And Now for Some Knitting (and Crochet) . . .

Looking back on my posts for the last couple weeks, I realized there hasn't been much knitting content--in fact, no mention of crafts!  For shame!  'Cuz there has been knitting--much knitting!  

Meet Shroomy

First, meet my lovely new assistant, Shroomy.  She's a bit of a noob, so her sister Toadette is showing her "the ropes", so to speak.  I know Shroomy is missing her spots and her braids, but the wee one is finished as far as I'm concerned (maybe over the holidays, Santa could drop off a few spots and braids--maybe).

Two Sisters

And a new friend patiently awaits his tentacles.  I've got two done and am working on a third.  Since I'm working in the round, it's been a bit of a pain trying to remember how to avoid that dreaded colour jog . . . 

An octopus with his tentacles

The process works the same for either method: work one round with the new colour.  With the one on the left (below), I slipped the first stitch and then worked the round as usual.  With the right one, I picked up the stitch below and worked that with the first stitch.  Which one looks better?

Which looks better?

I prefer the one on the right 'cuz it doesn't leave any loose stitches (not visible from photo).  I just have to be careful how I pick up the stitch below so that it doesn't get twisted.  In the end it won't matter too much 'cuz the "seam" will be facing inward.

I also finished one big project (psst, its the Garter Surprise), but I think I'll wait before posting FO photos here (although you are more than welcome to check it out at my Ravelry project page [Rav link]).

Ball Band Dishcloth

I even managed to cast-on and finish another project: the ball band dishcloth(free pattern link at Ravelry).  That pattern has been sitting in my queue since forever!  I've been meaning to try it out and finally succumbed (mainly 'cuz while searching through the stash, I came across lots of leftover Bernat Handicrafter Cotton).

Lovely Dishcloth

The pattern is easy enough to follow.  I used the finished dishcloth this morning and it didn't stretch out too much when wet.  Of course I used the wrong size needles, so to compensate I cast on six less stitches than called for in the pattern.  Me thinks I'll make more . . . ;)

About the Ripping . . .

Sometimes you have no choice but to rip out.  And no matter what, it always feels disheartening, even if you know you've made the right decision.

Prior to Ripping

My Garter Surprise must have had an error in the pattern 'cuz Block 9 called for 54 plus 54 stitches which was completely off (it should have been 63 plus 63 stitches for a total of 126).  In any case, I didn't like the off-centered colour block that had resulted; it had to be more even (like the version in the book pictured below).  

Original Baby Garter Surprise

So sadly I ripped.  Thankfully it looks better now (sorry for not having an updated photo).  This block will take time to finish 'cuz it requires 54 ridges (that's over 100 rows!).  Hopefully by working on it each evening, I'll make some headway.

As for my Soleil Tank, adding length didn't quite look right upside down.  So it too had to go "rip, rip, rip".  

Messed Up Lace

Since restarting and working the lace pattern as written, the addition looks soooo much better.  I'm hoping to work enough lace repeats so I've got enough length.  Then I'll finish off with a garter edging.

Better Looking Lace 

For me, following my "gut" and ripping out worked out well.  How about you? Ever had to rip out something that you've been working on for a long time?   I'm sure we've all done it.   

More Knitting

Garter Surprise Progress

My Garter Surprise is getting there. I finally reached Block 9--yippee! New colour change and with it comes intarsia (not my most fave technique). At least the end is in sight (ha! famous last words).

Soleil Tank Revisited

And I tried to finish my Soleil Tank. After seaming the shoulders, I tried it on and . . . too short (although the fit is quite good)! Since I've got leftover yarn, I'm adding a couple of repeats. I picked up from the garter cast-on edge and am working the pattern upside down (after adding another 20 stitches so that the lower edge will be a large instead of a medium). Hope this "experiment" works.

It's not a hat; it's an octopus!

And I started another project. Of course! This project is a special request from one of my "babies" (who soon will be 12, but just loves the toys I make. So there.). It's one of those "dastardly cephalopods" (seriously, you should check out our website 'cuz its funny when toys have adventures). We hit the local general store that carries a decent selection of colours. My son was quite pleased to pick out his own colours. Now he's patiently waiting for his "friend" to come to life. This is the fun part of knitting. I love it when recipients appreciate your hard work. That's the good stuff.

Later,

The Thing About Garter . . .

Despite its stretchiness, garter stitch goes on and on and on . . . It seemingly takes forever to grow.  I should know as my "garter surprise" is nothing but garter stitch--miles and miles of garter stitch.  

Miles and miles of Garter

The surprise is that I've progressed so far (thank heavens for vacations and long car trips!).  My project requires 10 blocks and I'm already on block 7!  I suppose that is a little misleading 'cuz each block gets progressively larger and thus requires more time to finish.  My first block started off with 42 stitches.  Block 7 uses 114 stitches . . . well, you get the picture.

Five Colours

Colour has been my big motivator.  I desperately plow on through just to watch the colour changes.  The original pattern called for four colours, but I've deviated from it by using five colours instead.  My inspiration came from a beloved toy I made for my boys a few years back.  Have you ever met Eggy?  He's shares a blog with his two Toad friends (yeah, that's Toad from SuperMario fame).

Meet Eggy

Since I'm back to work tomorrow, I imagine my knitting progress will slow down.  And in my summer course, there's an upcoming unit test and an exam after that (I'll be so pleased to finish this summer course in the next few weeks).  


Meanwhile here's hoping we both have a good week!