AndreaKnits

FO's

2009-09-05T21:25:00.002-05:00

04 Cabled Beret [RA]
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted
Needles: US6(4mm)/US8(5mm) 16" circ
Notes: I made this pretty much exactly as the pattern stated, but I have a pretty big head so it's more of a toque than a beret. For this one I am debating ripping back and then maybe adding another repeat.. however, it does make a *damn* nice toque...

Malabrigo be so buttery <3

Swallowtail Shawl [RA][Evelyn Clark Designs]
Yarn: Cascade 220
Needles: US7(4.5mm) 32" circ
Notes: I don't know why, but for the nupps I was determined to do p5tog, so since I was using Addi Turbos I figured out that it was infinitely easier to use a crochet hook to do the nupps! I did only 9 repeats of Budding Lace, then on row 3 of Lily of the Valley I did:

k2, yo, k2tog, k5, yo, nupp, yo, k1, sk2p, k5, yo, nupp, yo, k1 to 10 sts before marker, ssk, k6, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k1, yo, nupp, yo, k5, sk2p, k1, yo, nupp, yo, k5 to last 4 sts, ssk, yo, k2 (I think.. I forgot to write it down actually..)

This did turn out smaller than I anticipated (what with using worsted weight yarn and all) even though it did block out to a pretty decent size. I just prefer neck scarves to wrap all the way around to the front whereas this one I need to tie in the back. I'm still debating ripping back to budding lace and just following the pattern. Hmm...

I think I might just have very tight gauge. I'm wanting to knit a Swallowtail for my mom for Christmas (a laceweight one with beads instead of nupps), but I'm worried it'll be too small! I suppose I can always just throw in a lifeline and block it once I'm done budding lace to make sure the size is alright.

Anywho, hope you enjoyed!

Habitat

2009-08-31T21:34:00.002-05:00

I'd just like to thank the people who were able to give me some input on changing the Habitat pattern! I appreciate the suggestions!

After a lot of thinking and planning, I finally managed to lengthen the hat by one repeat, and it turned out nicer than I could have hoped!

This doesn't show the colour well, but it's the best pic of the extended pattern.

The next two show the most true to life colour:

Habitat [RA Link]
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Marine
Needles: US8(4.5mm)/US9(5.5mm) 16" circs
Notes: So I made this toque for my friend Adrian, and his head is 24” circumference and about 7-8.5” in height for hats. I started by increasing the circumference. I CO 108 sts with US8’s then increased to 144 sts and switched to US 9’s.

I could tell by everyone else’s pictures and by the length I got by row 16 that it wasn’t going to be long enough. It took me a while but I figured out how to extend the pattern. After row 16 I inserted this chart. After that I replaced all the “c2 over 2 left” on the left side of the pattern (column 17-20) with “c2 over 2 right”.

So in the end it managed to cover his ears totally, and the hat doesn't look too stretched out (I prefer an end result where the cable is still bumpy rather than stretched) and I'm super pleased with the outcome!

New yarn! <3

2009-04-14T00:51:00.000-05:00

Fleece Artist - Trail Socks

I've taught myself how to knit socks in the past few weeks. I am overly excited about socks, I will not lie.

Malabrigo Worsted

I'm gonna use this to make myself a sweet hat. I just need to go out and buy the proper sized needles tomorrow... and then hopefully not knit and write an essay :D

Mosey, Snowboarder Hat

2009-04-13T23:24:00.006-05:00

Opps! I've been so busy with school I forgot to update!

Mosey [RA][Knitty]
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino, Natural Mix
Needles: US7(4.5mm)
Notes: The only changes I made was to do one extra repeat of the back panel, since I knit them for Amie and I knew she would want them to be long and still have some slouch. The only thing I found annoying was making the damn pom poms circular, lol! I had a ton of fun knitting these, and I think I’ll definitely knit a pair for myself at some point… maybe in black :D

Snowboarder Hat That Rocks [RA][We Do Not Have a Knitting Problem]
Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky, Black
Needles: US10.5(6.5mm)
Notes: I double stranded the yarn and knit loosely to see how thick/stiff I could make it. In the end it turned out too snuggly for me to add lining, but I still enjoy it. I used 16 20” strands for each ear flap and attached them in groups of 4 before braiding them. If I ever made this again I'd still double strand for the sturdiness, but I think I'd go up a needle size or two so I could line it and have it be a tad more flexible.

