Knitting: July 2010 Archives
I heart new pattern day. Today is the debut of my Yoga Mat Tote designed just for Fabric.com customers. This pattern is made to coordinate with the Yoga Water Bottle Cozy in the stitch pattern and in fiber. Now you can look pulled together for your yoga class from your head past your toes. The lace at the top off the bag allows for more elasticity where you need it to quickly get your mat in and out of the tote. It also increases breathability. The cotton/acrylic yarn ensures fast drying to decrease instances of mildew or unfriendly odors. The acrylic mixed with the yarn helps the yarn bounce back better than 100% cotton. Lion Brand Cotton Ease comes in a bunch of great colors, bright and neutral.
The Yoga Mat Tote is a quick knit with just enough to keep you interested to the end. There is minimal finishing and some seaming. The strap is made from quilting cotton and is sewn on. The tote is knit in the round from the top down. This project is great for TV knitting, Knitting on the go (it is not very large) and knitting in public. You will need 2 skeins of Lion Brand Cotton Ease and ¼ yd of quilting cotton, as well as size 8 circular needles in a length longer than 24 in (I used magic loop), a tapestry needle and coordinating thread. The finished bag measures 24 in. high by 4 in. diameter.
You can check out more info and pictures on my Ravelry project page.
70% wool, 30% alpaca, 100% fun. My review for Nashua Snowbird must extend back to our first meeting. I was planning my July blog calendar and had just falling head of heels for the Coco Knits Ballet Slipper that this yarn ultimately went on the create when I first beheld this yarn.
Wait, I must interrupt myself. I have been listening to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen so should my language seem overly formal and slightly romantic, you will know the cause.
Back to our story. After choosing my pattern, I needed a yarn. I imagined something wooly but not full wool. I wanted it to offer good stitch definition but also offer some fluffy since I like a good fluffy slipper. I also wanted to select a yarn that was different from the yarn used in the pattern to offer you a different take on the pattern and encourage my readers to experiment. I found all of this and more in Nashua Snowbird.
I have been a fan of Nashua yarn since discovering Ivy (it is a wool/alpaca mix with some metallic threads woven in for glamour). Snowbird is another notch on their belt. It is well wound (no split stitches at all) and the color combination was really what landed me. The 2 colors strands of the yarn were bold but similar enough to be exciting without too much daring. The colors knit up in a way that I had not imagined but was even better than expected.
The yarn is fluffy but gives the definition that I was looking for. The fluffiness is very evident when wearing my slippers. They are slippery but also very comfortable. The wool gives nice elasticity that the pattern needs since it incorporates so many techniques that inhibits stretch. The many K2togs and pleats make for a tight fit that cotton or even silk would not compliment.
A search on Ravelry shows that this yarn has been featured in many projects including hats, sweaters, toys and scarves. I would recommend it for any and all of the above projects. It would really shine with large cables and textured stitches. Snowbird might complete too much with fancy lacework unless the lace were worked on very large needles and very exaggerated.
To end: I loved this yarn and my slippers and have secured it a spot on my Christmas gift list.
I love knitting for babies but I didn't always. Before I joined the club, I had decided that knitting for babies was foolishness. Foolishness, I say! First, babies do not care one whit what they are wearing. Second, babies outgrow everything at a rate that exceeds the amount of time it took to knit the item. Third, from the rumors I had heard floating among other non-members, babies seemed to gain a cruel, almost nefarious, pleasure from spitting up on the cutest of baby presents. "That is not for me" said I. I will stick to knitting for those who appreciate it and can keep their stomach contents where they belong. However, all those thoughts dissipated with a quickness the moment my little one was born. Everything was so cute on her wouldn't it be even cuter if I had knit it, I questioned (it was of course rhetorical). My reasons against knitting for babes were rapidly replaced with arguments in favor. First, babies are cute, so cute and the perfect models for oversized sweaters, scarves used instead of warmth but to play hide n' seek, and colorful blankets. Second, babies are so super cute because they are small and small things are knit quickly. Third, Babies like bright colors and soft yarn. What a coincidence... So Do I! It was settled. I began to knit and as I did I came up with some rules (I mean guidelines. Who likes rules any way?)
