Raveling My Sensibility

Yarnigami - Or How To Turn a Rectangle into a Vest

2010-08-01T21:34:00.010-05:00

In May, the wonderful folks at Skacel Knitting had a design competition, and I was thrilled to have my pattern, Cross Hatch Wrap, chosen as one of the five winners. The scrumptious Kid-Seta yarn was a dream to knit, and their photographer did a great job of capturing some of the possible ways to wear this vest.

Some people are having trouble with the concept of how to transform this long rectangle into a wearable with armholes! Following are step-by-step directions to guide you through the process, with my not-very-professional photographs.

1. Fold the rectangle in half so the cast-on and bind-off edges are together, and mark the center point. Unfold.
2. Bring down the cast-on and bind-off edges so they are next to each other, with the inside length of the rectangle together. Sew from A to B - about 9 inches.
3. Bring down the Center so that it touches the top of the seam at B.
4. Make a diagonal seam outward on each side from the Center, leaving an opening on each side - these are the armholes.

You have just made a Y-shaped seam from one of the long edges of the rectangle. The other long edge runs the length from bottom, around the neck, and down the other side. The cast-on and bound-off edges are the bottom. Fabric topology!

Worn as you have just sewn the garment, it is a swing vest. Flip it upside down (180 degrees), and you have a shrug with tuxedo points. Fasten with a shawl pin, or tie the points together.

Have fun finding more ways to wear it.

Why I REALLY Have WIPs

2009-03-10T22:28:00.003-05:00

I confess, I really have WIPs because I'm addicted to playing Bubble Breaker on my phone. It's an incredibly stupid game, but I'm mesmerized by the colors. I just can't put it down. Sometimes I have to charge my phone every day because I've played so often.

Put down the phone and knit.

Public Service

2009-03-10T20:43:00.008-05:00

It has been a full week of doing my civic duty in St. Louis.

One week ago was the municipal primary, for which I served as election judge supervisor. I have been privileged to serve as an election judge since before the chads were hanging, and have enjoyed seeing and supporting the technological advances.

Now, I have been voting since I could read the ballot. Mom always took me into the booth with her, and when I was growing up in the Quad Cities, there was indeed a booth. I helped pull the levers next to the candidates we had chosen (usually Democrats), and then she pulled the big lever to cast the votes. Magically, when she pulled that lever, the curtains on the booth opened! Okay, today I understand the mechanics, but as a child it was magic.

Voting in Missouri just never had the romance of that voting booth. A spindly desk with punch cards didn't thrill me. Still, I voted in every election, because the responsibility was instilled long ago. I believe that if you don't vote, you don't have the right to gripe.

And I volunteered to be an election judge. I'm always saddened by the poor turnout, even during a presidential election year. Last week, for example, at my polling place we had less than 500 voters, from a possible 13,000. Most people weren't aware that it was election day.

I get a lot of stitching done on municipal election days. Two years ago I completed almost a whole sweater.

This year I made two baby hats for charity, and a collar for my gray shirt. It's entirely coincidental that I choose mainly red yarn for my election day stitching - I'm partisanally blue, and colorfully purple!

Heads up everyone, there is another municipal election on April 7, and we vote for school board as well as mayor. Contact the Election Commission for details.

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of judging the high school NFL Speech & Debate District competition. These are the bright and creative young men and women who give me hope that this generation will be able to care for me in my old age. They are hopeful, and eager, and I suspect they will vote when they come of age.

I met a fellow raveler among the judges/coaches, and made a baby hat.

Monday I reported for jury duty. As directed, I brought no knitting needles, but began crocheting a cardigan/shrug/shawl. No, I'm not sure what it will grow up to be, and I lost my hook this evening between the den and the kitchen. Sigh.

The presiding judge was Thomas C. Grady, and I will gladly vote for his re-election whenever I see him on the ballot (usually I vote against the judges just because). He was genial, jovial, charming, and every Irish compliment Andrew Greeley could care to name.

Today I got knitting needles past security, who didn't even look at the image of my bags. Unfortunately, I wasn't chosen to serve on the final panel, and wasn't there long enough to do any stitching. Check back with me in two years.

Your Vote Won't Count Unless You Cast It

2009-03-03T03:30:00.002-06:00

Today is an election day in the City. Bet you didn't know that. It's the primary for the mayoral and aldermanic races. And one month from today we vote on a school board which may or may not have any power to determine the futures of our children.

Please cast your vote in these municipal elections. If you don't, I won't listen to you complain about the outcome.

Another Knitting Injury

2009-02-25T07:23:00.003-06:00

Yes, it's happened again, not my shoulder this time, but in that same general area. And this time I'm blaming it on KIPing. Yes, this too.

I have one perfect chair in which to knit:

When my grandparents moved to Austin I appropriated this chair. It's perfect for me. It rocks (literally, it's a rocking chair). It is low to the ground so my feet can firmly and completely rest on the floor. It's cushy, though threadbare. And it has short armrests.

The armrests are the key, I think, to comfortable stitching. When I KIP, there are generally no armrests, thus adding strain and causing pain. What's a KIPer to do? On with the arnica and the Advil PM, and stitch some more.

P.S. Yes, that's another, bigger baby modeling a larger hat.

Why I Have WIPs

2009-02-24T13:49:00.009-06:00

I didn't used to have so many Works In Progress. I had one project which I worked on until it was finished, then I started another. Of course, in those days I could only afford one project at a time, but still, it didn't occur to me to begin another before I had finished the first.

I also didn't used to have stash.

Until last year I was unaffected by those WIPs; they came out of the box whenever the whimsey (sic) took me, or they staid out of sight, quietly waiting. No one noticed. No one pointed at them, shaking their heads at my sloth. No one sighed when I bought more yarn even though a project was still quietly waiting. No one even cared if I had to buy more needles of the same size as the pair in the quietly waiting project.

And then came Ravelry. Yes, it's a fabulous website, blah, blah, blah. Every time I log in, however, My Notebook confronts me with those WIPs. I can't just stay away from my notebook, because I'm addicted to those hearts, and I must check often for new ones (hint, hint).

So how and why did it happen? I've chosen to blame KIPing. Yes, that's right, the need for social interaction. I cannot reliably follow a pattern while making scintillating conversation (no, I don't engage in any conversation that doesn't scintillate). Most of my WIPs are complicated, and require mindless television as the simultaneous activity. I KIP Tuesday night, all day and night on Wednesday, Thursday night, and all day Friday. Often there is KIPing on Saturday, and there is definite KIPing on Sunday afternoons.

I am thus compelled to begin other projects which don't require much thought or attention. Or else RogueKnit pretends that I've issued a challenge, and I am further compelled to begin a project to answer the challenge I didn't issue! If you doubt the veracity of this, you should take note of all the hats completed between us, though she wins the prize, I'm still in the game.

Lest you think I'm casting aspersions at her, think again. Thanks to RogueKnit, I may soon be taking one of my projects out of hibernation and back into the active phase. Of course, that gives me another WIP....

Enough words, I have a beach bag to finish.

The President's Challenge

2009-02-20T07:23:00.004-06:00

No, this challenge doesn't involve an economic stimulus plan, or an increase in volunteerism, or a commitment to educating our children, or health care for everyone. In fact, the challenge didn't come from the current president. No, this challenge began with President Eisenhower, and it ruined gym class for thousands of children every year. Yes, you guessed it - it's the President's Challenge on Physical Fitness.

