Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Calamari Yarn
i dyed some old t-shirts and ripped them all into strips.
not sure yet what i'll do with it.
not sure yet what i'll do with it.
The Ebay Auction Was a Success!
Hi All,
Thank you all for watching and/or bidding on Ann and Kay's book (if confused please see this post). The auction ended this evening and the winning bid was $61! I am very excited and happy to have tried this tactic to raise money. My fundraising total is now $1116.00 out of $2200.00 minimum that I have to raise.
Thanks Ann and Kay!
Emily
Thank you all for watching and/or bidding on Ann and Kay's book (if confused please see this post). The auction ended this evening and the winning bid was $61! I am very excited and happy to have tried this tactic to raise money. My fundraising total is now $1116.00 out of $2200.00 minimum that I have to raise.
Thanks Ann and Kay!
Emily
Yet another ball-band, and started a log cabin
Well I finally finished my second ball-band and got some pictures taken:
These are with Lion Cotton. Seems just like Peaches and Cream or Sugar and Cream to me.
And over the weekend I ripped out the sweater I had posted before and got a good start on a log cabin:
These are with Lion Cotton. Seems just like Peaches and Cream or Sugar and Cream to me.
And over the weekend I ripped out the sweater I had posted before and got a good start on a log cabin:
This probably won't end up a large log cabin - it is just a sweater's worth of yarn after all. But I'm rather intrigued by the fact that 3 of the 7 colors go so perfectly with my living room furniture!
Mary in VA
Finally...a dishcloth...
Over the weekend I "finally" finished my first ballband dishcloth. I had a couple of false starts (really, user error) but had fun with this. It is a perfect project for me know - mindless knitting in the hotel room in the evenings while traveling on a work assignment. I've got several color combos lined up - although I didn't pack enough for this trip & had to buy more yarn.
This one is Sugar'n Cream Hot Blue with the Summer Splash accent.
Log cabin question
I remember reading (I think it was someone's blog) a way to do the log cabin using 4 needles instead of binding off each side. Can anyone point me to that source? I googled it and searched yesterday and this morning but can't find it anywhere. Thanks. --Sally
Dishcloth and kimono
Here are my first two projects from MDK - they sure won't be the last! Sorry the pictures aren't better - I thought I was being all professional with the black background - ha! For more information / pictures, please visit my blog. 
P.S. - I've really enjoyed reading the other posts in this KAL - lots of great ideas here!
P.S. - I've really enjoyed reading the other posts in this KAL - lots of great ideas here!Tuesday, May 30, 2006
My First Warshrag!
Hi - This is my first post! I've been reading all your posts and loving everything I've seen so far. I love the Mason Dixon knitting I've seen so far and I can't wait to try everything!
I finished my first project today - a warshrag! I'm so excited - it was so easy and so much fun. Instant gratification! I chose some nice bright colors and I can't wait to make more. Here is a picture of the new addition:
I think I may line the back with a dishtowel to give it more substance.
What do you think?
I finished my first project today - a warshrag! I'm so excited - it was so easy and so much fun. Instant gratification! I chose some nice bright colors and I can't wait to make more. Here is a picture of the new addition:
I think I may line the back with a dishtowel to give it more substance.
What do you think?
Ball-band-wagon
Here is another ballband dishcloth ... such fun! Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in Hot Green & Summer Splash
Come visit sometime ...
Two firsts, and a second
Or three firsts, if you count this first post on the Mason Dixon KAL. Glad to be here! So:
First ballband dishcloth:
First mitered square:
and
Second Mason Dixon washcloth:
There's more here (scroll down when you get there), including what happened with washcloth #1...
First ballband dishcloth:
First mitered square:
and
Second Mason Dixon washcloth:
There's more here (scroll down when you get there), including what happened with washcloth #1...
Ballband Washcloths
Had a long weekend spent some time at the hospital with my DD who had been in a little motorcycle accident but all I did get to knit a couple of ballband washcloths. Gave them away as a birthday gift with the other one and a GG top
Finished a Kimono!
Well, here is the Baby Kimono I made out of 2 skeins Reynolds Olympic. I think it turned out cute!
Where did I go wrong??
OK, so I started a Moderne Baby Blanket recently with Plymouth Encore and immediately realized there was a problem. When I pick up stitches on a CO or BO edge, it's fine - but when I pick up stitches on the end-of-garter-rows side, that edge starts to splay/spread out. A lot. I hoped it would block out and be fine in the end and after doing some test steam blocking and then actually doing a "real" blocking, I realized that it's not going to block out. I stopped after block 5, so it's not like I did the whole thing.
Does anyone have any ideas of what I've been doing wrong? I'm just not seeing as much of the same issue in other people's pics of the log cabin stuff...
HELP!!!
-Julie
Does anyone have any ideas of what I've been doing wrong? I'm just not seeing as much of the same issue in other people's pics of the log cabin stuff...
HELP!!!
-Julie
That's a warshrag of a different color
I was going to start a MD warshcloth, I really was, but hubby really wanted one of my nubby scrubby clothes. He so rarely asks me to knit him anything, how could I say no? I found this pattern on About.knitting.com awhile ago and have knit several with varying degrees of success. I knitted this one using Peaches & Cream (can't recall the color - bought a cone of it and the label is long gone). My previous versions included a garter stich border which was easy but I like the looks of the seed stitch border better. For anyone interested, the pattern is roughly as follows:
CO 44 sts.
Work 4 rows in seed stitch(Row 1: K1, P1, repeat; Row 2: P1, K1, repeat)
Row 1: K1, P1, K1, P1, (K1, P1, K1 all in the next stitch; P3 tog)* repeat till 4 stitches left; K1, P1, K1, P1
Row 2: P1, K1, P1, K1 (P 36 sts), P1, K1, P1, K1
Row 3: K1, P1, K1, P1 (P3 tog; K1, P1, Ki all in the next stitch)* repeat till 4 stitches left; K1, P1, K1, P1
Row 4: repeat row 2
Repeat this pattern till it's the size you want, then end with 4 rows of seed stitch.
The next shots of are some socks I just made my sister. Mitered squares for the cuffs. I used sock self striping sock yard by Cascade I think (not near my knitting bag). Cute, eh? I know, they look like clown socks but she'll love 'em!
Ballband Baby Bib
It was the peer pressure. I really wanted a baby bib to be my next project. But, I hadn't knitted a warshrag yet, and all the cool kids were knitting them and I wanted to fit in. So I casted on for a warshrag and set to work, very much enjoying the colors of the yarns I had chosen. And when it came time to cast off, I looked at my little warshrag and said, "Looks like a baby bib to me!" So that is what it became.
Technical details for the curious: This is sugar and cream yarn and I used a size 7 circular to work back and forth. Followed the ballband pattern to the letter, but then morphed into baby bib pattern. Casted off 21 stitches for center of neck, leaving 12 stitches each side for straps. Worked straps for 5 inches a piece, with a 4 stitch buttonhole at the 4 inch mark on the left strap. If you carry unused color up the side of the work like I do, you will want to cast off the neck stitches on a wrong side row so the yarn gets back to the right edge of the work where you need it. Work the right strap first, then reattach both yarns to work left strap. The button is a stray from my button stash. My mother made it several years ago during her Sculpy clay obsession. It's a little big, but the colors just matched too well to use something else! (Not obvious from my driveway photo, but trust me, it's perfect) My daughter says the bib is too pretty to get baby food on, but I'm sure there's a glamourpuss rugrat out there that will appreciate it.
Baby Kimono & Warshrag!
More, more, more!
My pile of warshrags is growing. I need to stop the madness and work on something else!
One little bib has made it off the needles as well.
Now I need to give serious thought to some log cabin fun!
One little bib has made it off the needles as well.
Now I need to give serious thought to some log cabin fun!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Seen in The Wild...
... another washcloth! I'm becoming addicted. I finally figured out what it is about the humble washcloth/dishcloth that is so much fun. You know that feeling you get when you not only complete a project but then actually *use* it. The first time you slip on that sweater or socks that you made *all by yourself*?! The same feeling greets me when I reach into the kitchen drawer to get a fresh washcloth and I made it myself. Simple things, people. Simple things. :)
My Favorite Model
Big C models my interpretation of the baby bib. Thanks for the inspiration Dawn! You can also see my log cabin progress at my blog.
Finished MDK project #1
Well, after knitting oodles of EZs Baby Surprise Jacket, I did this Baby Kimono in Baby Teri. I thought that I would be ever so clever and have it finished way early (delivery date in July) but there were complications and now my Co-worker and her new little boy will be waiting to go home for a while. Otherwise all healthy and well.
So now, I need to whip out those needles and get to a good commuting point for this:
Yup, it's a warshcloth.Although, seeing the fabulous Kimono posted already in this yarn, maybe the tiny baby needs a tiny Kimono....
Who Knew?
Remember my miter squares? Turns out they wanted to become a baby mat, the kind every baby needs for stretching out on the floor for kicking exercises. I put on a backing of Butterfly cotton for extra cushiness. Then I picked up stitches around the edges for a sawtooth border of individual miters. The pictures show the whole piece, the border detail on a corner, and the corner turned back to show the backing. I'm very happy with it and it was fun, but it did take me quite a while. Think I'll cast on a dishcloth to cleanse the palate before I jump into log-cabin squares!
Another Rag
Ya'll are knitting the coolest neatest stuff and every time I post I feel like such a slowpoke! Maybe I should consider myself a Southern Eccentric; just taking my time as I knit warshrag after warshrag stopping only to talk to my cats or my feet. Warshrags are like a box of chocolates...or something to that effect.
Seriously though, I love seeing what everyone is doing! It's just fab!
Mason Dixon KAL
KOIGU LOG CABIN
I have been playing with the different skeins in my stash, and love the way it's looking.
There have been requests...........
Some people cannot fathom or picture hot pink marble, but folks it is true. It is my life and my mission in life is to work around it. Makes you wonder if the builders of our home found this countertop in the 75% off pile?
What I THOUGHT was an FO is now a UFO because what I THOUGHT was a bathmat is really a placemat. It is sort of like your sideview mirror on your car.........things appear larger than they are when they are on sz. 17 needles? It needs to be a skoosh bigger..........so I will work on it more. I tried it out yesterday morning to test its sqooshiness. Fabulous!!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Calling all Knitters
In case you didn't know . . . .
June 10th is
Knit in Public Day!
Let's have fun and show the world :=))
Spread the word!
Conquering Fear o' Finishing
Here is my baby kimono. I used Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim Aran. I cast on 50 and adjusted accordingly. Hopefully it will be large enough for my friend's newborn.
More importantly it helped me overcome my fear of finishing. I have an amazing sweater from Debbie Bliss Wish You Were Here book all finished EXCEPT for the seaming. It stares at me and taunts me daily. It is such a yummy piece of work and I have been procrastinating for MONTHS on seaming it up.
My little baby kimono has given me some confidence...now it is up to moi ....to git it dun.
Another Day, Another Dishcloth
Hi everybody:
I made these dishcloths for my boyfriend's sister for her birthday. I haven't gotten to give them to her yet, but I am hoping that she will like them!
The 2 on the left are Mason Dixon (of course!) which I made with the 33 cast on, and the 2 on the right are from the pattern that Stacie posted here about a week ago. I think that they turned out really cute and I can't wait to give them!!!
I made these dishcloths for my boyfriend's sister for her birthday. I haven't gotten to give them to her yet, but I am hoping that she will like them!
The 2 on the left are Mason Dixon (of course!) which I made with the 33 cast on, and the 2 on the right are from the pattern that Stacie posted here about a week ago. I think that they turned out really cute and I can't wait to give them!!!
I can't stop.
But that's okay, isn't it? And that's what knit-alongs are all about, aren't they? Obsessions?I'm on my seventh dishcloth in just over a week. Mine are all made with Sugar & Cream, which is what's available locally -- our community has a real old-fashioned 5&10, and they carry wonderful things like pillow forms and yarn and wooden drying racks -- and I bought as many colors as I could fit in the basket.
I'm really enjoying all the great knitting that everyone is sharing, and I'm so happy to be a part of this wonderful KAL!
Jane
My Blog: Not Plain Jane
the log cabin iPod cozy only the knitter could love
Ok, this is not the world's best iPod cozy. But it went like this.
I grabbed some knitpicks wool and decided to try the log cabin pattern. I didn't have anything particular in mind when I did it, so I wasn't too worried about size or guage.
I ended up with this square (well, sort of) and then wondered what to do with it. I finally ended up sewing up the sides into a rectangle, adding a loop and a single crochet border, and threw the whole thing in the washer.
The result is below. I didn't block it very well, so it's rather oddly shaped. But it's nice and thick and sort of homey looking. LOL
I grabbed some knitpicks wool and decided to try the log cabin pattern. I didn't have anything particular in mind when I did it, so I wasn't too worried about size or guage.
I ended up with this square (well, sort of) and then wondered what to do with it. I finally ended up sewing up the sides into a rectangle, adding a loop and a single crochet border, and threw the whole thing in the washer.
The result is below. I didn't block it very well, so it's rather oddly shaped. But it's nice and thick and sort of homey looking. LOL
Those Mason-Dixon Ladies
Those Mason-Dixon ladies are dangerous, really. I received their book on Monday and I already made two project out of it. They got me to knit a dishcloth, a dishcloth!
They got me dreaming about cones of Sugar'n Cream, me, your usual yarn snob who scoffs at acrylic and does not set foot in craft stores. They made me go to JoAnn and come home with this:
Well, the baby kimono was still in two balls of Sugar'n Cream when we got home, but there, few hours later, all it needs is the seems and the ribbon. But I must knit more dishcloth! I looked at all the ballbands and found three more patterns, but did you know that instead of straining your eyes to read that fine print you can download them directly from the Sugar'n Cream website?
But back to the book, I need to make these for my downstairs bathroom:
I believe this Euroflax
in my stash was waiting for those. And why have I been collecting Karabella Aurora 8?
It is clear to me now:
I am even considering making 4 of these for my daughter's bedroom:
Those ladies are dangerous and I am in trouble.
Lu
They got me dreaming about cones of Sugar'n Cream, me, your usual yarn snob who scoffs at acrylic and does not set foot in craft stores. They made me go to JoAnn and come home with this:
Well, the baby kimono was still in two balls of Sugar'n Cream when we got home, but there, few hours later, all it needs is the seems and the ribbon. But I must knit more dishcloth! I looked at all the ballbands and found three more patterns, but did you know that instead of straining your eyes to read that fine print you can download them directly from the Sugar'n Cream website?
But back to the book, I need to make these for my downstairs bathroom:
I believe this Euroflax
in my stash was waiting for those. And why have I been collecting Karabella Aurora 8?
It is clear to me now:
I am even considering making 4 of these for my daughter's bedroom:
Those ladies are dangerous and I am in trouble.
Lu
Hello, my intro, and my first FO's
I got Mason-Dixon Knitting about 2 weeks ago, and fell in love with the designs! I've been lurking on the KAL until I had a chance to actually work some of the patterns.I did the baby kimono first, in about two evenings at home in front of the tv. I haven't attached the ribbon yet, as you can see. I used Trendsetter's Scoubi-Du cotton blend (color 706, if anyone cares) instead of the Peaches 'n Cream, and it turned out great!
I did my first warshrag last night, and immediately started another one on the needles. I am using the Sugar 'n Cream for them.
I did play around with a small log cabin square, which I then folded up and felted, and it's now an iPod cozy! :)
First MD FO!
I just joined this great KAL and here is my first FO:
Felted Box:
I used Araucania Nature Wool Chunky in colorway 117. I used double strands and so only two skeins were used and I have a good amount left over. (131 yds/skein)
I used US 10.5 bamboo clovers.
This yarn is beautiful pre-felted as well as felted. There is a lot more color in the yarn in real life, I think the flash freaked out the color in my pic.
Totally fun and easy quick project. I cheated and didn't single crochet the sides together. Just sewed them up....can you tell?
Glad to be here, I look forward to seeing more FOs and having more FOs of my own!
Allegra @ FiddlesticKnitting
Saturday, May 27, 2006
log cabin fun
I've started this log cabin blanket a couple of days ago. I'm really loving how it is going along. The yarn is sugar n cream. It is so easy to just count ridges and just picking up stitches. I stopped knitting a sweater because I could not keep track of counting rows and increasing stiches with my teething baby and toddler running around. I can just pick up the log cabin and knit away.
Mason Dixon KAL strikes again!
So, I was shaving my legs this morning and decided I need new bathmats. A trip to Walmart!! Alas, here is a pic of my yarn. Yes, these are the colors I live with in my bathroom. Hard to just rip out hot pink marble people. Yes, you read right...............I know. It can be perceived as bad but I choose to live with it and just work around it.
Here is a bib I did about a month ago. A little different twist but cute nonetheless.
Am loving what everyone else is doing!
Dawn
Want to Make a Bigger Baby Kimono--Help!
Love the Baby Kimono pattern, but I want to make a larger size, say for a six-month-old or one year-old-baby. Math: not my thing. If any of you brainy knitters can figure this out and post a solution, I'd be thrilled!
Streak of Lightning layout
Hey everyone, Still enjoying seeing how much fun everyone else is having with their log cabins. I've been working really hard on mine - I've almost 10 blocks done. I'm just one log short of a cabin. In more ways than one probably... Anyway, I was playing around with the layouts today, taking pictures... Having the neighbours wonder what in the heck is she doing? But I was having fun :-)This particular layout is called Streak of Lightning.
I still have 26 squares to go - I've been working for 5 weeks straight, every chance I get (I do work full time, and have a newish boyfriend, and not as much time to knit as I'd )like. But I reckon that at this rate it's going to take another 13 weeks... (or forever whichever comes first). I am still having fun with it, but I think I'm going to have to add something else to my current projects list. (Icarus shawl from the new IK).
There were some questions on gauge etc... from the last time I posted here that I should probably answer. The squares are approximately 12". My center square is 20 stitches by 20 garter ridges and measures 3.5 inches, so my guage is somewhere around 6.5 stitches per inch. I swear I thought I was using 3.75 mm needles when I started! Darn not checking first - turns out they're 3.oo mm... But it's great fun, and I'm determined that it will get done, just not right away is all.
Anyway I hope everyone that has a holiday this weekend has a great time, has fun, and stays safe!!
Abi
My first FO from the MDK book!
Yay! I finished my second warshrag today. I am loving this knit along; it is great to see the different color variations and cute embellishments! I used Clover Takumi size 6 bamboo needles and a 100% cotton yarn I got at a sale, L'uva Herb Color Folcott Ex 40g (98m), and it came out to be a 19cm square. (If I did my math right, that's about 7.5 inches.)
I've just started on a bib for my best friend who is pregnant. Garter stitch is perfect for multi-tasking knitting, isn't it? I think I will finish it tonight while watching TV. Ann, Kay, and Cristina, thanks so much!
Friday, May 26, 2006
First Post
Hi Everyone, I joined a few weeks ago and just realized I had never posted! I'm having a very hard time deciding just what to do first. I love every pattern in this book. My first thought was to start right from the very beginning and do the book start to finish, but then everytime I turn a new page, something else catches my eye. I love everyone's pictures of their finished works and now I'm inspired to get going. So with that, off I go to make up my mind and get busy. Thanks so much for having me. Donna
Moderne Baby Blanket Taking Over, Video at Ten
My Moderne Baby Blanket is knitting up HUGE! I'm only halfway through the gray stripe at the top, and I still have the two big half-and-half blocks left to go! I will admit that I did NOT check my gauge after deciding to substitute yarn, but I just thought it wouldn't matter anyway since it's not a garment. I'm wondering if it's going to end up being crib-blanket sized or twin-bed sized! Oh well, onward and outward!
