Carob's Crafty Concoctions

Spring Cowl

2009-03-08T12:43:00.001Z

New pattern and details for a spring cowl can be found here.

Moving Day

2009-02-28T23:05:00.002Z

I moved blog hosting today, you can now find me at Wordpress. Come and check me out and let me know what you think of the new site.

Solidarity

2009-02-27T18:21:00.004Z

I just read this post by Annie Modesitt and then went and read this by Ysolda, they are calling on people like you and me to make the stand with them.

So, come on knitsibs (as Brenda Dayne likes to call us) take the stand with them. This is one situation where solidarity will be the catalyst of getting the changes made. These wonderful designers are providing us with beautiful items to knit/crochet and getting a pittance how can that be right or just? We can help them so, so easily we don't even have to get off our butts to do it.

If you've a subscription to a magazine that treats these people so poorly, then cancel it and let the magazine know why. If you buy one of these magazines from the news stand, stop and choose another like Interweave knits or Yarn Forward. lets put our money into the designers hand or into the coffers of magazines that give our designers a fair and decent price for all the hard work they put into a design.

We as knitters of the net have the power to make that change, we litrally have the power at our fingertips. Go to your favourite designers website and buy direct, check out Ravelry to find out other ways of buying that pattern you've been lusting after or online magazines like Twist Collective . Blog about it, tweet it, have it in your Facebook profile tell everyone and anyone you can.

Let your fingers do the talking and put your money where it most deserves to be, with the people who design the things you want to knit. The only way that this will work is if we all do our bit, designers and knitters alike.

I've only ever designed four things, I'm working my way to be a 'proper' designer and hopefully one day I will be. I would be so thrilled if a magazine like Vogue Knitting asked me to submit a design, I mean I'd be bouncing off the walls with excitement but with their current policy I'd have to turn them down. Not only would I be selling myself short, I'd also be a part of the problem that current designers are experiancing. I'm not sure I could live with that. Could you?

Simple Fitted V-neck Tee

2009-02-26T08:56:00.005Z

I finished a tee (or short sleeved jumper) for myself last night, quite pleased with how it turned out. it's not see through that was the flash (grrr, crappy British weather!).

I used Forsell Touch of Silk DK and size 4.5mm circulars (no seems, yay), think I'll wear it for work today with a shirt underneath. I've made a pattern (in the side bar), so far it's only the one size but I'll be changing that ASAP (today). Have now added more sizes to the pattern it's now 30-52inch if you have any problems with the pattern please let me know.

It's Been A While...

2009-02-17T12:40:00.003Z

Since I last made a post ( or at least it feels that way).Yesterday I finished another hat, Star Crossed Slouchy Beret by Natalie Larson. Really quick and satisfying knit, although I did decide to use smaller needles as I didn't want it to be too big on my head.I used King Cole Fashion Aran in colour 162 Heather and 4.5mm & 5.5mm circular needles.

I've also been working on the Renee Leverington Winter Mystery Shawl 2008, I'm now on clue two. It's a bit slow going due to the beads (my first beaded project) but I'm enjoying the process and don't feel the need to rush it.
I also started another jumper (this one for me) using Ann Budd's book, I'm using the same mohair yarn I used for the Kiri shawl as I've shed loads of it :-) I've finished the body and have started on the first sleeve, it's not going to be overly fitted but will hopefully be flattering. I may even try to work in some interest around the yoke, but that will depend on if I can find anything that captures my interest.I've also been working on a pattern for a matching hat for the Twisted Seedling: Fingerless Mitts, hope to have the pattern ready by next week.

WOW!

2009-02-03T08:32:00.004Z

What can I say? I finished one of the shawls I've on the go last night. Renee Leverington's Persephone (also known as MS10), wow! This shawl is beautiful but like all lace didn't reveal just how beautiful until it was blocked and WOW! I love it. Yes, yes I mucked up the blocking as I really didn't give myself enough time for it to dry before I needed to actually go to bed (the only place big enough to block it) but I can re-do it another time now I know it's true beauty.

Renee is a master of the lace shawl and I bow to her excellence, I've 2 more of her shawls OTN and another 2 in the queue, I can't wait to discover how beautiful they are.

I used 4mm needles and a silvery blue 4ply yarn called Soft Seasons, Soft Mix (wool/acrylic blend) that I'd bought from Ebay and stashed quite a while ago. The pattern isn't available on Renee's website just yet but will be soon, so be sure to bookmark her.

Drops Hat

2009-01-30T09:44:00.003Z

I finished a hat for my eldest daughter last night, she goes on her first ski holiday on Sunday so I'm hoping this will be warm and get some use.

It's a Drops design and can be found here.

I must admit I did not enjoy knitting this, that was a bit of a surprise as it's such a fun looking hat but for some reason I just couldn't get into it.

I used 8mm needles and some of the super bulky Zettl Maribel yarn I got from Lidl.

Twisted Seedling:Fingerless Mitts.

2009-01-29T18:11:00.003Z

I've been wanting to tell you about these fingerless mitts for a few days now but wanted to wait untill I had the pattern hook up done. Hook up is now done and I can finally, finally share my glee.

I designed a pair of fingerless mitts and I love them. They're made from Sirdar Click Chunky and are doing a great job at keeping my hands warm. I used 4.5mmDPNs and they were finished the day I started them.

Although I originally designed them because I find other gloves/mitt patterns are large on me (even the smallest size) according to my sister-in-law they fit her great and her hands are quite a bit larger than mine.
It's probably not a great pattern, written or otherwise but it's my first and I love it (like a small child LOL). I've a free PDF available here, if you do make them I'd so love to see a picture if you wouldn't mind sharing.

To Pick or to Throw?

2009-01-20T09:42:00.002Z

Nobody ever really taught me to knit, although I do vaugly remember my Nana knitting Aran jumpers. I remember being interested but not enough to actually ask her to show me what it was she was doing.

Why I eventually picked up the needles I'll never know but I'm so glad I did. Of course my first effort didn't work out so well, it was supposed to be a baby cardigan but resembled more of a doily in a triangle shape with the amount of stitches I dropped and then picked up. So it got shoved in a bag in the back of a cupboard in my first home and has never been seen since, think it got left when I moved.

Then in 2006 I saw a knitting magazine and thought 'what the heck, I'll give it another go'. I bought cheap acrylic and some needles and me and my purchases went home happy.

The magazine had a how to guide in the back and was a revelation, I didn't even realise that needles came in different shapes and sizes, let alone the multitude of yarn choices, I was entranced.

The internet is a marvellous thing, my next knitting efforts actually worked, anything I didn't understand and the magazine didn't show how to do, I looked it up on the net and had many a eureka moment.

My confidence and abilities grew as did my stash, my ability to talk to other knitters was non existent as nobody I knew knitted (by this time my Nana was no longer around) so my only source of knitting knowledge was my magazines and the internet.

Then towards the end of 2007 somebody on a wedding forum was gushing about a knitting website called 'Ravery'. I signed up not really thinking much of it, epecially as I had to wait for my invitation.

Mooching in my email one day, there it was my invitation to join Ravelry. When I first looked at it I thought, okay this is neat, I can list my projects, my yarn, my needles and I can even get a load of free patterns.

Then, then I stumbled across the groups and howly cow, my knitting world exploded. There were all these knitters, talking and sharing information. Some of them were actually doing the same project as me and we could discuss it, we could share our highs and our lows, we could share our successes 'look, look what I made isn't it great?' We could also share our not so greats, 'what did I do wrong?'.

My knitting world expanded, I realised I wasn't this lonely knitter, there was actually thousands of people who 'got' it, this urge to pick up yarn and needles or even hooks. Yup, I got the crochet bug as well. I can still remember how amazed and chuffed I was the first time I made a granny square.

In my perrifferal I remember reading about people who were pickers or throwers (huh? thought I) if you knit you knit...right?

Wrong, there are all sorts of ways to knit and everybody either does it the way they were taught or the way that feels right. I'm a thrower as I didn't even know there was any other way. But now I want to learn continental, why? Because I want to speed up my knitting and not be put off by ribbing.

I've seen many a design that I thought, 'eek, all that ribbing or stocking stitch' and so never cast on for the project. Circular needles have gotten rid of my avoidance of stocking stitch (so long as the project is worked in the round), now I hope learning to knit continental will get rid of my avoidance of ribbing/purling.

I've some links for those that also would like to join my jouney and learn Continental knitting:

http://www.knittinghelp.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuRLFl36tDY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9XImtoQmZ8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kybhNmLWHhA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVxnSpFJl6s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNfG05FeLsE

Violet Green Socks

2009-01-19T09:47:00.003Z

I finished another pair of socks yesterday, I used the yarn I dyed for the February DAL details can be found here.

They fit wonderfully, Violet Green's sock calculator pattern works like a charm and so fast to knit. I used 4ply sock yarn with 2.5mm DPNs made to fit a UK size 3 shoe. I'll have to ask Kevin if he can make me a sock blocker in that size.

Then of course because I had nothing to mindlessly knit whilst watching the TV I just had to cast on another pair of socks (can we say 'new obsession'?). This time I used the new yarn I dyed, the Limed Carnation (pink & green) and the same pattern.I hope to eventually have enough hand knit socks to last a fortnight :-) They're just so much nicer/better than shop bought.

