Almost There . . . !!!

Afghan detail

Yup, I've been very good--a good little crafter!  Last weekend I started working on a long-standing WIP from September 2010, Bernat's Mystery Afghan Crochet-along (Ravelry link). It's been sitting in a bag at the bottom of a basket, hidden in the back of the closet.  I'm sure you have similar places in your own home--that place where discontinued or unfinished projects go to hide in shame. 

There were only a few squares left to attach, maybe 4-5.  Much to my chagrin, one sad little square was missing!  Yup, I was one square short of a finished blanket.  One measly mitered square . . . Argh!!

Almost an afghan --minus one square in the upper left hand corner

So I quickly searched for my pattern (it was clue #5), but couldn't find it anywhere.  Seriously?!  I know I packed it when we moved, but heaven knows where it went.  A thorough search led to no pattern.  Was it even still online?

When Bernat became part of the umbrella group at Yarnspiration, the old website went away and the old pattern never made it to the new website.  Thankfully I found the old archived Bernat blog (I think I used the wayback machine).  Follow this link:  old blog.bernat.com entry for Nov 2010 .  It'll take you to the entries for November 2010 (clues 8 and 9 can be found there).  If you click on September through December on the sidebar, you should find the blog posts with links to PDF files for all the other clues, from #1- 10 (last clue is for the border).

Missing mitered square . . . 

With my clue printed off, I proceeded to work the last mitered square.  As I recall, some of the participants complained about how wonky this particular square looked.  Check out the old Ravelry group for that project.  Although not active anymore, there's still lots of useful tidbits and photos shared by fellow Ravelers.  Looking through the comments, I remembered I had used the suggestions to use a larger hook, chain 50 instead of 46 and work the decreases very loosely.

Here's hoping my motivation sees me through to the end of this project!

A Little Diversion . . .

Bernat Twist & Twirl

So while I had been making slow progress on my costume Bombshell, I was distracted with a couple of side projects.  It's hard to say no when someone asks for a knitted item--especially a project that's supposed to be quick and easy.

Red Heart Boutique Sashay

Like the nice frilly scarves?  Finally got 'round to using ribbon yarn (even though I swore to never use novelty yarn again).  A co-worker bragged 'bout how a non-knitting family member had made scarves using the stuff.  I don't need no stinking "easy" ribbon yarn!  I already know how to knit!

Metallic Grey

However, the challenge beckoned me . . . To wit, two yarns caught my eye: the Bernat Twist & Twirl and Red Heart Boutique Sashay.  My verdict: first watch a video demonstration--tons available on You-tube.  Then, practise.  You are still knitting, but only into the top of the ribbon loop.  As such, it takes a little while to get into the "grove"--the rhythm if you will.  Since only a section of the ribbon is used, the rest is left free to twist and twirl, thereby creating the frill portion of the scarf.

Black and White

Once you find "your grove", the project grows quickly.  And yes, one ball is sufficient for one scarf.  The recipient was super pleased with her scarves.  Nice to be appreciated. ;)

Back to School

So while my kids are enjoying the first week of summer vacation, I'm busy with homework and a project for my online psychology course.  My plan is to eventually end up with a degree in Child Studies, but for now I'm working on my first course--and its been years since I was last in school!

My Psych Textbook

Thus far, I've been diligent.  Every night after work, I study the material whether its reading, making notes or watching my class.  But doubts creep into my brain:  Will I remember everything for the test?  Am I still smart enough?  Can I write a paper that sounds semi-intelligent?  Or will my brain suddenly implode?  Its tough being a 40-something working mom going back to school part-time . . . 


And nary a craft has been attempted this past week.  No time for knitting or crochet, although I do confess to attending knit night (a welcome indulgence).  Sadly that was the extent of my crafting ventures.

Crochet Tote

At least my school bag looks neat.  I made this tote a few years ago for the Blog Bernat (can't believe it was in 2010).  Its the perfect size for my text, binder and pencil case.  There's no liner, but I suppose one could easily insert one--if one could sew.


