River Stitch

Kauni Hat

2008-10-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

Finally got my chance to work with Kauni yarn! It is lovely to work with, I thought it would be scratchy on my hands but it wasn't.

Details

Pattern: Knit a Hat, by Ruth Sorenson, for sale from Fun Knits here.

Yarn: Kauni Effects EI and Kauni Solid Baby Blue SS1, also from Fun Knits. A small amount of green sock yarn from the left-overs tub.

Needle size: 2.75mm circular and dpns

The only modification is that I didn't sew up the ribbing underneath. I like the look of it folded like in the picture, and the colour change.

What I liked about these hat patterns is that Ruth is very upfront about the fit. She reminds the knitter that tension on a two-colour pattern can be tricky. A hat will fit someone. As I don't like pure wool on my delicate forehead (starts to itch within minutes) this hat will go in the gift basket most likely.

It was a challenge for me, as I don't do a lot of two colour knitting, but I enjoyed it. I will certainly be trying another hat from the collection!

Fishing Mitts

2008-10-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't got the sweater done yet but I did manage to knit some fingerless mitts for fall fishing. Because Mr. Kate likes lake fishing he spends a fair bit of time rowing as well as hanging on to the fly rod, and his hands are getting pretty cold at this time of year. So I found some wool in my stash and knit him a pair of fingerless mitts. I started and finished them in 4 hours!

Details: Fingerless Fishing Mitts

Yarn: Unknown Wool, two strands (one worsted, one sock weight)

Needles: 6.5mm double points

Pattern: My own. I'm happy to write it up if anyone is interested.

Cap Shawl Finished!

2008-09-05T15:14:00.001-07:00

For Christmas last year I received a gift certificate from my husband, to Village Yarns in Cumberland BC. I had fun at their January sale and came away with enough Fiddlesticks Zephyr Laceweight to make this:

The Cap Shawl from Victorian Lace Today, by Jane Sowerby.

I am happy with how it turned out - it's a gorgeous thing - but a little perplexed as to why I made it...it's not exactly a good fit with my lifestyle! But, I'll wear it twice a year with a black dress and feel like a million bucks.

Full post, with more photos, is at Half Soled Boots.

Every Girl Needs a Little Glitz

2008-08-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

We all know by now I am not a girly-girl. I'm happiest in shorts and a T-shirt, mucking in the garden or looking at bugs. But, even I feel the pull of the girly things now and then.

About a year ago, Z*llers was clearing out some of Bernat's ladder Matrix yarn. I think it was about $1 a ball, and in a fit of girly longing I picked up three balls.

Finally found a good project for some of it (still have over a ball left). A basic, garter-stitch triangle shawl, with fringe for good measure. I knit it with Cool Linen, a cotton/linen blend. A fun, sparkly wrap for those days I just need a little glitz.

Red Lace Cardigan - Shaker Wanna-be

2008-07-26T16:44:00.001-07:00

Hey girls!

I have a project from last year to show at last. Remember the red lace cardigan? Well it is finished!

Pattern is Shaker, by Kim Hargreaves.

Modifications - I shortened the sleeves and didn't add a button band, instead I did a single crochet edging. All because I was short on yarn. Good thing, I ended up with just a small nugget of yarn at the end.

I love the lace pattern, easy to memorize but interesting in construction. My first red garment, a step out of my usual wardrobe colours!

Socks and more

2008-04-04T09:40:00.001-07:00

One more thing off the needles. A pair of simple 3x1 ribbed socks, short row heel and paired decrease toe (what is that called?). This yarn is Moda Dea Sassy Stripes, in the colourway Lucky. The yarn is much thicker than regular sock yarn, so it makes a much cushier sock. I only needed to cast on 36 stitches, instead of my usual 64.

Next up, the socks I made mum for her birthday. Again a 3x1 rib, but this is my one of my new favourite sock yarns from Lana Grossa, Meilenweit. The variegated colours are so subtle.

In keeping with the sock theme, a pair of baby socks made for my cousin who just had her first baby. These are to go with a lovely sweater my mum made from the same yarn. It is Sirdar Tweed DK, so delightfully soft!

Now that spring is coming (I think) I am in the mood for lighter knits. Kepler will get finished, and then the red lace cardigan will come back out and get done (only one sleeve and a collar band to go). More socks, a shawl or two, a baby blanket .... oh so many projects!

Shawl for my niece

2008-03-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

My first lace..
I'm so exciting!!
Lace was unexplored area, I didn't even think i could..
but it was fun..
I also pinned and it stretched a lot.
(It looks like botoxed face, very flat, little too much stretch I guess)

My last gaol will be socks..
Now i have tons of times so maybe I will^**^

The Runway Beckons

2008-02-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

Tom Tom couldn't resist the call of the runway with all his new duds. You can check him out (and some amazingly dressed other creatures) in the Mason-Dixon competition...

I could only do one entry, so Popsicle feels left out. But Tom Tom says he is still his best pal, and that the lure of the runway won't get to him.

best buddies

teapot cozy

2008-02-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

hahaha!

I just finish this one.

100% wool,

I dyed with coolaid(2lime+little bit of grape+1lightblue(i forgot))

Erin helped me open the pouch,

Jeremy helped me rewinding the ball.

it was fun!!

The Bobbles Have It

2008-02-18T23:05:00.000-08:00

Well, the sweater is done at last. OK, except for one button at the top because I only bought six buttons and needed seven. D'oh.

Details

Pattern - Cabled Cardigan from Vogue Knitting Winter 2005/2006

Yarn - Patons Shetland Chunky, colour Taupe (6 balls exactly)

Notes - This is for my sister-in-law, as chosen by her. Thus the fit is a little loose on me in the pictures, but should fit her well. The collar is my favourite part, it is done with short rows and very cleverly constructed. I find Vogue patterns in the magazines to be very curt, so I had to pay very close attention and be able to interpret the brief directions. However the pattern had no mistakes and turned out as it looked, so overall a good one.

