Status:
- entrelac scarf -- slow going, as I'm using it as my train project. I can get about one row of diamonds done per train trip (2 rows per round trip). Right now the whole of the thing is about 12-15 inches long, but considering the fact that I like *long* scarfs, this might take a while
- Spiraling Coralis socks -- These socks started off on one set of needles so I could ensure that they would be knit exactly the same. But, I had to break up the socks into two separate needles after it got past the ankle, due to the need to constantly shift stitches around for the spiraling band up the sock. Having them both on one set of needles wasn't working too well, and I had to frog at one point because the band wasn't spiraling correctly.
I decided that these would be knee high socks, so it'll take a while to finish; they are primarily sitting by my desk in between moments of waiting for WoW BGs or waiting for images to finish printing.
One skein was enough for slightly higher than ankle socks, and I'm glad I had bought 2 skeins so I could opt to make the knee high versions. However, I doubt I'll need the whole of the 2nd skein. I'll probably make a small matching pair of hand warmers or some such.
I'm trying very hard to keep them exactly the same. The calf increases are every 3 rounds, so I'm stopping after a set of increases to go do the next sock.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Replacement Book
Yesterday, the book I had to re-order (because I lost it on the plane) came through! Now, I can finish my damn socks. And I've been wearing my other finished socks, which are nice, warm, and toasty. I'm rather pleased with them.
While I was waiting for that particular book to come in, I decided to cast-on an entrelac scarf using the Noro Silk Garden Lite I had picked up (silk, mohair, lambs wool). I love the variegated colors of the yarn, which is working perfectly with the entrelac scarf.
I'm getting used to the entrelac pattern; there is a pattern for four different types of rows (start & end rows, and the two rows (K&P side) that make up the inside of the entrelac.) Once you have memorized the pattern for either the Knit or Purl row, it's relatively easy.
However, if I'm totally ignoring what I'm doing or get too distracted, I will screw up a section. I've had to frog back parts of it, because I realized that I was doing the wrong row pattern. Luckily, each 'weave' section of the entrelac is self-containing and I usually catch myself before I get too far along.
While I was waiting for that particular book to come in, I decided to cast-on an entrelac scarf using the Noro Silk Garden Lite I had picked up (silk, mohair, lambs wool). I love the variegated colors of the yarn, which is working perfectly with the entrelac scarf.
I'm getting used to the entrelac pattern; there is a pattern for four different types of rows (start & end rows, and the two rows (K&P side) that make up the inside of the entrelac.) Once you have memorized the pattern for either the Knit or Purl row, it's relatively easy.
However, if I'm totally ignoring what I'm doing or get too distracted, I will screw up a section. I've had to frog back parts of it, because I realized that I was doing the wrong row pattern. Luckily, each 'weave' section of the entrelac is self-containing and I usually catch myself before I get too far along.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Trip Knitting
On the trip to Moab,AZ, I brought two knitting projects to keep me busy. I ended up knitting mostly on the plane, with only minor knitting at the end of the long day while I was waiting for the photos to download onto the computer.
For one project, I started yet another sock project, but this time it was two socks at a time. I cast-on while still at home the night before I left, so I could work out all the twisty and tangles that I *knew* was going to happen.
First, I put the single cake of yarn in a old nylon so that I could knit from two ends of the cake without getting tangled. Then, I ended up frogging 4x before I got it right. I tried to do the magic loop with two socks. It ended up a tangled mess, so I gave up on THAT idea (especially since I can't do any magic loop with a SINGLE project, let alone two!). I opted for two circular needles instead.
I frogged THAT 3x before I got it right. I couldn't figure out why I was getting tangled. It would have helped if I had two different colored needles or cable to figure out which needle went to what, but since I was going on a plane, I needed to use my wooden needle sets....which are, unfortunately, exactly the same. *sigh*
Once I got that cast onto the needles and worked 3-4 rows without tangling, I worked up both toes (and all the increases for that) and left the foot length (just before the arch expansion) for the plane as there really is no increase for the rounds.
I had forgotten to photocopy the actual pattern from my book, so I brought the whole book (to my complete and utter detriment because I *forgot* the book on the plane on the last leg of the trip home. So I had to order another one so I can finish the damn socks (plus I actually really do like the book))
Now that the socks are past the early set of rows, it's relatively easy to knit both socks at once (until I do a brain dead manuever and use the wrong circ needle, which then leaves me with both socks on one circ needle, but luckily, it's an easy fix). Now, I don't have to worry too much about getting both socks *exactly* the same. Previous, each sock was just *slightly* different from the other (either a little long in the foot or leg), but not enough for anyone to notice...except for me.
