Thursday, August 28, 2008

Easy Booties



Nice bunion, huh?

Well, the pattern is really called the Triangle Slippers and is from the Page-a-Day knitting calendar from last year. These were so easy and will be going to a recipient who shall remain nameless at this juncture.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

UPDATE: Water Cube Cami progress

Well, just as the Olympics come to an end, so does my cami. I still have to do the neck edging but I finished the length (16" from neck edge to bottom edge) and it fits great. I took a week long hiatus from working on it b/c I wanted to get the D hook for the waist shaping, which I did, and am glad I waited b/c it totally made a difference and doesn't just fall square on me. I tried it on with the right bra and though it fits nicely, I could have started the waist shaping right under the bust line and it would have made a more form-fitting top. I can grab about an inch of material in back, but it’s still okay…just a little square.



I still have to add the neck edging and am debating edging the whole thing in black with 2 rounds of sc. Hmmm…



I did about 5” with the D hook, until the top hit right at my hip bone, and then I switched back to the F until I liked where it hit. I think I’m gonna like this top a lot and now that I worked out the pattern kinks, I’ll want to make it with a darker yarn that suits me more.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Water Cube Cami

Named after the Olympic pool in Beijing. Should call it the Phelps Cami b/c I was glued to the TV while working on this. It's the Cameo tank from Doris Chan's book Everyday Crochet. I like the tops and am finding the instructions pretty easy to follow. I am not usually a fan of crocheted wearables, but these are nice and not granny or 70's looking.

I don’t know what I’m thinking making a baby blue crocheted shell cami…it’s so not me, but I think it’s going to look nice. I got some help with the pattern from Doris Chan herself (very nice and prompt replies). After much deliberation with hook size, pattern size, and strap length, it's now smooth sailing (water pun not intended - heh). I redid the front and back top pieces for the size 30 (vs. 32) and it's a much better fit. The book notes say to make one size smaller than bust size, so I guess I should've read that first.



I worked the front and back pieces with a G (4.25mm) hook. Kept same hook for the join and for Rnds 2 and 3. Switched to F (3.75) hook for remaining rounds of body and am going to switch to a D hook for some waist shaping, then go back to the F for the hips. I hope it fits, I’ll be so psyched! Also…I took another Raveler's advice and stopped working on the body to do the straps, so I could try it on and really see how it fits. I am loving this yarn, wish it came in non-baby colors.



After about 5 different tries, I ended up doing a ch 38 for the straps! I used a G hook for the initial strap round, then switched to F hook for other 2 times around armhole (reduces strap sag, so says the pattern notes). It now lays nicely on me and I can add the neckline edging without it being too high up on my chest.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Dishcloths

Purple Elvish Leaves, finished during the opening ceremony of the Olympics...my favorite thing in the world.



Chris' Ballband, made longer into a dishtowel (about 21"). Folds perfectly over my oven handle.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Grape Juice Scarf

It's always bugged me that 2 of my 3 NYC cousins have scarves made my me, so when I got the email notice that my cousin Stephanie's birthday was August 7th, I figured that was a perfect time to make her one. I had this gorgeous grape color LB Homespun that's been sitting here a while and I think it'll make a perfect fall scarf.



The pattern couldn't be easier:

1 skein of LB Homespun
Size K crochet hook

Ch 20

Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from hook and across (19 dc), ch 2 (counts as first dc).

Row 2: dc in next st and each across, ch 2.

Repeat Row 2 to end of skein. Bind off.





I hope she likes it.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Because she's awesome, that's why!

Oh Bonnie, you rock. I got a care package of the cutest stuff yesterday! Only you would hear that I was depressed and within a day, put together a cute little package, make your way to the post office, and send it to me. I love that you find time to do the little things and I love that I am often the recipient. THANK YOU!!! xo



I know this is a knitting blog and none of this stuff is knitted, but I don't care. It deserves to be posted.

Seventy Scarf

WOO! Bought some Malabrigo today! Never mind that I have 3 skeins of the "Oceanos" colorway sitting here awaiting a purpose (a shrug for me is my intention). This yarn already had a purpose: a scarf for Uncle Paul's 70th birthday that we'll be celebrating over Thanksgiving (in FL this year). Not a colorway I would have normally chosen but it's manly yet colorful too. I think he'll like it.



This is my FIRST TIME knitting with Malabrigo and yeah, I get it now. The colorway is “Noviembre” and I like how it's very Fall Season/Thanksgiving-y.



I was going to do the ‘my so called scarf’ but I don’t think it shows off this yarn well so I am just doing a simpler pattern of st st with a seed stitch border.

CO 30
Seed Stitch for 4 rows
Row 5: k1, p1, k1, p1, k22, p1, k1, p1, k1
Row 6: k1, p1, k1, p1, p22, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat Rows 5 and 6 to desired length.