Chapter 8

Shownotes:

Finished Object

None. 

Works in Progress

Vanilla Socks (toe up with afterthought heel)
Blanket inspired by Heavenly Heathers by Carol Sulcoski

Future Projects

Ginny's Cardigan by Meri Chiba

Miscellaneous

A groups has been created on Ravelry for anyone who wishes to join. 

Chapter 7

Chapter 7, Part 1 

 

 

 

Chapter 7, Part 2

Chapter 6

Welcome to new readers and welcome back to return readers. It has been longer than planned since the last post but I have a few goodies to show for it. 

Finished Objects

At the end of October I had knit up a hat with my first hand spun yarn, and there was no exact pattern, just came up with it as I went.  The idea was to create a slouchy/beret type hat, but what was created instead was really ugly.  Since I didn't want to see nor keep the eye sore the yarn was re-used on a new hat which is between a slouchy and a toque.  It was inspired by Simple Pleasures Hat by Purl Soho.  The pattern is a free download on Ravelry.com. 

This was one of those instances where doing a swatch came in handy. 

For those who don't know what a gauge swatch its a way of finding out if the yarn you were planning to use on a project will work for what you have in mind or not and it also helps you figure out if the needle size you are using will help you knit up the right size for your project.  You would need to knit a 6 square inches, even though you will only be measuring the centre 4 square inches it's always best if you make it 6 inches, also note that the square would have to knit it in pattern (as in you use the exact type of stitch or pattern as the pattern calls for).  Once you have that done measure 4 square inches and count the number of stitches and rows and divide those numbers by 4.  This way you can get the stitches and rows per inch.  Also before you start your project don't forget to wash you swatch as you intend to was the finished project, this way you will be able to see how the fabric drapes and how the yarn works with the project at hand. 

Going back to my project I used my first hand spun in a 50% Merino, 50% Welsh top using a size 10 1/2 US (6.5mm) double pointed needles. 

Works In Progress

I currently have a couple of projects on the needles. I'm working on the Dragon's Egg Socks by Anne Podlesak and the pattern may be found in the Unofficial Harry Potter magazine.  The socks are being knit using a size 1US (2.5mm) with the  Online Supersocke 100 in the colourway #1321.  The first sock is about halfway done, but I'm going to try and get it done before the end of November. 

I've also started to knit a hat for my mother, using the Etoile pattern by Drops Design and size 6US (4.0mm) needles.  The yarn being used is Cascade 220 in the 9336.  Not much has been done at this point only the casting on. 

Stash and Equipment Enhancements

A few things have been acquired since the last post.  For one I couldn't resist and purchased an actual project bag.  It was purchased at the Zig Zag Stitches booth but you may also purchase Zig Zag Bags on Etsy.com.  I choose what I would classify as a medium sized bag.  It appears to be layered with canvas between the outside and the lining to give it some sturdiness and also to prevent any knitting needles poking through. 

Also purchased was 12 ounces of Corriedale from Crow Hill Farm of Kawartha Lakes in Ontario.  This fibre has not bee prepared, but that's okay. 

I also got a pound of alpaca, this particular alpaca is named Thistle.  I can't the name of the farm the fibre came from but I will try to find the business card and post it. 

I also bought 200 grams of Corriedale in the Autumn Dusk and an Ashford flick carter from Gemini Fibres. 

The last bit of fibre that I got was a braid of 4.1oz (118 grams) from Fullin' Woolens in the Chameleon colourway, it is hand dyed 80% merino and 20% silk. 

And finally my only yarn purchase was a self-stripping by Desert Vista Dyeworks in the Emeralds, Sapphires & Prince colourway, its out of a 75% merino and 25% nylon blend in a fingering weight.  The yarn was purchased from The Wool Boutique. 

Until next time...happy knitting, crocheting and spinning...

Chapter 5

Welcome to any new readers and welcome back to any return readers.  Sorry for not posting sooner but I just wanted to make sure that some progress had been made the works in progress and there has been. 

