Trying to Finish . . .

My dishcloth diversions have been quick, small projects.  Now my thoughts have turned to larger, long-standing WIPs.  I'm been looking through them and decided to commit myself to finishing as many as possible.  Granted there are not too many relative to other knitters (hubby thinks I'm easily distracted, but there are knitters out there with loads more WIPs than me).

Finished Man-Sized Non-Felted Slipper

First off, there's hubby's slippers.  I had only to seam the bottoms and sides (and of course the ends had to be woven in).  The fit in the foot is good, but it needs more height 'round the ankle.  I think next time I use this pattern for man-sized feet, I'll have to add more rounds on the cuff.

There's an afghan I wanna finish, a teddy bear and a cardigan (it only needs one sleeve and button bands).  There is a woolen sock, but that can wait till late summer (since I probably won't need it till fall).  I'd love to make another baby cardi for my other niece but . . . Must. Stay. Focused!

Knittin' Stuff

There's no shortage of knittin' projects over at casa d'acrylic.  Hubby's slippers are almost done.  They just need some seaming--and none too soon as his old ones are almost disintegrating as I write this . . . eeek! Must sew post haste!

Man-sized Non-Felted Slippers

And I started another lovely ballband dishcloth.  I've made this pattern before.  It's easy, looks great and works much better than the ol' traditional garter stitch dishcloth (doesn't stretch out too much when wet, yet still has scruffy surface for scrubbing).  My old dishcloths are fading fast.  Living in the country with hard water can take a toll on one's laundry, especially the linens that go in and out of the water.  

Ballband Dishcloth in progress

Since there`s plenty of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in the stash, I'm makin' more of these dishcloths.  Think 5 to 6 would suffice?  Maybe I should make more?  Let's see how quickly I get bored with the pattern . . . . 

Finished Avocado

Oh, and I mustn't forget:  Avocado is complete!  Buttons and ends sewn into place.  I think it looks very cute with the wooden buttons--very rustic feel to it.  Hubby is set to bring home a box so I can mail it off to my sister.  Hopefully my niece will be able to wear it before the weather gets too warm or she outgrows it (Ya gotta know I'm already planning another cardigan for the fall--hope 12 months will work for sizing).

Have a great week!

Happy Feet

My son's feet are happy.  His new slippers fit very well (yay!).  And they feel smooshy.

My hubby's feet will soon be happy too!  One slipper is done.  The second is on the way . . . 

Have a great week!

Knitting!

Yes, I'm knitting!  And I'm so happy!  And there's so much to share . . . 

Green Phentex Slippers

First off, I never shared my green slipper.  It's very similar to my red slippers (which used the pattern Maggie's Slippers) except that this pattern is from an old Phentex leaflet (circa 1971).  One nice addition is a selvage or edging stitch--its a nice finishing touch.

Red Patons Sock

Second, I worked on--and actually finished!--one red sock.  And I do emphasize the word ONE.   Yes, I've gotta kitchener the toes, but all the knitting is done (No promises as to when I'll get 'round to casting on the second sock . . . ).

Garter Surprise

And finally, I started a new project---please don't sigh 'cuz I know you do it too.  There's lots of projects waiting to be finished, but you start a new one anyways.  This is . . . well, a little bit of a secret, but I'll share a little snippet of it.  And I'll give you a couple of hints: there's lots of garter and blocks of colour.  I must be one of the last people to attempt this project 'cuz over 1400 have made it and another 1445 have it in their queues.  I just hope I can keep it a secret . . .:S


Hope you have a great week!

FO

Yup, got something finished (its been a while, n'est pas?).

Finished Slippers

Finally completed a pair of slippers for my dear hubby.  Hard to believe, but these were started a year ago . . . a whole year?!  That is way too long for a pair of slippers.  

New Slippers

I think hubby appreciated the effort (he's generally very appreciative).  I only wish he'd ask me for more hand knits (still planning to make him a cardigan one of these days.  I has the yarn and the pattern.  Now if I could only find enough time during the run of a day.  Or perhaps I could become a faster knitter . . . ha, as if that is ever gonna happen).


