tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52962562443112960242024-03-13T05:01:13.858-05:00Daisy's Book JournalBooks, Reviews and an occasional photograph or two.Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.comBlogger913125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-86293475857839379432017-06-21T14:01:00.000-05:002017-06-21T14:01:54.465-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Mystery Solved and other projects<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
After 6 weeks of knitting, my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/joji-mystery-wrap"> Joji Mystery Wrap</a> is complete! I'm so happy with how it turned out, so you'll have to bear with me while I show it off:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURwSX7Z1cjkT-lj6j47z9GC7b9JrD718-M7E0KTv3YLw8RSaKu0Y6wpgRC2sLU3H8_OfbCNTpz0s3SWPgUQ1vEgzyJwDGlxKtwXW25QFmRhq2SNdMwCMboIayLYWZy4c-exHPXiZPiAQ/s1600/IMG_3353_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURwSX7Z1cjkT-lj6j47z9GC7b9JrD718-M7E0KTv3YLw8RSaKu0Y6wpgRC2sLU3H8_OfbCNTpz0s3SWPgUQ1vEgzyJwDGlxKtwXW25QFmRhq2SNdMwCMboIayLYWZy4c-exHPXiZPiAQ/s320/IMG_3353_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB04QkP6VF-M-Du-CfBOIONoWDzdW88IzUU1FLUZltrn2Tk4sc8BAc94T8ARuBqM96xdSqFPww2yb4Wl0s2BR4Pfk9KzFC9U6-EQ0b61dUXdpMDCwIcsriyPpU-kHqLRfSX8Ue29fUtU/s1600/IMG_3359_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB04QkP6VF-M-Du-CfBOIONoWDzdW88IzUU1FLUZltrn2Tk4sc8BAc94T8ARuBqM96xdSqFPww2yb4Wl0s2BR4Pfk9KzFC9U6-EQ0b61dUXdpMDCwIcsriyPpU-kHqLRfSX8Ue29fUtU/s320/IMG_3359_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vBA4TwDB6r3cpJkOmIURFYHfSEhvGfiJEMMjwDVglLwNZK6GU5rAsjffrSEEcaZS7U0vNRPZBFNjRgv270fsFaBgziZJoUD3m_5l33zB2i_iTXMiNoRJGcp1bb4iJ-EfoztHO5EJm8c/s1600/IMG_3374_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vBA4TwDB6r3cpJkOmIURFYHfSEhvGfiJEMMjwDVglLwNZK6GU5rAsjffrSEEcaZS7U0vNRPZBFNjRgv270fsFaBgziZJoUD3m_5l33zB2i_iTXMiNoRJGcp1bb4iJ-EfoztHO5EJm8c/s320/IMG_3374_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFimP4_NzyrdW4W8paH7QyVMmyvXunaZsTLHWyKX2OOzxsq_bbDcr3Dvp0IFUZS7cCZi059gnl40dSdi6W-KTSVidZgh1CHe9y96Pu-LW0xfHXCH14Nt9hhLoyU7qDYrVS5h9sY9tMExM/s1600/IMG_3356_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFimP4_NzyrdW4W8paH7QyVMmyvXunaZsTLHWyKX2OOzxsq_bbDcr3Dvp0IFUZS7cCZi059gnl40dSdi6W-KTSVidZgh1CHe9y96Pu-LW0xfHXCH14Nt9hhLoyU7qDYrVS5h9sY9tMExM/s320/IMG_3356_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglckqh9isnenmDqKiSxVdlPdt9LhNwsUBmTSKSzcvJqE7aPX8OJOHs_0xIfaa1zCTrXVRlMxo7nG8k6yINcr6n_4NnUzwJL1VpCm5BmKPAMTnSaJYu42sn5dzPBTgjLln8L5eLUYfl2DM/s1600/IMG_3369_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglckqh9isnenmDqKiSxVdlPdt9LhNwsUBmTSKSzcvJqE7aPX8OJOHs_0xIfaa1zCTrXVRlMxo7nG8k6yINcr6n_4NnUzwJL1VpCm5BmKPAMTnSaJYu42sn5dzPBTgjLln8L5eLUYfl2DM/s320/IMG_3369_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzGgMLhZoG2U1USvNU3A1wX6s4sUSl_ngQWhUNZUvbxnZNxfsJn-aQSBJNv3AFyB-MWRg8NuJ58AkuXoPucWs9Yojfi0e-l9CDJCOx5ZzPq8TL2vSCQZqxVdyAXB-UDPnzkj_h5UEwNs/s1600/IMG_3387_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzGgMLhZoG2U1USvNU3A1wX6s4sUSl_ngQWhUNZUvbxnZNxfsJn-aQSBJNv3AFyB-MWRg8NuJ58AkuXoPucWs9Yojfi0e-l9CDJCOx5ZzPq8TL2vSCQZqxVdyAXB-UDPnzkj_h5UEwNs/s320/IMG_3387_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD55voB5MdKjHcj5_cV52RYNKJKGCpT0tsvcPoUP4rBWHZ5uV2CTEYueY3hdKfumxXeNMQIWR5GBQSTw4QQhnnUBjXIKqCN82su_6Thx_n7tmW5MVwacM592GIDyCXx8Y5kopuv3wWcI/s1600/IMG_3393_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD55voB5MdKjHcj5_cV52RYNKJKGCpT0tsvcPoUP4rBWHZ5uV2CTEYueY3hdKfumxXeNMQIWR5GBQSTw4QQhnnUBjXIKqCN82su_6Thx_n7tmW5MVwacM592GIDyCXx8Y5kopuv3wWcI/s320/IMG_3393_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
If you have access to Ravelry.com, I encourage you to head over there and see all of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/starting-point/people">gorgeous completed renditions</a> of this piece. Thanks, <a href="https://www.jojiknits.com/">Joji</a> for creating this pattern and for leading this mystery KAL. It was my first and I had so much fun. <br />
<br />
Now that it's done, I'm working on two projects from <a href="http://westknits.com/">Stephen West and Westknits</a>.<br />
<br />
The first is one you've seen before. It's called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/banaue-breeze">Banaue Breeze</a>. Mine is tentatively called "Prairie Harvest Wind", but I'm still not sold on that name. As for the piece, I had made half of it before and discovered that it wasn't the right size, so I started again from scratch. The last time I came across some things I hadn't done before (provisional stitches) and stumbled a number of times on it. This time, though, it's all old hat and is going much better.