A few more button hole bags
For those of you following the saga... Here are the bags as they were lined up in my classroom this morning! Go Kid Knitters!!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Absorba, the Great Bathmat
Luckily I had an extra week to finish this gift for a friend.
It's a fairly quick knit, but this time of year is so busy for us that I haven't been able to just sit down and knock it out.
Because I was too impatient to order the double worsted, I used four strands of Sugar'n Cream worsted (2.5oz) held together - two strands of Ecru, one of Light Ecru, and one of Cream. I used US 15 circulars (plastic). The pattern's gauge is 9 sts + 17 rows = 4" and the finished dimensions are 18" x 27". My gauge is 9.5 sts + 17 rows = 4", and my finished dimensions are 18.5" x 24.5". If I do it with four strands again, I'll probably use US 13's to make things a little tighter. The plastic needles helped speed things along with the cotton, but they caused me to knit a little loosely. And I might make an extra round of strips to make it a bit bigger.
I used about 2.5 balls of each color to complete this variation of the pattern. At my craft store, each ball costs $1.27. Isn't it amazing how knitting can turn $13 worth of cotton into a special gift? I think this, plus some warshrags, could make for a great housewarming/wedding present. Hooray handknits!
I'm really happy with the finished product. The combination of neutrals creates a really warm texture. Oh, and it feels wonderful between the toes. Thanks Kay and Ann!
It's a fairly quick knit, but this time of year is so busy for us that I haven't been able to just sit down and knock it out.
Because I was too impatient to order the double worsted, I used four strands of Sugar'n Cream worsted (2.5oz) held together - two strands of Ecru, one of Light Ecru, and one of Cream. I used US 15 circulars (plastic). The pattern's gauge is 9 sts + 17 rows = 4" and the finished dimensions are 18" x 27". My gauge is 9.5 sts + 17 rows = 4", and my finished dimensions are 18.5" x 24.5". If I do it with four strands again, I'll probably use US 13's to make things a little tighter. The plastic needles helped speed things along with the cotton, but they caused me to knit a little loosely. And I might make an extra round of strips to make it a bit bigger.I used about 2.5 balls of each color to complete this variation of the pattern. At my craft store, each ball costs $1.27. Isn't it amazing how knitting can turn $13 worth of cotton into a special gift? I think this, plus some warshrags, could make for a great housewarming/wedding present. Hooray handknits!
I'm really happy with the finished product. The combination of neutrals creates a really warm texture. Oh, and it feels wonderful between the toes. Thanks Kay and Ann!
yarn question - any advice?
Looking to make the Moderne Baby Blanket (currently in the process of making the moderne lob cabin blanket)and want to find a replacement yarn as the pattern calls for Rowan Calmer - trying to find something that can be washed (Calmer is hand wash only)as this will be used for a baby and also a yarn that is a bit less expensive than the Calmer. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Bubbly Curtain update from Suzanne
I, too, was not crazy about the curtain pattern in the book when I first looked at it. But the more I thought about it, the more I saw the possibilities! I used 100% cotton Catania. It's pretty slippery- I worked with #9 bamboo needles and found the combination was good. Not too slippy, but still good speed. I did block the curtain- I pinned it down and used water and spray starch to set it. I may take it down and starch it a bit more. It's starting to pull in a bit.
M-D KAL Update
-or-
I fell down the rabbit hole!
I've been such a washrag ho lately. Look at this stack. I have plenty of yarn to keep on going too. They are way too pretty to use on dirty disgusting dishes so I plan on using them on - me (see how I convinced myself how bad the dish idea was). I kept envisioning a stack of freshly clean and pretty washcloths sitting on the 1/2 wall that is the end of my vanity. So I've decided that I want a stack of MD Washcloths and have been working toward that goal.
I fell down the rabbit hole!
I've been such a washrag ho lately. Look at this stack. I have plenty of yarn to keep on going too. They are way too pretty to use on dirty disgusting dishes so I plan on using them on - me (see how I convinced myself how bad the dish idea was). I kept envisioning a stack of freshly clean and pretty washcloths sitting on the 1/2 wall that is the end of my vanity. So I've decided that I want a stack of MD Washcloths and have been working toward that goal.
Sad Blankie has two new blocks. Its been very warm here and having it on my lap is downright uncomfortable. So I've put Saddie to the side for now. When air conditioning weather comes I'll want to have a blanket on my legs in the evening. It's the curse of cathedral ceilings, comfortable in half the house and freezing in the other half. So for a couple of weeks it's waiting in the wings. I do love how it's coming out and will most definitely finish it before the cold weather comes.
Since Saddie has been put to the side for the time being look what I started! I am insane, but I love love love love love the mitered squares.
When Saddie is finished I think I may have to start on the curtains after all. I've seen the ones that have been posted here and they make me feel all - well - jealous really. I want them too! I don't remember who posted that they used size 3 crochet cotton, but that was a stroke of genius and I'll be copying that when the time comes.
I'm enjoying all the work y'all've been posting. Your FOs are inspiring me to new heights of insanity... ahhh... creativity.
An F'd O, An O in Progress, and an O in Use!
I love this book!Here's my first baby bib, I just finished it last night and the baby arrived early this morning. How strange! I think I'm going to make a couple more for her though, they're quick.
And I just had to share my first warshcloth in use! Is it sad that I got really excited about using it?
And my first mitred square. I think I'm going to do a blanket with black as one of the colors in each square but the other color changes. So much fun to be had!(all cross-posted to my blog)
Lookie, a whole basket of Peaches & Creme! My boys and I went to Wal-Mart the other day to look for it after trying all of the local craft stores and striking out at every single one. One of every available color, and two in solids, please! I was honestly a little hesitant in trying this cotton yarn, because a few years ago I knitted a washcloth with Sugar and Cream and just didn't like it. I am, however, really enjoying this yarn.
Greetings!
I joined this KAL a week or two (gasp, that long!) ago, but haven't had a chance to post...yet. I am knitting away on lots of MDK projects, though!
I've done a bib in lime green:
And a Heartbreakingly Cute Kimono in Blue Sky Cotton:
I'm currently working on a bit o' scribbling--no pics yet, but I'm using Lion Incredible and Size 10 crochet cotton in black.
I'm plotting and planning a Moderne blanket and some log cabin-ing.
I've done a bib in lime green:
And a Heartbreakingly Cute Kimono in Blue Sky Cotton:
I'm currently working on a bit o' scribbling--no pics yet, but I'm using Lion Incredible and Size 10 crochet cotton in black.
I'm plotting and planning a Moderne blanket and some log cabin-ing.
Dishrags (or doll blankets)
Here are my two dishrags. My 3 year old daughter is constantly grabbing the dishrags to use as blankets for her dollies. The preppie colored, pink and green, was done with size 7 bamboo needles and the purple and green was knitted with size 6 metal. The metal needles worked fast with the cotton. I will definitely keep using the metal needles. The yarn is sugar and cream. I would like to try peaches and cream but its not available locally and walmart is over 35 miles away. I've also just started a log cabin blanket using a rainbow of sugar and cream yarn.
bubbly curtain
It's my first time posting...I just had to share the bubbly curtain from the book! At first I thought it was too rustic for me- but I am now completely thrilled with how it turned out. In fact- my husband wants me to knit a matching one for our front door! I used Schachenmeyer's Catania 100% cotton yarn. I would love to see other people's curtains as well. Thanks-
Suzanne
Log Cabin Love
Check out the beginnings of my Cotton-Ease log cabin. It was the perfect project for last night's TV knitting marathon. Two hours of American Idol and then two of Lost... at least I have the blanket to show for it. Soul Patrol!
MDK is up for Auction
Hi Again,
Here's the link to the auction for a signed copy of Mason Dixon Knitting . Please let me know if you have any questions, ekgraves@gmail.com.
Many thanks!
Emily
P.S. Are Ann and Kay working on their second book yet?
Here's the link to the auction for a signed copy of Mason Dixon Knitting . Please let me know if you have any questions, ekgraves@gmail.com.
Many thanks!
Emily
P.S. Are Ann and Kay working on their second book yet?
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Ballbands and Bailiffs do NOT get along
Hello everyone! SpiderWomanKnits here submitting my first MDKAL post from beautiful Western Massachusetts.
I received my copy of Mason Dixon Knitting last week and can't take my eyes off it. I immediately cast on for this dishcloth and the process of knitting it turned in to quite the saga. Let's just say that the Berkshire Superior Court system is NOT knitter friendly. You can read about it here and here if you are so inclined.
I am enjoying all the contributions to this KAL and look forward to the process of interpretation. Next up on my 'Must Knit List' from the book is the Bubbly Curtain or maybe some of those adorable Bibs or wait some Log Cabin action might be nice or hmmm my friends new baby could use a Kimono or perhaps some mitred squares or ....(You get the idea. There is a lot of great stuff to knit in this book!) Love it!
I received my copy of Mason Dixon Knitting last week and can't take my eyes off it. I immediately cast on for this dishcloth and the process of knitting it turned in to quite the saga. Let's just say that the Berkshire Superior Court system is NOT knitter friendly. You can read about it here and here if you are so inclined.
I am enjoying all the contributions to this KAL and look forward to the process of interpretation. Next up on my 'Must Knit List' from the book is the Bubbly Curtain or maybe some of those adorable Bibs or wait some Log Cabin action might be nice or hmmm my friends new baby could use a Kimono or perhaps some mitred squares or ....(You get the idea. There is a lot of great stuff to knit in this book!) Love it!
It's a warshrag - NO, it's a SPA MITT !
Looked at the finished warshrag,
decided it was destined for more!
Sewed up 2 seams -
voila -
now it is fit for the spa :=))
Babies!
Eee! My good friend from college told me last night that she and her husband are trying to have a baby, and I am so excited I have to tell someone, so I'm posting here! (I cannot tell MIL, since she'll get ideas about DH and I, and we are no way ready for that!)
This is perfect, someone else's baby for me to be excited about, and even better, knit things for! I definitely see a Moderne baby blanket in my future, and maybe even booties, since mom mentioned she thinks they're adorable...And since they aren't pregnant yet, I have plenty of time to stockpile yarn. Sweet.
(More personal news, we've selected our apartment complex in Indy, and we're ready to start...going about...whatever it is you do to rent an apartment. We gotta be there for school in August.)
This is perfect, someone else's baby for me to be excited about, and even better, knit things for! I definitely see a Moderne baby blanket in my future, and maybe even booties, since mom mentioned she thinks they're adorable...And since they aren't pregnant yet, I have plenty of time to stockpile yarn. Sweet.
(More personal news, we've selected our apartment complex in Indy, and we're ready to start...going about...whatever it is you do to rent an apartment. We gotta be there for school in August.)
MDK and Supporting Breast Cancer Research
Hi Everyone,
I've been a MDK reader for quite a while now, and Ann and Kay graciously signed a copy of their book so I can auction it on Ebay. I'm going to donate the funds raised to the Breast Cancer 3 Day event that I'm participating in this August (walking 60 miles in three days). I haven't put the book up on Ebay just yet because I wanted to let folks know the auction was going to be happening, but I think I will put it up within the next day or so and the auction will be open for a week.
I have a feeling I don't necessarily have to sell the book to all of you, but if you have a friend whom you want to start knitting, wouldn't this be a great gift? :) If you'd like to visit my fundraising page for the Breast Cancer 3 Day (or make a donation) please visit: My Fundraising Page . If I can answer any questions about the 3 Day or most any other subject, let me know at ekgraves@gmail.com.
Thanks and Happy Knitting!
Emily
Felted Box!
I finished up a felted box from the book a few weeks ago and finally got around to taking pictures. I used Reynolds Lopi as opposed to the Lamb's Pride it calls for because I had some extra laying around that I had no plans for. I used size 10.5 needles as opposed to the size 15's the pattern calls for because I didn't check the errata.
Despite that, I'm still happy with how it came out. I must say though, the Lopi is very fuzzy when felted unlike the Lamb's Pride. I'm currently using this one to store my circular needles and plan on making at least one more of these in the recommended yarn.
Despite that, I'm still happy with how it came out. I must say though, the Lopi is very fuzzy when felted unlike the Lamb's Pride. I'm currently using this one to store my circular needles and plan on making at least one more of these in the recommended yarn.
Another Warshrag!!
I whipped this one up for a friend who's moving into an apartment today! I started on Sunday night when I finished the Button Hole Bag extravaganza and I finished last night. Gotta love a quick knit.I didn't have the right size circular so I did it all on double points. It was a pain at the beginning because the stitches kept slipping off the ends. I love that it goes from the outside in, the rounds get shorter and shorter!!
These were my first bobbles, what fun!
My Blog
Knitted Dishcloth
First, I have to say that I love the book. And I was so excited to there was a knitalong. Anyhow, I started with the simplest, choosing the colors that were available at the local store, ans knitted two dishcloths! Whuu whoo!
Mitre Squares are taking over my life....
Hi Folks! It's great to see all these fabulous projects you are doing! I can't believe I am seriously considering knitting a washcloth! I don't even use one - I'm a sponge sort of girl, I don't think we have even got a dishcloth in the house, and here I am considering how nice one would look drapped artfully over the tap!!
I couldn't wait to get started on something when I received the book, and due to a spate of "Clown Knitting" for various birthdays I had bucket loads of nasty acrylic yarn left over in just about every colour imaginable - so I started on the mitre square blanket (pic below). At the moment I'm about 58 squares in, I've actually started sewing some together (which I was previously dreading) and have doscovered I LOVE MATTRESS STITCH!! It's fantastic - I just love the way fabric zips together when you pull!! (So I haven't knit so many squares this weekend for sewing - might as well make use of this while it lasts, coz lets face it - it's sewing! I'm sure the notion will wear off sooner or later!)
Here are about 40 of the squares laid out in the sun last week (no pics of the sewn up ones - the light is terrible as it's rained constantly for about three days - think we may be heading back in to winter!!)
I couldn't wait to get started on something when I received the book, and due to a spate of "Clown Knitting" for various birthdays I had bucket loads of nasty acrylic yarn left over in just about every colour imaginable - so I started on the mitre square blanket (pic below). At the moment I'm about 58 squares in, I've actually started sewing some together (which I was previously dreading) and have doscovered I LOVE MATTRESS STITCH!! It's fantastic - I just love the way fabric zips together when you pull!! (So I haven't knit so many squares this weekend for sewing - might as well make use of this while it lasts, coz lets face it - it's sewing! I'm sure the notion will wear off sooner or later!)
Here are about 40 of the squares laid out in the sun last week (no pics of the sewn up ones - the light is terrible as it's rained constantly for about three days - think we may be heading back in to winter!!)
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
My first FO in knitting...
A Warshcloth! I have attempted several items. This was my first finished item. Followed by a hat -- which I finished knitting before I finished the warshcloth, but I didn't actually finish before I finished the warshcloth! :) It was good to learn to knit, purl, slip stitch, cast on, bind off... what to do with the colorful string was not readily apparent, but I just cut it long and wove it in, as I would have done with my crochet, and that seemed to work.
Now to figure out something else to do... because, as much as the warshcloth was a good practical, learning tool, I found it a bit boring after a time.
Eat your heart out, Kate Spade
So I know it's not in the book, but here ya go anyway. I've made this bag numerous times, with different yarns, and feel qualified to say that Cascade Pastaza is a great yarn to knit and felt with. I love the way the mohair gives it a Muppet-esque look that you just can't get with plain ol' wool. It may be hard to get past the luxurious background prop, but there is an orange stripe in between the red and pink yarns. Here's the link to the Cascade site in the even that someone is reading this and thinking to themselves, "Pastaza? Isn't that served with a pomodoro sauce?" http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-pastaza.asp
Comparing Cotton Yarns
Here's site where the author compared several of the cotton yarns out on the market. I know there has been much discussion about the difference between Peaches & Creme and Sugar & Creme, so I thought this site might be useful. Other cotton yarns are compared and contrasted as well! Enjoy!
http://www.crochetme.com/Aug_Sept_2005/feat_cotton.html
http://www.crochetme.com/Aug_Sept_2005/feat_cotton.html
Love Love Love the Book
Hi everyone. I just wanted to let you know I love Mason-Dixon Knitting. I read the whole book over the weekend. Then went out and bought enough Sugar 'n Cream to make several of the ballband dishcloths, Mason-Dixon dishcloths, baby bibs, and burpies. My cousin is getting some wonderful orange warshrags to coordinate with her orange KitchenAid mixer.
For the baby Kimono I bought some Bernat Cottontots in a variegated pastel colorway. These projects will keep me busy on vacation while my friend is reading every line on every display in the museum. I'll post pictures of my completed items when I return.
I've enjoyed reading all of your posts. You have inspired me greatly.
For the baby Kimono I bought some Bernat Cottontots in a variegated pastel colorway. These projects will keep me busy on vacation while my friend is reading every line on every display in the museum. I'll post pictures of my completed items when I return.
I've enjoyed reading all of your posts. You have inspired me greatly.
Bibs for a Boy
I thought you guys would like to see the bibs I made for a coworker who is expecting a boy this summer. Somehow the buttons wound up on opposite sides, but I'm pretty proud of them.
Hand Towel and Bubbly Curtain
So I was in Nashville visiting my children and was at that wonderful yarn shop, Angel Hair Yarn, sitting out the tornado that devastated Gallatin, Tn. and not only discovered the Mason-Dixon Knitting book but, also, had plenty of time to peruse it. Had to have it! The first thing I knitted was the Chevron hand towel for my daughter, using the Euroflax Originals sport weight, and had enough to knit a face cloth using the same pattern. Then on to the bubbly curtains for my son's laundry room which has two windows and a long window in the door. Finished one of the curtains and have the one for the door on the needles. I'm using Aunt Lydia's crochet thread #3 knowing I could never afford the Euroflax linen yarn for all those windows. Oh my, what fun these curtains are to knit! The picture of the curtain was made hanging in my widow, which it obviously doesn't fit, before I sent it off to Nashville.
My first blog....Lord help me!
Baby Bib Embellishments
I decided to embellish a couple of the baby bibs with a little crocheted edge.
I think they turned out real cute!
Use The Force
Finally finished this Euroflax hand towel, and was reminded why I never knit with less than a size 10 needle. The knitting process was fraught with much anxiety as the fabric blend puckered like nobody's business. Luckily the Mason-Dixon book had Jedi Mind Tricked me into continuing: "Trust the fabric..." And I did, and all was well with The Universe. A note on the pattern: I usually consider patterns as suggestions of what might happen as opposed to hard and fast rules of engagement. Since this was for my grandmother, I needed to throw in some lacy-ness at the bottom. I thought about adding some beads to up the fancy-ante, but that would have meant a trip to Michael's or AC Moore, a possible delay of 3 months considering how often I will get in my car and drive up the Rockville Pike. No thank you, ma'am.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Repeat 100 times: "I must be smarter than the website"
Apparently I'm not. So for anyone else having problems figuring out how to post pix on this crazy blog (which I'm a virgin at), you can't use the "Blog This!" link at the top. If you click on the "Blogger" link on the very top left of the screen, it'll take you to your Dashboard (whatever that is), where masondixonkal should be shown. Then click on the big green plus button to "Add a post". Phwew!
Anywaaaaaaaaaaay............
Here, finally and with much ado, is my fancy schmancy cheap ol' Red Heart portlight cover. To explain (or maybe just to beg for mercy), I used the terrible, devil-yarn because I had it and figured it'd be better to waste some of it than some good expensive yarn for my experiment. Besides, my heart won't break if it gets moldy and has to be chucked! Maybe next time I'll practice a little intarsia or something - an white anchor floating in a sea of blue, perchance?
