More Cotton Candy!!!

I recently looked at the stash that is taking up space on my clothes closet, and it is overflowing. I can't even contain all of the yarn in the cubbyholes that I built. Yes, the yarn from my last yarn crawl does not have a real home.... sad to say. So, I decided to do some projects to de-stash. I started with this A-line dress for a baby girl. The yarn is Jaeger Baby Merino DK in the color "Yoyo". So, far it looks like 2 skeins will complete the 12-month size of the dress. The pattern is from "Knits, Knots, Buttons and Bows: Projects for Babies", by Lynda Schar. I got the book from www.wowio.com . The site is sponsored by different companies who pay for publishing rights, so you can download the books to PDF free of charge. However, please remember that unauthorized duplication of the PDF is illegal.

Anyways... back to the knitty gritty... Here is the dress with the front complete. I was supposed to do a scalloped edge on the bottom of the dress, but I didn't so of course it started to roll. I plan to do an I-cord edging to get it to lay flat. Although it is tedius, the results are gorgeous, as you can see in my vest from the previous post.
I also made some progress on a crochet project for Deborah. At this point, I have 1 more row of increases to do before working the length of the hat from the crown. It is coming along very nicely, and quickly. My only slight problem is the fact that the yarn is a bit more slippery that I am used to, since it is fingering weight alpaca. But, I have managed to figure out how to crochet without having the yarn split on me. Cherry Tree Hill Glitter Alpaca still gets brownie points in my book. It is super-duper soft.

I'm Almost There!!

I am so intrigued that everyone wants to know the status of my vest. It is almost finished. I set out to finish it tonight, so that I could wear it tomorrow, but my eyes are starting to burn. Here is what happened.

I did a three-needle bindoff, to save myself from having to kitchener the shoulders.

I picked up stitches around the neckline, then did an I-Cord bindoff to make the neckline look more finished.

This is my stopping point for tonight. These I-Cord bindoff's take FOREVER. I keep telling myself "Knitting makes me have more patience". Well, once that's done, it will be done once and for all. Just one and a half more armholes to go. Yippee!! More pictures of me actually wearing it soon. I did try it on after I did the 3 needle bindoff on the shoulders, and it fits this time!!!

More Progress!!!

I completed the back of my vest. I left the stitches live, so that I can do a three needle bindoff for the shoulders. I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, it is time to finish the front. I tried it on, and it fits... but I couldn't get mommy to take a photograph. Maybe tomorrow. We will see how far I get.
Aside from that, I have decided to commit myself to the Sit N Knit sock exchange. I am not sure what sock I will be making just yet, though. Any suggestions???

4 Days Later.. Making Progress!!

I have made some progress on my vest. The current total length is about 12 inches. I am going to add an extra inch to the length, then proceed to split the front and back, and do the armhole shaping. So, I am almost back to the point where I originally frogged it. Here are some pictures comparing it to the sweater that fits really well. It is about 1 inch wider, but I can live with that. It leaves room for a button-down shirt to be worn below the vest.



Taking control of your knitting is very liberating!!!! I am smiling for real now.

Here We Go Again!!!

I want to thank everyone for their sympathy in the loss of my vest-turned-skirt. I have started it again. The old sweater had 204 sts casted on, the new sweater has 172 stitches. I sure hope that this works. The big fat yarn cake is 150 grams of yarn. That is 3 skeins of Jaeger Baby Merino DK. Wish me luck!!!

Reflections of my blog-aversary

My first post was December 28, 2006

Wow!! It has been a year since my first post, and I must say that it has been wonderful. Through all of the ups and down of hats that didn't fit, and seams that didn't come together right, and ripping back of row after row, I can still say that I love this knitting thing. I have met some amazing people, and I have a bunch of new people that I can actually call my friends. It is great to have other people who understand why you rip back 20 rows because you see a miscrossed cable, or a dropped stitch.

Here are some of the things that have learned/accomplished in the past year.

• I knit a sweater. My very first sweater, and it fits, and it is gorgeous, and I love to wear it. I feel very validated as a knitter because of this.
• I learned to knit cables
• I learned to knit patterned socks, instead of the plain stockinette version. I actually completed a full pair of socks.
• I learned to knit toe-up socks on two circulars
• I learned how to avoid stair-step decreases when shaping an armhole or shoulder.
• I have finally learned how to do a Yarn over, and make pretty lace.
• I have learned the difference between a left slanting decrease and Make 1, and a right-slanting decrease and Make 1.
• I learned how to make a bobble.
• I learned how to do Fair Isle on the round (very loosely)
• I learned how to do a one-row buttonhole
• I finally know what Rhinebeck is, and oh what an experience it was!
• I designed a hat that is superwarm and super gorgeous. (Don't worry, I am stilll working the kinks out of the pattern. I didn't forget about my newfound friends who are itching to cast on!)
• I learned how to make one-of-a-kind stitch markers to make knitting just a little more fun

I have also found some of my favorite Yarn stores this year, all for different reasons.

