Sleeve Cap Mishap

I worked fervently last night to finish the sleeve caps on Ella, and catch up with everyone else in the KAL. I took careful notes using my Vogue Knitting app. So, when i matched it up to the bodice, I was a bit stunned. It was missing a huge chunk of stripes. About 12 rows worth. I guess somehow my row gauge was off. As much as I hate weaving in ends, I am grateful for the stripes that spoke the truth. It's time to do some sleeve math. I figure there were 9 decreases in which I decreased every other row. If I decreased every third row instead, that would give me 9 extra rows in the length of my sleeve cap. Then I can just knit 3 rows even and the problem would be solved. Let's see how this theory plays out.

Here is a picture of my sad sleeve.

Sleeve Island

Yesterday was Carnival day on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. I would have much rather been there than in the cold, having to wear multiple layers of clothes, and keep my pedicure under wraps. I would have much rather had the sun beat down on me in my feather and bead costume, and consume ample amounts of coconut water with a little (or a whole lot of) sumthin' sumthin' added to it. I would have much rather listened to soca music vibrating through the air from speakers twice my height mounted on trucks plastered with ads for Monster Energy Drink and Blue Waters. I would have much rather seen friends I haven't seen in years, and meet new ones in equally beautiful festive regalia.

But alas, the only Island I am on is Sleeve Island. I will say, I am quite content that I am relaxed and not hearing the office phone ring, or seeing an overly exhausted banker go crazy when I tell him that its impossible to recolor a world map and add 100 tiny dots to it in 30 minutes because he needed it yesterday. Sleeve island is nice, because while I am here, I can watch a live stream of Trinidad's festivities while I knit. That makes me happy.

I made a boo-boo by increasing to 72 stitches instead of 70. But, whose counting? I fixed it by binding off 1 extra stitch in the first 2 sleeve decrease rows. I am happy to be making progress since last week's injuries had me slow down a bit. I anticipate being able to weave in the ends tomorrow ( hopefully). Next stop, bolero city! Oh yeah, and i'm booking a ticket to next year's carnival too.

The first picture shows me halfway through the decreases that happen every other row. The second picture shows a better depiction of the colors, and a close up of the sleeve cap in progress.

Seeing Double

I am working on the sleeves of my Ella coat. I decided to make them both at the same time just to keep things consistent. In an effort to minimize having a ridiculous amount of mini yarn balls, I came up with an idea to keep everything together. I knit one sleeve from the inside of the ball, and the other sleeve from the outside. Secondly, I am alternating starting the even numbers of rows on the wrong side or right side for each color. This allows me to have some space when weaving in ends, so I am not weaving 2 colors next to each other. Some of the color bands are only 2 rows long, so it makes the fabric very dense if I'm weaving in a section that have 4 tails in a row. I have to keep on mind that I still have to seam this all together on the end. My darning needle is going to need some space.

The goal for the KAL is to have the sleeves completed before next Monday. For NaKniSweMo I finished a pair of sleeves in 2 days. But this is NOT November, and this is NOT a Stockinette sleeve done in the round with minor cable detailing at the cuff. I'm not even going to talk about the amount of ends to weave in, which could take up some significant time. Thank God for reality TV playing in the background to keep me awake late at night.

The stripes also account for the fact that Ella can't commute with me. But, I did manage to make use of my train time today. I casted on for Ella #2 today.

At this point, I am at Bedford Avenue, on the L train.  The last stop in Brooklyn.

I am making it in a color scheme that revolves around orange. This new Ella is actually for my mom, and I have chosen the size 44 for her after careful measurements. I asked my mom to choose which color comes next when I started to set up the color scheme. Her response "They all look pretty. Pick whatever you want." My result ended up looking like candy corn, but what the heck.

I will fix that by adding some bling with Tilli Tomas Flurries. I can't wait to see this Ella come to life.

Ella week 2 and soft yarn for a tough guy

This is the second week into knitting this glorious coat. The assignment for this week is to work the armhole shaping and separate the back from the left and right fronts of the sweater. Special care was given by Nora when it came to instructions on how to get the perfect fit.

#1 Measure the distance from natural waist to underarm. Mine would be 7 inches.

#2 Work the bodice to an inch or inch and a half less than that measurement. So, I stopped at 6 inches.

#3 Make sure the increases fall at the center boob point of your bosom. Sounds kinda funny, but it's perfect because you ensure that the front isn't lopsided. I still have a little room for a ruffle in the front, so I am happy with my progress thus far.

Separating the fronts from the backs required binding off mid-row. That was no problem. I am happy with the way the back portion is turning out, and I happy that I am almost through my second color pattern repeat.

Did I mention how much I love this yarn? Shepherd's Worsted is a dream to knit with. I completed the Festivus gift for "The Brain". He loved the feel of the yarn so much that he tried it on, stayed in my house for an hour chatting, and never took it off. I asked "aren't you hot". He said it felt too nice to take it off. That's the best complement a knitter can get. For those of you still contemplating on a yarn choice for Ella, this yarn is tough-guy approved.

