April Knit Wits ! Respond to this one!

[imloulou]

I have no clue how 3 posts showed up for this thread but I could not delete the other 2 so I just added to the Subject.

Here is the post:

I hope I am not stepping on anyone's toes here. I just pulled up the March to add a post and realized that it is APRIL...Whew...where did March go

I had my little Pink Lady Purse disaster last month (remember that scary picture of the purse that never felted...lol!)

Well...I did make another one using New Zealand WoolPak. It is beautiful and felted great. I used the worsted and knitted it doubled. I will post a photo soon...I have to wait for daylight...the pink is turning out horrible using the night light/flash in my house.

I am working on a new bag to felt. I am kinda making it up. I am looking at 2 patterns and using my own measurements so we will see what happens.

I am using a yarn called Rio de la Plata...it is BEAUTIFUL in every sense. It is so soft (100% wool) and the colors are gorgeous!! It is not a well known yarn yet in the US. I found it at my LYS but could not find that much online. Has anyone used this yarn?



Here is is before felting (it is curled up on both ends so it looks narrower than the felted swatch):



and here it is after felting:



What is everyone else up to?????

[cniles]

Lol Lisa!!! Your posts were cracking me up!!

LOVE that yarn!! And way to go felting your other bag!!

I have a confession to make...... I don't like knitting on circular needles they twist up on me and I just don't enjoy it as much as my straight bamboo needles. So.... MY bag is in limbo b/c I'm working on my other project.

Remember my felting issue last month - I had to frog my Debbie Bliss wool bag. Well I've decided to do a block "quilt" out of the blues. I'm almost finished with my first square. I have a lot of different color blue skeins that are leftovers from scarves etc that I will weave into the throw as well. I'm looking forward to having a whole bunch of squares to arrange into a "quilt" and I'll then sew it together.

[Beth]

Lisa, Yay for the pink bag. I want to get that pattern. I saw it online somewhere, but I'm going to look at the LYS first. Love the new yarn too.

I am making a Sophie Bag from Knitwits out of some green yarn I had and then planning on a buttonhole bag or a bag similar to your pink one out of the other shades I have.

I hope to make a small purse and/or scarf for the 3-1/2 year old who will be moving next door in June. Not sure what -- but a fun idea that wil be small and quick. My mom and I are planning on going to the LYS and seeing if I can come up with any ideas for that yarn she wants me to make a sweater out of. Looking at some patterns online, I think they would call this lace weight now -- finer than sport weight, to knit on a size 2 needle. I'm hoping to find something lacier that she can get more wear of inthis climate and that I might actually be able to complete. That or find someone who would knit something for her out of it. I'm also concerned about the amount of yarn. There are 4 skeins -- there is a sticker on the box that says 8 oz. I have no idea of yardage, but that fine, it is giong to take a lot, and I'm not sure it would be enough for some of the things I was looking at online even though it was intended to make a pullover or cardigan (maybe 50's styles were smaller/shorter?).

I'm enjoying using my Booga bag -- except for the name. I made the I cord the full length of the remaining yarn so I could put the bag on my shoulder when needed or carry it by hand. I may shorten the handles just a bit -- probably just reknotting the handles and leaving a little tail this time. My other projects are painting, tiling 2 small table tops and sewing a duvet and some window treatments. Maybe some cushions too. I need to get into whirling dervish mode!

[beckms]

I do love that yarn, Lisa!

I'm STILL working on Under the Hoodie from Stitch n B1tch. But I'm done with the body, halfway done with the hood, done with one sleeve and halfway done with the other sleeve. I've decided I'll enjoy knitting sleeveless things a lot more than sleeve-full things. I made a deal with myself that I will only knit during classtime, since I take horrible notes anyway and I can now knit without looking or paying too much attention, which means I can pay attention to the class AND get some knitting done in the meantime. But that also means no knitting on weekends or at night, so things are progressing slowly. Maybe by the time summer rolls around I'll be able to wear my hoodie.

