I failed. Those gorgeous skeins of yarn I wound yesterday? The ones that were supposed to be for after the holidays? I couldn’t wait to start playing with them. So I pulled out the Nerd Girl Yarns Foxy in #nofilter and cast on the Later, Gator! cowl. After maybe three hours’ knitting (super fast for me) I had a new cowl, and I love it.
I made it with the girl in mind, and it looks lovely on her, but I was kind of sad to let it go. These aren’t colors I wear much, but I like how it turned out so much I kind of wanted to keep it. At least this way I’ll get to see it often, and even borrow it if I want. The blue reminds a bit of TARDIS blue, so I picked a pattern with a bit of wibbly-wobbly swirl to it. And the really cool thing is that this pattern only used around 95 yards, so I’ve still got around 180 yards left! So I’ve cast on a swirly hat, and the boy (also a Whovian) will get first crack at it. Merry Christmas Eve Eve, and happy knitting to all!
Tag Archive | crafting
This is why I’m not a knitted glove specialist
Six months. That’s how long it took me to make this one pair of fingerless gloves. That’s ridiculous. And it might also explain all the problems I had. See, I started these in early July and the first one went quickly and smoothly, like it always does. And then I got bored with the project and put it away, like I always do. A few days ago, I decided to finish them. I pulled out the bag and realized I had actually started the second glove (wonder of wonders); I had about two inches already knitted. No problem, I thought. I pulled the pattern up on my iPad and got to work.
It wasn’t until I had all the thumb stitches on waste yarn that I thought to hold it up against the completed glove. I’m glad I did: the second glove was significantly bigger. What the heck had I done? Thank goodness for Ravelry. Because I was using slightly bigger yarn than the pattern called for, I’d modified row counts the first time around. The good news was that I’d made note of my modifications. The bad news was that I had to rip back all the way before the thumb gusset.
I got that done, saved all my tiny stitches, and knit the gusset again, and this time when I measured against the first glove, they matched. Whew! I sped through the next 12 rows, had maybe 4 left, and checked size again…only to discover I’d gone wrong again. I have no idea how I managed it, but again I had too many rows on the second glove. Again I had to rip back, but at least it was only around 6 rows. I finally got the second glove finished and I think they match top to bottom. But a couple of little things don’t match up, like the seed stitch panels on the sides. And I think one thumb might be one row longer than the other.
But I’m still quite tickled with them. I like how they’re fraternal twins, not identical. I love the seed stitch portions and the snug fit. And I especially love the lovely little dark green buttons I found to sew onto the sides.
I think this is why I continue to knit gloves. Despite all the problems (you have to make two things that match exactly!!) they’re so delightful when they’re done. It’s like childbirth in that way. The end result is so charming that it makes you forget all the pain you endured to get there.
Details, for those who care: The yarn is a mystery yarn that I believe is a DK weight. I used this Seeded Mitts pattern and I do like it. Any problems I had were due to my own inability to count. (Yes, I have a digital row counter. Yes, I used it.) I’ve Raveled them here if you’d like to see my modifications. I’d like to knit them again, but a bit shorter and with the seed stitch panel all the way up the side.
Now, with these silly things done, I’m down to only five WIPs! That’s exciting. I wonder how long it will last…
Just keep knitting, just keep knitting
We had a busy busy weekend around here! My daughter, who’s a high school freshman flutist, made it into the All District Band. Fabulous achievement, right? Yes. But it meant driving 30 minutes each way on Thursday and Friday after school for rehearsals. The upside was that I then had two and a half hours to myself. I got to sit there and listen to talented musicians practice beautiful music while I played with yarn. I really can’t complain; I enjoyed it. And I finished the last of my must-knit Christmas gifts! Unfortunately, you can’t see them until after Christmas. But I swear I got them done.
Saturday was performance day for the band, and I knew I’d have a lot of idle time. So for my easy concert knitting, I decided I needed to make little pouches for some small gifts I’m giving. I was going to use little boxes, but surely a handknit pouch is more fun, right? I’m using this brilliant Treasure Pouch pattern with bits of leftover worsted yarn and size 4 DPNs. Each one takes maybe 45 minutes tops, and I got two done that night! They’re adorable. I’ve got another on the needles and I’ll be making a few more before the big day.
