24 April 2007
All tied up and baby hat
I mentioned this to Dan awhile back and ever since he has been asking me for it. So I made him a tie using the Patons soy/wool. I used a pattern I found in Punk Knits By Share and Bam Ross. It is a great little knitting book I found at the library and I highly recommend it. There are several items in there that I intend to make. The tie was a fun , quick knit and Dan loves it ~ in fact , he wore it to work today. It is all done in garter stitch and had increasing and decreasing so it was good practice for me. No matter how small the project I always learn something new. This made me realize that when you do your increases or decreases you want to do it 3 or 4 stitches from the edge so you don't leave an obvious pattern line (unless that is what you want to do).
I also made a hat to go with the Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono that was previously blogged- I am going to call it Awesomely cute hat because it turned out so well.
The hat pattern was a generic one I found on the internet and I added the pom pom and the crocheted edging. Of course it is made with the Peaches and Creme 100% cotton in the same color as the kimono. I am currently working on another kimono- playing around with the sizing and making it a little bigger than the other one so Jenna can wear it when she is a little bigger towards the Fall/ Winter. She will be born in July and won't need a bunch of warm clothes so hopefully this new kimono will get some wear when the weather is chilly and she is bigger. We'll see if it works out- Will show some progress on it as it comes along.
This is not knitting related but wanted to share this little girls picture with you. She has nested in our yard on 11 eggs. It is going to be fun watching the miracle of life right in our own front yard. I will try to post pics of her and the babies when they hatch.
C'ya- Jules
18 April 2007
Awww- it's a baby! Knitter I mean-
16 April 2007
It's hard to say Goodbye
I am so very pleased to announce that my Poppy is complete!
It was a long day on Sunday putting the finishing touches on it but I made it. Phewww! I really wanted to get it done so I can move on to other things with a clear mind.Drum roll-I am so excited how well it came out- as I was knitting the armholes I was worrying that the sleeves were not going to fit- I had a little trouble when knitting them in the beginning- as I pinned them in to get ready to sew them I was pleasantly surprised to see that they fit perfectly. I was jumping for joy as I happily sewed them in place.
The top of the front is knitted in two sections believe it or not- the Noro yarn blended nearly perfect and you can barely tell that it was done separately . I couldn't do that again if I tried-
The crocheted edging around the neckline gave me a little trouble- it was a bit wobbly for me and wouldn't lay right - I ripped it about 4 times before it suited me. Then moved on to the bottom edging- again I ripped it several times before finally calling it good enough. I was extremely picky with the details since this was my first sweater and I want to make a good impression with it. Oh and by the way - it fits me perfectly- I would have enclosed a photo of me modeling but don't have anyone around to snap a pic. It was fun and I cannot wait to start another one- I think I may wait until Fall when the weather gets chilly to cast on my second. In the meantime I have lots of things to keep me knitting. I have that new Granddaughter coming in July and I need to get really busy knitting for her. There just isn't enough hours in the day for me to accomplish everything I want to do. It is fun trying though. C'ya real soon- Jules
06 April 2007
Poppies, Poppies, Poppies
This just oozes Spring to me. We love coloring Easter eggs every year and have so much more fun now that we have Riley to share the fun with us~~
I don't know who had more fun - Riley or his Grampie .Grampie rushed home from work just to take part.
Here is my Poppy so far-sleeves-DONE!
I am doing the body of the sweater in elann collection. It is Peruvian Sierra Aran 80% Wool and 20% Alpaca in Mulberry.It is luscious yarn and oh so soft. It is so very reasonably priced that I am thinking of getting more of it to make hubby's sweater that I am planning. Take a look at elann.com they have some great prices. I love the layout of their site where they have the fiber content right there for you and you don't have to click around to find it.
This pattern really allows for your own personal touch by having you place rows of color and garter ridges randomly where you see fit. I am having a blast choosing color from the Noro Silk Garden that I used on the sleeves to place the color rows. It is letting me be me! Love it -
Everyone have a Happy Easter! C'ya - Jules
05 April 2007
A Little Something
It is the Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono from The Mason*Dixon Knitting book on page 22 and it is for my little Granddaughter who will be arriving in July .
