Floats Knits & Purls & A Whole Lot More -

OK, a little help here ???????

2008-07-25T14:05:00.003-05:00

Well I thought it would be pretty easy to make a decision about which beads to use with my yarn. Who was I kidding?

The top photo shows the three beads together on a double strand of the Redwood Forest yarn. They are in order, Translucent Root-beer, Plain Root-beer, and Translucent Cream Soda. SIde by side, as in the top photo, there are some that seem a better choice. Yet, when you look at them in the individual pictures, they each look pretty nice. I hate to think I might have to work another swatch, but that may be my only choice. What do you think sport fans?

By the way, my beads came from Fire Mountain Gems. They have a great online catalog, and really quick service. I ordered the beads on Tuesday, and there were here today! My three kinds cost a mere $9.46, with P/H being $7.40. With gas being what it is, it was worth paying the postage, especially since I didn't even know if the local shop would have what I wanted. The online pictures were right on, and I think all three have potential.

What a concept!

2008-07-24T22:29:00.003-05:00

Quite a concept, making a gauge swatch, don't you think? I have to admit, this is the VERY first time I have made a swatch for a lace shawl. Not once before have I tested the waters with needle, yarn, and in this case beads. No, these aren't the real beads, mine are clear probably .... I have three different colors coming and am yet to make a choice. I do know I will NOT be using my size 4 CLOVER circulars, a new set of Harmony size fours are on their way. Why I didn't order 4's the first time I ordered these needles is a mystery. Anyhow, I think this size will be perfect, and I love the tips on the KnitPicks needles, and the cables. They are beautiful and functional. Maybe tomorrow I'll have beads .... Until then, and until the 15th of August, I have noting to do but wait, and finish up other items. Yea!

It's time again!! SOSIII

2008-07-20T06:59:00.004-05:00

DK the Nautical Knitter has begun sign ups for Secret of the Stole III. Since I loved the last KAL, I have signed up to carry on a tradition! I have yarn, Knitpicks Shadow, and Harmony Needles. All I need are beads, and I don't think that will be a big problem. We'll see soon. I am using a color called Redwood Forest (discontinued now). It's not the suggested color, but I have it, and I have enough! Need I say more? My niece has also signed up, and several of my spinning guild. Fun! Go to the website for information about joining in if you are interested.

A wee bit of work

2008-07-15T06:31:00.002-05:00

The yarn in the previous post has now assumed a new life. It is always amazing to me to see something knitted up and how sometimes it looks nothing like the original skein. In this case, this is only a wee bit of the area near the border. I can't reveal more as this item is going to be entered into competition later this year. Since most of my guild will be involved in judging, it's important that they not recognize the item and it's owner. So for now, just know I am completing projects, and did come away from this happy. The color here is really off - it is much greener.

I share a photo of the amount of yarn left when I was done knitting. The scale amount is in grams, so you can see I was pretty close to running out of yarn on the bind off. That five yard piece was all that was left! I used a nifty formula as I worked: NxN + 5N. Where N is the number of rows worked. This calculates the number of stitches you have worked. Divide your result by yarn weight and you can see how many stitches per gram you are knitting. NIfty! Here is how the formula works.

I working the edging on another shawl, one that had been set aside a long time ago. So, when that is done, I shall have nothing hanging over my head with that kind of history. I have a pair of socks waiting to be finished, but they shall be done quickly -if saying that doesn't jinx me.

Latest Spinning

2008-06-15T10:31:00.004-05:00

This skein is 485 yards, of fiber I dyed myself with Wilton Icing Color (the little pots of gel, not tubes). I dyed this fiber nearly a year ago, and finished spinning it last fall. I had divided the 4 ounce roving into 3 equal bits, and each was dyed with the same colors, but different values of the three selections. The WPI are about 16 and it was a 4 ounce roving from HERE of Blue Faced Leicester Top from England.

The pictures above show the three different pieces after dying.

