Knitting In Public

Well, I’ve been knitting and finishing things like gangbusters around here!

(I originally named the post “Gangbusters!” but since it took so long to get all the photos loaded, etc., I’ve changed the title!)

First, I (actually) finished my baby boy cardigan - buttons and all. This completes my 12 in ‘12 goal!

 Pattern: Sirdar Snuggly DK 1897

Size: 2-3 years, shawl-collared version

Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly DK, 4 skeins

Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) & US 5 (3.75 mm)

Some trouble with oddly worded instructions for collar, but easily resolved. This sweater was started when we were out in California for Molly’s graduation from law school. Some difficulty with attaching sleeves, but worked out in the end.

I’ve been working on charity items for the MKG 2012 charity project (including de-stashing some of my completed items that I knit for fun but don’t really want to keep), as well as for the Cheyenne River Youth Project. There was an annual “Mittenz Blitz” for them in September, but they also need hats, slippers, afghans, etc. and take them pretty much throughout the year. There is a Yahoo! group dedicated to their support with purchased and handmade items, and they have various months where they concentrate on providing items for certain needs. I joined the group primarily to get the timing of the items, and have been surprised at the quantity of purchased goods that individuals send out.

In addition, I’m still trying to finish up UFO’s around here, and to use up a large portion some of my stash. Years ago, my friend Michelle had purchased some yarn for her daughter to use (but at the time, the daughter was not comfortable knitting with thinner yarns) and when she didn’t want it, she sold it to me. It’s Jaggerspun on cones, and it’s waxed so I think it was intended for knitting machines. I’m not sure how many yards are on the cones, but I’m sure it’s in the thousands of yards. I went online to try to figure out what this was (it has one of those labels that says stuff like 3/10.5 or whatever). Apparently this is a fingering weight yarn, 70% Lambswool 30% Baby Alpaca. Of course, hand wash. I’ve been staring at these 2 cones off and on ever since, not having a clue what I wanted to do with it. I’ve now decided to knit with both cones combined so it’s more-or-less a sport weight yarn. I made this hat (my 13th project for the year - and will be sent out for one of the charities):

Pattern: Junior Ski Hat from Patti’s Creations

Size: as written

Yarn: semi-mystery Jaggerspun held double, color Steel, and KnitPicks Brava Sport, color Black (for lining)

I didn’t bother with pom poms or funky braid with tassel for the top. I’m guessing in a dark color like this, it will likely go to a boy, and he probably won’t want all that girly stuff on his hat.

 #14  This hat is the same wool I used on a sweater I made (#8 of my 12 in 12, posted here), trying to use up the left over yarn to make hat(s) and/or mittens. This will go to the MKG charity drive.

Pattern: Boreal, size L

Yarn: Cascade 220 (lost label, red heathered color)

Needles: Size 8 (5.0 mm)

#15

Ski hat - can’t find pattern. Bought at same time as the Junior Ski Hat above, so probably still published by Patti’s Creations (I bought several of them, the difference being the patterns for the decorations).

Yarn: Lion Brand Microspun - I bought this eons ago (probably around 10 years ago!) and got on a kick to try this hat and the fair isle knitting. Turned out really well, feels great. Will send this to CRYC, even though it’s not wool, it should still keep someone’s head really warm with the thickness of the fair isle. This used 1 skein each of the blue (turquoise), red, yellow, orange and green (kind of a lime green), and 2 skeins black - needed 2 because of finishing and tassle + ties. I think this was when Microspun first was released, and they had all these very bright, almost neon colors. Very fun.

I have no idea what needles I used or anything. I don’t even think I could make that fabulous tassle again! This was all finished except for weaving in the ends, sewing down the lining, and making the ties. But completed before 12/31/12, so it counts! (Plus it’s no longer a WIP and will be out of my house shortly! Win, win!)

#16

Pattern: Mrs. Beeton by Brenda Dayne (free on Knitty or link through Ravelry)

Yarn: Classic Elite Fresco, color Oatmeal #5336

KnitPicks Aloft, color Oat

Clear AB beads, size 8

Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm)

Made these for Anne for Christmas - despite an expensive gift, just felt the need to add a little something, especially if it could be handmade. Wonderfully soft! I’ve loved these wristwarmers since Angela made a pair and showed them to us back in 2007!

