tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91727622012-02-19T23:40:09.491-08:00in which Kristi plays with sticks and string to make useful thingsKristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.comBlogger1121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-66273888316524581372011-04-17T12:10:00.001-07:002011-04-17T12:10:07.881-07:00

My niece and the hat I made for her father: Adorable. I'm trying out a new iPad app called Blogsy, this is a test to see if I can make it work with my Blogger account. I haven't felt like knitting since I finished up some hats in January (which haven't been posted here yet, will get on that). Last month I ordered more green and blue yarn from Knitpicks to make Sounders gloves or socks

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-70962045605073965532011-01-04T21:16:00.000-08:002011-01-05T00:18:15.413-08:00

This hat looks a little strange with patterns from three different sources (Egypt, Russia, and Scandinavia) but it's not boring. I'll discuss the hem after the photos, feel free to ask via email or in the comments if you need clarification on anything.yarn: Knitpicks Paletteneedle: US size 1 (2.25 mm) for bodyFor the inside-out colorwork fansThis hem takes more time than ribbing but I think it's

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-33368990098655685322010-10-06T22:54:00.000-07:002010-10-08T14:44:55.356-07:00

I never had a doubt. :)Osvaldo Alonso leaps over the pack to celebrate Sanna Nyassi's first goal in the USOC Final -- I love the little boy in the front row with his arms outstretched, he will always remember that moment! (click to see detail)photo from soundersfc.comL to R: HERO Sanna Nyassi, Fredy Montero, Osvaldo AlonsoSeattle Sounders FCback-2-back Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Champions2009 & 2010

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-21940816795526763542010-09-08T00:31:00.000-07:002010-09-08T00:54:10.189-07:00

I've barely made a dent since the last post (distracted by Other Things) but now I have an incentive to get it done before October 5th ...... so I can wear it to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final in Seattle, where the Sounders will destroy the Columbus Crew to win the Cup two years in a row. MUAH. It's been over 25 years since a team accomplished back-to-back US Open Cup wins, which means no MLS

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-79970817550122388412010-08-13T15:28:00.000-07:002010-08-13T17:05:42.686-07:00

Right now I am working on a hat I put together using Fair Isle patts from a couple different books. That isn't exactly rave green, but it's nice. I think the crown will have white on a green background.I'm repeating two different patts around the hat so I made some stitch markers with #1 and #2 beads (a bead with a heart on it marks the end of the round) so I can tell at a glance which patt I'm

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-19973100752170575652010-07-16T23:51:00.000-07:002010-07-17T02:24:30.176-07:00

Here we have a Komi cap knit during the World Cup, started after the USMNT went home. (If you enjoyed watching the US team then click on that link, you will love it.) I can't knit when they're playing, I'm either sitting and too nervous to do anything productive (this is how I behave when others are in the room, like I'm actually sane, hee!) or pacing around and talking/pleading/crying at the TV

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-70250877208437343692010-03-29T14:00:00.000-07:002010-03-29T15:20:07.343-07:00

Last month I asked mom if she wanted a reindeer hat like the US athletes wore during the opening ceremonies in Vancouver. (The pattern can be found on Ravelry, and there's a long thread in the Patterns folder where people talk about their modifications.)Cute hat. Our model is my favorite Olympian: Johnny Spillane of the US Nordic Combined team! Mom declined the offer, but admitted she could use

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-42033710960472278392009-05-07T10:27:00.000-07:002009-05-07T14:04:03.329-07:00

What do you do when you're knitting a sleeve and realize you won't have enough yarn to finish the second sleeve and buttonband? You buy more yarn!I only needed two more skeins, but I lucked out and found someone on Ravelry selling twelve skeins of Knitpicks Swish DK in the right dyelot (!!!), so I offered to buy it all to get my hands on those two skeins. Now I have enough yarn to make another

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-29639412580288441422009-04-18T22:12:00.000-07:002009-04-18T23:35:29.979-07:00

knit in one piece to the armholes, this shows the back and the bottom halves of the two fronts.I love the tubular cast-on, it looks OK in photos (even professional photos in books don't show it off properly), but in person it's amazing.The cables will hopefully pop more after it's blocked but this is a limp soft wool, I'm not sure how it will behave.Sailing Away Cardigan by E.J. Slaytonsource:

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-78664720487388826752009-04-06T15:21:00.000-07:002009-04-08T01:17:32.859-07:00

To celebrate the Sounders 3-0 record (!!!) I'll post some yarns that closely match the team colors. First we need an example of the colors, and here we have Osvaldo Alonso, one of my favorite players.the hardest working man in the MLSI was surprised by the number of likely candidates I found with just a little poking around. No doubt there are a lot more yarns that would work for Sounders fan

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-12407661942610976312009-03-19T21:56:00.001-07:002009-03-19T22:08:42.369-07:00

I love these guys! *weeps* I predict a ton of Kasey Keller and Fredy Montero shirts will be sold this week. Now I'm on the hunt for good yarn in Sounders FC colors, I'll post my findings later.it most definitely is the beautiful game

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-50074164898701287642009-03-16T00:10:00.000-07:002009-03-16T00:24:17.695-07:00

I finished these gloves a month ago and decided to take photos yesterday afternoon after a fresh snow fall. I might try for better photos later. pattern: Annemor #8 from Selbuvotter - http://www.selbuvotter.comyarn: 50g Dale Baby Ull (black) and 50g Shepherd Baby Wool 4 Ply (white) needles: US size 2 (2.75 mm)I can't say enough good things about Dale Baby Ull, and Shepherd Baby Wool 4 Ply is a

