August 7, 2008

Sometimes I wonder if FO posts are obsolete since we've got Ravelry now. I'll continue to do them, though. A post is a post, right? :-)

So without further ado I give you:



Now I'm going to let you in on a little secret.

I'm going to try my hand at yet another sweater.

This one:

Crazy? Right? Here's what I'm thinking: If this one ends up icky (like all the rest of them) at least I had a ton o' fun knitting it! I lerves me some cables, and this has plenty!

Countdown 1,000: 58

Labels: FO's, Knitting, Wild Hairs

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July 24, 2008

I started this in December of 2006 as a present for the Stray. I just finished it this week. According to the pattern, it's supposed to be 48 inches wide by 60 inches tall, but gauge is not my friend and I ended up with about 58" in width. Being lazy, I just decided to knit the length to 48". So now when you use it, the houndstooth pattern is sideways..but it still keeps ya warm.
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick
Needles: Size 13 (9 MM)
Pattern: The Men's Club from The Little Box of Knitted Throws.
Countdown 1,000: 71

Labels: FO's, Knitting

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July 14, 2008

I had a workshop to go to today and was able to finish this. I was a little early and finished before it even started. Good thing the speaker was fabulous.

Pattern:Vintage Lace
I think I've written before about how much I love this pattern. Simple and easily memorized, but produces something lovely. I knew when I started that I would not have a super long scarf. I'm very pleased. I really wish I had a cameo or pretty brooch to wear with this (To hell with looking like a granny!)

Yarn: Lion Brand Sportweight
I purchased this a long time ago. Do they even make this stuff anymore? I loved the look of this, but I have some KnitPicks Merino Bare (fingering weight) that I think will look nice, too.

Needles: Bamboo (who knows what brand) US size 6 (4.25MM)

Commentary:
Did I mention how much I enjoyed knitting this? I took a break from it for a while, but figured I needed a little "pick-me-up" since the socks are being so cantankerous. (To be fair, it's the yarn. The sock feels great, but the pooling is driving me crazy)

Countdown 1,000: 76

Labels: FO's, Knitting, Life The Universe and Everything

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July 4, 2008

Tell me they aren't the same color. There's also a little Goldenrod and Avocado (a la 1970's kitchens) mixed in, too.

Pattern: rpm (again, see commentary below)
Yarn: Lion Bran Sock Ease
Color: Lemon Drop
Needles: 40" (100 cm) Knit Picks circs size 1 (2.25 MM)
Started: June 30
Completed: July 4
Commentary:
I really started to dislike these socks toward the end. I know now to wait a little longer to do a pattern again. It doesn't matter how much I like the pattern, if I do it practically back to back I'm going to get bored. In this case I was bored about the time I got to the leg of the first sock. I also figured out pretty early that the yarn wasn't working up to the glorious sock I imagined when I was in the craft store, but I wasn't bothered enough to start over. The heels were a little pointier than they were for the Kermits. I think working down to 10 stitches will be the magic number for my short row heels from now on.

Hub-a-Dub finally found out the due date for his friend's wife (men can be really useless sometimes). July 31.

I'm currently debating whether I want to get Out Couture's Prairie Blanket (Ravelry link) done for the birth or baby's first Christmas. If I try to pull off a "for the birth" knit, bad karma might get knit into the project. If I go for the "baby's first Christmas", I'll start relaxed, freak out around December 15 and knit bad karma into the project.

Countdown 1,000: 84

Labels: FO's, Summer of Socks 2008, Year of the Sock

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June 30, 2008

This is unbelievable. Spain wins and I finish another pair of socks (at 11:45 PM.)

Behold:


OOOOH


AAAAH

The lighting is really bad since my house is a dungeon and I'm forced to use the flash. I just didn't want to wait until tomorrow and daylight to take the pictures.

I blocked one to see if there was a difference in feel and fit. I think there is, but it may just be psychological. Bat enjoyed the blocking process at least:


Countdown 1,000: 89

Labels: FO's, Knitting, Summer of Socks 2008, Year of the Sock

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June 25, 2008

I finally finished my rpm's, but I've decided "Kermit" is a better name for them.