Falling in love, falling in love again!

With ELLA!

This sweater created such a buzz during Vogue Knitting Live. At first, I caught a few stares, and some oohs and aaaahs. But pretty soon, I was chatty with everyone about the KAL, and how awesome it would be if they join. I would like to give a big hug to Mindy and Linda again. They were the last set of people that I talked to, and we have been emailing ever since, discussing our plans. Ella has already allowed me to make friends from far away places. As long as there is stash, a knitting friend will last!

There are a few reasons I love Ella so much. I would compare it to Urban Decay's NAKED makeup palette. The eyeshadow kit was an instant sensation upon release, because it matched practically everyone's skin tone. From fair to dark, warm to cool, there is a set of colors in there that works for everyone. Also, the range of looks can go from natural to smoldering smokey eye. Beyond that, a second palette was just released this month.
Ella's construction allows for a beautiful fit on any body type. Petite? You can shorten it. Long torso? Make the bodice a bit longer. Not into long swing coats? Make it hip skimming length. Super romantic? Add more to the ruffles. What I love most is the fact that you can do so much with the color scheme. Solid with contrasting ruffles, stripes all over, stripes only in certain areas, solid and variegated striping effect. The possibilities are endless.

So, without further adieu, I present to you the beginning of my love affair. Ella in the NYC Diva Colorway. My color palette includes Shepherd's Worsted in in Baby Pink, Pink, Hot Pink, Zinnia Pink, Creamsicle, Orange, Antique Rose and Tilli Tomas Flurries in Stargazer Lily and Hibiscus.

In this picture I worked the pattern to the second increase. My striping pattern has even numbered rows for every color. Some stripes were started on the purl side to even out the amount of loose ends on each side. I didn't want them all to be stuck on one side of the coat.

This yarn feels like heaven. I can't say that enough. It is soft, plush and lofty. In my hands it feels like what my hair feels like immediately after a deep conditioner, minus the water. Half of my knitting time is spent just touching the knitted fabric.

Ella is so pretty, that my mom hinted at wanting one. I guess it's time to reinvent my color scheme to an orange palette. This sweater feels so good, I would gladly make 2. I guess it's time to see what colors The Loopy Ewe has. Too bad there isn't a store on NYC that carries Stonehedge Farm Shepherd's Worsted. I guess I will just have to wait for shipping.

Ella's journey to Vogue Knitting Live in NYC.

I had a conversation with Melissa from Noni designs. I can't remember it verbatim, but it went a little something like this.

M: Nora and I will be in NYC the weekend of the 14th. It would be cool if we could meet up and go to La Casita. (she knows this is my favorite yarn store)

S: Yes, La Casita would be wonderful.  They have a Friday night knitting group.  It would be perfect.

M: Great!  I can't wait.

S: What are you doing Saturday?  You know Vogue Knitting Live is happening, right?  It would be awesome.  You can show off Ella, and we can get more people to join in this wonderful KAL.  I can even walk around with you, and model Ella for everyone to see.  It would be awesome.  

A few days later, here we are.   



Shameka in Nora's Blue Ella



It was so much fun walking through the crowd and talking to the wonderful knitters at VK Live, and seeing their excitement over the coat.  Then, when they realized it was the fabulous Nora Bellows who designed so many gorgeous bags at http://www.nonipatterns.com/ they got even more excited.  " I made your bag" "I made your flowers" "I'm so excited to meet you, can I give you a hug?".  Instantly, I whipped out my Iphone, and started inviting people to the Ella KAL Group on Ravelry (I love technology).  

The KAL starts tomorrow, so don't hesitate to make a decision.  YOU KNOW YOU WANT THIS COAT!  The sizes range from a 32 bust to a 52 bust, and the A-line skirt is perfect for many shapes.  You create the bodice, then pick up stitches and knit the skirt from the waist down, so you can make it as long as you want.  Nora will be adding little variations to the design on her BLOG, and will post every Monday to keep us on track. 

How Ella Fits:

The drape is absolutely beautiful. It is neither too tight, nor too loose.  It makes me feel very pretty and girly.  I thought of doing a Tour J'ete with this exciting declaration of beautiful femeninity I had on.  Yes, I did feel extremely feminine in traditional "boy" colors.  But, it's the embodiment of the sweater that makes you feel that way.  The fabric makes you feel very warm and snuggly.  Most snuggly sweaters feel a bit frumpy, but Ella is hip, cute, and dare I say Sexy.  I love it! 

After Vogue Knitting live, we went to an Indian restaurant nearby.  Nora sat next to me and we discussed pattern writing, color theory, knitting techniques, and yarn selection.  She even hand-wound a perfect Golden Yarn Egg.  I think it's a lot cuter than a yarn Cake. 



Nora, Ella, and the Golden Yarn Egg!





A closer view.  It's perfect!

