Friday On The Needles

Woke up this morning to a gorgeous snow day. Yes, I’m from the South, so snow is a complete novelty for me. I think it’s beautiful. This is a little dark because it was early in the morning, and the haze is actually snow falling.

 

Anyway, since we’re homestuck (and I don’t mean the game), it’s a perfect day to have a cup of tea and wander around in my fluffy socks with the sticky dots on the bottom. Leigh has made me a beautiful room to nest in (she really did make it for ME!).

Crocheted shawl on the back of the chair, and knitting bag in the seat, of course!

Today, I got up, made my coffee, took photos, helped Bill with breakfast, loaded the dishwasher, took a shower, and I’m finally sitting on my bed about to get back to work on the Simple Lace Scarf, which is incredibly easy…just three rows of lattice lace then four rows of knitting. It only takes a bit of concentration in order to remember to YO, K2TOG or K2TOG, YO. They alternate so that the lattice is actually slanted and pretty. I needed something simple to work on while we drove to Connecticut, and this fit the bill perfectly.

I’m using a cashmere silk blend, so it’s soft and fluffy with a bit of squish. It’s not blocked yet so the lace isn’t quite as prominent as it will be. I doubled the width because I like my scarves wider than average, but that’s just me.

The snow is really coming down and  tomorrow is due to be record lows. My husband wanted me to really experience winter in the north to make sure it doesn’t affect my fibro and make it worse. Fortunately, I think my meds are exactly balance, plus getting away from the Hill Country Cedar was an instant fix for my runny nose.

This is my second full day here, and I’ve already accomplished tons!

Santa Baby

I know I’m a few days late, but in my defense, I’ve been sick pretty much since Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day was no exception. While I rallied enough to get all the wrapping finished up, on Christmas Eve I ended up crashing at around 3:30pm. When I woke up three hours later, I found a spotless house, including the bathroom, and the kitchen floors. It was a perfect Christmas surprise, and I was able to throw myself into the baking frenzy of pies for the next day.

On Christmas morning, I had the best time watching my kids, my son’s girlfriend, and my husband open presents, particularly my husband. The only things he had asked for were a pizza cutter, a knife sharpener, and some snapware bowls. Instead of the knife sharpener, I bought him a set of Ginzu knives, which he was amazed at how sharp they are. However, as he opened lame present after lame present (pajamas, flannel shirts, kitchenware), I kept having to hide my smile as I waited for the right moment to give him his “real” present.

For ages, he’s been waffling about getting a tablet of some kind, so I did my research and decided on the Google Nexus. A few days before Christmas, he said that if he were going to get a tablet, it would be a Nexus. I laughed and said, “Whatever,” as if he would ever buy one. So while I had been a little worried about whether or not he would like it or just complain about the expense, I stopped worrying. Sure enough, when he opened the tiny little box, he was so happy. He loves it and spends much more time in his chair or in the bed, reading all sorts of things. Yesterday, all he read about was dinosaurs.

I highly suspected I was going to get the ChiaoGoo needles, but as I opened my presents, it wasn’t in any of the boxes. I did get a kindle (great for pattern pdfs!) and a fantabulous craft tote with lots of safe, non-velcro compartments. Finally, I was down to my last box and I was NOT disappointed! There in all of its black and white floral glory was the ChiaoGoo needle carry case.

Because he got me the complete set, I have from size 2 up to size 15. It came with six cables (two of each length, with one for the large set and one for the small set), cable connectors, stitch markers, tightening keys, a gauge/ruler, end caps, and of course, the case. I was too exhausted to play with it that day, but the next day, I switched from my Velocity fixed cable over to the ChiaoGoo and OMG! Let me say again, I was NOT disappointed!

Having lace tips is worth its weight in stainless steel. I love the “click/swish, click/swish” sound they make because I can stitch so much faster. The cashmere silk lace scarf that I’d had to give up on because it refused to cooperate with my Boye needles? I’m now on row 15, and I doubled the width (I like wider scarves). It took me about 45 minutes total to get that far which is waaaaaay faster for me.