I'm really pleased with this pair. I still have a little perfecting to do when it comes to heels (and that pesky gap at the gusset,) but I'm getting there.

Pattern: rpm
Yarn: Panda Cotton by Crystal Palace Yarns (59% Bamboo, 25% Cotton, 16% Elastic Nylon)
Color: Fern
Amount: 1 ball per sock, with plenty to spare from each ball
Needles: 40" Addis 1 1/5 (I think 2.25 MM, but don't quote me)

Did I mention how excited I am? I may never get the hang of sweaters, but I am lovin' the sock knitting!
Countdown 1,000: 96

Labels: FO's, Knitting, Socks, Year of the Sock

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June 18, 2008

Andrea is the proud new owner of the SOG Giveaways!

I know it's hard to understand: just givin' away stuff. I've got 20 years of stuff lying around and I just find it easier to give it away. No strings, I pinkie swear.

In other news...
I really appreciate all the nice things y'all had to say about Cherry. I promise it is a trick of the camera, but the sweater did not look good on me.



See the guy on the right? Now compare it the original, un-edited "me in the sweater pic":


I will concede that the hairdo may have more to do with the similarities than the sweater. (And I need a gardener.)

Yes, I know. Too hard on myself yada yada yada. (I'm pretty sure "don't whine so much" is becoming a Don't on the Rules of Good Blogging list. I'll have to keep this in mind for future posts.)

I do appreciate how much positive reinforcement you've given me over the years. Please insert sappy, mushy thoughts here. (Any fans of Flipping Out around? I could invite you to a mandatory We Appreciate You Cocktail Party...)
Countdown 1,000: 100

Labels: FO's, Knitting, Summer of Givin'

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June 15, 2008

I cast off Cherry:



I am not willing to call this a failure since Offspring went crazy for it when she saw me in it. I'm going to frog this one and make hers with the yarn. After all, it is Crimson Tide red and I won't be using the sweater. I'm thinking I'll use a size 8 needle for hers so I'll have to pull the calculator out to do some math (again.)

I'm discovering that much of my sweater disappointment comes not from my knitting, but from my choice of pattern. I do not pick patterns/shapes that are flattering on me. For instance, I have pretty broad shoulders. Cap sleeves tend accentuate my linebacker silhouette (at, least the seem to when I look in the mirror.) Both Cherry and Juliet* have cappish sleeves. V-neck sweaters and cardigans tend to look better on me. Most sweaters that I wear tend to be sleeveless or long sleeved. (Is anyone thinking V-neck vest?)

Also, most of my weight is carried in my belly. The last thing I need is to use bulky yarn. I am promising myself right now that I will only use worsted and lighter from now on. (Knit So Fine might be purchased somewhere in the future.) Although I am self-conscious about my tummy, I liked the fitted look of Cherry. The picture doesn't show it well, but Cherry carved out a little waist-line curvature that normally isn't there. One of the things I never liked about my Mondo Cable project was the cable running right over my belly. I'm wondering if I should have used a plain stockinette stitch instead.

The more sweaters I make the more I learn. One day, Sara, you will be successful.

As for the other week-end activities, Hubster was vile and requested that I clean the craft room as my Father's Day gift to him.



Guess who I am...
I have to own up to it; the room really had gotten out of hand.

Just don't tell Hubster I said that.

I forgot to take a "before" shot, but I did remember the "after" shots:


I think that the fact that it still looks messy gives you an idea of how big the pile of crap craft supplies problem had become.

The only thing that made the whole clean-up bearable was the fact that he requested Offspring clean her room, too. *snicker*

*I refuse to be photographed in that one
Countdown 1,000: 105

Labels: Family Fun, FO's, Knitting

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June 5, 2008

It appears that Swapna is the fastest clicker in the erm...east. She's snapped up the yarn and knitting book.

Netter is the fatest clicker stateside. She's now the proud owner of the crochet grab bag.