Apparently I was only impressed with the first bobbin of singles, as only one made a photo appearance.

Here is the two ply I created by dividing each of the bobbins into quarters. I plied as follows; 2 light, 1 light+1 medium, 2 medium, 1 medium+1 dark, 2 dark, and 1 dark and 1 light. So, now to decide what this yarn will become!

Double Spiral Socks

2008-05-25T08:39:00.002-05:00

I have been in serious hibernation for awhile. Awaiting spring, awaiting time, and just plain waiting. As you can see, I have been knitting socks, and this pattern really turned out nicely. This is Double Spiral knit with Louet-Gems which has been discontinued. This yarn was a purchase at my spinning guild's auction in March. I thought it would be perfect for this pattern, which was shown in this same yarn. I always like to see what I am getting. These were knit on my KnitPick Double pointed Harmony wood needles, size 2.0mm. If course, the beauty of Charlene Schurch's book is that you can figure your gauge and she has all the math worked out for you.

I have a second pair of socks in the works too. It is A Nancy Bush Pattern from in this book . These are progressing slowly. The first sock, didn't fit, and so after getting to the heel (yes I know it took a while to decide it was not going to fit) I started over. I now have both socks done to where the heels begin. This is being knit with KnitPicks Bare, super-wash sock yarn. I am pleased with the pattern, but not thrilled with the yarn. SInce these socks will be hand washed, and more special occasion socks, that is ok. I find the yarn a bit soft for my taste in sock yarn.

I have also done some sewing and finished this bag for a CONTEST with my local Quilt Store. My bag is the second one pictured, the Yoga Monkey Bag!

So, for now, I'm back, and I'll try to keep updated again!

Flowering Around

2008-03-29T06:39:00.004-05:00

I'm not accomplishing much on the knit front lately. SPRING has finally decided to say here in Virginia, and the outdoors have lured me away on several occasions. Not that this retirement neighborhood requires a large amount of work, but that I like getting my hands into the dirt!

I have also been knitting slowly on a sweater for a friend's grandchild. This is still a sweater relationship I am not pleased with. The major complaint is that for once I am using the yarn suggested, and it looks nothing like the finished picture. Oh sure, the top looks the same, but the bottom part is a mess.

Maybe as I progress is will grow on me, but it's not likely. I guess I am falling into that "but I want this to be perfect" trap instead of just knitting on, finishing and mailing it off. It isn't meeting my expectations, and so I am disappointed, and so I am dawdling -! I am sure no one else has even been there, right? And it's not like there is a huge investment going on here .... maybe that is the answer, frog, start again with something else and just move on.

I did try to divert myself with a pair of socks, and so far, on the second yarn, I am still unhappy. Phooey. Bad knit week all around.

The Happy Ending

2008-03-21T10:06:00.002-05:00

I finished the stole on Wednesday evening, washed and blocked it out to dry, and was able to bring it to it's new owner on Thursday morning! Don't you think it is going to look beautiful with her red hair? She was quite surprised, and thrilled to get it, as she had no idea I was making it for her, if she even knew it was being made. She's a special friend, and this will be a special hug for her, reminding her of our friendship in the months ahead, and always! May it bring her peace and joy.

As far as technical matters are concerned, the finished stole weighted 293 grams, which in DK weight wool, means it took approximately 1200 yards. The Knit along pasted 9 weeks, and I think I knitted at least 3 to 5 hours a day on the clues, so knit time was at least 200 hours for me. I am a slow knitted, but this was a truly satisfying knit. I can't thank the designer enough for the pattern and her skill! I have no clue as to the name of the stole, which is also part of the contest that goes along. I think it is Savannah something, but then .... that is truly a guess.

The last Stitch of a Great Journey

2008-03-19T18:10:00.001-05:00

This has been a super knit a long - and the stole is quite beautiful! It is blocking now, and I hope to get some pictures tomorrow morning.

Week Eight - I'm not late

2008-03-13T20:06:00.000-05:00

Pictures tomorrow, but clue eight is finished!