I used a combo of 100% cotton Peaches & Creme in Over the Rainbow and Cotton Tots in white. I love the color variation in the Over the Rainbow with the sherbet colors of orange, green and pink. The offer in the book is plain white but I got creative with the colors and mixed it up. I added some detail with the 3 puffy hearts I found in my sewing box- it was as if they were waiting there to add a special touch to this precious piece. For me they are very special - as I was sewing them on I thought of the 3 people who will be most important and closest to her from the moment she is born - Her Mommy, Daddy and big Brother Riley.
The pattern called for either garter or stockinette stitches but I got caught up in creativity and decided to do both. I did garter stitch to about an inch at the bottom on the left flap and then did stockinette the rest of the way.I did the entire right flap in stockinette. I think it gives the piece a lot of textural interest.
I added a button at the overlap so when the baby is picked up the right side flap won't bunch or fall open. I love how the colors and the two stitch patterns look at the overlap.
I also added a button at the lower left flap- the pattern suggested a tie at the corner but I was thinking it might be excessive bulkiness and also might be uncomfortable for the baby when she is lying on her side - no Granddaughter of mine will have to endure discomfort if I can do anything about it so I put a little button there instead.
I added the little ribbon tie on the lower right flap which I feel gives it the perfect finishing touch.
Her Grammie loves her and thinks she is really someone special- can't wait to see her wearing it! C'ya - Jules
28 March 2007
Coming along nicely
I have some ideas of "little" things to keep me busy in the meantime and will post about that next time- never a dull moment in my world of knitting- love it! C'ya - Jules
22 March 2007
Looky what I can do?
Sometimes, don't you just love it when you even impress yourself? This is the start of the first sleeve on my first sweater- ever! I am so excited I even knitted on it all night in my sleep. I couldn't shut down my brain from thinking about it. I have worked on it the last 2 night's and couldn't wait to post about it. It is glorious- I don't mean to sound conceited, but , it is coming out better than I could have imagined. Just to refresh your memory I wrote about this in a few post's ago. It is Poppy from the fab book Yarnplay by Lisa Shobhana Mason, page 99. It is also on the front cover of the book done in red's. I am doing mine in blue's- Noro # 247 for the top and I have not yet picked out what will become the bottom panel. There are sooo many color variation's in this yarn that I have a multitude of choices but will probably stick with the blue's.
The bottom panel and the sleeve edge are to be done in the same yarn but I was anxious to get going on it and decided to just use some Paton's Classic Wool that I had left from my knitting bag project and get started on it.
I also came up with this groovy idea after I weaved in my ends and it was difficult to tell where my starting point was- so I used a safety pin to put my row counter on and that way I can tell where my starting point is and I don't have to continually have my row counter bulking up my needles. I thought it was pretty clever.
I'll keep ya posted on my progress. C'ya
19 March 2007
It's in the bag-
I was able to finish my knitting bag yesterday and I think it turned out fabulous! It was fun to knit and I loved the finish work. The original pattern called for stockinette stitch but I did it in seed stitch instead- I like it better because it gave it great texture and interest. Also, the original pattern had you using straight bamboo handles and I opted for the round ones due to the fact that it was the only kind I could find. I was unsure how to attach them until I looked in my good ole' Stitch N'Bitch book and there is a similar bag featured there that indicated to just simply sew them on with the same yarn used in the project- so that is what I did and it was fast and easy. Before attaching the handles I fully lined it so when I place my needles in there they won't poke through. I have lots of fabric but to make the job that much easier I
just used an older pillow case I had laying around and it worked perfect. I just cut it in half , ironed a 1/4 inch seam and sewed it in. I just love it and it will be nice to tote my knitting around in. Gotta go - cause I got my Noro and that sweater is just calling my name. C'ya!