The Baby Knitting Guidelines (Should you not be a member of the club please, PLEASE, heed these rules. Mothers follow your own rules but peruse should be you curious)
1) Let it be washable. For the love of all that is small and cute, plan on it being washed again and again. Babies may smile and giggle at all you do but it is because they are plotting and all that smiling is a carefully planned ruse to make messes and get away with it. Their favorite palette, themselves. There is nothing they won't use to obtain this goal. They are cute and devious. Beware
2) Let it be soft. No mother wants to put a scratchy wool sweater on their baby as much as you do not want to spend hours working with it. Test the yarn; rub it on your skin. Knit up a swatch and rub it on the inside of your wrist, your forehead or even your belly (all sensitive places). If the baby will touch it there so should you. If you love it so will the baby. Remember, babies do not really care how beautiful it is but momma's care how it feels.
3) Let it be oversized. Anything knitted will take you so time and, granted, the baby will look so stinkin' cute in it that mom will want her to wear it forever and ever. We become dismayed when out baby outgrows a beloved item. But big garments can be tucked and rolled to fit well before the baby is actually to size.
4) Let it be appropriate. A delicate lace shrug may seem like a good idea when you see it stylized in a pattern book but once the baby gets its toe caught in a YO or snags it again and again on the cabinet pull, it will become a hazard and ruined. There are many baby proof stitch patterns out there. Stay away from anything too delicate or lacey.
5) Let there not be too many buttons. Babies wiggle. That is all I have to say on this.
Well, the hour grows late and I must get back to my baby. My knitting list for her has already outgrown that for myself. One day she will knit on her own and I might be allowed to knit for myself. Then again, I may just serve as a second set of needles set to check off her list.
Here are some link to our great Baby Yarns (Yum):
Filatura Baby Yarn (fun Pom-pons)
With the first day of school fast approaching, holiday projects being planned, and warm weather ever so slowly fading into cool, it is time to start knitting for you. You have dedicated your time to summer projects, work deadlines and family fun but how much time have you set aside for some "me time". If you are like me, check the none-to-very little box please. It is understood that the time you can set aside for you may be very little but as long as you fill it with a relaxing activity (like knitting!) you can make the most of the tiniest of breaks.
Picking a project for you is very easy; simply pick something you love and can't wait to get started. Pick something small so it will be a fast knit and pick something that will enhance future "me times". For me, that was easy, Coco Knits Ballet Slipper. If fit all of the above. It was for me! I simply could not wait to cast on and it was fast (approx 4 hours of knitting time +/-). As I write I am wearing these slippers so I can honestly attest to them enhancing my future "me times". They are cute, sassy and comfy. I can also say with a smiling face that I enjoyed knitting these slippers. First of all, they were fast. #2, They were easy. #3, It was not a bunch of Stockinette stitch (which is very easy and equal to a dose of Sleepy Time tea) but small little challenges, like mini games. There were enough small challenges to keep me interested but not too much to bore me. It has been some time since I have used Short Rows so I needed a refresher and I have never knit pleats. There was a little taste of everything and not too much. It kept me interested enough to happily finish the second slipper. No second sock syndrome here. I loved learning something new, as well. The pleats were fantastic and really added to the sassiness of the slipper. I was so pleased to have finished this project but also to finish with the sensation that my feelings of excitement and anticipation leading up to the project were never depleted and I did not feel let down. I am looking forward to knitting more Coco Knits patterns. These ballet slippers have now heard top ranking on my Christmas list projects.
Knitting for you can benefit you in so many ways. For myself, I was able to find a project to look forward to. A project that I enjoyed knitting so much that very little wine was required. A project that left me feeling a little disappointed when completed, much like a really good book you don't want to end. After finishing my knitting for me project, I felt energized and rewarded. I am ready to get back to my daily grind and all I needed was 4 hours.
