Instant Gratification
I recently finished a HUGE project. I can’t say anything more for now because the recipiant still hasn’t recieved it, but suffice to say it took lots of time and project monogamy to complete. I love finishing a long, drawn-out project, but there is much to be said for those instant gratification projects! At the end of this project, I needed something good and quick to make me feel better about this whole yarn craft. So voila! Enter, ice cream cozie!
Pattern: myfairkatie
Yarn: Cascade 220 and size 6 circs
Kind of un-necessary you would think, but I’m actually really enjoying it! I keep it on the ice cream in the freezer, but it doesn’t get cold so my hands are saved when I eat it! Genius! And a great way to use up scraps of wool.
Knitting Gloves - Try Your Hand At It
I started feeling like I wasn’t progressing my knitting skills and challenges at a rate equal to my 5 years of knitting time - no real sweaters, no socks - and in my mind, those are like knitting staples. I tried to find a sweater I could commit to, with no luck. I researched sock books and found some that looked promising, only to realize I don’t even wear socks all that much and wasn’t all that interested yet anyway. Then I found Knitting New Mittens and Gloves by Robin Melanson and found the answer: gloves!
Having never made gloves before, I thought I’d start it simple: fingerless gloves. Never sure if I actually like their fashion statement, but they sure are quick and simple to knit up. I started with the Filligree pattern, and made the short ones. I also learned the “Magic Loop” method of knitting, explained in my post below. I love my double-points still, but this method is quite catchy. It’s also a little pricey to invest in, so I won’t have my full set just yet, but I have sizes 2, 3, 5, and 6 to keep me busy for now.
Made with: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Taupe, on size 5 Knit Picks Harmony 40″ needles. I made mine with 1 extra pattern repeat for a little added length, a decision I think I regret now but oh well. The hardest part is adding the blanket stitch around the thumb opening - not fun at all! I’m on my second pair now (still have more of the yarn to use up!) I’m making them for my friend Lauren, in the shortened version. Here they are on the long circ:
Almost done with the second glove - hope she likes them as much as I do!
Up next: full gloves! I’m using the Strata glove pattern in the same book, which involves 6 gloves in all: regular gloves, short-fingered gloves, and fingerless gloves, with the intention of being able to layer them. I’ll keep you posted!
Magic Loop Knitting
Time to set aside the double pointed needles for a while and give something else a try: the so-called “Magic Loop”! Have to say - I do love it! It took some getting used to, but I’m getting there. I like the idea of it for sure, especially from a portability stand point. I love my DPNs, but they really are a hassle to travel with - the magic loop doesn’t have that problem! And the best feature I still have yet to figure out, but you can make 2-at-a-time projects (ie: socks, gloves, mittens) which banishes the so-called “second sock syndrome.” By making both the left and right at the same time, you finish them both together and will end up with matching lengths! Genius, albeit a bit confusing with 2 balls of yarn going on 2 separate pieces. I’ll get there.
To do the magic loop, you will need one long circular needle in the size for your project. I went with purchasing 40″ size 2 and 3 Knit Picks Harmony Wood needles, as well as a 40″ cable and sizes 5 and 6 Harmony tips. I am very happy with these needles, and can’t wait to buy the whole set! They have really great grip on slippery yarn and I always love wood needles. They are a bit pricey, but a whole lot cheaper than Addi turbos or other similar 40″ circs. The following video got me started, so take a look!
Continental Scarf - Learn it too!
So many months ago, I posted a video about learning how to knit and purl in the “continental” method, or picking, as opposed to the “American” or throwing method. Apparently I watched the first couple minutes of the video, thought it was interesting enough to put on my blog, and then lost interest in the subject. Well I was recently inspired to learn for real - and that video is so helpful!
The background: Over 3 years ago, about a year after learning to knit, I was in Lake Tahoe with my family for Christmas. While there we discovered 3 Dog Knit, a yarn shop, and loaded up with some supplies for the cold winter nights. My stepmom bought me this beautiful chocolate brown, super soft yarn. I couldn’t wait to make it into a scarf! But everytime I tried to work with it, something wasn’t right - the needles, the width, the stitch. I just loved that yarn too much. It had to be perfect. I finally settled on a width and decided to make it using seed stitch, to even out the bumpy texture of the yarn.
