WIP Wednesday

I have two projects going on right now. Both in bamboo silk. I'm still not used to knitting with something so slippery!

My KAL is too big for me but I'll make sure it goes to a loving home. In the meantime it still needs a rework on the bottom and hopefully that happens before the weekend. But what I had to do first was frog the bottom because I bind off too tight and it barely made it over my hips.

It should hang loose but its slouched here because its tight.

But I didn't discover it was too tight until after binding off, blocking AND after weaving in the ends. Who waits to try it on after doing all of the above? Me. A person absolutely naive that it might not fit! *insert maniacal laugh here* cause its all I got folks.

The bulk around the bust should be filled... with bust. But its not.

Basically I used a yarn I was new to and it had much more weight and drape than I thought it would.



But again, I've learned a few things on this tank.

   1. Research before blocking. Assume nothing. Cause throwing this sucker in the sink of water, as you can imagine, made it grow 3 times its size. So into the dryer it went! I was supposed to lay it down dry and spritz it with water. "Ahhhh yes, that makes more sense," is about where my mind went.
   2. I am way too thorough when weaving in ends. Man, unweaving it last night was entirely too difficult. Especially after blocking.
   3. I did learn how to frog but I pre-loaded my stitches on a 'brake' needle so I wouldn't have to pick them up after. Woo-hoo to that!

