Do Something New KAL

Thank You, Tina!

2008-03-06T20:25:00.000-06:00

I'm so sorry for this late post but I was unavailable when the package was delivered to my home however, I am so thrilled to say it made it safely and everything is just perfect and wonderful. Thank you so much!

In the package were two skeins of Lion brand Fun Fetti yarns, which I already have a good idea as to what I am going to make with them, a skein of LB Magic Stripes sock yarn - yippee! I've never tried this before and always wanted to - thanks a bunch! A lovely skein of Noro Kureyon, a great pair of Bamboo knitting needles and a tube of Bodycology body lotion in the heavenly scent of juicy pomegranate - yum! As if that wasn't enough, she included the most beautiful knitting needle roll ever!

Thank you again, Tina! The KAL was so much fun even without the prizes and I'd surely join up again if there were none. The entire group of people here really made this so very worthwhile and we really have you to thank for it - THANK YOU!

February project finished!

2008-02-27T05:21:00.003-06:00

(and, Tina - I realise the official KAL is up. I'd be glad to join in on a summertime one, though. Thanks ever so!)

This is the Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark, featured in Interweave Knits Autumn 2006 issue. The new craft: placing beads on knits using a crochet hook.

For more info and pics, feel free to hop on over to my blog.

Cheers,

Kristina

I got my prize!

2008-02-26T18:03:00.004-06:00

Hooray! My prize for getting my (one and only) letter in January came today! Tina, it couldn't have arrived on a better day. It's snowing outside and I'm bogged down with homework and generally just feeling bad about the world, and then I get a happy package and everything is better. :)

I got three balls of bright red Bernat Satin sport and a coordinating ball of funfetti yarn. The bright colors are so much fun... my head is brewing with possibilities for a cheery hurry-up-spring project. Tina also included a tube of vanilla buttercream lotion. Mmmm.....

Here is a picture of my cat Roxy checking out the yarn. Orange is her favorite color with red a close second. She is dangerously close to violating the no cats on the table rule (I should have made up a no cats on the yarn rule right from the start... it's simply too late now....)

Thank you so much for doing all of this Tina and thanks to everyone for sharing all your projects. This was so much fun!

February new thing

2008-02-21T06:21:00.003-06:00

I'm learning how to add beads to knitting with a crochet hook, using the Swallowtail shawl pattern from Interweave Knits Autumn 06 issue!

It's been lovely hanging out here. I'll be joining the Ravelry group as well (I'm KristinaB there... pop on by and say hi sometime, or come on over to my blog Bespoke By Brouhaha!

Cheers,

Kristina

Ravelry Group

2008-02-20T18:14:00.004-06:00

Hi all - I made a little group for us on Ravelry so we can continue to share our projects and accomplishments when the blog fizzles out. The group is called doing something new.

I sent invites to everyone who posted their Ravelry name here, but if I missed anyone, please join us!

December prize recived

2008-02-19T07:25:00.002-06:00

I got my prize for December! It is two skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease in the Red Sprinkles colorway, a skein of Lion Brand Fun Fur Stripes in the Copacabana colorway, a set of the sock shaped dpn holders, and a tube of Simply Basic Cherry Blossom Body Lotion.

I'm on Ravelry and think friending each other is a good thing, maybe continue working as a group over there? My name there is mysticklobo.

The Grand Prize Winner . . .

2008-02-08T08:59:00.000-06:00

The Grand Prize Winner for the Do Something New Knit-a-long is . . .

(Feel the suspense building . . .)

(drum roll, please . . . )

(And maybe a bugle call? Da da da daaa . . .)

*JAYE*

Congratulations, Jaye!!

My little boy just picked your name out of a bowl, so you win!!

Please e-mail me your snail mail addy and I'll get your package in the mail to you!!

Can y'all believe we, as a collective group, finished 62 projects using techniques that

were new to us!? That is pretty cool!

Ravelry?

2008-02-07T14:56:00.000-06:00

If anyone has a Ravelry account, I think we should friend each other so we can keep sharing projects. My user name is peps. Post yours here!

Sneak Peek at the Grand Prize

2008-02-06T09:09:00.000-06:00

I'll draw the winner and post tomorrow evening. I actually have a lot of fun putting these gift packages together!

Pictured above are a skein of Magic Stripe sock yarn, one of Noro, and two red FunFettis, along side a knitting needle roll. When unrolled and opened up, this case has 34 pockets and will hold dozens of pairs of knitting needles and accessories (Needles not included.) I'll problably throw in another little goodie or two, since I have to run to town this afternoon.

THANKS TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS!!

2008-02-04T08:46:00.000-06:00

I want to say a great big THANK YOU to all of you great participants! Thanks so much for making this KAL so much fun!!

GRAND PRIZE DRAWING: I'm going to post a picture of the Grand Prize tomorrow, then I'll be drawing a name for it on the 7th. (I'm kind of evil and thought it would be fun to build some suspense! Mwaa ha ha!!) You will get your name in the pot once for each letter you have earned in the past 6 months. So don't forget, tomorrow I'll post a picture of it and the drawing will be on the 7th.

MORE DO SOMETHING NEW KAL: You want more? Okay, then. I'm thinking that I'll try to do a short summer DSN KAL, maybe running from June to July. Then another one at the end of the year, maybe from October thru December.

I'm going to leave this KAL blog up, so y'all can feel free to post here anytime you'd like. I'll try to post updates about the upcoming dates from time to time.

The January winner is . . . .

2008-02-04T08:38:00.000-06:00

The winner for the January winner is . . . Pepper!

Congratulations Pepper! Please e-mail me with your snail mail addy so I can get your package in the mail!

Goodbye, so long....

2008-02-03T21:35:00.000-06:00

I have really enjoyed this KAL!!!! I have completed more projects with this KAL than I have done in my entire time knitting. I just hate I wasn't able to finish anything for February. I had to prepare for my first trial!!!! Yep, only been barred for 2-3 months and I have a trial. I am first chair or the lead attorney!!!!

So I only got to finish half of one of my socks. If I had finished them, they would have been the first time I did cables in a project, first time I did an eye of partiridge heel and first time to make up a sock pattern on my own. I love what I have done so far and if the site is still up when I am done, I will put a pic on here. If not then it will be on my Ravelry page-I'm Innerpeace1081.

