the knitting buzz

updates: KAL & more knitted gifts

My great plan to gets lots of gift knitting done over the Thanksgiving weekend ....... simply didn't happen.  

The actual knitting that I did do...... found me knitting interchangeably between 3 or 4 different projects at the same time.  Some small/quick projects got completed, giving the illusion that I was making some great progress.  While at the same time making my bigger project feel like I am running in place.  Talk about your ups and downs.

So, for in the what its worth department.......I have completed a pair of socks and a couple sets of crochet face-cloths similar to the Anthropologie Inspired Facecloths.

As for other updates:  

My Stockholm Cowl KAL is looking good but only 8 inches wide, its about 60% complete.

I have also started two more pair of socks. That all sounds good ...right? 

EXCEPT, that I still need to knit at least 3 more pairs of socks, another lace scarf and would like to squeeze a hat for myself in there, just because its starting to get c o l d.

Looks like it may be a rough finish......just keep knitting, just keep knitting....knitting....knitting.....

24 Knitting Days till Christmas......

Gifts Completed  ..... 7

 

Just wanted to share another random picture for your enjoyment....

Now that's a Happy Camper......ba dump bump.  I crack myself up!

 

best friend lace scarf

Happy Thanksgiving

 I love Thanksgiving..... it's my favorite holiday.  I love that it is  a time to be deliberate about are gratitude.  I have so much to be grateful for that I could go on all day.

I am so grateful for my my readers who endure my unending prose on knitting or related topics and even sometimes unrelated topics. Thank you. I am grateful for my many friends and family who both share my passion of knitting. And for those who don't understand what all the fuss is about when it comes to my knitting, that they at least enjoy or perhapas tolerate receiving hand knit items.

To express my gratitude to my readers....... I would like to share the pattern for my Best Friend Lace Scarf.

This lace scarf came about because my very best friend, who NEVER wears much in the way of accessories, not to mention a lacey scarf......shared a story with me that she wore one of my "cast-off" (my words, not hers) lace scarves to a work and got raves and tons of compliments.  She even went so far to say, that she liked it too.

What knitter needs more encouragement than that. Right?  Well around the same time she saw me working with a self-striping yarn (a scarf for Xander) that she also commented that she liked.

Soooo..... I put two and two together and knew I had some Jojoland Melody (color MS18) in my stash and thought she might like it.......resulting in my Best Friend Lace Scarf.

This pattern can be done with ANY weight yarn, adjusting the needle sizes accordingly.

Materials:  I used a 440 yards of fingering weight on US #6 needle.

Finished Size: 7" x 86" (length is your preference of course or determined about the amout of yarn you have.) 

Abbreviations: pm = place marker, k = knit, p = purl, yo = yarnover, k2tog = knit two stitches together as one, k2togtbl = knit two stitches together as one thru the back loops, sk2p = slip 1 stitch knitwise to right-hand needle, k2tog, pass slip stitch over just knit stitch.

Best Friend Lace Scarf Pattern 

The pattern has a 3 stitch garter edge on each side of the knitted pattern.  These stitches are not included in the pattern, except to pm (place markers) on the Set Up row.

Cast on 37 stitches. Knit 6 rows (Garter stitch).

Set up row: k3, pm, purl to last 3 stitches, pm, k3

Row 1: k1, *yo, k2togtbl, k1, k2tog yo, k1....... rep from * to pm

Row 2 and all EVEN rows: Purl

Row 3:  k1, *yo, k1, sk2p, k1, yo, k1.....rep from * to pm

Row 5: k1, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2togtbl, k1......rep from * to pm

Row 7: k2tog, * k1, (yo, k1)2x, sk2p,......to last 5 stitches, k1, (yo, k1)2x, k2togtbl

Repeat rows 1 - 8 until desired length. Ending on Row 8. Knit 7 rows and bind off loosely as follows:

*p2tog, return this stitch from right hand needle to left hand needle ......repeat from * until all stitches have been bound off one at a time.

