Life Is Like . . .

Fragrant lilacs in bloom

. . . . Knitting.  N'est pas?  Yes, life is very much like knitting.  You think you've found the most wonderful yarn or the best pattern.  Full of enthusiasm, you cast on and soon realize something is amiss.  Gauge?  Dropped stitch?  Wrong size?  Ignoring the nagging doubts, you continue working on the piece until you realize the "mistake" needs addressing.  Your options?  Well, some of us will throw the whole mess in a cupboard and try to forget; others try something entirely different, while others just give up altogether and declare knitting (or crochet) to be too difficult.  Then there are those of us that either tink back or frog the entire thing, but they do not give up.  Maybe you need a different pattern for the yarn or different size needles.  Maybe you modify the pattern.  Maybe you ask for help and continue forth.  Either way, you persevere.

Dainty bleeding hearts in bloom

Life is like that.  Stuff happens that shake you to the core.  You wanna give up.  But you don't.  You persevere.  You find a way.

Detail of pretty lungwort

And truthfully, thank heavens for the knitting (or crochet).  It can ease the stress and give your mind a place to focus when you feel like crumbling into a small ball in the corner.  So while my absence has been much too long, my thoughts and heart were not far.  Complete immersion in all things crafty (and all things garden-wise and plant-like) kept me sane and functional.

Finished keyhole scarf

By the way, I finished that keyhole scarf.  What a lovely quick knit--and satisfying too.  Then I cast-on something else, but before I finished that, I cast on a second project.  Then I had this crazy idea to start making Christmas early . . . but that's for another post.
 

About Ennui . . .

Progress of Keyhole Bow Tie Scarf

I must confess that when ennui sneaks up on me, I peruse Ravelry or rummage through my stash (especially the special yarns).  Something usually "speaks" to me so much so that I print off a pattern and immediately cast on.

Mainly garter stitch

Such was my mood last week. Not happy with my current WIPs, I cast on something new.  It's a keyhole bow tie from Knit Simple, Fall 2009.  It's been in my queue for ages.  Instead of worsted weight, I'm using chunky weight.

Detail of keyhole

Instead of the 30 sts indicated in the pattern, I cast on 20 sts. The finished width is supposed to be 5”.  Mine works out to just over 5” with 20 sts. And I'm loving the way the colour is mixing in the garter stitch.  Here's hoping I have enough yarn.

Long Enough?

Enough yarn?

Just wonderin' if there will be sufficient yarn to make my Cashsilk Fern Scarf long enough?  I know I can fold it over and secure it with a pretty shawl pin (I think one of the local craft shops carries hand-carved wooden shawl pins).

Over 40" in length

Thus far, my scarf has managed to grow to just over 40".  Ideally 50" would give enough length to tie and wrap it once around my neck.  What if it's just shy of my target length?  Maybe a severe blocking length-wise could garner more length?  Not sure  . . . 

Nearing the end with only a wee bit of yarn left 

There's only a wee little ball left.  Gotta be hopeful . . . 

A Little Progress

A little progress goes a long way towards finished items.  Yup, there be knitting at my place--and lots of it!

It started with travel knitting.  I knew I'd have no online access during my vacation, so I needed something to occupy my hands (and my brain, especially during the flight.  Have I mentioned how much I dislike flying?).  I brought along 4 projects: my current project, two long-standing projects that had fallen by the wayside, and a new project.

The growing Cashsilk Fern Scarf

The current project was the Cashsilk Fern Scarf which has grown by leaps and bounds.  It's about 38" at last measure.  I'm aiming for 50", but not sure there's enough yardage for that.  I'll need to leave enough for the border (2 rows of stockinette followed by four rows of moss stitch).  A good blocking should help with the length.  If it still runs short, I'll look for a pretty shawl pin to wear with it.

The still untouched Cranberry Neckerchief

I had brought my dandy Cranberry Neckerchief, but in the end, I didn't really touch that one (You can read more about that project from an old blog post dating back to summer 2011).  To be honest, I hadn't really left good notes about where I was in the pattern (although I could easily have frogged it and started anew since I wasn't too far in).  It definitely is something I'd like to revisit--and eventually finish.

A finished sock and the beginnings of the second

My other long-standing project was the Aquaphobia Socks: finished one sock and started the second one.  That pattern also had little in the way of any written pattern mods or notes regarding where I had left off (you can read more about my initial attempts with this project in a post from Feb 2014 and one from Dec 2013.).  If I'd had internet access, I could have more easily deduced my mods; instead I was forced to deconstruct and experiment (again!) to figure out what I'd done with the first sock.  Rest assured that everything was written down this time.  Ha ha!  After all, I may use the pattern again because it nicely controls the dreaded colour pooling that sometimes plagues variegated yarns.

