Crafting Like Crazy

I can't remember the last time when I sat down with nothing to do. Keeping up with the three boys and all my projects has left no time for boredom (thank goodness!).

Last week we had a pirate birthday party for my oldest boys. I remember why I usually go somewhere and have their parties - somewhere with no set up or clean up! It was a blast though. I think all 18 kids and about as many adults had a good time. We had this kids "walk the plank", dig for treasure, go on a treasure hunt and break a pirate pinata. But, my biggest project for the party was this board. I've had something like this in my head for years, so it was good to finally create it. I'm also blessed to have a husband that can help with the logistics of my crazy ideas.

The kids had a blast having their pictures taken. They had even more fun when we had the dads stick their heads in for a water balloon cannon ball fight!

I also just shipped off my third sample knit for Knit Picks. That's been a fun adventure for me. I'm also working on a test knit for Stitch Sisterz. They're starting up a new online store and wanted some people to test some yarn for them. The nice part is I got to pick the yarn and the pattern - and I get to keep the final project!

I picked two shades of their Taiga L'Attitude yarn to make the Lace-Tipped Striped Scarf from Closely Knit. I have to say I've really enjoyed knitting with the yarn. It's a pure merino wool that is so soft and has great stitch definition.

I've seen several similar scarves (although not as detailed or as pretty) popping up in stores lately. So, at $3.50 per skein for 295 yds I think I may have just hit the jackpot for my Christmas gifting!

Perfect for a Pretty Little Girl

Pattern: Sunday Brunch Jacket from The little Sublime hand knit book

Yarn: Magic Garden Classic 4-Ply Baby Yarn, about 4 skeins for size 6 - 12 mo.

Needles: US 3 & US 6

I just love all the patterns in this book! This is the fourth piece I've made from this booklet. It turned out too cute!

I made this a little big so my friend's little girl can wear it when it turns cold. I sewed on three different buttons before I had the perfect ones. I didn't make any mods - perfect as is!

Eileen Tank

Pattern: Eileen Tank by Jillian Moreno
Yarn: Shine Worsted, 6.5 skeins
Needles: US 6 and US 5 for finishing around neck and arm finishing

This was my first Sample Knit project for Knit Picks. I still can't believe I got paid to knit! What a dream!
The lace pattern on the back of the tank is gorgeous! I love the Shine Worsted yarn and the color – beautiful! The pattern is well written, despite having a huge gauge discrepancy. I’m not familiar with the recommend yarn for the project, so I don’t know how it compares to Shine Worsted or if I’d really get gauge in the recommended yarn using US 2 needles. I did notice on Ravelry that others who have made this piece also got gauge using size 6 or 7 needles.

If I were making this top for myself I’d make a few changes. I'd add about 3 to 4 inches to the length and I wouldn't make the turned-under hem in the front. As I mentioned in my Leaf Yoke sweater blog, I'm not a fan of that particular hem for heavier weight yarns.

I'm anxious to use Knit Picks' Shine Worsted again for some of my own projects. I'm also looking forward to sharing some of my other Knit Picks projects in the coming months.

Leaf Yoke Top in Teal

Pattern: Leaf Yoke Top by Angela Hahn, Knit 1 Spg/Sum 09
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in New Age Teal, 2.5 skeins
Needles: US 7 & 5

I love this top! It is one of my all-time favorite knits! I've had good luck this summer because my Zickzack Tunic is another favorite of mine. Maybe it's the teal color thing!

I have 2.75 skeins of Cotton Fleece left over from my Apricot Jacket that I used for this piece. I was sweating it for awhile worried that I wouldn't have enough yarn. As it turned out, I ended up with a fair amount left over.

I did make a few mods to this sweater. I don't like turned under hems in bulkier weight yarns. They tend to pucker and don't lay flat. I also like my sweaters at least 13 to 14" in length from the arm shaping, so mine is about 13 inches vs. 11.5 inches.

After seeing this same pattern knit with a decorative trim instead of the hem I decided that's what I would do too (Thank goodness for Ravelry!). I created my own pattern and I like the way it turned out. I tried to complement the lace yoke portion. I added one row in garter stitch to help prevent rolling a bit. Then, I bound off with the I-cord edging.

I also used US 5 needles and only picked up 45 stitches around the armholes. That's my one complaint about this pattern - the armholes run a bit big. I think on my next one I'll modify the armholes a little more and bring them up a little.

This is a great top and I can't wait to finish my next one in Wild Orange!