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-83046245913960362902009-01-15T02:30:00.000-08:002009-01-15T02:59:13.963-08:00

Selbuvotter! How much do I love this book? It wasn't easy to choose the gloves I wanted to make first, almost every pattern in it appeals to me.One more finger and then I get to do it all over again.yarn: Dale Baby Ull (black) and Shepherd Baby Wool (white)needles: US size 2 (2.75 mm)This style of gloves would look pretty in a light delicate blue on white for a subtle softer look. I decided to

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-90273225739625101842009-01-09T15:30:00.000-08:002009-01-09T16:06:06.077-08:00

I'm so impressed with Elann, I mailed a payment on Monday and received my order today -- Friday. Now that's service! In comparison, I mailed a payment to Knitpicks on the same day (both payments were sent to addresses in the same state), but their website doesn't show acknowledgment of my order yet. I sent an email to Knitpicks yesterday about something in my order now showing as out of stock,

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-78992146861943862002008-12-29T16:42:00.000-08:002008-12-29T16:47:27.828-08:00

I made these gloves for mom in 2004, using an incredibly soft merino wool recycled from a thrift store sweater. The plan was to eventually knit a hat and scarf as well (there's oodles of the yarn leftover), and maybe sometime this century I'll get around to it.Today I saw them on the dining room table and thought I might as well finally take a photo so I could replace the "picture coming soon"

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-45876499582677312462008-09-05T12:03:00.000-07:002008-09-05T12:07:47.134-07:00

A lovely chill is returning to the air here in the Pacific Northwest and I'm starting to feel a familiar itch in my fingers to start knitting again. The Fall 2008 Vogue Knitting is actually worth buying for a few of the patterns. Shocking! I particularly like the cover mittens designed by Jared a.k.a. Brooklyntweed. (Check out that link for more photos of the mitts. Does he give photography

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-57839412738413743282008-03-12T04:03:00.000-07:002008-03-12T04:05:09.125-07:00

My brother sent photos of Kate wearing the sweater I knit for her in 2006. She was born in October 2006 and it was too big for her then. Now it's too small, but it still keeps her warm.I'm happy to see the Dale Baby Ull and Lanett Ull yarns have held up well. They're both soft fingering weight superwash wool, perfect for baby knits. I'll ask my brother if they've washed it often. They machine

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-115591615279452112008-03-10T00:41:00.000-07:002008-03-10T02:47:42.583-07:00

In the last two months I've finished a pair of socks, most of a child's cabled cardigan (burgundy), a woman's hat, and I've started another child's cardigan (storm blue). I knit the hat for my mom's friend but had to give it away before I could get a good photo of it. Too bad, it was pretty cool looking and the pattern isn't on Ravelry yet. I'll finish the first cardigan after my niece tries it

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-56672871032896791452008-01-19T15:01:00.000-08:002008-01-19T15:40:13.007-08:00

I made a Baby Surprise Jacket for my 15 month old niece, but I don't know how long she can wear it because I didn't take measurements when I saw her last month. It looks like she's going to be a tall kid, so I'm more concerned about length in the body and sleeves than the body width. Full disclosure: I haven't actually sewn the buttons on yetPattern: Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann ~

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-2945048628763391692008-01-10T01:08:00.000-08:002008-01-10T02:13:03.352-08:00

I knew mom would appreciate a handmade bunny more than anyone else I know. She decorates the house for every big holiday/season, and Spring time is when the bunnies appear. Here's an early arrival: Pattern: Fiber Trends Bunny FunYarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted - Sable and Wild VioletEyes: Darice brand, 15 mm, purchased at Joann's (99 cents for four eyes)Nose: black sock yarnTail: pompom

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-12736427103230152007-12-31T01:06:00.000-08:002007-12-31T01:23:35.097-08:00

If you've ever looked for yarn at thrift shops then you've probably seen the BIG BAG OF ACRYLIC: There is an astonishing 17 skeins of acrylic stuffed in that bag -- not the quality kind. But this is why I turn the bags over and take a good look: Hidden at the bottom is a 100 g skein of sock yarn, enough for a pair of socks, and two skeins of Lamb's Pride worsted.I paid $5 for the bag. The three

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-71104725677077492412007-12-28T03:08:00.000-08:002007-12-28T03:27:06.206-08:00

Santa was incredibly generous with the knitting content this year:The DVDs are Cardigan Details, Knitting Around, and A Knitting Glossary. I already know Knitting Glossary is fantastic (borrowed the video edition from the library a few times) but I haven't seen the other two yet, I expect I'm in for a major treat.Right now I'm finishing up a pair of socks for myself, and my next project will be

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-18282942044431492712007-12-20T02:04:00.000-08:002007-12-20T02:15:26.891-08:00

I felt uninspired and dull this year, so this is the default 2007 Christmas gift for family members: (Lame, I know.) The orange and black washcloths are for Dad, he's happy with anything in OSU colors. I'm making colorful soap as well, so they'll all be sure to have a clean and scrubby 2008. Some of them are receiving homemade strawberry jelly, which is one of my family's favorite things. Hey,

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-43150772617062921802007-11-10T23:54:00.000-08:002007-11-11T00:27:41.399-08:00