 Nora is such a talented designer.  She gave me a little insight on the upcoming project that she has, and I got a glimpse of how much research went in to creating her unique patterns.  I must say I was blown away.  As soon as I have permission to talk more about it, I will. Trust me, you will be blown away as well. 

It was an honor to spend such an amazing weekend with Nora and Melissa. Noni Designs Rocks!

Cast-On time is in less than a day. Is your Ella ready to be created?

Ella NYC Diva Swatch

I must be honest with you. This is the first time I have ever done a proper swatch for a project. The first time I knit at least 4 inches, instead of just barely 2 and a half. The first time I didn't just follow what the pattern said, use the same yarn and needle size, and just go with it. The first time I didn't use the sleeve as my gauge swatch, to have to rip it out and change something. The first time I have contemplated cutting the yarn, so that I can actually wash it. I have usually had good luck with the sweaters I have knit in the past, in that they always fit.

This is also the first time I have ever had to create a color scheme layout on my own. The first time I had to calculate yarn quantity percentages. The first time I sketched something and had to make edits, and secondary edits.

What have I learned from all this? The first time can yield amazing beautiful results.

Upon examining my swatch, I realize that I want to add another 2 rows of hot pink. I think it would look perfect in the exact location that my finger is pointing. My expected gauge should be 18 stitches and 24 rows. However, I am getting 19 stitched and 26 rows. I really like the feel of this fabric. I wonder if I can just knit the next size up. Im afraid that if I go up a needle size, the fabric will not be dense enough. Any thoughts?

Also, it is killing me that I will have to wait a whole week before I can cast on. I am so excited about this Ella KAL.

I am also on love with Shepherd's Wool. It is so soft and plush. Here is a picture of the Festivus gift for "the Brain", the Scrumptious Cowl. I have 30 more rows to go before the project is complete. He got a sneak peek of it today, and told me he wants to buy a new grey coat to match it. He also said he feels special. Awwwwww!

And speaking of cowls, I finished my Scrunchable Bling cowl. I love it. The little pieces of bling don't itch at all. It isn't blocked in this picture, but I don't think blocking is a necessity. I used superwash wool, so I think this will be fine. Now I have something to wear with that coat with the pretty fur collar. More of those pics soon..... I promise.

 

So, with all this finishing going on, naturally I decided to cast on something else. Last week was really cold on NYC, and I didn't have a proper knitted hat made by yours truly. So, I came up with this idea to make a Cabled Earflap Hat. This hat is designed by Julie Hentz and was originally created for a baby using DK weight yarn on size 6 needles. I took worsted weight "Heavy Metal Wool" fro. http://www.littlebarninc.com/ and doubled it. I am using a size 10.5 16 inch Addi Turbo needle. So far, so good. And yes, of course it's pink.

One Earflap in the making.



2 Earflaps complete



No, this is not a set of Donkey Ears.  LOL! Just joined them to the hat. 



Ella NYC Diva Colorway

I am so excited about my beautiful yarn for Ella. I decided to put together a color scheme to help me decide on the striping pattern. In order to do this, I copied the picture from the Noni blog into photoshop, and used the eyedropper tool to get the RGB values for each skein of yarn. I then created a set of rectangles in PowerPoint and assigned a color to each. Based on the amount of skeins of each color, I multiplied the pairs of rectangles used to represent rows. For example, I have more Zinnia Pink rows than I do for Baby Pink. I also numbered the rectangles so I wouldn't forget.

Here is my proposed color scheme. Now, I just need to run to a yarn shop to get some Addis before I head home tonight. I am ready to swatch.

Ella is the cure for sickness

Today, I woke up feeling very out of sorts. The room was spinning, I could hardly eat, and I didn't even have enough energy to knit. So, you know I was SICK!

I went to the doctor to get checked out. He gave me some medicine for my ailments, and I dragged myself home.

Upon arrival at my door, I was surprised to see a box for me. Inside was the yarn for my Ella coat. 13 Skeins of Shepherd's Wool and 3 skeins of Tilli Tomas Flurries. I also received some Noni Patterns for some floral fun. Sunset Over Chaco Canyon Knitted Cactus Flowers, Bling Flowers, and Escher's Oriental Poppy Cowl. They are all so beautiful. Lastly there were some Sparkle Rivets in there. I am so excited to make these projects using this yarn.

Shepherd's Wool is super soft. The colors are pure and vibrant. At 250 yards per skein, it is perfect for those one skein wonders, yet has enough to make sweater knitting not be a pain with a million ends to weave in.

Although I will be knitting stripes, which will leave many loose ends, I am trying to figure out a way to minimize this. I am thinking that if I do an even amount of rows for each color, I will be able to have less loose ends. Now I just need to figure out the perfect color sequence.

So after receiving the yarn, I got a burst of energy. All of the sickness that I felt early this morning vanished into oblivion.

I want to thank the staff of Noni designs for choosing me to be one of their featured bloggers, and also thank them for sending the cure for what ails me. You guys rock!

Here are pictures of my yummy yarn. I posed with Ella on the couch. That's my knitting spot where most of the magic will be happening.