Two new sweaters for the kiddos!

I finished up these two sweaters for Henry and Ellie during the Ravellenic Games as well. Ellie is so excited that mommy finally finished her sweater (I am making a promise to myself to finish hers first this fall!).



For Henry's I followed the Sanctuary for Baby pattern, and omitted the collar. I knew he would just chew on it, and it would get gross.



For Ellie's sweater I used the Korrigan pattern, which I made several modifications to (I didn't knit the sleeves flat as called for). I knit the 24 month size, and it came out perfectly! (She is a tiny thing!)
I think it came out really cute, especially given all the trouble I had keeping track of the cable chart (too many increases!)

Two new sweaters!

I am so pleased that I met all of my Ravellenic Games challenges! I finished up two more adult sized sweaters.



First up was my Must Have Cardigan. It came out lovely (apologies for the less than stellar picture), but alas, it is a bit too small to fit me comfortably. That's what happens when you start a project 4 years before you finish it!



I also finished up my Featherweight Cardigan. It grew a lot with soaking and blocking, and it is a great length on me! I wore it a bit on Sunday when it was a just a bit chilly outside, and it kept me very warm. I am looking forward to getting a lot of wear out of it this spring and summer!

Tangled Yoke: A New Knit Sweater for me!

I am so very very excited to have this sweater finished and to have it fit so well!



The pattern is Tangled Yoke from an old issue of Interweave. I am a bit ashamed of how long this one was a WIP, but I would stall out on certain sections (before the sleeves, after the yoke was joined, before the cable, in the middle of the cable). However, it only took a few hours of work to get her finished up! I am really pleased with the fit - it's a worry when you started the sweater before you had four kids!



I am a bit disappointed by the ladders in the sleeves - I'm chalking it up to not wanting to pull the yarn too tightly on my DPNs, since it has a tendency to break. I'm calling it a design feature now!

I can already tell that this is going to be my go-to sweater. It is just the right amount of warmth for most Texas winter days, the sleeve length is great, and it is comfy buttoned up.

Now I'm off to finish up two more sweaters!

Finished Sweaters

I finished Ben and Samantha's sweaters recently, and they were both big hits!

For Samantha's sweater I used the pattern Kindling Season. It was very well written and I enjoyed knitting it. It obviously didn't come out to be a size 6 (damn gauge!), but I was planning to knit her another one for school next year, so it's OK if it only fits for this year. 

The back has a chevron pattern on it - subtle but something more than stockinette! And I love the tall collar. I left off the pockets because I was ready to be DONE knitting it. 

For Ben's Sweater I used Grow Old With Me, and I think it is adorable. It is supposed to have positive ease, and I knit a size 2 - guess he is a big boy! This is one I would definitely knit again when he is older. It was a bit confusing at the beginning with shaping for the raglan, and the collar and then the extra stitches for the button band, but I figured it out. He loves it, and he loves the bike buttons I chose for it. 

He wore it all day the day I finished it, so I consider that a success! Now to finish Ellie's and Henry's! 

Folded: A finished sweater!

This summer I did the Camp Loopy challenge. In June and July I knit shawls. For August's challenge we had to knit something that took a certain amount of yarn (I can't remember!). I chose Folded, and used some lovely Dream in Color Smooshy. 

I made my sleeves a bit longer, and greatly modified the neckline so it wasn't too large - I knit another round of decreases after I was to my size, and then did the short rows. I added 10 rows of ribbing and bound off fairly tightly. I think it could be a bit lower, but it works for me. I think it will fit much better if I can ever get rid of my postpartum belly! 

I'm glad I chose to knit this sweater. Most of my sweaters are cardigans, which is great because I wear them all the time over long sleeve t-shirts and button downs in the fall and winter. But it's nice to have a slightly dressy pullover to wear to work and other nice occasions. I wore this with a black skirt to the ballet recently, and I was so happy to wear something I had made that didn't look handmade! 

Neighborly

Several months ago I knew I wanted to knit Samantha a cute vest of some sort for layering. So often down here in Texas we don't need winter coats, and we often just wear wool sweaters, but sometimes just a small amount of warmth is needed (of course, as I'm writing this is almost 90 here in November, so obviously not this year!). I had seen this pattern pop up across blogland, and I thought it would be super cute.