If there is another DSN KAL, I will most definitely join. Thanks, Tina for hosting such an amazing site.

Shalanda

Goodbye to January....

2008-01-31T22:43:00.000-06:00

Introducing Cat, a capelet:

Firsts:
Making somewhat of a garment and doing quite a bit of seaming.
Doing a project nearly entirely of ribbing (with exception of the decreasing).
Learning new stitches! (k2togbl)

It fits me but I'll either be giving it away or frogging the entire thing as I'm not happy with it, all in all.

More details on my blog.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This KAL has been so much fun for me and I'm so glad that I joined. I met so many new and lovely people along the way and have a lot of new blogs that I've been reading and will continue to do so. Additionally, I have challenged myself to go beyond my comfort zone, branch out and Do Something New each month which was obviously the point of this KAL, but it has given me the confidence to step up the pace as a knitter and try those projects I had been wanting to but didn't have the courage to. So Tina, thank you so much for putting together this KAL! It was a great idea and so much fun!

Jaye

Ugg--they're done!

2008-01-27T13:10:00.000-06:00

I made the UGG-type suede booties from a DIYnetwork.com pattern for a set of newborn twins. I've seen many comments that although the pattern says it is for 3-6 or 6-12 month babies, the booties turn out to be toddler-size. So, I went from needle size 4 & 5 to 1 & 2 and reduced the cast on to 12 from 26. I made other changes to maintain the proportion. Anyway, the something new for me is re-working a pattern. Oh, I've added a stitch here or subtracted one there, but have not changed a pattern so drastically, especially one with shaping.

You can find the changes I made posted on my blog. See ya again in February!!
Cheers, Annie.

My First Socks!

2008-01-22T07:44:00.000-06:00

I finished my very first pair of socks this weekend and I am submitting this well before the deadline to ensure that I finally get a letter in this KAL!! I started these back in October, finished the first sock in November... then experienced my very first outbreak of SSS.

Without further ado, here they are!!

It's the starter stockinette pattern from the book "Knit Socks!" Done in worsted weight yarn (Wool-Ease, so they are washable). They are really thick and so freakin' warm!

Now I want to try socks in sock yarn, smaller needles, and maybe a stitch pattern on the leg. I feel so empowered!

gimme a "J"!!!!

2008-01-21T08:18:00.000-06:00

Hi all: here is my January project completed!

My new skill was learning to knit cables without a cable needle. This was fun and easier than I thought it would be... and I think I did OK at it! :-)

For more information, check out my blog.

Cheers and good luck to everyone else!

January Project

2008-01-20T08:09:00.000-06:00

This month I will be doing another pair of socks. The thing that will be new will be the cables I am incorporating into the socks. I don't have a pattern per se more like guidelines. I casted on 64 sts on s3 dpns and am doing a 12 stitch cable over 18 sts to compensate for the drawing in of the cable. So far they fit. I will update with a pic so. Hopefully I can finish the socks before the end of the month!!!! :)

cabling without a cable needle

2008-01-19T07:40:00.000-06:00

Look ma, no hands!!

This is a detail from the Gathered Pullover I am making... I tried a technique of making cables without a cable needle. It's great! (and I highly recommend the pattern, which is simple knitting yet I think will look very good when done, hopefully by tomorrow).

More photos to come when it's done.

The December Winner is . . .

2008-01-17T21:21:00.000-06:00

Betty (MysticLobo)!!

Congratulations, Betty! Please email me your mailing address and I'll get your prize in the mail to you!

We've only got a couple of weeks left on the KAL, so keep those new things a-comin! At the end of the month, I will have the January prize drawing. Then, around the 5th of February, I'll draw for the big grand prize!

My January project is finished

2008-01-17T06:23:00.000-06:00

Here are my double knitted mittens, my project for January. This was a fun knit and now I have 2 pair of mittens instead of one.
Here from one side;

And here turned inside out;

I have used Lett Lopi yarn from Island, knitted on needles 4,5mm .

This is sad, it is the last entry to this KAL. But it has been a really great KAL! I have made a lot of new friends, I have learned a lot English, and I have tried 6 new things within knitting - great!

intended project for January

2008-01-14T07:56:00.001-06:00

Happy belated new year, everyone!

Thought I'd drop a line and let everyone know that I've finally decided what my Do Something New project will be for this month: learning to knit cables without a cable needle!

I will be making a sweater from the Gathered Pullover pattern from Interweave Knits' Winter 2007 issue:

The cable pattern doesn't look too taxing, so I'm hoping to be able to manage it by the end of the month. Am starting tonight. Will be using some form of Rowan Cotton that I got in a swap.

I first read about this in Melissa Leapman's Cables Untangled (which has some lovely patterns and is a really good resource for anyone wanting to learn about cable knitting). Grumperina also has a helpful tutorial on this topic.

(Anyone who is really bored and who doesn't usually visit my blog is also welcome to check out my general To-Do List for 2008.)

Wishing you all great health, wealth and creative fervour in 2008!

Happy New Year everyone!

2008-01-06T16:16:00.000-06:00

Since I, not once I think, have knitted new things according to my list, why then, as the last project in this KAL, am I going to knit cables??? Just because I said so in December??
Oh no - my January project will be double knitted mittens!!
I have started and this is great knitting, making one color inside the mitten and one at the outside, and a bit with both colors...

I'm a miserable failure

2008-01-01T11:21:00.001-06:00

I didn't finish the swallowtail shawl on time to get my D. I am still working on it, maybe I will finish it this month.

Congratulations to all of those that did finish their projects.

Happy New Year to all.

Pattern corrected and moved

2007-12-31T19:49:00.001-06:00

The pattern for the Stormy Morning Shawl has been corrected and moved to my Yahoo site. My ISP decided not to offer webspace anymore. :( The the pattern is here. There is also a pattern for a pair of elbow length gloves. They were my son's Christmas present.

December project

2007-12-31T19:33:00.001-06:00

Here is my December project! Just under the deadline too! I have dubbed these Dobby Socks. I used the monkey socks pattern by Cookie A. I love this pattern. The colors came about due to the fact that I used the wrong size needle on the first sock and used too much of the ball and did not have enough for a second sock. I refused to go and get another ball of that yarn and just used what I had! I love them and will wear them when I am around the house and listening, reading or watching Harry Potter!!! Vive le' house elf resistance!! ;D

First Finished cabled hat/project...

