Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, February 05, 2007
Give up; start up
It's February already, I can hardly believe it! Finally, with the bulk of my applications turned in last week (top choice not yet due so it's not entirely over), I have a moment to exhale and talk about the knitting.
Last year's resolutions were, "in addition to completing my first sweater, I'd like to: knit Fair-Isle; dye yarn; and design something original."
Of those, I did indeed finish the Apricot Jacke (just realized I never posted photos!), and added Spring Fling. I knit Hello Yarn's We Call Them Pirates hat, too. But as for dyeing or designing, I'll have to take a fail. Those two I'll transfer to this year. I might even throw in some spinning. Might. Another resolution is to get more involved in the knitting blogosphere. That means de-lurking and posting comments!
Here's another project I took a fail on, the Seaberry Shell:
Four strands of recycled cotton yarn, and I still had to cast on for the largest size to get gauge for the smallest size! And though I agree that the charm of this tank is in the bigness of the pattern, it just ended up way too bulky to work for a summer top. So it's off the needles and (back) into the stash!
Overall, my knitting improved a lot last year. I knit a bunch of shawls--six total, I think--and am now comfortable with lace knitting and laceweight yarns. In this year's lace endeavors, then, I'd like to focus more on the fibers. In the stash I've got hemp, silk, merino and alpaca. I've also got two balls of Rowan Kidsilk Haze, about which I've only heard the good. I'm not sure if I'll ever get into the handpainted or variegated lace yarns, though I've seen a few splendid examples on the blogs, and I am totally fascinated Ms. Cosmopolitan Purls' color organization.
Smokey grey Kidsilk Haze and my first couple of skeins of Lamb's Pride!
Purchased with the gift card my roommate gave me to our new lys for Christmas.
I knit a lot of socks and hats, too! Knitting was more a 'fix' for me last year, despite resolutions that aimed at craft and technique. As I got serious about law school and actually started the process of applying (a surprise even now as I type!), knitting time was sacrificed to logical games and reasoning exercises, test-taking, and now, admissions.
Other reasons for knitting small, besides the obvious portability factor: climate and the maths. One can only handle so much wool in Southern California. I was in a t-shirt on New Year's Day, and went out for ice cream this past weekend, when it was in the 80s! The Apricot Jacke is a cotton/acrylic blend (I think), and though I used merino for Spring Fling, it's a very lacy pattern. When I was at the yarn store in Utah (details below), the ladies there said that judging by my yarn selections, I am definitely not an LA knitter. Even the socks I do knit aren't worn too too much - we're in flip flops most of the year, especially the brothers, who are all surfers.
And the maths, oh the maths. This is the one major factor that might keep me from ever becoming a real knitter. In the two garments that I knit this year, I learned that patterns as written don't necessarily fit my body shape. Armholes and sleeve widths are too large, creating a noticeable, uncomfortable and unbecomely flap of 'sag' that makes me wear my sweaters less often than I'd like. I might go back and fix these, especially now that I've read various articles and was given the Vogue knitting book.
Having said this, I will admit that I've been itching recently to knit a substantial piece. To that end I've been flipping through vintage Vogue Knitting mags from the 60s and more recent past issues of Vogue and Interweave. I'd like to use some of my stash yarn, too. The wheels are turning on this one, and I feel a cast-on coming soon!
Speaking of stash, though a lot of people are doing the de-stash this year, I am still adding a skein here or there - it's especially difficult to refuse a good yarn in a sale bin! My latest acquisitions are from the Black Sheep Wool Co. in Salt Lake City, Utah:
Oh I wish I could adequately capture the richness and jewellyness of that teal!
I'm thinking of knitting Eunny Jang's Anemoi Mittens. . .
A hank of Tahki Donegal Tweed - destined, methinks, for a beret - flanked by two hanks of Lamb's Pride Worsted.
And lastly, who indeed can resist Baby Cashmerino for 45% off?! I knabbed all of it.