Weave in ends and block lightly.

 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving......................and Thanks again!

 

31 Knitting Days till Christmas...........

Gifts Completed:  4

kal: stockholm scarf in the round

The Stockholm Scarf Knit-A-Long (KAL) is alive and kicking.   I have heard from several that there is some struggle with the instructions.

The gorgeous Stockholm Scarf Pattern by knittedblissJC (Julie) is available on Ravelry or at knittedbliss.com is written to be knit flat with some side notes for knitting in the round.  The side notes have resulted in many interpretations, with some different outcomes than the intended original. Since I'm not much for seaming anything, knitting it in the round is a must for me.  Here are my notes to knitting Stockholm Scarf in the round.

Cast on 252. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker to determine beginning of round.

Row 1: *k1, p1, k2, p3....repeat from * to end

Row 2: *k1, p1, k1, yo, k1, wyib sl1, p2, pass slip st. over two purl sts......rep frm * to end

Row 3: *k1, p1, k3, p2.....rep from * to end

Row 4: *k1, p1, wyif sl1, k2, pass slip st over two knit sts, p1, yo, p1....rep frm * to end

Repeat rows 1 - 4 to desired width

Abbreviations: k = knit, p = purl, yo = yarnove, sl = slip, st = stitch, wyib = with yarn in back

 

A side note, on my version I altered the original to get a slightly denser to get a warmer Windy City winter version. Altering cast on, yarn weight and needle size.  I added an additional repeat to account slightly for the smaller needle size.

Casted on 259 (multiple of 7 sts). using worsted weight yarn on U.S. # 9's

 

Happy Knitting!!!

 

34 Knitting Days til Christmas.......   

Gifts Completed:  2 (starting to freak out a little)

 

jane austen

 

Knitting to Jane.

My world has been opened up, thanks to Jane Austen Knits 2011 published by Interweave. 

At the risk of being ridiculed...... I must confess that I had not read one Jane Austen book OR watched any of the movies inspired by her novels.........UNTIL NOW.

This magazine peeked my interest and I sought out to find a Jane Austen audiobook from the Public Library. I just finished listening to "Emma". I was surprised to learn that one of the articles in the magazine referred to the movie "Clueless" as an adaptation or inspired by Emma. I confess its been a very long time since I have seen that movie, but not sure I get the connection.....I digress!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening and knitting to "Emma" (all 13 CD's). The characters are indeed interesting and the times that the story is set is quite intriging.  Can't really imagine living in such a fanciful way, but am loving hearing about the social ways of the times.  Looking forward to, engaging in, listening and knitting to more of Jane Austen's novels.

I have "Pride and Prejudice" on hold at the library and will queue it up soon.

Happy Knitting!

 

36 Knitting Days till Christmas........

GIFTS COMPLETED  2
 

stockholm cowl knit-a-long

I'm not sure what constitutes a knit-a-long, but Chris from Loopy Yarns and I have decided to start the Stockholm Cowl tomorrow, (the pattern is available on Ravelry.com).  Of course, this means I have to put the "pedal to the metal" or get my needles clicking to get my Best Friends Lace Scarf finished today. Will share pictures and pattern of my Best Friends Scarf soon.

My Stockholm Cowl will be a Christmas Gift and I am torn between making it out of Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage or Cascade 220. I know it seems like it should be a no brainer to knit it out of Tosh Vintage but it will end up being both a color/price decision. Most likely, I will make it in Cascade 220 to get the right shade of purple, Iris.......but still torn.

Chris, on the otherhand is going to make it for herself...... I'm so jealous.  Its such a gorgeous piece.

If you would like to join our knit-a-long, please join in.....I am always of the mind that the more the merrier.......we are starting it tomorrow (Thursday).......of course, once all the yarn desicions are made.  I have high hopes to complete it over the Thanksiving holiday

frugal to anthropologie

In a frugal moment, I decided to crochet a facecloth out of the saved scraps of cotton yarn.  I truly did not have high hopes of creating a piece of beauty, but really more of a homespun-y functional cloth. 