In addition to the socks, I brought a simpler project -- a moebius cowl -- which totally appeals to the mathematician side of me (I double majored in CS & Math). It's a simple knit & purl combination of rows worked in a simple 3-6-9 pattern (3k, 3p, 6k, 3p, 9k, 3p, 9k, 3p, 6k, 3p, 3k). I cast on several days before the trip (using Cat Bordhi's YouTube video on casting on a moebius), and got about 4 inches into the project. It's worked on a single long circular needle with a twist to get the moebius effect. There's no dangling needles and it packs up pretty darn compact.
What's nice about this project is that it's really simple and mindless, and can be taken in-and-out of the bag relatively easy and you really don't need to think about where you are...just look at either a purl or knit row. Consequently, it was a nice trip project to bring in for the airport, or when you know that you don't need to concentrate all that much. I'm currently using the tencel/merino yarn I bought at Stitches and it's just absolutely lvely to work with.
Both projects were small enough (or wrapped small enough) to fit into the backpack with room to spare. The small REI stuff sacks were absolutely perfect to use, as they're nylon and I don't have to worry about the needles poking through...plus they just pack small.
For one project, I started yet another sock project, but this time it was two socks at a time. I cast-on while still at home the night before I left, so I could work out all the twisty and tangles that I *knew* was going to happen.
First, I put the single cake of yarn in a old nylon so that I could knit from two ends of the cake without getting tangled. Then, I ended up frogging 4x before I got it right. I tried to do the magic loop with two socks. It ended up a tangled mess, so I gave up on THAT idea (especially since I can't do any magic loop with a SINGLE project, let alone two!). I opted for two circular needles instead.
I frogged THAT 3x before I got it right. I couldn't figure out why I was getting tangled. It would have helped if I had two different colored needles or cable to figure out which needle went to what, but since I was going on a plane, I needed to use my wooden needle sets....which are, unfortunately, exactly the same. *sigh*
Once I got that cast onto the needles and worked 3-4 rows without tangling, I worked up both toes (and all the increases for that) and left the foot length (just before the arch expansion) for the plane as there really is no increase for the rounds.
I had forgotten to photocopy the actual pattern from my book, so I brought the whole book (to my complete and utter detriment because I *forgot* the book on the plane on the last leg of the trip home. So I had to order another one so I can finish the damn socks (plus I actually really do like the book))
Now that the socks are past the early set of rows, it's relatively easy to knit both socks at once (until I do a brain dead manuever and use the wrong circ needle, which then leaves me with both socks on one circ needle, but luckily, it's an easy fix). Now, I don't have to worry too much about getting both socks *exactly* the same. Previous, each sock was just *slightly* different from the other (either a little long in the foot or leg), but not enough for anyone to notice...except for me.
In addition to the socks, I brought a simpler project -- a moebius cowl -- which totally appeals to the mathematician side of me (I double majored in CS & Math). It's a simple knit & purl combination of rows worked in a simple 3-6-9 pattern (3k, 3p, 6k, 3p, 9k, 3p, 9k, 3p, 6k, 3p, 3k). I cast on several days before the trip (using Cat Bordhi's YouTube video on casting on a moebius), and got about 4 inches into the project. It's worked on a single long circular needle with a twist to get the moebius effect. There's no dangling needles and it packs up pretty darn compact.
What's nice about this project is that it's really simple and mindless, and can be taken in-and-out of the bag relatively easy and you really don't need to think about where you are...just look at either a purl or knit row. Consequently, it was a nice trip project to bring in for the airport, or when you know that you don't need to concentrate all that much. I'm currently using the tencel/merino yarn I bought at Stitches and it's just absolutely lvely to work with.
Both projects were small enough (or wrapped small enough) to fit into the backpack with room to spare. The small REI stuff sacks were absolutely perfect to use, as they're nylon and I don't have to worry about the needles poking through...plus they just pack small.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
I have a 2nd Sock!
Well, the matching pair is done. Unfortunately, the second pair is a little "off". I messed up the heel turn, probably because I wasn't paying attention to the darn pattern. The heel is a little square-er than the other sock (which fits perfectly) which then slightly shortened up the reinforced back heel. Bugger.
The sock *fits*, but feels slightly funny at the back of the heel. I'm not about to frog the whole of it back to the heel, so I'll keep them as house socks. I *knew* I should have tried on the sock while making it (like I did the first one), so this serves as an object lesson.
And, it also speaks volumes for actually knitting BOTH damn things at once. So, lessons learned for the next sock.
Photo of the unblocked 1st sock (which fits), so it looks a bit funny shaped:
(Hmm....and why does my photo have a *red* cast to it? Must look at the finished web image later, because the original doesn't....)
