tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8427572223028080602012-02-16T09:26:14.971-05:00Rediscovering the fun of knitting without wool.Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-21316457223068050952011-04-17T13:50:00.001-04:002011-04-17T13:50:33.813-04:00

I was inspired by Franklin Habit's account of Miss Lambert's Lace Sampler to make one of my own, in the firm of a scarf. I did diverge quite a bit from the original, tossing in a few inches each of stitches from various sources, not always accurately. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-52062341425299722132011-01-08T16:09:00.000-05:002011-01-08T16:09:04.183-05:00

I've begun 2011 by finishing a knitting project in the very first  week of the year: a zigzag striped scarf. It's based on a pattern by Debbie Bliss from the book Scarf Style. I varied it a bit, making random 12-row stripes and, of course, not using wool. After blocking it came out to be roughly 60 by 6 inches. The yarns are Classic Elite's Firefly and Allegoro.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-42242193204080081332010-09-17T07:13:00.001-04:002010-09-17T07:17:06.344-04:00

It's been a distracting summer but I have managed a little knitting. Nothing finished! Nothing photographed! The most active works in progress are: a version of this bag using Berroco Remix in charcoal, rust, and a warm gray a pair of simple toe-up socks in WhimzyPinzy's sock yarn

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-18894404112018559242010-07-19T22:35:00.000-04:002010-07-19T22:35:13.068-04:00

Having finished my previous sock project, I have started another. I'm telling myself that this productivity, combined with my recent progress on my sweater, means that my purchases at my local yarn shop's Sunday sale were merely replacement yarn. This is inaccurate, given that I bought enough yarn for three sweaters.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-82964414598538033282010-06-21T21:33:00.002-04:002010-06-21T21:36:47.213-04:00

Saturday before last I started my day with a physical therapy appointment. That gave me time to start a new pair of socks while my feet were in the whirlpool. Using WhimzyPinzy's Cotton Sock Yarn,   Judy's Magic Caston and  Wendy Barnard's excellent basic sock instructions from her book Socks from the Toe Up, I had achieved the desired toe cuppage by the time I left the office. A few hours later,

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-21002755418129412032010-05-16T13:36:00.004-04:002010-05-16T13:52:13.027-04:00

Last month I started a top down raglan cardigan based on Wendy Bernard's pattern Something Red. The photo shows the raglan shaping and the self-striping tweediness of the yarn (Filatura de Crosa "Tempo", a cotton-acrylic blend I found at the Yarn Spot). I am modifying the pattern slightly to accommodate the lighter weight yarn and my own preferences: I used k1f&b increases rather than the

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-70870609415965277792010-04-03T21:31:00.004-04:002010-04-03T21:39:09.733-04:00

Travel followed by a cold: those are my excuses for no knitting news here, and not nearly enough knitting either. Oh, and the fact that it's Spring out there!However, I can now report that I have turned the heel and started the ankle of my second sock of a pair using Wendy Johnson's Diagonal Lace pattern and Whimzy Pinzy's hand dyed wool free sock yarn in shades of (mostly) green.More knitting

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-63993056574018858802010-02-28T15:51:00.003-05:002010-02-28T16:11:28.755-05:00

I joined some knitting pals in Ravelry's Ravelympic challenge of completing one or more projects during the Olympics, with the following success:Competing simultaneously in the Hat Halfpipe and also the Stash Compulsory Dance, I have turned yarn purchased at least 18 months ago into a hat:And in the WIPs (Works in Progress) Dancing I have finally completed a languishing pair of socks: 

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-5134270118942371722010-02-09T12:09:00.006-05:002010-02-09T13:18:05.483-05:00

The snow inspired me to get out some yarn that had been waiting for a project and use it to make this hat. The yarn is hand spun patchwork cotton from Folktale Fibers. The photo doesn't do justice to the happy colors! The hat is based on Cathy Carron's top down pattern Pat from her book Hip Knit Hats but obviously I didn't bother with a contrasting color for the brim.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-66761528869399203902010-01-14T20:46:00.002-05:002010-01-14T20:48:28.021-05:00

 Here is my rendition of the popular Springtime Bandit scarf/shawl pattern, made with Bonnie's Bamboo from One Planet Yarn and Fiber.I've learned a lot making this and now view charts with something close to enthusiasm.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-29748258634322480892009-12-19T11:42:00.001-05:002009-12-19T11:42:59.841-05:00