Modifications - I took out almost all the bobbles in the pattern, only putting them on the fronts at the button band. Bobbles just weren't going to work for what my sister-in-law wanted from a sweater, but she loved the look of this. I also used different yarn, as she needed something practical for washing and I needed something that fit the budget.

Overall I'm pleased. It is something I wouldn't knit for myself, but I think she will like it and that is what matters.

There has been Knitting

2008-02-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

There has been knitting, but few pictures as we couldn't find the rechargeable batteries for the camera. But in the last couple of weeks I have made:

+ one beanie hat for the boy-child

+ one beanie hat for me

+ one pair of socks for Mum (birthday present)

+ clothing for Webkinz

Sister-in-law's sweater has one sleeve and the band remaining. It continues to hate me.

Swatched and then cast on for Kepler. For me.

Dreaming of lots more projects that are waiting for the sil's sweater to be finished. I'll be on Ravelry by the end of the week, by the way.

sunmi's back!!!!!

2008-01-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

hi, i finally figure out my way back here!! hew^^;
i haven't FINISH any big thing.
i think i should go for little items for a while.
(i really envy shannon's unwavering efforts)

but, here are my new slippers..

one for me, one for erin.

enjoy~~~ and be happy!!!

I Like to Have Warm Ears

2008-01-15T18:02:00.001-08:00

Another quick project, an ear warmer for me, off my needles today.

Yarn: Trendsetter TONALITA. It is a 32% wool, 48% acrylic yarn. Soft and shiny. I bought it at Village Yarns' (sorry no website) year-end sale for $3.00, and didn't even use the whole ball to make this (maybe 3/4 of it or a little more). What a deal!

Pattern: My own. I knit alternating bands of stockinette and reverse stockinette, shorter rows at the bottom and then increasing once past the neck. Then reversed shaping on the other side and did a three needle bind off with the cast-on edge (just picked the stitches back up). It is nice and stretchy, stays in place, and covers my ears completely.

My First FO of 2008

2008-01-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

This week saw the first project of 2008 off the needles. Started and finished in three days, and I love them.

Wrist Warmers
My own pattern, a simple 3x2 rib with a seed stitch top and a slit thumb. Knit in the round on 3.5mm dpns, except for the thumb section which is worked back and forth.

Yarn: the delicious elann.com Peruvian Baby Silk, in Gentle Violet. The colour is more purple, rather than the blue my camera shows. So soft and warm.

Christmas Knitting, complete

2007-12-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

(FYI, this is written by Kate, not Shan as it says at the bottom. Shan was kind enough to take the photos and upload them for me. Thanks Shan!)

Well, having looked at my list I would say I have done well.
I have completed:

wrap and two pairs of socks for my mum
sweater for my dad (see pictures of it on me below - we are the same size)
mittens for my step-mom
head wrap for my sister-in-law
pair of socks for friend
scarf for father-in-law
wash clothes
miscellaneous gifts not to be mentioned before the knit group's Christmas party :)

Of course, most of these items are already being wrapped without being photographed, but at this time of year I just don't remember everything I should. (For instance, today I forgot to check on the hot lunch volunteers. As one of the coordinators today was my day to do that. I forgot. No volunteer showed up. Teachers handed out the pizza. Oops.)

So now it is a week before Christmas. The one big project still on my needles is my sister-in-law's sweater. I do have the back finished and a good start on the front, but this might wait for her birthday in February, as I don't feel the urge to speed knit it. Or I might just give it to her in the New Year. We'll see where we get with it.

I do want to make some hats for a friend's family as well.

front of the cycling aran. I see the zip is crooked on me, but you can see the lovely fit and the stand up collar here. I hand sewed the zip in. Also note the lovely cables up each side, although in heathered charcoal they are hard to photograph!

the 3 by 2 ribbed back. Perfect for a snug fit while cycling in our west coast wet winters!

Finally, At Last, Not a Moment Too Soon

2007-12-17T00:08:00.000-08:00

I am done Print o' the Wave. Hopefully it will arrive in time for Christmas, but I don't really care if it doesn't. I'm just happy to be finished.

See the entire FO post here.

Print o' the Wave

Pattern: free download by Eunny Jang
Yarn: 1.5 skeins Island Hues (by Sweatermaker) 100% merino handpainted laceweight, 800 metres per 100 grams. Two different dyelots but they work together.

Yarn Source: Fun Knits, Quadra Island. Thanks again, Shelley.

Yarn Cost: $35 for both skeins, of which I used less than 1.5. So about $25.

Needle: 3.5mm Clover Takumi bamboo circular, and 3.5mm Addi Turbo Lace

Cast On: August 12, 2007

Bound off: December 14, 2007

Finished Dimensions: 97" long, 27" wide after an aggressive blocking.

Seriously Relieved.

2007-12-15T00:49:00.000-08:00

Full project details can be found here. And I'm totally done my Christmas knitting! I have one more FO to post (once it's finished blocking) and I can relax and enjoy the season.

By the way chickies, once the stole is dry it'll be wrapped and mailed immediately....I won't be able to bring it to knit night next week! Maybe I'll do a victory lap to everyone's house just so you can see it, on my way to the post office.

Love, in the form of a Sweater

2007-11-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love thee, Cycling Aran. I love your cables up the front, your comfy ribbed back, your stand-up collar and stylish fit. I love the easy pattern, and the delicious yarn used (Tosca Jaspe). My Dad will love you as well. All you need is a zip, and we are good to go.

This was a great pattern to knit up, although it assumes a knowledge of construction (it is quite terse but it all works if you have knit a sweater or two). The sleeves will be too long for my Dad but they fold back easily, and I don't think I will change them now.

Phew, another one off the list (at least the knitting is done on this one)!!

PS Better pictures to come when I can get someone to take one. As my dad and I are the same size it fits me so nicely. I wants it. (This is getting to be a problem.)

The Road to Hell.

2007-11-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

Kate posted a long time ago about putting up our Christmas lists - that is, the things we have to knit for Christmas. I meant to get around to it but didn't until today.