Check out my project notes on Ravelry
There once was a young girl, ignorant and inexperienced. Her world changed in a day. The day was Christmas day and started like any other. The young girl celebrated jovially with her family as they gathered around the tree for presents. As she began to open her presents, the girl had an eerie feeling that her life was never going to be the same. She was right. That Christmas was the year that she received her first knitting book and that girl was me. For the first few years, my house runneth over with yarn. It was everywhere: in the coffee table, closets, under the bed, on my nightstand, purse and in the guest room. But now, I have found organization and am at peace (Om). My yarn is happy and I am happy. Everyone in my family can walk unobstructed by yarn tails and balls rolling under foot.
Quite an odd segue for yarn organization, I know, but I am a stream of consciousness kind of gal. Plus when it comes to yarn organization sometimes a little story helps get ya in the mood. Face it, if you are anything like the majority of knitters, you have let you yarn run amuck for way too long and organizing it into submission. A story helps but so do pictures, to help you get ideas for your space, style and stash.
If you have limited space, let me suggest investing in shelves (I think the work 'invest' is misleading. I don't mean that the shelves cost an arm and a leg but that you should consider them an asset). You can then display and systematize your yarn while saving valuable floor space. Consider magazine to sort each yarn by project. Or some cool vintage-y wire containers for each fiber. Baskets are also a great option for you traditional knitters. If you are so inclined add a basket liner embroidered with each weight of yarn.
Should you have some floor space available consider a small piece of furniture. I have seen some bloggers using wine rack but I don't see that as a high capacity solution. A pie safe is an excellent option, like Loopy Ewe's. It lends a classic/farm house feel and once filled with yarn; it keeps your skeins dust free while still leaving them on display. A small dresser, like this one from IKEA, is another opportunity which still allows a glimpse of your yarn but with all the functionality of drawers.
Should you have a significant of floor space to offer up the yarn gods, try cubbies. I see this in many yarn stores as their display of choice. Many furniture stores offer a cubby system of some kind. I use this in my sewing room as you saw in my video and to your left. Cubbies are great for stacking lots of yarn in several different compartments. You can display your yarn by weight, color, fiber, or project. Check out these cubbies as another great example of the fun to be had with cubbies.
I hope you will share your yarn organization tips on our Facebook page or twitter. I am always looking to change it up since my stash is ever-evolving.
Picture 1: Craftzine
Picture 2: Loopy Ewe
Picture 3: GrueneTree
While this was not my intended topic for today, a recent project has brought blocking to the surface again. My Wisp is coming to the final few repeats and I will need to block it to best show my work. However, I do not have a good blocking station set up yet. I bounce from one location to another trying to find the sweet spot. My mind has turned to building my own.
Many knitters are of 2 minds on blocking. Some are willing to wait an extra day or two for the best fit and presentation, while others just want to wear the darn thing already. I am understand both but I prefer to wait and block. After all that work I really do want my project to fit as the picture depicts. However, block locations are not easy to come by. So knitters purchase boards or foam blocks. Others use what is to hand such as towel covered tables, mattresses and empty square of carpet (I am the carpet person and recommend you vaccum first). The block board is the best choice but can be expensive ($70-100-Yikes). However, with the right fabric--yes, fabric--you can make your own blocking board. It is relatively easy and cheap. Here is the low down.