I love the stitch markers, too. They are so cute! All the different sizes makes it easy to use the smallest one so it isn’t difficult to knit over. Having a set of end stoppers makes it easy to have multiple projects going at once (because what knitter/crocheter doesn’t??), so I had to give a go at the Kuura shawl with my ICE merino and I had a ball (LOL!) because even the few rows that I worked up were so simple and I can tell it is going to be a gorgeous piece.

I cannot say enough good things about these needles. The key makes the joins super tight, so it’s highly unlikely they will unscrew on their own. Combining the cables was such a huge help for my ever expanding Afternoon Tea shawl. I’m flying through those rows, too, so I should have that done by the end of the next week. The joins are super smooth, too.

Although Amazon hiked up the price $26 from $129 to $155, my husband said there was no way he could *not* get them for me, even though he waited too long. Never underestimate the truly fantastic gift that a good set of needles make. While my other needle purchases sort of propped open the door, these needles have thrown it wide open to the world of knitting possibilities.

I highly recommend getting the complete set, and I also intend to get more cables, connectors, and end stoppers. The combinations are endless, and one could easily make a cabled afghan of any size with a few of the 30″ cables put together. I feel like there is nothing I can’t tackle now!

All I Want For Christmas Is…

One thing about learning a new hobby: it often requires a whole new set of toys. When I learned to crochet, I got subscriptions to several magazines, downloaded patterns, bought hooks, stitch markers, yarn, yarn, more yarn, and oh, some yarn. Knitting is nowhere near that cheap.

Sure, I could get just a single set of straight needles and make flat hats and scarves in worsted weight yarns until I die of boredom. But if I want to make shawls, blankets, hats, sweaters, or socks, I need stuff. Lots of stuff. 14 inch straights, circular needles of various lengths and sizes,  cable needles (although for the moment, I’m faking it with a third straight), yarn, yarn, some yarn, and oh, more yarn! I’ve discovered that yarn that is nearly impossible to use in crochet, because the stitches get lost, is easy to use in knitting, because the stitches are right there on the needle. Hello mohair, boucle, and novelty yarns!

Every year, my parents, nieces and nephew, and my family all draw names after Thanksgiving dinner. It’s easier to get gifts for one person, and they get a cooler present than if I had to get seven of them. This year, my mom got me, Aubrey got my mom, I got my dad, and my dad got Aubrey. How funny is that?? Because my mom is going to be gone for Christmas and I’ll be gone for all of January and most of February, we decided to get together on the 15th for brunch.

My mom is difficult to buy for, but Aubrey is a whiz shopper. She hit up Etsy and found the most beautiful thing…I’ll show pictures after next Sunday when we open our presents. My dad is equally difficult, as he has everything he could ever need. I searched through Etsy and while I found some really awesome stuff, it all comes from Israel and wouldn’t be here in time. Because I wasted so much time looking at various indie websites, I ran out of shipping time. Thank goodness for Amazon and Prime. Two days guaranteed! I found a beautiful wool/viscose Irish Ivy Hat; I’ve seen my dad wear one so I know he’ll like it. I’m frantically working on a cabled scarf to go with the hat. With only six days to go, it may be a very short scarf. I’m using the Lion Brand Reversible Cable Scarf Level 5. I’m not sure why it’s considered level 5, because it’s really easy, as long as I don’t lose track of when to knit and when to purl.

 

Mom finds me equally difficult to buy for, although I think I’m pretty easy. Obviously, knitting stuff is at the top of my list. But she wanted to make sure she got me exactly what I wanted, so while we were on the phone, we shopped on KnitPicks.com together. I picked out a set of Caspian DPNs, some needle coils, point protectors, cable needles, and two skeins of Shimmer yarn in Shallows colorway. That’s going to be a lace shawl for sure! I can’t wait for the DPNs so I can make my first pair of knitted socks.

Of course, I’m still hoping for the set of ChiaoGoo interchangeables from my husband. Hint…hint!

 

Here I Row Again

I’m super new to knitting, so I’m still learning things like what a pain in the ass it is to not discover my stitch count is off until I’m a couple dozen rows down from where I made the mistake that threw it off. I’ve been working on this shawl for about six weeks now, and the majority of that time has been spent doing the same  dozen or so rows over and over. After this last round of frogging, I’ve become super paranoid and I’m now counting my stitches after every fourth row. The other three rows are just knit stitch, so as long as that fourth row is right, the next three will be right, too…assuming I don’t drop a stitch somewhere, but I usually notice that right away. Everyone around me notices, too, because there’s a whole lot of cussing going on when that happens.