2007-12-29T23:30:00.000-06:00

The Gianna hat from SWTC made for a good friend as a Christmas gift was a fairly quit knit and my first finished project involving cables!

I was desperately hoping to get a chance to do mittens and a scarf to match but with Christmas being only days away as I finished the hat and so many other non-knitting, non-crocheting things on the burner, it never happened.

Ah! Maybe an after-Christmas special or for her birthday!

Wishing you all the best for a wonderful New Year!
See you soon!

Jaye

December Project done and pattern posted

2007-12-27T18:43:00.000-06:00

I finished the Stormy Morning Shawl and posted a link to the pattern on my blog. Here is a pic of the unblocked shawl. I designed it for chunky to bulky yarn. I don't know how much yarn I used for the original shawl, as it was a group of skeins that I had spun last winter.

If you find any mistakes in the pattern, please let me know. I uploaded a corrected version on 12/30/2007 to here.

December FO: Mittens

2007-12-26T20:37:00.000-06:00

The Very Vanilla Mittens (a.k.a. Classic Mittens) are done. I just wrote a post about them on my blog, so I won't go into too much detail here.

Hope you all had a very merry Christmas (or whichever holiday you celebrate). See you in the new year. =)

Felted Clogs for Christmas

2007-12-22T07:52:00.000-06:00

Here's my something new: felted clogs, lots of 'em. Since I had never even completed a knitting project until 2007, knitting for Christmas gifts is new to me. Since they are felted, the clogs incorporated . . . ummmmm, felting. I had felted a purse before, but it didn't go well, so I'm counting the felting as doing something new. The clogs require a 3-needle bind-off and that technique is genuinely new to me. I might try doing it instead of kitchner for my next socks.

Merry Christmas--Annie (anniam)

Mittens for December and some socks too

2007-12-12T21:30:00.000-06:00

It snowed here in Kansas last week and the kids were low on mittens. Since I haven't knitted them before I'd thought I'd give it try.

Specs:
I used the House Mittens pattern from Charmed Knits.
US/3.75mm - 32" cable needle for magic loop
Harisville New England ww wool

These are for my son and he loves them which just tickles me. He keeps saying how excited he is to have them and how he wants to show them off. It's quite an easy pattern and I'm working on another pair for dear daughter. I want to make more to have on hand when the next snow comes.

About a week ago I finished off these socks. The main first for these is the color toes and heel and the fancier stitch pattern.

Specs:
Twist sock pattern from Hello Yarn
cuff down/heel flap
ww cascade 220 heathers in purple and green from my stash
US4/3.5mm 32" cable needles for magic loop

These are for me and they keep my feet toasty! The only thing I wish I had done differently is make the entire toe part out of green. I like this pattern it's easy to get the rhythm of it. I'm sure to make more. I still have some sweater yarn and other worsted yarn.

Tonight I skeined up some singles from my first forays into spinning. So in January I plan to dye these then knit up a hat or maybe some fingerless gloves.

Mittens To Match

2007-12-12T16:33:00.000-06:00

My project for December is mittens. They're being made to match the Sugar On Snow hat that I knit last month. I love the pattern I'm using, and am planning to file it away for many more future mittens - it's a great classic pattern that could be embellished in so many ways. And it's free! You can find it here. One mitten is already finished and blocked, and the other is knit to the point where you increase for the thumb.

Now, a confession. I feel a little like I'm cheating by submitting this as my project for December. Here's why: while I've never knit mittens before, I've done all the techniques involved with knitting them - knitting in the round, increasing, decreasing, ribbing.............there's not much to it. Considering that this is called "The Do Something New KAL", I feel like I should be challenging myself a little more. BUT, this is the month of December, which for obvious reasons, is a very hectic month. So I'm cutting myself a little slack. =) But I feel better since getting that off my chest. For January I'm thinking about doing Fair Isle to make up for this months laziness. You'd appreciate that if you knew how much fear the thought of Fair Isle instills in me. I don't know why that is, but it always has. Which probably has a lot to do with why I've never done it before.

My humble December project...

2007-12-12T05:55:00.000-06:00

Is a lace bookmark knitted in some leftover yarn. This was a great way to find out that I surly never never are going to knit a lace shawl! I stick to other things than lace in the future - AND I ADMIRE you all that actually have knitted lace i larger scale!

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU, AND SEE YOU IN JANUARY WHEN I AM GONNA KNIT CABLES.

December project - done!

2007-12-09T09:40:00.000-06:00

This is the Brioche Man's Vest - knitted in Knitpicks CotLin. This is a wonderful pattern by Erica Alexander in The Best of Interweave Knits. A quick knit and highly recommended. My first attempt at the brioche stitch, but not my last...

a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wXEBWu6h-p8/R1wEPigwuwI/AAAAAAAAC8w/UKJE0hYCHgY/s1600-h/P1020428.jpg">
For more specs and photos, why not hop on over to my blog?

December Project

2007-12-02T12:07:00.000-06:00

I am working on a shawl of my own design. :) This is the first time that I have designed one, and it is for my oldest dd for Christmas. It is a triangle shawl with a lace border, done in hand spun yarn. I will post the pattern to my blog when I get it written up.

December project

2007-12-01T09:52:00.000-06:00

I have started on my december project. At first it was going to be a pair of beautiful monkey socks. However, I don't think I will have enough yarn to make two, so instead of beautiful monkey socks in Fleece Artist Seawool . I will have on sock in Fleece Artist colorway Mermaid and another monkey in another colorway. I have dubbed them my Dobby Socks. I have posted the first sock in Mermaid, now I just have to decide if I want another multi color yarn or a solid as the second sock! Happy knitting!!!!

Phew!