I haven't been paying attention to knitting listservs/blogs/boards lately, so this is probably old news to everyone else, but I was pleasantly surprised while flipping through the Vogue Knitting Holiday 2007 issue. Why? The pattern for Alice Starmore's Oregon Autumn cardigan is in it! Yeah, from The Scottish Collection. Wow. That was worth $6.99 to me. Buy it now or regret it later. Look for the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-29491580308332085722007-08-27T14:52:00.000-07:002007-08-27T15:08:36.304-07:00

I finished the St. Paul socks:yarn: Lana Grossa #1004 on size 0 Addi TurboI'm not sure if I like how the experimental toe feels on my foot so I might rip them out and try again (good thing they were knit top down). ... started another pair of boring basic socks:yarn: Regia on size 0 Addi TurboThe short row heel is hiding under the sock, I made it solid dark blue by cutting out the other colors.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-21564609712403302002007-07-29T10:30:00.000-07:002007-07-29T11:11:26.559-07:00

Normally I would've left the 1958 Needlecraft at the thrift store, because I already have plenty of old magazines full of patterns I'll never use. Then something on the inside front cover caught my eye: It's an advertisement featuring an Elizabeth Zimmermann sweater (on the left). Someone at Bernat rewrote her instructions though. They wanted it knit in pieces and sewn up, which ruins the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-28777323287999870162007-06-07T14:18:00.000-07:002007-06-07T14:40:48.208-07:00

I haven't been doing a whole lot of knitting lately, just a few pairs of socks. Two pairs for me, one for mom. Right now I'm in a waning phase, and that's OK, the waxing will happen again too. I don't see the point in forcing it. St. Paul socks (because that's where I bought the yarn)Yarn: Lana Grossa #1004I'll use the leftover yarn to make a matching pair, in toddler size, for my niece KatieI

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-41141375508488395572007-06-07T14:16:00.000-07:002007-06-07T14:17:44.951-07:00

This caused some fuss and wistful musings on the forums when it was first announced. Here's an update from NPR:"An upstate New York couple was chosen from 800 applicants to move to one of Scotland's remotest islands, Fair Isle. After six months on the island, they and their 6-year-old son love their new life among the sheep and seabirds."Download the story (podcast in mp3 format) here on NPR.The

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-32388251864389703982007-03-01T23:48:00.000-08:002007-03-02T00:04:39.064-08:00

I've done some work on my niece's Dale of Norway ladybug sweater (Marihone). This will be a cardigan so I'm at the point where I must figure out some adjustments to the collar before I can continue. Which means it has been sitting at this stage for 2 weeks now. these colors aren't accurate in the photo, but when are theyMy roadblock is debating whether or not I should cut it smaller when I cut

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-92104356159973474932007-02-06T18:44:00.000-08:002007-02-06T19:01:37.047-08:00

Paula wrote: "I'm interested in the Red Heart Soft and Sweet booklet you mentioned."The ID #s are "Art. J14 Book 1443." I found it at a thrift shop but the copyright date is 2000, so it should still be available in some shops. I googled using this search (with quotes): "Red Heart" "Soft and Sweet" and found it for sale on this site:http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/croknitbklets.htmThe booklet has

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-6791449925541587652007-01-12T07:35:00.000-08:002007-01-14T15:01:34.024-08:00

I've been hearing murmurings about this book for a few years and was curious about the mysterious "no wrap, no gap" short row heel. I enjoy learning new techniques so I told my parents about it and they gave it to me for Christmas.Here is the "no wrap, no gap" short row heel: both sidesthis is a scan so things look a little smooshed, but you get the ideaIs it less fiddly than wrapping? Not

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-84622745335933307842007-01-06T19:55:00.000-08:002007-01-06T20:12:30.274-08:00

Projects in mind for 2007:1) Colorwork mittens -- need 2 skeins of light green Shetland jumperweight, I think they'll be light green and dark green with an angora lining (unfortunately most wool makes my wrists itch like crazy). The hand chart is pretty much done, must finish charting the thumb next. 2) Fair Isle cardigan in Meg Swansen's Knitting, for mom -- need just 8 more skeins. I've been

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-3600715796305354772006-12-19T18:40:00.000-08:002006-12-19T23:32:35.930-08:00

My brother wanted a boring hat. I handed him the trusty Hats On! book and said I'd make him a striped hat, but only if he couldn't find anything he liked better in the book. He settled on the Lusekofte Cap and requested I leave off the lice on the crown. Good call, I'm not a fan of the lice pattern either. Off we went to the yarn shop and he selected two skeins of Cascade 220 in blue and grey.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-44040565939782044922006-11-14T19:44:00.000-08:002006-11-15T01:59:52.808-08:00

Finished the 2nd sock, so more photos... Gee thanks... Ravel sulked in the background after I shooed him away. (He's named after Maurice Ravel, not the thing you do with yarn.)Laila's SocksYarn: Regia black and Regia variegated, fingering weight sock yarnPattern: from Folk Knitting in Estonia by Nancy BushNeedle: US size 1 Addi TurboNotes: I first followed the heel as written but didn't like

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-50662072214208188172006-10-29T22:44:00.000-08:002006-11-15T01:56:45.169-08:00

A few years ago I bought a ball of black and a ball of variegated sock yarn, with the idea of using them together to make a pair of colorwork socks. The yarn sat in my stash, waiting for me to design or find the right pattern. Laila's SocksYarn: Regia black and Regia variegated, fingering weight sock yarnPattern: from Folk Knitting in Estonia by Nancy BushRight now I'm working on the 2nd sock but

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1161127840991767682006-10-17T15:56:00.000-07:002006-10-29T23:15:50.709-08:00