The good news is there's a twist: you can take the President's Challenge as an adult, and virtually any activity qualified! You don't have to climb a rope, or do chin-ups or run a 50-yard dash. Crochet doesn't count, but croquet does. Darts is sanctioned, though probably they don't mean adding them to sweaters. Other activities you mightn't expect include gardening, household tasks, children's games (ring-around-the-rosy, not Candyland), fishing, hang gliding, horseshoe tossing, and sky diving. Yes, the "normal" activities are there, too. Even Wii sports is on the list!

You log your activities online, and earn points for each activity. There is a mysterious algorithm for calculating points based on difficulty of activity, cardio/vascular benefits, and lengh of time (probably Charlie Eppes could explain it, but we just have to take it on faith that running is worth more points than playing darts). As you accumulate points you earn prizes - those elusive certificates that the jocks got at the final school assembly, or really cool Olympic-style medals.

I earned the three certificates and my bronze medal during the last administration, and was well on my way to the silver, but I just couldn't bring myself to have another item signed by that president. So I waited, and now I'm beginning to log my activities again. I created a Ravelry group, so all you knitters, crocheters and spinners can compare your progress. After you create your challenge account, you can click on the groups and choose ravelry. (For those of you who aren't yet on Ravelry you should click through and join that, too.)

Will you take the challenge?

Twissels

2009-01-27T16:18:00.004-06:00

This baby hat features twists (cables) and tassels – combine and you get Twissels! This will fit a newborn – 9 months, as the yarn has lots of ease. To make the hat fit an older baby or child, simply add more stitches to the stockinette section (the back of the hat).

MATERIALS:
Reality by Artful Yarns, 1 skein (70 yards), or other bulky yarn
Size 10 needles, either circular or DPNs (instructions are for magic loop technique – your needles should be at least 24”)

Gauge: 13-14 stitches = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch

CF6 = Slip 3 stitches onto cable needle in front of work, K3, K3 stitches from cable needle

CF2 = Slip next stitch onto cable needle in front of work, K1, K1 stitch from cable needle

CO 60 stitches, divide in half on the wire, and join, being careful not to twist. Work K1P1 ribbing for 1”.

Begin pattern:
Rows 1-4: K4, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K34
Row 5: K4, P2, CF6, P2, CF2, P2, CF6, P2, K34

Repeat these 5 rows until piece measures 6”, ending on row 3.

Turn hat inside out, and using 3-needle bind-off, bind off all stitches.
Weave in ends.

With remaining yarn, make 2 tassels, each 4-5” long, and attach to each corner.

Copyright 2009 RMS Original. You may use this pattern for personal or charity use only. Please link to this site rather than posting this pattern elsewhere.

"I Need A Baby"

2009-01-27T15:04:00.005-06:00

As I uttered the words, my husband stared at me with incredulity. When he was finally able to speak, he asked, "You do realize that there's at least a nine month waiting period?"

Well, clearly I don't want a real baby. I've never wanted a real baby. I just need a reasonable facsimile to try on hats, sweaters and booties. Butternut and acorn squash will do in a pinch, but they don't sit up straight, and the stem can have ill effects on the hat decreases. And, of course, I'd like to cook them, rendering them useless for modeling purposes.

Thus my plaintive wail. My husband continued to stare at me, then in his soft, practical tone of voice, he reminded me that I have a million dolls upstairs, and that surely one of them would be willing to pose for photos in one-of-a-kind knit- and crochet-wear.

Hits forehead with heel of hand! Of course I have plenty of babies available. How could I forget? Well, because I never play with them, because they weren't mine. My mother was the doll collector. She never stopped playing with them until she died. Porcelain, bisque, plastic, cloth, babies, children, and celebrity figures - all were welcome in her arms.

I've been keeping them safe, waiting for someone in the next generation to love them. In the meantime, they finally have someone to dress them up again.

Dadgum Sweetgum Balls!

2009-01-26T16:03:00.005-06:00

Let me state at the outset that I am all for the cultivation of trees, even in urban areas. I applaud Mayor Daley's initiative in Chicago to encourage planting on skyscraper roofs. I think parks are terrific.

I don't believe, however, that all trees are created equal, and should have the right to pursue their happiness wherever they seed. Or wherever they are planted by city governments. Especially when it's a sweetgum ball tree. Especially when it's at the curb in front of my house. Especially when I can't kill it or cut it down without incurring a large fine.

My gripe isn't even with the tree itself. It's a noble tree. It stands straight and proud, with a leafy canopy to shade my car in the summer. Okay, it also provides perches for the local avian population which covers my car with an undesirable substance, but birds are nice, too. My complaint is solely with the spiky, indestructable balls it drops in the fall and winter.

You can't destroy those balls! They don't crush even when driven over again and again. They appear just when you step, and they roll underfoot. They are especially prevalent when carrying groceries and your vision is obscurred. They multiply tenfold when you have to run out to the car in your slippers.

So I offer a challenge to all you scientific, environmental types: surely one of you could devise a method of processing these dadgummed sweetgum balls into yarn, and I'd keep you supplied with them for free!

SPIRIB CROCHAT

2009-01-10T08:09:00.005-06:00

Here is my first crochet pattern!! I've been procrastiknitting lately, and crochet is a great way NOT to waste time, while truly wasting time. This is a child's hat, but could easily be adjusted to make an adult size.

Size: Child (18” circumference)
Yarn: Nashua Wooly Stripes, 1 skein
Hook: US H
Gauge: 12 sts = 4”/10cm in sl st, hdc pattern

Stitches:
Foundation sc: Ch3, insert hook in the first chain and draw up yarn, yo and draw through 1 loop (this creates a chain), yo and draw through 2 loops (this creates a sc). Repeat, inserting hook in the chain from the previous foundation sc, until you have the required number of sc
Sl st: insert hook in next st and draw up yarn and pull through the loop on the hook
Hdc: yo, insert hook in next st and draw up yarn, yo and draw through 3 loops
Dec1: [insert hook in next st and draw up yarn]2x, yo and draw through 3 loops

Notes: The hat is worked in spiral rounds, so you will not join at the end of each round, nor do you have to mark the beginning. When you get to the decreases you needn’t be concerned about the math ending precisely at the end of a row – using your cast on tail as the guide, you will start your round at approximately where the tail is. Since this pattern is worked inside-out, if you want to peek and see the pattern developing, you’ll have to look at the inside!

Make a foundation row of 51 sc.

Being careful not to twist, sl st in the first sc (the one farthest from the hook). Hdc in the next sc. [Sl st in the next sc, hdc in the next sc] until the hat is 5” from foundation row.

Decreases:
([Sl st in the next sc, hdc in the next sc] 5x, dec1) for 2 rounds.
([Sl st in the next sc, hdc in the next sc] 4x, dec1) for 2 rounds
([Sl st in the next sc, hdc in the next sc] 3x, dec1) for 1 round
([Sl st in the next sc, hdc in the next sc] 2x, dec1) for 1 round
([Sl st in the next sc, hdc in the next sc] 5x, dec1) for 2 rounds

Leaving a long tail, cut yarn, and draw through loop to fasten off. With darning needle, draw tail through back loops to close the hole at the top, weave the end in to secure.

Turn the hat inside out, and you’re done!

Copyright 2008 RMS Original. You may use this pattern for personal and charity use only.