The problem? I HATE actually doing seed stitch. So for the past 3 years, this project has been on my needles. I’d do about a row or two, and want to put it away. Needless to say, the scarf wasn’t getting any closer to being done at that rate. I wanted to start new things, but felt guilty with this stunning yarn going to waste in the drawer. It was time to take it on for real.
The solution? Continental! With the continental or picking method, this scarf flew by in one day! I went from less than half a scarf in 3 years, to a completed scarf in one (long) determined night. But it’s done!
Yarn: Gedifra Serano on size 13 needles.
C’est magnifique! It is beyond cuddly…too bad summer is around the corner, but now I know it will be waiting to cuddle me come fall. The picture doesn’t do the lovely chocolate goodness justice. Perseverance, and continental, paid off! It only took a few rows to feel comfortable with switching knit and purls in this method, and so much less fuss than throwing.
Ravelry - Get On It!
If you are an avid knitter or crocheter, and read any blogs or listen to any podcasts, you have CERTAINLY heard of the amazingness that is RAVELRY. If you haven’t heard of it, wake up! Ravelry is so incredible, and completely to blame for my lack of blog updates recently. I’m UberOrange, please look me up and add me as your friend!
It is so many things, I can’t cover them all. My favorites?
- The perfect online tool for organizing your yarn, hooks, needles and projects.
- An amazing source of patterns, both free and for purchase.
- A simple way to see other people who have made a project, so you can see how a project looks made in different yarns and by different people. Priceless when it comes to making project decisions.
- An easy way to talk to other crafters and get help with projects
- The perfect way to become a new designer. I’m even one!
- Great pattern and book library, to organize your stash and browse others.
I can’t say enough about Ravelry other than to get on it yourself! It takes a little patience to get on the list, but so worth it. And the site itself has so much to it, it can seem a little daunting, but it is addictive once you start. And be sure to set up a Flickr account if you don’t already have one, otherwise no way to put pictures on your site.
www.ravelry.com
Back to Knitting - A Knit Blanket
Christmas was a busy time for my poor wrists - I just love to make gifts for people instead of buying them, so I was mighty busy. My biggest undertaking was certainly the blanket for my mom. I had wanted to make her one for a long time and decided Christmas was the right time. I used one of those simple quick-knit afghan pattern books from Michaels, and was very happy with the results. It was made on size 13 circular needles, using 2 strands of the new Simply Soft Heathers in Deep Plum.
The color doesn’t show very accurately in the photo, but it is a beautiful deep purple color. Below is a close up of the detail. It was a total hit. (= Blankets are a lot of work, but surely worth the effort.
Another Secret Keeper
So I know I’ve made 2 already, but here’s a third for the perfect trifecta - my other friend had a birthday and needed a bed buddy of her own. (= Every girl needs one really, so pick up a copy of Naughty Needles and make your own! This one is to-be-named still, but oh so cute!
The hot pink feet and spikey hair really make this one a keeper in my book! Plus I did a combination of Simply Soft Bulky and a novelty yarn - very cute. Felt beak, eyes and wings complete the look. Make it your own!
Finally finished! Cabled Hobo Purse
So it took me seemingly forever, but the cabled purse I have been promising is finally complete! And I’m just so happy with it. Funny story about this purse: I was at my local yarn store making an exchange, when I saw a cabled purse hanging that looked similar to one I had a pattern for. I picked out some beautiful Alpaca Yarn (by Berroco) in a dark green color. It is similar to Cascade 220, but different fiber content. I came home, hunted frantically for that pattern, and when I finally found it, I had magically picked the exact yarn (color excepted) that the pattern called for! It was pretty exciting - I am one of those that rarely uses the right yarn purposely, let alone by chance. I tell you, this purse was meant to be!
