It's (Going to Be) a Boy!

 

It's been a long time since I have posted...9 months in fact! After struggling with fertility issues for a year, we were overjoyed to find out we were going to have another baby. I like to think about that day when first the home test and then the blood tests came back positive. It's been a long road since then.

My first pregnancy was a relative breeze. This one has been a challenge. I won't go into all the gory details, but the first trimester was by far the easiest. Yes, three-ish months of constant nausea and exhaustion would be preferred to the past 6 months of pre-term labor scares, bed rest and chronic pain.

I'm in the home stretch now, four weeks from my EDD and out of the early preemie danger zone. Now the big joke going around my friends and family is that I will end up going past due and need an induction.

 Despite everything, I have managed to knit a hat for Little Bug (big brother came up with that one) to wear home from the hospital and with the left over yarn I crocheted a matching cowl for myself.
They are both made from Alpaca Lace by Cascade. I held it double for the hat and quadrupled for the cowl.

The hat pattern is from the Purl Bee - Heirloom Hats for Newborns. I can't say I recommend it. It's really fiddly and no matter what I did, I ended up with some laddering. Overall it's cute and I am probably the only person who will notice or care about the flaws.

The cowl is just double crochet. I made a long chain, twisted it when I joined it into a circle, and then double crocheted around until I ran out of yarn. I love this yarn, it's super soft and the colors are beautiful.

And here is a gratuitous belly shot! 36 weeks down!

At Last - the Clapotis

Pattern: Clapotis
Yarn: Berroco Weekend in icy blue
Needles: size 8

I have wanted to make this pattern for six years. How insane is that? I actually attempted it once, with some ridiculously awful novelty yarn. It was glittery and ribbony and just really not good. I was a new knitter though. We all go through that phase. Anyway, it was a disaster.

This Clapotis has been a long time coming. I made it for my mom, originally for her birthday, but it ended up being Mother's Day before I finished it up. This pattern is teeedious. There are a million repeats of what is pretty much just stockinette. I had to put it down several times.

But then came the wonderful day it was done. I threw it over my shoulders and suddenly did not want to part with it. It's so perfectly sized and delightfully drape-y. It's like having a warm towel to put around your shoulders after getting out of a cold pool. I want my own. I now understand why people slog though several of these. It might take me another six years to get around to it, but there most likely will be another one of these in my future.

Shalom Cardi

Pattern: Shalom Cardigan (free!)
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Royal Llama Linen (discontinued)
Needle: size 8 (I think)



First off, I apologize for the poor photos. It's raining today and even if it wasn't, my camera is getting a bit long in the tooth. Anyway, I am finally calling this one done. I started it way back in June. It's a good pattern and a million people have made it so there's lots of helpful notes on Ravelry. I got the yarn on super sale from Webs some Christmas past. It's beautiful, the pictures don't do the color justice. Llama, linen AND silk, married together in tweedy glory? Awesome.

Except that the yarn screwed me. The glory of the Shalom pattern is that it's easy to customize it to your personal body type. I happen to have a long torso and broad shoulders, so I knit this to accommodate those little features. I so badly wanted this to be the Perfect Cardigan that I ripped out 10 inches (!!!!) at one point because I thought the armholes were too baggy.

So I finally got it right. And like a good little knitter, I blocked it. And disaster struck. It grew. And got really drapey. I thought about ripping it out and doing it again, but I reinforced the button holes (so badly hoping for perfection) and that made it too hard to rip. I literally threw the damn thing into the closet.

Then some helpful and more fashionable friends said it wasn't a total loss if I put a belt with it. So I bought a belt and did a single crochet around the neckline to make it less baggy and ta-da! not a total loss. Such is life and knitting.

In other news, a pair of cardinals have been gracing my bird feeder lately. Aren't they sweet?

The River Ombre

Pattern: Kalajoki
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare Stroll Sock Blank
(Post about dying this yarn here)
Needles: Size 2 dpns

I loved how these turned out! It was my first time knitting knee socks and my first time using a charted pattern. The chart was a bit daunting at first, but once I color-coded the symbols, it went smoothly. This is a relatively fast pattern, since most of it is stockinette. It was probably not the best choice for knee socks, since they seem to be a little saggy after wearing, but it doesn't really bother me since I'll only be wearing them around the house.
Oh, and I used the Streets and YOs Knee Socks! pattern to adapt the original. And, as usual, I knit these toe-up. That prevented me from continuing in pattern to the tip of the toe, but I think they still look ok. I'm happy I got them done in time to wear during what little cold weather we have left. It is not easy taking pictures of yourself in knee socks!