The cuffs can be unfolded for extra warmth: Yarn: Reynold's Lopi (brown body), Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted (black cuffs), Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted (red tongue). Pattern: from the book Knit Baby Heads & Toes! by Gwen Steege. These booties were designed by Bev Galeskas of Fiber Trends.Speaking of Fiber Trends, I made these FT slippers for myself last month: Betcha can't knit just one (

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1160610757822885462006-10-11T16:37:00.000-07:002006-10-29T23:34:40.642-08:00

I have a niece! Katherine Anne (Katie), born 10/10. Is that a great birthday or what? Pretty hard for friends and family to forget. ;) I'm thrilled beyond measure. I would've been just as happy with a nephew too, but there was a tiny voice inside me saying I hope it's a girl. My brother surprised me last week. I told him the cable baby hat was in the mail and he asked, "Didn't you say you were

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1159115603486941852006-09-24T08:39:00.000-07:002006-10-29T23:35:24.766-08:00

The perfect buttons for Baby K's green and blue sweater were found at Pacific Fabrics. I'm not sure if it's obvious in the photos but the buttons and green yarn are the exact same color, it's like they were dyed to match. (I can't get the colors in this sweater to look accurate in photos, not even in natural sunlight -- argh.) It's hard to get across how cute this is without including something

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1158622610598616822006-09-18T16:27:00.000-07:002006-10-29T23:36:08.032-08:00

This hat for Baby K (my niece or nephew due in 2.5 weeks!) looks like it was meant to match the socks in my last post, but the cable and yarn are both different. I used the blue leftover yarn from the Ullared hat I made in March. Yarn: Brown Sheep Naturespun Sport - 100% wool (color: Bit of Blue)Pattern: from the book Knitting for Baby by Melanie Falick and Kristin Nicholas

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1157497565745405072006-09-05T15:37:00.000-07:002006-10-29T23:36:43.366-08:00

socks for grandmapattern: based on the YO cables from Sensational Knitted Socks (by Charlene Schurch)yarn: Cascade Fixation (98.3% cotton / 1.7% elastic)I wasn't crazy about the yarn at first -- it's a little too nubbly for my tastes -- but it sure makes a comfortable stretchy sock. Even better, the elastic allows me to knit for hours without pain. Knitting with other cotton yarns makes my hands

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1149645563135103622006-06-06T18:40:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:28:50.666-08:00

I thought this baby sweater would be done by now, the last stitch was knit a few weeks ago, but it's still waiting on a zipper. That'll have to be ordered online, I went to four fabric stores and nobody had a separating zipper in the right color. The front: I love the pointy elf hoodThe back: It's pinned together where the zipper will go. I'll probably seam the hood and stop the zipper at the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1147380850591234992006-05-11T13:24:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:29:22.130-08:00

I was in St. Paul, Minnesota last month and visited three yarn shops: Three Kittens, The Yarnery, and Borealis Yarns.1) Three Kittens Yarn Shoppe has a lot to offer the serious knitter (oodles of yarn crammed into every available space, large selection of buttons) but they had a temporary? odor problem. I'm not a delicate flower about odors so it had to be pretty bad if it chased me out of the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1146526691453628702006-05-01T16:15:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:30:01.214-08:00

I should've used size 0 needles instead of size 1 because the foot looks too long for a newborn. But babies are known for growing like weeds, they'll fit eventually. yarn: Fortissima Colori Socka Color #2419 (kolibri)This was a cheap project, I used leftover sock yarn and a free pattern. The pattern is online here at Woolworks, but I changed it to knit in the round, used a different and better

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1145318395049336172006-04-17T16:47:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:30:28.601-08:00

In 5 1/2 months I'll be an Aunt -- for the first time! To say I'm happy about this is an understatement, and not just because there's a zillion cute baby things to knit. Up first: This is a sacque according to the pattern which just sounds weird so I'll refer to it as a cardigan. The pattern is from a 1968 book titled "Lovable Hand Knits: Infants to 4 years." I bought it a few years ago at St.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1142729072951902892006-03-18T16:21:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:31:02.494-08:00

Pattern: Ullared hat, in the book Hats On! by Charlene SchurchYarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport, 100% Wool, Pepper and Bit of Blue (less than 50g each)Gauge: 8 sts/in on size 2 needles -- I can't remember if I've talked about Schurch's death grip before, but I don't know how she can get 8 sts/in with sport weight yarn on size 4 needles. Notes: The chart for this hat is not the same as the hat

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1141946930984003722006-03-09T15:03:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:32:02.672-08:00

Right now I'm working on the Ullared hat from Charlene Schurch's Hats On. It should be done by next week. Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport @ 8 sts/inI reluctantly decided to start with a tubular cast on. I love it but it takes an eternity, especially for a hat with 180 stitches. Of course when I viewed the results after pulling out the waste yarn I knew it was worth the extra time. Any ribbing worn

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1140801215389829162006-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:37:18.957-08:00

Quick update, I mailed these off on the 10th but forgot to post the final photo: Made with Patons Kroy sock yarnRight now I'm planning out the colors for Meg Swansen's Fair Isle Cardigan. If I can get all the Shetland yarn I need at Marilyn's Yarn (using a generous gift certificate, gotta love those) that'll be my next big project.I'm almost done with a toe-up sock, just need to finish off the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1139140927839517212006-02-05T03:53:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:37:39.551-08:00

