Confessions of an Idiosyncratic Knitter

It was 84F/29C here two days ago

2009-01-05T23:28:44Z

I wish I saw icicles more often.

Squee!!

2008-12-04T01:58:14Z

I got a package today.

What was in it?

The observant among you may have noticed the Knit Picks logo on top of the box. Yes, my friends, I finally caved and ordered myself the Knit Picks Options and Harmony interchangeable circular needle sets. They each came with four cables, 4 pairs of end caps, a small snap pocket and a medium-sized zipper pouch. Plus, I added a zipper binder to keep them all together.

And since I was already placing an order, it would've been silly, nay, downright negligent of me not to order some sock yarn too.

Clockwise from top left: Knit Picks Felici in Patina, Risatta in Burgundy, Essential Kettle-Dyed in Spruce, Essential Tweed in Black, Gloss in Serengeti and Imagination in Damsel

And while we're on the subject of yarn and needles and knitting (though really, when are we not?), I found the "Good to Go" knitting tote at Tuesday Morning yesterday for 70% off the original retail price.

This thing is massive: three skein pockets on each side, plus a bazillion smaller inner pockets and elastic bands to hold needles and such. I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this.

x-posted to 20sknitters

My New Digs

2008-11-06T04:07:11Z

When Matt built his new computer he set up the old one in the dining room for me to use. Unfortunately, my sewing desk would have collapsed under the weight of his old 3-ton monitor. So there it sat until this evening:

Ginormous monitor on cinder blocks, step-stool keyboard tray, cardboard box mouse pad, floor cushion office chair - classy, no?

We went to Best Buy and got me a shiny, new, pretty, light-weight monitor that's now sharing space on my sewing desk. The look is completed with the keyboard and mouse in the fold-down drawer intended for just that purpose and a real chair to sit in.

Another Update of Massive Proportions

2008-11-05T14:34:18Z

Holy crap! It's been almost two months since I posted knitted stuff. Why didn't you tell me?

Okay, it's gonna be quick and dirty though...

Project: Sheldon for my nephew Eddy
Yarn: Lion Brand Microspun in Lime and Turquoise
Modifications: Left off the i-cord trim around the shell, embroidered eyes instead of using plastic snap-on ones

Project: Half-Pony-Half-Monkey Monster (Jonathan Coulton reference - youtube video) for my brother, frankensteined from the monkey and zebra patterns from Fiona McTague's Knitted Toys
Yarn: Miscellaneous stash acrylic in brown, grey, black and beige
Fun Anecdote: A conversation between my brother and nephew
Eddy: "What's this?"
John: "Carissa made that."
E: "For you?"
J: "Yep, for me."
E: "What IS that ANIMAL?"
J: "Um...a monkeyhorse?"
E: [runs away silently, returns with turtle]
E: "Carissa made a turtle for me! Let's get it naked!"

Project: Twisted Hourglass (from Tangled Twine) for my mom
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks in #54105 Regatta Blue
Modifications: Toe-up, short-row heel, offset hourglass pattern by a few stitches for symmetry
These are a bit tight on my legs. I wanted them to be snug on my mom's skinnier legs, so they'd stay up instead of scrunching down around her ankles by the end of the day.

Project: Balta Socks for my Granma (I called them Balta, Lithuanian for "white", instead of the original Raudona, Lithuanian for "red")
Yarn: Red Heart Heart & Sole in Ivory
Modifications: 2.5 lace repeats on foot instead of 3 since Granma wears an 8.5, not an 11 like me
They're pretty tight on my feet (in the photos), since my feet are much longer than Granma's are. But I did have someone who also wears an 8.5 try them on to make sure they fit before I gave them to her.

Project: Sunset Sweater for me (pattern made up on the fly)
Yarn: Trendsetter Granito in #6 Sunset and Brown Sheep Country Wool in #001 Gold
This was the first time I used short-rows to create bust darts, and I love them! It's definitely much more boobiful without an shirt underneath, but the gold wool isn't the softest stuff in the world. So an undershirt is kinda necessary. Also, this is the sweater that received a compliment from the Yarn Harlot herself.

Project: HeelHead Hooded Scarf for Alett
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in #107 Blue Heather
I had this idea to use short-rows to create a hood in the middle of a scarf. I think it came out well. And the recipient loved it.

