Knitmom's blog

Two months since I last posted? Wow! Sorry about falling off the face of the earth like that! I joined Ravelry (sherylb there) and I think that sucked me in to the point that I didn't have much time to post here!

2007 is over now (well, in another 2.5 hours here) and I was looking over my knit list for the year. Every year since 2006, I have made and kept up a running list with all of the projects I have planned, in progress, and completed. And this year is no different!

In 2006, I completed 19 projects. In 2007, it was also 19! Nice to know I am consistent, at least! I am pleased, for the most part, with the projects I completed in the last year, and I also learned some valuable lessons and some new techniques.

I completed my first real lace project (Branching Out) and learned that I need to not be pregnant and only work on it when the kids are not around to be successful in following lace patterns. That project also taught me to read and really value charts.

I also knit a sweater for myself for the first time! I LOVED doing it, but learned that I really enjoy knitting sweaters top down and in the round. I had started a sweater for my daughter previously and didn't finish it because it was knit bottom up in pieces and then seamed. There is just something satisfying about seeing a sweater take shape and being able to try it on as you go that makes it so nice!

I knit a sweater for my daughter and learned that I have issues with sleeves. LOL! I knit the Girlfriend Swing Coat and had major issues getting the sleeves to be the same length. In fact, I still don't have them correct! One of these days! And I am facing the sleeves on a sweater for my son that will require me getting the sleeve length correct all over again!

I learned that knitting small items are very fulfilling! I completed several soakers, Christmas ornaments, hats and mittens. All of them were quick knits. And all of them made me feel really productive when I got them finished. Most usually helped encourage me to pick up other items that had been languishing in the knitting box. I decided early on that I could handle things like sweaters as long as I have socks, ornaments, soakers, or whatever on the needles, too.

I learned that knitting blankets was not my thing. Well, at least not large blankets. I might be able to handle a baby blanket with bulky yarn on large needles, but a blanket with worsted weight on size 8 needles? It takes way too long and is not varied enough to keep me interested. I am incredibly proud that I finally finished the blanket for my MIL, even if it was after Christmas! It took me 2 years to get it done and included frogging what was supposed to be all of the squares for the blanket to completely start over! I did learn I love the log cabin blanket from Mason-Dixon Knitting, which made the knitting easier.

And most of all, I learned that I love the knitting community. Ravelry came into being and captured my attention. I can't say I am incredibly active there, but there are boards I follow and people I enjoy reading about. The spinning community on LJ is also great. Being able to discuss knitting, techniques, yarn, and even talk about other things that may involve knitting in some round about way (Pushing Daisies, for example!) makes me smile!

So, I leave 2007 19.5 projects completed (I have one sock of a pair done!) and richer in my knitting experience. I am more confident, both in knitting and spinning, and I look forward to what the new year brings my way. Maybe steeks?

Happy New Year, everyone! May 2008 be joyous, fiber-full, and productive.

Oh, and for the record, here is my completed in 2007 list:

1. Mittens for DD
2. Mittens for me
3. Hat for DD
4. Socks for DD
5. Small soaker for DS
6. Toy for DD (doll)
7. Wrap for me (Clapotis)
8. Girlfriend Shrug for DD
   
9. Soaker for DS (Medium)
10. Branching Out Scarf for Grandma (Xmas)
11. Rustic Angel for Mom
12. Bombshell (from Big Girl Knits) for me
13. Soakers for friend (3)
14. Girlfriend Swing coat for DD
15. Log Cabin Blanket for MIL
16. Stocking for Mom
17. Christmas ornaments for Mom & Sister
18. Mason-Dixon baby kimono sweater (modified) for friends' newborn
    
19. Drop wrap scarf for my sister with hand-dyed yarn
    

Anyone here a Fraggle Rock fan? I simply adored them! And who can forget the Doozers! Those cute guys, always working, building with those clear sticks that the Fraggles would come along and destroy?

Did you know that Doozers knitted? They even sang a knitting song! I discovered this on Ravelry. Here are the words:

Just saw this video on YouTube and I love it!  Enjoy!

IT IS FINISHED!!! WOOHOO!!

Yep, I finished the Bombshell from Big Girl Knits!  It took me just under a month, which is awesome for me. I do all of my knitting at night, after the kids and DH are asleep. I usually get 2-4 hours of knitting time at night, although I usually spend a good hour of that catching up online or doing other things around the house. And I don't knit every night since there are those days when I just want to go to bed! So, I think a total of about 55 hours is a good estimate on how long it took me to finish the Bombshell.