Week Seven Stole Secret

2008-03-08T14:50:00.003-05:00

A twist of fate here, as I didn't finish clue seven yesterday as I had intended. However, this morning when I logged on to check for clue 8, I found out I had a reprieve, as Clue 7 didn't have to be finished and submitted until midnight tonight! Hurray! So for your viewing pleasure, I present clue 7 - and the entire stole, really laid out for all to see.

By Golly Miss Molly

2008-03-05T16:49:00.002-05:00

Nope, still here, not dropped off the face of the earth. Have not (knock on wood) been ill with anything. The plane ride to Florida was uneventful, as you already know, and I'm not suffering from post airport trauma. Just been LAZY. Is that allowed?

I have been knitting and knitting and knitting. Clue seven is half done, and it is really moving along. I have to say that I am really a slow learner. It has taken me this far along in the KAL to know what is coming next without looking at the chart. I say this cautiously, because my next move could be tragic and I might have to look for a lost stitch. But, at this point, I am loving this knit, and am thinking of doing it again! LOL ... I have never knit something twice, so there you go, this must be a magical knit! Not stretched I measure 30 inches to what appears to be the center. So it will be a nice, long wrap for someone!

So the lifeline is at the end of clue Six, and I am about 1/2 through Clue Seven. Hurrah.

Clue Five

2008-02-22T15:35:00.003-05:00

I had airport, travel and leisure time this week while attending a wedding in Florida, no household tasks, just sitting and knitting with my family and visiting time. Consequently, I finished Clue 5 in good time, late Thursday night.

Under the wire

2008-02-08T22:20:00.000-05:00

I managed to finish clue 3 tonight by 10:15. This clue was nice, there seemed to be a rhythm to it. I'm enjoying the pattern and design as it develops.

There's a whole lot of waiting going on here

2008-02-06T08:23:00.000-05:00

Birthday is in two weeks, will I be done? For Pete's sake, what is taking so long?

America, I say

2008-01-24T23:15:00.000-05:00

I have finished knitting the first clue for SOTSii ; and my guess for the first hint is America. It was pretty obvious I thought, but I am sure things will get harder as the new hints come out. So, the knitting was pretty straight forward and I think I only had one row where I had to tink back because of a dropped stitch. I am working my shawl in Yoeman, a fingering weight, that is super-wash 100% Merino. I will most likely dye this when I am done, and know the theme. However, this weight is easy for me to handle, and since it is a stole, will most likely be a size that can be used in any situation.

Clue two is due up in the morning, but I am going to finish some sewing I have going on.

Behind again

2008-01-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

Blogger buddies, I am still here. I have tried to make some small improvements to my organizational skills this year. So far, they have been very very small steps. However this time I am still making progress in some areas, and the fact that I have not totally thrown in the towel by this time of the year is an improvement.

One of the things I have tried to implement was mentioned on a podcast by Kelly from KnitPicks . I couldn't pinpoint which episode it was, so if you don't listen to her, i would encourage a listen and maybe you will find her as entertaining and helpful as I do. Anyhow, HER method is to have 7 types of projects going all at the same time. One for Social Interaction (mindless and simple like garter stitch), another Portable, but easy and small. A third, Absorbing for times you want to close out those around you (Salvation knitting); A new Technique project, a Gift project (never for a specific date - don't sent deadlines for yourself here), Mildly challenging for times of travel, doctor's visits and finally, Charity. I am trying to find something for each of these items, and keeping each in it's own bag and ready to grab. Of course, that means finding the right bag, and remembering to take it with, but then who said this was totally SIMPLE?

So, I am working on charity hats at the moment, have a baby gift about to cast on, a shawl KAL for absorbing, and socks. I have a few categories to work on, and some categories will have multiple projects but I think this just might work.

Also, to spread myself a bit thinner (my husbands observation) I have created this item.

Any guesses what this is for?