For the Facecloth Pattern, see below.

In the end, I got 3 facecloths out of the scraps and I love how they turned out.  They have an (in my humble opinion) Anthropologie quality about them.   

Many may think I'm "off my rocker" but until you have used a hand knit or crocheted facecloth, I beg you to hold judgement. 

Until recently, I used to only knit my facecloths.......decided to try some using various  criochet patterns.  Knitted ones are nice, but I am really liking this crochet style both to make and to use.......and its uber fast.

I like using Peaches & Creme cotton yarn, its a utility cotten that holds up well to repeated machine care. I have many cloths that are over 7 years old and get laundered every week. 

The stitch pattern reminds me of a crochet version of the knitted seed stitch pattern.

Crochet Facecloth pattern.

With a G crochet hook, Chain 35. 

Row 1: SC in 2nd chain, dc in next chain, * sc in next chain, dc in next chain.....repeat to end of row, turn ch 1

Repeat row 1, sc will be over dc and dc will be over sc.

Continue for 8" to 8.5"  or desired length.

Enjoy!

 

Only 40 days to Christmas!  Completed Gifts...... 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

frugal

Feeling very frugal and I'm not sure why.

Frugal is not something I would say is my nature naturally, but definitely something that I grew up with...... (we re-used aluminum foil at my house).

In my search for a particular yarn in my stash, I came across many little bits of cotton yarn that was leftover from a multitude of face-cloth projects.  OK. True confessions, I do knit and/or crochet my own face-cloths because they are just sooo much nicer than anything store bought.  I know you are probably thinking I'm pulling your leg or just plain flipping out.... but its true.  I digress.

ANYWAY..... for some crazy reason, I got the idea to make a face-cloth out of all of them combined together for a homespun-y thing.  Can't explain it.....really.  In fact, I'm shaking my head in my own disbelief while I write this post.

 

Crazy! Right?

Getting back to my yarn search and to make this crazy story go on and on......... the yarn I was looking for was Jojoland Melody, a self-stripeing fingering weight yarn. 

My dear friend recently told me about all the compliments she got at work when she was wearing a lace scarf I had knit her. And also recently, after showing her the scarf and mitts I made for Xander, she told me how much she loved the self-stripeing yarn.  So I got to thinking......always dangerous.....thought I could put them together for another scarf for her.

 

I promise to keep you entertained by showing you pictures of both of these projects as they near completion.  

Hope you had a good week and wishing you a relaxing weekend.

Happy Knitting!

 

social knitting

I love getting together with friends and fellow knitters to knit, share, compare, learn.....and of course,.......gossip and solve the worlds problems.  Yes, I said gossip.....I always loved Olympia Dukakis' line in "Steel Magnolias",.........

"Well you know what they say:  if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me".

 

I have been involved with knitting groups (commonly referred to "stitch n' bitch") that got together weekly, whether it was around lunchtime or in the evening, during the week or on the weekend.  I found I looked forward to it every week, to see the regulars and to meet newcomers.  Some times treats were shared, then recipes followed. But always a good time that seemed to end much to quickly......not to be trite, but time flys when you're having fun.

The evening groups sometimes got a little more social with the addition of ones preferred libation.  And as fun as this is, I have always found it to be a little dangerous to my knitting.  Or rather what I have to unknit/rip-out the day after.

So what's the harm in a glass of wine or a beer.....probably nothing.  But to delute the effects on my knitting and to be able to have more than just one (its like Lays potato chips, no one can have just one..... oops.....perhaps I have said too much), I have taken to finding the merits in a wine spritzer, a shandy (looking forward to trying this one) or a michelada to put the "social" back in social knitting.