Project: The slouchy version of Gretel for me
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Angora in #019 Purple

Project: Undulating Ribs (from Favorite Socks) for my mom
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks in Mercury
Modifications: Toe-up, short-row heel, ankle-length

Project: Earflap Hat (from Last Minute Knitted Gifts) for Aidan
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in #102 Ranch Red and #107 Blue Heather
Modifications: Different gauge, added slip-stitch (aka mosaic) color pattern (Chain - page 16 - from Barbara Walker's Mosaic Knitting), had to reconfigure crown shaping to work with color pattern
I've found out how much I love mosaic knitting. It looks like fair isle, but you don't have to worry about floats and tension and puckering. Awesome!

Project: Mittens (from The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns) for Mia
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in #102 Ranch Red, #107 Blue Heather and #171 Gold
Modifications: Added stripes

And as for non-knitted stuff, I made some rings out of funky buttons from Granma's collection and some pieces of elastic cord, not to be worn all at once, of course:

And yesterday I bought a new mug at Starbucks:

x-posted to 20sknitters

Buttons!

2008-10-28T21:50:41Z

So I mentioned in my last entry the buttons and knitting needles and sewing notions and such I got from my Granma while I was in Jersey. Well, there was too much stuff (especially when you include all the yarny goodness) to fit in my luggage, so my brother mailed it to me (Thanks, John!). It arrived yesterday, and I spent last night and today digging through vintage buttons and sorting out colors. They're so beautiful and inspiring, and I can't wait to do gorgeous things with them.

Pretty, eh?

Thanks to my brother for also providing the apple tray in which to sort them. I knew that would come in handy some day.

And let's hope that no postal workers were harmed in the mailing of this package.

And I'm spent!

2008-10-25T01:18:17Z

Well, I'm back with lots of pictures and lots of yarn.

Ready, Set, Go!
I spent Thursday morning packing and cleaning as my mom drove up to DFW. Then Matt dropped us off at the airport, and we waited for our flight. It got delayed, we ate dinner in the airport and we waited some more. We boarded, flew, didn't vomit (yay!), flew around in circles over Newark, delayed again by so much incoming air traffic, finally landed and disembarked. I went after our luggage while Mom picked up the rental car. Then we drove down to my brother's house further south, arriving around midnight (eastern time). We visited for a little while before crashing.

Friday, my brother, mom, nephew and I went out while my sister-in-law slept, having spent the past 30-something hours on call at the hospital and getting home that morning. We did some grocery shopping, found a Halloween costume for Eddy and walked along the boardwalk. Nana and Eddy watched the waves crashing in.

We spent the rest of the day idly visiting and lazing around the house.

Saturday, we drove out to Langhorne, Pennsylvania to Sesame Place. I was detained at the gate for my knitting needles and kid/airplane-safe scissors (I didn't realize we would be checked for sharp objects). I was perfectly willing to take them back to the car, but they let me in when I agreed not to take them out and knit in the park. And it was Halloween day at the park, with trick or treat booths all over the place. So Eddy was wearing his astronaut costume over his clothes until he got too warm.

The first thing we did was ride the roller coaster (no pics as I was on a roller coaster at the time). It was surprisingly wild for a little kids' coaster, but Eddy loved it and wanted to ride twice. Then it was over to the slides: one with a net full of bouncing balls to climb up, the other looking like a tipped-over bucket of sand.

Eddy posed for a picture with the Twiddlebug Topiaries.

The water rides were closed due to the chillier weather, but in case any of you were planning on going next summer, there's something you should keep in mind:

Then Nana and Eddy rode the Sunny Day Carousel while my brother kept watch from the bench behind them.

We wondered around some more and discovered a three-story net jungle-gym. And they let adults on it too! No pictures from since I was busy climbing up nets and through tubes and generally making myself feel very old and out of shape, but here are some from my brother.

Then Jenny, Mom and Eddy rode up in Oscar's balloon on Big Bird's Balloon Race. Next we went to the Elmo's World show, then lunch. Then it was Elmo's Flyin' Fish with Jenny.

Next we saw the Peek-a-Bug. Harmless looking, right? But wait. It also spins as it rocks back and forth. No way was I riding that. But John, Jenny and Eddy did (second row from right). Then a large slide (not terribly visible from the ground, so no pictures), followed by Elmo's Blast Off (the two on the left).

Next, Jenny and Eddy tried to make me vomit on Grover's World Twirl. Me and spinning are not the best of friends. We then ventured over to Ernie's Bed Bounce, where Eddy (in the grey shirt) had quite a lot of fun and even helped a little girl who got stuck down in a crevasse of the mattress.