An Open Letter to Printer Ink Manufacturers

2008-12-30T12:30:00.002-06:00

Dear HP, Epson, Canon, et. al.:

Why is it that I could buy a new printer for less than the cost to buy new ink? Even refills only require 2 visits to pay for a new machine. What resides in those small plastic shells that makes them so costly? They are, after all, pretty low-tech. The thinking comes from the printer, not the ink, so what's the deal?

When I download a pattern from Ravelry or Berroco or one of the many blogs, I eventually want to print it and take it along in my project bag. Naturally, the best patterns have many photos so the stitcher can see how the object should look if executed properly.

So you manufacturers, please make 2009 the year that printer ink prices fall, just as the price of a barrel of oil has finally dropped to an acceptable level.

Marching to the Beat of My Drummer

2008-12-28T19:03:00.005-06:00

I am rarely one to knit or crochet a pattern that "everyone" is doing. At the same time, rarely does a pattern become an overnight sensation just because I made it. Now, though, thanks to Robyn Chachula's wonderful pattern, Austen Lace Muffler, I have become a trendsetter.

Thus far I have crocheted three versions of this pattern, and they have become so popular that I'll be teaching a project class this winter. People who don't yet crochet have expressed the desire to learn, just to make this collar. I'll gladly make this for anyone who asks and gives me yarn - it takes only 2 evenings of pleasurable stitching.

The blue one is Malabrigo Silky Merino, one of my favorite yarns. It is soft and weightless and wonderful in the hands. The yarn was leftover from Belle Epoque, one of my favorite sweater projects from last year.

The purple collar is Baby Twist from Alpaca with a Twist, and Incas Alpaca. Soft and warm and purple. The Baby Twist is leftover from the Not Wicked Stepmother Cardigan.

The pink muffler is an old stashed mohair/wool/acrylic blend. It itches, and it's pink, and will probably be a gift for someone who likes pink and can wear mohair.

Thanks Robyn, for another great pattern.

Science & Math & Knitting, Oh My!

2008-12-23T13:43:00.005-06:00

An MIT professor just published a book in which she recounts the stories of her students about the moment when they first came to science in a personal, meaningful way. As I was listening to the story on NPR I remembered my flash of inspiration in 6th grade at Horace Mann Elementary School. We'd recently had the first ever Earth Day, and I caught the fervor.

Electricity was the concern then, and we were all about turning out lights as the only remedy available. Until, of course, my eleven-year-old brain hit the scene. "Mr. Miller, let's just reproduce the chemical reaction that produces light in fireflies, put it in a bulb, and we have electric-less light." Presto. Just give me my Nobel Prize now, thank you.

What? What do you mean, how do we get all that magnesium? Trigger the reaction continuously? Fiddle-de-dee, I came up with the idea. It's up to you (a non-specified you) to figure out how to implement the idea. Don't bother me with the details, I have more thinking to do.

Then I remembered that, in fact, I had a scientific moment three years earlier, in Social Studies class. Our books illustrated how factories could purify their exhaust smoke to help reduce pollution. My hand started waving in the air, "Mrs. Wakeland, couldn't you take the purified steam and run it underground to heat the streets? It would stop the need for salt trucks, and there wouldn't be any accidents."

She encouraged me to write up my proposition in a letter to the President (my first of many to the Nixon family), and Steve Wisely (where are you now Steve? You gave me a beautiful May Basket that year which I've never forgotten) drew the accompanying schematic.

Sadly my brilliant ideas remained just ideas, but I kept my interest in science, and even harbored the thought of becoming a geneticist and curing disease (well, that is, if I couldn't make it as an actress). And then I met higher mathematics.

I was pretty good with basic arithmetic. I always needed pen and paper, but I could usually figure out the answer. When, however, math started including letters as well as numbers, I couldn't make the leap. I suppose I could if I'd really tried, but I lost interest - I might need to know how many are left when you subtract 84 from 156, but who cares what equals X?

Math was math, science was science, and the twain didn't meet soon enough to make a difference. And real life applications didn't enter the equation at all (pun intended).

And then came knitting.

I first became aware of the math of knitting in the 1980s at The Knit & Needlepoint Shop. Charlotte could take any pattern, or photo, or idea, then take your measurements and gauge, and write out the directions in less than an hour. Her patterns always fit perfectly, and yardage was spot on. It was a sad day when the shop closed.

I had to do the math myself, and to my surprise, I found I could do it with reliable results. Sure, every once in a while I err, but mostly the math prevails. I still use pen and paper, and bejewelled calculator I inherited from my mother. If truth be told, I use the calculator even when I don't need to (I still remember my times tables), just for the pleasure of touching the sparkly jewels and remembering my mother trying to balance her checkbook!

I could make my own patterns, just like Charlotte. I designed a sweater for the Ravelry Knitting Olympics,

another for my not-at-all-wicked-stepmother,

a hat that requires you to do math, and countless modifications of other patterns (pun intended again).

Now that I'm undaunted by the math, maybe I'll go back to the task of saving the planet.

Care-full Knitting

2008-12-16T06:47:00.002-06:00

The Greater St. Louis Knitter's Guild has a popular charity knitting program - almost anything one could want to knit will find a good home thanks to the dedicated volunteers. Hats for newborns, kids and chemo patients, squares for rescued animals, and clothes and blankets for families in need, all come from the talented needles of the Guild membership. Generous people and businesses donate the yarn, so the members simply have to knit.

I participate by knitting baby/child hats, but I must confess, my reasons are not particularly lofty. I do it because I can, because it's quick, and because I can knit something I personally don't want to use. As I said, not very idealistic. But my sensibility has been raised by a comment from the Guild Vice President for Community (read charity knitting).

Our current VP, Pat, may have inherited the title of nicest woman (title was previously held my my maternal grandmother until her death a few years ago). I don't imagine Pat has ever had a catty thought or spoken a harsh word about anyone. Almost all her knitting these days is for children, and for charity. Last weekend she was agonizing over a row of decreases that didn't live up to her expectations. Everyone told her it looked fine (which it did) and that the recipient likely wouldn't even notice.

A while later she made a comment to me: Maybe a parent won't hit a child while wearing something I've knit - they might like it if someone compliments their child's appearance.

Wow.

I haven't stopped thinking about that statement. I cast on a few more hats, and plan to do a few sweaters, not just because I can, but because maybe she's right.

Tragedy at Target

2008-12-02T10:10:00.002-06:00

Who knew that a plaintive "Sweetheart, I'm out of shampoo" could lead to such heartache?

With a light heart I dropped him off at work, and set out to shop at Target. I even remembered the gift card that I got during my last shopping trip because I bought 2 packages of Charmin. The sun was shining, and I didn't anticipate crowds. Then the world turned upside down.

I pulled up to the parking garage, but the gate was down. Horrors! One might say, "But rms, it's okay, since it's cold outside and the sun is shining, your car will stay warm by parking outside." One would be correct, of course, but one would be missing the point entirely. The real reason to go to this particular Target is to use the shopping cartscelator.

Even if I only purchase 1 item (not that I'm capable of purchasing only 1 item, anywhere) I would use a shopping cart for the sheer entertainment value of sending it on its way down the specially invented escalator. It just never gets old. Yet, today I didn't get to experience that joy, that thrill of seeing something so frivolous but so perfect, that childish excitement of witnessing something cool.

Dare I say, the shopper missed the target today?

I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden

2008-11-27T17:05:00.002-06:00

However, the White House Rose Garden was the site for a presidential pardon in 1976. One president was then lame duck Gerald R. Ford. The other president was Lue Shefren of Rock Island, IL, then leading the National Turkey Federation. I was an adolescent eager for a piece of fame and history and Michigan football.