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzI0UCBp9mzHSFC7aN5tPZy1dna8qXDHcBvFCJv_OWgv7ludaJ6C9EUM42oM7m6UYtAmUzETccqF8Z_PbXOTetg5xUjBqS9ZOewpRRWPwRHr9m289t8jiBqMtvkKnb_7YQERrTB6pEDQs/s1600/IMG_3402_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzI0UCBp9mzHSFC7aN5tPZy1dna8qXDHcBvFCJv_OWgv7ludaJ6C9EUM42oM7m6UYtAmUzETccqF8Z_PbXOTetg5xUjBqS9ZOewpRRWPwRHr9m289t8jiBqMtvkKnb_7YQERrTB6pEDQs/s320/IMG_3402_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The other project is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garter-squish">Garter Squish</a> blanket. It's the simplest pattern, using only garter stitch, and features a wonderful i-cord edge. It calls for two strands of worsted weight yarn to be held together on 10mm needles. It's quite the stash buster using over 3200 yards of yarn. I'm sure it's would be awesome in a superwash wool or something equally luxurious, but I'm using lots of inexpensive acrylic worsted weight yarn that I've accumulated over the years. Some of it is labelled "Baycrest" (yep, as in Hudson's Bay) and has been sitting for 30+ years. There's also some newer stuff, too. Mostly that big ball stuff you see on the end of aisles in the big box stores. You know the stuff that screams "BUY ME" when you or another unsuspecting knitter walks buy. Anyway, I'm really tired of storing it, so this pattern is a great way to use up a good chunk of it. Here's what I have so far:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2faBKnMNKet4Ys-l_bSDnjQGt_THlm1IX7hqqmXktiA_JD4kApFlrytKRGKvt3QZVxL-jklvdD-0z7THzl5UfM9QEpc_I13x-ge2UmpOwetAeZmBMRJVkR-gcpO_ejLxziql42kMg9ZE/s1600/IMG_3400_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2faBKnMNKet4Ys-l_bSDnjQGt_THlm1IX7hqqmXktiA_JD4kApFlrytKRGKvt3QZVxL-jklvdD-0z7THzl5UfM9QEpc_I13x-ge2UmpOwetAeZmBMRJVkR-gcpO_ejLxziql42kMg9ZE/s320/IMG_3400_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The piece is folded in half and the cellphone in the corner is there for reference. <br />
<br />
This week I'm going to be continuing with both projects from Westknits and possibly start another summer top.<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations. Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-25751858659739419422017-05-30T16:40:00.000-05:002017-05-30T16:40:14.328-05:00Needlework Tuesday - The mystery continues...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
A few weeks back I wrote about a mystery Knit-A-Long (KAL) for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/joji-mystery-wrap"> Joji Mystery Wrap</a>. I've been diligently working away at it and have completed Clue 3. Instead of following the designer's suggestions on colour selection I went my own way and picked all variegated sock yarns that more or less had some common elements. Some days I regret that decision and have been waffling on how much I like this piece so far. The design is great, though. The jury is still out on my version of it. Anyway, here's a part of what I have done:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV1n-rRCtgc4y-0NgwEXu9Umrl2LeHV1Mrm43qSeKfTWsrp_qDvxme5aBBvjtjs18g1L6Wc7gkNYY93_lbyy63TRRDaNxQ_0aSUpnf_3T66helNDOb4PrfL28nF9OY916S7PJB8XZ7QY/s1600/20170530_135631_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1134" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV1n-rRCtgc4y-0NgwEXu9Umrl2LeHV1Mrm43qSeKfTWsrp_qDvxme5aBBvjtjs18g1L6Wc7gkNYY93_lbyy63TRRDaNxQ_0aSUpnf_3T66helNDOb4PrfL28nF9OY916S7PJB8XZ7QY/s320/20170530_135631_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
If nothing else, it's going to be colorful. You can't see it here, but there's one lace section, a few rows of eyelets, and some interesting twisted ribbing. I'm hoping those will show more once it's blocked. There's only two more clues to go and I can't wait to see the finished piece.<br />
<br />
Another piece I've been working on is the summer top from Shibui called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/interval-2">Interval</a>. All I needed to do was set in the sleeves, seam the sides, and weave in all the ends. These are not skills I've mastered and it took a long time to get them to an acceptable state. It's done now. Here it is:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB00w39syXpM0Jw3Y4AY8rIQZOzBfzv8i2D8vR2lKDc_dZdTZFRQLidDoNV-BaiPNhLX1cudAVvlU7F6CFJvQRz1XluBRyFij-tNMLkc_9P_I1UW5xNAuDW_Hm0_nmXPmXab51k4rULdo/s1600/IMG_3345_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB00w39syXpM0Jw3Y4AY8rIQZOzBfzv8i2D8vR2lKDc_dZdTZFRQLidDoNV-BaiPNhLX1cudAVvlU7F6CFJvQRz1XluBRyFij-tNMLkc_9P_I1UW5xNAuDW_Hm0_nmXPmXab51k4rULdo/s320/IMG_3345_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0APZhep4mEpKaoniPg878lGoD4R3Myjyit0MR8c0Ui4g2yNx5LDAnAE7L-heCJLO8X1pW6u-iyGrlQbuLUvk2I43S5MoQCqMePlCDwb_2WRg_Tk5VetVZ5E8QqRVI6x453BefYXnHGs/s1600/IMG_3344_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0APZhep4mEpKaoniPg878lGoD4R3Myjyit0MR8c0Ui4g2yNx5LDAnAE7L-heCJLO8X1pW6u-iyGrlQbuLUvk2I43S5MoQCqMePlCDwb_2WRg_Tk5VetVZ5E8QqRVI6x453BefYXnHGs/s320/IMG_3344_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite parts are the front and side seam detail. They are in stocking stitch, while the majority of the top is in reverse stocking stitch. I'm definitely going to make another top from <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/">Shibui Knits</a>. <br />