Finished Objects

The "Socks on a Plane" are now finished.  The pattern was designed by Laura Linneman also known as Lala.  The yarn used was Fortissima Mexiko which is a 75% superwash wool and 25% polymide blend in the 227 colourway, I also used double pointed needles (DPNs) in a size US1(2.5mm).  This pair of socks have had their ends weaved in and need to be washed and blocked.  With the first sock of the pair I learned that one should not knit while on heavy medications.  But I'm happy with the end result regardless. 

Works in Progress

The "Dragon's Egg Socks" by Anne Podlesak have been started.  The patter may be found in the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits from Interweave.  I will once again be using the US1 (2.5mm) DPNs, the yarn is the Online Supersocke 100 in the 1321 colourway.  These will be my Halloween socks and yes the goal is to have them completed by Halloween. 

Spinning

I have also finished spinning half a pound of merino and half of pound of welsh top and two plied them together for yardage I got 330 yards and its thick and thin as can be expected from a beginner it looks like its a bulky to a light worsted yarn.  But I'm quite happy of the end result as its a new skill that one has acquired about making a hat and scarf or something like that. 

Also, I started spinning some more 100% merino in a lavender and deeper purple colours it seems to be coming out fairly even.  I plan on Navaho playing  (3 ply/chain ply) as I'm liking the way the colours are coming out.  Once its been plied I will have a photo of it to show everyone. 

Since my last post there haven't been any equipment/stash enhancements, but I'm hoping to change that in the coming weeks at the Woodstock Wool and Fleece Festival and the Creativ Festival thereafter.  So until next time happy knitting, crocheting and/or spinning. 

Chapter 4

Welcome to any new readers and welcome back to return readers. 

There isn't much for finished objects or works in progress, but there is quite a bit of news in the
stash and equipment enhancement departments. 

Finished Objects

I was asked by a fellow Gryffindor (Gryffindor is one of the four houses of the Harry Potter series; the other three houses are Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw) over on Ravelry to make a blanket square to help create a baby blanket for another fellow Gryffindor who is pregnant (she is at the end of her first trimester, I believe).  This is actually the first time that I've ever made a blanket square and its also the first time that I have made something that will be gifted to someone I don't personally known. 

It's a 12x12 inch square and I just used the garter stitch and knit a triangle and started decreasing.  Once that triangle was done, picked up stitches are then picked up on the side three more times.  I used that the Diamonds and Purls from the 60 Quick Baby Blankets as a guideline for my square.  The Diamond and Purls patter was designed by Debbie O'Neill.  I simply increased the number of stitches to make it the required size.  The yarn used was Seidar Snuggly in White Whispers, its about 82 meters and its made or 100% bamboo.  1 1/2 balls of the yarn were used to make my square.  The needle size used was US7 which is 4.5mm. 

 

Works in Progress

I'm still working on Socks on a Plane by Laura Linneman also known as Lala.  The first sock is still at the gusset increases.  The yarn being used is Fortissima Mexiko which is a 75% superwash virgin wool and 25% polyamide blend in the colourway number 227 (various shades of gray).  I expect to have started on the second sock by the next post. 

Stash and Equipment Enhancements

First and foremost I would like to take the time to say that I have now acquired a Lendrum Original double treadle spinning wheel about a week ago.  Some spinning has been done and lets just say that it will take a bit of practice  to get a presentable yarn.  But I'm more than willing to give it my best.  Once my efforts become good enough then I'll be able to post it.  But I will keep you updated on any progress made.  While at my LYS (local yarn shop) to get my wheel, it couldn't be helped, I just had to look at some of the yarn that they carry and I have ended up buying quite a bit. 

There were four balls of White Whispers  (1 1/2 of which was used for the above mentioned finished object).  Also purchased was a ball of Regia Trend Point in the 06612 colourway (it is the yellow yarn).  Its a sock yarn made of a 75% virgin wool and 25% polyamide and has about 420 meters and I have just the right pattern for this yarn. 