It always bothers me that my slippers never quite look like the traditional Phentex slippers.  I never got the hang of the striped version--can't seem to avoid the holes.  So I alternate colours every two rows.  My finishing is also less than acceptable.  Thankfully I found a blogger who's made a lovely tutorial over at Pinney and Pnut.  She clearly illustrates how to assemble the slippers.  Check it out.


Now I'm off to enjoy one more day off.  Have a good one. :)

And Now for Some Knitting . . .

What?  Knitting on a knitting blog?!  Have I gone mad? 


But seriously, I managed some knitting this week.  With the sale of our mini-home finalized, all the cleaning is out of the way (yay! :D).  Its hard work cleaning out one's accumulated dirt and grime; after all, it took almost 14 years to build up to appreciable levels.).   

Bohus Fitting

With the added crafting time, my Bohus Redux has grown: added some waist-shaping as I slowly work towards the cable-ribbed hem.  Thus far, the fit is quite nice.   

Detail

This is actually the first time I've tried it on (so much for trying-on as I go-along).  I must confess that from the start I had a good feeling about this project--much better feelings than my first attempt at the Bohus.  And as it turns out, my guts were spot on: it fits great!  Very pleased with this one (rest assured I'm taking copious notes so that I can post the pattern to this site before the end of the year).

Phentex Slippers

I've also returned to my hubby's slipper.  His old pair are dying--thanks in part to Patches, our cat.  She's a cute kitty, but is terribly fascinated by slippers and paper cards (the kind you find in magazines for subscriptions).

Patches' Favorite Napping Spot

And is it normal for a kitty to play "attack cat"?  Contrary to the above pic, our kitty seems super-energized--especially after a meal.  I'm guessing its normal  kitty behaviour.  Perhaps I should consult a cat-care book (seeing as I'm typing this at the local library, I should head over to the stacks pronto.  At the library?  Yes, I'm still without internet access at home, so I'm having to drive into town to hit all the wi-fi hot spots  . . :S)


Have a great weekend! :)

Old Stuff

A Sock and a Slipper

Should finish up some long-standing WIPs from my knitting table (most of which are small projects).


Let's see: there are two socks in need of partners.  Gonna attempt the worsted one first as its already on the needles. In fact, my industrious self managed to finish the gusset and turn the heel on the weekend--no small thanks to a weekend seminar in the next town over (gotta love car-knitting).


There's also a slipper made with that nasty-but-oh-so-strong Phentax.  One slipper is already completed (ends woven too).  Good thing too since dear hubby mentioned that his current slippers won't make it to winter. Maybe if I get a move-on, I can finish the second one before the snow flies.


My hope is that if I carry both projects in my bag, I can make some headway on both.  Here's hoping they both reach completion soon.

Not Much

Knitting, that is.  In fact, I'd say there's been very little crafting of any sort this week.  Even my lunch times have been filled with tasks other than knitting.  Still, I managed to completely finish a slipper--all sewn up and ends woven in :)

Finished Phentex Slipper

Yeah, that's ONE slipper--all sewn up and ends woven--but still just one.  It needs a mate.

Just One Slipper

I have yet to cast-on for the second one.  Rest assured, it will get done.  Just not now.  Instead, I'm working on my second blue-tangerine stripey sock.

Beginnings of Second Sock

I've got as far as the cuff and thus far, it's an "almost" match.  I think the striping will only be off by a few rows.  Not bad, huh?

Just the Cuff

The first sock was a breeze.  Hmmm . . . wonder how long it will be before this one gets done?  How goes your knitting?

Big Feet?

