knits and knitability

Top Ten Things I Learned This Year

2009-12-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

10. All increases are NOT created equal.

9. Just because something can be knit doesn't mean it should.

8. When faced with opposition of the aggressive type you'll never lose when you respond in LOVE.
7. I would rather have crab grass than no grass at all.

6. Marriage is work.....no matter who you're married to...if it isn't, you're not doing it right. (The same applies to children.)
5. Having a real tree in the living room is kind of a cruel thing to do to dogs and toddlers.
4. Never leave my toddler alone with a chair. He can get into all kinds of mischief to put it mildly.
3. Neighbors can be good things.

2. I need some Ravelry time limits. :-)

1. When someone comes around promising change no matter how charismatic they are make sure its the kind of change you want before you consent.

Merry Christmas!

There Is No Such Thing As "Spare Time"

2009-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

There just don't seem to be enough hours in a day to accomplish all I'd like to do. So I'll have to settle for prioritizing my projects and my time. Ugh! Christmas is fast approaching. I've made jewelry for my sisters and mother this year. I think they've gotten a little tired of knitted gifts. We'll see if they are happy or disappointed. My hubby requested I design him a sweater coat. I get tons of wear out of mine and now he wants one. So its not that big of a deal except he wears a 2X and its a COAT. So its getting pretty heavy (100% peruvian wool) eh hm....and I'm really tired of the design pattern already. Thank the LORD I finally figured out how to cable without a needle or this would be a Christmas 2010 present.

We did finally finish the chairs, and they are well loved already baby!

My grandmother requested I make her a bib. Apparently in the retirement community she lives in they are all the rage. Here's a picture. The pattern will be up on Ravelry tonight I'm sure.

Anywho, I have Christmas cookies and yulecaka to make. Hoorah!

And just a peek at the hubby sweater sketch....

Yippee! The set is finished!

2009-11-16T06:43:00.001-08:00

I didn't think he'd do it. The first chair took a couple of weeks to motivate him to finish. Lo' and behold he goes and gets the materials for the second chair and even designed the table at midnight to complete the set. I'm blessed. :-)

I'm out in this quarter issue of Cast On. Its the November 2009-January 2010 issue if anyone is interested. You can look for retailers here.

Here is the hat in Trekking XXL.

My Birthday Present

2009-11-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

My man made this for me for my birthday this year. After much consideration I've decided to stain them instead of painting them. I so prefer the natural design of the wood to painting these days. Hopefully soon this adirondack chair will be accompanied by another adirondack chair and an adirondack table for my porch. I'm so excited. He did such a great job.

When Creativity Gets Frustrating

2009-11-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

We're coming up on my third published pattern. The first two were a breeze. The third has turned out to be quite a bit more frustrating. A few times I've gotten to those moments when you just want to throw the knitting across the room, use your needles for darts at the computer screen and say "forget it". The problem is that I enjoy this so much I can't stop myself. So I push past the frustration and go for it. I guess I'm addicted to it now. I knit the Veronique Avery's Lace Ribbon Scarf just to prove to myself I could still knit someone else's pattern. I've submitted a pattern to Knitty more than a month ago. I still haven't heard back from them. People on Ravelry keep telling me that the long wait usually means good news and a quick response is usually a reject. I guess we'll see soon. I have a mountain of stacked designs in my head just itching to get on my needles. My husband wants me to design him a cardigan for Christmas. I just finished a lovely vest I'm calling The Lady of Chalot. I can't show all these designs anymore on my blog because most companies want pattern submissions that haven't been shown anywhere. So you'll have to take my word for it. Its adorable. I've got a fairisle baby sweater pattern I'll be sending off to another magazine shortly. I've got to design a size up for it. My 5 year old saw it and claims he must have one. It is pretty cute. Its called Beach Baby. I've been sewing dresses for my daughter and myself for the past three days. My back has been hurting so much I had to get up from the knitting for a bit and sew something. Winter is almost here and with it comes the necessity for sweaters and knit socks. I only wish I could knit faster.