And yes, my Bride to Be niece ( in less than 30 days) made this slight improvement to the photo posted last week. Very cute .... but don't you think she should be knee deep in wedding plans, etc. at this point? Obviously her organizational skills are better than mine!

Yarn Holder

2008-01-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

Is this not the greatest thing? Last Saturday I was on a field trip with the volunteers from Meadow Farm. We visited several of the historic sights owned by Henrico County. Our last stop was at the Clarke-Palmore House . Built in 1812 it is listed in the National Register. Legend has it that during the Civil War Confederate soldiers sent signals to the Capitol Roof in Richmond from an upstairs window that overlooked town, .

A Henrico County schoolteacher of 43 years, Vera Clarke Palmore Morton lived her entire life in the house, and decided to leave the property to the county as her legacy.

What caught my attention though in the home that depicts the 1930's was the object in the picture above. At first I didn't give it a second glance. It was under a table, on the floor, near a chair. On top of the table were sewing items, and the bedroom also had a Singer Sewing Machine and I was quite taken with them, the quilt on the bed and hardly paid notice to the little iron cage. But then, something drew me to look closer, and there inside was a ball of yarn! I had to laugh, because of course I immediately thought of the zip lock bags many of us use to hold yarn. This cage was a pre-cursor to the yarn bag! And, as you can imagine, being made of cast iron, I don't think that ball of yarn was going anywhere!

Secret of the Stole ii

2008-01-11T08:32:00.000-05:00

Nautical Knitter will be starting her newest KAL in the next few days. If you don't know about it, look in the sidebar and click on the link under the button. I have yarn, not an appropriate color, but I figure I can always over dye it. And no, I have not done my swatch yet. I am usually a late starter on these KAL. And don't remind me I still have a lace border to finish on a past KAL. I know .... I know. But this is a NEW KAL. You all must understand that.

Monkey (see last post) is resting, though his mouth is pinned in place. I also picked up and worked on Pink Felted Bag . The I-cord I added to the pattern is finished and only grafting and felting remain. Tonight I am caring for the 3 DGK's and will have access to the proper washing machine. Mine is a front loader. DD's is old, and felting might hurry along it's demise. Of course, she and I would never own up to that if it happened. But truely, I would never wish a dead washer on someone with a child in real cloth diapers .... hence I felt in a pillowcase. See, I am not a wicked mother candidate.

Sock Monkey

2008-01-05T18:11:00.000-05:00

It seems I have a sock thing going here. My youngest grandson will be 1 in February, and I decided to make him a Sock Monkey. I picked up the pair of the Red Heel socks and instructions at a mill outlet store in Milwaukie Oregon while visiting back in November. I am a sucker for nostalgia. Though I didn't ever have a sock monkey, I know they were big once, and are popular again. In fact, Jake even has sock monkey outfits.

So, I used my instructions, and then cut the socks and proceeded. I have some really nice stuffing Airlex Premium Fiberfill and so far so good. Of course the curious part of me decided to Google Sock Monkey, and I found out the new pattern is not the same as the Vintage Sock Monkey . The difference is in the second sock and how it is cut. The vintage pattern gives you a longer tail, skinnier arms, and a hat. The hat would have been nice, but I think the new pattern is pretty nice as is. And of course, I can always KNIT the sock monkey a hat. LOL. Am I loosing my mind? What won't a grandmother do for a grandchild? Not only a hat, but I think he needs a vest too. All those bits of sock yarn may be just the ticket for monkey apparel.

Stay tuned as we work on the monkey, he is a work in progress!

Socks - Darn?

2008-01-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Some of the many things I knit last year were socks for DH and my Dad. I thought this cartoon was interesting, in that Opal knits all the time, and in most ways is always frugal. I was surprised that she didn't offer to darn Earl's socks! Although I do admit darning socks is not the most exciting thing in the world, it would certainly be quicker than knitting a new pair of socks for anyone.

