Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Baby Gifts
A bunch of different baby gifts for a mom at my daughters' school, including a Baby Genius Burp Cloth and a Baby Genius Bib-o-Love. Not thrilled with the Bernat Handicrafter Cotton; probably won't use it again.
ETA: Details of where the non-MDK patterns came from, etc. are on my blog. Oh, and the ball has a bell in it. Awww...
Look what they've done to my shawl, Ma or Nina as Baby Blankie
With the advent of a new great niece I decided it was time to knit something (as if I didn't already have a gazillion projects a humming in the house...) Anyhoo, I thought I'd use the Nina Shawl pattern. I love all the M-D patterns, but this one is especially cute and quite adaptable to a baby blanket. I'm hemming the ends and will be sewing on a bit of cotton flannel to the back to cover the not-so-hot bits and knitting in cotton yarn (darling baby Kate lives in San Diego). My only hope is the thing doesn't get too wild, but then what else are crazy great aunts for if not a little wildness, right?
The first picture is in an earlier stage of development and it appears to be suitably conservative, (right). Well, here we are now, adding BLUE to a baby girl blanket (hey, no sexists here!)
So far, it's a bunch of fun:)
More to come as I progress with this thing,
Take care,
Joan in Ellicott City, MD
Monday, January 29, 2007
Pretty in Pink!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Calamari Knitting!
I finally finished a calamari knitting project! Only took, umm, 7 months??? Yeah. Anyway, here it is!
It's rug for just inside my back door. With the snow and all up here in Canada, it was getting sloppy there. Calamari rug to the rescue! Started it and finished it last night!
It's rug for just inside my back door. With the snow and all up here in Canada, it was getting sloppy there. Calamari rug to the rescue! Started it and finished it last night!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Bubbly in Progress
I'm about 3/4 of the way through my first Bubbly curtain and I'm so happy with how it's turning out! It's actually longer now than in this photo, and it's coming along quite quickly. I think I only have 1 more of the repeat sections to go before I'll be done. I'm using the Euroflax sportweight on size 5 needles exactly as recommended. Can anyone recommend the best way to wash this in preparation for blocking? I understand the linen "relaxes" after washing. Does this mean it needs a soap and water wash by hand? With any particular type of soap? Or will a thorough wetting down do?
Friday, January 26, 2007
Log Cabin Dishcloths, Absorba
I don't think I've ever had as much fun knitting dishcloths. I just love these Log Cabin wannabes. I used #7 Denise Interchangeable and SnC in Tea Rose, Yellow, Rose Pink, Soft Violet, Soft Teal, Light Blue, and Butter Cream Ombre for the first cloth.
Again, #7 Denise and SnC in Midnight Magic, Dark Pine, and Sage Green. I have a vision of drawers full of mini Log Cabins, each one unique. Details and my position on dishcloth requirements are available on my blog.
Also on the needles, my new bathmat. I'm using Denise #15 and Peaches & Cream Double Worsted. I'm really liking the colors: Hunter, Bright Navy, and Blue Swirls.Thursday, January 25, 2007
Heartbreakingly Cute!
I'm working on the Heartbreakingly cute baby kimono right now, and I'm loving the knit! Here's some progress:
Why is everyone leaving the KAL for the new Blogger? I just updated to the new version and I had no trouble and didn't have to leave any blogs behind!
Why is everyone leaving the KAL for the new Blogger? I just updated to the new version and I had no trouble and didn't have to leave any blogs behind!
EZ Ribwarmer -- the final lap
Almost done! But I have some issues ....
First, the I-Cord edging. I love it, but it seems 2 rows look better. And it's taking almost as long as it did to knit the darn thing!
Second, and more seriously, what I call POOCHING. What the hell are these bumps? They're at the end of the short row shaping for the back. I haven't blocked yet, but am doubtful they'll flatten out. Should I cut, unravel and graft? Or be content with breast-like bumps right above my bum?
Garter Stitch Engineering Question (lm)
Yes, I AM an engineer and probably over think things, so please bear with me. I typically do a long tail cast on which I have read counts as a row of knit. So your first row you actually knit creates your first garter stitch "bump". OK Got that. Now when you cast off you knit and then pull the previous loop does *this* count as a row of knit? The reason I ask is to have the right number of complete Garter Stitch rows you need to have pairs of knit/purl rows. So is it ...
