Saturday, December 31, 2011

Dreamz Needles

I decided to buy myself a Christmas present.  I got two sets of Knitter's Pride Dreamz needles:  the 10" straights and the double-pointed set. 

I love these needles.  To me they are that link between metal needles and the bamboo wooden needles.  They are hard, made of birch, and highly lacquered so that they are slippery, but not too slippery.


My preferred method of knitting is to use straight needles.  It's what I learned on and grew up with.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not adverse to circulars.  I do like them for circular knitting and for extra long projects. 

The set of straight needles ranges in size from US 2.5 (3.0 mm) to 11 (8.0 mm).   I found that there were some gaps in the range of sizes in the set, however.  There was no US 10.5 (7.0 mm), for example.  This doesn't bother me as I rarely use that size anyway.  If I need it in the future, I'll order it then. 

Another size that's missing is one that I do use often:  US 3 (3.25 mm).  There were two extra loops in the case, on either side of the needles on the right.  I shifted the needles around so that the empty loops were now on the left side, right where the size 3 (3.25 mm) needles would go, and then I ordered that size and will add them to the case.

To my mind the double-pointed needles are as close to perfection as I've seen so far.  They are 6" long, which I like, and the sharpness of the points is just right.  This set ranges in size from US 0 (2.0 mm) to 3 (3.25 mm) and includes those pesky sizes that don't always translate from mm to US:  US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2.5 (3.0 mm).  I make most of my socks on US 0 (2.0 mm) needles, so I ordered 2 extra sets of that size.  They are already in use.  I also added one more set of dps:  US 4 (3.5 mm).  Those are pictured in the middle, the loose needles.

I really like the fact that every size is a different color.  It makes it very easy to sort your needles and to choose the ones you need without the need to pull out the needle sizer.  The writing on the needles is tiny and hard to see.  Also, the colors are consistent.  The straight size 3 mm needles are yellow (they call it "yellow topaz"), for example, in both the straight sets and the dps.  I'm sure that's true with the Dreamz circulars as well.  I haven't tried the circs but I hear good things about them.

Now, I would like to find the perfect needle case to hold dps.  I've looked but nothing has caught my eye and I tend to be a bit particular.  I wish there was a lovely soft leather case that would hold everything.  Wouldn't that be nice? 

I was so good to me this year!!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

HBC - Finished

It's so hard to coral an almost-2-year-old and get him to (1) stand still, (2) show off a sweater so that you can see all the angles and (3) smile all at the same time!  This completes my list of Christmas projects for 2011. 


THE DETAILS

Pattern:  I used a shawl collar sweater pattern from Sirdar as the template and added the signature stripes of the Hudson Bay Company, a Canadian institution.  The entire body of the sweater was done in stocking stitch instead of with the double moss stitch on the top part.  I added 6 little wooden buttons.

Size:
   2-3

Needles: 3.0 & 3.75 mm / US #2.5 & 5

Yarn:  Plymouth Encore D.K.
75% acrylic, 25% wool
Main Color:  Cream #256
Contrasting Colors:  Black #217
Red #1386
Yellow #1382
Green #54

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Project

Since I've been good about finishing projects lately I feel that I can cast on for a new one with a clear conscience.  I'm starting a new pattern from a new book just about to be released.  Here's a hint:

Intrigued?

You'll want to come back here on Saturday, January 7th as the author/designer will be visiting.  There will be giveaways of her book, too.

I have one more finished Christmas project to blog about, probably tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Bread Basket Liner #2

I finished up another bread basket liner.  This second one was a Christmas gift for my son-in-law's parents.  The details are the same as the first one, click here.


I didn't have any bread handy for the picture so project is doubling as a pine cone basket liner.  So versatile!

The bread basket is really nice.  It has a clay tree of life warmer that you can heat up in the oven and place in the basket to keep the bread or buns warm.  I think I should order one for myself when they are back in stock.


I think I have enough yarn left on the cone for one more liner. I'm adding it to my queue.  My very long queue.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Effortless Is Finished

My daughter loves her new Christmas sweater, the Effortless Cardigan.  I am quite sure that it's going to drape more casually as it's worn and washed.  It's only had a brief blocking so far due to lack of time.  The sleeves are longer than what the pattern suggested.  This was at Jessica's request.