My grandfather, my Popop, Lue, will always be a hero to me. Coming to the United States as a teenager from Poland, he struggled with the language, new customs, and the Great Depression, and reached the highest position in his industry. When Lue began working for Louis Rich, they were a chicken and eggs company in America's great midwest. Grateful to have a job, still Lue wanted to marry, and needed enough money to support a wife. Mr. Rich agreed that Lue could leave his processing plant job and become a buyer, but gave him no territory or leads. So Lue created his own, and purchased the first turkeys for the company.

He kept buying more turkeys, virtually creating the turkey industry in Iowa, especially among Amish farmers. Business boomed, the eggs disappeared from the product line, and turkey was not just for Thanksgiving any more. Along the way my charming Popop earned the respect of the industry, and was elected its president.

Now, it was tradition for the President of the United States to pardon a live turkey before Thanksgiving. There was pomp and ceremony and news coverage in the Rose Garden. Unfortunately, not all years are created equal. President Ford was already famous for another, controversial pardon, and he had just lost the election to Governor Jimmy Carter. Rumors flew that Mr. Ford would not have the pardoning ceremony that year, or that no family members would be allowed to attend.

Well, I'm not my Popop's granddaughter for nothing! I wrote a letter to the President's secretary of scheduling (no, not a Cabinet position!) pleading my case. Finally the phone call came - I would be traveling to the capital.

1976 was the first of 3 years where Ohio State couldn't even score a touchdown against my boys in blue. What a thrill to discuss the game with one of Michigan's former players, who had risen to the highest position in the world. What the photo doesn't show is the frosted blue eye shadow, and the frosted pink lipstick I was wearing. Man, I was hip!

Well, both presidents are gone now, and Michigan is taking much too long to rebuild its team. I'm not hip any more, but I confess to the frosted lipstick occasionally. I no longer crochet granny squares. I have my own rose garden, and haven't cooked a turkey in years. But every November I remember.

Entre nous, entrelac

2008-11-27T02:34:00.003-06:00

Finally, I'm happy with the beret pattern. If you have any questions about the decreases, leave a comment and I'll be glad to help.

GREENTRELAC BERET

By RMS Original

Notes: Wherever the pattern says to ssk, you may instead k2tbl (knit 2 together through the back loop). For the rectangles, the “Shaping Row” always begins with Sl 1 and ends with a decrease. “The “Return Row” is always K6 or P6 (whichever is appropriate to keep the st st pattern).

When working entrelac in the round there are no side triangles on Tier 1, however, you must somehow change direction! You may either knit (or purl) another row of the diamond to get to the other side (as printed in the directions), OR pick up stitches from the base to the top of the previous diamond.

Yarn: Nashua Wooly Stripes, Color WS0051, or similar worsted weight yarn with long color changes
Needles: Circular Size 7-9, or whatever will give you a pleasing fabric in your yarn. If you don’t use the Magic Loop method, the length of your needle should be 16”. 8” DPNs may be used.
Gauge: See instructions for Ribbing Band.

Ribbing band: Work a gauge swatch in 1x1 rib, and note the number of stitches in 4”.
Measure the circumference of your head, and divide by 4. Multiply this number by your gauge. Divide by 6, and subtract as necessary to get an even multiple of 6. Subtract another 6 or 12 stitches for a tighter fit. Cast on that number of stitches, and join, being careful not to twist. Work 1x1 ribbing for 1”.

Set Up Base Triangles:
Row 1 [RS]: K1, turn work.
Row 2 [WS]: P1, turn work.
Row 3 [RS]: Sl 1, k1, turn work.
Row 4 [WS]: P2, turn work.
Row 5 [RS]: Sl 1, k2, turn work.
Row 6 [WS]: P3, turn work.
Row 7 [RS]: Sl 1, k3, turn work.
Row 8 [WS]: P4, turn work.
Row 9 [RS]: Sl 1, k4, turn work.
Row 10 [WS]: P5, turn work.
Row 11 [RS]: Sl 1, k5. Do not turn work. The first base triangle is complete.
Continuing on to the st to the left of the st just worked, repeat Rows 1-11 until you have completed the circumference, and used all the ribbing stitches. Base triangles are complete.

TIER 1, Left to Right.
Right-Slanting Center Diamonds:
Row 1 [WS]: Pick up and p 6 sts along edge of next base triangle (in following Tiers, you’ll pick up sts along the edge of a diamond). Sl last picked-up st to left needle, p2tog with next st on needle. Turn work.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-10 [RS]: K6, turn work.
Odd-Numbered Rows 3-9 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog, turn work.
Row 11 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog. Do not turn work; diamond is complete.
Repeat Rows 1-11 until you are back at the beginning. On the last diamond, after Row 11, turn and K6.

TIER 2, Right to Left
Left-Slanting Center Diamond:
Row 1 [RS]: Pick up and k6 sts along edge of next diamond. Sl last picked-up st to left needle, ssk with next st on needle. Turn.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-10 [WS]: P6, turn work.
Odd-Numbered Rows 3-9 [RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk, turn work.
Row 11 [RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk. Do not turn work; diamond is complete.
Repeat Rows 1-11 until you are back at the beginning. On the last diamond, after Row 11, turn and P6.
Repeat Tier 1.

Repeat Tier 2 however pick up only 5 stitches evenly spaced along the edge of each diamond.

Repeat Tier 1 however pick up only 4 stitches evenly spaced along the edge of each diamond.

You are now ready to knit the top triangles and crown decreases.

Top Triangles
Row 1 [RS]: Pick up and k4 sts along edge of next diamond.
Row 2: P4
Row 3: K3, ssk, turn.
Row 4: P3, wrap and turn.
Row 5: K2, ssk, turn
Row 6: P2, wrap and turn
Row 7: K1, ssk, turn.
Row 8: P1, wrap and turn.
Row 9: Ssk, do not turn. The first top triangle is complete. Continue until you have worked triangles across the whole round.

Knit 1 row.

You have an even number of stitches on your needles, a multiple of 4. To work the decreases, the odd numbered rows will be the decrease rows, and the even numbered rows will be knit all stitches. The hat in the pattern had 60 stitches after the entrelac ended. This is a multiple of 6, so each decrease section will total 6 stitches – K4, k2tog across the round. The following decrease row will be K3, k2tog, and so on until you k2tog across the round. Knit 1 row, and cut a long tail. Weave the tail through the remaining stitches and through. Weave in all ends.

Block this hat flat to properly shape the beret slouch.

Copyright 2008 RMS Original. You may use this pattern for personal and charity use only.

My Personal Digital Divide

2008-11-23T11:30:00.002-06:00

Long ago I subscribed to cable TV. I was enslaved by the Food Network (no sweatheart, I can't fix dinner right now, I might miss the perfect recipe on TV), DH watched wars long since won and lost (the History Channel), and reveled in classic movies (back when AMC didn't have commercials).

Over the years, however, the channels increased but programming didn't. Commercials increased and programming got stupid. There never seemed to be anything good on TV, and I began to get irritated.

Cable fees started to increase, and still commercials increased, and my irritation became incensed. Why was I paying to see commercials? And so I stopped with very few regrets. My viewing hours didn't appreciably diminish (I am a child of the TV generation), and I started cooking again. I still watch classic movies thanks to my collection of thousands taped over 20 years. My soaps are still intact (well, most of them), and I can see anything else (eventually) on Netflix. So what's the dilemma?

