"Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either." ~ Elizabeth Zimmerman

1/24/13

And Loving It

This is going to be my last post until after the cruise. We're flying out tomorrow, headed for Orlando, Florida. Finally, I'm getting out of the snow and cold! YAY! I've been pretty busy preparing for the trip, which is why I haven't blogged much lately. I have been knitting when I have free time because I decided I MUST wear the chevron sweater on my vacation. Last night I finished it. I tried it on with great trepidation. Would it fit? Would I like it? Well, I need not have worried. It fits perfect and I LOVE it!


Chevron Pullover

Pattern: Thistle Ridge Top by Margaret Fisher
Published in Winter 2005 Cast On magazine.

Yarn: Incanto by Zitron Yarns in #03 Blues and Greys
Content: 35% Cotton, 30% Acrylic, 23% Linen, 12% Rayon / Worsted weight

Yarn: Berroco Comfort in Cadet Blue
Content: 50% Nylon, 50% Acrylic

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 8

Cast on: July 8, 2011
Completed: January 23, 2013

Comments: I love the pattern. It was pleasant to knit, well written too. I had to enlarge it because it only goes up to size L. I was worried the fabric might be heavier than I would be comfortable in because it's garter stitch chevron, but it is very comfortable. 

The Incanto yarn is very hard to work with. It has a shiny strand of Rayon wound around the yarn that likes to unwind, split, and fuzz if you look at it cross eyes. But I persevered because I love the colorway. It also has little sharp bits of plastic caught in the plies every so often. I stopped and pulled them out, though I'm sure I missed a few. All in all, not really a very good quality yarn. I hope it wears better. I won't be using it again. In fact, I've already given the leftovers away.

The Berroco Comfort is very nice to knit with. It has a nice hand to it. It's several very thin strands plied loosely together. When I crocheted the neckline though, it was a bear to use. It constantly wanted to split.  I would not crochet anything big with this yarn.

Back of sweater

I really really love this stitch pattern. It's a 2-row repeat easily memorized. 



The neckline has a row of crochet to finish it. The pattern calls for single crochet, but I decided to do one sc, one hdc, one dc, one trbl, then reverse that so the scallops would fill up making the edge smooth. Not my best crochet job certainly, but good enough.

Front neckline


 I also single crocheted around the sleeve edges. The sleeves have an interesting construction that I've not done before.

Sleeve edge

You pick up stitches along the armholes, knit a few rows straight, then do several rows of short rowing that creates a wonderful curved cap sleeve. I really like how it fits.

Front of sweater

It's in the dryer (on low) now so I will be wearing it tomorrow.

I got one sleeve done on the baby cardigan.



That will be it until I get back. I'm not taking this project with me. For travel knitting, I've packed some Cascade Superwash Sport for a sweater I'm going to make for my son-in-law. I love the feel of this yarn. It's every bit as soft as cashmere. I'm looking forward to working with it.



The pattern is from Drops Designs web site. I have chosen Mocha Brown for the main color. Cream for the second color, Extra Creme Cafe for color three, and Lemon for color 4. I am going to substitute octopus for the deer. I've found an awesome chart that is free on Ravelry that I will incorporate so I won't have to draw one myself. I plan to cast on this evening to calm my brain because I am so excited, and nervous.

I've also packed a bit of sock yarn and needles to make a couple pair of baby socks. I doubt I'll get to them, but I don't want to get bored. Heh heh. Bored on a cruise to the Bahamas? I think not.

Today a package arrived in the mail. I ordered this a few days ago.



It's a ChiaoGoo interchangeable needle set. I liked the one I got my daughter for Christmas so much I decided to get one for me. I like the points. They are nice and sharp, and the cables are wire coated with nylon. Very flexible but not flimsy. The join between the needles and cables is very smooth. I used one on the baby sweater sleeve at the Yarnies meeting this morning and I love knitting with them. They are very nice needles.

So, that is the news for now. Try to keep yourselves out of trouble while I'm gone. I will try to post while on my trip, but I'm not taking my laptop so I don't know if I will be able to or not. There's supposed to be a computer room on the ship we can use. If so, I'll post. If not, well, you'll hear from me when I get back after the 5th of February.

Until then...

Live long and prosper. \\//

1/18/13

Simple Womans Daybook for January 18, 2013










FOR TODAY
January 18, 2013

Outside my window...
Its dark. I can see the front half of a lighted deer Christmas decoration. Only the front half because the back half isn't working for some reason. Probably a loose bulb. I haven't been motivated enough to fix it yet now that Christmas is over.

I am thinking...
about the cruise a lot. We're leaving end of next week. I've got the packing planning going on in my head.