February DAL (Dye-a-long)

2009-01-17T14:09:00.003Z

They say patiance is a virtue, well I never claimed to be virtuous. There was mention of a DAL on Ravelry for February, the theme: Passionate Pink.

So, I ordered some dyes (Kool Aid and Procion MX) and a skein of yarn from DT Craft & Design. As usual their service is wonderful and my yarn and dyes arrived the next day.

Not being able to wait until February I had to have a play, well I've never used Procion MX before and dyeing is just too much fun not to mess around with it.

My base yarn is 75% Blue Faced Leicester/25% Nylon sock yarn and I used 2 sachets of Kool Aid Lemon-Lime and a quarter teaspoon of Procion MX dye powder in Brilliant Pink. I used the dip dye and microwave method.
I'm really pleased with how well the Procion MX dye worked, gave a good colour saturation throughout the skein.

Back to school Vest

2009-01-13T20:38:00.003Z

My Back To School Vest is complete, I've even sewn in the ends.

I was really pleased with this pattern it was so simple to follow and quick to knit, there are a couple of printing errors in the book, they were easy to figure out though or you could check here.

This is the first time I've knit something slightly smaller and actually increased for my bust, it's worked really well. Rather than being swamped you can actually see my figure, although with just having got over Christmas this may not be a good thing LOL.Now I just need to finish my other sock, my goodness I'll have two finished projects in the same week...go me!

Pah!

2009-01-06T15:01:00.004Z

Well (cough), remeber that resolution I was pratteling on about the other day? Yes, yes the one where I don't cast on anything new unless I finish 2 WIPs.

Well, err, I kind of broke it already. Okay, I didn't break it as much as I threw it on the ground and stomped all over it.

On Saturday (3rd January) I cast on for the Back To School U neck Vest by Stefanie Japel from Fitted Knits, I justified this by telling myself that I had just finished two jumpers and a pair of fingerless gloves.I'm using King Cole Fashion Aran in colour 162 Heather, that I got from Abakhan in Manchester and I'm using my Harmony options size 4.5mm and 3.75mm.

But then yesterday I decided I'd do a DAL (dye-a-long) that I found on Ravelry, the theme January Blues. I got out my one last undyed hank of BFL/Nylon sock yarn and set to dying.
I used 1 sachet of Grape kool Aid, 1 sachet of Black Cherry Kool Aid and half a bottle of Dr. Oetker blue food colouring. Rather than dip dying I decided I'd be clever and actually hand paint the yarn this time (yay, go me.) I finished it off in the microwave instead of the slow cooker to ensure the colours didn't bleed into each other.

Then I was so excited about how well it turned out I wanted to see how it knitted up, so I cast on a pair of socks, I'm using Violet Green's sock calculator pattern and size 2.5mmDPNsSo I haven't really broken my resolution as badly as it seems (or at least that's what I'm telling myself) and hopefully I'll have a lovely vest and pair of socks by next week.

Resolution, hmmm.

2009-01-03T12:46:00.003Z

I've just been on the Selfish Knitters group on Ravelry and seen a discussion called 'Jan KAL: Resolution knitting'. You've got it, resolutions about your knitting.

A wonderful person said her resolution was to complete two WIPs before casting a new project on. Now I like that idea, I've so many WIPs at the moement I really must do something to spur me on.

So my resolution is to complete the required two, then I can indulge and cast on something new. Of course now that I've wrote that down I'm trying to find loop holes in the rule so that I can cast something (anything) on LOL.

But I'll endeavour to complete my two, starting today with my modified Paris. Wish me luck, I've a feeling I'm going to need it :-)

Delicato Mitts

2008-12-30T14:36:00.005Z

Okay, I've only finished one so far and I'm already in love with both the pattern and the finished one.

They certainly live up to their name, very delicate and light on my hand and such a wonderful fit. Also with them being 100% lambswool, they are nice and warm as well.

The 2.5mmDPNs I used are perfect, the yarn and colour is perfect, the fact I only did 6 instead of 7 repeats of the lace panel pattern is perfect. Did I mention I loved these mitts (mitt)?
I know I'm definitely going to have to keep these away from the girls or I'll never see them again, let alone get a chance to wear them and show them off.
I've now finished both and am definitely in love with them LOL. Any ideas on how to block out the ladders on the palms?

Mitts For Meeeee.

2008-12-27T17:01:00.003Z

I bought this absolutely georgeous yarn from Ebay, it's a 2ply hand dyed laceweight and 100% lambswool. This stuff is so soft and the colours are so gentle, I was stuck for a while on what it wanted to be.

Then I came across a pattern called Delicato Mitts and I thought the name and style of mitt really went with my soft pastel laceweight.So, out of shear boredom I cast on for them late last night and so far am loving them. I'm using 2.5mm DPNs instead of the recommended 2.75mm, not only to accomodate the fact I'm using a lace yarn but also because my hands are quite small.

Christmas Jumper Two Finished.

2008-12-23T12:10:00.003Z

I put the finishing touches to mum's christmas jumper yesterday, I'm not best pleased with a small issue on the left neck edge at the beginning of the ribbing but don't know how to correct it. As it is more than wearable I'm just not going to fiddle with it.

I wish I had of put some waist shaping into it, but mum isn't keen on that so I just hopefully made a snuggly raglan sweater.

I liked the Patons washed haze aran although I think adding a new ball is a bit of a pain and even though I've darned in the ends I'm not overly confidant of them but only time will tell.

I really like the Ann Budd book The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, I'm sure I'll use it many more times to create many more sweaters/cardigans. For my first raglan I'm really quite pleased with it.

Mystery Beret.

2008-12-21T17:04:00.003Z

Remember my wonderful lace beret, the pattern was a Woolly Wormhead mystery?

Well, it's now a felted basket (sob, howl... stamps feet!). It was my most favoured hat, thought I looked good in it and I stupidly (very stupidly) put it in the wash.Can you believe I actually forgot that it had a wool content, for some reason I thought is was acrylic, gah! It turns out James C Brett's Ripple has a 55% wool content.

Cobblestone Christmas Pullover

2008-12-21T16:47:00.003Z

I've finished and it's fantastic, the construction and ease of following this pattern has really pleased me. I've come to realise Jared Flood is a bloody genius and I'll be following more of his patterns.

December 15 2008

I’ve just started the yoke and have 9 days to finish, I’m enjoying knitting with this yarn even though it’s still a bit scratchy just hope it softens when I wash it.

Argh, I’ve never wrapped and turned before and have no idea what I’m doing, I’ve followed the instructions but think I’ve followed it wrong. I’m not even sure what the wrap and turn is supposed to do so can’t even fudge it.

I now understand what the wraps achieve and once that clicked into place was able to storm along and have gotten up to decrease 1.

December 17 2008

I was just getting up to the 3rd decrease when I realised I’d made a stupid measurement mistake and have had to frog back 4 inches, stitch by flaming stitch…sigh. It will be worth it though as the jumper looks to be turning out wonderfully and hopefully my dad will like it as much as I do.

December 20 2008

I’ve finished and it looks wonderful, I so love the construction of this jumper. I also can't praise the New Lanark wool I used enough. It knits up beautifully and the stitch definition is great.

Meret Cowl Delight

2008-12-01T09:58:00.002Z

Okay, remember the mystery beret/tam I did (the pattern was by Wolly Wormhead) that was supposed to be for my daughter? Well I claimed it for myself as it was so nice and the designer as decided to call the pattern Meret.

I just wanted to make something to go with it, so I made a cowl. I cast on 91 stitches joined in the round and then knit 3 rounds, I then did the pattern 3 times and another few rounds plain knit and tadah, a matching neckwarmer for my Meret beret.

Wonder if I can make a matching pair of mitts?

I used the James C Brett Ripple again and circular needles in size 4.5mm, the pattern is only available on Ravelry from what I can tell.

Breeding Hats!

2008-11-25T09:52:00.004Z

I seem to be experiencing a bit of a hat obsession at the moment and spent last night knitting another tam/beret.

At the age of 35 I've suddenly come to the conclusion that hats are great and they keep you feeling so much warmer, not to mention if you're having a bad hair day you can just plonk a hat on your head and you've got instant chic.

Anyway, I was in Lidl yesterday and they had 600g of bulky yarn for £6.99. Okay, it's only 20% superwash wool but the pack did come with free 8mm circular needles and 4 free patterns and the yarn does feel very soft and fluffy.

I used Sarah-Hope Parmeter's bulky tam pattern and size 6.5mm circulars. This was such a quick and simple knit, only took 5 hours and that was with interruptions.

I did find the ribbing on the brim to not be quite tight enough so had to run an elastic round so that it wasn’t so big and would fit my head. Perhaps using a smaller needle or a 2x2 rib would be better.

I was surprised that it took only one ball of wool, I even managed to make a small pom pom.

Lace Beret

2008-11-21T10:39:00.004Z

Woolly Wormhead posted a mystery beret on Ravelry, I've now completed it. It was a quick and satisfying knit with easy to follow instructions.I originally made this beret for my daughter as one of her birthday gifts, it's turned out so nice I'm not sure if I can give it away :-)
I used James C Brett Ripple in H1 and 4.5mm needles. The ball of yarn is a true representation of the colour.

Christmas Gift Knits

2008-11-10T09:21:00.006Z

Okay, it's that time of year to start the gift knits and everything else has been put on hold. I've decided on sweaters this year and have them picked out and started already (yay, go me for once on being organised-ish).

