Something New

I had meant to post about a new project last weekend.  But you know how it is when life throws you a couple of curves.  Between finishing my last project, helping my son with his project and getting started on my taxes . . . well, you can just imagine how much time or energy I had left.  Nil to be exact.

New project using a mega ball of Red Heart Super Saver

So I'm posting this now to let you know you that yes, I have been knitting.  I just have no updated progress photos to share.  

Pattern Detail

The project is the Baby Sophisticate (Ravelry link).  It's a lovely pattern knit from the top down.  And it looks . . . well, it looks sophisticated for a baby sweater.

I've made this before as a gift for one of my nephews many moons ago (check out my blog posts from 2009 or see my  Ravelry entry  for more details).  I remember it being an enjoyable knit and the finished sweater was rather cute.  Thus far I've cast on and worked most of the body.  With such good progress, here's hoping the project gets completed soon.

More Colour

That's what I need: more colour!

So for Christmas I got a new winter coat--more of a ski jacket in bright teal with neon lime trim.  How to accessorize?  I had been using white, but it couldn't compete with the flashy teal.  Then a happy accident occurred.  While shopping, I tried on a pair of inexpensive purple gloves--whilst wearing my coat.  Viola!  I was in love!  Teal and purple looked awesome together.  Throw in some neon lime and it still works.

Vibrant Colour Combo

Now that I had the perfect colour combo, I had to find an equally awesome pattern to showcase the colours.    Knitty to the rescue!  The free pattern (Three Tams by Angela Sixian Wu) is a beret-like hat with a deceptively easy two-colour pattern.  My only mod was to alternate the second colour with the third while keeping purple as my main colour. 

Start of Colourful Tam

What do ya think?  Nice?  I love it. The vibrancy and vividness is just what this girl needs in the middle of the dull, grey days that accompany February's wintery blasts.

Hat Details

I just hope there'll be enough yarn leftover to make a matching cowl ('cuz a scarf might be too boring).  And maybe even some mittens?  Now that would be nice.

Lovely Patches

I've still got socks on the brain!  Not new socks (although there were socks under the tree).  Instead I'm thinking of old socks.  Socks with holes!

Blue sock with hole in heel

My sister-in-law, who is also a knitter, tipped me off to a good a great video tutorial on You-Tube.  The instructor creates a new patch that is knitted right onto the existing sock to cover the hole.  No sewing!  It is a beautiful thing.

Now my sock is not wool and neither is my patch.  So the patch will not felt into the old sock, but at least it will once again be wearable.  I must confess, though, that I used sock yarn for the patch where the original was made in worsted.  So, I fudged the technique and had to add extra stitches to make the appropriate width.

Fixed Sock!

I do like the final product.  Hope it prolongs the life of the socks a little longer.  At the very least I can wear these socks again.  And it only took me 15-20 minutes.  How about that?!

Dreaming of . . .

Socks!  Of course.  To that end, I went looking through the stash just to see how much sock yarn was actually in there.  And lo and behold, I found enough yarn for lots of sockies!  Wheeeee!

Paton's Kroy

Pictured above is a modest stash of Patons Kroy.  There's enough there for another 6 pairs of socks . . .  all those pretty colours and warm woolie goodness . . . ahhhhhh!

Bernat Sox

I've also got a bit of acrylic sock yarn (Bernat Sox) that's never been used.  I had meant to make socks for myself but went into the wool first.

Mostly Leftover Bernat Socks

There's also leftover Bernat Sox from pairs of socks I had made for my boys (only one of them likes woolen socks).  

Unknown Woolen Sock Yarn

Along with these leftovers, there are various odds and ends of solid coloured sock wool.   I think some of this came from hubby's grandmother when she moved (inherited lots of acrylic, needles and old pattern books from the 50s).

Hopefully most of this stash will becomes socks, maybe with contrasting heels and toes.   Whatever doesn't become socks can clothe my Barbie.  My doll is sadly lacking pretty outfits.  

Between work and school work, there is precious little time for much else . . . so I better get busy once I finish my exam.  

Have a good week. ;)

Road Trip!

So we're on our first week of vacation, and we haven't been home . . . 

Yesterday we ventured to the big city and visited our favorite places: yarn shop for me, comic book stop for the boys and music store for hubby.  And of course, we hit the bookstores . . . !!  Fun was had by all.

Needless to say I added to the stash: sock yarn, double pointed needles and some lovely chunky stuff with awesome yardage.  Squee!

Sock yarn from Drops Fabel

Marble Chunky at over 300 yards!

If you're ever in the Halifax area, check out LK Yarns.  The staff was friendly and helpful (feel free to browse, even with hubby and kids in tow).  The selection was great: lots of different yarns at different price points.  And sweater quantities too!