My problem this year is, NOTHING IS WORKING OUT. Here is what I had planned:

1- Aran sweater for FIL
2- Print o' the Wave lace stole for MIL
3- mittens for my sister (later SOCKS for my sister)
4- spiral scarves for all my nieces
5- wristers for my SIL
6- socks for my brother

and what has happened to all these fine intentions?

1- still working out, thank God.
2- ran out of yarn. Haven't heard yet whether Shelley has been able to find me more. And, in my last conversation with my mother-in-law, she said "I once had one of those shawl wrap things...I wore it a few times but it kept sliding off my sloping shoulders and it drove me crazy." Doesn't bode well.
3- my sister didn't like mittens. So I cast on Chuck's Cabled Socks, accidentally reversed the needle sizes, and ended up with a sock that has enormous ribbing and a cruelly tight ankle. Gave up.
4- Gwen saw the scarves while visiting, and, trying to let me down easy, didn't give me much hope that her daughter will wear it. Apparently if she has seen a similar thing on someone cool, we're golden. If not....well, I guess a wrinkled nose is all I can expect. The donation bin will get these.
5- wristers.....yeah, right. NEXT.
6- wool socks for my brother? who wears like a size 12 shoe and lives in North Carolina? Again I say Yeah Right.

I'm a bit cast down about it actually, but I have made my peace with the situation and am content to just knit the Aran. If THAT doesn't work out, then I will be truly distraught, and qualify as an utter failure.

It's that old story about whether people appreciate it. I've come to realize it doesn't bother the intended recipients not to receive the knitting I had planned for them - at least, not nearly as much as it bothers me not to give it. My people, as far as I can see, would rather have a DVD or a couple of books. It costs me, what...$20 for that?

So, we'll finish off the Aran sweater, and that'll be it. If I get the stole done, maybe it can be a Mothers' Day gift for my mother-in-law, along with a nice pin to keep it on her shoulders. Or, maybe I'll rent a table at a craft fair one of these days, and sell it for $200. And use that money to buy yarn to make something for.........myself.

The Ocean Ripple Wrap

2007-10-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I can bear to part with this wrap. I'm calling it The Ocean Ripple Wrap. I based it on a stitch pattern found in The Complete Encyclopedia of Stitchery, by Mildred Graves Ryan. The stitch is called Lace Wings, and is apparently found in Dutch stitch patterns. I then added a garter stitch border. I love the way the colour flows along the lace, giving the feel of water along pebbles at the edge of the shore. I picture this wrap over a coat, or even as an accent for a nice turtleneck and a pair of jeans. It will be very hard for me to part with it, as I love it.

Progress Report

2007-10-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

No pictures today, but a progress report.

Mum's wrap is five rows from being cast off. I have to go get some wire to block it properly, I think, so the edges are nice and even. I so love the Sweatermaker yarn I used, which I got at Fun Knits. A laceweight merino, in a line called Island Hues. Beautiful variegated blue, like soft blue jeans. Will have pictures once it is blocked and dry.
Have begun Dad's Cycling Aran. I am using a very light 55% wool/45% acrylic blend from Lang yarns, called Tosca Jaspe. It is so light and lovely. Am just on the left front, so will post pictures when I have more progress.
Mum's sock #1 is past the heel and on to the foot. I am doing a blueberry waffle pattern on the leg with a plain foot. She pointed out to me again the other day how much she loves my socks, and that they are all she wears. I love making her socks.
Three dishclothes are finished; a rib lace one, a garterlac one and a checked one.

That is it for now.

Every Jedi Needs A Scarf

2007-10-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

On a visit to Fun Knits, I let the boy pick out a ball of yarn for a new scarf. His choice was a ball of Bernat Sox, in a rather bright colour way (perhaps called Fiesta, but not sure). A simple knit1 purl 1 stitch pattern, with slipped stitch edges at the start of every row.

Just long enough to wrap around the neck and back.

I love slipped stitch edges!

Pronounced a success by our resident Jedi.

Progress is Good

2007-09-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

There is some progress being made on the Christmas list. Mum's wrap has reached the halfway point; her socks are started. A bunch of us Riverstitchers went down to Village Yarns in Cumberland (sadly website-less) earlier this week, where I stocked up on yarn for the second pair of socks, the scarf, and the two sweaters. So now I have a big pile of yarn staring at me demanding to be knit. But at least it is still September, so I'm feeling good about it - we'll see what happens in November :)

A lovely night of stitching last night at knit night. A number of Christmas presents being knit, a wrap, socks, legwarmers, another wrap. Plus a sweater from a pattern that we won't talk about, as it causes some of the knitters to get high blood pressure :) Plus there were apple squares with vanilla ice cream. yum yum yum.

Sometime next week I will post further about Mum's wrap, just to show the beautiful yarn it is being knit from.

Dinner, For Shan

2007-09-24T19:03:00.000-07:00

Toad in the Hole

Served with gravy. And a big green salad (OK, that part isn't for Shan).

All Knitting, All the Time

2007-09-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

OK Girls, it's time to get serious about the holiday knitting. To that end, I'm admitting here and now the projects I have decided on for my holiday gifting.

1. Wrap, designed by me, for Mum. This is in the works.
2. Socks for Mum
3. Cardigan for Dad
4. Cardigan for Sister-in-law
5. Head Wrap for Sister-in-law is done
6. Socks for friend
7. Dishclothes for family and friends. I probably need about 10 more.
8. Scarf for Father-in-law
9. Mitts for Step Mom

That's it, I think. Hmm. Only two really big ones, plus the scarf always takes longer than you anticipate. Only two pairs of socks, and I think I'll keep them fairly simple (one of them is a women's size 10).

Come on my knit friends. Let's see those lists!

7 down, 12 to go.

2007-09-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Just finishing up ball 7 of 19 and the piece is getting heavy. The colour is very hard to photograph - none of the pictures I've put up even remotely resembles the actual hue. It's much more intensely mossy in real life.

I've had stacks of problems with the edge chart, but have frogged nothing. I simply don't have time to back up on this one. The chart has two or three mistakes in it, and I am completely unhappy with how the bights are opened and closed within the reverse stockinette. So, I have had to make some changes and do some experimenting on the fly, which means one end of the blanket will look quite different to the other.