Dad was easy to think of a pattern, I've gone for the Cobblestone by Jared Flood, I'm using New Lanark Donegal Silk Tweed Aran in the colourway dark graphite, it's a wool silk mix that feels a little scratchy to begin with but when washed really sofens up (at least that's what others have said, I've not got to the washing stage yet.)
So far so good, it seems to be working up real fast and as of yet I've not encountered any problems although that could all change when I get to the short rows as I've never done short rows before (eek!).

Mum was a little harder to think of until I got my new book The Knitter's Handy Book Of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd, I'm in love with this book and just want to give everything a go :-)

I don't want to give too much away as mum reads this blog on occasion but I’ve a gauge of 7 stitches and 10 rows = 2 inch in stocking stitch in the round using 6mm circs and Paton's Washed Haze Aran, so I cast on 140 (instead of the recommended 160) stitches to achieve a 40 inch chest. Just hope my math is correct :-)

I’d finished binding all the neck stitches off and had also finished all my decreases. I should have had 31 stitches but I had 62, so a real mess up somehow. I’ve frogged back and will re-attach the sleeves today and hope that I don’t mess up this time. It seems I didn't do enough decreases and should be able to get back on track in no time as this jumper is so fast to knit it practically flies of the needles.

I'm getting a little worried that I may run out of yarn so will order a couple of extra balls this week to be on the safe side.

Fingerless Mitts

2008-11-01T17:52:00.005Z

I used the last of the Wendy Fusion (probably still have 30-50yrds left) for a pair of fingerless mitts for my youngest daughter, Mary.

I'm quite impressed that I managed to get two hats and a pair of mitts from the three balls of yarn I bought (yarn was on sale as well) seems I've saved a pretty penny or two there and the girls are pleased with my efforts. So everybodies happy :-)

Ribbed Hat

2008-10-24T00:09:00.004+01:00

I wanted to work on something pretty mindless today and this pattern filled the bill.

Worked on 6.5mm circs, I made another hat from the Wendy Fusion for my eldest daughter.
A simple 2x2 rib that took next to no time to knit up. There is still most of one ball of the yarn left, just have to figure out what to do with it.

Super Droop Jellyfish tam.

2008-10-23T09:58:00.003+01:00

My eldest daughter asked for one of those hats that droop, but she wanted it quite large. Hmm, the jellyfish tam v2.0 (the super droop) must be what she's after says I.

Boy I couldn't have been more wrong, the thing was huge. You could fit two whole heads in this thing. Would have been great on a Rastafarian with crap loads of dreds, but looked, well, ridiculous on my daughter.

So I ripped it back to the point where the v2.0 pattern deviates from the original pattern and carried on from there.

Much better and bonus, she likes it. I'll believe her when I actually see her wearing it hehe.

I used Wendy Fusion in Bouquet Garni and size 4.5mm and 10mm DPNs, think I'll definitly be using the Fusion again as I really like how soft and quite it is to knit up, also has a nice drape.

Victorian Lace Today Scarf

2008-10-21T09:32:00.006+01:00

As usual life got in the way and I ended up having to do a rush job on this, although I still really like it, it’s not what I originally planned.

I did do the Stripes and Torchon lace on page 158 for the center panel, just didn’t use the border from that pattern. I only cast on 41 stitches as I did two of the stripes and repeated the pattern 12 times. After blocking the scarf turned out 10.5 inches wide by 60 inches long.

Instead I chose the wide Clarence border on page 82.

I used a superwash sock yarn that I hand dyed in the slow cooker. Also, as I didn't have anywhere to block the scarf I doubled it over and blocked on the ironing board seemed to work fine.

It’s mum’s birthday today and I’m meeting her at lunchtime for a coffee and will give her the scarf then. I'll try and get some pictures of her wearing the scarf and upload them later.

Eek, a wedding.

2008-10-11T10:05:00.004+01:00

Okay my sister in law is getting married on the 24th of October, I only found out on Thursday. I knew she was getting married but for some reason I thought is was next summer, that's why I couldn't figure out why she was having her hen night this month LOL.

So of course there being three females in this house (two of whom are teenagers) the major question was, 'what am I going to wear?'

I've dibs on one of my eldest daughter's dresses, she hasn't worn it yet and it's a floaty chiffon number in black. Wearing black to a wedding isn't the problem, the fact it's strapless is. My solution is to knit a cropped cardigan/shrug type of thing so my bra straps don't show. Also the yarn matches a pair of heals I've got so hopefully will look nice on the day.

My husband is easy to dress, he can just wear a suit, eldest is panicking and has decided she needs to go shopping (this girl can't even fit all her clothes in her robe as it is) so the plan is eldest and I go shopping on Thursday, she can pick something for herself and help me choose something for the youngest.

Youngest has requested that the dress have two colours and one of them must be blue (sigh), if I can't find anything like that I may just pick up some fabric and cobble something together for her myself.

I was looking at patterns for the cropped cardigan and fell in love with this one, unfortunately the whole pattern isn't available yet so have plumbed for this one (with a few alterations).

I'm using a Dk weight yarn with 4.5mm needles so have cast on 80 stitches instead of the recommended 50, I've split like this 14/13/26/13/14. Think I'll make it slightly longer but only by a few rows, just hope my alterations work out as I'm not a designer and am winging it LOL. I'm not adding the pointy edge as I'm not too keen on it.

The VLT gift I'm knitting for my mum is coming along nicely and should be completed next week sometime (hopefully).

Small update

2008-10-08T08:43:00.005+01:00

Seems to have been ages since I last updated my blog, I do have a few things to share.

I've been working on Goddessknits mystery shawl #10, as usual with Renee's patterns it's turning out to be a beautiful shawl. I've just started clue 4.

I've also been dying again, this time a yellow/green combo I've decided to call 'Harvest'. the base yarn is 75/25 superwash/nylon, it's a 4 ply fingering weight yarn. It was also done with food colouring and the slow cooker. I swear, my slow cooker has never been used as much as it is now that I'm dying yarn.

I crocheted some new headphone covers as our old foam ones had split and they had become uncomfortable, now they're wonderfully soft and cosy on the ears.

I'm also working on something for my mum's birthday but don't want to say to much as I know she sometimes reads this blog. Suffice to say, it's something from Victorian Lace today. I also had to dye the yarn for this as the yarn I wanted to use just didn't do the pattern justice, once it's been gifted I'll let you now more about it.

Hmm. seems it wasn't such a small update after all.

I dyed again.

2008-09-22T13:51:00.005+01:00

I've been at it again, dyeing it's addictive! My yarn base was different this time, 75% Superwash and 25% nylon sock yarn (4ply).

This time rather than Kool Aid I used Supercook food colourings from Tesco, really cheap, 15p for a 38ml bottle. I just bunged the colouring into the water with some white vinegar and let the slow cooker do the rest. The blue/wine worked out better than anticipated and is by far my favourite dye job. I dyed it all blue to begin with, then dipped half into red dye and ended up with a wonderful colour I've decided to call Aqua Bordeaux.

The next lot was just red with a tiny drop of blue mixed in, I'm calling it Coralistic. Again it was done in the slow cooker.

Feather and Fan scarf.

2008-09-17T09:04:00.004+01:00

I started this quite a while ago but kept being distracted by other knits :-)

It's just a simple feather and fan pattern that I got from an afghan book I have.
I've also done a small amount of spinning with the purple merino roving I got a while ago. I love this roving, it's so soft and fluid, just hoping I can do it justice hance the fact I'm taking my time with it.

I'd dye for you.

2008-09-17T08:55:00.008+01:00

Okay, I've had another go at this dyeing malarky. I've used the same base yarn but a different method.

My dye stock was 2x black cherry 2x grape and 1x ghoul aid. This yarn was done in the slow cooker (crockpot). The dye was sucked up by the yarn so fast I was really quite worried. I'm not sure if I want to overdye with some bright red or not, not sure how that would look.

I've also included a picture of my previous attempt now that the yarn has dried.

Of course England being how it is, there is hardly any sunlight this morning to take the shots in, so it's quite dark and the true colours aren't quite right, I'm hoping it'll brighten up later and I can take some better pictures. These pictures were taken outside and are as good as it's going to get really.

Another dye job!

2008-09-16T18:13:00.007+01:00

I tried my hand at dyeing yarn again today, using Kool Aid. Christ alive I couldn't drink the stuff as it smells so over-powering, but drink it I didn't, I did what any sensible person would do and bunged it on some undyed yarn.

My base yarn was 100g (400m/437yds) DT Craft & Design sock yarn (75%BFL/25%nylon) and I used 3 colours/flavours of Kool Aid in the following amounts:

1 sachet Ghoul Aid
2 sachet Black Cherry
2 sachet Grape

First of all I soaked my yarn, whilst doing that I set up my prep area by laying out strips of cling film, then I mixed the Kool Aid in 3 plastic cups with some water. After squeezing out the excess water I laid the yarn on the clingfilm in a large loop.

That's where it got fun :-) I mentally sectioned the yarn and got down to it, first I used the Ghoul Aid and just slowly poured the liquid on to the smallest section of yarn mopping up any excess with kitchen paper. I was wearing rubber gloves so was able to massage the liquid through the yarn, I did the same with the Black Cherry and Grape. The yarn really soaked it up but I was carefull to mop up anything that seemed to be going astray.