Essentially, I just "wung it". I knitted on circulars a flat rectangle the width and height of the face of the portlight, increasing and decreasing to make the corners rounded. Then I picked up all the stiches and just knit in the round till it was just shy of the correct depth. At that point, I guesstimated the location of the little opening knobby doohitchies and threw in a couple of really long button holes (my first!) and finished it off with another round or two. I used the long tail as a cinch and tied it in a pretty little bow.
So waddya think? I like it and so does hubby, which thoroughly suprised me! He's asking for more!
Glad to be aboard, so to speak. Thanks!
LaDonna
Baby Kimono and Sizing
I belong to a knitting discussion forum, and I've been raving about the book and its many, many temptations! A couple of the members in the forum asked me to pose a question to all of you who have knitted the baby kimono. Did you have any reservations with the size of the finished product (if you knitted it as directed in the book)? Someone mentioned to me that the warshrags shrunk a lot with washing, and the forum members were worried about the kimono shrinking as well since they are made with the same yarn. A friend of mine knitted the baby kimono, and it was pretty tiny even before washing. In fact, we were worried that it might not fit a newborn baby at all (especially a big baby). Does anyone have any thoughts about the baby kimono, its sizing, etc?
Thank you so much for all your insightfulness and help!
Thank you so much for all your insightfulness and help!
Finally ...
Well, I am 'finally' posting the completed bib ... it sat in limbo waiting for me to weave in ends and add the button - lol It is lying on a baby blanket that I crocheted, both are going to a friend's baby that is due very soon!!
Mason-Dixon: Force for Good
This, my friends, is a whole mess-a buttonhole bags. However, it is also a cool three grand. No joke! Read about it here. This bag has serious universal appeal. Three year-olds love it (Beth's Bunny is getting one made of all the leftovers), sixth graders love it (duh), grown women love it, and I'm constantly amused at the many ways that boys will think of to use it because they want one too, durnit! Yes, I made all of these, and yes, I am ready for a buttonhole break. However, I'll be back! That Lamb's Pride Bulky with her seductive mohair halo and beguiling color range...she won't let me go for long!Book Arrived
My book arrived to it's new home a couple days ago. Since I've had a very difficult time putting it down and deciding where to start..
I whipped this wash cloth up for fun last night with some Sugar & Cream in a soft pastel colorway. What an interstding concept knitting from the outside inside...Thank you Ladies for putting together such a wonderful book! Loving all the oldie but good techniques into modern and the fresh looks all in one! The way you've pulled it all together is amazing!
I whipped this wash cloth up for fun last night with some Sugar & Cream in a soft pastel colorway. What an interstding concept knitting from the outside inside...Thank you Ladies for putting together such a wonderful book! Loving all the oldie but good techniques into modern and the fresh looks all in one! The way you've pulled it all together is amazing!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Enough Colors for a Baby Log Cabin?
Remember the great Cotton-Ease rush of 05' ? Lion Brand discontinued their cotton acrylic blend and lots of folks scrambled to hoarde, er...stash what was left. Let's just say that my mother and I share a considerable stash of Cotton-Ease. Pictured is a sample of the colors I have. Red, orange, yellow, pink, mint green, and two shades of blue. Do you think this is enough color variety for a baby log cabin blanket? If I need more shades, what would you suggest? I'm eager to take the color plunge, but I need some friendly advice.
Hand towel- almost by the book!
Hi all, my daughter and her boyfriend are in town. They helped me paint the living room. That is, they painted and I knitted this hand towel for the mother of my daughter's boyfriend. It's made with Euroflax color Moss Lake and French blue. They are not exactly the same needle size( I used 3.5mm), but I had the Moss Lake left over from my first hand towel. I did it almost by the book this time. I changed just one row, so it's more wavey. And I had to stop, when I ran out of the green yarn. It looks totally different now that it is washed, dryed and ironed. The size is 14" by 19".
Yarn-a-holic!
hi.
my name is lindsey...
... and i am a yarn-a-holic!
i love to buy yarn. some say i need an intervention. i get to most projects in a timely manner...well sort of! haha! shamefully i have to admit that i do not yet own this book, but have been drooling over a friend's copy for a month now. my birthday is coming up soon and i hope to enjoy it then. i have bought the
pictured yarn to eventually make a bunch of baby bibs and maybe burp cloths for all those around me who are awaiting new arrivals who drool (not puppies silly...babies!). i found almost all of these wonderful colors at Hobby Lobby. as you can see i couldn't make up my mind on just the 4 i went in for! i had never seen so many to choose from-i usually don't seen such a great selection around here.
i want to say that i think you all are the most creative bunch of ladies around. i love looking at and reading about each of your projects! they are all beautiful. thank you for sharing them.
i will keep you all posted on the progress of the baby bibs. i have a baby blanket in the way of starting them right now. i can't wait for this silly baby blanket to be over so i can start on these bibs!!!
my name is lindsey...
... and i am a yarn-a-holic!
i love to buy yarn. some say i need an intervention. i get to most projects in a timely manner...well sort of! haha! shamefully i have to admit that i do not yet own this book, but have been drooling over a friend's copy for a month now. my birthday is coming up soon and i hope to enjoy it then. i have bought the
pictured yarn to eventually make a bunch of baby bibs and maybe burp cloths for all those around me who are awaiting new arrivals who drool (not puppies silly...babies!). i found almost all of these wonderful colors at Hobby Lobby. as you can see i couldn't make up my mind on just the 4 i went in for! i had never seen so many to choose from-i usually don't seen such a great selection around here.i want to say that i think you all are the most creative bunch of ladies around. i love looking at and reading about each of your projects! they are all beautiful. thank you for sharing them.
i will keep you all posted on the progress of the baby bibs. i have a baby blanket in the way of starting them right now. i can't wait for this silly baby blanket to be over so i can start on these bibs!!!
I'm new - my plans
Hi everyone,
I'm Mary from Virginia, and I love this book! (Why does that sound like an intro for a 12-step program?)
I'm working on my second warshcloth. I'll try and post pics later.
I've also bought the yarn for a Nina shawl:
I'm Mary from Virginia, and I love this book! (Why does that sound like an intro for a 12-step program?)
I'm working on my second warshcloth. I'll try and post pics later.
I've also bought the yarn for a Nina shawl:
The green and blue (though in real life its more of a mint green than the pic looks) will be the stripes and the black & white will be the checkerboard, with the black as the ruffles. I had actually started it, but I've ripped it out to make a change. I'm going to make the 5-stitch garter edges all in the black. I hate changing yarns at the end of a row on something that won't be seamed - the edges never look perfect to me. This will allow me to make all the color changes a little in from the edge, and I think the black frame all around will look nice.
I'm also thinking of ripping out this old UFO and using the yarn for a log cabin afghan:
This was to have been Native, a Kim Hargreaves design from a Rowan magazine. I got about 12 inches into one piece and stalled. It would be slow going. I think the colors would be a nice log cabin, and I'd probably get it done quicker and use it more that way. The yarn is handknit DK cotton.
I've really been enjoying seeing everyone's projects and I'm happy to be here!
I'm Home!
I received a very kind-hearted gift from my mominlaw of a beginners knitting box. While I'm no expert, I'm certainly beyond the garter stitch scarf so I took it to Barnes & Noble to exchange for yet another knitting book. I came across M&D and figured, what the heck. There's not a single sweater pattern in it, so it's got that going for it. Plus the sense of humor tickled me. Then, of course, I couldn't put it down! Ah, the freedom to do easy stuff! I've been given permission!
But I was a closet-do-it-my-own-way-er already. My cat, like most, loves 'caves'. Under blankets, towels, anything that he can curl up in and watch the world go by. So I decided to knit him a cave. I bought a couple skeins of Cascade wool and messed around till I had this floppy giant hat. Then I knitted a circle (tough to figure out but cool!), attached it to the hat, and felted the heck out of it. Let's just say, Fred doesn't have his cave but I learned a lot and had fun doing it.
We live on a sailboat and sometimes I like just a modicum of privacy so I conceived this portlight cover. I thought about it for a few days, puzzling over just how I would make this work of art. I used a skein of (gasp!) red heart and started knitting. Here's the finished product. Ok, maybe not a work of art but not too bad, right? Riiiiiight? Hubby even thinks it's not bad and you know how men hate change.
FWIW, I'm working on a PC using IE and don't get a box to upload pix either. I get text edit options, a spot to link another site, and 'edit html'. I'm using Photo Jerk to post this pic.
Later!
LaDonna
But I was a closet-do-it-my-own-way-er already. My cat, like most, loves 'caves'. Under blankets, towels, anything that he can curl up in and watch the world go by. So I decided to knit him a cave. I bought a couple skeins of Cascade wool and messed around till I had this floppy giant hat. Then I knitted a circle (tough to figure out but cool!), attached it to the hat, and felted the heck out of it. Let's just say, Fred doesn't have his cave but I learned a lot and had fun doing it.
We live on a sailboat and sometimes I like just a modicum of privacy so I conceived this portlight cover. I thought about it for a few days, puzzling over just how I would make this work of art. I used a skein of (gasp!) red heart and started knitting. Here's the finished product. Ok, maybe not a work of art but not too bad, right? Riiiiiight? Hubby even thinks it's not bad and you know how men hate change.
FWIW, I'm working on a PC using IE and don't get a box to upload pix either. I get text edit options, a spot to link another site, and 'edit html'. I'm using Photo Jerk to post this pic.
Later!
LaDonna
Another Ballband Cloth.... how long does it take you?
I'm curious as to how long it takes most people to knit a ballband dishcloth. If you've kept track of how long it took you, please comment. I'd like to know if I'm the slowest poke in the bunch or if I'm right there with everyone else.
Like you all, I'm loving trying out all the color combinations of cotton yarns. I think that's one of the unique contributions of the book: to get us all to think of the way we can do even the simplest and lowliest of projects (like the dishcloth) in an artful and pleasing way.
It was my first attempt at the Ballband Dishcloth. It was fun to do, and I'm ready to try another.
Ordering from Elmore-Pisgah
So, I couldn't resist. I saw the website address for Elmore-Pisgah, makers of Peaches and Cream, and went for it. I really really wanted cones, but the only place that sells them anywhere around here is Wal-Mart, which is not exactly close and gives me the heebie-jeebies to go in.
So, I call E & P up on the phone. The woman who answered was really sweet, but we had some communication difficulties, seeing as she was definitely far south of the M-D line and I'm from the far West end of the country. Still, she was incredibly polite and nice to talk to.
If you order six cones or more, the price goes down to 6.64...so, of course, I did.
I neglected to think about the shipping ramifications for six pounds of yarn, which ended up making this not quite the steal it seemed. E&P won't tell you the shipping cost on the phone; you don't know exactly how much it is costing your credit card until the box arrives. When mine did, a few days later, I found that I'd paid about two dollars shipping per pound of yarn. Still, not a bad price for the amount of yarn and just the right colors you wanted, but I would hesitate to order from them unless you live close to Nawth Caruhlina, or at least east of the Mississippi.
One of my cones was not the color I had ordered (I chalked this up to the communication difficulties previously menitoned) but it's a color I'll use anyway and I was too lazy to send it back. One of the ombres was also way, way more garish than the photo on the website indicated...but they say the stuff fades, so hopefully they will be useable without sunglasses soon.
So, I call E & P up on the phone. The woman who answered was really sweet, but we had some communication difficulties, seeing as she was definitely far south of the M-D line and I'm from the far West end of the country. Still, she was incredibly polite and nice to talk to.
If you order six cones or more, the price goes down to 6.64...so, of course, I did.
I neglected to think about the shipping ramifications for six pounds of yarn, which ended up making this not quite the steal it seemed. E&P won't tell you the shipping cost on the phone; you don't know exactly how much it is costing your credit card until the box arrives. When mine did, a few days later, I found that I'd paid about two dollars shipping per pound of yarn. Still, not a bad price for the amount of yarn and just the right colors you wanted, but I would hesitate to order from them unless you live close to Nawth Caruhlina, or at least east of the Mississippi.
One of my cones was not the color I had ordered (I chalked this up to the communication difficulties previously menitoned) but it's a color I'll use anyway and I was too lazy to send it back. One of the ombres was also way, way more garish than the photo on the website indicated...but they say the stuff fades, so hopefully they will be useable without sunglasses soon.
Posting Photos?
Anyone else having trouble posting a photo here? There IS no button to upload a photo when I try to post. I'm on a mac computer, and using Firefox. ???
Two Done More to Come
Hi Everyone! This is my first time posting, but I have been lurking. Everyone is doing such amazing and gorgeous things. Here are two Ballband Dishcloths I've done. The lavender and sage green was made for myself and on the right the burgundy and green was for a dishcloth swap. They are such fun to do!
Next will be the rug. I bought some dyes for cotton and I have a ton of white cone Peaches 'n Cream. Unfortunately I can't start them right away, as there are some things on the needle I need to get done first.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of what everyone is doing.
Next will be the rug. I bought some dyes for cotton and I have a ton of white cone Peaches 'n Cream. Unfortunately I can't start them right away, as there are some things on the needle I need to get done first.I'm looking forward to seeing more of what everyone is doing.
First UFO's
Useful Finished Objects! MDK is such a fun book. I've read a lot of knitting books, but this one just makes me want to pick up my needles and GO!
Here is the linen towel and exfoliating wash cloth I made for my Mom for Mother's Day. I used the Euroflax, and the towel is 13" x 20", with a 2" seedstitch hem at each end, and 5-stitch border of the same along the sides. There was a 50 gram ball left from the original 270 grams, so a quick trip to the calculator showed me that I could knit 64 square inches with what was left. It made an 8" x 8" rough face cloth with an Idiot-cord border and loop, knit on needles one size larger than the towel to give a looser texture. At first the linen bothered my fingers, but I quickly got used to it. I may just have to make the adult kimono!
And here is my first washcloth - I just love the combination of sage green and deep periwinkle! It's still too pretty to use, but I'm hoping to take the plunge in a day or two.
Such fun!
Here is the linen towel and exfoliating wash cloth I made for my Mom for Mother's Day. I used the Euroflax, and the towel is 13" x 20", with a 2" seedstitch hem at each end, and 5-stitch border of the same along the sides. There was a 50 gram ball left from the original 270 grams, so a quick trip to the calculator showed me that I could knit 64 square inches with what was left. It made an 8" x 8" rough face cloth with an Idiot-cord border and loop, knit on needles one size larger than the towel to give a looser texture. At first the linen bothered my fingers, but I quickly got used to it. I may just have to make the adult kimono!
And here is my first washcloth - I just love the combination of sage green and deep periwinkle! It's still too pretty to use, but I'm hoping to take the plunge in a day or two.
Such fun!
Hey Gang!
It took long enough, but I finally finished my trio of warshrags.
I was on a roll and getting them done one after another, but then finals hit. (Thankfully, they are over now!)
Here is the traditional "Hi, I am a Knit Blogger, so I take lots of pictures of FOs outside" pic:
And here is another one, inside and more close up:
It took long enough, but I finally finished my trio of warshrags.
I was on a roll and getting them done one after another, but then finals hit. (Thankfully, they are over now!)
Here is the traditional "Hi, I am a Knit Blogger, so I take lots of pictures of FOs outside" pic:
And here is another one, inside and more close up:
I got the three colors and just decided to play around with them. I am happy with the results and I think that the person to whom they will be gifted will like them, as well!
This is such a great book and fun pattern, too!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Warshrag Fever!
Hi all! This is my first post to my first KAL...
So, introducing myself... I just recently (since February) discovered that I really like knitting! I've made a couple scarves in the past (one Harry Potter, one Doctor Who) and somehow stumbled across the Yarn Harlot and then from there arrived at MDK, bought the book, found the KAL, and the rest as they say is history.
And here is my first finished project:
I don't particularly like the edge down the right side, but I'm not sure what to do about it. Other than that it's tons of fun. I've also started Absorba, the Great Bathmat. I couldn't find the double-worsted cones, but I'm doing three strands of the worsted on #13's and it's working well. And there's a couple baby bibs about to be started for a co-worker who is quite pregnant!
(cross-posted at my blog)
So, introducing myself... I just recently (since February) discovered that I really like knitting! I've made a couple scarves in the past (one Harry Potter, one Doctor Who) and somehow stumbled across the Yarn Harlot and then from there arrived at MDK, bought the book, found the KAL, and the rest as they say is history.
And here is my first finished project:
I don't particularly like the edge down the right side, but I'm not sure what to do about it. Other than that it's tons of fun. I've also started Absorba, the Great Bathmat. I couldn't find the double-worsted cones, but I'm doing three strands of the worsted on #13's and it's working well. And there's a couple baby bibs about to be started for a co-worker who is quite pregnant!(cross-posted at my blog)
More Dishcloths!
Loved these dishcloths when I saw them and now I'm addicted to knitting them. The yellow one is for my mother who loves them too. She doesn't knit so has requested a couple more in different colors. I've bought enough Sugar and Cream to drive up Lily's stock! (No Peaches and Cream to be found around here.)
I bought hemp yarn to make handtowels today. The directions call for Euroflax linen, but I love the colors and will give these a try.
I bought hemp yarn to make handtowels today. The directions call for Euroflax linen, but I love the colors and will give these a try.
Congratulations, it's a Kimono!
I have finished my baby kimono, I think it is amazing how great simple cotton can look. I have received many "oohs" and "aahs" over this one.
It is a really fun knit, and it has been great to see everyone's kimonos too. I'm thinking that I need to move on to the burp cloths and bibs now...
Cotton Road Trip! Wheeeee!
Mason Dixon KAL
HELP!! I have a question for those of you who have made the baby kimono with the eyelets. I'm at the point on the first side where I need to work even (not increase any more), and I don't know what to do! I know that somewhere or other I need to knit 2 tog in order to keep the number of stitches the same while I continue doing the yarn over so I have that pretty eyelet down the front but where do I do that? Or does it even matter? Thanks -- Sally (Kinderhook)
My round, disobedient washrag
Just wanted to post this to encourage anyone else who's having knitting issues. Ever have a project that seems cursed from the start? My M-D Warshrag (the round one) was against me from day one. Dropped stitches beyond repair. Ripped out and cast on again. Not enough stitches at the end of rows to finish in pattern. Ripped out and cast on. Same thing. Put it in my basket and left it alone for a day. In the car I realized the problem - misinterpreting the pattern.
You see, a couple years ago, whoever taught me to yo said that you completed it by knitting into the next stitch. So on the eyelet round, I was k1, yo, k1, k2tog instead of k1, yo (just bringing the yarn forward), k2tog. I was more confused because the other washcloth pattern simply said yf. But I guess you only yf if you're not intending to make an increase or hole of any sort. Good thing I learned this on a washcloth and not on something bigger!
Anyway, with that figured out, I finally finished that row and continued. Then I discovered I was short a stitch. Trying to be calm, and not wanting to knit back to the mistake, I just m1 at the end of that row and kept going.
I conqured the cloth last night and it's getting ready to be packaged for a birthday gift. I think it's really cute and I'd love to have one for myself, but right now I need to get back to my log cabin bathmat. Good, trusty, non-betraying bathmat.
You see, a couple years ago, whoever taught me to yo said that you completed it by knitting into the next stitch. So on the eyelet round, I was k1, yo, k1, k2tog instead of k1, yo (just bringing the yarn forward), k2tog. I was more confused because the other washcloth pattern simply said yf. But I guess you only yf if you're not intending to make an increase or hole of any sort. Good thing I learned this on a washcloth and not on something bigger!
