Well, yesterday was particularly hectic.
After work there were a number of errands that had to be done, including retrieving the older daughter from tutoring in Algebra. While she has an 89 in the class and it is an AP class, she has bombed a test or two so far this year and the only things keeping her afloat have been homework and quiz grades.
Mind you, an 89 is a good grade, but with Calculus, Advanced Math, and Physics staring us in the face, I wanted to make certain she has a good foundation to build on.
Fortunately, I have a good friend who is a former high school Algebra and Advanced Math teacher. When I stopped by to pick up Sweet from her lesson last night she told me my daughter had a good grasp of the formulas and imaginary numbers, but without a calculator, had difficulty with factoring. She also took short-cuts and failed to show her work on her paper which prevented her from checking any of her calculations. Overall, though, it would require a little extra effort and discipline to get things back under control.
That was good news.
However, teenage daughter is not happy about the tutoring and is one of the laziest humans I know.
In any event, by the time we got home, curtailed the chaos in the kitchen, and attended to the wee child, there was barely enough time to take a bath and prepare for bed, much less enjoy my knitting, but I did a few rows and marvelled at how much more relaxed I after just a couple of rows.
I have no doubt there is definitely a law of diminishing returns at some point, but I think I need at least an hour of knitting of day to keep me "nice."
And we all know "nice" is such a relative term.
Happy Knitting!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Seriously
It is almost Thanksgiving.
Last Thanksgiving we went to my Mom's in Louisiana. At that time my stash included two or three skeins of mohair from what was then my favorite needlepoint shop and half a dozen skeins of pearlized (or is it mercerized?) cotton from Hobby Lobby.
In addition to the handpainted needlepoint stocking canvas, I brought with me a pair of aluminum size 5 needles and this cotton yarn because Mom had wanted a sleeveless v-neck pullover to match one she had bought and worn out.
Had I ever knit a sweater before?
No.
Had I ever knit anything other than a garter stitch scarf before?
No.
Did I start the pullover for Mom?
Yes, I started it that weekend.
Have I finished it?
No.
Have I needlepointed since then.
Shamefully, no.
Even more shamefully, I now have enough stash to knit for at least two years and I have this overwhelming desire to acquire more.
However, other than a sock club (okay, two sock clubs) and trading yarn here and there, it has come to something of a stop.
A quick inventory indicated most, probably 85%, of the yarn are individual skeins of sock yarn. The large quantity stuff I have set aside for dedicated projects: Noro Kureyon for a Clapotis, Rowan RYC Cashsoft 4 Ply for a Hap Shawl, and Classic Elite Yarns Soft Linen for a pullover for me.
Not to mention the malabrigo in olive I am using for the sweater below.
Not yet dedicated are 4 skeins each of worsted weight Dream in Color Classy in Black Parade and In Vino Veritas, 4 skeins (2 each of different dye lots) of Lorna's Laces worsted Amy's Vintage Office, and 8 skeins of Cascade 220 in Van Dyke Brown.
The problem is, 4 skeins of Dream in Color Classy or the Lorna's Laces equal 1000 yards, not enough to make a pullover in my size and while I have enough (1,760 yards) of the Cascade to make a pullover, that yarn is not soft enough for me to be comfortable to wear it next to my skin and there may not be enough for a proper cardigan.
This has piss poor planning written all over it.
While I wish I could be like Staci and be one of those rare breed of knitters who is completely stashless (she buys yarn for each indivdiual project), it is woefully obvious I am not.
Oh, well.
I plan to spend part of the holiday rearranging my stash, yet, again.
My goal for 2009 is to make myself take a hard look at what I have before I buy any more yarn.
Of course, that does not include the sock clubs...
Last Thanksgiving we went to my Mom's in Louisiana. At that time my stash included two or three skeins of mohair from what was then my favorite needlepoint shop and half a dozen skeins of pearlized (or is it mercerized?) cotton from Hobby Lobby.