Now, the specs.

Pattern: Bombshell from Big Girl Knits.
Yarn: Andean Silk from Knitpicks in Orange. (55% Superfine Alpaca, 23% Silk, 22% Merino Wool, worsted weight)
Needles: Size 3 & 7 24" Boye Circular Needles (Interchangables)
Size made: 2X

Notes on knitting this: The yarn itself was lovely to work with! It is the best yarn I have worked with by far. It is so soft and lovely. However, it does grow on washing/blocking. I knew this to begin with so I purposely knitting a smaller size.

I love knitting from the top down.Being able to see my progress as I went and even to try it on was wonderful! It made it easy and fun to knit. I want to do every sweater top down from now on! I did make a few alterations to customize the pattern. I chose to reduce the number of ribbing rows from 26 to 20 to shorten that section. I also lengthened the bottom section by quite a lot to make it long enough on me. And I added short row shaping to the bottom to accomodate my belly.

The sweater fit perfectly - until I washed it! I had taken into account the extra amount of bloom in the yarn, but it is still just a tad bit too large on me. The neckline is a bit lower than I had wanted - it will be a challenge to find a bra that doesn't show - and the ribbing is not as snug as it was before, although that isn't much of an issue since it isn't baggy. The back is also a bit loose on me. It is totally wearable, though, so not too many complaints.

I did notice that I need to work on my joins and my weaving in. You are supposed to be able to reverse this sweater to wear either the knit or the purl side out. However, my joins at the top left a lot to be desired. I didn't even think about the fact that this yarn could be spit spliced until half way through, so I had ends to weave in. Those left small bulges in the material on the inside. Good thing I don't care for the look of the purl side!

This was my very first sweater for myself. I had completed a sweater for my daughter (a cardigan) but didn't like it and frogged it, so this would be my very first wearable sweater, too! I am pleased at how fast this worked up. The pattern was simple and easy to follow. At no point was I confused on any directions. this was my first time knitting top down, but other than that I can't say I really learned anything new. I liked how this pattern was constantly changing as it went. You were increasing, then ribbing, then short rows, then a new stitch pattern. I didn't have much of a chance to get bored.

Of course, because I am me, though, I did decide to do another quick project mid-stream. So, I quickly knit up the Rustic Angel from Little Turtle Knits. This is to be a Christmas gift for my mom or sister. I love how she turned out, but she does need a bit of help in the skirt area.

I must admit that I am a bit on the poor side. I can't afford the huge knitting library and the huge knitting stash I so long to have (that is one of the sacrifices I make to be a stay at home mom, so I won't complain too loudly!) But I CRAVE new projects and new yarn and new books and all things knitting!

I decided to check out our local library. The great thing about our library is that it is one of many in a system, so, even if a book I want isn't available at my branch, I can get online, see if it is one the system owns, then request it. They send it to my branch and I get an email asking me to pick it up when it is available. Some books are popular (Elizabeth Zimmerman is especially popular) and I can't keep them for an extended amount of time, but I can keep them long enough to decide if I want to put the book on my wish list. And that is how I first checked out Big Girl Knits.

Yes, I am a big girl. I had at first avoided this book because I hate that I am, but then thought I should check it out. I wanted to eventually be able to knit myself a sweater, but I knew that a shapeless boxy sweater just wasn't flattering.

I immediately fell in love. I told DH I HAD to have it! And he bought it for me for the next gift-giving holiday! I spent hours pouring over all of the patterns, trying to decide which to knit first. I would go back and forth between this book and Knitpicks, trying to decide what yarn to buy for each sweater. I finally decided on Bombshell and Lift & Separate. I had yarns picked for each, but a very limited budget. And then Knitpicks put their Andean Silk on sale for a brief time! I snapped it up! I could afford Andean Silk for Bombshell finally! I was in heaven!

I had the yarn here for a bit, waiting for the moment when I could cast on. I was so anxious to start! Yet I was also fully prepared to spend my time between projects. I certainly would get bored with knitting a sweater, right? I had gotten bored trying to knit my toddler a sweater. I am a large woman!

I finally was able to cast on for the sweater a few days ago. First, the Andean Silk is WONDERFUL. It is so soft and luscious. I haven't worked with much in the way of luxury fiber, so those that have may think it isn't the highest grade, but it is so wonderful for me! I made a huge leap when I picked the color and chose orange. I never wear orange. I do a lot of red, black, white, blue. Never something so bright and bold as orange. But this is the "Bombshell" sweater! I had to go out on a limb!