I sat down last night and finally finished a pair of socks I started in April:

Pattern: Yarn Over Cable from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch
Yarn: Panda Cotton by Crystal Palace Yarn
Needles: Size 1.5 (2.5 mm) 40" Addi's (Magic Loop is my favorite!)
Comments: This is the softest yarn! At first I found it to be a bit slippery and splitty, but I got used to it. These socks will be worn in public!

So far in this Year of the Sock I am averaging 1 pair of socks per month. Not too shabby.

But you know that feeling you get when you finish a book? You know, like you can't quite decide what to read next? I kind of feel that way about the next pair. I can't decide if I want to do RPM or Tangled Vines. All I know for sure is that I want to use this yarn:

Panda Cotton in Fern (hence the backdrop)

Your thoughts?
Countdown 1,000: 122

Labels: FO's, Knitting, Socks, Year of the Sock

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June 4, 2008

I recently finished 3 kippot (head coverings worn by Jewish men...although, many women in my synagogue also wear them during services)

href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77764546@N00/2552435394/" title="Tocker Kippah by topperarnold, on Flickr">
From right to left (since one reads Hebrew that way *grin*)
Pattern: Basic Knit Kippah in Reverse Stockinette Stitch(pdf file) By Jennifer Tocker
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease-Sportweight. I wish I could give a solid yardage amount. It doesn't seem like very much of the ball was used.
Needles: 16" circular size 1 (2.25 mm) Bates
Comments: of the three, this one fits best (truly one size for all as it fits me, hubby and the Stray.) And isn't hubby the most patient man on earth?

Pattern: Keppie(pdf file) By Pamela Grossman
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease-Worsted weight. Again, I have no idea the official yardage. Less than half a ball?
Needles: Addi 40" circs size 3 (3.25 mm)
Comments: I've written about this one before. Me loves it, but I will use size 4 or 5 next time I make it for myself.

Pattern: Sockpixie's Kippah
Yarn: Leftover Sockotta from The Second Pair.
Needles: 16" size 1 (2.25 mm) Bates
Comments: My least favorite. The yarn makes for a floppy kippah.

Countdown 1,000: 124

Labels: FO's, Knitting

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May 16, 2008

Countdown to 1000: 145

Last night I was looking for mindless knitting. It was the season finale of Supernatural and I didn't want to miss anything because of a complicated pattern. So I chose Baby Bib O' Love(Ravelry link) from Mason Dixon Knitting (link to book info...their site is here.)



Details
Yarn: Sugar and Cream- 1 ball
Color: Playtime
Needles: Bates Size 5 (3.75 MM)
Commentary: For some reason I got so tired of turning my work and decided to figure out how to do the garter stitch back and forth without turning. I'm happy to report that I was successful. It doesn't save me any time and until I get really good at it, it is actually slower...but I hate turning that much. I'm also happy to report that there was some knitting without looking, too! Overall, a fun project. Look out, Dishcloths! There's some new therapy in town!

Labels: FO's, Knitting

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May 12, 2008

Countdown to post #1,000: 149

While I'm not ready to give up dishcloths yet, I have found another sanity maintaining craft project:



They are useless but I cannot resist them. In fact, I am quite taken with the idea of crocheting miniature food. I've added lots o' patterns to my ravelry faves. Significant vacation time will be spent on this latest obsession.
The Details
Pattern: Quick Cupcake
Hook: I made one using size F (3.75 MM) and another using size G (4.0 MM). There was very little difference size-wise in the finished product, but the yarn preferred the size G.
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Chocolate (of course!) and Soft Pink
Commentary: I am in love. I've got some off white yarn for vanilla flavored cupcakes tomorrow!

Labels: Crochet, FO's

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May 1, 2008

More Dishcloth Goodness
Originally uploaded by topperarnold

I'm still going to post my projects here even though Ravelry is becoming a replacement for many blogs. I'm emotionally attached to my blog :-)

So, here is another dishcloth therapy project.
Pattern: Petal Dishcloth
Yarn: Some Sugar n' Cream dug out of the stash that for some reason had no label
Needles: Size 7 (4.5 MM) Takumi bamboo
Comentary: There's a messed up petal, but if you will click over to the pattern you'll discover a wonky petal there, too. Finally! I make something that looks like the picture! But seriously, I loved the pattern. It was quick and easy to memorize. AND I discovered another purpose for knitting! I took this project with me to a teacher get together. I love the folks I work with, but I have a terrible case of foot in mouth disease, but if I'm knitting I KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT! How cool is that?

