Yeah, Yeah

Okay, so obviously every spring/summer I don't knit. I try, I really do. Alas, I can't bring myself to do it. It's a cozy factor thing I think.
Anyway, I have been working on a blanket for my friend's baby. OF COURSE, the baby was born in July so it will be a Christmas present. Oh god, I hope it will be a Christmas present!

I need to start thinking about other winter knitting projects I want to do! I am excited to start that again.

Project Three

Baby Blanket
Gift for Lindsay Bartnes born April 2008 (2nd cousin)

Time: 10 months total, 1 month actually working on it

Needles: 5 long

Yarn: 2 skeins - 150g, 404yds :: 75% Acrylic/ 22% Rayon/ 3% Nylon - Bernat Baby Coordinates Sweet Stripes :: Self stripping "candy stripes"

This pattern is a replica of my baby blanket, Rabbi. I received the pattern from my Aunt Judy.

Cast on 127 stitches. K 10 rows, then work in the following pattern:

Row 1 - (right side of work) and all uneven rows - K

Rows 2 and 4 - K 6, P 3 (the blanket border), then * K 1, P 3, repeat from * across, ending K 6 (the other blanket border

Row 6 - K

Repeat these 6 rows for pattern stitch until work measures 29 inches from start, ending with row of pattern stitch. K 9 more rows, bind off.

Notes:
- I loved knitting a Rabbi for someone else. I hope Lindsay likes her blanket. In case she does, I kept some extra yarn for repairs as I know Aunt Judy did for Rabbi and it has been needed in the last 26 years. Lindsay will be getting her blanket in the mail this week.

Learning about Yarn

After Christmas, I have been itching to get back to knitting and have been thinking about special projects I want to begin. I want to learn new things while I make new projects. Right now I am thinking all about yarn.....

In the world of yarn there are different types, textures, and sizes you can use for knitting. I am refreshing some of that knowledge with my Stitch and Bitch book and have also found the Knitting for Dummies book very useful.
The biggest thing I am learning about yarn is that when you go to the local yarn store, it is expensive! I want to stray away from acrylic but so far it is in my price range. Boo whoo. I have only slightly explored the bargain bins at my local yarn shop (now that I know they exsist) but I have also learned that while exploring those bins, I need to know what type of yarn I am buying and what it can be used for.
I feel like I am just learning about the technical things about knitting. I am sure people get by without understanding everything but I really do want to improve so I am taking it step by step.

One reason why I am taking an interest in yarn now is because I want to make a baby blanket for one of my good friends who is due in July. I want to use good yarn but when I went to buy some at the yarn shop it ended up being $75. Not what I want to spend right after Christmas. So I will continue exploring, and searching the web (I know "shop local") to find just the perfect yarn and the right price. I want to know how to make great gifts without spending all my cash money.

Scarfs numbers 2, 3, and 4

Scarf #2
Gift for Michelle

Time (for all): 1 week

Needles: 10 1/2 regular

Yarn: Lion Brand yarn 170 g, 185 yds :: 98% Acrylic/ 2% Polyester

This pattern is from the Stitch and Bitch book. Beginner’s Basic 2

I casted on 28 stitches.

Every Row: K2, P2

To finish, I used purple buttons to match the purple in the scarf.

Scarf #3
Gift for Sierra

Needles: 10 1/2 regular

Yarn: So I have to admit that I have no clue what yarn this was. My sister did not like the sleeves so she threw them away before I realized that I needed the information.

Pattern: My sister actually knitted this scarf (I have to admit but it was only a trade for one that I made and she gave to someone else) but I still want to put it on here since it was in the same bunch as all the other ones we knitted. However, because of this, I don't know much information about it.

Row 1: K

Row 2: P

Continue until desired length is found.

Things I learned:

I realized that with the K all odd rows and P all even rows (stockinette) stitch, the yarn curls up on the sides for your project. One way to counteract this "roll up" is to give your item a boarder by knitting a few stitches to begin and finish each row.

Scarf #4
Gift for Kaity

Needles: 13 regular

Yarn: again, not sure

This pattern is from the Stitch and Bitch book. Beginner’s Basic 2

I casted on 20 stitches.

Every Row: K2, P2

Things I learned:

After really looking at all the scarfs I made and how I used the same pattern for some, I realize how much different yarns react to being knitted. This pattern is the same one as the gift for Michelle but because the yarn was thicker, the scarf became smaller as it scrunched itself together. I just wish I kept all that information about the yarn specifics. I will have to remember next time.

One more thing....

http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/

This link is to Jared Flood's knitting blog. Although he ignores me when I try to talk to him via blog or facebook (yes, dorky), I still have to admit that he makes some of the most beautiful knits I have ever seen. It isn't a surprise this is what Jared does now as he has always been very creative and artistic and, christ, these are amazing!

Project Four Preview

It wasn't until after I wrapped up all my presents that I realized I forgot to take pictures of my work. For Christmas this year, I have decided to make scarfs for each female I usually buy gifts for. They are all different colors and patterns. They were my first experimental projects and were very fun. It made me understand all the different things you can do with patterns, some right and some very wrong. I can't wait to start a new project where I can expand on that knowledge. I have also decided that before I begin something bigger, I need to take a class explaining what to do when you mess up and what that looks like. For example, I don't really know what happened or what to do when you all of a sudden have a hole in the middle of your work.

All the scarfs I made are shorter than a long scarf most people think of. That is partly because I wanted to get everything done in time for chirstmas but it is also because I actually like the look of the shorter ones and they don't get all bundle up inside clothes. I put buttons on all of them too because that will hold them together, something I think looks good and is very handy. I also didn't use the best yarn for these because I didn't want to drop $50+ on yarn. It still looks good I think....

Although I wrapped most of my scarfs, I did have one I haven't put away. Here are some pictures of it. My other scarfs I will get pictures when they are opened. On this particular scarf, I decided to mess around with patterns and see what happens. I am not so keen on the look when it isn't being worn but it looks good on.

Scarf Number 1:
Gift for Shannon

Lion brand yarns
Dye #?
98% Acrylic and 2% polyester
(at least it is made in the USA)

Pattern:
(for the blue)
Cast on 24 stitches
P 2, K 2 until I liked the length

(for the green)
Row 1 and all odd rows: K
Row 2 and all even rows: P

Finish with the blue pattern.

Buttons:
clear buttons with blue and green flowers pressed inside.
(Joann Fabrics)

Project Four

It has been awhile, yes. I took the summer off from knitting as it seems like a chilly weather activity for me. When the cold hit, I took to the needles and have been knitting gifts like mad. I am quite enjoying it. This time I have my sister around to help with the knitting and we are experimenting with patterns, yarn, and needles. I am learning a lot actually.

Pictures and more explanation of the projects to come.

As for an update on that baby blanket, not done. I shall finish it this winter though. Promise.