Knitting in a Happy Camper

An apology

Vyvyan — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:22:51 -0500

Many of you dear readers have probably noticed that I haven't been making posts in a nice timely manner as of late. I feel I should explain, albeit briefly. My household is going through a rough patch and my I spend my extra time vegging in front of my TV and knitting. Designing has become one of my true distractions and has helped keep me sane as of late. I don't expect to see the light at the end of the tunnel until a year from now, if then.

Since I am still designing, you will still see me shamelessly hocking my patterns every now and then. I never planned this blog to be all about that but for now that's just where I'm at. There may be days when my attitude will permit me to have a little fun so keep your fingers crossed for that time. I'm an optimist at heart so maybe this is just a short funk and I'll be back to my old self in no time at all.

~Many thanks to all of you for spending your valuable time checking my bloggy out!~

Gilligan Bucket Hat

Vyvyan — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:34:09 -0500

I remember looking through a mail order catalog and being inspired by a nylon bucket hat with a quilted grid turned to a 45 degree angle. My brain translated that to read as Entrelac and I decided immediately to make up a knitted version.

Throughout the trial and error process, I used different textures of yarn. The result was 2 slightly different versions, one that has enough body to keep the crown shape a bit flat and another version that has a drapeier, softer shape. For a firmer shape, I’ve concluded that the first important thing to consider if substituting another yarn is that it should be a firm worsted weight which is somewhat rustic in texture, knit at a tighter gauge & smaller needle size than the manufacturer would suggest. The hat could be lined to help keep its shape better if using a softer yarn.

There are no seams in making up this hat. Every part is worked in the round. A circular needle is used except for the decreasing part of the crown. This hat was a relatively quick knit due to its gauge. It will work up even faster if you know how to knit backwards (meaning not having to turn the work in progress and always having the right side facing).

Working Entrelac in the round is similar to working it flat as there will be knit and purl rows to make the stockinette rectangles. One round of rectangles will begin with the RS facing and the next round will begin on a WS row. The brim and crown are both worked in garter stitch.

This version of the hat done in 100% cotton fit looser on the head than the wool version and would make this a great spring/summer hat. The idea of trying to shrink the hat a bit in the washer and dryer has been tossed around but hasn't been tried yet. I could be a possibility some of you may choose.

Materials for Version One (wool):

-Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Homespun (100% wool, 100gms/180 yds) color: Olive #803

-US #6 (4.0 mm) needles (16" circular & 4 dpns)

Materials for Version Two (cotton):

-Knit One Crochet Two Ty-Dy (100% cotton, 100gms/196 yds) color: Hibiscus #265

-US #5 (3.75 mm) needles (16" circular & 4 dpns)

Finished size of hat:

Version 1: 4 inches high by 24 inches circumference (right at where brim joins at base) & 18 inches circ. (where crown joins at top)

Version 2: 4 inches high by 25 inches circumference (right at where brim joins at base) & 18 inches circ. (where crown joins at top)

Skill Level:

This file is available for purchase in PDF format. Click on the button below and follow the instructions to receive your copy of the pattern.

$4.00

Or purchase in my Ravelry store here.

Do Not Cross

Vyvyan — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:30:18 -0500

Last night, the Sharkitect and I woke up to the sound of explosions. Our neighbors' house was going up in flames. The family is okay but quite shaken up, as would be expected. We don't know yet if the house can be salvaged since we assume there is extensive smoke damage.

This is my reminder to count my blessings again. It's kind of like having another more personal Thanksgiving day almost at the halfway point from the original. In the mean time, this sample photo of a new project I'm working on will help distract me from this tragic event:

I will be posting a pattern for my entrelac bucket hat soon, if you're interested. I've made up several versions and the pattern is being tested so it should be available soon. The version above is made in Knit One Crochet Two TyDy in colorway 265 Hibiscus. The hat only takes one 100gm skein.

The Teen is in charge...