I have a bunch of projects lined up for after the Hoodie, but of course since I lined up those projects I've had plenty of time to search around and find more projects I want to do...but I'm forcing myself to just do one thing at a time (otherwise I'll never finish anything) and to stick with the yarn that I have already.

Happy knitting!

[Terrytx]

I'm working on another hooded jacket from Leisure Arts. The last one that was intended for the DD (who shunned it), so it went to the DDin-law (who fell head over heels for it). She liked it so much, she bought the yarn for me to make another one, just like it, for her Mom. Up next is another Cape Cod Pull Over from Lion Brands. DS#2 saw the finished one for DS#3 and wants one in red. Then DS#3 saw the poncho that I made for DS#2 and wants one of those. And somewhere in there I want to make a knitted T for myself in this pretty spring pastel varigated cotton yarn I order from Patterworks. I guess I have my projects lined up for a while.

[ErinM]

I finally sent my long awaited Christmas 2004 gifts to their recipients. They should have them by Monday. I also sent my aunt the scarf she requested that's a duplicate of my mom's, which she should also have by Monday.

So, on my needles:

The Diagonal Baby Blanket made with Homespun yarn in the Tudor color from Lion Brand. The pattern can also be found on their website. I just passed the 50% done mark, so hopefully it will go faster. Although I doubt this because this "K2tog" is not an easy thing to do. Sometimes takes 2-3 attemtps before I actually make it happen.

I also have a dishcloth still on the needles as well, Currently, it's a navy blue color done in a checkered stitch.

That's all from me!

[SamanthaD]

Hi everyone!
I finally finished one of the many baby blankets that I need to make. I have started a buttonhole bag that Mamasue posted last month. I'm having alot of fun with it. My mom was here last week for spring break. She taught me to pick up stitches and showed me how to do an I cord. I wish we lived closer.
We had lots of company during our spring break so I didn't get as much knitting in as I wanted, but it was great visiting with my family.
Happy Sunday!!!
Sam

[615bride]

Lisa- That yarn felted beautifully!

I'm working on a feather and fan baby blanket for Scooter who is due June 22nd. Not exciting to work on but the end result will be lovely and then he'll have something mom made for him.

I'm also stalking the new issue of Knitty due out any day!

Paige

[PurplePotato]

Hi everyone!!!

Just started my very first knitting project - a scarf using homespun yarn in this color:



It is super soft and forgiving of beginner mistakes!

[Beth]

ChristyMarie, I made one of my first scarves out of that same yarn. It wasn't a beginner project, but the first thing I had knit for a while.

The scarf is a short one with the buttonhole loop, and I made it for wearing on cool morning walks. I can tuck it inside a jacket or sweatshirt or leave it out, and it has gone through the washing machine just great. The only thing about that yarn is that the nubs can be a bit tough for beginners who tend to knit tight. I'm usually hesitant to recommend something that nubby to a beginner, but if you aren't a puller and a fighter with your yarn, it should be great.

[PurplePotato]

Beth, the weird thing is that this yarn is helping me to NOT pull too tight - guess I'm weird, lol. But yeah, it is working really well for me so far. Just another 50 or so inches to go...LOL.

[SamanthaD]

Paige

I too am desperate for the new Knitty!!

Sam

[Beth]

Originally posted by ChristyMarie
Beth, the weird thing is that this yarn is helping me to NOT pull too tight - guess I'm weird, lol. But yeah, it is working really well for me so far. Just another 50 or so inches to go...LOL.

I hadn't thought of it that way, but you do have to relax it to not be pulling too tight and fighting it. Good point.

We were working on other things this weekend, so I just finished the bottom of the Sophie bag and picked up the round of stitches. I needed to stop and go get stitch markers, so there she sits.

Just found out they are having a suprise baby shower for the principal at my younger son's school -- they are expecting a boy this week and the meeting is next week. I'm thinking about making a pair of booties that look like athletic shoes and socks to stick on top of a package of diapers or go with an outfit.

[emily]

Originally posted by Beth

I needed to stop and go get stitch markers, so there she sits.