Vogue Ruffled Cardi

Pattern: Ruffled Cardigan, by Faith Hale, Vogue Spring/Summer 2009

Yarn: Patons Brilliant, 5.5 skeins (if I remember correctly)

Needles: US 6

The recommended yarn for this piece is Tilli Thomas Disco Lights, which is a stunning silk yarn with sequins. However, the $40 per skein price tag makes this little cardi a luxury item pretty fast.

For mine I chose a more economical yarn - Patons Brilliant - in a light blue from my stash. It has silver thread running through, which gives it a little sparkle like the Disco Lights. Other than price, the biggest difference in the Tilli Thomas and the Patons is drape. Patons Brilliant knits up a stiffer fabric than the Tilli Thomas, but it worked OK for this piece. The Patons Brilliant is a chain-constructed yarn and it is very splitty, making is a bit of a pain to work with at times.

I did go up a needle size to get recommended gauge for this project. I also made a few mods to the pattern. I knit 6 row ruffle repeat a total of 4 times and then I knit three rows in garter stitch, binding off on the last row. This helps the ruffle from rolling backwards a bit. And since the hem on the lower sweater edge is also knit in garter stitch it works pretty well.

My biggest mod was the sleeves. I did not like the funky sleeve cap at all. I frogged back and knit straight. Then I added a short-row ruffled sleeve cap instead.

I like how this piece turned out. It fits great. However, this is not a piece I'll be able to grab from my closet, throw on and rush out the door. It does take a bit of time to adjust the ruffles so they drape evenly.

This is one reason we moved back "home" to Colorado. The boys have had so much fun spending time with their cousins.

This is one reason we moved away from Minnesota . However, this photo was not taken in Minnesota. What?! After a close call with a twister in Minnesota last summer, I was looking forward to a typically more uneventful storm season in Colorado. However, yesterday afternoon my NOAA alarm (which I highly recommend) sounded - a tornado warning! I checked our local news. Nothing. Went upstairs to wake my little guy to go to the basement. I looked out his window and this what I saw!

This is a project I finished last week. It's a cute, simple top from Ella Rae Book Seven. I knit it in 5 skeins of Ella Rae silkience on the recommended US 6 and 7 needles. I wanted the lace portion to have more positive ease than the bodice, so I blocked it about 3 or 4 inches larger than the schematics showed. It's a cute top and I'm happy with the results.

FO: Sleeveless Button Tab Top

Pattern: Sleeveless Top with Neck Detail, Sirdar Just Bamboo

Yarn: Gedifra Cotton Merino

Needles: US 9

I started this top back in January and just now completed it. This was the project I kept in my car for all those times I had to wait for the kids to get out of school. It's knit almost entirely in stockinette stitch and has minimal shaping. The hardest part of this piece was getting the button tabs attached evenly. I would have made this top a tad longer, but I was using leftover yarn from another project and I was worried there wouldn't be enough yarn if I lengthen the piece.

By the way, can't you tell I LOVE getting my picture taken?!

Spidery Tank = One Quick Knit!

Pattern: Spidery Tank by Nichola Thompson
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease, raspberry

Needles: US 7 and 10

What a quick knit! I cast on Saturday and I finished Tuesday. This is also a great stash buster - I used just over 2 skeins for this piece.

So what do I think of this tank? It's cute. I didn't modify anything. However, I'm not completely sold on the straps. Going into it they might bug me since I knew they'd roll, but I decided knit it as written and then see what I thought. So, here are my thoughts. This pattern says it's completely reversible, and I guess it is, but I really don't like the purl side much. The purl side (which is the "right" side in the pattern) bugs me. The straps really roll on that side. However, I think I can live with the knit side as is and consider the roll design element.

On another note, I have to say I really like Lion Brand's Cotton Ease. It's a little splitty, but it's better than many other more expensive yarns I've tried with similar fiber content. I made a blanket for my little guy using Cotton Ease and it has even stood up to many washes in my washing machine.

Zickzack Tunic

Pattern: Zickzack Tunic by Melissa Wehrle

Needles: US 3, 5 and 7
Yarn: Valley Yarns Colrain Lace, ocean blue

This is definitely one of my favorite knits! I just love how it turned out! This is the second pattern I've knit by Melissa Wehrle. I really like all the clever little details she includes in her designs.

I added some length to the body of the piece. Mine is about 21 inches from CO to underarm. I also used five 5/8" buttons - I just like odd numbers for decorative elements.