Cell Phone Cozy

2009-08-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a new free pattern for you guys.
Cell Phone Cozy
By: Christine H. Wilkins
Okay, so I know you’re saying to yourself, “A cell phone cozy, does my
phone really need a cozy and why should I take my precious time to
knit it one?”
Reasons to knit your cell phone a cozy:
Your cell phone works hard for your every day…What have you done
for “it” lately?
The tea pot has a cozy, the Ipod has a cozy, even the coffee mug has a
cozy. All day, every day your cell phone has to know that it’s the only
appliance now without apparel.
Just look how snug and warm the cell phone in the picture looks. You
really don’t want your cell phone to catch any of those crazy viruses
out there.
For less than ten cents a day you can support your cell phone (and
others like it) by taking a few moments a day to knit a round or two
towards helping your cell phone have a brighter and happier future.
Really? I mean, don’t we have enough knitted “things” by now…its all
about the yarn addiction baby, and you know it.
Materials:
Leftover sock yarn (Regia), about enough for one baby sock (2oz.?)
Color “Rio”,
Co 48 sts
K 3 rounds.
*Yo, k2 tog*, repeat to the end of round.
Knit plain stock st rounds to 4 “from co edge or to just a “tad” longer
than your cell phone.
Turn your work inside out and bo off all sts using the three needle
bind off method.
Seam co edge to inside of cozy so that your picoted edge becomes the
opening edge.
Enjoy!

You Learn Something New Every Day

2009-08-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

Atleast I feel like I learn something new every day. A few days ago my mother in law (also a knitter) sent me this interesting "Flat Feet" product. Anyone seen one of these before. Maybe I'm just behind on the times. That wouldn't shock me at all. I had never seen one and can't wait to come up with a pattern for this yarn. I was thinking maybe striped with black yarn? Hmmm. Any ideas?

I had some left over Regia sock yarn I thought I'd use for something little. Here ya go....a cell phone cozy. Its all I had enough yarn for. I'll put it up as a free pattern on Ravelry soon just in case anyone else is interested.

So glad its cooling down some here. This heat is oppresive. I'm thinking next year we'll get the a/c fixed. :-)

They Just Keep Comin'

2009-06-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

I barely finish a garment I've designed and a new pattern pops into my head. I hastily and nervously pick up my pencil and begin sketching a new idea. I get excited about the new design and either put down my current project to see if the new one will work out or finish it with speed knitting in order to move on to the next new design. This seems to be the pattern lately. No pun intended. :-) They just keep coming.

I was reminiscing the other day about how my first project designed in the round consisted of a gazillion yo's. This, due to the misinformation that all increases were yo's. Can I get a big OOOPS!?! Needless to say back then I just filled all those tiny holes in with thread. Duh! Now, these days I much prefer a good lifted increase to any other method. For some reason I'm attracted to the way things fan out with the lifted increases, there are very discreet discrepencies in the knitting and it has a sorta relaxing rythm to it that keeps my knitting peaceful.

These two new projects are a result of some yarn bought for me for mother's day. I don't think I need to tell you they were out of the package and on my needles before anyone could say "what's for dinner mom?"

Why Is Knitting For Babies So Much Fun?

2009-08-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

I can start a new design or something for myself and it seems to take forever, but along comes a cute little baby and the knitting just flies! I was babysitting a cute little bundle this week which also happened to be her birthday. Lucky me! I got inspired by the cute little fat rolls and big blue eyes.

On the other hand I have ripped/frogged about a dozen different designs that started off pretty cool but sorta petered out toward the middle. I dunno what's got into me. I seem to have knitters block or something. I finished the Ribbon Lace Scarf by Veronik Avery last week for a friend's birthday. That was fun. It was actually a relief to knit someone else's design for a change. It was almost like taking a vacation from designing. Have I knitted the heck outta the fun of designing? I hope not. I'll be out in the winter issue of Cast On. I'd like to be in the following issue as well. We'll see.....maybe its the heat? Hmmmm...I'll blame it on the heat. :-)

Its Out!