Once digital broadcasting comes into effect next year, I will lose the ability to record more than one channel unless I'm home to change the channel on the converter box. Of course if I were at home to change the channel, I wouldn't need to record the program!

Without my consent I will become the viewer about whom the writers struck last year: I'll be getting much of my TV on the internet. This becomes a spacial problem; most of my knitting is done in front of the TV, and while my laptop may be accessible, it's not my first choice, though apparently it will become my choice by default.

Finishing The Hat

2008-11-16T11:38:00.010-06:00

Look, I made a Hat. Where there never was a Hat

Stephen Sondheim got it right, and I don't know why I resisted knitting hats for so long. In another century I happily crocheted groovy hats, then inexplicably I stopped, perhaps because they were no longer groovy. Thanks to the Greater St. Louis Knitters' Guild's charity program, and to friends who are just now procreating, I began again.

Hats, especially baby and children's hats, are satisfying and speedy. Size isn't critical, and they can be knitted while making conversation, and they're portable, and one can knit two or three at a time on one large magic loop. In short, they are great procrastinating projects!

Baby Cables Hat Free Pattern

I wanted to make a baby hat using bulky yarn from my stash, with cables to make it interesting to knit. Since I prefer front cables when working in the round, the cables are only 6 stitches; I chose to make the cables longer than the general mathematical rule in order to show off the bulky yarn better. The decreases in the knitted columns evoke the directionality of the cables.

Directions for this hat use the Magic Loop method, since I cannot ever manage to knit anything recognizable using dpns!

1 skein (50g) bulky yarn
Size 10 circular needle 24” or longer
Gauge: 13-14 stitches = 4” (10cm)

CF6 = Slip 3 stitches onto cable needle held in front of work, K3, K3 stitches from cable needle

CO 60 stitches, divide in half on the wire, and join, being careful not to twist.. Work K1P1 ribbing for 1”.

Begin Cables:
Rows 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9: K5, P2, K6, P2, K5, P2, K6, P2
Rows 5 and 10: K5, P2, CF6, P2, K5, P2, CF6, P2

Continue until 3 cables are made, then begin decreases.
Row 1: (K2tog, K3, P2, K6, P2) 2 times on each side of loop
Row 2: (K2tog, K2, P2, K6, P2) 2 times on each side of loop
Row 3: (K2tog, K1, P2, K6, P2) 2 times on each side of loop
Row 4: (K2tog, P2, K6, P2) 2 times on each side of loop
Cable row: (P2tog, P1, CF6, P2, P2tog, P1, CF6, P2) on each side of loop
Row 6: (P2tog, K6, P2, P2tog, K6, P2) on each side of loop
Row 7: Sl 1 stitch pwise wyib to other side of ML. (K6, P2tog, P1, K6, P2tog, P1) on each side of loop.
Row 8: K6, P2tog, K6, P2tog (14 sts on each side of loop)
Row 9: K2tog, K5 across to eliminate purls (12 sts on each side of loop)
Cable row: CF6 across
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: K2tog (6 sts on each side of loop)
Row 3: K2tog (3 sts on each side of loop)

Break yarn and run through remaining 6 sts. Weave in ends.

Copyright 2008 RMS Original. You may use this pattern for personal or charity use only. Please link directly to this site instead of posting the pattern elsewhere.

Greentrelac Scarf

2008-11-13T10:55:00.004-06:00

I love working entrelac, and discovered that if one slavishly follows the pattern, every pattern works. After trying all the tutorials online and in magazines and in stitchionaries I found my favorite ways of dealing with the side triangles and selvedge rows. Putting my modifications together with the wonderful Wooly Stripes from Nashua, here is my Greentrelac Scarf. You can, of course, choose any other color, but then the title won't be as clever!

Keep watching this site for the matching beret....

GREENTRELAC SCARF

Notes: You can adjust the width of this scarf by casting on more or less stitches, in multiples of 6 stitches. Wherever the pattern says to ssk, you may instead k2tbl (knit 2 together through the back loop). For the side triangles, the first stitch of every row is Sl 1. For the rectangles, the “Shaping Row” always begins with Sl 1 and ends with a decrease. “The “Return Row” is always K6 or P6 (whichever is appropriate to keep the st st pattern). When finishing, be sure to hide your wraps.

Yarn: Wooly Stripes by Nashua Handknits, color WS0051, 4 skeins (352 yards)
Needles: Size 8 straight or circular needles.
Gauge is unimportant.
Pattern: At the end of the pattern is the row-by-row breakdown of the right and left slanting diamonds. This may be helpful to those knitters who have never done entrelac before. After a few tiers you will find yourself working completely without the pattern.

Cast on 18 sts. Knit 5 rows.

Set Up Base Triangles:
Row 1 [RS]: K1, turn work.
Row 2 [WS]: P1, turn work.
Row 3 [RS]: Sl 1, k1, turn work.
Row 4 [WS]: P2, turn work.
Row 5 [RS]: Sl 1, k2, turn work.
Row 6 [WS]: P3, turn work.
Row 7 [RS]: Sl 1, k3, turn work.
Row 8 [WS]: P4, turn work.
Row 9 [RS]: Sl 1, k4, turn work.
Row 10 [WS]: P5, turn work.
Row 11 [RS]: Sl 1, k5. Do not turn work. The first base triangle is complete.
Continuing on to the st to the left of the st just worked, repeat Rows 1-11 twice. Base triangles are complete.

TIER 1, Left to Right. This will also be your last row (once you’ve reached your desired length), as it includes the side triangles which will square off the sides.
Left Edge Triangle:
Row 1 [WS]: Sl 1, turn work.
Row 2 [RS]: Kfb, turn work.
Row 3 [WS]: S1, p2tog, turn work.
Row 4 [RS]: Sl 1, m1, k1, turn work.
Row 5 [WS]: Sl 1, p1, p2tog, turn work.
Row 6 [RS]: Sl 1, k1, m1, k1, turn work.
Row 7 [WS]: Sl 1, p2, p2tog, turn work.
Row 8 [RS]: Sl 1, k2, m1, k1, turn work.
Row 9 [WS]: Sl 1, p3, p2tog, turn work.
Row 10 [RS]: Sl 1, k3, m1, k1, turn work.
Row 11 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog. Do not turn work. Left Edge Triangle is complete.

Right-Slanting Center Diamonds:
Row 1 [WS]: Pick up and p 6 sts along edge of next base triangle (in following Tiers, you’ll pick up sts along the edge of a diamond). Sl last picked-up st to left needle, p2tog with next st on needle. Turn work.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-10 [RS]: K6, turn work.
Odd-Numbered Rows 3-9 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog, turn work.
Row 11 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog. Do not turn work; diamond is complete.
(Repeat Rows 1-11 once more to form a second diamond.)

Right Edge Triangle:
Row 1 [WS]: Pick up and p6 sts along edge of next base triangle or diamond. Turn work.
Row 2 [RS]: Sl 1, k5, turn work.
Row 3 [WS]: Sl 1, p3, p2tog, turn work.
Row 4 [RS]: Sl 1, k4, turn work.
Row 5 [WS]: Sl 1, p2, p2tog, turn work.
Row 6 [RS]: Sl 1, k3, turn work.
Row 7 [WS]: Sl 1, p1, p2tog, turn work.
Row 8 [RS]: Sl 1, k2, turn work.
Row 9 [WS]: Sl 1, p2tog, turn work.
Row 10 [RS]: Sl 1, k1, turn work.
Row 11 [WS]: P2tog. Right Edge Triangle is complete. Turn work.