I am one happy crafter. :)

More Amigurumi

Yup, still crochetin'.  And still makin' more amigurumi.  This time I'm making a cute little Toadette.  I just love how happy--and pink--she is.  She exudes such joy.

The Real Toadette

Most of her body parts are complete--except for the little balls needed to create her braid.  I'm hoping to get her stuffed and assembled during the week.

Yarny Toadette in Pieces

I've used this pattern before to make a pair of Toads for my boys a few years ago.  Perhaps you may remember these little fellas:

The Toads

Recently those Toads have started blogging 'bout their adventures in the farmhouse and living in the country Please check out their blog called Mushrooms and Octopi.   It's rather silly, but me and the boys get a kick out of reading it.


Strangely enough Toadette will be a wee bit smaller than the Toads.  For some reason I'm using a smaller hook.  Instead of 5.0mm used in the original project, I'm using 4.0mm.  Even though I'm using essentially similar yarn, the smaller hook size has changed my gauge--go figure how gauge can do that.

Waiting to be Assembled

Originally I'd used Red Heart Super Saver for the Toads.  I'm still using that yarn in the tan, but the rest is being done with Bernat Baby Cakes (sadly this yarn looks like its discontinued).  I definitely recommend a cotton or cotton-blend for amigurumi as it is less likely to pill.  Plain ol' acrylic generally works well unless the recipient will hug their toy.  All that lovin' eventually leads to pills.  Some acrylics are better than others, but best to use a cotton or cotton blend (FYI: Cthulhu is all cotton-blend although I suspect he won't get hugged too much--although maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe hubby gives him hugs when I'm not looking . . . ).


By the way, the pattern is a free one designed by Linda Potts (aka WolfDreamer).  Check it out over at Ravelry or go directly to the website Wolfdreamer where the designer has lots of other Mario and Pokemon characters for the intrepid crocheter.  Her instructions are very clear and easy to follow.


Here's hoping there's a new critter in the family come next week. ;)

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?! 

Quick Knit

Have you seen this pattern on Ravelry?  The lovely Boyfriend Hat (Ravelry link) is a quick knit.

Quick Knit

My son lost his hat (not sure where, but I think it was at the movie theatre when we caught the latest Harry Potter flick).  Too bad 'cuz the one he lost was a memento from the Blue Jays second World series win back in 1993. 

Rear View

I used Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice.  What a lovely yarn!  The hat is soft, squishy and very stretchy.  The two balls were leftovers from Baby Sophisticate (one of last year's many Christmas knits).  Too bad I can't find this yarn locally.  Maybe my mother-in-law might procure some more whilst in Florida this winter?  I could ask.

I only made two modifications:
1) added a couple of red stripes for fun (have quite a few leftover Bernat Softee Chunky). When changing colours, I first knit the round and then proceeded in rib pattern on the next row;
2) added about an inch before starting the decreases. I wanted to make sure the hat would cover my son’s ears.

I like the pattern so much, I'm making a second one for my other son.  Sadly he too has lost his hat.

Have a good week!

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!

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. ;)

Toy Plans

Okay you yarnies out there who shudder at the thought of acrylic: take a deep breath and brace yourself (or maybe just shield your eyes).  Behold acrylic colours of bold:

Big Balls of Acrylic

Couldn't resist buying up the yarn I need for my next project: good ol' stand-by Red Heart SuperSaver and Bernat Supervalu (at a little over $3 a ball, it's hard to pass up for toy-making).

What will I make?  Take a gander at these stills and then take a guess.

SuperMario Games Galore

Yeah, we own all those games, accumulated over the course of the past few years.  I've got big-time SuperMario fans at my house.  So during my searches on Ravelry, I came across some Mario patterns--free patterns all available from Linda Potts at Wolfdreamer's blog .

Toad and Toadette pattern

WolfDreamer has loads of SuperMario and Pokeman patterns for free, as well as many patterns for purchase.  I cannot imagine all the work that went into the creation of such lovely plushies.

These patterns, my dear readers, are the real reason I started crocheting again.  My boys wanted the Mario & friends plushies.  How could I say no?  Besides, the characters are just so darn cute. 

Mario and Friends

Happy crafting!

More Kids Knitting?

Perhaps?  Maybe?  Out of the blue, both boys decided to knit again.  After my youngest finished his teddy bear's scarf in November, he started a hat but soon lost all steam.  The item sat in a basket until I needed the yarn for mittens.  The older boy frogged his scarf (he'd lost interest too) and decided knitting was not for him afterall (too bad 'cuz his stitches and tension were neat and even).

How things change!  This week both boys picked up their sticks and decided to make blankets.  Right now, they're knitting strips of garter. 