I gently wrapped the clingfilm over the yarn and gently lifted it to be put in a pyrex bowl, then I put it in the microwave and nuked it for 1 minute, took it out checked that it was getting hot and then shoved it back in for another minute. I did that a total of four times. Afterwards I set the bowl beside the sink and pulled the yarn out to speed up the cooling process.

Once it was cool enough I filled the sink with some warm water and put in a splash of wool wash and rinced the yarn, there was practically no dye comming out of the yarn so I squeezed out the excess water and it's currently hanging on the maiden to dry.

Having had a good old look at it, the yarn is very tie-dye like, I kind of like that effect (well I do now LOL). bearing in mind it's still wet I can't really tell the difference between the Ghoul Aid and the Grape so I can't wait for it to dry, I'm certainly not brave enough to risk putting the hair dryer on it.

If you're interested in giving it a go there are some tutorials here and here, go on, give it a go it's loads of fun. The best thing is, if I don't like the yarn when it's dry I can give it another go.

Shhh, another mystery shawl.

2008-09-15T16:11:00.006+01:00

Renee at Goddess Knits is doing another mystery shawl, this time mytery shawl #10.

I stash dived for the yarn and chose a silver blue that looks like a blue heather, it's just a 4ply wool acrylic mix and I'm using 4mm circs.

I thought I was going to finish clue 1 yesterday but noticed a major mistake and had to unravel the lot (62 rows) but I got caught up and completed it today. Just have to wait for clue 2 on Saturday now :-)

Can't believe I only just realised that if you click on the picture you're directed to a much larger and clearer image of the project, fancy not knowing that LOL.

Matching Russula Cap

2008-09-13T20:01:00.004+01:00

Hmm, I think I may have gone a bit too far with the eye popping yarn. I've knit a beret to match my daughter's fingerless gloves. Because of the colours I'm not sure if she'll ever be able to wear both together, will just have to see what she thinks when she gets in.

It's the Russula Cap by Sally at Wicked Woollens, it's a great and simple pattern that looks much better in the yarn she chose LOL.

First Fingerless Gloves.

2008-09-12T08:43:00.005+01:00

I finished my first pair of fingerless gloves last night and I'm really pleased with them.

Okay, you need a pair of sunglasses to look at them they're that bright but my youngest chose the mad colours and thinks they're fantastic and has worn them to school this morning.

I was really shocked at how easy and quick they were, for some reason I thought they would be really difficult. The pattern is called 'Falling for you Gloves' by Claire Crompton and can be found in the book: The Knitter's Bible: Knitted Accessories

My eldest daughter has requested a pair just in very different colours and as it was such a pleasant knit I'm quite looking forward to making them.

Another Birthday Scarf

2008-09-10T09:01:00.003+01:00

Well I finished my husband's scarf on the morning of his birthday and he really likes it. obviously it's not as pretty as the scarf I made for my gran as he's a bloke and doesn't 'do' pretty lace.

It's a very simple knit that has a pleasing effect and works up real quick. I could have got away with CO 20 stitches with the Robin Chunky I used as the finished item ended up quite wide but husband seems to like that. The pattern is called Jute Rope and is by Rebecca Sweinhagen, I also didn't use the recommended needle size as thought the knitted fabric would have ended up far to stiff, so I used 8mm needles. This also helped with the speed of the project.

Birthday Scarf

2008-09-06T11:58:00.005+01:00

My gran's birthday scarf is complete. I used the Path of the Heart pattern by Ria Bridges. A nice simple knit with lovely results.

I wanted something that was going to be soft and delicate against my gran's skin as she's just had facial surgery for skin cancer, so I chose James C. Brett Pure Merino in shade PM8. It's a lovely rich plummy/wine colour (first picture) and is so soft and smoochy it's perfect for scarves.

It's currently pined to my bed to block and I'll deliver it on Wednesday (her birthday), just hope she likes it.

kroy Socks, done.

2008-08-31T21:54:00.005+01:00

Yay, I've finished my first pair of real, able to wear, socks. I love the feel of them on my feet and am spurred on to knit more.

I used the Kroy sock pattern with Regia Jacquard yarn in 5296 Brussels and 2.5mm DPNs. The stripes don't quite match up, I thought I'd gotten the beginning colours right but obviously I didn't, oh well, just adds to that hand knit quality :-)

Even though I knit the smallest size they are still a little large so next time I'll use Violet Green's sock calculator pattern and hopefully they'll fit much better (that's what I get for having a Uk size 3 foot) I'm looking forward to my next pair.

I forgot to share.

2008-08-30T09:24:00.005+01:00

What with the Ravelympics and the furious knitting I forgot to share the beautiful new spindle purchase and some new Merino roving.

First off, I bought a beautiful new hand crafted spindle from here. Kevin is great and delivers a very fast and efficient service, I ordered it on August 15th and it arrived the next day. It's 39g and spins beautifully.

Next I bought some beautiful Merino from Kraft Mania, this stuff is so soft I can't help but fondle it. I got 100g of each colour (soft lilac and purple), going to see if I can make a nice variegated yarn. I'm having a real purple phase at the moment and all the yarns and fibres I'm attracted to seem to be in the purple family.

Just hope I can do the roving some justice and get hours of pleasure from my new spindle.

My Ravelympic Medals.

2008-08-26T01:04:00.021+01:00

Well, the Ravelympics are now over and I managed six medals and six finished projects during the Beijing Olympics.

My first finished item was for Hand Spun Heptathlon and Hand Dyed Hurdles:

My next medal was for WIP Wrestling:

Next came the Hat Dash:

Shawl Relay:

Scarf Stroke:

Finally, to late for the finish line but still get a medal Cowl Jump:I had so much fun whilst doing this and look forward to the next time, hopefully I'll get all my projects over the finish line in time for medals.

Shawl Relay

2008-08-22T07:12:00.004+01:00

I've finished the Clapotis, okay I ran out of yarn and as I really didn't want to buy any more of this particular yarn I just used some from my stash to finish.

So I have a mostly green Clapotis with one blue point. I think I will end up knitting this pattern again as it's a good TV knit and delivers a really nice shawl. Next time I think I'll go for a variegated yarn.

I'm not doing to bad for the Ravelympics, so far I've completed three projects and there are still a couple of days left, wonder what else I can get done before the closing ceremony?

Cherry Tree Hill Hat.

2008-08-18T10:49:00.006+01:00

I've never knit a hat with such light weight yarn before, I've always used DK. But when I saw this Cherry Tree Hill yarn called Sockittome it didn't scream socks, it wanted to be a hat and scarf perhaps a set of fingerless gloves as well.

The instructions were very simple although they didn't mention if they were to be knit on circs or straights, I chose circs but towards the end had to change to DPNs. The pattern is called Avatar hat by Barbro Wilhelmsson it was a nice easy knit and the sock yarn gave me a lovely shmooshy hat that is really light but warm.

I quite pleased with how the colours pooled, they seem to have a slight spiral to them. Just now have to find a nice scarf pattern to go with it.

K9 Knitters Greyhound dog coat

2008-08-13T02:48:00.007+01:00

Remember way back in March I told you about the K9 Knitters?

Anyway, it's a dog charity that raises money by donations and also by selling dogcoats that knitters donate, I have after all these months finally finished the greyhound dogcoat I started back in March.

I did feel a fair bit of guilt about the fact I said I'd knit this coat and then for months I got distracted by other things and it languished unloved in my WIPs pile.

Well thanks to Ravelry and the Ravelympics I have completed the coat in the WIPs Wrestling event. I'd like to say I enjoyed knitting this coat but I can't. I'm sorry this just was not a nice knit for me.

It's not the pattern, there is nothing wrong with the pattern, it was the yarn I chose. For the past two days I've done nothing (and I mean nothing) but knit this dogcoat. The only problem was that as it grew, it got heavy, very heavy. To the point where it actually hurt to knit, my wrists are killing me and are giving a big sigh of relief at the moment that they no longer have to hold the weight of all that chunky yarn. I did use circular needles to help with the weight but it didn't seem to help.

I do actually look forward to knitting something else for this charity but next time I am definitely going to choose something smaller, much easier on my poor wrists.

After I've given it a quick wash (some of the yarn I used is quite old stash and smells like old stash) I'll get it posted off to Carrie.

My first handspun.

2008-08-10T12:50:00.009+01:00

I've now got 34yards of handspun and hand dyed thick and thin yarn, that's all I got from my 50g Shropshire wool top. I'm assuming the better I get at spinning I'll get better yardage.

The dyeing was easier than I thought, it was just a Dylon cold water dye in colour Sea Green. After spinning the yarn I set the twist by putting it in very hot water for about 15 minutes, I think you're supposed to let it dry before the dyeing process but I didn't. Seen how it was already wet I decided to just go ahead and give it a go.

With an old bowl I added enough really hot water to cover the yarn, I added 13floz of vinegar and dropped in the dye tablet, very gently I swooshed it around and then left it for about an hour. I gave it another swoosh and again left it for an hour. Then I just rinsed it in the sink until no more dye was coming from it and dried it with a towel then hung it from the banana tree to dry, this morning I had a lovely pale coloured yarn.

I was hoping to get enough yarn to make Urchin a hat from thick and thin yarn that only requires 77-109yards of yarn but that obviously wasn't to be. Now I'm on the hunt for a pattern that only requires my 34yards hehe.