Anyway, with that figured out, I finally finished that row and continued. Then I discovered I was short a stitch. Trying to be calm, and not wanting to knit back to the mistake, I just m1 at the end of that row and kept going.
I conqured the cloth last night and it's getting ready to be packaged for a birthday gift. I think it's really cute and I'd love to have one for myself, but right now I need to get back to my log cabin bathmat. Good, trusty, non-betraying bathmat.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Mason-Dixon in the Midwest
Hi all! I just joined in, and I've already had a great time seeing how everyone else has made their own version of patterns from the book. Here's my second washcloth, which is amazing considering that I thought knitted washcloths were, well, silly. I was a young, naive knitter, what did I know?! And, yes, that's another Log Cabin Baby blanket. I'm knitting it in greens and blues, for the impending arrival of a baby boy to a dear friend.
bibs and dishcloth
Hello All,I have so enjoyed all of the creations on this site. I made the bib and a variation based on the burp cloth. I am having so much fun because I think the possibilities are endless to take these designs and make them unique.
Thanks for all of the inspiration! I look forward to all of your posts.
My first warshcloth from MD book
Now that I finally got my brain around this pattern it is easy. I knit Continental and purl Norwegian so I had to translate the pattern so that my brain could do this. There are a few mistakes but nothing I can't live with in a warshcloth. I will be doing more of these - after I finish the shawl I HAVE to have done tomorrow for MIL's 90th birthday. The shawl that I had 2 full repeats of the pattern done and decided to frog last night because I wanted it longer - so now I have 1/2 of one repeat done - am I completely insane....
Has anyone done any knitting with rags yet?
I think that it is sooooooooooo beautiful and would love to know how it's going for people if they have. I have yet to try. Has anyone found a place to buy rag balls or do we have to make them ourselves? If you have made rag balls, how did it go? Any tips? I love the bath mat and want to try it.
So far I have made a dishcloth and am half way through the baby kimono (white garter-stitch). My dishcloth is currently wet and in my sink, so I can't take a picture, but will post one later.
So far I have made a dishcloth and am half way through the baby kimono (white garter-stitch). My dishcloth is currently wet and in my sink, so I can't take a picture, but will post one later.
Serendipity
As it happens, two cones of Peaches & Cream fit perfectly into my knapsack. Have discloths, will travel.
Moderne Baby Blanket
Hi - I joined the KAL last week, but this is my first post. I'm knitting the Moderne Baby Blanket in anticipation of my sister's new baby.
I'm using Lorna's Lace superwash worsted. Although this yarn is a superwash, it's still so soft and plush. Right now I'm planning to sew on a lining.
I'm using Lorna's Lace superwash worsted. Although this yarn is a superwash, it's still so soft and plush. Right now I'm planning to sew on a lining.
Mitre progress
Gosh, I love these mitres. With each start there are numerous possibilities. It makes me feel so creative. Anyway, I decided to sew up as I went along since I plan 4 at a time. I've only got 2 more additional colors than what you see here. They will be in the next set!
Even More Warshcloths
It continues to surprise me how habit-forming (maybe even addicting) knitting these warshcloths is. Here's a couple more, with some soap, for a friend.
There will more of these in the future, as I've had a few stray thoughts:
- Summer's (hopefully) coming on and with it, more humidity. Since cotton takes awhile to dry, it seems to me that having a freshly washed one every day or two would be a "good thing".
- They make dandy little gifts when you need a little something.
- They're a small, portable project.
- They're like potato chips...betcha can't knit just one!
- I've got to do something with all that cotton that keeps leaping into my basket.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Mea Culpa and Nearly FO
Hi all,
I'm totally embarrassed. I left a post here yesterday that was meant for my personal blog ("The Yarn Store That Time Forgot"). I'm glad some of you enjoyed it, but it was a little out of left field. Thank goodness I was writing about knitting and not some random topic. (btw, "Pops" was a ooooooold candy store/soda fountain near my house growing up. By my earliest memories [mid-70s], it was ancient and the soda fountain hadn't been used in a million years. But the candy counter was still The Place to spend your allowance.)
Anyway, here's some MDK-related stuff.
You will notice that none of the seams are sewn. I'll get around to it eventually, once I identify the appropriate baby upon which to bestow these precious items. I'm sure there's a sister of mine, somewhere, who's pregnant . . .
I'm totally embarrassed. I left a post here yesterday that was meant for my personal blog ("The Yarn Store That Time Forgot"). I'm glad some of you enjoyed it, but it was a little out of left field. Thank goodness I was writing about knitting and not some random topic. (btw, "Pops" was a ooooooold candy store/soda fountain near my house growing up. By my earliest memories [mid-70s], it was ancient and the soda fountain hadn't been used in a million years. But the candy counter was still The Place to spend your allowance.)
Anyway, here's some MDK-related stuff.
You will notice that none of the seams are sewn. I'll get around to it eventually, once I identify the appropriate baby upon which to bestow these precious items. I'm sure there's a sister of mine, somewhere, who's pregnant . . .
MDK Felted Boxes
Hi, all! My first MDKAL project has been the felted boxes, which I knitted in three yarns other than Kay's Nebraskan choice: Lopi Lite, Paton's Classic Merino and Cascade 220. I adjusted needle size accordingly, although several were knit on 11s before I learned that Kay wanted me to use 15s instead of the 10s my book specs. Visit my blog for details and another photo or two. I put some through the fulling cycle twice, whether by accident or on purpose. Here's hoping my daughter's preschool teachers are pleased with their handmade year-end gifts of thanks. Now, on to blankets and curtains and the inevitable warshrags!
Glad to be Here!!!
Hi Everybody!I made this bib using the ruffling (that I saw another lady post about) for my friend's baby, Brinn. I think that it really adds something special to the bib and makes it look so cute and girly! And I just love the pink flower button!
I really love all of the dishcloths, log cabin blankets, and baby kimonos that everybody is making! So far I've made one dishcloth from the book with a second on my needles. I really want to make the round cloth, but I don't know how to use double pointed needles!!! That dishcloth, and seeing all of yours, is looking like good motivation to learn!
I really love this book!!!
New Warshrags for a New Place
My husband-to-be and I just found out that we are moving in a couple of weeks. I am very excited about finally getting out on our own. After we got the news, I ran out and got way too much yarn for dishcloths, blankets, pillows, rugs. . .*rambles on about things to knit* I'm also making a "memory cover" for a really ugly, but FREE, arm chair out of swatches. I only have about 20-30 so far. Mom says that I need to do a log cabin square for the seat back, to mark meeting Ann and Kay. I'm also using some things from when I learned to crochet, but they'll need to be backed with some type of fabric. I'll get pictures of the progress up sometime in the next week, if we're not too busy. ^_^
I also found my size 8 dpns, hiding behind the dresser. I'm wondering if I can do without the circular needle for the fancy warshrags if I use all 5 dpns. My mom says that I would go crazy with all of the stitches constantly falling off of the needles, but I think I may know a way to make it work.
Off to knit more warshrags!
I also found my size 8 dpns, hiding behind the dresser. I'm wondering if I can do without the circular needle for the fancy warshrags if I use all 5 dpns. My mom says that I would go crazy with all of the stitches constantly falling off of the needles, but I think I may know a way to make it work.
Off to knit more warshrags!
Dishcloth Wrap-Up!
It's so much fun to see what everyone has knitted! I'm currently obsessed with dishcloths--I'm knitting a seventh right now in my favorite colors. So far, I've knitted pairs for two of my sisters and a friend. My first pair focused on turquoise Sugar and Cream.
The second pair were yellow-based, Peaches 'n Creme.
The last pair were knit from sage, navy, and wine Sugar and Cream to match a pottery piece that my little sister is using a focal point in her kitchen. Not exactly the colors I would choose, but I know she'll love them:
All this knitting of dishcloths has sent me back to a pattern I've crocheted for years. Our family's neighbor shared the pattern with me, and my mom loved using the dishcloths, so I make them for her every Mother's Day.
If you'd like, the pattern is on my blog here.
Finished... Now if I only knew what it was!
I finished my log cabin small thing last Friday... It was originally intended to be a dish rag for mom. But, as I posted before I really didn't like the way the back looked. So I knitted a plain square the same size and whip stitched it to the back. I didn't pad it so it is kind of a thin hot mat thick dish rag sort of thing. Good mom that I have declared, "It's perfect for something, I'm sure!"
Beth
my Blog
Beth
my Blog
Vibrant Baby Kimono
Hi everyone!
I'm so excited to see all the great work being inspired by this book...what a wonderful thing! This is my version of the Baby Kimono. I knit it from Sugar and Cream yarn. I also just threaded the ribbon through the left side and then through the eyelet edge so that the ribbons would be removable for washing. I was also a little tired of sewing at that point, so really it was a win-win! I think the colors are perfect for a Leilani, which is my niece's name...I increased the cast-on stitches to 50, and made it proportionally bigger so that she'll have to grow into it a little. Better too big than too small!
It's great that so many of us are working on this project...I love seeing all the different ones!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Off Center Log Cabin
I've been working steadily on my Off Center Log Cabin - I posted about it here waaay back on May 8th - it's in the archives now. I have to say how great it is to see everyone's projects coming along so nicely! I love the new layout - thanks Cristina! It's also really nice to see that I'm not the only one that has come up with the totally crazy idea of knitting a whole bedspread out of log cabins!! Mine's a little different than any of the other one's I've seen out there though.I've really been wanting to update on this here blog, but I really wanted to wait until I had a couple of design elements repeating - It dawned on me that 7 would work very nicely - only problem is that my life is busy and each square takes me more hours than I would like.
I finally finished the required square in the wee hours last night - and took all the squares to work with me, so I could take pictures with some good natural light. It took me a little time to find a likely spot to spread out and snap my pics - it ended up being the lawn on the office building across the street from me. I wonder if anyone wondered what the heck I was doing? I must have made quite the sight.
Here's a different angle - I wish I'd had the time to play around with the placement of the squares - the possibilities are almost endless if you rotate the squares into different configurations.Anyway - I'm just happy I could share my progress so far!
These 7 squares represent just over 19% of the total project - I've used 580 grams of my stash cotton, and am looking at 6-7 pounds total weight. Should make a bit of a dent in my monstrosity of a stash!
You can see my current spindle project thrown in for scale - more pictures are on my blog - abiknits.
Have fun everyone!
Warshrags Met with Much Praise!
I was on a big "warshrag" kick last week. I knit 5 of them. The two there on the left were sent off to my maternal grandmother, along with a red and black one for my mom - all Mother's Day gifts like many of you. Then I finished another for my mom in red and jute that will be mailed out soon. I just didn't get it done in time for the mail the day the others went out.I got a phone call from grandma on Monday afternoon and she was just singing the praises of the washrags and said grandpa really liked them as well. Her sight isn't too good and she's been kind of itching to knit again so she asked me for the pattern. I'm glad they inspired her to think about picking her needles back up!
My husband makes cheese and brews beer so is often using the dishrags more than I and he isn't a big fan of the knit ones. He says they stretch out too much when wet so he can put a finger through them. I thought going down to a smaller needle in combination with those slipped stitches might make for a knitted dishrag that passes his inspection. The smaller one below is knit in Sugar & Cream Country Ombre and Khaki if I remember correctly on smaller needles. In the dry state it has passed the test with DH, but I'll have to see what gets decided when it hits a sink full of dishes I guess.
I did discover that one standard ball of the solid colors can *almost*be used for the contrasting color on two rags and the main color on one. The jute in the red to the left is from the same ball as the jute in the two pictures above. I did have to cast off with the red on that one though. It was *so* close!I think I'd still be knitting some of these if it weren't for a last minute baby shower for twins that I've been knitting like a mad woman for. It's a week away, yikes! But I might actually try the other rag pattern soon or perhaps do a log cabin rag... I love how easy it is to watch TV or a movie while knitting these and surprisingly, the cotton hasn't bothered my hands this time around! Yeah!
:-) Kristi
http://blog.designedlykristi.com
Bib number one
Simple and mindless, in Sugar 'n Cream:
Simple and mindless, but boring. If I had time, I'd try some chain stitch embroidery on it.
Simple and mindless, but boring. If I had time, I'd try some chain stitch embroidery on it.
Dishcloths and blankets!
Now that I've finally gotten the book, I've spent all my free time buying cotton yarn and knitting dishcloths - which is exactly why I delayed purchasing the book for so long :-P I made my first one on size 8 needles, which were all I had, and of course it turned out more like a demented trapezoid than a square. But my kitchen doesn't care! The one I am working on now looks much better, especially because of the yummy orange sherbert ombre I found. I don't have any pics just now, because I'm just that lazy.
What I'm really turning over in my head are the blankets. Must. Knit. Blanket. I think I want to start with the Moderne blanket, using the Silky Wool, but I prefer the layout of the baby moderne, so I'm trying to get my head around how to make it the size of the big one. Even have the colors picked out - an oceany-Key West theme - if I can ever afford to actually purchase enough of it!
Glad to join the blog, and thanks for providing my daily entertainment! (I don't have much to do until I return to grad school in the fall...and of course, moving there...but who needs to look for apartments when they can knit blankets?)
What I'm really turning over in my head are the blankets. Must. Knit. Blanket. I think I want to start with the Moderne blanket, using the Silky Wool, but I prefer the layout of the baby moderne, so I'm trying to get my head around how to make it the size of the big one. Even have the colors picked out - an oceany-Key West theme - if I can ever afford to actually purchase enough of it!
Glad to join the blog, and thanks for providing my daily entertainment! (I don't have much to do until I return to grad school in the fall...and of course, moving there...but who needs to look for apartments when they can knit blankets?)
The Yarn Store That Time Forgot
So I was totally jonesing for some fibers this morning. I checked the hours of the yarn store I pass on the way home but they close at 5:00(well, I really just pass the exit, but it wouldn't be inconvenient to take a small side-trip. And my firm has a mostly empty satellite office across that shares a parking lot with the shop, so I guess I could call the side-trip work-related), same thing for the store near my house. GRRR. Must. Fondle. Fibers.
So I google "yarn store Waterbury" and come up with the Yarn Store that Time Forgot - Two Sisters Yarn Shop, not 1/4 mi from here.
Lunch time comes. Must. Fondle. Fibers. And the new Interweave Knits is supposed to be out today.
I open the door and I am nearly knocked over by the smell of stale cigarettes. Holy indoor air pollution, Batman! The store is maybe 12 ft by 20 ft, with shelves of yarn still in the bag (not a bad idea in light of the smoke), many of the bags are yellowed from smoke. The shop attendant (one of the sisters?) was a well-groomed 80+ yo woman, wearing a fetching hand-knit suit. I look around -- there is enough acrylic in this room to . . . uh. . . well, it was mostly acrylic yarn. I find a stash of 100% wool and mercerized cotton. I wonder if they've ordered stock since 1984. Indeed, one of the yarn companies seems to have dropped off the planet, and the other, well I'd only ever seen it in a stash Mom bought from a neighbor who moved away in the 80s.
I look at the notions and it resembles that area to the far right of the candy counter at Pops. (You know what I mean. Ancient packaging of strange implements that were probably would have been useful during the months one expected to spend underground in the fallout shelter.)
But there's something strangely charming about it. (Except for the smoke.) I've grown weary of the tragically hip yarn shop. I knew the honeymoon was over for me in 10/04 when I went to Knit New York with my kids. I felt a little too unpierced and untatooed (I was, at that time, utterly untatooed). A salesperson saw the handknit sweater on Katie and exclaimed, "Is THAT Zara? I love Zara. Zara is THE BEST. We have it up front for like $9.99"(per 50 gram ball) My answer, "uh, no. I think it is Plymouth Dreambabies." (3.25 per 50 gram ball) And she looked sad for me and my use of pathetic, pedestrian fibers for something that would just be yacked and pooped on. Clearly, my child wasn't loved. It was hard for me to get her attention after that and in that store, you need someone to fetch your entire order for you.
Anyway, back to TYSTTF. I wanted to sit around for a few hours and pick the brains of this woman who had undoubtedly knit everything on Earth with every fiber known to man (but mostly acrylic). She pulled out a few pattern collections for me. Yes, they were from 1975 at the VERY latest, but the cuts were so different from today's knit wear that it could have been inspirational. There was a jacket or two that would have looked just as snappy now as it did during the Eisenhower Administration.
And, I bought 3 skeins of 100% silk worsted for $6.00. That $6.00 total, not each. Of course, my suit will have to be dry cleaned to get the scent out, but I'm still ahead cash-wise.
I'll head back another time I'm jonesing, and spend some time with the patterns.
So I google "yarn store Waterbury" and come up with the Yarn Store that Time Forgot - Two Sisters Yarn Shop, not 1/4 mi from here.
Lunch time comes. Must. Fondle. Fibers. And the new Interweave Knits is supposed to be out today.
I open the door and I am nearly knocked over by the smell of stale cigarettes. Holy indoor air pollution, Batman! The store is maybe 12 ft by 20 ft, with shelves of yarn still in the bag (not a bad idea in light of the smoke), many of the bags are yellowed from smoke. The shop attendant (one of the sisters?) was a well-groomed 80+ yo woman, wearing a fetching hand-knit suit. I look around -- there is enough acrylic in this room to . . . uh. . . well, it was mostly acrylic yarn. I find a stash of 100% wool and mercerized cotton. I wonder if they've ordered stock since 1984. Indeed, one of the yarn companies seems to have dropped off the planet, and the other, well I'd only ever seen it in a stash Mom bought from a neighbor who moved away in the 80s.
I look at the notions and it resembles that area to the far right of the candy counter at Pops. (You know what I mean. Ancient packaging of strange implements that were probably would have been useful during the months one expected to spend underground in the fallout shelter.)
But there's something strangely charming about it. (Except for the smoke.) I've grown weary of the tragically hip yarn shop. I knew the honeymoon was over for me in 10/04 when I went to Knit New York with my kids. I felt a little too unpierced and untatooed (I was, at that time, utterly untatooed). A salesperson saw the handknit sweater on Katie and exclaimed, "Is THAT Zara? I love Zara. Zara is THE BEST. We have it up front for like $9.99"(per 50 gram ball) My answer, "uh, no. I think it is Plymouth Dreambabies." (3.25 per 50 gram ball) And she looked sad for me and my use of pathetic, pedestrian fibers for something that would just be yacked and pooped on. Clearly, my child wasn't loved. It was hard for me to get her attention after that and in that store, you need someone to fetch your entire order for you.
Anyway, back to TYSTTF. I wanted to sit around for a few hours and pick the brains of this woman who had undoubtedly knit everything on Earth with every fiber known to man (but mostly acrylic). She pulled out a few pattern collections for me. Yes, they were from 1975 at the VERY latest, but the cuts were so different from today's knit wear that it could have been inspirational. There was a jacket or two that would have looked just as snappy now as it did during the Eisenhower Administration.
And, I bought 3 skeins of 100% silk worsted for $6.00. That $6.00 total, not each. Of course, my suit will have to be dry cleaned to get the scent out, but I'm still ahead cash-wise.
I'll head back another time I'm jonesing, and spend some time with the patterns.
Mason Dixon KAL
Mason Dixon KALKoigu log cabin! I finally started my blanket using two size 4 dpns and a light purple Koigu. I can't believe how pretty this yarn is in garter stitch (to think I was going to use it for a shawl and some socks!). When I get a few logs done I will try to post a picture. I love looking at all the wonderful pieces everyone is doing. Shirley, in PA
It fell in my cart, really!