• Knitaway of Brooklyn (Atlantic Avenue) - It is close to the 2 train, and they have a huge selection of needles and notions, and I really like the owner. She is very encouraging.
• Brooklyn General - The store has moved to a new location that is more than double their original size, and the yarn selection is fabulous.
• Knit New York - I love the 10% discount after you rack up $200 in purchases. They have a lot of colors of Cascade Magnum, and they have a wall of Malabrigoooooo. Wait.. my heart stopped for a minute.. hehe!! Oh , and their Xocolate Chai Latte is better than anything I have ever tasted at Starbucks.
• Seaport Yarn - It is walking distance from my job (a recipe for danger), has a room full of sock yarn, and a very huge selection to choose from (Koigu is very reasonably priced). Also, they have knit night on wednesdays, which is very cool.
• The Pointe - Since they have a new manager, there has been a lot more sales and special classes going on. One day, I will try some. The yarn selection is great in there as well.

The only downfall to this knitting thing is that I have experienced a severe case of "Startitis". Here are two new projects that I started working on in the past few days.

Juno Regina scarf from Knitty.

I am using the Malabrigo Lace (Cactus Flower colorway) that I originally bought for the Secret of the Stole. I have decided to stop fooling myself into believing that I will complete the Secret of the Stole. The secret is out, and I am still on clue #1. I will use the beads in another project, or just make some pretty jewelry with them. This is about 30 rows intothe pattern. Woo, I've got a long way to go.

Bobbled Tunic (#17) from Vogue Knitting Holiday 2006.

I am very excited about this sweater. I have wanted to make it for a whole year, and just got my act together. The Cascade Magnum is a dream to knit with. This is a great learning sweater, as I learned to make bobbles with it. Also, I am getting instant gratification since it is knitting up so fast. I was a little confused because the instructions start off with a K2P2 rib on an odd number of stitches, but I just went with the flow for that last odd stitch. It's gonna get seamed anyway. Here are the sleeves about halfway done.

I want to give special thanks to all of my knitting buddies that I have met in person at Sit N' Knit meetups, at Rhinebeck, at yarn stores, and those who live far away but make my creative juices flow over the internet. This knitting passion of mine would not be complete without you. You have helped me prove that anything is possible, and some of these difficult things can be done step by step, and stitch by stitch. For those that I have the honor of seeing in person from time to time, I love being able to create beautiful memories with you. I love all of the laughter, and just being able to put aside the day to day stresses. Taking it out on two sticks and a piece of string is very heartwarming. And, look at the beautiful things that we are able to create? I would also like to give a special thank you to those who have taught me what good yarn is, and I promise never to buy Red Heart A-Cry-LY-Yuk again. I have been forever transformed into a yarn snob, and I am loving it. We are all one deep in our hearts, because we all have our favorites. That is why me, being the great enabler that I am, will always let you now if I find out about a good sale on some good yarn. Thank you for all of the encouragement.

Goals for 2008

• Finish all of the sweaters that have been started
• Finally create a lace accessory and finish it to completion.
• Design more garments and accessories
• Make more stitch markers with jewelry to match
• Buy even more yarn at Rhinebeck. LOL!!!

Introducing....The New Pattern Maker!

Hello everyone. I have been a little busy, doing a little knitting math the past few days. I have managed to create a pattern for the Mary J. Blige hat that I posted about a few weeks ago.
Here are pictures of Mary and I.

The hat was made using 1 skein of Cascade Magnum #9424 Savona Rose, size 13 and size 15 needles. I managed to have about 39 yards left over.

Here are the stages of my development.

Yes, I actually did a guage swatch. I got 2 sts/inch on size 15's just as the ballband said.

Here is it before I started to add in the decreases.

Here is the finished body of the hat. It even looks nice without the brim. This picture was taken during the knitting circle at Seaport Yarn.

Here is a closeup

A few more FO shots.

Both the yarn and buttons were purchased at Knit New York. I finished the hat there today, and I want to thank the staff so much for encouraging me while I was doing the finishing touches.

I absolutely love this hat. The cold air doesn't even blow through it. It is Super bulky and Super warm. I can't wait to make a sweater out of this Cascade stuff.