Yesterday we had a birthday party for a special little boy, and I’d made him his first handknit mittens. They match his winter hat (which I also made but forgot to photograph). Thankfully, they fit well and he seemed pleased…until he needed his hands to play with the Batmobile and pulled them off.
Now that the presents are all prepared and procured, I’m getting the itch to start wrapping. I want presents under the tree, but I’m also ready to get rid of some of these piles in my closets!
Two Christmas FOs
I got to add two more FOs to the Christmas gift pile over the weekend. The first, and most satisfying, is a blanket. It’s throw-sized, about 31″ by 41″, so not huge, but still, knitted blankets take a long time. It’s a much bigger commitment than, say, a hat. I spent most of Saturday at a band competition with my daughter and this was the project I took with me, hoping I could get it finished. I got a long way, and finished it Sunday morning. This is the Double Seed Stitch Blanket by Purl Soho. It’s simple, classic and lovely.
I used 5 skeins of Knit Picks Brava Bulky in red. I wanted it to be soft and warm but also washable. I used a smaller needle than the pattern specified, 11 rather than 13, to get a denser fabric. I found it quite cozy on my lap as I worked on it, so I’m really hoping the recipient will be pleased with it.
The other gifty object is the red tote. You may remember I blogged about it before, discussing my felting struggles. I tried one last time and finally I have called it finished. This is the bag after three machine cycles and two hand-feltings.
I like it. There’s more stitch definition than I would prefer, but it’s definitely a sturdy fabric. It’s a good size for a book, notebook and cell phone. For those who missed it before, this is the Lucky 7 Felted Tote made with Cascade 128 Wool. I’d like to try this pattern again with a different wool.
With two gifts finished, I thought I deserved to start a selfish project. Did anyone else see the new Candy Cane Scarf pattern? I can’t remember if I saw it on Ravelry or Facebook but I fell in love with it immediately. I don’t make many scarves anymore because they take so long, but I’m making this one! And I’m making it special too: I’m using my Cascade Yarns Baby Alpaca Chunky. Mmmm, it’s gonna be soft and warm and delightful! Since the yarn is bulky, not DK like the pattern uses, I’m using size 8 needles, and I only increased to 32 stitches before switching colors. I’m so happy with it, and it’s going faster than I expected (thank you, garter stitch).
This is totally going to be worth all that end-weaving.
I hate to brag, but my Christmas shopping is DONE. Christmas knitting is down to one fingerless glove. (I really should start that soon.) I have none of the panic from last year, and I’m liking it. It’s a combination of starting earlier in the year and stressing less about handmade gifts. Not everyone is getting one, and that’s okay. Not everyone is getting something big and complicated, and that’s okay too. Now I can sit back and coast along, and not freak out every time the kids cross off another day on their Christmas countdown. I wish the same calm for all you other crafters!
A Visit to a Pottery Studio
We did something really fun yesterday: we went to an open house for a pottery studio! The Kansas City Clay Guild sponsored a Holiday Sale and Pottery Tour involving several studios around the city. We had big plans to make it out to the Rafter E Studio to see Tara Dawley‘s pieces, but the girl had to help her grandma with some chores and the hubby had to do a long run and before we knew it we were out of time. We had to be happy with going to 323 Clay, which is two minutes away on the historic Independence Square.
And it was SO COOL. Obviously we’ve driven by it many times, and my husband had been once before, but I’d never been inside. They rent studio space, offer classes and workshops, and have a gallery space. The first two rooms were filled with gorgeous mugs and vases and teapots and platters, then you move on back and there were booths set up in the roomy studio space in the back. Down the stairs was another little booth. There were several artists displaying their pieces; at least five, maybe six. We were greeted by David Lee, the studio owner and artist, and he showed us around enthusiastically. We got to see his kilns, which were numerous and huge, and he explained a bit of the process to make pieces look the way they do. It was so interesting to see things in the various stages, from the unformed clay to works in progress to unpainted items to painted but unfired pieces. I loved seeing the little handmade touches: a glass rim that’s not perfectly round, the faint finger marks in a delicate cup.