 After a recent knitting class where I learned to read charts in lace patterns, I'm making good progress on Kate Gagnon Osborn's Springtime Bandit I'm using slightly lighter weight yarn so it will probably turn out to be a scarf rather than a shawl.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-8218026427738392822009-11-30T21:30:00.002-05:002009-11-30T21:35:51.290-05:00

When in Maine earlier in November I got some fluffy cotton yarn--Colinette Fandango, purchased at Heavenly Socks in Belfast: Here is the resulting improvised scarf:

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-8218324792558222002009-11-26T14:59:00.003-05:002009-11-26T15:09:04.688-05:00

I've fallen behind on posting the lovely recent additions to my Whimzypinzy sock yarn collection. Here they are:Peacock-inspired:The photo doesn't do justice to the subtle colors in this one, inspired by my photos of ferns, asters, butterfly, leaves:Shades of green (had a name but I don't remember it)I'm well stashed in preparation for my knitting group's planned "stash down" knitalong--no

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-29723729586971139202009-11-16T20:54:00.004-05:002009-11-16T21:56:58.715-05:00

In spite of traveling,m and in spite of my many knitting mistakes, I finished my little garter yoke baby cardi (using Jennifer Hoel's pattern but with ties instead of buttons)just in time for a get together with some of my knitting pals celebrating one fine knitter's baby to be.It was a fun afternoon, with many baby knits to admire, and plenty of tasty treats, including some charming

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-16573914938337244552009-11-02T17:19:00.002-05:002009-11-02T17:21:37.846-05:00

It was my turn to suggest a color scheme for Whimzypinzy's Cotton Club, and in the end she used all 4 of the photos I considered.I can't wait to see the result!

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-65418742833224717352009-10-06T13:05:00.002-04:002009-10-06T13:09:22.865-04:00

Here's the latest cotton sock yarn from Whimzypinzy:This should work up into something fun!Last month brought a peacock-based skein with brilliant blues and greens but I haven't taken a picture yet.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-13383345143318804162009-10-06T12:55:00.002-04:002009-10-06T13:01:39.252-04:00

September left me with a bunch of unfinished knitting, but I needed a fun, portable project, so I started some toe-up socks using the Watermelon Sangria yarn I got earlier in the summer (see 7/3/entry):I am making each foot before starting either heel.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-43632573918497008712009-08-21T06:57:00.003-04:002009-08-21T07:10:08.959-04:00

It started small, as these things do--just a little idea for a corner of one shelf in a book case. One little lunchtime trip to Bed Bath and Beyond just to look at any storage boxes that might fit that shelf. Somehow it turned into this:As it turns out, the top two shelves hold 16 boxes nicely. And each box holds roughly a project's worth of yarn (except for the sock yarn, of course.) Not that

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-42764813620004874702009-08-02T15:44:00.002-04:002009-08-02T15:48:17.156-04:00

This month's surprise from Whimsy Pinzy's hand dyed cotton yarn club is called Mystic Topaz and it's gorgeous:I really do need to learn how to finish socks!

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-56051124712876210892009-08-01T14:06:00.003-04:002009-08-01T14:10:01.786-04:00

I've been working along on my Pioneer, but needed some dpns for the sleeves, so off I went to Knit & Stitch, where some Filatura di Crosa Carioca in pleasingly bright and tweedy variegations of purply blue and lime-to-turquoise caught my eye. Now I'm mulling a striped tee.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-53194219502890085382009-07-25T14:24:00.001-04:002009-07-25T14:27:41.266-04:00

I've been working on a better update cycle with both blogs and plan to make some improvements such as showing the feed of each in the other's sidebar.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-59483164233807726312009-07-03T12:24:00.004-04:002009-07-03T12:42:16.588-04:00

I have project updates and yarn updates, and the yarn is growing faster than I can knit!In the project department:1. I have finished my scarf:2. I have started and made good progress on a sweater/top for myself. It's a modified version of Pioneer (from Knitty.com), using TLC cotton plus:The photo is a bit blurred, sorry.In the yarn department:1. I got some fabulous Flock Bransonas cotton-bamboo

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-86907951801436917602009-05-25T21:04:00.003-04:002009-05-25T21:12:44.502-04:00

The knitting marches on (that scarf photo showed 2.5 repeats and now I've done 5!) in spite of the call of the yard, and even (after the electric hedge trimmer literally went up in smoke) the hardware store. A late afternoon thunderstorm helped me carve out some more knitting time. Could I possibly turn into a lace knitter?