I've got a 100g English wool top that has yet to be spun, I'm hoping I'll get a much more even yarn and enough yarn to actually make a hat or something. I've also got my eye on a new spindle from here, not only are they really pretty but from what I've been reading are highly recommended. The price is also really good.

The spindle I've got is great, but it's probably better for laceweight yarn (when I'm even and consistent enough to actually start spinning laceweight LOL) and I want to do more sock/dk weighted yarns so think I'm going to go for a spindle in the 35-40g weight.

No matter the outcome, it's just so much fun, plus the pleasure from seeing my own little mini hanks of spun yarn is too good to pass up. yes, a new passion as been aquired.

Okay, I succombed...

2008-08-06T22:25:00.006+01:00

I did it, I've just ordered my first drop spindle. A 28g top whorl drop spindle, at the same time I also ordered 100g English wool top for practice with.

Also for the wool top and the drop spindle I got a real bargain, it only cost me £7.09 with shipping from here.

You know this means that I'll be on here in a couple of days either sobbing about the fact that I can't do it or crowing about how easy it is and what wonderful yarn I've spun.

Of course it'll be the sobbing as nothing ever goes right straight off and it's not so much making mistakes as gaining experience on what not to do LOL. I'm so sticking with that one.

So wish me luck and I'll report back, hopefully before or during the weekend.

Spinning out of control?

2008-08-06T15:52:00.003+01:00

I'm getting sucked in further and further...but I think I like it.

I've been reading up on spinning, yup that's right, spinning. As I can't afford a spinning wheel I've been looking at drop spindles, dear god how did I miss this? It looks fantastic and I think is going to become a new passion.

I've been looking at an Ashford drop spindle that comes with 100g of merino roving to get you started, my mind is awash with all the things I could do.

I could make beautiful yarn, I could dye said beautiful yarn into beautiful steins that I could then stroke/admire or even gosh darn it, knit with.

My mind is buzzing with ideas and imagination, is this something I really want to plunge myself head first into, damn right it is and I'm going to have a blast doing it as well.

I checked out a couple of videos on Youtube as to how to do it and I'm sure they make it look easier than it really is but I'm all geared up and raring to give it a go. Just now have to wait till payday when I can buy a spindle and give it a go.

My stash is going to grow and my bank balance is going to be hit (hard) but it'll all be worth it when I'm wearing my first hat/scarf/gloves made from my very own spun and dyed yarn.

Paris Summer Top

2008-08-05T11:08:00.003+01:00

Yes, I know I shouldn't really be casting anything else on (but the yarn just cries out to be made into something). Because I've been working on the Goddessknits anniversary shawls for quite a few weeks I just felt the need to knit something a little quicker, I want knitting gratification damn it!

So to that end I was thumbing through my mags when I came across a pattern called Paris by Betty Barnden in Let's Knit magazine issue 9. I liked the fact it wasn't all boring stocking stitch and I even like the Eiffel Tower stitch, I just didn't want to do it right now. So I changed the Eiffel Tower stitch to a Leaves of Grass stitch and cast on.

I've completed the fist six pattern repeats and have now started on the yoke of the back, this is a quick knit and if I keep it up I should be able to wear my new summer top at the weekend (of course now that I've said that something will come up and I wont have time).

The pink picture is the original picture from the magazine, the teal is the top I'm working on. I'm using King Cole Smooth colour 802 Teal. I'm quite liking the King Cole even though it is acrylic, it is so soft it's going to feel lovely next to my skin.

Sun Dress.

2008-08-01T11:24:00.005+01:00

Monday was such a lovely sunny day I decided to make myself a new sun dress, it's cobbled together from a couple of patterns.

The bodice is from New Look 6459, as is the mid section and the fuller skirt is from Simplicity 4070.

I liked my fabric choices all cheapish cottons (from stash) until I actually sewed them together, then I wasn't overly keen. However, when I put the dress on it looked so much better than on the dummy that I decided I did like it after all.

The black dress and the green/cream dress are also made from New Look 6459, I made them last summer.

Ravelympics 2008

2008-07-26T13:54:00.006+01:00

Well I've joined Ravelympics (why do I keep doing this to myself?) and I'm in a couple of events for Team GB.

For the WIP Wrestling event I've two entrants, my Woodland Shawl that has been languishing for a while now and really deserves to be finished. Also my K9 Knitters Dog Coat so that I can get it posted of.

I'm also doing the Shawl Relay and my entrant is Clapotis.

I can't believe I've signed up for this considering the amount of unfinished items I've got at the moment, it just seemed like too much fun not to get involved. So I've the 17 days of the summer Olympics to cast on and finish Clapotis and finish 2 WIPs, on the bright side if I finish the WIPs I'll be able to cast on other things (see there is a method to my madness!).

So, let the games begin and Go Team GB.

Dad's Birthday Blanket.

2008-07-22T08:19:00.006+01:00

You may or may not remember the 'Block a Month' squares I've been doing since January? Anyway, when I was at the hospital with my daughter yesterday (she was in for day surgery) I sewed 12 of them together and put a simple edge of single crochet round to finish. My dad is a HGV driver and is often away nights, hopefully this will help to keep him warm. Unfortunately it was actually his birthday yesterday and I didn't get to see him, so after work today I'm going to go and see my mum at her work and give her my dad's birthday gift. I was hoping to be able to give it to my mum on Saturday (her usual day to visit) but I just didn't have time to finish it as I was working on my sister-in-law's costume. I really must learn to say 'no' when people ask me to make them things and only give me a weeks notice. I was hoping to be able to make it larger and put a much nicer edging on it but hopefully he'll still like it anyway, also hoping he'll actually get to use it.

Grecian Goddess.

2008-07-22T08:03:00.004+01:00

My brother and sister-in-law had a fancy dress party for my niece's 13th birthday on Saturday (19th July), sister-in-law asked me to make her costume.

At first I thought, oh that'll be easy. But then when I started to think of the construction I realised as I'd never made anything that required so much yardage I actually didn't have a clue where to begin.

Of course I've still never learnt how to adjust a pattern up or down a size, so I cheated and bought a shirt pattern the size required. I cut and constructed the top section just as if I was making the shirt, except I sewed the two front halves together and inserted a side zip. The skirt section was just elongated from the shirt peplum.

For the wrap section I used 2.5meters , pleated one end, attached to the skirt at left hip and wrapped around the body. I added gold ribbon for detailing. There was so much fabric I kept standing on it and was worried I'd actually ruin it by doing so, and although it was slightly too large my sister-in-law was happy and a great night was had by everybody that attended.

Socks Ahoy!

2008-07-16T17:01:00.004+01:00

Okay, I've decided that I'm NOT going to work on the shawls until we break up for the summer holidays on July 24th. They've got to the stage where it takes a while just to do two rows and as I've a fair bit to do this week I've just not got the time to concentrate on them.

Of course this now leaves my hands free (and restless), so last night I cast on some socks. I've attempted socks before, I used completely the wrong yarn/needles and ended up with a set of purple, adult sized, booties. I used them as house slippers :-)

My next foray into the sock world was Marella, a pattern I got from Let's Knit magazine issue 3. The 3.75mm DPNs needed for the pattern also came with the magazine. The pattern is also known as Stripy Lace Socks by Jeanette Trotman and can be found here, the front cover depicts the pattern I'm talking about.

All was going well until I discovered a mistake and tried to tink back, the tinking got muddled and I ended up having to frog it completely (should have just lived with the tiny mistake). So I'm hoping third times the charm and I actually get a wearable pair of socks.

This time around I'm using 2.5mm DPNs and Regia Jacquard Colour 4ply sock yarn in the Brussels (5296) colour, it's going well so far and the only problem I'm having is my DPNs. They're 20cm and I think that's a little too big, I'd love the Harmony sock needles but think those will have to wait till next payday.

Yay, Clue 3 Chart D Done on the Other Shawl

2008-07-14T10:04:00.005+01:00

It seems to have taken an age but I've finally completed the third clue on the second shawl from the Goddessknits Anniversary Mystery Shawl.

I now just have to complete clue 4 on both shawls, they are huge clues so I wouldn't expect to hear about them for a while.

Harmony options, just thought I'd mention them, yes, you all probably knew about them years ago but I've just found them. I LOVE these needles, not only do they look lush but they're a dream to knit with. I only ordered a sample (just 3.5mm tips and a 120cm cord) but I'll definitely be getting more, they're just too good not to.

Go out, treat yourself, buy them. Yes, I believe they are that good.

Musings.

2008-07-08T23:02:00.004+01:00

I've been listening to a lot of podcasts over the past few days, especially Cast On by Brenda Dayne. I've come to realise I really like her style, her voice is melodic and perfect for podcasting and what she has to say is actually interesting and I also like her choice in music.

I've been on the hunt for others and came across Stash and Burn, I wasn't overly impressed. I don't know, maybe I just listened to a bad episode as there are quite a lot of people who rave about it but sorry to say, it just didn't appeal to me.

Lime & Violet was another I listened to, this one is very upbeat and loud. Sounds like those women are definitely having a lot of fun. I've only listened to the one episode so far, so I'm not sure if it's one I'll continue to listen to.

Another one that didn't really 'speak' to me was Knit Picks, I'm not sure why, I think it was because it was a little dry.

I've found a few others I'm going to give a go, they do seem to do the trick, as I have been working on my knitting and I'm finding I'm not nearly as distracted when listening to my iPod as I was when I didn't have one. I'm not finding excuses to put down my knitting and walk about, talk to other people just potter, you know.