I finished the first glove last week and took a photo for mom to prove I wasn't being a total slacker. (These gloves are her friend's birthday present.) Patons Kroy sock yarn A little pattern I made up to fit around the wrist (it's on both sides)I'm almost done with its mate, just 4 fingers to go. I have some ideas for my next project but nothing set in stone.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1138577317953682342006-01-31T23:22:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:34:06.570-08:00

Borrowed from the library: Scandinavian Knitwear (1982), Knitting from the British Islands (1983), Children's Knitting from Many Lands (1984).In my opinion these three pattern books are not worth the money some shops demand but I'd pay a normal used book price (say, under $12). There are a few sweaters knit in the round (without making use of steeks) but the great majority are worked in pieces,

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1137872890694668732006-01-21T11:44:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:34:58.091-08:00

I finished grandma's socks on the 9th and mailed them off (after a quick handwash and air dry) on the 11th. Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, color "Jeans"Grandma asked me to make the cuffs extra loose so I aimed for 8.5" cuffs for her 8" ankles and then decreased on the leg so they wouldn't be too loose for her foot. I included instructions on how to block the hell out of the cuffs if they were

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1136153123886918512006-01-01T13:44:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:34.642-08:00

I received 3 skeins of overpriced Fortissima sock yarn for Christmas but it was from the same line as these Mexico socks. I didn't want two additional pairs of socks that look so much alike (I can make 2 pairs from 3 skeins) so I quickly accepted the receipt when mom waved it and headed off to Linda's Knit n Stitch, where the perfect exchange was waiting: Fantastic book. I'll write a review that

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1134203619212274782005-12-09T23:44:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:36:54.613-08:00

It's plain looking, which is what Dad will like about it, but I'm happy that it works exactly how I thought it would in my head. As a bonus, it feels even better than I imagined. Now I want to make myself a pair of wool mittens lined with angora, it feels so cushiony and WARM and soft.This looks like a practical joke here, mittens with no hole for the hand I don't have a pattern written down,

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1133311862137620872005-11-29T16:25:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:38:45.398-08:00

It's snowing! Good thing I finished the gloves before the first snowfall. But I should save them as a just-in-case Christmas present. Oh well. The colors in this 2nd photo taken outside in natural light are more accurate.I'm not knitting for everyone in my family this Christmas, doing that for four years in a row is enough. My family is always very appreciative so it's not a thankless burden

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1131922314652387692005-11-13T14:52:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:34.394-08:00

I might as well post this here too. I'm offering up for trade a Rowan pattern book, it's the #4 issue of their magazine from 1988. I live in the United States and will ship it anywhere. Here's a page with all the details, including what I'm looking for and photos of some of the sweaters and jackets in the book:http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/rowanbook4.htmlYou can comment here or email me

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1130844026765234282005-11-01T03:09:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:41:54.938-08:00

Here's a glove made with Trekking sock yarn on size 0 needles (I switch to 000 after the top finger joint to help shape the top of the fingers without extra decrease rounds): 1993 called, it wants its plaid shirt backIt'd be a good idea to knit the mate before I forget what all the numbers scribbled down on paper mean. That's an asymmetric thumb gusset. It's my favorite because the increases are

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1125314252480629872005-08-29T03:47:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:40:17.155-08:00

I found a small OOP treasure at a used bookstore in Fairhaven the other day: Norwegian Knitting Designsselected by Annichen Sibbern BøhnPublished in Oslo, Norway 1975 (©. 1965)I have a weakness for old knitting books and this is a sweet little book, it appeals to the Norwegian in me and there are a few patterns I plan to use. The written sweater patterns are vague so they are mainly of use to

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1115726660862340772005-05-10T05:04:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:43:54.779-08:00

There's good news in the final paragraph so I won't blame anyone who skips all this rambling and heads straight to the end.I finished the 2nd sock over a week ago and forgot to post a photo. Thanks for the kind comments in the last post about the edited socks, they really did make me smile. I must say when I finished the toe and turned the sock inside out my first thought (both times) was "Oh

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1114162635631189782005-04-22T02:01:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:46:18.100-08:00

I succumbed to the call of the swap yarn . . .. . . but it might look a little different than you expect.Where's the white, the faux Fair Isle sections? I edited them out! Mwahaha. Hey yarn, I'm the boss. In total there were 12 sections cut out. This meant I had around 24 ends (instead of 2) to weave in but I took care of that as I worked down the sock so it wasn't a big annoyance. Do try this at

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1113441869813129182005-04-16T00:18:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:46:37.710-08:00

Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-ReinselKnitting Ganseys isn't a standard book of knitting patterns, it's an instructional book. Chapter 1 covers the history of gansey knitting. Chapters 2 through 10 walk you through the process of knitting a small sampler gansey, which teaches traditional techniques such as underarm gussets. Chapter 11 explains how to design your own sweater and Chapter 12 has six

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1113257474361202802005-04-13T12:05:00.000-07:002006-10-30T00:47:03.582-08:00

The mitten, the single solitary mitten, is finally done. Yes it took over a month and I have excuses but they're boring excuses and nobody wants to hear them (not even me). Now I have to make another one. Normally I don't suffer from second sock/mitten/etc syndrome but right now I'd rather be working on something different. I could flake out and do more socks (still have two singles that need

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1112119622660770922005-03-29T09:46:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:33.821-08:00

There has to be at least one serious knitter on staff at my local library, they add new knitting books every month and the generous selection of books would make any knitter drool. It's not just the quantity that's impressive, the variety and depth is also appreciated. For example, you'd expect them to have the popular Vogue Knitting reference book but they also have gems like Latvian Dreams.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1111582022735629622005-03-23T03:30:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:50:24.918-08:00