I have a different feeling about this blanket, though...it's not like my other knitting projects. The mistakes and inconsistencies are inconsequential - what I'm knitting here is just life as we know it. We get through it as well as we can with no do-overs, and hope that by the end what we have is nice, and comforting, and will help others remember us with fondness despite the obvious imperfections.

Knitting this blanket has been hard. It gets harder with every ball I join in, with every day that passes to bring us all closer to the crisis. Sandy's surgeon phoned last night to tell her the biopsy results were in and the tumour is indeed cancer, though it is "young" and does not appear to have metastisized. He has upgraded (downgraded) her case to urgent, so as soon as Victoria has room for her, she will be travelling down for her week of radiation prior to surgery.

We're not ready -- not me, with my 7-balls-down-12-too-go, not my friend with the job she has just started, and a young family, and not you, with the little bits of life that flow over you and around you every day. We have little triumphs and little disappointments, aggravations and celebrations, and then when we're only midway through all we've got planned, our mortality walks straight up to us and stares us in the face.

I can't handle it. So for now I'm just going to keep knitting, and hope to be done in time.

Yet Another 0 Has Been F'd

2007-09-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased with this one.

Evening Star Top

from Interweave Knits, Summer 2006

I knit this from a cotton/acrylic blend (shocking, I know) called Cotton Plus by TLC. Love the yarn. My favourite part of this top is the cabled waist -- it is super comfy and flattering. I didn't add the frilly hem, neck or sleeve treatment called for in the pattern -- too much for me. However, I can see why they put it on the neck, as the neck is loose as is. Not too loose, but perhaps an elastic thread ... I will have to wear it for a while to see. Also the back edge of the neck sits up, which I notice is in the photo of the model as well. The garment is loose over all, which surprised me as I did get gauge and it looked more fitted. But I really like it, and it is a totally comfortable item to wear.

Now on to Christmas gift knitting!!

Victory

2007-09-01T12:04:00.001-07:00

Skein 0 Knitter 1.

Victory is sweet.

Oh What a Tangled Web....

2007-08-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Trying to unwind? .... Don't spend a morning unwinding a tangled skein is all I can say! One of four skeins our group was gifted at Fun Knits -- now I see why they were gifted! Shan says hers took four hours, but we all know Shan is another kind of gifted, right? The fact that she persevered with it and did it in one day makes me feel faint.

Here it is the first day I took it out...

Then I put it away for about five weeks. Today was the day, after being reminded by Shannon's lovely, centre-pull all wound up ball of yarn at knit night, to pull it out and start again. I'm not finished at all, but here are a couple of action shots.

Note how fast my hands are going! My skein is twisted, with two long strands seemingly unrelated to the rest of the twist. I've given up trying to find any rhythm, I'm just winding as it goes. Will it be finished today? Don't hold your breath.

The Monkeys are off My Needles

2007-08-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the second Monkey sock! I am very pleased with these socks, and with the yarn. I was surprised at how much I had left - I could have made the socks a little longer.

Hard to get a good photo at night with a point and shoot digital camera, but the colour here is fairly accurate. No close-ups I'm afraid.

Details

Pattern: Monkey, from Winter Knitty, by Cookie A.

This was a great pattern. Challenging enough that I had to watch it develop, but straight-forward enough to memorize the 11 row patterning.

Modifications: I changed the heel from a straight knit heel to a slip stitch heel, just because that's the kind I prefer.

Yarn: Super Soxx, bought at Village Yarn Shoppe in Cumberland. This is 75% superwash, 25% polyamide. I really like the feel of it on, and it was nice to knit with, only occasionally splitty. At $14.50 (or thereabouts) for a 100g ball (420 metres), it was good value.

As you can see, I made them fraternal twins. I didn't feel like matching the striping, although it would have been simple to do.

THANK YOU KATE.

2007-08-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Kate, I LOVE this quiz!! It was hilarious!

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Shetland Wool. You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.
Take this quiz!

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There's no Escaping It

2007-08-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

Sigh. I'm not a yarn snob by any stretch, but this still makes me sigh. I should have known.

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Acrylic.While you are very versatile, your plasticky countenance can be offputting. You are very good with children but can become a pill if left alone with them too long. You are very flexible but don't give in to manipulation.
Take this quiz!

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No Such Thing as "Too Early"

2007-08-16T15:29:00.001-07:00

Christmas knitting has begun. I am planning to work 5 of these spiral scarves this year, with matching wristers, for the nieces.

I know it's a bit cheapy and not very nice yarn or anything, but the thing is they're children, and not too discerning as to fibre. I hope they'll like them, anyway, even if they're not fancy or expensive. The ruffled scarf and matching ruffled wristers (not made yet) will be cute together, sticking out of the girls' winter coats.

And here's the first progress shot of my MIL's print o' the wave stole:

I have to work a total of 34 of these repeats (I've done 6 in two days) then pick up for the edging. Should be interesting - first lace project. I had signed up for MS3 but didn't find a satisfactory yarn so abandoned the project after the swatch stage. This is better - I like how it looks finished and I wouldn't have wanted to take the chance on an unknown outcome for a Christmas present. This pattern is nice and easy to memorize too. I can't tell you how much I love the yarn - "Island Hues" by Judy McLean of Sweatermaker (a hand-spinner/dyer from Courtenay, I believe). Fun Knits and at Uptown Yarns both stock her yarn and fibre, though she doesn't have a website of her own.

So, we're off! Only four months left of knitting time!

Oh Fudge

2007-08-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

So last week the red cardigan went into time out, because I've made the sleeve too long and I won't have enough yarn left if I continue. i knew this really as I started the cap shaping, but waiting until I was 2 inches in before admitting it. So now I have to rip back a good 4 inches. Of lace and shaping. Oh fudge.

Working on my second monkey sock, heel done beautifully, ready to start the patterning along the top of the foot. I've made the heel in the wrong spot for the pattern to match properly to the first one. Must rip out said beautiful heel. Oh fudge.