Today I've worked seven rows of my mystery shawl without really realising how much I was getting done as normally I'd only do four rows. So that's a good side effect of listening, also means I don't have to listen to whatever crap my husband has decided to watch on the TV and that's a really good thing.

It's great that so many people have decided to create podcasts, to be brave enough to put yourself out there is something that should definitely be applauded. I guess it's a case of finding a 'voice' so too speak. A style and format that works for the podcaster, then to actually be able to put a show together that may possibly last an hour and it not be stale and boring is a feat I admire.

Would I ever want to create a podcast myself, no, I don't think I would. Don't get me wrong, the idea did cross my mind for about a nano second. But I know how boring my voice is and how stiff I'd sound to the listener, not to mention I'm not even sure I'd ever find enough material to put an hour's show together. Also, that in my heart of hearts, I know that I'm essentially a lazy person and will find any and all reasons to procrastinate. This is why I wouldn't make a very good home worker, there would always be something to take me away from my actual paid work.

So, to all you podcasters out there, stay safe and keep casting as we, your listeners, appreciate all the hard work you put into your shows, thank you.

Birthday Treat For Me

2008-07-07T17:33:00.004+01:00

Well , it was my birthday yesterday and I was given some money and decided to treat myself. Okay so it's not fibre or textile related but it is a craft, just not my craft.

I got a couple of new tattoos (whoop, whoop). A very small one of my husband's handwriting, his name with a little purple love heart. It's not as vomit inducing as it sounds, I think it's rather cute.

The second one is a little larger and an ambigram of my daughters names. if I look at my foot it spells Mary, if somebody is looking at my foot they'll see Hayley.

Husband also gifted me with my first MP3 player, an IPod nano 3G. So now I'm listening to my first podcasts, Brenda Dayne's Cast on series. Yes, it is perfect for knitting or crocheting to and I'm really enjoying listening to them (I've started right from the beginning and I'm now on episode 3.)

So my evening will be spent working on my shawls, listening to Brenda and frantically trying to stop the dogs from licking my foot. Life is sometimes really good.

Mystery Shawl Number 2 Clue 3 Chart C

2008-07-05T13:44:00.004+01:00

I've finally finished clue 3, it seemed to take an age. I'm full of a cold though so didn't work on it as much as I could have.

I finished it last night just in time for the release of clue 4 today, although now I'm frantically working on clue 3 for shawl number one.

Prom Queen.

2008-06-27T20:08:00.006+01:00

It's prom night and daughter has been the picture of stress. Poor thing had to miss her hair appointment and then couldn't get her hair or make-up the way she wanted it. After a good cry and few moans about not going, she managed to pull herself together and finished getting ready.

Yes, I'm biased, but I truly thought she looked wonderful. Right up until she left the house she still felt not quite right and stressed as you can tell by the pictures. Gah, I wouldn't be 16 again if you paid me.

I used a modified Simplicity 4070 pattern, I deepened the v at the neck line. I also gave it a corset instead of a zip (although the skirt section does have a concealed zip) and as well as lining the skirt, I added net to the underneath to just about poke out the bottom.

I used taffeta for the dress and have discovered I really enjoy working with taffeta as it's so easy. The net and lining fabric was another kettle of fish altogether (eek). just some ribbon detailing on the bust line and it was done. Once I got into it it only took a day or so even though I've never made anything like it before.

Woodland Shawl update.

2008-06-27T13:51:00.003+01:00

I seem to have been knitting this forever and it doesn't appear to be progressing very quickly. I hope to change that this week as I've now finished my daughter's prom dress (will do a separate post for that later) and have managed another couple of repeats.

At first I was a little disappointed with the yarn I was using, I wanted it to be ethereal in appearance as that's how I always think of elves, especially the elves from LOTR. Now that I've knitted a bit of it I'm happier as it actually makes me think of elvish chain mail.

Merino Lace Yarn Saga.

2008-06-26T10:46:00.005+01:00

As you know I ordered some merino lace yarn from Angel Yarns in Icy Storm, I phoned them on the 10th June to see when they were expecting more stock as I'd ordered on the 4th June and received and email on June 6th to tell me it was out of stock.

They ordered the yarn from their supplier on the 8th June and told me it would take 7-10days to arrive in the shop.

Just phoned them to find that the colour I wanted had been discontinued, well for cryin' out loud an email or phone call to let me know would have been nice.

They did have some of the colours in stock, so I've changed from the Icy Storm to the Zest and it should be posted out today.

I do like the Zest, a lot in fact, will have to find a real nice pattern to knit with it.

So finally, 22 days after ordering my yarn it should be here tomorrow or Saturday.

Mystery Shawl Number 2

2008-06-23T17:02:00.004+01:00

Okay, I've now completed clue 2 on the Mystery Shawl. I changed my mind on the chart, I ended up going for chart B.

There are a few mistakes but I'm hoping you have to know where to look to actually notice them.

Just have to wait till Saturday for clue 3, this will give me the time to actually make my daughter's prom dress for Friday (eek). I've the fabric cut out it just needs sewing together and I'm hoping that wont actually take that long.

I've also still got a couple of One Shawl to Rule them All shawls OTN and will see if I can get any work done on those as well.

Mystery Shawl, clue 2.

2008-06-22T14:32:00.003+01:00

We got clue 2 of the Mystery Shawl yesterday, once again we had a choice of 4 charts. For the first shawl I've already done Clue1 Chart D, now I've completed Clue2 and again I chose Chart D. I'm really pleased with how it turned out, when we get next Saturday's clue I'm going to change to the mid yellow colour.

I had no problems this time and got it done in next to no time.

I'm off to do Chart C on the second shawl.

Have Finally Righted My Wrongs.

2008-06-17T15:08:00.003+01:00

Okay, so I was looking at my chart A of the mystery shawl and wondering why I had no swirl when I decided to re-read the instructions for the shaded row.

Low and behold I'd only gone and mucked it up, that's what you get when you don't take the time to read the instructions carefully. I tried to tink back but it was a nightmare, those stitches are really tiny.

Ripped back to row 12 before the chart and then tried again. Result, I now have a nice swirl.

I'm Nuts, I must be....

2008-06-15T23:05:00.006+01:00

After seeing other peoples mystery shawl, I decided I liked chart A so much that I had to do it. But chart D turned out so nice I didn't want to send it to the frog pond. So, I had the crazy idea of doing both chart D and chart A.

So today I cast on for chart A, I've completed it and it looks good (yes blowing my own trumpet).

I decided to reverse the colour order for this one so have started with the brown.

So now I've three (gulp) lace weight shawls on the go at the moment, does that make me nuts? Probably, but it's going to be so much fun and hopefully I'll have some beautiful shawls to wear at the end.

DPNs + Lace weight = Arrrgghhhh!

2008-06-14T21:07:00.005+01:00

Well I cast on for the mystery shawl late last night as Renee posted it early. I think it may have been a bad idea casting on as soon as I finished dad's washcloth as I didn't realise just how late it was and how tired I was.

Half a dozen times I cast on, I just couldn't seem to get past the first 2 rows as I was all fingers and thumbs. I've never used DPN's and lace weight. In fact the only lace weight I've ever used is for the Celtic Knot Shawl and I've not even started the first knot on that yet. So a lace circular shawl was proving very difficult indeed.

I was loosing all hope of ever getting it by 2am, so decided to call it a night. So glad I did as this morning I was able to cast on and actually finish clue 1.

We were given a choice of 4 different lace charts, I plumbed for chart 'D' as it seemed the easiest and after last night I was all about making life easy :-) i can't wait for next week's clue now, this KAL is going to be so much fun.

Washcloth for dad.

2008-06-14T20:59:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I knitted a washcloth as part of my dad's fathers' day gift. Mum picked his gifts and cards up today, so tomorrow I'll give him a call and see what he thinks.

Got the pattern from here, used 4mm needles and James C Brett's Kool Kotton in Putty.

Just hope he likes it.

Mystery Shawl Swatch.

2008-06-13T10:15:00.006+01:00

As you know the merino wont be here in time, so I've swatched the new yarn and I love it. I'm so excited about this KAL now and hope the shawl will turn out as beautiful as it does in my head LOL.

I've changed needle size as well, from 3.75mm to 3.5mm. Looks so much better with the new needles. Creates a lovely light but squishy fabric.

Roll on tomorrow when we get the first clue, it'll be posted about noon CST, so that works out about 5pm here in Blighty. So that's my Saturday night sorted.

Yummy Yarn Woes.

2008-06-11T08:23:00.003+01:00

Well it seems the lovely merino lace weight I ordered from Angel Yarns wont be here in time to start the Goddess Knits Mystery Shawl KAL.

I ordered it on June 4th, got an email June 6th to tell me the yarn was out of stock and they were waiting on a new stock delivery. So I rang them yesterday to find out how long delivery usually takes from their supplier, it appears they only ordered the yarn the day before yesterday and it can take 7 to 10 days to arrive from the supplier. Of course there's no indication on the website that the yarn is actually out of stock...gah!

I've never had any trouble with Angel Yarns before but having read a few things, I think from now on it'd be a good idea to phone and actually check they have what I want in stock.

So now I'm in a quandary, do I wait for the lace weight to arrive and then start the KAL a few days late or do I go with another yarn I've my eye on, Silverknit Paris 2ply wool (shown in picture)?