I used just one 1/2 lb. cone of Colrain Lace for this piece, so it cost me less than $25 to make this great tunic! How can you beat that?! I chose the Colrain Lace because of its fiber content. It's 50% wool and 50% Tencel. The recommended yarn is 50% wool 50% silk. I love silk, but the Tencel (made from wood pulp cellulose) has silk-like qualities, e.g., feel, sheen and drape, at a much more economical price tag!

I did purchase two cones of Colrain Lace just in case. Since I have one full cone left, I'm considering Asami Kana's Chamomile Tunic.

Fusion

Pattern: Fusion from Ella Rae Book Seven

Yarn: Ella Rae Silkience - just over three skeins (so far)

Needles: US 7 and 8

I really like this shrug, but I did make a few mods and I may make another tweak or two. I make this in one piece, rather than piecing together with a big seam down the middle of the back. I don't think it's necessary. I made one large rectangle that measured 94 cm finished, rather than the 100cm given in the pattern. If I were to make this again, I'd probably make it 90 cm or less. the sleeves kind of get bunched up in/at the elbows otherwise.

I think I'm going to redo the picked up stitches around the neckband. They get stretched quite a bit when you put the piece on and curl under a little too much for my taste around the underarms. I'm thinking about taking out the last round or two and knitting the last few rows in the larger size needle and then pay even more attention to my bind off so the stitches have a little more give.

Overall, this turned out to be a really layering piece - perfect for spring and summer! I can see myself making this again for myself and as gifts.

In other knitting news, the back of my ZickZack tunic is complete and I've started on the front. I'm hoping to get that done soon while it's still cool enough to wear it. However, I'm also trying to complete my second Sample Knit for Knit Picks (so much fun!) and that paid project really takes priority.

In non-knitting news, my mom came over last week and I finished curtains for my little guy's room, a valance for my office and the last two panels for my sister-in-laws curtains. It feels so good to have that all wrapped up! I'll try to get pictures of those curtains, and the ones I made for our family room, up soon.

FO: Millefiori Cardi

Pattern: Millefiori Cardigan by Andrea Pomerantz
Yarn: RYC Cashsoft DK
Needles: US 5 and US 4

I'm very pleased with the way this cardi turned out. The cute button band and the 3/4-length sleeves orginally sold me on making this sweater.

The clam section gave me fits at first, but once you get rolling it's a pretty fun stitch. I loved how the buttons were inserted - very clever.

I did make a few mods to the pattern. I knit the length as given, but when I pinned together and tried on I was not happy with the length between the shoulders and the armhole shaping. I shortened from 8" to about 7 1/4" and that did the trick. Then I had to adjust the sleeve cap a little.

I chose to knit the sleeves flat, not in the round. I try to avoid knitting with dpn when not absolutely necessary and I didn't have a circular small enough. So, I knit boths sleeves at once adding a stitch at both ends of each sleeve to allow for seaming.

My gauge was slightly less than given in the pattern using the Cashsoft DK, which was what I was hoping for. I knit the 36 1/4 size, but I was aiming for between a 33 and 34. My row gauge was also less than that given, which impacted the button band spacing.

I can see why the model in the pattern is pulling at the sweater. I blocked the heck out of the clam section, but it still isn't as open as I would have liked.

Overall, I'm very happy with the end result. the pattern was well written and easy to follow. I think I'll be wearing this piece a lot over the next few months.

Proof: I'm not the only one who appreciates the smell of good fiber

Vintage Car Coat

Pattern: Vintage Car Coat from The little Sublime hand knit book
Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly baby bamboo

This adorable sweater took a lot longer to complete than I had expected. This little guy (my youngest) is one. However, after measuring him carefully (and some of his clothes) I decided to make the 6 to 12 month size for him.

The sweater itself knit up very quickly. I seamed the shoulders together and tried it on. It fit him well. Then I seamed in the sleeves. After that everything went downhill. The sleeves were more than an inch too long. I fixed those and tried it on again. The sleeves were so long that I didn't even notice the body of the sweater was about two inches too short! Without shaping for the sleeves I didn't realize how much of the length the sleeves would take up and after they were sewed in the body was too short.

Thank goodness the sweater only had a rolled hem. I picked up stitches purlwise and was able to add just enough length and still match the width of the front borders.

The yarn is another story too. It feels and looks great, but I worry that it won't hold its shape. At this point I can't see using this yarn again for that reason.