Afterward Eddy explored the Monster Maze and the Count's Halloween Maze, where he found his age... and a piece of hay. Then a final pose with Bert and Ernie before the afternoon parade.

We talked the rest of the day about all of his Sesame Street friends he saw that day. He obviously had a fun time.

Sunday, it was Jenny's and my turn. We drove up to Granma's house for breakfast, then continued north to upstate New York, Rhinebeck specifically, for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival. Seeing the traffic approaching the fairgrounds and how many cars (hundreds, if not thousands) were parked on the grass, my brother and mom finally understood how many knitters are out there and how much power we truly hold. It was glorious. Jenny and I split off to pursue our own desires while John, Mom and Eddy checked out the petting zoo and such. John told me later that he got lots of compliments on his Jayne hat.

Our first stop was the author's building where Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka the Yarn Harlot, was signing books. I asked if she minded signing multiple books (I have all hers, but only 2 of 7 had already been autographed). She said she didn't mind, as long as I didn't mind it taking a long time since she has such a long name. One of the books I'd brought was Knit Lit the Third, a compilation in which she had one story. She saw it and told me today was my lucky day; the lady next to her was Linda Roghaar, one of the editors of the Knit Lit books. So I got two signatures in that one! She even held my sock in progress and shouted "Pretty sweater!" as I was walking away.

After that, it was sort of a blur. I remember there was yarn, and fiber, and sheep and other fiber animals, and chocolate peanut butter fudge. But unfortunately, I suffered a rather severe case of camnesia. After we tore ourselves away from the yarn, we drove back to Granma's for dinner and visiting. She told Jenny and me to go through her sewing desk and take whatever we wanted, so I got some notions and two huge tins full of buttons. She's been doing this give-away thing for a few years now. I suppose it will make the dispersal of belongings easier when the unhappy day comes (which we, of course, hope isn't for a while), but it's still kind of morbid, I know. Anyway, when it got to be her bedtime, we finished the drive back to John and Jen's house and crashed immediately, having succumbed to yarn overload.

Monday, we slept in. We stopped in at Yarn-It, and I found a sweater's worth of yarn for 70% off. Then a few groceries and back home to while the day away playing with Eddy and watching Lord of the Rings.

Tuesday was another fairly lazy day, having packed all of our major activities into the weekend. But Jenny and I found ourselves on a yarn crawl around Jersey, from What's Needling You, to Knit 1 Purl 2, to the Wooly Monmouth. Behold our booty from Rhinebeck and the yarn shops! I ended up with 8 pairs of future-socks, a sweater-to-be and a hank of yarn that I think will become a hat.

That evening, we watched Pride and Prejudice (the 1940 one with Laurence Olivier) and Iron Man before going to bed.

Wednesday we played some more and biked to the ice cream shop down the street.

Then we drove back up to Granma's house for dinner and more visiting before we had to leave the next day. We got back home late and went to bed immediately. Mom and I woke up around 4AM, got ready, drove to Newark, dropped off the rental car, took a shuttle to the airport and got to our gate with about thirty minutes to spare before our plane boarded - just enough time for some breakfast. The flight home was uneventful as well, no vomiting again. Matt met us at baggage claim and dropped us off at our apartment before heading back to work. Mom and I went out for lunch before she had to drive back home. I spent the afternoon and evening unpacking, doing laundry, taking stash pictures of new yarn for Ravelry, and editing and uploading all the photos from the past week. I went to bed around 9, having woken up at 3AM central time, and slept until 7 this morning. It was a wonderful week. The weather was lovely. The trees were colorful, not something we see much of in Texas. And the company was even better. I wish it could happen more often.

If you're curious, more pictures can be found here.

Incommunicado

2008-10-16T16:08:45Z

I'll be flying to New Jersey this afternoon to visit family (and go to Rhinebeck!). I'll be back in a week. If you need me and you have my number, feel free to call. If you don't have my number, well, you probably won't need to call me.

I think I picked a winner

2008-10-08T13:25:29Z

We were at Central Market last night, and Matt suggested that I might want to check out the chocolate aisle. He sure knows how to spoil a girl for her birthday.

EDIT: There were also roses waiting for me when I got home from work today.

It was bound to happen eventually

2008-09-30T22:57:28Z

This evening, when I got home from work, I took off my shoes and discovered a hole in my hand-knit sock. It looks like one strand broke, and it has started to unravel a little in each direction. I'll try to fix it with a crochet hook. This is my first hole in a hand-knit sock. I am very sad.