So I hope to gift this along and then make another for myself, downsized and with a more structured yarn.

~~~

The second project is this bandana scarf.

A LONG overdue present that got put aside for the above tank... I hope it blocks nicely. Now that I know how to properly block bamboo silk that is. *cough cough*
Can you tell I'm on a coral fixation?
And I hope I can part with it when I'm done... cause I'm falling in love with it.

3KCBWDAY4 - A Knitter or Crocheter For All Seasons?

A Knitter or Crocheter For All Seasons?

As spring is in the air in the northern hemisphere and those in the southern hemisphere start setting their sights for the arrival of winter, a lot of crocheters and knitters find that their crafting changes along with their wardrobe. Have a look through your finished projects and explain the seasonality of your craft to your readers. Do you make warm woollens the whole year through in preparation for the colder months, or do you live somewhere that never feels the chill and so invest your time in beautiful homewares and delicate lace items. How does your local seasonal weather affect your craft?

 I live in a four seasons kinda place. And when its the cold seasons... it seems brutally cold! Although some of my more northern family would laugh at me for saying that, but its all relative! I've been knitting for a little over 12 months now and didn't start off knitting for summer. I started by knitting baby blankets. Cause that's the beginner kind of thing to do. As fall came I realized I wanted to knit people Christmas presents. And cowls, snoods and neckwarmers were the next easiest thing to do.

Oh and dishcloths.
So I knit up a few cowls. Christmastime is Wintertime. And Wintertime lasts til... uhm, this week here apparently. So that's good use of winter knits. And I was thinking of putting down the needles for summer and sewing instead.

Say What??? What was I thinking? luvinthemommyhood started a Tops, Tanks & Tees KAL and heck yes, I could knit myself something to show off this summer? And when people asked, "Did you knit that yourself?" I could proudly say, "Yes!" (Cause for years the answer has been, "No, my lovely mother did." And I want to say, "Yes, I did!"

So I'm knitting Coachella and can't wait for it to come together.
I'm only a few rows past this photo where I stopped to try it on and find out that the neckline hangs really l o w on me.
Saucy!

So all that to say, I'm probably going to be a seasonal knitter.

3KCBWDAY3 - My Knitting Hero

3KCBWDAY3 - My Knitting Hero

Blog about someone in the fibre crafts who truly inspires you. There are not too many guidelines for this, it's really about introducing your readers to someone who they might not know who is an inspiration to you. It might be a family member or friend, a specific designer or writer, indie dyer or another blogger. If you are writing about a knitting designer and you have knitted some of their designs, don't forget to show them off. Remember to get permission from the owner if you wish to use another person's pictures.

Well, I wouldn't even have had a thought about knitting if it weren't for my mom! Knitting since she was about 14 (give or take, she can't exactly remember) she can whip up a garment while I visit. But now she's always too busy visiting with her grandchildren. LOL

But honestly, my mom has always been willing to knit anything I want and make modifications for me. Even the time I found a gorgeous men's wool leaf pattern sweater kit at a show. I was in high school and had my own cash to buy the kit. Any kit I wanted! The style was baggy sweater, pinned jeans. I'm tall but skinny. So this sweater needed to be modified from a men's small to a woman's small. She did it. Without a word. And this is one example of many.
"Mommmm! Can you knit this?"
"Do you think you could make my friend a baby sweater? They're due in June. Sex unknown."
"Mom, I bought this knit pattern book. Can you knit your grandson this sweater in it?"
"Can you knit this but make the sleeves shorter and the neck higher?"

Years of me asking her to knit things up. Never a complaint. Always with a smile. On top of that she was loves knitting stuff she picks out herself for the grand kids. Especially when my little guy came 9.5 weeks early. My mom knit the tiniest little cap and sweater for him!

And when my daughter was born early too, oh the tiny gorgeous girly sweaters. I remember when they were too big for her and now I can't believe that she was ever that tiny!

Then there's the help she is more than willing to give. Skype when I have a problem or even sending me packages of needles she no longer uses. Or random knit help books she finds that I might be able to use. Uhm... yes, please!

So now a gallery of knits of the knitting my mom has done for me and my kids. There's a lot. But I love them all too much to leave any out. Of course all the knits from my youth are buried.

Adorable - If I do say so myself. These really are some of my fave pics. I wish I had a better photo of the striped one. Its still my absolute favourite ever ever ever.






Sweaters for my son. Note the adorable Elephant buttons on the royal blue hooded one.



Baby girl is still wearing the purple top left sweater, but check out those tiny sweaters! I should have took 'scale' photos so you'd understand just how tiny. The sherbert kimono sweater is my fave!



My stuff! Fingerless gloves, Celtic cashmere lined mitts (love), big fluffy warm mitts and a scarf she knit me from a skein I fell in love with years ago. It was super expensive but I could afford it back then!

And now here are some current kid stuff from Nanny.