It knit up pretty quickly and only used one skein of Cascade 220. I left off picking up stitches for the armholes (I like the way it looks with the rolled edge) and I added some length (I still think it's a bit short).

Samantha enjoys wearing it, which means it's a winner!

2008 Wrap Up

I'm a little late finishing up my 2008 FO posts, but I had to wait for hubby's sweater to finish drying to take his pictures. Anyway, here are my last 4 FOs for the year. 

Pattern: Salina by Kim Hargraves, from Rowan Vintage Knits

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed - 7 balls

Needles: 5 US

Dates: Feb 2007-December 2008

Mods: My gauge was off, so I knit the largest size to get a 36"

Thoughts: Needs to be blocked. Could be a smidge longer. The yarn was crap to seam with. Didn't really take a year and a half to knit - back was finished in Jan or Feb of '08, other pieces knit this summer, waited until Dec (post xmas knitting) to seam. I think after blocking it will be the sweater I wear the most, after my Central Park Hoodie. Will be knitting it again, as my sister wants one too!

Pattern: Cambridge Jacket by Ann Budd, from Interweave Knits

Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Evergreen - 10 balls

Needles: US 7 Clover bamboo

Dates: um, 2006 sometime? to December 2008. Sat unworked on for most of that time.

Mods: Knit a tighter gauge to get a smaller size for skinny minny hubby. Didn't do the crocheted edging. 

Thoughts: Fits him really well after blocking - an amazing difference. He asked for no edging, and it's not flipping up too much. Zipper is put in much better than the zipper I used for my Ribby Cardi (which I need to redo). 

Pattern: Superlong Wrap by Kris Percival from Knitting to go box

Yarn: Baby Alpaca (no brand)

Needles: 10.5 US Clover bamboo

Dates: Sept 2008-Dec 2008

Mods: smaller gauge to make scarf instead of wrap.

Thoughts: can't decide if I should block it or not - I kind of like the curling quality of it unblocked. 

Pattern: Korknisse 

Yarn: scraps

Needle: US 6 or 7

Dates: Dec 2007-Dec 2008

Mods: none

Thoughts: knit all of the pieces last December. Got forgotten in a purse pocket. Found and bells attached for the girls' xmas ornaments this year. Will make more - they are so cute!

There were also 2 pairs of longies and a soaker knit for The Bug, but they are not super exciting blog fodder - they are in my flickr and ravelry, if you really want to see them. 

Now that my 2008 slate is clear, I can tell you about my 2009 plans. Tomorrow. 

Sweet Baby Sweaters

The finishing roll continues around here with two new sweaters for the bean.


Pattern: February Baby Sweater from EZ's Knitter's Almanac
Yarn: Mirasol Contani - just over 3 skeins
Needles: Sz 8 Clover bamboo circulars and dpns
Dates: Um, May-July 2008
Mods: I put the stitches for the sleeves on waste yarn, finished knitting the body and went back and knit the sleeves in the round - much better!
Thoughts: This seemed to drag for a while, but it went very fast when I actually worked on it. It is very cute and has adorable sheepy buttons too!




Pattern: Provence Baby Cardigan from Classic Elite
Yarn: Classic Elite Provence
Needles: Sz 6 Clover bamboo circulars
Dates: May or June-July 2008
Mods: none
Thoughts: I did pick up too many stitches for the button bands, so they flare a bit, but I can live with it. This is very cute, and will hopefully fit the babe around Easter time.

I've nearly finished another sweater (needs ribbon) and one that just needs a sleeve, so more are on their way! I've also got two pairs of socks almost done and a pair of slippers. And an adult sweater that just needs one sleeve and finishing.

I debated joining the Ravelypics (or however they are spelling it), in WIP wrestling, but I don't want to commit, 'cause then I won't get anything done! I don't think I can get the WIPs down to 10 before the babe's arrival, but it will be close.

I've got very cute baby gifts to post pictures of - the sweeties at my LYS threw me a shower on Sunday, and I was spoiled. I hopefully will get pictures of them tomorrow, if it doesn't rain. (But I am hoping for rain, so fingers crossed!)