Yesterday I went to the library to return some DVDs (Horatio Hornblower, fun adventure on the high seas) and borrow a few books. One of those books was A Treasury of Magical Knitting by Cat Bordhi. You might know her from Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles. I flipped through the Magical Knitting book at the LYS last year but nothing in it grabbed my attention. Which is fine, my lack of NEED IT

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1111045019819199462005-03-16T23:34:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:33.683-08:00

I liked the first pair of Komi mittens I finished last month so now I'm working on a new pair from Mostly Mittens. Different pattern, different yarn. This is the fingering weight wool that I dyed a couple weeks ago. It's 10 sts/in on size 0 needles. I'll make more of an effort to get the colors right for the final photo. In these photos the darker color looks like it has hightlights or the dye

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1110196994159442622005-03-07T04:02:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:52:39.384-08:00

I was asked about the bleach test...I like to buy yarn at thrift shops but sometimes it isn't labelled. Cotton is easy to identify, I know that when I see/touch it. If the mystery yarn isn't cotton then it's usually obvious if it's wool or acrylic but every so often I can't be absolutely sure. I also like to try to break the yarn with my hands but wool doesn't always break and acrylic doesn't

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1109681772660032242005-03-01T04:47:00.000-08:002006-10-30T00:54:43.425-08:00

This isn't bruising... it's the result of not rinsing the dyed yarn properly. :( Or maybe it wasn't heated long enough? I'm concerned the dark turquoise yarn will run and stain the light yarn when the finished mittens are washed. Now that the cuff is done I'll knit up a test swatch with the two yarns and wash that with some vinegar to see what happens. If the dye stains the light blue yarn then

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1109284247397241072005-02-24T14:13:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:03:14.106-08:00

Yesterday I dyed six skeins of white wool using Lanaset turquoise dye (2 tsp dye powder in ~4 gallons water and 2 cups white vinegar): The 2 hanks of fingering wool on the far left are target color #1, they were first in the dye pot together. The 2 hanks of fingering wool in the middle are target color #2, they were last in the dye pot together. The 2 hanks on the far right were orphan skeins (

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1108862287511853082005-02-19T17:15:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:33.391-08:00

Have you heard about KnitCast? It's a free mp3 download. In this first edition Marie Irshad offers a fascinating look at "biologists who get inspiration for their knitting from fungi and bacteria."It's a most welcome alternative to the braindead fluff pieces found in most knitting magazines. If you enjoy listening to interviews on NPR then KnitCast will sound like a familiar friend.Download the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1108458946327456502005-02-14T23:58:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:33.270-08:00

OK, still working on the thumb... I'm thinking the mittens will probably fit my mom after blocking, there's already room in the fingertips and it won't take much to change the circumference. We'll see. a token for my valentinewho has saved every card I've made for the last 12 yearsnow that says something(it's either OCD or love)

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1108264944703387612005-02-12T19:20:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:33.197-08:00

Almost done with the first mitten, just have to do the decrease section at the fingertips and then finish the thumb. I'll make more of an effort to photograph the mittens properly (in the right light, etc) when they're actually done.I started out thinking this pair would go to my mom for her birthday in March but they fit me perfectly (like a glove, heh) and her hands are bigger than mine.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1108114609617991002005-02-11T01:00:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:02:29.966-08:00

This week I've been working on a mitten from Mostly Mittens using Kroy 4-ply sock yarn on size 1 (2.50 mm) needles. I just put the thumb sts on scrap yarn so I paused to take photos of my progress. This is the front... or is it the back? They're identical so the mitten can be worn on either hand. Now that I think about it I could have made the knitting easier by doing a 1x1 checkerboard on the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1107579186996834812005-02-04T22:16:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:04:26.456-08:00

All right, my only knitting output in January 2005 was this:Two socks? That's sad. And they're not even a matching pair because one sock is a toe-up short row heel and the other is a cuff-down standard rounded heel. Who knows when I'll get around to knitting their mates, maybe in a month or two or five. Anyway, in January I needed a break after the mad shawl knitting of October - December 2004

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1107171529358620882005-01-31T03:33:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:04:01.073-08:00

Most knitters know about the Boye Needlemaster interchangeable kit: ... as well as the Denise interchangeable kit: Last year I found a set of Boye KnitMaster interchangeable needles at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop:There isn't much info online about the KnitMaster so I don't know when these kits were manufactured. (You'll mainly find ebay hits if you google Boye Knitmaster.)The KnitMaster

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1106779841675078142005-01-27T03:49:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:36:59.232-08:00

the knitrider asked:Are there very many cast on methods? all i know is the basic cast on method, and i know there are ways to make the cast on look neater. can you recommend a book that thoroughly explains them, or a site? Or is that Neatby book the best source? If you're interested in a specific cast on you can try googling the name(s) it is known by, some sites include helpful videos or photos.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1106570812751819352005-01-24T04:52:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:11:41.470-08:00

I played with the tubular cast on while swatching for mittens last month but I hadn't actually worked it into a project yet. Last night I figured I might as well do something new with my familiar cuff-down socks so I started a sock with a tubular cast on. You can google for instructions online (and there are completely different methods of accomplishing it to be found) but I like Lucy Neatby's

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1106431312350990952005-01-22T13:48:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:32.748-08:00