Last night, I had to make an emergency run to Walmart to get enough oil to fill a small truck engine. Let's just say that we got lucky and the truck appears to be running just fine, thank you.
While there, my cart was inexplicably drawn to the craft section where a ball of Peaches-n-Creme fell into my cart. It was only by a huge (and quick) effort that I was able to move the cart before large cones and many more small balls of cotton found their way into my cart. I swear they were moving on the shelf, getting ready to leap!
While there, my cart was inexplicably drawn to the craft section where a ball of Peaches-n-Creme fell into my cart. It was only by a huge (and quick) effort that I was able to move the cart before large cones and many more small balls of cotton found their way into my cart. I swear they were moving on the shelf, getting ready to leap!
Stack of Washcloths
taa-daa! the pattern is the mason dixon washrag. the yarn is peaches and cream and sugar 'n cream). the soap was snagged at the NHSW Festival.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Finished Baby Kimono!
What a fun pattern! Thanks to all you fellow Kimono knitters for inspiration and advice, especially Suzann! More photos here.
Now I am off to join the ranks of warshcloth knitters!
Larger Picture of the "I Love Koigu LC Blankie"
Thank you for your complimentary posts about my Koigu Blankie. I have taken a full-sized picture, but I am the slowest in my group! My partner in CA has already gotten to 19 inches square. She will be posting soon, as will our other partner in crime. Meg? Are you listening? Sara in AL
Beyond Rat Rugs Comment Reply
In regards to my Queen-size Log Cabin Blanket, Cindra asks, "What size needles are you doing this on?"
US Size 6. I started with some Bryspun straight needles, and I've moved on to a 29" Inox circular. By the time I'm done, though, I'll have to switch over to a 60" Addi Turbo.
Size 6 is giving me a good density to the knit, while retaining a modest amount of stretch.
And Monika - no, I'm not afraid of colors. In fact, I almost always plan a multi-color project by picking a selection of colors that work together - then finding one that I call the "surprise" color, the one that sort of doesn't go with anything else, or that shocks the eye a bit when you see it. The resulting mix has a nice harmony, yet is exciting to look at.
The surprise color in the Log Cabin Blanket is the solid orange. I use it in the center square for a bright focal point. Then, because it draws the eye so strongly, I'm only using the solid orange in the rotation about half as often as the other colors in the blanket.
Boy Knits Warshcloth!
The young man who'll be receiving this will find wrapped inside it a bottle of green-apple-scented antibacterial foaming hand wash--something else every five-year-old boy needs.
I think I see a burp cloth and some bibs in my future...
Thanks again, Ann and Kay, and cheers to everyone for all these terrific finished projects!
David Demchuk
www.knitlikeaman.com
An Actual FO!
I didn't exactly follow the pattern for this one. All of my size 8 circular needles have run away, so I used a 7. That is until I needed dpns. Those were a size 6. 
It makes a really nice wrapping for the candle. My MIL seemed to like it when I gave it to her. I wanted to do an i-cord tie, but as I was finishing it in the driveway of her house I realized that no matter how fast I knitted, the i-cord just wasn't going to happen. I'm thinking about knitting these every year, with bands of color on the inside for how old the grandchild is. The log cabin is still being frogged. I just can't stand the lumps. I'm thinking about going up a couple of needle sizes, and maybe even making a different version. Is anyone else using Lion Brand Jiffy? If you've found a good needle size, please let me know.
Introducing the "I Love Koigu Log Cabin Blankie"!!
There are three of us knitting our Log Cabin Blankies out of Koigu on #4's. My sister and I chose our favorite Koigu colors--and have gone to town! Our third partner in crime is making one out of the beautiful cool and warm colors of Koigu. We just keep remarking to each other how much we love Koigu and how wonderful the colors look knitted in garter stitch. I have scanned a picture of the center of my blankie. Thanks Ann and Kay, we love you!! Sara in AL
Beyond Rat Rugs
I got as far as completing four of my Rat Rugs before setting the project aside so I can get back to others of my WIPs. Only I really didn't.
Instead, I scavenged much of my Sugar 'n Cream yarn stash, and began work on a Log Cabin Blanket.
I'm no stranger to the Log Cabin technique. About 3 years ago, long before I knew there were so many knitblogs out there (it's only about a year ago I began reading blogs at all), I experimented with it out of boredom.
Log Cabin - the Early Tries
Remember, I hadn't discovered knit blogs, and surely had never heard of Kay and Ann and Mason-Dixon Knitting yet! I was bored and playing with yarns from stash, putting them together almost randomly, not caring about the difference between thick and chunky or thin and wispy. In the end, I knew the differences would fairly well even out.
What was I planning to do with these? I wasn't sure, though I had some vague notion that the small one would become a pillow, and the big one, a bedspread. Who knows - maybe that will still happen one day!
Fast forward to 2006, and Mason-Dixon Knitting. Oh, yes - and in the interim, I had actually completed a Queen-size blanket for my bed from acrylic yarn, and I love it! I have plans to knit more. And then, as I said, along came MDK.
My favorite purchased blankets have always been woven from cotton. Why not knit one? I have all these cones and balls of cotton yarn around...
Today's Log Cabin - the Embryonic Blanket
I picked out a few harmonious colors in a bright, cheerful mix. Pink, orange, green - a mix of solids and variegateds. (The colors are a bit brighter than they show here - indoor lighting, etc.) Cast on 20 stitches for my center square, and off I went!
Right now, this is about 16 1/2 inches on a side. The goal is to make a Queen-size blanket for use on my bed. Bedding resources on the Internet told me that means 90 inches by 90 inches - handily, that's a square!
I calculated my weight after doing a couple rounds on this, and in the end, that Queen-size blanket is going to weight about 9.25 pounds. Heavy, but not unreasonable for a blanket. It will officially be the heaviest thing I've ever knit, though. The acrylic Queen-size blanket only weighs in between 5 and 6 pounds.
Does Sable Like It?
The rats, of course, have expressed an opinion. They've already proven they're fond of cotton yarn, and all their own knitted home decor is made from Sugar 'n Cream. Here, we see Sable trying to claim this blanket for herself - even while it's still being knit!
The MDK Euroflax bath robe is now my constant companion at our Stitch 'n Bitch meet ups. Everyone who (isn't a knitter) hears that I'm knitting a bathrobe is completely shocked. Questions asked are: "Why would you do that?", "Well! Won't that be sexy?", "You can't BUY a bathrobe?". My answers are: "Why not?", "I hope so.", and "Yes, I can buy a bathrobe, but what fun would that be?". As a knitter you understand, right? There isn't a time frame for finishing the robe and because the only time given to this project is chatting time, it might grow more slowly than other projects. But, the stockinette is a nice stitch for the stringy yarn of Euroflax and it's an easy, enjoyable knit in social situations. A few rows here, a few rows there...it's all good.
I also made up more of the round MDK washcloths for a Princess' 4th birthday party. She may not have been impressed but I know she'll like them once bath time comes around.Margene
Zeneedle
Must. Use. The. Handknits.
So we did! That's my first dishcloth being modeled by my nekkid child. Quite a little dish, ain't she? I've actually finished another dishcloth but since I'm A) the world's slowest knitter and B) been hit like cockroach with a hammer by life and that pic might not make it up here.
My goal this summer is to do a Log Cabin baby blanket. I have a friend who's adoption dreams are coming true and I want to do something really special. Can ya'll recommend some nice baby friendly yarns? Something machine washable would be best.
Anyway, I love seeing what everyone is doing and hope to contribute tons more.
Kimono Baby Sweater..
Hello everyone.
I'm glad Mason Dixon did this book. I love ALLL the items in it!
here is my version of the Kimono sweater...
I did it in stockinette stitch rather than garter stitch.
Yarn: Paton's Grace
Colors: Tangelo - 60901
Needle Size: US5
Date Started: April 18, 2006
Date Finished: April 21, 2006
I got the ribbon at a 99 cent store! i almost died when i saw all sorts of ribbon there. i had to grab it all of course. ;)
AND...I had to add a finishing touch to the little sweater. this went on the inside on the left flap
I made a matching hat too...if you wanna check it out, go to http://purse_ho.blogspot.com/2006/04/baby-shower-goodies.html.
thanks!
I'm glad Mason Dixon did this book. I love ALLL the items in it!
here is my version of the Kimono sweater...
I did it in stockinette stitch rather than garter stitch.
Yarn: Paton's Grace
Colors: Tangelo - 60901
Needle Size: US5
Date Started: April 18, 2006
Date Finished: April 21, 2006
I got the ribbon at a 99 cent store! i almost died when i saw all sorts of ribbon there. i had to grab it all of course. ;)
AND...I had to add a finishing touch to the little sweater. this went on the inside on the left flap
I made a matching hat too...if you wanna check it out, go to http://purse_ho.blogspot.com/2006/04/baby-shower-goodies.html.
thanks!
Finished Object.
A modest beginning, that's what this is. This, my first ballband dishcloth, I'm sending to my mom. She may treat it like a sacred object rather than wash dishes with it; so be it. Those are my tomato plants keeping company with the dishcloth.
Shopping Road Trip
A dirty job, but one of us has to do it :D
I reported in an earlier post about AC Moore having tons of Sugar & Cream. Onward and upward
Joanne (we have 2 in the area)
Sugar & Cream only. A nice selection, not as complete as AC Moore. I did find a lovely blue and a lovely pink ombres. In what is marked as "New Super Size" The solids are 4 oz. and $2.18 a ball. The ombres are also $2.18, but I can't see the weight.
Hancock (we have three of these in the area)
Lion Brand Cotton
Very soft, and nice large balls. 5 oz for $3.89. It looks more twisted then either the Peaches and Creame or the Sugar and Cream. The ombres seemed similar to the other yarns. But there were a few I had not seem before, including a lovely rose, green, tan ombre
on to
Wal-Marts (we have 5 of these in the area)
At the last Wal-mart I had been in they had a limited selection. Mostly faded ombres and a few solids. This Wal-Mart had cones. I got a cone of white. There were several more vibrant ombres. Someone put a ball of the ombre in with the cone of white in my cart. I have no idea who that could have been. :P
Peaches & Creame ombre 2 oz $1.27 one pound cone of white (they had white, tan and a lovely ombre) $6.64
The sales person told me they were doing inventory and expected more yarn in.
I would say if you have more then one Wal-Mart or Joanne or Hancock, hit them all. Especially the Wal-marts. Some seem to have larger craft selections then others.
I told myself on one ball of yarn per store as I do have some (hahaha some) left from my trip to AC Moore. I fell off the yarn wagon big time. So I better get knitting.
Ann and Kay this is all your fault. I have a sock that is 3 inches from completion, and it sits, ignored while I knit warshcloths ;-)
Suzann
I reported in an earlier post about AC Moore having tons of Sugar & Cream. Onward and upward
Joanne (we have 2 in the area)
Sugar & Cream only. A nice selection, not as complete as AC Moore. I did find a lovely blue and a lovely pink ombres. In what is marked as "New Super Size" The solids are 4 oz. and $2.18 a ball. The ombres are also $2.18, but I can't see the weight.
Hancock (we have three of these in the area)
Lion Brand Cotton
Very soft, and nice large balls. 5 oz for $3.89. It looks more twisted then either the Peaches and Creame or the Sugar and Cream. The ombres seemed similar to the other yarns. But there were a few I had not seem before, including a lovely rose, green, tan ombre
on to
Wal-Marts (we have 5 of these in the area)
At the last Wal-mart I had been in they had a limited selection. Mostly faded ombres and a few solids. This Wal-Mart had cones. I got a cone of white. There were several more vibrant ombres. Someone put a ball of the ombre in with the cone of white in my cart. I have no idea who that could have been. :P
Peaches & Creame ombre 2 oz $1.27 one pound cone of white (they had white, tan and a lovely ombre) $6.64
The sales person told me they were doing inventory and expected more yarn in.
I would say if you have more then one Wal-Mart or Joanne or Hancock, hit them all. Especially the Wal-marts. Some seem to have larger craft selections then others.
I told myself on one ball of yarn per store as I do have some (hahaha some) left from my trip to AC Moore. I fell off the yarn wagon big time. So I better get knitting.
Ann and Kay this is all your fault. I have a sock that is 3 inches from completion, and it sits, ignored while I knit warshcloths ;-)
Suzann
Dishcloths A Plenty, Dishcloths Galore!
Well, here are my Mother's Day Dishcloths. I did the larger one just like the pattern, and the smaller one casting on 33 sts and lining up the middle rows for a little dishcloth craziness.
These were both made from Sugar n Cream, and they were presented complete with a cute retro-looking bottle of great smelling dish soap. It was a big hit with mom, and now I have other dishcloth requests coming in. These are the Lay's potato chips of knitting, you can't make just one!
Sky Above Clouds...Washrag!
Washrag after washrag, those slip stitch pillows were reminding me of something, but what? I sat knitting and reminiscing and trying to access the memory that would reveal all. A little girl in her plaid Catholic school uniform climbing a wide, white stairway...was it Heaven? No, wrong soundtrak...that's it! Those pillows reminded me of the clouds in this (http://www.artic.edu/artaccess/AA_Modern/pages/MOD_4.shtml#--scroll down) incomparable piece at the Art Institute of Chicago were I spend many afternoons as a youngster.
This celestial dishrag is in the Gardiner Collection and does proud duty wiping Cheeto crumbs off the kitchen counter.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Slow going
Yea! I'm on the fourth color!! I thought the 36 garter ridges on the 3rd color were going to kill me. Yes, easy knitting but a little boring. The thought of adding the next color kept me going though. Now just need to do another 36 garter ridges...
Finished Log Cabin BABY!
If there were rules, this log cabin blanket would break them. I started it before the book came out, after seeing the one in the blog. It is made out of leftovers from all kinds of projects: mittens for my nephew, my brother-in-law's scarf, the afghan in the guest room, my husband's hat, etc etc. I didn't buy any yarn for this project. The yarns vary a fair amount in thickness and fiber content, but blocking made it more or less work out. Mostly wool, on size 10 needles...all in the sort of murky, slightly subdued colors I like. The finished size is about 36" square. Just to add a layer of funkiness, the center square is crocheted.
Beginner's First FO!
I finished the Ballband Dishcloth! If you look closely enough, you will see a couple of mistakes, but I am pleased overall. Many thanks to all of you who encouraged me to go ahead with this project. It was fun, and I learned a lot. I also appreciate the help and other comments I received when I didn't know what to do about changing colors.And a final thank you to whoever suggested using plastic needles with this cotton yarn! When I switched to the plastics, it was much easier and went much more quickly!
I plan to make a bib and burpcloth set next, and I'm thinking about yarns for a log cabin blanket.
Ann & Kay, thank you for your wonderful book!
Beware the Ballbands!
While knitting my first Ballband Warshrag on a road trip, I fell head over heels! Great pattern.
I tempted fate to see if I could squeeze out another with the remainder of yarn from the first warshrag and before darkness fell. On the last row, here's what we encountered:
We survived and here's what I arrived home with:
More progress pictures and details of what every good MD KAL member should be eating for lunch can be found at www.tentenspot.blogspot.com. Enjoy! But beware the Ballbands!!
I tempted fate to see if I could squeeze out another with the remainder of yarn from the first warshrag and before darkness fell. On the last row, here's what we encountered:
We survived and here's what I arrived home with:
More progress pictures and details of what every good MD KAL member should be eating for lunch can be found at www.tentenspot.blogspot.com. Enjoy! But beware the Ballbands!!
Burp Cloth Pattern Uh-Oh
Has anyone else noticed the mistake in the striped burp cloth pattern?
p. 133
As stated in the book:
Row 1 (ws): K2, *p1, k4; rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, k2
I think it should read:
Row 1 (ws): K2, *p1, k4; rep from * to last 3 sts, P1, k2
When I made the burp cloth, I tentatively made the change as I was knitting, and it came out beautifully. I've posted a picture before, but I'll repost here.
p. 133
As stated in the book:
Row 1 (ws): K2, *p1, k4; rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, k2
I think it should read:
Row 1 (ws): K2, *p1, k4; rep from * to last 3 sts, P1, k2
When I made the burp cloth, I tentatively made the change as I was knitting, and it came out beautifully. I've posted a picture before, but I'll repost here.
Thanks, Suzann!
A few days ago, Suzann mentioned that there was a pretty good selection of Sugar-n-Cream at ACMoore. She was right!
I've noticed quite a few MD KAL members wondering what is the difference between Sugar-n-Cream (by Lilly) and Peaches-n-Cream (Elmore-Pisgah). Well, I really don't know other than manufacturer. I haven't seen any of the Peaches in the western New York area, although I can't say that I've exhausted all the possibilities yet. As near as I can tell, it looks like it can be interchanged for most of the projects in MD Knitting.
Do take this with a grain of salt...I do have a habit of regarding instructions as suggestions!
Starting the bathmat
As mentioned in an earlier discussion, this bathmat calls for Peaches & Creme double worsted. Because no one in my area carries this weight, and I need to finish it by Friday for a housewarming gift, I'm improvising and knitting with four strands of Sugar'n Cream worsted held together.
So far, so good! I checked my gauge to see how this little experiment was turning out. After knitting the center patch and two strips, my gauge is 9.5 sts + 17 rows = 4". The pattern's gauge is 9 sts + 17 rows = 4". I'm interested to see what the finished dimensions will be.
Despite its bulk, this bathmat is going to be really soft and squishy between the toes! I'm going to have to make another one for myself.
So far, so good! I checked my gauge to see how this little experiment was turning out. After knitting the center patch and two strips, my gauge is 9.5 sts + 17 rows = 4". The pattern's gauge is 9 sts + 17 rows = 4". I'm interested to see what the finished dimensions will be.
Despite its bulk, this bathmat is going to be really soft and squishy between the toes! I'm going to have to make another one for myself.
First Post!
I hadn't heard of this book until I saw it over at Rebecca's. WOW! I'm so excited about it now!
These are the dishcloths I've finished so far. I changed the pattern a little after the blue and yellow one, because I don't like weaving in any more ends than I need to. So, I just ran the colors along the sides without cutting them and then crocheted a border around it at the end. And it's a little shorter because, well, Mother's Day was coming up FAST and I was in a hurry :-)
These are the dishcloths I've finished so far. I changed the pattern a little after the blue and yellow one, because I don't like weaving in any more ends than I need to. So, I just ran the colors along the sides without cutting them and then crocheted a border around it at the end. And it's a little shorter because, well, Mother's Day was coming up FAST and I was in a hurry :-)
Mason Dixon - Inspiration!
The Mason Dixon dishcloth pattern was my reason for buying the book. I still LOVE it. But - one can not live with MD dishcloths alone, so I've gone through my pattern books and came up with this one. Variety is the spice of life, so if you'll want to try this one out, you can find the free pattern on my blog (sidebar).
www.yarnloopie.blogspot.com
Still knitting on the Log Cabin. It's getting bigger, would make a nice lap blanket already, but I'll keep going until I'll run out of yarn.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Carolyn M
Hi Guys! Great to see all the wonderful things you all are knitting up! Thank you all for enabling my addiction!
Here are some photos of some beautiful log cabin variation that Carolyn M asked me to post:
Here are some photos of some beautiful log cabin variation that Carolyn M asked me to post:
Another Kimono
I had made a hat and booties for my friends'new baby in Virginia. Then I bought this book and I had to make the kimono too!
This was done in Lily Sugar 'n Cream Cool Breeze Ombre
Come visit my blog,KnitterNavyWife to see the hat and booties.