Vyvyan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:24:06 -0500

...of my photos today. I gave him the task of taking pics of my latest pair of hand knit socks and told him to use his imagination. My photography style is redundant so I thought his perspective could be interesting. Here's what I got:

(tricked up with Photo Shop)

(up close and personal)

(with props from the yard)

Pattern: Cable Rib Socks (link to Ravelry site may not be accessible to everyone at this time) by Erica Alexander from the book Favorite Socks Yarn: Trekking XXL (colorway: 145 Shades of Orange) Needles: US #0 & 1 (I used the Magic Loop technique)

I didn't follow the instructions 100% because I messed up somewhere at the point where I picked up stitches around the heel flap to continue with the side cables. I also lost count of some of the rows between cable crosses so some are longer/shorter than others. I'm no perfectionist (I think I say this all the time) so it's not going to bother me. They turned out nice enough and I love the colorway. I've dubbed these my Clockwork socks (cuz they're orange--any Kubrick fans out there?) Anyway, the socks are going to be much more pleasant than the theme of that movie.

Here are my own boring photos of the socks:

(on my lumpy Duct foot--I guess fake appendages can loose their shape too)

(cables close-up)

(not the socks--just a close-up of the baby Dogwood bloom that was tricked up in the top photo by DS)

~Inner Monologue: Can one use too many parenthesis? I count 11 pairs in this post. I may have a record here.~

Brown noser

Vyvyan — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:38:35 -0500

This is what happens when you let a dog outside after a long day and night of rain.

You can tell by the feet that she doesn't just dig with her nose. Right now she's having fun running in and out of the doggie door with her squeaker toy. She's great entertainment. We won't mention what we'll have to vacuum out of the carpet soon enough.

Buttercream Scarf

Vyvyan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Pattern: Buttercream Yarn: Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo Needles: US #6 (4.0mm)

Looking at this scarf, you might think that the vertical rows of contrast stripes are an afterthought, something that was adding at the end, perhaps with duplicate stitch or a crochet chain. That is not the case here. They are worked in as the scarf progresses, sort of like intarsia but not quite. But don’t let it scare you away. Once you discover that you are actually just knitting one stitch from a different color in its own little tidy ball the process becomes a lot more friendly. And the curving lines are created by the increased or decreased stitches before and after it.

The lace design itself is very easy. The only thing difficult about this pattern, in my view, is the reading line by line of the instructions. And if you’re used to doing this, then it shouldn’t be intimidating. I am partial to working from charts so there is one provided as well.

(wrong side of scarf)

Finished Size: 8" wide by 65" long

Skill Level:

This file is available for purchase in PDF format. Click on the button below and follow the instructions to receive your copy of the pattern.

$5.00

Or purchase from my Ravelry store here.

Easter Lola Bowla

Vyvyan — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:55:19 -0500

Happy Easter!

This Lola Bowla goes to my Mom. I hope she likes it. (I'll be keeping the toys. Mom's too grown up for hopping chickens and bunnies.)

~Inner Monologue: Bock Bock!~

Highlighting the season

Vyvyan — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:00:00 -0500

Spring is almost a sure thing in my neck of the woods so I'm reflecting the mood of the season in my choice of colors for my latest project. Actually, when I look at these colors, I think about Highlighter pens. So as my mind wandered, I did a search for a photo of some pens to compare to my yarn. Funny, in my search for basic cheapo highlighters, I came across some really neat and, in some cases, bizarre (the syringe, if you're wondering) pens. My personal favorites are the one with the post-it tabs attached.

I'm currently making up another Lola Bowla for my Mother for Easter. I hope to have it done in time.

I'm a little afraid to mention this next thing so publicly but here goes: I'm going to let my short hair grow out. There, its out in the internet cosmos now so there's no turning back. I used to have very long hair about 20 years ago so I know what to expect. I love my short hair but my face shape has changed with age and maybe longer hair will compliment my wrinkies better. Plus I really want to see how the gray will show up. I love gray hair. My grandmother had white hair for as long as I can remember and I really hope to follow in her gene steps. However, its probably not 100% in the cards. I'll get what I get and I'm getting more every day (I think).

I mention all this hair business because my latest knitted article of obsession has been headbands. I'm hoping that wearing headbands will help camouflage the weird hair inconsistencies as it grows. It'll be too warm to wear hats so this is the next best thing. I've already made several Quants from Knitty but they are mostly for Christmas gifts (I get points for starting this early in the year).

That pattern is a lot of fun to knit and would be a great project if you want to learn the entrelac technique.