Here's hoping you have a good week.  You know what I'll be doin'.  ;)

Just One Thanks

Sock that is.  Just one sock. It's very pretty and nicely striped.  You may recall I started it back at the end of April.

One Blue Sock--Just One

I can't remember when I finished this one . . . maybe a few weeks ago?  It was a quick knit (gotta love worsted!) And I even tried a new toe.  Instead of my usual kitchenered toe, the pattern called for a star toe where there are evenly spaced decreases in the round.   Interesting, huh?  Definitely good to expand one's sock repertoire.  And there's more I need to learn . . . but that's for another day.

Star Toe

Normally I cast on for the second sock right away, but I've seriously gotta finish my current Bernat project.  It's a gift for a wee babe that'll soon be among us (and no, it's not mine.  My baby-makin' days are over) . . . so, it would nice if the baby's new outfit were finished.  Sadly I can't show it to you here--at least not yet (But just between me and you, if you go over to my Ravelry project links, you can find some in-progress photos).

Hope you're having a good weekend and that the week's a good one for you. 
Later :)

How Goes the Crafting?

Remember those worsted socks?  One of them should have been finished by now.  I had turned the heel and was working on the gusset decreases.  And it was working up quickly. But it's on hold for the moment.

Sock in Progress

Why?  Well, mainly I've been working obsessively on my Bernat projects (by the way, the blog has started updating.  You can check out my newest post here ).

Also, I'm keen on finishing my sofa cushion cover.  Right now, it's my new carry-along project.  And carry it everywhere I have! I've also decided to add a little striping for interest (visually and for myself).

Cushion Cover

But I made a classic rookie mistake.  Can you spot it?

Unintentional Increases

See how the edges gradually increase.  That's not right!  Did I frog it?  Nah.  Since it's a prototype, I decided to live with the big boo-boo.  When it's finished, I can place the more narrow section towards the back of the cushion where it won't be noticed.

How goes your crafting?

So Much More

Crafting.  Much, much more crafting.  Crafting galore!

Beginning of Sock

Started another pair of socks using Bernat Jacquards.  They're working up quickly so the photo above is misleading as I'm past the heel and working the gusset.  I had to tweak the Patons pattern: cast on 42sts instead of 48sts and worked a K4P2 rib (worked cuff in same pattern but on 3mm DPNs.  After an inch or so, switched to 4mm DPNs). 

I wasn't sure how I would turn the heel since I'd changed the stitch count.  So I used Glenna C's worsted Weekend Socks (Ravelry link) 'cuz her pattern's heel count was the same as mine (20sts).  Franken-pattern?  Why not?!  Do I truly need to tax my addled brain cells when someone somewhere has already done all the work (And its probably on the internets and available for free)?  Besides, me and math don't get along.

Finished my Bernat vest--at long last!  It's taken way too long to get through this project, mostly hindered by crafting ennui, lack of energy and missing mojo.  This weekend, gonna seam the sides and weave the ends (piece 'o cake, right?).  And I sooo wish I could show you some of it.  Well, maybe a little peek would be okay.

You can click on my sidebar to the right where all my Rav projects are listed if you're looking for a pattern link and more details (some day all my posts on the project will get published **sigh**).

Beginning of Wavy Ripple Crochet Blanket 

I also started a charity project through Bernatcares.  They're running a CAL/KAL where participants can make blankets for Project Linus. There are a few free patterns available and even forums where one can chat about one's progress or ask for assistance.  Don't think I'll frequent the forums; I prefer chatting over at Ravelry 'cuz I just love the set-up (and honestly I don't feel like signing up for something else). 