2009-07-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

The waiting is over. My pattern is finally out in the fall issue of Cast On. These are some lousy pictures...but some of my friends wanna see. Right? It isn't a fancy pattern. I know. I'm a little nervous that there will be alot of errors or something lame like that. Thanks for all the input and support you guys!

Mates

2009-07-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

I scrapped the last blue cotton sweater. The lattice (I felt) was just gonna be too stretchy for the sleeves. I was concerned that with regular wear it would get all droopy. I am really loving this plaited sleeve though. Tell me whatcha think! Also, gratuitous pic of my Phoebe's new mate. Of course he's gotta get a little older, but ain't he cute??? He is a present for my daughter who cut off ten inches of her hair to send to Locks of Love. We were so proud of her. It was all her idea. She couldn't bear the thought that some little girls didn't have any hair at all.

This apple pie was made by substituting half of the normal white flour for whole wheat. It came out lovely!

And I Thought I Was Taking a Break

2009-05-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Lacrosse season is over and Woo Hoo...I'll miss it though....all those knitted dishcloths during practice.

Usually I take a break from knitting in the spring/summer months. Let's face it, when it gets to the hotter months its just no fun having a lump of wool in your lap especially if you live in humid places. Nevertheless, I just can't stop myself this year. I am getting published again! ....in Cast On Winter issue. So don't forget to buy fall and winter Cast On issues. ;-) I am designing a top down, in the round raglan sweater for myself hopefully to be published at a later date in a book? That's my sorta extravagant idea. Now that my second pattern has been accepted I gotta knit up the garment for the magazine. They sent me this lovely yarn from Kollage so aptly named "Scrumptuous". It is sooooo soft and yummy. I know the price is outta my league, but if you guys can afford it....go for it. The color is so rich and genuine.

Back to the top down raglan for a second....the short rows underneath the armpits really gave me a bother. That is putting it nicely I assure you. I got on ravelry and asked everyone I could bother about it. I searched You Tube for videos explaining short row hole closures. It just wasn't working for what I was trying to make it do. I kept ending up with the dang HOLES. Blast! So, what finally figured out is that it just takes some fiddling with. I did the wrap and turns, but I also on subsequent rows lifted stitches from behind the holes and knit them together with stitches. It ain't perfect. In fact, I think I was hoping for totally invisible short rows. However, in light of it all it does seem to work into the sorta decreases I want to do on the body shaping part so all is not lost. Yea!
Here's a peek at the progress and the short rows.

Just some little remnants. I ALWAYS try to used them. I hate waste.

Spring Projects

2009-05-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't taken on any big knitting projects for a while. My hubby and I are in the middle of making a window seat for my daughter's bedroom. It isn't much to see at the moment. Our family is getting a kitten in three weeks from a friend. I made her a bunch of ballband dishcloths as a "thank you". I think I need a break from dishcloths now. Phew!

Free "Kitty" Eye Patch Pattern As Promised

2009-04-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

“Kitty” (eye patch)
“Kitty” is an eye patch designed for my daughter who has a lazy eye. “Kitty” can also be used as a headband.
Materials: Left over Sockottta sock yarn, size 1 dpns, tapestry needle
“Kitty” is described here as a one size fits all pattern. However, it would be easy to size up if you just added more length to your I-cord.
Ears are worked first, one at a time and left on the needle together
First ear
-*CO three sts
-knit in stockinette stitch for three rows
-on fourth row K1, Inc 1, K1, Inc 1, K1
-work fifth through eighth rows in stock stitch
-ninth row K2, Inc1, K1, Inc1, K2
-work 10-13 rows in stock stitch
-14th row knit across all sts and leave on needle*
Second ear
-Repeat from *-*
Head
-Having both finished ears on the same needle begin on ws by purling across all sts joining them together
-Knit 2 rows in stock stitch
-Next row, (RS) K2, Inc1, six times total
-Work 17 rows in stock stitch
-Next row (RS) decrease 1 stitch each end of every row 7 x’s
-bind off
Repeat these instructions for a second head and use a contrasting color.
Make an I-cord for the strap. I used a 9 stitch I-cord that is approximately 14 inches long. Embroider your cat eyes, nose and mouth on the front of the faces (RS). Turn faces together inside out and stitch them together leaving ½ “ opening
at kitty eye level for sewing in the I-cord. Seam in your I-cord and you’re done!