About Time

2008-09-23T15:55:18Z

I am so flippin' proud of myself right now. Friday, I finally finished my quilt. This is only my second quilt, the first being a miniature one for my nephew. When last you heard, I had completed the top, which is by far my favorite part. And I know it looks remarkably similar to the previous pictures I showed you:

Then

Now

But trust me, a lot has changed. Since then, I bought batting, sandwiched it between the quilt top and a queen-sized sheet, pinned it all together, realized it wasn't straight, unpinned, repinned, basted it all in place, avoided its stare from across the room for three months as I procrastinated the actual quilting part, finally found the motivation, wrangled the beast into my sewing machine (probably the worst part - hence the three-month gap), did a minimal amount of quilting (only along the six major seams - "in the ditch" so it's not visible from the top),

folded the edges of the sheet over to form the binding, pinned, wrangled, sewed,

then twirled the finished quilt around, wrapped myself in it and did a little happy dance (greatly hindered by the fact that I was wrapped in a quilt, trust me). We've been using it on the bed for a few nights now, and it is so wonderful. I love it! Did I mention how proud I am? Very.

Button Quandary

2008-09-11T17:03:20Z

I'm working on this sweater. It's all about stash busting. I had these two yarns in my stash (Trendsetter Granito in #6 Sunset and Brown Sheep Country Knit in #001 Gold), from two different sources, in two different gauges, but in the same fiber and color family. So I’m making this up as I go. I’ve used short-row bust darts for the first time and love them. I’ve tried it on and it fits like a glove so far.

But I now have a dilemma.

View Poll: Button Quandary

x-posted to 20sknitters

I've gotten so bad at this blog thing

2008-09-09T18:20:45Z

Knitting

I made the Coupling socks with a hank of Araucania Ranco in a semi-solid purple (color #101). The only modification I made was turning the flap heel into a short-row heel; the pattern was already written toe-up, like I prefer. The stitch pattern, when stretched on the leg, is much lacier than I had expected while knitting them. I really love them and can imagine them making lovely knee- or thigh-high stockings, if you're into that sort of thing. The yarn is wonderful too, but the first time I wore them, the sole was felted solid by the end of the day. I don't mind because I kinda like the cushiness of a felted sole, but that's something you may want to keep in mind if you're thinking of using this yarn.

I found this yarn at Hobby Lobby (they only carry one ball of each colorway at a time, even though it takes two to make a pair of socks - hence the anklets - but that's a rant for another day). It's the new Red Heart Heart & Sole. That's right - a sock yarn from Red Heart, and believe it or not, it's 70% wool! Crazy, huh? This is the E745 Mellow Stripe colorway, and it reminds me of Froot Loops cereal. So of course, I chose the Froot Loop sock pattern. I would usually pick a simpler stitch pattern for a self-striping yarn, but I couldn't resist. In addition to shortening them to ankle length, I also worked them toe-up and used a short-row heel.

I also discovered Patons Stretch Sock while at Hobby Lobby (again only one ball - good thing I like ankle socks). This colorway, #31306 Plum, is very high contrast, and I tried a number of patterns to see what worked best before settling on Hedera. Again, these are toe-up with short-row heels, as always. The elastic content of this yarn was difficult to work with at first, but once I got used to it and adjusted my tension accordingly, it was fine, and the end result is great - snug, stretchy socks.

A desire to use fewer plastic grocery bags, combined with a desire to use up some stash cotton, led to two Everlasting Bagstoppers. I knitted garter stitch straps instead of trying to find a sturdy, coordinating ribbon, and I didn't bother with the drawstring near the bottom. The solids are Sugar 'n Cream in Hot Pink (01740) and Hot Orange (01628), and the ombres are Peaches & Creme in Carnival (#?) and Gumdrop (205). These bags are sooooo stretchy. I really adore them and have already made use of them. And I still have several more balls of SnC in various colors, so I may be making more of these at a later date.

A friend commissioned me to make a Nautie for her coworker since she only knows how to crochet. I used some random worsted acrylic from my stash in pink, white, grey and a teensy bit of black to embroider the eyes. I'm not a huge fan of seaming, so I picked up stitches for the face instead of knitting it separately and sewing it together later. I think he's adorable, so I hope the recipient liked him as well.

And wow, I just realized that all of the above knitting patterns came from Knitty. I'm such a sheep.

Plus, there are two more projects (only one is from Knitty) and one work-in-progress that I can't share with you yet as they are gifts, and the recipients may read this.