It’s so much more difficult to frog in knitting than in crochet. With crochet, the stitches in the row beneath don’t collapse when I rip out a row, whereas with knitting, stitches don’t neatly and patiently wait for me to run the needle through. After putting my working stitches on and off the needle for what seemed like the millionth time, I realized it would be much faster to just run a line of embroidery thread on a tapestry needle through the stitches to hold them while I counted. If they were still wrong, it only takes a second to pull the thread, unlike trying to smooth 257 stitches on and off my circular needles.

Every needleworker has their own little tips, tricks, and admit it, quirks. I admit that my OCD makes me rip back rows of work if I’m off by one stitch, whereas a normal person would just, oh…add a freakin’ stitch. Every time my husband comes home to find me under a pile of loose yarn with that crazed look in my eye, he laughs and reminds me that’s what stitch markers are for. I remind him that knitting needles are much sharper than crochet hooks.

Fortunately, this pattern is a very easy beginner’s lace, so I have this section memorized. After doing it a billion times, I’m much faster at getting through the yarn over rows. Since Texas (and most of the rest of the country) is hunkering down for the southern bit of Winter Storm Cleon, I have nowhere that I have to be, which means I can knit and watch Law And Order: SVU while snuggled under my layers of quilt, blanket, and comforter.

Meanwhile, my luxurious yarn stash continues to grow. In today’s mail, I received my JL Daisy Alpaca in black and another skein of JL Mira, this time in hot pink. OMG, the alpaca is so soft, I know it will have to be a scarf so I can bury my face in it. It’s like snuggling a kitten!

 

All Yarn And No Needle

Down here, when someone is either a complete idiot or they arrogantly brag about how awesome they are but have nothing to back up their claims, we say they are, “all brand and no cattle.” In Texas, anyone can register a brand, as in what’s burned into animal flesh to identify which ranch they belong to. It is not a requirement that one own a ranch nor cattle of any kind. In order to sound rich or important, people would register brands even though they had no reason for it. All brand and no cattle.

Over the shopping frenzy weekend, I bought several skeins of different yarns from vendors on both eBay and Etsy. O.M.G. I came home yesterday (after buying these things on Friday night and Saturday morning, mind you!) and found three bags on my porch. I essentially got most of my stuff in less than one business day! Unfortunately, I couldn’t play with any of it because I still haven’t purchased my needles. In our family, we go into self-purchase lockdown on November 1. No one is allowed the buy anything for themselves until after Christmas. This does not apply to yarn, however. Yarn may be purchased at any time for any (or no) reason. I’m pretty sure that’s chiseled in as the 11th Commandment. Thanks to lockdown, I can’t just buy my needles. I have to wait till Christmas to see if they turn up under the tree. All yarn and no needle.

Although I lacked the proper needles, I very carefully cut open each bag and was in pure heaven when I saw and felt my ICE Artic Merino.

SOOOOO soft, which a hint of a shiny glimmer. I chose the midnight blue color and it is deep and rich and perfect. I quickly decided that this is MY yarn, and I will make something for myself with it. I found the Kuura Shawl on Ravelry and I heard a choir of angels all sing “Aaaahhhhh” and knew this was the pattern I would use.

I have had a soft spot for Finland in my heart after spending a month of summer in Helsinki, so the fact that this shawl is Finnish just made it more perfect. I can just imagine casually wrapping it around my shoulders as the night starts to chill while walking along the Esplanadi, window shopping at all the quirky stores. In typical Finnish design, Kuura has clean and simple lines, nothing overly complicated, yet manages to look intricate and delicate.

In addition to the ICE Artic, I bought a few skeins of other ICE yarn, two skeins of handpainted yarn from my_special_tea, and two skeins of JL Mira from onlinebargainsgalore. If you’ve never tried JL yarn, I highly recommend it. You can find it on eBay and Etsy, or can order directly from Julia’s Yarn. I’ve used several different collections and have always been very happy with it. The bamboo and wool Zania is one of my favorites. Mira is a fingering/sock wool and is decadently soft for a pure wool.

