almanac. But I can't find it anywhere, and have no photos.

I could have posted about how I've finished the Estonian Lace Garden shawl. But it's still not blocked (the blocking foam is now under the play pen).

I could have posted about the garter stitch baby kimono I've knitted up, and plan on dying with onion skins ... but I knitted a stitch at the beginning of a row (instead of slipping it), and I'm not sure what I'm going to do about it - there's a bump that sticks out of the edge, between the two button holes.

But the weather's getting colder, so I bit the bullet this morning, pulled out a needle, and sewed the buttons on Llama's new jumper.

He decided that while not happy to sit on the lounge, roll around the play pen, or try and take a nap, he would gladly be plonked in the middle of the floor, and watch me wind a slumped bendigo ball into a yarn cake. And then my brain woke up, and I thought ... "I can take a photo of him in his new jumper!"

So here he is again.

And here he is playing with Elijah (the elephant). I'm not sure what's going on with this child, but he has a taste for knitted items ... jumpers, toys, blankets, shawls ... if he sees a knit or a purl stitch it's headed straight for his mouth.

I'm nearly 1/2 way another red baby cardigan, and need to seam and knit the neckband on blue cardigan .... I'm trying to build up a stash of baby items, there are 12 coming between now and Christmas. And I want to finish Joe's jumper, and knit myself a cardigan too! So better quit blogging, and pick those needles back up, while llama's still napping.

Running Down a Steep Hill

2009-03-11T13:12:00.003+11:00

Have you ever run down a steep hill. The wind in your hair, as you pick up more and more speed. Your legs have to move faster and faster to keep up. You can't stop till the bottom, if you stop, you fall (and it hurts). It's scary, exhilarating and so much fun!

That's the feeling I get as I approach the end of a lace project. That's the feeling I had 2 weeks ago, as I completed the 41st repeat of the main stitch pattern in the Estonian Lace Garden Shawl. I was up to the nupps. Oh what fun the nupps were. Yarn over, pull it loose, knit, pull it loose, yarn over, pull it loose, knit, pull it loose, yarn over, ready for the next stitch. What a lovely rhythm. And purling back, the sense of accomplishment as I managed to pierce all 5 loops of the stitch, and purl them together, finishing with a little tug as they slid off the needle, to sit neatly in place. I was flying down that hill, and it was great.

And then I tripped and fell (metaphorically)

The dreaded T word - tendonitis.

Generally, it's not considered a good thing when your wrist suddenly explodes in pain, and looses most of its power, while holding you 4 month old son (who now weighs in at a hefty 7.5 kilos). And when it happens 3 times in one day, it's a cause for concern.

So the shawl is still not finished (though gradually getting closer). And all those little 'fill-in' projects ... the baby's hat for the next arrival (there are a few approaching); the 'stay-on' baby socks for the son whose feet are growing at an alarming rate; the warm snuggly socks started at Christmas and suffering a severe case of second sock syndrome; the baby cardigan, so pretty in pink ... they're all on hold.

To extend the metaphor a little further still, having tripped and fallen, as I picked myself up, I caught a glimpse of another path, promising treasure. For the last week, I have been scouring websites, searching for the elusive icon of the March 09 Great Down Under Nappy Hunt. Who would have thought an online scavenger hunt would be such fun. And the sights/sites to see ... I've come up with so many ways to spend Kevin's money, but which to chose?

So the knitting has been a little slow of late. But I can report that I am up to the trellis edging on the second edge of the shawl. Four more rows, a bind off and blocking to go. I have finished increasing on the sleeves for the cardigan (I always love that point). And in an attempt to see if maybe crochet was less aggravating on my wrist, I created this little guy.

Mr Rectangle (as we have dubbed him, what an imaginative name).

Pattern: Rudy the Rectangle by Lion Brand

Yarn: Assorted scraps of Anchor Magic Line

Hook: 4mm

I liked the look of his arms and legs for our little llama to chew on. And so does he. He also likes the corners. I made him in cotton (the rectangle, not the baby), and stuffed him with scrap fabric so he would be nice and tasty for our little one.

And a photo of something made a while ago, but forgotten last time I posted.

An alpaca hat to keep a little llama warm.

Pattern: Baby Hat, One Skein

Yarn: Handspun Alpaca purchased on eBay quite some time ago

This yarn is really warm and cosy, but we do find fibres caught in the dribble monster's neck creases.

Needles: 4mm knitpicks options

Modifications: Knitted on smaller needles than the pattern, with the number of stitches for the larger size. Which gives a hat nicely suited for his 'in-between sizes' head.

Fairy Floss

2009-02-13T08:41:00.006+11:00

After a run of baby boys, my friends and relations have started to produce little girls.

Time to break out the oh so pretty pink yarn.

This lovely stuff was handed to me by someone who had acquired it from someone else etc etc. I'm glad it ended up in my hands. It's lovely and squooshy and soft, and oh so elastic! I never thought I'd like a crepe yarn so much.

There's some blue balls still in the bag, so looks like little llama gets some Superfine action too.

Also pink is my current 'long term lace project'.

I started this when I finished the Pretty as a Peacock shawl. I honestly think it's the perfect project. It sits happily with it's cone of yarn in a large ziplock bag ready for me to grab as I head out the door (along with the other bags of nappies, spare clothes, toys, blankets etc).

The lace panel in the centre is made up of an 8 row pattern. To be repeated 41 times. So I don't even need to pack the pattern! I'm up to my 32nd repeat, so will have to start concentrating soon .... the nupps are coming.

One of those moments

2009-02-12T08:57:00.003+11:00

We were discussing the bushfires in Mothers' Group on Tuesday, and again at bible study last night. The consensus has been that they're one of those events that stick in your head ... like the gulf war, Princess Diana's death and 9 11.

They bring a rather stoic, reserved nation to tears. There's something heartbreaking about watching your prime minister struggle to keep composed on television.

They show up the worst in humanity - arson, looting, the selfishness of people, a rejection of how God would have us live.

But there is hope too. In the 8 year old Girl Guide who asks her leader, "What are we going to do to help the bushfire people". In the blood, food, toys and clothes donated. The hugs given to the suffering.

We pray that those affected would know the eternal hope found in Jesus. We thank God for the generosity of total strangers, for the courage of fire fighters.

To donate to the relief efforts, click here.
To find out more about the hope found in Jesus, click here.

The problem with buttons

2009-02-04T12:56:00.008+11:00

I have 2 blue cardigans sitting with my stash. They're sitting with the buttons I (eventually bought) to sew on them. One has been sitting there for over 12 months now, the other for only 3.
I just don't like sewing on buttons.

It doesn't take me long ... I sewed four on this top while feeding the (no longer particularly) little llama this morning (ie less than 10 minutes)

Do you like it?

The cables aren't as sproingy as in the pattern - to be expected when you knit in bamboo/cotton. But they don't look too bad, and it was a quick knit (except for the buttons).

Pattern: Cable Vest, Drops Design

Yarn: Patons Serenity (bamboo & cotton)

Needles: 4 mm knitpicks options

Modifications: None.

The most frustrating thing about the pattern was the number of ends left to weave in. If I thought about it more, I could have avoided a few. But by the time I was weaving in the last ends, I had to be careful not to try and weave an end under an end (and hence have an end pop out).

Also off the needles are these bootees (booties?). Really quick (and no buttons).

Pattern: Blue Steps Baby Booties

Yarn: Adrafil Floris

Needles: 2.75 mm Harmony dpns

Modifications: None

Comments: Doing a toe up cast-on on dpns is really tricky (but doable if you're persistent)

And finally

Wrist/ankle rattles. The bells are worked in as part of the knitting, so relatively secure. Just a couple of rounds of twisted rib, an easy morning's work.

Duds

2009-02-02T15:02:00.003+11:00

No, not rejects. Pants!

Shaped around the back to fit the ample derrier of the cloth nappied baby.

Cable feature along the outside leg, and cuff.

Very cute. And designed by me. I even wrote down what I did in case I want to do it again.

Thankyou

2009-01-15T16:53:00.003+11:00

To all the lovely people who have showered our little llama with gifts.

Since his birth, we have purchased 4 items of clothing, such has been the extent of the giving.

And an extra thankyou to those of you who crafted (knitted, crocheted, sewed) something special for the cutest little boy ever!

Happy Birthday & Merry Christmas

2009-01-01T09:35:00.010+11:00

My birthday is in July. Last year (ie 2008) my sister-in-law ordered a copy of One Skein for me. It arrived at the beginning of December.

Since then I've knitted up two items from its selection of yummy patterns.

Petal Bib (Rav link)

Yarn: Bendigo 8 ply Cotton

Needles: 4.0 mm Knitpicks options

Mods: none

and Baby Hat (Rav link)

Yarn: Cleckheaton Bamboo

Needles: 3.25 Addi Turbo

Mods: knitted on smaller needles than pattern. Pattern knitted as per the larger size to give a hat for a newborn.

I'm really enjoying knitting patterns from this book. Probably because they've been pretty quick to knit up (duh).

So Birthday knitterly goodness flowed right up to Christmas.

A couple of weeks before Christmas, we drove up to Petlins, at Rhodes, to purchase a ball winder, and this

Now it's out from under the bed, and able to be used. I totally love it. Joe seems quite taken with the mechanics of the ball winder, and wanted to know if I had any more to wind. Well not just yet, but he can wind the next ball.

And from my parents in law I received something with this label.

Here it is sitting on the ottoman.

It hold so much, it reminds me of Mary Poppins' bag (though not made of carpet).

I only knitted one Christmas gift this year ...

A tie for my brother in law.

This was the project that spurred me on to try blocking with guitar strings. It was a lot more work than I imagined. Mostly in the lining ... I had calloused fingers from the sewing needle. He's promised to wear it at the next 'suitable occasion' (hmmm).

Pattern: Knitpicks Mens Bias-Knit Tie

Yarn: Patonyle

Needles: 3.25 Addi Turbos

I had a lot of trouble blocking the skinny end as wide as the specs indicated, which affected how well the lining sat. If I were to make this again (and I won't) I'd line it in a colour similar to the yarn (like the pattern suggests).

Looking through the photos on the camera, I actually knitted one and a half Christmas presents. Here's the half.

With the Christmas knitting out of the way, I'm plugging away at my Estonion lace stole (promise to post pics sometime soon), Joe's jumper (as soon as he tries it on to check the sleeve - again), and a pair of socks (in yummy squishy Koigu).

Christmas with a baby

2008-12-24T11:40:00.003+11:00

Llama is waaaayy to young to have any idea about Christmas. And I'm liking it.

We've decided not to go overboard (and not just because we're down to one income at the moment). This year, he will receive a hardcover book that he can look at later, and read the (yet to be determined) message we have for him.

However, having a child means that Joe & I need to think a bit harder about what we do as a family at Christmas.

