I have always heard that turning a heel of a sock is really satisfying, and until this morning, I had no idea what they were talking about!
Now, I have no idea why it’s so satisfying, but it really was!! It was a little exciting to tell you the truth!! It was so great watch the sock ‘turn’ and to be able to see that it really does become a heel!
As I am currently making my first ever socks (Neale’s Space Invaders Socks) finally reaching the end of the leg part and starting on the heel (a very confusing experience at first!!) I have no successfully turned one heel and am about to do the same with the other!! That way I can go on knitting them 2 at a time on 2 circulars. I still have to pick up the stitches for the gussets, but other than that I am on my way!!
I have decided that I quite like making socks!! I even have picked out some for my dad, sister and aunt!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Space Invaders Socks!!
I am currently working on some Space Invaders socks for Neale. I had originally decided to make them using 3.25mm needles, but I would have only have been able to fit about 4 space invaders across the sock, so I have gone down to 3mm needles and I can fit 6 space invaders across. I have finished the ribbing and am onto my 3rd line of chart. I am doing one sock with space invaders and the other one with a high score. I think I will make the high score as Neale’s birthday (290385) I just have to see if it will fit! The only other problem that I have faced is that the sock with the high score on it is only on one side, so to carry the wool along I have sort of improvised with a 5 stitch diagonal pattern. Like this:
W B B B B W B B B B
B W B B B B W B B B
B B W B B B B W B B
B B B W B B B B W B
B B B B W B B B B W
W B B B B W B B B B
B W B B B B W B B B
W = White stitch
B = Black stitch
So I hope that it looks ok….
Oh and for the sock pattern, I actually used Elizabeth Bennett’s Perl Sock Program which was suggested to me on Ravelry. As these are my first EVER socks, so far its all pretty easy, but I always need to make it harder (such as adding charts! lol)
Can’t wait to see how they look!!
W B B B B W B B B B
B W B B B B W B B B
B B W B B B B W B B
B B B W B B B B W B
B B B B W B B B B W
W B B B B W B B B B
B W B B B B W B B B
W = White stitch
B = Black stitch
So I hope that it looks ok….
Oh and for the sock pattern, I actually used Elizabeth Bennett’s Perl Sock Program which was suggested to me on Ravelry. As these are my first EVER socks, so far its all pretty easy, but I always need to make it harder (such as adding charts! lol)
Can’t wait to see how they look!!
I haven’t updated this in a couple of weeks I think… although I have been so busy lately it seems as though weeks and weeks have passed and it’s only been about one!
I bought some new wool! Well, I haven’t actually stopped :-/ I spent about $75 at BWM, then I also bought some funky Sean Sheep yarn from Big W. I have also bought so many new circulars I feel like I’m just spending money all the time!!
However, I have now finished the baby blanket for Fi and Craig! Unfortunately it’s actually a bit smaller than it was originally as I was running out of cotton to finish the edging. But overall I have to say that I’m really happy with how it turned out by using the double strands and larger needles! It’s blocking atm, but I’ll post some pics up of it soon.
I also made Kobi a skull beanie! I LOVE this pattern!! So easy, quick and just awesome to do! And it turned out really well if I do say so myself!! Now I have to make Dags one with the aboriginal flag and Cru is still deciding on his design.
I bought some new wool! Well, I haven’t actually stopped :-/ I spent about $75 at BWM, then I also bought some funky Sean Sheep yarn from Big W. I have also bought so many new circulars I feel like I’m just spending money all the time!!
However, I have now finished the baby blanket for Fi and Craig! Unfortunately it’s actually a bit smaller than it was originally as I was running out of cotton to finish the edging. But overall I have to say that I’m really happy with how it turned out by using the double strands and larger needles! It’s blocking atm, but I’ll post some pics up of it soon.
I also made Kobi a skull beanie! I LOVE this pattern!! So easy, quick and just awesome to do! And it turned out really well if I do say so myself!! Now I have to make Dags one with the aboriginal flag and Cru is still deciding on his design.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sexy Vesty - Almost Finished
Well, as I don't have Ravelry available to me at work anymore, looks like I will be updating my blog a bit more! lol
Last night I finished off the armhole shaping, cast off the 10sts for the actual armhole and began working on the left front piece. As of this morning I have no finished the left front piece and have made a start on the right front piece. I have to say that I am pretty happy with the mods in this one. I even tried the vest on this morning (praying that the sts wouldnt come off the needles) and it fit really well! The ribbing stretches right across my belly, but I'm hoping that once I get a chance to look in the mirror that it wont look too bad.
