A-line Skirt from Vogue Knitting (Spring/Summer 2006)

I fell in love with this pattern a year ago but I didn't have the guts to knit it then. It took a while, it made me curse and rip and drive around the town to find the perfect yarn for embroidery. I love the skirt but I would not knit another one. More thoughts and explanations below.

The specs:

Yarn: Dale of Norway "Stork" - turquoise and white (5 and 1 ball respectively).
Needles: Size 1 bamboo and circular. I believe the difference between those two types of needles was about 0.25 mm.
Cast on: May, 2007
Finished: June, 2007

Notes on yarn, ribbon and needle size

Original pattern calls for Koigu KPM which in my opinion is too warm for hot summer days. Therefore I looked for a cotton or linen blend and decided to give Stork a try. After knitting with it I'd recommend some other cotton yarn that has more twist to it. I'd try Rowan 4 Ply Cotton for example.

The pattern calls for size 3 (3.25 mm) needles, I needed to go down to size 1 to obtain gauge.

I wasn't paying attention and used 5 mm ribbon, which turned out to be a bit too wide. Don't make the same mistake;)

Pattern modifications

I followed the instructions for the smallest size until the last stripe. I skipped the increases and decreases since I did not like the puffiness it created. I also made the last solid piece a little bit shorter as I wanted the length of my skirt to be above my knees and not below.

Suggestions:

There seems to be a mistake in the pattern for the block pattern. The pattern always starts with purl stitches even when the blocks are reversed. When front and back pieces are seamed together there is a mismatch in the pattern. It would be an easymistake to fix - just switch to knit stitches when you start the second set of blocks.
I'd also recommend knitting this skirt in the round since there is no reason why I can't be knit that way. It would also significantly reduce the number of ends to be woven in during the finishing process.

The most difficult part of this skirt is the embroidery. I used cotton embroidery yarn since Stork was splitting too badly to use it for embroidery. Also weave in the ribbon before you secure it with embroidery. I used pins to hold the ribbon in place while I did the embroidery but you might want to stitch it in place if you are using some other a tad slippery yarn/ribbon combo.

Finished skirt - it lacks some of the embroidery described in the original pattern. I found the extra flowers too girly for my taste.

* Action shot to be followed as soon as either HB finds the time or I figure out how to use the timer on my camera.

Ballet Wrap Cardigan

Pattern: Ballet Wrap Cardigan (Winter 2005 IK)
Yarn: Inca Cotton (100% organic cotton), 2 skeins
Needles: Size 8 circular
Cast on: May, 2007
Finished: June, 2007

Notes:

Even though I'm in love with the yarn (so soft!) I'm not too happy with the wrap. I'll probably need to rip the fronts and re-knit them to make room for my girls. Wraps tend to be designed for flat-chested women and this is no exception. If the yarn wasn't so bulky I'd try to do something (crochet?) about the neckline.

Beau (good manly yarn : the conclusion)

About 3 months ago I was on a mission to find good manly yarn for HB's sweater and stumbled upon some discounted Jo Sharp's DK Tweed in Knit/Purl. I only managed to score 11 balls and I was afraid I'd run out before the sweater was finished. I even managed to locate 6 more balls in the same dye lot just in case.

Let me present - Beau, the perfect manly sweater. Tweedy and cozy yet still cool enough not to be your average grandpa sweater.

The specs:

Pattern: Beau, by Kim Hargreaves from Rowan Vintage Knits.
Yarn: Jo Sharp's DK Tweed in serpentine (11 balls)
Needles: Size 2 & 3 Addi circular
Cast on: June, 2007
Finished: September, 2007

Notes:

I had to rework the pattern for the body since a) I wasn't using the yarn/needles the pattern calls for and b) I was knitting this for someone with a 54" chest. I used the largest size for the sleeves and it worked like a charm.

HB likes his new sweater. A tad on the warm side for his liking but we'll see in a few months when the sky is constantly gray and the winds are the way they are in Oregon in the middle of the winter.
I've got 6 skeins left over - enough for another plain sweater or perhaps cabled kid size one. Until then they will remain locked away in another stash box.

Let's repeat after me - a sweater for a 6'3" guy on size 3 needles. I believe this demonstration on knitterly love gives me a break from manly sweaters for the next 6 months, yes?

FO - Lace Tam

Pattern: Lace Tam by Lois Young from A Gathering of Lace
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Cashmere-Silk 2-ply, 1 skein
Needles: Size 2 circular
Cast on: August, 2007
Finished: September, 2007

Notes:

Love the yarn. No, I'll take it back - adore this yarn! It does require weekly manicure to prevent accidents while knitting.
The only difficult part in this pattern was the increase row - once you're past that everything will go smoothly. I didn't know this before but there's a tip how to increase evenly in Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook.