I also finally finished blocking the Meseta Alta shawl, but I'm still debating on what to do with the tassels. I don't have enough yarn to tassel the way it is in the original, so I either have to buy more or just space them out a bit better. I should decide soon, this was a Christmas present after all!

Currently working on socks... I wasn't expecting it to be this complicated with the gauge! Knitting socks is waaaaaay easier than I suspected it would be, I'm even beginning to like dpns... but for whatever reason I get itty bitty stitches using recommended yarn and needles.. I think I'm just going to have to math it up every time I knit socks. That's not so bad I guess, it's really fun to knit them in any case.

Sock Measurements

2009-04-13T23:16:00.001-05:00

Me

Calf Circ: 14.25
Ankle Circ: 10.25
Heel: 2.5
Foot Circ: 10.25
Foot Length: 10

Mom

Calf Circ: 11.5
Ankle Circ: 7.5
Heel:
Foot Circ: 8.75
Foot Length: 9.74

Alex

Calf Circ: 12.5
Ankle Circ: 10
Heel: 2.5
Foot Circ: 11.5
Foot Length: 11

Finished Christmas Gifts

2009-01-10T13:37:00.002-06:00

Geeze, that took me long enough. I managed to finish the majority of gifts before Christmas despite how busy it was at work the past few months.

Green Button Hat [RA Link]
Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky in Sage Green
Needles: US9(5.5mm) 16" circ
Notes: For this hat I used the brim technique from the Robin's Egg Blue Hat with the measurements from the Republic Hat. I knit it longer than the pattern said. I don't understand why all hat patterns are written so short. I live up in Winnipeg and it's hella cold here! Hats need to cover the ears!

6-Hour Throw [RA Link]
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun in Deco, Earth and Rococo
Needles: US35(19mm)
Notes: I originally knit this with 50's and followed the pattern, but the end result was too loose and curled to much, so I frogged it and re-knit on 35's, CO 50sts and did a 5 st garter border on either side. At then end when I put on the tassels I braided every set of two together so they wouldn't fray and shed all over the place :P

Teal Spring Beret [RA Link]
Yarn: Cascade 220 in 9420 Teal
Needles: US8/9(5.0mm/5.5mm) 16" circ
Notes: I did this in 1x1 twisted rib.. I think... I did k1tbl, p1 for the rim because I wanted to see what it looked like. Anyways, this was a really easy lace knit, you just need to pay attention and by the time you're on the second repeat it's easy to zone out and knit. It was fun watching my fingers turn blue :D Also, this was my first blocked project!! I'm amazed at how my shitty gauge evened out with the blocking and all the lace opened up like wow! I was so impressed!

Also, I was so worried this wouldn't be big enough, but after blocking it on a dinner plate it fit my auntie's head perfectly AND it miraculously matched her winter scarf which I've never seen before! :D

Drip Coasters [RA Link]
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter in various colours
Needles: US6 (4mm)
Notes: Used larger yarn than called for, so I started the first row here: CO 41 sts. Sl1, k18, sl1, k2tog, psso, k18, p1. This helped me get rid of a lot of extra yarn from other various dishcloths lol

I'm still working on mom's shawl, but the good news is, it's off the needles! I just need to weave in one end, block and tassel and it will be done! I was totally nervous to block this because of how much work went into it, but I got some help from the Knitting LJ and I think it'll all turn out ok!

Once I'm done that and my gift for Amie, my plan is to learn socks! I want to do my first pair legs down, then try toes up, then magic loop. I'm kinda crappy with DPNs, so I think in the end magic loop will work best for me.

I went to Ram Wools to pick up one more skein of Sirdar for mom's shawl, and I came across this:

Fleece Artist's Somoko in Burgundy Boil. OMG.