Last year's resolutions were, "in addition to completing my first sweater, I'd like to: knit Fair-Isle; dye yarn; and design something original."
Of those, I did indeed finish the Apricot Jacke (just realized I never posted photos!), and added Spring Fling. I knit Hello Yarn's We Call Them Pirates hat, too. But as for dyeing or designing, I'll have to take a fail. Those two I'll transfer to this year. I might even throw in some spinning. Might. Another resolution is to get more involved in the knitting blogosphere. That means de-lurking and posting comments!
Here's another project I took a fail on, the Seaberry Shell:
Four strands of recycled cotton yarn, and I still had to cast on for the largest size to get gauge for the smallest size! And though I agree that the charm of this tank is in the bigness of the pattern, it just ended up way too bulky to work for a summer top. So it's off the needles and (back) into the stash!
Overall, my knitting improved a lot last year. I knit a bunch of shawls--six total, I think--and am now comfortable with lace knitting and laceweight yarns. In this year's lace endeavors, then, I'd like to focus more on the fibers. In the stash I've got hemp, silk, merino and alpaca. I've also got two balls of Rowan Kidsilk Haze, about which I've only heard the good. I'm not sure if I'll ever get into the handpainted or variegated lace yarns, though I've seen a few splendid examples on the blogs, and I am totally fascinated Ms. Cosmopolitan Purls' color organization.
Smokey grey Kidsilk Haze and my first couple of skeins of Lamb's Pride!
Purchased with the gift card my roommate gave me to our new lys for Christmas.
I knit a lot of socks and hats, too! Knitting was more a 'fix' for me last year, despite resolutions that aimed at craft and technique. As I got serious about law school and actually started the process of applying (a surprise even now as I type!), knitting time was sacrificed to logical games and reasoning exercises, test-taking, and now, admissions.
Other reasons for knitting small, besides the obvious portability factor: climate and the maths. One can only handle so much wool in Southern California. I was in a t-shirt on New Year's Day, and went out for ice cream this past weekend, when it was in the 80s! The Apricot Jacke is a cotton/acrylic blend (I think), and though I used merino for Spring Fling, it's a very lacy pattern. When I was at the yarn store in Utah (details below), the ladies there said that judging by my yarn selections, I am definitely not an LA knitter. Even the socks I do knit aren't worn too too much - we're in flip flops most of the year, especially the brothers, who are all surfers.
And the maths, oh the maths. This is the one major factor that might keep me from ever becoming a real knitter. In the two garments that I knit this year, I learned that patterns as written don't necessarily fit my body shape. Armholes and sleeve widths are too large, creating a noticeable, uncomfortable and unbecomely flap of 'sag' that makes me wear my sweaters less often than I'd like. I might go back and fix these, especially now that I've read various articles and was given the Vogue knitting book.
Having said this, I will admit that I've been itching recently to knit a substantial piece. To that end I've been flipping through vintage Vogue Knitting mags from the 60s and more recent past issues of Vogue and Interweave. I'd like to use some of my stash yarn, too. The wheels are turning on this one, and I feel a cast-on coming soon!
Speaking of stash, though a lot of people are doing the de-stash this year, I am still adding a skein here or there - it's especially difficult to refuse a good yarn in a sale bin! My latest acquisitions are from the Black Sheep Wool Co. in Salt Lake City, Utah:
Are you ready for your close-ups?
Oh I wish I could adequately capture the richness and jewellyness of that teal!I'm thinking of knitting Eunny Jang's Anemoi Mittens. . .
A hank of Tahki Donegal Tweed - destined, methinks, for a beret - flanked by two hanks of Lamb's Pride Worsted.
And lastly, who indeed can resist Baby Cashmerino for 45% off?! I knabbed all of it.As you can see, I am well stocked!
Let there be happy knitting in 2007 for all!