All that said, I really do like how the sweater turned out. I just love all the patterns in The little Sublime hand knit book.

Millefiori Cardi

When the Interweave Knits Spring 2009 preview came out I was immediately drawn to the Millefiori Cardigan by Andrea Pomerantz.

Although I love the cute button band and the 3/4 sleeves, I think it was the color that sold me on the sweater. I've been looking for a cardi in that color for Spring. And, I had just enough Rowan Rowan RYC Cashsoft DK in a similar color left from another project.

I got gauge easily so I cast on. The twisted rib went smoothly and I like the effect. Then I came to the clam-stitch detail. All progress came to an abrupt halt. I don't know what my problem was with that stitch. At one point I decided I was going to insert another pattern into that section. However, I decided I was going to overcome my frustration and stick it out. I did triumph and I'm glad I stuck it out. Now I think I could do that pattern in my sleep!

For the clam stitch alone I would not recommend this pattern for a novice knitter. You have to be comfortable with yarn overs in front of knit and purl stitches to be able to do the stitch. And, you have to keep track of your stitches closely through the section.

Other than my trials with the clam stitch I like how the sweater is coming along. It should be easy going now ... until I get to the clam stitch on the front panels anyway!

The verdict is in ... they're identical!

I could hardly wait for UPS to deliver my package today! I just had to find out if my suspicions were right ... and they were!! Woo Hoo! Queensland Collection Uruguay DK and Valley Yarns Northfield are a match!

That's very good news because Uruguay DK has been discontinued. And, there's even better news! At $4.99 per skein, Webs' Valley Yarns Northfield, is less expensive than Uruguay DK was, especially if your purchase qualifies for the Webs discount.

Valley Yarns Northfield is a new yarn for Webs and it comes in many beautiful colors.

It's going to be hard to give over this yarn over to my Mom this weekend! I hope to order my own in Balsam soon.

For now, I'll be swatching Valley Yarn Colrain Lace in Ocean Blue hoping I'll get gauge for The Zickzack Tunic by Melissa Wehlre in Interweave Knits Spring 2009 issue.

Plum Perfect!

Pattern: Eyelet Cable Raglan Pullover, Adrienne Vittadini Fall 2004

Yarn: Queensland Collection, Uruguay DK

Needles: US 7 and 8

This Adrienne Vittadini pattern and the Uruguay DK yarn made a perfect combination! It's just heartbreaking that there will be no more AV patterns or this lovely Queensland Collection yarn!! At least I still have a few AV patterns in my possession that I'm dying to make. And, I think I may have found a identical match to this Uruguay DK yarn!!!! I'm so excited!!! I have some on order for my Mom (who also fell in love with this yarn). As soon as it arrives I'm going to compare the two and I'll let you know. Cross your fingers!!

I knit this pattern in the smallest size (35") using just 8.5 skeins of yarn. I got gauge on the cable and lace portion of the pattern using the recommended US 7 needles. However, I had to use US 8 to get gauge for the stockinette section.

I did make one small mod to this pattern. I wanted my sweater to have more of a scoop neck. So, I picked up 78 stitches around the neck (rather than 54) and knit three rows of k1, p1, then bound off in pattern.

The Uruguay DK yarn is just a wonderful combination of some of my favorite fibers. It's easy to knit and it blocks beautifully.

Ruffled Jacket

Pattern: Ruffled Jacket by James Coviello, Vouge Knitting, Fall 2007

Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky, burgundy

Needles: US 9

I never would have looked twice at this pattern if I had not run across a Raveler's stunning version. And, when I found this exact same sweater (only in a peachy hue) by James Coviello selling on the Anthropologie Web site last year for a mere $400 I knew I had to have it!

I guessed at the yarn I would need based on the gauge for the pattern (the pattern calls for strands from two yarns to be held held together). However, I could have gotten by with a lighter weight yarn. I ended up getting gauge using US 9 needles.

For all of the sweater's detail it knit up quite fast on large needles. Now, seaming was quite another story - that was a bit tedious. I did have to modify the narrow sleeve cap, but since I knew that going into making the sweater it wasn't a big deal.

I've had a hard time finding buttons to match the sweater. There are so many shades of red. I settled temporarily for black buttons until I find suitable red replacements.

Wave Scarf

Pattern: Wave scarf (a pattern-with-purchase at my LYS)
Yarn: Koigu, 2 skeins

Yet another yarn I just love! If I can get my hands on a turquoise version of this yarn I'll be making another scarf.