I was going to buy $4 sock yarn for my first attempt, but do you see how I couldn't resist?? And 30% off!

Ok. So. I bought a set of Bamboo US2.5 (3mm) needles because I am determined to learn. I'm going to try leg-down first because I bought Getting Started Knitting Socks, and it makes a whole lot more sense to me now. So, this yarn is amazing and I want to knit something simple, but not just plain stockinette all the way down. I'm thinking of doing the 6 sts per 1" pattern in the book, and doing the rib pattern down the top with stockinette on the bottom.

My only problem now it that this yarn is in a huuuuuuuge hank, and I don't think I'd be able to wind it all over my thumb, so I'm really considering buying a swift and winder. I've found a few on ebay for about $30-40 so maybe I'll buy them at some point. I'm wondering if I can pay anyone at Ram Wools or Wolseley Wardrobe to wind them for me? Hmm. I think I'll need to make a phone call..

Christmas looms over my head...

2008-12-18T11:37:00.006-06:00

Ok so yeah, I'm grossly behind on Christmas everything. I went and accidentally got myself addicted to WoW at the worst possible time ever, and ended up getting almost no knitting done. I also realize that I should have really organized myself better and decided what I was going to make for everyone a long time ago, so at the *very* least I could have had all the materials I needed to attempt to complete said projects.

I suppose part of the reason I'm behind is because I was expecting more time at work to be able to knit, but since they got rid of about 1/3 of our workforce and the holiday season is rolling through, we got slammed with chats and I've hardly had time to browse through my favorite blogs, nevermind knit. Combine that with the fact that the weather is ranging from -30 to -45 with windchill, and by the time I get home I'm too exhausted and cranky to do much else except level my mining skill or occassionally make a home cooked meal.

Oh well. I have this weekend off, and if I must I'll go out and buy everybody lotto tickets. I don't think I know a single person who doesn't love those, right? Then I can concentrate on my knitting and letting it be a fun process rather than a deadline thing.

Also, I thought I'd be done my mom's shawl by now, and I don't know how, but I'm running out of yarn for it. I thought I'd only need 6.5 skeins, but I just finished the last repeat for the pattern and it's obvious that it's going to need, at the least, 2 more repeats. How did it end up being so different from the pattern in the books?? It said to use aran/worsted on US9's, which I did. I even made 3 swatches, and the 9's made my gauge to big, but I went with them anyways... I'm kind of disappointed that the overall look of the shawl isn't turning out how the picture looks on the book. >_<

Where's mah knittin' at???

2008-12-05T17:36:00.003-06:00

Wow, I've been so busy lately I haven't had any time to knit whatsover! :( I spent a mad month there getting ready to apply for school (I got accepted!) and then after that work got insanely busy so I haven't gotten any work done whatsoever on Christmas knitting.. Now my days off for the next 3 weeks are all over the place, so I don't know when I'm going to find the time... and I'm poor, so Christmas presents might be a little late for everyone this year.

Circular storage issues?

2008-10-31T15:33:00.004-05:00

This is where I keep my circulars :D

Addi Turbos!

2008-10-28T02:52:00.007-05:00

Alex and I went to Ram Wools and I finally got my addiTurbos in US9.. *drool* My only beef with the addi's is that the ends are a little blunt for my taste.. but the way the yarn slides up the needles with no resistance and no snags.. oh, more than makes up for it :D

Godly.

So I've made some headway on the Meseta Alta shawl, this was before I switched to circs and I've done about a repeat and a half more. I started using dental floss as my lifeline, the wool kept holding the shape of yarn lifelines, and I'm worried it won't come out with blocking. :(
a
I kind of regret not getting a lighter wool or a softer type of yarn for this. I keep looking at the picture from the book and her exact shawl was what I fell in love with. Hopefully at the end it will look all classy and gorgeous and I'll feel better about it. :P

I also cast on a toque, but I wasn't paying attention and screwed up some ribbing. See that? UGH. And since I hate ribbing I almost frogged the damn thing before I'd even started... So I ripped back a bit and I've now started the pattern. After all that, I found out that I can simply pull the stitches out above the one I screwed up and pick them up in the right direction.. duh. Oh well, learning experience!