Beth, I don't know if you meant you need to get the stitch markers from somewhere in your house or your LYS, if it's the latter, then may I suggest what I use - either small key rings, or twist ties (from produce bags) or small hair ties. Or scrap pieces of yarn, in another color, tied into small circles.

I browsed through several YS (no L though) this past week and saw a lovely lace pattern for mohair, so I bought the pattern to use on some mohair I already had at home. I've only done about 3 repeats on the pattern and I'm worried that I won't have enough mohair. Eek! This is a scarf that will really look better long.

Still on the needles waiting to be finished my fishnet arm warmers and Under the Hoodie - Beck you're so much further along than me and I started last fall

Em

[beckms]

Originally posted by emily




Still on the needles waiting to be finished my fishnet arm warmers and Under the Hoodie - Beck you're so much further along than me and I started last fall

Em

That's only because I have hours and hours and hours of class time to knit and not take notes. Yes folks, this is what all that tuition money is going toward...unfettered time to learn how to knit a sweater. Oh, and I guess some medical stuff somewhere in there, too.

Em, som glad you've popped in to this thread, because I'm posting BF's latest mockery of my knitting obsession. It all started because I sent my family (and BF) the link to Yarnharlot's knitting blog where she talks about her efforts to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. BF thought a knitting blog deserved some mockery, so here is his version. Enjoy, and throw some pity my way for the abuse I have to endure.

3/11/2005
Knitted.
3/12/05
Knitted some more.
3/13/05
Again, knitted.
3/14/2005
Went to store. Needed knitting supplies. Knitted.
3/15/2005
Sewed. Wait, I mean knitted.
3/16/2005
Pondered the trance-like state induced by repetitive action. Also, knitted.
3/17/2005
Knitted green things. While drunk.
3/18/2005
Kni...ghted Sir Paul McCartney. Honored him with a scarf. That I knitted.
3/19/2005
Created a great yarn design of a feline who just gave birth. I will call it
"Kittened: knitted."
3/20/2005
Nate said some enlightening thing regarding the meaning of life that would
guarantee me unlimited happiness, but I didn't really hear him as I...
was... not listening.
3/21/2005
Won lottery. Not really, just knitted.

You can see how these things are catching on.

The "Yarn Pimp"
nate

[colleency]

Rebecca, that is SO funny!

I just learned to knit 2 weeks ago, and I'm excitedly making my first scarf. Yay!

[SamanthaD]

Oh Rebecca my husband will die when I show him that!
Sam

[ErinM]

Oh Rebecca, I'm dying here! Tell Nate that is the funniest thing I've read in awhile!

[SamanthaD]

How does one find time to knit and blog?

[Beth]

Emily, I both have some stitch markers somewhere and have used loops of leftover yarn, a rubber band or done without. DH had put a movie on and I wasn't up to going and getting anything, so I stopped for the night. I have since started a pair of baby booties (Mary Janes) that I may take to a luncheon on Wednesday, then I need to make the athletic shoes version for next Wednesday. I'll work on the bag in between.

[Beth]

Originally posted by SamanthaD
How does one find time to knit and blog?

I don't know. I also don't know how anyone knits and reads. I can do one or the other, or none at all...as the unopened books from teh library can atest.

[imloulou]

I have a confession to make...... I don't like knitting on circular needles they twist up on me and I just don't enjoy it as much as my straight bamboo needles. So.... MY bag is in limbo b/c I'm working on my other project.

Charisse...I'm glad you found the right thread...lol! I had a heck of a time fixing with posting that night.

I also have a hard time with circulars. I get used to it once a bag gets underway. Have you tried the Addi needles? They are slippery but really make fast work of a project.

Beth...I love that Sophie bag. I have it on my (ever-growing) list of bags to make.

ChristyMarie...Your scarf looks great! Congrats on starting your first project.

BF thought a knitting blog deserved some mockery, so here is his version. Enjoy, and throw some pity my way for the abuse I have to endure.

ROFL!!! That was sooooo funny Rebecca!!!!!!!