So this was my first cabling adventure - and for those of you that have only admired cables from afar, try it! It is so much easier than it looks, making you very impressive. Once you get the idea, it is just fun and breaks up the monotony of stockinette. The only drag is when you get to the gusset, because that gets a little boring, but it is worth it. I also made mine with a changable handle by adding snap closures to the gusset instead of sewing it closed. I don’t really like the handle right now, but will be making a perfect chocolate brown one soon, so I needed a way to switch it out. Very exciting, or at least I think so. I will definitely be lining this as well, but I bet it would be interesting on slightly larger needles with light felting. Experiment! And certainly give cables a go.
Pattern from: Berroco
Knit Log Cabin Style
While talking about knitting log cabin style may cause you to imagine yourself curled up in a comfy chair with a fire roaring in the fireplace, in some cozy cabin in the woods, it’s actually a technique! A friend of mine just completed a baby blanket in that style, so I decided to tackle it myself. I was just playing around with the style, using up some random bits of Sugar n Cream to make a dish cloth in this style. I made 2 pieces and attached them together, because the backside didn’t turn out so pretty. Gotta perfect my stitch pick-up technique.
For directions on this technique, see the Mason-Dixon Knitting site. Scroll about half way down to the section called “This Old Log Cabin.” The site is really great - take some time to explore the other posts.
The basic technique is just knitting a small piece, then turning and picking up stitches along its end, knitting some rows, and doing it again - bind off, turn, pick up stitches, knit. It’s a fun way to keep it interesting and use up scraps of color. I think I’m going to be doing this quite a bit to make those bins of yarn I have shrink!
Go Green! With a knit beverage sleeve
Hopefully by now you’ve heard how we all need to do our part to turn our environmental crisis around - if you haven’t, it’s time to start thinking about what you can do. Join the Green movement!
It may seem silly, but with Starbucks on every corner and the daily needs that people have for coffee, why not knit your very own drink sleeve so you don’t have to use the paper ones that come with your drink? Not only does it work better than the paper ones and keeps your drink hotter for longer, you can save some waste while looking stylish. (=
Knits up super fast and so far I’ve gotten a lot of unexpected compliments on it. I’ll probably be making them for everyone I know. All you have to do is slip it in your purse, backpack, briefcase, car, or whatever else you have with you day to day (or make many and keep them everywhere!) so you always have one handy.
I make mine from Sassy Stripes, a fabulous, self-striping light (3) weight yarn. It can sometimes be tricky to track down, but I’ve found it at some Michael’s. Sometimes it is a little frustrating to not be in control of how it stripes, but it sure beats changing colors and is kinda fun to constantly be surprised as to what color is coming next. I also found that the green pattern is the best, as it starts and ends with seed stitch, which helps with the rolling, as does the crochet lash yarn border (I trimmed the edges so you aren’t drinking fur!)
Pattern from: Mag Knits
I changed the pattern quite a bit, but certainly got the idea from this site. I found that 50 stitches made it too loose, but then I didn’t check my gauge either.
When your drink sleeve inspires you to go green in other ways, check out these sites I found about how else you can play your part - we only have one planet - let’s make it better!
Knit A Bed Buddy!
Meet Bob the Asian and Harry Gnu. Bob is my friend Colleen’s bed buddy, and Harry is mine. These guys have fancy little pockets to hold your bedtime necessities - such as my felted eye mask! (= Convenient, huh? A functional stuffed animal to decorate your bed! The best part, is the fun you and some felt can have making the face - we even improvised and made some wings for little Harry.
Bob:
Harry:
The pattern for these adorable, owl-like creatures is from Naughty Needles. Bob and Harry both have secrets, but you’ll have to buy the book to find out what it is. (= A girl can’t tell all of her secrets.
Discover Knitty.com
If you don’t already know about this site, I’m about the rock your yarn world. The best patterns (and completely free!!) and great articles. My newest favorite article is here, and is about why do we always start beginners with scarves, when they take forever and are completely repetitive! I don’t even like making scarves because they reach that point about half-way through where they never seem to get longer. (=
But devote some time to checking out this site: Knitty