<br />
Two projects that I'd been working on didn't go so well. The beige throw from Mary Maxim got frogged (ripped out) as did the summer top, Banaue Breeze, from Stephen West. For the first one, I missed a yo in each repeat of the pattern, which threw off the stitch count. It was easier to rip out the whole thing and start again. As for the summer top, it's supposed to be a loose fitting garment and I decided to make the small size. However, because I was using yarn that was slightly lighter than the designer called for, the piece was going to end up too small. I've yet to restart either of these, but they are next on my list.<br />
<br />
This week I'm going to be continuing with the KAL.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-57264365540718262402017-05-16T11:39:00.000-05:002017-05-16T11:39:22.834-05:00Needlework Tuesday - New projects<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
Wow. I've really gotten out of the habit of posting on this blog. I had a post mostly written for last week, but never got around to posting it. Since then I've put most of my projects aside to tackle a new one (more about that in a minute). Once this new project is more underway, I'll get back to some on-hold projects and post about them at that time.
<br />
<br />
So, the newest project I started is a mystery Knit-A-Long (KAL) for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/joji-mystery-wrap"> Joji Mystery Wrap</a>. My local yarn store and other sources were promoting it quite a bit and that peaked my interest. Joji (pronounced Hohee, I believe) has given us a few indications about what we are knitting, it's a large wrap, but other details are being kept under wraps. ;) Each week she sends out a clue, which has instructions on how to proceed.
<br />
<br />
I don't like time constraints that much, but with this one I'm determined to keep up with the weekly clues. So far Clue 1 has been sent out and I'm just about done. The next clue should arrive late Thursday or early Friday.
<br />
<br />
I had purchased some yarn for the project, but at the last minute I decided to go a different route and use some yarn from my stash. My choices don't exactly follow Joji's suggestions for yarn colour, but I'm going with it anyway. I can show you the yarn I've chosen, but I'd prefer to keep the knitting part a secret until the end...well, at least for a bit longer. I don't want to give anything away for my fellow KALers. Here are my colours:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZj_arJL_Bo7imdocdaDJvGV0mW_aEvxSsyI7qEuaUeb3_uGkW3f4ul7QG07kftSiWFSiu30nUT-ZY7uelH-eNplBkk3kLBnv7dx6p5HGtuc0ubqykDUMxHykoi2Ghjqw1w0DQCQDCoM/s1600/IMG_3326_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZj_arJL_Bo7imdocdaDJvGV0mW_aEvxSsyI7qEuaUeb3_uGkW3f4ul7QG07kftSiWFSiu30nUT-ZY7uelH-eNplBkk3kLBnv7dx6p5HGtuc0ubqykDUMxHykoi2Ghjqw1w0DQCQDCoM/s320/IMG_3326_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If nothing else, the wrap will be colourful. ;)<br />
<br />
Just before I started the KAL, the next project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> showed up in the mail. While I don't love this one either (I'm starting to sound like a broken record), I decided it was time to tackle one of these. The pattern for this throw (or what I'd call an afghan) is 16 rows and is pretty simple. The repeating fan pattern has only one tricky bit every few rows. I especially like that the WS rows are all just working the stitches as presented. Perfect for TV knitting. Hopefully, before it's done I'll have memorized the pattern. Here's the project and what I've done so far:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8R1JbtD2PNqTypwlU5AiGZmPfGV1S6gKxUxdJualmz8kel_OXVs88iebHwQboZ3G4g_5nLT_7PBWCj8k3ahbG1Jv46FJpZ210RvYHKvFkCmBy-9ZBU-Vaj1rtHh2Pmfc1UqgxdvkPWo/s1600/IMG_3316_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8R1JbtD2PNqTypwlU5AiGZmPfGV1S6gKxUxdJualmz8kel_OXVs88iebHwQboZ3G4g_5nLT_7PBWCj8k3ahbG1Jv46FJpZ210RvYHKvFkCmBy-9ZBU-Vaj1rtHh2Pmfc1UqgxdvkPWo/s320/IMG_3316_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuiW9t85pkxxZCHMsKxvH_m0sLU8vAadMOG8nQBKMcJgE5bjcGDbWjO2WFggEWye4THNQUkahDy5WLPiwF3uHIAQj6j-8NEKWKxteV3Z0qqr4WWG1jcmZqbE0ePMSx06T9Wk-QmvPbFA/s1600/IMG_3319_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuiW9t85pkxxZCHMsKxvH_m0sLU8vAadMOG8nQBKMcJgE5bjcGDbWjO2WFggEWye4THNQUkahDy5WLPiwF3uHIAQj6j-8NEKWKxteV3Z0qqr4WWG1jcmZqbE0ePMSx06T9Wk-QmvPbFA/s320/IMG_3319_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This week I'm going to be concentrating on the KAL. If I find time or finish early, I'll take a look at one of my other projects.<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-69406867249190119712017-04-26T15:36:00.001-05:002017-04-26T15:36:36.932-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Flooding and Summer Tops<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
Has it really been a month since I last posted? It really has been busy around here.