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-60967030209855037672009-05-23T13:56:00.003-04:002009-05-23T14:09:14.740-04:00

I'm still not quite done with those socks (need to perfect my toe-weaving technique on something heavier than sock yarn) but I have 2 more projects underway.I'm using the Farmhouse Yarns Bonnie's Bamboo that I bought at Heavenly Socks last month to make a narrower version of Veronik Avery's Lace Ribbons Scarf:It's coming along well, thanks to the encouragement of my Ravelry friends.My other new

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-80743737372635943442009-05-05T07:52:00.002-04:002009-05-05T07:56:39.233-04:00

Here is my sock progress:The color in the photo is a little off--too pink. The last bit is what I'm dreading: weaving the second toe. The first one is wearable but not something I'd want to show off! I'm getting the point of toe-up sock knitting!

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-49431346333339275062009-04-19T22:30:00.002-04:002009-04-19T22:41:23.172-04:00

I've been slow to take photos and some how I got correspondingly behind on blogging as well.My latest knitting update is that I've started Anna Bell's Cherry, a short-sleeved cardigan. The pattern calls for Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton, which means I can actually use the original yarn, and it was on sale! The color I have is called Rockpool, a deep green.In sock news, I'm struggling along on my

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-8886370865524268672009-02-25T19:48:00.004-05:002009-02-25T19:58:44.211-05:00

The first 3 photos show the Ridged top down pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks, knitted in Kollage Luscious. Turning the heel was a wonderful revelation of my own three dimensionality in concrete detail. However, the cotton yarn and not-so-stretchy pattern left me with a slightly slack fit around the ankle.This last photo shows my first toe-up sock in progress. It's based on another

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-14351106270636320702009-02-22T17:34:00.004-05:002009-02-22T17:51:28.459-05:00

Travel has kept me away from blogging for a while but not away from knitting. Or shopping. Midcoast Maine's LYS owners are friendly and helpful!A quick visit to Heavenly Socks Yarns in Belfast got me started on sock knitting, using Charlotte Schurch's lucidly written More Sensational Socks. My first pair used some previously purchased Kollage Luscious, variegated in purple, green, and gold. They

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-12472244260589083962009-01-05T22:05:00.003-05:002009-01-05T22:15:18.304-05:00

Here is the comfortable and cozy Emerald Cardigan at last:I made the collar bigger, added a second button, and skipped the eyelets (yarn overs) along the raglan shaping. The yarn (an unlabeled acrylic as far as I can tell) shaded nicely.And here is my version of Jared Flood's Turn a Square hat:The colors are off. The green is too yellow and the blue is too bright. I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-27396931082317024902009-01-01T21:49:00.003-05:002009-01-01T22:10:26.199-05:00

In the spirit of the little stash down contest going on with some knitting pals, I'm starting the new year on a productive note of projects completed or decisively abandoned. This will be the year of finishing things, I think. I'm way behind on photos, but here's an update:My Emerald cardigan is finished! I made the collar wider with extra short rows, and I gave it 2 buttons instead of just 1. My

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-80709468583234352202008-12-21T22:16:00.003-05:002008-12-21T22:28:38.353-05:00

Knitting update: I've completed the first round of short rows for the Emerald cardigan's shawl collar, as well as the button holes (I made 2 instead of just one). Yesterday I went to G Street Fabrics and found 2 nice big buttons in a compatible rusty shade. (I had put off finishing the collar until I was sure of getting buttons to fit the buttonholes.) The size has turned out well. I'm liking the

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-2899683161971698852008-12-14T21:40:00.003-05:002008-12-14T21:49:33.699-05:00

I've been struggling with the border for the Emerald cardigan, and finally got the numbers to come out right. There are supposed to be: equal numbers of stitches picked up along the left and right fronts, and also a total number of stitches that is a multiple of 4, plus 2. Or to put it differently, an odd multiple of 2. I got way too caught up in sophisticated planning of stitches per section

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-50574767526888670282008-12-07T21:38:00.003-05:002008-12-07T22:11:06.590-05:00