Let there be happy knitting in 2007 for all!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Warm hands and feet
It's been cold. First, the 'Arctic Blast' and snow in Malibu (although I'm streaming KPCC now and hear that it's in the mid-70s!). What's considered normal here in Salt Lake City has got me reaching for my silk thermals (so much for sexyback), scarves, leggings and beanies. I actually lost one of my Isotoner gloves (boo!), but was glad that I threw in another pair when I packed. And my knitting needles!
I printed this pattern and grabbed some merino and a couple sets of US1 and US2 dpns before leaving, though I wasn't sure whether I'd have a whole lot of free time here. I was able to cast on during the one-hour delay on the plane.
But this won't do. I like my gloves snug. So I frogged, reduced the cast-on by 8 stitches, and also went from US2 to US1 needles. Much better:
Actually, this is just a sliver too tight. But after 16 repeats I just don't want to go back to the beginning. Snug is good. So I'm going to omit the decrease rounds for the wrist - there isn't such a huge difference on my arms - and keep going.
Knitting on the wild side indeed.
Here's to warm hands!
And warm feet, for one of my girlfriends:
My goal was to finish before her birthday (on the 18th), but so much for that. A pretty quick knit for me, though, both heels turned in about 4 days. All's that left are the cuffs. It's my first time using US0's and my first time using Koigu. Love 'em both!
Yup, I think I'm definitely a dpn girl when it comes to socks. These didn't come with me to SLC, but will be first on the 'To Finish' list as soon as I get back.
Until then, onwards with the gloves!
Yup, I think I'm definitely a dpn girl when it comes to socks. These didn't come with me to SLC, but will be first on the 'To Finish' list as soon as I get back.
Until then, onwards with the gloves!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
So many Shedirs!
Hello from Salt Lake City, Utah! I've been here for a few days on a business trip. Been watchin' movies and tryin' to stay warm. Yup, the office sent me to Sundance. Yup, it's work.
But it's fun, too!
Just a few pix to share with you today, I'm a bit tired but wanted to update.
I managed to finish another Shedir just after New Year's - this may be the first official FO of 2007. I cast on a long time ago, maybe early November, and just dawdled. It's made from the Rowan Calmer I bought as a treat for myself after the September LSAT. I only did four of the five repeats in Shedir.1, and I used up that entire ball of Calmer plus a couple yards - but look at all I had left over this time! Most definitely enough for another repeat. The only thing I did differently this time was use circular needles instead of dpns. They were both size US3; did the different needle types really affect my gauge that much?
It's all good. This one's going to my Grandma. Her head's not too big. I hope she likes it. She has a few beanies, including a bright red USMC one from my bro, but I thought this would be a bit less sporty. You know, formal wear for the noggin.
And in the background: voila the amazing laptop gifted to me by my amazing family! My jaw dropped nearly a foot when I got through all the wrapping (my devious older brother tapes up ALL edges on the package). It's definitely a treat to be able to be sitting here in my hotel room and blogging. I'm really gonna try and embrace this technology thing! Watch out, world.
But it's fun, too!
Just a few pix to share with you today, I'm a bit tired but wanted to update.
I managed to finish another Shedir just after New Year's - this may be the first official FO of 2007. I cast on a long time ago, maybe early November, and just dawdled. It's made from the Rowan Calmer I bought as a treat for myself after the September LSAT. I only did four of the five repeats in Shedir.1, and I used up that entire ball of Calmer plus a couple yards - but look at all I had left over this time! Most definitely enough for another repeat. The only thing I did differently this time was use circular needles instead of dpns. They were both size US3; did the different needle types really affect my gauge that much?It's all good. This one's going to my Grandma. Her head's not too big. I hope she likes it. She has a few beanies, including a bright red USMC one from my bro, but I thought this would be a bit less sporty. You know, formal wear for the noggin.