Sewing

After seeing my skirt-belt-bags, a coworker of mine commissioned me to make some for holiday gifts for her family. I just went to the thrift store, picked out several skirts, belts and ties, and took them to work to show her and have her pick out the ones she liked. The last two are the ones she didn't want that I kept for myself.

Though it's not knitted or sewn, I also wanted to share a new piece of jewelry: my Crafter's Charm Necklace. I found all the pewter charms at Hobby Lobby and the rest was already in my bead stash. There's a pair of scissors, painter's palette, sewing machine, ball of yarn with knitting needles, thimble, measuring tape and spool of thread.

partially x-posted to 20sknitters

And I'm spent!

2008-08-27T03:54:33Z

Well, it may have taken me a year to do it, but I've finally caught up on a four-and-a-half-year backlog of Yarn Harlot. Now I just need to work on the two books of hers (out of four I own) that I haven't read yet.

I'm So Vain...

2008-08-19T00:49:57Z

I probably think this blog is about me... Oh wait, it is.

I got bored again. So I chopped off more hair.

This is how I wish it would look all the time.

But these are a little more realistic.

I've been experimenting with how to pull it back for work. Here it is with a headband.

Here it is with clips.

Here it is behaving itself when it's still a little damp from my shower. When it dries, it poofs out a lot since my hair's so thick. And you can really see my curls in the back now too.

Enough about me. How you doin'?

Another Recap

2008-08-09T23:41:40Z

Thursday evening:
Rehearsal for Charity's and Joey's wedding at the chapel in a historical park, rehearsal dinner at Joe's Italian Cafe afterward, BEST BRIDESMAID GIFT EVER:

And don't worry about food poisoning - this bacon was inspected by the USDA.

Friday:
Arrive at Charity's apartment around 10AM, everyone gets their hair done, I do everyone's nails, arrive at park around 5:45PM to set up, get fancied up, wedding at 7PM, reception afterward, the clean-up, Matt, me, Alex and Kristina go to the Flying Saucer to celebrate Alex's birthday, get home around 1AM

Saturday:
Sleep in, spend a couple hours in pajamas before showering, veg for the rest of the day

Paraphrased

2008-08-03T16:25:31Z

Friday night: Bachelorette Party for Charity
Dinner, including pitchers of Long Island Iced Tea; Karaoke at a place in Koreatown where they barely spoke English; drag show at the Pocket Sandwich Theater; lots of fun and laughter

Saturday: Jason's and Janet's Wedding
Drive about 150 miles; chide groomsman for eating chicken fingers from a gas station and warn about the dangers of triple-degree heat, tuxedos and locked knees; try to restrain laughter when groomsman faints during ceremony; make fun of groomsman all through reception and for the rest of his life; drive 150 miles back home

Sunday: Recuperation
Sleep in, go grocery shopping, do laundry, rest up for work week and Charity's wedding next weekend

Massive Update Part Three: Miscellany

2008-07-21T13:28:38Z

Matt is impressing the bigwigs at work. As a result, he's getting a raise, a bonus, will be making trips around the state/country next week to explain to the branch managers how to use the program he's written. Things are looking good on that front.

I met Brett Hull. [For those who don't know, he was an incredibly awesome hockey player who is now retired and is the Co-General Manager of the Dallas Stars.] He came into Starbucks one day. I thought to myself, "This guy looks exactly like Brett Hull, but certainly Brett Hull would be taller, right?" After he left, I told my coworker my suspicion, and she pointed out the rather attractive woman accompanying him and the wristwatch as big as my head. I went home and googled him. Turns out he's only 5'10". Wish I had gotten his autograph.

I also met some more local knitters. Someone on Ravelry messaged me the other day and invited me to join them at a Starbucks just down the street from my Starbucks, much closer than I've been driving for Stitch 'n Bitches. They only meet one a month-ish though, so I'm not going to stop going to my other groups. But it's nice to know knitters my own age in my own city.

Massive Update Part Two: Sewing and Jewelry

2008-07-21T13:24:16Z

I've also been sewing and beading...

I made a necklace for a friend, using a Starbucks gift card and other beads, in exchange for some awesome yarn. Then I made another for myself with coffee bean beads.

I found a couple skirts and belts at thrift stores that really cried out to be tote bags. They hold everything I could ever want to carry and cost less than $5 each. With the first, all I did was sew closed the bottom of the skirt and its original lining (left the zipper and tags intact), cut off the buckle from the belt, sewed it on and threaded a ribbon through the decorative holes to coordinate with the skirt.

