Knitopolis

Shopping on the Intertubes is great--one can find so many interesting things that you'll just never find at the nearest megamall.  Even if they had these things, you wouldn't know to look for them.

Three cool internet purchases I've made in the past 30 days.  And they're all vaguely knitting related.

An original artwork:

By this artist Susie Ghahremani, purchased from this gallery.  It's very tiny--maybe 2'X3"?--that's about all the original artwork I can afford.  Susie has a lot of great stuff for sale at her online shop--she even has notepads with a similar kitty/ball of yarn motif. 

Shoes for summer:

Fabulous artist Camilla Engman's version of Converse All Stars low-tops purchased here.  Camilla is, of course, renowned also for her unique crocheted animals.  Alright, that's crochet-related, not knitting, but still...

A set of photographic prints:

purchased from knitblogger (and knitwear model) sixoneseven (purchased here).

Bonus cool purchase:

Yes, more Handmaiden Sea Silk.  This color is called "Ireland" (purchased here).  Purdy.

Goodbye Seed Stitch

I really didn't like the seed stitch edging on the Fluttersleeve cardi I've been working on.  Normally, I don't have a problem with the stitch, but with the nubby yarn I was using, it just looked lumpy and messy.  Unfortunately, I didn't decide it was untenable until I had nearly finished the back.  I hated to rip it all out, because I was liking the piece otherwise, and knowing me, I would have never gotten around to restarting it.

So, away the seed stitch went:

I reknitted the bottom edge in a K2P1 rib and grafted it onto the bottom.

And, voilà!

A new ribbed edge.  Much better.

OK, what I'm not showing you is that I knitted the band about 8 stitches short (yet another dumb mistake), so I guess I'll have to knit another little section and graft and seam it in.  Sheesh.

The last thing I need to be doing is starting another project--I already have three I'm actively working on and numerous UFOs.  Still, I was craving some Handmaiden Sea Silk--there is little that is more pleasant for me than knitting sea silk lace with bamboo needles.

Then it came to me in a flash:  "Dandelion" Sea Silk and the Honeybee Stole.  Together.

However, I'm still not completely over my recent doldrums.  I spent hours this past weekend trying to set up this project.  I started and restarted--perhaps four or five times, managing each time to make a small mistake and throwing off the stitch count.  I scoured the web to make sure there wasn't a mistake in the pattern or something tricksy that other knitters were stumbling over.

No.

It was just me.

In fact, now that I've gotten into the first section of the pattern, I can see that it's quite simple.  I just wasn't paying enough attention, my mind was wandering, I was zoning.  I'd better get it together, that next section looks unfamiliar.

I'm already eyeing another seasilk project--Kat Coyle's Gossamer Stars Scarf in the upcoming Interweave Knits.  The pattern calls for Fiesta La Luz, but I'm thinking some Tilli Tomas Fil de la Mer would be a nice alternative. Or Double Sea Silk. 

Although, I should really be trying to find projects for my stockpile of beautiful laceweight yarns.

Where the *%$@ have I been!!!

My last post was on January 30.  Yikes!

Winter is gone and it's Virginia bluebell season.

The sad thing is that I don't have too much to show for all the time that has passed.  I'm loathe to admit it, but just a little of the magic has gone out of knitting for me.  At least for the time being.  I'm not sure what happened.  Knitting just seems kind of tedious.  My stash, which isn't even that huge, feels like a burden.

I started and stopped a dozen projects in the past couple of months.  Nothing seems to satisfy, but I, also, I was making too many not-paying-attention types of mistakes.

So, what have I been up to?

For a couple of years I've wanted to knit a Clapotis from Katia Jamaica (discontinued), here are a couple of very nice examples.  I've had the yarn forever--for two different colors, no less--but I just never got around to starting it. 

I was hoping this would be something I could just pick up and put down and it would not require much effort (I've even done a few rows on the train/bus).  Plus, it would use stash yarn.  So, I don't love it, but it'll do (I think I'll really like the end product, though).  I'm just getting to the point of where I indulge in the perverse pleasure of deliberately dropping the stitches.