Cast on
row one- one ridge
knit row
knit row- two ridges
knit row
cast off- last ridge
or
Cast on
row on- one ridge
knit row
knit row- two ridges
knit row
knit row- last ridge
cast off (Doesn't count)
Cast on
row one- one ridge
knit row
knit row- two ridges
knit row
cast off- last ridge
or
Cast on
row on- one ridge
knit row
knit row- two ridges
knit row
knit row- last ridge
cast off (Doesn't count)
Another Finished Mitered Square
I just finished a mitered square blanket thats been in process for awhile now. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, more pics and the details on my blog. Thanks for such a fun knitalong!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
How much would you charge for a ballband?
Finished another ballband dishcloth the other day. It's Sugar 'n Cream, colors are hot green and periwinkle, I think. Still need to weave in the ends.
A few months ago, I gave one to my friend as a housewarming present. And the other day she asked me how much I would charge if I were to knit a few more for her. What do y'all think? If you knit 4 ballbands and sold them as a set, how much would you charge? It's so hard to put a price on handknits...
A few months ago, I gave one to my friend as a housewarming present. And the other day she asked me how much I would charge if I were to knit a few more for her. What do y'all think? If you knit 4 ballbands and sold them as a set, how much would you charge? It's so hard to put a price on handknits...
New Log Cabin Project
Inspired by a photo at Ann and Kay's blog, I bought some Jojoland Rhythm yarn and started knitting it into Log Cabin squares. The yarn changes color gradually, and I'm thrilled by the results! Each square was knitted from a different ball of Rhythm.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Finished Miter square
I am thrilled with the finished project. I salute those of you who make an entire blanket!
Check out my blog http://imaginknit.blogspot.com/
First FO of 2007!
It's a Baby Genius Coaster! Love the pattern, needed new coasters, had leftover yarn...it was a no brainer! Details on my blog.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Nature Wool Log Cabin Blanket
Finally, a finished 2007 project. I love this blanket but it's a gift. So off it goes. I have enough Nature Wool left to make another, but I think I'll save those for some matching pillows. It's a good sign that as soon as I finished this project, I wanted to cast on for another log cabin blanket. It's a great project for knitting in a dark movie theater, where the bulk of this was knitted.
More details at my blog.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Curve of pursuit in progress...
...which I am doing log cabin style - stash busting and banishing past anxieties over a (long past) unfinished (hell, barely started!) Kaffe Fassett sweater. Lovely therapy for a blustery January...
And here is my other gloom buster for the cold weather (which I did today)... please ignore the hideous face below the hat :-)
And here is my other gloom buster for the cold weather (which I did today)... please ignore the hideous face below the hat :-)
Log Cabin finished!
Started 9/06 and finished 1/07 ~ I am so happy with how it turned out and it was so fun to knit! I think I am going to make another one! :)
Thursday, January 18, 2007
geometric hanging - 1/4 done! (well, sort of)
Please don't worry - I won't be giving constant updates! I had posted a sketch of this project earlier in the month and someone said "post updates!" so I feel I can bore you :-)
1/4 of the knitting is now done. For more info, please see my blog. Please note the blue centre is quite a bit deeper in "real life" (as opposed to cheapo digital camera life, that is...)
The part that I've sewn together...
... and sewing yet to come! (agh)
Thanks to Pat and Steve from Woolly Thoughts for the pattern and for otherwise feeding my blankie fetish!
http://knitwitsvengeance.blogspot.com
1/4 of the knitting is now done. For more info, please see my blog. Please note the blue centre is quite a bit deeper in "real life" (as opposed to cheapo digital camera life, that is...)
The part that I've sewn together...
... and sewing yet to come! (agh)
Thanks to Pat and Steve from Woolly Thoughts for the pattern and for otherwise feeding my blankie fetish!
http://knitwitsvengeance.blogspot.com
It's Finished!!
It has been forever since I last posted, but I've finally finished something worth looking at: a baby log cabin! This one happens to be a Random Chance log cabin, an idea I saw at Cara's blog here.