The pretty coloursin my first lace shawl

And of course, there's the new project, my first lace shawl (aka the Oaklet Shawl which is a free pattern on Ravelry).  This has been great "mindless" knitting--a good take-along project when watching a movie or chatting over drinks at the cafe.  Sometimes it's just nice to do something simple that doesn't tax the ol' brain cells too much (although that'll probably change once I get to the lace border).

Now it's time to get back to the knitting.  There's lots to finish . . . 
Later, ;)

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. ;)

Oh My . . .

New projects!  I know I have lots on the needles already, but I wanted something new for my vacation projects.  If nothing else, I'm amply prepared--although seriously how much knitting will I get done?

I've already cast-on for the Dandy Neckerchief (Ravelry link) using the Patons Angora Bamboo.  Its a nice soft yarn--just right for a scarf.  Big plus for the pattern is that it starts at the point: I just keep knitting until I run out of yarn (although 400 yards should be plenty, right?).

Beginning of Dandy Neckerchief

And much to my surprise, I discovered extra balls of Patons Silk Bamboo: thought I only had 4, but in fact I had 7 of them!  Its the same yarn I used for my mom's lacy scarf back in Christmas 2009.  Instead of a scarf, I'm attempting a simple but shapely tank top: Soleil from Knitty Spring 2005.  Right now I'm still swatching: I either have to find smaller bamboos (only have 4.5mm, but probably need 3.75mm or 4.0mm); or I have to attempt a smaller size in the hopes that I end up with a bigger size.

Swatch for Soleil

I seriously doubt I'll have 'puter access while on vacation (my parents don't know much 'bout the internets, but at least they have air conditioning).  So there'll be "radio silence" whilst I visit with the family back in Ontario.  See you in a couple of weeks. :)

We Interrupt Regularly Scheduled Winter Blahs for . . .

Almost forgot: I finished my fern lace scarf! 

Well, I was done knitting the thing in November (see post here and here), but like everything else, left the finishing for later.  Determined to wear it over the holidays, I finally weaved in the ends and added some lovely fringe (a curly yarn that came with the kit from Lismore Sheep Farm). 

Whatcha think?  I love it!  The colours look smashing next to  my woolen black coat. And I can wrap it twice round my neck before knotting it.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled life . . .

Happy Knitting!

"Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful . . .

"But inside the knittin's delightful . . ."

Haha!  "Let It Snow" is my fave Christmas tune.  In fact, we've had our first wintery blast this week and today there's even more snow.

So as I hunker-down indoors, I'm desperately trying to finish my Fern & Waves Scarf--oh so close! 

I'm also trying to work on my Bernat project at the same time.  That's going more slowly than anticipated (and I can't really show you that progress, but rest assured it will show up on my Rav project page, my flickr page or wait till I post about it on Bernat blog).

To make matters worse interesting, my sock looks wonky.  I'm loving the 2x4 ribbing on the leg and the striping actually looks quite nice.  As for the cuff ribbing . . . well, that doesn't quite look as nice. 

Doesn't the cuff look really loose?  When I made the boys' socks, I always used 1x1 ribbing on smaller needles and then worked the leg on larger needles.  Sadly I didn't change needles with my own socks, so the leg's 2x4 ribbing looks more snug. 

So what does this all mean?  To the frog pond goes the sock!  I'll just re-cast and skip the 1x1 cuff and instead dive into the 2x4 ribbing.  That'll work.

Now I'm off to shovel more snow  :)

Blue-Green Loveliness

This was the quickest knit ever!  That's my lovely Fern Lace Scarf folded neatly--all 60 inches of it!  After I weave in the ends, I'll attach a fringe.  The kit came with curly locks made from 78% mohair, 13% wool and 9% nylon.  Me thinks a fringe will finish off my scarf very nicely.

With regard to blocking, I'm not sure exactly how to proceed.  Most of my handknits have been acrylics, so blocking hasn't been an issue.  After I'm done, I launder the item and never think about it again.

I'm sure an online search will yield loads of information (heck Ravelry will probably contain all that I need to know) .  But I'll have to wait till the weekend (no time or energy during the week).  Besides, the weekend would be the best time to borrow some foam tiles/mats upon which I will pin my blue-green loveliness.

Whilst I wait for the weekend, back to me knittin' ;)

It Grows (or Learn to Love the Curl)

I was gonna write about my lack of knitting this week, but in truth I've been working on my silky-alpaca scarf.  A little knitting during naptime, at lunch and in the evening as the boys got ready for bed.  Sure enough the thing has grown to approximately 37".  Not bad for a few days of sporadic knitting (Christmas knitting and Bernat knitting momentarily on hold).