With the second, I not only closed up the bottom, but also removed the waistband. It was this weird, red and white, psychedelic print polyester that did not match the embroidered linen at all. I decided the belt whole this time too.

Then I made a couple of box bags to trade with other crafters. The fabrics are all cotton prints and solids that I had in my stash.

Another friend brought me some old Apple cards to make some jewelry for her. Here are the before and afters:

Massive Update Part One: Knitting

2008-07-21T13:19:15Z

It seems, these days, I get distracted very easily and suddenly realize it's been almost a month since my last update. I'm not really sure how that happens. Anywho, onward!

Previously, I only had one pair of hand-knit ankle socks, and on the days I wear capris pants to work but still have to wear sneakers, I want shorter socks so I don't look like a complete goofball (and don't have to resort to store-bought socks). So I made these: the Arrow Socks (I call them Arrowheads because of the colorway of the yarn) from Charlene Schurch's "Sensational Knitted Socks in Plymouth Sockotta, color #03 (black/grey/brown). I worked them toe-up with short-row heels and, of course, stopped sooner for ankle-length socks.

Next, I made up my own pattern. Well, the stitch pattern I found in one of Barbara Walker's Treasuries, but the sock pattern is my own. Again, these are toe-up with short-row heels. The yarn is Patons Kroy Socks in Whitecap. They remind me of golf balls.

Then I made myself some stitch markers when Hobby Lobby had their alphabet beads on sale. I didn't have numbers, only letters, so one says "ktog" instead of "k2tog", but oh well.

Next I made a ring bearer pillow for Charity's wedding. The stitch pattern is Rose Trellis, also from a Walker Treasury; I left out the roses for the back panel. The yarn is Nashua June in White. I sewed some mint green (the color scheme for the wedding) satin into a small pillow, covered it with the knitted pieces, crocheted a simple border around the edges and added a ribbon with which to attach the rings.

I also found a knitting-theme jewelry charm on sale at HL. I strung it on a peice of ribbon, with jump rings and a clasp, and voila!

To further enlarge my ankle sock collection, I used some Knit Picks Palette in Green that I got at a yarn swap to make the Vine Lace Socks from "Socks, Socks, Socks". I only had one ball of this yarn, so ankle socks were actually a perfect choice. Again, these are toe-up with short-row heels.

And I just finished another mini Clapotis. The yarn is Classic Elite Imagine in #9203 Violet. I did fewer increase rows to make a narrower scarf instead of a stole. I also only had two skeins of this yarn, so it's a shorter scarf as well. I think it'll be gorgeous though, pinned with a brooch at the collarbone.

x-posted to 20sknitters

Riptide Socks, Now with 100% More Name!

2008-06-24T14:01:46Z

There were lots of great entries, and it took me a long time to decide, but I finally chose one. Congratulations to Liz G and PinkPorcupine (on ravelry) who both (independently, I assume) suggested "Riptide". I really liked the reasoning PinkPorcupine gave: "It's unexpected, and it sucks you in." Both of these lovely ladies will be receiving a free copy of my new sock pattern. For everyone else, Riptide is now available for purchase through Etsy, or if you don't have an Etsy account, you can just give me your email and I'll send you an invoice.

These socks are knitted from the toe up and feature short-row heels and a twisted-stitch pattern that swells and recedes like the tides. Plus, the twisted stitches give the socks extra stretchiness!

Click here to buy the pattern

Queue this on Ravelry!

Materials:
Louet Gems Fingering Weight [100% wool; 185yds/169m per 1.76oz/50g skein]; two skeins in color of your choice
[Sample was knit with two skeins of Caribbean Blue]
Set of US #2/2.75mm double-pointed needles
Set of US #1/2.25mm double-pointed needles
Tapestry needle

Finished Measurements:
Foot circumference = 8in/20cm, relaxed
Foot length = approximately 10in/25cm, but can be adjusted by working more or less of
chart before beginning heel

Gauge:
30 sts/40 rows = 4in/10cm in stockinette stitch with larger needles

Presto Change-o!

2008-06-21T01:00:53Z

The theme of this post is "Repurposed Goods" - using things for something other than their original purpose. Below, you will see upholstery samples transformed into a quilt (okay, so that's not that much of a stretch), a skirt that has morphed into pillows (beginner stuff, really) and, for the piece d'resistance, a comforter package and gift cards become a stunning tote bag.