2007-12-01T00:47:00.000-06:00

It is way past my bedtime. But my Sugar On Snow has been 90% finished for over a week now. The whole hat part was knit, I just needed to make the I-cord and pom poms. Holidays/life and I confess, a fair amount of procrastination kept me from finishing it until tonight. But it would be such a shame to come that close and not make the deadline. So I sat my butt down and finished, though I really wasn't feeling like it. =) Because of the cables that pull in, this is one of those projects that looks WAY better when it's actually on the body, as apposed to lying in a tight squished up blob. My daughter is not available at this hour to model it, so I borrowed her Barbie make over doll.

I'll be putting together a more detailed post about this project with better photos on my blog Monday or Tuesday, if anyone is interested. Goodnight. =)

Just in under the wire...

2007-11-30T14:41:00.000-06:00

Although they've been done for about two weeks, I've not had the chance to photograph or post them.

"The Wave Hand Warmers"
Pattern from: One Skein Wonders
Fibre: Valley Yarns Berkshire (85% wool/15% Alpaca)
Colour: #6 - Charcoal
Needles: KP Harmony double points 5.50mm (US 9)

Super quick and easy to memorize pattern.

New to me: binding off and casting on mid-project!

I missed October BUT...

2007-11-30T12:05:00.000-06:00

I am doing new things this month! Last month I was busy knitting (and reknitting) a demo for the local yarnhouse I work at. Turns out that the published pattern is just full of errors and I had to email the designer for the corrections as the company that published the pattern (Plymouth Yarns) never returned my email inquiries. Little stinks. But now that it is finally done, and knitted correctly, I am moving on to creating spa kits for gifts this year. This includes knitting dishcloths...something I never had the desire to knit up till now.

So I knit the pink "I Love You Mom" dishcloth for my mum and I am also knitting a Dolly the Dolphin cloth along with soap sacks, wash mits, and handmade MP soap! The soap is being made at the moment and the wash mits have yet to be knitted.

November Moebious!

2007-11-29T17:59:00.000-06:00

Project: Moebious Scarf by Cat Bordhi
What's New: Lace Knitting, Moebious Knitting

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft - Autumn Red
Participant Name: Claudia

Finally something to share for November

2007-11-28T20:07:00.000-06:00

I'm finally caught up with most of the posts. Everyone is doing some amazing stuff. I went missing in action around September when I got my Ravelry invite. What an amazing place. I started focusing on my many crochet wips that my knitting took a back seat.

After I finished up my crochet stuff I finally finished my very first knit project, a Harry Potter Scarf.

I made it for dh. I think he looks very brave in his Gryffindor Scarf don't you! I used the free pattern on atypically knits and did the Prizoners of Azikaban style. I used Plymouth Encore yarn.

Then I finally tackled those dang short rowed heel socks. This has a bunch of first for me: first pair of socks on magic loop, first short rowed heel and first toe up sock. It's my own pattern too. In the sense that I did a gauge swatch a figured out what I needed in gauge taking into account some negative then cast on and knit.

Other specs:
US 1/ 2.25mm 32" circs - I used two circ. needles with one sock on each using magic loop
Most of the ball of Sockotta

Thanks for looking.

my plan for December...

2007-11-28T13:58:00.000-06:00

Hi all: I should just note as well how much I've enjoyed visiting here and seeing everyone's firsts - which all look like professional efforts from where I sit!!! We are a talented bunch, aren't we?! ;)

For my December "first" I propose to knit in brioche stitch style for the first time. I just started the Men's Brioche Rib Vest by Erika Alexander (from The Best of Interweave Knits - also in the Autumn 2003 Interweave Knits mag - cannot find a completed photo on line!!):

Size: 45" (ack! so much knitting!). It's for JJ, my partner in crime. The yarn is Knitpicks CotLin (70% cotton, 30% linen - highly recommended) I'm also thinking of making myself a brioche-style sweater of some sort in December.

I've even bought buttons for the vest (which is a cardigan). Here is a picture of them:

(I know they look like UFOs - the space kind, not the knitting kind!). My first for January 2008 should be "taking a decent photograph of anything related to knitting, really!) :-)

Pet me!

2007-11-28T08:41:00.001-06:00

adopt your own virtual pet!

My December project...

2007-11-28T04:31:00.000-06:00

For December I will do cables - or Lace - I'm not sure.
The month is extremly buzzy so I need a small project. And I have found the cutest Lace bookmark pattern, so if it turnes out ok I can give it away as a Christmas gift. Yes, I think it will be Lace.... At least today I think so....

Still on November's Project!

2007-11-26T19:56:00.000-06:00

I missed a yarn over and when I tried to fix it this happened:

I had to restart it and I just got to the point where I was before my mistake so I am hoping I can finish before the end of this week!! =)

I have already started on my December project

2007-11-26T08:45:00.000-06:00

I have chosen the Swallowtail Shawl from Interweave Knits Fall 2006 issue. It is the first time I have ever knitted from a chart. If I successfully complete this project it will be a Christmas gift for my mother.

November Project

2007-11-20T07:42:00.000-06:00

OK, I wanted to do an entrelac scarf or a double knit hat for November but it just didn't work out. I did however finish the HP scarf for my son. My first in this was this was the first time I had knitted circularly when I started the scarf way back when. My other first were the duplicate stitch and fridge. I am so very happy I am done with it. Next time I will most definitely CO less stitches.

I only did ten of the requested fourteen bar repeats and it is still a little over five feet long!!!!

Sparkly...

2007-11-18T20:04:00.000-06:00

November is flying along, so here's my little project. (Does anyone else feel like they have to do smaller project to keep within the time frame of a month? With 2 kids, a dog, husband, and work - knitting falls to the wayside!)

This project was an amalgamation between two projects from two different knitting with wire books. The gauge wire is 28; needles are 3s. The beads are just a mix of golds, silver, and clear. All materials came from the local craft store.

I thought the project was worth the try, although I much prefer working with yarn. You can't beat the feel of it. I also need to work on my camera skills.

For December I am waffling between an intrelac scarf and knitting with fabric (knitting rag rugs, pot holders, etc.). Gotta decide soon!

November project

2007-11-17T20:15:00.000-06:00

My November project was to knit with beads. I chose Odessa from Knitty and I really enjoyed the pattern. It was a lot of fun and a pretty quick knit. I will knit with beads again. The results are definitely worth the extra work messing with the beads.

I couldn't manage to get a good picture of it.

