The Great Bulky Yarn Clean Out

I'm convinced. After years of accumulating bulky weight yarn with the intention of actually completing quick-to-knit projects, I realize that these are not necessarily flattering to my particular figure. I read about this in one of the Big Girl Knits books and didn't want to believe this is true so I resisted parting with the luscious fibers that promised warmth, extraordinary stitch definition and a good chance of finishing a sweater.

I've got Blue Sky Alpaca Bulky, Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande (in two colors!), some Tahki Montana and a lot of Rowan Cocoon that I am still debating whether it can be knit without a lot of bulk. I have had my eye on the Classic Elite pattern Duchess for quite some time.

I've been reading some style guides as I evaluate my wardrobe for the fall and the indications are clear: no bulky knits. Lighter weight fibers and vertical lines are the things for me.

The back and fronts of the sweater in Venezia are almost done. It's a wide rib pattern. I've also started Eadon in RYC Silk Wool DK and although I ripped back the first attempt, I'm motoring through the Sally Melville gray cardigan using Suri Merino. All vertical stripes.

Back to the clean out. I'm trying to find patterns for the bulky fibers because I want to give my nieces and nephews ski sweaters for Christmas. Will be swatching away so I can work on measuring gauge. Wish me luck!

That Damned Tulip
I thought it was going to be the death of me. I've learned to add lifelines more frequently. I've only used one skein of Setanova so far and I'm through row 46 on the Half Pi. All set up for the Heart motif. Baby steps, JB, baby steps.

Works in Progress

The top picture is a front for the cardigan I'm knitting in Venezia. I wish I had a better camera to show the beauty of the stitch definition. As it is, I'm wondering if I'll wear it right side or wrong side out. This is great knitting for the bus--portable and easy pattern to follow (K3, P1).

The next picture is the Half Pi destined for my sister. She's going to celebrate a milestone birthday in a few days and she gave me a fantastic party last year for mine. I hope this gift makes her as happy as the party did me.

This Pi started when the talented Shaina Bilow wrote the pattern for a full Pi for me based on design elements I chose. Each is symbolic of some part of my sister's life.

I started out strong, but then it was slow going. I happened to have started a half Pi separately and started thinking I could adapt the full Pi to a half and that the half moon design was probably more practical.

I LOVE IT.

This is Setanova on size 4 needles. The first two sections are regular stockinette then the following sections are the Trinity stitch, because she is one of three and the Little Shell Stitch because one of her loves in life will always be the beach. I'm working on a section of tulips--when we were young, she added a tulip to every picture she drew and it became her signature.

After that, there will be a row of hearts which represents her love and life with her husband and then a row of Shamrocks which are symbolic of her children.

I'm not sure how long this will be and whether there will be room for additional sections. My options are paw prints for their dog, Noelle, or diamonds, because that's what she said she wanted for her birthday. Big Fat Diamonds.

I had ordered Swavorski crystals to add in certain sections, mostly to separate the patterns in longer areas. They turned out to be the perfect color but the hole isn't large enough to string on the Setanova. Now I'm thinking gray pearls. The search continues!

Ode to Silk Blend Knitting

I was able to purge a great deal of yarn from my stash and donate it to a local charity in Bergen County. I was pleased to be able to put it to good use because I wasn't going to get to it any time soon and there were some projects I had lost interest in after a few inches of knitting. I hope there's a lot of warm and cozy people in Northern NJ as a result.

During this process, I decided that I don't like working with cotton. A significant portion of what was donated was 100% cotton. However, I've been working on two projects lately (among the many, I haven't gotten THAT disciplined) that contain silk. I've worked with 100% silk before and although I loved the feel of it, wasn't crazy about the fit/drape. Silk blends appear to be the way to go for me.

One is Setanova from Lana Grossa--it is 60% silk and 40% cotton. I love everything about it. The way it feels in my hands, the drape, the stitch definition. I'm using this for a half Pi shawl for my sister's birthday.

The other yarn I recently discovered I love is Cascade Yarns' Venezia. I started a sweater for myself in it and then had read in Big Girl Knits that plus size women shouldn't use bulky yarn, so I set it aside for a while. I love the color and rediscovered my stash during the purge and felt like I needed to do something with it, especially since I found some great buttons at Creative Knitworks in Westwood, NJ.