<br />
<br />
I'll get to the knitting in a minute, but first I wanted to post a brief update on the flooding of 2017. I was going to do some separate posts, but decided against that for various reasons. It was quite an adventure with water level forecasts ranging from "minor inconvenience" to "major flood event" all within 48 hours. It eventually ended up with the peak somewhere in the middle of all of that. Here are a couple of photos of my backyard, before and after:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjKiWMkNSjpNUkNzy06p9m7KNRlkr80Q2noakF98rajUt6ON0PY2mPJz78SdjZ3XAWRCnyJV3nb-LHX8kuivdTVi5O452bsY5Ay27mffe5RvCxce3Z-B2QR8I3_hUJ1gIj_3YqAv0Lis/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjKiWMkNSjpNUkNzy06p9m7KNRlkr80Q2noakF98rajUt6ON0PY2mPJz78SdjZ3XAWRCnyJV3nb-LHX8kuivdTVi5O452bsY5Ay27mffe5RvCxce3Z-B2QR8I3_hUJ1gIj_3YqAv0Lis/s320/Before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Backyard before</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOAewTa4-f221zNCywdPmUPkR6N3Pfjzv67M7OdXFBQR2lBh0k-zDft5-T69izFehIZ0NrcGgFRBmg8dZ2RsH6DYPZZE6P3DWipc6DvhW3RXUbG9pufbA4TiVtlGsi4WL2GIqK9RKnb4/s1600/After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOAewTa4-f221zNCywdPmUPkR6N3Pfjzv67M7OdXFBQR2lBh0k-zDft5-T69izFehIZ0NrcGgFRBmg8dZ2RsH6DYPZZE6P3DWipc6DvhW3RXUbG9pufbA4TiVtlGsi4WL2GIqK9RKnb4/s320/After.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Backyard after</i></span></div>
<br />
Normally, the river is about 700 ft from our house, but here it's about 70 ft from the house. It's gone down quite a bit since then, but there's still plenty of water around. Some of the land is lower than the river, so at some point it'll be landlocked and will likely stay around for a couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
Now on to the knitting...<br />
<br />
First up, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bias-shawl">Handmaiden's Bias Shawl</a>. This one turned out okay and works great as a scarf, but it's a little too short to wrap comfortably around my shoulders as a shawl. The fact it's biased makes this even worse. The instructions say that it may stretch a bit when worn, so maybe it'll be okay after awhile. I might try to block it to see what happens. My photographer is busy painting today, so here it is on the back of a chair:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3toXu_BEXHaDI2kU1D5QApZViwNh0kKCqSTORhlmj7X_wWHgjB4ELyU3YOSbSyJWfx3qZixN-Kt0G2_SrjtsPCch5bgRX_ul56q-gNhdb2ulJgHCSXBjvF9OisK5_giZoyzg0_ke0vw/s1600/IMG_3160_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3toXu_BEXHaDI2kU1D5QApZViwNh0kKCqSTORhlmj7X_wWHgjB4ELyU3YOSbSyJWfx3qZixN-Kt0G2_SrjtsPCch5bgRX_ul56q-gNhdb2ulJgHCSXBjvF9OisK5_giZoyzg0_ke0vw/s320/IMG_3160_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I finished knitting the summer top from Shibui called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/interval-2">Interval</a>. It knit up surprisingly quick and it now blocked and ready for assembly. I learned a few new techniques for this piece and am loving how it looks so far.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3zoXFHw6BU42CBaD1OW8WS2iCEevCJmyqUG4MCfQr11L1E2jD1E3HunqZTJNTxqQCtYV5_EGlRjmvj_HF5CcgmTgjxzGAKHuEqQ9FzV_vaMC_naEysTvWGlfnEjTWIVI61iDtZNfNDk/s1600/IMG_3202_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3zoXFHw6BU42CBaD1OW8WS2iCEevCJmyqUG4MCfQr11L1E2jD1E3HunqZTJNTxqQCtYV5_EGlRjmvj_HF5CcgmTgjxzGAKHuEqQ9FzV_vaMC_naEysTvWGlfnEjTWIVI61iDtZNfNDk/s320/IMG_3202_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The next project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> showed up in the mail a couple of weeks back. It's a shawl, but not one that thrills me. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to make this one. If I don't, that'll be three projects in a row that I don't like. If this trend continues, I may have to cancel my membership. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jyU0xkPx1lSTkyhIqU_N-63KbVz0KnbNoN9KVX2U6FbXG2KZQPb7jQGPSzbWODW3glI8kWaL3iWQlwZx5JCvjvGe4syEJ7NGlGcPrjHJjQMZ_0aCzpy1NRyJ75Aaznbu-GaQ6myT1vE/s1600/IMG_3213_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jyU0xkPx1lSTkyhIqU_N-63KbVz0KnbNoN9KVX2U6FbXG2KZQPb7jQGPSzbWODW3glI8kWaL3iWQlwZx5JCvjvGe4syEJ7NGlGcPrjHJjQMZ_0aCzpy1NRyJ75Aaznbu-GaQ6myT1vE/s320/IMG_3213_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Finally, I've started another summer top, this one from designer <a href="http://westknits.com/">Stephen West</a>. It's called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/banaue-breeze">Banaue Breeze</a>. I'm using some yarn I bought for another project that didn't quite work out as planned. The yarn is quite funky, so I was looking for a funky piece that would suit it. I'm hoping this works.