This was made with six colors, one skein each give or take a little, all Malabrigo. I started sometime in August, so I am really glad to have this ready. My freind is due in February, so I'm just in time!
Believe it or not - it's hard to see - this is the back.
This was made with six colors, one skein each give or take a little, all Malabrigo. I started sometime in August, so I am really glad to have this ready. My freind is due in February, so I'm just in time!
Believe it or not - it's hard to see - this is the back.
I could wish for some sun, to make these photos pop more...Anyway, I am still working on an adult-sized baby Moderne in Silky Wool, but it goes much slower on those tiny needles, and I'm not sure I'm lovng my colors. I really want to steal the yarn for a sweater...
Kimono
Has anyone adapted the kimono to fit a larger child? Say a three year old? I have chest (24") and shoulder to waist (13") measurements for a friend's twins. I'd like to just adapt this pattern but I'm not sure how to go about that.
I really want to knit kimonos for them b/c apparently, it's the cool thing to wear to ballet class!
Any help is MUCH appreciated. You can e-mail me if that's easier than leaving a comment at knitsnsuch@yahoo.com.
THANKS!!!!
I really want to knit kimonos for them b/c apparently, it's the cool thing to wear to ballet class!
Any help is MUCH appreciated. You can e-mail me if that's easier than leaving a comment at knitsnsuch@yahoo.com.
THANKS!!!!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Please remove me
Im trying to switch over to the new blogger & cannot do so without leaving some of my favorite blogs.
Please let me know when this blog converts to the new format!
Please let me know when this blog converts to the new format!
Kimono w/Built-in Ties
Solid white Peaches & Creme from a one-pound cone I had & a ball of pink/purple/white variegated for which I've lost the ball band.
Details of the ties on my blog.
Hi again! A few months ago, I posted about the pink kimono I made for a girl at my church. She didn't care for pink. Well, this time I made sure I checked into color preferences! I was invited to a shower for our formar pastor's wife, and her registry said "please, not too much pink." Preference noted. =) Anyway, I made this kimono out of TLC Cara Mia, a (discontinued) machine washable yarn with angora in it. It is so sweet and soft.
The only changes I made to the pattern are the same ones I made the first time--a knitted cast-on (instead of backward loop) and a sloped cast-off when shaping the sleeves.
As you can see, the sloped cast-off makes such a nice smooth edge on the sleeve.
There is a little more info about this kimono on my blog, and I invite you to stop by sometime. Have a great day, everyone!
P.S. I love seeing everyone's finished MDK stuff! I'm sure this knitalong is going to be around for a long, long time.
The only changes I made to the pattern are the same ones I made the first time--a knitted cast-on (instead of backward loop) and a sloped cast-off when shaping the sleeves.
As you can see, the sloped cast-off makes such a nice smooth edge on the sleeve.
There is a little more info about this kimono on my blog, and I invite you to stop by sometime. Have a great day, everyone!
P.S. I love seeing everyone's finished MDK stuff! I'm sure this knitalong is going to be around for a long, long time.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Dishcloth=Babushka
I whipped up one of the dish cloths with some cute rainbow cotton Sugar n' Cream last week. I didn't use a contrasting color, but I think the results turned out great. Mr. Roosevelt might not think so, though. (He's the model of all things knitted at my house!) Haha.
We call this look the babushka.
We call this look the babushka.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Mitered Squares
For anyone who has done a mitered square blanket. What did you do for washing and blocking, each one individually, in bigger squares of four or the whole blanket (my dorm's not big enough!)? And a question regarding charitable knitting on my blog.
Do you wash and block?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Fun with Photo Shop
I spent the good part of the morning sewing together mitered squares for a baby blanket. I am planning on adding a border, but wanted to take a couple of photos pre-border. When uploading the photos I decided to use a fun crop and came up with this mitered flower. I guess I am just wishing for spring.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
More Advice Needed!
Ok, I've knit two kimonos and have a question. I get the feeling I've made a little mistake. I didn't knit any button holes or any other doo-dad into the garmet to close it. Namely, the pattern didn't really tell me how. :( I bought some ribbon to sort of feed through the loops and close it, but I'm not really sure if this is the best technique. Any ideas, folks? I don't know how to crochet, so keep that in mind when you reply.