When we first moved here, a little over a year ago (which should give you an idea of how long I've had this idea and been procrastinating), the local Hancock Fabric was going out of business. I bought oodles of upholstery samples in the same color scheme with grand plans of quilting glory. A year later and it has finally come to fruition... well... mostly... So far, I've only pieced the top together (adding some miscellaneous fabric pieces to make it large enough for our queen size bed plus overhang). And I also have a king size sheet for the back. Now I just have to get some batting, sandwich it all together and do the actual quilting bit. I felt this project was successful when, instead of a "mreh", I got a "that's pretty cool" out of Matt. It's a bit too big to get a full picture, so the last photo is a cut-and-paste of pictures of each quarter.

Next to fix those hideous southwestern pillows that came with our sofa. [I apologize to anyone who is fond of southwestern decor, but I am not.] I got this blue plaid skirt at a thrift store on the cheap. It didn't fit, but I bought it for the fabric anyway, not to wear it. So I cut out squares and hand-stitched them onto the ugly side of the pillows, keeping the other side, the side with the same fabric as the sofa, intact.

Why, yes, I do like the blue/brown color combination. Why do you ask? Yeah, I know it'll probably be our generation's avocado and mustard in 20 years, but for now, I like it. So don't hate.

And now for the finale, I give you (not literally - you can't have it - it's mine) my Starbucks tote bag. I cut up one of those clear vinyl bags that comforters come in, along with some printed cotton and strips of fabric stabilizer to strengthen the handles, and I got this.

Doesn't look like much now, does it? But just you wait. I sewed lots of little rectangles between the clear vinyl and white fabric, 40 to be precise; then cut a little slit at the top of each rectangle. Voila!

Now I have a way to display my gift card collection. These are the ones I don't want to cut up and turn into jewelry; I only destroy the duplicates. I just finished this tonight, so we'll see what my coworkers think of it tomorrow.

x-posted to sew_hip

Name that Sock

2008-06-20T03:01:09Z

So I've been in a bit of a knitting slump recently. Well, actually, that's not true. I've been on a sewing kick, and my knitting has suffered. I'll have pictures of finished sewn stuff soon, but for now, the one knitting project I have finished:

These are of my design, but I haven't come up with a name for them yet. I was thinking something water-y - Tsunami, Aquarius - but I'm open to suggestions.

They're knit with Louet Gems Fingering Weight in Caribbean Blue, from the toe up with short-row heels. The twisted knit stitches make them really stretchy. The stitch pattern is a modified version of something I found in one of Barbara Walker's Treasuries.

So here's the deal. You help me come up with a name, and whoever gives the winning suggestion gets a free copy of the pattern, which will, of course, be available once it has a name.

x-posted to 20sknitters

Recycled Crafts

2008-05-30T15:17:53Z

EDIT: (29 November 2008) I have several pieces like these now available in my Etsy shop. Let me know if you don't see anything you like. I'm open to doing custom orders.

A coworker of mine gave me a stack of used-up Starbucks gift cards that she had been saving with the intent to find a place to recycle them. After having no luck, she offered them to me, thinking I could do something crafty with them. Well, I did.

These were a going away present for a different coworker who transferred to another store. I cut out the logos from three gift cards, sanded them into circles, used an emery board to smooth the edges and a nail to make a small hole. Two I attached to earring hoops, and one I turned into a matching necklace, together with coffee bean beads and those stopper beads from guitar strings, strung on fishing line. She loved them. I also made a pair of earrings for my manager.

Inspired by these, I cut up another card into squares, filed down the corners and made a bracelet. The strip left over, I dipped into boiling water and molded into a ring.

Then I made another bracelet (I forgot to take a before shot of the Valentine's Day gift card - yes, the squirrel is holding a heart)

And another

And a couple more (I got both of these out of one card)

Now what else can I do with these...

Knitted Stuff

2008-05-30T15:05:15Z

This was a collaborative effort of our Stitch ‘n Bitch group as a baby gift for one of our members. I made the orange bobbles and black and white garter stitch swatches. Then I surrepticiously collected the swatches from everyone else and sewed them all together. One of our members, who cross-stitches instead of knitting, added the "Knit! Baby" and a butterfly to one of the swatches for the cover.

These are the Chevron Socks from Charlene Schurch's "Sensational Knitted Socks", made with ONline Supersocke 100 Highland Color #837. I made them toe-up with short-row heels, as with all my socks, and changed the garter stitch cuff to a k1, p1 rib. The color changes are fairly slow and subtle, so the chevrons are barely noticable. But I still really like the way they turned out, especially since the stripes matched up so nicely.