Things here are good beyond that - the nursery is nearly done (pics when it is), we bought a new car - pictures soon. I have my 33.5 week check-up tomorrow - everything has been fine so far - she's not headdown yet, so I'm nervous about getting her turned around so I don't have to have a c-section. I know I have a few weeks yet, but I'll be talking to the doctor about when she needs to be ready to go before we have to make that decision. I'm trying not to melt (It has been 100-107 here the last 17 days or something crazy like that), and I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row for the first few weeks of school, and then having stuff ready for the sub. Crazy!

OK, this has turned into a novel - oh, but for those who have been asking - she is due September 20. More knitting soon!

Baby sweaters

Last of the FOs for a bit here - but more are en route - just as soon as I get some of that nasty finishing done. I sat and forced myself to "finish" for a few days last week - allowing all of these FOs. Perhaps this weekend will bring another batch.



Pattern: Baby Bolero from One Skein by Leigh Radford
Yarn: Manos Cotton Stira - leftover from mom's sweater last year.
Needles: Sz 8 Clover Bamboo circular
Dates: May-June 2008
Mods: I tried to knit it a bit bigger, since the pattern is sized for a newborn and it will probably still be hot here when she is born.
Thoughts: Would have been done much sooner if I wasn't such a loser when it comes to sitting down and finishing things!



Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket from EZ's The Opinionated Knitter
Yarn: Mirasol Hacho - 2.5 skeins
Needles: Sz 6 Clover bamboo circular
Dates: April-May 2008 (buttons sewn on in June)
Mods: none!
Thoughts: My gauge is spot on, but this looks big. It's a little frustrating to not know what size it is, especially since we get so few months that are cold enough for a sweater. That being said, there's no guarantee she'll fit into anything when the pattern says she will!


Pattern: Encore Worsted Colorspun Worsted Toddler Cardigan
Yarn: Encore Worsted (only 1 skein- pattern called for 2) and Ella Rae Amity (for trim)
Needles: Sz 5 and 7 Addi Turbo circulars
Dates: April-June 2008
Mods: using the contrast color for the buttonband and collar
Thoughts: My gauge was a little small, but this is a shop sample, so we don't have to worry about it fitting a "real" baby. This is for our sweater construction class that is coming up at the end of July - I hope we'll have some takers as this will be one of the last classes I get to teach for a while!

I started my summer of socks project - but I'll save that excitement for next time!

Spring Break Knits

First, thank you for all the well-wishes - we are very excited here.

We did manage to finish quite a few projects over spring break, and I'll lead with what you really care about - the knitwear.



Pattern: Zombie Socks from Sock Madness
Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight in Lenore
Needles: Chiagoo DPNs 2.75mm
Dates: Thursday March 13-Thursday March 20
Mods: none
Thoughts: very stretchy sock. Even though my gauge was perfect, these are a little big. But they turned out fine besides that, and I'll still wear them. The yarn bled all over my needles and my fingers, so I'll be careful washing them.


Pattern: Log Cabin Blanket
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in 5 colors
Needles: Sz 8 Susan Bates Circulars
Dates: Um, August 2006-March 2008. Yikes
Mods: none
Thoughts: This didn't turn out as big as I had originally envisioned, but I just needed it to be done. It was gifted to The Girl for her 10th birthday on Friday, and she seems to really like it, so that's good.


Pattern: Devon from Magknits
Yarn: Rowan Cotton Glace - 1.5 balls in white, purple and green and just over 2.5 balls in brown
Needles: Sz 3 Susan Bates Circulars
Dates: September? 2007-March 2008
Thoughts: This has been mostly done since the end of January - I ran out of brown and kept forgetting to buy another ball, and then I had to spend 3 hours weaving in ends. Ugh. But it fits great, and I really like the colors, so overall a winner.

I did get a bit of other knitting progress made, but I'll save that fodder for another day!

And another!

It's all FOs all the time!


Pattern: Bowknot Cardigan from Classic Elite City Park booklet
Yarn: Classic Elite Flash - 7 skeins
Needles: Sz 7 Clover bamboo circulars
Dates: July 2007-January 2008 (though the knitting has been finished since November, it's just been sitting, waiting to be seamed.)


Mods: I lengthened the body about an inch
Thoughts: Fairly simple, straightforward pattern. No excellently written, but I could figure it out since I've knit other sweaters.
Best thing about this project? It's done too! Even though I can't wear it for a few months.