It currently has car hair in it, and I can't wait til I finish it so that I can get all of that pesky cat heair out of it!
This wook is really nice to work with. It's not itchy, its nice and thick and warm too! I'm so happy that Bendigo Woollen Mills bought out a 10ply in such lovely colours, because I have so many projects queued that call for 10ply!
Next on my project list however is a Skull and Cossbone beanie for my 5 year old nephew (that is when i do my next wool order!!) otherwise there is a cute sheep dog cushion I'm going to make to add to my 'hope chest' for future babies - mine or otherwise! lol!
*** btw - do you all like my cool progress bar on the side?! Special thanks to Bells for helping me with it! ***
Last night I finished off the armhole shaping, cast off the 10sts for the actual armhole and began working on the left front piece. As of this morning I have no finished the left front piece and have made a start on the right front piece. I have to say that I am pretty happy with the mods in this one. I even tried the vest on this morning (praying that the sts wouldnt come off the needles) and it fit really well! The ribbing stretches right across my belly, but I'm hoping that once I get a chance to look in the mirror that it wont look too bad.
It currently has car hair in it, and I can't wait til I finish it so that I can get all of that pesky cat heair out of it!
This wook is really nice to work with. It's not itchy, its nice and thick and warm too! I'm so happy that Bendigo Woollen Mills bought out a 10ply in such lovely colours, because I have so many projects queued that call for 10ply!
Next on my project list however is a Skull and Cossbone beanie for my 5 year old nephew (that is when i do my next wool order!!) otherwise there is a cute sheep dog cushion I'm going to make to add to my 'hope chest' for future babies - mine or otherwise! lol!
*** btw - do you all like my cool progress bar on the side?! Special thanks to Bells for helping me with it! ***
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sexy Vesty Mods
This is my latest project! I have made a few mods to this, so that it will fit me. I hope that others can use this for them as well.
Size: Large(ish) - 42-44" bust
MODS: (these are the changes, work everything else as it states in the pattern)
Cast on 200sts - this creates 2 additional lace patterns on the front and back - 4 total. This also enables you to keep the pattern centered.
Work pattern for 13" (more or less as you desire
I made it so that all of my decreases for the v neck and arm holes were done as much as I could in the round, so below are my pattern notes for this. Please note that when it says K you are actually continuing on in the pattern (eg K1, K2tog, K174, SSK, K1 - all of this is worked to the pattern to keep the lace correct).
Begin Neck and Armhole Mods
Slip 45sts over and join wool 180sts
1st Row: K1, SSK, K174, K2tog, K1 (-2sts) 178sts
2nd Row: P
3rd Row: K1, SSK, K168, K2tog, K1 (-2sts) 176sts
4th Row: P
5th Row: K1, SSK, K162, K2tog, K1 (-2sts) 174sts
6th Row: P
7th Row: K1, SSK, K156, K2tog, K1 (-2sts) 172sts
8th Row: P
Begin Armhole Shaping
1st Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K88, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 174sts
2nd Row: P
3rd Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K90, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 176sts
4th Row: P