By the way - check out my new blog at
http://layzdayzrover.blogspot.com
17 March 2007
We had a great time~Knitting took center stage~
As you can see it's the Public Library and it was spectacular. The architecture inside and out was breathtaking.
And then we went here...
'Cause what is a mini vacation without a little knitting? It is an adorable little shop with the kindest shopkeeper.
I had to start a new project so I picked up some supplies-I have been wanting to make an all natural knitting bag to carry my supplies in. I am using Paton's Classic Wool in Natural Mix and Paton's Soy Wool Stripes in Natural Earth. Both are extremely soft and luscious. Since the pattern I am using calls for a bulky yarn I decided to use 3 strands held together instead , 2 of the Classic Wool and 1 of the Soy wool. It is the making of a nice bulky fabric. I am using the pattern in Reader's Digests "Knitting in No Time". There are some wonderful patterns in this book and I intend to get my own copy as this one is from the library.
I am using the pattern from page 128 but am putting my own twist on it and doing it in seed stitch rather than the stockinette stitch it calls for. I am also going to make it a little larger but am using size 17 needles instead of the size 19 it calls for. I am happy with it so far and will try to finish it by the end of the weekend, lining and all.
C' ya!
Gone Seein' The Blue's
13 March 2007
Let me Introduce....
Yup , the girl has attitude! This look says it all. She is an elderly old woman now but she has been like this her entire life. We got her when she was a few weeks old from a friend's Mom who had a litter born on her property. We lived in Maryland at the time which makes Melissa about 12 or 13- we disagree about what year it was so we speculate. She is definitely not a lap cat except to my son Justin who in Melissa's eyes can do no wrong. She absolutely adores him and he is her person. Needless to say she wanted NOTHING to do with Kenyon when we brought him home and we felt Kenyon needed some companionship so we went back to the shelter and came home with...
Rocky (The Rockster). If a cat could be a rock star Rocky would be one. He is one cool cat. He and Kenyon hit if off and they are the best of buddies. Rock was a teeny , tiny baby when we brought him home and him and Ken would romp and roll all over the floor. We found ourselves turning off the tv just to watch them play. That was a couple of years ago and occasionally they will still get into a little romp but Kenyon has let himself go and hardly ever gets up except to eat and chase yarn .Rocky spends his days looking out the window hoping to spot a bird or bug to watch when he's not asleep on the bed. He's a nutty boy when the yarn comes out and occasionally gives chase with Melissa. I guess you would call us "cat people".Who couldn't just love em?
09 March 2007
I'm Bookin'
I tried to knit socks the other night- it was a disaster. I couldn't figure out where to start once I got the stitches cast on to the needles. Luckily, along with the multitude of books I have there is a video of someone (can't remember who) demonstrating how to make basic socks. Maybe that is where I can start- I will find the video and watch it and that will enlighten me as to where to go from there. I am overwhelmed , but it is a good kind of overwhelming. This will be a fun weekend for sure.
I finally found a 40" circular so I can continue on my shawl/shawls from the "Greetings from Knit Cafe" book. I have one in pink and then I started this one to fill in gaps until my new yarn arrives. I am loving how this one is coming along. The yarn is really nice to work with as it is my "no name" yarn from a seller on ebay. It is handspun and the colors are really earthy and it is super soft. I decided to just do the width of the stripes randomly so I don't have to count rows and I think it will add to the rustic feel of it. It looks a little mottled there on the second row from the bottom but that is just a glitch in the camera angle. This baby is perfect- I wanted the stitches to be really even and no dropsies. I ripped about 20 rows towards the beginning and re-knit them because I saw a stitch that wasn't quite perfect for me. I am usually not that anal about such things but it really stood out and I knew it would bug me later so I said to heck with it and just did it over. I know, I know it looks more like a sweater than a shawl but I really like it and once I get the fringe going on it will look like a big warm, cozy sweater shawl that you can wrap up in on a cold night and look at the stars. I want to get knittin' on it right now so...Cya!