FO - Chevron Scarf

Pattern: Chevron Scarf by Joelle Hoverson from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: ShibuiKnits Sock and Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM), 1 skein each
Needles: Size 8 circular
Cast on: September, 2007
Finished: October, 2007

Notes

Let's face it - every knitter has made at least one. I guess I just had to join the crowd;)
I fell head over heels for Shibui Sock - I'll definitely use it again. It's soft and stretchy yet it's still superwash sock yarn.

FO - Robin Hood Jacket

Pattern: Robin Hood Jacket by Zoë Mellor from Adorable Knits for Tots: 25 Stylish Designs for Babies and Toddlers
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash, 3 balls
Needles: Size 8 circular
Cast on: September, 2007
Finished: September, 2007

Notes

I made this jacket for my niece - every little girl should have at least one bright red sweater. I also had some yarn left over so that became a teddy bear sweater with the same cable pattern used for the front and back of the jacket.

It was a relatively easy knit despite the fact that I used Cascade 220 instead of Debbie Bliss. I believe that non-knitters should not be forced to wash and block hand knit items. This way everyone's happy - I will feel like it was worth my time since it won't be ruined the first time it ends up in the washing machine and they won't have to deal with the "oh crap!" moments.

What I love the most about this little knit? I'd have to say the buttons and the ribbon used inside to line the seams.

FO - Two-Tone Ribbed Shrug

Pattern: Two- Tone Ribbed Shrug from Fitted Knits
Yarn: Classic Elite Bam Boo, 6 skeins
Needles: Size 6 circular
Cast on: September, 2007
Finished: September, 2007

Notes:

I was planning to wear this shrug during my business trip to Pittsburgh so I stormed into Knit/Purl two days before my flight trying to find some kind of shrug pattern, easy enough to complete in two days. The morning I left I was half way finished, I kept knitting through my flight to Denver, layover in Denver, and flight to Pittsburgh. I finished it the first night I was there and of course I had to block it before wearing. Thanks to 90+ degrees and humidity it took forever to dry but it was dry enough by the end of my trip so I could actually wear it on my way home.

It was a relatively easy knit, I ran out of yarn a few rounds before the collar was finished so it doesn't look quite right but I'm happy with it. It's bamboo so it feels great. Plus it's turquoise and I'm all about turquoise these days:P

It's not quite as fitted as the one in the book but I like it kind of loose. I will definitely make another one, in fact I have some yarns in my stash I haven't found a purpose for because I don't have enough for a sweater but combined with something else would make an awesome shrug.

HB's socks

1 skein of Steinback Wolle (75% wool 25% polyamid) - 420 m/ 460 yards
Started - Jan, 15th
Finished - Feb, 10th
Needles - size 2
Notes: 18 sts per needle

Lace Leaf Pullover

Pattern: Lace Leaf Pullover (from Loop-d-Loop)
Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky in Dark Teal, 5 skeins from WEBS
Needles: Size 9 Addi circular
Cast on: July, 2007
Finished: July, 2007

Lady's Sock with Lozenge Pattern

I wanted a pair of socks similar to those featured on page 40 in Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. However I wanted to knit my socks out of sport weight yarn instead of fingering weight using size 0 (2 mm) needles.

Adjustments

I casted on 66 stitches instead of 78 stitches.
I worked the cuff ribbing as described in the pattern except I knit 3 repeats and then the next 9 rows as follows:
Row 1: *k3, p3* 7 times, k1, k2tog, p3, ssk, k1, p3, *k3, p3* to end of the row.
Rows 2, 3, 5, 6, 8: work in rib, use k2 instead of k3 when needed
Row 4: *k3, p3* 6 times, k1, k2tog, p3, *k2, p3* twice, ssk, k1, p3, *k3, p3* to end of the row.
Row 7: *k3, p3* 5 times, k1, k2tog, p3, *k2, p3* 4 times, ssk, k1, p3.

These decreases mark heel placement for the sock.

Work in lozenge pattern for 5 repeats.
Knit 30 stitches in lozenge pattern, 30 stitches (heel) in moss stitch.
Work back and forth on heel stitches in moss stitch for 28 rows slipping the first stitch of the row.

Heel turn
Row 1: slip 1, knit 19 in moss stitch, ssk and turn
Row 2: slip 1, knit 10 in moss stitch, p2tog and turn
Row 3: slip 1, knit 10 in moss stitch, ssk (1 sts on either side of the gap) and turn
Row 4: slip 1, knit 10 in moss stitch, p2tog and turn.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have 12 stitches left.