I've been doing some thinking about Santa over the last few weeks (check out my SIL's thoughts here). When I had figured out the truth about Santa, and let it slip to my parents (we all lived in denial for a few years), they said that my brother and I could have one lot of presents a year, either presents from them, or presents from Santa. We weren't silly, Santa gave us heaps more presents, so we opted for him as the gift giver.

When I became Christian I was struck by how different Jesus is from Santa.

The premise behind Santa is, if you behave yourself (all year), you will get presents ... a reward for being good. Regardless of how naughty I may have been during the year, I still managed to get presents. Santa was a bit of a soft touch.

The Bible tells us the truth. We aren't 'good' all year. We can't even go a day without indicating to God that we don't need him (either actively or passively). And God is no soft touch. When we reject him, it matters.

But God is so much more merciful than Santa.

Even though we do reject Him, he sent His Son (Jesus), as our extra special Christmas present. Jesus was good ALL YEAR, EVERY YEAR, and if we ask God for forgiveness, we can claim Jesus' goodness as our own.

So Joe and I have decided that for our family, Christmas is going to be about Jesus, not Santa. We celebrate what God has done through Jesus everyday. And once a year we get a holiday to help us stop and think that extra bit more. We pray that you will too.

Kanoko

2008-12-19T09:50:00.004+11:00

I have now finished 2 pairs of Kanoko Pants.

Pair number 1 is now 'llama wear'. He received many compliments (from knitters and non-knitters) when he showed them off around town this week.

I will knit him another pair (at some point) in a larger size. Current pair only fit comfortably in disposable nappies (he's often in cloth), and at his current growth rate, won't fit him in the new year.

Specs:

Yarn: Moda Vera Supremo (100% cotton). On special at Spotlight last year for some ridiculously small amount. It's a frustrating yarn to work with. Quite nubbly, and a bit raw, so even moss stitches are not easy.
Needles: 4.0 mm knitpicks options
Pattern: Kanoko Pants
Mods: Shortened the legs.

Pair number 2 is in my 'stash of knitted items for babies due next year'.

For this pair, I removed the things that frustrated me when knitting the first pair.

Specs:
Same pattern & needles.
Yarn: Bendigo 8 ply cotton (much, much nicer to knit with, so smooth and soft)
Mods: Used a provisional cast on, and knitted in the stitches to form the casing at the end of the rib. Joined to work in the round for first 10 rows, so the waistband didn't separate. Chained the drawstring first, then inserted it into the casing as I knitted the casing together. Added two extra stitches to the cast on (so that rib edges would match), then knitted 2 together when I rejoined to work in the round at the end of the rib. Then with an uneven number of stitches the moss stitch would look nicer at the join. Lengthened the rise (waist to crotch) by 2-3 rows, and shortened the legs.

All up, I'm happy with the changes. And will use them when I make Llama's next pair.

Water, wool and wires

2008-12-18T18:00:00.004+11:00

Before Christmas, I must block this ...

The aim is to use these...

I picked up on a suggestion made by knitabulous. The guitar strings cost $2.80 a pop. I bought four, and added another pack of flower headed pins to by blocking supplies (less than $15 all up!).

For a test run, I blocked a scarf that had been sitting in the laundry basket since we returned from Japan (in March).

It worked! And would work even better if I was a bit more patient (as I will be when I next have a go).

Cast-On itis

2008-12-11T09:07:00.004+11:00

My fingers are itching.

There are soooo many yummy patterns I want to knit.

But I've already got four projects on the needles (and one waiting to be blocked).

The Man Jumper: Having fixed the shoulder cap, I'm having my third attempt at the sleeve (knitting the pattern as written, just for a change). Maybe the high likelihood of running out of yarn is influencing my reluctance to keep going?
Fairy Floss: My current lace fix. An Estonian lace stole, knitted in wool I picked up in Japan. 13 pattern repeats down, 28 to go.
Kanoko Pants: Stash busting with purpose! With Llama's frequent 'posseting', separates are the way to go at the moment.
Woollen Soaker (pdf link): The plan for llama-wear this summer is singlet tops with funky knitted nappy covers (they look good, and keep the moisture in!)

So what's tempting me at the moment?

Campfire Socks

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Beer Cosies

Cabled Baby Vest

Garter stitch Baby Jacket

A crown

Maybe I've been spending too much time online, and not enough time on the lounge (with my knitting).

Little Legs

2008-12-01T08:58:00.003+11:00

Since we've brought our little llama back from the hospital the weather has been oh so changeable. I commented as such to my mum, and her (ever practical) reply was ... "Well that's Spring weather isn't it."

Trying to figure out what clothes I will wear for the day is often a challenge. Especially given the likelihood that I will need to change out of clothes that have been contaminated with some form of bodily fluid throughout the day.

Trying the choose clothes for the little one can be even more of a challenge*, and the chance of them becoming quickly soiled is even higher. A lot of his jumpsuits have long sleeves, but no legs. Great for nappy inspections, but that won't stop his legs going purple when the mercury drops.

The solution .... Leg warmers!

Knitted (of course)

And here is the pattern:

Little Legs

Needles: 3.25 mm dpns (or circs if they take your fancy)

Yarn: Shepherd 4 ply

Gauge: 12 sts (of K1tbl, P1 rib) to 1" worked in the round.

To fit legs with below knee circumference of 14 cm (a snug fit). Adjust the number of stitches as necessary for your gauge or required dimensions.

Rib Cast On: Basically cable cast on, but stitches drawn up knitwise then purlwise. Use a slip knot to create first stitch. Insert needle into stitch knitwise, draw through a loop and place on left needle (keeping initial stitch).* Insert needle purlwise (from the back)between the last two stitches, draw through a loop and place on left needle. Insert needle knitwise (from the front) between the last two stitches, draw through a loop and place on left needle. Repeat from * till you have the desired number of stitches.

Cast on 36 sts using rib cast on, and distribute over dpns. Mark beginning of the round.

Round 1: [K1tbl, P1] Repeat for round.

Repeat round one until leg warmers are 9cm long (or desired length).

Heel:

BO 18 sts in rib, [K1tbl, P1] across remaining sts. Turn (you may want to place all the stitches onto one needle).

[K1, P1tbl] repeat to end. Turn.

[K1tbl, P1] repeat to last stitch.

Turn work to cast on 18 sts using rib cast on (starting with a stitch created knitwise), and redistribute stitches over needles to work in the round. Hint: I find having the first two stitches of the round on the last needle makes joining easier.

Stirrup:

Work 3 more rounds of Round 1

BO all stitches in rib.

Weave in ends.

Work second leg warmer to match

*Except when the bulk are in the wash, and the choice is seriously restricted.

Pretty as a Peacock (well nearly)

2008-11-25T09:18:00.004+11:00

That is, it's kind of finished. Here is the completed shawl having a bit of a block on the bed.

Only a bit of a block, mind you. I'm considering this a practice block. Not enough pins to sort out the cast-off edge, and scallopy side edges.

Currently my blocking equipment is limited to:

1 pkt flower headed pins

1 pilates mat

1 set of interlocking foam squares (that are getting more use as baby kick mats)

Beach towels

A bucket, and

Our bed (if the project won't take long to dry).

If I drop enough hints, maybe some blocking wires will come my way this Christmas, and I can stop worrying about the scalloped edges.

So until I have figured out how to give the shawl a firmer tug in all the right directions, it will have to stay partly blocked.

Pattern: Pretty as a Peacock

Needles: 3.5mm Knitpicks

Yarn: Not too sure - From Ailsa's stash, held double.

The colour is more accurate in the last two photos.

Steep Learning Curve

2008-11-17T16:41:00.000+11:00

Life's been busy with a new baby to care for.* Just when I think I know what to expect, he does something different.

Amidst the never ending loads of washing, nappy changes and time spent watching him sleep (very easy to loose track of time that way), I have been able to carry on with some knitting ... Joe's jumper is progressing. One sleeve is around 2/3 done. I'm worried about the amount of yarn I have, so sleeves are being done before the rest of the body.

It's been ripped out once, to redo the shoulder/sleeve cap. And may need to be ripped again to change the shaping along the under arm. I've decided that this is not a project where I will carry on knitting in denial ... if it looks like it's wrong, or not going to work, then I'm going to fix it instead of carrying on (with my head in the sand), hoping that it will sort itself out.

And now for a photo of the singlet that I knitted. The armholes are way too big. But I reckon he looks pretty retro.

I've also managed to make a pair of Fleeglised Saartje's Booties for my cousin's baby due in early December. How exciting that I now have a model for baby knits.

*It hit home in the early hours of one morning, that we can't give him back or hand him over when we get sick of being parents ... we're the ones responsible! Not rocket science, but it took a while to totally sink in (quite scary).

Lesson Learnt

2008-11-04T11:28:00.000+11:00

About a year ago, I finished knitting my husband a jumper (see here). It started as a labour of love, and finished with me swearing off Zhivago forever, and vowing never EVER to knit a men's jumper on 3.5mm needles.

As the memories of knitting that jumper are pushed quietly into the dim and dusty corners of my mind, I decided it was time to have another go at declaring my love ... in the sweaterly form.

The Big Thaw Pullover (Rav Link) is promising to be the antidote to Leo.

I'm knitting it in Cleckheaton Country 12 ply (on special at Tapestry Craft/Morris & Sons), on 6mm needles. It's progressing at speed. And because of the construction, I can try it on the recipient as it grows, to make sure that this time, the jumper fits! (I took a photo to demonstrate this, but the model indicated that the jumper looked funny, and insisted that it never be shown publicly).

So here's a photo of it all scrunched up, on our (very dirty) outside table.

Don't let the photo deceive you ... it's really a very black, black.

Llama has arrived!

2008-10-28T19:05:00.000+11:00

A big warm welcome to Jude Alexander. Who, according to his parents, is the most amazing, beautiful, gorgeous child ever.

He was born at 2:15 am on Tuesday 21 October - following a rather short labor (induced), and tiring delivery that ended with a bit of help from a vacuum.

Arriving two-and-a-half weeks early was a bit of a plus, I think he was quite a nice size to be born .... weighing nearly 3.5 kilos (7 pounds, 9 ounces), 52 cm long, with a 35cm circumference head.

Just when we were starting to get into a bit of a routine at the hospital, he was confirmed as being sufficiently jaundiced to warrant some time under lights. So he spent the next 4 days buck naked (except for a rather fetching eye mask). Even so, he looked adorable.

He got the all clear to go home a bit before lunch today, so had to deal with wearing clothes and a nappy (everything looks so big on him!).

The house looks rather chaotic. It's amazing how many bags of 'stuff' you can accumulate after 7 days in hospital. Rather than clean up, we rugged him up, and tested out his new pram - lucky there was a good supply of knitted items to keep him warm in the wind (it wasn't really that cold).

He's asleep now. And I'm getting nervous about his first night at home ....

Llama Knitting

2008-10-14T14:53:00.000+11:00

While working on the Pretty as a Peacock Shawl, I've been nutting out a few items ready for Llama's arrival (theoretically 'mindless knitting').