I am thankful for...
our furnace. It is keeping me warm during this frigid period of winter.

From the kitchen...
delicious smells. I put a corned beef brisket in the crockpot this morning. Luvin' it!

I am wearing...
a striped t-shirt and black knit pants. Comfy wear for doing housework-which is what I did today.

I am creating...
a baby sweater sleeve. It's about 3 inches long. I have also figured out the alterations needed to make the sleeves for the chevron sweater. I'm planning on knitting them this weekend.

I am going...
on a cruise to the Bahamas! I can hardly wait. I didnt' really start getting excited until earlier this week when I did our online check-in and printed out the boarding passes and whatnot. Suddenly it hit me. Oh my goodness! I'm going to the Bahamas!

I am reading...
Tarzan and the Ant Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I'm on page 1721 of the Tarzan book  collection.

I am hearing...
the tv. My daughter is watching Open Season 2.

Around the house...
I started a big project today. I've had piles of beading and knitting patterns I have printed out from the internet sitting on the dining room table. I'm finally getting them sorted and put in 3 ring binders. I'm a third of the way through the piles.

One of my favorite things...
Cruises on big ships going to tropical places.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Gonna knit those chevron sleeves, pack my bags, and get ready to go.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

The view down my driveway on a sunny day earlier this week.




If you want to join the Simple Womans Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//

1/16/13

WIP Wednesday 1/16/2013

I have finished the body of the baby cardigan.



Next is the sleeves. Hmm, I have sleeves of 2 sweaters to do now. They're starting to pile up.

We had some sunshine today. Cable was enjoying it while out in the front yard laying in the snow chewing on her new bone. In her opinion, the only proper way to chew a bone is while laying in the snow.


Silly dog.

One more thing. I took new pics of the Treads mitts. I like these much better.







If you're interested in participating in WIP Wednesday, please join us.


Live long and prosper. \\//

1/14/13

What I Did This Weekend

I'll be so glad when spring comes and it's not so darn dark around here anymore and I can go outside to take my pictures. I knit a pair of fingerless mitts. They are a birthday present for my son-in-law.


Treads for Frank

Pattern: Treads by Victoria Anne Baker.

Size: Mens medium

Yarn: Queensland Collection Rustic Tweed in Black (#110)
Content: 65% Wool, 25% Alpaca, 7% Acrylic, 3% Viscose

Needles: Addi Turbo Circulars in size 5.

Cast on: January 12, 2013
Bound off: January 14, 2013

Comments: I love the look of these mitts. I made this pattern for my daughter last summer so I'm familiar with it. The pattern isn't quite large enough, as written, for Franks manly hands and I didn't want any fingers, so I've made some adjustments:
  • Cast on 46 sts.
  • On Thumb gusset-increased to 17 thumb sts.
  • After second lateral braid is done above thumb, knit 7 rows of 1x1 rib, then bind off.
  • Cast on 3 sts for thumb so there are 20 sts. Knit 6 rounds stockinette, then 5 rounds of 1x1 rib. Bind off.



It's hard to see the stitch pattern in the pictures, but it shows up well in real life even though the yarn is black.



That is what I did this weekend, pretty much. That and watched movies. It was so cold out. Temperatures have ranged from a low of 4 to a high of 22. It was too cold to do things outside. I hope it gets a little warmer soon.

We watched movies with our new Roku. It's a device you hook up to your tv to download/stream movies and whatnot. It works very well. We have access to Amazon Video, Hulu, Netflix, and a dozen other video services now. On Saturday we had a Mission Impossible 1st Season marathon while I puttered and knitted. That's the original tv show, not the Tom Cruise movies.

Sunday it was random movies, though sweet hubby and I did take a trip into Best Buy in Spokane Valley to look at home theater receivers. Ours needs to be upgraded cuz there's no place in our current one to plug in the Roku. Consequently, we can't use the sound system with it. We came home receiver-less because we didn't actually know specifically what we needed or wanted and needed to think about it. Electronics have become so incredibly complicated now. It was a little bit overwhelming for me. Now we do know and a proper decision can be made. A receiver has been ordered and should be here later this week.

Last Thursday I went to Visionworks and got my eyes checked out by their optometrist. I got some decidedly bad news. I have cataracts. Joy joy. The optometrist says they are slow growing so it will be a long time before I need surgery. Anyway, I've ordered new glasses with a decidedly stronger new prescription and hopefully they'll get here before we leave on our cruise. I was surprised when the optometrist told me how much my prescription had changed. I didn't think I would need one. She showed be the difference between my current prescription and the new one. Oh yeah, I need the new one.