Labels: Dishcloth Therapy, FO's, Knitting

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April 27, 2008

P4250001
Originally uploaded by topperarnold

Reeally I should have worked on the baby blanket, but I've had my eye on this project for a while. Plus I'm trying to pare down my queue on Ravelry.

Stats
Pattern: Magic Slippers
Yarn: Bernat Hot Sox (It was early in my stash building career. I was naive)
Needles: 2.75 Susan Bates (they have a weird bend to them where the cable joins the needle that is really annoying.)
Commentary: Truly the best bootie pattern out there. I will be making more of these. I loved the fact that there is no seaming.

Labels: FO's, Knitting

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April 6, 2008

Yesterday I took a break from socks to declare war on one of my WIPs:





I'm now the proud owner of this FO:




I like to think of it as the crochet version of Branching Out. I first saw it done by Valli, who got the pattern from Craftster.org. I've linked to the thread. The chart is on the second or third page of the thread.

Labels: Crochet, FO's

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January 4, 2008

Just finished up the third one:

Labels: FO's, Holidays, Knitting

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Ok. I know that stockings aren't a traditional part of the chanukah celebration. But knitted latkes just wouldn't look as cute. The plain white one was made with TLC baby this morning and I liked it so much I dragged Offspring to Hobby Lobby to pick up some Red Heart sport (ok, I had to bribe her with a trip to Target and a couple other places...cupcakes were involved...but she came.) I'm going to try and finish up the striped one tonight.

This pattern has been on my "To Do" list since Kimberly posted about the designer in early December. They are really fun to make! I also picked up some traditional red and green for friends that celebrate Christmas.*

Well, it's back to work on Monday. I almost feel like I am in mourning. And like I often do, I am promising myself that this time I won't be a work-a-holic, this time I will make time for crafts, I won't ignore my blog. Strange as it may seem, I really miss my crafts and blogging when I'm away. I can't tell you guys how happy it makes me that ya'll still read me even though I am just a seasonal blogger.

So let's see, may daily FO average is up to 1.5...cool! It was really nice of Deneen to let her mojo visit me, but I think it is homesick and will be headed back soon.
*The irony being that I will tire of this project within days and I'll never have enough for gift giving.

Labels: FO's, Holidays, Knitting

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January 3, 2008

Well, I finished another dishcloth today. This time it was crocheted. I tried to get a pic, but the sun is down and the flash on my camera just really screws up the coloring. I'll take a pic outside tomorrow and post it. My average is now 1.3 FO's per day. I go back to work next Monday, so the average will plummet after that. But for now I'm stockpiling FO's.

The hook was the instrument of choice today. I also worked on my crochet version of the branching out scarf.

After I post this I'll be starting another super secret wearable pattern. I'm not sure if it can be defined as a sweater. Although I was not happy with my work on Mondo cable, I think keeping the project somewhat secret and not naming it helped. So, I'll leave you with the hint that my approximate gauge needs to be 4 stitches per inch and I'll be casting on 10 stitches to begin.

Labels: Crochet, Dishcloth Therapy, FO's

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January 1, 2008

Well, here it is: The Mondo Cable (Pattern for sale here)




I appreciate all the kind comments I've gotten on ravelry and in my flickr album, but I gotta tell ya', folks that I don't feel very victorious. Blocking did not tame the curl very well so I ended up with somewhat bulky seams:






The length is a smidge short. I would be happier with maybe an extra 1" or 1 1/2" to the length. There's some uneven knitting as well. Overall I'm not happy with it.

I feel like this is yet another in a long series of disappointing sweater projects.
Let's review:
September 2005




It was obvious from the first wearing that this would not do. Although made of cotton, crochet is HEAVY...especially when the cotton is worsted weight and the stitch pattern is solid (as opposed to open work). Back to the drawing board...