Thanks so much for your help!
Kim
Thanks so much for your help!
Kim
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Advice needed!!!
I just finished my first moderne baby blanket, but as soon as I finished binding off my last stitch, I noticed something I hadn't noticed before. I followed the border pattern to the "T" and noticed that the right side of the work shows the stitches where I attached the border to the blanket. It really doesn't look bad except for the few places where I picked up stitches from the side of a block. After examination of the pic in the book of the rug (where the border is shown in the book), the stitches show on the right side as well... However, I kinda don't know if I like it and am considering frogging the whole border and redoing it to where the stitches don't show.... I don't have any pictures because my dh has our camera in Mississippi. *Just to brag, he's out doing his 2nd trip for hurricane relief on the coast. There's still a lot to do down there, guys!* So, if you can even visualize my problem, please let me know what you think..thanks!
My first dishcloth of the new year
This isn't the best picture, I used my scanner. Camera is low on batteries. Anyway, I may plan on keeping this one. All the ones I've made so far have been given away. So this one may be a keeper. I have enough yarn to make another in the opposite colorway, so I could have a matching set. I think after I finish the felted purse I started, I may go back to my MDK log cabin. I've yet to post a picture of it because I want a lot more done on it first. Thanks for looking! Terry
lee
leeTuesday, January 09, 2007
IMPORTANT MESSAGE ~3~
Hi All!!
Thanks for the enthusiasm & inspiration you all have shared through the KAL so far.
As you may have noticed - Blogger has made some updates to the site. This effects the KAL because our site is HUGE.
This is what it means:
1. The Mason Dixon KAL is on the OLD Blogger version
2. If you are a member of the KAL you will NOT be able to migrate over to the NEW version. You will need to "unsubscribe" to move your blog over to the new version.
3. If you are a member of the NEW version - you will not be able to become a member of the KAL because we're too big (bummer, I know!!)
4. At this time, because the new vs. old blogger version has become so complicated, I will only be able to honor requests to "unsubscribe" so that you can migrate over to the new version if you choose.
5. The KAL is closed TEMPORARILY to new members. I'm sorry I have to do this, I tried my best not too, but this new Blogger has created a very time consuming task of keeping up with "unsubscribe requests" for me & I'll have to take a break from adding new members for a little while .
6. I will announce a re-opening for new KAL members as soon as I'm able to. Keep in mind that to join, you need to be a part of the old Blogger version.
Thanks for understanding, & I'm sorry it has to be this way ~ it wasn't my choice.
Cristina
Thanks for the enthusiasm & inspiration you all have shared through the KAL so far.
As you may have noticed - Blogger has made some updates to the site. This effects the KAL because our site is HUGE.
This is what it means:
1. The Mason Dixon KAL is on the OLD Blogger version
2. If you are a member of the KAL you will NOT be able to migrate over to the NEW version. You will need to "unsubscribe" to move your blog over to the new version.
3. If you are a member of the NEW version - you will not be able to become a member of the KAL because we're too big (bummer, I know!!)
4. At this time, because the new vs. old blogger version has become so complicated, I will only be able to honor requests to "unsubscribe" so that you can migrate over to the new version if you choose.
5. The KAL is closed TEMPORARILY to new members. I'm sorry I have to do this, I tried my best not too, but this new Blogger has created a very time consuming task of keeping up with "unsubscribe requests" for me & I'll have to take a break from adding new members for a little while .
6. I will announce a re-opening for new KAL members as soon as I'm able to. Keep in mind that to join, you need to be a part of the old Blogger version.
Thanks for understanding, & I'm sorry it has to be this way ~ it wasn't my choice.
Cristina
Round two
I finally finished my second hand towel! I started it back in August and then got distracted by Christmas knitting. I used the Euroflax linen for my first one, but used cotton for this one. I think I like the cotton better. I don't know if I'll make this pattern again, but I'm sure I'll make more hand towels.
You can read more about this and other knitting adventures on my blog. Happy Knitting! Bobbi
You can read more about this and other knitting adventures on my blog. Happy Knitting! Bobbi
Monday, January 08, 2007
Slip-sliding away?