A wine spritzer is a combination of red or white wine, sparkling soda and ice.  Making wine spritzers at home is a great way to reduce alcohol consumption and cut calorie intake too. Follow these easy steps to make your own wine spritzer:

• Combine 4 oz. (118 ml) red or white wine, 2 oz. (59 ml) club soda or seltzer water and ice cubes.  And if you are feeling extra fancy, add some fruit for a garnish.

A shandy is a combination of beer and ginger ale or 7-Up. Since I have not tried this one yet, I'm not sure if ice cubes are added or not.   To make your own shandy follow these easy steps:

• Combine 1/2 glass beer and 1/2 glass ginger ale.  Ice cubes optional.

A michelada is the cousin to the bloody mary, utilizing a beer base potentially less alcohol, but all the zip. I had this at TNNA and found it quite nice, but I think you have to like bloody mary's to appreciate it. Warning.....its kind of a big drink.  Follow this recipe to make a michelada at home.

• Combine 12 oz. of beer, juice of 1 lemon, 2 dashes of worcestershire sauce, 1 dash of soy sauce, 1 dash tabasco sauce, a pinch of pepper and salt to taste. Serve in a tall glass with lots of ice. Stir and enjoy.

Enjoy your knitting and stay social. 

 

And last but not least......a random photo for your enjoyment....

Keep on knitting, keep on knitting, knitting, knitting, knitting......

 

7 weeks till christmas

7 weeks or 48 days till Christmas Day.....OH MY!

As much as I talked about and thought (or rather, told myself) I was getting a jump on my holiday knitting...... I haven't.  YIKES!

Yesterday I finished knitting mittens and a scarf for Xander.  Not really a fair measure of knocking out some knitwear, since he is two years old and his knitted apparel is wee.  But none the less one done....check!

I knitted Xander's scarf and mitts out of Lang Tosca Light, a self striping yarn with long color repeats in colorway 777-16.  Its a superwash wool and acrylic blend.

In the next 7 weeks, I am going to shoot for knitting  2 to 3 pairs of knitted socks, a knitted lacey infinity scarf/cowl, a  knit hat and another scarf. I also think I better add an icord to Xanders mittens, otherwise they may not make it to the New Year.  Plus I want to continue knitting and working on some of my own designs.  I think my knit list is fairly do-able BUT I must......focus, focus, focus.

Stay tuned.....news at 11.

Happy Knitting!

love of audio books

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man that can not read them."   ~ Mark Twain

Once upon a time ago, I would have considered myself fairly well read. 

After reacquainting myself with knitting and crocheting ......the needle arts took over my free time..... ok, true confessions.......it turned into an obsession.

I missed my books but not enough to choose it over knitting.  Then, on a flight to TNNA I spied Vicki, knitting and reading (on her Kindle) at the same time.  I must admit, I was jealous that she managed to do both.

Returning from the trip, I tried my hand at the multi-tasking and learned....... that Vicki was truly gifted......I couldn't do either well when combined.  But then I remembered that I used to love listening to books on tape during long car drives/rides, made the trip fly-by.

I quickly learned that buying audio books was crazy expensive. This is when I found myself at my local liabrary, to find an extensive selection of audio books.  I chose a few titles and headed home to engage in my two loves.

Ooooolala.....heaven.  Since July I have listened to 11 books and finally able to do both at the same time.   The only drawback I have is that I have to do it early in the morning or late at night while my house sleeps, otherwise its just too noisy.

I have had the opportunity to listen to books I have always wanted to read or have been introduced to authors from friends (thanks Chris), that I might not have known about.   I have also learned that an intense crime novel can make one knit faster.......funny right?

If you don't have time to go to the liabrary, most public liabraries allow you to hold or order up books online and then email you when they are in.   This works beautifully especially for more popular authors like Steig Larrson's "The girl who...." series.

Do what you love.....often....

May you find your heaven.......happy knitting!

 

And here is another random picture I wanted to share for your enjoyment......