(Don't kill me for posting your piccie, Elizabeth...) Isn't she cute wearing this version in Jasper by Berroco? The flowers you see are in the background and not growing out of her head or attached to the headband. All this headband action has inspired me to do a modular version and here's what I have so far:

It's not blocked yet since it's only about 45% complete. I'm working it in Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift and will be writing up a pattern when its done.

If yarn was a flower...

Vyvyan — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:07:54 -0600

...this would be a bouquet. I'd even sniff it. Smells more like a very clean sheep than a rose but we yarnies know what I'm talking about here. If you've never seen this before, these are some of the new monotone shades of Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride Worsted. If it looks familiar, it may be because this is what I used for the Kitka Modular Bag. I absolutely love this stuff. Look at it how it works up NOT felted:

Don't ask me what that thing is. I was just messing around one day and this happened. There's only 2 colors missing in these photos: One is a deep green and the other is an orange (there may be more than these but I haven't seen them yet). My LYS just got some of the orange in and I'm itching to go pick some up.

Speaking of my LYS, its name is Knit Wicks and the owner's name is Elizabeth. Its a great place and she's a great gal (heh, if you're reading this Elizabeth, I just called you a GAL!) Here's a pic of last Saturday:

There's a sock class going on the background so everyone is looking down at what they are doing. In the foreground are the comfy couches. Delores is blocked by the colorful red feather boa and Leslie is at the lower right side. Hey, they're great gals too! (Heh, if you're reading this Delores and Leslie, I called you GALs too!) I keep meeting some really neat folks at this shop. If you want to stop in sometime, its located at 103 West Walnut in Rogers, AR (479-899-6442). Look at who else I caught knitting:

I didn't ask their names but these girls were knitting away in their own little space at the rear of the shop (I Photo-shopped a piece of cotton candy over the girl on the right's face to protect her privacy). It was great to see the art/craft happening with the youngun's.

My blog posting may be sporadic in the coming months. I'm getting ready to start a new project at the real job and sometimes those things drain me of creativity and ~Inner Monologues~. I do have another scarf pattern that I'll post soon so you've been warned.

Kitka Modular Bag

Vyvyan — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:00:00 -0600

My mother is an active and avid quilter. Ever since I was a child she has been doing piecework either by hand or machine and teaching her techniques to others. As much as she may have wished it, none of her 3 daughters ever picked up the craft to carry it on. But one of her daughters did deviate on the piecework theme. That would be me. I like to think of the modular technique as the knitting equivalent to quilting. And when a knitted piece is felted, you've got the thick, warm comfort factor added in as well.

This bag is worked one square or triangle at a time. Stitches for neighboring pieces are picked up in the squares they are adjacent to. This method can be quite addictive. The sides of the bag are worked using short rows and the bottom of the bag is worked in simple garter stitch stripes. Fringe is created when the bottom is attached to the front and back panels. There is minimal finishing to this bag. Stitches for the sides are picked up along one edge of the front and back panels and the bottom is picked up at the base of the side panel and worked back and forth. There are only 3 seams to sew up and the bottom is attached using short pieces of yarn that are double knotted on the outside and create fringe after felting. The handles are sewn on after the felting process.

The pattern consists of 14 pages (yah, that's a lot to print out). The first 6 pages are the written out instructions, the next 2 pages are additional photos showing before and after the felting process. The last 6 pages are diagrams and schematics. I've included a drawing that you can use with colored pencils to work up your own color schemes. The last 3 pages of the diagram section show the individual modular square anatomy and how the pieces work up together to form the bag shape. If you've never worked the Modular technique, there should be sufficient information to get you started right up. Keep in mind that you are in control of how many sheets you actually print out. I recommend not printing out the pages with just photos since they can be viewed best when the file is open on the computer monitor (you can zoom in closer if you want). And you may choose not to print out all of the diagram pages also.

Materials: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted (2 skeins in the MC and 1 skein of six different colors) Needles: US #10 (two 24" circulars and 2 dpns if desired)

Finished Bag Size: 13 inches wide by 13 1/2 inches high (size may vary depending on the felting process)

Skill Level: to Experienced (don't let this scare you though, its easier than it sounds)

This file is available for purchase in PDF format. Click on the button below and follow the instructions to receive your copy of the pattern.