The sock *fits*, but feels slightly funny at the back of the heel. I'm not about to frog the whole of it back to the heel, so I'll keep them as house socks. I *knew* I should have tried on the sock while making it (like I did the first one), so this serves as an object lesson.
And, it also speaks volumes for actually knitting BOTH damn things at once. So, lessons learned for the next sock.
Photo of the unblocked 1st sock (which fits), so it looks a bit funny shaped:
(Hmm....and why does my photo have a *red* cast to it? Must look at the finished web image later, because the original doesn't....)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I Have a Sock!
I finished up my sock tonite, AND it fits. So, go me!
The sock yarn I used from Blue Moon is a great yarn. This pattern would have been probably better if it was a solid color to show off the stitches better, but they're still nice. The pattern book is pretty nice, showing you the mathematics of making socks that actually *fit* you with your measurements. It appeals to the costumer in me. :-)
It's always good to finish *something*.
Now, I have to actually finish the OTHER sock, but that can wait until tomorrow. Eventually, I probably should learn how to cast on two socks at once so I can finish both at the same time.
The sock yarn I used from Blue Moon is a great yarn. This pattern would have been probably better if it was a solid color to show off the stitches better, but they're still nice. The pattern book is pretty nice, showing you the mathematics of making socks that actually *fit* you with your measurements. It appeals to the costumer in me. :-)
It's always good to finish *something*.
Now, I have to actually finish the OTHER sock, but that can wait until tomorrow. Eventually, I probably should learn how to cast on two socks at once so I can finish both at the same time.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wrist Warmers
I finished the body of the singular wrist-warmers (Dashing from Knitty.com) that I started last week. I still need to do the thumb, and the matching pair.
The Alpaca yarn I got from Stitches is working up well, and is a wonderful color. I'm actually quite pleased with it, and it promises to be warm.
However, now I'm ever-so-slightly paranoid about losing them, now that I've seem to lost one half of two pairs of gloves (cheap tho they were) somewhere between the SF train station and work. Oofda.
After trying out A's KnitPicks interchangeables and *really* liked them, so I went ahead and ordered a set for myself. I am now waiting for them to arrive so I can give A back her set.
I have also discovered that I have a tendency to cast-off TOO TIGHTLY. I noticed this on scarves, but really noticed it on the baby socks I had created. I need to remember to switch out to a bigger needle when casting-off.
The Alpaca yarn I got from Stitches is working up well, and is a wonderful color. I'm actually quite pleased with it, and it promises to be warm.
However, now I'm ever-so-slightly paranoid about losing them, now that I've seem to lost one half of two pairs of gloves (cheap tho they were) somewhere between the SF train station and work. Oofda.
After trying out A's KnitPicks interchangeables and *really* liked them, so I went ahead and ordered a set for myself. I am now waiting for them to arrive so I can give A back her set.
I have also discovered that I have a tendency to cast-off TOO TIGHTLY. I noticed this on scarves, but really noticed it on the baby socks I had created. I need to remember to switch out to a bigger needle when casting-off.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Sock Book & Needles
I started going through the book I had purchased at Stitches. (New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One
). So far, so good.
She has little "exercises" -- knitting baby socks since they're quick, don't require a lot of yarn, and can generally be useful. I'll probably have more than a few baby socks by the time I'm done. So, any friend who is expecting will probably get baby socks from me. LOL
As part of this exercise, I'm also:
1) trying out the interchangeable knitting set lent to me by [info]amiwithani
2) trying out two circular needles to knit socks
For #2, it took several cast-on tries to actually get the hang of it. The first two times, I fudged, frogged, and started over again. Once I wasn't even knitting in the round. I eventually did it correctly. However, it's taking some getting used to, but I think I like it better than the DPNs. I don't feel like I'm going to poke an eye out.
For #1, I opted for using two pairs of needles: one wood, one nickel-plated (the same size), just so I could get a feel for both sets while making a baby sock.
Nickel-plated: DEFINITELY easier to use on the acrylic yarn. However, there are times it's too "slippery" for my taste and then there are other times when it's really very nice to have the slip. It makes things go faster (subjectively, of course)
Wood: I definitely do like how they feel. I like the fact that the needles have a much more sharpened point than the nickel-plated AND my bamboo ones. It's easier to pick up stitches and the like. Plus, I like the coloration. :-D
Cable: Stays tightly onto the needle, even with me shoving them into my bag for my train commute.
Conclusion: I'll probably buy the wood interchangeable set, and get a few nickel plated ones for the needles I use most just to round things out. Plus, it's definitely easier to figure out which needle you're working on using 2 Circs on socks when the needles are different.