December 2005




Adjustments are made to pattern. I decide to delete the sleeves. But that tweak is moot because I decide to use ACRYLIC. I don't have a problem with acrylic, it's just that between the months of March and November, it is an uncomfy fiber (remember, I live in Dixie). Because I decide to make it a bit more form fitting, the option of wearing it over a long sleeve shirt in winter is out. And despite my attempts to make it a tank, the sleeves are more like cap sleeves. And not little delicate ones. They don't lie flat, they just sort of stand at attention at the shoulder. There is some weird bunching at the underarm.

April 2007




I decide to give garment making another try. When I first tried this one, I was happy. But the sweater showed its true colors during the road test. Again I forget that crochet is HEAVY and the sweater is lengthened by the end of the day. The clever little cross over detail is also like a neon arrow: LOOK AT MY BELLY!

I really think the biggest problem I have is that I don't pick good projects for my body type:

Labels: Bitchin' and Moanin', Crochet, FO's

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December 31, 2007

FO Report
Total FO's: 26 (avg. 2 per month)

Crocheted FO's: 17 (65.3%)

Knitted FO's: 9 (34.6%)

Baby FO's: 8

Charity FO's: 7

Dishcloths: 4

December FO's: 6

Wearable FO's: 6 (doesn't include baby items)

Book Report
Books read in the 50 Book Challenge: 5

Blog Report
Total Unique Visitors: 10336 (approximate)
Busiest Month: June (with 1588 unique visits)
Slowest Month: March (664)
Most Comments: December (24)*
*Records only go back to June when I started with Haloscan (at that time all the comments from blogger went towards June's stats, so I don't count it)

Labels: 50 Book Challenge, Crochet, FO's, Knitting

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December 29, 2007

When last I left you, I had given up on template tweaking* and I'm still not sure if things are working correctly. (The bling doesn't seem to show up on all feeds.**)

What's a girl to do? Dishcloth Therapy of course!




I began with Yvonne's Double Flower. Really this pattern is best suited for a solid, not a variegated. I was pretty proud of myself with this one. DPN knitting is not one of my strengths and things did get a little hairy toward the end. There were almost too many stitches for the dpns and I was constantly worrying that stitches would slip off. Compound this with a husband who insisted on talking to me and then got cranky when I was snappish. He even had the nerve to suggest I find I hobby that doesn't make me so bitchy. Please note, dear Hubster, it isn't the knitting that makes me cranky...it's the family members and animals that disturb me when I'm knitting.

After casting off the double flower, I immediately started Diamond Edge.




I'm afraid it's a bit wonky on one edge, but it's a dishcloth (how's that for nonchalance...really the wonky edge is driving me nuts...)

Now, lest you think I have abandoned the sweater that shall not be named, I provide picture proof of a completed back:




Check out the curl on that bad boy. Serious blocking is in my future, no? Is this much curl normal?!



*It doesn't really take an hour to republish my blog, it just feels that way.
**And really I shouldn't have so many feeds, but I can't even begin to figure out how to consolidate and also let everyone know...

Labels: FO's, Knitting, WIPs

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December 27, 2007

This:




Is a gauge swatch. I hit gauge on the first try (amazing). I've been down this road before. I set out to make a sweater...and rarely make it to my destination. We'll see how this journey goes. Last night I managed to cast on the 79 stitches required for the back (German cast on, mind you...eeempresive.) and finished up the eight rows of purl 3 knit 1 ribbing. I'm now on the 6th of 19 stockinette rows. I'll be ending on a wrong side row. Anyone know what I"m working on?

I also cranked out a pair of Bron's mitts for Offspring in Autumn Red:




Stats:
Pattern: Easy Victorian Shell Mitts
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Color: Autumn Red
Hook: US size G/4.0 mm
Time: This project takes two hours, tops (and I'm kind of slow due to cats on my lap, next to me and on my shoulder)
Commentary: I've made three pairs this week. This is an easy, mistake-free pattern. Easily adjusted for any hand size or fit requests.

I also started another BSJ. No pics yet, but I'll get some.