If I go with the new yarn I'd do the first two clues in the yellow, the second two in the mid yellow and the last clue in the mid brown. Possibly even adding some beads to the last section.

Hmm, decisions, decisions, decisions....

Yarn Brag.

2008-06-04T10:39:00.003+01:00

I'll not tell my husband if you don't but I've just ordered what I hope will be some wonderful yarn for the Goddess Knits Mystery Shawl.

It's from Angel Yarns and is called Merion Lace Yarn, I've chosen the colour Ice Storm. It called to me and I had to have it :-D

I'm really surprised at the yardage as well, plenty for a shawl and the price is excellent. Now I'll just have to semi-patiently wait for my order to arrive. As the KAL doesn't actually start until June 14th the yarn hopefully will be here before then.

I did a test in some un-labled stash yarn I had (a 3ply), it turned out okay with the 3.75 needles I chose. Just a shame I didn't read the chart right, hopefully that'll be better when I come to knit the actual shawl.

I'm practising chart reading with the Celtic Knot Stole I'm currently working on and that seems to be pretty straight forward and is working out fine.

Block-a-month CAL

2008-06-02T11:22:00.003+01:00

As if all that isn't enough I'm still doing my Block-A-Month CAL. This months block was called Lacy Granny. I only did 14 rounds as I found it was big enough by then.

Obsesed moi?

2008-06-02T10:43:00.009+01:00

Hmm, I think I may be becoming slightly obsessed with lace knitting...eek!

I seem to have joined a couple of KALs on Ravelry, I joined 'one shawl to rule them all' a couple of weeks ago. Now I have two shawls on the go.

The first shawl I cast on was the Woodland Shawl, it's supposed to look Elvish. I had originally wanted to make it in Kidsilk night but couldn't really justify the cost, so went with a yarn I found in my stash. It does kind of make me think of Elves. The silver running through the green makes me think of Elven chain mail.

The second shawl I cast on is the Celtic Knot Stole, this is to represent the race of Men, I found a 2ply jet black un-named yarn on Ebay that was pennies, so of course as I love a bargain I bought it.

Here's a list of the shawls and who they represent;

Hobbits
knit: Chunky Highland Wool Wrap
crochet: Eva’s Shawl

Men
knit: Celtic Knot Stole
crochet: Angled Lace Scarf

Dwarves
knit: 98-21 Shawl
crochet: 102-36 Shawl

Elves
knit: Woodland Shawl
crochet: Feather Stole

So you can see, that alone is going to keep me uber busy. So guess what I went and did, yup you guessed. I signed up for yet another KAL!

I found the Goddess Knits Mystery Shawl group on Ravelry, there is also a yahoo group for the KAL. There is still time to join in as the KAL won't actually start until June 14th. That'll give me some time to work on the other shawls.

Washcloths a-go-go

2008-05-20T20:04:00.003+01:00

Yup, gone and done another one. This time a 'M' cloth for my youngest daughter Mary.

I'm quite impressed, from one 50g ball of yarn I've managed to get three cloths. Considering the yarn wasn't expensive but is perfect for cloths, it's more economical to make them then buy them.

knitting Gratification

2008-05-19T09:50:00.004+01:00

I've made another washcloth, they are so quick and easy very pleasing for the knitting soul.

This one's a 'H' for my eldest daughter Hayley. I'm going to make everybody one then there (hopefully) will be no arguing between the girls about using the others 'stuff'!

I used the same yarn as last time, Kool Kotton in the colour 'Putty' (KK9). the pattern is by Rhonda K. White and can be found here.

Washcloth

2008-05-18T13:22:00.003+01:00

I've never seen the attraction of knitting washcloths, until now LOL. Yesterday I knitted my first washcloth, it's for my friend who I also made the shawl for. We're both into Stargate SG1, so I used a Stargate dishcloth pattern that I found on Ravelry.

I used James C Brett Kool Kotton, it's a yarn I've never used before but will definitely be using again as it was a pleasure to knit with. Feels soft but strong to the touch and is a good yarn for washcloths, I think.

The cloth knitted up real fast, just a couple of hours.

Hmm, not great.

2008-05-06T08:42:00.003+01:00

I've been working on another filler block 'Victorian Baubles Afghan Square' by Priscilla Hewitt. It's only a 7" square in the pattern so I figured I'd just add rows until it was the 12" I need. This didn't work out to well as now the edges are wavy. I'm assuming this means I added to many stitches to quickly. So I'm just going to frog back the last row or two and try them again.

Leaf Armbands and another filler block.

2008-05-04T23:04:00.007+01:00

Did another filler block today for the 2008 12" crochet block a month CAL on Ravelry. It's called Fisherman's Ring and is designed by Priscilla Hewitt. It didn't takle that long to make, as it's only a 6" square I just added a few rounds to get it up to the 12" I need.

I've made these armbands to go with the Kiri shawl, they've turned out okay but if I was to make them again I'd alter the leaf pattern as it's a bit messy.

I'd use the ten pattern repeat from the Kiri shawl for them as the leaf in that has more definition and looks much more pleasing to the eye. Think I'd make them slightly bigger as well as my hands are by no means large and they're snug on me.

May's Crochet Block

2008-05-02T00:05:00.004+01:00

Well, May's block was posted this morning. It's called Flower Burst by Chris Simon.

I've again done it in a solid colour, as that's what I want the finished afghan to look like. It was a simple pattern to follow and worked up nice and quickly.

Woohoo, Kiri is done.

2008-04-29T09:08:00.006+01:00

Yay, I cast off my Kiri last night and it's now blocking.

For the cast off it says to make sure you do it loose and to use a 5mm needle, to be on the safe side I used a 6mm needle.

Blocking is harder than it looks, I don't think I've done it right but it's close enough that I can live with it. I don't think it'll take that long to dry either.

I ended up doing 12 repeats of the pattern, that's equal to 132 rows with another 12 rows for the edging. I didn't count how many stitches there were as I was a little scared to find out LOL.

I can't wait to unblock it and see how it draps/looks, just hope my friend likes it now.

Work shirt

2008-04-22T22:27:00.004+01:00

I've just completed work shirt number one, I'm quite pleased with it. On the next one I'll change the buttonhole position as I think they're to far from the neck band. Didn't have any real problems with the pattern, just the sleeves were fiddly as they're puff.

Some of the instructions didn't quite make sense so I went to my favourite sewing group for advice, of course within a few moments I'd had a reply that made perfect sense to me and was able to continue.

I ended up not doing the bust adjustment as it fitted great everywhere except the neck and shoulders and being as inexperienced as I am I've now idea how to correct that, they are only slightly to large so i can get away with it this time but maybe some research is in order for next time.

I'm looking forward to making the other one now.

Square in a square

2008-04-15T23:44:00.003+01:00

I made another filler block today, it's called 'Granny quilt square in a square'. I must admit I found the instructions kind of confusing and I'm not really sure if I've done it right, it'll do for me though.

I've not done any work on the Kiri today though, I've so much to catch up on and time is running out as I go back to work on Monday (urgh!). So over the next few days I'll really have to pull my finger out and get some things completed.

I've cut out some fabric for a shirt but as of yet haven't stitched it together, I've the Kiri to complete plus matching hat and fingerless gloves. Also I want to complete the Allure Azure cardigan I'm making in a smaller size for myself.

probably not got a hope in hell of getting it all completed but I sure can give it a good shot.

Butterfly Garden

2008-04-13T01:39:00.003+01:00

I thought I'd do something a little less taxing today, so rather than working on the Kiri I decided to do a filler square for the 12" Block a month CAL I'm a member of on Ravelry.

It's called Butterfly Garden, although it looks real complicated it actually worked up very quick and was quite simple. I must say, I do like it, a lot.

That'll teach me!

2008-04-12T12:25:00.002+01:00

Well, last night I'd decided I'd be all fancy and get a new template for the blog as I found lots of really cool and pretty templates at pYzam.

So of course I grabbed myself something pretty and changed my template, damn but that was a mistake. I suppose if I could actually understand HTML I'd know where the script was for the links I've added ect but alas I don't so I had a pretty site but only my posts and none of the other content I've added.

So I was up till 3.45am last night (that should probably be this morning) trying to fix what I'd done, I'll have to keep adding to it over the next few days.

I still would like one of the templates from pYzam but I won't be doing that until I've learnt more about the code LOL.

Shawl update (yes, again)

2008-04-10T13:10:00.003+01:00

Yes, I know I did an update the other day but my new camera has arrived and I wanted to take pictures, look at that detail :-) Yup, I'm a kid in a candy store.

Up to date on my blocks

2008-04-09T02:10:00.004+01:00

Yay, I've caught up on my 2008 12" Block-a-month CAL. The top image is of March's block called Cygnus and the bottom image is of April's Block called Chocolate Delight.

I've gone with a single colour as that's the kind of afghan I want for our lounge. I'm quite pleased with how these blocks turned out (although they haven't been blocked yet) also they worked up real quick and were pretty easy. That's saying something as I only learned to crochet in December.

If you're a member of Ravelry come along and join the CAL, the more the merrier as they say.

Behind on my crochet.

2008-04-07T23:04:00.004+01:00

I joined a 12" block a month CAL on Ravelry, I've completed both January's block and February's block but as of yet I've not even started March or April's block...eek.