Finally got back to those slippers I started way back in the fall (I know I mentioned it here back in Oct/Nov).  They're for dear hubby.  The pattern calls for approximately 32 purl ridges for a man's slipper (slipper is worked in garter stitch).  I thought I was almost done.  Then I checked against the slippers he currently wears.  Those ones have approximately 42 purl ridges.  Guess dear hubby has big honking feet--well perhaps not honking, but bigger than expected?  Maybe I'm not quite done :(

Current Slipper Next to In-Progress Slipper

I only work on the slippers at lunchtime--and not every lunch--so progress has been very, very slow.  Hopefully I'll have one slipper done soon.  Thankfully these slippers are meant for next fall, so I have lots of time.

I'm still not 100% sure I'm doing them correctly.  Rightfully, these slippers should be worked like intarsia where one colour is wrapped over another to avoid holes; however, they are worked more like fair isle.  The floats in the back act as an extra layer of cushion-like warmth.  My problem then becomes this: how to avoid the holes?  My solution is to alternate colours every 2 rows.

Wrong Side of Fabric: Lots of Floats

I had the same problem way back when I first attempted these slippers for my son back in 2009.  Back then I wasn't quite sure I was working the fabric correctly, but I tarried on and completed the slippers.  I'm still not sure **sigh**

Guess I should just keep knitting . . .

Love Is . . .

Fraying, Splitty, Snagable Frustration

. . . working with hideous yarn (aka indestructible petroleum by-product) to create a beloved knitted item.  Recognize the above product?  Good old Phentex Craft and Slipper Yarn.  Ever work with this stuff?  If you have, then you totally comprehend my frustration with it. 

Now don't misunderstand:  I lurve acrylics (hey, my name should be a give-away), mainly for their affordability, availability and easy care.  But not all acrylics are created equal.  Sure there are some lovely acrylics out there.  This Phentex stuff just isn't it.  But it is durable.  

Guess what it is?

Now care to guess what I'm making?  I'll give you three clues: something to keep the chill away in the dead of winter; something your great aunt or nana might have made; something a man might request.  Figure it out?



Dear hubby seldom asks for knitted goods: he dislikes woolen socks, seldom wears hats and prefers his water-proof gloves to the hand-knit variety.  However, he loves those Phentex slippers his mom used to make for him as a kid.  And up until recently, his mom still made those slippers.  Now its my turn to make them.  

Right Side with Alternating Colours



Stranding on Wrong Side

I have made these before for my oldest boy back in 2009, but for some reason I didn't understand how to twist the two colours to avoid holes.  I've worked fair isle and even intarsia--all successfully I might add.  But these slippers seem to combine the two and my poor brain doesn't "get it".  So I changed up the pattern by alternating colours every two rows.  I avoid holes and still create the stranding effect on the back.  It's all good. ;)

By the Way . . .

Finished the slippers last weekend, but didn't get 'round to posting about it.  Remember the old nasty ones that needed replacing?  Off to the trash they went to be replaced by these cute periwinkle ones.

Periwinkle Slippers

Side View

Quick and easy--can't beat that!

My only complaint is that the garter is stretching.  In fact, even my boy's slippers have stretched one size too big--oh the hazards of stretchy garter!  I think if I extend the seaming on the top of the foot, it should "tighten" the slipper so it won't slip off.

Happy knitting!

A Tale of Toasty Toes . . .

Meet my new rubber boots:

New Rubbers

I just lurve them so much!!  Now I can welcome the spring rains (whenever they get here) without fear of drenching my pants and socks.  I think I've mentioned before that I walk to work almost everyday.  Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds are no fun for walking. 

And while we're on the topic of feet, have you seen my slippers lately?

Phentex Slippers

My MIL made them for me two years ago--two years!!  Phentex is sturdy stuff!  How does she manage to work the two colours without actually twisting the colours together?  I never seemed to get the hang of it, although I came pretty close with these slippers I made for my son.

Unfortunately my own comfy slippers are showing their age.  Check out the bottoms.

Worn Soles

So I started making myself a new pair.  Remember the ones I whipped up in a day for my other son?  The pattern includes adult sizes too.  Last night I started and finished one slipper.