). So far, so good.She has little "exercises" -- knitting baby socks since they're quick, don't require a lot of yarn, and can generally be useful. I'll probably have more than a few baby socks by the time I'm done. So, any friend who is expecting will probably get baby socks from me. LOL
As part of this exercise, I'm also:
1) trying out the interchangeable knitting set lent to me by [info]amiwithani
2) trying out two circular needles to knit socks
For #2, it took several cast-on tries to actually get the hang of it. The first two times, I fudged, frogged, and started over again. Once I wasn't even knitting in the round. I eventually did it correctly. However, it's taking some getting used to, but I think I like it better than the DPNs. I don't feel like I'm going to poke an eye out.
For #1, I opted for using two pairs of needles: one wood, one nickel-plated (the same size), just so I could get a feel for both sets while making a baby sock.
Nickel-plated: DEFINITELY easier to use on the acrylic yarn. However, there are times it's too "slippery" for my taste and then there are other times when it's really very nice to have the slip. It makes things go faster (subjectively, of course)
Wood: I definitely do like how they feel. I like the fact that the needles have a much more sharpened point than the nickel-plated AND my bamboo ones. It's easier to pick up stitches and the like. Plus, I like the coloration. :-D
Cable: Stays tightly onto the needle, even with me shoving them into my bag for my train commute.
Conclusion: I'll probably buy the wood interchangeable set, and get a few nickel plated ones for the needles I use most just to round things out. Plus, it's definitely easier to figure out which needle you're working on using 2 Circs on socks when the needles are different.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Stitch Markers
Today I made myself some knitting markers. I have cheap plastic crochet markers, and had seen a recommendation for using "letter" versions from the knitting book I bought to help keep track of where you are in a pattern. A quick look online had them from anywhere from $5 - $10 without shipping.
BAH. A quick look into my beading kit produced letter beads and all the necessary findings & extras necessary to make letter markers. Five minutes later, I had markers A-H that will fit up to a 10 needle. And I still have quite a bit left over to make more...should the mood strike me. LOL
(Taken with the iPhone camera)
BAH. A quick look into my beading kit produced letter beads and all the necessary findings & extras necessary to make letter markers. Five minutes later, I had markers A-H that will fit up to a 10 needle. And I still have quite a bit left over to make more...should the mood strike me. LOL
(Taken with the iPhone camera)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Stitches West!
On Saturday, I went with A & S over to Stitches West. It was my first time at this event....and OMG, the thrall of women (and a few sprinkled men) in the Santa Clara Convention center was insane. It wasn't the feeding frenzy of costumers in Costume College's Friday market, but, it's pretty darn close.
And there were a few instances of B.O wafting in the throngs of people that we quickly had to leave those areas. There were also more than a few instances of catty-ness looking at various creations people had made (and seriously, a knitted shawl of fuzzy orange that matches your hair color exactly is not necessarily a "good thing....")
There was lots of yarn and lots of doo-dads for everything you could possibly want to do with any sort of fiber arts.
I did buy some yarn, but I wasn't too overly pleased with some of the coloration I had seen. There were some very gorgeous dyes on some of the yarns, but nothing screamed out at me to BUY ME NOW unlike moments I've had at the LA Garment District. LOL.
The whole first Stitches West experience was fun. A&S showed me around, answering my various questions and introducing me to a few things. I bought one pattern (hedgehog), one book (Cat Bordhi's book, "New Pathway for Sock Knitters" as I really want to get into sock knitting.), and some yarn for a few projects (mostly socks) that I had in mind. I probably could have then wandered looking at the various doodads, but my back was protesting.
A graciously lent me her KnitPicks options set so I could try them out for myself to see if the wood versions would be a good fit. I intend on using them on a pair of wrist warmers as soon as I'm done with that extra sock for DH
And there were a few instances of B.O wafting in the throngs of people that we quickly had to leave those areas. There were also more than a few instances of catty-ness looking at various creations people had made (and seriously, a knitted shawl of fuzzy orange that matches your hair color exactly is not necessarily a "good thing....")
There was lots of yarn and lots of doo-dads for everything you could possibly want to do with any sort of fiber arts.
I did buy some yarn, but I wasn't too overly pleased with some of the coloration I had seen. There were some very gorgeous dyes on some of the yarns, but nothing screamed out at me to BUY ME NOW unlike moments I've had at the LA Garment District. LOL.