The Best Little Yarn Crawl in Texas 2011

This was my first year participating in The Best Little Yarn Crawl in Texas. I only made it to 4 of the 9 stops, but it was so much fun! I came home with a head full of project ideas and all kinds of knitting goodies.

I beefed up my stash with some sparkly sock yarn, beautifully heathered alpaca lace weight, and malabrigo lace weight in the best dark green color. Yarn with a bit of glitter in it seems to be the trend this fall, a trend that I was happy to indulge in!

We visited all the shops in the Austin area: The Knitting Nest, Hill Country Weavers, and Gauge. Then, my yarn crawl buddy and I got adventurous and took our toddlers out to Old Oaks Ranch Monday morning. Oh man, do I love me some alpacas! I have to say, as much fun as we had at the ranch, I was disappointed that I didn't get to touch an alpaca even though their ad in the passport says "Come touch an alpaca!". We also didn't get a free gift there, but taking pictures of the kiddos running around the sculpture garden was a great souvenir.

Everyone we encountered along the crawl was super friendly and helpful. I think it's great that they changed things up a bit this year so there's a giveaway that you can enter for each store.
Hopefully next year I can make it to all the stores so I can be eligible for the grand prize! Now if you'll excuse me, I have some serious knitting to attend to. :)

It Takes a Village Baby Blanket

A member of Knitters Anonymous, the awesome knittin' and drinkin' group I'm in, recently had a little boy. While she was busy growing a human life, the rest of us made her this blanket.
We used two colors of Naturally Caron Spa and each member contributed a panel.
The only instructions given were to CO 36 stitches and knit in your chosen stitch pattern until your piece measured 32". I gathered up all the panels, stitched them together, and did a single crochet border around the edge to tie it all together. I think it looks very sweet and it is silky soft, perfect for delicate baby skin. Sorry for the blurry, picture, it's the only one I have. I think my camera is starting to lose it. : /
Anyway, I think this is a great project for a gift from a knitting group, but were I ever to do it again I would go with a cotton yarn.

Lanesplitter

Pattern: Lanesplitter
Yarn: Noro Taiyo color 6 (discontinued)
Needles: size 9

I have to say, I had my doubts about this project. I tried to knit a skirt in the past and was met with FTCO syndrome (Failure To Cast On) so now I have lots and lots or brown yarn to contend with. I digress. This pattern was simple to make and the results are striking. That's my favorite kind of pattern to make!
I was worried that the seam would be unsightly, but I think the colors lined up reasonably well. Instead of picking up and knitting the waistband, I used the lining instructions from So Knit Picky and it made the project go even faster. The skirt is extremely comfortable...I can't wait for cooler weather so I can wear it. Perhaps with these Frye Boots? Dear boot fairy, I am a size 9.

Also, I do plan on fixing my blog header relatively soon. The empty wagon is not some sort of existential statement. Something is wrong with my eyes and staring intently at a screen only makes things worse. I am getting myself to a doctor soon though, so no worries.

Circle Socks

 Pattern: Circle Socks by Ann Campbell (it's free!)
Yarn: Paton's  Kroy Sock FX in Cameo Colors
Needle: size 2 DPNs

 Modifications: I worked these toe-up over 56 stitches, with the stitch pattern over the instep. I would not have added the pattern to the instep if I was planning on wearing these with shoes. Also, I only worked 2 rounds of purl stitch instead of 3 because I hate purling in the round.

Verdict: I love these socks! They fit well and will be cozy to have around when the weather cools off again. The stitch pattern is simple and easy to memorize, but it gives dramatic results. The only thing I'm bummed about is that even though I bought yarn from the same colorway and dye lot, the colors don't match as closely as I would like.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"May the road rise up to meet, may the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine gently upon your face, may the rain fall softly on your fields..." - Irish Blessing

There has been more yarn dyeing afoot! This is just one of many skeins my friend and I colored last weekend. It's a sock blank from Knit Picks, dyed in a gradient using teal dye.  The darkest end turned out almost shamrock green, while the lightest end is a happy aqua.
The blank is actually two separate stands, so when you knit with it, you will have identical socks. I am planning on making them into Kalajoki socks .