Two Birds With One Stone

2007-11-15T00:37:00.000-06:00

I need a project for November. My daughter needs a new hat. I've never knit cables before. Problem solved:

My November project is Sugar On Snow from the Fall 2006 Knitty. I'm going to try to make time to swatch in the next day or so.

The October winner is . . .

2007-11-13T21:42:00.000-06:00

Sorry it took me a while to post it this month, but I've had some unexpected things come up and steal my time. Anyway,
The winner is
(imagine a drumroll here, please.....)

Shelley!!!

Shelley, if you could please send me your smail mail addy, I'll get your prize package in the mail to you, post haste! Congratulations.

Knitting with beads

2007-11-10T03:47:00.000-06:00

My November Odessa is finished!
Knitting with beads was about so difficult as I thought... I had to frog several times because the beads did not want to stay in the front, but when I got the hang of it - it was fun!
This is unfortunately for me a Christmas gift, but I will make myself another one cause I like it!
Hey Knit - what about yours?

November project - done!!

2007-11-06T08:35:00.000-06:00

This must be some kind of record for me (although I did backtrack on my original plan, which was to dye yarn. Next month...).

The new aspect: this is my first project using proper "freeform" technique in knitting (and crochet). It owes much to Jenny Dowde.

As usual, far more info than you wanted to know and pictures than you wanted to see on the blog.

Let me just add that I really enjoy coming here and seeing everyone's projects! They all look so good...

November project

2007-11-04T15:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I started on an entrelac scarf. I love entrelac but I am not sure I will finish this before the end of November because I have become interested in double knitting. I want to one day make a double knitted blanket. I have found a double knit hat pattern on Blue blog and have been tempted to try that instead. I don't know. One of those two items will be my November project!!! :D

First Ever Sweater

2007-11-03T14:48:00.000-05:00

I just finished seaming up my FIRST EVER SWEATER!! It was made with a bulky yarn, Trendsetter Savvy. I wasn't exactly sure what I would use to secure the edges while I sewed the seam. THEN, I noticed a #2 circular needle, all lonely and needing something constructive to do. I sort of basted the seam together by stringing the needles and cable through the seam. It made the sewing easy to complete and was simple to remove. That's probably something other knitters do all the time, but I've never seen that suggestion.

So, do I get an "N"? Annie.

November's Project

2007-11-03T14:16:00.000-05:00

I will be working on Patons' Hobo Bag with Cables along with my House Sweater, since row after row of stockinette on size 6 needles is going to kill me.
I haven't decided what yarn I'm going to use yet. This will be my first bag.

My November project.

2007-11-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

I hope that eveyone else has forgotten my original list, because, as I have mentioned before, I am not good at following the lists I make.....
So for my November project I have choosen to make an Odessa. My cohab has a little niese begging for a bead hat as a Christmas gift, so what else is there to do....
Maybe cables for Desember - we will see.

Great Job in October!

2007-11-02T21:31:00.000-05:00

What a great job y'all did in October! I am constantly amazed at the beautiful things everyone is creating!

I'm sorry I didn't post as much as I would have like in October, but I have been awfully busy with the puppies and with homeschooling. I didn't even get my October project finished, but, being optimistic, I at least have a jump start on November's!

I will catch up on adding the 'O's this weekend, and I'll announce this month's winner around Monday.

I can not wait to see what y'all knit up in November!

In the nick of time... again.

2007-10-31T16:41:00.000-05:00

October is finished, and what a finish it was! I spent the morning at my children's school partying it up in both of their classrooms. Being the parent in charge is WORK! Sadly, I can't blame Halloween preparations on my last minute post. My project was actually 98% done weeks ago. My tardiness was in sewing on that button. Sewing is not my thing.

About the bag: I used Lion Brand Wool for the bag- quite fall-ish if I do say so myself. It felted quite nicely. Maybe someday I'll be motivated to line it... The top picture is the "after" and the bottom picture is the "before".

My November project will involve wire and beads. More to follow. I'm trying to find the "right" pattern.

October FO: My First Knitted Stuffed Animal

2007-10-31T15:59:00.000-05:00

I finished Mr. Rabbit just in time. Here he is:

Follow him over to my blog for additional pics and to read more about him, because.....well, I'm too lazy to write an entire second post about him. =)

Finally!

2007-10-31T15:13:00.001-05:00

Here it is. This was my first time knitting lace, and it honestly was not hard at all. I didn't add the buttons, I intend on just wearing it as a scarf. The yarn is Plymouth Baby Alpaca Brush and it is insanely soft!!

I'll have pictures of me wearing it as soon as I get my senior pictures on CD.

Delinquent Again...

2007-10-31T12:10:00.000-05:00

You know, when I finally finish a project I should get two letters: one for the project and one for the post! Grrr!! November. I"ll get my N.

Panda Wool Socks

2007-10-31T05:40:00.000-05:00

Here are my Panda Wool (bamboo/wool) socks for my October submission.

So what's new about them? In my VAST experience of knitting 3 pair of socks before these, I have always followed a pattern exactly. These are the first socks I've knitted where I branched out and sort of made them up as I went along. I chose a 4-stitch rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks

AND varied the heel for a wide heel, as per the instructions in that book. I made a mistake in doing the heel flap, but it looked OK, just different--so I did the same thing on the mate. And I did the Kitchner Stitch on the 2nd one from memory (that is HUGE for me).

For November? I might actually seam up the UFO that lurks in the closet. That would be the 1st completed non-scarfy, sock, shawl, hat, mitten (ummmm, maybe it's called a . . . sweater?) that I've ever COMPLETED.

A Pair of Fair Isle Socks

2007-10-30T18:00:00.000-05:00

done for October.

This was a huge learning process for me and while both socks fit they aren't exactly the same size. I learned a lot about "floats" and the importance of making them loose enough. Socks, mittens or any small-ish project is prefect for an introduction to Fair Isle knitting for anyone wanting to give it a try.

I will wear these as they are extremely warm (knit with Peace Fleece wool) and since long pants will cover any of the slight imperfections, well, no one will ever know but me :-D

Where has October gone?

2007-10-30T17:47:00.000-05:00

First my camera got sick, then came college applications and a mountain of homework every night. I promise I will get my Wisp posted tomorrow.