I'm plugging away on the Emerald Cardigan, having joined the body and sleeves and started my way up the yoke. The pattern calls for cables bordered by eyelet along the raglan shaping, but I am skipping the eyelet and substituting a one-stitch reverse stockinette edge to the cables, decreasing outside this stitch. Also, I am turning the cables towards the sleeves, rather than all in one direction.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-74800137126861114122008-12-07T15:46:00.004-05:002008-12-07T15:55:01.965-05:00

Here is the completed red baby hat:I have a good bit of yarn left, so I've started booties. The difficulty is having no idea if the booties and the hat will fit the same baby at the same time.I've started--several times!--a striped raglan based on the pattern in the new Color Style book. I'm using TLC Cotton plus, which is a crisper yarn than the original, so I'm afraid the jog at the color

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-74408837838367819332008-11-29T22:31:00.005-05:002008-11-29T22:47:41.758-05:00

I've just about finished another hat:It's based on a Raveler's take on a Banana Republic design, somewhat modified (mostly on purpose) by me.I’ll like this when I’m done but it hasn’t been as much fun to make as I had hoped. The unelastic yarn is tiring to knit with, and a bit rough for my winter-dry fingers, though it will be fine as a hat. I thought the band was snug, but after blocking the hat

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-3698816093120780222008-11-21T07:14:00.003-05:002008-11-21T07:24:27.600-05:00

Here's a photo of my 2-day baby hat for a friend's upcoming infant:Ravelry pattern Bundle of JoyIt's a nice easy knit, with spiraling decreases and a little icord knot on top. The cell phone photo doesn't show it to best advantage. (Unfortunately, my camera battery is dead and I've misplaced the charger.) I aimed for a larger than newborn size and may have ended up with something larger than

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-54286933923829984202008-11-09T22:07:00.003-05:002008-11-09T22:29:54.386-05:00

Continuing on with my Emerald Cardigan, I started the cuff of the first sleeve on Thursday and knitted my way through it in the course of an evening get together with some fellow knitters. Since then, somehow I've kept knitting steadily enough that the sleeve is now complete. This is in spite of various digressions, including a Friday yoga session and a couple of hours of serious attention to the

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-56835336271323287802008-11-01T10:28:00.002-04:002008-11-01T10:31:26.778-04:00

When I got home last night the Amy-friendly Lorna's Laces yarn had arrived from Jimmy Beans. (pix later). It's beautiful. !!

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-83861810589785529932008-10-29T06:34:00.003-04:002008-10-29T06:47:56.123-04:00

I've made a good start on the Emerald Cardigan:The color in the photo is a bit off but it shows how the yarn is shading. This is certainly a good pattern for that kind of yarn. The body (fronts and back) is knit in one piece. I've begun increasing above the waist while decreasing for the v neck. It takes a bit of concentration (and some notes) to keep it straight, but it's coming along well.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-59554776300524203342008-10-26T10:07:00.006-04:002008-10-26T10:18:48.759-04:00

I've cast on for a new sweater project. This time I'm making a cardigan, using the Knitty pattern called Emerald. I'm using a rusty tweedy boucle acrylic that I got in trade for some of my wool. It's unlabeled and wound into balls, so I'm not sure what it is or exactly how much I have, but I'm told it was originally purchased for a large sweater for someone larger than I am, so I should have

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-13330526062609981552008-10-24T06:50:00.002-04:002008-10-24T07:06:50.576-04:00

I'm trying to start a hat, using the top down no swatch method. With very bulky yarn, it seems that the difficulty lies in getting off to a good start without a hole in the top. Supposedly, if you use Emily Oecker's method of casting on, you end up with a loop of yarn whose tail can be pulled to tighten everything up. It hasn't worked for me so far. Maybe I should practice with something other

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-32201882275437702112008-10-16T22:30:00.003-04:002008-10-17T20:44:13.780-04:00

I got so excited about the news that the Amy's Vintage Office colorway Lorna's Lace's made in honor of Amy Singer was available in an Amy-friendly non-wool version that I ordered a whole sweater's worth from Jimmy Beans. I was somewhat relieved to learn that it is back ordered while Lorna dyes another batch. I want to think of something fabulously artistic to do with it--something that takes its

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-19087184841457182872008-10-07T19:21:00.003-04:002008-10-07T19:39:15.208-04:00