08 March 2007
07 March 2007
It's A Boy ! It's A Girl!
It seems like only moments ago that I got the call from my son saying "Mom. it's a boy" when they found out from the ultrasound that Riley was indeed a boy- their first. Tears well up in my eyes just thinking about that moment- as they did then AND I was driving at the time. It was such a surreal moment hearing my first born tell me he was going to be a Father of a Son. Words cannot express how sweet it felt and over 2 years later when I hear his voice in my memory of that call I still get giddy with joy and my heart feels like it is overwhelmed with love. I was so happy for him , them , all of us that would be a part of this brand new life.
They took Riley to the appointment with them this morning and since it was my day to watch him as soon as they arrived I knelt down and asked , "well did they say boy or girl? " Riley simply replied in his little 2 year old voice "yes". I have prodded him all day for some inkling or a mere spark in his eyes as I say to him " did they say brother OR sister" but I am getting nothing , no sign whatsoever. I guess I am destined to wait it out. I am sure at the moment they tell us I am going to get that feeling once again and how precious that moment will be.
04 March 2007
Smitten with Knittin'
I decided against the armwarmer's as mentioned in the previous post and decided to start another shawl from "Greetings from knit cafe" By Susan Mischer and Victoria Pearson. I had started this shawl awhile back and while
it is a really fun and mindless knit I strayed away from so as to not get bored with it and went on to other things. I have went back to it but am in a dilemna as it has grown too long for my 29" circulars. I am in desperate need of at least a 47" circular to carry on with it. So what to do?? I need to search some internet sites and find one-
I cannot have idle hands so I started another one ( I am waiting on my Noro to get here for the sweaterwith anxious anticipation).
Since it is done in stockinette stitch it is so roly poly and this is the best shot I could get of it while holding it down with one hand and snapping the pic with the other. It is on size 5 needles and is slow going but it is a nice relaxed knit to watch tv with- gawd, I wish I had season's 4,5 and 6 of The Soprano's. Ok , I regressed there for a moment. Anyhoo - it is with my "no name" ebay yarn which is soft and extremely different from anything I have ever knit with before (other than my cute MP3 cozy) . Updates on that project later...
I have managed to find and purchase a copy of Sensational Knitted Socks.
I will soon be knitting my way into sock oblivion I am sure- this is all so new and fun and exciting I want to try EVERYTHING now! I just have to learn to pace myself and take it slowly so I don't lose focus. I am going to go now and do a little chanting before I sit down to knit awhile. G'day!!!! C ya! Hmmmmmm!
01 March 2007
A knitting kind of day in the neighborhood
He is absolutely adorable and awwwww I just noticed he had a wittle drop of milk on his wittle chin. Quite the ham in front of the camera- he says "cheese 'booger" ! He has a new little brother or sister "baking in the oven" that will have alot to live up to -but -I am sure he/she will be just as sweet as this one here. It is hard to stop cooing and making over him but down to more serious , but fun, business - Knitting.
I have finished my scarf that matches the Calorimetry previously mentioned- it turned out well and I plan to wear it alot.
Not much to say about it except that I used Paton's Classic Wool in Rosewood and size 8 needles. 2x2 ribbing - fun, bored with it now and am ready to move on to much bigger and more complicated projects-
Oh , and I have successfully completed a suitable MP3 cozy that is both cute and functional.
It was a fast and easy little knit using garter and stockinette stitches with my "no name" yarn purchased on ebay.
I got several wonderful books at the library one of which I am especially fond of called "Yarnplay" By Lisa Shobhana Mason. It is filled with mind blowing , gorgeous projects and I got more excited with every turn of the page. I ordered the Noro yarn it requires to make the sweater featured on the front cover. Gawd, I am totally obsessed ! It is such a healthy addiction I can't feel guilty about it no matter hard I try.