Sure would be nice to keep up this pace of finished sweaters, but alas, these have been close to done for a bit now. I'll keep plugging away at the others on the needles, and see if I can finish more sweaters this year than last year.

Goals for Janauary and the first FO!

FO before business:


Pattern: Wicked by the gals at Zephyr Style
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted - just a smidge over 4 skeins
Needles: Sz 9 Clover Bamboo circular and Chiagoo DPNs
Dates: October 2007-January 1, 2008
Mods: I improvised 3/4 sleeves after seeing other cute ones on Ravelry.
Thoughts: Cute! The yarn is wonderful - super soft and squishy. I love the simplicity of the pattern - it really works in a shaded yarn like this.
Best thing about this project? I love it and it is super wearable.


I had tried to finish this up New Year's Eve, but I was too tired to finish. So it was the first FO of 2008. I have another sweater that only lacks seaming, and a felted object that is drying, so a few more FOs will be coming soon.

Down to business:

January Goals:
Finish Wicked (already done!)
Seam Bow-knot cardigan
Finish Hedgehog
Finish Snowy Triangle Scarf
Finish Noro Scarf
Finish Monkey Socks
Finish Zuluknitty socks
Knit 8 panels of Log Cabin Blanket
Finish back of Bristow, start fronts.
Finish back of Cambridge jacket, start fronts.
Finish back of Salina, start front or sleeve.
Finish 2 mystery knits.
Knit hat for hubbo
Knit hat for hubbo's friend
Knit fingerless gloves for hubbo
Start Rogue
Finish one Embossed Leaves sock
Finish one Child's First sock
Finish one of hubbo's ribbed socks

That seems like a lot, but I'm a good portion of the way done with a few of these (the benefit to publish the list 4 days after I've written it), and some are not as much work as they might appear. I also need to put away the Christmas decorations, but I'll get that done sometime. OK - off to get some of this done! Have a great weekend - I may pop in with a FO or two - we'll see how it goes!

Final FOs of the year?

Pattern: Jarrett from Rowan Vintage Knits
Yarn: Ella Rae Classic, color 103, 6.5 skeins
Needles: Sz 5 and 7 Clover Bamboo circulars
Dates: mid September-Monday December 24.
Mods: Tons. I knit an XXXS size using Flintknits Pam'smods she was so gracious to share with me (thanks to the magic of Ravelry, I saw that she had knit a smaller size for her Jarrett, so emailed her and she shared her mods. Love Ravelry!). I also knit the sleeves smaller and not from the top down as she had done. Hubbo decided on a short collar (and he likes the standing-up of it), and no elbow or shoulder patches (for now).
Thoughts: he loves it. I love that it is done, and he can stop saying I've never knit him a sweater. He picked out the buttons, and it needs a good blocking so the button band will lie flat. He did say "Don't loose this pattern, 'cause I'm sure I'll wear this out in a few years and I'll need another." I think that's the mark of a successful knit!


I also knit up a quickie project for me. I started these a few weeks ago when it was starting to get chilly in the mornings, but put them aside to finish my holiday knitting. I threw them in my bag when we were leaving on Friday morning, and had them finished about an hour into our flight. And I enjoyed wearing them when it was chilly in the evenings in D.C. The color doesn't really go with any of my coats, but I don't really care!


Pattern: Fingerless Mitts from Weekend Knitting.
Yarn: Lana Grossa Cool Wool Big - less than 1 ball.
Needles: Sz 8 Clover circulars.
Dates: early December - Friday December 28.
Mods: none.
Thoughts: Great pattern. Easy, quick, useful. I see more of these in my future - in fact, hubbo has already requested his - in grey, of course!

I have more to say about our trip, and my year in review, and my future knitting "goals", but that will have to wait, as I'm trying to finish up one more FO for the year! Fingers crossed!

FO for momma

Pattern: Basketweave Pullover from a pattern leaflet mom sent me (I don't have it handy to look up - I'll try to find it.)
Yarn: Manos Cotton Stira, Tahki Cotton Classic
Needles: Sz 8 Clover Bamboo Circulars
Mods: lengthened sleeves
Dates: sometime this summer - end of September. Seamed November 17.
Thoughts: DONE!