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZEiCp9T59reLsOTxGntpoLBN5GzV8ukPiNKwVxhxFb8UnMRh0v1seymzXYCG8QM3NrsdR3XNqZ5WuMshpIHzkDMZT5SobtHFn0Uo_wjtFPNCfHBXY9oPBiU267vB46n7BxQvfyadu8g/s1600/IMG_3205_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZEiCp9T59reLsOTxGntpoLBN5GzV8ukPiNKwVxhxFb8UnMRh0v1seymzXYCG8QM3NrsdR3XNqZ5WuMshpIHzkDMZT5SobtHFn0Uo_wjtFPNCfHBXY9oPBiU267vB46n7BxQvfyadu8g/s320/IMG_3205_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The top is unique in that it's knit in two halves, starting at the arm hole, and seamed in the middle. I had a really rough go of it so far. I must have tried the cast on a dozen times before getting it right or somewhat right enough to continue. I had to learn what provisional stitches were and apply that knowledge to working in the round. I abandoned the idea of using the magic loop technique at the same time by switching to a smaller circular needle. I'm so glad I got it figured out. I didn't want to abandon this one. <br />
<br />
I'm trying to come up with a name for this one. Since I'll probably never get to the Banaue in the Philippines, I'm thinking closer to home. The colours remind me of autumn or harvest...Harvest Breeze...Autumn Breeze...or Prairie Winds...or Manitoba Mayhem. Still thinking. <br />
<br />
I have a few other things to report, but I'll leave that until next time. This coming week I'm going to hopefully assemble one summer top while continuing to knit the other.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-41594534413870810372017-03-28T13:35:00.002-05:002017-03-28T13:35:48.264-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Sick, Knitting, and Flood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
My husband was kind enough to share his cold with me, so this week I've spent a lot of time knitting and not much else. I was able to finish one project, make good progress on another, as well as start a new one!<br />
<br />
First up, the finished one. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hidden-gusset">Hidden Gusset</a> fingerless mitts are done. After having a stitch count issues with the first one, the second one knit up quickly without a hitch. My notes and stitch counts from the first one were very helpful and saved tons of time. Here they are:
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MCubRrPeBHlNzDw9YC-x6pdxs0njJ8U-95D8gcj4rD_OgqLWryczllrg8UWFg_oa93PyXIyFHRV6Yg-Pj6Hr9NGLnzivt43ekoZR6i_ky3h-SPEp7NJ2Lde4l1Da5__DNbcUUf45KWs/s1600/IMG_3146_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MCubRrPeBHlNzDw9YC-x6pdxs0njJ8U-95D8gcj4rD_OgqLWryczllrg8UWFg_oa93PyXIyFHRV6Yg-Pj6Hr9NGLnzivt43ekoZR6i_ky3h-SPEp7NJ2Lde4l1Da5__DNbcUUf45KWs/s320/IMG_3146_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDngXh5DW4T8DXAgvO6wgAhUK-Jh5ZG1NK0kqWIFZ-9pJDEPpqK3rwmRFyBJZpL7sqbWMfO5yQsiKSIVVKrwERjdYgdHtoFcUz_VrW2AfJAJ5EhtwND7h8JyaV59ylbhVWXs73eUtA5k/s1600/IMG_3159_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDngXh5DW4T8DXAgvO6wgAhUK-Jh5ZG1NK0kqWIFZ-9pJDEPpqK3rwmRFyBJZpL7sqbWMfO5yQsiKSIVVKrwERjdYgdHtoFcUz_VrW2AfJAJ5EhtwND7h8JyaV59ylbhVWXs73eUtA5k/s320/IMG_3159_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm blown away that they almost match despite no winding off yarn or planning on my part. Even the thumbs match the hand part. Woohoo! Now that I'm familiar with the pattern and know where the tricky parts are, I'd love to make another pair with a solid colour yarn or at least one that has very subtle colour changes.<br />
<br />
Next up, a new project from last week, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bias-shawl">Handmaiden's Bias Shawl</a>. This one is a very simple pattern...only two repeating rows.<br />
Row 1: K<br />
Row 2: K1 *yo K2tog, repeat from * to end.<br />
<br />
How simple is that! It's knit with two yarns (silk boucle and fine mohair) held together. I'm still not loving the boucle, but I'm getting used to it. Even though the pattern is simple, I managed to screw it up a few times. I probably missed a yo or K2tog. We had a couple of nice days and I was knitting outside for a bit to enjoy the sunshine. Lots of distractions out there. Anyway, I managed to catch it but not before screwing up the edge in one spot. I thought I might do more harm than good by frogging back, so I did a quick fix and moved on. I don't think anyone, but me, will notice. Since I'm pretty close to done, I'll post a photo next time. <br />
<br />
Finally, I was able to start the summer top I've been eyeing for awhile. It's from Shibui and is called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/interval-2">Interval</a>. The majority of the top is knit in reverse stocking stitch. I'm taking bets on how long it'll take for someone to ask me if I'm wearing my top inside out.