"Henley Perfected" in "Whiskey"

2009-04-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

So, I finally finished my Henley Perfected from Interweave Knits magazine. I love, love, loved the Reynolds Whiskey in this pattern. However, even though I got gauge the sweater is a little snug. I'd prefer atleast a half inch of ease all the way around. I don't wear sweaters unless I wear a tshirt or a camisole underneath so the itchiness of Whiskey won't bother me. If you're thinking of doing Henley Perfected in Whiskey I suggest you take into account the "itch" factor. The color is Tobacco and is just lovely in the light. I don't know if you can see it well enough here. I finally sent off my finished pattern to Cast On magazine. I pray pray pray there are NO mistakes in it. I guess we'll see. I did tell you I'd post the free pattern for my eye patch. I will get around to that soon. I have been busy refinishing old furniture and doing the usual spring time sprucing up around here. Isn't spring great? With the help of some great new Hawaian coffee my husband ordered everything is shaping up nicely. :-) My next big tackle is exams this week. Bleh.

Thanks Mason -Dixon Ladies

2009-04-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

I was given a beautiful set of dining room chairs by my neighbor. One man's (or woman's in this case) trash is another man's treasure. Right? So I wanted to knit her something quick and easy to say thank you. I had wanted to knit the ballband dishcloths from Mason-Dixon Knitting for a while now. I knit her three and gave her a bar of all purpose hand-made soap (made by a friend). Then I started knitting some for myself. Now I have the pattern memorized along with my favorite sock pattern. I think I can knit these in my sleep now. Ha. :-)

In addition to that I have been totally into this today. I want to finish my window box maybe with somethings from the sewing and gardening sections.

Winter is over...hopefully.

2009-03-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

With all the cold weather we had this year we only had one good snow day to show for it. We were able to build a snowman, and our great pyrenees just thought he was in heaven.

I'm a little cold shy though. Thank God spring is on its way!!! I am so looking forward to warmer days. Still, the winter gave me time to work more with my Breadman machine. On the days my kids have lacrosse and baseball I can time the Breadman so that fresh baked bread is done the minute I walk in the door. How nice. I also made some cinnamon buns. The dough was made in the breadman. They were delicious.

I am finally done knitting up the garment for my pattern in the fall issue of Cast On. I just need to type up the pattern now and send the bugger off. Thank you for all the kind words and congratulations. I feel undeserving as there are so many more talented knitters than myself out there...eh hem....eh, Eunny Jang...for instance. Still, people like that inspire me. I appreciate great artisans. Happy Spring everyone!!!

Projects in The Works and a Free Pattern

2009-03-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

As stated earlier I am getting published for the first time. The yarn they sent was waaaay off gauge, but I was not inclined to complain as this is my first attempt at submitting a pattern and product. It has a taken a bit of tweeking my original pattern (in aran weight silk) for the yarn they sent (a fingering weight milk/wool). It helps that the yarn they sent has a wonderfully soft and luxurious feel to it. It makes the frustration easier to deal with. ;-)

Just look at that squishy, yummy goodness. Its Kollage 1/2 N 1/2. I had never used yarn made of milk before.

Just a sneak peek. :-)

My other little project I will post here for anyone who might be interested. It was inspired by my daughter's hating to wear her eye patch (due to a lazy eye). The eye patches are ugly and plain...you know, not girly. So I decided to knit her one. I was first concerned about the fibers getting into her eye. Knit tightly and using a cotton blend helped this problem. This patch is reverseable and cute (imo). I will post the finished product soon.
Cute little kitty heads.