#17

Pattern: Mrs. Beeton

Needles, etc. the same as Anne’s (above)

Yarn: KnitPicks Aloft, color black

KnitPicks Swish DK, color black

Beads: Size 8 multicolor Iris (from firemountaingems)

Had to knit these for Jenny, since I made a pair for Anne! Was considering changing the beads out to be plain black ones, but Jenny saw them in-progress and liked them as they were. Finished these with a day to spare!

Next I’m using the same Jaggerspun (as the plain ski hat above) held double to create a sweater - the same pattern that won at the fairs last summer. The knitting was done long ago, but didn’t get assembled until after the end of the year, so I’ll count this for 2013:

#1

Pattern: Ready to Go! from Patons Little Darlin’s booklet

Size: 4

Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) and US 5 (3.75 mm)

Dave has asked me to make something for a friend’s soon-to-be-born baby. We talked about a sweater, but the baby was due in December and probably won’t wear a sweater until next winter (most likely in warm sleepers and wrapped in blankets for this year). So it eventually evolved into a sweater sized for next year and booties plus a hat for this year!

We chose a pattern I have made before, with yarn left over (so no new expense except buttons)!

#2 (This also was not completed before year end. All the knitting was done, but assembly not completed. I was also madly trying to find buttons that work. Thanks to DD, I was able to use these buttons that she brought from California!)

Pattern: Sirdar Snuggly DK 1897, size 1-2 years

Yarn: KnitPicks Swish DK, marine heather, 4 skeins (123 yd/skein)

Needles: Size 2 (2.75 mm) and size 5 (3.75 mm)

and fun booties

#3

Pattern: Baby booties cars by Oksana Mik, size 0-6 months

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, 2 shades of blue, white

Vanna’s Choice, Cranberry

Needles: Size 1 (2.25 mm)

These booties were a lot harder than they look! Knit on very small needles, using worsted weight. Had some conversation with another Raveler and she made hers with DK, and said they turned out much better. Seems the trick to a really cute bootie is in the choice of buttons for the headlights! (Dave nixed the buttons for headlights, worried about the choking factor.) I did knit an extra “sock” portion, because I felt the opening on the bootie was loose enough that they could be easily kicked off. The sock portion will help to keep them snugly on the feet!

Then he wanted to add a hat! :)  The booties and hat were “for now” and the sweater for next fall.

#4

Pattern: I Heart Cables by Justyna Lorkowska

Size: Infant

Yarn: Caron’s Simply Soft - Dark Country Blue

Needles: Size 5 & 6

I thought originally that this would be waaaay too big,  but it’s actually just about right. Recipient is 3 months old now and it fits great. Should be just enough to see him through the rest of the winter.

#5

Pattern: (not yet named)

Yarn: Lamb’s Pride Bulky, Forest Shadows

Needles: Size 8 (5.0 mm) 

This is a test mitten pattern - no name yet! I volunteered for this because the designer used Lamb’s Pride Bulky. I have two skeins that I bought eons ago to make Bella’s Mittens when Yarn Harbor was doing a monthly mitten KAL. While the pattern calls for bulky yarn, I think the Lamb’s Pride is bulkier - and Ravelry has it listed as “super bulky.” At any rate, I just about broke my needles and hurt my hands trying to use it for the Bella’s, so I gave up. I’ve been trying to find a pattern to use it up, and every time I’ve started, I’ve been unhappy with the results. By the time I use a needle big enough to not be a super-tight knit, it seems so loose I can’t imagine it would keep anyone warm. This pattern needed some sizing work, but I finally got a pair that fits me well - and they are thick and warm and fantastic! But, I can guarantee I’ll never use this yarn again!

I’m still working away - several works-in-progress! I’m even crocheting some booties for the same baby who received the cars booties. By the time they were all finished, I think the baby had already outgrown them. So he gets another pair of booties - this time a crochet pattern that I think is absolutely darling. Stay tuned!

I love being able to “double dip” because I’m so lazy thrifty.

I’ve continued to work on my “12 in ‘12″ to complete at least 12 projects in 2012 - hopefully a good portion of them being ‘wips’ and clearing up some needles and some project bags. We have also just completed the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the concurrent “Ravellenic Games” (formerly known as Ravelympics), and competition in the County Fair.