The whole first Stitches West experience was fun. A&S showed me around, answering my various questions and introducing me to a few things. I bought one pattern (hedgehog), one book (Cat Bordhi's book, "New Pathway for Sock Knitters" as I really want to get into sock knitting.), and some yarn for a few projects (mostly socks) that I had in mind. I probably could have then wandered looking at the various doodads, but my back was protesting.
A graciously lent me her KnitPicks options set so I could try them out for myself to see if the wood versions would be a good fit. I intend on using them on a pair of wrist warmers as soon as I'm done with that extra sock for DH
Thursday, February 26, 2009
My first knitting project
Hah! Finished my first sock, ever.
Of course, it's a *wee* bit big. BUT, it fits DH's foot perfectly (he's a size 12). LOL
So, yeah, I made him a sock. *coughs, looks around sheepishly* It's what I had intended all along, dontchaknow..... :-P
Now, I have to make the matching sock, and then maybe actually make myself a pair, in a totally smaller size, of course.....
Of course, it's a *wee* bit big. BUT, it fits DH's foot perfectly (he's a size 12). LOL
So, yeah, I made him a sock. *coughs, looks around sheepishly* It's what I had intended all along, dontchaknow..... :-P
Now, I have to make the matching sock, and then maybe actually make myself a pair, in a totally smaller size, of course.....
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Socks!
I'm almost done with my first sock. It was done in chunky weight yarn and size 10 DPN needles. I just have to finish the last 3 inches of the foot, then to do the toe. (I'm knitting it from the ribbing down.)
So far, the instructions I found are fairly easy, and along with some good YouTube videos about the construction of socks (by Expert Village), the sock has come along rather quickly.
As my first sock, it's not too bad. It looks like a sock, which is a good thing. LOL
It'd definitely be a "boot sock" or just around-the-house socks. I didn't do any shaping of the leg portion of the sock (it's ankle high) so it might be a little loose, and the foot part might be a little big circumference-wise. I am hoping the toe part works out well.
The yarn is really soft and warm, which is good, because I have a tendency to have very cold feet (a bane of DH's existence, according to him at least....). Plus with the chunky yarn and bigger needles, it's been easier to see WTH I'm doing at each step of construction.
The only thing I don't like is using the DPNs. The points get in the way, and am wondering if circular needles wouldn't be better for this sort of thing. (Although admittedly, packing the DPNs and project work well. The plastic cable might get annoying for on-the-go projects).
Some of the YouTube videos show socks on the circular needles, which look easier.
The cable scarf is languishing (obviously, since I'm working on the socks), and I've only got about 6" of it done thus far. I'm not liking the yarn (acrylic wool blend -- yes, I know, my bad!) because it sticks a little bit to my preferred bamboo needles (although they might do better with metal needles). I'm just probably going to stick with natural fibers for knitting (wool, alpaca, merino, etc), and keep the blended yarns for crocheting the amigurumi for the kids.
So far, the instructions I found are fairly easy, and along with some good YouTube videos about the construction of socks (by Expert Village), the sock has come along rather quickly.
As my first sock, it's not too bad. It looks like a sock, which is a good thing. LOL
It'd definitely be a "boot sock" or just around-the-house socks. I didn't do any shaping of the leg portion of the sock (it's ankle high) so it might be a little loose, and the foot part might be a little big circumference-wise. I am hoping the toe part works out well.
The yarn is really soft and warm, which is good, because I have a tendency to have very cold feet (a bane of DH's existence, according to him at least....). Plus with the chunky yarn and bigger needles, it's been easier to see WTH I'm doing at each step of construction.
The only thing I don't like is using the DPNs. The points get in the way, and am wondering if circular needles wouldn't be better for this sort of thing. (Although admittedly, packing the DPNs and project work well. The plastic cable might get annoying for on-the-go projects).
Some of the YouTube videos show socks on the circular needles, which look easier.
The cable scarf is languishing (obviously, since I'm working on the socks), and I've only got about 6" of it done thus far. I'm not liking the yarn (acrylic wool blend -- yes, I know, my bad!) because it sticks a little bit to my preferred bamboo needles (although they might do better with metal needles). I'm just probably going to stick with natural fibers for knitting (wool, alpaca, merino, etc), and keep the blended yarns for crocheting the amigurumi for the kids.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Knitting on the Train
I have about an hour commute (each way) on the train/bus to get to work. So far, it's proving very fruitful in terms of knitting & audiobooks.
I'm managing one book per week on the commute, and I've got about 6 more books that have been converted to MP3 for my iPhone so I'm set for the next few weeks. This is more books I've finished (although not read) than I have in the past year, which is a sad thing in of itself, but I find myself enjoying the audio books immensely.
And, it's allowed me to work & finish a couple of knitting projects, which is nice.