In addition to the handpainted needlepoint stocking canvas, I brought with me a pair of aluminum size 5 needles and this cotton yarn because Mom had wanted a sleeveless v-neck pullover to match one she had bought and worn out.
Had I ever knit a sweater before?
No.
Had I ever knit anything other than a garter stitch scarf before?
No.
Did I start the pullover for Mom?
Yes, I started it that weekend.
Have I finished it?
No.
Have I needlepointed since then.
Shamefully, no.
Even more shamefully, I now have enough stash to knit for at least two years and I have this overwhelming desire to acquire more.
However, other than a sock club (okay, two sock clubs) and trading yarn here and there, it has come to something of a stop.
A quick inventory indicated most, probably 85%, of the yarn are individual skeins of sock yarn. The large quantity stuff I have set aside for dedicated projects: Noro Kureyon for a Clapotis, Rowan RYC Cashsoft 4 Ply for a Hap Shawl, and Classic Elite Yarns Soft Linen for a pullover for me.
Not to mention the malabrigo in olive I am using for the sweater below.
Not yet dedicated are 4 skeins each of worsted weight Dream in Color Classy in Black Parade and In Vino Veritas, 4 skeins (2 each of different dye lots) of Lorna's Laces worsted Amy's Vintage Office, and 8 skeins of Cascade 220 in Van Dyke Brown.
The problem is, 4 skeins of Dream in Color Classy or the Lorna's Laces equal 1000 yards, not enough to make a pullover in my size and while I have enough (1,760 yards) of the Cascade to make a pullover, that yarn is not soft enough for me to be comfortable to wear it next to my skin and there may not be enough for a proper cardigan.
This has piss poor planning written all over it.
While I wish I could be like Staci and be one of those rare breed of knitters who is completely stashless (she buys yarn for each indivdiual project), it is woefully obvious I am not.
Oh, well.
I plan to spend part of the holiday rearranging my stash, yet, again.
My goal for 2009 is to make myself take a hard look at what I have before I buy any more yarn.
Of course, that does not include the sock clubs...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A cardi for Chrissy?
Or should I say B-Side Cardi for Chrissy?
This pattern is described as a lightweight cardigan made from sportweight yarn to keep "the fabric thin and wearable all year long."
I live in South Texas. I really do not need a lightweight sweater. What I would like, though, is a heavier weight sweater that I can wear in lieu of a coat for most, if not all, of winter.
For my dear friends who live in the frozen tundra of the Great North, all I can say is that you are more than welcome to visit us. You can even move down, in fact.
So, instead of the sportweight yarn called for in the pattern, I have decided to use a worsted weight Malabrigo in Olive (purchased in part with a wonderful gift certificate from from Bobo to my wonderful local yarn shop). Thank you again!
I even swatched it, although in this picture it is not dry yet.
The gauge called for is 24 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches square on size 4 (3.5 mm) needles.
The bottom part of my swatch was knitted on size 5 3.75 needles because I tend to knit tighter; however, gauge was way off.
Above the purl row I used the size 4 needles and got as close to gauge as I am ever able to get: 22 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches square with a much denser fabric than the original pattern called for which was the point. In addition, I LOVE how the Malabrigo has knitted up.
Thus, I am not too concerned about swapping out the yarns.
Now, I just had a date with Mr. Tape Measure. In a bra and my favorite t-shirt my ample bust measures 47.5".
Yeah, that makes me not so happy, but what is a girl to do?
Size-wise, the pattern shows a finished measurement of 48, 52, and 56 inches for the bust.
To determine which size is most comfortable for me, I took out a favorite sweater whose fit I really like. With the sweater on, I put bits of tape on the widest points to get an accurate line, then pulled it off and measured: 50 inches.
Now comes the math.
The pattern calls for 6 stitches per inch. My swatch shows I am knitting 5.5 stitches per inch. Length was spot on.
48 inches (one of the pattern sizes) = 288 stitches
288 divided by 5.5 = 52.36 inches
52.36 (the projected finished bust size of the cardi) minus 47.5 (my bust size in a bra and t-shirt) = 4.86 inches of positive ease.