This was actually a fairly quick knit, when I would work on it. I striped in the Cotton Classic, since we were worried I would run out of the Stira. As it turns out, I have a skein and a half left.

The sweater fits mom really well - which I was tremendously worried about. Perhaps that's why it took almost 2 months for me to seam it?

She seems to like it, right mom?

In other news, an unloved knit has gone on to live with my MIL, whom I hope really likes it and isn't just saying so.

I'm trying to finish up a few more things this week, cross your fingers !

Wicked awesome!

See? There has been knitting! I'm through with the body of Wicked, now I just need two sleeves (and yes, I'm making long sleeves, 'cause if you're going to make a wool sweater, I feel like you should go all the way. And besides, even though I live in Texas, I'm usually always cold.)

I'll probably work on the sleeves this weekend and next week, when I DON'T HAVE SCHOOL FOR A WHOLE WEEK! Woo Hoo! Plus, my mommy is coming to visit, so I desperately need to finish her sweater, right mom? So there'll be that too hopefully. Can you imagine? Two finished sweaters? Be still my beating heart!

Also in the wicked awesome category, I'd like to give myself a wee pat on the back. You see, I've been trying to get motivated to loose what I like to call the "knitting weight" (you know, all the weight I've gained since I took up knitting and starting sitting for long periods of time. Because before the knitting it was the reading weight). I rejoined my old gym this summer, and was going on a regular basis and getting to take yoga class 2-3 times/week. Unfortunately, they only offer yoga on Tu/Th/Sat mornings, so I don't get to go anymore (I'm at the LYS on Saturdays). Poop. I called and tried to talk them into evening classes (like they used to offer) but they aren't interested. And I'll be honest - it takes a lot for me to want to go to the gym (but I feel guilty about spending the money and not going, so that helps a little). But I really want to fit back into some of my old clothes, so I need to drop just a few pounds, and be healthier. I know I mentioned the getting up at o'dark thirty a few days ago, and this is why: I've made a deal with myself - go to the gym four days a week, for four weeks and I get to take a personal day from school. Very excellent motivation. Though I won't get to take my day until well after the holidays, it looks like, that's OK. In fact, I was thinking today that maybe I don't need that motivation anymore. Maybe I just want to go. I've been reading on the elliptical machine, which I don't make time for anymore, so that's been nice. I've almost finished a book, and I can't tell you when was the last time that happened!

So wickedness all around! Only 3 more days until VACATION! And mommy!

Stress can kill. Or make you start a lot of projects

We all have seen how I dealt with the kitchen stress this summer.

School stress has been at severe levels for the past two weeks or so (really, all year), so you can imagine what I did last week. Besides the three new scarves, it is apparently sweatertober as well.



Wicked started in Malabrigo. Can we all say YUM? (Hubbo really wanted to know why my book was in the picture. 'Cause I'm reading it and knitting it! Duh!)



Union Square Market Pullover (three million stitches on eeensy needles - this one may take years).



Bristow (something easy for when hubbo's around and I can't work on his sweater).



Somewhat Cowl (because it's pretty)


Where are the folks in the white jackets?

I did finish some socks this week, but since it is o'dark thirty, and I have a four hour inservice tonight (after school - just what I want to do on a Friday), and all day tomorrow, and hubbo has a soccer game tomorrow night, it will probably be Sunday before I can take their picture. It's probably better that way - it will allow me to take pictures of everything else I start this weekend.

Sweater weather?

I know I really shouldn't be complaining, after the mild summer we had, but can fall hurry up and get here already? It's been over 90 every day for over a week and a half. Luckily (according to the weather idiots), we're having a "cold front" today and it's only supposed to be 86. Brrrrrr. A breeze.

However, these warm temperatures haven't prevented me from starting a few new fall sweaters (nor have they enabled me into finishing my summer sweaters, but that's a topic for another day).



Several weeks ago, when I wanted something to just go around and around on, I started Devon out of Rowan Cotton Glace. I love it. I love the colors, and the stripes, and it's taking me FOREVER. But that's OK. I don't have to knit any sleeves!



Ariann out of Ella Rae Classic. Love the yarn. Love the color. Love the pattern. Not very far yet.