Originally posted by SamanthaD
How does one find time to knit and blog?

lol!...I just started one on www.Blogger.com...it is sooooo easy. I started so I could share pics with my sis and mom out of town. Also...I would be taking these notes anyway using a notebook...figured I would give it a try. It is nothing fancy and it really is easy...(and does not eat into my knitting time...hehehe) Also...I get so much help from other peoples blogs (cooking, knitting, etc.) figured I would post what I know. (which is not much at this point )

Sounds like everyone has lots of projects!!

[beckms]

Originally posted by cniles

I have a confession to make...... I don't like knitting on circular needles they twist up on me and I just don't enjoy it as much as my straight bamboo needles. So.... MY bag is in limbo b/c I'm working on my other project.

I meant to comment on this before: what kind of circulars are you using? The plastic ones (I forget the brand...Susan Bates, maybe?) do have a tendency to twist up, which I why I have become totally converted to Addi Turbos (which are more expensive). BUT, I have found that if you place your twisty needles in a bowl of steaming hot water for a few minutes, they relax and straighten out. I found that tip on the all-knowing Internet. Give it a try before tossing them.

[imloulou]

Originally posted by beckms


I meant to comment on this before: what kind of circulars are you using? The plastic ones (I forget the brand...Susan Bates, maybe?) do have a tendency to twist up, which I why I have become totally converted to Addi Turbos (which are more expensive). BUT, I have found that if you place your twisty needles in a bowl of steaming hot water for a few minutes, they relax and straighten out. I found that tip on the all-knowing Internet. Give it a try before tossing them.

oooooOOOOoooohhhhh...I took the twisting that Charisse was talking about to be the work twisting not the needles! I have always used the Addi's and love them...they never twist up on me.

[imloulou]

Here is my Pink Lady Bag...I should say SECOND pink lady bag (but the first one to work.) I had a hard time getting a photo of the pink...my camera was not interpreting it well but here it is:

[Mamasue]

Lisa...its beautiful! Great job!

[Beth]

Lisa, that looks great! I'm going to have to make one of those too! SO many bags, so little time.

About circulars. I have had some Wright/Boye, Susan Bates and some others before I broke down and bought myself a set of the Denise interchangeables. The cords on those are so much softer and more flexible than the Wright ones (the last ones I had worked with). They start out softer and the warmth of your hands smotths out the bends from being in the casse. In fact, that's what made me decide to go ahead and buy the set when I already had a couple of Wright interchangeable parts. The firt row or two of any knitting, round or straight, can try to twist on the needles a bit.

[cniles]

Originally posted by beckms


I meant to comment on this before: what kind of circulars are you using? The plastic ones (I forget the brand...Susan Bates, maybe?) do have a tendency to twist up, which I why I have become totally converted to Addi Turbos (which are more expensive). BUT, I have found that if you place your twisty needles in a bowl of steaming hot water for a few minutes, they relax and straighten out. I found that tip on the all-knowing Internet. Give it a try before tossing them.

Maybe I need to check out the Addi's - I have bamboo circulars... I tend to prop my needles in my belly and cannot do that with these, obviously. I'm just not comfortable with them. I'm not tossing just letting them sit a bit!! Thanks for the advice you guys!!!

[cniles]

Ok Lisa -after seeing your BEAUTIFUL bag I'm going to have to pick them up again and finish mine!!! Love it!!!

[beckms]

Originally posted by cniles


Maybe I need to check out the Addi's - I have bamboo circulars... I tend to prop my needles in my belly and cannot do that with these, obviously. I'm just not comfortable with them. I'm not tossing just letting them sit a bit!! Thanks for the advice you guys!!!

Hey, whatever's comfortable is the right choice for you. There are no rules in knitting.

I finally finished all of the pieces for Under The Hoodie; I just have to seam them and block the whole thing, neither of which I've done before, so it may be another week before I can wear it!

In the meantime, I started Little Black Top from SnB using Classic Elite Provence yarn in Harvest Wheat, or something like that. It's a muted yellow/gold color, and the mercerized cotton yarn is very pretty and almost shimmery. It's nice to start a new project.