And in the background: voila the amazing laptop gifted to me by my amazing family! My jaw dropped nearly a foot when I got through all the wrapping (my devious older brother tapes up ALL edges on the package). It's definitely a treat to be able to be sitting here in my hotel room and blogging. I'm really gonna try and embrace this technology thing! Watch out, world.
And below, Shedir.2. A digital camera pic from ALM, sent all the way from Japan (isn't technology wonderful)! I was thrilled to hear that he likes it, and now I'm just as delighted to see that it fits!
So did you notice that I absolutely adore this pattern? Both the knitting of it and the giving away! Have you seen enough to attempt it yourself? I sure hope so! There's one more ball of Rowan Calmer in my stash, and its destiny was set long ago. Shedir.4 will go to a friend at the office who is undergoing chemo. There will be a prayer knit into every stitch. And then I might be done for a while. . .I've been knitting, I promise, though not too much as I'm trying to get into law school. Apps are due soon (why am I blogging now?!), and I've got some cool projects lined up. I also borrowed Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears from the library, and subsequently purchased her Knitter's Almanac. Maybe the strategy for Christmas Knitting 2007 will involve one gift project each month. Though it might involve a level of foresight I might not be able to deliver. What do you think?
I hope you've been knittin' up a storm!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
From Japan with Love
This is the AMAZING Mori, one of my best friends and favoritest peoples from Japan. She got the hat and neckwarmer I sent for her birthday! It's always hard for me to remember to celebrate because I'm usually still getting over the holidays by early January. Admittedly, I was a bit late with this one as well, not getting to the post office until a few days before her birthday. But I don't think she cares. So I'm counting this as my first success at my resolution to remember friends' birthdays. (^o^)
Doesn't she look lovely?
Monday, January 08, 2007
Warm at work
Up close, it does quite look like the layered feathers on wings,
light as air. . .
light as air. . .
And, dancing on the shoulders of a willing chair, fluttery indeed!
Finally! Done done done! Away with the acrylic fleece lap blanket-cum-shawl.
This cashmere/cotton blend will keep me warm and protect me against the blast of the air vents.
Pattern: Icarus Shawl (M. Felton, Interweave Knits Su2006)
Yarn: Cashmere/cotton blend, recycled from a thrifted sweater
Needles: US3 aluminum straights
Cast On: 06.06
Cast Off: 11.06
Notes: Knit as directed; no changes.
This was a LONG project! The repeat rows seemed to take forever, though the simple elegance of the lines made it all worthwhile. I'm pretty sure I messed up on the last chart, because my 'feathers' are all purled, but there's no way I'm frogging (500+ stitches) x (1o or so rows). I'm not that anal! I'll call that the 'charm point' of this shawl.
Have received many compliments at work. My coworkers think I'm really smart, but in reality, I'm just good at following directions (until the last chart, that is).
They'll figure me out soon, though, I'm sure of it!
And so ends the Year of Shawls (what I thought would be the Summer of Shawls!). Six shawls in a year isn't so bad, is it? There are a few more in the works for this year. I've got merino, alpaca, silk and hemp laceweights in the stash, and that's just off the top of my head. Plus, I'm itching to knit the Leaf Lace Shawl that I finally found the pattern for in SF. As well as Eunny's Print o' the Wave stole; it'll be my first rectangular one, and first go at attaching a border. Many more skills to learn - so exciting!
Finally! Done done done! Away with the acrylic fleece lap blanket-cum-shawl.This cashmere/cotton blend will keep me warm and protect me against the blast of the air vents.
Pattern: Icarus Shawl (M. Felton, Interweave Knits Su2006)
Yarn: Cashmere/cotton blend, recycled from a thrifted sweater
Needles: US3 aluminum straights
Cast On: 06.06
Cast Off: 11.06
Notes: Knit as directed; no changes.
This was a LONG project! The repeat rows seemed to take forever, though the simple elegance of the lines made it all worthwhile. I'm pretty sure I messed up on the last chart, because my 'feathers' are all purled, but there's no way I'm frogging (500+ stitches) x (1o or so rows). I'm not that anal! I'll call that the 'charm point' of this shawl.