Heel gusset
Knit across 12 heel stitches, pick up 14 sts from the side of the heel flap, knit 30 stitches in lozenge pattern, pick up 14 from the side of the heel flap.

Gusset decrease
Row 1: knit 24 sts, k2tog, work 30 stitches in lozenge pattern, ssk, knit 12.
Row 2: knit 23 sts, k2tog, work 30 stitches in lozenge pattern, ssk, knit 11.
Row 3: knit 22 sts, k2tog, work 30 stitches in lozenge pattern, ssk, knit 10.
Row 4: knit 21 sts, k2tog, work 30 stitches in lozenge pattern, ssk, knit 9.
Row 5: knit 18 sts, k2tog, work 30 stitches in lozenge pattern, ssk, knit 8.

Foot
30 stitches remain as the top of the foot worked in lozenge pattern, 30 stitches knit for the bottom of the foot.
Repeat lozenge pattern for total of 5 repeats from the gusset decrease row.

Toe
Place stitches on 3 needles, 20 on each.
Row 1: knit until the last 2 stitches on the needle, ssk
Row 2: knit
Repeat ros 1 and 2 until 3 stitches remain, break yarn and weave it through the remaining stitches.

Scarf with French trellis border from Weldon's 1890 and bramble leaf center

Specs:

Pattern: Scarf with French trellis border from weldon's 1890 and bramble leaf center (from Victorian Lace Today)
Yarn: Lace weight Malabrigo in Lettuce (1 skein, 470 yards) from Knit Purl
Needles: Size 6 Addi circular
Cast on: July, 2007
Finished: August, 2007

Notes:

The pattern was written for handspun silk so the measurements might be a little off. Mine was 12 x 42 before blocking and 14 x 63 inches after blocking.

One skein of Malabrigo is enough when you knit 16 repeats in the middle section as instructed in the pattern. I had some yarn left over so I could probably managed to knit 18 repeats as I find the scarf a little bit too short for my liking.

Malabrigo fuzzes as you knit so be very careful when you need to rip. The less ripping the better. The fuzz gets really bad when you knit the second border since you will have the stitches for both the second border and middle section on the needles at all times.

Make sure to bind off borders VERY loosely. Switching to larger needles on the knit row (last row before binding off) will help a great deal.

We Call Them Pirates

Pattern: We Call Them Pirates (from Hello Yarn)
Yarn: Dale of Norway/Dalegarn Hauk in black and white, 1 skein each
Needles: Size 3 bamboo dpns
Cast on: July, 2007
Finished: July, 2007

This is the second time I've knit this hat this year - the only difference is in lining and needles used.

Coming up - some projects from this spring including one Sarah has wanted to see;)

404 socks

Size : one size
Yarn: KoiguPPPM P404, 2 hanks (100% merino wool, 175 yds in hank)
Pattern: my own
Casted on: August 2006
Finished: August 2006

Am I the only one who thinks naming yarn 404 is hilarious? Why not call it "Page not found"?

Cabled scarf and mittens

Embossed Leaves Socks

Pattern: Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave Knits (Fall 2005)
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM P419 (2 hanks)
Started: November, 7 2006
Finished: November, 12 2006

Eris

Size : G
Yarn: Knitpicks Elegance in Cornflower, 11.5 balls.
Content: 70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Silk
Amount: 110 yards/50 grams ball
Gauge: 5.5 sts=1" on #5-6 needles
Pattern: Girl from Auntie
Casted on: January 2006
Finished: February, 11th 2006

Gretchen

Size : Medium
Yarn: Highland Tweed from Webs
Pattern: my own
Casted on: May 2006
Finished: June 2005

This is the perfect thing to wear in October in Oregon. It is an easy knit if you are familiar with cables, short rows and are willing to experiment some. The same simple pattern is used in the bottom of the body, sleeves and collar.

Gretchen's collar is knit with the front pieces, short rows are used to shape the collar. My favourite part is the tiny "boobs" as my HB calls them.

If you think I should write down this pattern, drop me a line.