Just glad I've the next two weeks off work as I've so many things to catch up on. There's the shirts and trousers for work, the two blocks not to mention Kiri for my friend and I also need to do another Azure Allure (hopefully it'll fit) for myself.

Well I better get off my butt and actually move away from the computer if I wish to accomplish that much in my time off.

Doctor Who has a lot to answer for!

2008-04-06T12:42:00.006+01:00

So, knitting Kiri whilst trying to watch the new series of Doctor Who is really not a good idea.

I completed row 57 thinking there was something that wasn't quite right and upon checking noticed a major fubar...gah!

Thank god that not only had I read about lifelines the other day but that I was also using them. Made it so much easier to frog back to row 52 and correct whatever mistake it was that I'd made.

So, my progress yesterday was to get back to the place I started. because life does get in the way and things are so easy to muck up I've decided I'm going to place a lifeline every ten rows, may increase this to every five as the shawl gets bigger.

As for Doctor Who, the jury's still out on whether Catherine Tate is going to diminish my enjoyment of the show every time I look at her all I hear is 'am I bovvered?'...grrr.

Update on the shawl

2008-04-04T00:18:00.005+01:00

Yay, I figured out where I'd been going wrong and have now completed 32 rows.

I was doing the two pattern repeats and not knitting the center stitch, so of course had a gaping hole that wasn’t very pretty. In the pattern the repeats were in brackets and I just assumed the k1 came after the two repeats…d’oh!. After reading the chart (another new thing learned today, I can now read charts!) it all made sense and I'm storming along.

It really is a beautiful pattern and I'm just amazed at the beautiful things that can be made with a bit of yarn and some needles.

Kiri Shawl

2008-04-03T08:46:00.003+01:00

Well I got to row 28 and I'd been feeling as if something wasn't quite right so had a look at the picture.

My Kiri didn't have the two obvious yarn overs down the center, it just had a large hole rather than two neat ones.

Now I followed the instructions so have no idea how it's happened, I've frogged it and will re-start it today, tip, mohair is a git to frog!

I know when I was doing the purl rows that the two yo's in the center were purled so why it looked as if I'd dropped the stitch I don't know, I was wondering if I twist the stitches this would give them more definition. Will find out in a couple of hours.

Friendship.

2008-04-02T10:55:00.006+01:00

I've a friend I met via the net, we've been chatting for about 6/7 years now. We met in real life when she travelled up to help me celebrate my 30th birthday.

Her husband had been ill for a very long time and sadly passed away, as I've also had my own troubles these past couple of years I've let our friendship slip.

So as a little sorry for being basically a crap friend I've decided I'm going to send her a care package type of thing. She writes a lot at all times of the day and night so I thought I could make her the Kiri shawl to help keep her shoulders and back warm on chilly nights.

I'm also going to make her some fingerless gloves, her hands will stay warm but she'll still be able to type.

I'll also include some smellies for the bathroom, chocolate and some wine. Can't really think of anything else to add but hope those will bring her a small smile.

Me and my big chest!

2008-04-02T10:37:00.004+01:00

Well I got myself ready for work this morning and proudly put my new finished cardigan on, you guessed it, it's way to big.

I've done it again, I've made it for a 40inch chest, as that's what I measure as. I keep forgetting though that I'm only 5 foot tall so have a small back and shoulders, so yes it fits my chest but is big everywhere else. So the curse of being blessed in the boob department strikes again.

Oh well, looks like my Gran will be getting a new cardigan (every cloud, silver lining and all that). She reads a lot in bed so she can either wear it for day or use it as a bed jacket. Lets hope she likes the colour.

Must remember to make things for myself smaller, or actually learn how to alter a pattern in the chest area.

Actually I think if I made this cardigan again I could get away with just making a smaller size as it's quite generous in the chest area anyway.

First lace cardigan

2008-04-01T22:46:00.004+01:00

I've just finished my first lace cardigan...yay. Of course I found out about lifelines yesterday, after I'd already frogged the ruddy thing twice due to mistakes.

For those that like me wonder what a lifeline is, it's a piece of scrap yarn/dentle floss that you thread threw your knitting every x number of rows. Then if you make a mistake (as I always do) it's easy to frog back and carry on.

Although the picture looks red the cardigan is actually burgundy, I will be taking better pictures once my new camera arrives.

The cardigan is Azure Allure by Laura Long in the 31st issue of Simply Knitting magazine.

Work clothes

2008-03-28T11:00:00.005Z

I've set myself a bit of a challenge, I'm starting a new job April 21st and want some new clothes to go with.

I've decided on this blouse, I'm making two as I've enough lovely fabric to do so. One fabric is a small flower and the other is a stripe (as soon as my new camera arrives I'll get pictures up).

I going to attempt a bust adjustment as I'm gifted in that area but don't want the shoulders to be to large. I'll let you know how it goes.

I also wish to make a couple of pairs of trousers, haven't decided on the pattern yet, I've been looking for a nice bootleg pant and can't find one, I was given instructions on how to adapt a pattern and may give that a go.

Happy hounds

2008-03-14T23:30:00.007Z

Dog-ghan 2 is now complete and both dogs are very happy, thought they were going to have a tussle over who got to lay on it first but it worked out fine.

Two very happy dogs now :-)

My hands now feel a little lost, what am I going to do whilst watching TV, will have to find another project, oh, the hardship LOL.

Grrrrrrr.

2008-03-11T09:23:00.003Z

The socks were coming along so well, I'd done the heal flap and started on the gusset when I noticed a mistake.

I decided I'd just rip them back to before the mistake but of course I did that wrong and ended up having to frog the lot (sob, howl, hit my head against a brick wall) so now I'll have to start them again, humph!

I'm so unimpressed with myself, will have to learn how to rip back and correct mistakes without having to redo the whole thing. I know it's only socks but I've done this with bigger things as well, my husbands cardigan comes to mind. I've lost count of the number of times I frogged that and had to restart. The cardigan has now had it's final frogging and I won't be restarting it with that particular yarn.

Going back to the socks, I would like to make them smaller as I've small feet and they did look rather large but the magazine I got the pattern from only had the one size, will have to look into weather I can actually make them smaller.

Socks

2008-03-08T13:58:00.005Z

I really must stop casting things on!

I've now cast on for a pair of socks, Marella by Jeanette Trotman. I got the pattern from issue 3 of Let's Knit magazine. Have found out they are also called Stripy Lace Socks from the Easy Knitted Socks book.

All's going well the pattern is very easy, the only problem I've got is with the DPNs. They just keep getting in the way of each other, it could be because this is my first pair of socks and I'm being cack handed but I think for the next socks I'll have to buy some circular needles and do them that way.

The DPNs are pretty though, they actually came with that issue of the magazine.

K9 Knitters Greyhound dog coat

2008-03-08T13:48:00.005Z

I decided to do the larger coat as Carrie at K9 mentioned that most people do the smaller ones (I'm assuming this is because they're quicker/less expensive to make) So a greyhound coat it is. I'm using yarn from my stash, the same stuff I used for the jacket from Simply knitting magazine. I think it's a Sirdar yarn but to be honest I can't really remember.

I've just transferred the knitting to circular needles as it's quite heavy and thought they'd be better for my wrists.

Hmm, there seems to be a server error with Blogger and it's not allowing me to upload the picture, will try again later.

Interesting knits for charity

2008-03-03T16:24:00.007Z

I've just come across a website called K9 Rescue Knitting Club, it seems a worthy cause and I'd like to help them out. I've two dogs of my own so am always attracted to rescue causes.

At the moment finances are dictating that I shouldn't buy anything but my yarn stash is saying I can definitely make something for them, time on the other hand is a completely different matter :-)

I will just have a nosy around and see if I can find any nice patterns that would work well with my stash.

If you've the inclination, have a look at their site, you never know you may spot the perfect thing for your happy hound or pampered pooch.

Also need to spread the word about Knitted Boob Appeal 2008, the boobs help new mothers learn how to breastfeed and express milk, check them out.

Mother's Day gifts.

2008-03-01T18:36:00.005Z

As mentioned on Friday I decided to make mother's day gifts as money is a bit of an issue at the moment.

Anyway I made both my mother and mother-in-law the same thing, a crochet bag. Just a simple granny square, joined together with SC and TBC. I used Robin Chunky and a 6mm hook, this gave me a 10inch square.

Hope they like them and use them.

Lining fabrics.

2008-02-29T09:39:00.006Z

This is a bright red polycotton, would be hard wearing and wash well.

This is a wonderful 100% cotton print that looks so much better in real life, muted but bright at the same time.

This is a cotton lawn, very bright with red and orange and so on, makes a great contrast against the chocolate brown of the granny squares.

These are the choices I've got, can't make up my mind which one would work best with the design/construction I'm planning on.

Mothering Sunday

2008-02-29T08:45:00.005Z

It's this Sunday and I'm out of cash and time (bad planning on my part).

So, I've made some granny squares which will become lined bags for my mum and my mother-in-law. I only started last night and needed something that would be quick to make, so granny squares it was.

The granny's are made from chocolate brown chunky yarn, I'll line them with whatever I have in my fabric stash, hopefully something that will contrast well with the chocolate brown. Think I'll make the lining come up and over slightly and have fabric handles as well, should be quicker than knitting them.

Must remember to be more organised next year.

Hmmm, perhaps I should start planning for father's day now?