I'm thinking about what I want to bead. I don't really have a project in mind at the moment. But I'm feeling a sort of panic to bead before I go completely blind. I'm over reacting emotionally, but I will calm down in a few weeks. This months challenge in the Seadbeadersters group is bitty beads done in odd count peyote. I want to make them. The pattern graphs our group leader has made are so cute. I need ideas on what I can do with them after I've made them. Must come up with something clever.

Live long and prosper. \\//


1/9/13

WIP Wednesday 1/9/2013

This is the first WIP Wednesday post of the year 2013. Woo hoo!

I'm sharing 3 projects today. The pictures are terrible because it's been a dark and dreary day so there is no good light around here. But I shall post them anyway.

First, I've finished the front of the Chevron sweater, and I've put together the shoulder seams. Next comes the sleeves, which are picked up and knit top down.



This is where I am on the silver flossy shrug.



I do not have enough of the silver fur for what's in my minds eye. I've looked in all the yarn boxes for Knit Wits and there is no more silver. So I'm gonna be taking this out and doing something else.

I have started a baby cardigan. I've been wanting to make this every since I saw the pattern early last year.



I'm knitting from the top down. I've finished the yoke/shoulder section, have put the sleeve sts on holders, and I'm now working on the stockinette stitch body. The yarns are actually a rather nice pale aqua blue and a creamy white.

My glasses have broken again, in the same place as before-the spring in the hinge has broken. This is the third time. I'm not getting them repaired. I'm getting new ones. I have an appointment tomorrow with the optometrist and whatnot. We're leaving on our cruise in just over 2 weeks. I hope they can get the new ones in time. I've been told they can. We'll see what happens. In the meantime, I'm wearing the old ones again. I'm nervous though. They have the same kind of spring type hinge. I hope they don't break before I get the new ones or it'll be duct tape time for me.

We got whomped with snow on Sunday night and Monday. Got about 15 inches of it! Spent all Monday and the next day digging out. Then last night it started warming up and turned to rain. Today it rained pretty much all day and was in the 40's for the days temps. I was able to get the ice off the back steps finally. It had gotten pretty thick and difficult to walk on.





If you're interested in participating in WIP Wednesday, please join us.


Live long and prosper. \\//


1/6/13

It's Up!

I have posted the pattern for the Ribes Jumeaux socks on my pattern blog. Enjoy!



Live long and prosper. \\//

1/5/13

It's Caturday!

Haven't done a Caturday in ages. I actually got the kitties to sit still for a moment so I could take pictures. They all had just settled down to take the afternoon nap.

Cashmere with his beautiful pink nose. He stretched out on one half of the couch.


He wheezes and snores a lot when he's asleep because of his sinus problems. Doesn't seem to bother him though.

Merino decided a blanket on the floor was good, right next to Cables bed.


Merino has developed an interesting trait. I think it's from hanging around the dog. He loves Cable and sees her as his Mommy these days. He'll let her give him a thorough cleaning with her tongue (yuk!). Anyway, he now will grab food you hand to him and run off with it. I've never seen a cat do that. Usually if I want to hand them a tidbit I end up dropping it on the floor where they sniff it and, if interested, proceed to eat it. Not Merino. No sirree.  He grabs it and runs around with it in his mouth giving it a complete tour of the house. Then he'll hide somewhere and eat it. I expect when he finally figures out the doggy door, he'll be taking his treats outside to eat in the back yard like Cable does.

Chenille took the other end of the couch snuggling in with blankets.


She spends 5-6 hours every afternoon sleeping in a blanket nest on the couch. It's her way of dealing with the depressing winter I guess. It's better than sitting on the window sill grumpily glaring at the snow and taking swipes at us with her claws extended as we walk by.

I'm working on the chevron sweater. I'm up to the front neck opening now and knitting up one side of it. I'm starting to get excited. I'm really gonna finish this thing!

I started a shrug for Knit Wits in silver fur, but I don't know if I have enough yarn (no yardage info on the labels), so I'm waiting until I know for sure before I take pictures. If I don't have enough yarn, I'll be frogging and changing my plans.

We had sunshine on Wednesday. It was freaking cold, but it sure was nice to see the sun and blue sky. It was downright pretty out with all the trees on the mountains covered in snow. We delivered our mittens, hats, and scarves we made this past month to the Knit Wits meeting. Everyone had huge piles to bring in. We had more than enough for the emergency request we got last month. I am so proud of our group.