Isis sweater

Size : medium
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool, 6 balls
Pattern: my own
Casted on: February 2006
Finished: March 2006

Joyce

Size : Small
Yarn: Knitpicks Andrean Silk in Bluebell, 14 balls
Pattern: my own
Casted on: May 2006
Finished: June 2005/July 2006

Kim's hat and scarf

Size : small
Yarn: donated wool blend, 3 skeins
Pattern: my own
Casted on: December 2005
Finished: December 2005

Nina

Size : Small
Yarn: some cotton blend, previously used for Lucky
Pattern: my own
Casted on: May 2006
Finished: June 2005

Scarf and socks

Scottie Bag - a failed project

A failed project - a bad choice of yarn combined with bad choice of construction. Next time I'd use Paton's Wool instead as it felts into more stable and thick fabric.

Shine

Size: Small
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine, 9 balls of Green Apple, 1 ball of Turquoise, 1 ball of Sky
Pattern: my own
Casted on: May 2005
Finished: January 2005

Triangle Socks

Size : one size
Yarn: Knitpicks Gossamer, 1 skein
Pattern: my own
Casted on: January 2006
Finished: February 2006

Cabled hat and mittens

Size : one size
Yarn: On Line Cora, 1 ball
Pattern: my own
Casted on: June 2005
Finished: June 2005

Chunky cabled sweater

Size : 3
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine - 3 balls of Apple, 1 ball of Butter
Pattern: Adorable Knits for Tots: 25 Stylish Designs for Babies and Toddlers by Zoe Mellor
Casted on: 22.10.2005
Finished: 04.11.2005

Clapotis

Size : 17 x 87 inches
Yarn: the Plymouth Italian Collection Sockotta (45% cotton, 40% superwash wool, 15% nylon), 2 skeins
Pattern: Knitty.com
Casted on: 21.03.2005
Finished: 27.03.2005

Clapotis II

Size: one size
Yarn: Katia Ingenua - 78%mohair, 13%polyamide, 9% wool
Gauge: needles size 6, 3-4 stitches = 1"
Pattern: Clapotis from KNitty
Casted on: July 2005
Finished: August 2005
Care instructions: dry clean, do not machine dry

Clapotis III

Size : one size
Yarn: Whisper, 2 balls
Pattern: Knitty.com
Casted on: November 2005
Finished: December 2005

Cube

Size : 17 x 87 inches
Yarn: Knitpicks Alpaca Cloud in Moss
Pattern: my own
Casted on: August 2005
Finished: November 2005

Fifi

Size : One size
Yarn: Novita Kid Mohair, 4 skeins
Pattern: Ulla
Casted on: 10.01.2005
Finished: 27.01.2005

Fingerless mittens

Size : S
Yarn: Novita Wool, 2 skeins
Pattern: my own
Casted on: 21.01.2005
Finished:June 2005

Fingerless mittens - not quite finished

Harriet

Size : 16" long, 20" with fringe
Yarn: 2 balls of Plymouth Encore
Pattern: my own
Casted on: 09.11.2005
Finished: 15.11.2005

Laura

Size : small
Yarn: cotton yarn from Ebay
Pattern: my own
Casted on: April 2005
Finished: May 2005

Lucky

Size : Small
Yarn: some cotton blend
Pattern: based on Stitch'n'Bitch Lucy but heavily modified
Casted on: October 2003
Finished: June 2005

Lucy

Size : Small
Yarn: Knitpicks Alpaca Cloud, 3 hanks
Pattern: Stitch'n'bitch with some modifications
Casted on: June 2005
Finished: June 2005

MIL's sweater

Size : Large
Yarn: something I bought in Estonia years ago
Pattern: my own
Casted on: October 2003
Finished: June 2005

This sweater was originally made in 2003 but modified a bit in 2005.

Rogue

Size : S
Yarn: On Line Cora (60% Merino superwash, 40% polyacryl), color - 0001, 85 m per skein, 13 skeins total
Pattern: Girl from Auntie
Casted on: 01.02.2005
Finished: June 2005

Yarn used for Rogue

First attempt with Rogue

Body before blocking I

Body movement eg. blocking

Since I wasn`t satisfied with the body part, I had to rip it

Rogue II

Size : small
Yarn: Wool from the Andes in Grass
Pattern: Girl from Auntie
Casted on: May 2005
Finished: June 2005

Sadie

Size: small
Yarn: unknown from my stash
Casted on: 03/03/2005
Finished: July 2005

Shedir

Size: one size
Pattern: Knitty 2004 fall special issue
Yarn: Suri Merino from Plymouth Yarn (55% suri alpaca, 45%extra fine merino wool)
Gauge:US 7 needles, 5.5 sts = 1"
Casted on: 11/25/2005
Finished: 11/28/2005

Striped Socks

Size : one size
Yarn: Knitpicks Simple Stripes, 2 balls
Pattern: my own
Casted on: December 2005
Finished: December 2005