At one point I frogged what little I had for fear that it would be too short (after all, I only have 175m worth of yarn.  I think that works out to just over 191yds).  Promptly I cast-on with 24 stitches instead of my original 28 stitches, eliminating the 2-stitch garter edging on each side.  The edge was curling just the same, so what the heck?  Eliminate it and learn to love the curl.

Two things I'm loving: the feel of the yarn in my hands and the colour effects.  The green pops out against the blue.  It had looked lovely in the skein, but not as pretty when wound into a ball.  What a pleasant surprise to see the colours mingle and coalesce as the eyelet curves to and fro across the scarf: bright greens, deep aqua, navy and cerulean--almost like blue waves over tropical sands.  Very pretty.

Here's hoping you're happily knitting on something special too. :)

Feels LIke Heaven . . .

Whilst my toddlers napped away, I cast on for the Fern Lace Scarf.  The original pattern had 56 stitches in lace weight.  It would be nice to make it a little more wider, but I don't have much yarn.  I'd rather have a long narrow scarf than a wide short one, so I only cast on 28 stitches (24 stiches for one pattern repeat with 2 stitches worth of garter edging on either side).  I hope it reaches a decent length.  The skein is only 175m.  Wonder how much length that will give me?

I must confess that the alpaca-silk-merino blend is yummy--so incredibly soft (heaven help us if I get addicted to this stuff!) And I absolutely love the warmth of the hand-crafted birch needles.

It feels like heaven ;)

One Down. Two to Go.

The fishtail scarf made from Paton's Silk Bamboo is finally finished.  Hallelujah!  And I was right in my calculations:  it reaches approximately 52 inches unblocked (perhaps I can squeeze out another inch or two with blocking?).  A deep sense of relief washed over me as I cast off the final stitch.  Perhaps it was because this scarf started off as something else here and then had to be ripped out; maybe it was because other projects seemed more interesting; or maybe its 'cuz this one is for my mom and I was plagued by doubts over whether she would truly appreciate it . . . .  At least I only have two other items left to finish for Christmas and then I can focus on other projects--non-holiday related projects.

There's a big bag of Christmas knits that need darned ends or a little seaming or perhaps a button or two, but at least I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I'm actually quite proud of myself for having completed so much and for staying some what on the long and narrow path--and it was a long, long path 'cuz my Christmas knitting began in August! 

Happy knitting :)

Happy Knits

Just had to share.  Remember I'd taught my boys to knit a little while back (blogged about it here)?  One of my boys finally finished his project!  He was so proud of himself (and rightly so).  I promised him I'd share his handy work online for all to admire.  Here's teddy with his new garter stitch scarf.

Yes, there's a dropped stitch that needs repairing.  The stitches are wildly uneven, but he improved towards the end and kept his tension more consistent (I gotta admire his perseverance).  The ends still need to be weaved in and I'm trying to convince the wee one that fringe would look nice (of course I'm only making more work for myself 'cuz I'm the one who's gonna have to put it on) .  Still not bad for a newbie. 

My son is already making plans for his next project.  He wants to make a hat for teddy.  After that, he's hoping to work on a blanket--for teddy I hope. 

I Got Nothing (or How I Learned to Love ALL My Hand-Knits)

Yeah, I got nothing.  No FOs to speak of **sniff, sniff**  Yet I've been knitting in ernest.  Finished part of a "secret project"  which hopefully I can reveal in the coming days (being ever so patient but its sooooo hard).

I suppose I could show the two fingers of the second glove that is awaiting more attention (boring).  Or I could show the lace scarf that is growing ever so slowly (more boring).

Instead I'll show something I've been wearing the last month.  Last fall I fell into "knitter's limbo": wanting to knit yet being unable to get jazzed about any project.  So after I made a few hats for charity, I thought I'd tackle a scarf (something I had NEVER made during all my years knitting).  My intent was to use up some stash yarn (leftovers of Paton's Divine and Bernat Softee Chunky from other projects).  With no real pattern to follow, I cast-on and worked a simple hurdle stitch (check out my Ravelry project link).  Unfortunately when all was said and done, my scarf disappointed: too wide and not long enough **sigh** 

To make matters worse,  I had developed an annoying cough and thought mohair in the yarn was the culprit (turns out my meds caused the cough--stupid side effect!).  Still, the scarf sat at the back of the closet.  I was loathe to dispose of it and there was no way I was gonna frog it 'cuz I'm just too persnickety when it comes to weaving in ends (that thing was not gonna unravel without a fight).  So it waited.  And waited.  Until . . .

Cold weather arrives.  I walk to work most days (about 30-minute trek).  It can be mighty cold on a windy day.  Enter "the scarf".  

She has served me well.  Lesson learned: part with no hand-knits.  They will someday find love. ;)