First, a prototype for a baby jacket.

I couldn't find a free pattern for a top down, raglan, bolero-style baby jacket. So I made up my own. I like the I-cord edging - nice finish without sacrificing the stretch.

Yarn: Patons Serenity (bamboo)

Needles: 4mm

Size: Based on the size of a 00 wondersuit. Fits my friend's 5 month old son.

Next version has been started on 3.5 needles for a firmer fabric, will have a slightly modified neckline & trim, and will be a little smaller.

Also, a bib.

Nothing too special ... nice and big (to cover clothes). Floppy fabric, so it can be used easily to wipe. The strap is too long, but I'll unpick and shorten it when I have a baby to measure it on.

Yarn: Adriafil Floris (sportweight cotton)

Needle: 4mm

Patterns for both of these will be coming as soon as I sort out the kinks (and decipher what I've written).

Oooops!

2008-10-12T10:26:00.000+11:00

Thursday night I was congratulating myself on saving around 7 hours of tinking and reknitting.

Here's the mistake I found (luckily in only 2 repeats of the pattern).

See how the 'v' of the feathers is skewed to the left. This is what happens when you think you know the pattern, and don't bother counting.

With no lifelines, and the knowledge that each row takes around 1/2 an hour to knit. I decided to be brave. Armed with a couple of dpns and a crochet hook, I slipped the offending section of stitches off each needle, and unravelled them down to where I'd gone wrong (being careful to keep each row's strip of yarn carefully organised).

Then using the dpns and the crochet hook, I reknitted the stitches, one row at a time. It wasn't too bad, and I think it turned out ok. There is one lot of YOs that are a bit looser than the others, but a good block should sort that out.

I felt soooooo clever. I was ready to shout my cleverness from the rooftops.

But then, last night, I was looking at the key for the pattern again, and realised I'd made an even bigger mistake ...

Can you see?

The double decreases change partway through the project. Uh oh. When I picked the project up after months of neglect, guess who didn't double check the symbols on the chart. The change happens around the beginning of the second lot of 'eyes' (that's a lot of knitting ago).

I'm not unpicking it!

The thought of unpicking all that knitting - and even worse, rewinding the yarn onto the cone and ball (I'm using two strands held together) - is just too horrible to contemplate. This mistake has now tranformed into a 'design feature' (even though I like it better as written).

To finish off, here is a photo of a 'perfect' avocado that formed part of my delicious lunch on Thursday. Yum.

Domesticity

2008-10-08T08:53:00.000+11:00

As I said to my husband as he left for work yesterday ....

I am now a housewife.

So how was my first day as a lady of leisure???

I folded the washing & ironed work shirts (not mine ... they're sitting in a bag in the garage for the next 12 months).

I watched CSI from Sunday night & did some more work on the Pretty as a Peacock shawl (nearly finished chart G!)

I made curtains!

Here's the first one up. The second was heaps quicker ... until I realised that curtain tape has a right & a wrong side. Unpicking 6 metres of stitching (and collecting the bits of cotton as I went so there wasn't green thread all over the lounge) added an extra hour or so to the process.

I photographed the llama's pram blanket.

The grafting got better as the project progressed.

I am now totally down with the whole grafting/kitchener process (thanks EZ). The blanket is a pattern from the Knitters Almanac. Made from 24 squares, grafted together, with centre sts picked up and knitted up, and then the edge stitches picked up and worked in garter stitch, with a sewn bind-off (so sloooooow). One of the things I like about the pattern is that it's tricky to tell where it starts - which is what intrigued me initially. Except I just gave away all the secrets - so now you know.

Knitted in Panda Pure Wool (~4 ply) - a little scratchy and stiff, but softer after a wash (and was lurking in my stash), on 3.25 mm needles.

You may notice that there are no sheets on the cot. I decided to make my own. So far I've made one. It's ended up a little trickier than I thought. In a Spotlight induced moment of insanity, I bought fabric that wasn't quite wide enough to tuck around the mattress - I did get enough length, though, to add strips to either side. All was going well, till I realised that I'd managed to have the edges of the seams facing a different way on each side.

I managed to fix it up a bit, but I'm not too concerned - it's only sheets! But I think it was a good reminder of why I don't sew that much .... I loose concentration and stuff it up (like the time I made shorts and sewed straight down the side seams, blocking any access to the pockets I had so carefully pinned in place).

So what's planned for the rest of the week????

Today was spent with a friend and her adorable little boy (5 mths old). Thursday I'll reorganise the yarn cupboard while the aircon guy does his stuff (how exciting). And Friday I'm planning a mini-road trip with my SIL.

How did I ever find time to work?

The Show

2008-09-21T21:21:00.000+10:00

Not the Easter Show, but Bulli Show. An institution in the northern suburbs of Wollongong.

I remember my mum telling me as a young girl that it always rains on the show weekend. Well not this weekend. Two warm sunny days in a row! Lucky I'd made a dash to Kmart on Friday afternoon to stock up on summery clothes that would fit my ever-expanding belly.

But back to the show. I entered three items. Pomotamus socks in 'Any other knitted work', Dashing Root in 'any knitted garment made from thick wool' and the Icarus shawl in 'Hand knitted shawl'.

End result, first place for the socks, second for DR, and HC for the shawl.

Did you notice anything strange with the shawl???

That's right the certificate is pinned on the wrong side. It was hung back to front! I wonder if it was judged on the basis of its wrong side?

And in non-show related news. Here's a peek at the llama cardigan (ie for the baby)

Yarn: Shepherd Colour 4 Me

Needles: 4mm

Pattern: from an old Patons book

Mods: Didn't feel like sewing on a button band, so picked up stitches along the edges and neckline, and worked increases at the corners. (Pretty pleased with myself for thinking of that!)

And the Kimono Socks

Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug (Monet colourway)

Needles: 2.5mm (2 circulars)

Pattern: Kimono Socks from Knitscene Magazine.

Mods: Haven't actually checked gauge, but think it was smaller than specified, so added extra rows to the heel flap (and hence sts to the gusset), and a bit more length to the foot.

They're not blocked yet, so the ties are a little twisty still. This yarn was sooooo yummy to knit with. Lucky I've got another skein in the cupboard, waiting for the perfect pattern.

Knitting for Others

2008-09-07T15:33:00.000+10:00

A good proportion of what I knit ends up living somewhere else (I think Joe's pleased about this ... or the cupboards would be filled with FOs as well as stash).

This crocheted bag was a birthday present for a good friend.

Can you see the cables?? That's right, crocheted cables - amazing!

I had so much fun making it. The pattern is from a Japanese book of crochet patterns. I really love the way they work. Just thinking about how the pattern would look if written out long hand makes my head spin.

These hats were a request. The project brief was a hat that isn't too tight fitting, to avoid hat hair. The pattern is by Kim Hamlin, from the book, "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts". It's a great pattern that's really versatile. Just cast on the stitches, figure out what kind of brim you want, and stripe the yarn however you like until it's time to decrease. Brilliant.

After making one, I still had some yarn loitering, so I cast on for the baby size. How cute.

Finish Line

2008-08-28T18:10:00.000+10:00

Nearly a week late in posting, but I truly did finish my two Ravelympic projects on time!

Project #1: Glacier Ribbon Scarf
Lots of pictures thanks to Joe's good work with the camera!

Yarn: FlameTree Yarns silk single (Cystal Pool colourway) courtesy of Knitabulous
Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf
Needles: 4mm knitpicks options
Mods: A bit shorter than the pattern stipulates. Using a slightly heavier yarn means it's a little wider too.

I like that I can wear it scrunched up around my neck

Or opened out over my shoulders
This yarn has to be cuddled to be believed ... sooooo soft and (would you believe) silky!

Project #2 Pomotamus
These will be going to a good home.

Pattern: Pomotamus
Yarn: Patonyle (old style) in cream
Needles: 2.75 mm dpns ( a mix of grey and anodized green that I picked up from an op shop - sweet!)
Mods: Took inspiration from Princess Pea and used a rib cast on. The toes are totally different. With 48 sts remaining shifted to a decrease every row. Then grafted when there were 20 sts remaining (or something like that). I'm not a fan of pointy toed socks.

I love the stitch pattern. It's like there are 2 or three layers of knitting lurking in there.

In Training and the Real Event

2008-08-12T11:26:00.000+10:00

Last week was training week for the Ravelympics.

I have two projects tagged for the Ravelympics, Pomatomus, and a scarf/stole (just in case I could be super efficient and finish two off).

I wanted to knit a scarf/stole in some dk silk I had purchased from Knitabulous. I totally fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I figured it would make a lovely accessory to wear to my cousin's wedding, and help me feel a little less like a beached whale (I'll be around 35 weeks pregnant).

Initially I thought I might pick out a stitch pattern from my new book of knitting stitches (a yummy birthday pressie!), and tried one out on some left over cotton (figuring it wouldn't have much stretch in it, like the silk). It looked pretty good.

But the twist in the silk was not as tight, and I think a lot of the pattern was lost.

So that idea was scrapped (although I've kept going with the red swatch, I think it will end up as a face washer).

This week, I've been under house arrest. The cold I caught at the beginning of July is creeping up out of my chest, and is making friends with the brand new cold I caught at the end of last week. So I decided to listen to the doctors and accept the week off work.

This has meant that there's been quite a bit of time available for knitting. Here are pics of my two Ravelympics projects:

Pomatomus knitted in standard patonyle

The stitch definition is wonderful. And I used a k1 p1 rib cast on (found in a random book of Patons patterns) for a stretchy cuff.

and Veronik Avery's Lace Ribbon Scarf knitted in Knitabulous' hand dyed silk.

I think the colour is more like the blue in this second photo.

I keep switching between the two projects cause frankly, both patterns get a little repetitive after a while.

Problem Solved

2008-08-12T11:03:00.000+10:00

I have been complaining much this winter that the tops for sale have stupid sleeve lengths. They stop just above the elbow, just below the elbow, just above the wrist, and anywhere in between. Finding long-sleeved tops to wear this winter was quite an exercise (luckily I did find some that I've been rotating through).

I decided that I'd had enough with all the complaining. And set out to do something about it. The answer was (of course) long fingerless mits. I settled on a pattern from one of the books I bought in Japan. After contemplating the pattern and figuring out what most of those Japanese symbols meant, swatching (that's right, I swatched!), switching hooks, getting halfway through the first one, before pulling it out (I don't have Japanese skinny arms and hands) they were finished!

I LOVE them! I think they're just a little more elegant than Fetching (I like to practise a royal wave when wearing them). The colour changes from grey to purple to brown depending on the light.

And so for specs:

Pattern: no idea what it's called, it's in Japanese
Yarn: Patonyle (a bit more than one ball)
Hook: 3.25 mm
Modifications: in the original pattern the elbow ends are more flared, as I've only decreased once (instead of four times). I've also added a pattern repeat (2 rows) between the thumb and the knuckle.