I cast on - and I can't stop knitting it! I have now completed the yoke. This is the first time I have knit from the top down. I don't think I will ever knit from the bottom up again if I can help it! I love that I was able to complete the yoke, slip the stitches to waste yarn and try the thing on! I tried it on and was amazed - it fit and I love the color!

I am about to begin the bust area so I am sure there will be some challenges coming. But so far, I am in love!

I did just buy more yarn, though! Never to be one without a next project and a next project after that, I purchased some pink CottonEase for my daughter. I plan to make her the Girlfriend Swing Coat from Wendy Bernard. This will be her fall/spring coat. And I am already planning a sweater for my son (possible the Tomten or the Baby Surprise Jacket from Elizabeth Zimmerman.) And I haven't forgotten about the vest for DH! That will be a huge undertaking, but I am excited about playing with it.

And yes, I hope to share photos soon of my Bombshell.

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Well, I didn't mean to be away from my blog for so long! But Ravelry has pulled me in! Yes, I am addicted, truly! Where else could you organize your stash, post pics of your FOs, search for other FOs of items you want to knit, plus chat with other knitters? It is incredible! Knitters tend to be so passionate about their art and this is a great way to share that passion!

I have finished several objects since I last posted. Unfortunately, the knitting was a direct result of tragedy.

Almost 4 weeks ago, my stepfather passed away suddenly. He was in his 70's and his health was not good, but we certainly didn't expect he would pass away. He passed away at home, just the way he wanted.

My stepfather was the recipient of several of my knitted items. The first item I made him was a stocking cap. It was knitted flat and seamed (I had no idea how to knit in the round or how to knit with DPNs at the time) and when I gave it to him, he tried it on and it looked too small. I didn't think he ever wore it! Then, one day not too long ago, I told him I would knit him a new hat for Christmas and he told me that he kept that hat in his truck and would put it on when he shoveled snow during the winter! He also received the first pair of socks I ever knit. He had circulation issues in his feet and he complained about them being cold at night. I knit him a pair of socks in WoolEase. I knew the wool and acrylic combo would help hold in heat. He loved them! I gave him a second pair later. Both got a lot of wear in the colder months.

On the morning of his death, my mom found him. My sister and I rushed to her side. Thankfully my sister doesn't have a family and was able to stay with my mom for a week. I, however, felt a bit helpless. I had to be with my little ones since DH had to work. I put my frustration and grief into knitting. And I finally made a big dent in my projects.

I finished my Branching Out for my grandma. This will be her Christmas gift. I am not sure I care for my blocking job, but I love the scarf!

This was knit in Knitpicks Shadow in Jewels colorway on size 9 needles. I loved this pattern once it clicked! I don't know if I will ever be a huge lace knitter, but I did enjoy seeing it take shape and I am sure I will do more in the future!

I also finished up the Girlfriend Shrug (pdf file) for DD. I had started this before Easter and it took me forever to finish it. With 14" of straight stockinette stitch, it got a bit boring. If I make another, I will add a stitch pattern to the shrug, plus I will definitely knit the sleeves in the round so there will be no seaming required.

This is in Sirdar Snuggly DK in white. I am not a fan of acrylic, but I bought the yarn for a sweater for DD several years ago and never got it done, so I frogged it and made this instead. It is very soft and cuddly and washable, so it is perfect. DD loves it! (And that is a terrible picture of her! She had just had a bath and wouldn't give me a good smile.)

Another FO was a soaker for DS. He is growing so quickly and I needed to make him a new soaker for the next size up. This is from the Warm Heart Woolies pattern. I have made many of these in all sizes and these are fast and easy to crank out. Just a few hours knitting and I have a new soaker. Love this pattern!

This is in Knitpicks Wool Of The Andes in Avacado with brown Paton's Classic Wool. I used the mosaic technique where you only use one color for each row, slipping the stitches for each color. It was so easy to do and I designed the very basic pattern on the soaker. (I hope the pic works - it isn't showing as I compose this post.)