THE DETAILS
Designed by Hannah Fettig

Size:   Small
(Second size listed)
Needles: US #7/4.5 mm

Yarn: Tosh DK - 5 skeins
Color - gossamer
 
Note:  Originally Jessica wanted the color which was on the sample sweater in the picture.  The name of the color is gossamer and to both of us it appeared to be blue/gray.  However, on receiving the yarn we could see that it was definitely beige with a hint of pink.  Fortunately Jessica liked the new color, too.  The pattern is well-written and it an easy knit.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas 2011

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or it's just a Sunday... I hope that you have a very happy and healthy holiday season. 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Another Mini Stocking

I managed to complete one more little project before Christmas.  I was hoping to have the time to do it but wasn't confident that I would.  The details for this mini-stocking is the same as one I did earlier for my Mom, click here.  This one was hung on my daughter and son-in-law's tree and there is a (hopefully winning) lottery ticket in it.

.

I just realized, after posting about this stocking, that I forgot to sew the decorative little button at the base of the hanger.  I'll add it later on.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Knitting

Two days until Christmas and my knitting projects are finished, well, almost.   I'll post pictures and details after the presents have been opened. 


I like the way those percentage bars look with those 100s and a 99. Now, I can get back on track with my Rule of Four, except that I'm going to revise it for 2012. From now on it's the Rule of Four Plus Socks. I always have a sock on the needles. It's my carry-along project so I'm not going to count it and give it a slot in the lineup.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Ten on Tuesday

Click here if you want to join Ten on Tuesday, a blog ring created by Carole Knits

Monday, December 19, 2011

Music Monday - Christmas Edition

Love the song.  Love the group.  Enjoy!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

That Pesky Deadline

On Thursday I had the back of the HBC sweater for Braydon done but I was contemplating ripping back and re-knitting the top part in stocking stitch.  I decided to do this.  Thank goodness this sweater is only a size 2-3 and that the yarn is DK weight as it makes for quick knitting.  All the pieces are now knitted and today I'll be blocking and sewing them together.  That will just leave the bands and collar to knit and the buttons to attach. 

However, that's not the end of my Christmas knitting.  I still have to block the Effortless cardigan for my daughter.  I have one more bread basket liner to knit and Jessica "hinted" that she'd like one of those small Christmas stockings for her tree.


I should have pictures to show you soon but, for now, I need to knit.  It's also a good chance for me to get caught up on episodes of EastEnders.  I want to get up to date as things always go crazy on Albert Square at Christmas!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Hudson's Bay Company Cardigan

First up:  my daughter is banned from my blog until after Christmas, so Jessica, if  you're reading this, close your browser!

With just over a week left until Christmas I've got some serious knitting to do.  I'm a little further behind than I'd like to be right now.  I thought I'd knit more when I was in Kingston but time has a way of slipping by.  Maybe now that I'm home I can pick up speed. 

I'm working on a stealth/Christmas sweater for my Grandson.  I posted the colors in my last blog entry.  If you're familiar with the Hudson's Bay Company then you'll be familiar with the colors.  You can see them behind their logo.  The company is a Canadian institution and has been around since 1670. 

The stripes are instantly recognizable on blankets and heavy sweaters.  I decided to make Braydon a cardigan with a shawl collar in the HBC style, size 2-3.

I found this Sirdar pattern on Patternfish to use as a template.  This little sweater is cute and very masculine, in my opinion.  I've knitted the back of the sweater using the striped design.  I have the rest of the sweater to finish, so I'm off to knit.  Time is short and I still have another gift to make after this one.
Unblocked
Since writing this post I've been having serious doubts about whether or not to do the upper body in double moss stitch as it is in the pattern.  It's cute on the sweater pattern but I think it would be more traditional in an HBC sweater to stick to stocking stitch.  I'll think about it a bit more (but not too long) and make a decision.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Hi from Kingston, Ontario

I'm here visiting my Mom.  I'll also be doing some Christmas knitting.

One of the nice things about moving to Calgary is getting a chance to spend time with my grandson.  That includes being able to see him, in person, wear sweaters that I've made for him.  Here he is in his blue cabled sweater.  I blogged about it earlier, here and here.  I was living in Denver when I mailed it to him.


Now that I'm on vacation for a few days I'll be working on a stealth project:  a new sweater for Braydon, a Christmas present.


The colors are off a bit.  The one in the middle is red and that's black yarn at the top.  It's Plymouth Encore DK, a practical yarn for an active little boy.  Now, can I knit the sweater in time for Christmas?  I hope so.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Re-finished Object #2

I wasn't happy with the look of my shamrock coaster. To my eye it looked unfinished and needed to be squared up some. I decided to add an attached I-cord border and reblock and I think it looks better (photographed while still wet):


For more information about working an attached I-cord, click here.