While traveling, of course I started another knitting project: the cloyingly-named Heartbreakingly Cute Pilot Cap from the new Mason-Dixon book. It's cleverly knit as a flat piece with zigzagging edges:By sewing the zigs and zags together along the edge that's on the bottom in this photo, you get something head-shaped. Then you attach i-cord ties. The original yarn was something subtly shaded in

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-41387605865118975382008-10-07T19:17:00.002-04:002008-10-07T19:21:21.492-04:00

I finished this last week while visiting my parents. I was glad to have finished it but also happy to leave it behind to await my next trip north. It's toasty and soft, but the neckline creeps up and the yarn must be kept away from velcro.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-21173851438810001832008-09-27T15:25:00.002-04:002008-09-27T15:35:49.628-04:00

I really like it! What a surprise to find how much I enjoy having a hat that fits, in a color I picked. Most of my hats have been things I "settled for" because most hats are too small for me.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-6774429740674922682008-09-24T06:23:00.000-04:002008-09-24T07:27:16.529-04:00

The cellphone photo doesn't do justice to the overall soft lime green color of this yarn. The hat used almost all of 1 skein.Not quite a pattern, but here's what I did:1. Measured my head2. Knit a swatch (using handspun bamboo, hemp, and sparkle yarn from Folktale Fibers) in k2p2 rib to check gauge3. Based on results, cast on 64 stitches (the closest multiple of 4 that would equal the size of my

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-89771159554758668052008-09-08T07:02:00.000-04:002008-09-08T08:08:16.491-04:00

Inspired by caterpillars and squash, here's what I did for my summer "mood board" project:I've been disappointed so far in the low level of participation, both on Ravelry and on the Inspired to Knit blog. I was looking forward to seeing what other people came up with.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-19297820288427598682008-09-02T22:17:00.003-04:002008-09-02T22:20:40.897-04:00

Finished vest, and it even fits:Detail:

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-56299498905222872802008-08-26T22:58:00.002-04:002008-08-26T23:02:33.878-04:00

I've knitted some parts more often than I can count, and I'm sure the ribbing still isn't perfect, but it's all over but the seaming (and blocking, and weaving in of ends...).

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-20678564008519583272008-08-16T16:22:00.011-04:002008-08-19T22:04:36.891-04:00

My remaining souvenirs of my wool-knitting days:  Last wool vest   Hand-dyed wool and mohair raglan worked in the round using Elizabeth Zimmerman's percentage method. the ribbing was worked in wool and the body and sleeves used wool and mohair in alternate rounds.   Wool vest with zigzag eyelet pattern.   Ribbed wool vest.   Striped wool vest combining variegated and black yarns.  Mitten in

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-41176274738131785402008-08-16T16:01:00.003-04:002008-08-16T16:21:21.736-04:00

My excuse for not blogging: I've been knitting along with the Olympics, to the extent that the broadcast schedule has been compatible with my need to sleep, eat, and go to work. The vest ran into difficulties (surely the knitter wasn't to blame...) and had to have its front and back re-knit from the start of the neckline up. At the same time, my Olympics viewing has been a repeated nightly round

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-74525833842750973902008-08-03T12:02:00.005-04:002008-08-16T16:22:48.904-04:00

I have finished the back of the vest. I thought I was ready to start the armhole shaping on the front last night, but discovered, in my last self-satisfied look at my progress before going to bed, that I had skipped 2 rows of garter stitch a couple of inches back, so will have to retrace my steps and fix it. Still, I'm within sight of the end. I just hope I like the fit. The combination of cotton

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-11129323547470986972008-07-21T21:00:00.004-04:002008-08-03T12:11:02.354-04:00

Here's a closeup of the stitch detail on the vest, using the Rowan Cotton jeans yarn. The back is nearly done.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-15285445266640657992008-07-19T18:14:00.002-04:002008-07-19T18:20:21.340-04:00

Using the Ribbed Tank pattern in Vogue Knitting: Very Easy Knits, I've made a good start on my vest. I've made several modifications to the original long, loose design, first published in 1983:The original and substitute yarns are not available. I am adapting to the Rowan Cotton Jeans I have and am pleased with the result, even though the gauge is different from not only the one specified on the

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-37168957953653309722008-07-10T15:26:00.002-04:002008-07-10T15:45:53.770-04:00