Remember the pinwheel blanket my knit group worked on this past fall (more details about the charity pinwheel blanket over at Ravelry)?  Since that project was a lot of fun, I thought I'd give it another go.  This time I'm making the Wavy Ripple Crochet blanket (gotta add that pattern to the Rav database when I get the chance).  Learning a new crochet stitch and trying out a new yarn was enough to get me going.  I'm actually through one pattern repeat.  Hope this works up quickly.  It certainly is a relaxing project.

Hope your weekend is full of crafty goodness. :)

Colour to Cure Winter Blahs?

Well, I can't really complain about the winter blahs--at least not yet.  Get back to me in a month and I may be singing a different tune.  Nevertheless, winter is upon us with all its blustery, snowy goodness.

1x1 Ribbed Cuff

How to escape?  With colour?  Maybe colourful socks (told ya I was itchin' for a sock)?  I had planned to use worsted weight, but this yarn has been patiently waiting to become socks for almost a year (posted about it way back in March 2010).  It's DK weight, but I think it'll work just the same.  I'm a loose knitter, so following along in Paton's Next Steps Series: Socks should still work out fine in terms of size.

The yarn is Bernat Junior Jacquards in Orange Juice.  Sadly this yarn is discontinued.  The Bernat Baby Jacquards and Floral Jacquards are very similar, but the colours are not as bright and cheery (not a big fan of pastels).  Besides the cheery colours, there's the added bonus of 10% nylon in the yarn.  It should prove to be sturdy and durable enough for socks (guess only time will tell).

Colourful Striping

To my surprise, I quickly finished the cuff and worked through the leg (used 4" instead of 6" as prescribed in the pattern).  In about an hour or so, I had quite a bit completed.

Gusset Decreases

Before too long,  I had completed the heel flap, turned the heel and was working the gusset decreases.  Who knew socks could be so quick?! 

Ummm, Is That Stash?

Yes, I'm growing a lovely stash.  Thanks for asking.  Check out all the nice sock yarn.  I can hardly wait to cast one on . . . hmmm, perhaps after Christmas?

Paton's Kroy and Kroy FX

I've been dying to use the pretty self-striping stuff both for myself and my son.  Sadly we are the only two who enjoy handmade socks.  I even picked up Paton's Next Step series on socks (mainly for the good visuals along with worsted and bulky sock patterns).  Socks are definitely in my future.

I also got my hands on some nice lace weight to experiment with lacy scarves.  Last year`s adventure in lace scarves proved successful and enjoyable.  Hopefully I can get  two scarves, maybe one triangular and the other rectangular.

Paton's Lace

And not to be selfish, my final acquisition is destined for others.  My goal: use Bernat's Roving to make three hats for my niece and nephews.  Since the yarn is bulky, I hope to have them completed in time for Christmas--not an unrealistic goal.

Bernat Roving

My immediate challenge is organizing my newly acquired goods.  I was organized at one point (and proudly posted about my organization success ).  Sadly, I`ve gotten a little yarn happy since then and my yarn runneth over (thank heavens dear hubby tolerates my love of all things yarny as long its relegated to the sad, messy computer room).  Me thinks I need another tote. . .

Have a great week!

Not Giving Up

So the kids are finally back to school (along with homework, packed lunches and rushed mornings).  I've had new toddlers adjusting to new routines at daycare.  To add to the mix, on the last long weekend of summer, Mother Nature decided to throw us a curve ball: wicked heat followed by a lovely hurricane--oh the joys!

But I found my knitting mojo somewhere in the confusion:  semi-finished my Bernat project only to cast on for the next one--also for Bernat (so I can't share it with you, but you can probably read about them over at Ravelry). 

AND--most importantly--I finally started working on that second sleeve for my Blue Sprout. 

Last Sleeve on the Needles

Yes, August came and went.  By rights, Blue Sprout should be finished.  It isn't--not yet.  I promised myself I would finish it.  It will be done.  Honest.  Cross my heart. ;)

None, Nada, Zero, Zilch

That's how much I worked on my lovely Blue Sprout.  To be fair, there has been knitting, mostly on my "secret" Bernat project.  You'll have to follow that progress on the Bernat Blog (and I have recently finished a cute little something for my nephew--part of his Christmas package).  Hopefully I'll get to my Sprout this week.  The sleeves shouldn't take too long . . . right? 