Those weren’t my only yarn purchases, but they were my faves from the day. I am still waiting on a skein of cashmere fingering, some alpaca wool, and more Mira. It’s killing me to see this yarn sitting here feeling lonely and neglected. I can almost hear it crying. I’m trying to look at the bright side; this forces me to continue to work on the Afternoon Tea shawl that I’m making for a friend.

I can’t put it down and go play with other yarn until I have some needles. C’mon Christmas!!!!

It’s Been HOW Long??

Wow, I didn’t realize it’s been close to a year since I last posted. It’s almost Thanksgiving! Of course, that means I’m frantically working on various projects for Christmas gifts (that won’t get done and will end up being frogged in January…just keepin’ it real).

I recently learned how to knit back at the beginning of October which has opened up a world of new patterns, stitches, and wouldn’t you know it, tools. While I long ago decided on my favorite crochet hooks (Susan Bates Luxite Plastic), I’ve yet to find a good set of needles. So far, I’ve tried Lion Brand (meh), Susan Bates (love the tips…these are my favorite inexpensive straights), Boye (no. Just no.), ChiaoGoo Bamboo fixed circulars (the regular ones with the clear wires…good, but I don’t like the bamboo), Susan Bates Velocity fixed circulars (ok, but the wire is too stiff), and finally, ChiaoGoo Stainless Steel fixed circular with the red wire.

O.M.G, the red wire ChiaoGoo is HEAVENLY! Straight out of the package, the wire is soft, flexible, and nearly straight! The join is smooth and sleek, meaning there’s nothing to snag the yarn. I love the curved join, because it keeps the fabric moving smoothly down onto the wire instead of my having to stop and shove it down (a problem with the Bamboo). I’m in love! I’d already set my heart on the ChiaoGoo Red Twist interchangeables, but I wanted to try the wire before I committed.

Unfortunately, I’m still torn. Have you SEEN the KnitPicks Caspian needles? They are gorgeous!! I’m considering ordering their trial set of two interchangeables (size 6 Caspian wood and size 7 nickle plated), which also comes with two cable lengths (24″ and 40″) and four end caps, as well as the tightening tool which looks like a twirled t-pin. The Caspian needles are so pretty, and the wires are a beautiful matching teal color.

Do any of my dear readers have any of the KnitPicks needles? If so, are you happy with them? Tell me about it!

Singing The Blues

I’ve been on a fruitless quest to find a coastal themed quilt that isn’t so literal. I don’t want anchors in the corner, or various seashells all over. I don’t want plain strips, but it can’t be too flowery. In no case would I consider one with lighthouses on it. So you can see my dilemma.

While I haven’t completely given up this quest, I decided to check out ravelry for any crochet afghans that might work, and came across one by DROPS. The pattern is unnamed, so I’ve decided to call it Coastal Cool. Click HERE for the link.

While the pattern is throw sized, I want one that is big enough for a queen sized bed. That means instead of making 5 each of 6 different squares, I’m going to make 12 each of 12 different squares for a total of 144 squares, which will be approximately 86 inches by 86 inches.

What I love about this pattern is that in spite of it looking like different patterns for each square, it is actually the EXACT same pattern! The only thing that changes is the color combinations. It took me about six squares before I finally had the pattern memorized, but now that I have, I’m moving pretty quickly. I don’t think it will be done in time for use this winter, but it will be ready and waiting for next winter. Maybe if I’m lucky, we’ll get our usual freezing cold March, so it will get some use this spring.

After working on this for a week or so, I’ve finished 18 squares. Only 126 more to go! This is a great project to take on the go, or to work on when it’s hot outside, because each square is about 7 inches. There’s no giant bundle of blanket on my lap, nor do I have to whip out an 86 inch long ripple while sitting at the doctor’s office. This is actually great to work on while standing in line, like at the DMV or the bank.

The only changes I made to the pattern are to use Simply Soft yarn and an I hook instead of an H. I am a tight stitcher, so I have to use the next size up hook in order to get the right gauge, although gauge isn’t really that important for this pattern. I will need to figure out how to block all 144 of these things before I sew them together, just to make sure they are uniform, but I’ll worry about that later.

I would not usually attempt a granny square ANYTHING, mainly because of all the ends that need to be woven, however my daughter doesn’t mind weaving in the ends, and it gives her something mindless to do while we watch TV. Sewing them all together will be a pain, but it uses a loose zigzag rather than a tight seam.

