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. ;)

Not Impressed

"Old" Slippers

With the yarn, that is.  Remember those lovely slippers I made?  Sure my slippers look a little worn.  That's to be expected.  

"Holey" Soles

But this is not acceptable!  They have holes in the soles!  Seriously!  The yarn I'd used had been something someone gifted me a few years ago for Christmas.  I had hoped to use the rest of it for more slippers for the family, but not if the darn thing can't stand up to normal wear and tear.

Beginnings of New Slippers

So I was forced to search through my stash for something more durable.  I decided to twin Bernat Chunky with indestructible Phentex Slipper Yarn (mainly because I had enough of each colour).  I cast on for new slippers using the same wonderful pattern (after all it wasn't the fault of the pattern if the yarn wasn't up to snuff).  Thankfully the pattern works up quickly.  The Chunky and Phentex made a wonderfully cushiony sole which will hopefully last the rest of the year. 

New Soles

I opted to work the tops using only only Bernat Chunky 'cuz working too strands would have made the slipper too big (and I honestly didn't have it in me to tweak numbers).  I suppose I could have opted to just use Phentex for the upper, but we'll see how the Chunky holds out (luckily Phentex is readily available locally).

Top of New Slipper

And nothing beats the cold dampness of winter better than warm, cozy slippers. Of course a warm fire helps too.

Finished Slippers

Now that my toes are once again toasty, I can focus on more interesting crafty endeavors.  Back to my WIPs.

Sometimes . . .

Big Slipper and Little Slipper

When I get the urge, I'll start a small project.  The thing might languish in my basket for a while.  But sometimes, the thing gets finished before I know it.  Go figure?!

New Slippers for my Son

Remember those lovely warm slippers I made before the holidays?  Well I tweaked the numbers in the pattern and made a pair for my son.  His old pair were wearing a wee bit thin in the sole (there was a small hole forming too, no doubt made by a loose nail in the old wood floors).

You can find the pattern for Non-felted Slippers on Ravelry (its a PDF file).  The version there is for an adult woman.  If you're interested in the child size, print off the original pattern and then make the following changes:

Cast on 40 sts and work the increases as indicated in original pattern with the marker placed in the middle.  Stop increases at row 11 (60 sts) and then work instep at follows:

Row 2: P27 PM P6 PM P27

Follow the original pattern to work the decreases and shaping.  I went down to 30 sts before working the cuff. I also added two extra rounds to the cuff before binding off.

Feel free to PM on Ravelry if you'd like more extensive row-by-row notes.

Happy knitting! :)

About Those Slippers . . . .

Finished Slippers

So here they are--all finished!  They look comfy, don't they?  'Cuz they sure do feel comfy and cozy.  I just love 'em so much!  Best slippers ever! :D

Comfy and Cozy

Pure Genius!

Slipper Before Being Seamed

No word of a lie!  This slipper pattern is absolutely sublime :D  Its the Non-Felted Slipper (and the pattern is only available on Ravelry as a PDF file).  I just love the construction!  Hard to believe that a few well placed decreases can change the shape of the fabric--just genius!

Slipper From Another View

And since the pattern uses bulky yarn, it works very quickly.  It took me a week of sporadic knitting, but these could easily have been completed in a weekend.  This quick knit would make an easy Christmas present.  I can testify to their warmth factor (I'm wearing them right now, but you'll have to wait for FO pics on another day 'cuz its dark out now).


Later,
:)

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?!