Progress on Lace Legwarmers

2007-10-28T21:36:00.000-05:00

I've been getting a lot of knitting done while me and my boyfriend go to karaoke, plus we've been spending at least an hour on the porch each day this long weekend (I have every other friday off) just sitting while I knit and he smokes his new pipe. I'm not quite done with the first legwarmer but considering the late start due to needing to swatch I think I can catch up and have everything done by the end of November.

Ive actually gotten through another repeat since I took this picture yesterday. I'm also anxiously awaiting the arrival of the yarn for my Dec/Jan project that will be a scarf for my boyfriend http://thestormmoon.blogspot.com/2007/05/dark-mark-illusion-scarf-pattern.html . I have some nummy suri alpaca/merino yarn coming. I can't wait to cast it on, just knitting it is going to be sinfully sensuous.

The End Is Near

2007-10-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

It looks like I'm going to make it in time to submit my October project. =) Here are all the pieces knit up and blocking.

The three tear-drop shaped pieces will be sewn together to make the body, and the two (kind of) rectangle shaped ones will be the ears. They've been drying on my ironing board since this morning and I think they're ready to be unpinned. I made the fluffy pom-pom tail this after noon. After every thing's sewn together and stuffed with fiber fill, I just have to embroider eyes and a nose. Here's a closer pic in an attempt to show you the fluffy boucle texture, but due to taking the pictures in dim artificial light, it's really hard to see the true character of the fabric.

When it's time for FO pics, I'll venture outside for natural light. My five year old daughter has already claimed this project as "hers" when it's done. She likes to pet the fabric, and seems in awe (and somewhat skeptical) that all these flat funny shaped pieces will eventually be a rabbit.

I can not decide....

2007-10-26T05:03:00.000-05:00

Heeeelp!
For my November project I am going to knit a hat/cap. That I have done before, but I am either going to knit cables (not done before) OR knit with pearls (not done before).
November is soon comming up - but I can not decide - cable or pearls - cable or pearls - Heeeelp!

Lop Eared

2007-10-24T21:02:00.000-05:00

I started my October project Monday night. But I also got my Ravelry invite that night. It's been a little bit of a challenge to not spend all of my free time at a site about knitting, instead of actually knitting. Anyway, I've never knit a stuffed animal before. And given the fact that I only have about a week to complete it, this projects perfect -it's much smaller than a sweater and gauge doesn't matter. It's the pattern called "Rabbit" from First Knits by Luise Roberts & Kate Haxel. Here's the picture from the book.

But the rabbit I'm making is a distant cousin of theirs - I'm knitting it in a white boucle yarn. I'm really liking how it's knitting up all soft and fluffy. Will post in-progress pics soon. Oh, and by the way, I'm GirlMeetsYarn on Ravelry. Stop by and say hello if you're on there. =)

September Socks!!! on October =)

2007-10-24T11:25:00.001-05:00

Project:

Alli's" Anklets Socks

What's New: DPN's and Socks
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver - black, I have no idea about the other color! This was my husband's grandma's yarn! =)
Participant Name: Claudia

Finally!!! lol I finished it yesterday!!!! My hand is much better now, I kinda have a scar thou... O well it is life. Now I gotta start the mobious scarf!!! =) Kisses

September loveliness!

2007-10-23T18:09:00.000-05:00

I hate that it took so long I was out of town when the package came and then had to pick it up from my bf's house. Well, anyway... here the beautiful September prize. Thanks again so very much Tina!!!!

New To The KAL

2007-10-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. I just joined this KAL, and it's my first ever. I'm excited to be taking part, and equally as happy to meet more knitters. I'll be choosing my project for October and posting it very soon. I better hurry - October's coming to a close very quickly! By the way, I'm "Steph" over in the sidebar and my blog is Girl Meets Yarn.

October Project Complete

2007-10-22T11:31:00.000-05:00

This was such an easy pattern that I didn't want to put it down! I finished it last night and love the result. I will definitely be making more of these in the future. The photo quality is horrible but there are more on ravlery and flickr.

New October project

2007-10-21T16:04:00.000-05:00

I have decided that socks are not for me. I tried several times to cast on and begin the second sock but just wasn't feeling it. It is marked with zzzzzz until I feel like tackling it again.

I decided that I would switch my project to a beaded hat, as I have never tried beading before. I threaded 110 size 6 pink beads on to a pink skein of Rowan Yarns Cashsoft Baby DK. The pattern is from http://www.magknits.com/feb06/ and is called Odessa.

This is a great project because it gives an orphaned skein from my stash a purpose, I'm learning something new, and by donating it to my LYS http://abcsofcreativepursuits.com/ it will be donated to local cancer victims in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Here is my progress. The pattern is fairly simple and easy to follow. The beads blend in with the yarn but I believe they will show better when the cap is worn.

October project done!

2007-10-21T08:43:00.001-05:00

A combination of my two craft loves: knitting and mosaic!

For more photos and probably way more information about the project than you need, come on over to the blog. ;-)

October is done!

2007-10-20T23:37:00.001-05:00

I finally 'got' entrelac, pictures are on my blog, www.knittymumma.blogspot.com.

I also (this has been a challenge too) finally persuaded my DH to buy me a ball winder and have been making balls all over this place. Next month - lace!

October project in progress...

2007-10-20T14:45:00.000-05:00

well, I'm still slacking on lining the knitted bags. So, I've gone with a past "do something new" idea which has not yet seen fruition: combining knitting and stained glass and tile mosaic to make an art piece. Here's some shots in progress:

It should be done tomorrow, hopefully. In case the photo doesn't show it well, the cross shape in the middle is knitted.

Ravelry

2007-10-19T07:48:00.000-05:00

So how else is on ravelry other than me and coffindontwantme? Im Kiarapanther on there too.

My October project

2007-10-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

I finished my October project and I should have waited until tomorrow so that I could get better pictures outside, but I just couldn't wait. I am so glad to have this finished for more than one reason. 1) The Seasilk is incredible and B) Lace knitting just does not come naturally to me and it was a little frustrating at times.

Here is a crappy picture, I will go take some pictures in natural light tomorrow and post them on my blog if you want to see better pictures.