Have received many compliments at work. My coworkers think I'm really smart, but in reality, I'm just good at following directions (until the last chart, that is).
They'll figure me out soon, though, I'm sure of it!
And so ends the Year of Shawls (what I thought would be the Summer of Shawls!). Six shawls in a year isn't so bad, is it? There are a few more in the works for this year. I've got merino, alpaca, silk and hemp laceweights in the stash, and that's just off the top of my head. Plus, I'm itching to knit the Leaf Lace Shawl that I finally found the pattern for in SF. As well as Eunny's Print o' the Wave stole; it'll be my first rectangular one, and first go at attaching a border. Many more skills to learn - so exciting!
Butterfly Buds
Mandie is one of my best friends. We've known each other since freshman year in high school. We went to different universities, but were close enough to drive down for weekends, and birthdays (of course).
What's unique about our friendship is that we share a fondness for nature. Whenever we drive somewhere together, we notice and discuss the trees along the way. I learned what pinnate leaves are from her, the summer we fell in love with jacarandas (both the tree and the word!).
So, even though I had carefully selected the Leaf Lace Shawl to knit for her in honor of our botanical fascination, as soon as I saw this pattern in Interweave Knits, I knew I had to knit it for her.
You should've seen the look on her face when she opened the box. She just loved it. Check back soon for modeled photos!
This is one of the things that makes knitting worth it; may all your knits be equally well received.
It's so good to knit for the ones you love!
What's unique about our friendship is that we share a fondness for nature. Whenever we drive somewhere together, we notice and discuss the trees along the way. I learned what pinnate leaves are from her, the summer we fell in love with jacarandas (both the tree and the word!).
Another summer, long before we got into scientific classifications, we fell in love with butterflies. I don't even remember how it came about. But we bought wire butterflies at the Discovery Channel or some museum store, put them up in our rooms, and declared ourselves 'Butterfly Buds.' (Yes, it must have been when we were very, very young.) We drew loopy, swoopy butterfly cartoons on the notes we passed each other in between classes. And over the years and over all of my travels I have received cards and letters with butterflies on them, in Mandie's one-of-a-kind handwriting, which is entirely indicative of her character and everything I love about her. Yes, even today we're still Butterfly Buds.
So, even though I had carefully selected the Leaf Lace Shawl to knit for her in honor of our botanical fascination, as soon as I saw this pattern in Interweave Knits, I knew I had to knit it for her.
Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl (E. Clark, Interweave Knits F06)
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere, Starlight Blue (ten - I think - 25g balls)
Needles: US8 circular
Cast On: Autumn 2006
Cast Off: 11.06
Mods/Notes: Yarn doubled; larger needles; bound off with US10.5 needle
Finished size: Approx. 60" x 32"
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere, Starlight Blue (ten - I think - 25g balls)
Needles: US8 circular
Cast On: Autumn 2006
Cast Off: 11.06
Mods/Notes: Yarn doubled; larger needles; bound off with US10.5 needle
Finished size: Approx. 60" x 32"
You should've seen the look on her face when she opened the box. She just loved it. Check back soon for modeled photos!
This is one of the things that makes knitting worth it; may all your knits be equally well received.
It's so good to knit for the ones you love!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Christmas knits revealed!
It's not really as if I was hiding the knits: the recipients don't know of this blog, so don't read here. I was too busy with the knitting to have time to post in-progress photos, and only barely remembered to snappity-snap them before they were wrapped and sent. Alors:
Pattern: Shetland Triangle Shawl (E. Clark, Wrap Style)
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere, Mulled Wine & Baby Silk, Seashell Pink
Needles: Plymouth & Susan Bates US6 Circular
Cast on: 11.30.06 & 11.23.06
Cast off: 12.15.06
Mods/Notes: Increased to 14 pattern repeats; skipped last two rows of edging chart;
bound of with US10 needle.