I'm going to work on some stockinette now.

The Last of the Baby Knits

2007-08-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

I think I have come to the end of the baby knits, at least for now. This little boy sweater is for my friend in Ontario, who had a little boy this spring. I'm hoping this sweater will see a lot of action in the cold winter there.

Pattern Specs:

Based on Sally Melville's Baby Rainbow Jacket, from Knitting Experience Book 3: Color.
I say based, because I used a different slip stitch than she did, although I followed her measurements to get the sizing. I also made the sleeves solid colour with just a stripe, rather than continuing all the colour work.
Yarn was Sari cotton, bought on sale at Fun Knits during our field trip. Although the yarn is a little splitty, I love the colours it comes in and it was easy to knit with overall.
Time to knit, about three weeks. I had to go back for one more ball of cotton, to finish the button band.
The buttons are from my very large button stash.

I enjoyed this knit, and I think it is very stylish for a little baby boy (six-nine month size).

Now back to adult knitting!

Done and Finished and Laid to Rest.

2007-08-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

I just outed myself to my Sockapalooza 4 recipient. I went to her blog to leave a comment letting her know the socks were done, but forgot that I was already logged on as myself so of course the comment wasn't anonymous.

Sigh...I tell you what - this whole event is cursed. At first I thought it was just the yarn, or the pattern (or the second batch of yarn, or the second pattern) but now I realize it's Sockapalooza in general. (Either that or it's me, in particular.)

Anyway, a picture. Full details are over at HalfSoled Boots.

I've F'd an O (Well, Almost)

2007-07-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

One larger than planned baby blanket finally is off the needles. I haven't heard that the intended recipient has had the baby yet, so I still have time. Of course, it still needs to have the ends woven in, but I am just so relieved to have one of my big projects off the needles! Now I can move on to something else in the queue.

Details
Blanket design made up as I went along. Stripes are fun!
Yarn is TLC CottonTots - a very soft 100% cotton [edited to add - originally I said this was a cotton/acrylic blend. Don't know where I got that idea. It's not.]. Will be machine washable, always a plus for a young mom.
Time taken about 2 months, give or take. Mostly this was TV knitting, in the evenings.

What to do, what to do?

2007-07-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Oh crap oh crap, I am about to run out of yarn again. Any volunteers for one of the following?

a) helping me bash myself over the head with a mallet and end my suffering

b) knitting the second sock for me so I can sit in a corner weeping softly and eating my own hair

c) ripping back the sock to the cuff, taking out half a repeat, and THEN knitting the second sock for me, maybe while I go lie down in the street in the hopes that some kind Samaritan will run me over in their car so I don't have to obsess about socks anymore, which would also provide a handy excuse to my intended recipient about why she's not getting any socks from me this summer. Because I would be dead.

Girls, seriously. Help me out here. Anyone?

Anyone?

My Summer Holiday

2007-07-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Summer has finally arrived!!! As a child we would spent our entire summers at a cottage at a lake in an oasis of trees in central Alberta... those were halcyon days, and yesterday felt like a piece of one of those fondly remembered days. Often, we would pack up all the family and make a trek into one of the small towns to stock up on supplies and necessary items for entertainment( snorkles, flippers, thongs, nets, suntan lotion(!)) It was an all day event, with a lot of time spent milling about the toy/fun section of the old General Store. We would come back with our little treasures, tired and sleepy, but so satisfied.. and ready for the next week of sunshine and water.
Yesterday, was one of those memorable days. Now, as an adult, the time that we get to just enjoy moments of exploring and milling about in a treasure trove is usually nonexistent.We , as parents, have so many demands on us. Especially for my great friends that are part of RiverStitch who still have their beautiful young kiddies. The demands of young children - even tho we adore them, is sometimes so taxing.... and just such a break is so necessary.
I can't remember a more fun day, than yesterday, for a long time... what could possibly be more fun than spending hours absorbing and thinking and talking about our knitting vice, with like minded souls?!
My one big comment, is how wonderful the kids were!! Kudo's to Shan and Sunmi - next time - we will make it WAY more fun for them !!(both adults and kiddies)
Mr. Quintessential wanted to know what we did over on Quadra.."Hung out at Fun Knits for most of the time, other than to eat!" I said... - ..he shook his sensible head...how is that possible he wonders!!
Have a super day.

Hot .... Smokin' Hot

2007-07-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right. Over 40 degrees on my south-facing deck at 3:45 in the afternoon. It is hot hot hot. But we aren't complaining, because last week it was still cold and damp. The heat wave is supposed to break in a couple of days anyhow.

With the heat the knitting has slowed down. There is still work being done on the red cardigan (now on the second front) and on the striped blanket (almost finished). I have done a few washcloths in the last while, and with Rabbitch's cloth drive, I thought I would share these three which I think will be headed her way.

OK, off to dream of other things to knit, while I melt a little in the heat. Quadra tomorrow - look out Fun Knits, here we come!

New MagKnits is Up

2007-07-03T15:14:00.001-07:00

Hey Gang!! The July MagKnits is up.

Only 5 patterns, but they are quite nice.

I'm quite liking Devon (the tank) and also the shrug.

That's all!

Teacher, Teacher

2007-06-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

A had a wonderful teacher this year. Someone who really took the time to appreciate him as a child and as the great kid he is, with all his quirks. In thanks, he bought her some scrapbooking supplies and I added a few goodies to the bag.

Two ballband dish clothes,
and a bookmark from Patons Grace.
I found the great little pattern on Knit with KT,
and it was simple and quick, just what I wanted!
I discovered that it is very difficult to photograph
something black, however!
The cute little eyelet pattern wasn't showing up well, so I finally put it in the window. Problem solved.

Cake & Coals

2007-06-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Now I introduce the mysterious pink thing photographed during cast-on by Kate at the Harlot event. It's Elsebeth Lavold's "Gyrid", from the Viking Knits Collection Volume 1. It's meant to be a tank but I plan to knit a short sleeve, baste it in, and check whether I like it that way better. Tanks and me are not always compatible.