Finished Object Update

I just wanted to let you all know of a few projects that I have finished since my last post.

Here is my Foliage hat that I made for the Sit N' Knit swap. We will be exchanging gifts at the Annual Holiday party. I am so excited. This is made from leftover Cascade 220 that I used for my Central Park Hoodie. Stashbusting feels great. I followed the pattern exactly as stated. Keep in mind that if you try this pattern, it is best to use stitch markers between each pattern repeat, and don't forget to Yarn over. I ran into a few issues where I had to frog a row or two because of missed YO's. However, I still think that this is a great pattern. It was a quick knit. I am very happy with the finished product. I am sure that the swap recipient will be very pleased. This took about 4 days to complete, because I had very little time where I could actually sit still and focus.
Here is the Peapod baby set that I made for my Cousin's baby, who will be born in January. I used Knitpicks Shine Sport in Orchid, using size 5 needles. I managed to knit the sweater in 2.5 days, to make the deadline for her baby shower last weekend. Whew!! I initially bought 5 skeins of yarn, and I have about 1.5 skeins left. Hmmmm.....maybe I can make another baby hat.


Here is the second Peapod Baby Set that I am making for Tawana's little one who also is scheduled to arrive in January. I used Knitpicks ShineSport in Crocus. All that is left to do is sew on buttons, and weave in the ends.


And here is the hat in progress, modeled by my Goddaughter/cousin Symara. She is anxious for this hat to be done, because I need to use the needles to make a hat for her birthday gift, which is the day after christmas. Whew!!! Holiday knitting never ends.


Here is a closeup of the hat. The stitch pattern looks beautiful. I just have about 4 more rows to go before I do the decreases. This will become a finished object soon enough.

Next on the list....

• Top Down hat for Symara with fun fur edging (Jaeger Baby Merino DK - Color -YoYo- variegated pink)
• Top Down hat for Carissa (Symara's sister) with fun fur edging (Jaeger baby Merino DK - Color - Hula Hoop - variegated purple and lilac)
• Mary J. Blige hat - there is no way I am backing down from that challenge. (Cascade Magnum)
  

CPH 2 - Monogamous knitting???

During my first love affair with the Central Park Hoodie, I kept it on the back burner for months while I played with other projects. Now, my second time around, I am giving it all of the attention it deserves. I have pushed aside my Secret of the Stole, Snuggle Sweater, and Embossed Leaves socks......well, just for a little while.

So, here is my Central Park Hoodie with the right front portion complete, in all of it's glory. On to the back portion tomorrow!!!

Well, I am not totally monogamous with my knitting. I have been working on a secret knitted gift for a friend's birthday. I will post when the secret is revealed. I can only say that it is purple, and it is lacy.

Just Checking In

I have not been enthusiatic about posting, because I still don't have a camera. ARRRGGGHHH!!!
Well, at least I found one that I like. I just have not had the time to go to the store to actually test it out. It is Sunday, the Lord's day of rest, and where am I?? At WORK. Well, I had to do it so that I could get next Friday off in order to relax for my drive up to Rhinebeck. I am so excited.

Onto the knitting news.....Here is my status report.

My stash has dramatically decreases because I gifted some of my yarn to my Mom's Godmother, who is about 80 years old. She crochets wraps for childern in her church. I took the big bin over to her house, and told her to dig in. She has limited mobility, so the fact that she was able to have yarn hand-delivered to her house made her very excited. I will do the percentage calculations later. Chances are, I have added as much as I have given away, since June. And, with Rhinebeck being less than 7 days away... who knows what will happen.

Secret of the Stole.
I am on Row 53 of hint #1. I just can't seem to find the right mixture of quiet, not being on a bouncing bus, phone not ringing time to work on it. I don't want to have beads spilling all over the place either. Hint #2 has been downloaded and is waiting in the wings. I am still excited about this project. Hopefully I will find some time before the end of the week to make some progress.
Central Park Hoodie #1
I bound off the buttonband with an I-cord bindoff, and it looks great. I seamed the right sleeve and side seam. I tried it on, and then I realize that my ribbing wasn't lining up properly on the sleeve or the side seam. Also, the center of the sleeve was not lining up with the shoulder seam. So, i decided to rip it out. I will make the sleeves into 2 separate tubes, then join them to the body. I already completed the left sleeve, and it is gorgeous.
Embossed Leaves Sock
The cuff of side number one has about 8 rows to go before I start working on the heel. I like this pattern.
Central Park Hoodie #2
I casted this on while I was going home on the bus on Either Wednesday or Thursday (can't remember, it is a blur now). Currently, it is my travel project, until it gets too big. I had some time to work on it yesterday, because I went to get a part replaced on my car and I had to wait 1 1/2 hours for them complete it. If I didn't have my knitting, I would have went bananas!! I decided to make it all in one piece, since the seams annoyed me so much on the first CPH. I am currently on the second cable cross row, which is about 6 inches into the pattern. In Trinidad we have a saying that goes " when it's nice, do it twice". The second time around is so much better.
Snuggle Sweater
She is relaxing in my closet. I have gotten near the end of the second 48-row pattern repeat. She is sitting nicely, and patiently waiting for my love.