Ta Dah!

2008-07-26T13:14:00.001+10:00

The Aran Sampler Scarf revealed! *

I REALLY love this scarf. It's knitted up in handspun courtesy of my uncle (what a lucky neice I am!), it's nicely rustic, and smells all woollen and eucalyptusy (mmm).

I also really love it, cause I designed it myself!

I charted the cables, and figured out how to move them around the fabric as I went. Hooray for lead pencils and graph paper. I even unpicked some bits to improve the flow of the cables from one section to another.

The photo below shows the grafted section of the scarf. If you pick it up and feel it, you can find it, cause I wasn't as careful with the tension as I could have been. But the variable texture of the yarn hides it pretty well.

At some point in the future (hopefully not too far away), I will sit down with the charts and write up the pattern.

And in aesthetic opposition to this lovely scarf is the most ugly sock I have ever knitted. But, twas for a good cause. My brother broke his foot, and ripped some tendons from the bone, so no normal socks for him this winter! I made this pattern up too ... just a basic ribbed toe-up sock, worked in worsted weight yarn to speed up the process.

* Sorry Mike, no jumper for you :)

Grafting Rib (wordy knitting instructions)

2008-07-17T17:45:00.000+10:00

Due to popular request (Princess Pea). I am about to write out instructions on grafting ribbed sections of fabric.

First a few 'disclaimers':

I'm sure I'm not the first to have figured out this (or another) method of grafting ribbed knitting.
The basic technique I use stems from Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitters Almanac. It has lovely pictures, and a very workable set of instructions. I think it's one of the best knitting books I've ever bought, and if you want more practice at grafting, buy it! (the Book Depository usually has it for a good price).

So here goes (I might get around to taking some photos and adding them later).

I usually start with a piece of scrap yarn threaded through the live stitches so that I don't accidentally lose them. I pull it out stitch by stitch, as I weave through the stitch (if you don't the stitches have a tendency to sit a bit crooked).
Lay the two pieces of knitting flat on your lap with the live stitches (loops) facing each other.
Take a blunt needle threaded in the grafting yarn (usually the same as what the fabric's knitted in).
Starting with the bottom piece of knitting (closest to your tummy), with the purl bumps facing down, thread the needle DOWN through the right most stitch, and UP through the next one to the left.
Switch to the top piece of knitting, thread the needle DOWN throught the rightmost stitch, and UP through the next one to the left.
Switch to the bottom piece of knitting and go DOWN in the second stitch from the left (the one you went up in before), and up through the next stitch to the left.
Switch to the top piece of knitting and go DOWN in the second stitch from the left (the one you went up in before), and up through the next stitch to the left.

Get the idea

Now for the rib part

When you get to a section of purl bumps, go down through the next stitch on the bottom piece (the last stocking stitch stitch), then flip your sections of knitting over, and rotate them so that the thread is no on the top piece of knitting (ie 180 degrees).
The approaching purl bumps have now become standard right side stocking stitch. Go up through the next stitch on the left (top piece).
To finish off the last of the stocking stitch, go up through the partially woven stitch on the bottom, and up through the next stitch to the left (on the bottom piece).
Continue from here on as if it's normal stocking stitch. Whenever you approach a section of purl bumps, flip and rotate, and carry on.

It makes a lot more sense as you actually do it ... you can see how the weaving works (especially if you use a contrasting colour). Knit up a couple of swatches (4x4 rib would be good to try), and have a go. I'll work on some photos to add, that may make it a bit simpler.

I feel clever

2008-07-14T17:31:00.000+10:00

Can you guess what this is ???

Aside from poorly taken photos, that is (stupid sun going down early in winter).

It's two bits of ribbing that I've grafted together! My theory worked! It is possible!

I've been studying up on EZ's grafting technique (in the Knitters Almanac), and it's opened a whole new world of grafting. No more purlwise, knitwise off, knitwise, purlwise off for me. My favourite technique is now to have the live stitches on a piece of yarn that I pull out as I go, and join the two sections with their loopy bits top and bottom, sitting on my knee (or table if my back gets sore).

If you flip the sections over and rotate 180 degrees when you come to the purl section, it works out nicely. I'm sure there's a clearer way to explain it, but can't convert my head instructions into workable English at the moment.

So why have I mastered this amazing feat ?????

It's blocking at the moment, and I don't want to spoil the surprise....

Saturday

2008-07-06T11:44:00.000+10:00

Yesterday was a nice Saturday. Lots to do, but not too busy.

I started the morning mashing potato to make focaccia (an interesting but really yummy recipe).
While the dough was rising I popped down to the shops to stock up on some fresh veges, and replenish staple food stocks. I just love 'popping' down to the shops on a Saturday morning - not a big shop, just picking up items for use on that day.

Ingredients at hand, back at home I made a herb, rocket & blue cheese frittata (gotta eat that blue cheese somehow), sauteed mushrooms, chargrilled banana chilis and roasted grape tomatoes to go with the focaccia that was now proving.

Most of the cooking was finished just in time for the arrival of two of my sisters in law. We had organised a lunch date to watch Northanger Abbey (that had been shown on the ABC recently).

Corn chips and salsa at the ready, we sat down to watch and eat, pausing momentarily to clear more room on the coffee table as the food was distributed.

Northanger Abbey was so good that we decided to watch Mansfield Park as well (which wasn't so good). Joe got sick of the mess in the kitchen (I'd already cleaned up once, and was working up to round two), so washed up and repacked the dishwasher.

The rest of the afternoon was spent making a bookmark to give to a dear friend for her birthday ... the party was that night (nothing like a deadline to get things moving). I finished the tassel in the car, as we drove to Newtown. (forgot to take a photo).

Dinner was delicious Thai food, with a bit of a kick! We had a great time meeting Leanne's friends from her new church, and catching up with her and other friends we hadn't seen for a while.

We were back home by 10:30. Joe to rewind the hard disk recorder and watch the first stage of Le Tour. Me to read in bed for a bit, before turning off the light.

Pretty humdrum? Yeah I guess, but the kind of humdrum I like ... food, friends, fun. My kind of Saturday.

Baby Cables Singlet Pattern

2008-06-28T15:48:00.000+10:00

Baby Cables Singlet

A quick and easy knit for those summer babies.

Yarn: Adriafil Floris
Needles: 3.25 mm (US 3, UK 12) circular or dpns
Notions: stitch holder(s), yarn needle for weaving in ends
Size: This knits up to be somewhere around a 000 or 00 in Australian baby sizing. It should fit most newborns.

Gauge: 32 sts and 35 rows to 10 cm in rib pattern when lightly steam blocked

Cable pattern (worked over 9 stitches)

Knit Purl

Cable Left: knit second stitch on needle from back of work (without dropping), knit first stitch as normal, drop both stitches

Body
Cast on 90 sts. Join for working in the round.
Work 2 rows in K3, P1 rib
Commence working cable pattern as per the chart. Continue in this pattern until singlet measures 14.5 cm from cast on edge (around 8 repeats) Finishing with a non-cable row

Back
Cast off 3 stitches. Work in pattern as set to for 42 stitches (45 stitches unworked – left for front).
Turn
Cast off 3 stitches. Work in pattern across back (WS). (39 stitches)
Continue to work singlet back and forth.
Dec 1 st at each armhole on RS rows 3 times, keeping pattern (or reverting to a straight 2x1 rib if you prefer). (33 stitches) **
Work a further 23 rows as set, finishing on a WS row.
Left
Work across 9 stitches, cast off 15 sts, work the remaining 9 stitches.
Work 1 row.
Decrease at neck edge on RS rows 3 times.
Place remaining 6 sts on a holder.
Right
Join yarn at right back neck with wrong side facing.
Work as per left back, reversing shaping.
Place remaining 6 sts on a holder.

Front
Rejoin yarn with RS facing.
Work as for back to ** finishing with a WS row.
Work across 14 sts, cast off 5 sts, work another 14 sts.
Right
Decrease 1 st at neck opening on RS rows 5 times. Then every 3rd row until 6 sts remain.
Continue to work right front until it matches the length of the right back (30 rows from last armhole decrease).
Use 3 needle bind off to join right front and back.
Left
Work as for right front, reversing shaping, and joining to left back.

Weave in all ends.
Steam block lightly with damp tea towel over garment.

Fetching

2008-06-28T13:16:00.000+10:00

The room that houses our computer somehow manages to be the coldest in Winter, and the hottest in Summer. Fed up with emerging from a knitterly net session with icypole fingers, I dug around in my stash for some yarn and cast on Fetching.

Having knit some fingerless mitteny things before, I established the basic ground rules that they were to be a dark colour, and not have little fluffy bits coming off all over the place.

Here they are unblocked.

That's not a dark colour colour I hear you say.

No it's not, but it's a very nice colour to have some fun with wool dye.

Here they are dyed and blocked. Yum.

and yum again.

I dyed the mittens in the microwave after knitting up, so that I wouldn't have a whole hank of yarn in the one colour - so many options! The colour isn't totally even, but I like the effect. They're a little greener than they appear in the photos.

Pattern: Fetching (Knitty Summer 06)

Yarn: Some DK I picked up from a strange little store in NZ. No idea of what type of wool it is. I suspect some lovely spinner collected the fleece from the store, spun it up, and took it back to be sold on. The colour was a natural cream, that isn't quite even.

Needles: 3.5 mm knit picks options (dpns for the thumbholes).

Comments/Modifications: I added an extra 5 stitches (one cable/rib) to each mitten as I was using smaller needles. Also added 2 extra stitches to the thumb to make sure there was plenty of room. The length was adjusted for the smaller needles too.

Having finished a project on Tuesday evening (at the knitting shop), and without the pattern for the other item I was knitting. I cast on a singlet for the llama.

No pattern (as yet) - made it up as I went along. Measuring it up against some Bonds singlets it should fit a newborn. I might have to track one down, and double check.

I like the way the cables move across the fabric, like diagonal lines.

I'll post the pattern shortly.

Dashing Root

2008-06-07T12:21:00.000+10:00

I'm still not sure why anyone would ever want to call their knitwear design 'Rusted Root'. Even if you discount the Aussie slang it's not exactly inspiring.

Nevertheless, I saw the pattern, figured it would work perfectly with the 8 balls of 'Dashing' I'd picked up from Spotlight (at just $2 a ball!), and cast on.

That was all some time ago now. The knitting was even finished weeks ago (maybe more than a month). All that was left was the pesky business of weaving in ends and blocking. Making the most of last Saturday's lovely weather, I tore myself away from the Pretty as a Peacock shawl*, and spend some quality time with the laundry tub, woolwash, and my pilates mat. It didn't finish drying on Saturday, and Sunday heralded the start of 5 rainy days. So finally, this morning, I braved the cooler weather, and convinced the wonderful Joe to take some shots.

I knitted this based on my pre-pregnancy measurements, so it's feeling a little tight at the moment. My aim is to have it as an incentive to loose some baby fat come summer.