I know there's not much to see here - plus the light yesterday was dreadful and it doesn't look its best - but I have finished the back, and am 1/4 of the way through the chart on the front. I like how the Silky Wool is knitting up - nice and drapey. It's a bit on the thin side; now I know why the model picture has a discernible bra line. The thinness should make for a comfortable and flattering top, though - as Juno says, "The bigger the bust, the thinner the yarn."

And, a little picture from knit night the other day. I had a few shots of people, but I thought this one captured the mood better.

Summer Is Here, I Think.

2007-06-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well, the weather may not be cooperating, but according to the calendar it is summer. Someone tell the sun that!

I have gardens and knitting to share today. How about all of you?

Knitting

The baby blanket is much closer to completion, perhaps 3/4 done? This is a good thing, as my green is getting low and I don't want to buy anymore yarn for it!

I started new socks (no, I don't already have enough projects on the needles. socks are little anyhow, they don't count). This is the Monkey sock pattern from Knitty (by Cookie A.) that is popping up in blogland. A great pattern, and I like the look with this yarn. By the time I get to the foot I have to decide if these socks are for my mom or me -- her foot is two sizes bigger!

After washing the green feather and fan socks they are delightful. Soft but solid. Will definitely make this pattern again.

Garden

Even with the weather things are happening in the garden. Just a few shots, to appease the garden gods :)

Peas!! Yum.

Must Be The Weather ....

2007-06-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

This unsettled weather made me bunker down today and finish some projects. No pictures, sorry.

First up I finished the feather and fan toe-up socks. Loved the pattern, and am happy to have made toe-up at last. They are blocking from their wash now, and I am hoping that the washing softens up the yarn, as it was a little crunchy almost when knitting. Will keep you posted.

Second up I have finished two ball-band dish clothes for A's teacher. Always a good gift, and fun to make.

Third up, although this was actually from the week-end, I finished the back on my red lace cardigan. Today I cast on and got about two inches knit on the left front.

But it has all caught up to me tonight. I am working on the cotton striped baby blanket, and I keep knitting where I should be purling. I'm blaming the rain, myself ....

What a Fieldtrip

2007-06-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

So we went to hear herself speak in Victoria Saturday night. We all made our way to Victoria and met outside the James Bay Community Centre (with Sunmi cutting it close to the wire, but phew, she made it). We got seats at the back, because we're just that kind of group.

My best estimate is 150 people, although I could be way off base there (girls?). [EDITED TO ADD: Sunmi thinks over 200.] What a riot Stephanie is. Her delivery, humour and wry wit had us in gales of laughter. She also often had us saying "Yes, exactly!" I think that is the delight of hearing her speak. Not only is she very very good at what she does, but also for at least an hour you truly feel like here is someone who GETS IT. This person gets why knitting makes us all crazy, and why it draws us. She knows what we worry about, what we think about and what we wish for (at least when it comes to knitting). I laughed as hard as, well, as I do some knit nights. And that is a wonderful thing.

We all worked on knitting while we sat there. Here is Shan, who cast this on just before Stephanie started speaking. I never did ask what it was!

All in all it felt like a delightful and successful field trip. I hope there are more in our future.

Shout out to the Group

2007-06-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry, ladies, for using the blog as a message board...but I am having trouble sending email and accessing my address book.

SO:

What are the plans for the Yarn Harlot pilgrimage next weekend? I am arriving back in town on or about Wednesday. The speech at James Bay is on Saturday evening, and the knit in Saxe Pt Park on Sunday afternoon. Are you all planning to attend both events, or only one? And if you are only attending the evening speech, are you planning to drive back home the same night? We need to think about travel and accommodation plans.

I have a friend in Rockland who will put the kids and me up for the night, if we are planning to stay for the Saxe Pt event. Alternatively, if you had hotel fun in mind, we'd need to make plans PDQ and get some reservations and talk budgets.

If you want to go back home on Saturday night, I could leave the kids at home, since we'd be returning at around 1:00 AM.

Let me know what to do...I have to arrange kid stuff if we're going to be in Victoria overnight.

See you soon!

Someone Else's Knitting

2007-05-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

This blog is about a group. Some of the group don't have the access to a computer right now to allow them blogging time, so I am here to help out!

Sunmi is our free thinking knitter. She dreams up a pattern and begins to knit. She is quite capable of ripping and reknitting until her pattern works the way she wants it to (or the way her amount of yarn dictates).

This lovely little cardigan is a perfect example. The red wool was Kool-aid dyed. She took it, paired it with a grey and white, and created this adorable sweater. It has been reworked a few times, but now is closing in on being finished. Remember folks, this is all with only the idea in her head!

The poor quality of photos is totally my fault. You can't see the variegation of the red well, but it is so pretty with the grey.

The amazing thing is Sunmi has three other projects like this, just being thought up as she knits.

Way to go Sunmi!

Spring is in the Air!

2007-05-28T13:21:00.001-07:00

Woo hoo, spring is here at last! The garden is all abuzz with new flowers every week, and the sunshine sure feels nice. Last year I added alliums to the beds, scattered here and there. Aren't they awesome? The bees really like them as well.

I have started two new projects. One is a secret, so you just get a peek for now .... red and white!

The other one is a baby blanket for yet another baby at Mr. Kate's work. This is being made in CottonTots (Bernat) and will be randomly striped. Mr. Kate is quite bothered by the sudden baby boom at his work -- he thinks he better not drink the water for a while!

I hope to have some knitting from other members of this group in the next couple of days, there are some lovely little girl clothes being put together!

It Rained and Then the Sun Came Out

2007-05-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous long week-end! It did rain Saturday and both Friday and Saturday night, but Sunday and Monday were sunny. And we don't mind the weather, it all adds something to the experience. We really love Ralph River ... let me show you why.

The lake (Buttle Lake) was really low, although not quite as low as last year at this time. I love these old stumps -- it all looks so prehistoric.

There was a fish caught! The pontoon boat didn't get into action as it was a long hike to the water, but they did manage to catch a fish today.