- I finished up the double-knit scarf.
- started a cable scarf
- finished a dishcloth with a checkered pattern
- finished a dishcloth with an entrelac pattern -- which was annoying at first, but once I got the hang of the pattern, it got easier. I *might* do an entrelac scarf later, once I finish up the projects I have on hand now.
- started on a singular sock with completed ribbing -- although I have to say DPNs are rather annoying, esp. the size 10 neeldes with chunky weight yarn.
I'm managing one book per week on the commute, and I've got about 6 more books that have been converted to MP3 for my iPhone so I'm set for the next few weeks. This is more books I've finished (although not read) than I have in the past year, which is a sad thing in of itself, but I find myself enjoying the audio books immensely.
And, it's allowed me to work & finish a couple of knitting projects, which is nice.
- I finished up the double-knit scarf.
- started a cable scarf
- finished a dishcloth with a checkered pattern
- finished a dishcloth with an entrelac pattern -- which was annoying at first, but once I got the hang of the pattern, it got easier. I *might* do an entrelac scarf later, once I finish up the projects I have on hand now.
- started on a singular sock with completed ribbing -- although I have to say DPNs are rather annoying, esp. the size 10 neeldes with chunky weight yarn.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Purls!
I finally figured out how to do a purl stitch continental style. I had been having problems with how most tutorials have you do it, because it involves pulling the yarn down with your finger or thumb; I just don't like doing that. I finally found a video showing a "Norweigen" or "Finnish" version of purling continental style and it seems to work well enough. The stitches are a little bit loose, but I expect them to tighten up as I get used to doing it.
I'm 3/4ths done with the double-knit scarf, which is good, coz I really want to be done with it. It's been a good exercise, because I've gotten comfortable doing both American and Continental style in the same project. I want to try cabling next and maybe socks. So, we'll see. LOL
I'm 3/4ths done with the double-knit scarf, which is good, coz I really want to be done with it. It's been a good exercise, because I've gotten comfortable doing both American and Continental style in the same project. I want to try cabling next and maybe socks. So, we'll see. LOL
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
FO: Scarf
My actual knitting project goes well. I am (more or less) finished with the sampler scarf I was making, and just need to bind the darn thing off, which would be good practice since I'd never done that before.
I'm working on a double-knit scarf in chocolate and teal, using a silk wool that pills horribly, but, it's *soft*. I am going to have to felt the darn thing once I'm done. This is my "train knitting" project. I'm using a combination of continental and english to do the double knit and now that I've got the hang of it. And I'm actually getting about 3 rows done per 30 minute trip, versus the one row per trip I was getting when I started. I'm even confident enough to actually alternate rows and trying out stripes. LOL.
My one problem, at the moment, is how the ends are coming out. Some are too tight, some are too loose. The inside rows are fine. It's the first and last two loops of a given row that are rather problematic.
Afterwards, I'm going to have to sand the 10 needles I'm using just a little bit more. The tips aren't as smooth as I would like them to be and never noticed that until just a few days ago.
I'm almost done with my amigurumi lion, although I'm procrastinating on it horribly. The body, head/mane, tail, and one arm is done. I am in the process of making the second arm and still need to do both legs.
Once I'm done with the lion, I'm off to do an amigurumi Shaun the Sheep.
I *really* should start sewing (after I clean off a bunch of paperwork on the table, but I'm usually too tired when I get home to even attempt anything of that magnitude.)
I'm working on a double-knit scarf in chocolate and teal, using a silk wool that pills horribly, but, it's *soft*. I am going to have to felt the darn thing once I'm done. This is my "train knitting" project. I'm using a combination of continental and english to do the double knit and now that I've got the hang of it. And I'm actually getting about 3 rows done per 30 minute trip, versus the one row per trip I was getting when I started. I'm even confident enough to actually alternate rows and trying out stripes. LOL.
My one problem, at the moment, is how the ends are coming out. Some are too tight, some are too loose. The inside rows are fine. It's the first and last two loops of a given row that are rather problematic.
Afterwards, I'm going to have to sand the 10 needles I'm using just a little bit more. The tips aren't as smooth as I would like them to be and never noticed that until just a few days ago.
I'm almost done with my amigurumi lion, although I'm procrastinating on it horribly. The body, head/mane, tail, and one arm is done. I am in the process of making the second arm and still need to do both legs.
Once I'm done with the lion, I'm off to do an amigurumi Shaun the Sheep.
I *really* should start sewing (after I clean off a bunch of paperwork on the table, but I'm usually too tired when I get home to even attempt anything of that magnitude.)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Knitting!