Snuggled in her sweater and blanket knit by Nanny! (I purchased the hat, it was too cute to pass up)

 

She's still not tall enough but soon soon...



Love the Northern Ontario feel of this one.

One that I had my mom knit up from a book I found.

So there you have it. My mom is My Knitting Hero.
I love you, mom! x0

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week:3KCBWDAY1 Colour Love

I came across this event and thought... hmmm... with an actual specific topic I might get more than one post a week up for... a week.

Here's what today's topic is about...

Colour Lovers

Colour is one of our greatest expressions of ourselves when we choose to knit or crochet, so how do you choose what colours you buy and crochet or knit with. Have a look through your stash and see if there is a predominance of one colour. Do the same with your finished projects - do they match? Do you love a rainbow of bright hues, or more subdued tones. How much attention do you pay to the original colour that a garment is knit in when you see a pattern? Tell readers about your love or confusion over colour.

My first project was a baby blanket. Not for anyone in particular but a very easy pattern my mum sent along with the yarn. It was soft and cuddly but extremely warm to have in my lap and knit! It was baby blue, a very sweet baby blue.

But I love colour! Almost every project I've knit in the last year has had an injection of colour. The next baby blanket I knit was for our new niece that was born last September. I wanted something unisex (because baby just wouldn't let mama and daddy know their sex) and I wanted colour. The variegated coloured yarn was gorgeous. (First picture below) I'm not entirely happy with the striping it created but I still love that yarn. I have a couple balls left and hope to find a project for it next fall.

I have a love for purples, mustards and olive. That combo (pictured in the sock yarn above) is my dream. Purple. Yummy purple.

The two grey items I knit this year were presents for people who I knew could work the grey in as a neutral.

And then for myself I did a nice ivory neckwarmer.

Quite knowingly I've got quite a bit of coral going on this spring! I love that its the colour this year. Its cheery, it looks good on most people and I just love the yummy yarns I've found it in.

So I kind of jump all over the place with no real trend. But I do take note of the original pattern colour and I've learned that even though I might not always match it, it plays a part in what I do pick.

I admire the brilliant colours that Esimimi Makes has posted. You are automatically happy when you see all those gorgeous knits!

Its interesting to see everyone's style on this post. And I can't wait for the next topic!

Which way do you lean with your colour choices?

The Last Sunday

Today is my last day before I am back at work after a wonderful year of maternity leave. I treated myself to a couple new items to wear back to work and then came home for some family time.

Monday's will return to being MONDAY's.

Never mind how amazing and awesome my place of work is and the people there. But gosh darnit. I'd love to be a stay at home mom. All the constant hugs and crafts and outside time. "Squeeeee!" as they say.

But alas, that is not to be at the moment. Although working where I do and the massive budget cuts upon us, my dream might come true sooner than I think! Then that's a whole other ball'o'wax.

Here's my day in a nutshell.

Adding colour and pattern to my wardrobe.

Salad spinner art. More to come.

Big brother picked these for his baby sister for her birthday last week. But there's not much left in them.

Chasing baby girl around trying to capture her in the dress I knit.

Otherwise a pretty normal day although I just don't want it to end.
The.

Last.

Day.

Lift a glass and cheers to the fantastic, crazy, loud, busy, most awesome year at home with my kids.

Bonnie's Got Style

Just re-watched Bonnie & Clyde.

I need this sweater tee.

Love
Love
Love

The entire look actually.

How To Wind a Ball of Yarn

You know that moment when you've run out of the ball of yarn you're working with and don't have a new one wound and ready to go to continue?

Blarg!

My Coachella for the luvinthemommyhood KAL is coming along now. *happy dance* And yesterday in the middle of a great run (baby is napping) BAM. I came to the end of the ball.

My thoughts. "What? How the? oh right. Ach. I don't have time to hand wind a new ball the baby is going to wake by then!"

But what else are you going to do but get winding. Is that the proper term? I could Google™ it but I'm too lazy.

So I quickly wound one with my fancy 'spinner' and 'winder'.
Here's the set up.

You're jealous, aren't you?

GAP-tastic Cowl

Do you know Hey! Jen Renee?

She's another soul who loves to knit. And she's so stylin'!

She posted about her redesign about a cowl she'd seen at the GAP and I bookmarked it knowing exactly who I'd make it for. I've got a good friend who moved to the UK last year and between the weather over there and her style I knew this was for her. With a Birthday in April I knew I'd be pushing the use of it in this current year but I did it anyway.

GAP-tastic Cowl

I did make an error though. I somehow used super bulky instead of bulky. I blame the wording on the yarn package. *wink* So its a lot longer than what is intended but it still works.

It finally arrived to her today. I was scared a postal servant had decided to make it theirs I tell ya!

It was easy to knit up and has a great look to it! Even when its way bigger than it should be.

Look at the length on this sucker!