I have finished several projects - some new and some not. Awhile ago, I purchased a kit from KnitPicks for striped mittens, which included 1 each of 5 different colors of Gloss DK. After looking at the kit for awhile, I decided I was crazy to consider not interested in making mittens that required weaving in all those ends. But now I had 5 single balls of DK yarn, and what can you do with that? I made the baby mitts and Daisy baby booties with 2 of the balls, and have used some for a pair of Baby Mary Janes (not yet completed), but that still left 3 balls. Then I stumbled upon the Aviatrix pattern - multiple sizes and weights of yarn! And free to boot! Eureka! So I made one from each of the 3 remaining balls of yarn. Nos. 5-7 of my 12 in ‘12. Each one is the DK 45g, 18.5″ size. I entered the purple one and won first prize in both the county and the state fairs! These were already completed, so did not count for the Ravellenic Games.

Pattern: Aviatrix Baby Hat by Justine Turner

Size: DK weight, 45 g size (18.5″)

Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss DK in Masala (brown), Jade (green) and Mulberry (purple), 1 skein each.

Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) & 6 (4.0mm)

I finally finished the sweater I started on this trip - one that I have done in bits and pieces, and have caused myself a lot of extra trouble because I didn’t stick with it. (Trying to replicate the 2nd sleeve, attaching the button band differently on one side than the other, etc.) I dashed to find the buttons I had purchased for this sweater (I have 3 different sets!) and couldn’t find the ones I wanted and ended up with these in order to get it finished for the County Fair. I won first place, and one of the comments was that these buttons were perfect for the sweater! In the state fair, it won a second place ribbon. Also completed/worked on so it didn’t count for the Ravellenic Games, but #8 of my 12 in ‘12.

Pattern: Oregon Sweater for kids, size 3-4 years

Yarn: Cascade 220 (tossed ball band so I don’t have color - this is a heathered burgundy) *not* superwash

Mods: Knit as continuous piece (not separate fronts and back). Added stitch on each side of sleeve openings for seaming (but forgot to adjust ribbing at shoulder so sleeve would butt up against a knit stitch instead of the purl as it is). Made ‘false seam’ on each side and continued down sleeves. Picked up sts around sleeve opening and knit down, but altered quantity and then had to change the decrease rate, etc. Also knit in the round (pattern calls for flat knitted sleeves). This pattern was great because she used rows, etc., not measurements (ie. knit front until 12″ from start). This greatly helped in putting button bands on, etc.

I completed another “pixie hat” to enter into the county fair. (Hedging my bets because I wasn’t sure if they’d take the Aviatrix as “plain” or “texture.”) I won a first place ribbon! This qualified for the Ravellenic Games, and could be entered as multiple events. Also, #9 of my 12 in ‘12.

This will be added to my collection of items going to the Knitters’ Guild charity project for 2012.

I entered a couple of sweaters that were completed late last year.

(This is what it looks like, but the color is way off - is more of a teal color that leans to the green side.)

Pattern: Ready to Go! from Paton’s Little Darlin’s booklet

Size: 6

Yarn: KnitPicks Stroll Sport, Tidepool Heather

Won first place, and a purple “Excellence” ribbon! (Entered in the state fair, won second place.)

Pattern: February Sweater on Two Needles, by Elizabeth Zimmerman

Yarn: KnitPicks Swish DK, Marine Heather (top photo closer to true color)

Mods: Sleeves picked up and knit in the round.

Love the buttons! Bought at JoAnn’s years ago. Google had managed to eat one, but luckily they were 2 to a card, so I still had the 3 I needed. They compliment this yarn so nicely!

Won first place!  (Entered in the state fair, won second place.)

I have been a member of the Knitting Delight Yahoo! group for quite awhile. Patterns are designed by Birgit Freyer, and she is amazing. I have purchased several of her patterns (although I haven’t managed to actually make any yet - one piece is “in progress”), and most recently decided to buy the Lazy Katy and Lazy Lara patterns. Both these make “shawlettes” - scarf type lacy pieces that are intended for neck & shoulder coverage only. I was particularly intrigued by the Lazy Katy, as it is asymmetrical and most folks make it with a long-color-change varigated yarn. I finished my Lazy Katy and finally entered it in the Fair. They changed the category from scarf to shawl/stole, and it took 4th place. It really is more of a scarf, but I guess they figured if it had lacy edges and wrapped around anything, it was a shawl. :(  This is #10 of my 12 in ‘12.