That sounds pretty darn good, but only if I my calculations and formula are correct.
If I have made a mistake and the cardi comes out a bit too small, I can also increase the button band to compensate an inch or two, if I absolutely have to.
If it is too big...ribbit, ribbit, ribbit off the frog pond it should go.
Any thoughts?
This pattern is described as a lightweight cardigan made from sportweight yarn to keep "the fabric thin and wearable all year long."
I live in South Texas. I really do not need a lightweight sweater. What I would like, though, is a heavier weight sweater that I can wear in lieu of a coat for most, if not all, of winter.
For my dear friends who live in the frozen tundra of the Great North, all I can say is that you are more than welcome to visit us. You can even move down, in fact.
So, instead of the sportweight yarn called for in the pattern, I have decided to use a worsted weight Malabrigo in Olive (purchased in part with a wonderful gift certificate from from Bobo to my wonderful local yarn shop). Thank you again!
I even swatched it, although in this picture it is not dry yet.
The gauge called for is 24 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches square on size 4 (3.5 mm) needles.
The bottom part of my swatch was knitted on size 5 3.75 needles because I tend to knit tighter; however, gauge was way off.
Above the purl row I used the size 4 needles and got as close to gauge as I am ever able to get: 22 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches square with a much denser fabric than the original pattern called for which was the point. In addition, I LOVE how the Malabrigo has knitted up.
Thus, I am not too concerned about swapping out the yarns.
Now, I just had a date with Mr. Tape Measure. In a bra and my favorite t-shirt my ample bust measures 47.5".
Yeah, that makes me not so happy, but what is a girl to do?
Size-wise, the pattern shows a finished measurement of 48, 52, and 56 inches for the bust.
To determine which size is most comfortable for me, I took out a favorite sweater whose fit I really like. With the sweater on, I put bits of tape on the widest points to get an accurate line, then pulled it off and measured: 50 inches.
Now comes the math.
The pattern calls for 6 stitches per inch. My swatch shows I am knitting 5.5 stitches per inch. Length was spot on.
48 inches (one of the pattern sizes) = 288 stitches
288 divided by 5.5 = 52.36 inches
52.36 (the projected finished bust size of the cardi) minus 47.5 (my bust size in a bra and t-shirt) = 4.86 inches of positive ease.
That sounds pretty darn good, but only if I my calculations and formula are correct.
If I have made a mistake and the cardi comes out a bit too small, I can also increase the button band to compensate an inch or two, if I absolutely have to.
If it is too big...ribbit, ribbit, ribbit off the frog pond it should go.
Any thoughts?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Selfish Knitting?
Sweet One just completed her seventh or eighth project. Except for a purse that she was not pleased with, everything she has made has been for others, even if she originally intended to keep the item for herself.
There are a lot of times I begin a project and intend to keep it for myself, but by the time I finish, I realize it would be perfect for someone else. Then there are those projects that are made specifically with a recepient in mind.
Since Thanksgiving of last year when I really picked up knitting again, I have completed over three dozen projects.
Yay!
Out of those, I have actually kept one pair of socks, one sweater, and two wraps.
My mother and Wee One have been the biggest benefactors. Mom received two pairs of socks, a purse, and a stole while Wee One has a sweater tee, a cardigan, two shrugs, and three pairs of socks.
Sweet One has a pair of socks and a cropped cardi; however, she is extremely picky and did not like the three-quarter sleeved shrug I made for her and has expressed little interest in anything else.
How selfish a knitter are you?
There are a lot of times I begin a project and intend to keep it for myself, but by the time I finish, I realize it would be perfect for someone else. Then there are those projects that are made specifically with a recepient in mind.
Since Thanksgiving of last year when I really picked up knitting again, I have completed over three dozen projects.
Yay!
Out of those, I have actually kept one pair of socks, one sweater, and two wraps.