I was thinking I could use the small bit of chenille left from the scarf and some black yarn I got in a swap to make simple but fancy fingerless mitts or even gloves. Just one problem: the black yarn is really black, highlighting the essential brownness of even the darkest, most nearly black parts of the scarf. Too bad--it seemed like the ideal travel project. So I'm taking along the bit of

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-29549887551386088592008-07-06T11:37:00.003-04:002008-07-06T11:41:35.741-04:00

Here it is--the finished scarf! Crocheted scallops turned out to be the best finish for the edges. It's beautifully soft. The color of the jacket in the photo is a bit off; it's a darker bronzy brown and the scarf's colors look really nice with it.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-1664034841676227002008-07-01T06:01:00.000-04:002008-07-01T07:13:52.086-04:00

I spent Saturday morning at the Crafty Bastards craft fair because a friend had told me there would be a spinner with vegan yarn there. After fortifying myself with a mango Italian ice I found the Folktale Fibers booth. She had some really pretty yarn and sure enough, some of it was vegan. I got 2 skeins:The one on the right is a blend of organic cotton, bamboo, and "sparkle"--something

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-75187000500605527342008-06-26T07:08:00.002-04:002008-07-01T07:12:08.678-04:00

I haven't felt like I've had much to post lately, because I keep redoing the end of a little scarf over and over. It's mistake stitch rib, in a variegated synthetic chenille with a nice feel but no structure. I want the ends to flair slightly and look decorative but so far nothing is quite right. Perhaps crocheted scallops?

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-56316688740974403522008-05-26T14:19:00.003-04:002008-08-03T12:12:25.644-04:00

This was a housewarming present for someone who lives near fields and water.I crocheted around the edge. The pattern tends to contract, so additional repeats would have been required to make it truly square.This pattern could also be enlarged to make place mats.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-2781031387414410442008-05-16T14:43:00.001-04:002008-05-16T14:43:43.423-04:00

The sleeves on the sweater will need to be reworked to taper at thewrist--the ribbing is too loose and flares. I've started a ballbanddishcloth.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-32215120063248101912008-05-13T07:10:00.001-04:002008-08-03T12:12:03.616-04:00

Here it is, all but the sleeves. I made the "wrong" side the outside and added ribbing at the neck.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-89759103582263095522008-05-04T15:15:00.002-04:002008-08-03T12:12:03.617-04:00

The progress so far, with detail of raglan shaping:  

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-87315208175827060352008-05-03T12:20:00.003-04:002008-05-03T12:25:28.920-04:00

I'm using the Bernat soft blue "Soft boucle" acrylic I got in trade for some of my wool to make a top-down raglan/sweatshirt equivalent, using this pattern:Comfy Raglan from The Knitteur.comSo far it's going well. I'm about half way down the yoke. I'm mulling the idea of using a contrasting color--maybe gray--somewhere to give it a little more structure.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-32735672649585810192008-04-25T22:12:00.004-04:002008-04-25T22:56:18.978-04:00

I removed the slide show of yarns from the right corner. The wool is gone. Cottons, rayons, etc.are still coming my way. I've started an experimental rather narrow One-Row Scarf using the single ball of softly variegated chenille. Not sure if it's enough yarn yet but I like the effect, although the yarn puts a little too much friction on my irritated left little finger for extended knitting.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-2869933685941107812008-04-17T22:19:00.002-04:002008-04-17T22:26:38.998-04:00

Today I took my last batch of wool in to work. The green alpaca found a home and the various remaining rusts will, I am sure, be on their way to new homes within a week. The best part of all this trading is that I received (and continue to receive) so much yarn in return that is just the sort of stuff I'm ready and able to knit with right now. I've finally turned that woolly albatross of a stash

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-35558576986066760492008-04-13T11:49:00.005-04:002008-04-13T14:07:52.510-04:00

I've been swatching my Peaches & Creme to see what needle size works for me and hoping (vainly!) that I would intuit my way back to the slip stitch stripe pattern I used long ago on that w**l vest I no longer have. This morning I found the stitch in my Barbara Walker II: "Stripe and Rib" pattern, to be worked back and forth on dps or in the round. I see a dishcloth cotton vest in my future.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-31985335538534130362008-04-12T20:39:00.006-04:002008-04-13T12:21:21.180-04:00