TIER 2, Right to Left (This Tier will have 1 more diamond than Tier 1.)Note: You have 1 st on the needle from the Right Edge Triangle slip this stitch to the right needle– this counts as the first st of the first diamond in Tier 2. Therefore, you only need to pick up 5 sts for this diamond, giving you 6 sts total.

Left-Slanting Center Diamond:
Row 1 [RS]: Pick up and k6 sts along edge of next triangle or diamond. Sl last picked-up st to left needle, ssk with next st on needle. Turn.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-10 [WS]: P6, turn work.
Odd-Numbered Rows 3-9 [RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk, turn work.
Row 11 [RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk. Do not turn work; diamond is complete.
Repeat Rows 1-11 once (twice) more.
Repeat Tiers 1 and 2 until your scarf measures 60” (or to desired length). End with Tier 1.

FINISHING
Row 1 [RS]: Pick up and k 5 sts along edge of diamond.
Row 2 [WS]: P6, turn.
Row 3: K5, ssk, turn.
Row 4: P5, wrap and turn.
Row 5: K4, ssk, turn.
Row 6: P4, wrap and turn.
Row 7: K3, ssk, turn.
Row 8: P3, wrap and turn.
Row 9: K2, ssk, turn
Row 10: P2, wrap and turn
Row 11: K1, ssk, turn.
Row 12: P1, wrap and turn.
Row 13: Ssk, do not turn. The first top triangle is complete.

Repeat until you have 18 sts on the needle. Knit 5 rows.

Cast off all stitches, and weave in ends.

RIGHT SLANTING DIAMONDS
Row 2 [RS]: K6, turn work.
Row 3 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog, turn work.
Row 4 [RS]: K6, turn work.
Row 5 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog, turn work.
Row 6 [RS]: K6, turn work.
Row 7 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog, turn work.
Row 8 [RS]: K6, turn work.
Row 9 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog, turn work.
Row 10 [RS]: K6, turn work.
Row 11 [WS]: Sl 1, p4, p2tog.
Do not turn work; diamond is complete.

LEFT SLANTING DIAMONDS
Row 2 [WS]: P6, turn work.
Row 3[RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk, turn work.
Row 4[WS]: P6, turn work.
Row 5 [RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk, turn work.
Row 6[WS]: P6, turn work.
Row 7[RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk, turn work.
Row 8[WS]: P6, turn work.
Row 9[RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk, turn work.
Row 10[WS]: P6, turn work.
Row 11[RS]: Sl 1, k4, ssk.
Do not turn work; diamond is complete.

This pattern is copyright 2008 by RMS. You may use this for personal or charitable purposes. Please link to this website rather than copying the pattern elsewhere online.

Crying Uncle

2008-11-09T09:06:00.003-06:00

After much deliberation, and unhappy knitting, I've decided to abandon my Secret of the Stole III. Being painfully honest, this project was doomed from the start. I undertook this undertaking to prove that I could complete a pattern exactly as written, without interjecting my own creativity except in color choice. Furthermore I couldn't even choose the pattern; it was revealed in pieces over 9 weeks.

I swatched with some yarn that my husband gave me for a gift. I even washed and blocked the swatch in compliance with my resolve to follow the rules.

This KAL began during the Ravelympics (more on this later), so I couldn't begin with the other enthusiastic knitters. And it involves intense concentration since each row is different, and the rows themselves are not necessarily symmetrical. When I finally got started, I made it almost through the first clue, then it percolated through some more knitting deadlines.

I picked it up again today during Meet The Press thinking that in the cerebral celebration of the election this stole might capture my interest again. Alas, it's just not happy knitting. I'm moving on to other yarns, other designs, other finishable objects.

Lost in Translation

2008-11-07T21:14:00.002-06:00

This week has been fraught with pattern disasters brought about largely from translation errors. Caution to all knitters using the Alfa coat pattern, or any pattern from Isager. Ultimately the projects will work, but you'll need lots of help from patient and knowledgeable LYS workers.

Thank You, the new You're Welcome

2008-11-06T20:19:00.002-06:00

Why doesn't anyone use the phrase, "you're welcome" anymore? What is the insecurity which requires a response of a matching thank you?

Finally

2008-11-05T23:42:00.001-06:00

We have a smart president again, and I can resume the medal quest through The President's Challenge on Physical Fitness.

Election Knitting

2008-11-04T20:12:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately I got more knitting done today than I had hoped. You see, I am an election judge, and we expected a heavy voter turnout throughout the day. Sadly the lines ended at noon, and I was able to finish about 4 inches of 2 baby hats.

One Ought Not To....

2008-11-02T09:42:00.002-06:00

1. Knit lace after imbibing strong spirits.
2. Knit lace with black yarn.
3. Vote Republican.
4. Be a bully.
5. Forget history's lessons.
6. Be stingy.
7. Frog mohair.
8. Procrastinate by reorganizing your stash.
9. Vote Republican.
10. Sell short.

Up to the Challenge

2008-11-01T13:28:00.005-05:00

I'm taking the gauntlet of the November blog challenge, so here I am, an agent for change. I also hope that increased time at the computer will curtail the startitis from which I've been suffering lately. The feeling is so strong I've been creating objects I'll never use. While one might think that's generous, philanthropic and selfless, the manifestation is, in reality, only a means of postponing the inevitable, guile masquerading as beneficence.

Let's first catch up with the spring and summer past. Using some wonderful Bamboo from Ornaghi Filati, and a pattern by Robyn Chachula (crochetbyfaye), I crocheted the Empress Baby Doll Sweater. The top is worked in one piece from back, over the shoulders, and down the front - an ingenious construction. Then the skirt is done in the round in a delicious lace pattern. The colorway reminds me of raspberry swirl ice cream! Though bamboo notoriously stretches, the structure of crochet inhibits this property, and the sweater is still in great shape after many outings. Robyn is one of the great crochet designers, with her first book just published, Blueprint Crochet and I expect to make at least three patterns soon.

Crocheting is finally catching up with knitting as a respectable pastime, thanks to new designers who won't settle for groovy crochet. Yes, I did my share of groovy crochet, but that was 30 years ago, and granny squares have thankfully evolved into modular crochet. Look for more crochet as the November Challenge continues.

2008-05-05T19:04:00.001-05:00

Impaled on the Horns of a Dilemma, or, To Knit or Polish My Nails

2008-01-17T19:11:00.000-06:00

Faced with the choice of occupying 2 hours with wet nails, or knitting 2" of something, I usually choose by not choosing at all, and reach instead for some cosy mystery novel. Today, however, as a reward for completing the Quant (Knitty.com winter 2007) during one episode of General Hospital and the whole Love is a Many Splendored Thing, I decided I had earned a rest to do my nails. They now exactly match my Ladylike Cropped Jacket, as well as the tweed flecks in the Quant.

The Quant is a mod scarf which one might imagine on Audrey Hepburn in Charade. I, being neither Audrey Hepburn nor on any ski slopes in France, cannot pull off the look, so this will soon be a gift for someone.

Ho hum, back to the Lacy Ribbed Scarf tedium. I find it incredibly difficult to get into any rhythm over an 18 stitch row, but I'm forcing myself to finish; I refuse to abandon my resolution to "finish more" before January is over. Again, I don't wear scarves (scarfs), so a gift for someone...