5th Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K92, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 178sts
6th Row: P
7th Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K94, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 180sts
8th Row: P
9th Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K96, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 182sts
10th Row: P
11th Row: K1, SSK, K33, Cast off 10sts, K90, Cast off 10 sts, K33, K2tog, K1 (-22sts) 160sts
Work Left Front
1st Row: P
2nd Row: K32, SSK, K1 (-1st) 34sts
3rd Row: P
4th Row: K31, SSK, K1 (-1st) 33sts
5th Row: P
6th Row: K30, SSK, K1 (-1st) 32sts
7th Row: P
8th Row: K29, SSK, K1 (-1st) 31sts
9th Row: P
10th Row: K28, SSK, K1 (-1st) 30sts
11th Row: P
12th Row: K27, SSK, K1 (-1st) 29sts
13th Row: P
14th Row: K26, SSK, K1 (-1st) 28sts
15th Row: P
16th Row: K25, SSK, K1 (-1st) 27sts
17th Row: P
18th Row: K24, SSK, K1 (-1st) 26sts
19th Row: P
20th Row: K23, SSK, K1 (-1st) 25sts
21st Row: P
22nd Row: K22, SSK, K1 (-1st) 24sts
23rd Row: P
24th Row: K21, SSK, K1 (-1st) 23sts
25th Row: P
26th Row: K20, SSK, K1 (-1st) 22sts
27th Row: P
28th Row: K19, SSK, K1 (-1st) 21sts
29th Row: P
30th Row: K18, SSK, K1 (-1st) 20sts
31st Row: P
32nd Row: K17, SSK, K1 (-1st) 19sts
33rd Row: P
34th Row: K16, SSK, K1 (-1st) 18sts
35th Row: P
36th Row: K15, SSK, K1 (-1st) 17sts
37th Row: P
38th Row: K14, SSK, K1 (-1st) 16sts
39th Row: P
40th Row: K13, SSK, K1 (-1st) 15sts
Continue in pattern until the armhole measures 8” finishing with a P row. Put the remaining sts onto a stitch holder (or piece of thread) for later
Work Right Front
Join wool to the right front 35sts
1st Row: P
2nd Row: K1, K2tog, K32 (-1st) 34sts
3rd Row: P
4th Row: K1, K2tog, K31 (-1st) 33sts
5th Row: P
6th Row: K1, K2tog, K30 (-1st) 32sts
7th Row: P
8th Row: K1, K2tog, K29 (-1st) 31sts
9th Row: P
10th Row: K1, K2tog, K28 (-1st) 30sts
11th Row: P
12th Row: K1, K2tog, K27 (-1st) 29sts
13th Row: P
14th Row: K1, K2tog, K26 (-1st) 28sts
15th Row: P
16th Row: K1, K2tog, K25 (-1st) 27sts
17th Row: P
18th Row: K1, K2tog, K24 (-1st) 26sts
19th Row: P
20th Row: K1, K2tog, K23 (-1st) 25sts
21st Row: P
22nd Row: K1, K2tog, K22 (-1st) 24sts
23rd Row: P
24th Row: K1, K2tog, K21 (-1st) 23sts
25th Row: P
26th Row: K1, K2tog, K20 (-1st) 22sts
27th Row: P
28th Row: K1, K2tog, K19 (-1st) 21sts
29th Row: P
30th Row: K1, K2tog, K18 (-1st) 20sts
31st Row: P
32nd Row: K1, K2tog, K17 (-1st) 19sts
33rd Row: P
34th Row: K1, K2tog, K16 (-1st) 18sts
35th Row: P
36th Row: K1, K2tog, K15 (-1st) 17sts
37th Row: P
38th Row: K1, K2tog, K14 (-1st) 16sts
39th Row: P
40th Row: K1, K2tog, K13 (-1st) 15sts
Continue in pattern until the armhole measures 9” finishing with a P row. Put the remaining sts onto a stitch holder (or piece of thread) for later.
Size: Large(ish) - 42-44" bust
MODS: (these are the changes, work everything else as it states in the pattern)
Cast on 200sts - this creates 2 additional lace patterns on the front and back - 4 total. This also enables you to keep the pattern centered.
Work pattern for 13" (more or less as you desire
I made it so that all of my decreases for the v neck and arm holes were done as much as I could in the round, so below are my pattern notes for this. Please note that when it says K you are actually continuing on in the pattern (eg K1, K2tog, K174, SSK, K1 - all of this is worked to the pattern to keep the lace correct).