I started a pair of socks for myself just before the end of 2007, and finished them this week, my first 2008 FO. I used the Fingering Weight Wool we dyed last year in our Sock Workshop. I used my warping board for this workshop and had calculated the length of rows to get a repeat sequence I thought I would like. Of course this is all subjective, and even in the dying you are not always certain of what the final knit fabric will be.

I had a few surprised, not enough dye in some places (leaving bare spots) and my stripes failed to make a complete round when knitted by about 5 stitches. Since this is superwash wool, it didn't shrink. Of course, now this late, I don't remember what size needles I used to make my calculation, not that it matters, as they are done and I certainly am not going to re-knit them.
I think the next pair ( a pink and white creation you can see if you look closely at the warping board (drying on the bottom) will be next in line, and I will do them on a size 0. O hope to have a firmer fabric.

Click on any of the pictures above to see close up shots on Flickr.

A look back at 2007

2008-01-01T07:44:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone!! I hope 2008 will be healthy and happy for each of you. I did stay up last night and watch the wonderful Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball fall. I was quite taken with the lights and patterns on this new ball, and many of the designs reminded me of quilt patterns. Of course, I guess there is not that much new is there?

This morning, bright and early, I was awake. Funny how staying up late sometimes translates into being awake early. The opposite would seem true. So, I decided I would jog my memory and look at the knitting projects I completed this year. There are only 2 unfinished ones by the way, one is to be felted, and the other to finish and felt. I really had no idea what the numbers would be for the last year and I was surprised to say the least.

If you click on this large picture, it will take you to the Flickr page that links to each of the small photos - this is only if you want to see each project larger of course, or want a name to go along with the picture. So what was the breakdown?

Socks/booties - 7 there are 2 pair not pictures
Shawls - 3
Vests - 2
Wrap - 1 (for Museum)
Hats - 5
Stocking - 1
Sweaters - 2
Doily - 15
Mitts - 1 pair

I really accomplished more than I thought! Next year? I want to always have a pair of socks going. I want to knit another shawl, this time in a color. I hope to make a sweater for Jake or Zack, or maybe both. I think I want to make matching hats for gifts. I have a vest project for me I would like to plan and execute. So, planning begins and it is always exciting to see a new year stretched before you.

Merry Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

To all my readers, family and friends .... Merry Merry Christmas! I hope the Christmas season brings you all the wishes you have for all your family. It's truly a blessed time of the year.

This ornament is one of my season favorites, collected nearly 30 years ago when I was in Panama. Of course, it was hand made in China. The tiny stitches - crochet I am sure - are so exact. It measures only an inch and a half, to give you some idea of the size. It is incredible workmanship.

Until next year, I wish you the best ..... stockings full of fiber and fabric!

Make-Believe Crowns

2007-12-21T18:10:00.000-05:00

Another big hit and an easy knit for children is the Make Believe Crowns a free pattern from Interweave Press. I made these for my grandchildren so each would have something small to open at a recent birthday party. They loved them!

Fish Jacket is Finished

2007-12-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

After many months, starts and stops, knots coming untied, and yarn slippery than black ice, Maddie's fish sweater is finished and gifted. If the smile on her face is any indication, it is a success. Because I knit this sweater with LB Microspun, which had the needed colors and washability, the actual knitting was more difficult than it needed to be. The yarn is stretchy, it slithers, it moves, and of course, when tied off, it resists staying tied. The pattern itself is well written, and my finished product accurately duplicated the projected measurements. I made the 2-3 year old size, and it will fit my DGD for at least 12 months unless she grows like crazy. One result of the knots and the Fray Check that I finally used to anchor the knots, was that the knots were no longer soft. So, in the end, I decided a lining was needed. Because the sweater is stretchy, I knew the lining would have to stretch too, so I chose a T-shirt. I carefully cut it so that the hems became hems and the only seam is where the sleeve insets into the body. I'm quite pleased, and plan to make the hat too, without ear flaps and fish, and lined too.