Lots of plans for this week: it's my second vacation week--woot, woot!  There shall be day trips to historical places and jaunts to the local beaches.  And yes, there shall be knitting . . .

Comfy Chair and Chilled Wine . . . Ahhhhh

Life is good. :)

The Sprout Grows (And Other Sweater Tales)

Yes, it grows a little bit at a time.  I'm now working the waist shaping.  Let's hope I can plow through this quickly.

My first-ever sweater took me over 10 years (granted there were years when I didn't even touch the thing as it sat hibernating at the back of a closet).  Have I ever shared this?  It's from the book Big Knits (I remember Dawn French was one of the authors.  I think it is now out of print).  I must confess that I'm none too pleased with the terrible seaming job, but I got her done.

First-Ever Adult Sweater

When I made my Short-Sleeved Ribbed Cardi from Stefanie Japel's Fitted Knits (which is neither ribbed nor short-sleeved), a year became the new benchmark.  I know I shared the trials and tribulations possibly here  and definitely here.

Long-Sleeved Cardi Sans Ribbing

Let 2010 be the year of speed!  A year is no longer the benchmark.  In January I started a project for Bernat (called the Swingy A-Line Cardigan) and finished that in two months.  It's gotten loads of compliments and is one of my favorite sweater coats to wear on a cool morning.

A-Line Swingy Cardigan for Bernat

My second adult sweater for Bernat ( called the Fair Isle Cardigan) also took about two months (sadly that item is awaiting buttons--maybe some nice black toggle buttons would work well). 

Fair Isle Cardigan for Bernat

So if the past year is any indication, I've gotten much, much faster at making sweaters for myself. **does happy dance**  Of course, working on a deadline imposed by someone other than myself is a great motivator. 

The Blue Sprout has until the end of August  to reach completion. . .  ;)

So . . .

Second Towel

I started a second towel in blue.  I added contrast striping along the bottom.  Not too sure if I like it yet (maybe I'll skip the reverse stockinette section and just use plain stockinette or garter).

Detail of Striping

My third towel is gonna be yellow (with blue and white striping).  When the kitchen towels are done, I must make more dishcloths.  Only have one made thus far (how slack is that?).  I'll just switch out the colours. 

After I finish the gift set, I'm hoping to embark on another crochet adventure: toy construction.  I've already shared the tale of the teddy bears, but I never showed you the toys I made for Bernat in December.  Check out these two cute fellas:

Meet Monster and Eggy

You can read the details about my Bernat toy adventure at the Bernat Blog post on yarnie pals.  These second set of toys were more fun to make (maybe I'm just becoming a better knitter?).  It helped that the instructions were less fiddly (is that even a word?).

So now my boys want more toys--crocheted toys (I gotta stop searching Ravelry with the boys watching, but there are soooo many cute things!).  Up until recently my crochet skills have been rusty, but with a few projects under my belt I feel more comfortable tackling more challenging items.  

Alas, those are plans for July.   For now,  my kitchen items occupy my time (along with my current Bernat project which looks super cool, but is hard on the hands).

Happy crafting :)

Not Quite A Pair . . .

Yeah, that second sock is growing--bit by bit.  I only get to work on it at naptime and lunch--so maybe 15-30 min at most--if I'm lucky.  I'll fess up that there have been a few days when I've spent all of 5-10 min and that's it.  So it is amazing that I've accomplished as much as I have.

Second Sock In-Progress

Actually my sock is further ahead than what you see.  I've already picked up stitches for the gusset and am diligently working the decreases.  I'll get 'er done--maybe by end of April?  Hey, it's possible.

My evenings are spent working on another big project for Bernat in the evenings (I like making the big stuff, especially clothing for me).  Actually, I just finished another project that you can check out at Bernat Yarns (I know.  It's a shameless plug **blushes**).

