Adventures and exploits with yarn, knits, crochet and other crafts.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

I'm currently....

















making a hat (that I will be bartering for art) and reading life of Pi.


I'm also in the midst of making this:

The sweetheart top by LanaKnits. What's interesting about this pattern (and all of their designs) is that it's knit side to side rather than bottom to top. It's all done in garter too, to make a more flattering verticle pattern. 

Hopefully, I'll get all my in progress knits done and be able to do a fashion show too. I'm also hoping to yarn bomb my bicycle, so I hope I can have pics of that up soon too.



I hope all your current knitting projects are going fabulously! 

Monday, April 26, 2010

I am a dumbass.

Title says it all. Can't read instructions while watching conspiracy films about JFK's assassination. Forgot to drop stitches on both sides of decreases in Clapotis...

Must...take scissors...to knits...

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Grad school paper

Noro shawl is almost done, and I may or may not have cast on for Cloudy Sunday.

I'll try to get a picture of the shawl tomorrow if I finish. It's already too dark to get a good natural light picture.

Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and mention that I referenced our blog and posts and knitting at large in a graduate school paper I wrote. It's available online here. Let me know what you think!

A+

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Dilemma

Ugh...ladies....

Cloudy Sunday
or Que Sera next?

Cloudy Sunday would be knit in Lamb's Pride Bulky (mohair/wool) in Oregano, which is an army greenish color.

Que Sera would be in Peaches & Creme (cotton) also in a greenish color, but more plant-colored.

Oh, the decisions we make.

Also, I need a job.

Monday, April 19, 2010

ALAS, ladies


Here are the long awaited photos of all the knits I've been working on. Well, not all, but the highlights.

The Cabled Kanga Tunic, at long last, is wearable. I skipped the pockets in the front because they were a pain in the ass, and this thing is huge enough without adding more stitches onto it. Unfortunately, weight loss and gauge issues mean that this only fits with a belt around the waist, but I think it looks cute n'est-ce pas? This is also the worst photo of the bunch (light was low) so maybe I'll work on getting a better one. Onward!

Here's my Indigo Banded Cardigan from the cover of the fall 2009 Knitscene. This was a fast, enjoyable knit, and also my first experience with short-row shaping on something other than socks. It's still a little wonky-looking, so I think I'm going to iron it into place. Both this and the tunic are knit out of Berroco Peruvia, a GREAT yarn and verrry warm. Also, good for the price.

Here's the face for Stephanie.

And this is me smizing for Tyra.

My overall verdict is that this is an A+ knit.

Ensuite: The long-awaited Emerald Isle Cardigan, the epic fail of seaming, the one that started it all in the realm of finished clothing pieces. This is Berroco Ultra Alpaca, another good deal for the yardage. As you can see, I managed to soften out the fail seams, and subsequent washings have made them barely noticeable. Good news for people who manage to somehow have great stitch definition and follow directions well, and fail on simple sewing. This is easily the most versatile of large pieces that I've made. You could basically wear this with dress pants and a collared shirt, or jeans and a t-shirt (and I have.)
(Please ignore the toilet in the background) Muchas gracias to Craig for the buttons!

Finally, some smaller pieces. From the second I saw Andrea's shawl, I knew I had to make it, and I wear it all the time. It's made from Blue Sky Alpaca Sport which is unbearably soft. I loved making this yarn, and I really enjoyed going away from my usual bright color pallette to make something kind of Victorian and simple. It's simply gorgeous.

My hat is another version of the Star-Crossed Sloucy Beret because I lost my original. I'm not crazy about the color, so I'll probably give it away to anyone who would look better in a white hat than me. Any takers?



Here's my awesome, awesome "dress" scarf as I call it. It's a version of the Clapotis, smaller obviously. It's such a great pattern because it shows off yarn without being too simple, and it being knit on the bias makes the slight variagations in the yarn show up even cooler. I love it, and I love Tilli Tomas's silk yarns. I can't wait to pair this with a black dress and go out some night.








And finally...just for fun, because I know you're all curious.....



Hot tat!

Hasta pronto, my ladies.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Forthcoming post

So Andrew and I finaaaally busted out the camera and did a fashion show with all of my new knits. Of course, we had to pause for a little while to watch the drug bust happening outside our apartment, which means some of the later pictures might have bad lighting.
I'll post those tonight when he's done with work.
I'm currently working on another Clapotis, this time, stole-size in Noro Silk Garden. I'll get a picture up as soon as I'm done.
Just got the pattern for Cloudy Sunday to use my bulky yarn up in my stash. Very excited.
Also I got some Misti Alpaca lace weight which I hope to make into a Citron once Carl teaches me maths so I can make it bigger.
Well, time to head to the coffee shop to keep Andrew company and um...do homework. Hasta pronto!