During all this knitting/crocheting I was obsessing. Earlier this year I purchased a copy of The Opinionated Knitter and decided yesterday I wanted to meander through it again*, but I couldn't find it for the life of me! In the search I also made an important self-discovery: All those times I think I'm organizing...I'm not. I'm just moving the disarray to a different place. So I resigned myself to just waiting. "It will turn up" I told myself. (If anything, I could just order another copy...that way I would be sure to find the original one!). Well, as soon as I started working on the BSJ, it came to me: "Heeey, I was reading it when I had jury duty this summer!". Sure enough, it was still in the "jury duty bag." Whew! Found it! I really hate it when I can't find something I know I have. My next project is to remember which book it was that had several options for finishing sock toes...not using the Kitchener (*patooey*) stitch.

OH! In other week-old news, I have some new tatts:




I apologize for picture quality. This is about the only focused one I could manage.
It's an add on to this one and goes all the way around my ankle:




Also on my shoulder:




I probably should have spared my readers the peely, flaky photo, but I'm excited and wanted to share. this was originally a lower back tatt, but I'm not ready for that yet. If you haven't figured it out yet, I just pick tattoos that I like. No real personal meaning or anything. No original design. Just flash from TattooFinder.com and Tattoo Johnny. But I do have a knitting tattoo idea percolating. But I want to incorporate some crochet as well.

No plans for the rest of the day. Not sure I'll be doing any stitching. I did yesterday and it really irritated the cat wound (little furry bastard.) I'll probably read. I guess if I finish, that will get me up to 7** of my 50 Book Challenge.
*I love to read EZ, her books are so much more than "reference."
**erm, make that 5

Labels: Crochet, FO's, Knitting, Wild Hairs

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December 24, 2007

That is probably a misleading title. In order for me to show some productivity on the crafty front, I have to spend most of my time ignoring housework, family etc. Crafts=quality couch tater time.

I'll start with yesterday's project:




Found the pattern on Ravelry. It's on the Bernat site, but you have to register (free) to get to the pattern. These will be given to a teacher at school. She is the faculty adviser for the Respect Life Club and she finds homes for all the baby things I make.

Today's FO is the latest offering from Wonder Woman Bron.




I really enjoyed this pattern. ICG*, indeed. Hopefully, Offspring will grace me with her presence today and I can model these for you....and in natural lighting. They aren't as kelly green as they look. The color listed on the label was the perfect description: "Guacamole"

I really enjoy the feeling of completing something and wish I did it more often. Unfortunately I've convinced myself that I really don't have time for crafts except during Christmas Holidays, Spring Break and Summer. My students would probably better off if I hooked/knitted more often. At least I would be in a better mood! *grin*

I also think I'm not sure of who I am craft wise. Yes, I realize that this statement is stupid. Knitting and Crochet are hobbies for pete's sake! But my personality doesn't allow for that. I'm obsessive, overly critical of myself and I tend to compare my work with other's work...and I ALWAYS find my work lacking. So I've never really known what to do with my hobby. I don't think it is good enough to share with others. I'm pretty slow so on the charity front the number of my offerings pale in comparison (see? there I go) to most crafting for charity folks. So many times I'm left feeling kind of guilty for spending money on something that for the most part has been pretty useless.

But I've been easing up on myself. I'm allowing myself to work with no real goal. I let the projects pile up and don't even worry about my unfinished business. I'm slowly feeling less and less guilty about my UFO's. I get done with what I can, when I can. Yes, I still feel bad that I'm a pretty selfish crafter. The few times I gave to others, there was barely an acknowledgement, so I quickly stopped giving handmade gifts. ..

I guess I'm really just rambling :-) Sorry 'bout that!

Coming Soon: why photos should be banned from crafty books/sites/mags...


*Instant Crochet Gratification

Labels: Crochet, FO's, Knitting, Thoughts on My Craft

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December 22, 2007

I think I've mentioned before that I really admire Bron for her speed and skill. She whips out projects at an amazing rate and they always look fabulous.

Well, tonight I feel a little like her. I whipped out an FO in one day! Behold my version of Fetching from the Summer 2006 issue of knitty.