I also acquired a ball of Supersocke 100 in the 1321 colourway (a mixture of purple, black, blue, orange and pink) and it remind me of Halloween.  I have every intention of making a pair Halloween socks.  This yarn is also strangely enough a 75% wool and 25% polyamide blend.  The pattern for the socks hasn't been picked out yet.

 

 I also purchased a set of sock blockers and a shawl pin by Knitters Pride.  The Carina pin comes in a mossy/forest green and a cobalt looking blue and is shaped like a leaf, I chose the green one as its my favourite colour and I thought that it fir the shape better. 

To say that my shopping expedition was enjoyable wouldn't even begin to describe it.  But then again its always enjoyable at Romni Wools in Toronto.  Romni Wools is located on Queen Street just west of Bathurst Street should any one like to visit. 

Miscellaneous

The Creativ Festival is taking place once again in Toronto on October 25-27, 2013 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased ahead of the festival on their website creativfestival.com or purchased on the day of on site.  For more details please visit the festival website.  See you there...

Until next time...happy knitting, crocheting, spinning...

Chapter 3

Welcome back to returning readers and welcome to new readers.  Sorry for being away for so long.  The family went away on holidays and there hasn't been a lot of progress on my works in progress.  But I was able to get some souvenir yarn which I can't wait to start knitting on, more details to follow shortly. 

Finished Objects

The Cassis Shawlette was complete a few days before going on holidays.  but I just didn't get a chance to post it. 

 

 

As mentioned in my previous posts, some modifications were made.  I didn't quite like the garter stitch throughout the body of the shawlette, so that was replaced by with stockinet stitch with a few rows of garter stitch rows in the middle and the last rows before binding off to prevent it from rolling.  The size needle used was a US4 (3.5mm), and the yarn used was Ella Rae Classic Superwash Heathers in the 105 colourway which is a navy blue.  I used two balls of yarn, but a third would have been needed in order to finish the short rows right up to the end and so had to stop the short rows before they were due.  I'm not sure if it's because of my gauge or because a part of the pattern was changed but I ran out of yarn towards the end and had to do some quick thinking in order for the finished project to still look pretty.  I had more than enough yarn to do it as per the pattern, but oh well...in the end I have a shawlette that I really like and can't wait to wear it. 

 

Works In Progress

 

I started knitting a pair of sock, my very first pair of handknit socks.  The pattern that was chosen is Socks on a Plane by Laura Linneman also known as Lala who so happens to be one of the Knit Girllls (and yes it's supposed to have three l's).  The said pattern is free on Ravelry.  My socks are being knit on size 1 (2.5mm) and I'm using Fortissima Mexiko in the 227 colourway, which is essentially different shades of gray. 

 

 

 

Here is what I have so far on the first sock, I know that it's not much, but I'm getting there. 

 

Stash Enhancements

 

While in Ottawa, on Sue of the Two Tangled Skeins' recommendation I visited this little shop called Yarn Forward.  I liked how it was nice and quaint.  It didn't have anywhere near as much yarn as Romni Wools in Toronto, which is my LYS (even though I have to drive from Etobicoke).  But one thing this little shop has was a table at the back with chairs where knitters/crochetters are welcome to sit and craft a spell.  That is something that I really liked.  And the ladies at the shop were so friendly and welcoming. 

 

I seem to have gotten sidetracked a bit...anyway, I was able to find this very nice & soft lace weight yarn, which I'm going to say reminds me of sea glass.  I normally gravitate towards darkers colours but not this time.  The yarn I got is from the Manos Lace line by Manos del Uruguay and the artisan is Patricia.  It's made of 70% baby alpaca, 25% silk and 5% cashmere and its on the L9622 colourway.  I purchase two skeins which I believe will be enough to make a reasonable sized shawl. 