On Thursday Ruth and I went to Yarnies in the morning. I worked on the Chevron sweater during the meeting. Afterwards we had lunch (Taco Bell). I had a blood test scheduled for 2pm. We had a few minutes to kill after lunch before the appointment so we popped into Biglots. They had NEW yarn in stock. Tons of it for $1-3 a skein. Mostly fingering weight acrylic baby yarn and funky novelty yarns. The baby yarn is in 113oz skeins, pretty pastel colors, and were only 2 bucks each. I bought 20 skeins for Knit Wits. Then we headed over to the clinic for my blood test. While there I thought about how good that yarn deal was, and how low on yarn Knit Wits is right now. I checked the balance in the bank account-it's pretty good- and decided to go back afterward and get more. I bought 20 more skeins-making a total of 40. It's probably good that I don't run into good deals like that very often. We'd probably go bankrupt.

Live long and prosper. \\//

1/1/13

Finished Knitting 2013




Chocolate Cephalopod

Pattern: 32-10 Sweater and hat with reindeer by DROPS design
Chart: Octopus

Size: Mens Small/Medium

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport
Content: 100% Merino Superwash Wool
Color: Mocha, Aran, Lemon, Extra Creme Cafe
Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 4 and 6

Cast on: January 24, 2013
Completed: December 17, 2013

Comments: This sweater is not for the weak of heart. It was a real challenge to make, but oh so worth it.
~~~~~~~~~~



Jeweled Cowl

Pattern: Jeweled Cowl by Sachiko Uemura

Size: 44 by 14 inches

Yarn: Raven Ridge Fiber Arts Hand Painted Sock
Content: 80% Merino Wool/20% Silk
Color: Pine Bark

Beads: Size 8 Silver Lined Pale Pink AB

Needles: ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Circular size 8

Cast on: October 29, 2013
Completed: November 28, 2013

Comments: Great pattern. I would suggest using a very stretchy cast on and bind off. I LOVE this yarn but, unfortunately, it's been discontinued.

~~~~~~~~~~



Warm Set for Ellowyne

Pattern: T'isn't one. I made it up as I went.
Size: To fit Robert Tonner 16 inch Ellowyne dolls.

Yarn: Cascade Heritage 150 Paints
Content: 75% Merino Superwash Wool/25% Nylon, sport weight.
Color: 9770 Celtic

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 2

Cast on: November 29, 2013
Completed: December 1, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~



Embellish Me Too

Pattern: Embellish Me by me.
Size: 2 inches by 2 inches

Yarn: DMC Perle Cotton, size 8.
Content: 100% Cotton
Color: Pale lavender

Beads: Czech size 11 seed beads in Purple Iris

Needles: Size 0000.

Cast on: October 25, 2013
Completed: November 2, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~



Twig Brown Mens Slippers

Pattern: Family Foot-Warmer Slippers by Anne Baron Designs, made for Knitwits.
Size: Mens 10-12 inches

Yarn: Northern Worsted by S.R. Kertzer
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Twiggy

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 10.5

Cast on: October 14, 2013
Completed: October 17, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~



Brown and Turquoise Mens Slippers

Pattern: Family Foot-Warmer Slippers by Anne Baron Designs, made for Knitwits.
Size: Womens 8-10 inches

Yarn: Northern Worsted by S.R. Kertzer
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Brown

Yarn: Red Heart Soft Print
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Icypond

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 10.5

Cast on: September 26 2013
Completed: October 4, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~



Fuzzy Cuffed Burgundy Slippers

Pattern: Fuzzy Cuff Ladies Slippers by me, made for Knitwits.
Size: Womens 8-10 inches

Yarn: Northern Worsted by S.R. Kertzer, knit with 2 strands held together.
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Burgundy

Yarn: Aldemir Yumos
Content: 100% Polyester, bulky weight.
Color: Rainbow Black

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 10.5

Cast on: October 5, 2013
Completed: October 7, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~



Fuzzy Cuffed Dark Brown Slippers

Pattern: Fuzzy Cuff Ladies Slippers by me, made for Knitwits.
Size: Womens 8-10 inches

Yarn: Northern Worsted by S.R. Kertzer, knit with 2 strands held together.
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Twiggy

Yarn: Aldemir Yumos
Content: 100% Polyester, bulky weight.
Color: Copper/Brown

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 10.5

Cast on: October 7, 2013
Completed: October 11, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~


Modeled by Essential Amber Wigged Out

Little Blue Dress

Pattern: by me. Not available.