...and an I-cord.

My last photo is just an update on my "Perfected Henley" from Interweave Knits Mag. I only have the sleeves to finish, but what can I say??? I get kinda flighty when i comes to finishing these things sometimes. I was so excited to do my project for Cast On that I put it on hold. Hopefully it will be done and I'll be able to wear it before it gets too warm out. :-) I'm hoping blocking is gonna do wonders for this puppy.

If anyone knows how to publish patterns for free on Ravelry and has a moment to explain this process to me I'd love the input. Thanks.

Woo Hoo! I'm getting published!

2009-03-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited, thrilled and nervous. I'm getting published in Cast On magazine. I hope you guys will buy the issue. I'll let ya know which one it is as soon as I find out. I just received my acceptance email today. :-)

Lovin The Soft Stars

2009-03-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

I bought my first child a pair of soft star mocassins 13 years ago in a little orgainic grocery store in Nashville, Tennessee. I loved them so much, and they seemed so cozy on my little guy (now size 12 1/2 wide!!!) that I kept buying him pair after pair over the years. Now I have a sort of "collection" of Soft Star mocs. We have black ones, brown ones, ones with crepe bottoms and those with soft fuzzy fur inside. I liked them so much that I convinced my grandparents to get a pair especially made for themselves. I purchased a very large order of about 20 pairs with my natural families group years ago. Currently, we have 8 pair in several different sizes. My two youngest children now 4 and 1 have inherited these shoes. Amazingly, they have done well over the years, and I get to see my little ones wearing these adorable little mocassins all over again. Soft Star shoes is owned by some pretty neat people, and I highly recommend their products for the little people in your life. They are here if you are interested. *Of course the best combination is hand knitted socks WITH your Soft Star shoes. :-)

Twin Sons of Different Mothers

2009-02-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

I have observed that there are many bloggers out there that post pictures of their cats. So I felt obliged to post a pic of my own two kitties.

And what they would look like if they were humans.

She Likes It

2009-02-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

I have knitted a few things for my niece. This is the only item she sent pictures of herself in it. I am assuming that means SHE LIKES IT. Ain't she pretty though? She's such a sweet girl. I had to post her pretty picture here.

New Patterns in The Works

2009-02-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share to projects I am currently working on and hopefully will publish somewhere. If nobody wants them anywhere I will just publish them here. :-) No worries. I just like sharing the ideas that pop into my brain. I am currently working on a fair isle sweater for my 1 year old shown here in gray and cream. THe design was inspired by reading that originally all Norweigan stranded contrast knitting was done in black and white. I thought I'd give it a go. The tan colored yarn was salvaged from an old sweater of my father's that was always to big for me to wear. My father died a few years ago at a fairly young age. I still miss him. I thought it would be nice to be able to wear atleast the yarn so I ripped it and designed my own sweater. The multi colored baby sweater is done just from some scraps I had around here. It was also designed by myself. These are some preview pictures. More to come later.

Ahhh....babies.

2009-01-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

Why are babies so fun to knit for? Is it because they are just so deliciously yummy and cute? or is that the knits are always quick and satisfying. Either/or, I just love knitting for babies even when the baby in question is not my own.

Adventures in Dog House Making

2009-01-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

Almost the beginning...atleast where I remembered to take pictures.

All products tested by a four year old!

The finished product!

My husband and I are pretty impulsive people at times. We had been talking about buying a doghouse for quite a while. Our great pyrenees isn't the brainiest of dogs. He usually hasn't the sense to stay sheltered during incliment weather. Still...he deserves a place of his own. He'd eat my house if I let him in. He's huge. My guess is that he's about 130-135 lbs now. He's only a year old. So it started last weekend when we decided we'd use some scraps to make a house for him. We decided we'd forgo the plans and put our heads together. I was so pleased with the results I had to post and share.