She is:

Montego Bay Scarf
By Amy R. Singer
Interweave Knits Summer 2007
Knit using Handmaiden Seasilk
Size US8 straight needles

Here is a better picture of the pattern:

October Cape DONE

2007-10-16T20:38:00.001-05:00

I really like how it turned out. I used Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed in a deep purple color, and pink heart buttons. The pattern was The Short Simple Cape, found on the Twin Willows Farm website, but apparently the pattern is no longer available.

But if you're interested, you can probably ask about it.

If the picture thingee doesn't work, try this link.

- Michelle

www.flickr.com

Simple Short Cape

2007-10-16T10:01:00.001-05:00

I've been working on this cape for my daughter for the last month or so. I got about halfway through and realized that the increases were crooked, so I frogged the whole thing and started over.

Here it is in progress. I just have to put on buttons, and have my daughter model it for me this afternoon, and Ill post the completed pics.

I have finished my October project

2007-10-14T20:40:00.000-05:00

I finished my clapotis last Wednesday but have been in D.C since then and haven't had access to the internet! I love D.C. and took pics of the clapotis there! I loved this pattern. I also know that if it were not for me purling the sts to be dropped, I probably would not have finished the project. It added interest to the knitting and purling across especially during the straight sections. I will be making another. November's project will be entrelac. I have started a scarf but only got as far as the first triangles- I keep you informed. Ohhh- I got a job!

Actually, it was my job that sent me to D.C.- the day after I got sworn into the practice of law! It has been a hectic week!

Happy knitting

Tonight!

2007-10-13T18:19:00.000-05:00

I will finally be finishing my Wisp tonight! Definitely! Pictures may not actually be posted until tomorrow though, because I will be wearing my wisp tomorrow for a couple of my senior pictures.

Also!! I got my Ravelry invite today!! I've been waiting a month and a half and it's finally here! I'm coffindontwantme on there.

Swatch for October/November

2007-10-12T19:13:00.001-05:00

This is my next project. More Legwarmers, this time practicing lace. Just from this swatch I've already learned how to read my knitting if i lose my place. I thought a 25 line lace pattern would be too complicated but decided to give it a try, but I think its going to be okay. Considering how long it takes me to knit, this will probably not be completed until November, or at least that is the goal. This swatch is really only half the pattern. The full pattern are repeating diamonds, but I figured I learned enough from this swatch that I could go ahead and start the project. I have another inch of ribbing to go before I can start the lace pattern on the first legwarmer, but Ive been taking the knitting to karaoke so Ive actually been getting a bit more knitting done per week than in the past. We will see how this goes.

A Dual KAL: Something old, Something new...

2007-10-11T20:43:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure how much this is going to count for the month of October for this KAL but, I gathered up these materials

along with a pattern and set to work on the 7th of October for something really new to me. I had no idea just how new this was going to be until I started knitting and sweating. I was doing stranded knitting or Fair Isle (I'm pretty sure this is Fair Isle) and knitting from a chart - two new things!

The knitting, no matter how hard I tried to loosen it up, was super, super tight. I was doubtful that it was going to fit anyone I knew, much less myself. But as you can see above, I was able to get it on - past my foot and up my leg where it belongs. Getting it off took a good three minutes, mainly due to the fear of losing stitches off the ends of the needles. But I was in the home stretch at this point and had the foot and toes to go, so really, it was a cakewalk from here on out.

On the 10th of October, I had this to show for my efforts:

Truthfully, it looks better on my sock blocker than it does on my foot. I feel good about the fact that I have conquered Fair Isle (if that is in fact what this is) and that I was able to knit from a chart. I am also proud that I have what I think is a pretty good looking stocking. I don't know if this meets the guidelines of either this KAL or Socktoberfest as it isn't a pair, and I'm not 100% sure whether I'll cast on for its mate soon, but I would like to believe I will as it is nagging at me...that unfinished pair...that unfinished pair of sockS - that unfinished sock needs a mate!

It's just a matter of when, but if I do finish the second sock, I'll be sure to post it ;0)

This sock most likely won't be worn, but I may hang it on my mantel at Christmas, because I look at it more as something decorative than everyday wear.

My First Project!

2007-10-09T10:20:00.000-05:00

I casted on for my very first pair of socks last night!! Yay! This is practically the whole reason I did this knitalong... and this will be my first letter.

I was going to knit with novelty yarn this month, but I just got this knit socks book and I couldn't wait any longer to get started!

a change is as good as a rest...

2007-10-08T12:05:00.000-05:00

... so again I will procrastinate on the task of learning to knit cables without needles. My new October project will be - lining 2 knitted bags! (I've never done this before and have accordingly been putting the finishing of these two UFOs off for... well, let's say at least a year.)

Here are the "before" pictures:

More info at my blog.

Two other projects for me for October (unofficial ones - but thanks, Tina, as this KAL has lit quite the fire under my lazy a**):

Knitting related: submitting a pattern for publication (sorry, can't share it. But if it doesn't get published I'll share it for free)

Non-knitting related: cutting back to one small pack (20 cigarettes) per day. So far, so good.

Happy autumn!

Socks

2007-10-07T20:30:00.001-05:00

For October I am going to make a real pair of socks. This pattern is No Sweat Socks from No Sheep For You. It only took me 4 days to get the first one completed but now I just need to find the motivation to finish the second one. Why is it so difficult to think about starting another one??? The pattern is very simple and I have learned a few things already. My ribbing is loose so if I ever do another pair, I will decrease my needle size for that part of the pattern. Is that a valid and workable solution? I am using DPNs. The yarn is Adriafil Knitcol and the colors are a bit garish but fun nonetheless. I haven't blocked it yet either so it's still creased and puckered in some areas. I will welcome any constructive criticism or tips.
I am having such a great time with this KAL. Thank you so much!

And the September winner is . . . . .

2007-10-06T17:46:00.000-05:00

Shalanda!!!!!!

So Shalanda, if you can email your mailing address, I'll get your prize package in the mail to you Monday morning!! Congratulations!

I am done!!