Begin Neck and Armhole Mods
Slip 45sts over and join wool 180sts
1st Row: K1, SSK, K174, K2tog, K1 (-2sts) 178sts
2nd Row: P
3rd Row: K1, SSK, K168, K2tog, K1 (-2sts) 176sts
4th Row: P
5th Row: K1, SSK, K162, K2tog, K1 (-2sts) 174sts
6th Row: P
7th Row: K1, SSK, K156, K2tog, K1 (-2sts) 172sts
8th Row: P
Begin Armhole Shaping
1st Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K88, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 174sts
2nd Row: P
3rd Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K90, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 176sts
4th Row: P
5th Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K92, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 178sts
6th Row: P
7th Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K94, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 180sts
8th Row: P
9th Row: K1, SSK, K37, Inc in next 2sts, K96, Inc in next 2 sts, K37, K2tog, K1 (+2sts) 182sts
10th Row: P
11th Row: K1, SSK, K33, Cast off 10sts, K90, Cast off 10 sts, K33, K2tog, K1 (-22sts) 160sts
Work Left Front
1st Row: P
2nd Row: K32, SSK, K1 (-1st) 34sts
3rd Row: P
4th Row: K31, SSK, K1 (-1st) 33sts
5th Row: P
6th Row: K30, SSK, K1 (-1st) 32sts
7th Row: P
8th Row: K29, SSK, K1 (-1st) 31sts
9th Row: P
10th Row: K28, SSK, K1 (-1st) 30sts
11th Row: P
12th Row: K27, SSK, K1 (-1st) 29sts
13th Row: P
14th Row: K26, SSK, K1 (-1st) 28sts
15th Row: P
16th Row: K25, SSK, K1 (-1st) 27sts
17th Row: P
18th Row: K24, SSK, K1 (-1st) 26sts
19th Row: P
20th Row: K23, SSK, K1 (-1st) 25sts
21st Row: P
22nd Row: K22, SSK, K1 (-1st) 24sts
23rd Row: P
24th Row: K21, SSK, K1 (-1st) 23sts
25th Row: P
26th Row: K20, SSK, K1 (-1st) 22sts
27th Row: P
28th Row: K19, SSK, K1 (-1st) 21sts
29th Row: P
30th Row: K18, SSK, K1 (-1st) 20sts
31st Row: P
32nd Row: K17, SSK, K1 (-1st) 19sts
33rd Row: P
34th Row: K16, SSK, K1 (-1st) 18sts
35th Row: P
36th Row: K15, SSK, K1 (-1st) 17sts
37th Row: P
38th Row: K14, SSK, K1 (-1st) 16sts
39th Row: P
40th Row: K13, SSK, K1 (-1st) 15sts
Continue in pattern until the armhole measures 8” finishing with a P row. Put the remaining sts onto a stitch holder (or piece of thread) for later
Work Right Front
Join wool to the right front 35sts
1st Row: P
2nd Row: K1, K2tog, K32 (-1st) 34sts
3rd Row: P
4th Row: K1, K2tog, K31 (-1st) 33sts
5th Row: P
6th Row: K1, K2tog, K30 (-1st) 32sts
7th Row: P
8th Row: K1, K2tog, K29 (-1st) 31sts
9th Row: P
10th Row: K1, K2tog, K28 (-1st) 30sts
11th Row: P
12th Row: K1, K2tog, K27 (-1st) 29sts
13th Row: P
14th Row: K1, K2tog, K26 (-1st) 28sts
15th Row: P
16th Row: K1, K2tog, K25 (-1st) 27sts
17th Row: P
18th Row: K1, K2tog, K24 (-1st) 26sts
19th Row: P
20th Row: K1, K2tog, K23 (-1st) 25sts
21st Row: P
22nd Row: K1, K2tog, K22 (-1st) 24sts
23rd Row: P
24th Row: K1, K2tog, K21 (-1st) 23sts
25th Row: P
26th Row: K1, K2tog, K20 (-1st) 22sts
27th Row: P
28th Row: K1, K2tog, K19 (-1st) 21sts
29th Row: P
30th Row: K1, K2tog, K18 (-1st) 20sts
31st Row: P
32nd Row: K1, K2tog, K17 (-1st) 19sts
33rd Row: P
34th Row: K1, K2tog, K16 (-1st) 18sts
35th Row: P
36th Row: K1, K2tog, K15 (-1st) 17sts
37th Row: P
38th Row: K1, K2tog, K14 (-1st) 16sts
39th Row: P
40th Row: K1, K2tog, K13 (-1st) 15sts
Continue in pattern until the armhole measures 9” finishing with a P row. Put the remaining sts onto a stitch holder (or piece of thread) for later.
Back
Work the back as stated in original pattern notes until you reach the part where you need to transfer the centre sts.