My son thought the snacks were the best part of the tour. One of the neatest touches was that David had made a bunch of ceramic cups for guests to use while there and then take home. Seriously, free pottery! How cool is that? So we each picked one out.
I like how each one is slightly different. Even the ones with similar colors are like variations on a theme. My daughter picked out the pink one. I think she likes to stand out. These are fun little cups, perfect for juice, or scotch, if you’re my husband.
Of course we had to take something home. I really wanted to get something from David’s collection because he was so personable and welcoming, and he had wonderful pieces. The teapots, which is what I really coveted, were out of my price range, but there was a soft green mug with hints of red that I liked. I also liked this big red mug, and I was glad it was the one Alex decided he needed.
But I kept coming back to this mug and it said it needed to come home with me. I’m not sure why, because it’s not a color I typically gravitate toward. But it’s such a lovely pale shade of turquoise with the palest hint of pink inside. It’s an appealing shape and the handle has such interesting line details. I just…needed it.
This is by a different artist, and I’m kicking myself because I forgot to get her business card or even her name. The mug says Percival on the bottom, and the price tag said CJP. And she had so many other pretty things that I imagine I’ll be going back for more in the future.
It was a wonderful little adventure, and it made me wish we’d taken the time to do more of the tour and hit other studios. We love to see real people making a living from their passion, to see examples of art and creativity taking root in the community. And a unique handmade piece is so satisfying!
So if you’re in the Kansas City area and love pottery, you might check out 323 Clay. They’re open by appointment or by chance, so call the studio and set up a time to visit. I’m sure David will be happy to show you around!
Knitting Disappointments
I finished the hat yesterday, like I said I would, but I’m not completely totally happy with it. I love the pattern, love how it’s got a lot of slouch, and it’s unisex. I love the yarn, how it’s soft and washable. What I don’t love is the big glaring mistake I made right in the middle of the hat.
See?!? It’s horrible!! Okay, that’s nice of you to lie, but I know you see it. That line right where I started decreasing is because I stopped on the wrong round. I was supposed to stop after a k1, p1 round and I stopped after a knit round. Sighh. I didn’t notice it until I was halfway done with the decreases and…well, I confess: I was lazy. I could have frogged back but I didn’t. If it were for anyone other than a member of my immediate family, I would have, but I really don’t think my 11yo son will notice, let alone care. Plus, the other really cool thing about this pattern is that it’s reversible, so I turn it inside out and the line almost disappears on the purl side. 
Sorry for the crap photos. Again, I was lazy. Too lazy to get out the good camera so these are phone pictures. Plus black hats are really hard to photograph…on a phone. Inside. In the morning, when there’s no natural light because it’s raining outside. For those who are interested, this hat is called Graham and I do quite like it and I will be knitting it again, correctly next time! I used less than one skein of Knit Picks Brava Worsted in black. Anyway, the most important thing is that the hat is done, and I can wash it and put it aside with the rest of the gifts and move on.
Sure, I can move on to the bag I frogged. (I know, I’m a bundle of cheer today, aren’t I?) Here’s where I was:
I love the yarns together but the pattern just wasn’t right for me. I don’t carry bucket bags, at least not as purses, and I want this to be a bag I’ll carry. So this morning I very slowly and carefully frogged it, and it went better than I expected. I think having the strand of wool in there was a huge help. Just the silk along would have ended up a tangled mess. Now I have a nice big ball and a new pattern, and I’m going to start fresh today.
As soon as I walk the dog, and drive an hour to pick up the girl’s flute, that is. In the rain. Just call me Eeyore.
Oh Happy Day: my yarn arrived!
Knit Picks had a great sale last week, as I’m sure most of you yarn-people know. I made the mistake of browsing, you know, just for fun. I did *a lot* of browsing. So much that this box arrived on my porch yesterday.
I tried to open it slowly, to make the anticipation last, but the puppy was urging me on and telling me to speed it up.
I pulled out the lovely yarns one skein at a time, the better to admire them, until they covered most of my dining room table.