Walking along the lake past Ralph River. This is where we like to swim in the summer, although the water then is much higher!

And what's this?

What, you thought I might forget the sweater? Note how well the neckline turned out, I simply picked up in the round, purled one row and then cast off in knit (to get a two row garter edge). I love it.

In the salal of the campsite, we find the sweater at home. Warm, cozy and oh so stylish (ha ha). Fits just as I wanted it to.
to recap:

pattern is the incredible custom-fit raglan from woolworks (see link in an earlier post)

yarn is 100% unknown fibre, bought at Z*llers for $4.99 for 454 grams. Didn't use the whole bag, so cost was about $4.25.

time to knit, about three weeks I think, once I started to knit it seriously (cast on a while ago). I'll have to start taking better notes on these things.

Happy Victoria Day!!

Greens and Blues

2007-05-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

The sweater is done! Finished weaving in the ends this morning. I will take it to Ralph River and see if I can do a photo shoot that produces green with my blue (heh heh). I really really love this $5 sweater, it fits perfectly and is so comfy.
Pictures next week!

We Have Pictures

2007-05-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Guess I should have read the small print about not being able to upload TIFF files, eh? Too bad, as they degrade faster in jpeg format. Anyhoo, here are my blue pictures, to go with Shan's stunning blue sweater (love it).

We have perennial bachelor buttons -- cool huh?

And we have blue sweater. Sleeve 2 is growing!

Woo Hoo!

2007-05-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

February 1 to May 7
From Knitting Nature
100% cotton, $24 worth of yarn
Verdict: I like. Out of 10 possible stars I'm giving this sweater 8. I have to deduct 2 for the shortness and loose fit.
Knit Again? Yes, but I'd change the above-mentioned fit.

Blue Days

2007-05-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

We are all about the blue -- blue sky, blue knitting, blue flowers!!
My raglan sweatshirt is almost done!! I am on the second sleeve, and somehow, knowing I don't have to sew it in, I'm not stuck on the sleeve island. Yay! We have determined that it must be some sort of chenille blend, as it is very soft. Perfect sweatshirt material. And it fits just the way I wanted it to. There will be many more of these sweaters in the future, I think. Especially if I can do them all on 6mm needles!!
Well, I had photos but apparently they can't be uploaded at the moment, so we will try the photos at a later date. I had a couple of the blue perennial bachelor buttons just for you, Shan!

It's All in the Math

2007-05-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

So I am LOVING this pattern and the sweater it is creating. I am using the incredible, custom-fit raglan sweater pattern found at WoolWorks, and it is so much fun. I'm doing it with an unknown fibre yarn that I picked up for $5 a bag (454grams) at Z*llers (figuring if the pattern didn't work out no big loss), and it turns out I am loving the colour and the semi-striping happening with it. So far the shaping and the sizing seems to be working, and it is knitting up quickly. Until I could put the sleeves on waste yarn people were sort of puzzled by the whole thing, but once you could 'see' the sleeves it made more sense. I think it will have 2x2 ribbing at the sleeves and bottom, and a very simple neck edging. Definitely see more playing with this pattern in the future! Thanks to the equations being set out in the pattern (you just plug in the measurements required) the possibilities are endless. I do love math!

-Kate

Oh Gosh, Oh Golly, OGEE!

2007-05-07T23:26:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, she be done.

Pictures!

2007-05-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

I think I might have figured this out....

So here are two of my current favourite knitting projects. Shaker, from Rowan (designed by Kim Hargreaves), being knit in Elle Cotton Fields 4 ply, 50% cotton/50% Dralon. My mum picked up this yarn on a trip to South Africa, to knit a cotton sweater for my son. There was a lot left over. It is a true red, not orange/red like the picture. A departure from my usual shades of green, but I figure with the lace it won't be too much for me!

The next project is a sock using Wendy's generic toe-up Feather and Fan pattern. This is my first toe-up sock, which makes it special. And yes, sock number 2 is on the needles!

The yarn is Super Socks, 75%superwash wool and 25%Polyamide. A little crunchier than Kroy to knit up but I think with washing that will go away. This pattern thrilled me, and caused me to show everyone I could to look at the cool toe (!!) I just made. No, really, LOOK!

Finally we have beautiful Parrot Tulips. A new addition planted last fall, and a good reminder that even with our bleah weather, spring is here!

-Kate

Knit or Garden - the Eternal Question of Spring

2007-04-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

Of course, with this weather on our West Coast it's not a hard question, as we haven't had much of a spring! But I am feeling the pull of the outdoors more these days, as the tulips bloom and the bridal wreath spirea is so gorgeous with its sprays of white flowered branches. The peas are finally poking up, and the spinach as well.

I finished the three cardigans, and they were packed up with the pinwheel blanket and delivered (through hubbie's work). The baby apparently still fits the arms and length of that teeny tiny one (!) although it doesn't button up on him. As it is spring I figure that is ok. Plus there are two more in slightly bigger sizes. If I am allowed a picture I will be sure to put it up.

Now I am working on my lace cardigan from Rowan and also realizing that it is time to get the Dulaan box packed up (a few more items). I have already completed 7 items, and I know there are a few hats someone has made to add to the box, but it's not quite full yet. Some neckwarmers should be a fast knit. I was shocked last year to see it took 30 days to get to Arizona, so this year I will ship earlier.

As the weather after our three days of sun is supposed to turn back to clouds, cool and rain, I guess I'll get some knitting done this week! And I will make my first attempt at pictures this week as well ... I think.
-kate

Actual Knitting

2007-04-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Knitting for babies is always sweet. But when the baby is only 4 1/2 pounds? Too sweet! Here are two preemie cardigans based on the same pattern, just using different yarn and needles. The light blue one should fit now, and the dark blue (still needs to be sewn up) one in a month or so. Both are made out of acrylic baby yarn for ease of washing and to avoid any allergy reaction. The skein is for size reference!

I have one more on the needles before this little collection is ready to go.
-Kate

Warning: Sappy Content Ahead (or Why I Love Knit Night)

2007-04-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to get sappy here, but I do love Knit Night. And here's why....