Left Shoulder
1st Row: K28sts, K2tog (-1st) 29sts (place the next 30sts onto st holder) turn work and continue on these 29sts
1st Row: K28sts, K2tog (-1st) 29sts (place the next 30sts onto st holder) turn work and continue on these 29sts
2nd Row: P2tog, P to end (-1st) 28sts
3rd Row: K26sts, K2tog (-1st) 27sts
4th Row: P2tog, P to end (-1st) 26sts
5th Row: K24sts, K2tog (-1st) 25sts
6th Row: P2tog, P to end (-1st) 24sts
7th Row: K22sts, K2tog (-1st) 23sts
8th Row: P2tog, P to end (-1st) 22sts
9th Row: K20sts, K2tog (-1st) 21sts
10th Row: P2tog, P to end (-1st) 20sts
11th Row: K18sts, K2tog (-1st) 19sts
12th Row: P2tog, P to end (-1st) 18sts
13th Row: K16sts, K2tog (-1st) 17sts
14th Row: P2tog, P to end (-1st) 16sts
15th Row:K14sts, K2tog (-1st) 15sts
16th Row: P
Right Shoulder
Join wool to remaining 30sts
1st Row: K2tog, K to end (-1st) 29sts - turn work and continue on these 29sts
2nd Row: P27sts, K2tog (-1st) 28sts
3rd Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 27sts
4th Row: P25sts, K2tog (-1st) 26sts
5th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 25sts
6th Row: P23sts, K2tog (-1st) 24sts
7th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 23sts
8th Row: P21sts, K2tog (-1st) 22sts
9th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 21sts
10th Row: P19sts, K2tog (-1st) 20sts
11th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 19sts
12th Row: P17sts, K2tog (-1st) 18sts
13th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 17sts
14th Row:P15sts, K2tog (-1st) 16sts
15th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 15sts
2nd Row: P27sts, K2tog (-1st) 28sts
3rd Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 27sts
4th Row: P25sts, K2tog (-1st) 26sts
5th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 25sts
6th Row: P23sts, K2tog (-1st) 24sts
7th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 23sts
8th Row: P21sts, K2tog (-1st) 22sts
9th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 21sts
10th Row: P19sts, K2tog (-1st) 20sts
11th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 19sts
12th Row: P17sts, K2tog (-1st) 18sts
13th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 17sts
14th Row:P15sts, K2tog (-1st) 16sts
15th Row: K2tog, P to end (-1st) 15sts
I also reccommend that when working on the armhole ribbing to cast off with larger needles :)
I really hope this all helps and makes sense. Please comment here or on Ravelry if you need any clarification.
Sexy Vesty while being blocked
Update!
Ok, So it's been a while since I have updated, and I would love to add some piccies, but will have to add them in later as my work sucks and i can't acess my flicker account (or even ravelry anymore!!)
So, I have made:
Bunny Ears
These were made for a work Easter competition - which we didnt win lol
Slippers
Like the ones Dorothy used to make for us as kids, but I used 3 strands of 8 play wool and bigger needles so that I didnt have to knit so much.
Argyle Vest
I have started this, and it takes a while to get throug, but I am about halfway to the V Neck shaping of the front and really like the way its turning out - just wish it wouldnt take so long!
Cotton Spiral Baby Blanket
I have made this for Fi & Craig's Baby. I have almost finished, just need to do the crocheted edging, although that's gonna take forever. But it looks quite cute and its really soft! Then it just needs to be blocked.
Blueberry Shetland Shorty
I have made another one! This one has more mods to my original mods and i love this one so much! If I make another one, these are the mods that I would use!
*phew* That's a lot of projects!!
So, I have made:
Bunny Ears
These were made for a work Easter competition - which we didnt win lol
Slippers
Like the ones Dorothy used to make for us as kids, but I used 3 strands of 8 play wool and bigger needles so that I didnt have to knit so much.
Argyle Vest
I have started this, and it takes a while to get throug, but I am about halfway to the V Neck shaping of the front and really like the way its turning out - just wish it wouldnt take so long!
Cotton Spiral Baby Blanket
I have made this for Fi & Craig's Baby. I have almost finished, just need to do the crocheted edging, although that's gonna take forever. But it looks quite cute and its really soft! Then it just needs to be blocked.
Blueberry Shetland Shorty
I have made another one! This one has more mods to my original mods and i love this one so much! If I make another one, these are the mods that I would use!
Sexy Vesty
I am working on this one now! Its so fast to knit!! I have made a few mods as its a larger size - but I will post these in a separate post.
*phew* That's a lot of projects!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
More Projects!
I just can't stop knitting!!
I have finished the Scoodie. I have put some pics in below.
I like this pattern so much, I am even making another one for my Aunt. Here is her Scoodie. This should be good for when she is in Scotland later on in the year. I am making it in the wool below.
I have also started working on a new vest! It's the Le Lapin Noir but I am making some changes to it:
* Turning it into a Vest
* Only having 3cm of ribbing
* Using different wool and needles
I am making it in Plum, Soft Plum and Almond:
I know I didnt want to have too many projexts going at once, but with this vest its just too hard to do it at work in my lunch break because I have over 30 bobbins of wool that I am currently using!!
I have finished the Scoodie. I have put some pics in below.