That’s A LOT of yarn! It’s still there too, because it pleases me to look at it as I walk by throughout the day. I chose my yarns carefully based on what I want to do with my yarn business next year. With a bigger commitment to craft fairs, I want to build my inventory of popular items. So I’ve got perfect yarns for hats, headbands and bootcuffs in a wide variety of colors. And it’s all worsted or bulky, which are my favorite weights. I also bought some wool for felting some cute little bags which can be decorated with flowers or buttons. (Here’s hoping it felts better than the Cascade I used for that silly red tote.) And there on the lower right edge is some furry mohair Reverie in a lovely dark red. It’s going to be a fuzzy Christmas-time cowl for yours truly…unless I get it done and decide I don’t need it!
Today I’ve plucked out a skein of black Brava worsted and have begun a slouchy beanie for the boy for Christmas. I think I can get it done in one day!
Selfish Knitting at Christmastime
I’m sorry, I don’t have much to show off, which is sad since it’s been a few days since I posted. Or at least it feels like it. But you know, I *do* have to do other stuff sometimes. Sighhh.
Yesterday I went to my new LYS, Angelika’s Yarn Store, to get some Cascade 220. You know that really pretty fuchsia and blue silk yarn I bought in Weston? I found a cool felted Bucket Bag pattern and decided to actually use the recommended yarn. Crazy, huh? I was hoping for a matching fuchsia but struck out, so I found a good blue instead. I think it’ll look really nifty. I’ve got the bottom knit and the stitches picked up for the body of the bag, so now it’s just a bunch of knitting in the round until it’s tall enough. This is my current waiting-room knitting project.
And I loved the Purl Soho Super Soft Merino Hat so much that I needed to make another one, for myself this time! I found two skeins of the Mirasol Tuho in hot pink and cast on last night. Can I say again how much I love this yarn? So soft and squishy and warm. Mmmmmm….
And that’s all, folks. I still have one fingerless glove and a little less than half a blanket to knit (it’s boring. Hard to make myself work on it.). I guess it needs to get a little closer to Christmas for the panic to set in enough to get me to abandon the fun knitting. So today, it’s cold and I’m grumpy, so I’m going to take my tea to the couch and knit for a while on my hat.
Knitting Needles Galore
Okay, so remember yesterday I said we spent the day out around Weston, Missouri? Well, the kids wanted to go to HMS Beagle in Parkville, so we stopped there on the way home. I kind of got tired of the science stuff (I know, I’m sorry, I’m terrible) so I went down to the antique mall a couple stores away. I wandered all through it and found only a combination square/level for my son, who likes to woodwork with his dad. THEN! At the very end, on my way to pay, I glanced down and underneath a table I saw THIS:
It was so full it wouldn’t close, and the needles were taped together into pairs, so I couldn’t really get into it too much to see what all it held. The tag just said “Assorted knitting needles & case $29”. Well. What knitter would have left it there? Certainly I couldn’t! As soon as I got home I dumped it all out onto the table and was surprised to see some little DPNs and crochet hooks fall out along with the long straights. Unfortunately, they’d all been taped together with scotch tape, so my first step was to clean them all with Goo Gone to get rid of tape residue. Then I washed them all in hot soapy water to get rid of Goo Gone residue. Then I matched up sizes and colors and laid them all out on the table to dry. Behold!
In that case were 42 pairs of straight needles, 8 sets of DPNs (some mismatched) and 12 crochet hooks. That’s 62 pieces for $29! Woohoo!! Now, obviously I’ve been crocheting and knitting long enough that I already had some of these sizes, but I was able to supplement my collection pretty well, mostly with smaller sizes and DPNs. Oh yeah, and with Tunisian crochet hooks too! I was delighted to get a size 19 crochet hook. I really love the long red plastic DPNs (they’re on the lower towel, next to the ivory DPNs). There was also a set of red plastic straights, but I accidentally broke one while cleaning it. Oops.