The warmer weather has my thoughts turning to sewing and doll making, so the socks may have to wait.

Belated!

It's been a while since I've posted, though not for lack of subject matter. I just hate this time of year. It's bone chillingly cold, everyone is sick, and the skies are grey more often than not. I have been hunkered down, waiting for spring.

I do have some bright spots of color to share now. We had a laid-back Valentine's Day. My husband came home for lunch (seeing him mid-day is always a treat!) and we splurged on these awesome coffee mugs. And of course, there were roses.

This one goes beautifully with my new purple kitchen walls.

See the double center?

These long late winter nights have been filled with making of various kinds. I have knitted my first successful sweater! I wore it to mom's night out and no one even asked me if I made it. I count this as a huge compliment, because it looks so good people must have thought it was commercially made. Unfortunately, I have yet to get a great picture of it. This one will have to do instead.

Pattern: Idlewood
Yarn: Berrocco Peruvia in Abusar
Needles: 11 and 10

It is so flattering and comfortable. It has also restored my faith in my ability to knit garments.

It hasn't all been knitting here, either. Here is the first doll of 2011.

He is made from a new pattern I designed and a sweet 9" tall. His jammy pants are upcycled from an old button down and his shirt is flannel. I'm not 100% happy with his shirt, but overall I love him and plan on making some more. There are a lot of things happening in the doll department but they're not quite ready to be announced yet. Stay tuned...

Hello 2011!

2010 went by so fast that I never got used to writing the date. December '09? Oh, wait, oops. I hope this next year feels more leisurely. I have some big plans and some small goals - get the house decorated more to my liking, get some muscle tone, and maybe get my little crafty business officially started.

Anyway, back in the old '10, I knit a scarf that I have been affectionately calling my buttered kittens scarf. No worries, neither kittens nor butter were harmed in its creation but an alpaca or two might have been a inconvenienced. Wanna see it?

 

Pattern: Big Lace Scarf from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Yarn: Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky, color 562 (2 skeins)

Needles: size 15 (which makes me feel like I'm knitting with someone else's arms!)

Rarely will I buy the whole book for just one pattern, but the yarn was such a perfect match and I enjoyed the first Last Minute Knitted Gifts so much, it had to be done. It also looks quite nice with my heathered gray winter coat.

Santa was good to me this year and many of my crafting dreams came true, including a new sewing machine! Let the 2011 creations commence!

Baby Knits in Action

Nautie, aka the cuddlefish being...cuddled.

The earflap hat fits now...and not a moment too soon since it SNOWED today.

Baby Benji Beanie

Pattern: Baby Beanie (ravelry link)
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock
Needles: size 2

This was a cute, easy pattern, just right for full term preggo/new mommy brain. I really wanted to finish it before he was born, but he came 4 days earlier than predicted. A friend and fellow knitter was coming to meet him so I HAD to finish it.

How is that more motivation than the birth of my first child? Re: Ben can't yet discuss the pros and cons of various sock yarns.

But he looks so cute wearing them that this will not be the last knitted hat he is subjected to wear!

Cuddlefish, aka Nautie from Knitty

Pattern: Nautie from Knitty.com (free!)
Yarn: O-wool Balance (in my top 5 favorite yarns of all time!)
Needles: size 6
Made for: My baby-to-be (about a month away!)

This was a fun and weird knit. I like making toys...there's also a Mr. Dangly 2.0 waiting in the wings for his photo shoot.
I don't have all that much to say about this project. It wasn't boring, wasn't too hard, and make people laugh. All in all a good deal. Also, my poor future son will realize that that his mom has always been a little odd early on. : )

Hopefully I will get my other creations blogged about and current projects finished before d-day. Only a month left!

Baby Earflap Hat

Pattern: Baby / Kid's Earflap Hat (infant size)
Yarn: Jo-Ann Sensations Soles and More
Needles: size 2
Made for: baby - to - be, modeled by the ever adorable Baby Chris

I made this for my little one due in November, but I made it infant size since baby sizing seems to be all over the place and they grow so quickly. But, it fits my 6 month old nephew (who is in size 9-12 month clothing). There's no way my kiddo will be that big by February, which is the last month cold enough for a hat in Texas.

Luckily, the pattern is a fun, quick knit and I have plenty of yarn leftover. I did increase the stitch count by 50% because I didn't get gauge. Why bother knitting a bunch of swatches when you can do math? And then have your sweet and patient husband correct it?