Materials you will need:
Approx 3ft by 3ft, ½ in. thick OSB (a type of plywood)
Acoustic ceiling tiles to fit 3ft by 3ft
1 can of general spray adhesive
Cabinet handle** (Optional)
1 ½ yd of 1in. Gingham (color of your choice)
Staple gun
Ruler
The OSB and ceiling tiles can be found at your local hardware store and you can find the gingham here. Now what you want to do is... Lay down your OSB and lay your ceiling tiles on top. Cut your ceiling tiles with scissors or electric knife to fit if needed. Once your tiles fit, apply the spray adhesive according to the directions to affix the tiles to the OSB. Next lay your gingham on top of the ceiling tiles. Take your whole blocking board sandwich and flip it over so the fabric is on bottom with the OSB on top. Straighten up your board on the fabric again if needed. Gently staple your fabric onto the back of the board starting in the center top, then the center bottom and center right and then center left (pulling your fabric taunt). Make sure to straighten after each staple if needed. Continue to add staples all around until the fabric is secure. Trim excess fabric. Add the cabinet handle as a carrying handle to one end if you so desire.
Your blocking board is now ready to use. The big 1 in. gingham squares serve as a ruler and straight edge to adjust your projects. Use with rust proof pins to secure your projects to the blocking board. For an excellent article on blocking, check out Eunny Lang's post here.
Remember, if you have any questions you can post them on our facebook page on the wall or under the discussion tab.
Good Luck!
While I love writing these blog posts for Fabric.com, some topics are more fun than others. Today's topic will be filed under the Super Fun category. I always begin every article with research, though some need more than others. Today's article on Craftster didn't, at first, seem to be one topic that needs much research. However, it has been a while since I have visited Craftster so I went back just to reintroduce myself. Within seconds (literally seconds!) I was kicking myself for not continuing to visit daily. Right on the home page, I spotted a dress I cannot live without and nor will I!
Craftster is full to the brim of swaps, projects, tutorials, reworking, recycling, challenges and forums. Craftster is a great place to show off your latest FO as well as check out inspiration when you are hankering to start something new. Knitting, Crochet, Sewing, Upholstering, Jewelry are just a few of the crafts welcome at Craftster. In the past I have learned to make yoga pants from old t-shirts, found one of my favorite dress patterns and discovered projects that make me want to run to my sewing room and get to work right away.
Upon entering Craftster you will see 4 sets of pictures that change all the time: Hot New Projects, New Projects, Featured Projects, and Current Craftster Challenge. These pictures alone are enough to secure you on the website for hours, since one picture inevitably leads to another and another. But if you click on Community on the bar above the pictures you will find a drop down menu of all the crafts on Craftster. You are sure to find something interesting and more. My favorites are clothing, home sweet home and, oddly enough, crochet (that is my next craft to tackle). I love how you can find projects created with all new goods as well as recycled and reused items. I feel ashamed to say that the days I am able to dedicate ample amounts of time to Craftster are followed a short time later by a delivery from Fabric.com. I am duly inspired by the new prints in
Just Arrived Quilting as I am by the projects on Craftster. More often than not, my shame spiral starts with a visit to our website to get ideas for new articles, when I just pop in to peek at the new prints. It is all so innocent in my mind. I see a fabric or 15 that I LOVE (that must be said in a sing-song voice for full effect) and then I descend like a lion onto Craftster to give me a reason to purchase these new prints. 15 min later I have an order confirmation. It is all so shameful that I walk around the house berating myself for 10-20 seconds and then I feel so much better. After all I cannot possible be expected to work on my new projects in a bad mood. Plus, I have new fabric coming in the mail and an awesome Craftster project awaiting me. Who can feel bad in that situation?!
P.s. Check out the Green Ophelia Dress here!!