I think this will be quite pretty when it is done, but I’m not sure I’d ever make a second one! Here are the first two block combinations:

  

Easy Going – Cheri McEwen

There’s nothing like sleet and a sick child to make us hookers run for our yarn. When it’s cold and rainy outside, I want nothing more than to bundle up next to my fireplace and lose myself in yarn and a good tv show (currently, I’m working my way through the X-Files…so maybe I should take out that modifier “good”). On top of the weather, I have a child who is under the weather. My poor daughter, who is rarely ill, has succumbed to this year’s flu, and has been coughing, shivering, and whimpering next to me since last year. Ok, yes, I know that was just Sunday, but it sounds so much more dramatic, don’t you think?

While she’s sick, I have to be ready to jump up at a moment’s notice. I’ve been running for the thermometer, tylenol, hot tea, chicken soup, pudding, popsicles, apple juice, cough syrup, mucinex, and kleenex, and that’s just been the last four hours. Having to drop my crochet every few minutes makes it difficult to track a complicated pattern. As much as I love a good, complex Doris Chan, it’s these drop everything days when I appreciate the simple repetition of a Cheri McEwen pattern.

What I love about Cheri’s patterns is that they look complicated, and while the first few rows might be a little iffy and require some attention, once you have the repeat down, they become wonderfully mindless, easy to drop and pick up again with little thought required as to, “Where was I?” I’ve made three of her Butterflies Shawl, and they whip up super fast. Today’s project (and likely the rest of the week) is her Small Talk Shawl. While it looks like a ridiculously intense pineapple pattern, it’s actually so simple! What’s really nice is that the pattern doesn’t call for a particular yarn or hook. If you use something proportionate, it will turn out like the picture. A slightly larger hook or finer yarn will make for a lacier look, while a smaller hook or chunkier yarn can give a tightly woven feel.

I first came across Cheri’s work on Crochetvolution and again on Ravelry.com while looking for shawl patterns. She’s quickly become one of my favorite designers, and I usually have one of her patterns working in a to-go bag for when I’m headed to the doctor’s or anywhere I may have to wait a while. She does an excellent job of explaining any pattern specific details, and always has a chart to go along with the printed pattern. I’ve found that a quick glance at the chart is enough to remind me where I am if it’s been a while since I’ve put down that WIP.

Great for a last minute gift because of the easy repetition, her stuff is fun to work on all year long. So while I’m trapped in my house nursing my sick child, I will finish whipping up this lovely Small Talk Shawl. I’m using some ancient baby yarn called Softer Than Angels. I know it’s ancient because the price sticker is from Winn’s, an old fashioned five and dime that closed down in the eighties, which makes this around 25 years old. However, a good acrylic never goes bad, and the lavender and green 3 ply is light and perfect for spring.

That is not a pineapple!

 

Another Year, Another Project List!

Now that the holidays are just about over, I have a bit of time to catch up on blogging. I know I owe y’all pics of the All Tied Up In Knots shawl, so here it is…modeled by its new owner, my friend J.

The front of the shawl. There is a nice amount of overlap, so it can be held close with a shawl pin if needed.

Closeup of the edging. The back filler and the edging are all one piece. For the back, I used three columns. I stopped at the center and continued the split with the two separate columns. This is just a simple twist cable, but the seam itself adds some texture and interest.

A closeup of the back. Three simple twist cables and an easy over/under seam stitch to connect the two panels with the middle.

Here you can see the filler with the three columns. It also adds a little stretch, and the loose stitching allows it to breath so she won’t get too hot.

Here is the front right panel. As you can see above, there are two repeats on each side, one front and one back. The Celtic Knot was designed by Becleigh Durham of Australia.

The Celtic Knot pattern is available on Ravelry or on Becleigh’s blog, The Thick Plottens. As you can probably tell, it took FOREVER to finish it! It is essentially four baby blankets and a scarf all sewn together, just to give you an idea of the time factor. However, I can truly say that I am now a post stitch MASTER!

With that out of the way, I can move on to new (and old) projects! Last night, I started on the “Plum’s the Word Shawlette” from Crochet! magazine. It’s only available to subscribers or CGOA members, as it is a web extra and is not published in the magazine.