I am trying my hand at this "knitting" thing, after getting a whole bunch of helpful suggestions from friends. My stepmother tried to teach me how to do it when I was a teenager, but I still much preferred crocheting at that time so didn't pay much attention. Some of it is coming back, albeit slowly....
With the Joann's 50% coupon (I love those things), I got a set of 10 / 10.5 needles -- about the size of the pens I use. I have a bunch of yarn, and since I was only planning on making samplers (i.e. keep to the basic stitches until I get a feel), I didn't feel like buying more yarn. I had some worseted weight wool blend, so I opted for that.
After learning how to do the long tail cast-on (relatively simple), I frogged my first two attempts.
1) I cast on too many stitches for the length of the needle. Hah! I'm not used to having to do that.
2) Somehow I was increasing my stitches without realizing it (so then I practiced decreasing which is similar to crocheting, then unraveled the whole thing)
The 3rd attempt actually is looking half-decent. I'm managing to keep the stitch count within +2 of my original stitch count, and I think I've figured out how I'm increasing the stitches without meaning to do so. But, decreasing is relatively easy, so I just do that if I find that I've accidently increased again.
Also, I'm finding the Continental form of knitting is a lot easier for me to cycle through, since I can hold the working yarn in my left, much like crocheting, and it seems more efficient overall. But, my tension is better using the English/American method.
So, I'll keep at this one, until it's about scarf length -- a combination of a regular knit stitch, elongated stitch, and purls. I just want the practice of actually doing said stitches. Since I'm going to have to learn how to read knitting patterns, I figured this would be easier than trying to learn multiple things at the same time.
With the Joann's 50% coupon (I love those things), I got a set of 10 / 10.5 needles -- about the size of the pens I use. I have a bunch of yarn, and since I was only planning on making samplers (i.e. keep to the basic stitches until I get a feel), I didn't feel like buying more yarn. I had some worseted weight wool blend, so I opted for that.
After learning how to do the long tail cast-on (relatively simple), I frogged my first two attempts.
1) I cast on too many stitches for the length of the needle. Hah! I'm not used to having to do that.
2) Somehow I was increasing my stitches without realizing it (so then I practiced decreasing which is similar to crocheting, then unraveled the whole thing)
The 3rd attempt actually is looking half-decent. I'm managing to keep the stitch count within +2 of my original stitch count, and I think I've figured out how I'm increasing the stitches without meaning to do so. But, decreasing is relatively easy, so I just do that if I find that I've accidently increased again.
Also, I'm finding the Continental form of knitting is a lot easier for me to cycle through, since I can hold the working yarn in my left, much like crocheting, and it seems more efficient overall. But, my tension is better using the English/American method.
So, I'll keep at this one, until it's about scarf length -- a combination of a regular knit stitch, elongated stitch, and purls. I just want the practice of actually doing said stitches. Since I'm going to have to learn how to read knitting patterns, I figured this would be easier than trying to learn multiple things at the same time.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Going to learn how to knit
I've more or less decided that I'm going to learn how to knit. This is after 20 years of just crocheting things here and there. Friends have sent me a whole slew of links and made many a suggestion.
We'll see where this goes.
We'll see where this goes.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Looms & Finished Hexagon Blanket
The other day, I had to try out my niece's knitting loom, just to make sure I can do it well enough to show her. (No sense in having Auntie buy her something that her Auntie can't even use!)
I think I'm definitely going to have to pick myself up a set whenever JoAnn's sends off another 50% off coupon in the mail. The only thing about these knitting looms is that they're a pretty large guage so you have to use really chunky yarn, which for a child isn't necessarily a bad thing.
On the flip side, I *finally* finished the Japanese hexagon blanket. Or actually, I cut it off short, because I ran out of a specific color of yarn, and I was almost done with it anyways, plus I didn't want to have to send off for ONE skein of yarn. Consequently, I edged it and can consider myself DONE! Yaay.
I think I'm definitely going to have to pick myself up a set whenever JoAnn's sends off another 50% off coupon in the mail. The only thing about these knitting looms is that they're a pretty large guage so you have to use really chunky yarn, which for a child isn't necessarily a bad thing.
On the flip side, I *finally* finished the Japanese hexagon blanket. Or actually, I cut it off short, because I ran out of a specific color of yarn, and I was almost done with it anyways, plus I didn't want to have to send off for ONE skein of yarn. Consequently, I edged it and can consider myself DONE! Yaay.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Knitting Looms
For my niece, I picked up Knifty Knitter looms (with JoAnn's 50% off coupon) and yarn as a basic way to start doing some yarn-based stuff. She's going to be 7 next year, and I figure this will get her started, and when she has a bit more dexterity I can teach her how to crochet.