I like this pattern so much, I am even making another one for my Aunt. Here is her Scoodie. This should be good for when she is in Scotland later on in the year. I am making it in the wool below.
I have also started working on a new vest! It's the Le Lapin Noir but I am making some changes to it:
* Turning it into a Vest
* Only having 3cm of ribbing
* Using different wool and needles
I am making it in Plum, Soft Plum and Almond:
I know I didnt want to have too many projexts going at once, but with this vest its just too hard to do it at work in my lunch break because I have over 30 bobbins of wool that I am currently using!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Busy Busy Busy
Well, even though I havent posted anything for a while, I have actually been very busy knitting!! I have finished 2 projects and am about 60% through the third!
I made the Cardigan for Merry for Vanessa's 1st birthday in blueberry from Bendigo Wool. You can have a look at the progress here. but here is the pic for it:
I have also finished the Shetland Shorty (and I am in fact wearing it right now!!) You can see my ravelry page on it here. I have also placed a picture of it below - its not the best, but you get the idea!
I am currently working on the Scarf Hoodie. You can see my progress here, but I wont put up any pics until its finished :)
I made the Cardigan for Merry for Vanessa's 1st birthday in blueberry from Bendigo Wool. You can have a look at the progress here. but here is the pic for it:
I have also finished the Shetland Shorty (and I am in fact wearing it right now!!) You can see my ravelry page on it here. I have also placed a picture of it below - its not the best, but you get the idea!
I am currently working on the Scarf Hoodie. You can see my progress here, but I wont put up any pics until its finished :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Helping out the Bushfire Victims
Now that I have finished my Vest, I have started making sqaures for the Friendship Blankets. I am knitting these on a diagonal, in the hopes that I wont get too bored with the straight knitting. At this stage my goal is to do 5 squares, as I am hoping that I won't get too bored with them.
I have started one square this morning, and have already done 10cm on it. It didn't take long at all, but as I will be continually increasing stitches, there is going to be more and more that I will need to knit. I am doing the first square in multi-coloured wool (blues, purples, pinks) and so far it's looking pretty funky!
Stitch & Bitch
On Saturday I went out on a limb, took a risk and went out to Tuggeranong to the Southside meetup of Stitch & Bitch.
It was definately a great idea!!
I met up with about 7 other knitters, all of whom were so friendly! We all sat around the tables knitting, drinking coffee, eating and talking about different wools and other knitting related things! It was so much fun, and so great to meet up with other like minded people!! I really can't wait for the next one, so I'm going to check out the one in the City! Not sure when it is, but will double check!
Most people were making squares for the Friendship Blankets for the victims of the Victorian Bushfire Disaster. I wanted to finish my vest before I started on my squares.
It was definately a great idea!!
I met up with about 7 other knitters, all of whom were so friendly! We all sat around the tables knitting, drinking coffee, eating and talking about different wools and other knitting related things! It was so much fun, and so great to meet up with other like minded people!! I really can't wait for the next one, so I'm going to check out the one in the City! Not sure when it is, but will double check!
Most people were making squares for the Friendship Blankets for the victims of the Victorian Bushfire Disaster. I wanted to finish my vest before I started on my squares.
My First Vest!
I have finally made something for me! Usually I am making things for other people, but this time I have made myself a vest!
I finished it off last night. Although it's not perfect, and didn't come out exactly how I wanted, I am still quite proud of it!
I am wearing at the moment at work, and it is so deliciously warm! I have so many other vest projects that I want to make, I just can't wait to get started!!
Here is a picture of what I have made:
It came out a lot looser than what I had wanted, but i think it still looks pretty good. The next vest I make will be more of a tighter fit.
Now Kai is making the same one, but in a Periwinkle Blue! I can't wait to see what it looks like!! She is making it a size smaller than it says that she should make, so i think it will look really good as a 'tighter' fit!
I finished it off last night. Although it's not perfect, and didn't come out exactly how I wanted, I am still quite proud of it!
I am wearing at the moment at work, and it is so deliciously warm! I have so many other vest projects that I want to make, I just can't wait to get started!!
Here is a picture of what I have made:
It came out a lot looser than what I had wanted, but i think it still looks pretty good. The next vest I make will be more of a tighter fit.
Now Kai is making the same one, but in a Periwinkle Blue! I can't wait to see what it looks like!! She is making it a size smaller than it says that she should make, so i think it will look really good as a 'tighter' fit!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Different Fibres
I have been hunting down for some information on the different wool/fibre types as mentioned in my last post, and i came across a good article today by accident!