Here's an explanation on how to turn a corner with an attached I-cord, click here.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Eye Candy Friday - Santa Edition

My grandson, Braydon, (22 months old) visited Santa yesterday. Obviously he wasn't impressed. This picture cracks me up!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Jigsaw Afghan - Halfway

Until my Christmas knitting is finished I'm knitting only one block a day on my Jigsaw afghan.  I've just passed the halfway point, not counting the border.  The turquoise block at the top is the middle square.  I love seeing the puzzle pieces forming.


Just a reminder that the pattern and a knitalong group for the afghan can be found on Ravelry.

Speaking of Christmas, I finished another one of the projects.  I'm going to block it today and will be posting the details and pictures in the next day or two.  Maybe I'll finish my Christmas knitting in time.  There's hope!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Re-Finished Object

I'm the first to admit that my skill with the mattress stitch could use some work, at least when seaming fairisle. 

I posted that my tiny Christmas stocking ornament was finished but, in truth, I wasn't all that pleased with it.  The mattress stitch was not tidy enough for my liking so I took it out and tried again, using the back stitch.  I was even more unhappy with the results.  Since I really wanted to give this stocking as a gift I was particularly determined to be proud of it.  So, I rethought and reknit.

This time I knit in the round = no seam except for the back of the heel.  I used the mattress stitch there and it looks fine.  The snowflake design is now centered on each side of the mini stocking.  When I seamed with the back stitch it was not. 

I hadn't added a button to the first stocking as I hadn't found buttons to my liking.  On a visit to Fabricland I found little silver-y/pewter-y buttons that, in my opinion, are perfect. 


I tossed the first incarnation of the stocking in the garbage.  Now that I've got the stocking that I'm happy with I've had a request for another.  I like making these stockings very much and I have a feeling that I'll be knitting more than just one more in time, maybe even for myself!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Denver

Watching the flashmob at Denver International Airport makes me feel a bit "homesick". Enjoy, no matter where you are.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Itty Bitty Christmas Stocking

Over the years my parents put up two Christmas trees.  One was the normal tree with the usual type of ornaments.  The other was my Mom's "Funny Tree".  It was a small tree that sat on a table top.  She called it her Funny Tree because she put small, unusual ornaments on it...anything that caught her eye.  I tried to come up with one new ornament each Christmas.  In Germany I found a tiny wooden nativity scene that was only about 2" tall.  She had a beautiful silver angel from Mexico.  There was also a little plastic Snoopy with his tongue stuck out.  For me, this was the tree that I liked best.  This year I decided to knit a small Christmas stocking.

THE DETAILS

Pattern:  Mini Christmas Stocking
a free pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits

Size:
   4" from top to toe, not including the loop for hanging

Needles: US #1.5 / 2.5 mm

Yarn:  Sandnesgarn Lanett
#4128 cardinal
#1001 white
(a few yards of each)

Note:
  A quick and fun pattern, well-written and easy to follow.



RANT:  If you notice that the line spacing is weird on any blog posts I have Blogger to thank.  Lately it's been a battle to make the lines stay put.  Sometimes an extra line shows up, sometimes line breaks disappear.  There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when or why this happens and it's certainly taking the fun out of blogging.  If anyone has a solution, (this problem is sooooo frustrating) I'd love to hear from you.  Thanks.   joanne @ jconklin . com

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Shamrock Coaster

I decided to do a quick stocking stuffer for my Mom for Christmas:  a shamrock coaster.  It only took a couple of hours at the most.  Given her Irish heritage I'm sure that she'll like it and that it will come in handy.  I'm calling this project finished but I'm thinking about adding a border, maybe an attached I-cord, to help square up the coaster and smooth out the edges..


THE DETAILS

a free pattern by Kris Patay

Size:   6" square

Needles: US #3/3.25 mm

Color #67 - Sage Green
DK Weight
40% Cotton
30% Rayon
30% Hemp
~ 1/3 of the ball was used

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Hey Kids....

....let's all go to Hooter's for dinner!
Calgary, November 26, 2011

Friday, November 25, 2011

Baby Booties for Jamie & Amanda

Jamie and Amanda, friends of my daughter and son-in-law, are expecting their second baby in about 2 weeks.  It's a boy.  I wanted to make a small baby gift for them and Christine's Stay-On baby booties was the ideal pattern.  My daughter loved the pair she received when her son was born, thanks to my friend, Sheila.


THE DETAILS

Pattern: Christine's Stay On Baby-Booties
by Christine Bourquin
Free pattern, click here.