2007-10-03T09:18:00.001-05:00

I do know that October just has started, but I was so eager to start my mitten project...
The mittens was supposed to be knitted from a pattern called Paradoxical mittens, but I changed it to Rose mittens instead. Not that it matters because the new thing was to; knit mittens, knit from a color diagram, and to knit with several colors.
None of these is ever done before. (Well, I have tried to make mittens one time before but that was a disaster!!) And I can tell you that this was a challange!!
To read the pattern, to hold two treads of yarn on one finger at the same time - without dragging it and knit to hard, to put the thumb on the second mitten on the opposite side and make it fit into the pattern.... There has been some heavy frogging and thinking going on before the mittens became what you see here!!
The yarn is Rauma finull (wool) and the colors are great aren't they? Or not? Maybe a bit too much....

"O" for shopping?

2007-10-02T06:48:00.000-05:00

I'm sure to complete something new this month, but I'm thinking my do-something-new just might be shopping---in San Francisco! I've never even been to California--we (husband Kelly and I) are leaving on 10-13 to celebrate our 25th anniversary (it was in July). Although Kelly doesn't think that shopping for yarn is the point of the trip, it is certainly on the agenda, mine anyway. Or, I could save the grafting of my almost completed socks to do on the plane--a different version of the mile-high club--HA! Would either of those count for my "O"? What's your plan? Glad to be a part of this group--cheers, Annie.

Felting Success -- Twice!

2007-10-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

I just had to share my Christmas stocking. It turned out so nice that I am going to do 2 more. Thanks for all of the encouragement.

Great Pattern + Great Yarn

2007-10-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

doesn't always result in a great garment. This was my Oct item but when I tried it on it didn't look good on me so the sleeves will not be added. I have yet to successfully complete a sweater. On the upside I highly recommend the Cherie Amour pattern and the designer was quick to respond when I had a question. I don't know why this didn't look good on me I'm thinking it has to do with the yarn. This is the third sweater attempt at using this yarn with no success but it makes great scarves. Back to the stash pile for this yarn. Latter today I will be updating my blog with more on this subject.

Congratulations for all the S's!

2007-10-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

I came to congratulate everyone that got a "S"! =) No "S" for me this time... I burned my hand a couple weeks ago it was really bad but I am getting back on track!

S is for Kool Aid

2007-09-30T22:22:00.000-05:00

Oh YEAH (said like the Kool Aid Guy)...
My September project is in, with 2 hours and 15 minutes to spare. I will post more details and pictures on my blog later. For now, here are the four hanks hanging to dry in my shower. They kind of look like four hippies with toe-length hair, don't they?

"s" oh yes

2007-09-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

This last minute entry is the Irish Hiking scarf, which is my attempt at cables. I thought it was pretty fun. October will bring felting, hopefully in a more timely manner.

No 'S' for me =[

2007-09-30T20:13:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, a few things came up this weekend and I wasn't able to finish my Wisp.
I have about a foot left, but I won't be able to finish tonight because of so much homework. I'll be getting my 'O' for October early though =]

September deadline is hours away

2007-09-30T18:05:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that this is the last day of September. This month, I'll slightly extend the deadline until 12 noon, Central Standard Time, on Monday Oct. 1st, since I know there are few people finishing up projects. Just post a picture of it by noon, and I'll give you an 'S'!

I think we have 11 'S's so far. If you should have one but don't, let me know. Here are the ones I see:

Amy C

Betty

C4G (Crow Calling Woman)
Druid Chelle

Hobbygasa

Jaye

Jennifer

Kiarapanter

Kristina

Shalanda

Tina in Wonderland (Me)

'Dyeing' for my 'S'!! LOL

2007-09-30T17:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I waited until last night to try this, but I'm glad I did! It was so much fun! I used Knit Picks sock yarn and Kool-aid in Soarin' Strawberry Lemonade, Switchin' Secrets, and a combination of Grape, Black Cherry, and Wild Watermelon Kiwi. The first two were pretty much the colors I had intended, but I was aiming for a brown with the third color which ended up purply. You'll notice a few apparent flaws, but hey, I don't care 'cuz that's how a person learns! Plus I think it will all blend in fine when I knit this into a pair of 'Monkey' socks.

Here is a brief rundown of what I did:

Pic 1 shows the dry hank tied in two places to show me where I wanted the different colors to go.

2. Those are highball size glasses with the kool-aid and water. I used two packs of each on the pink and green, and about 4 packs trying to get the brown. I don't think I used more than half a cup of water per glass. I had the yarn soaking in a big bowl of room temperature water while I mixed the colors.

3. I laid the yarn out on three plates - one section was on each - then I stuffed the sections one by one into the dye glasses, squeezed 'em out, and put them on the plate while I did the other two. The green got laid in the drippings of the purple, hence the muddy looking smudge. Pic three shows the kool-aid soaked yarn in a big microwave-save pasta bowl, which I then put into the microwave for 2 minutes, let rest 3 minutes, nuked it 2 minutes more, let it set 3 more minutes and flipped it over, then nuked it for a final 2 minutes. I knew it was done because a coffee filter pressed against the still damp yarn didn't pick up any color. I let it cool to near room temp, then rinsed it.

4. This pic shows it hanging in my shower to drip dry. I had rolled it up in a towel first and stomped on it to get the extra water out.

5. This shows it on my ball winder!! Don't the colors look different than they did on the unwound hank!

6. This is a mini-swatch, 16 stitches wide. It will be way less stripey on a sock over 60 stitches and more varigated.

I have a hank of lace weight yarn I want to dye moss green. Anybody know how to get that with Kool-aid?? Any ideas?? Really, 'cuz I don't know!! I'm thinking of trying to mix two shades of green and maybe throw in a teabag or two. I just do not want it to turn out lemon-lime neon, but more of a mossy sage instead.

Legwarmers DONE!

2007-09-30T13:11:00.001-05:00

Finally. Gee Im slow. But got them seamed and everything.

Yarn: Plymouth Encore Colorspun Worsted
Needles: Size 9 wooden straights

Pattern: 2x1 rib, then decreased to 1x1 rib, knitted flat then seamed.

This is the first project I cast on for knitting and only the second project Ive ever finished.

September Project Done!

2007-09-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

I finished my first center-out square shawl, with a knitted on border. I used Red Heart worsted weight yarn in the Beach colorway for the main part and white for two stripes and the border. t was fun to knit and someday I will do another one in wool yarn. This one, I gave away to charity.
I