Yarn: Queensland Collection Sugar Rush in light blue
Content: 100% Sugar Cane, sport weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and 1

Cast on: September 3, 2013
Completed: September 28, 2013

Comments: I embroidered denim blue seed beads

~~~~~~~~~~



Modeled by Essential Amber Wigged Out

Pink Top With Fur Trimmed Yoke

Pattern: by me. Not available.

Yarn: Queensland Collection Sugar Rush in Bright Pink
Content: 100% Sugar Cane, sport weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and 1

Cast on: September 8, 2013
Completed: September 28, 2013

Comments: I tried to make a peplum below the waist, but didn't increase enough stitches.Note to self: Double the number of stitches next time. However, I really like what I ended up with. It gives it a nice feminine look.

~~~~~~~~~~


Modeled by Essential Amber Wigged Out

Pink and Black Capris

Pattern: by me. Not available.

Yarn: Queensland Collection Sugar Rush in Bright Pink and Black
Content: 100% Sugar Cane, sport weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 2

Cast on: September 23, 2013
Completed: September 28, 2013

Comments: I love the way this yarn drapes. It's perfect for doll clothes!

~~~~~~~~~~



Fuzzy Cuffed Brown and Turquoise Slippers

Pattern: Fuzzy Cuff Ladies Slippers by me, made for Knitwits.
Size: Womens 8-10 inches

Yarn: Red Heart Soft Print, knit with 2 strands held together.
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Icypond

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 10.5

Cast on: September 14, 2013
Completed: September 19, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~



Burgundy Slippers

Pattern: Family Foot-Warmer Slippers by Anne Baron Designs, made for my dad.
Size: Mens 12 inches

Yarn: Northern Worsted by S.R. Kertzer, knit with 2 strands held together.
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Burgundy

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 10.5

Cast on: September 19, 2013
Completed: September 25, 2013

Comment: My dad has large feet, so I cast on 84 sts to fit his size 13 foot. Decreased down to 20 sts each side of markers for top opening.

~~~~~~~~~~



Fuzzy Cuffed Green Slippers

Pattern: Fuzzy Cuff Ladies Slippers by me, made for Knitwits.
Size: Womens 8-10 inches

Yarn: Northern Worsted by S.R. Kertzer, knit with 2 strands held together.
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Stem Green

Yarn: Aldemir Yumos
Content: 100% Polyester
Color: Black with rainbow metallic.

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 10

Cast on: September 10, 2013
Completed: September 12, 2013

Comments: Nice classic pattern. Knits up quickly, fits fairly good. I did change the decreases. I don't think the author of this particular version is familiar with slanting decreases in opposite directions, so she has just 'Knit 2 together through back loops'. I used Knit 2 together to slant half the decreases the other way so the instep doesn't look funny.

~~~~~~~~~~




Green Mens Slippers


Pattern: Family Foot-Warmer Slippers by Anne Baron Designs, made for Knitwits.
Size: Mens 10-12 inches

Yarn: Northern Worsted by S.R. Kertzer, knit with 2 strands held together
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Stem Green

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 10.5

Cast on: September 12, 2013
Completed: September 13, 2013

Comments: The yarn is nice to work with. The pattern is easy to follow.

~~~~~~~~~~



Lets Party!

Pattern: By me. (Not available)

Yarn: N.Y. Yarns Fluff Print in variegated pinks
Content: 100% Nylon, worsted weight

Yarn: S. Charles Collezione Ritratto in Northern Lights
Content: 53% Rayon/ 28% Mohair/ 10% Nylon/ 9% Polyester, DK weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and 1

Cast on: August 5, 2013
Completed: September 1, 2013

Comments: I love how this turned out! I've adjusted the pattern for a perfect fit. It's not easy knitting with either of the yarns, but the trouble is worth it! There are 4 snaps in the back opening.

~~~~~~~~~~




Little Garter Checks Mens Mittens

Pattern: In production at the moment, by me, made for Knitwits.

Yarn: Red Heart Soft
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: 9518 Teal

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 5

Cast on: August 3, 2013
Completed: August 28, 2013

Comments: I love these mittens. I mean, I really love them! I just made up the stitch pattern on a whim, which is very simple and is probably in some stitch pattern book somewhere with an official name.

~~~~~~~~~~



Red Seed Stitch Stripe Mens Mittens

Pattern: Seed Stitch Stripe Mens Mittens by me, made for Knitwits.

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Cranberry

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 5

Cast on: July 4, 2013
Completed: July 16, 2013

Comments: I altered the pattern some to make them larger (mens large). I cast on 48 sts and knit the hand above the thumb gusset until a total of 9 inches from the cast on edge. Total finished length is 11 inches. I also knit 18 rows on thumb before decreases. I am going to enter these in the fair this year.

~~~~~~~~~~




Red Checkered Mens Mittens

Pattern: Seed Stitch Stripe Mens Mittens by me, made for Knitwits.

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Cranberry

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 5

Cast on: July 20, 2013
Completed: July 29, 2013

Comments: I altered the pattern to make them size mens large as I did with the pair above. In addition, I used a basketweave check stitch pattern as follows:

Rnd 1-5: K4, P4 around.
Rnd 6-10: P4, K4 around.

Repeat these 10 rounds throughout.

Knit thumb in stockinette stitch.