Made for: Jamie and Amanda's baby due Dec. 12, 2011 

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino
Fingering weight
Color #340059 Teal
Color #340100 Off-white
(less than a ball of each color) 
Plus about 5 yards of pale blue Sandnesgarn Lanett

Needles: US #1/2.25mm 


Notes: After the foot was finished I did the following:
Knit 3 rounds in teal.
Worked eyelet round for the shoelaces.
Knit 2 rounds in teal.
Knit 1 round in off-white.
Worked 2x2 ribbing in white for 22 rounds.
Purl 1 round in baby blue.
Work 1 round, 2x2 ribbing in baby blue.
Purl 1 round in off-white.
Work 2 rounds in 2x2 ribbing in off-white.
Cast off loosely in ribbing. 

The ribbing is folded in half to create a cuff. 

Shoelaces: 2-stitch I-cord for 16 inches.


Thursday, November 24, 2011

Monday, November 21, 2011

Knit-in

Yesterday I made my first trip to the Calgary Farmers' Market.  I'll be back one day for lots of fresh veggies, meat and treats. This visit, however, was to join the knitalong in support for the Calgary branch of Inn From Cold

I knew that I was at the right place when I saw the giant ball of yarn and the sign on the table:


They are in need of mittens, toques, socks, etc.  I'll be knitting more things for them in the future, but for now I decided to make a quick scarf, my Wibble Wobble Scarf.  I found an interesting yarn in the bargain bin at Gina Brown's.  It's Adriafil Impulso Trends, an aran weight.  I may have to go back and get a couple more skeins for a scarf for myself.  I like the way it's turning out:


I had hoped to finish in time to turn it in at the knitalong.  I'll drop it off the next time I go the market as the need for warm clothes, blankets and accessories is ongoing.

I had to smile when I saw this "rhythm of the needles" sign on one of the tables!  Did you notice the misspelling? 

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Bread Basket Liner Finished

I've finished the first bread basket liner.  I bought a 650-yard cone from Louet online so I've got enough yarn to do at least one more.  The bread basket liner was rather unappealing when I took it off the needles.  It looked like a limp wrinkly rag but washing and blocking has transformed it.


THE DETAILS
PatternBread Basket Liner (Ravelry link)
by Kellelynne Hedberg Riley
Thistledown Design

Size: 17" square

Needles: US #4/3.5mm
double-pointed, then 24" circular
Color #01 Champagne 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Road Trip

Today I decided to take  a little road trip to the town of Okotoks, Alberta, a short distance south of Calgary.  Fun word to say.  Okotoks.  It's a nice place with a view of the mountains.  I did some sightseeing and ate some excellent homemade, greasy French fries, made just the way I like them at Mr. Spud Cafe.  Of course, every trip requires a visit to a yarn store if there is one.  I found Shuttleworks, Ltd. outside the city in a rural area where highways 2 and 2A meet.


The store is located in a large building attached to a house. 


They cater to knitters, crocheters, but even more, to spinners and weavers.  They have a lot of yarn from Brown Sheep, the only Brown Sheep yarn I've seen since arriving in Canada.  I don't think that I saw this much variety in shops in Denver.  I was good and resisted all yarns, but what tempted me the most were cones of Shetland-style 2-ply fingering yarn from Harrisville.  I thought that the price of $23.00 for an 8-ounce cone was quite good.  There were lots of books, needles, hooks and dyes.

There was lots of equipment for spinners.  I don't know much about spinning but it appeared to me that there was quite a bit of variety.  I saw some very fine gauge cottons that weavers would like. 


All in all it was a nice shop and Okotoks is a pleasant, quiet little city.

Monday, November 14, 2011

More Red Socks

Yesterday I wrote about the red socks that I finished.  There was quite a bit of yarn left over so I did some math and worked out a pattern for a pair of toddler socks for my grandson - about a size 2.  There was also enough yarn remaining for a couple of blocks for my sock yarn afghan.  I can't wait to get back to that project.


Finishing the socks opens up a slot in my Rule of Four.  Next from the queue is the bread basket liner that I read about on the Rainey Sisters' blog.  I get many (too many!!) ideas from reading it.

I'm also working on a quick scarf for charity but I'm not counting it in my Rule of Four as it's only going to take a couple of days.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

New Red Socks

The red socks that I originally planned to knit for my Project Spectrum project are finished.  I had to give up on Project Spectrum this year as life got in the way.  I hope that there will be another round next year as I really enjoy it.  It's good to have these socks completed.  I gave them to my daughter who likes them a lot.