Third Times a Charm

I hope I'm on my way this time.

After two cast ons and one small frog of a row last night I have been able to move on to working the upper body of the tank.

It helps when you use the needle sizes in proper order according to the pattern.
My second error.
My first?
I can't even remember anymore.

But now I've gotten far enough into it to feel some progress is happening.

Last night my mum helped me via Skype. I was totally lost at the racerback separation. Thank goodness she got me straightened out. I was going banarnars!

Its hard to put the knitting down at night and go to bed. Once I get into it I just want to plow through!

Knit Along! Another Knit Along!

So I stalk this blog luvinthemommyhood. Shannon inspires me to get my knit AND sewing on. This spring she's got a Tops, Tanks & Tees KAL (you will see the button on the right) going on and I've joined. Cause you know what? I need to knit something for myself! And I've been eying a tank pattern since last summer.

I went and bought myself this gorgeous bamboo silk yarn at my LYS. I even found it in the sale section!

Ella Rae Bamboo Silk "orange"

Its a bit more orange as this picture shows.

And I'm going to knit Coachella.

This amazing drapey tank top.

I'm going to make it longer for so many reasons that need not be explained. But otherwise. I hope this yarn makes a great Coachella!


So I've done a couple swatches. Adjusted my needle size to suit and have cast on. Problem one. The one set of circulars I bought in bamboo are the 6mm I need for this project. The blunt tips and the fine yarn do not get along. I got very mad at my project this afternoon. I also have to knit the first 5 rows into the back of each stitch which is trickier and a pointier needle tip could really help right now. I'm so frustrated but dealing.


Next issue. My project is too small for the circular so I have to knit in Magic Loop method, which is fine except the stitches won't slide on and off the needle nicely. And this yarn is so deliciously soft its slippy!
*insert baby cry here*
BLARG! (I say that a lot. Can you tell I'm a Tina Fey fan?)
Or am I doing something wrong? I'm starting on the neckline so maybe things will change but it calls for circulars and my ends won't reach so...


Anyway, I shall persevere. I really want to have this tank. Summer is coming!


Stay tuned for updates... if you dare.

Yoke Cardigan Success!

I am so happy with the results on the Yoke cardigan I made my baby girl. The yarn, the colour, the practice, it all came together. To be honest, I'm happy but hugely shocked. I figured there would be something wrong! (Here's where you keep your mouth closed if you see an error) (Thank you kindly)
:)

I used Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton.
Olive.
Its SO soft. Perfect for a baby. Although the hand wash, lay flat part isn't entirely perfect for baby, but hey, its worth it.

After a test swatch it seemed the yarn and my gauge was knitting up too big. Of course. So I stuck with the 5mm needles but made the size smaller than the pattern called for and it worked out quite perfectly. Thanks for the suggestion mum!

And... hurrah, I tried a new technique.
The Magic Loop.
On the sleeves.
Aw yeah!
And I think I have a new way to knit in the round! Because I've only tried dble points once before I didn't have a habit to break. Thank goodness. Lord knows comfort zones are brutal for anyone to get out of!

I wanted to write 'A+' on the chalk board but that's a bit self serving isn't it? But maybe that's a new idea and I can grade myself! Hmm...

I thought the navy buttons were perfect on it. (They're not as royal blue as it appears)

I had to rip out the buttonhole band as I realized I hadn't actually made any button holes! But the bands turned out great in the end and not bunchy. Yay!

And I think she likes it.

Knit Meter

I love this idea!

KnitMeter.com

Track how many metres, yards, kilometres, feet or miles... of your knitting, crochet and spinning. Its totally fun. And its like a goal you can set for yourself. If you're that kind of person. Haha. Or just to know how crazy you are about knitting. Just don't tell your partner if they know how much nice yarn costs!

I found this on a fellow knitter's blog (more to come on that later) and I had to have it. So now you will see on the right my KnitMeter. Here in Canada we say Metre but its official title is KnitMeter so I struggle as I type the proper name!

Anyway... I set mine to how much I have knit EVER. Once I start racking it up I might do a yearly account.

But what I also fell in love with is their logo.

KnitMeter.com

How amazing is that? Brilliant idea.

So will you join in and track your knits? Or do you do so already?

Knitting carry-on

A couple years ago my sister screen printed this bag for our mum.
It cracks me up.

Circulars To Covet

While visiting my parents this past weekend I took my mom's new set of circulars for a test drive. Wow.

I bought the set for her at Christmas from Knit Picks. They have flexible cables instead of plastic. AND I got her the 'Cadillacs' of the bunch. Harmony Wood. The woman has been knitting since she was 13, get her some rockin' needles!

It was actually a perfect plan to try her circulars.
I started my daughter's new Yoke Sweater on my own 5mm circulars, then my mom reminded me I hadn't done a test swatch.  The only 5mm she had around were the Harmony's... Nice!
So here's my swatch on the needles.

Look at that gorgeous wood.

The flexible cable didn't put up a fight. No wrestling required.

May I add I'd like to thank my mom for coaxing me to do a swatch as it turned out an entire inch too big. Oops. So I'm jigging the pattern to work out to the size I need.