I started the Snap Cardigan with Blue Sky Cotton.  I bought this yarn last summer. 

It's a little tough knitting this worsted weight yarn with US6 needles, but I like the result so far.

I'm working on the Flutter Sleeve Cardigan from the current IK.

 

I'm not sure the nubby stash yarn I'm using was such a great idea--the seed stitching looks pretty bad, and, yet, I keep knitting. 

Fugly--no?  I wouldn't be surprised if this one ends up ripped. 

I finished one Transitions mitt (well, except for weaving in the ends). 

The part with two colors on US3 needles was fun, the end with ribbing done on US1 was hellish.  I think this contributed greatly to my knitting funk.  It just seemed to go on forever.  Mitt 2 will have to wait for cold weather to roll around again.  Love the Shibui yarn, though.

I finished the shawl from "Scottish Inspirations.

I like it, but the season is over.  Couldn't get a good action shot, but this photo shows the color better:

On the stash acquisition front, my malaise has lessened my enthusiasm for yarn, too (oh noes!).  However, how bummed out would you have to be to ignore this gorgeous Handmaiden Sea Silk in Dandelion?  I just need to decide what to make with it.

A very sweet reader of this blog (and fellow Blythe fan), Bobbe (no bloggy?), sent me this gorgeous shawl pin.

 

I'm looking forward to using it with the above mentioned Sea silk and all my other lace shawls.

Speaking of readers, another reader, Dana, was asking about my Placed Cable (Dana, I tried to email a response, but the message kept bouncing).  Alas, the Placed Cable, another victim of my funk, sits abandoned until cool weather roles around again.

Oh, and, look:  Fabric stash!  One of these days I may get around to doing something with these.

I scored a Lotta Jansdotter remnant bag:

And a bunch of pretty Denyse Schmidt prints:

So, that's the update.  I do think things are getting better--actually, just bringing everything out and blogging it seems to have helped.  Hopefully, I'll be back to more-or-less regular posting.

I can't go without one more bluebell pic.

I hope all of you are enjoying the seasons, wherever you are!

Quick Gift Knitting

Herringbone Neck Warmer using Malabrigo worsted (in "Rose Vivacity") and Bainbridge Scarf in Rowan Wool Cotton (in "Moonstone")

Need something fast?  These patterns are great.

I swiped a ball or so of Wool Cotton from the two sweater's worth I got on sale at Richesse when they were getting rid of their Rowan yarn awhile back (sadly, they seem to be no longer around).  I likes Wool Cotton.  I likes it a lot.  Gotta think about what to do with my haul.

Oh, and Neptune it is.  Definitely, Neptune.

New and Old Yarn Loves

My new yarn love is Shibui.  It is delightful--gorgeous color and texture.  I have three skeins of sock yarn (Peony, Chinese Red, and Pagoda, l to r) and one skein of Silk Cloud (Chinese Red).  I've been looking forward to starting and pair of Transition Gloves, but was delayed a bit because I was sent a skein of Pagoda rather than the Peony which I ordered.  The folks at Knit/Purl offered to make a very convenient and reasonable swap, but when there was a slight shipping delay on their part, they told me to keep both skeins!  Knitting peoples are good peoples.

I still loves me some Rowan Cork, though.  This is the aforementioned "Pete" from the Cork Collection in "Plunge"--a gorgeous deep navy blue with flecks of ultramarine.  There were several lots of Cork on eBay recently.  I resisted the urge, but instead of being proud of myself, I'm feeling regretful!  Need.  More.  Cork!

 

Happy Knitting Day

I decreed yesterday, January 17, 2008, as my personal Happy Knitting Day.  I'm took the day off from work and everything.  Perfect, too, given the weather.

I had a brief loss of knitting mojo during the holiday season, but I think I've recovered.  At one point, I went two entire days without knitting a stitch.  And those times that I was knitting were plagued with mistakes and do-overs.  Dumb stuff like using the wrong size needle or not reading the instructions. 

But that's all over.  I think.

On my Happy Knitting Day, I worked on new projects, revisted some old projects, and planned out the rest of my winter knitting determing what yarn and needles are required.