The wave stitch really brings out the beautiful watercolor colors of this amazing yarn. I steam blocked the scarf as I went.

Now, I feel the need to rave about All About Yarn, my favorite LYS located in a north Minneapolis suburb. Maybe my need is greater at the moment because I haven't found anything close to my beloved yarn store since I moved back to Denver.

I loved All About Yarn because the owners took the time to get to know their customers. I was on a first-name basis with them. They didn't cringe when my boys came in with me. They always had a great selection of yarns, knitting accessories and a good selection of pattern books. The atmosphere is very cozy and inviting. But, this store does one thing far better than any other store I've been to - they have tons of small, cute projects made up throughout the store - and they're always adding new ones. This is a brilliant approach! You walk in the store and get inspired to make all sorts of projects. And, since the projects are small, aren't too difficult or too time consuming those knitters will be back soon to make another project, and another project. Sigh - If only I could find an All About Yarn here!

Celia Lace Shell

Pattern: Celia Lace Shell, Adrienne Vittadini, Spring 2007
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, Burgundy, 4 skeins (I believe)

I'm so disappointed there will be no more new Adrienne Vittadini patterns! This is the second pattern of hers that I've knit and I'm nearly done with my third. All of them have been awesome! The patterns have been easy to follow and I just love how all three of the patterns I've made have turned out! I really like the lace work on this one and the little cap sleeves!


I feel in love with this yarn and bought it on clearance not knowing what I'd use it for. I was so excited when I doubled the yarn and knit to gauge perfecty for this pattern.

No mods for this one. In fact, I have yet to make a mod on an Adrienne Vittadini pattern.

Deep Vee Sweater

Pattern: Deep Vee Sweater, Just Bamboo by Sirdar

Yarn: Gedifra Cotton Merino

Needles: US 9

I can see myself making all 12 sweaters found in this booklet! The patterns are all very cute and they're knit on larger needles - making them all a quick summer knit.

I really like this sweater's bell sleeves! This sweater came together very quickly, although I did make one mod. After attaching one arm I felt the upper portion of the sleeve was too big. I frogged back and reknit with fewer increases.

I'm currently working on another pattern in this booklet using the same yarn. I have yarn in my stash that I'm thinking will work nicely for yet another pattern - Great booklet!

It's A Wrap!

Pattern: Airy Wrap-Around from Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel

Yarn: Kimono Angora, Louisa Harding yarns - every bit of 5 skeins

Needle:US 11 circular

Completed: May 2008

I never would have picked Kimono Angora for this sweater on my own. However, after searching for patterns using the yarn on Ravelry and having this one came up. And, as luck would have it, I had just enough yarn to make it!

I do love this yarn - it's so incredibly soft. I also really like the vibrant colors it comes in, although I've also had a hard time finding patterns that I think would be suitable for such that very same reason. There's also the shedding factor of this yarn. I won't be wearing dark colors with this wrap anytime soon.

I did make a few mods to this pattern. I shortened the length of the ties considerably. I didn't like the idea of all that fabric wrapping around my middle twice. I ended up completing 7 eyelet repeats on the left tie and 10 on the right. If I make this again I'll make one more mod. I'd make a small opening on the right side of the wrap where you pick up stitches so the left tie could be threaded through the hole.

Although it was a little tricky knitting such a light-weight yarn on such large needles, the project actually went very quickly. I believe I managed to complete it over a weekend.

Lagging Behind

Wow! Has time ever slipped by! I can't believe it has been more than six months since I've had a chance to post. I do have an excuse, but not a very good excuse for all of the past six months.

Shortly after my last post in July our house in Minnesota sold. After that the packing, the move to Colorado and the unpacking consumed us for a good three months. And, I can tell you that I'm in no hurry to move again anytime soon - what a chore!!

Anyway, I have been working on a number of projects. I've counted a good 12 or so finished or mostly finished projects that need posting. As soon as I get good photos of those I'll try get them posted.

Gator Scarf

Pattern: Alligator Scarf by Morehouse (large version)

Yarn: 1 skein Red Heart Designer Sport in Pistachio

Needle: US 5

What a great project! I'm very happy with the results ... and my little guy is too! I had a hard time finding an acrylic DK weight yarn in a green suitable for a gator. My son has very sensitive skin, so wool and wool blends weren't an option.

This gator took all but a few yards of one skein of the yarn I used. I know I'll be making at least two more of these gators!