It appears that I'll be learning a few new skills with this project, starting with the German Twisted Cast-on. The pattern designer kindly pointed to a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af1xpkBBYxs">YouTube</a> video, which was extremely helpful, with one exception. She compared this cast-on to long tail cast-on, which I'd heard of, even looked up once, but never learned how to do. I got the hang of it pretty quickly and was able to knit quite a bit of the back this week. Here's a shot of the yarn and a little snippet of the side and bottom edge:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY7o9mJtmFuWcLUx9h3fYaQd320qlsrT9CItOaiSwY77bqShyorEPwV6ynHeGljJpljhV216fUMU7_Ah-WhS4xLgAKR1RSyRUV8NSjpndLqR_CD8xwAVxGmY83KFURMp063UGTINvyuY/s1600/IMG_3133_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY7o9mJtmFuWcLUx9h3fYaQd320qlsrT9CItOaiSwY77bqShyorEPwV6ynHeGljJpljhV216fUMU7_Ah-WhS4xLgAKR1RSyRUV8NSjpndLqR_CD8xwAVxGmY83KFURMp063UGTINvyuY/s320/IMG_3133_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My knitting isn't quite as tidy as I'd hoped it would be. It's just stocking stitch after all, so I'm not sure why it's uneven and wonky-looking. I'm using metal needles and the cotton yarn is slipping a little, so perhaps that's it. <br />
<br />
This coming week, I'm going to finish the shawl (hopefully) and continue to work on my summer top. I might start another smallish project to knit if I get bored of all of the stocking stitch in the top, but I'm not sure what that's going to be yet. Stay tuned....<br />
<br />
In other news, we've been hearing reports of a potential flood again this year. The last big one was 2014. However, we also had water in our backyard in 2015. Because there are so many factors involved, we aren't sure yet how much water we'll get or how long it'll stick around. From here forward, I'll post updates and pictures in separate posts.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-57967869609335003202017-03-22T10:02:00.002-05:002017-03-22T10:02:45.428-05:00Needlework Tuesday - A whole lot of knittin' goin' on. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
It's spring. Well, sort of. Yesterday and today are a bit cooler, but after that it's going to be lovely. I've been busy enjoying the warmer weather as well as knitting up a storm. I finished two projects, started a new one and, picked up one that's been sitting for awhile. Go Me!!!!
<br />
<br />
The other Shibui Yarns scarf that I was working on is finished. <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/patterns-multigrain">Multigrain</a> is a fabulous scarf that uses three different yarns for great texture. All sections use two strands of yarn held together as one. Some times it's two strands of the same yarn, other times it two different ones. It's supposed to be done in one colour, but since I was buying my yarn on sale, I had a more limited colour selection. I went with 2 colours and couldn't be happier with the result. It's quite a wide scarf, so there's a number of ways to wear it.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTvPJ2_TXr9PV2_W5r4tFRlNOyqOhVUym7UtRPz6OhrMs93Hcr2YD5dknsksATv4eE3wedH7tE8No2ZIHewRBgMcbsPvMdKrN2wOjOvGoWqBaGV2Y5qucSciNwQ_XTjj88EgDv9uA1Bk/s1600/IMG_3107_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTvPJ2_TXr9PV2_W5r4tFRlNOyqOhVUym7UtRPz6OhrMs93Hcr2YD5dknsksATv4eE3wedH7tE8No2ZIHewRBgMcbsPvMdKrN2wOjOvGoWqBaGV2Y5qucSciNwQ_XTjj88EgDv9uA1Bk/s320/IMG_3107_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzp0m5SEaZN8BXc8OmjkrzJ06cffp6Ave0xZm184Bos5T6szv4ekA3s5fg9uM-eYDPl3ErUyCN1_30r9EtH4mdFE0pY9RJ5q-o4sSiSbvyPngTdSJ_T3Yji-HBGYIM11lpeyXbjV3wq8/s1600/IMG_3085_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzp0m5SEaZN8BXc8OmjkrzJ06cffp6Ave0xZm184Bos5T6szv4ekA3s5fg9uM-eYDPl3ErUyCN1_30r9EtH4mdFE0pY9RJ5q-o4sSiSbvyPngTdSJ_T3Yji-HBGYIM11lpeyXbjV3wq8/s320/IMG_3085_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpl0g5nKntXwqg7_G7z3jBjaNxpC_I4eY5zgE1CNIv-twXAK2Is3YCB_0pLS9Vn50PxnN7uVm5ZmPqCsamTXMDX_kNHEJPlLqchbcSDgMnhudR7I-aZX-VXsGkMG0tc_bY3GOlAk-afw/s1600/IMG_3117_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpl0g5nKntXwqg7_G7z3jBjaNxpC_I4eY5zgE1CNIv-twXAK2Is3YCB_0pLS9Vn50PxnN7uVm5ZmPqCsamTXMDX_kNHEJPlLqchbcSDgMnhudR7I-aZX-VXsGkMG0tc_bY3GOlAk-afw/s320/IMG_3117_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
What appears to be a solid light/apple green section in the middle is actually three sections using two different yarns in the same colour. It's hard to tell that though because the yarns are so similar. I love this scarf!!!!<br />
<br />
The other project I finished was the shawl/scarf from Diamond/Katia using their <a href="http://www.diamondyarn.ca/d/yarn/8-spring-rainbw/">Spring Rainbow</a> yarn. I realized that I picked the colourway that is the least "springy". However, the others ones were more pastel and that definitely ain't me. It turned out okay, but I didn't love the yarn structure. As I wrote on raverly.com, this shawl is a really quick, easy knit. I'm a little disappointed that I finished the shawl before I got to use the end of the yarn which was solid black....one of the reasons I purchased this colorway.