All other projects are on the back burner until further notice.

Central Park Hoodie Update - with pics!!!

I decided to stop by my cousin's house today, and lo and behold she had a camera with a memory card that fits into my laptop. WooHoo!!! You know I got to snapping. Here are the pics of my work-in-progress. Don't worry...I will get a camera soon. My dream camera hasn't arrived in the stores just yet. I gotta wait about 10 more days.
This is what 328 stitches of pure MADNESS look like, halfway through the row. See my lovely stitch markers that my swap pal Carrie made for me. It only reminds me that I need to make some more quickly!!!And once again, proof that only Jesus is perfect. I found a boo-boo in one of the cables on the left front portion. It is the runt of the bunch, being much smaller than the rest. There is no way on earth that I am going to rip that out. The shoulders are seamed already. I can live with it.

Favorite Socks - Embossed leaves (part 1)

I just wanted to post pictures of my new travel knitting project. Once again, sorry for the unclear photo. My budget has not allowed me to replace the dead camera yet. I am still trying to hold off on the credit card usage. So, we are still using the camera phone.

One day last week, I decided to go through all of my loose pennies, and take them to the Coinstar machine. I received an Amazon gift certificate for $29.37. So, I decided to treat myself with my newfound "wealth" to some books. One of which was Interweave's Favorite Socks. Here is my progress on the Embossed leaves pattern, using Colinette Jitterbug yarn (from my stash) in the Marble colorway, and Knitpicks Options size 1 circular needles. This is about 2 16-row pattern repeats into the pattern. They are coming out very nice. The pattern is easy to follow, and it is knitting up quickly.

I also bought Knit2Together, and Fitted Knits. I should be joining the Fitted Knits KAL once I decide which cute sweater I want to make first. I joined the Favorite Socks KAL, but am still waiting for my sign-up verification email.

Also, I wanted to show off some stitch markers that I made for my swapbot partner Deb, now that she has finally received them.

I am so glad that she is really enjoying them. Deb is a professional chef, as you can see on her blog, so I thought it was fitting that her stitch markers reflect that with the utensils attached. The others are just some smaller ones I made to use for her socks, since she belongs to many sock yarn clubs. I know that they will come in handy.

Last Minute Finished Object!!

Today is the day that my friend Beverly is having a baby shower. So, last night I gave myself a challenge. I have been thinking anout making a baby hat for her boy who will be here soon. However, I didn't have a pattern to suit the yarn I wanted to use. I decided to use my SWS (soy Wool Stripes) yarn that I acquired from the Yarn Harlot's booksigning. I used a pattern from "Knitting 2007 Pattern-A-Day Calendar called "Live Dangerously, Don't Swatch Hat". I like that name because I hate swatching, and frankly, I had no time to do so. Also, it is a top-down pattern, so that makes it easier to see what I am doing as I go along, especially with the color variations. So i followed the directions for the crow, and then invented the rest of it.

I was working on it last night, and finished the crown, and about two inches of the "body". This morning I did one more inch, and added an inch of ribbing for elasticity and design. I sure hope Bev's baby likes it, because I really do. I used size 8 DPN's for the crown and body, and size 5 DNP's for the ribbing. I know I should have used size 6, but I don't have those, and the hat was too small to put on a 16 inch circular. I increased the hat to 72 stitches, knitted 3 inches in stockinette, and ribbed 1 inch, and bound off the hat using the size 8 needles. This was a quick and easy knit.

Finally, some progress!!!

I am finally making some progress on my Central Park Hoodie. I am up to the point where I am working on the hood.
Here are some pictures of the shoulder seams. I crocheted it on the wrong side using the Single Crochet stitch.

I lined up the stitches with the padlock shaped stitch markers.

Wow!!! What a neat seam for my first try. This is why it is very important to bind off loosely.
The seam from the wrong side.
Now it is starting to actually look like a sweater.
Progress on the hood, about 4 inches.
I added the cable to the center of the hood. It looks better this way.