Specs ...
Pattern: Rusted Root from Zephyr Style
Knitted in Spotlight Basics Dashing (worsted weight apparently)
Needles: 4 mm knitpicks options
Mods: Maybe a bit longer than stipulated in the pattern. After discovering how to make increases that 'lean' different directions, I made sure I used them for the sleeve 'seams'.

I think I might use this pattern as the basis for another top. If I did, I might add a bit more puff to the sleeves, maybe give myself a bit more bust room, and change the decreases at the end of the bust so that they match.

And now (for those who've requested it), a pic of the 'bump'. It's not huge, but I'm making the most of that.

*Yes, I've been picking it up when I feel like I can concentrate - here's a link to the knit a long blog

Still Alive

2008-05-30T17:14:00.000+10:00

Though the general lack of posts may have you believe otherwise. Why have I been so quiet???

Short answer ... I've been busy.

Long answer ... With most of the 1st trimester tiredness a thing of the past, I've been making up for 'lost' time. Things just kept happening, and I kept saying, yeah, I'll go along.

Amidst Girl Guide camps, youth group meetings, trips to Sydney, baby shower, making of appointments and many other things I have packed into the last week or two, there has been some time for knitting.

I finished off the knitting effort for my friend's baby shower ....

Hat pattern adapted from one I found in an old bootie pattern book. Knitted in Patons Dreamtime and Cleckheaton Merino Bambino (using up left over balls of baby yarn). I changed the pattern from a flat piece to circular, adapted the stich number and height to suit the yarn used, and used a three needle bind off to finish (no seams!).

Jumper knitted in Panda Woolbale, originally purchased to felt wine bottle coolers for Christmas last year (a great project idea, that was never fully realised). I had to unpick and reknit the basque at the bottom of the back to finish the second sleeve. I love baby's knits in 8 ply ... so speedy. Nevertheless, the ends of the jumper were woven in at the shower - nothing like leaving something to the last minute.

And finally a cardigan that was knitted last October, but was waiting ever so patiently for buttons.

"Dashing Root' as she has been christened, is languishing in a bag, waiting for ends to be woven in and blocked (still).

I'm working on a cardigan that will be suitable for maternity wear. Unfortunately I didn't notice the 'patience required' written at the top of the pattern.

There's one more project on my needles, but all about that next post.

Baby Knitting

2008-05-11T17:12:00.000+10:00

And the answer to the number one baby question .......

"No I haven't started knitting for the baby yet."

These gorgeous items are for my friend's baby, due in June (not too far away now).

She's really, really lucky. If it wasn't for the speediness of these patterns I may not have been able to part with them so readily.

Catching up on other projects finished a while ago, but only just having photos for:

The completed Aran Scarf .... yummy.

A cable beannie (rather belated Christmas present), knitted in double strand of handspun alpaca that I picked up on eBay a while ago.

The pattern is from one of my Japanese books. I learnt quite a bit in the process of knitting it (twice). How to tell what is the needle size required (the main reason I had to knit it twice), what the Japanese characters for provisional cast on look like, how to read the charts (not too bad), and how to tell the instructions for the hat from those for the matching mittens.

My current project is a new cardigan - for me! Chosen especially to keep me warm when a large tummy will get in the way of most other warm clothes (I reckon it won't look too bad when I'm normal-sized too).

I blame it all on hormones

2008-05-04T09:06:00.000+10:00

The exhibition last week was lots of fun.

I spent Saturday afternoon sitting in the sun/shade chatting, knitting and eating all manner of goodies.

I forgot the camera.

Not to worry I was heading back in Sunday morning - for as long as Joe could amuse himself in Warrawong (about an hour), I'd take some photos then.

I forgot the camera.

Back up plan .... take a few photos on my phone, they can sometimes be passable.

I totally forgot to take photos.

So I returned home kicking myself (not literally) for having no photographic record of the event. Not a single snap to post on the blog.

I blame it all on the pregnancy hormones.

I'm now 13 weeks pregnant. Due in November - winter maternity knitting for me, cotton singlet knitting for bubs.

I wonder what else I can blame on those pesky hormones ....

PS. If you still want to see photos of the exhibition, head over to Knitabulous. She took some wonderful shots.

Blah

2008-04-24T17:47:00.000+10:00

Nothing to say really.

Trying to sort out exhibition knitting. I've come to the realisation that I don't work well with deadlines. When I see one approaching, I start a new, totally unrelated project.

I'm working my way through a salad bowl full of lettuce leaves. With only a little of the green wool left, I think I've figured it out! Finally! Two cherry tomatoes done, and now I've run out of 3 ply red wool. The rest will have to be needle felted (mmm speedy).

To ease me through the blandness of lettuce, I've started knitting "Rusted Root". I think I may need to adjust the name so it's more suitable for Aussie audiences.

Exhibition this weekend. Hurrah!

Enjoyment

2008-04-09T17:45:00.000+10:00

Knitting goes a lot quicker when you enjoy what you're knitting.

I enjoy cables.

I especially enjoy cables weave their way across a background of reverse stocking stitch.

I am enjoying knitting this scarf.

Started a week ago, it's a metre long already. Which is quite a feat considering that it's on straight needles, meaning no car or work knitting - only sitting on the lounge at home knitting.

I haven't looked at the pattern since the end of the first repeat. I just love watching the cables move backwards and forwards, knowing where they're going because of where they've been.

I wouldn't bother looking at the pattern again anyway, cause it's got at least 3 mistakes. Plus, there's a mistake in the picture of the scarf at the top of the pattern! That makes me annoyed.

Back to the knitting

2008-03-27T17:36:00.000+11:00

I've hit a bit of a rough patch knitting-wise lately. Kind of caught in between projects. I know there's stuff that I have to knit - for friends' babies, exhibition etc. But it makes it so much harder, cause it doesn't always tee up with what I want to knit.

At the moment I'm knitting a salad (ready for the exhibition in April). I jelly dyed some 4 ply, and have been experimenting with increases and decreases to get the most lettuce-like leaves. Really, it's been a good process, especially to see the effect of the position of increases on how the leaf turns out. No pictures now. You'll have to wait till the exhibition.

Ready to jump on the needles is a hat - belated Christmas present for my friend - and I think a baby's vest (for a friend who's due in June). I started a 'snuggle' (jumpsuit), but there have been quality probs with the yarn, and I'm not looking forward to the back, so it's resting at the moment. But isn't the stitch definition lovely ...

Finished are Joe's socks (a day late for our wedding anniversary)

A baby jacket

And upsized Saartje's Booties

Also resting is a bit of a folly - Jeanie knitted in cotton, on 2 mm needles. It was a good pattern to take to Japan, nicely repetitive, and no seaming to deal with. Given how long it's taken me to knit 15 cm, I think this will be a 'long term' project.

The blanket is also finished, and is currently on display in the US. I'll publish photos when it arrives safely back home (hopefully in time for winter!).

What's so good about Friday??

2008-03-24T19:50:00.000+11:00

I was always baffled about why Good Friday was so named. What's so good about Jesus dying? Surely it should be called Bad Friday, and then we could have Good Sunday.

When you read the Bible accounts of what happened to Jesus on the day he died (the day we remember as Good Friday), there doesn't seem to be much good happening. He's brought before Jewish and Roman courts on trumped up charges, beaten, mocked, rejected by his followers, and the people of Jerusalem, who had welcomed him into the city only a week or so earlier, and finally hung on a cross to die a tortuous death. So where's the good?

In Mark's account of the Jesus death, it even seems that God (the father) is rejecting his son.

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabaccthani?" - which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34)

The apostle John includes Jesus' last words in his account: "It is finished" (John 19:30b)

Jesus' dying words on the cross help to explain why it is, that this day is so good.

God, the almighty creator and sustainer of the universe is completely and totally good. The truth about all human beings is that we reject God as Lord (boss) and try to do things our own way. This means that we are enemies of God, and are separated from Him. No matter how much we try to 'behave ourselves' we don't meet the perfect standard needed to be reconciled (brought back together) with God.

Jesus, however, as both fully human and fully divine did live a perfect life, that was pleasing to God. On the cross, Jesus sacrificed himself on our behalf. He cried out to God "Why have you forsaken me?" The reason: He had taken all of our rebellion upon his own head. In his death, Jesus performed a majestic 'swapsie'. He took on all our dodginess (everybody's - people already dead, and people not born yet), and we take on his perfection.

So what about his other words "It is finished" ?? Jesus' death wasn't an accident. It had been planned since the beginning (even back when Adam and Eve first rebelled). For all the time leading up to Jesus' death, God had been planning it, as a means to restore the relationship between Himself, and His people. So as Jesus died, God's plan was complete.

But even more than that. I don't know much about formal grammar - most of what I learnt was by studying French at high school. But I do know that there are different types of 'tenses' for verbs, the most obvious being past, present and future, etc, etc. When Jesus said "It is finished" it was actually in a form that means "It has been and forever will be finished." Now that is HUGE. That is something to have total confidence in.

Not only has Jesus reconciled rebellious people with a perfect God. But we can be certain that it is totally effective, and nothing can happen that may change the offer of salvation found in Jesus. Now if that isn't good, then what is?

Japan - The knitting

2008-03-08T09:22:00.000+11:00

We didn't spend much time in big cities. Ten of the 14 days were spent in a ski resort (that was rather isolated). By the time you take away travel times, we ended up with 1 day in Tokyo, and 1 day in Kyoto. Added to that, there were 5 in our group (me, husband, mum, dad, bro), so traipsing around the suburbs of Tokyo to find yarn stores was not and option.

BUT

We did make it to Shinjuku, one evening. Dropping the men off at the camera store on the ground floor, my mum and I headed up to the 6th floor of Kinokuniya (mega huge book store), to look at knitting books. She bought a book on crocheted lace (even though she declares she hates crochet - it was that nice!). I succumbed to 3 - one on Aran knitting, one on crocheted accessories, and one that was a mix of knitted and crocheted tops, gloves, hats and such.

So I had books, but no yarn. I was okay with that. I'd expected as much. The next day we were in Kyoto. Keeping warm that afternoon, we wandered into Daimaru (department store). On the top floor was the craft section, where we found some lovely ladies who tried to help us (my mum and I that is, the mend had wandered off by then) figure out fibre content of the various yarns. My mum walked out with a bag of kid mohair blend, in the the most brilliant, rainbow colourway. I had settled on a cone of fingering weight (or thereabouts) wool, but happened upon some slightly finer balls of wool (poss. merino) in greenish tones that melted my heart.

Here's a pictorial summary of my crafty finds ....

1. My latest three books, 2. Cardigan that's now in my queue, 3. Oooh a hat!, 4. Mmm I like this hat, 5. Cool bag, 6. Great Christmas gifts, 7. Packaging for the fabric I bought, 8. Bento box, 9. Fabric all folded up, 10. Pink cone, 11. Yummy green, 12. Dangly dolls

The Sights of Japan

2008-03-02T14:37:00.000+11:00

Okay, here's the non-knitting post ... aka trip highlights (only the non-knitting ones)

I've uploaded the best photos to Flickr here.