I have a finished sock and a new bed. New mattress, new box springs, new bed frame, new headboard, new pillow, new sheets, new bedskirt, new mattress pad, it's all NEW. Rumor has it that a new duvet will magically appear before the end of the day as well. There are no words to express how much I love this new bed. Consider that I had been sleeping on the same Sears mattress for 27 years. Right.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1106017617439067292005-01-17T19:40:00.000-08:002006-10-30T11:15:21.944-08:00

After three years my homemade circular needle holder finally has a 10.5 slot. The reason it didn't have one in the first place is a boring story that starts with a low stock of embroidered numbers on clearance and me thinking "I don't even own any 10.5 circulars, who cares?" At the time I didn't know it would annoy me whenever I looked at it. The funny thing is that the 10.5 slot is still empty.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1105517402804512532005-01-12T13:08:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:32.623-08:00

Current WIP: I'm knitting toe-up socks for a change of pace but I'm still using my trusty 47" size 0 Addi Turbo circular. How much abuse can it take before it breaks? Stay tuned. FYI: The instructions in the Magic Loop booklet for the figure 8 cast-on (onto a single circular needle) are brilliant. That's worth the cost of the booklet. Before casting on I looked at the stripey knee socks, my

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1105240203270935622005-01-08T18:35:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:12:01.355-08:00

Due to recent snowfall we have cancelled birthday festivities. I phoned my parents at 6:15 this morning and told them to go back to bed, it wasn't safe for them to travel three hours and drive around town up here. (We had a bunch of errands planned, including buying me a new mattress.) The snow should be gone by next weekend so it's not that big of a deal, they can come up then. icicles outside

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1104799593615685612005-01-05T13:16:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:12:16.399-08:00

This isn't the first or last word on the subject but it's how I block wool hats:Items needed:* small bowl * tall cylinder that is the same size or a little smaller than the bowl (such as an oatmeal canister or rolled up towel tied closed)* plastic shopping bag (optional)* towel* wet wool hatMy bowl is 19" around the widest part (6" diameter) and the canister is 16" around (5" diameter) but I

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1104532236676651002005-01-03T01:55:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:32.430-08:00

Dad's boring OSU hat, made from Lamb's Pride Bulky: Mom with her shawl: I thought there was something wrong with the photo and then realized those white blotchy spots are the snowmen on mom's sweater peeking through the lace. Yes, mom wears cutesy winter sweaters. I didn't inherit that gene. Bob's boring blue hat, made from Lamb's Pride Bulky: Zzzzzz. Boring hats are so boring -- but

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1104293704321005132004-12-28T20:11:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:32.372-08:00

Christmas in Oregon was fun, the best part was seeing my second cousin Lily (that's my cousin's daughter) -- she's the smartest and cutest and funniest 14 month old child in the history of the world. I like the sweater she's wearing here, even though it's not handknit: I also saw her younger brother Gordon but he was only 4 days old, he didn't have much of a chance to show off his charm or

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1103725417074522132004-12-22T06:13:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:32.312-08:00

Stephanie asked how long it took to make mom's shawl. I started around November 1st and worked on it for a few hours, sometimes longer, 5 or 6 days a week. I took about 6 days off from shawl knitting at Thanksgiving. Now, grandma's shawl in DK weight yarn (same pattern, but a lot less chart repeats) took 9 days to complete, it was effortless in comparison. I counted carefully after every RS row

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1103553526424178122004-12-20T06:30:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:23:54.123-08:00

The surprising news is that mom's shawl weighs only 2 ounces which means I have 1.5 ounces left over, that's enough for a smaller shawl or a couple of lace scarves. In comparison, grandma's shawl in DK weight yarn weighs 8 ounces -- and they're about the same size. Measurements post-blocking are 42" deep x ~85" wingspan. I didn't fuss with making the top edge straight or all the edge points

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1102863423282714312004-12-19T04:35:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:24:32.661-08:00

When I inherited my grandmother's beautiful furniture I also received a box of fine lace tablecloths for the dining room table and lace runners for the buffet. I wish grandma could tell me who made them because I now have a better idea of how much time and skill went into their creation. Lace musingsJust a few things I've learned...1) Denise circular needles work really well with laceweight yarn

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1103318227371001622004-12-17T13:03:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:18:15.006-08:00

I made a scarf for Dad a couple days ago but I think I'll rip it out and knit up a hat instead. 1) it's rather short and I don't have another skein of Lamb's Pride Bulky in black to make it longer. 2) I just made a neckwarmer for his birthday. 3) I have a dozen or so yards of LPB in orange which means I could make a black hat with a touch of orange and my Dad will wear anything black and orange,

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1103081780135529112004-12-14T19:25:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:32.134-08:00

Mystery Knitter wrote: I love the neckwarmer you made - could you post the pattern - it looks easy. Thanks. Sure, it's really simple. First a word about binding off. Here are the two neckwarmers I made last week side by side. I hadn't planned to take a photo of Mike's because it looked like Dad's but then I realized that wasn't true, they aren't exactly alike. I made Dad's first, on the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1102764996960453342004-12-11T03:28:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:31.994-08:00

Some knitters scoff and voice their disapproval about others knitting holiday presents. The grumble usually goes something like: "Why do people stress out about knitting gifts when they can buy presents? Who cares if everybody and their cat receives a pair of mittens from you?" Some cynics question the motives of handknit gifters, like we're doing it to proclaim "I'm so wonderful, I knit this for

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1102295299940607182004-12-05T17:05:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:31.933-08:00

I thought I'd have a pair of mittens by now but all I have is a single cuff. It's a lovely K1P1 cuff with a nifty tubular cast-on but it is just a cuff. (Note: Lucy Neatby's instructions for tubular cast on in the round are good, as printed in her sock book.) I knit up half the hand and it looked great but the fair isle pattern distorted too much when I tried it on. So I ripped back to the top of