Perhaps I should have started with the black. However, I was worried that pulling this yarn from the centre was going to create a huge mess. There's no twist to this yarn and it's basically 4 separate strands. I wasn't sure I'd be able to find the beginning without getting it all tangled up.
The other option was to rip back to the centre point and make the shawl bigger. I wasn't sure how much bigger I could make it, though, so I just followed the instructions.
I'm happy with it regardless. It's another scarf that can be worn a couple of ways.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z6kc4fVDSXl_g34_b_Bq-mlPqsArupesx7cQOMde0CChTmYWJsAm_1pkuXWOdM6hhxPP25OjpsqDDUj683CvmK9vD_267Jp8cwcKZaDtmql3uPK_Sofq3ShHIQN4rXYbg8lfqfPlapo/s1600/IMG_3091_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Z6kc4fVDSXl_g34_b_Bq-mlPqsArupesx7cQOMde0CChTmYWJsAm_1pkuXWOdM6hhxPP25OjpsqDDUj683CvmK9vD_267Jp8cwcKZaDtmql3uPK_Sofq3ShHIQN4rXYbg8lfqfPlapo/s320/IMG_3091_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6hOrkCR3FR6jhu27SHs-4X7liYeu8maQPedC5l0Ju36lS-eYj7cNxUmw6d6BEL_-D5pA2IZv9sU84p_Dexacp_bYrooCGqmnYhwpSbRU2499xh13br95Snz90rAtn9Ukw7IcBgwbg2c/s1600/IMG_3099_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6hOrkCR3FR6jhu27SHs-4X7liYeu8maQPedC5l0Ju36lS-eYj7cNxUmw6d6BEL_-D5pA2IZv9sU84p_Dexacp_bYrooCGqmnYhwpSbRU2499xh13br95Snz90rAtn9Ukw7IcBgwbg2c/s320/IMG_3099_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The new project I started was from a kit I purchased from my local yarn store. The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bias-shawl">Handmaiden's Bias Shawl</a>, available for free on ravelry.com. The only difference is that the kit suggested I use two yarns (Handmaiden Fine Yarn Angel Hair and Handmaiden Fine Yarn Rumple held together as one) instead of just the one suggested by this particular version of the pattern. It gives the shawl a slightly different look. I've only just started this one, but I already know that I don't love knitting with boucle yarn. It's bumpy texture takes a little getting used to and really messes with my tension. Here's what I have so far:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNDTnbPULrQDu55jnwC0akjhfprfMo91SMz5cXpcOeRLqHuC5tpBl9CKPV9iNTAcg6zIFQqWStI0zJS3EmbrM1qIPsjI2XAfTHJKFe5dHe9fLFyMYl2c9MkCoVhW7Duos6F-PNAyFl44/s1600/IMG_3120_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNDTnbPULrQDu55jnwC0akjhfprfMo91SMz5cXpcOeRLqHuC5tpBl9CKPV9iNTAcg6zIFQqWStI0zJS3EmbrM1qIPsjI2XAfTHJKFe5dHe9fLFyMYl2c9MkCoVhW7Duos6F-PNAyFl44/s320/IMG_3120_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The last thing I've been working on is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hidden-gusset">Hidden Gusset</a> fingerless mitts that I started quite awhile ago. I had almost finished one of them, but put it down because I had had various problems with it and wasn't loving it. After some time away from it, though, I'm finding that absence really does make the heart grow fonder and I now like this project enough to continue. I've add the thumb to the first mitt and have started on the second one. I still wish I had used a different yarn, but I'm okay with how they are turning out. I'll post a photo of the pair when they are done. <br />
<br />
Whew! I told you I've been busy. The coming week, I'm going to continue working on my WIPs as well as get a jump on a summer top that I've been meaning to start. If I don't do that soon, I'll have to wait until next summer to wear it.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-70608566075456547962017-03-07T15:19:00.001-06:002017-03-07T15:19:23.982-06:00Needlework Tuesday - Scarves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
I guess it's been a few weeks since I posted an update on my knitting. I've made some progress on some of the projects I was working on. However, some have fallen by the way side and are threatening to become UFOs. I hope to take a look at those this week and get them moving again, but in the meantime here's what I've been working on...