Hope your weekend is full of crafty goodness.  Mine will be.  :)

Bling Bling

No, not sparkling gold or diamonds.  I'm referring to the mystery yarn I've had in my stash since late 2006 or early 2007.  It is a little sparkly in the right light.

Mystery Yarn

Way back when my interest in knitting was re-kindled, I decided to try a garter stitch shawl as an easy and fun project.  Since I couldn't find the appropriate yarn locally, I decided to try the big bag of fun novelty yarn on sale at Walmart.  Admitedly, it was a bag of mill ends.  No clues on the bag as to the manufacturer or even suggested gauge.  Still, for $4 bucks, how could I lose? 

Well it was a royal pain to knit!  The worst stuff ever!  And the fabric it made was so dense and furry.  Worse, I could not see my stitches or count rows.  Ugh!!

Thick Dense Fabric

How was I to use up this yucky stuff?  I still wanted my shawl.  So I paired it with a worsted acrylic in dark green (I'm pretty sure it was Red Heart SuperSaver).

Red Heart with Mystery Yarn

Eureka!  It was as if I had invented sliced bread.  Suddenly I could work with my mystery yarn to create a usable fabric for my shawl.  I also alternated plain rows of only green worsted versus green paired with mystery yarn.

Finished Shawl

In the end, the finished product proved to be quite nice.  Who knew that mystery fluff paired with rough, scratchy Red Heart would produce a soft fabric?  Many a winter's night I've worn the shawl over my shoulders to fend off the chill.  Even the kids have used it as a lap blanket.

Why all this reminiscing over my garter shawl and the mystery yarn?  Remember yesterday's post on novelty yarn?  Well one of the books had the exact same yarn!  At long last I had discovered the identity of my mystery yarn.

Bernat Booklet

It's Bernat's Bling Bling.  The cover photo even uses the same colourway I've got in my stash.  Who knew?

Happy crafting!

Almost Forgot . . .

photograph from photonet.com

Just a quick drop-in to share the big project I had been working on for Bernat blog.  It's my bestest and fastest knit to date (I know bestest isn't a real word, but I claim writer's creative license).

Hope there's some sunshine in your week.
Happy crafting :)

The Perfect Knitting Magazine?

So many knitting mags out there in fiberland.  Which ones do you like?

Judging from the response of other knitters in the cyber world, Interweave Knits seems to be the fave for inspiration and challenging projects--perhaps a little too challenging for me.  There's also Vogue Knitting, but I always found many of their designs too "airy-fairy" and/or unwearable (and their sizes often exclude the bigger woman).  There are others such as Creative Knitting and Knitter's, but there aren't enough interesting or stylish designs that grab my attention (matronly is the word that comes to mind).

Then there's Knit Simple .  For an advanced beginner such as myself, their designs are generally do-able and plus-sized.  And I can usually find enough items I want to make to warrant its purchase. 

Except this time, I couldn't find it!  In my little town, it is often hard to find niche magazines (even at the bookstore, there is a teeny magazine selection and forget about crafting books).  The places that used to sell Knit Simple didn't have it anymore.  Eeeek!  What to do?  Search online for a Canadian source ?  Drive to Halifax?  For a magazine?

Than I found a copy--the last copy!  In a grocery store of all places.

Winter 2009/10 Issue

So happy!  Did my happy dance . . . then perused the issue for projects to queue.  Such as the beret on the cover (I've been on a beret kick lately).

This issue had lots of lovely jackets and cardigans.  Isn't the one below pretty?

Shawl Collar Jacket

And what about this one?  It's knitted bottom up, so there'd be almost no seaming.

Striped Cardigan

Whatcha think?  I'm a girl with simple tastes.  And I'm not looking for knitterly challenges requiring complicated manual dexterity (and we won't talk about mental feats of knitterly mathematics).   