Stats
Needles: size 5 (3.75 mm) dpns Lion Brand
Yarn: Some sort of Paton's wool in dental tab pink (I sure use that color a lot)
Time: hours, but not sure how many

Of course, I'm a little late for the Fetching bandwagon. Everyone else boarded last summer, but now I have a pair and I'm pretty proud of my self. I apologize for the bad quality pic. A not so hot camera, poor lighting and the yarn color all conspired to make a good photo impossible. Believe me, this one is the best of MANY!

Labels: FO's

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November 18, 2007

And a flashback to the days of yore. First, I remind you of this post dated April 2, 2005. If you will scroll midway you will see a (still unfinished) filet table runner (hmmmm, wonder where that thing is..) and 1/4 of an afghan. I then go on to whine about how disgusted I am with my self and I boldly proclaim that I will finish some WIPs.

Well, two years later, I have finished one:








(My cat Bat is the lump in the corner. Arnold is the cat with his lasers on)
I've decided that this one is ALL mine. Very warm and toasty.

Now, I'd love to stay and chat, but I am taking 11 teenagers to Spain today! Wish me luck!

Labels: Cats, FO's, Travel

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June 26, 2007

Well, here she is:



She feels better. But I'm not used to such close fitting tops.

I wore it out today and a sales clerk asked "Did you make your top?" I never know how to feel about this question. My first reaction is "it must look terribly home-made." I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Labels: FO's

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June 15, 2007

I dedicate this Flashback to Netter, the most patient woman on the planet.

Last June I had a contest.

Netter was the winner.

Last August I actually picked out the pattern.

I finally made some snowflakes and in April I was one step closer.

Today I am happy to report that the snowflakes are finally in Netter's hands.

Labels: Flashback Fridays, FO's

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June 13, 2007

So she is seamed up and done:



Details
Pattern: Amy by Louet Sales
Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus in Medium Rose
Fiber Content: 51% Cotton/49% Acrylic
Amount: 4 skeins
Hook: size H (5 MM); I'm pretty sure this one was from Turn of the Century
Time: Less than a week. I can't for the life of me remember when I started. Time gets away from me in the summer.
Commentary:
I omitted the sleeves so it would be more like a tank.
I'm not sure how I feel about her yet. She'll do I suppose. Perhaps she's a little too big? Here's the deal: the finished size measurement given for small was 37 1/2". My under the boobs measurement is 36" and full across boobs is 38" (and please excuse my overabundance of information). My greatest fear was having the top too small for my boobage (which, as you can see from the photo, is somewhat ample) so I went for the medium size (41 1/2"). Despite the gauge check, each side was 21" across (instead of 20 3/4"). I like over sized, but I tend to forget that crochet stitches are a bit bulkier so I think the top makes me look a little bulkier than I am. I will surely wear this, I don't dislike it that much. The pattern was easy enough and fast enough that I'm just going to make another one in the smaller size.

Labels: FO's

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June 7, 2007

Pattern: Baby Albert Sweater from Sally Melville's The Knit Stitch
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn; Dreambaby D.K. 2 balls (50 grams/183 yds...why metric weight and English lentgh? *shrugs*)
Fiber content: 50% acrylic microfiber, 50% nylon
Needles: Boye aluminum size 5 (3.75 MM)
Commentary: you can never go wrong with an all - garter - stitch - only - two - seams sweater (even when you are unhappy with the two seams you sewed.)

Labels: FO's

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June 5, 2007

Behold the biggest doily I've ever done:






Size: Approx 22 inches (57 cm)
Thread: Aunt Lydia's size 10; color-cream (which actually reminds me of Banana Cream Pie it's so yellow)1 1/4 balls (I've already tossed the label, so I don't have the yardage)
Hook: Boye; steel size 4 (1.25 mm)
Pattern: Doily #19 from the book Pineapple Lace published by Japan Publications/Nihon Vogue (In my opinion, some of the best thread patterns in the world are from Japan)
Commentary: I have never been so happy to be done with a project! It was not difficult (I love symbol crochet!), but I just seemed to keep making mistakes so this turned into a two steps forward one step back kind of project. I'm also asking myself why I don't do thread more often. After I taught myself how to crochet (20+ years ago), my projects of choice were almost exclusively thread. And now that it is summer, the lighter material is a godsend.

