Block-a-month CAL

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?

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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)

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

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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?

Carob does a happy dance.

Due to a wonderful person on Ravelry called Tuppence posting a tutorial for the Cross my Heart square I've now got a straight square, I've still a few niggles with it but am so pleased it's finally turned out straight I can live with the niggles

Nope, still not right, Cross My Heart = Heartbreak.

No matter how many times I try, I just can't seem to get this square to work. I'm going to give it one more shot, possibly in a different yarn.

I'm not overly fond of the pattern with the colours chosen by the designer but somebody posted a picture of their completed square in one colour and I thought it was lovely, just a shame mine has turned out so bad.

I;ve also been working on the second dog-ghan, having no problems with that (thank goodness) and should have it finished soon.

VVS dog-ghan two

Have done six rows so far, shall make it 102 like the last one.

Finished VVS

As you can see I've finished dog-ghan one, edged it with DC. It ended up being 102 rows wide. Both Rusty (pictured) and Bailey love it. The baby cardigan I'm working on just needs the finishing touches then it's good to go.

Oops.

I seem to of cast on for something else (so much for self control), found out my nephew and his girlfriend had their baby on Sunday (7lb baby girl) so I've started a jacket for them.

There is also a matching hat and booties, so I shall be busy working on that this weekend.

I've decided to make the 3-6months size as everybody seems to buy a newborn..well newborn sized clothes and I wanted to make something that would be handy for when baby is past that point.

It's been a lot of years since I had small children and it's really nice to be able to work on some baby clothes and actually have an excuse to do so, pattern is from Let's Knit issue 1.

So many things, so little time...

I'm wanting to make so many things at the moment, there just aren't enough hours in the day. I have been working on the Vintage Vertical Stripe dog-ghan and am now up to row sixty. Really pleased with how quickly it's working up, will soon be on number two, just have to figure out what yarn I'm going to use for it.

I've also made another Dream Catcher, after realising the reason the edges weren't doing it for me was the fact I'd mucked up American and British crochet terms, now have another one that lays much better. Will take a picture and get it up asap.

I also want to get started on February's crochet 12" square Cross my Heart, not too keen on the colours used and will be using a blue as well as the white I used for Dream Catcher (the blue is the only other aran colour I have).

Of course this all means the Hippy Handbag has once again taken a back seat, I will finish it, eventually.