What about Bob?

After all that ribbing in Fifi, I needed a quick knit and hopefully something simple that I could work on at the beach. Overall, Bob would've been a quick knit. I've just been lazy.

I started with one sleeve before we left on vacation. I fiddled with the length and got the numbers down. I cast on for the body on our drive down to the beach (Sat, Aug 4th). I got about 6" done. Then I knit the second sleeve. I finished most of the body (up to the split) while we were on vacation (that was 2 weeks ago). During the sporadic knitting last week I finished the front. Last night, I buckled down and finished the back. All that is left to do is seam it up and weave in the ends.

[Insert unseamed blob known as Bob here]

I won!

The lovely Bron celebrated her 4th blogiversary earlier this month while I was on vacation. I dropped her a quick note to greet her and by some strange luck I won a gift. See what the mailman delivered yesterday ...

Thanks so much Bron! Knit on!

Fifi by the Sea

This yarn is amazing! It took a lot of abuse from me. Fifi took on a love/hate relationship with me. It took 3 cast ons on size 7 needles. Knitted up to row 40, ripped back to row 37, re-knitted to row 40 then ripped out all together. Re-started with size 8 needles. While trying on the piece, 10 stitches fell off the needle (my bad for not putting it on yarn instead) I almost cried. Instead of sending Fifi to time-out, I opened a bottle of Mike's Hard Lemonade and started to pick up the stitches then treaded carefully.



Once I finished the 1st 8 rows of the bodice, I stopped. How am I going to make this easy for me to remember when to cable??? Knowing me, I'll lose track of the row count when I need to do the cable. So I made a quickie Excel spreadsheet. Let me tell you how much this helped me - I did not rip a single row in the bodice, no kidding!

Fifi
Pattern: French Girl Knits
Yarn: 4 balls + a few yards Rowan Calmer in Tangerine for size S
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #8
(07/10/07 - 7/29/07)
Modifications: Added 5" to the length of the body. CO additional 19 stitches to the sleeves and did ribbing in the underarm. Knit 10 rows in pattern then BO for a slightly longer sleeve.

Sneak Peek

... just need to weave in the ends and block.



Fifi will most likely make her debut next week near the Atlantic Ocean.

Calmer ... I think I love you

When I saw Nonnahs' Josephine, I thought 'Wow! I hope someday I can knit something as beautiful.' Then I saw Tentenknits' Moulin Rouge on Ravelry and I was hooked.

I've had some Rowan Calmer in the stash just waiting for the right project to come along. Enter Fifi which also happened to be the SKC pick for this go-around. I stalled because I could not decide which color to use. I had the Hubby and the kids pick the color.

With the Calmer and 4.5 mm Addis, I cast on on July 4th after our cook-out. First cast on using long tail (my favorite). Somehow after 6 rows I decided to rip and restart with the cable cast on. I struggled with this cast on - too fiddly for me. Anyhow, I made it until about row 40 but then noticed that I missed an increase somewhere in row 37.

Yesterday while waiting for Pumpkin Girl to get back from Hershey Park field trip, I pulled out the tape measure. Why in the world did I go with the 4.5 mm needles? I'm such a tight knitter that I can usually get gauge with the specified needle. Then in a fit on insanity, I cast on twice (long tail) with 5 mm needles and a new ball. I'm currently on row 10. Weird because I'm not regretting the time spent re-knitting. I'm actually enjoying the process because this yarn is that good.

Ruffles

Introducing Ruffles ... the perfect cover-up when we go to the beach.

Pumpkin Girl has been asking for a knit skirt for a while. I had a pattern in mind that would be perfect to work on while lounging around in front of the TV. She wanted some tweaks ... we compromised on some ribbons that could be switched around with no fuss and minimize some wardrobe malfunctions. Once the color was all decided, the project commenced.

I still need to sew in the garter and go buy some ribbons.

Bounce
Pattern: Wendy Bernard
Yarn: 3 skeins Lion Cotton-Ease in Popsical Blue
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #6
(06/18/07 - 06/30/07)
Modification: Added 2 eyelet rounds to slip some ribbons in.