I would like to think my evolution of knitting needles is not too different from the average knitter. As previously mentioned, I (for the most part) taught myself to knit. So I picked up a kit from a big box store; a kit that included metal needles. Once I gained some knowledge and did some research, I started to wander from the apron strings of my kit and tried wooden needles as well as plastic . I fell, hard, for bamboo. But one day, after a desperate search for a LYS in my area, I was wandering through the small yarn store and discovered my first set of interchangeable knitting needles. While I had not yet attempted to "Knit in the Round" (That should be heard in your head with an ominous echo for emphasis), I was intrigued. Even more so when the shop owner showed me how you could attach the end caps and have really long and weird straight needles. I snatched them up right there. A short time later I learned that it is possible to knit straight on circulars without joining in the round and without the weirdness. My mind was, officially, blown! Since that day I have always knit on interchangeable needles. I repeat, ALWAYS. Straight knitting and round. Magic loop or knitting round on 2 needles. There has never been a project that they do not work for me. I shun the use DPNs. I do not like small diameter knitting with them. I use mine for cable needles and icord. Interchangeable serve as circulars, straight needles, stitch holders, and you are able to expand your cable without removing your project or switching needles. There is no need to buy a size 7 circular in 5 different length cables. One project no longer monopolizes needles. If you have a sweater and a blanket knitted with size 10, but you really want to work on the blanket, simply detach your needles from the sweater, add end caps and attach your needles to the blanket. You can switch back and forth in minutes or cast on a third.
I would recommend Interchangeables to beginners as a cost saver and building their tool box. However, they should have some knowledge of needles. Namely which material they prefer: wood, plastic, bamboo, metal. Also, give some thought to the cable. Some cables are thicker and have more memory, while others are thinner and have less memory. The thickness of a cable is important in accommodating smaller needle sizes and use for Magic Loop knitting. Memory means: does the cable hold its shape or is it loose, flexible and easily shaped to your project. This is important in allowing your project to move on the cable as well as Magic Loop.
I would definitely recommend Interchangeables to more experienced knitters because they are so simple. All your needles are in one place (or in my case 2 places: in the case & in different projects all over the house). Since more experienced knitters are more likely to add to their collection to fill it out, a set of Interchangeables will save them money.
Interchangeables can vary in price from cheap to very expensive but the variety of projects they allow you to work right out of the gate make them a value from day one and continues 20 years down the road. Invest in a needle and cable set that you can see yourself working with for years.
On July 4th 1776, We the people declared independence from the British and in doing so declared war. 1783 brought this hard fought war to a victorious end thanks to the many citizens who fought and died to bring freedom to America. It is in thanks to those soldiers and to the thousands of troops today that continue to fight for freedom that this article is dedicated. But it is not through the efforts of troops alone that freedom is won and protected. It is also with the aid and support of the home front that our soldiers do their job and do it well. The making and sending of handmade goods extends back as far as war itself. Always it was families and friends conveying their love from afar. Times change but the endeavor remains the same and you can help. Knitted goods are needed and wanted by our troops overseas. Below are some items you can knit and send to our soldiers deployed to demonstrate our appreciation, respect and pride.
*Please note the colors allowed by the military are black, charcoal, brown, tan, gray or combinations of these colors.
Helmet Liner- This pattern is very popular among soldiers and knitters alike. It fits comfortably under a helmet and tucks into a coat or jacket to protect the face from extreme cold and wind. The ribbing used allows the liner to contour to the wearer's face ensuring a snug cozy fit. Be sure to use a cold weather fiber like wool or alpaca (not linen or cotton) but also something soft. Certain kinds of wool can be scratchy when worn next to the skin so take that into consideration. Also, wash ability will be something every solider will thank you for, especially if they are anything like my nose which yields to running when the weather gets cold. I recommend Rowan Pure Wool DK. After checking projects on Ravelry where this yarn was used in many hats and for wee babes where the items was worn close to the skin, I can assume that it is not itchy and it is also superwash. A double bonus. Choose colors Black, Shale, Barley, Hessian, or Earth. Silk is another great cold weather fiber but it is often associated with only summer. Silk is lighter weight than wool, silky to though and quick to dry. Nashua Creative Focus can be knit up in Black, Deep Shadow, and Raw Umber.
Socks for Soldiers- In a land of few luxuries, a price cannot be put upon hand knit socks. Even here where a whim is just a car ride away, hand knit socks are a welcome reprieve. Sock for our soldiers was founded by a mom for her son deployed and in need of good socks. All you need is the simple pattern and some wool or wool/cotton blend. Let me recommend Rowan Wool Cotton Yarn which is a sensuous blend of merino and durable cotton. Perfect for our over worked troops in need of TLC (Choose Inki, which is black).