I found Sally Melville's With-A-Twist Turtleneck in Book 2: The Purl Stitch and with heavy modifications, began a cardigan in Venezia. This has the same wonderful properties as the Setanova: great hand feel, great stitch definition and the bonus is that because it is a bulky yarn, it's moving along quickly!

A word about Sally--I love her patterns and the fact that she includes notes like "Shorten or lengthen here" to encourage customizing the patterns. How great is that?

Out of Focus

I can't seem to be able to focus on one project long enough to finish anything. I was stymied by running out of Zara Chine so I couldn't finish the Marias sweater. My first online order fell through (they had Zarina, not Zara). I have ordered a skein directly from Tahki so here's hoping. It's knit with some Koigu so dyelot shouldn't be a big deal (here's hoping!).

I've left the Katydid sweater at the LYS for finishing. I took that thing to the frog pond so many times, I'm sick of the sight of it. But we found pretty buttons, so maybe I'll be forgiving. For God's sake, I hope it fits.

Also on the needles: newborn baby sweater in Rowan Cotton Rope; the Garden of Alla shawl in Kudo and LaLa's Simple Shawl in Sublime Aran--all from stash!

I'm also working on a KuKu doll and a Irish Step Dancing dress for an American Girl doll.

Finally, I did finish the Baby West sweater. It's now in the cabinet in my office waiting to be mailed to hand delivered. Baby steps...

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Months ago, I came across the Debbie Abraham's mystery knitting blankets, although I didn't know it was a KAL at the time. I missed the Under the Sea theme by a year but Debbie was lovely and tried to find a kit for me. Unfortunately, it didn't work out.

I had no idea Debbie is a big deal designer and has published books! So I order the afghan books and started a hybrid of a few of them to create my own version of a seaside-themed blanket. Here are the first four squares. So pretty!

Finishing Rampage

Finally found the camera so I can share the projects I've been working on. The stash has been creeping out of the closet and I've been making a concerted effort to FINISH some of the things I've been working on.

First up is the Harlequin Sweater from Jane Slicer-Smith. It's so much fun! I was a little intimidated by the directions at first, but I've got the general idea down now. I'm making it in Trendsetter Merino VI in Charcoal and Slate. So pretty.

Next is a Chris Bylsma pattern for a cardigan I'm making in a chunky Noro with a subtle self pattern and assorted novelty yarns. It's going very quickly.

I've been mooning over a lace shrug I saw in the Fall or Winter Vogue and finally picked up some Sublime in a worsted weight. I love it so far.

I'm also making the Hooded Jacket by Rebecca Taylor, also from Vogue. I'm using something called Cotton Rich doubled--dreamy.

Last but not least, I've been working on the Belvedere cardigan. I've discovered I need to use lifelines, but otherwise I'm enjoying it very much. I'm using Covington for this and I love the way it is knitting up.

There are of course other projects in progress, but these are the main focus. I'm also trying to finish the Marias sweater but I'm waiting for more Zara Chine, the Katydid sweater which I've ripped back more times than I care to tell you about and The Baby West sweater that I'll post a photo of after it's blocked. Okay, back to knitting.

Where Is My Camera?

It's not that I haven't been working on projects. I certainly have been busy, but I can't find my digital camera and can't upload pictures.

I'm focused on finishing these days. Not the "sew it together" kind; mostly getting the bits and pieces done so the projects can be completed and hopefully worn.

I am very close to finishing the Marias sweater. The pattern is for Manos, but I'm using Koigu and Zara Chine. It was a big production finding enough Koigu when I was buying the yarn, but it turns out I have a lot of Koigu leftover and will be short on Zara. And although I can't find a ball band, I think I am using a discontinued color. It looks like I'm going to be switching to the trim color using Pure Merino about 10 rows sooner than expected. I'm telling myself it's making the pattern my own. Right?

Interesting Squares and An Afghan

Spring Projects

The first day of Spring arrived the other day. It's still fairly cold here in the northeast but we have had a lot of sunshine and I yearn for lighter clothes and pretty projects. I notice that a lot of the fashion magazines are featuring "crocheted" garments and have found several knitting patterns that will fill the bill.