Buttony out of Debbie Bliss Cashmernio Chunky. I'm a bit nervous about this one, since it's really a "wing it" type of sweater. My fingers are crossed that I can pull it off. If not, I'm sure I can find another sweater to use this yarn for.



And finally, Jarrett (from Rowan Vintage Knits), for Hubbo, out of Ella Rae Classic. I've had a bear of a time trying to get gauge for this. I originally purchased Silky Wool for this sweater, but came nowhere near getting gauge (20st/4in) with it. After much perusing of the internets (and of Ravelry), I realized that 20st/4in is WORSTED weight gauge. Not DK/Sport. I swatched with the Ella Rae, he picked a color, and I haven't looked back since.
I'm trying to knit this one in secret for Christmas. I plan to work on it at the shop on the weekends, and when he's not around here (for example, I plan to go do a few rows before he gets up this morning). It may take me until next Christmas, but I am determined to get this done. Of course, last night he told me that he really liked this sweater Monk is wearing.

Practically the same people. He's so predictable.

I do have other grand fall/winter knitting plans, but this will have to do for now. I've got to finish some projects first!

Yay! A sweater that fits!

Pattern: Rusted Root from Zephyr Style.
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece - 2 3/4 skeins
Needles: Sz US 4 Susan Bates and Sz US 6 Clover Bamboo circulars.
Size: 36"
Mods: I cast on with the size 4s, and knit the ribbing at the top before beginning the body of the sweater, in order to avoid picking up all those stitches later. Worked out fine.
Thoughts: Could be a skotch longer. I'm hoping blocking will help solve this problem. It's about to be blocked, so I'll let you know how that works out. But otherwise, I really really like it! The fit is perfect, I love the lace detail, and the sleeves aren't too tight (something I always worry about). Would have been done much more quickly, had I only worked on it.














My apologies for the blog absence - getting ready for the new school year is exhausting. But I have some blog posts ready to go, so I hope to not be as quiet this week. Wish me luck tomorrow morning - 4th graders! Ack!

A month of sweaters?

I had grand plans at the beginning of August - I was going to finish up Rusted Root, the Bowknot Cardigan and Cherry. It is almost mid-August, and I'm not too close, so barring a miracle, it may not happen.


However, I do have the back of the Bowknot cardigan done. The back of Cherry is nearly done, and I have 2 1/2 pattern repeats and some ribbing and Rusted Root will be done.



I worked a bit on Camisa a week or two ago, and I have the bottom half of the back finished. The only thing preventing me from working more on it is the picking up stitches - blech.

I have ripped and restarted mom's sweater three times now - too big, too small, and now, hopefully, just right. No new picture, as it looks much the same as it did the first time (I have 12 rows done).



I did cast on for a new project a few days ago - the Lace Curtain from Knitpicks out of Nashua June. Hubbo wants to know if the curtain or the kitchen will be done first. Funny guy.

Knits that don't fit

I finished Vanessa. I am not happy.



From the front, not too bad. Looks a little big and gappy.



From the side you see more bagginess. Yuck.



And the back is just a disaster.



Pattern: Vanessa from Rowan RYC Classic Art.
Yarn: RYC Luxury Cotton DK in Damsel - 9 skeins
Needles: Sz 6 Clover Circulars.
Dates: April to June 30 for main body. July for additional ribbing and seaming.
Mods: I knit a larger size for the ribbing. This is what I think caused the huge bagginess. It also came out wayyyyyyyy too short, so I knit and added on 3 more inches of ribbing.
Thoughts: The yarn was delightful. Soft and pretty - very nice to work with. The pattern was fine, even for a Rowan pattern, though it never tells you to make 2 sleeves. I understand that it's implied, but c'mon.


It is way too big in the bust, even though I followed the measurements for the 36" bust for all but the ribbing. The ribbing is not attached in an attractive way, hence the "ribbon" of extra yarn to cover up the seam.

If I didn't know about the bagginess in the back I might wear it. I might still wear it, since I made it, darn it! But as hubbo said, "It's not your best look." Le sigh.

It is hiding in the closet now, for the foreseeable future. Em, if you want to try it on you have to come to Texas! :)

I can't decide if I am up to ripping it. Maybe after the disappointment wears off. Grrrr.