Check back soon 'cause this one is going to be a prize in the Summer of Givin'!

Labels: FO's, Summer of Givin'

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May 22, 2007

No pics with me in it yet, but I hope this will do:





I thought this view would really show off the "o crap I don't have enough of the same dye lot" stripe at the end.

Specs:
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease
Color: Pines
Content: 80% Acrylic 20% Wool
Amount: At least 10 balls (this project is so old I can't remember how many balls I started with)
Pattern: Seraphina Shawl
Hook: A fancy schmanzy wooden one from Turn of the Century that long ago got separated from it's size info...maybe an H?
Commentary: do not, under any circumstances, make this shawl with any hook smaller than size J. Of course, everyone is different, but I have some attention issues. Obviously, this took much longer than I expected it to. I can't even remember when I started it. But the pattern is a great one and the site has great pics to get you started. I am definitely going to make another one soon...with homespun and size K or L.

Labels: FO's

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May 20, 2007

A year and a half after everyone else finished one, I have finally completed a Seraphina Shawl...well, completed as much as I can. According to the pattern I should end on Sequence Row 4. I don't have enough yarn to get to that point, so I'll have to quit while I am quasi-ahead. I actually ran out of orginal dye lot yarn on Wednesday and had only 2 differing dye lots left (and used them anyway.)

Still have to weave some ends and maybe a little blocking...still debating that. Needless to say, specs are forthcoming...

Labels: FO's

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Yes, it's true. The snowflakes that I promised Netter last summer are finally complete. Now I need to mail them. Hopefully that will take less time than the crafting.

Specs (at least the ones I remember):
Thread: A random ball from the stash
Pattern: a freebie from the JPF Funclub
Hook: Boye steel size 2
Commentary:
I totally understand the love affair crocheters have with snowflakes. They are quick and oh so delicate.
The stiffening process is a little messier than I would like, but still fun.

Labels: FO's, Gifts

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May 15, 2007

That's right folks...the mystery project was a knitted one. I don't usually finish my knitted projects, so this is a real feat. I feel almost like Bron with all these FO's. Maybe one day my list of FO's will include items larger than a cat.

So I present the pics:

I'm not entirely sure what the dickens he's doing in the first pic. We rarely question the stray. And he isn't partaking of some potent potable in the second pic...he's sniffing insence (which doesn't sound much better.)

So you are probably wondering what the FO is. It's a wizard hat (scroll down a bit). I chose not to go with the optional boning (*snort*).

Yarn: Moda Dea Washable Wool
Content (a new feature): 100% Merino Wool Superwash
Amount: 1 3.52 oz (100g)/166 yd(152m) skein and a smattering of a second skein
Needles: Boye Balene II sizes 6 & 7 (16" circs)
Pattern: Wizard Hat from the book Charmed Knits (The link above will lead you to the author's blog)
Commentary: This was made at the request of the stray. One reason I really prefer not to make items for others is that I'm never happy with my work. I feel like the hat is a little large (although it is the same size as his usual one). I'm really a HUGE knitter. By that I mean that I followed the pattern for size small (19 1/2" circumference) and got a hat with an approximate circumference of 22". Gauge is not one of my strengths.

Labels: Family Fun, FO's

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May 13, 2007

I know! Crazy, idn't it?

And I love sharing deets (an idea totally swiped from Swapna)

Yarn: actually thread. Aunt Lydia's Double Strand to be precise. Natural and White.
Amount: Not the whole ball. Sorry I can't be more specific
Hook: Susan Bates Steel size 0 (2.55 mm)
Pattern: Kimberly's Crazy Cloth
Time: a day
Commentary: Love the pattern! Fun, fun, fun. I went out and bought more thread today so I can make another one.

So, I'm ready for my next project....

Labels: FO's

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May 12, 2007

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm not super pleased with the edging on the front of the Baby Vest. Here's why:




Pretty nasty,