The article is A Guide to Yarn Substitution by Jody Pirrello and is located at Knotions, a new website I found through Ravelry today.
These are a few things that it had to say:
The article is A Guide to Yarn Substitution by Jody Pirrello and is located at Knotions, a new website I found through Ravelry today.
These are a few things that it had to say:
Animal-Based Fibers
Wool
100% wool yarns have a good resiliency and retain their shape well. They are also very absorbent – making wool a great choice for garments that will be worn outside in the harsh elements. Due to its loft, wool yarn tends to be lighter in weight than other animal- and plant-fibers.
If the garment was made with a particular breed of sheep – e.g. Merino or Shetland – keep this in mind too. The short staple, smoothness of a merino or the long staple, grabbiness of a Shetland yarn will also play an important role in your substitution.
Alpaca
Sometimes called “poor man’s cashmere”, alpaca is a soft fiber, weightier than wool and with a beautiful drape. This drape also translates to a lack of elasticity – ribbing and cables will flatten out because alpaca doesn’t retain its shape well. Alpaca is also known for its warmth – the hollow core of alpaca fiber makes it very insulating and much warmer than a garment made of wool.
Cashmere
Known as one of the most luxurious fibers, cashmere is super-soft fiber with great insulating properties. Similar to alpaca, cashmere has a lovely drape and lacks elasticity – ribbing and cables won’t stand up in a cashmere yarn. Its short staple length – the length of the fiber before spinning – makes it susceptible to pilling as well.
Plant-Based Fibers
Cotton
Like most plant-based fibers, cotton is a non-insulating fiber with a much greater weight than its animal-based counterparts. Garments made in cotton will weigh more than garments made in a wool. If you’re in a warmer climate and looking for a substitute for wool, consider a blend instead to give you the coolness of cotton without all the weight.
Linen and Hemp
As with cotton, linen and hemp are warmer weather yarns that lack elasticity. These fibers are lighter in weight than cotton though, and they also have a lovely drape. Linen and hemp yarns are typically wet spun, giving them an almost string-like feel when knitting it up. Some knitters find the texture of these fibers to be very hard on their hands and wrists, so try out a hank before committing to a whole project. One of my favorite FOs is a linen skirt I made last year and I found the effort outweighs the final product – after wearing it I just drop it in the hamper and wash and dry it like I do my jeans and t-shirts. With each wash and dry the yarn fluffs up and softens beautifully.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an absorbent fiber with a high sheen, and a drapey silkiness. It tends to be a heavier fiber, and garments may benefit from using this fiber as part of a blend. Scarves, stoles and wraps are excellent choices for bamboo when it’s not paired with another fiber.
Soy
Another warm weather alternative, soy yarns have high sheen and great drape. As you may have noticed by now, great drape is often at the price of elasticity, and soy yarns tend to be inelastic.
Selecting a Suitable Substitution
Now that you have the basics outlined for you – gauge, fiber, weight, and ply – you may find several options worth considering. You know what’s coming next, right? Swatch, swatch, swatch.
Knit up a good-sized swatch (at least 3-4 inches wide and tall) in the same method you plan to knit (flat or in the round). Measure it straight off the needles, and then launder it the way you’ll launder the finished item. After it’s dry, measure it again. Why measure twice? If the gauge changes dramatically after washing you’ll need to take it into account while knitting. Otherwise, the first time you wash your garment it will completely change its shape.
If you’re looking for an easy care garment, many yarns are washable even though they state “hand wash only” on their labels, so this is the time to give it a try. Often I find that a yarn is washable but it loses some length in the process (often as much as 20%). I compensate by adding the length while knitting so the final garment is the right dimensions.
One other note about swatching – please, please do not edge your swatches in garter stitch! They make pretty swatches, but garter stitch has a compressed row gauge and can alter the row gauge on your swatch. The best swatch is one that just uses the stitch you’re swatching. Washing and blocking will help battle the curl of stockinette, and you can always pin in place for measuring.
Similarly, measuring too close to the bound off edge can give you a skewed gauge measurement as well, so a larger swatch is a safer bet.
Once you’ve selected a yarn and you’ve started your project, make sure you listen to your intuition. Check your gauge throughout the project, match it to the schematic, and if something doesn’t seem right, listen to that little voice and consider your options. If I’m concerned about how a piece is coming out, I’ll put it on some waste yarn and wash it to see how the finished piece looks. Often this is enough to give me the confidence that I’m on the right path. And if I’m not, it might be just the excuse I need for another trip to the local yarn store.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The right wool
It has only been fairly recently that I have come to realise how much the right kind of wool can affect your work.