Afghans of Honor- Knitting for troops is not limited those in active duty. Those who are injured can be said to be even more in need of our support than those not. Afghans of Honor "reminds men and women who have stood in harm's way in defense of their country that they are appreciated and remembered". To some an afghan may be intimidating but surely the courage of a fallen solider can lend itself to the needles of a newbie afghan knitter. Each stitch can be one more stitch of comfort and one less of loneliness. With each stitch you are closer to being finished and shipping your afghan to a soldier in need. Even better, there are no restrictions on this project. Any color and pattern is accepted (but do keep your recipient in mind, kittens and puppies may not be popular). I encourage you to choose warm and inviting colors to keep spirits up. With no pattern restrictions you can be sure to choose a pattern for your level. I suggest Berroco Vintage Chunky for a quick knit in a yummy Wool/Acrylic blend or Nashua Vignette for colorwork without the work.
Now is the time to start planning your knitted Christmas presents. Not that it necessarily take 5 months to knit presents for your family and friend but it takes time to find the perfect pattern, find and order yarn and then time to knit it to perfection (especially if you are working on a new pattern). Starting now gives you time to make a list and do it right without stress. This way if you decide to take a night off for wine bar hopping, a wine tasting or trip to Napa Valley, you've got time. The last thing you want is it being Dec 22nd and you have 2 scarves, 3 hats and 1 sweater left to finish and block!
Now, where to begin? Ah...the fun part. Planning is always fun for me because it involves lots of window shopping, very little price tag looking and much imagining of people opening presents with looks of delight painting their faces. Make a list of those for whom you wish to knit presents. Next, decide the general genre of the present (i.e. hat, shawl, gloves, etc). Then start your search. I always start at Knitty but Ravelry is another good place to start given the rating system. Your library of books in another starting place. I curl up on a comfy seat pulled up next to the shelf with a cup of coffee. Once you have all your patterns selected, it is time to pick your yarn (SIGH. I love yarn shopping!). Make another list of all the yarn you will need. I generally categorize it by fiber. Then if I can combine orders or yardage (say you only need 50 yds from this ball and it will work for another project, then you can combine it and save). Unless I have a definite image of what one project should look like, I try to be flexible with fiber and color so I can combine.
Next, estimate how much time you will need for each project. I write this down on the pattern itself along with the yarn I selected for it. A good way to estimate is to check out completed projects on Ravelry. Each project lists when someone starts and finishes and you should get a good feel for how long it will take. Then get started. I would recommend prioritizing your list but at this point you have already made enough lists and you should just start whichever project you are most excited over.
But wait...Let's make a plan B. Let's face it, knitting Christmas present can be much like starting a diet: You are die-hard for a while then you get distracted and lose you way. That is why a Plan B is in needed in case you have too much wine too often or your husband insists on taking you out dancing (crazy talk, I know). I like to take readymade objects and add little knitted somethings so the sentiment of a handmade present is still there but in a limited amount of time. Some good ideas are:
· Hand towels with knitted edgings
· Knitted flowers added to a tank top or tee shirt
· Wristlets
· Purchased sweaters with added details (knitted appliqués, monograms, edgings or ruffles)
· Crazy cozy- chicken for your teapot, pig for your toaster
· Knitted fruit and veggies are great for kids
There are many little things you can knit and give or add to readymade items. This will give you tons of satisfaction but none of the stress or guilt so often plaguing us during and leading up to the holiday season.
Writer's note: The above pictures are a super cute tank top with knitted flowers added on in a cluster and a knitted inset in red flannel to make a pillow. The pattern is Odin Eagle for my Norwegian MIL but I did not have time to knit the whole pillow. This compromise allows me to give my MIL something she will love in a 1/4 of the time. The striped scarf is my free Sally Stripe pattern found here.