So although I am not done with the many winter projects I have in progress, I've started the Belvedere Cardigan by Debbie O'Neill published in the winter/spring 11 issue of Knitscene. I'm using Covington, a mercerized cotton from Plymouth. This is going to be the most economical sweater I've made in a long time because I got a whole bag for $40 at the Going Out of Business sale at The Skein Attraction (oh, it still pains me!). I swatched it (there's proof in the photos) and have begun the back. Ribbing looks a little tight to me, and the pattern looks larger than the swatch, but I have faith. (Of course, I will have it checked the next time I'm in a yarn store.)

I went to the dentist in Scotch Plains yesterday and stopped at Knit A Bit in Westfield. They are so nice and they remember me. This is a big deal because so many of the shops in the NY/NJ area are staffed with very grumpy people. Note to other shops: I may not be your best customer but if I'm spending money, you can at the very least respond politely to my questions.

Anyway, the Knit A Bit team helped me find yarn for the hoodie on the cover of the latest Vogue Knitting. More to follow on that!

Cupcake, Cupcake, Who Got the Cupcake?

I bought two balls of pure merino and two balls of plush to make my cupcake (my color combo is brown merino with pink plush to represent the frosting). Seemed like I was motoring along fine, and gave one of each to my mother with the pattern so she can make a second hat (hoping of course that she will make 2 red pompoms since I don't know how....). But I'm running out of plush for my hat. Will I never learn?

Be My Valentine

This may end up in the overly ambitious category but I'm trying to make hats for my two nieces and two nephews in time for Valentine's Day.

They are all skiers. The first hat is reversible, made with two different colors of mohair. It's double thick so this should keep my niece warm.

I've got a cupcake hat in progress for the other niece, a balacava for one nephew (although my mother says they're not legal because they're used in hold ups) and I think I'll make another reversible hat for the other nephew.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to finish the "Stella" shrug on the same schedule for my aunt's birthday which is on the 13th. It's done but I'd like to crochet around the arm openings and I'm trying to add beads to the cuffs.

As I said, overly ambitious.

New Year, New Day, New Project

I've kept all my resolutions so far, except the one about not buying new yarn. I saw some Mission Falls 1824 wool at my local yarn shop and got started on a Log Cabin blanket for a baby. It's so pretty, if I do say so myself.

Then I read the terrible news that Mission Falls is going out of business.

I found someone on Ravelry with some 1824 available and bought it. She graciously packed it up and shipped it to me and it arrived from across the country in two days. My check to her however still has not arrived. Very very embarrassing.

I sent a new check yesterday and am having the PO track this one.

But the worst news is that I just found out my local yarn shop, The Skein Attraction, is closing. I'm bereft. It took me a long time to find a nice shop with quality yarn and friendly and knowledgeable staff. I've grown to depend on their counsel and support through my projects and I have also truly enjoyed the friends I made there.

Is this bad kharma for breaking the resolution, or just bad luck? When will the madness stop?

New Year. New Day. New Project(s).

2010 wound down quickly and 2011 is off to a great start.

The big snowstorm after Christmas here in the northeast gave me an excuse to rest, relax and to organize my stash. Unfortunately the hard drive of my laptop crashed and I lost a lot of photos and data. Well, I traded the PC in for a MAC, took new photos and almost have all my WIPs and stash yarn photographed and catalogued on Ravelry. My knitting books are next.

Oh By Gosh, By Golly

I'm following the 24 Days of Christmas

Advent Calendar Scarf knit-a-long graciously posted by Wollkistchen at http://von-stroh-zu-gold.de/muster/?p=40.

Today is Day 5 but I have ripped back 3-4 times already because Day 2--NUPPS--proved challenging. I've developed the need for perfection over the past few years and needed the NUPPS to be uniform. I started out producing something closer to bobbles, but that was time consuming and less fun. My NUPPS were slightly better until I broke out additional stitch markers so I could differentiate between the yarn overs and the 7 stitch NUPP on the wrong side.

I'm using Lorna Laces Shepherd Sport Solid--it's undyed, so the color is natural and I had some pearlized beads for the yarn. The pattern calls for very small beads (9/0 appeared to translate to 2 mm)--I could not manage them with this weight yarn (the pattern calls for laceweight but I'm {virtuously} using yarn from my stash. Plus, I'm already on size 2 needles for yarn--I would hate working smaller!).