~~~~~~~~~~



Aqua Fancy Flossy Shrug

Pattern: Fancy Flossy Shrug by me (made for Knitwits)

Size: Ladies, 54 inches from cuff to cuff.

Yarn: Aldemir Lumos in Aqua
Content: 100% Polyester, bulky weight.
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun in White/Aqua
Content: 98% Acrylic/2% polyester, bulky weight
Yarn: Red Heart Classic in Capri Blue
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circulars in size 10 and 15.

Cast on: June 4, 2013
Completed: July 1, 2013

Comments: I didn't do any double yarn overs in this one, just single yarn overs.

~~~~~~~~~~



Twilled Stripe Fingerless Mitts

Pattern: Twilled Stripe Arm Warmers by Gretchen Tracy, made for Knitwits.

Yarn: Patons Canadiana
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Lavender

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 8

Cast on: June 25, 2013
Completed: June 30, 2013

Comments: Added a thumb.

~~~~~~~~~~



Aqua and Brown Mens Mittens

Pattern: Seed Stitch Stripe Mens Mittens by me, made for Knitwits.

Yarn: Soft by Red Heart
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Aquas/Browns

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 6

Cast on: June 6, 2013
Completed: June 25, 2013

Comments: Of course, I changed some things in this pattern. No seed stitch, and I added an inch in the length. I really love this yarn. It's very soft and nice to work with.

~~~~~~~~~~



Pale Pink Doll Slippers

Pattern: Wovenflame's Doll Slippers

Yarn: Unknown Acrylic
Content: 100% Acrylic, fingering weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 3

Cast on: June 25, 2013
Completed: June 25, 2013

Comments: An easy peasy knit. I'm in the Imagining Ellowyne Wilde Yahoo group. We're having a Bingo game in July. I'm donating these for one of the prizes.

~~~~~~~~~~


Twilled Stripe Fingerless Mitts

Pattern: Twilled Stripe Arm Warmers by Gretchen Tracy, made for Knitwits.

Yarn: Unknown
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Heather gray

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 8

Cast on: June 9, 2013
Completed: June 19, 2013

Comments: I knit these mitts while participating in the Underappreciated KAL in the Fingerless Mitts Fanatics group on Ravelry. I chose this pattern because it had no projects. It's really very pretty.

~~~~~~~~~~




Gray Gala Mittens

Pattern: Seed Stitch Stripe Mens Mittens by me, made for Knitwits.

Yarn: Mixed Fiber Novelty by Gala
Content: Acrylic/nylon/polyester mix, worsted weight
Color: Gray/Brown/Pale Apricot

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 6

Cast on: May 27, 2013
Completed: June 4, 2013

Comments: I altered the pattern some by just doing stockinette stitch and to make it fit a large mans hand. I added two inches between the top of the thumb gusset and the top shaping (to 10 inches from cuff edge instead of 8 inches). I added 4 rows to the thumb length too.

~~~~~~~~~~


Front


Pattern: Fancy Flossy Shrug by me

Size: Ladies, 56 inches from cuff to cuff.

Yarn: Aldemir Lumos in Silver Lurex
Content: Polyester and Metallic, bulky weight.

Yarn: Mixed Fiber Novelty by Gala in White/Grey/Black
Content: Acrylic/nylon/polyester mix, worsted weight
Yarn: Unknown Acrylic in Dark Grey
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circulars in size 10 and 15.

Cast on: January 2, 2013
Bound off: May 23, 2013

Comments: I didn't do any double yarn overs in this one, just single yarn overs, and I like it so much better. Takes a bit more yarn to do it that way.

  ~~~~~~~~~~


Modeled by Debbie
Little Red Dress

Pattern: Still in development by me.

Yarn: Queensland Collection Sugar Rush in Red
Content: 100% Sugar Cane, sport weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and 2

Cast on: May 6, 2013
Completed: May 22, 2013

Comments: I absolutely love the yarn I used to make this dress. It's made of Sugar Cane. It's so soft and has wonderful drape. Perfect for dress knitting. I've put 4 snaps in the back opening and edged the neck, sleeves, and hem with 1x1 rib.

~~~~~~~~~~


Modeled by Ellie

Little Grey Slacks

Pattern: Still in development by me.