And I bought something else too.  Something full of yarny goodness.

Bernat Jr. Jacquards

There's nylon in that ball of colour--only 10%, but me thinks it'll make a neat sock experiment.  How long would it take to make a pair of socks in DK weight?  Faster than something in Fine weight on 2.25mm, right?  The search is on for the right pattern (in ribbed of course).

I feel inspired and renewed (after a not so inspiring week).  Where do you find your crafting inspirations?  What gets your crafting mojo going?

Knitting Updates

So I finished my red mittens--yay for me! 

More Red Mittens

My only complaint wth the pattern is that the thumb runs a little long, but that's an easy fix--just work one or two less rounds before decreasing.

And I've picked up my sock again--remember that sock that was started way back when?  It's now my take-along project.  I don't have an updated photo, but I'm working the heel flap and hopefully will work through the heel turn and gusset by the end of this week.

And of course, still working on my Bernat projects, but I soooo hate the "finishing" part of any project (the weaving in of ends and the sewing of buttons).  How do I motivate myself?  I start another project of course!  That's some leftover Bernat Softee Chunky Twists (loving the colour).

Another Beret

It's the same pattern as my blue beret minus the modifications.  This beret is gonna be knit as written (I'm actually farther along into the pattern than pictured above). 

Hope you've got a great week ahead!  Happy knitting! ;)

So Bad . . .

Instead of working on something currently on the needles, what do I do?  Cast on for something new, of course!  Generally I'm a fairly monogamous knitter, with perhaps 1-2 projects on the go at most (usually something big and a smaller, more portable project).  Since early fall, I've been itching to make a particular item and I could resist no more.

While looking for scraps for mittens, I found just enough to make my desired item. Guess which yarn I'm using?  More Bernat Softee Chunky (I swear I'm addicted to this stuff.  The nicest locally-available acrylic EVER--although Bernat Chunky is very nice too). 

Softee Chunky in demin ombre

They're leftovers (about a ball and half's worth) from my modified Short-Sleeved Ribbed Cardi.  Using two circulars, I'm got a nice circle growing.

"Mystery" Project in Progress

Have it figured out yet? I'm making a beret--my first ever if you don't count the wee itty bitty one I made for one of my boys teddy bear. 

Not everyone likes to wear hats, but for me it is a necessity.  I'm still walking to work every day, so my poor old head needs protection from bitter winds (although I must confess it has been an unusually mild January as far as east coast winters go).  And at work I'm outside with my toddlers just about every day for at least an hour.  Me head needs warmth!

My current hat is also a beret that came with matching mittens (a present from my mother-in-law a few years ago). 

Pink Beret with Matching Mittens

But I grow weary of the pale pink (and the hat is itchy too). Besides, it never hurts to have an extra hat handy, as I discovered one day when the pink beret went AWOL.  So in the interest of all that is warm, soft and fuzzy, I am making a hat!

Long live hat head! :)

More Mittens

Finished the green mittens.  Don't they look nice?  And not one bit wonky.  Huzzah!  With the added snow, they were soon put to good use.

Promptly started another pair of mittens.  Since I'm using more Bernat Softee Chunky, I fished out a Bernat pattern booklet called 9 Family Knits .  Actually I forgot I had bought this pattern book in the fall (I may even have blogged about it too).  And since I've got lots of Softee Chunky in my stash (leftovers from hats and sweaters for my boys), the booklet is worth the price--and more as I only paid 99 cents for it!  Gotta like that.

The enitre book uses Softee Chunky, so these mittens should fit fine (and no, I haven't check my gauge.  You'd think I'd have learned my lesson . . . .hmmmm, reckless behaviour or daring risk-taker?).  Sadly, this red mitten has not seen much action this week as I plug away at the big Bernat cardigan project (I know: somewhere there are teeny, tiny violins playing a very sad song **giggles**).

Hopefully I can sneak in some time on the mittens during the week (but don't hold your breathe).

Happy knitting! :)