THE DETAILS

Pattern: Generic -
stocking stitch legs and feet, short row heel, 2 x 2 ribbing, top down

Size:  Ladies Medium

Made for:  Daughter, Jessica

Yarn:  Regia 4-ply Line Steps
Color #5372, reds

Needles: US #0/2.0 mm

But wait, there's more....  come back tomorrow to see what else I made!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Knit In for "Inn From the Cold"

Knit In for Inn from the Cold

Calgary Farmers’ Market is hosting a Knit In for Inn from the Cold.

We have heard many predictions of this winter to be a long and cold one. So in preparation for this The Calgary Farmers’ Market and Original Linda’s Knits (couldn't find a link) are hosting a Knit In for Inn from the Cold. This event will bring together knitters of all ages and levels to help create hats, scarves and mittens for those in need. We believe everyone deserves to stay warm and we hope you will join us to help this great cause.

Knit In for Inn from the Cold
Sunday November 20th from 10am -2pm
Location: Large table in between The Cherry Pit and The Saskatoon Farm.

You can come for any length of time between 10am – 2pm. The Calgary Farmers’ Market will provide $10 in Market Bucks to each participant. The Knit in Participants will be knitting items like socks, scarves, hats and mittens to be donated to Inn from the Cold. You can bring your own yarn and needles but we will also have donated yarn.

We look forward to seeing you and ask that you RSVP so we can gauge attendance numbers. Please RSVP to Amanda at amanda@calgaryfarmersmarket.ca

Friday, November 11, 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

A Murmuration of Starlings

I just learned a new word today:  murmuration.  This amazing video is captivating, just draws you in, especially if you watch it in full screen mode.  Enjoy a couple of minutes of relaxation.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Effortless - Halfway

Over the past few days I've been working on the Effortless Cardigan.  The pattern is well-written and the knitting is, well, effortless!  I'm halfway finished, at least I'd better be halfway.  I've used half the yarn.  If I'm not halfway then I'm in trouble! 


I like the Tosh DK yarn.  My hands are loving the softness.  I've read on various blogs and on Ravelry that sometimes there is a wide difference in color between skeins of the same dye lot.  However, so far at least, I'm not finding that with this color.  Maybe it's because gossamer is a lighter color.  Having said that, I hope that the remaining three skeins are as consistent as the first three.

I just need to finish 2 more inches of ribbing at the bottom, the two sleeves and the ribbing along the front edges and neck.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Do Not Disturb Room

If you ever find yourself in Brighton, UK, and you're missing your home with its massive yarn stash all around you, you might think about checking in to the Hotel Pelirocco.   To call this place "funky" is an understatement.  Each room has a theme and the newest one is a single room called the "Do Not Disturb Room".

The room is entirely decorated in knit and crochet items, right down to the bacon, eggs and toothpaste:


I don't know how often the room gets rented out but the owner could probably charge admission just to view it and could make a profit! 

I learned about this place from the Wool-Tyme (Kingston, Ontario) newsletter.  You can see more pictures and read more about it in British newspapers, click here or here.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Hallowe'en 2011

Happy Hallowe'en from me and my 21-month-old-grandson, Braydon (aka Elmo).


At first Braydon wanted nothing to do with his Elmo costume but was okay with it once he got it on.


He wasn't sure what all this Hallowe'en stuff was about.  However, once he realized that people were putting things into his little bucket, he was anxious to visit every door.  He's not interested in the candy (unlike his grandma!) but liked all the little packages he received.


Braydon had fun visiting the houses in his neighborhood with his Mom, Jessica and Dad, Drew (behind the camera).  Grandma handed out candy at the house.

"Look for me again next year."

Saturday, October 29, 2011

In Memory of Duane Allman...

...who died 40 years ago today.  Thank goodness for the music we have, and, oh, the music we have missed.  Listen to this amazing performance at the Fillmore East in New York City when he was only 23 years old. 

Friday, October 28, 2011

Jigsaw Afghan - 40%

My Jigsaw Afghan is now approximately 40% complete.  I've done 104 blocks of the 247, eight strips of the nineteen total.  I'm very happy with the way it's turning out.  The more I knit, the more of it looks like a jigsaw puzzle.


I'm setting it aside for a short while in favor of finishing a couple of small projects.  The red socks have been waiting patiently for such a long time and I'd like to finish them.  Then I can knit the bread basket liner that caught my eye on the Rainey Sisters' blog (yarn arrived in the mail yesterday!).  Also, I want work on the Effortless Cardigan now that the battle with the swatch has ended.

The Jigsaw Afghan will not become a UFO (unfinished object), however.  I get a rush from finishing projects and I'm looking forward to getting back to it, soon.  I just have so many things that I want to knit (and the designing bug is hitting me again), but I also want to see the projects when they are completely done.  Finishing can be as addictive for me as starting something new.