Thoughts: This project is cheap! Yarn cost was $6.00

Rusted Root

It was a gorgeous day. We decided last minute to throw some hotdogs on the grill for dinner. I realized that this was the perfect moment to take outdoor pictures of Rusted Root.

Poofy sleeves? check
Full spread
I did not bother throwing on a cami so excuse me if my bra peeks out through the lace panel.

Rusted Root
Pattern: Zephyr Style
Yarn: 3 skeins Lion Cotton-Ease in Terracotta for size S
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #5 and #7
(05/26/07 - 06/11/07)
Modifications:
1) Knit an additional 2 st before starting lace pattern. Knit 12 pattern repeats for body.
2) Added 12 st to sleeves (63 st).
3) Lengthened sleeves: Knit 6 rounds in St using larger needle. Switch to smaller needle and K2 P1 rib for 6 rounds. Bind off in larger needle.
4) Pick up stitches in collar using smaller needle. K2 P1 rib for 5 rounds then bind off.

If When I make this again, I will make the CO number divisible by 3.

Back on track

Nothing like miles of stockinette in the round to get me back.

Pumpkin Girl requested that I knit her a skirt. She wants something with the frills in the bottom. I thought to myself Bounce would definitely fit the bill.

I had her pick out a color from the cotton blend stash. She picked Lion Cotton Ease in Popsical Blue (her favorite color). Next, I had to swipe the 4.0 mm needles from the hibernating Salina.

I managed to cast on last night and almost made it past the 1x1 ribbing. This will be the perfect little project to work on while watching SG-1 and Atlantis tonight. It will also work as a cover-up for her swimsuit when we go to the pool.

A bad start

Omininous from the get go ...

The yarn - I bought 1 skein of KP Alpaca Cloud over a year ago. I was so excited to play with my new ball winder. I wrapped the skein over the backs of 2 chairs. Everything was going well until maybe 1/3 was left. The skein leaped out of the chair and ended up a tangled mess on the floor. It was so messed up that I had to cut the yarn. Sigh.

Fast forward to Monday night. High from finishing Rusted Root, instead of weaving in the ends like a good knitter should, I proceeded to cast on for a small project. I started a lace project from Lisa Lloyd Designs. When I pulled out my little bag of yarn (KP Alpaca Cloud), Little man says, "why are you knitting with floss?" Hmmm it does look like floss, doesn't it? I got as far as 4 rows on the lace.

Last night while waiting for the Chinese take-out delivery, I decided to work on it a bit. While I was in mid-stride he accidentally tugged on my left arm and my stitches fell off the needle. Sigh. I ripped the whole thing and just put it back in the bag it came from. Another day.

My Fashionable Daughter

A few months ago, Pumpkin Girl was playing dress up and came down wearing her First Communion dress. Here's how our conversation went while I was evaluating my next project (after just finishing CPH).

PG: Mom, I want a hoodie just like yours but in pink.
Me: OK.
PG: But first, I want a little jacket just like the one I have on.
Me: You mean like this? [showing her this]
PG: Yes!

Here it is (finally!!!) with the button sewn on:

Anthropologie Capelet
Pattern: Peony Knits
Yarn: 1 skein TLC Cotton Plus in Hot Pink
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #8
(02/19/07 - 02/24/07)

Modifications: My gauge was 5 st per inch. I cast on 74 and did a 2x2 rib for 1.5". Put a buttonhole within 1" of CO.

I would have finished earlier except I ripped so many times. Poor planning on my part - I was 3" into the eyelets then I noticed that the YOs were not flowing smoothly from the ribbing ... so rip back to the ribbing and adjust my markers. Then I'm sailing along then I notice that I forgot a YO and rip back. In the end, I'm happy with the project. Pumpkin Girl is thrilled with the results!

My Partner in Crime

I'm still busy knitting on Rusted Root but I needed to take a progress shot so I can upload to Ravelry. I went to my son's room to take the picture when Nicks ran by and saw me. His expression said it all. Too bad the photo with his head cocked one way was too blurry.

Nicks: What is she doing now? taking pictures of a half-knit in the mirror?
Camera ready

Celebrate!