1. Eating random foods from little stores in Asakusa (Tokyo)
2. A ladybug watch - the wings fold out to reveal the timepiece (v. cheap, so they don't 'snap' into place any more).
3. Handwarmer sachet things
4. Kobe beef shabu shabu - absolutely delicious (but not cheap - thankyou to my parents who paid for the meal)
5. Stepping out of the back door of the hotel, onto the ski slope
6. Powder snow that was so light, and soooo deep, that you got spray in your mouth from as you skied.
7. The amazingly helpful bus driver who figured out we wanted to go the 'Monkey Spa', and when we needed to change buses, jumped off his bus, held the second bus for us, and told the people at the ticket window what we needed. WOW!
8. Getting close to the monkeys, and watching them bathe in the thermal springs.
9. Figuring out that 2 packs of sugarfree chewing gum (chewed in succession) work as a laxative when you're nowhere near a chemist.
10. Finding the Indian restaurant that serves up the best and biggest naan bread I've ever seen.
11. Buying crampon-style thingos for walking shoes, so you don't slip on the snow/ice.
12. Eating from a bento box on the Shinkasen.
13. Eating udon noodle curry wearing a bib .
14. Heated toilet seats with control panels to operate the various functions (some included a 'flushing sound', that would run for 25 seconds)
15. Spotting inflatable mushrooms 'hidden' around the ski fields (as par of a competition - we think)
16. The hotel in Tokyo holding on to the new foundation that I'd managed to leave in the room.
17. Having a new camera to play with (at a very good price)
18. Exploring the food markets in Kyoto
19. Knowing that a train will leave at the scheduled time (not a minute before or after).
20. Spending a good holiday with my husband, parents and brother.

Don't tell my brother ...

2008-02-27T19:01:00.000+11:00

That I'm using his laptop to blog about knitting (well, mostly holidays).

We're having a great time in Japan. Nearly time to go home.

After a few days in Tokyo, we've spent the last 9 days at a ski resort near Nagano. There is so much snow! It just keeps snowing and snowing. There's no choice but to ski powder (I'm not complaining). The other day it was so deep I was eating the spray that was rising up in front of me.

Knitting wise.... I've been working on the second of Joe's Boyfriend socks. I never realised how much bigger his feet are than mine until I had to knit him a sock. I've also been plugging away at a version of Jeanie - done on much smaller needles, in red cotton.

Photos and more details when I get back. For now, there's this ...

Can't talk

2008-02-14T21:06:00.000+11:00

Gotta pack.

There's a big pile of clothes gathering on the futon, and empty bag in the lounge room, and the clock keeps telling me it's later and later.

This time tomorrow we'll be in Japan.

Back soon. With tales of adventure!

Happy, Happy

2008-02-09T11:47:00.000+11:00

Joy, joy.

I've finished my chemise. I have to say that it's the knitted item of clothing that I am most happy with. I like the colour, the fit, the style, and the cost (all up <$15). Cause it's cotton, there's no itching either.

Joe was kind enough to take some photos - in between showers (I'm sick of all this rain!).

Yarn: Yarn Bee Cotton, Varnished
Pattern: Eyelet Chemise, Interweave Kits
Needles: 3.25 mm

Rainy Days

2008-02-04T18:19:00.000+11:00

I do love the sound of rain in the evening. So soothing.

I know we're in a drought and rain is good. But, really, I'm getting a bit sick of all this wet weather. Why, you ask?

Well first of all, there's not much natural light floating around for a tiny little 4 year old digital camera. Taking photos of what I've been up to is not much fun at all. Especially when I've been up to knitting (black) socks for my wonderful husband.

He chose the pattern himself (boyfriend socks) and surprised me in the process. I would have gone for something a lot less 'fancy'.

Second. I'm still waiting for my cranberry chemise to dry, so I can sew it together, crochet the edges, add buttons, ribbons and other frippery.

Which means that I filled in time during the week with a 6mm crochet hook and cheap cotton from Spotlight .

Looks like my dimensions are not the same as the cushion. More on this project when I can be bothered.

So I'm blaming the weather on my current lack of focus. Something's gotta be responsible.

Beautiful Things

2008-01-27T09:44:00.000+11:00

Things that have popped into my life this weekend.

A tea pot - Made in Japan, perfect for a single cup.

Drawstring bags - for storing projects - nicer than a plastic bag.

Saturday morning wandering around Wollongong with my husband, drinking coffee, reading the newspaper, watching my FIL and a friend race in an aquathon and catching up with friends. Sorry, I couldn't get a photo of all of that.

Reality Check

2008-01-21T17:19:00.000+11:00

I don't know what I was thinking. Problem was, I don't think I was ... thinking, that is. I got caught up in a rush of cranberry cotton goodness.

In the cold light of day reality kicked in and I knew what I had to do. Saturday night's knitting was frogged, and wound back onto the remaining ball of cotton.

Here's why it wouldn't work:

1. Cotton is not known for its elasticity. Even with me knitting the smallest size, with a few more stitches to the inch than gauge, it would have sagged and bagged.
2. The needle size on the ball band was 3.25 mm, not the 4mm that I was using. The gaps in the fabric were noticeable when sitting on the needles, and would be even more so when stretched over my body.
3. The twisted rib was slanty. I think this was cause of the way the yarn was plied.
4. My 'attributes' are not sufficient to hold up a bandeau. Yeah I was thinking I'd add straps, but still ... I had to recognise my own limitations.*

So I frogged it, grabbed a couple of magazines, my folder of patterns, flicked for a bit, and settled on the Eyelet Chemise from Summer 06 IK

The yarn used in the original is linen, so cotton should work relatively well. The needle size is spot on, and the more I look at it, the more I like it. Here's my work so far.

Not too bad for a day's work (well not 24 hours, but as much time as one can find on a Sunday when the weather just can't make up its mind, and time is taken out to eat lunch, go for a walk on the beach, go to church and hang out some washing).

*My mother inured me to the truth of my assets as soon as it was apparent I had stopped growing. After a few years wishing the 'inbuilt support' singlet tops wouldn't have creases in their 'support', I'm looking on the positive side of things. I can walk around the house (even up and down stairs) without a bra on. I can sleep on my stomach very comfortably. I don't have to wear extra reinforcement when exercising. And knitting tops/singlets/cardigans/jumpers is that extra bit cheaper and quicker.

Oops

2008-01-20T09:31:00.000+11:00

Look what jumped onto my needles!

I didn't mean to, it just happened. I meant to keep working on my blanket, or finishing the crochet for the bag-lady swap, but I got itchy fingers.

Here's my excuse. I need something to knit when I'm not doing the blanket - when I've only got a small time to work. If I'm going to pick up the blanket, I need a minimum of half an hour. Otherwise by the time I've tagged it, figured out where I'm up to, and moved the stitches round on the cable, it's just about time to put it back together again.

I was using the crocheted bag to deal with this issue, but I needed something else. Working on it yesterday morning, I came to an important conclusion. I'm definitely a knitting kinda gal. I don't mind a little dalliance with a hook, but it doesn't last.

So just to prove the blanket is growing. Here's a photo. After much deliberation I think I've figured out how I'm going to finish it off. I want something a bit more solid for the rim of the blanket.

Planning for Japan

2008-01-13T13:46:00.000+11:00

We're going to Japan in February. Flying into Tokyo, then a week or so's skiing in Nagano.

I found this great time-wasting site - KnitMap. You just enter a location, and it tells you all the yarn stores - with links to their websites, maps, opening hours and all sorts of useful information. I did a search on Abu Dhabi, and there's nothing there ... sorry Charmaine. Although, I'm guessing they only have the stores that people bother to list.

Isn't the web amazing these days. Pinku has put together a spreadsheet of yarn stores in Tokyo.
Fleegle has posted her yarn shopping in Tokyo adventures. Google maps can do all sorts of amazing things.

But I'm starting to get a little nervous. Maps of Japan are written in (would you believe it) Japanese. I don't speak Japanese. Plus, if I want to visit any yarn store, I have to convince the other 4 travellers (husband, parents, brother) that it's a good idea. Looks like it's going to be an interesting trip.

New Year's Day ... a little late

2008-01-13T09:42:00.000+11:00

It's taken me 13 days, but I wanted to share what we got up to on New Year's day.

We met friends at Wattamolla (in the Royal National Park), before setting off on a walk out to Eagle Rock (something like 5 km??). It felt sooo hot. All the scrub was low-lying, so no shade. The only bonus was the sea breeze.

But the scenery was brilliant! Here is Eagle rock (can you see it?) and other rocks that I like the look of.

I'd talk about the weather, but Joe thinks I'm acting old enough by knitting.

Lunch was back at Wattamolla, followed by a swim. Boy there were a lot of people there. The beach is kinda weird ... a river/lagoon on one side of a pile of sand, and a narrow bay on the other. The sand dropped steeply into the bay, and the 'waves' were breaking on the shore. The lagoon side was like a bath - perhaps something to do with lack of freshwater, and the number of young children swimming.

I have, by now, had a real swim in the real surf. Wednesday afternoon Joe and I headed down to Bulli beach. The water was perfect - refreshing but not icy. And there were real waves, that you could dive under, or bob over, if you were far enough out. I feel like it's really summer now.

Jaywalking

2008-01-13T09:26:00.000+11:00

They're done!

I'm really happy with how they turned out. The sock yarn I chose striped up nicely. The really freaky bit is that - totally by chance - I managed to just about line up the stripes. I could have undone the cast on of the second, and adjusted the tail length so they both had a little red around the top, but that would just be too anal.

Vital stats:

Pattern: Jaywalker by Grumperina

Needles: 2.5mm circulars (worked on 2)

Yarn: Heirloom Jigsaw 4 ply

Road Trip

2007-12-31T16:21:00.000+11:00

Having fulfilled all familial Christmas duties, Joe & I hopped in the car, and headed south!

He thought I wanted to stop at the woollen mills in Bendigo & Wangaratta. I'd heard from a reliable source that they're closed this time of year. I didn't let on, though. The real reason for the trip was so I could give him his Christmas present ... tickets to Monty Python's Spamalot.

My trickery was so devious that he had no idea, until we were in Melbourne, figuring out what to do for dinner.

The show was great. Very funny, including all the best scenes of the movie.

So what else did we get up to???

Here are the stats (courtesy of the fancy car computer thingo).

over 2000 km driven (in 5 days)

25 and a bit hours driving time.

average speed of 88km/hr

average fuel consumption of 7.2 l/100km

More interestingly ... we had a lovely drive along the Alpine Way through Kosciuszko National Park, shopping in Melbourne, the theatre (Spamalot), a day at St Kilda (including swim, stroll and lunch on Acland St), a quick trip through Bendigo (stopping in at Bendigo Pottery), and plenty of beer, wine and naughty food.