I worked on two new projects--this tie shrug from Scottish Inspirations and Pete from the Cork Collection (not pictured).

This shrug was one of first things to catch my eye in the book.  It  is not quite what I expected--the stitch pattern is kinda weird--you end up with a doubled layer.  But I like it.

And I love love love this "Celtic Mix" color of  Scottish Tweed.

Some of the old:

Wicked: the only reason this one was abandoned is that I knit the little pouchy thing wrong and had to rip it out.  For whatever reason, I never went back to it.  So, I spent a little time restarting the pocket.

Swallowtail Shawl--I found this one a bit tedious, but I like it and would like to finish it.

And there are a few projects I intend to put out of their and my misery:

Knitting Pure and Simple Tunic -- life's too short for this boring project.  I'm not sure why it appealled to me at the time, but after another dumb mistake I lost interest in it.  I think I just wanted a bunch of stockinette at the time.

Sarcelle--a very nice pattern, but I accidently included too many repeats and have to rip so much back that I may as well give up on it.  Plus, there were a few wonky stitches at the beginning when I was still working out that stitch pattern that I was just never too satisfied with.  Besides, I think I found a better pattern for my PureKnits Bamboo.  I'll try another Sarcelle someday, though.  Maybe in a heavier yarn, though, like SeaSilk.

After having to rip out 4 or 5 inches from my Placed Cable Aran, I decided to set it aside for awhile and devote more time to screwing up some other stuff.

As to new projects on the horizon:  Kathy, from the Cork Collection--I have icy blue Cork for this; Tilted Duster, Interweave Knits, using Berrocco Peruvia in "Dragon";  Ice Queen, Knitty--"Heaven" KSH.  And a couple of others I'll mentioned over the weekend.

And, I really want to try the Fair Isle Sampler Hat from IK Winter 2004.  I have a bunch of Jamieson's Spindrift (rather that the Jamieson & Smith Jumper Weight), but I'm not sure if these colors will do (plus, I'm one short).

Anyway, that's where things are for now.  You'll note that I didn't mention my SKIF project.  That's because I keep going back and forth about whether to knit "Jess" or "Neptune"--more about that later.

I hope all of you can arrange your own Happy Knitting Day soon and get back on track if you so need.

SKIF Part Deux

I really wanted to knit "Neptune" next, but I love this swatch.  I don't think this yarn combination will yield Neptune's drapey neckline, therefore, I will knit "Jess", because I have to use this yarn combination. 

One strand of Habu Shosenshi Paper in black, one strand of A-33 laceweight merino, and one strand of A-32D silk mohair hand-dyed kasrui in the color "Inky".

Casting on--tonight?

That's a lot o' pink...

While I decide which SKIF to knit next, I started a "Placed Cable Aran" from the Fall 2007 Interweave Knits using some Misti Baby Alpaca Worsted (Raspberry Sorbet) that I actually had intended to use for something else.  However, it's such a soft and cozy looking pullover and the alpaca seemed perfectly suited to it, so it was reassigned.

 

I was actually relieved that I only saw one item in the current IK that I would be inclined to knit.  There were just too many  great pieces in in the Fall issue.  I have the yarn for both "Tilted Duster" and "Tangled Yoke", but I'm not betting that get to both of them anytime soon.

And, Anne at Knitspot is killing me!  Her newest shawl (which will also be available in a stole version soon) is amazing.  I haven't even gotten around to "Bee Fields" yet!  The new pattern, Irtfa'a, is paired with Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn.  They have a new line of colors, Raven Clan, that is beckoning me.  I fear them due to bad pooling experiences with their "Socks That Rock" yarn, but I may have to give them another whirl.

If all this weren't enough, I received my copy of Kim Hargreaves new book.  There are so many great projects.  Oh, and Yahaira's book--Transparencies--oh, yeah.   Can't have too many excuses to knit with Habu silk/mohair.

Not a very good pic, but I've started a swatch using the Habu silk/mohair, merino laceweight, and shosenshi paper.

 

Zena Redux

Oh, fiddledy-dee.  The post below was supposed to be saved as a draft. 

Oh, well.