I've photographed and catalogued all my yarn. Thank you, Ravelry!I think I've found, photographed, and recorded all my remaining wool.I've brought home, photographed, and recorded all the fun stuff I got in exchange for the Dyed in the Wool variegated, which has found a home.I've put the handspun naturals( coveted by at least 2 of my colleagues) into my gym bag so they will travel to work with me

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-81167985279216339282008-04-10T21:15:00.002-04:002008-04-10T21:27:50.489-04:00

The package of yarn traded for my Rowan designer dk arrived -- 6 skeins total of 2 different cotton blends in black, plus some magenta cotton and some orange suede-like ribbon to play with.Meanwhile, I've rummaged around and discovered more wool. 4 skeins of alpaca in a soft green, miscellaneous variegated odds and ends, and some fairly heavy reddish hanks--unlabeled, but somewhat similar to

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-61910514651068077282008-04-08T21:51:00.002-04:002008-04-08T21:59:00.610-04:00

Wow, that was quick. The Rowan Designer DK went west, the Dyed in the Wool has headed just slightly to the south, and various cottons are rumored to be coming my way. So the only wool left is the assortment of natural handspun skeins (from multiple craft fairs etc. ) that I haven't offered to anyone yet. At least I think that's all. I don't quite have the nerve to double check the back of the

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-58015207427582634022008-04-06T11:01:00.003-04:002008-04-06T14:52:31.353-04:00

Ravelry is helping me get organized and starting me on the road to the final destash of all things woolly. I've been putting stash photos into Flickr and starting to share with Ravelry's ISO & Destash group in hopes of trading for something I can use. The process of making entries and taking photos is a little time consuming but very worthwhile. I see that I have plenty of non-wool yarn for a

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-39694855735348506732008-04-04T21:01:00.005-04:002008-04-04T21:15:39.030-04:00

Here's the afghan-in-progress, with the first main section almost completed. It's going well enough to have given me the confidence to make a tentative start on a vest, using the Rowan Denim Jeans (in Jute) that I bought earlier this year. That in turn inspired me to return to the LYS, with the excuse of stocking up on Addi turbos in smaller sizes, and buy enough Cascade Pearls to make a tee (

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-48288262951503504422008-03-22T10:36:00.005-04:002008-04-13T11:59:07.624-04:00

Started and finished the Lobby Dishrag from the M-D site in 2 days. Personally, I like it as a washcloth. It's fun and easy to knit, and the Lily cotton yarn (in an ombre mix called "cool breeze") is nice for my skin.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-51141240460660324262008-03-19T16:06:00.001-04:002008-03-19T16:07:34.217-04:00

The chair pad is done.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-60363950587596019022008-03-18T06:41:00.006-04:002008-03-18T08:26:46.428-04:00

In the middle of block 20 of The Afghan, I rearranged a few things and ended up with a different chair in front of the computer, a wooden one in serious need of a pad for the seat. 2 days later, I've almost finished knitting strips of cotton knit fabric from assorted discarded garments into a completed pad--sort of a miniature knitted rag rug, in the spirit of those Mason-Dixon ladies. I would

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-71652989074765372882008-02-28T21:12:00.004-05:002008-02-28T21:20:46.452-05:00

I'm ridiculously thrilled to have finished block 14 with no mishaps. There's something about knowing these notes will show up on Ravelry that makes me want to have progress to report, and to report it, with some regularity, even though I can't imagine that any of my fellow Ravelers are really watching. My progress inspired me to drop by a LYS and stock up on some vest-worthy yarn: Rowan cotton

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-81450462675056340942008-02-21T20:24:00.003-05:002008-02-21T20:26:56.788-05:00

The afghan has 55 parts--large squares, small squares, and rectangles--all done in mitered garter stitch. I'm on part 11, but I'm going to have to rip it out. I got off by one stitch somewhere, and in navy blue I just can't see where.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-842757222302808060.post-52468657580351800142008-02-11T20:01:00.000-05:002008-02-21T20:22:17.147-05:00

I'm getting serious about getting back to knitting, in spite of my itchy skin that can't tolerate any wool at all anymore. I want to knit vests/sweaters I can wear. But first, to help my gauge settle down, I'm working on the Rambling Rows afghan using Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice yarn, in 4 shades of blue plus white. I got the pattern from Paradise Fibers.

Ariadnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06006650424564513470noreply@blogger.com0