And finally, I was able to finish the last square for the blanket I have been working on forever! I have taken to calling it my MIL blanket. It is supposed to be a gift to my MIL. I didn't realize how long this thing would last or how bored I would grow with it. There are a dozen individual squares, knit using 3 colors. DH picked out the colors and I do like them. Each square is a different stitch pattern, so that was a neat way to try some different things out. Several of the patterns were supposed to be done in all three colors, but I hated the way they looked when mixed. So, I did some research and found 3 new stitch patterns. Now, I need to figure out how to sew the whole thing together. Right now the plan is to pick up stitches along the edges and knit with a different color to form a border around the whole thing. So, it is not a real FO, but I am so relieved to have the squares done!

This is all done in Lion Brand WoolEase on size 9 needles.

I have now started on my Bombshell from Big Girl Knits and I am loving it! I love knitting it from the top down and seeing as the yoke is formed. And I adore the Knitpicks Andean Silk! It is so soft!

I also had a chance to check out a yarn store in my area last week. I stopped in at Temptations. I walked away with 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn in Tuscany, 2 skeins of Cascade 220 in Goldenrod, and the Kristina Bag pattern from Black Sheep Bags. I love adding new yarn!

And, on top of that, I managed to snag a few books from the Interweave Press Hurt Books sale! I am getting 

for my birthday from DH and I bought myself  YEA!!!

Knitting has gotten me through a lot now. I find great joy in knitting and I like being able to turn to it in pain. It holds memories and, when knitting for family and friends, it is all knitted in love. It makes me happy to know that I brought my stepdad comfort and warmth when he was cold. What an amazing gift to be able to give to people I love.

I am going to do it finally! I am going to knit myself a sweater! But I am a bit mystified.

A few days ago, someone posted about a great sale at Knitpicks. I had been debating on what yarn and what colorway to use to knit Bombshell from Big Girl Knits. One of the yarns I had been wanting was Andean Silk. It was a bit pricier than the other option, but with the discount, I could go for it! So, I bit and got 11 skeins of Andean Silk in Orange. It took about a week to get to me, and I was ready to start knitting!

Being the dutiful knitter that I am, I decided to be safe and do a gauge swatch. I cast on and knit for about 6", ending up with a rather large swatch of 8"x6". Stitch gauge was perfect! But, I decided not to chance it so I gently washed my swatch, pinned it flat without stretching too much, and let it dry overnight. I was so excited to see how it turned out.

The yarn is gorgeous! The softness, the sheen, the color! It has a few stray fibers, but it is not a yarn that seems to shed a lot. But, it grew. I lost a stitch when I measured this morning. I was so frustrated! I went from 18 stitches per 4 inches to 17 stitches per 4 inches. Of course, row gauge is now just right! Figures!

So, now I have a bit of a dilemma. I can do one of two things. I can swatch again, using smaller needles, then wash my swatch and measure, hoping to get gauge. Or, there is a possibility of knitting a size smaller and using the gauge difference to add enough to make the sweater fit.

I did a few quick calculations, and according to the number of stitches at several points (the bust area and the waist) the new gauge would work for my measurements in the smaller of the two sizes. But then I began to wonder if there are hidden issues that I am not considering. Am I missing a place where the sweater would be too small? I can add length since it is knit from the top down and could be tried on. I am not afraid to frog. I like the fabric from the resulting gauge swatch. But if I can achieve gauge with smaller needles, why not go for it? Why not do it right, rather than do it by guessing?

I think this is the time when I need to trust my instincts. Now, if I can just figure out where my instincts are leading!  and let's not even mention the swatch for the vest for my DH I just finished that is off - and it is fingering weight yarn knit on 2s! I will be knitting an argyle sweater vest on 1s! Eek!!! I am praying that the wash shrinks it, but I have a feeling it won't because that would just be too easy!

How about a knitting meme for a knitting blog?

Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.

Afghan/Blanket (well, it is a WIP!)
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dyeing with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dyeing yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

This last Saturday was a fun, fibery day! As a bit of a backstory, in an effort to lose some weight and get in better shape, I have been training to run a 5K. Unfortunately, it hasn't happened (2 kids, housework, etc, all have gotten in the way) but we had signed up to run or walk a 5K Saturday morning.

The 5K was called the Filthy Farm 5K. It was at an organic farm run by Dominican Sisters. I have driven past the farm numerous times and was intrigued, but never knew much about it. I was excited about the organic nature of the farm and the proceeds went towards sustaining the farm, which produced food for food pantries and shelters in the area. The t-shirts and prizes they were giving out were all organic, too! The farm sits on 160 acres in the middle of growing suburban developments. The walk/run itself was tough - lots of ruts, branches, etc, that threatened to trip you up. But the best part came when we explored the education building. It had been an old barn that they rebuilt on their property. They hold classes there and one of the rooms had two wheels, a loom, drop spindles, a lazy kate, and other fibery things! I was so excited to walk in the room and see all of that! They raise sheep on their farm, so I am sure much of the fiber is from them.