Ahhhh... and I'm back on the plastic cable circulars.
But as they say, "Patience young Grasshopper."

My New 'Stash

After finishing the Yoke Sweater I really wanted to go out and get some new yarns. I have dishcloth yarn now so when I'm down a project I can at least get my fix off dishcloths... watch out friends and family!

But I needed a new project because I love knitting in the evenings while I/we watch a show and kids are in bed, very romantic.

 
Example:
The other night my fiance and I did the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows double bill. We were catching up on Part I just as a refresher, but I'd caught it on the movie network lately so didn't really need it. I asked him if he'd mind if I knit while we watched. He totally hesitated! Hahaha! Its the first time he's ever displayed any kind of opinion on the matter. Wow. In the end I think I knit a bit but then put it away. I think its the clicking of the needles... who wants that in a moment of suspense? Fine.

Back to the main plot here. I headed out to Michaels to get some yarn. We have amazing yarn stores downtown here but some days I just want some new action. And what I found this time, without chasing kids or the pressure of them waiting in the car with fiance, were some really gorgeous yarns. I had a hard time not going crazy.

Useful Information!
As Zellers disappears and Target comes in Michaels will be building their yarn selection to fill the gap. Target doesn't stock yarns so this is good news for Michaels shoppers! Plus I find the selection at Zellers weak anyway (sorry Zellers but its true). I got this info from an employee. And I'm spreading the good word of the Yarn Goddesses!

Here's what I got.
Never mind the dusty stairs. If I'd known that my camera would pick it up I'd have pledged but who has time for that when squeezing in photos with children underfoot?

75% wool, 25% nylon  LionBrand Sock-Ease - Rock Candy

I had no plans to make socks yet, but had to grab this anyway. Plus it was on sale.
I fell in love with the colour combo. These are the colours I love. All mixed together. If it includes the word description Avocado or Eggplant, I love it.

===========

Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends  70% Acrylic, 30% Alpaca - Lavender

 To clarify, yes its acrylic and I said no more, but its not 100% acrylic. And the colour and texture was too good to not grab. I have no idea what I'm going to knit with it so I grabbed 4 skeins because I roll like that.

==========

Lion Brand Nature's Choice 100% Organic Cotton - Olive

 This is the yarn I want to the new Yoke sweater in. Its so gorgeous. And more mustard than olive.

==========

Patons Silk Bamboo 70% Viscose from Bamboo 30% Silk - Coral

This is not as pink as it looks. Its really a fantastic soft coral, apparently THE colour of spring 2012. And I had a hard time not buying this up in every colour-way there! It was 40% off. And this is more of what you'll start seeing at Michaels. Natural fibres. I picked up 4 skeins, its Light/3, and so so soft. Ahhh... Again, no idea what I'll knit with it, but had to have it.

Don't worry I won't hit you with new stash every time but this is really my first lot. So I had to share the love.

The Yoke Sweater

I want to tell you about this adorable sweater that I knit. Or tell you about how adorable it was supposed to be.

I came across this pattern on Ravelry via Pinterest. And knew I had to knit it up.

I was lacking natural light for the photos so I apologize for their quality.

It is a pretty basic pattern that I figured I could start with. It could have turned out lovely.
A few things happened. I used a 100% acrylic that I found at Michael's in the discount bin.
*siren* Big mistake. I've learned my lesson on that thank you very much.

EDIT: Its not that acrylic doesn't have its place in this world... maybe just not on my needles...

I had hard time knitting the sleeves on double point needles. I just couldn't pull the stitches tight enough from needle to needle. Never mind trying to boss around 4 needles at once! Holy hanna it ain't easy. I mean look at this picture below. Its like trying to paint a beautiful canvas with a bunch of mosquitoes nipping at your ears but you need your hands to paint, then swat, then paint, then... see what I'm saying?

Then, by the time I finished it my daughter had fattened up so much (from her high fat diet instructed by the doc) that its a wee bit tight on her. Even for a two button style.

Proud girl modeling. Its hard to get her to sit still now though!

I do love the 3/4 length that came out though.

And while digging through my buttons my sister and I found these gorgeous vintage looking ones that would have been perfect. They have a mother of pearl finish to them. But they will be used another time!

Here's how they would have looked.

 What a 100% acrylic prevents is hiding your mistakes. An all (or mostly) natural fibre would allow you to wash and 'set' the stitches to hide the 'blips'. You can give it memory. And this first version needs much assistance in that category!

The change in stitching is from the needle to needle transfer. And can't be fixed with washing.

And this is how it looks laid out. Too messy.

I'm still happy to have knit it and learned new techniques though. Thank goodness for YouTube! And my mum on speed dial!

So I have gotten some new yarn. More in keeping with the type used in the pattern. A mustard yellow that I hope will block out better in the end to cover the gaps and errors. And if not, well, I'll just keep trying darnit!