Summer is here!
Pool is open.
Kids rockin' the Cabo Hoodie!

Happy Memorial Day!

Turtleneck Tube Vest

I finally convinced my 8 yo daughter to take a picture of the finished FO.

I really enjoyed knitting this project. Since this was the only project I was working on, it did not take too long. The inspiration came not only from the flowers. It also helped that the color of the yarn was so yummy. It constantly reminded my of this delicacy.

Perfectly Periwinkle Turtleneck Tube Vest
Pattern: Stephanie Japel's Fitted Knits
Yarn: 2.5 skeins Lion Cotton-Ease in Sugarplum
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #5 and #7
(05/11/07 - 05/18/07)
Modifications: I shortened the neck ribbing to 3.75". I could not get the RLI/LLI to look right so I used with M1R/M1L instead.

I love it! It will be worn a lot this summer. I can see myself knitting more in different colors.

Just in time

My rose bush bloomed in time for my birthday.

It has never produced flowers like this. I almost whacked it off last fall.

There must be as many flowers as the candles later.

The joys of knitting

Yesterday, I knit in public. I dragged the Turtleneck Tube Vest to Pumpkin Girl's soccer practice. I knit maybe half a row before the other soccer Mom on our team who was so busy reading her GAAP book looked over and chatted with me.

[V's mom]: what are you knitting?
[Me]: a turtleneck without sleeves
[VM]: that's very pretty! [pause] did you knit what you're wearing?
I had my Ribby Shell on.
[Me]: Yes, I knit it last year.
[VM]: That's very nice! It looks machine made.

Work in Progress

I was out taking pictures of our garden and this became inspiration for my next project.

Rhododendron taken on 5/6/07
Turtleneck Tube Vest
Rhododendron taken on 5/13/07

Lucy Goosey was here

So I split for the front and back on the Turtleneck Tube Vest last night. I struggled with the LLIs/RLIs. One of them worked out fine but the other (I can't remember which of the 2) looked funky. I pulled out "the book" and decided to use M1s instead.

I decided to try it on for size. It seemed fine except for the ribbing on the neck was to "Lucy Goosey" for my tastes. Without hesitation I ripped the whole thing off this morning before leaving for work. I immediately rewound the yarn on the winder so it will be ready to be re-knit tonight. Goodbye Lucy!

P.S. - Ravelry rocks!

An excuse ...

... as if I need one.

Although I enjoy knitting on Wren and Salina, the yarns are a bit tough on my poor hands. I need to keep my hands busy. I want something quick ... maybe in time for my birthday (which gives me some time).

I saw some lovely Turtleneck Tube Vests in Robin's KAL.


I found 3 skeins of Sugarplum Cotton-Ease that should be perfect for this project.

Anyone know of good instructions for left/right lifted increases (LLI/RLI)?

Pumpkin Girl's Hoodie

As soon as Pumpkin Girl saw progress on Little Man's Hoodie (aka Cabo Hoodie), she requested one in blue. I needed to stay on top of this to keep boredom at bay. Tsk. Tsk. I still haven't sewn the pocket on Little Man's hoodie but he's wore it to school already. Yay!


Both knits were similar yet different. One wanted long-sleeves, the other short. I used the same yarn (stash Cotton-Ease) but different colors. Somehow, the Popsical Blue was easier on the hands (but still not as sproingy as the Orangeade) than the Cherry Red. One was size 6 and the other was size 12 and yet I used the same amount of yarn for each.

Cabo Hoodie
Pattern: Wendy Bernard of Knit and Tonic
Yarn: 4 skeins Lion Cotton-Ease in Popsical Blue for size 12
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #7 and #8
(04/20/07 - 04/30/07)
Modifications: I made the neckline bigger by deepening the V. I lengthened the hood using one of her hoodies as a comparison.

And at the very last minute, Nicks decides to be part of the shoot.

Random musings ...

I just noticed that most of my FOs this year have been knit from the stash except for the current Wren cardigan.

Calorimetry does not count since it never really became part of the stash. It was knit immediately.

I wonder how long I can keep knitting from the stash?