I saw this knitting store listed on another blog and just want to shout out to the world how excited I am about it. Bein' a newbie to this world of knitting and blogging maybe everyone has already heard of it , but just in case it is called Little Knits and the prices are spectacularly reasonable. I HAD to have some of their stuff-
I have to go do some brainstorming now as to what will occupy me until that yarn arrives for the sweater.Mmmmmm~ the Austin armwarmer's on page 53 of Lisa's book look absolutely groovy -gotta have em' yep!
C- ya!
27 February 2007
Happy Tuesday
I bought it all on ebay and I was really apprehensive to do that but thought I would give it a try. The seller has excellent feedback. I am happy with it except that none of it indicates exactly what the fiber content is. It was listed as combo's of mohair, silk , alpaca , wool, cotton. Each hank is guaranteed to contain at least 120 yards. I don't have a clue what i'll do with the single hanks although they are very nice.
I want to start knitting socks but am at a loss as to what a good starting pattern would be. I have looked on the internet and found some sock patterns but nothing has jumped out at me.
I have some knitting books on order at the library so I am hoping that gives me some ideas. I like to get books at the library and look them over to see if they need to live with me. If I like them then I will buy a copy .
I have so many things to do today so no knitting will be done until this evening. I will be able to finish that scarf tonight so I will post back and give an update on what's to come.
21 February 2007
Knitting Questionnaire- Courtesy of Jamaica
My knitting experiences have been limited to merino wool, cotton and alpaca- I gotta say the merino wool has been my favorite due to the fact that the ones I have used are soft and nubby, which makes for a nice textured piece
2) Is there any type of yarn that you would love to try but haven't yet, such as bamboo, banana fiber?
Hemp and mohair are the two that I am dying to try
3) In your opinion what is a luxury yarn?
Any yarn that I would sacrifice buying something else for
4) Is there any type of yarn or fiber content you dislike or would prefer not to receive?
I am repelled by anything the least bit itchy or scratchy- I am very sensitive to things rubbing on my skin.
5) What type of garments do you most often knit?
Since I am a beginner I have to say the only garments I have knit are scarves but I am getting my brave on to start a sweater
6) What types of knitting books do you enjoy?
I love knitting books that don't take knitting soooo seriously- and have very explicit instructions. Since I am a beginning knitter I need things spelled out for me clearly and concise. My knitting bible is StitchN'Bitch By Debbie Stoller (thank you Rachael and Jamaica for the turn on). And recently The Mason- Dixon Knitting Book has entertained me.
7) What is a color you like but rarely or never buy yourself?
Fuschia- I love it but look terrible wearing it-it does something horrible to my skin tone.
8) If you were pregnant and had to name your baby a fiber, what would her/his name be?
Julia "Cashmere" Jacobs - Novak
9) Do you spin?
Not yet, I will be by the end of the year i've vowed
10) What is one fiber you've never spun? N/A
11) If someone in your family or a best friend had to describe you in one word, what would it be?
Insane
12) Please tell us one odd thing about you.
I don't think it is odd but other's have told me it is- I love to clean. Sweep , mop , dust , housework sort of things.
13) What was your favorite cartoon when you were little.
Yogi Bear- I wanted to go on a picnic with him- he has style
14) Do you have animals?
3 cats- Melissa , Kenyon and Rocky. 10 fish - No names
15) And last but not least, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I have lived so many places I prefer to stay put in Indiana. But , if they kicked me outta here I would want to live in Italy.
Baby Blankie
20 February 2007
This and That
I didn't realize what a nice pattern it was forming until I took the picture of it. I love it!
In the meantime , I decided I would make a cozy for my first MP3 player-ever. I haven't gotten it yet but got the specs for it online from the store I ordered it from. I began knitting and decided I would do a simple garter stitch since I would felt it anyway the pattern wouldn't matter much. I used a size 8 needle and Paton's Classic Wool in Harvest. Long story short it was much too small after the felting process- cute nonetheless- so I decided to just use it for my teeny tiny knitting tools such as the point protectors, row counter and stitch markers. Perfect! Now about that MP3 player cozy. I made another one twice as large as the first one and again- too small. I will make yet another one and update later.
C'Ya