$6.00

My heart goes out to you

Vyvyan — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:39:02 -0600

Free pattern: Heart Pendant Yarn: Alchemy Yarns Bamboo Needles: US#2

I observance of Valentine's Day, I wanted to show my love to all of you folks who drop by my blog every now and then. I thank you all for showing interest in my little blog. If you are so inclined to knit up a little heart, here's my version. It worked in a modular way with a larger mitered triangle at the bottom and 2 smaller garter stitch triangles worked at the top. I stuffed mine with yarn scraps but you may want to put something like a scented sachet inside it instead. You could tuck it into a backpack, lunch box or underwear drawer of someone you love and is dear to you. Use it to decorate a special gift. Or you can string up your heart and wear it as a pendant, like I did. I even added a little charm thingy.

I used a scrap of yarn that I had leftover from a scarf project for my featured heart version. I didn't measure out exactly how much yarn I used so I estimated that approximately 30 yards would be needed but it could be less. Using the yarn shown above, the finished size is a little smaller than 2 1/2" all around. Try something you already have on hand that you've been saving as a "someday, I'll figure out what to do with this stuff" yarn. I made these two partial hearts with an angora blend and a DK cotton:

Go on, get creative! Then start sharing your heart with others.

Noodle snacks

Vyvyan — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:21:20 -0600

Oh my gosh! What happened? I had the best post I'd ever written and I must have hit the delete button. Here's the second go 'round. It's probably not as good as the first one, since, like I said, it was the BEST post ever!

Seems I had lost some of my blogging mojo and I've been waiting for something fun to inspire me to write about on this blog. Its been a while but here it is--Baby Star Crispy Noodle Snacks (chicken flavor). I found these when I was grabbing a package of dried seaweed sheets (what you use to make sushi, I think), that my son eats like crackers, in the specialty section of the grocery store. I almost grabbed a tin of wasabi peas (again, for my son--I like them plain) but my hand veered toward this, a crunchy bag of goodness.

If you'd like to know about the nutrition values and ingredients (don't we all?), here you go:

But what you may not already know and what you will probably NEED to know is this:

I'm not going to tell you which method I used. You get to guess and you can even let me know your opinions if you choose to leave a comment. Check out the website for this or more kinds of snacks here. I think there's a dude-in-chicks'-clothes (yes, you know what I'm talking about) in one of the snack ads here (I want hair like that!). I need to warn you though, you'll need to wear some sunglasses to check it all out.

As for knitting content, here's a preview of some projects/patterns I'll be posting about in the near future:

~Inner Monologue: I guess I've inserted enough inner monologues throughout this post already (thanks to all the text in parenthesis).~

Striped Phynn scarf

Vyvyan — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:41:43 -0600

Free Pattern: Striped Phynn Scarf Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Sport Weight Needles: US #5 24" circular

This might look familiar. Its a different take on the mostly-solid color Phynn Scarves. The only difference in this pattern is that there is a specific way to change colors to get the right striping effect. There are more rows than the solid version too but it is still a relatively quick project to work up. Try using up some leftovers that you already have on hand if you don't want to plunk down the bucks for this particular yarn. I just happened to have this group of lovely yarn in my leftover bin. Other weights of yarn can be used too but do a gauge swatch to get an idea of how long it will end up being.

(close-up view)

Celestine and more

Vyvyan — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:32:19 -0600

Free Pattern: Celestine from Berroco (by Norah Gaughan) Yarn: Assorted different sock yarns Needles: US #2

Can you say dodecahedron? I couldn't. In fact, it was embarrassing when my husband corrected me. But he was quite interested in the pattern when he saw it printed out and when it was completed. He even pulled an old astronomy book off his shelf to show me how it relates to his hobby (he's an amateur and at this point I have no idea how it relates to astronomy). I had a bunch of fun making this up. The construction spoke to my love of almost all things modular. I say "almost all things" in the event I come across something that doesn't ring my bell but speaking in general I love knitting one piece onto another and building something totally unexpected. Maybe is has to do with the fact that I live with an architect and that I work in the architecture profession--you know, all those buildings that get put together piece by piece must have an effect on me.