No, I haven't abandoned the socks, neither are they finished. The heel has turned (not to be confused with the worm), the gusset cosseted, and await re-positioning as soon as I borrow some small dpns. I promise they'll be done before Clark Gable's next birthday. Maybe even before Mikhail Baryshnikov's birthday.

The Knitter's Theory of Relativity

2008-01-15T07:58:00.000-06:00

Expanding on Einstein's dreams, my theory says that all projects being relative, the time needed to complete a small project such as a hat or socks, takes the same time as to complete a larger project, say, a long-sleeved sweater. Or does it just seem like these damn socks are endless...

The Obligatory Year End Review

2007-12-31T09:20:00.000-06:00

Being part of a weekly knit-in has certainly increased my FO production during 2007, so here, boastfully, they are.

This cropped chenille sweater was knitted during 2 election days in the spring. Unfortunately our voters stayed away in droves, even for a school board election in a year which saw state takeover of our public schools. The 14 hour day of an election judge is incredibly long when only 150 voters turn out, so the sweater was finished in good time. The roving deputies checked on my progress as they checked the tallies!! I added the cables to make it less boring. The red chosen is not political, it's just a fabulous deep red, and the chenille is incredibly soft, making for a warm and cheerful addition to the winter wardrobe.

Banana Bay was a quick weekend crochet project with very soft cotton yarn from my stash. I believe this has been in my collection for almost 20 years, picked up on sale for $1.00 per skein.

LaToya marked the first sweater from Berroco's free patterns (I seem to be drawn to their designs like Carrie Bradshaw to a shoe shop). This was really fun, quick, and I love the interesting cable detail. If ever a pattern was made to be done more than once, this is it. Next time, however, I'll change the neckline and straps for a more adult figure. This cotton thread is also from my stash, even older than the Banana Bay cotton and was part of a crocheted sweater never finished, and frogged to make LaToya. There's a complementary peach thread which I made into a ribbed shrug to wear along with it, but I haven't managed to seam it yet.

This shrug pattern is from Mango Moon, worked in NoroSilk boucle. I love interesting colors and textures, but they don't lend themselves well to interesting patterns, so this was boring to make, but fun to wear.

Pike and Ladylike Cropped Jacket and my sister's Scarf are detailed in earlier posts, and there's not really anything more to say about them.

I finished my first ever knitted hat in about 1 day; my hubby proudly wears it to work, as the color was specifically chosen so he could wear it with his NPS uniform. Boring to do, but quick, so there may be more hats on my needles in 2007.

Eight finished projects, five others well begun. All in all a productive 2007.

Diana Ross Honors Socks, or, Round and Round and Inside Out

2007-12-29T13:33:00.000-06:00

Pride goeth before a fall, hubris is the fatal flaw, don't count your chickens before they're hatched, etc.

Thinking I had found the magic in my loop, finally, I congratulated myself continually through 3" of ribbing, never contemplating the treachery awaiting me when the pattern shifted into the always dreaded stockinette stitch. Disaster dawned during Diana Ross receiving the 2007 Kennedy Center Honor, when I discovered that as I knit round and round, the socks were inside out!

How the hell did that happen? Can I ignore it? Pretend that I meant the socks to be reverse stockinette? Finish them this way, then turn them right side out?

What happens when I finally try the Belle Epoque sleeves, now destined for 2008 instead of 2007?

Not Enough Magic in My Loop, or How My Husband Gets a Bonus Gift

2007-12-27T13:28:00.000-06:00

It's time for the sleeves of Belle Epoque, and the pattern calls for them to be knit in the round. This wouldn't be such a problem, but for the can't-get-inspired-to-do-the-second-sleeve syndrome from which I suffer unless I work them simultaneously. I'm told that employing the Magic Loop method presents a palliative procedure for treatment of the syndrome, allowing both sleeves to be positioned on one large circular needle, worked in the round, assuring the same length of both.

With a Raveler proficient in the procedure at my side, we fearlessly cast on, and I was promptly puzzled. Through five or six rows the puzzlement continued; without my coach at my side, I would have been sidelined even sooner. I returned home to my needlework nest and frogged the sleeves and despaired of completing the project unless I worked the sleeves flat, and since I don't enjoy the lace pattern flat, I didn't hold out much hope.

Ration returned, and I determined to master the magic. I searched the net for Magic Loop tutorials, searched my stash for suitable stuff for socks, and here I go!

The Fibers that Bind, or Raveling Reminiscences

2007-12-23T13:13:00.000-06:00

We had a house guest last weekend, which in itself is not so unusual. This time, however, we were precluded from using the guest bedroom, and I offered to make my needlework nest available. In the process of making up the daybed, I not only discovered that we no longer own sheets for a single bed, but I had the joy of re-discovering bed covers from the generations of women in my family who crafted before me.

The first cover uncovered was a quilt from the creativity of my maternal great-grandmother. My Bubbe died when I was about eight or nine and my memories of her are largely sensory (the house always smelled of must and freshly baked cookies, which, incidentally, were kept on the lower shelf of a rolling cart so I could reach without help). I do recall sitting on her lap while she stroked my hair, and I remember the fingers being short and thick - well, all the hands on both sides of my family are clearly the genetic result of generations of peasant potato pickers - and not nimble at all, but she was, after all, over 80 years old. In other words, I don't remember her creating anything other than cookies.

The quilt is the classic Sunbonnet Sue pattern, and unfortunately there's not anyone to tell me about the fabrics used, nor when it was sewn. I don't even know if it's the only quilt she made; no others are in the family as far as I know, and neither my grandmother nor great-aunt quilted. Though I wish I were inspired to emulate her, I don't think I have the perseverance ever to finish a quilt, so I've never started. I do, however, own a very large quilt frame should the whimsy ever take me....

The other is a hairpin lace afghan which I recall in great detail, since I helped make it. My Nana and I used to spend days together in the den of the house that my Papa built just after WW2. We started by exercising to Jack LaLane, then watched (perhaps in another order) Julia Child, The Edge of Night, Secret Storm, Guiding Light, and As the World Turns. During many of those hours we worked on this hairpin lace afghan, of the finest acrylic yarn to be purchased in the Quad Cities in the early 1970s. Even in memory its construction seemed endless (I think my mother may have done a few stitches here and there to expedite the process [or share in the tedium]), and when finally the loom work was complete, we had another even endless time joining the strips together (from whence may spring my hatred of seaming UFOs).

I learned to knit and crochet at age 10 from my great-aunt by marriage (Bubbe's daughter-in-law) and from my aunt (who had more patience though slightly less skill). From those small fingers sprouted hippie head bands, granny square purses and vests, and other groovy accessories. I graduated to sweaters in the 1980s, about the same time I discovered natural fibers when I moved to the big city. I also discovered shoulder pads, but that's another decade and best forgotten. Always as I reach for my needles I realize I'm also reaching to the past.

Descending Pike's Peak or Why I Still Hate this Yarn

2007-12-19T15:54:00.000-06:00

I wore my Pike for the first time this week. Loved the feel, the drape, and the look. Got home, took it off, and found little burgundy flecks all over my clothes, car seat, household furniture - in short, every surface I touched.

So I said to myself, "Self, you should probably wash and block this vest, as all responsible knitters should do." Put the vest into water and began agitating. Immediately I had a bowlful of rose colored water, and blobs of Nature Cotton. The damn thing was molting in my hands!

I have a little repair work to do now to fill in some threadbare areas, and then we'll see if it survives it's second day on my shoulders.