When we started getting together over a year ago I was thrilled. I thought "great, people who like to knit and will want to talk about projects, yarn, etc." And I got that from this group and it is wonderful. But that isn't why I love it so much. What I wasn't expecting but got anyhow, was some great friends. I have never laughed as much as we do some knit nights. We share a common sense of humour which is delightful. More than that we have had many intense, truthful and thought-provoking discussions on many topics. From parenting, to schooling, to religion, to our city's development direction (or lack thereof); we all have opinions and all feel welcome to present them. Even on our knitting!

I wish for all those solitary knitters out there that not only can they find a group to knit with, but that they find a group that clicks (more than just the needles). That's what I found. And it rocks.

Finally I have arrived....

2007-04-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have finally got it figured out after the mini tutorial from Shan last nite(thanks Shan!), and so here I am!
My list of UFO is considerably smaller, as I have to be realistic about what I can accomplish.... ok maybe not really realistic, but my pile is smaller.
Presently I am working on an Aran Cardigan in natural undyed Australian Wool - almost done the last sleeve - then it is time for blocking and putting the neckband on. Yahoo! Can't wait till it's done.
Other items are :
Black mistake rib sweater for my daughter (ripped out many many times! I have to have the pattern done this time, before I start)
socks for my Mom
socks for someone else (not begun yet )
Eco-yarn (made from what I don't know!) from (gulp) Walmart - for a prototype sweater
And there is a lot more wool waiting patiently for me in well marked packages in my wool stash!
Enjoy our weekly knitting jams - looking forward to next Wednesday..
Karen

What's Next for our Heroine?

2007-04-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

This is just a list of what I'm planning to start soon, if I don't hang myself first, using yarn unravelled from Ogee...

1- I am in between socks at the moment - more or less waiting for my Sockapalooza 4 pal to be assigned to I can start on their pair.

2- There is a baby in the offing from one of Mr. HSB's only friends - Wendy and her fiance have just discovered they are expecting, so I've got some time. I'm considering another Sirdar design, using the lovely but squeaky Snuggly DK. I saw a very pretty (and gender neutral) seafoam colour at Capital Iron last time I was in Victoria. I'll pick it up next time I'm there...gotta love the discount: I think it was about $4.50 a ball.

3- I will also be starting another 'belly drape' soon for my bellydancing costume. I could use another one - it's a simple stockinette triangle with a border of garter, knit with ribbon yarn. Then I attach coins all down the long edges, and it tucks up inside my choli for dancing...covers the stretch marks. I'm procrastinating starting this one because I don't like working with the abominable ribbon yarn.

4- I am getting edgy about my planned Clapotis. I started wondering whether it would be too soft to work with the dropped stitches, and then I got a comment to that effect from another blogger. I think I may reconsider Clap...I will start swatching for a Malabrigo wrap just as soon as I finish the damned Ogee Tunic. That should help me stay motivated. I have wound one skein into a dreamy little turban of a centre-pull-ball, and it sits on my coffee table in mute encouragement.

5- As soon as the Ogee is finished, I will also start a tank I'm planning from Elsebeth Lavold's Viking Knits Collection 1. I have the yarn already, of course (stash knitting only right now) and the pattern is a nice simple, stockinette tank with a reverse stockinette panel at centre front, containing a St John's Cross. Should be nice in my pink Silky Wool.

So overall I've got a lot to do this spring. First I just have to finish the stupid tunic...

While We're on the Subject

2007-04-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

I figure I should take my cue from Kate and list my WIPs. Here they are, all of them.

1- The Dreaded Ogee Tunic. Knitting Nature, 100% cotton bundled yarn (as opposed to plied, woven, or wrapped) which is painfully slow to knit with. I am in Sleeveland on this one - midway through 1 of 2, front and back are done. I'm just not feeling the love on this sweater...but I will soldier on.

2- Cousin's Baby's Trellis. It's stretching the truth a bit to call this a WIP - all it's waiting for is the buttons (waiting for the past 11 months) and the baby has already grown out of it. Naturally. Looks like this will be my first item for our table at the Christmas Craft Fair.

3- Anemoi Mittens. Discouraged by the sizing issues, I have to either rip out the whole first mitten and reknit it or, more likely, start again using a different sized needle, just to get myself going again. These mittens fall under the category of Gift Knitting for Xmas, so I have lots of time to decide.

I started to list my planned projects (Projected Projects?) but realized it was really most appropriate for a separate post. More later, therefore....wait with bated breath!

In the Interest of Total Honesty

2007-04-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

I found two more projects. Knew I would. A top down raglan sweater, and a bag that will be felted.
On the plus side I did finish the preemie cardigan last night as predicted. On the negative side it is totally wrong (pattern has the wrong number of stitches to begin with, methinks) so it's back to square one.

On the Needles

2007-04-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought starting with what is on my needles would make sense. Of this amazing group of women I tend to be struck with multi-project syndrome the most, although there are others catching up quickly.

All the projects I can think of on my needles at the moment:

Toe-up feather and fan sock #2
Preemie cardigan (for a work friend's 4lb preemie!)
Shaker (with short sleeves) from A Treasury of Rowan Knits
Kiri shawl #2
Mitered Square blanket
Vest
Dishcloth (always one going)

That is everything I can think of at the moment, and looking at it makes me feel better as it is not as long as I had thought. The Preemie cardigan will be done tonight.
Soon to be on the needles -- a tanktop in cotton.
As I don't know how to link yet these patterns will go unlinked for now (Shan, a tutoring session may be in order).
I look forward to this becoming a place for us all to share, show and learn.
-Kate

Welcome to River Stitch!

2007-04-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

This blog is maintained by a group of women on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, who meet weekly to talk, eat, laugh, and knit. We're a versatile bunch - all knitters, but some of us also crochet, sew, cross-stitch and quilt. This will be a central place for us to discuss and display our projects, talk technique, share stories, and generally keep in touch with the wider crafting world.

Some of us also maintain personal blogs - you can find links in the sidebar.