While cheap wool is... well, cheap, it doesn't always give you the outcome that you wanted.
I always used the cheaper acrylic wool (eg Carnival) for my knitted toys, it was inexpensive and I didnt really need anything else. However, now that I am making clothes and such, the right kind of wool really does matter!
The right kind of wool can make the biggest difference to your work! 2 different brands of wool might both be labeled as 4ply, but they can look so different as finished products.
I have really come to notice this, but the problem is always having the money to pay the extra amount for the right kind of wool... I have found that it is generally always more expensive, but now I look at how much better my work would look if i used it.
A friend of mine from Trazling (and also Ravelry) has sent through so many links to online stores, including the mills where you can buy the brand name wools direct - meaning that it saves you money!!
The only other challenge I face now, is trying to understand what the different kinds of wool are... there are so many forms and variations, I need to know what they are and what the differences are...
The only problem is, I don't know where to start!!
While cheap wool is... well, cheap, it doesn't always give you the outcome that you wanted.
I always used the cheaper acrylic wool (eg Carnival) for my knitted toys, it was inexpensive and I didnt really need anything else. However, now that I am making clothes and such, the right kind of wool really does matter!
The right kind of wool can make the biggest difference to your work! 2 different brands of wool might both be labeled as 4ply, but they can look so different as finished products.
I have really come to notice this, but the problem is always having the money to pay the extra amount for the right kind of wool... I have found that it is generally always more expensive, but now I look at how much better my work would look if i used it.
A friend of mine from Trazling (and also Ravelry) has sent through so many links to online stores, including the mills where you can buy the brand name wools direct - meaning that it saves you money!!
The only other challenge I face now, is trying to understand what the different kinds of wool are... there are so many forms and variations, I need to know what they are and what the differences are...
The only problem is, I don't know where to start!!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Getting the blog up and running
Well, I thought it was probably a good idea to start a little bit of a blog about my knitting exploits.
I'm currently surfing Ravelry one of the best sites I have been introduced to in a long time! Althought at this stage I seem to be finding more things to make, rather than actually knitting...
But then that could have something to do with the weather too!! I always seem to get really into the knitting over summer... You would think that the 35 degree heat would really put me off!!
Anyway, I suppose I should put a bit about me in here!
I am 24, although don't let me age fool you. Not to sound conceited, but there isn't a pattern I can't do! I have been knitting since my mother taught me at age 6 - and I haven't stopped! I have entered craft competitions and come out as "Champion"... sounds a bit like I'm blowing my own horn doesn't it!!
Well, anyway, I have taught a few of my friends how to knit (among other things) and I love having our little 'crafty' days :)
Anyway, I started out making the usual things that a child makes... tea cosies!! lol I then started making bags, mittens, oddly shaped dolls and then when I hit about 14 I discovered Jean Greenhowe and began knitting dolls like crazy!! After a while I realised that I had no idea what to do with all the dolls as they were building up and decided to start knitting more 'practical' things... such as clothes... for babies, children and adults!
So here I am, surrounded by wool, needles, patterns and many ideas!
What to do next!
I'm currently surfing Ravelry one of the best sites I have been introduced to in a long time! Althought at this stage I seem to be finding more things to make, rather than actually knitting...
But then that could have something to do with the weather too!! I always seem to get really into the knitting over summer... You would think that the 35 degree heat would really put me off!!
Anyway, I suppose I should put a bit about me in here!
I am 24, although don't let me age fool you. Not to sound conceited, but there isn't a pattern I can't do! I have been knitting since my mother taught me at age 6 - and I haven't stopped! I have entered craft competitions and come out as "Champion"... sounds a bit like I'm blowing my own horn doesn't it!!
Well, anyway, I have taught a few of my friends how to knit (among other things) and I love having our little 'crafty' days :)
Anyway, I started out making the usual things that a child makes... tea cosies!! lol I then started making bags, mittens, oddly shaped dolls and then when I hit about 14 I discovered Jean Greenhowe and began knitting dolls like crazy!! After a while I realised that I had no idea what to do with all the dolls as they were building up and decided to start knitting more 'practical' things... such as clothes... for babies, children and adults!
So here I am, surrounded by wool, needles, patterns and many ideas!
What to do next!
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