New Slipper

I'm using some white acrylic and another skein of Phentex (the colour is called denim, but it looks more like periwinkle).  All the knitting is done, but I have to gather up the toe stitches and them seam it .  Not bad for one night's work!  Maybe I can whip up the second one before the end of the week.

What's on your feet?

One Day Slippers

Had to share 'cuz this project is a quick one.  This morning I finished a pair of slippers that I only started last night!

My littlest one desperately needed new slippers.  The old ones were a little holey in the soles.  And I've been delaying the start of another slipper project 'cuz I'm busily working on a big project for Bernat (which I want to finish ASAP).  Luckily I stumbled upon this pattern through Ravelry;  it's called Aunt Maggie's Slippers.  And I am amazed that I was able to finish the project sooo quickly!

I used Phentex yarn because its so durable.  Have you tried Phentex Craft and Slipper yarn?  That stuff is strong but a pain to knit with; it splits like crazy and even gets caught on rough skin!  So I paired it with a generic worsted acrylic (See the supper big ball of white stuff?  That's just over 2 pounds worth!). 

Don't know if it was the pattern, the pairing of the two yarns or the larger needles, but this project was easy-peasy.  What a great pick-me-up!

Happy knitting!

Slipper FO!!

This morning I rushed through seaming the second slipper so I could finally put this project on the finished list.  I've had this slipper sitting in my knitting bag since mid-August waiting for the finishing touches (I mentioned it here).  Unfortunately my "rush job" looks just like a rush job: the one on the left is the second slipper and looks less polished; the right one looks much neater in appearance.

Just the same, my son loves, loves, loves his slippers!  And he got them not a moment too soon.  It's getting chilly 'round these parts.  We've had to turn the heat on in the mornings.  Those Phentex chill chasers will come in handy.

Back to my regularly scheduled Christmas knitting . . .

Knitting FO and Cross Stitch Too!

I've got one knitting FO--well, sort of. I've completed one slipper. It was meant for me, but it is a smidge small so I'm passing it on to my son. He really does need a new pair. His old pair is sadly "holey". I've already cast on for the second slipper. And I've learned how to better sew the thing (after all, practise makes perfect).

In rummaging through my things I came across some finished cross stitch items I had made when my boys were babies. The projects are complete and just need to be framed. The first one (with the bear and bunny) matched their curtains and crib linens (as you may have guessed, teddy bears were the theme). The second one (with the little angels) was a cute little kit I received as a gift.

Sadly, I do not know how to frame my work myself. Perhaps my MIL could help me.

See the framed scene above. My MIL made the piece and framed it herself. She's an awesome cross-stitcher. Her work is beautiful and I'm amazed at how quickly she can complete a complicated project. She's given a few pieces as gifts and even donated some. I think she learned how to frame because for some reason its rather expensive to have a professional do it--at least in our local area.

Here's hoping you're doing something crafty this weekend.

:)

Yes, Still Knitting

It may not seem like it, but I am still knitting. I have been working hard--well, maybe not as hard as I'd like to. I have knit every day this week.

I started a pair of the classic striped slipper. Made with Phentex craft yarn, these slippers are durable and very comfortable. My MIL always makes these for the family and I finally decided to make my own pair. Previous attempts at slipper-making have ended in dismal failure (and general mockery at my expense I might add, but I'm not bitter), and I'm uncertain about whether I'm carrying the yarn across the work correctly. Still, it's coming along (did I mention how much I dislike garter stitch?) I started another pair of socks for my little boys. This pattern is from an old Patons pattern book with lots of sock and mitten patterns. Scored the book at a charity book sale (yay for me!). The needles are 2.75mm and they feel huge after using 2.25mm for so long. Hope the socks will fit nicely.
I have also been working on my lace scarf (remember it from Lace Scarf Post 2 and First Lace Post ), but sadly I am running out of yarn(see the second pic below). Need to order more, but I've been slow to do so.




Happy knitting all. :)