I've completed my Absorba and I'm wondering what the other proud Absorba owners have used to keep it from being a slipping-accident-waiting-to-happen? A standard hard surface rug mat? Were there any moisture issues with that? Or did you treat it with rug backing like for latch-hook rugs? Ours will reside on bathroom grade floor tile (not the linoleum pictured).It is currently in use and every bit as squishy-soft as the pattern claims!
Specs: I have included my ladies size 10.5 feet in the photo for scale. I used a hodge-podge of yarn...this was a stash-busting project. I used 5 strands of worsted weight cotton--2 strands Peaches & Cream cream color, 1 strand P & C white, 1 strand Sugar & Cream white, and 1 strand white-ish recycled yarn from my cotton sweater from a mass retailer I will call O.N. 
Christmas Knitting a Hit!
My bro's family loved the log cabin throw (even though it was supposed to be a blanket)
and all the ladies loved the Warshcloth Sundaes!
You can read all about the pain and suffering on my blog at http://nautiknitter.wordpress.com. Thanks for all the support and encouragement on the darn blanket!
and all the ladies loved the Warshcloth Sundaes!
You can read all about the pain and suffering on my blog at http://nautiknitter.wordpress.com. Thanks for all the support and encouragement on the darn blanket!
More Log Cabin Fun
As promised...
These are log cabin panels that incorporate my grandmother's crochet work. I have only three of her crocheted squares, but I'm making the most of them. The log cabin panels might grow later on, but in the meantime I'm planning to make more of them in this size and turn them into a blanket. I don't know how to crochet, so the other center squares might just be a sampling of various knitting stitch patterns. We shall see!
These are log cabin panels that incorporate my grandmother's crochet work. I have only three of her crocheted squares, but I'm making the most of them. The log cabin panels might grow later on, but in the meantime I'm planning to make more of them in this size and turn them into a blanket. I don't know how to crochet, so the other center squares might just be a sampling of various knitting stitch patterns. We shall see!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Finished Log Cabin
It's done! Yay!
I love this. It's a nice little throw, just the right size if I want to keep my lap and knees warm while I'm hanging out at home (and knitting, of course). I put a thin, one-row "cro-Kay" edging on it, à la Kay from Mason-Dixon Knitting.
Next up: another log cabin, incorporating squares that my grandmother crocheted many years ago. She sent the squares to me after I learned to knit a couple of years ago, saying, "Maybe you can do something with these." And how! Pictures to come soon.
I love this. It's a nice little throw, just the right size if I want to keep my lap and knees warm while I'm hanging out at home (and knitting, of course). I put a thin, one-row "cro-Kay" edging on it, à la Kay from Mason-Dixon Knitting.
Next up: another log cabin, incorporating squares that my grandmother crocheted many years ago. She sent the squares to me after I learned to knit a couple of years ago, saying, "Maybe you can do something with these." And how! Pictures to come soon.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
plan for geometric squares blanket
I wanted to share my plan for a log cabin to cover my bedspread. Pattern is courtesy of the Woolly Thoughts people at www.woollythoughts.com - a variation on Tilting at Windmills.
Am dying to start but am currently working on a sweater which I promised myself I would finish first. SIGH.
Here is the yarn I'm using...
... and here is the proposed design:
Please wish me luck. Counting on good blankie vibes!
Kristina
http://knitwitsvengeance.blogspot.com
Am dying to start but am currently working on a sweater which I promised myself I would finish first. SIGH.
Here is the yarn I'm using...
... and here is the proposed design:
Please wish me luck. Counting on good blankie vibes!
Kristina
http://knitwitsvengeance.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Mistakes Become Design Element
Everytime I sit down to make the Ballband dishcloth, I make the same mistake: I keep knitting four slipping one. And since I cast on 39 stitches instead of 45 it comes out right. Then I end up tinking back and fixing my mistake. New Year's Eve I decided to just go with the mistake and see what would happen. I actually like the look of the "mistake" and it lies much flatter. I'll still continue to do the traditional cloth, but the mistake has found its way into my bag of patterns.Pam