I finally spotted the elusive new Cotton Ease at the local Michael's earlier this evening. I managed to resist picking up a few balls since I know where to go if needed.

I've been itching to start a new project or two. Must resist this ... otherwise projects languish for a long time.

Lastly, where is my latest Interweave Knits magazine??? It arrived on May 5th. Thanks Mr. Postman!

Worth it ...

Almost no knitting yesterday. The weather was gorgeous so we spent the day outside. I didn't even realize it was Earth Day. I was repotting some plants while Hubby was working on the yard. Pumpkin Girl was riding her bike/scooter while Little Man was in the shade playing GameBoy. Later in the evening, poor Pumpkin Girl got sick ... being out in the sun too long. She's much better now.

After walking Pumpkin Girl to the bus stop this morning, I stopped to check on my repotted plants. They looked much better. :-)

offspring of our Plum Tree
Pepper plants
On the knitting front, I had the urge to knit on something else. So I cast on for the Wren cardigan while watching Sopranos. I had finished knitting the ribbing when I realized it was too big ... rip! Good thing I ripped it immediately because the yarn has memory. It was all wrinkled up.

Little Man insisted on wearing his hoodie to school today. This really made my day!

Little Man's Hoodie

Little Man likes wearing hoodies. He wears one everyday when he goes to daycare. He actually wears the hood. When he saw me looking at the Cabo Hoodie pattern, he asked for one in blue. We headed up to my closet and pulled out the CE stash. His options were Popsical Blue or Candy Blue. When he saw the RED, he quickly claimed it - "I want mine red with a pocket and long-sleeves". Thus began the saga of Little Man's Hoodie.

My boys
The pocket was the first piece knitted up but as you can see I haven't sewn it on yet. Can you tell I have issues with sewing? I started knitting on Pumpkin Girl's hoodie last night while I was watching TV with Little Man when he inquired about his sweater.


Little Man: "Hmm. Mom, Where's my sweater?"
Me: "It's upstairs in our bedroom but I haven't sewn in the pocket."
LM: [goes upstairs] "Where in your room? ... Nevermind I found it. Can I wear it because I'm cold?"
He comes down the back staircase and I just had to take some pictures.

Double thumbs up

Cabo Hoodie
Pattern: Wendy Bernard of Knit and Tonic
Yarn: 4 skeins Lion Cotton-Ease in Cherry Red for size 6
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #7 and #8
(04/06/07 - 04/18/07)
Modifications: I made the neckline bigger by deepening the V. I lengthened the hood using one of his hoodies as a comparison.

Technique Learned: Grafting garter stitches.

Eventually I'll sew the pocket and add a picture of it.

Cabaret Raglan

I had my eye on this pattern for awhile but did not know how to substitute yarn. Then I saw Bron's version. Sold! I had some LB Cotton-Ease in the stash but was not ready for the lace chart. Things were put on hold.


Fast forward to March 2007 and I saw this on the Interweave KAL. I was ready to bite the bullet with the lace charts. For a pretty straightforward pattern, I still manage to rip/re-knit the lace part 3 times.

Cabaret Raglan
Pattern: Interweave Knits, Summer 2004
Yarn: 4 skeins Lion Cotton-Ease in Icy Blue
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #7 and 8
(03/09/07 - 04/03/07)
Modifications: Added shaping - I started with the size 40 1/2 to fit my caboose then narrowed for the waist and increased back to a size 36 1/2. The instructions have you knitting the neckline flat but once I picked up all those stitches, I did it in the round.

Techniques Learned: Deciphering lace chart. It helps to enlarge the charts!

If I make this again, I will do the entire sweater in the round (ala Hourglass).

Here's a photo of the culprit gnawing on my arm during the photoshoot:

Sneak Peek

There's a party over at Chez Bear Knits tonight! Mojitos for everyone. Hopefully I'll get to weave in all those ends for both projects. One of the FOs has been finished for weeks.


Good News - Cabaret Raglan fits! The mods worked out as planned. The button is for Pumpkin Girls capelet.

It's wet and dreary outside, so here are some photos of my orchids in bloom.

Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis

Spring has sprung!

I had to snap some pictures before I lose the beautiful blooms to April showers.

Dwarf Plum Tree
Forsythia

An inch ...

that's about all my knit project (Cabaret Raglan) grew. Talk about snail's pace.

Monday night while watching 24, I got about 7 rows done on the front chart. I thought that was pathetic.

Last night we watched The Departed and all I managed to knit was an inch on the sleeves. That was even worse! I have to say that the movie really had my attention. Hubby looks over and thought I was knitting a 'bahag'.

No corner left untouched

This weekend I took over Little Man's corner in our house. That spot just beside the fireplace, where the light is good. Now that's bad, isn't it? See ... my knitting co-existing with the kiddies' stuff.


I just realized that I haven't started anything for Project Spectrum yet. Anyway, I was KAL stalking last week and stumbled upon this post on the Interweave Knits KAL. I dove into the stash and pulled out some LB Cotton Ease for the Cabaret Raglan.


Although the body is meant to be knitted straight up to the armholes, I decided to put some shaping into it. I pulled out the Hourglass Sweater to use as a guide.

Success

Last Wednesday night while waiting for Lost, I picked up my 4.5 mm Addis and the tiny ball of yarn that used to be my Calorimetry. Hubby walked out of den and saw me with a tape measure around my noggin. Grins.

I cast on 108 sts (120 sts on 5 mms = too big) and just kept ribbing. When it was wide enough, I started doing rows 6 and 7. Oops! I should match the number of short rows on each end so it does not look wonky. Rip out 2 rows; figure out what to do next and move on.

Much to my surprise, I finished it in one evening. Somehow I was determined to get something right after my woeful attempts at Salina.

Calorimetry
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino in Rosewood
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #7
(02/28/07 - 02/28/07)
Modifications: I cast on 108 stitches and did Row 5 until it was half the intended width.

P.S. - Underneath Calorimetry is a partial back of Salina after 1 ball of Rowanspun DK.

Thanks for the good vibes!!!

Baltimore Trip

We went to Baltimore yesterday to visit my younger brother. I put the camera in my knitting bag but left the bag in the trunk of the car when we parked. No pictures! I realized that I could not knit in the car. The top of the Beltway always gets me dizzy whether I'm on the wheel or not. We had a great time walking around at the Inner Harbor.

I promise to bring camera next weekend when we go visit again. Stay tuned!

Cross Your Needles for me

Joann's had a sale recently and now I finally have a yarn swift (and a blocking board). I immediately dragged out my bag of Rowanspun DK and Cascade Sierra and started making some yarn balls.

With my newly wound Rowanspun DK on hand, I cast on for Salina's sleeve over the weekend. I decide to go with the size M since I just finished my CPH in 38". I was so happy to get gauge with my 4 mm Addis and just kept going. I'm liking this project. I start noticing that the sleeve looks too wide. Do I stop? NO (Mistake #1).

Around 8" into it, I decide to measure another sweater (Hourglass) that fits well. Ooops! I should've knit the S size. So instead of ripping the sleeve, I grab another ball of Rowanspun DK and start to cast on for the back in size S while watching Heroes. After knitting about 2 rows, I realize that I pulled out the 4 mm needle instead of the 3.5 mm (Mistake #2)

I'm hoping 3rd time's a charm.

Central Park Hoodie

It fits! I'm so happy with it!

I already wore it around town. Peace Fleece is warm. It's in the 30s today and I managed without a winter coat. If that isn't testament enough for the wool.

I do not plan to wear it with the hood up. However, Pumpkin Girl wanted to see how the hoodie looks on me. The verdict - she wants one in Pink.

It went from this ...

to this ...


Central Park Hoodie
Pattern: Knitscene Fall 2006
Yarn: 5.3 skeins Peace Fleece in Lena's Meadow for size 36
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #7 and 8
(01/06/07 - 02/18/07)
Modifications: I ended up picking up 158 stitches for the hood buttonband. Otherwise, I followed the pattern (See errata on web site). I decided on 5 buttons for the closure.

Hood lays down perfectly

Button detail