Plum’s the Word Shawlette as featured on the Crochet! magazine website.

I’m also working on a couple of original designs, so you’ll be seeing those later on this year.

I still have a few old projects to either finish or frog. I’m working on my son’s afghan that will likely be ready next Christmas. I’m also going to try to get some wedding wear done to post on Etsy. Most importantly, I need to take photos of all the other completed projects that I found lying around in my craft closet!

In between crochet work, I am organizing my craft studio, so you’ll be seeing pictures of before and after (prepare to be horrified!). I have a few chain maille projects lined up, and I need to create room for my daughter to work on her sewing projects. She received two sewing classes for Christmas, so she’ll actually know what she’s doing! Besides her sewing, I will be working on a simple strip quilt made from jelly rolls that I found at Big Lots, of all places! They were only $7.50 for each roll! This will be my first attempt at quilting, so wish me luck.

As we start the new year, I wish everyone joy and prosperity, and the energy and will to finish all of your UFOs (unfinished objects)!

 

Between the Rows

I’ve discovered that the best way to avoid repetitive stress strains are to have multiple projects going at one time. I’m super excited because last night, our new washer and dryer were installed, which means I can now wash all the fabric I got to make rag dolls. Because I believe in diversity, I bought light beige, dark tan, and chocolate brown fabrics for the bodies. I also bought felt for the hair, which I’m going to return for fleece (Aubrey’s idea), since it is much softer, and comes in better colors.

I love this pattern, in spite of the fact that the embroidered faces on the envelope look like psychopathic killers.

I figure this is a great way to practice my sewing skills, teach Aubrey how to pin and cut, and they’re perfect for putting on Etsy for Christmas sales, assuming I can get any done in time. Worst case, they’ll be ready for next Christmas, right?

For the clothes, I have two stacks of fat quarters that Aubrey got for Christmas a few years ago, and I bought half yards of different calicoes and batiks. I’m hoping the sewing will go fast, and since much of the accessories are felt, there isn’t much hemming required. I intend to use Velcro instead of buttons, so that they are toddler safe. The best part is I doubt anyone will be upset if a seam isn’t absolutely perfect on a doll dress, whereas for a kid’s dress, I would personally be much pickier.

That is the problem with growing up with a master seamstress for a mother. I can instantly spot poor seaming and a bad cut, and refuse to pay for shoddy work. Unfortunately, my mom doesn’t sew much anymore, which is a great loss to the local fashionistas. She could whip up a Vogue wedding dress with lace and buttons and sequins, all in a matter of days, and without a dress form. I can’t count how many formal gowns she made me when I was in high school, usually the day before an event. She would show up at school and make me try it on in the bathroom so she’d have the hem done in time. For my wedding dress (which was really a fitted blouse and a British walking skirt), she had three days. We were pretty loopy by the day of the wedding, as we were surviving on just a few hours sleep here and there. In spite of having to tacky glue the pearls to the lace at 4:30 am, just hours before the wedding, my outfit was amazing.

On top of my dress, she also made ribbon roses for all the bridesmaid dresses. We had searched around for summer formals, and managed to find one style that was in different colors and sizes…on sale for $10 each. Although we managed to find a size for each bridesmaid, they ended up in four separate colors. My mom’s solution was to get plaid ribbon that exactly matched the four colors. She made about 40 roses, and sewed ten along each of  the tops of the bodice, which fell in a ruffle under the roses. My bridesmaids were out $23 total, because my mom didn’t charge them for her labor.

Of course, she also did all the flowers, while I crafted bluebonnets for the groomsmen to wear. My first husband and I were married on the Bluebonnet Miniature Train as it rode through the park, so it seemed appropriate. I had bluebonnets in my bouquet, too. My mom is equally an amazing florist as she is a seamstress, and she managed to pull off the entire wedding for $500.

I know that back then, I never showed the appreciation that my mom deserved. I could be an entitled spoiled brat (what do you mean not every teenager had their own couture wardrobe on a dime?), and while I always said thanks, I don’t think it was ever enough. Now that I’m old enough to realize how lucky I was, and I am now the one behind the machine, I really mean it when I say thank you for going above and beyond, not just once or twice, but all the time.