So about Celestine, I saw Norah's post right before Christmas and knew I would have to make one. Going through this process helped bring me out of my post holiday funk that creeps up on me from year to year. It was like taking a dose of Prozac (although I have no experience to truly make this analogy). I had no idea I had so many different skeins of sock yarn that would actually coordinate either. Now I'm trying to figure out if I want to make a pair of socks that match the star. Hmmmm...

So Gumby is now done. I finished the duplicate stitch last night and it still looks like cr_p!. Its a little better than my first attempt but I can't say I'm sold with this type of embellishment/color work. Click here for the chart.

A doop for Duplicate Stitch

Vyvyan — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:38:32 -0600

Come and meet my little friend:

Gumby!

You may know him. You may love him. He's mean (not really) and he's green and he can sure work a yellow smile (and nose and eyebrows). And red eyes, well I'm not photo-shopping those babies! What better face to use for my first sample using the double knitting technique? I'm working up a dishcloth using kitchen cotton and happened to have some (very old) skeins already on hand.

Don't let the red eyes scare you (but don't stare at them too long). After working up the base cloth in the double knit technique, I intend to duplicate stitch the details on. But as you can see here I've stopped until I can get better at it. I'm using the same yarn to work the duplicate but I just can't figure out why it looks like cr_p! I did a small portion of the white part of the eye (see chart here) and hated it. I ripped it out until I have a better frame of mind. Here's the reverse side of the cloth:

I'm actually rather pleased with my first attempt at double knitting. I was inspired by several projects in the book "Son of Stitch 'n B*tch" by Debbie Stoller. I got the book as a Christmas gift (thanks, sharchitect!). It took a little while to master how to hold the 2 strands in my left hand (working Continental style) and move forward and back as needed. Here's a link to a video on Knittinghelp.com (scroll down the page)--I hold my yarn a little differently than she shows you how. I wasn't able to work this technique knitting backward so I turned my work every row on this project. The edges turned out a little loose but maybe if its made up in a yarn with more give, it'll even out more (yes, I'm talking about a wool yarn).

I'm hoping that a good washing will help shrink things into better shape so I better get on with the embroidery.

New Year Socks

Vyvyan — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:05:08 -0600

Pattern: Sock Recipe from "the knitter's handy book of patterns" by Ann Budd Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn (from The Yarn and Fiber Company) Needles: US #0

Shown on my Duct Foot

I don't know why I did it but the first sock is knit at a looser gauge than the second. Thus the first sock is larger. Its kind of hard to tell in this photo but its at least half an inch larger around the cuff. I was several inches into the second sock before I discovered the difference but decided to keep going anyway since I don't mind imperfections like this. I was just too inspired by the color of this yarn.

The cuff consists of K3,P1 ribbing with a roll top (4 rows of stockinette after casting on). I wanted just a very simple sock pattern to show off the yarn. I don't think a lacier stitch would have really shown up well.

Close up of the toe (which is a 3-needle bind off).

Bottom of the heel (showing my not so consistant gauge). The yarn is a single ply and there are thick and thin spots throughout. Character, I guess you could say.

This is what is left over from the 100 gram skein. I don't know what I'll do with it yet but I'm not turning it loose. I ordered a second skein in the colorway 164 (mostly greens). I'm going to wait to see how these wear before planning the next pair. Maybe I'll think of something else to make up in the yarn instead.

Inner Monologue: The post reads as if a robot wrote it. Must...get...inspired...must...get...motivated...must...clean...my...house...

Quickie Pic-ie

Vyvyan — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 21:33:07 -0600

Pattern: Argosy from Knitty Yarn: Artyarns Silk Mohair Glitter (one skein) Needles: US #5

Christmas knitting has got me locked in for the next week or so and my blogging will be sparse but I wanted to show off the latest version of the Argosy scarf. If you can allow me to brag, I think it turned out very elegant and delicate. I didn't use the whole skein and stopped knitting when it was about 6 feet long--I think there's about 1/3 of the skein left! The scarf will be a permanent display item at Knit Wicks, a new yarn shop in Rogers, AR (no website to link to yet). Thank you, Elizabeth, for letting me use this gorgeous yarn.