I've got Day 1, the spacer section and one repeat for Day 2 done. Hope to finish Day 2 and 3 today. Since it's lace, I will only be able to work on this in the evenings. Very exciting!

Christmas is Coming

In less than 6 weeks! And I, overambitiously, want to give a scarf appropriate for Christmas for each of my Thanksgiving guests. Only one scarf is done so far...wish me luck.

Happy Halloween 2010

This is the first sweater that is completely my own design. I used measurements for a girl's size 10 although the recipient seems to be thinner and taller than average. This started as a scarf but quickly evolved into something more substantial. I love the sleeves. The pumpkin, bat, spider and trees are all from Barbara Walker's books. That spider was nearly the end of me--I made good use of the YouTube instructional videos for this one! I ordered the buttons online and also found some in NYC. Can't wait to hear the reviews!

So Many Projects, So Little Time

I've started a cupcake hat for my favorite niece in New Jersey and my Christmas sweater. It's the Northern Lights cardi from Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World. And I'm also working on what I'm calling my Silk and Sari Shell. I've carefully planned out what I'm going to work on from now until the end of the year in order to maximize productivity. I want to have a few things done in time to wear for Stitches East at the end of the month. I also want to finish several Christmas scarves in time for Thanksgiving. I think it will be nice to have them done in time to wear before the holidays.

But I'm obsessed with cashmere. I've had some Cape Cod cashmere in my stash for years--it was originally intended for a Boyfriend Sweater but I was unwilling to work on a size 5 needle at the time. I recently found the Classic Chic Pulli pattern for a top down sweater. I started it last week. I can't put it down...it's gorgeous. It feels like heaven. I can't wait to finish it!

That Nicky Epstein

My non-knitting friends (95% of my universe) think it's funny when I refer to famous knitters as "Rock Stars". My recent idol is Nicky Epstein. I've got several of her books and have been reading them--the Tuscany book just makes me long for warm sunshine and good olive oil. I'm dying to make the sequined wrap using Disco Lights.

Knitting on Top of the World has been sooooo inspiring... I'm making my first Fair Isle project out of that book using Rowan Cocoon from my stash, although I did need to buy a few new skeins with contrasting colors. I started with the cuff on one sleeve first; it is turned up over the regular sleeve. I love the diamond pattern. I'm wondering if I will ever memorize the pattern so I don't have to use the chart!

In the meantime, I started a scarf using some Pure Merino from my stash which reminded me that I love working with it. So when I saw the Northern Lights sweater, I decided I MUST make it in Christmas colors. I like that it has a pattern on the bottom which will keep me interested. The sleeves are three quarter length, which I am particularly fond of, since I read that your wrists are the smallest bone in your body and that length is slimming. Haven't cast on yet, because I've been obsessed with the Rowan Earth Stripe Wrap today. Beauteous!

Say Good-bye to Summer
It went far too quickly. There are Fall, Halloween and even some Christmas decorations sneaking into stores. Don't rush me!

I've been working on quite a few projects (of course) but my favorite by far at this moment is a Halloween sweater for my youngest niece. This started as a scarf--I had been flipping through one of the Barbara Walker books and found the lace bat. That lead to discovery of several more Halloween-related images and the purchase of some Mission Falls 1824 Wool. I didn't like the way the reverse side looked, so I converted it to a cardigan.

I started with the sleeves which were easy to finish. Then I started the right side--that's a bat in green on the bottom and a Jack O'Lantern in orange. I have to find the label for the fringe I used to join them (it will also be the trim).

The right side features Barbara Walker's spider--I used some New Smoking to add some shiny-ness and some sequined yarn to enhance the "webs" I put in above her. Let me just say for the record that I don't think I've sweated so much over a stitch as much as I did the left twisted purl...yikes. Thank goodness for YouTube and KnitPurlHunter.

I started to put a cat on the back using the Mission Falls as well as Trendsetter Aura but wasn't loving it. So I switched to twin trees--the branches are bare and intertwined (more cables!). I have some buttons that look like animal eyes that I'll use in pairs to look like creatures hiding in the woods. I hope this isn't too scary! I've ordered more cute buttons to help lighten up the mood as well as buttons for the front closure that look like hard candy.

It's been difficult working with black AND cables, but it is going to be worth the effort.