Only 7 more inches to go!! Woohoo! You think maybe I can finish this before the week is done? Although there were many distractions while knitting this sweater, I am all excited all over again, and I am still in love with the color.

You Can't Hurry Love...No You Just Have to Wait!

My falling In Love socks are complete. Finally!!! It took a visit to the doctor, and being in the waiting room FOREVER to get these babies done.

No more teasing DEB!!!

Time for show and tell.
Let me also add, that I just showed them off to Mommy, and her remark was "GET A LIFE!!!" Well, at least I'm not on drugs!!! She is just pissed that I will be going to Rhinebeck the weekend that she wanted me to help her decorate a wedding. Hey, I had my Rhinebeck plans before the couple set the date. Whatever!!! Hello??? Whose life is this? You can't get mad at people for doing whatever they want to do. So, Rhinebeck here I come. I need some more yarn, and I want some Ice Wine too.
Hmmm.. I guess that means no shawl for Mommy this winter. Oh well, more time for me to make sweaters.


Speaking of Sweaters, here is my update on the Snuggle sweater.
I have also set a deadline for the Central Park Hoodie. It was really cold today (60 degrees in August) and I wished I could have just put it on..but it's kinda hard to do that when it is in pieces. So, it will be blocked before the weekend, I promise. I need it for the Rhinebeck trip. September is around the corner, and then October will be here before you know it.

UFO sighting!!!

I was going through my closet, and I found this Unfinished Object. It is the Cropped Pullover #2 from Vogue Knitting Winter 2005/2006. I decided to make it using Manos del Uruguay in Rust (#28)


I was very ambitious to want to do this as my first sweater, considering it did not have the traditional sweater shape. There is nothing like it. I mean, it is both a V-Neck and a turtleneck (when flipped upside down).
After completing the body piece, I was supposed to somehow join it, and then add on the sleeves and collar. The VK instructions were a little bit difficult to understand at the time that I was trying to construct it. However, it has since been updated, and I can continue on without a problem.
Just a side note. I was able to get the stitch gauge, but the row gauge was a little off, so I compensated for this by adding more rows to the length of the sweater so that it can meet the required measurements. It is done in a K1P1 rib, so stretching should not be a problem. More updates later. Happy knitting everyone!!!

What a wonderful Knitta-Que weekend!!

Firstly, I must say that the Sisterfriends Knitta-Que was amazing. I had so much fun. I want to personally thank Chante and Sahara for planning it and making it possible. I also want to thank them for the lovely gift I recieved for helping out with the flyer. Sahara had a grab bag of goodies, and I picked this book, mainly because I have this sweater obsession now.

Here is a picture of Sahara working on a beautiful lace piece.

Here is a picture of Chante happily spinning. Yes the wheel really was moving that fast, and the camera caught a glimpse of it.

Also, here is Chante's coworker Kim, working on a pair of socks. She made the best carrot cake ever, and even though the cream cheese frosting splattered on me as I was trying to get it out of the pan, it was not a big deal becaue it was so sweet and scrumptious.

Here is Tawana, a fellow Brooklynite who has been my friend through this blogworld for a few months now.

This was the first time that we got a chance to meet face to face, and I am so happy. We are actually working on the Central Park Hoodie at the same time. I am persistently trying to get her to change her mind about putting it in hibernation, but she has this pretty little thing called a baby growing inside of her that is making it difficult. She is working on a little pair of Koigu socks in the picture, and I am sure she has so much more ideas for cute baby sweaters. Hey, how about a mini Central Park Hoodie so baby can look like mommy??? It will still be sweater weather when the baby comes along. I know, I won't give up!!

Also, in attendance was N'joya from the Harlem Knitting Circle. She was a joy to talk to as always. I am really feeling the color scheme that she has going on. Okay, my next project will be a size 15 needle project, because I am getting super jealous. LOL!!!

Speaking of projects, here is the update on my Snuggle Sweater.

Only 1 and a half more pattern repeats to go before I start the armhole decreases. This project is going by really fast. The pattern changes colors really quickly, so I am not getting bored. One even better thing is that the pattern comes from Knitting magazine (British) from March of 2006, and many knitters in the US have never even heard of it. This means that I will have a one of a kind sweater this winter... FINALLY!!! By the way, I touched a marked down designer cashmere sweater in Daffy's today, and it elt like Brillo compared to my Snuggle sweater. My goodness, and I didn't even block it with my lavender scented woolwash yet. I think I may get arrested by the fashion police for wearing this sweater too much. Rowan RYC/Cashmerino DK rocks!!!