A few details regarding deviations to the pattern:

• After several attempts, I gave up trying to make the collar by picking up the stitches on each side.  It just looked messy.  I had even knitted several inches of the back before deciding to rip back and simply re-knit the back of the collar as a separate flap and then seam the three parts together later.
• I did not use the larger needle on the sleeves, as directed, nor did I switch to a smaller needle for the last 4 inches.
• I knitted the sleeves with the knit side, rather than the purl side called for in the pattern.
• Also, I knitted the sleeves flat because I my circs weren't flexible enough to magic loop and I wasn't into DPNs.
• The sides and sleeves were joined with invisible seams using a sportweight yarn from the stash that had similar colors.

The result is a simpler Zena and simplicity works very well with the Habu yarn.  The fabric is very open and drapey, but the fuzziness of the mohair fills in the open spaces of the stitches quite nicely. 

Although I made a few changes and had battles with the wording, the pattern is fabulous and just a little brilliant given how the front and back are knit in one piece.  It was challenging, but rewarding.

And the sweater itself?  I've already worn it twice.  I do believe Zena is going to be a favorite.

Lastly, I wanted to acknowledge my shamelessly Nora-esque photos (not that they succeed, no one shows off the beauty of yarn and stitches quite like Nora).

Zena

Zena by SKIF International.

Knitted with Habu Textiles A-33 2/48 Merino Wool, one strand each of black and a light olive green, plus one strand of Habu handpainted silk/mohair in green.

These photos don't do the Habu yarn justice.   There's a depth to the color of the handpainted silk/mohair that I can't seem to capture.  Nor, is the lovely halo evident.  And, no photo could capture the fuzzy silky coziness.

Fin!

I finished seaming Zena last night.

Now if I could get a decent photo...

Playing Footsie

To break the monotony of Zena’s stockinette periodically, I knitted a couple of pairs of Sweet Mary Janes  last week (purchase the pattern here). They’re really cute and easy. And, they knit up so quickly!

If you need a quick gift, you could, conceivably, whip up a pair of these in a single evening. I found a most excellent tutorial for Turkish cast-on here Not being a big sock knitter, per se, this sort of toe was new to me, but it turned out to be no big deal. The first pair is made from one skein of Silk Garden in color #84 and a bit of Lamb's Pride in Deep Charcoal for the crocheted edge and strap.

I also made a boy version, sans the strap—I just added an extra row of crochet stitches to make them fit snugly.

These are made also with Silk Garden, but in color #252. The skeins stripe black/charcoal with a bit of aqua and green—I used two skeins so that I could this pair using mostly the black/charcoal. I’m making a second pair with the other colors in the skeins.

One thing I love about winter knitting is that there are so many opportunities to make small projects and try out new yarns. This is my first experience with Silk Garden—it’s really gorgeous (although it sure breaks a lot--grrrr). I wish I could find an appropriate sweater project for it that I like. I love the black/aqua color.

Oh, and Zena--only a few more inches of sleeve and the seaming to go!  Maybe later this week?

1 Sleeve 2 Go

Not too exciting to see, but I'm a bit psyched because I knitted the last half the the first sleeve continental style!  I was getting frustrated with how slowly this project has been going and thought I should give continental another try.  I watched a very clear tutorial on YouTube, but the technique was completely awkward for me.  So, I just sat there experimenting it until a found a way to make it work for my hands--which turned out very different from what I saw in the tutorial.  At first, I could only do it on the knit rows, but, eventually, I found I could purl, as well.  I think it would take some getting used to, but it's obvious that I could greatly increase my knitting speed, which would be wonderful.  It feels so alien, though.

Ooooh....UPDATE!

I just saw this at Kim Hargreaves' site.

Buttons have been pushed.

Update:  The book is now available, do check out the projects--they are quite lovely.  The collection may not go exactly where I had anticipated, but there are several pieces I'm drawn to--Faith, Calm, and Darcy are standouts.  I think Calm, in particular, because I've been looking for something to knit with Kidsilk Aura.

It seems that the book is only available at Kim's website--at least at this point (from what I can see).  Shipping will be expensive to the US, but I'm not gonna let that stop me!