First Anual Knit/Spin Day in Arkansas

Vyvyan — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:04:53 -0600

This past Saturday, I joined a group of knitters who met up for the first time for Arkansas' First Annual Knit/Spin Day (crocheter's were welcome also). The idea was put out there by Anne through a group discussion on Ravelry and we gathered at the Lodge on Mt. Magazine. The turnout was 20+ folks which included knitting, spinning and unraveling 2nd hand sweaters. One lady brought here spinning wheel which she hand crafted herself and it was very impressive. These top 2 photos were taken late in the day and I only show about half of our group. I must apologize to the others for not including them but I got so carried away with chatting and knitting that I didn't grab my camera until it was too late.

We had a group project for the day. We created our Souvenir Scarf to commemorate the occasion. The task was to pass around this work in progress and have everyone attending work several rows in the stitch pattern and yarn of their choice. What you see wrapped around Meredith's neck is the result. There was a drawing toward the end of the day to see who got to take the scarf home.

We also had a display table to show off our finished projects and later in the day we had a yarn (and other implements/books) swap. I made off with some great stuff. Here's a swatch of some of the yarn:

I'm going to make a pair of socks for my young niece using a turquoise/green/white colorway of Tofutsies and I was lucky to pick up a different colorway in the swap. I have plenty to make socks for myself so I knew I'd have enough to make a swatch from it. This will be the top of the sock. I'm planning for them to have turn down lacy cuffs with a mostly stockinette foot. If they turn out like I envision them, I'll try to get the pattern posted. This swatch was worked on a US #0.

Now to the meme. Susie has tagged me to make a list of 7 random or weird things about myself. I'll comply but feel safe knowing I won't be tagging any of you others out there. I can't get up the nerve. Call me a chicken. I'm a dull person so don't fall asleep reading my list:

1. I hate talking on the phone.

2. I have a total of 7 pets in my household--dogs, cats and hamster.

3. I let my cat sleep on the kitchen table (DH hates that).

4. I'm very sensitive to odors, even the good ones (they give me bad headaches).

5. I prefer savory foods over sweets (mmmm, pasta!).

6. I sit for at least 12 hours every week day (work and knitting time combined).

7. I have hair growing between my toes. Not really, but that would be weird (I added that since I couldn't come up with #7).

Giving you the finger(s)

Vyvyan — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:20:52 -0600

See! It's not the finger you thought you'd see. I wouldn't do that to you. I like you.

Pattern: Glove formula in "the knitter's handy book of Patterns" by Ann Budd (the book's title actually lacks capitalization on it's cover so it's not a typo) Yarn: Knit Picks Essential in Grass Needles: US #1 dpns

In my pursuit of a catchy title for this posts, I fear I may offend at the same time. I assure you that that was not my intention. I'm actually giving you 5 fingers today since that is all I have done at this time.

First off, if you've never worked up a basic pair of socks, the book listed above is a good place to start. I really like the format that Ann Budd has devised and that she includes formulas for different basic knitted items: mittens, socks, gloves, hats, tams, scarves, vests & sweaters. Its a great resource if you plan to do design work of your own and need a starting point.

But back to the gloves. I'm making the green pair for my Father. I picked the yarn and he picked the color. I'll also be making up a pair for my Mother. They will be done by Christmas (I chant this over and over). What I find interesting is that both my Father & Mother decided they wanted their gloves to be plain and in a solid color--none of that fancy schmancy self striping stuff for them. If it weren't for the fact that I enjoy working on dpns, I might fall asleep while making these up. Thing is, I could've used a self-patterning yarn just to camouflage where the fingers meet the body of the glove. I'm not a perfectionist so I decided to live with how they turned out. They're not that bad. But they aren't something that would earn a blue ribbon at the county fair. Maybe by the time I make up my Mom's pair, I'll have honed my skills enough to make them prettier. I'm not showing you a close-up view either.

And then there's the Argosy scarf in the Mohair Silk Glitter by Artyarns. I swear that skein is never-ending. I think I've worked up half the skein (which was 25 oz. to begin with) and I think I have more than 36 inches of scarf already. I thought this baby would be a short version since I was going to knit until I ran out of yarn. Not the case.

My cat decided to walk across just at the right moment. A little cat fur will only enhance the beauty of the scarf.