Scenery in included bushfire affected regions of the national park, and Hume Lake, that has heaps of dead trees in it.

On the knitting front, I finished the first Jaywalker sock, and have started the second. I also lauched my summer knitting project, a round blanket along the same lines as the Hemlock blanket. Here are a couple of photos.

It's in 8 ply cotton. The pattern is an old knitted doily pattern that I found for free on the net. I've just about finished the pattern, and now I'm figuring out how to keep the increases going - I needed graph paper or excel to chart what I want to do. Hopefully I'll be able to figure something out.

Baby Fern

2007-12-24T11:01:00.000+11:00

It's done. Here are the pics.

Yarn: NZ Artisans Laceweight

Needles: 2.50 mm

Pattern: adapted from Jo Sharp's Lace Panel Sweater.

So here's my question .... How much of your own idea, does an item need to be before you can say you designed it? I adapted the lace pattern from another pattern (for a jumper), (see here)but changed it quite a bit so that it would work well as a scarf, with the yarn I wanted to use.

Baby Name Confusion

2007-12-24T10:00:00.000+11:00

'Tis the night before Christmas, and I thought I'd share about something that used to confuse me.

Did Mary and Joseph give their son, Jesus the wrong name?

In Matthew (the first book of the New Testament) an angel appears to Joseph and tells him
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:21)
But then Matthew goes on to say
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with Child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us" (Math 1:22-23)

From the time that people decided to go it alone - leave God out of the picture - He planned to restore the relationship between Himself and humans. All through the Old Testament (even in Genesis) God gave hints or glimpses at the person who would bring peace, between rebellious people and a holy God. In Isaiah, this person is given the name Immanuel.

So did someone make a mistake? Was it Isaiah, the prophet of verses 22 & 23? Was it the angel? Did Joseph mis-hear (a case of Chinese whispers) ? Was it Matthew writing it down wrong? What name is the Son of God meant to have ... Jesus or Immanuel??????

The answer lies in the meanings of the names. The name Jesus means God saves. The name Immanuel means God with us.

So God's saviour has both these names. It is through God, dwelling amongst us, and being with us, that he saves. This concept is HUGE, and gives me big goofy grins whenever I think on it. Here's the really amazing part ... God is holy, and as such, can't be at peace (ie not at 'war') with people who reject him, but because God is with us (Immanuel), now when he looks at us He sees Jesus (and so God saves). When we fast forward to Easter, we see God with us in Jesus dying on the cross - he took all our rebellion on his own head - and so God saves. And fast forward even further, to when Jesus returns (the Second Coming), and there we have an amazing picture of God dwelling with his saved people.

So have you accepted that Jesus is Immanuel?

Not the hand!

2007-12-15T09:13:00.000+11:00

I had a small mishap yesterday morning. Can you see the blisters?

I know it's not very clear, the challenge of taking a photo of your right hand with your left. Here's the culprit.

The steam button was stuck down, and I tried to pull it out, but then grabbed on to the base for a better grip. Not a good move, considering that I'd just finishing ironing the work shirts.

The medical centre at work did a wonderful job of fixing me up, with special burn cream, and a dressing. My hand spent all of yesterday bandaged up, which meant everyone asked what I'd done, and no knitting got done. Not good with the all the projects I want to knit before Christmas.

But when I got home I figured I was up to some crochet (and a beer) . And this is what I made.

I like! Was going to be a pressie, but this one's for me. Now I've got the pattern sorted, the other 2 (or 3) will be heaps quicker!

In other news, the octopus can see! Thanks Charmaine. I thought he might need pupils. The eyes are needle felted, so I grabbed a bit of wool, and a needle, and voila!

Boys & Toys

2007-12-10T22:06:00.000+11:00

We bought a hedge trimmer yesterday.

Guess what my husband was up to this afternoon.

I think he really wanted a chain saw, but there was no way that was going to happen.

We found a birds nest in part of the hedge. I don't think it's in use anymore - well certainly not after the hedge got pruned.

I finished the Octopus. I think he looks like he's blind. Not sure if I'm happy with it or not. I think it might be a little too scary for a kid's toy.

One down, one to go

2007-12-08T10:49:00.000+11:00

I decided earlier this year to knit a lace scarf for my mum, and my mother in law. I think it's safe to talk about it ... I'm pretty sure they don't read this.

Well I've finished the first scarf. I really love it. I'm always amazed how much of a difference blocking can make. Here it is hanging on a wardrobe door (as scarves do).

And here's the detail of the pattern - taken when I had it blocking.

Details ...
Yarn: 2 ply hand dyed (colourway Iris) bought on eBay - sorry can't remember seller
Needles: 3.5mm knitpicks options
Pattern: The lace pattern was taken from Ogee Lace Skirt, Interweave Knits Summer 07.
I cast on and worked the charted lace until I ran out of yarn (I had a 7cm tail at the end).

"So what about the other one??" Be patient, and read on. Here's what I've done so far.

The yarn was bought when I was in New Zealand, Artisan NZ Merino Lace Weight. Green is my mum's favourite colour, so an obvious choice. The pattern I chose is meant to resemble a fern, and has been adapted from Jo Sharps Lace Panel Sweater in Issue 2 of knit. This yarn is lighter than the other, and can be tricky to knit with in a car on a bumpy road (like on the way to work). I started it last Sunday, so should be able to have it blocked and wrapped in plenty of time .... providing I don't get distracted!

Now what could possibly distract me?????

Less than $6 at the local book fair. Hurrah!

Quick Sticks

2007-12-01T09:28:00.000+11:00

Look what's jumped on an off my needles!

So it's not obvious what it is .... an octopus of course! Well, what you're looking at is the flattened out, unstuffed head. This will probably end up as a Christmas present for my nephew. He's really into Thomas at the moment, but I figure this is a lot quicker & easier to knit up. Now there's only 8 tentacles to go.

Christmas Baking

2007-11-30T21:59:00.000+11:00

So, not really knitting related, but I wanted to share.

Look at what I've made!!!

2 dozen mini Christmas cakes with a royal icing star on top ... plus 3 mini loaf style and 1 normal cake size (not in the photo). We're having our Family Christmas tomorrow, and the star cakes are presents for my aunts, uncles, cousins etc. Would you believe all this cake came from one 'batch' of cake mix, courtesy of my trusty CWA cookbook. It was a monster-size recipe, I had to do it in two lots.

It was going to be dishcloths all round, but my my planning ideas were too big for my fickle fingers (that is, I got distracted with other projects). Plus, dishcloths can only entertain me for so long. Although, they do make the cleaning up process a whole lot more fun!

A watched pot

2007-11-26T22:36:00.000+11:00

It certainly didn't boil ...

Last Sunday - having a morning in the house by myself (Mr W was at a bike race). I decided to dye some handspun that I had left over.

True to form, the watched pot didn't boil. It seemed so close for so long. But I got sick of waiting, and started weaving in the ends of dishcloths. When I turn around again, I find the pot of dye boiling away, and dispersing small pink droplets around the kitchen (I think I've cleaned most of it up now).

In went the skeins. I tried out different stirring/lifting devices. I like the tongs. The pasta server tends to give tangles. And 30 minutes later, out they came again. Unfortunately the skeins got a bit tangled up, and untied in a couple of places (I think it was the pasta server). Looking at the mess of yarn sitting in the sun to dry, I was dreading the whole detangling and winding up process. But it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

And this is what I have to show for my efforts.

Christmas SnB

2007-11-25T22:00:00.000+11:00

Oh what fun we had ...

Zena braved the car trip with her two boys. A & S are soooo cute, and they wooed the group with their excellent behaviour, beautiful eyes, gorgeous cardigans (nice knitting Zena), and general baby goodness.

I got a fair bit of knitting done - finished the knitting part of 'the blue cardigan'. No sewing up done as yet ... I'll wait until I know if it's needed (or if I need to sew buttons on the cream cardigan sitting in my 'nearly finished projects' box).

And there were presents too! I scored a monster size pack (even bigger than the beetle) of fun shaped buttons. Best of all was food. We ordered a few platters of food - fish, dips, wedges, tapas, antipasto etc etc etc, which went well with a bottle or two of red.

Although I did find the next day that I had done some really weird things on the lace scarf I'm still plugging away at. There wasn't much harm done - only two rows to tink.

Monster Beetle

2007-11-25T21:58:00.000+11:00

I'm not talking about humungous VW's here ... This is a sure sign that Summer's well on its way.

Mr W and I just arrived home from church. As I was walking up the steps from the garage, I hear this buzzing fluttering noise. When I turn around I see the most enormous cockroach/beetle thing landing on the wall. That was fine, and I tried to have a bit of a look at it (it's not everyday that I see such a monster beetle).

But then, the horrible thing takes off, and flies behind me, and then there's no more beetle flapping noise. I was sure it was on my skirt, but the lights had turned off, and I had my arms full. After an agonising walk up the hallway, with light available, and hands free, I rustle my skirt, and brush over my back.

For a (very) brief moment, I think that all is well, that it landed somewhere in the garage, and is happily browsing around tools, oily rags and various bicycle paraphernalia. But that moment was over, as I did feel something rough on the back of my skirt, and then I heard the flapping/buzzing again, and the horrible, big, huge beetle lands on my shoulder. Instinctively, I swipe at it, and head across the room (possibly shrieking) in the opposite direction.

It wouldn't have been too bad, had not Mr W been telling me throughout the whole ordeal to 'stop panicking'. He wasn't the one with the monster on his shoulder, and in his hair. But, knight in shining armour that he is, he came to my rescue, and squashed the beetle (repeatedly, it refused to die) ... before I could get a photo. It looked kind of like this.

This was no ordinary beetle, and no ordinary cockroach either. It was the cockroach-beetle of the future, 6-10 cm long, and resistant to 3 foot taps. I think I'm allergic to it .... I have welts on my arm.

Trellis

2007-11-23T17:39:00.000+11:00

Trellis is finished, and just in the nick of time.
My neice (the impossibly cute recipient) turns one next Saturday.

Here's a photo of the finished item, lounging on the ottoman.

I must admit that I was getting sick of the pattern towards the end. But at least I didn't need to keep referring the chart.

I like working cables, I like the way the twist around, they make sense. Looking at where the stitches have come from, I can see where they're headed. Plus, I've figured out how to avoid using a cable needle (except for particularly tricky bits). So when I work through my current backlog, I might have another crack at this ...

I started using the zig zag rib on another project, but it was driving me batty, using the cable needle to move the stitches around every second row.

I almost forgot to mention ...

Trellis was knitted in Rowan All Seasons Cotton on 4.5 mm needles. The pattern is from knitty, and if you click here, you can have a look at it yourself.

Ravelry

2007-11-23T17:37:00.000+11:00

I'm in!

Late nights are looking certain.