Lisa C in TN
This was done in Lily Sugar 'n Cream Cool Breeze Ombre
Come visit my blog,KnitterNavyWife to see the hat and booties.
Lisa C in TN
a kimono question?
Ok - I am making a week of kimonos- how timely - I have a baby shower in a week. I have ordered a rainbow of peaches and cream - LOVE this yarn. But I do have a question. The picture of the kimono in the MD book has an interesting stitch - I don't think its garter or stockingknit. Is it a seed stitch or just a trick of the camera? Also - and just my opinion - the yarn over makes too big a loop - I pulled out and did the make one increase and so much nicer. Love this book - love this blog! - Serafina
More Warshrags
Hi! This is my first KAL and I'm enjoying seeing what everyone has made. Mine are also for Mother's Day:
I also have a question about the felted boxes - does anyone have trouble with them being VERY FUZZY? Like, 1" long strands of fiber sticking out everywhere? Like Jim Henson made them?
Thanks!
Astabeth
I also have a question about the felted boxes - does anyone have trouble with them being VERY FUZZY? Like, 1" long strands of fiber sticking out everywhere? Like Jim Henson made them?
Thanks!
Astabeth
Am I the only one having a problem
doing the warshcloth - I couldn't find Peaches and Cream so I am using the Sugar and Cream. Is it the same size or bigger - should I look for the other - will it make a difference in knitting it up. Or is it just that I am so used to having a yarn with more give or that will sprong (is that even a word) back when you knit it and I just have to get used to this?
Thanks - I have been feeling hopeless with this I have knit and frogged probably the equivalent of 3 warshcloths....
Thanks - I have been feeling hopeless with this I have knit and frogged probably the equivalent of 3 warshcloths....
Kimono for Sia
Here is the baby kimono I made for newborn baby Sia in Dubai (parents Abhishek and Jyoti), where the days are hot hot hot but the air conditioning is freeeeeeeeeeezing cold.
As you can see, it turned out quite well--the hardest part was choosing the ribbon!
I also just finished a ballband washcloth for Sia's big brother Satya, but I have yet to give it a good wash and dry. I'll post it soon.
Cheers,
David Demchuk
www.knitlikeaman.com
Saturday, May 13, 2006
colorful-cloths
like most of the washcloths being made this month, mine too are for Mother's Day-- a bar of french soap wrapped up inside.
6 of them are Sugar 'n Cream cotton, one is made of cotton chenille. (2 more, not pictured are blocking)
Ruffle Bib...
I was about to put this in the mail, but wanted to share a photo before I did. This was my second bib and since it was for a girl I thought I would put a little ruffle on it. I think it turned out pretty well! Sorry the photo is a little blurry because the flash ruined the colors!
It's Growing!
We are having some fun now, aren't we? I love everyone's variations on the blanket patterns. I think I'm making very good progress on mine. This photo shows it in its natural habitat (the room which inspired my color choices). As I mentioned before, I have already purchased yarn for one for my 17 year old daughter's room. Last night she was looking at the book, and saw the Moderne blanket version. She said, "Oh, I LIKE that!". Good thing these patterns are really flexible. I think she liked the more contemporary look of that one. No matter, I'll just use the yarn and improvise it into something more like that. Flexibility is the key in knitting and mothering a teenager. Knit on, everyone!
Baby Kimono with eyelet edge
I just finished a washcloth and my Baby kimono. I did K2tog, YO across the bottom, stopping four stitches from the seam edge. Then I did 6 rows and bound off. After you stop increasing, I just did the same K2tog, YO knit 2, so the eyelets continued down to the row with the eyelets running across. I stopped doing the eyelet edge after the eyelet row. When I do the kimono again I will do the eyelets two stitches in from the sleeve cuff, so all the edges match. I think it came out pretty well.
The Kimono is Bernat Cotton Tots, the Washcloth is Peaches & Cream. I could only find one ball of the orange variegated at my local Wal-Marts, but it was more then enough with the added solid yellow.
I have to tell you it took forever to dry. And if I were using it to wash my face or dishes I can't imagine how long it would be, before it dried. This is a problem in our hot humid climate. Unless you pop it into the dryer each time it gets wet.
Let me tell you, if my daughter thought I was nuts knitting socks, she thinks I have truly gone around the bend knitting washcloths.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Mother's Day for Mother-In-Laws
Mother's Day is tomorrow. I have yet to get ANYTHING for any of the mothers in my life, but the gift I am stressing over the most is the one for my mother-in-law. I'm thinking about making her a fancy washrag in white and a goldish/ mustardy color from my stash (I'm not going to go buy MORE Peaches 'n' Cream for my MIL, I have enough thank-you very much).The bobble band is going to be the goldish as well as the center, with the majority of the cloth in white. I may gather it with a gold ribbon from my sewing box. I haven't gotten that far yet. Yes, there will be soap-a-plenty and a picture of the wonderful grandchild, but I'm afraid that she will hate the colors and that this will overshadow the other part of the gift. She's just. . . that way.
I've frogged both attempts at the log cabin for my daughter. The squares are coming out very lumpy and gross looking. I want this blanket to be something that she gives to her first born and so on and so on until the end of time; not something she looks at when she's a mother-to-be and shudders. Is anyone else having this problem? BTW, Cindra, that blanket is going to be GORGEOUS. The effect of the ribbon is very lovely. ^_^
Off to find a non-broken size 8 circular. Wish me luck.
I've frogged both attempts at the log cabin for my daughter. The squares are coming out very lumpy and gross looking. I want this blanket to be something that she gives to her first born and so on and so on until the end of time; not something she looks at when she's a mother-to-be and shudders. Is anyone else having this problem? BTW, Cindra, that blanket is going to be GORGEOUS. The effect of the ribbon is very lovely. ^_^
Off to find a non-broken size 8 circular. Wish me luck.
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!!
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!!
I've been working diligently on my Nina Shawl and well......it's actually looking like a Nina Shawl!
Woo Hoo!!! and my Mother in Law said that I would never be able to follow a pattern because I don't "Knit the right way" ha ha!!
This is our Miniature Schnauzer Molly resting on the shawl -
You know you're loved when Mom lets you sleep on her work in progress.
The stripes have turned out a little differently as I was using a beautiful Paint Box yarn. The color changes make them look like the are different yarns and sizes.
But I love it....it has all of my favorite colors.
I've already added many post-it notes to my book for the next few projects! Few??? Who am I kidding?????
Mason Dixon Before and After
Before After
Elmore-Pisgah
Who?----------------------------------------Family
Log Cabin
syrup in pantry------------------------------Obsession
Warshrag
Not-gonna-do-it-----------------------------see log cabin
Hardbacks w/
Dog Ears
None!!Never!!-------------------------------one, every other page
Family
thinks I am nuts-----------------------------same
Knitting
Love it--------------------------------------having more fun
than ever!!!
Thanks for indulging me. Above are three of my projects. The moderne baby blanket = and log cabin blanekt are in the works and are stash busters. The wash rag is great fun. I have sooooo enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm for this book. It has truly inspired me in a way no other book has....happy knitting and I can't wait to see all of the future posts!!
Baby Log Cabin Close Up
This close up is for those who wanted to see the ribbon section better. I used Berroco Zen ribbon. The only time I used it was when I added stitches to one of the sides. I am thinking I will probably use it for the final edge all the way round, but a lot can happen between now and then.Hand Towels are Fun!
I have started the Moss Grid Hand Towel in the Euroflax Linen. The linen is kind of hard to work with, but I know it will be worth it. I am concerned that the knitting is a little too open. I went up a needle size because I usually knit way too tight, and I didn't do a gauge swatch. I figure it is just a hand towel, not like it really needs to fit anything! But I don't want huge holes in the finished product either.
Hi Everyone
Hello! My name is Myriam. I am 24 and right now i am just staying home with my little man(he is 2). I have been knitting for over a year and a half. I got the book about a week after it came out and read it cover to cover! i love this book and i am so excited about the KAL!!! I haven't been able to make anything yet but i did buy some yarn for the washcloths. I have looked at all the pic you guys have posted and they are awesome! Glad to be part of the group.
MD warshcloth
Here is my washcloth. I really liked knitting it, except has anyone else noticed an error in the pattern? In round 22 you end with 30 stitches. In Round 24 it says to [Ssk, k1, k2tog, psso} 6 times (18stitches). I think the error is the psso, you haven’t slipped a stitch in the sequence that you can pass and the stitch counts won’t work out if you pass a stitch over anything. I left it out and it worked fine. I did the psso in the next even round #26 just like it says to though. I checked for errata on Mason-Dixon Knitting and the publisher's site, but couldn't find any . I’m crossing out the round 24 psso in my book though. What did the rest of you do when you knitted it?
Nancy
www.justknittingaround.com
Mother's Day Washcloths & Soap
Here's a first, I'm actually done with a present in time to think about actually wrapping it! Yes, I am wrapping challenged, if it doesn't fit in a gift bag, it's probably not going to get wrapped. We won't even mention the number of times that I have "wrapped" a UFO, only to snatch it back to finish.
I even milled some soap to match (crayolas make wonderful dyes for soaps). They didn't come out quite as nice as I would have liked. Usually, I would mix the colored bits with the white, then pour into molds or into a slab to be cut into bars when dry. I didn't think I had enough time to allow for the soap to dry after milling, so I just dropped the bits into the mold and poured the white around them. My Mom's pretty cool, she doesn't seem to mind this kind of experimentation!
Log Cabin help...
I'm working on a Log Cabin warshrag and the back looks terrible... I have lumps and ridges from where I pick up stitches. I'm thinking perhaps I should make two and sew them back to back to save this project. Any suggestions on how to pick up stitches so it looks good or is this the nature of the beast? There's a photo of the front from yesterday in my blog it's a little bigger today!
warshrags taking over the world
Later today I will finish the Ballband Dishcloth I’m knitting for my mom for Mother’s Day. I began it on Monday using Sugar & Cream in Light Blue & Ecru. There a mistake. But we don’t have to talk about it. I’d like to think that Kay & Ann would say it was my way of leaving my signature.
WEDNESDAY:
WEDNESDAY:
For years my mom would put the "R" in wash. So a Mason-Dixon "warshrag" is a perfect give for her I'd say. Oh, and she doesn't say it any more thanks to years of my making fun. The final straw was me telling her I had no idea who "Din-zil Warshington" was. I really am a good daughter. Really. I am.
THURSDAY: 
What up with my blanket?!
I didn't notice until last night that my blanket is not right, according to the book. The patch you see on the bottom should be on the top, right?
I cannot figure out what I did wrong, and if I keep going like this if it will come out okay anyway. ARGH! I know it is something obvious and I'm just dense. Help?! Okay, while I'm at it, how do you know which side is the right side - is the first row you work just that?
I cannot figure out what I did wrong, and if I keep going like this if it will come out okay anyway. ARGH! I know it is something obvious and I'm just dense. Help?! Okay, while I'm at it, how do you know which side is the right side - is the first row you work just that?
Miter question....or Log Cabin....hmmmm..
I bought a Colinette kit last fall with yummy mohair and ribbon yarns in it to make an afghan. I don't really like the pattern...but it was a cheap way to get the yarn since they were having a sell on it. I wonder if I try to make the stitches on the lacey side if I could adapt it to the miter or log cabin pattern. I have a feeling that log cabin would probably be easier, because the mohair wouldn't probably show the miter pattern as well.....what do you all think???? Thanks for your opinions ahead of time!
Baby Log Cabin from Stash
I love the log cabin design and have a friend that is going to have her third little girl. She has enough pink, purple and yellow, soooooo... I went through my stash and found some Rown soft baby in these two colors. I added some green ribbon, also in my stash, as an accent so the the lines of the log cabin would pop more. My problem is... I only had two of the green and one of the cream, do I create four of these 12X13 sqaures and sew them together? Or do I continue with the single log cabin and maybe add another soft color? I have a purple accent ribbon of the same brand? I could add a a baby soft lavender. Help? Everyone here is so talented I would love input.Caught the Mitre bug
I'm still working away on the Moderne blanket. I'm on the 3rd color with 36 garter ridges. Not much progress to report because I cast on to try a mitre and haven't stopped! I've done 4 so far over the past 3 days. It's done with Rowan Cotton Glace on 3.75mm. All shades of pinks and purples for my daughter. I'm debating about whether to sew up as I go along or wait until all the squares are done. Any thoughts?
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Log Cabin
OK, so i finally started. I've been dreaming about this since I bought the book, weeks ago. I'm using Plymouth Cotton Naturale. I just picked up a few skeins a few days ago, and need to pick up more in the blues and greens to get much further. I'm gonna play with mixing the varigated yarns with solids to get the look i'm going for. And maybe even solids with solids. Half of it will be on the yellow/orange/red side and the other half yellow/blue/green I want to get darker as i move to the outside, and add some purple somewhere, if i can get taht. maybe some black. Any ideas, thoughts, comments would be appreciated. Excuse the punctuation and spelling, only a couple hours sleep, and i cant seem to get to bed for thinking about this.
New Knitter loving the book!
I have only been knitting for 3 weeks as of today. I saw an episode of Knitty Gritty on the DIY network and thought maybe I could do that. So I ran out to Wal-mart and bought some bad yard and some starter needles. Someone mentioned knitting blogs to me, and I stumbled across Mason Dixon Knitting and ordered the book. It is my first knitting book, and I want to make everything in there.
Here I what I have made so far from the book:
Here I what I have made so far from the book:
This is actually Warshcloth #2. Number #1 was given away before I could get a picture of it.
My best friend just found out she is going to be a grandmother to identical twin boys. I did finish this kimono today. I made the other sleeve and side in white peaches and cream. The second kimono will be white with one blue side.
Two mitered squares. I have no idea what they will turn into when I am done, but they looked like fun to try!
This is just some of the yarn purchased to make the lacy nightie. My niece is getting married this fall and I thought the nightie would be a wonderful shower gift. The yarn is slightly bluer than shown here.
I also started a cushion cover based on the warshrag pattern. It is just so much fun to work up.
These aren't all the projects I have completed already, but they are all the projects I have worked on from the book. I am addicted. I ordered tons of felting yarn yesterday to make the boxes and a button hole bag or two! Three weeks in and I have a stash and storage problems already!
Spider Man, Spider Man
Here's my first circular washcloth blocking on the ironing board. I really like the pooling in this color (Sugar and Cream, Landscape). It didn't want to lie flat at first but I hope that a good blocking will solve the problem. I can't wait to give it to my grandmother for Mother's Day!
More from the blog than the book, but, oh well
Here is a baby blanket made mostly from stash--takhi cotton classic and rowan handknit dk. Border is classic elite provence and they all worked pretty well together. I don't sew in as well as Kay or Ann, but these do help you learn!
Mitering goodness
Hi! My name is Laura and this is my first joining of a knitalong. I've begun a mitered square blanket with the no-sew modifications. I've only got two blocks done, but I was determined not to sew. I ended up picking up stitches and using the 3 needle bind off but with a smaller needle. I'm knitting the squares in US 6 and used US 3 to bind off. The seam isn't noticeable when the blanket is slack, but does show a bit when pulled. Here's my progress so far:
Sugar 'n Cream vs. Peaches & Creme
I've seen this question discussed in some of the comments on other posts but I don't see a clear answer to whether or not these yarns are indeed identical (or at least very similar). I am wanting to make the bathmat Absorba (pg 82). It calls for 3 cones of Peaches & Creme Double Worsted and says that 1 cone has 400 yards on it.
Now in my searches online I have found many people who say Sugar n' Cream and Peaches & Creme are interchangable (and it looks that way with everyone's washcloths). This site pits different cotton yarns against each other to see which performs best and lists both of them as having 120 yards in a 2.5 oz ball. Sounds identical to me!
But according to the Sugar 'n Cream website, the 1 lb cones have 805 yards of yarn on them. Compare that to the 400 yards that the Peaches & Creme cones supposedly have. That's twice as much yarn in 1 lb!
So then I was wondering if that could be explained by the fact that the pattern calls for "double worsted" Peaches & Creme. But looking at the Peaches & Creme website, there is no mention of a "double worsted" version being available.
I just don't want to go and buy 3 cones of Sugar 'n Cream (I've never seen Peaches & Creme in the stores) and have it not be thick enough. And I don't want to have to buy 6 cones of it and hold 6 strands of it throughout just to match the thickness of the Peaches & Creme. The thing I love most about that bathmat is its thickness!!
I hope that someone out there can tell me the difference between a cone of Sugar 'n Cream and a cone of Peaches & Creme or if there really is a "double worsted" version of the Peaches & Creme that I need to try and find (and where?).
Thanks so much!
Now in my searches online I have found many people who say Sugar n' Cream and Peaches & Creme are interchangable (and it looks that way with everyone's washcloths). This site pits different cotton yarns against each other to see which performs best and lists both of them as having 120 yards in a 2.5 oz ball. Sounds identical to me!
But according to the Sugar 'n Cream website, the 1 lb cones have 805 yards of yarn on them. Compare that to the 400 yards that the Peaches & Creme cones supposedly have. That's twice as much yarn in 1 lb!
So then I was wondering if that could be explained by the fact that the pattern calls for "double worsted" Peaches & Creme. But looking at the Peaches & Creme website, there is no mention of a "double worsted" version being available.
I just don't want to go and buy 3 cones of Sugar 'n Cream (I've never seen Peaches & Creme in the stores) and have it not be thick enough. And I don't want to have to buy 6 cones of it and hold 6 strands of it throughout just to match the thickness of the Peaches & Creme. The thing I love most about that bathmat is its thickness!!
I hope that someone out there can tell me the difference between a cone of Sugar 'n Cream and a cone of Peaches & Creme or if there really is a "double worsted" version of the Peaches & Creme that I need to try and find (and where?).
Thanks so much!
Joining was not easy!
This dishcloth pattern was the reason why I purchased the Mason Dixon book. I ordered it on the publication day. I've started reading Mason Dixon blog a week earlier. I like the simple and easy projects. This dishcloth was part of my mothers day gift and has it's honor place with others in my mothers kitchen. She will never use it though. Dishcloths in this form are not known in Austria, as far as I know and my mother will never give up her beloved sponge.
I made four dishcloth so far. The color possiblities are endless. And I like to see how different they are, reflecting the knitter.
The second project from the book I made is a hand towel. I liked the idea, but changed the pattern and size. The Euroflax color here is called Moss Lake and the pattern (from B. Walker's book) is called ripples. Very fitting! This is finished already and will be my fathers day present. He doesn't need another scarf. Oh, I wanted to say, that knitting with this linen yarn is not fun. After washing, drying and ironing it was softer, but for my sensible skin still too rough. My dad will like it. ;o)
Last shot of my first dishcloth.
This Log Cabin is my long term project or TV project if you will. I do not watch a lot of TV. This will be a very big square. Right now it's 28" X 28". I did NOT got out and buy this yarn especially for a Log Cabin. I would have liked to have more lighter colors but I'll have to life with this. It's already big in my lap but so tiny in our driveway! ;o)
Thanks to Cristina's patience I'm finally able to show my Mason Dixon contributaion to this KAL. It's the first KAL I've joined (been knitting since November '05).
More Washcloths!
I too have jumped on the washcloth bandwagon after buying Mason-Dixon Knitting. Instead of the called for Peaches and Cream yarn, I've been using Sugar n' Cream. I love the vibrant colors it comes in. I've only been doing the pattern repeat 5 times before repeating rows 1 - 8 again. I like the size they turn out.
Next up I plan on giving log cabin knitting a try!