Nove Scarf

Vyvyan — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:03:42 -0600

Pattern: Nove Scarf Yarn: Berroco Jasper in Blue Bahia & Rose Imperiale (2 skeins of each color) Needles: US #8 (5.0 mm)

This scarf is worked in a modular technique where each rectangle is knitted individually. Don’t worry though; you won’t have to stitch them together at end. As you work, each following rectangle is made by picking up stitches in the previous one and casting on additional stitches if needed. You might find this method addictive.

I made this scarf using 2 colors of lovely, soft Merino yarn that shows a subtle change and shift in shades as it is being worked. Feel free to use up left over yarn from your stash or even work it in a single color.

The pattern includes diagrams for help with construction and a black and white schematic drawing. Grab up your favorite colored pencils and try making up your own colorway and you'll have a good idea what you're finished version of the scarf will look like.

Finished Size: 65 inches long by 5 inches wide (not including fringe) but the scarf can be made shorter or longer by adding or subtracting rectangles. Fringe is one (1) inch long.

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to

This file is available for purchase in PDF format. Click on the button below and follow the instructions to receive your copy of the pattern.

$4.00

Another Argosy in progress

Vyvyan — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:26:50 -0500

Free pattern: Argosy Scarf from Knitty Yarn: Artyarn Silk Mohair Glitter Needles: US #5

I'm quite excited. There is a new LYS (no website yet) nearby and the owner is letting me work up some sample items using her yarn. The shop is called KnitWicks and right now she is carrying yarn and implements. She says she'll be selling candles soon hence her shop name. And she has a Namaste bag that will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine.

Elizabeth (the owner of the shop) has invited me to come to her shop to knit on this Argosy scarf and has extended the invite to anyone interested in joining in. I'll be helping out whenever and however I can Saturday, Nov. 3rd. We'll start around 10:00am and go til whenever. Keep in mind that I'm only giving you a day's notice--sorry. Her shop # is 479-899-6442 for more info.

I'm using a wonderful yarn for this Argosy version--a lace weight yarn in a silk/mohair blend with a little silvery sparkle. It will be a great accessory for the holidays. The photo above makes is look larger than it is in real life. It's going to end up narrow and shorter than the original. My goal is to just use up one skein of yarn (25gms). However, there are 312 yds in this one little skein so the scarf may be longer than I think.

On another note, this past weekend I went to a Quilter's Retreat with my Mother. There are several women in her guild who also knit so Mom thought I would enjoy knitting with them. She was right. I had a great time just hanging out on the sofa knitting all day long. The meals were all prepared for us and the dishes were cleaned by the kitchen crew so there was nothing to stand in my way of holding on to my needles. Everyone there was so nice and I came away knowing several other knitters who I hope to keep in touch with.

But the sweetest, almost sentimental part of the whole weekend was when I met a lady who had known my grandmother when she was alive and had fond memories of her. This lady even reminded me of my grandmother. She taught a class on a certain type of "stained glass look" fabric art and pulled me away from my knitting to have me join in. She was just the sweetest lady. The kind I wish there were more of. I took photos of her standing in front of some of her samples for the class and was going to share them here. But I'm not...

...because my son deleted the digital images from my camera card before I got the chance to save them to my computer. G-o-t-t-a-l-u-v-h-i-m.

Phynn Scarves

Vyvyan — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:16:39 -0500

Free Pattern: Phynn Yarn: Knit One Crochet Too Babyboo (55% nylon/ 45% bamboo) Needle: #5 circular-24" or larger

Sometimes a yarn will dictate what is to be made with it. That is the case with this yarn. It has a drape & feel that is meant to wrap around your neck. The scarf itself is a very easy piece to make as every row is knit (Garter Stitch). The stripey flared ends are created by working a short row in a contrast color of yarn. There are 2 different lengths to each scarf so they can be layered together if desired. Of course wearing them separately is fine too. One skein of each color is enough to make both of these scarves--with some left over.

Stalling, Piddling, Lazing, Tired...