So now I have two complete sets of 14″ metal straights and a pretty full collection of DPNs and Tunisian crochet hooks. I was able to supplement my daughter’s set of knitting needles, and I passed on the two teeny-tiny steel hooks to my SIL. I gave three sets of needles to my daughter for a friend who’s just started knitting. And after all that, I STILL have a set of 11 pairs of knitting needles left over, plus several random pairs! I think I will try to sell them and recoup some of my purchase price. Gotta love antique stores! What’s the best thing you’ve ever found?
Small Business Saturday
ACK! I have so much to share that I don’t know where to start! I think I’ll start with something that’s near and dear to me, and that’s Small Business Saturday. As an artist myself (cough cough, that’s hard to say sometimes), I am committed to helping other artists, crafters, and small businesses thrive. There is so much value in handwork, so much love and detail and care that goes into something made by one person. And I can’t help but admit that I like the idea of owing something one of a kind, or at least something not mass-produced. Sure, I shop at chain stores too, but I like to shop small when I can.
With that in mind, I decided to start a little sale today on my Facebook bonny knits page. I’m offering 20% off all my current inventory! Plus I just received my Square card reader to accept credit card payments; maybe it will make it a little easier for someone else to shop small!
We supported small businesses yesterday by spending Black Friday in Weston, Missouri. I love their little downtown area with all the antique and gift shops. The first place we stopped might have been our favorite. It was called Art for a Dog, and the sign advertised tees, hats and gifts for dog and cat lovers. We had to ring the bell to get in, and while we waited, two dogs on an upstairs deck greeted us. Marie came down and let us in, telling us a little bit about her business.
Marie Mason is the owner of Bella Company, and she started with a few simple line drawings of dogs and later started doing full color art. Her small shop had lots of paintings and tees and sketches, and there was so much life and personality in each animal. At least one of their four dogs is a rescue, and they support animal rescue organizations in several ways. It was just so obvious how much she loves animals, and I really wanted to support her passion and commitment. Plus her stuff was darn cute! I limited myself to one thing: a nifty green canvas bag with a great yellow dog picture on the front. It’ll make a fabulous project bag. She also does custom portraits, which is pretty tempting! You can find her on Facebook too. 
It reminded me of my puppy, Captain Jack.
Ok, what else? Well, there was a new store there called Florilegium that sells arts & crafts supplies. It was a beautiful store, full but not stuffed, well-designed and a treat for the eye. You could tell they’d put a of thought and effort into their layout and displays. They had tons of gorgeous ribbons and buttons and stuff. I don’t know what else honestly, because they had yarn, so I was distracted. Again, I was good and limited myself to just one thing: this so-lovely skein of Kathmandu silk.
While we were walking around, I was modeling my favorite new Junie Balloonie flower, the Santa. If you remember, a while back I posted about trading some handknit items for some flowers, and I received them last week. They are Fabulous! She specializes in custom orders and works with your ideas and colors. You can find her on Facebook or Etsy. These are mine:
Santa was actually my idea (she says casually) but Amie Longstaff, the artist/designer/owner, brought it to life brilliantly. I adore this flower.
Band Mom flower is one of a series she does, and it can say whatever you want. She’s got them for military moms/spouses/daughters, sports, firemen, police…everything. I ordered mine in my daughter’s school colors. It’ll be great for when I go to the games and watch her play in Marching Band and Pep Band!
Frozen flower, for a niece.
Monster High flower, for another niece.
They all have a barrette clip, a pin so you can wear it as a brooch, and a small chain loop for it to hang on a purse. I usually put my flowers on my purse, but yesterday Santa was clipped to my cowl. And I think it brought me good luck too, because I got to see Father Christmas himself!
And last but not least, I recently ordered a few gorgeous, unique pieces of jewelry from Kind Spirit Jewelry. I can’t find the pictures I took of them, but I got a beautiful spoon ring, some big silver swirly earrings, a necklace with a gorgeous cobalt blue glass pendant… She’s in the process of shutting down her website so there are some FANTASTIC deals to be had. Seriously. Good prices. You can find her on Facebook too.
I’m think I’ll call that a wrap. I’ve got a story to tell you about my antique-mall find, but that requires it’s own post. Until then, support an artist or two and Shop Small today!
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