Happy to be here
Hi all! I'm excited to be part of this KAL. I'm Liz from simplyknit.net. So far I've been knitting ballband dishcloths like crazy for Thank You gifts for lots of folks. Here's a sampling:
Yes, I still need to weave in ends. This is my 'take to the park' knitting. I also love to knit lace, socks, and other patterned things that require a little more concentration. I've found the dishcloths to be easy knits for being out and about with my son and actually being able to converse with other folks.
I'm eager to knit the flying geese lap blanket. That's my priority for this KAL. I've yet to buy yarn for it, but will soon. I want to knit this for my Dad... possibly for Father's Day!? We'll see. It'd be useful for him because he shaves his head and I swear he has a bristle head. When he falls asleep on the leather couch, his head actually scratches the leather. LoL. So he needs a small, soft blanket to put on the couch behind his head, don't you think?
Yes, I still need to weave in ends. This is my 'take to the park' knitting. I also love to knit lace, socks, and other patterned things that require a little more concentration. I've found the dishcloths to be easy knits for being out and about with my son and actually being able to converse with other folks.
I'm eager to knit the flying geese lap blanket. That's my priority for this KAL. I've yet to buy yarn for it, but will soon. I want to knit this for my Dad... possibly for Father's Day!? We'll see. It'd be useful for him because he shaves his head and I swear he has a bristle head. When he falls asleep on the leather couch, his head actually scratches the leather. LoL. So he needs a small, soft blanket to put on the couch behind his head, don't you think?
Log Cabin Squares
I had been drooling over the book when the call went out from The Preemie Project for 6"x6" blanket squares for the babies. What a perfect opportunity to try out log cabin knitting! I grabbed my baby yarn (it's acrylic, I know, but the hospitals like it b/c it's soft, totally washable, and durable) and set to work. They're not perfect, but they'll work. I had so much fun with them that now I'm scheming out a log cabin throw with superwash for our friends who are finishing up a remodel. I envision one in shades of yellow/gold and rust like their family room...
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Here's my first project
I thought I had left knitting dishcloths behind until I got ahold of this book~and then when I started seeing all these washrags popping up all over these blogs, I had to jump in. I made mine smaller, cast on 33. I think next time I will go one more section before binding off, but it is perfect for my hand. I can't wait to make more! Thanks for all the encouragement in this group, can't wait to get inspired to make more! I did cast on today for the round one in lavendar.
My take on the Moderne Baby Blanket
Rowan Calmer is a little pricey for me, so I improvised. I went to my local fiber arts shop, and decided on thin cotton on cones. It was affordable and I figured I'd just hold multiple strands together. It's working so far, I like it anyway. I'm going to knit two for my sister's twin babies due in December. It's so addicting, I only started this yesterday and I haven't been able to put it down!
EEEE, I made it in!
My computer skills are not the best, so it took some finagling, but I'm here! Hi y'all. (can you tell I'm from Ann's neck of the woods?) After meeting her at last, and Kay, at Threaded Bliss Yarns & getting my very own autographed copy of MDK (as opposed to the way I got my Ann-autographed copy of Knit Lit...Ann, if you see this, hopefully you will remember me...Lisa from Nashville who mysteriously ended up with your autograph in the book that came from the book store? *g*)
Anyway, the book rawks, but you all don't need me to tell you that. I loved the Log Cabin, but didn't need another 'afghan', to say nothing of my minimal free time, which pretty much limits me to small projects. For example, the rag pillow cover I was knitting from an old pair of flannel pajama pants. It looked great, till I tossed it in the wash & it fell apart.
So, I had this 12 inch pillow form staring its blank stare at me, and a weekend to do...well, not much; my mom wasn't feeling well so I spent a lot of time sitting with her. I also had tons of wild colors of yarn from my recent amigurumi addiction. The end result was this.
Loud and uncoordinated, I know, but it was a ton of fun & I thought I'd share. ;D
Anyway, the book rawks, but you all don't need me to tell you that. I loved the Log Cabin, but didn't need another 'afghan', to say nothing of my minimal free time, which pretty much limits me to small projects. For example, the rag pillow cover I was knitting from an old pair of flannel pajama pants. It looked great, till I tossed it in the wash & it fell apart.
So, I had this 12 inch pillow form staring its blank stare at me, and a weekend to do...well, not much; my mom wasn't feeling well so I spent a lot of time sitting with her. I also had tons of wild colors of yarn from my recent amigurumi addiction. The end result was this.
Loud and uncoordinated, I know, but it was a ton of fun & I thought I'd share. ;D
What is it?
I was bowled over by Kay's incredible miter blanket in MDK, but I quaked at the thought of all that sewing up. And the ends to weave in....yikes! I am way too lazy for all that! So, as I share in the "Give 'em hell spirit of just picking up the needles and making stuff", I cast-on 41 stitches with a size 6 circular and started making miters!
As you can see from the photo, I'm picking up stitches from prior squares to join as I go, and using three different colorways of a self-striping yarn, so the yarn is doing all the work. I changed direction on my second row to combat the natural slanting of the miters so my piece is more square. I'm blissfully happy knitting away on this, I just don't know what it is! Thought I'd turn to my MDK-KAL sisters to get some suggestions. Anybody out there get a strong vibe on what this knitting wants to be? I asked it nicely, but it ain't talking!
Ball Band Warsh...er, Rat Rugs
Yup. I said Rat Rugs.
Not to be confused with Rug Rats.
Although, I suppose it could be argued that I have those, too. Rug Rats would be Rats that use the Rat Rugs, right?
You see, in March my husband and I acquired a pair of rats - sisters - as pets. Their names are Star and Sable, and we adore them. They have turned out to be delightful creatures that love to interact with us as much as we love to play with them.
We built them a cage with three stories to scamper about. And I began knitting for them. At first, I was using the classic Diagonal Garter Stitch Dishcloth to make triangles to hang in their cage as hammocks to sleep in. From there, I started making squares from the same pattern to use as rugs on the top floor of their cage. Rugs for a Rat Cage? Yes - for comfort, style, and to absorb incidental messes. The squares were okay, but I needed two of them to cover the whole floor.
I received my copy of MDK by mail on Thursday last week. Inspired by the simplicity of the pattern (and the many versions I'd already seen around blogland), I immediately abandoned the simple square rugs, and began knitting Ball Band Rat Rugs.
Star Checks Out the First Ball Band Rat Rug
My first Ball Band Rat Rug was completed by Friday afternoon, less than a day after the book came into the house. Star was the first to approve, but then, she's usually the first to inspect my knitting. Sable checked it out later, and also gave two paws up.
Since then, I've completed four more.
BBRR's Two & Three
BBRR Four
BBRR Five on the needles (it was finished earlier today)
The yarn in every case is Sugar 'n Cream. I had about seven cones in various colors that I acquired at Woolworth's about twelve years ago, and I've started buying balls of some of the new, bold colors at Jo-Ann's lately. (Jo-Ann's has the super-size balls - 4 oz. solids, 3 oz. multis - for only $2.19. But who ever pays full price? They also take every coupon from all the major craft chains!)
The ultimate goal is to have seven rugs I can swap out on a daily basis if need be, to keep things nice and clean.
For the record, it's not going to be all about the rats as far as Mason-Dixon Knitting is concerned for me. I love the new ideas, and fresh twists on old ones. And I'm expecting to have to increase my cotton and linen stashes accordingly...
A queen-size cotton blanket is likely to be on my list. I've already knit one with acrylic yarns that has become a favorite blanket for me, but I'm thinking some of the designs in MDK, in cotton, could win my heart!
Meanwhile, well - it may not be all about the rats, but it's at least partly about the rats. Here's how stylish one of their special Ball Band Rat Rugs looks in the cage:
The Penthouse Deck in Condo Raton
As you can see, a Ball Band Rat Rug covers the entire floor, without any awkward overlapping. The full-size rugs stay in place better than the pairs of squares ever did. Hoo-Ray for Ball Band Rat Rugs!
And that's the MDKAL news from Wilton, NH. Where the Rattie Sisters are Livin' Large on handmade textiles!
Folkcat
My MDK Projects!
I am so thrilled to see everyone else's projects from my favorite knitting book! In browsing through the knitalong, I was inspired to join and post my own triumphs! I hope you enjoy!
The bibs and burp cloth I knitted for a baby shower for one of my graduate school instructors. I was SO pleased with the way they turned out. The Moderne Baby Blanket is my current work-in-progress, and I'm making it to stash away for myself. I've wanted for sometime to design a nursery in black and white toile accented by apple green, and this was my inspiration for my color choices. I'm getting close enough to being done with it that it's just nagging, nagging, nagging for me to work on it 24-7. I'm nearly there!
Thank you for reading!
The bibs and burp cloth I knitted for a baby shower for one of my graduate school instructors. I was SO pleased with the way they turned out. The Moderne Baby Blanket is my current work-in-progress, and I'm making it to stash away for myself. I've wanted for sometime to design a nursery in black and white toile accented by apple green, and this was my inspiration for my color choices. I'm getting close enough to being done with it that it's just nagging, nagging, nagging for me to work on it 24-7. I'm nearly there!
Thank you for reading!
trouble...
I'm not a new knitter, I've done a Dale of Norway sweater, a cabled vest, felted bags and flowers, socks and mittens.... why am i having so much trouble with the mitered square? I've ripped it out 4 times. when i get to the end, i'm a few stitches short for finishing according to the instructions and the "square" seems a bit off?! help!
Hi
My name is Chris and I'm a Mason-Dixon-aholic. ;-)
I've been working on my version of the Moderne Log Cabin Blanket. You can get the whole back story on my blog here.
So far here is my progress.
I've been working on my version of the Moderne Log Cabin Blanket. You can get the whole back story on my blog here.
So far here is my progress.
As you can tell, I've kept adding on. I want my blanket big.
I'm looking forward to catching up with all your posts and seeing all your M-D projects!
Warshcloth in the Wild
Hey, look what I found last night: a warshcloth in the wild! Yes, I got it wet and used it to wipe up the kitchen. Even have to say that it works better, and obviously, looks better than the sponge.
I've also started a Mason-Dixon washcloth for Mom
for Mother's Day. I figured I would make one yellow and one light blue, get some pretty ribbon and tie up some homemade soap in them. I'll mill the soap tonight and be just dorky enough to color to match.I know there will be many more of these dandy little washcloths in my future, especially since there's an ACMoore near here to get more colors. Thanks, I think, for the tip, Suzann!
Another Washrag Finished....
My mom picked out the colors for hers, but didn't know what I was knitting. She picked out colors to match her kitchen.
Here is LittleMan modeling the FO. Please ignore the (a) overly redneck bass pro shirt (b) absence of shorts...it was 90 degrees yesterday (c) unmade bed (time better spent knitting) and (d) strange horse sticker on his leg
I'm totally enjoying looking at everyone's pictures!
Melissa
Here is LittleMan modeling the FO. Please ignore the (a) overly redneck bass pro shirt (b) absence of shorts...it was 90 degrees yesterday (c) unmade bed (time better spent knitting) and (d) strange horse sticker on his leg
I'm totally enjoying looking at everyone's pictures!
Melissa
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Welcome home little washrag
Finished the log cabin washrag this evening. Here it is in its natural habitat.
I decided against the border because 1) It was already the perfect size for me, and 2) I'm going to be washing dishes with it, so why spend the time?
I envy lkmanitou for finishing all of those round washrags for Mothers Day. Congrats!
I decided against the border because 1) It was already the perfect size for me, and 2) I'm going to be washing dishes with it, so why spend the time?
I envy lkmanitou for finishing all of those round washrags for Mothers Day. Congrats!
Hi y'all.
I've already made a couple of the wash rags, and I'm trying to see how many I can crank out using the same two balls. So far, it's 2 of the square ones and a fancy one. The matching sets are going to my grandmother and my mother-in-law. Most of my stash is Peaches ' n' Cream, thanks to my bag-making days in high school, so I've got A LOT of gift options. (Just to give y'all some perspective, my stash storage won out over clothing storage about 2 years ago. It's been down-hill ever since.)
I'm thinking about making the nightie, but I can't really afford the Euroflax. Any suggestions for substitutions would be very much appreciated.
I'm thinking about making the nightie, but I can't really afford the Euroflax. Any suggestions for substitutions would be very much appreciated.
one with the garter stitch
I'm plugging away with the log cabin moderne throw - the garter stitch is relaxing but is also has a tendency of inducing too much relaxation (meaning - Zzzzzzzz). This will be a slow go knit but great for watching tv, road trips, etc. The pics doesn't capture the yarn colors well, but you get the jist.
It's Raining Washrags!
Hello fellow knitters :) Hopefully, I'm not the only procrastinating knitter out there. Last Friday night, I finally found inspiration for Mother's Day gifts - Mason Dixon Washcloths! Most of the past weekend, I spent with a pound of Peaches and Cream yarn cranking out washcloths. The pattern is very easy to follow
Sugar & Cream
AC Moore has the motherlode of vibrant colors and ombres (sp?) I loaded up, and at the register, the lady behind me said " You must have a copy of Mason Dixon Knitting ." Fingered at the register. She had a cart full too, so we chatted about the patterns and the insane desire for washcloths circa, Lucy and Ethel. Ann and Kay have a lot to answer for.
The price is good too, $1.79. I think they must have had a sale going on. Also found a metal size 6 needle. Hopefully the knitting will get easier with this needle.
If you have one in your area you might want to get the coupon from either their website or the newspaper. I forgot mind.
The price is good too, $1.79. I think they must have had a sale going on. Also found a metal size 6 needle. Hopefully the knitting will get easier with this needle.
If you have one in your area you might want to get the coupon from either their website or the newspaper. I forgot mind.
Warshrags for all!
I finished my first dishcloth, aka *warshrag.* So fun and fast! I could't resist buying up more Sugar 'n Cream.
Imagine, yarn for just $1.27 per ball. Woo-hoo!
Imagine, yarn for just $1.27 per ball. Woo-hoo!
I'm addicted!
Hi Everyone! I just joined the fun and am currently addicted to dishcloths. Here is a photo of my first two--there are three more not yet photographed. I'm also finishing a baby kimono. I'm looking forward to seeing all the MDK projects in progress.
chevron hand towel
i made this for my mom for mother's day using euroflax willow and cream. the euroflax was uncomfortable to work with but the towel that came out of the dryer is so soft and drapey, it was worth it.
i'm a very slow purler so this took me almost three weeks of knitting an hour or two a night to complete.
i think the pattern has a couple of mistakes:
1. for row 6, the row should start with k5 to make the cool garter stitch border.
2. the pattern says to repeat the first 12 rows (not including the first five rows of garter stitch) 26 times. i repeated the first 12 rows 12.5 times and the finished towel matched the finished size listed on the pattern. if you repeat the rows 26 times i think the towel would turn into a scarf (?!) which would be really cute.
i fnished a ballband dishcloth on sunday and i am going to start another tonight. i LOVE this book!
Newbie here ...
Well, I just joined and my book just arrived last night!! What a GREAT book!! I stayed up way to late going thru it over and over again!! But while I was waiting for the mail to arrive I thought I'd start a 'modified' buttonhole bag since I had yet to make one (hard to believe, I know) ... so this is how it looks pre-felted ... keep in mind that I whipped this up in one evening!! The colours are more accurate in the pic of the felted bag ... 
My Log Cabin Baby Blanket
Why do I love this book? I think it's because it inspires me to do more with my knitting. I used to be scared to death of picking up stitches. I was terrible at it (or so I thought) and I thought it was too hard.
Well, that book changed all of that - check out my Log Cabin Baby Blanket. The book is in the photo for size perspective. I have a friend who is pregnant, and I wanted to make a bright, fun baby blanket. Since she doesn't know what she's having, I thought a multi-color blanket would be great, so here it is! Obviously, I have a ways to go, but it's a fun, quick knit!!
Answering questions
I'm just wondering how we should answer questions that show up in our comments section. Is it best to answer right there with the comments, or write up a new posting like this? Since it's a knitalong, I know we want to be able to ask and answer about our work!
To answer a couple of questions about my log cabin blanket, below on the chair in the sunshine, my pattern might look different because 1) the Plymouth cotton yarn is more of a heavy worsted weight than the Tahki that was suggested(my LYS didn't have the right colors in the Tahki), and 2)I's actually making mine more like the blue stepped blanket from the book. My original plan was to make it rectangular by doing this, but it's still turning out to be more of a square. SO, I'll either make up for that later, or go with the square shape.
I have eight colors, and 2 or 3 skeins of each. I don't plan to continue with all the colors--I'm going to stop using the pastel shades, and just continue with the deeper, brighter colors further out. It's about a yard square at this point.
I wasn't sure I'd like knitting with the cotton, since I had a bad experience once before. Someone convinced me to spring for the addi turbo needles, and they were right. I generally prefer bamboo, but with this yarn, the addis are making it a much more pleasurable experience.
To answer a couple of questions about my log cabin blanket, below on the chair in the sunshine, my pattern might look different because 1) the Plymouth cotton yarn is more of a heavy worsted weight than the Tahki that was suggested(my LYS didn't have the right colors in the Tahki), and 2)I's actually making mine more like the blue stepped blanket from the book. My original plan was to make it rectangular by doing this, but it's still turning out to be more of a square. SO, I'll either make up for that later, or go with the square shape.
I have eight colors, and 2 or 3 skeins of each. I don't plan to continue with all the colors--I'm going to stop using the pastel shades, and just continue with the deeper, brighter colors further out. It's about a yard square at this point.
I wasn't sure I'd like knitting with the cotton, since I had a bad experience once before. Someone convinced me to spring for the addi turbo needles, and they were right. I generally prefer bamboo, but with this yarn, the addis are making it a much more pleasurable experience.
I LOVE this book!
So far I've made these things actually from the book: Kimono, and petal shaped dishcloth, but inspired BY the book I've made 5 baby bibs and 10 felted bowls (all crocheted, but...). Here are some photos. I'm having a great time and can't wait to start on the next project.
I am enjoying seeing everyone's enthusiasm and projects.
Thanks,
AmyDe
I am enjoying seeing everyone's enthusiasm and projects.
Thanks,
AmyDe
poised
My sisters, my niece and I , are doing a long distance Mitred Square Afghan for our parents. I've seen this called the Psychedelic Afghan, this one might be the Psycho Afghan, if history serves as a warning. A jointly written parody song for a family party last year almost did us in.
We've agreed to use Knitpicks Shine for MachinewashOnly Mom. No rules, any colors are fair game, any number of squares finished per person is OK. No telling anyone else your squares are better than hers. (ha! stay tuned! we're all artists).
Our only roadblock: I took my MDK book to a meeting last week , my client asked to borrow it for a day or so... and she hasn't sent it back!
We've agreed to use Knitpicks Shine for MachinewashOnly Mom. No rules, any colors are fair game, any number of squares finished per person is OK. No telling anyone else your squares are better than hers. (ha! stay tuned! we're all artists).
Our only roadblock: I took my MDK book to a meeting last week , my client asked to borrow it for a day or so... and she hasn't sent it back!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Kimono
Aloha all!
Started the baby kimono yesterday, so cute I feel I will go into sugar shock! Some questions:
1) Anybody else wonder if the "6 rows" on the upper back were 6 rows total or 6 RS rows? I did both and opted for the 6 RS rows, but was I alone in this confusion?
2) Anybody put this on a newborn baby yet? I am making one exactly to the gauge in the book, and it just seems so tiny. If the baby will fit it, y'all think the baby has, what? Couple weeks in it?