Vyvyan — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:31:47 -0500

Pattern: Jackyll & Hide from Knitty.com Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease Needles: #8 & #7 Harmony DPNs from Knit Picks

I know a lot of you knitting folks out there are like me--you have way too many things on your knitting list. And its that time of year when our lists get even longer preparing for Holiday gift giving. But, again, if you're like me, you come across a project that you'll drop everything else to make. This was that project. It had much to do with the fact that I have a teenager who likes this sort of thing. And I even had the yarn in my stash to make it up. And the teenager was pumped to add this to his collection. And I have these new Harmony needles that I love using. And I wanted something that I didn't have to do math to make. And I could keep going with the ANDS but I won't.

So to report on the finished item, since I used a cotton substitute, it tends to stretch out. Tossing in the washer and dryer helps to remedy this but only until it is worn again. I think since my teenager's head is so big, that's why this keeps happening. The pattern shows the hat rolled up to "Hide" the scariness but my version doesn't work out very well in that position. I don't think it will ever be worn that way anyway. If I were making this for a serious fashion statement, I'd have put more time into making the eye-holes look better. I actually started to work a button-hole edging but ended up ripping it out since it rippled and emphasized the gapey stitches. The kid will wear it a couple of times a year, if that so we're gonna live with it.

On another note, I feel like I've been dragging around these days. Maybe its the change in season but I usually get inspired and motivated during the cooler months. I've been slow at making posts lately too. I think I'm at a point where what I want to do and what I have to do are duking it out with my moods. But to be honest, I think that the cause for my slowed blogging stamina has to do with that darned Ravelry. Why did those smart people have to start something like that online? I can spend hours there either adding to my personal space or reading forums or searching for patterns. Yeah, I ordered the t-shirt the first week I joined in. Haven't got it yet, but I'll let you know when it gets here.

My heart is broken. I adopted this little kitty for 2 days and fell in love with her. I named her Sprinkles since it was raining when I found her on my front porch. She was the sweetest thing. I think someone dropped her off in our neighborhood and she happened to make it to our house. Have I mentioned that we already have 2 cats and 4 dogs? I knew deep down that I couldn't keep her. She is now with another family who recently lost their cat to illness and were ready to adopt another one. She will be loved by them too. I'm sad.

~Inner Monologue: This post is brought to you in all Black and White (unplanned--how'd that happen?). I guess to express my current somberness. It's time for a little orange and some fun music. Time for some comfort food too. Spaghetti and meatballs with lots of Parmesan--here I come!~

Nubbins for Ta-tas

Vyvyan — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 22:51:09 -0500

Free Pattern: Nubbins for Ta-tas Dishcloth Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream Twists color: Rose Twist (one skein) Needles: #6 Knit Picks Harmony Finished size (after washing): 9.5"x8"

Since most of my blog readers are women, this post may scare the few men folk (if there are any to begin with) who read this away. What you see above is the latest version of the Nubbins Dishcloth. This one is especially for Breast Cancer Awareness, being that time of the year and all.

As women, most of us are aware that we need to examine our breasts regularly. What better way to remind ourselves more often to do that than to use a dishcloth that blatantly screams, "Feel the Ta-tas!". I know I, for one, don't check mine like I should. My mother is a breast cancer survivor (Hi Mom! if you're reading this) and my family is very fortunate to have her still hanging around, making us laugh with her silly antics. I am past the not-too-terribly ripe age of 40 and I have those mammograms once a year. Lucky for me its not too uncomfortable but I'm not going into details (since, well, my Dad may be reading this too--Hi Dad!).

I kinda threw this pattern together over the weekend so pardon my lack of creativity as far as photography goes. What I'd really like is for some of you folks out there who are interested in making this dishcloth up, is to send me some really fun photos of your finished cloths so I can show them off on my blog and in my Reader's Gallery. Look for my email address on the upper left column (click on Gumby).

I've got another dishcloth with the same theme that I will be publishing here (free) very soon so check back for it if you like Ta-tas.

If you like knitting toys...

Vyvyan — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:18:45 -0500

...buy this issue:

Simply Knitting September 2007 Issue

Why? Because it comes with this:

It's a free companion issue that comes packaged with the regular SK issue. Be prepared to pay quite a bit for it in the States. I paid $10 for mine but I justified the purchase when I fell in love with the toys. This is what the issue looks like on the back cover:

These are too cute! Here's a close-up of the chimps

and the crocodiles

Nuff said!