P.S. my user name is katewillknit

Attention Span

2007-11-16T09:56:00.000+11:00

I'm generally not very good at concentrating on just one project, but lately I'm worse than ever. It's always justifiable - I need car knitting (on circulars, as Mr W worries that if we have an accident I may cause injury to myself), car knitting for the dark (something that I don't have to be able to see very often), long-term projects, deadline projects, extra short deadline projects, play around with an idea projects, distraction from tedious stocking stitch or pattern repeat projects, fit in a small bag projects, projects to knit while talking, projects to fill in time while I try to find the missing dp to finish knitting a sock ... and so the list goes on.

So what's been on my needles the last couple of days???

Here's the beginnings of a blanket that I'm planning to knit. I'm playing with the idea of a knitted doily done in cotton, on large(ish) needles ... along the same lines as what Brooklyntwed's done with the Hemlock Blanket. I grabbed some cotton I had laying around, and knitted as far along the pattern as I could go until the yarn ran out. I reckon the blanket will work, and now I have a face washer or dish cloth to use (or bestow on an aunt as a Christmas present).

I've also been working on a blue baby cardigan. I started it a month or so ago, and am up to my first sleeve. I'm trying to prepare myself for another 'onslaught' of new arrivals. At least three friends are expecting new family members in the next 4-5 months.

And this tangled web of fine yarn will (hopefully) block itself into a lovely scarf - it's going to be a Christmas present, so I won't tell any more just yet.

Something else has come off my needles - here's a sneak peek, lurking in a bucket of woolwash.

New Project!!!

2007-11-11T09:56:00.000+11:00

So I've signed up for a knitting project thingo, as part of Elizabeth's final year project. Here are all the details. The basic idea is that heaps of people knit items, and 'tag' them as they go - writing about what they're thinking, or what's going on in their lives. The aim is to dispel the stereotypes of knitters, and create an accurate portrait of who we are.

It sounded like fun, so I signed up. Now I just need to decide what to knit. Something that I can get finished before March 20, and won't need to be given as a present before it's returned. Hmmm, I'll need to get planning.

Lust

2007-11-11T09:26:00.000+11:00

I'm in lust.

I spied a picture of this in Knitting Daily. I know it's a blog used to make me want to buy more interweave stuff, but I can't help it.

Seeing as I haven't gotten around to subscribing, I'll have to plan a trip to a decent newsagents in the near future.

Hospital Knitting

2007-11-11T09:04:00.000+11:00

Sitting around hospitals gives you lots of time for knitting. Here's what I've come up with.

Pattern: Zoe Mellor, adorable knits for tiny tots, polka dot booties and hat
Yarn: Shepherd 4 ply wool
Needles: 3.25 mm addi turbos

The booties were okay. not too many colour changes, and I could fudge the stranding across the back to avoid buckets of bobbins.

Not so with the hat. Each column of dots had it's own bobbin - 11 bobbins of white yarn to get tangled up. Now I've finished, I'm going to put the book down, step back quietly, and talk to myself very sternly if I ever think of knitting it again.

We were sad to see Mr W's grandfather loose his fight with cancer last week. But there was comfort that he was no longer plagued with pain or breathing difficulties. And even greater comfort from the words of the Bible, that his confidence in Christ means that his eternal future is secure.

Just in time for Summer

2007-11-03T09:24:00.000+11:00

I've finished my lovely fair isle beanie. Hooray!!!!

Here's me wearing the finished item - I was still waking up when the photo was taken, hope there are no visible pillow creases.

And here's the inside. Please note the (somewhat) even tension of the strands (not too bad for my first fair isle project imho). The cotton around the bottom stops itchy forehead-itis.
Pattern: Brooklyntweed's Red Light Special
Yarn: Ashford Tekapo
Needles: 3.5 mm circular

I know I've been quite silly, and knitted a very warm woollen hat, just as the weather's starting to warm up. But it's not that bad, I'll get to wear it in February when we go to Japan. Now I can really look forward to that holiday.

In other news, I'm onto the second sleeve of Trellis.

But I was getting bored with the pattern. So to spice things up a bit, started working on some dishcloths for Christmas presents (it's not blocked yet).

Baby Kimono

2007-10-28T10:42:00.000+11:00

Check out the sea of garter bumps.

This little number was knitted up in Shepherd's Colour 4 Me 8 ply wool. I love the colourway cause it's nice and bright, but with no pink - so suitable for a girl or boy. The added bonus is that knitting baby wear in 8 ply is pretty speedy.

I used 6.5 mm needles to make the fabric more flexible - no Michelin babies please. The pattern was adapted from a Baby Kimono in Interweave Knits (not sure which edn). I feel quite proud of myself having knitted up a swatch, and used the stitch ratios to adjust it.

Snippets

2007-10-27T09:23:00.000+10:00

My fingers have been pretty busy this week ... if I do say so myself.

I've just about finished a project using some of the Tekapo I bought in NZ. I started it last Sunday, and it was progressing nicely - until I finished the actual knitting. I have 4 ends to weave in, and then it's blocking time. But here's a bit of a sneak preview....

Having finished the knitting portion of that project, I cast on for another - the impending first birthday of my niece preying on my mind. I'm really enjoying this project, yummy cable patterns and an easy to knit cotton blend yarn on nice big (for baby clothes) needles. Hurrah!

I've also been having felting fun. Using cookie cutters to form shapes (thanks to Interweave Felting for the idea), I've made elephants, stars, flowers, and little people. Here's a card for a friend who's just had twins.

Charmaine has a piccy of them on her blog.

Bamboo to you too!

2007-10-20T10:01:00.000+10:00

Ooooh I love bamboo. I spied some balls of Cleckheaton Bamboo at the LYS, and fell in love with the colour, the sheen, the way the ball sits in your hand.

I'd been reading a bit about socks, and sock yarns, and wanted to try out bamboo yarn and it's anti-bacteria, ant-odour properties. So, I added two balls to my purchase of pins and stitchholders - restocking after they were confiscated by customs.

Not knowing how much would be needed for a sock, I knitted my latest pair toe-up, using Ann Budd's recipe from Interweave Knits (Summer 07). After each sock, I had around 18 grams of yarn remaining - so there's some bonus there for a pair of little socks (whoo hoo).

I think I may have anal tendencies, though. The pattern across the top of the foot and ankle is a diagonal rib, that I reversed on the second sock for better symmetry. Is that going too far?

Ashford - More about NZ

2007-10-16T17:20:00.000+10:00

On the way back to Christchurch, the last day of our holiday, we stopped in at the Ashford Craft Village, at Ashburton. Mr W was suitably affected by our arrival at a 'craft villate' and promptly set off in search of a coffee - leaving me unsupervised in a yarn store.

Here's a photo of what ended up stuffed into our luggage

4 balls of Ashford Tekapo - for a jumper/top or cardigan

2 balls of Ashford Tekapo that were 1/2 price (bargain!) - a fair isle beannie perhaps?

2 balls of Ashford Kid Mohair - a stripy scarf?

2 skeins of 'Naturally New Zealand' wool (more to dye)

1 ball of merino/possum/silk blend

3 felting needles (felting fun is on its way).

I've spent a while thinking about the 4 green balls of Tekapo. I love the way the two colours work together. But I was at a bit of a loss as to how to get them both into a knitted garment that would fit me. Horizontal stripes were out, and so were large blocks of intarsia colour (too 80's). I could knit a cardigan sideways, and have vertical stripes, but I'm not in a very stripy place at the moment.

So here's what I've come up with - a close fitting top (with round or scoop neck) with a fair isle pattern under the bust. The bottom half would be the dark green, then transition to the top and (short) sleeves in light green. Because I bought the yarn in NZ, I figure a fern pattern wouls be pretty nifty.

Hopefully I'll have enough yarn to knit it.

Mystery Yarn

2007-10-14T17:40:00.000+10:00

I up picked this yarn in our travels in NZ. On the outskirts of Christchurch (on the road to Akaroa), there's a little wool shop. It seems that it sells fleeces to local spinners (and buys wool back), and picks up the ends of cones from ... somewhere or other.

I bought two hanks of white wool to have some fun with dye.

And then I spotted a cone of this mystery yarn. It looks felted, is more like a tape, and has some shorter dark fibres every now and then. All this yarn (>300g) for the low price of $2 (kiwi).

Not sure what it will be yet - maybe a kid's jumper, a doormat, or many scarves or beanies.

Any ideas?

Just call me 'Master'

2007-10-13T09:32:00.000+10:00

Well, it's official - I now have an extra 3 letters that I can add to the end of my name. I am now officially a Master of Business and Technology. It would be tempting to say I'm a Mistress of Business and Technology, but that's a little saucy.

Graduation day went off with a lot of pomp and ceremony, and the requisite screaming children in the middle of the speeches. After much practise, I managed the 3 step process to receive my degree - shake with the right hand, accept the testamur with the left, and then doff with right. It was more complicated than actions to a Wiggles song - "Hands in the air, rock-a-bye your bear ..." I didn't practise the doffing enough, though, and only just managed to make contact with the trencher (they sit higher than you think).

So 3 years of pain, tears, frustration and learning are over with. "What will you do next?" might you ask. Well, I'm over the business studies stuff, I feel I'm sufficiently fluent in management speak. The current plan is to go back to studying for a "Preliminary Theology Certificate" (through Moore College).

Here I am with my mum. Would you believe that this is the best photo that managed to be taken on our camera! Hopefully someone else got a better one.

Plane Knitting

2007-10-11T18:37:00.000+10:00

Here is my Airline Safety Scarf. It is named as such, because I knitted it on the plane to and from New Zealand, but also because I think the stitch pattern looks a bit like a mesh safety fence.

It was a bit embarrassing flying over to NZ - I'd managed to pack my "bits & pieces" bag in my carry on. OOPS. There I was groaning inwardly at the woman in front of us who had containers of moisturiser bigger than 100ml, when my bag had to be searched because of 'metal objects'. The security guy went through my bag. A couple of safety pins, a container of pins and two small stitch holders were confiscated. The 1mm crochet hook and cable needle were fine. I'm still trying to figure out what basis they use - pointiness maybe?

The scarf was knitted on two plastic crayons with elastic bands on the ends. It used up a bit less than one ball of Cleckheaton Studio Mohair (a have a few balls sitting in my stash in case of an emergency).

This is the second scarf I've knitted on plastic crayons. The tougher carry on requirements rule out a lot of standard knitting implements. I normally pack my crayons, yarn and a reel of dental floss (to cut the yarn).

If you want to knit your own, cast on an odd number of stitches (I used 15). Knit the first row, the K1, * YO K2tog. Repeat from * to end. Keep repeating the second row until the scarf is as long as you want (or you get sick of knitting with plastic crayons), and cast off. Easy.

Tip for Today

2007-10-09T23:02:00.000+10:00

My number one tip for today ...

If you notice some mould in the shower. Wait until after you've showered to spray it with exit mould. Your respiratory system will thank you.

There you have it.