I've started a second Dallas Stars Throw. Matt was envious of the throw I made for my aunt a couple years ago, so I’m making one for him now. I tried to convince him to let me use better yarn, but he wanted the cheapo acrylic, so Red Heart Super Saver it is - in Black and Hunter Green. I’m using intarsia to create the star (here's the chart in case anyone's interested), and I'm about 2/3 of the way through the main blanket. Then I think I’ll go back and trim the star with gold and white i-cord. There is also a seed stitch border all around to prevent curling. Of course, the Stars were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But I knew when I started this project that it probably wouldn’t be finished before the end of the season. And they did go from fifth seat in the western conference to giving the Detroit Red Wings a run for their money, so I'm happy.

Next, I made Cookie A's Trystero Socks with Jojoland Melody in color MS20. They are also toe-up with short-row heels. Since the colors in this yarn change so slowly and subtly (even more so than the ONline Supersocke), I didn’t bother trying to match them up. As a result, one sock has a blue section that was, on the other sock, in the part of the skein I didn’t use. So they’re definitely fraternal twins, but I still like them.

Now I've started another pair of socks, of my own design this time. I'm sure I'll post pictures here no matter what, but if they turn out decent, I may post/sell the pattern.

x-posted to 20sknitters

Not Just Knitting

2008-05-01T18:50:26Z

It's been a while since I've posted finished stuff, so here goes.

These are my Uptown Boot Socks. The pattern is from Interweave Knits' "Favorite Socks", and the yarn is Patons Kroy Socks in Blazing Blue. I worked them from the toe up with short-row heels, and I reversed the cables on the second sock because I am very found of symmetry.

I found some beads on ebay that look like coffee beans, so I made some stitch markers for my knitting. And while I had the beads out, I made a few more sets of markers (most of which are sock-sized since that's mostly what I knit)...

...as well as some earrings for my manager. She saw a necklace I made for myself out of the little stopper beads at the ends of guitar strings and, since she plays guitar too, she loved them. Earrings are pretty much the only jewelry she wears at work, so I thought she'd like these. And she did. In fact, she's worn them everyday since I gave them to her.

Back to knitting: I made some Crusoe Socks with my ShiBui Sock in #41301 (pastels). I exchanged the garter stitch cuff for ribbing and the heel flaps for short-row heels. Plus, I knit them from the toes up. The stranded pattern makes them a little less stretchy, so they're kinda tight going over my ankles, but once they're on, they're fine. But the stranded pattern also obscures any striping/flashing/pooling of the colorway, so I forgave it its inelasticity.

I surprised my husband with a Bender Bending Rodriguez toy for his desk at work. He had seen the pattern online a while back and requested one, but had forgotten about it. I wanted to knit it instead of crochet and also make it a little smaller than the original, so I made up my own pattern. I added a little beer bottle and cigar. The yarn is just Caron Simply Soft in Grey Heather and some black, white, red and brown scraps. Feel free to bite his not-so-shiny, not-so-metal ass.

Then I sewed something I've had in my head for about a year probably. Matt had these yellow sheets before we met. They're a cotton knit (like t-shirt fabric), but they're twin-sized so we had no use for them. The fitted sheet was kinda faded, so I just used the top sheet and pillowcase. I simply cut the sheet in half, turned one half perpendicular, cut a hole in the middle and attached a waistband (a strip cut from the pillowcase with some wide elastic sandwiched in between). It's incredibly simple and twirly and comfy. In fact, I'm wearing it right now.

More knitting: The Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers from "Stitch 'n Bitch Nation" made with Manetto Hill Yarnery Kaleidoscope in 5868 (orange/yellow/green), a yarn I found for cheap at the local Tuesday Morning, Inc. I made them a little shorter than the pattern, just left out 12 rows of the chart, because I didn't have quite enough yarn. I also just bound off the thumb gusset stitches, instead of going back and adding ribbing, because I hate having extra ends to weave in. Also, I was almost done with the second one when I realized I had forgotten to reverse the chart. So I pulled out needle 2 and unravelled just those stitches down to the cuff ribbing. Then I reknit the chart, reversed this time, and finished second mitt. It was a bit of a pain, but worth it for the symmetry, of course.

And here's another pair of socks from "Favorite Socks", the Waving Lace Socks, knit with Brown Sheep Wildfoote in Purple Splendor. Again, these were toe-up with short-row heels, and I started the lace pattern half-way through the chart on the second sock for symmetry. I also swapped out the scalloped-edge for a ribbed cuff and made them shorter because I like shorter socks.

partially x-posted to 20sknitters