Since I've only seen other people using the looms, I figure I should probably learn how to use it adequately before I teach her how to to do it. YouTube! has a plethora of instructional video (and almost everything else under the sun) about loom knitting, so I picked up the basics.
And, OMG, the stuff you can do with this thing! I might have to pick up a set for myself (after waiting for another JoAnn's 50% coupon)
Since I've only seen other people using the looms, I figure I should probably learn how to use it adequately before I teach her how to to do it. YouTube! has a plethora of instructional video (and almost everything else under the sun) about loom knitting, so I picked up the basics.
And, OMG, the stuff you can do with this thing! I might have to pick up a set for myself (after waiting for another JoAnn's 50% coupon)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Hexagon Blanket
The crocheting project is nearly half-way done. I've managed to get 4-rows out of the 9-row of hexagons. I don't even need to look at the pattern anymore, as it's rather simple. I still have to refer to the color-chart & layout diagram, every now and then, but I found that there was a simple pattern to the rows if you look at it diagonally, so I just use the blanket to reference which color-scheme is next.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Japanese Crochet Books
The tabby shawl is pretty much done, although I still need to do the fringe at the bottom edges. I stopped it because it was getting too long (as some of the reviewers did say that the actual pattern is way too long for someone under 5'6"). So, as I finished one project, another one starts.
So, this past weekend, I picked up a Japanese crochet book that had a couple of patterns that I was very interested in making. To my delight, the rest of the patterns are also pretty darn good.
Obviously, I can't read Japanese (despite taking two semester-long Japanese classes in college although I can still read *some* basic Kanji including the numbers), but they do use the international crochet standard symbols and they provide a nifty diagram with all the stitches outlined.
Unfortunately, the web was only able to provide some of the basic stitch symbols. There are two symbols that I can't seem to find, but I had to guess what they meant based on the diagram and color change (it was either switch colors here and continue or completely end color and start a new one -- which is a slight semantic difference, but is different in how you treat the stitch). I opted for the latter option, which seems to have worked relatively well. Later, it turned out to be *almost* correct in my interpretation; the symbols actually meant, "cut yarn" and "start yarn" (thank you ravelry.com!)
After a couple of initial attempts at the pattern (and the subsequent frogging of the first few attempts), I finally figured out the best way to approach it. It was pretty easy once I got the hang of it, and have aving been flying through the pattern with relative ease.
The pattern takes 7 different colours of yarn.
Each motif takes 4 different colours.
There are 10 motifs, each with a completely different colour order.
Each group of 10 is arranged in a different order.
The pattern rotates the colours in a specific order such for one group, no one colour touches the same colour nor is the order of colours the same.
I can easily see variations of the pattern in a single motif.
Now, I find myself actually preferring the diagram method with symbols versus the American style of written rows. I'm actually a pretty visual person, so I can easily compare where I am in the pattern to the diagram, which lets me know immediately where I am versus having to somehow *mark* the pattern at which row I have finished.
So, this past weekend, I picked up a Japanese crochet book that had a couple of patterns that I was very interested in making. To my delight, the rest of the patterns are also pretty darn good.
Obviously, I can't read Japanese (despite taking two semester-long Japanese classes in college although I can still read *some* basic Kanji including the numbers), but they do use the international crochet standard symbols and they provide a nifty diagram with all the stitches outlined.
Unfortunately, the web was only able to provide some of the basic stitch symbols. There are two symbols that I can't seem to find, but I had to guess what they meant based on the diagram and color change (it was either switch colors here and continue or completely end color and start a new one -- which is a slight semantic difference, but is different in how you treat the stitch). I opted for the latter option, which seems to have worked relatively well. Later, it turned out to be *almost* correct in my interpretation; the symbols actually meant, "cut yarn" and "start yarn" (thank you ravelry.com!)
After a couple of initial attempts at the pattern (and the subsequent frogging of the first few attempts), I finally figured out the best way to approach it. It was pretty easy once I got the hang of it, and have aving been flying through the pattern with relative ease.
The pattern takes 7 different colours of yarn.
Each motif takes 4 different colours.
There are 10 motifs, each with a completely different colour order.
Each group of 10 is arranged in a different order.
The pattern rotates the colours in a specific order such for one group, no one colour touches the same colour nor is the order of colours the same.
I can easily see variations of the pattern in a single motif.
Now, I find myself actually preferring the diagram method with symbols versus the American style of written rows. I'm actually a pretty visual person, so I can easily compare where I am in the pattern to the diagram, which lets me know immediately where I am versus having to somehow *mark* the pattern at which row I have finished.
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