My mom also came that morning to help watch the kids and she brought along my latest purchase - 2 ozs of suri alpaca. I purchased it from the family friends that own the alpaca farm and it is beautiful! It is from a white alpaca. It is so soft and gorgeous! I can't wait to spin it! I am currently spinning the huacaya alpaca I got from them.

After the run, on sore, tired feet, we traveled about an hour and a half to the Great Lakes Fiber Festival in Wooster, OH. It was raining most of the time we were there, which I think held down the crowds a bit. We wandered through the 4 buildings full of exhibitors, looked at the alpacas outside, and checked out the sheep barn.

DH really seemed to enjoy himself, which was a change from the last fiber festival we attended. It was cool and rainy, but we were in buildings for the most part, so we stayed comfortable. The kids were in good spirits until the very end. DH seemed to like looking at all of the different things that went along with spinning and knitting. He stressed later that he probably would never knit or spin, but he liked seeing the stuff. They had a man that made stools and chairs for spinning and weaving. He liked seeing the Babe spinning wheels.I think he was thankful that I chose to spin rather than weave when he saw the size of the floor looms! And I controlled myself, so that helped, too! DD was in a good mood in her stroller and DS was great, as long as I held him. I had to be careful because he was constantly trying to grab and eat the fiber I picked up! I am sure no one wanted baby drool on their fiber!

As for my shopping, I knew I wanted to get a variety of fibers to try spinning. I also was looking at yarns for a sweater I want to knit for myself. I didn't find the yarn (I had hoped to check out fiber from Miss Babs, but couldn't find her there) but I found fiber! I purchased 3 new fibers to try, plus a needle felting kit.

Finally, I have another finished object to post about! I finished the Clapotis last night! Only three more projects on the needles to finish up before I can cast on for another!

This Clapotis was a second go at the pattern. The first was knitted as a Christmas gift for Christmas of 2005 for my stepmom. I was still fairly new at knitting, not having done more than a few scarves. I was ready to branch out and it was easy enough for me to follow - although I did have a heck of a time figuring out what they meant to drop the stitch! It blew my mind that I was actually supposed to drop a stitch! LOL!

The last Clapotis was done in Lion Brand Homespun. I had used that yarn for scarves and found it to be pretty soft. Of course, back then, I was unacquainted with other natural fibers. Dropping the stitches was an absolute nightmare with the Homespun and the texture of the yarn made the stitch pattern hard to see. I regretted my yarn choice. The final product was nice and soft and fluffy and my stepmom liked it, but the yarn just didn't set off the pattern. And on top of that, I was working on a deadline. I literally finished the last few rows minutes before I had to wrap it to give it away. That deadline made the knitting rather unenjoyable. I didn't think I would ever knit a Clapotis again.

Then, I purchased a skein of Paton's SWS. I had picked it up because so many people on the Knit List had been trying it out and loved it. I thought I would use it to knit a hat for my son. The skein sat next to my knitting spot for months. It was calling out to be knit, but not as a hat. I couldn't figure out what it wanted to be.

I had known I wanted a shawl or wrap of some sort since I found my shoulders and arms getting cool when I would nurse my son in the evenings.  I had looked at many patterns, but nothing had struck me as "the one". Then someone somewhere posted their finished Clapotis, made in SWS. And then I knew I had to have it! So, I cast on.

I ended up using 5 skeins of SWS in the Natural Blue colorway. I knit it on a size 9 circular needle. It was a nice knit, really. I was also knitting a very boring shrug for my daughter - lots of stockinette - and Branching Out - lace - and this was a nice, easy knit that required me to pay a bit of attention to it without being over taxing. The dropping of stitches kept it interesting and I loved to see how the dropped stitches contrasted against the stripes from the SWS. Of course, I found out that the SWS is nice and warm as our temperature started rising into the 80's during the day. Thank goodness for the air conditioning! The finished piece is beautiful. It is as long as I am tall and sits right on my shoulders to keep them warm. I can wrap them around my baby boy when he is in my arms. I still need to block it, but I think it looks great as is. It took me over 2 months, but I never felt pressure to get it done, I never regretted casting on, and I enjoyed it all!