Finished size: 66" across x 33" deep
And here we have, from right to left:
For Mori, in Japan: My So-Called beanie and neckwarmer (this one, from the beginning of the year!)
For ALM, in Japan: Shedir (J. Wilson, Knitty Breast Cancer Special)
Yarn: Patons Merino Classic, Pea Green
Needles: Addi Turbo US3 16" circular
Cast on: 12.06
Cast off: 12.13.06 (Yes, in the midst of shawl knitting!)
Mods/Notes: Three pattern repeats instead of the five specified in pattern - due to the heavier yarn - before crown decreases. The yarn also increased the overall circumference, but it's still okay in my estimation. I tried cabling without a cable needle, which worked on-and-off. I need more practice! Though this takes a wee bit longer than a plain beanie, the cabling makes it an interesting knit, and the pattern is impeccably written. So even though Knitty labels it "piquant," I would recommend anyone to just go for it!
For Kim, in Portland: Pomatomus Socks (detail here)
For Anne, in D.C.: Pomatomus Fingerless Gloves
I finished these a while ago, after mentioning them just briefly. Here are a couple more shots (had time to take these before the knitting madness began!):
Yarn: ShiBui Knits Sock yarn, Gekiryuu/Rapids (100% superwash merino)
Needles: US1 aluminum dpns
Cast on: 11.01.06
Cast off: 11.22.06
Mods/Notes: From feet to hands. 2 1/2 repeats before thumb gore inserted between two 'scales.' Gore created by increasing at each end in 1X1 twisted rib, every row until 20 st made; these st placed on holder and pattern resumed for 1/2 repeat (4 repeats total), finger portion knitted in 1x1 twisted rib for 10 rows. Thumb st put on needles, additional st picked up and knitted for desired length.
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere, Mulled Wine & Baby Silk, Seashell Pink
Needles: Plymouth & Susan Bates US6 Circular
Cast on: 11.30.06 & 11.23.06
Cast off: 12.15.06
Mods/Notes: Increased to 14 pattern repeats; skipped last two rows of edging chart;
bound of with US10 needle.
Finished size: 66" across x 33" deep
And here we have, from right to left:
For Mori, in Japan: My So-Called beanie and neckwarmer (this one, from the beginning of the year!)
For ALM, in Japan: Shedir (J. Wilson, Knitty Breast Cancer Special)
Yarn: Patons Merino Classic, Pea Green
Needles: Addi Turbo US3 16" circular
Cast on: 12.06
Cast off: 12.13.06 (Yes, in the midst of shawl knitting!)
Mods/Notes: Three pattern repeats instead of the five specified in pattern - due to the heavier yarn - before crown decreases. The yarn also increased the overall circumference, but it's still okay in my estimation. I tried cabling without a cable needle, which worked on-and-off. I need more practice! Though this takes a wee bit longer than a plain beanie, the cabling makes it an interesting knit, and the pattern is impeccably written. So even though Knitty labels it "piquant," I would recommend anyone to just go for it!
For Kim, in Portland: Pomatomus Socks (detail here)
For Anne, in D.C.: Pomatomus Fingerless Gloves
I finished these a while ago, after mentioning them just briefly. Here are a couple more shots (had time to take these before the knitting madness began!):
Yarn: ShiBui Knits Sock yarn, Gekiryuu/Rapids (100% superwash merino)
Needles: US1 aluminum dpns
Cast on: 11.01.06
Cast off: 11.22.06
Mods/Notes: From feet to hands. 2 1/2 repeats before thumb gore inserted between two 'scales.' Gore created by increasing at each end in 1X1 twisted rib, every row until 20 st made; these st placed on holder and pattern resumed for 1/2 repeat (4 repeats total), finger portion knitted in 1x1 twisted rib for 10 rows. Thumb st put on needles, additional st picked up and knitted for desired length.
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