Yarn: Queensland Collection Sugar Rush in Grey
Content: 100% Sugar Cane, sport weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and 2

Cast on: May 9, 2013
Completed: May 16, 2013

Comments: I wasn't so sure these would fit right because they looked so big before I sewed the seams. Turns out it fits perfect.

~~~~~~~~~~


Modeled by Debbie 
Mink Purple Elegance

Pattern: Still in development by me.

Yarn: Jo-ann Sensations Mink in Black
Content: 100% Polyester, bulky weight

Yarn: Nomi Lee Lorraine in Black
Content: 100% Acrylic, lace weight

Yarn: S. Charles Collezione Ritratto in Purple
Content: 53% Rayon/ 28% Mohair/ 10% Nylon/ 9% Polyester, DK weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and 1

Cast on: May 11, 2013
Completed: May 15, 2013

Comments: I love how this turned out! Wasn't easy designing a way to use that bulky yarn on a garment that is 8 sts to the inch. Lets just say I used slip stitch. There are 3 snaps in the back opening.

~~~~~~~~~~




2x2 Ribbed Fingerless Mitts

Pattern: Fingerless Mitts by Amanda Gill.

Yarn: Mixed Fiber Novelty by Gala
Content: Acrylic/nylon/polyester mix, worsted weight
Color: Gold/Red/Brown

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 6

Cast on: May 2, 2013
Completed: May 22, 2013

Comments: I altered the pattern some. Did my own thing for the thumb gusset. This is one of the yarns I found at BigLots!.The yarn is difficult to work with because the red/brown is a strand of boucle' that likes to get caught on the needle tips, but other than that, I like it very much. It's soft and warm, and machine washable. Can't argue with that.

~~~~~~~~~~




Fur Hat

Pattern: Unavailable

Yarn: Aldemir Yumos
Content: 100% Polyester, bulky weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 3

Cast on: May 5, 2013
Completed: May 5, 2013

Comments: It's a prototype and I'm making some changes before I make the next one.

~~~~~~~~~~




Little Pink Slippers

Pattern: Wovenflames Doll Slippers

Yarn: Unknown Acrylic
Content: 100% Acrylic, fingering weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and size 2

Cast on: May 2, 2013
Completed: May 2, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~



Modeled by Penny
Little Black Dress

Pattern: Little Black Dress by me.

Yarn: Nomi Lee Lorraine
Content: 100% Acrylic, lace weight
Color: Black

Yarn: Boucle' (unknown brand name)
Content: 100% Acrylic, lace weight
Color: Black

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and size 000

Cast on: April 21, 2013
Completed: April 29, 2013

Comments: This dress is a prototype for the design I'm planning on selling. I am quite pleased with how it has turned out. I will make some changes though.

~~~~~~~~~~


Palm side
Mens Mittens in Shades of Blue and Grey

Pattern: Seed Stitch Striped Mens Mittens by me. For Knitwits.

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Colors
Content: 50% Acrylic/40% Wool/10% Nylon, worsted weight

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 6

Cast on: April 4, 2013
Completed: April 23, 2013

Comments: As you can see, I left out the seed stitch and did them in stockinette. I decided the variegation speaks for itself. It was a good project for me to do when I was under extreme stress.

~~~~~~~~~~




Tiny Teal Skirt

Pattern: Basic skirt by me.

Yarn: Mary Lue's Solo (A fingering weight knitting machine yarn)
Content: 100% Acrylic
Color: Teal

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 2

Cast on: April 18, 2013
Completed: April 19, 2013

Comments: The skirt fits her perfectly!

~~~~~~~~~~




Tiny Teal Tunic

Pattern: Knit Picks Tunic Top by Claire Henesey

Yarn: Mary Lue's Solo (A fingering weight knitting machine yarn)
Content: 100% Acrylic
Color: Teal

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 2

Cast on: April 11, 2013
Completed: April 15, 2013

Comments: I was relieved that it fit the doll when it was done. I do not care for the shaping in the back. I'm mystified as to why it was done that way. It's cute though. I put snaps in the back opening, then sewed tiny little antique pearl buttons on top for decoration.

~~~~~~~~~~




Little Dark Pink Slippers

Pattern: Wovenflames Doll Slippers

Yarn: In the Loop Sport from BigLots!.
Content: 100% Acrylic
Color: Dark Pink

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 0 and size 2

Cast on: April 17, 2013
Completed: April 18, 2013

~~~~~~~~~~




Seed Stitch Striped Mittens for Men

Pattern: Seed Stitch Striped Mittens for Men by Me.

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Colors
Content: 50% Acrylic/40% Wool/10% Nylon
Color: Variegated greens/turquoise/purples

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 5.

Size: Mens Medium (8.5 inch hand circumference, 11 inches long)

Cast on: April 1, 2013
Bound off: April 4, 2013

Comments: I made these with the intent to give them to Knitwits, but my brother-in-law, Dale, liked them so much I gave them to him instead. The above pic was taken with my phone, before blocking. Well, blocking never happened cuz Dale took them before I could do it. It's nice to have my knitting appreciated.