More Mits and Felting

My sister flew in from California last weekend to see the baby and surprise the family. I was the only one who knew and I was very excited since I only got to see her for a couple of days over Christmas.
What does this have to do with fingerless mits and a tiny bluebird? Everything.

My sister is a musician and plays a lot at the local farmer's market. I gave her the Wiggle Mits as part of Christmas gift and she'd mentioned how much she likes to wear them while she plays (violin, cello, you name it, she's super talented). It's still chilly up there, so I decided to whip her up another pair.

The yarn is Debbie Mumm Traditions and very soft.
I think I used size 8 needles, knit what was basically a rectangular swatch and then seamed it up, leaving a hole for the thumb. Easy-peasy. If had I been thinking, I would have done a provisional cast-on and then kitchner stitched the sides. oh well, I think they still look good.

Now, the bluebird is her idea. I showed her how to needle felt and she made a really cute flower which was immeaditly made into a hair clip. Then it was decided a tiny bird would also make a really cute hairclip.


It only took about 30 minutes to make him and I think he's pretty darn cute. I've gotten the hang of needle felting finally and started another four-legged creature (not a giraffe).

Mr. Dangly in the Wild

Back in January, I gave Mr. Dangly to my then-yet-to-be-born nephew. Unfortunately, he went a little crazy with his freedom...when he auditioned to be Chris III's favorite monkey, he only proved that he would be a bad influence, at least until little C turns 21.

Not Quite Weekend Knitting

Pattern: Fluffy Lace Camisole and Pull-Off Cowl (just the cowl)
Yarn: Elann Super Kydd
Needles: size 10

I've been really happy with most of my projects lately; this is not one of them. The first beef I have is that it took me over a week to just make the cowl. I guess if you have the time and stamina to knit non-stop for two days you could maybe complete both pieces.
The second beef is the size. I think it's too big. Had I cast on fewer stitches than the recommended 133, it wouldn't be so droopy. I'm not going to block it for fear it might become even larger.

*it seems to also make my neck look alien skinny*

I can kinda tuck it around and wear it with my coat. It is pretty warm and I think the blue looks nice with the grey, so I won't count this project as a total wash.

Kandinsky Inspired Slippers

Pattern: Keep Away Slipper (ravelry, sorry)
Needles: 9 and 10
Yarn: Patton's Classic Merino, wool roving


Modifications:
I only increased up to 24sts, because a lot of people on ravelry mentioned that their slippers were turning out too large. @4 ended up being perfect. I also knit 5 rounds instead of 3 after turning the heel.


I used the Turkish cast on and knit in the round on two circulars. This tutorial was really helpful in casting on. I think both techniques are pretty cumbersome, but the nice thing about knitting with the intent to felt is that minor mistakes blend away. The increase lines on my toes had huge holes. I went back in and wove a strand of yarn through them before felting and they closed up with no problem, but I would never use this for non-felted socks.


This project was really an excuse to try my hand at some needle felting. The needle felting was fun and really easy. The only drawback is that my wrist and shoulder would ache after a while. But, like any good knitter, I would never let a little carpal tunnel stand in the way of getting a project done!

Miles and Miles of Squares

Pattern: Sheep and Wool Hat
Needles: size 7 and 8
Yarns: GGH Campano (multi) and Plymouth Yarn Suri Merino (cream)

Modifications:
For the crown, I used the decrease style from Brooklyn Tweed’s Turn a Square Hat. I did double the decreases to make it more shallow. The only thing I wish I had done differently was pick 2 yarns closer in weight. Alas.

I really enjoyed knitting this. I've never done stranded knitting before, and I was surprised how easy it was. I don't think I'm ready to tackle some crazy 6 color sweater of a Nativity scene or anything, but I would like to make the Ode to Eames socks one day.

I've also never done a knitted hem before, but that went well also. It makes the hat very warm.

*mmm...hat guts*

I made this for my sister at her request and she says she likes it and that it matches her snowboarding jacket, hooray! I made two different sizes of optional pompoms to accommodate her level of whimsy at the moment.

*ignore the bizarre look of my shoulders. it's hard taking a picture of the top of your own head*

I have one more project I finished this 2008, but it's going to have to wait until '09 to be posted. Oh well, so it goes.

Happy New Year! My your 2009 be full of good cheer and fun projects!