I really want to try mittens soon. I just feel like I've asked so many questions in LJ:knitting that they're gonna kick me out if I don't post more FO's than I post questions.. lol

Oh and randomly, here's a pic of Navi and kippers:

Natural light really is a lot nicer!

2008-10-16T18:11:00.008-05:00

So I'm enjoying my day off today! I realized I don't have any US 9 circs and I'm going to need a pair if I'm going to finish the Meseta Alta shawl any time soon, so I went to Wolseley Wardrobe to buy a pair (Addi Turbos, omg!) and when I got there they didn't have any ;_; I knew I should have called.. so I stopped at Prairie Sky Books and got some yummy new incense! I got Saffron, Desert Spice and Vanilla Amber! I also picked up some brocolli and grapes from the market by my house, yummers! I can't wait to cook dinner for Alex tonight!

So anyways, here are some things I've been working on..

This is my Butterfly Hat test drive, I did this with Patons Classic Wool Merino on US 7's. I had planned on making another one for my mom in some lovely dark purple Cascade 220 I had found, but I don't really like the end result of this hat, so I may just make her a cabled toque instead, we'll see! If I do, I'll have to make her a matching scarf too, I just know it! :P

The infamous My So-Called Scarf. I found this gorgeous Araucania Atacama at Ram Wools, but the colourway had such quick changes I couldn't find a scarf pattern that would show it off properly until I found this one! The yarn is insanely thin, so this may take me 300 years to knit up :D Since it's just for me, I'm just going to knit it whenever I need something mindless to do. So pretty *_*

I know everybody and their mom has done Calorimetry, but I wanted to give it a shot too! :P I love how it turned out! I knit this twice actually, before I finally went and read everyone's comments about how it came out huge! So I CO 88 sts and knit this up while I watched Steamboy. Very good anime.

Here are pictures of my 2x2 Rib Scarf. Incredibly boring and mindless, but good for at work when I want to knit but the chats are heavy. I love this colour! I'm a big teal fan.

And last but not least, my tiny start on the Meseta Alta Shawl! With help from a lovely lady on Ravelry I was able to start this and I know where I'm going with it now! I'm a little worried about the bumpiness of some areas, but I hope a soak and block will take that out a bit.. *crosses fingers*

I'm also really concerned about gauge for this one.. The pattern calls for US9, Ravelry says US8 and the yarn itself says US6.. so I'm not sure which size to use at all, so this may be time for some swatches. The yarn is Sirdar Eco Wool DK which is absolutely gorgeous! Very soft and the colour is amazing exactly the same as the link).

Why am I still awake?

2008-10-12T07:26:00.008-05:00

So I just spent the last 2 hours fixing up my layout.. and before that I spent the whole day getting level 41-50 in WoW! :P I'm such a friggin nerd... In any case, here's a toque I made a month or so ago, thought I'd share. My wonderful lover Alex is modeling in the second pic *heart*

There's actually two versions of this hat.. I still didn't get gauge when I knit this and it was my first time knitting in the round, so it was like.. trial and error. This yarn is sort of on the thinner side of worsted so the first hat I knit turned out too small even though I added two repeats of the cable section. It stretched a bit, but not enough to fit my head. Adrian ended up putting it on Joey's head, sort of perched on there, so we called him prison-snitch-Joey all day. :D

I made a second one and CO 106 sts. I did the ribbing for about 1¼” and repeated the cable pattern 7 times. The second one knit up much faster and I did a way better job on it the second time around. It came out perfect! It fits my head and Alex's, so it should fit my brother (I knit it for his Christmas present).

If I have time I’m going to make a matching scarf. I wrote out my own pattern for a scarf by adapting the hat pattern, and then I found out there's one that's exactly the same! So Irish Hiking scarf here I come...

It’s a really nice hat actually, I’m surprised at how good it looks, especially for only spending $3.00 on a skein that worked up two full hats!