3) Am I going to run out of yarn? (heh: the eternal question!) I am making it newborn size, and I have 217 yards. Has anyone made it with the 244 yards in the book? And if so, did you use both balls of yarn in their entirety? (I'm so running out, yes? Better rip out my swatch now.)
I'm making this with Merino wool for a yet unborn, gender-indeterminate baby of my former college roommate. I fear I have doomed a new mom to handwashing wool and tying little orange ribbons! (I figure it is payback for numerous roommate crimes that I won't get into here...)
Took Suzann's suggestion to do the yarn over two stitches in: Great idea!
I am thankful and amazed at the amount of knitters out here working on these patterns. You all are amazing, creative, enthusiastic inspirations to me.
Thanks for any advice!
Log cabin washrag
I've avoided adult-sized blankets because I've heard the horror stories from other knitters - monotony, expense, sheer boredom and that I'll-never-get-this-finished feeling. But the log cabin technique was alluring...
I knit up a small swatch to see if I would enjoy it, and I'm happy to say that this book made a log-cabiner out of me. It's mucho fun! No sense in unraveling this small swatch, so I'm going to do another round on this and add another dishcloth to my collection.
Yarn: leftover Sugar'n Cream; Needles: US7
I knit up a small swatch to see if I would enjoy it, and I'm happy to say that this book made a log-cabiner out of me. It's mucho fun! No sense in unraveling this small swatch, so I'm going to do another round on this and add another dishcloth to my collection.
Yarn: leftover Sugar'n Cream; Needles: US7My first FO from the book
Here is my version of the smallest square box. The left side shows the pre-felted version and the right is after felting. The doubled yarn makes the box nice and firm, but it didn't shrink much during the felting process. I used some leftover Lamb's Pride Bulky and finished it in just a few hours. I am also working on square #3 of the mitered blanket. It's been great seeing all the photos and variations that everyone has posted!
Moss Grid Hand Towel!
Here are a couple of pictures of my completed Moss Grid Hand Towel...I modified the pattern a little bit and used Queensland Collection Cotolino Yarn because I couldn't get the Euroflax that the pattern called for at my LYS. I was too impatient to order some online! Anyhow, I increased the border on the sides in an effort make it the right size, but it wound up being bigger than the pattern calls for anyway. I should know better...no matter how tidily I swatch, my finished object seems always to be a little bigger. Fortunately, when it really counts I can usually keep the gauge where it ought to be.
I'm also working on the Baby Kimono...I hope to post photos of it later in the week before I send it off for my new niece Leilani! I have to finish it soon, or she will have outgrown it before it gets there.
The Very Autumn Log Cabin
I once said I'd never make another blanket once the commissioned blanket was done. As you can see I'm a liar.
The Mason-Dixon Knitting book is the first knitting book I've ever bought where I've wanted to make every single pattern. I love the practicalness of it (and I'm not a practical person).
I'm using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Hollyberry, Blueberry, Winter Night, some goldish color whose name excapes me, and I'm also throwing in some leftover Noro, & KP Evergreen.
I'm so addicted to the style, that I'm making another one, but with Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Permission Rose, Pink & Putty, and because I'm only using three colors it looks like a peppermint swirl. I'll post photos of it when it gets a bit bigger.
The Mason-Dixon Knitting book is the first knitting book I've ever bought where I've wanted to make every single pattern. I love the practicalness of it (and I'm not a practical person).I'm using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Hollyberry, Blueberry, Winter Night, some goldish color whose name excapes me, and I'm also throwing in some leftover Noro, & KP Evergreen.
I'm so addicted to the style, that I'm making another one, but with Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Permission Rose, Pink & Putty, and because I'm only using three colors it looks like a peppermint swirl. I'll post photos of it when it gets a bit bigger.
Beginner Needs Dishcloth Help
Thank you to all of you who commented on my first post and encouraged me to begin with a dishcloth. And thanks to Cristina for explaining "yarn over" and "slip one purlwise"! The pattern isn't difficult at all! As I just completed row 9, I realized I wasn't paying attention, and I knitted it incorrectly. I'll probably start over, which is fine. My question for you all is: Am I doing the right thing by cutting the yarn when I change colors? As you can see from the photo, I already have quite a few ends to weave in, and I only just completed row nine. Also, the pattern doesn't say anything about cutting the yarn or weaving in the ends. What should I do?Thanks!
Katy
Baby Kimono Progress
I have made some great progress on the Kimono. It is such a fun and easy project! I am using Sirdar Snuggly Baby Care cotton blend. It is going great, and I love the YO eyelet trim.
I am going to make matching booties, and I need to get going on those burp cloths.
It has been so fun to see all of your work, you ladies rock!
Jumping In
The book is so wonderful and full of ideas. I cast on for a couple of things right after the book arrived. In my stash, for some time, has been 10 skeins of Eggplant Euroflax. As soon as I saw the Bathrobe I knew it was just the ticket for the yarn. I have the seed stitch border finished on the back piece and have started the stockinette. This is perfect knitting for Stitch 'n Bitch nights, as I can knit without any worry of doing something wrong, while I chat the night away.
The round 'warshrags' are such a novel idea with the ribbon to tie them shut like a small gift bag. Last week I bought some Tahki Cotton Classic and knit two of the cloths. They work up quickly and were so cute with colored ribbon as ties and a soap tucked inside. One skein was all that was needed for two. They will make charming gifts for any occasion so I see more in my future!
Margene
Zeneedle
My Log Cabin
Ann and Kay have inspired a lot of knitting around here with their book. The most ambitious are the log cabin blankets. My son and I are each knitting one. I'll have him post about his once it is further along (it will look nothing like mine). This is mine:
I have 10 colors of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. This square started as a test swatch, so the stripes are on the skinny side, only 4 or 5 garter ridges each. I could have restarted, but somehow I just kept on going. My plan is to make twelve 18 inch squares, all different styles of log cabins, each using 4 to 6 of the ten colors to make a 4.5 ft x 6 ft blanket.
One concern I had was making sure I had enough yarn for a good sized blanket. I have seen marked color variation in different dye lots of this yarn. How to decide how many skeins are enough? Well, the square I've started (currently 10x10.5 inches) weighs 2.25 ounces. Very roughly, that translates into 50 square inches of blanket per ounce of yarn. Final blanket with border will be about 4680 square inches so I need 94 ounces of yarn. The yarn comes in 3.5 ounce skeins, so 27 skeins. Holy Moly, did I do the math right? Do blankets really weigh 6 pounds? I suppose they do.
I also measured how much yarn it took to knit one square inch of fabric: 46 inches. According to this independent test, I need about 6000 yards of yarn. Again, the result is about 27 skeins. Well truth is... I've got 24 skeins. That's enough for the size I want sans border. Also, my skeins are all weighing in at more than 3.5 ounces, many closer to 4 ounces. Does this mean they also have more than the stated number of yards? I will either go a little smaller, or I will make the border out of black. I don't expect to have to worry about it for months yet.
Not only is there lots of other summertime knitting to do, this first square is taking me a surprisingly long time. I think it's because of all the picking up and knitting, which I am terribly slow with --- I find I have to use a crochet hook. Bonne Marie accidentally purchased a really cool item that would be great for log cabinning. I have never seen anything like it, a circular needle with a hook on the end.
I have 10 colors of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. This square started as a test swatch, so the stripes are on the skinny side, only 4 or 5 garter ridges each. I could have restarted, but somehow I just kept on going. My plan is to make twelve 18 inch squares, all different styles of log cabins, each using 4 to 6 of the ten colors to make a 4.5 ft x 6 ft blanket.One concern I had was making sure I had enough yarn for a good sized blanket. I have seen marked color variation in different dye lots of this yarn. How to decide how many skeins are enough? Well, the square I've started (currently 10x10.5 inches) weighs 2.25 ounces. Very roughly, that translates into 50 square inches of blanket per ounce of yarn. Final blanket with border will be about 4680 square inches so I need 94 ounces of yarn. The yarn comes in 3.5 ounce skeins, so 27 skeins. Holy Moly, did I do the math right? Do blankets really weigh 6 pounds? I suppose they do.
I also measured how much yarn it took to knit one square inch of fabric: 46 inches. According to this independent test, I need about 6000 yards of yarn. Again, the result is about 27 skeins. Well truth is... I've got 24 skeins. That's enough for the size I want sans border. Also, my skeins are all weighing in at more than 3.5 ounces, many closer to 4 ounces. Does this mean they also have more than the stated number of yards? I will either go a little smaller, or I will make the border out of black. I don't expect to have to worry about it for months yet.
Not only is there lots of other summertime knitting to do, this first square is taking me a surprisingly long time. I think it's because of all the picking up and knitting, which I am terribly slow with --- I find I have to use a crochet hook. Bonne Marie accidentally purchased a really cool item that would be great for log cabinning. I have never seen anything like it, a circular needle with a hook on the end.
Baby Kimono
LIke everyone else here, I fell in love with the MDK book IMMEDIATELY and had to have it. I made my first project from the book with just a little bit of knitting here and there over a five day period of time. Here's my version of the Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono, in Sugar & Cream cotton.
I plan on making a few more for a pregnant friend of mine who is due in August. I can't wait to see what everyone else is knitting from the book, and I'm really excited to try some log cabin-ing of my own.
I plan on making a few more for a pregnant friend of mine who is due in August. I can't wait to see what everyone else is knitting from the book, and I'm really excited to try some log cabin-ing of my own.
Log cabin variations
I am so happy to see all the gorgeous projects that everyone is working on! I especially love the Log Cabins (I've always been a sucker for that pattern). After getting the book, I immediately cast on for an off-center variation which isn't mentioned in the book, but definitely worth knowing about IMHO. Mine is done from mostly stash DK weight cotton (I confess I bought some cotton from Elann - only 6 balls so far though). To date this blanket includes Patons Cotton DK, some Rowan Handknit Cotton & Cotton Glace, some Wendy DK, some John Lewis DK cotton/viscose blend and whatever else I can get my hot little hands on.This picture is the 4 squares I have completed so far put together with the cool colors touching. You can get really cool effects by changing around the placement of the blocks in other configurations.
My particular Log Cabin is being worked on 3.00mm needles. (I thought they were more like 3.75 when I started the blanket - start a project in haste and repent at you leisure!) Each square is approximately 12" square and weighing in at around 85 grams.
This started off being worked just like the directions in the book except that I worked all the "cool" colors with 4 garter ridges - the "warm" colors have 7 garter ridges, which ends up giving you this great illusion of having curved pieces, at least it does if I can ever get enough of these together! Then I decided that binding off stitches just in order to pick up and knit stitches from there was a bit silly, so I've been using DPN's to hold stitches - more pics on my blog if anyone's interested...
I sure hope everyone out there is having as much fun with this as I am!!
Abi
I am planning to do 36 squares, I want a bedspread for my Queen size bed... We'll see if I can finish it in this lifetime. Each square takes me something like 12 hours to complete.
Just joined in!
This should be fun! Great idea Cristina. I read the book immediately, and was inspired to start a log cabin blanket. I love combining all the colors. This one is in Plymouth Fantasy Naturale cotton. I'm not sure how big I'm going to make this, but I still have plenty of yarn. I've already purchased the yarn to make one for my daughter next.
My washrags....
I am sooo addicted. Here's the first one I finished.
I have also made one using these two colors...... (I forgot to take a pic this morning)
I went a little crazy with the washrag yarn.....
I'm currently on #3 made with the cornflower blue (back right) and the sunshine yellow (pictured just adjacent to the blue). It looks really country and cute. I think next will be brown and purple or brown and hot pink.
Everyone else's projects look great. Keep the pics coming! I really enjoy them.
Melissa
Loving the Warshcloths
These things are like popcorn. I can't make myself stop!
Has anyone thought about having a washcloth swap?
Has anyone thought about having a washcloth swap?
A Mighty Beautiful Log Cabin Blanket
Mari, over there in Porto, Portugal, has just completed an amazing blanket:
Take a look.
Can't quite get over this. Isn't it fantastic????
Take a look.
Can't quite get over this. Isn't it fantastic????
Moderne baby blanket
I've just started the Moderne baby blanket in Rowan Calmer. I'm using cream, beige, brown and sage. I plan to add more sections so it will end up being larger. So far, so good.
A new addiction
Hi, my name is Cindra and I am a knitting addict. I must confess that the Mason Dixon knitting book has definitely been an enabling partner. All those lucious pictures, the easy instructions, beautiful colors and the accepting attitude that we all make mistakes. I felt at home and immediately accepted by a book. Drama aside, I have had so much fun. I started the log cabin blanket (as a quilter, this was such a fun concept) and while doing it came up with so many fantasies of other versions... I have started two more.
Happy Knitting!
Glad to be here...
Hi all! Glad to be here amongst those who share the same craft/passion/love/obsession as I do. It's nice to have a place to feel "normal" and not like the "oddball with the needles attached to her elbow" :) !
Here's my first of many mitered squares as I attempt a blanket/afghan/throw/pillow? We'll see. I'm using Rowan cotton. I am a knitter that hates knitting with cotton, however I must confess, as far as cotton goes.... this is dreamy.
Michelle
Love this book!!!!!
Hi everyone! I am so excited about this KOL. I have been knitting for about a year and this is my first KOL. I am working on a log cabin blanket and a dishcloth...I will post pix later. jhknits
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Ahhh
This is my first time to post here and I hope I don't mess it up! I am in the middle of the wavy linen towel pattern and I love it. There is a nice rhythm to the pattern between the 5 garter stitches at the edge. I have knitted a shawl out of the linen and it softens like a dream when you wash and dry it.
I have made one of the felted boxes and will soon complete a whole set. If you make them, remember there is a tiny correction: you should be double stranding and using a #15 needle.
But the big news is I whipped out a baby kimono for the newest addition to our family. It done in stockinette with the yarn over becoming buttonholes for the beads. I knitted with Blue Sky's Organic Cotton, my fave. My sister's sister-in-law and her partner adopted Isaiah a few weeks ago and I had the sweater done in two days. No joke.
Baby Bib
Here's the bib (with booties from another book) that I made for a friend to give to another friend who is expecting her first baby. I used one ball of Classic Elite Isabella (70% cotton/30% acrylic). It's a bit heavier than the gauge in the book, so I reduced the number of stitches. It was really fun to knit, and my friend loved it!
Baby Kimono
I am working the Kimono in Bernat Cotton Tots. I have had a lot of trouble working with cotton yarn. And tips would be really appreciated. I switched to metal needles with has helped a bit.I used the crochet cast on, so the hem would match the bind off and edges. Slipped the last stitch in each row. I am doing the YO at the neck edge two stitches in. Trying to keep the edge stable. When I do this pattern again, I think I will do a YO, K2tog at the hem and at the sleeve edges. So all the edges match. Also I am going to skip the ribbon and use a snap as the closure. Maybe just tie on a bit of ribbon as trim. That is if I can rammed a snap into the thick cotton. If not I will do a button and loop.
In case you are wondering what is on the end of my needle, well the needles were my Moms, and one of them had lost the end thingy. It was an emergency so I jammed a bit of eraser on the end :-D
It is a really cute pattern, and if it were being done in wool, I would have finished it long ago. Cotton yarn is not my friend. My hats off to all you nimble dishcloth ladies ;-)
Suzann
Ballband Dishcloths
I wonder what it is about this book that just makes you want to knit things that you never thought of trying? I've already made these two warshcloths and plan on making more of the projects in Mason-Dixon Knitting. These two are made from Sugar-n-Cream and Lion Kitchen cotton (black).
Where to Begin?!
Hello everyone! I'm a beginner, and this is my first KAL! I'm trying to decided which project to start with. As you can see from the photo, I already have the yarn for the Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono and for the Moss Grid Hand Towel. When I signed up yesterday, I was thinking I would start with a baby bib, but now I'm wondering if I shouldn't beign with a Ballband Dishcloth. The dishcloth pattern scares me a little when I read "slip one purlwise" and "yarn forward." What do you think?Thanks!
Katy
More Buttons!!
Thanks to all of you have emailed me/joined up in the last 24 hours! The response has been overwhelming and exciting! Please be patient with me as I sift through all these requests, and definitely let me know if I've responded to your email, but your Blogger request has not come through! You can email me here: knottieknitter@hotmail.com
Lookie here More buttons! These ones are by Cath...thank you Cath - these are great.
Look! This one even looks like a "button"...I can...almost...push IT!!
Lookie here More buttons! These ones are by Cath...thank you Cath - these are great.
Look! This one even looks like a "button"...I can...almost...push IT!!
What's underway and Harris DK?
I am so happy to be here, and already have three (!) of the book's projects underway - 2 (!) Nina's shawls - one in cotton, the other in wool - AND the moderne baby blanket.
Like some kind of knitting fool, I also want to do the FLYING GEESE blanket, but can't find the Harris DK yarn from any of my on-line knitting sources. One site said that it was now called Scottish Tweed, but the colors don't match. ANYONE? I dont' have the guts n' gumption to try to pick the colors on my own.
New Member
I just wanted to say hello to everyone else, I am a new member but I am steadily working my way through the Book! Every pattern I come to I want to knit so it may take me a while! The first thing I did when I opened the book was the same as everyone else I know. I was somehow magically compelled to unearth some discloth cotton and make these......
Now I am on the mitered squares and wanting to make the log cabin blanket! I will update more as I go! I am so glad to be here!
Kristi
Now I am on the mitered squares and wanting to make the log cabin blanket! I will update more as I go! I am so glad to be here!
Kristi
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Blanket in the Works
I started knitting a Psychedelic Squares Afghan nearly two years ago. When the MDK book was released seeing the photos of the afghan in the book resparked my interest in the project. Today I knit my 80th and final square (actually I think I may have knit 81). I had already sewn up 5 blocks and tonight I sewed up 2 more.
- Jessica
Friday, May 05, 2006
::bUtToNs::
Margene was kind enough to make us some buttons! Here they are:
*dont forget to save them to your own server before posting to your site:)
Okay, update...I had problems posting the 2nd one...more to come on that!
Spring time Ballband done!
Yay - I finished my first pattern from the book and its the Ballband Dishcloth....which I love!
I made it using the recommended Sugar N' Cream yarn (cream color) and the green is Cotton Chenille by Crystal Palace. Thanks for your help Liz - I was a little confused with the yarn carrying and Liz cleared it up!
I liked this pattern b/c just like the book said, it looks a lot more complicated then it actually is.
I added some matching dishcloth cloth that I picked up at the fabric store to turn it into a pot holder (well, I'll use it to protect the table from hot dishes - what the heck are those called?).
Now...on to the Log Cabin Baby Blanket...pictures to come!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Hello everyone!
I think I just drop a line to say hello ... and also to ask a question! :)
Almost the first day I got the book, I started working from it using yarns from the stash! I made the 2 dishcloths ... which are soooo lovely:
They made the not-much-loved chore a more pleasant one!
Now the question. I have been dying to get those potholder loops as seen in the book. However, it seems that I couldn't find them anywhere. Can anyone tell me where I can find these in California? I've been to Jo-Ann and Beverley but couldn't see any. Which section of the stores should I look? I'd love to make those colourful rugs from the book. Thanks a lot.
Almost the first day I got the book, I started working from it using yarns from the stash! I made the 2 dishcloths ... which are soooo lovely:
They made the not-much-loved chore a more pleasant one!
Now the question. I have been dying to get those potholder loops as seen in the book. However, it seems that I couldn't find them anywhere. Can anyone tell me where I can find these in California? I've been to Jo-Ann and Beverley but couldn't see any. Which section of the stores should I look? I'd love to make those colourful rugs from the book. Thanks a lot.