 

This is all for this post, but I'm going to try and have more for you the next time around.  Thank you for reading and hope to post again real soon.  Until next time... 

 

 

Chapter 2

Welcome to new readers and welcome back new readers.  Even though it has been a couple of weeks I haven't been able to do much knitting.  But here is what I have so far...

Finished Objects

My owl fingerless mittens are complete as you can see below.  They were designed by Sandra Ruppert, it's a free pattern on Ravelry.com. 

 

 

These mittens were made out of Diamond Luxury Collection Pilar in colour 12367 (or as I call it brown).  It's made of 90% Llama and 10% Silk, each hank weights 50 grams (about 99 meters). 

 

 

Works In Progress

I have seen how to do short rows quite a few times on craftsy.com (its a free class) and on youtube.  I finally understand how to do them, I guess it's because there are a few ways of doing short rows.  Also I saw that the pattern asks you to do the garter stitch for the body of the shawlette which I thought about and didn't really like, so I decided to do it in stockinet.  You see the edge is out of lace and stockinet with one row purl row in between the points (there are 14 points in this pattern), anyway, I didn't like the way that it would have looked so I decided to change it.  :) But as any knitter will tell you, it will curl on you.  So to stop this from happening when one started on the second ball of yarn, decided to play on the purl row on the edge and decided to make two purl rows (on the right side) and I will purl the last two rows as well. 

So far it seems to be working and I like the way it looks so far.  Just for those wondering about the what kind of yarn I'm using, it's Ella Rae in the Classic Superwash Heathers base in the 105 colour lot (or as I call it navy blue).  Each ball is 100 grams (219 yards; 200 meters). 

Also I just wanted to give you an update on the crochet blanket, I just need to make another 100 squares in order to finish it. 

That is it for me this week, please let me know if you enjoyed my blog post or if you think there is something that needs improving.  As this is my first blog any suggestions would be helpful!  Until next time...

Welcome!

Welcome everyone to my very first blog post.  I would like to update this blog with a new post or episode if you like every two weeks as I not the fastest knitter out there and I don't want to bore you or repeat a work in progress unless it's a big project. 

WIPs also known as Works in Progress

I'm working on a blanket out of bulky yarn or various colours that I've been meaning to finish for a while now.  I've actually started and restarted it a few times, but now that I've got sort of a design in mind.  I'm only just over 100 squares away from finishing, I know that sounds like a lot but I have made some calculations and it will take 315 squares to finish this project.  I will try my best to post a photo once it's complete.  By the way this blanket is being crocheted and it's made of granny squares. 

I'm also knitting a shawlette named Cassis shawlette by Collete Audrey and it's a free pattern found at Ravelry.

It has some simple lace and short rows.  I'm currently at the second part of the lace where I will soon start the short rows.  It is keeping me very interested, which is a good thing for if I were bored then I would most likely frogged it back.  But I can't wait to start wearing this shawlette. 

So those are my works in progress for the moment, I hoping to finish both by the next episode so that I may present you with some photos and further information on what yarns I've used.  

FOs also known as Finished Objects

I have a pair of fingerless mittens that I've completed for a group that I'm a part of on Ravelry called The Harry Potter House Cup.  At the beginning of a term, in this case a three month period you get to be sorted (if you are a first year) into one of the four Houses just like in the Harry Potter books and movies.  For more information please log on to www.ravelry.com for more details and head over to the group.  Well anyway, as my homework I decided to knit fingerless mitts.  The pattern is called Owl Mitts by Sandra Ruppert and once again it's a free pattern also on Ravelry.  They are made from a blend of camel and silk in a brown tonal colour.  A picture will follow shortly. 

Sorry but I haven't enhanced my stash of late nor have I touched my spindling, but I will keep all of you updated as this changes. 

That is it for now, but do let me know what you think of my blog.  Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.  Thank you for reading and hope to have you come back for Post 2.  Bye for now.