Feelings, Nothing More than Feelings, or How the Yarn Feels in My Fingers

2007-12-12T13:35:00.000-06:00

After a month of working with the Malabrigo Silky Merino on my Belle Epoque Sweater, it's hard to go back to the Classic Elite Flash of Melody Bolero. So why did I stop? Because I'm bored with Belle Epoque, and needed a little break. And what I really want to do is start working with the Cascade Venezia, but I need the needles from Melody. Yes, I could put it on a stitch holder, but that seems too much like giving up, so my goal is to finish the back this week and liberate the needles.

This all ties together with a question from my husband: Why aren't I working on spring/summer sweaters now, so they'll be ready in time for the season? A very interesting observation from him, not to mention unusually observant. I just finished a Fuzzy Scarf for my sister's birthday, and can't imagine working with that yarn or having that warmth in my lap during July. It's cold outside, and sometimes a little chilly inside (energy conservation), and the soft woolens feel snuggly and comforting, even if they're not really wearable.

I suppose it also should be incentive to knit faster!

My Epiphany, or What the Belle Epoque Pattern Doesn't Say

2007-12-08T21:15:00.000-06:00

I got to the point in the Belle Epoque Sweater where I divide for armhole shaping, and I was flummoxed. I read and reread and reread and reread the instructions, but it made no sense. Finally the mantle of wisdom fell upon my shoulders and enlightenment grew.

The instructions read "...cont in patt as set to end of Rnd. Break yarn." The following sentence is missing: Place all front stitches on left hand needle. It then follows that you are able to "Place sts for upper back...on a holder."

Whew!

Felled by the Flu

2007-12-03T13:23:00.000-06:00

Well, November was pretty much spent unconscious, with fever, aches, cough, sore throat, and all the bodily fluids issues associated with influenza. Ironically, I came down with it 10 days before my flu shot was scheduled - well, I'm chock full of antibodies now.

I finally finished the Pike vest, and I'm very pleased with the result. It's really soft and not too hot. I wish I could get a better picture; imagine the color of a beaujolais nouveau and you'll be pretty close.

In the meantime I started two new projects, the Melody Bolero by Berroco, and Belle Epoque from knitty.com.

I'm working the Melody in my "mardi gras" yarn, Cascade Elite Flash. It's a 3-ply cotton, with each strand a different color: purple, green and yellow. I recently purchased a pair of eyeglasses with those colors, and I can't wait to wear them together. The pattern is completely stockinette stitch which is boring me to tears (I knew it would) but the yarn is too busy to add any pattern. Hopefully I'll finish by the end of the year. So far, no pattern problems.

The Belle Epoque is my first sweater done in the round, and the 222 stitches in a row are daunting. The fiber is Malabrigo Silky Merino, and it's fabulous. Soft and cuddly, with gradient colors from silver-blue to new-denim-blue, it's a tactile treasure. Since it doesn't have the halo of the mohair called for, the lace is hole-ier, and may require lining, or a camisole. It takes me 9 minutes to finish a row (down from 12), but since there's virtually no purling, I can watch subtitled movies while I work this!

Color My World

2007-10-27T14:52:00.000-05:00

The trees are finally turning, though slowly, and with fall yarns arriving too, color has been on my mind lately.

Brooke at Kirkwood Knittery said that the process of knitting was really the point of it all, but for me, it's all about choosing the perfect pattern in the perfect color. I don't actually have to do the project at all.

My color palette hearkens back to the Crayola box of 64, the one with the sharpener in the box. I never really used the crayons or the sharpener (I couldn't see the point in coloring books since the picture was already done, and I never felt the need to create pictures myself), but I loved looking at them. I also loved the romantic names. Midnight Blue. Burnt Sienna. Fuchsia. Exotic names, exotic spelling, exotic colors.

I look for those same colors whenever I enter a yarn store. There's a real dichotomy generally, between the muted colors of hand-dyed natural fibers, and the vivid colors of "fun" yarns. Now, I'm not a yarn snob at all - I'll knit with any fiber, man-made or natural. But I don't like working with boring yarn of insipid colors. Nor do I want to wear anything in those colors unless they are a background for something bright.

Color me vivid.

I Love the Smell of Tiger Balm in the Morning (and Noon and Night)

2007-10-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

It's the smell of healing. Well, I hope so, 'cause it sure smells.

Still sidelined with a knitting injury, I'll take the opportunity to discuss the two Berroco patterns I've made so far. I began this summer with the Latoya tank. I fell in love with the design immediately, and it worked up really quickly - I was finished except for the seaming is less than 2 weeks. There is one mistake in the pattern, however, which involves the shaping of the front. You need to follow the same instructions as for the back, which is sensible, intuitive, and printed incorrectly! Just follow the front, and check with the schematic diagram and you'll be fine.

One more note - If you are a grown up, and want to wear a bra without the straps showing, you'll either need to adjust where you place the shoulder straps, or make them wider, or wear this over another shirt. I got to use up a very old stashed cotton thread on this, and I'm really pleased with the result. I'd do this one for presents in the future.

Since I had so much fun with Latoya, I was really eager to start Pike, a wrap vest which looked asymmetrical in the picture, but is worked symmetrically. The mistake in this one is having 1 extra stitch, which I solved by adding an additional purl stitch before the cable pattern. I can't see any reason for eliminating the stitch altogether, which would be cast on 107 sts. I completed the back very quickly, and love the gore detail.

I followed the directions for the left front, and it matches the schematics, but for the life of me I can't imagine how this vest comes together!!! I guess that's why I'm in such a hurry to finish it that I injured myself. I'm about 3/4 finished with the right front, so assuming the Tiger Balm works, I'll have it finished by Halloween.

The Pike is worked in Araucania Nature Cotton Burgundy. The finished pieces look great, and drapes really nicely. Working with it is another story altogether. It doesn't flow smoothly through my fingers, and really stuck to my bamboo needles (though it's better on the Bernat Aeros, which I prefer anyway). I'm constantly stopping to re-wrap the tail which is annoying. And it's not soft in the hand, so there's some weird science at work since it is soft in the finishing! I don't think I'd use this yarn again.

Can't Keep Those Hands Still

2007-10-11T07:08:00.000-05:00

I tried to sit quietly last night, but failed utterly, so I compromised by FINALLY sewing the collar on my unfinished shrug. Since I didn't have quite enough yarn to finish the pattern as written, it turns out to be a little more cardigan-y than shrug-ish, and it's very nice. The sleeves are 3/4 length (another modification resulting from the scarcity of resources) which I prefer anyway.

That finished, I started to wind the yarn in my stash - my third least favorite needlecraft activity, following sewing UFOs together, and casting on stitches. That one didn't last too long; I only would 4 skeins of the Silky Tweed before giving up for the night. The comforting (disturbing) thought is that the rest of the stash will be waiting for me whenever I need it.

Knitter's Shoulder or Why I'm Taking a Break

2007-10-09T23:13:00.000-05:00

Who knew knitting could be hazardous to your health? It's supposed to be a peaceful, creative, and meditative activity, able to be performed along or in a group, an activity in which process is at least as important as the culminating product. It's not supposed to leave you reaching for analgesics round the clock. Yet here I am, for the second week, trying to find something to occupy my hands while I watch TV.

Of course, I'd heard rumours of a woman who tore her rotater cuff while knitting the brioche stitch using continental technique, but shrugged off the rumours as mere braggadocio. Now I wonder if an MRI lies in my future...

I'll have to content myself in recounting my recent adventures in needlecraft as I prepare to, once again, take up needles and hooks.