Pattern: Lazy Katy by Birgit Freyer

Yarn: 2 skeins Jojoland Melody, color 002

Mods: added 12 extra rows

I finished a WIP for the Ravellenic Games (too late for the Fair, and already had an entry for that category).  This is the first of the two Cold Spring Cardigans that I have knit (the 2nd is still in pieces). I used the yarn and colors from the pattern, but didn’t think forward to putting it together. Adding the sleeves made it very difficult. I also altered the neckline - they seem to have a rolled edge (even though the photo looks like a garter neckline, which would match the sleeve and bottom of sweater edges), so I made it garter. It took forever to find buttons for this sweater! Matching teal is really a problem! Always too blue, or too green. I finally found these at “What in Yarnation” in Cannon Falls. It does make the sweater “girly” now, instead of unisex, but I’m happy to have found some cute buttons that match. This is #11 of my 12 in ‘12.

Pattern: Cold Spring Cardigan

Yarn: Valley Yarns, Sugarloaf in Teal and Sweetpea

mods: garter neckline

I did mark as “finished” my Baby Boy Cardigan for the Ravellenic Games, but it still needs buttons. I have “ordered” (they’re still figuring out if they can order them) buttons from Yarn Garage. Otherwise, I’ll have to try Hancock Fabrics or Skeins or Coldwater Collaborative. JoAnn’s has a crappy selection of buttons (drastically reduced volume/selection), and the local yarn shops don’t seem to have much for this sweater (and the Little Harvey Cardi that is made from the same yarn). This yarn has been as hard to match as the teal of the Cold Spring cardigan! The browns are on the red side, so they just don’t match with any brown or wood buttons I’ve found. I’ll post a photo once buttons have been obtained.

My goal for the Ravellenic Games was originally 6 WIP’s. I added the pixie hat once I decided to hedge my bets for the Fair. I “finished” 2 of my 6 WIP’s, so I have completed 11/12 of my 12 in ‘12 project/goal, and 2/3 of my Ravellenic Games goals. I have pulled out all the instructions, needles, etc. for the other 4 WIPs, so I’m pretty sure I’ll have well over my 12 in ‘12 by the end of the year. Yea!

There have been several KAL-type groups for the last year or two, to create “10 in ‘10″ or “11 in ‘11″ - usually defined by the group. Shawls are a common one (how does anyone complete 11 shawls in a year? Unless you count the scarf-type “shawl” I can’t imagine it).

I seem to respond well to challenges (reasonable challenges!) for my knitting, as well as specific project/goals (knitting olympics, charity projects, etc.). Otherwise, I tend to flit from project to project, finishing by luck or lack of other stimuli. Of course, the smaller the project, the more likely it will be finished in a timely manner - but that is also no guarantee. Stumbling blocks for gauge, loss of needles (Google), underestimating yarn yardage, needing to ‘rewrite’ the pattern for various reasons, pattern errata problems - all of these generally cause me to stick the project in a bag and leave it, usually indefinitely.

Thankfully, I now have Ravelry to show me what a slacker Iam  help me out. In the past, it was difficult and time consuming to pick up an abandoned project. Finding the pattern, remembering which needle I used, the adjustments I made to one side/sleeve to be able to match to the other all conspired to keep me from finishing a project started long ago. My Ravelry projects page tells me (usually) all of that information. I was recently browsing through my projects, strolling down memory lane, until I looked at some of the start dates of these “WIP’s”… three years… really???

So, while I do have a couple of WIP’s that are ‘current’ - and an intriguing charity project for the MKG, I’ve decided to add another challenge in the hopes that I can have some lovely FO’s to show for my efforts.

I am challenging myself to finish 12 projects by the end of 2012. No requirements for size, new or UFO, one-per-month, etc., just complete 12 by the end of the year. My focus will be primarily on finishing UFO’s that have been sitting long enough that I’m glad I wasn’t making them for my children   around for quite some time. I do have three projects done already (OK, they were new this year, but it still counts!):

Hagrid’s Mystery Motorcycle Socks, 72 stitch version

KnitPicks Essential, Kettle-Dyed, Colorway: Ivy (2 skeins) - the photo color is way off, this is more of a forest green

Brittany dpns, size 1 (2.25 mm)

and

Daisy Baby Booties, 6 month size

KnitPicks Gloss DK (Whirlpool, Cranberry)

Needles: 2.5 (3.0 mm)

and

Soft Wave Baby Mittens

KnitPicks Gloss DK - Whirlpool

needles: size 4 (3.5 mm)  for mitt and size 1.5 (2.5mm) for tie

I’ve pulled several projects from the pile and am currently searching for the patterns so I can finish them up. Perhaps I’ll even manage more than 12?