~~~~~~~~~~



Waffle Hat

Pattern: Bumpy Jacket and Hat by Fawn Pea made for Knitwits

Yarn: In the Loop Baby from BigLots!.
Content: 100% Acrylic
Color: pale turquoise and White

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 6

Cast on: March 29, 2013
Completed: March 31, 2013

Comments: I did decrease the crown a little differently than the pattern said to, but I'm kind of loathe to try and remember what I did.

~~~~~~~~~~




Electric Green Waffle Hat

Pattern: Bumpy Jacket and Hat by Fawn Pea made for Knitwits

Yarn: In the Loop Sport from BigLots!.
Content: 100% Acrylic
Color: Electric Green and Black

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 6

Cast on: March 21, 2013
Completed: March 29, 2013

Comments: This was a fun pattern. I love how it looks with it's matching sweater.

~~~~~~~~~~




Electric Green Candy Cardigan

Pattern: Candy Cardigan by Anna and Heidi Pickles

Yarn: In the Loop Sport from BigLots! in electric green.
Content: 100% Acrylic

Yarn: Spa by Naturallycaron.com in black.
Content: 75% Acrylic/25% Rayon from Bamboo.

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 6

Cast on: February 21, 2013
Completed: March 25, 2013

Adjustments: I used only 2 colors in the yoke. I reversed them, starting with color1. Instructions say to knit 13 cm of stockinette after the 2-color section. I knit until total piece length from cast on was 11 inches. I also knit the front bands on separate by picking up 65 sts along the edge.

Comments: I made this for Knitwits. I love love LOVE how it turned out! How cute! I love the black yarn. It's very nice to work with, but the In the Loop Sport is a horrible yarn. I wouldn't recommend it for anything you want to last for awhile or be an heirloom. It has so many thick spots and little pills all over it.

~~~~~~~~~~




Candy Cardigan

Pattern: Candy Cardigan by Anna and Heidi Pickles

Yarn: In the Loop Baby from Big Lots in pale turquoise and off-white.
Content: 100% Acrylic

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 6

Cast on: January 6, 2013
Completed: February 17, 2013

Adjustments: I used only 2 colors in the yoke. I reversed them, starting with color1. Instructions say to knit 13 cm of stockinette after the 2-color section. I knit until total piece length from cast on was 11 inches. I also knit the front bands on separate by picking up 65 sts along the edge.

Comments: Was a very fun knit. The yarn is not the best quality though. Definitely mill end stuff. It was only 2 bucks for a 4 oz. skein. You get what you pay for.

~~~~~~~~~~~






Chevron Pullover

Pattern: Thistle Ridge Top by Margaret Fisher
Published in Winter 2005 Cast On magazine.

Yarn: Incanto by Zitron Yarns in #03 Blues and Greys
Content: 35% Cotton, 30% Acrylic, 23% Linen, 12% Rayon / Worsted weight

Yarn: Berroco Comfort in Cadet Blue
Content: 50% Nylon, 50% Acrylic

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 8

Cast on: July 8, 2011
Completed: January 23, 2013

Comments: I love the pattern. It was pleasant to knit, well written too. I had to enlarge it because it only goes up to size L. I was worried the fabric might be heavier than I would be comfortable in because it's garter stitch chevron, but it is very comfortable.

~~~~~~~~~~~




Treads for Frank

Pattern: Treads by Victoria Anne Baker.
Size: Mens medium

Yarn: Queensland Collection Rustic Tweed in Black (#110)
Content: 65% Wool, 25% Alpaca, 7% Acrylic, 3% Viscose

Needles: Addi Turbo Circulars in size 5.

Cast on: January 12, 2013
Bound off: January 14, 2013

Comments: I love the look of these mitts. I made this pattern for my daughter last summerso I'm familiar with it. The pattern isn't quite large enough, as written, for Franks manly hands and I didn't want any fingers, so I've made some adjustments:

Cast on 46 sts.
On Thumb gusset-increased to 17 thumb sts.
After second lateral braid is done above thumb, knit 7 rows of 1x1 rib, then bind off.
Cast on 3 sts for thumb so there are 20 sts. Knit 6 rounds stockinette, then 5 rounds of 1x1 rib. Bind off.

~~~~~~~~~~~


Live long and prosper. \\//