My mother and Wee One have been the biggest benefactors. Mom received two pairs of socks, a purse, and a stole while Wee One has a sweater tee, a cardigan, two shrugs, and three pairs of socks.
Sweet One has a pair of socks and a cropped cardi; however, she is extremely picky and did not like the three-quarter sleeved shrug I made for her and has expressed little interest in anything else.
How selfish a knitter are you?
Friday, November 14, 2008
I want one!!
The new Twist Collective is out.
There are many beautiful things in it; however, something, in particular, has caught my eye.
I love it!
A felted knitted coat. I assume this how the pea coats of yore were originally made.
Were I to make this, I would probably add a bit of length to cover me bum, as my Limey friends would say.
What do you think?
There are many beautiful things in it; however, something, in particular, has caught my eye.
I love it!
A felted knitted coat. I assume this how the pea coats of yore were originally made.
Were I to make this, I would probably add a bit of length to cover me bum, as my Limey friends would say.
What do you think?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Feisty Hat for a Feisty Boy
This is the first knitted item that Adam has deemed acceptable for me to knit for him. It is the Lopi Hat from Knitty.com.
It only took about 4 hours all together. It was very simple, but a big awkward when you first get started.
Now the girls each want one. I have seen them knit in red with big M on the front and it looks just like Mario's hat. The almost 8 year old wants one in green with an L for Luigi.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Teacher gifts 2008
Hey -
Looking for those last minute teacher gifts? I used some of my coveted Noro Keureyon yarn to make coffee cup cozys. I have done surveillance and I noticed all 6, yes 6, of the teachers I have to buy gifts for have coffee cups in their rooms all day. Now they can be stylish and keep their coffee warm all day.
I plan on getting paper cups from our local coffee chain, filling it up with a gift certificate for coffee and chocolate and whatnot. I will wrap this around the cup.
It has three buttons to make it adjustable. Next time I would probably make it about an inch shorter. My cup in the picture is pretty big and it is on the second button already.
Hope you like it.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Salute to Major Startitis
For a while there I was doing a fairly good job of knocking out the oldest on my WIPs (works in progress); however, with only one (or two) big projects on the needles (Hypoteneuse Shawl and Cropped Cardigan) I was actually down to two different sock projects.
We simply cannot have that, can we?
No worries, then, because I started two more sock projects and a scarf (not to mention the Ene's Shawl I have been itching to begin or the Clapotis that I have had the stuff for these past few months).
The most recentn pair involve the wildy popular Monkey pattern from Knitty. The yarn I used is Colortopia by Lovesticks. Both the pattern and the yarn are fantastic.
While I had hoped to stealth knit this pair, it is often hard to do with wee feet. She was deeply engrossed in a book when I tried these on her. She did not look at them, but it was pretty obvious I was knitting a pair of socks for her. I guess the stealth knitting will come in making a similar pair for her American Girl doll.
Happy Knitting!
We simply cannot have that, can we?
No worries, then, because I started two more sock projects and a scarf (not to mention the Ene's Shawl I have been itching to begin or the Clapotis that I have had the stuff for these past few months).
The most recentn pair involve the wildy popular Monkey pattern from Knitty. The yarn I used is Colortopia by Lovesticks. Both the pattern and the yarn are fantastic.
While I had hoped to stealth knit this pair, it is often hard to do with wee feet. She was deeply engrossed in a book when I tried these on her. She did not look at them, but it was pretty obvious I was knitting a pair of socks for her. I guess the stealth knitting will come in making a similar pair for her American Girl doll.
Happy Knitting!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Comfort before Beauty!
Another pair of socks finished for a Christmas gift!
Pattern: Wendy's Sport weight toe up sock
Yarn: Dashing Dachs Sport
While not the most attractive pair of socks, they are wonderfully warm and cushy! Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Pattern: Wendy's Sport weight toe up sock
Yarn: Dashing Dachs Sport
While not the most attractive pair of socks, they are wonderfully warm and cushy! Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Monday, November 3, 2008
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