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1101631180330780742004-11-28T13:58:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:31.877-08:00

I'm still visiting my parents so I haven't been knitting a whole lot but I did knit up a gauge swatch and draw a few charts. Here is my design (rough draft) for the back of the mitten: ...which looks kinda cool solarized (photoshop filter): Last night I spent an hour studying the beautiful Fair Isle sweater in front of us at church (and cursed myself for leaving my specs at home). Mom found

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1101211601856342982004-11-23T03:45:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:31.820-08:00

I'm heading off tomorrow for Thanksgiving with my parents so I'll leave the shawl at home -- I'd rather mom not see it in the ugly adolescent unblocked stage. (Just finished the 16th repeat, I can finally see the light at the end of the carpal tunnel.) Instead I'll work on xmas mittens down there using this: That's Red Heart vintage wool dyed various shades of blue and teal. I don't plan to

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100943502066226462004-11-20T01:27:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:23:03.067-08:00

Lace sure is ugly until it's blocked. In this photo you can clearly see where the beginning of the shawl was already blocked (see Nov 4th post). Meg Swansen compares unblocked lace to a dishrag, so very true. Funny! I'm just now finishing the 14th repeat of chart #2. It looks small in its shriveled up state but I don't want it to be too big so I'll pin it out after 16 repeats to see if it's time

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100643693418057012004-11-16T14:21:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:23:12.660-08:00

I recently borrowed Arans & Celtics from the library, the latest in the XRX Best of Knitter's magazine series. I noticed a few gems that were missing but maybe they're holding those patterns back for a volume 2. There was one standout pattern I almost missed because I was so disturbed and distracted by a bobbly sweater ("Bobbled Braids") and quickly turned the page. (Anything with bobble in the

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100569964794599092004-11-10T17:05:00.000-08:002006-10-29T22:38:30.347-08:00

Monday morning I went to the thrift shop and found an 8 ounce cone of Harrisville Tweed in True Blue, that's about 1,000 yards of fingering weight wool. $2.99! Actually it only cost $1.99 because at the register a friendly gentleman handed the cashier a dollar to help pay for it. He probably thought I looked pathetic counting out quarters. Still working on mom's shawl, still not sure if it'll

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100569811873625032004-11-04T20:43:00.000-08:002006-10-30T01:23:25.618-08:00

Here's the variegated socks I finished last month, finally got around to taking a photo. Same basic pattern on the same size 0 Addi circular -- it's a rut but it works: Rainbow in a blender? They don't look as garish in person and once the foot is hidden in the shoe they're actually rather tame. Or so I keep telling myself. ;) I've decided to avoid buying variegated yarn from now on, unless it's

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100566764014781062004-10-30T03:50:00.000-07:002006-10-30T01:25:25.082-08:00

Here's the shawl pinned out and drying on my guest bed. I measured the length and width and the measurements match those of the large size given in the instructions -- so at least it isn't big in a totally unrealistic and silly way. Good thing I stopped at 10 repeats instead of doing all 12 as specified for the large size. :) I was aiming for something smaller but eh, I'll see how it fits when

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100598814405632392004-10-28T04:12:00.000-07:002006-10-29T22:38:31.641-08:00

I finished grandma's shawl, that went faster than expected. Photos later, it has to be blocked first. As I was working on it I kept thinking "I really should thread a lifeline here at some point" but never got around to it. Then on the cast off row (very last row) I yanked the shawl awkwardly and several stitches popped off the needle and downdowndown they dropped. Bwahahaha! I was determined

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100598718334071532004-10-22T02:12:00.000-07:002006-10-29T22:38:31.571-08:00

A few nights ago (10/19) I started the Leaf Lace Shawl from Fiber Trends and it's turning out better than I imagined. Love the leaves! It will most likely end up being a Christmas present for my grandma. I'd like to make another with laceweight yarn for my mom. For this version I'm using burgundy DK weight yarn purchased at a thrift store for a few bucks, so the pattern cost more than the yarn.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100573499013783602004-09-11T18:50:00.000-07:002006-10-30T01:26:04.777-08:00

Close-up! Stats: Regia yarn, 10 sts/in on size 0 needles, 84 sts cast onI have no idea why I like stripey socks so much. Maybe it's a Pippi Longstocking thing?Stats: Trekking yarn, 10 sts/in on size 0 needles, 88 sts cast onI need to figure out a way to build a fake lower calf for my fake foot model -- it looks misshapen because there's just cotton stuffing in there. :)

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100573650058525462004-09-09T21:55:00.000-07:002006-10-30T01:26:35.569-08:00

I started another pair of socks last week -- I needed a new portable project and I didn't want it to be anything special that would have to be reluctantly put down when the shawl yarn arrived. Speaking of portable projects, I finally found the perfect on-the-go knitting bag.Socks are the best portable projects because they're small and I can knit a sock without referring to a pattern. The current

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172762.post-1100570691853557312004-08-13T11:52:00.000-07:002006-10-30T01:27:06.266-08:00

I finally had a chance to take decent photos of the last two pairs of socks. Well only one of each pair made it into the photos so you'll have to imagine a matching pair. The promo photo promised there would be lime green but there is no lime green. As you can see in the previous entry the foot did not have a leg attached to it so I put stuffing in the sock leg to make it look somewhat normal.

Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266438117964986230noreply@blogger.com0