Beginning of One Garter Strip

Another Garter Strip

Once one strip is complete, they'll make another in a different colour.  When all the strips are completed (say 5-6), I'll seam them together to create a blanket (similar in concept to the item pictured below). 

Blanket Made From Stripes

I thought that would be the easiest way for them to make a blanket.  Casting on hundreds of stitches would just be . . . well, too challenging and frustrating.  Besides I have tons of matching mega balls of acrylic (I'm not called acrylic-girl for nothing).

Big Balls of Red Heart

Hard to get a sense of the ball size without any reference, but these are truly "mega" balls.  They're huge!  The larger white one (pictured below) runs just over 1800 yards while the "smaller" ones probably run over 400 yards (small and large being relative of course).  I had to guess-timate yardage, as there is no amount given on label, only weight (each weighs about a pound).

As Big As . . .  A Dinosaur Egg

Cozy and Soft 

Then it hit me: why not teach the boys to crochet?  If I showed them how to work a granny square, they could make a huge blanket, but they'd only have to worry about one stitch at any  given time ('cuz unlike knitting, crochet does not require live stitches).  Both boys seemed keen to try it.  So that's my task for one of these nights (but not this weekend as they're trying out a new video game).

Happy crafting :D

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!

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!

It's Live!

I'm so excited!  My first post for the Bernat Blog has gone live!  If you wanna read about my "secret" projects, go to http://bernatyarns.wordpress.com and you should be able to read the most recent posts (you should be able to find it via my blog links too).  Changed my moniker to DinaPurls, but I'll always be Acrylic-Girl: faster than clicking needles, stronger than nylon and able to leap tall mounds of petroleum based fibre in a single bound.

The challenge now begins: how to produce enough knitting projects and blog content to satisfy not one but TWO blogs!  Surely I've gone mad . . . well, maybe not mad, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.  Maybe I'll become a faster knitter **cough, cough**  Perhaps not.  More likely I'll broaden my knitting horizon by experimenting with new yarns and different projects. 

I am Super Acrylic-Girl!

:D

Note: Photo in post taken from a photography website

Scarf No More

Remember that cabled scarf where I could find no love? Haven't frogged the thing--at least not yet.  The project was doomed from the start: the yarn and cables fought each other.  Besides, I hadn't considered that cables would shorten the length (thanks for that tip Knitinsage) which means I'd need more yarn--yarn that I don't have. 

So instead of a scarf, I'm falling back to a tried and true standard: the neckwarmer (aka the cowl).  I'm using a simple rib from the Wendy Scarf pattern (found in the Knitting a Pattern a Day Calendar 2008).  Moreover, I've nixed the Bernat Worsted; instead I'm using Bernat Chunky.  I must confess that I've got a soft spot for the Chunky: very soft and knits up very quickly.

Truth time:  I've made this before for my boys.  Hard to beat something that I know is gonna work.  Originally I used about 72 stitches on 5.5mm and knit until the piece measured about 5".  For the adult version, I'm using 78 stitches on 6.5mm and working until piece measures approximately 5-6". 

The plain version

The striped version

Hopefully the neckwarmer will match the fingerless gloves.  More importantly, I hope the recipient will get some use out of the items.  He definitely appreciates hand-crafted items. 

Later,

:)

Not Feelin' the Love

So I've been slowly (and I do mean VERY slowly) making some headway on all the Christmas knitting. For each project, there's been something that I've truly enjoyed: the yarn or the pattern (sometimes both) or perhaps its learning a new technique.

With my most recent project (a cabled rib scarf pictured above) I can't seem to find anything that "speaks" to me.  I'm just not feelin' the love.  And I'm not sure why.

It's the same Bernat Worsted I'm using for the  Fingerless Gloves, but since its at a looser gauge, the fabric definitely feels softer and more drapey (makes sense since I'm using 3.0mm for gloves, but 6.5mm for scarf).  Unfortunately the nice striping obscures some of the cabling detail.  Should I drop the cable pattern and just make a ribbed scarf?  Hmmm . . .

Part of me just doesn't want to frog and cast on yet again.  I think I cast-on and ripped out about 5 times. :O  Finally on the sixth try, I managed to finish row one.  Of course then I messed up some of the cables by "accidently" cabling too soon (maybe I should have been keeping track of the rows).  Perhaps a sign from the knitting gods that the project might be doomed?  

To make matters worse, I can't find the same colorway.  Its called Granite and its discontinued as far as I can tell.  Me thinks this will be short scarf, more of an ascot (32-40")--unless I'm lucky enough to reach traditional scarf length (45-50").  Wish me luck.

Note: scarf lengths from Jane Davis' Knit Ponchos, Wraps and Scarves