<br />
<br />
I finished one of the scarves, <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/patterns-tier">Tier</a>, from Shibui Yarns. I made it longer than the pattern called for because I wanted to use up the reminder of the yarn. No use keeping less than 80 yards of speciality yarn around when it can easily be used up in the current project. I also added an extra 3 rows of dropped stitches (like those on either end of the scarf) about 2/3 of the way so it has a asymmetrical look. You can just about see them on my upper back/shoulder. Blocking flattened it out quite a bit, but the edges are still rolling at the slightest touch. Stupid stocking stitch. Despite that, I love this scarf.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDpVpu_4ej6o9aklOTqbW7ePzjp7m0h79kDIvSfLu8YQMOYT7U_goo8V01eOkfAIL90xcBAY7DjipC8FbVklDRNCjt-S3nNJf1Y9sLrA-sZXDILqsfA0rhyADBKnHUwqf_pBiDSVpllI/s1600/IMG_3035_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDpVpu_4ej6o9aklOTqbW7ePzjp7m0h79kDIvSfLu8YQMOYT7U_goo8V01eOkfAIL90xcBAY7DjipC8FbVklDRNCjt-S3nNJf1Y9sLrA-sZXDILqsfA0rhyADBKnHUwqf_pBiDSVpllI/s320/IMG_3035_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0F0kfCXFknN-WsALAoRD-iGPIuLSJMZPoIHuDuZ00nIoJWK2o-YsR1DUBov51STmQfypSF18wyAcNPsrnNghw4B4gSQO1-TMKTkQ2Tp2SCOZTH0mweCe9N1GhX4XtNiFNt99eunjlcE/s1600/IMG_3048_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0F0kfCXFknN-WsALAoRD-iGPIuLSJMZPoIHuDuZ00nIoJWK2o-YsR1DUBov51STmQfypSF18wyAcNPsrnNghw4B4gSQO1-TMKTkQ2Tp2SCOZTH0mweCe9N1GhX4XtNiFNt99eunjlcE/s320/IMG_3048_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I also started another project. I wanted something really portable for a short trip we took last week. What's more portable than a single ball project. It's sort of a shawl/scarf-in-a-ball kind of thing. I don't love the yarn because there's no twist to the threads. It's just 4 strands, which give me plenty of opportunity for split stitches. Also, I would have loved a little denser fabric for this shawl/scarf but I only had one set of needles with me. It's turning out okay regardless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CJJJdgmOL8bngQSFSwJDZ8edgLAhP0xix9dC04YZGzV2wHpOucAaL_FIs5LHkjVgdmZUzUyO1vKm3cLedMIuemjhPkJEjoEAG9X5WGsBzqFbM7YuK_rHD9n5su81Dl_O2eyUzmRY664/s1600/IMG_3058_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CJJJdgmOL8bngQSFSwJDZ8edgLAhP0xix9dC04YZGzV2wHpOucAaL_FIs5LHkjVgdmZUzUyO1vKm3cLedMIuemjhPkJEjoEAG9X5WGsBzqFbM7YuK_rHD9n5su81Dl_O2eyUzmRY664/s320/IMG_3058_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This <a href="http://www.diamondyarn.ca/d/yarn/8-spring-rainbw/">Spring Rainbow yarn</a> (colorway 52) goes from taupe to white to black, changing one of the threads at a time so there's a nice progression. Currently, I'm knitting with two taupe and two white strands. The most unfortunate part is that there's a knot in all 4 strand with every change. Some knitters have been untying these knots and retying it so that ends can be woven in, but I'm leaving the factory knots as they are. I hope I don't regret this decision. What do you do with factory knots? <br />
<br />
The next project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> showed up in the mail yesterday. This time it's a mitered pillow. The kit comes with one pillow form and enough yarn to make both pillows in the pattern photo. Meh. I like the colour of the yarn I was sent; a mix of rich blues and pinks. However, the pillow style doesn't thrill me. I'm pretty sure I'm going to pass on this project and just add the yarn to my stash. If you remember, last month I received a kit for leg warmers and matching mittens. I still haven't decided on those yet, but it's not looking promising. Perhaps next month I'll get a project that I'll like. Here's the pillow pattern and yarn:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSr3FyBxy1OgsRLFKwMIBGEnwOV1SAzkHMmXahD_VQC0PsFPfKQkRoVG-wEr8ILc44TiTU5VnZ05SfrAvqJGUX24wjiBHnefQF8n1VEVIws1oK_XdiK_lUiHxZsySOrZTf3f-V9VZtI8/s1600/IMG_3066_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSr3FyBxy1OgsRLFKwMIBGEnwOV1SAzkHMmXahD_VQC0PsFPfKQkRoVG-wEr8ILc44TiTU5VnZ05SfrAvqJGUX24wjiBHnefQF8n1VEVIws1oK_XdiK_lUiHxZsySOrZTf3f-V9VZtI8/s320/IMG_3066_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
That's it for this week. I'm going to continue working on my WIPs.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-55343075101137504142017-02-08T13:30:00.000-06:002017-02-09T16:32:50.812-06:00Needlework Tuesday - Too many projects - On Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
Last week, I wrote about working on 3 projects and starting a 4th. Well, I think I've now spread myself to thin because while I worked on all of the projects this week, I don't have much to show for it. I do have a few things to write about...
<br />
<br />
First up, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hidden-gusset">Hidden Gusset fingerless mitts</a>. I have one almost complete. Just need to do the thumb. I'm not totally happy with it, though. It's not quite as snug as I'd like it, especially at the top around the fingers. I guess it'll be good if I'm working on something and need good dexterity. Since I've already started this one twice, I'm probably going to make the other one. Maybe they will grow on me. I'll post a photo once the thumb is done.
<br />
<br />
Last week, I mentioned a project that was in the planning stages. Well, I started it. I'm using the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sand-layers">Sand Layers</a> pattern, but I've renamed it "Sky Layers" because I'm using leftovers from my sky scarf. Since the pattern only uses two colours and I wanted to use 5, I sat down and planned it out. At least, I thought I did. Once I started knitting, though, I realized that my planning wasn't all that thorough. I've already made some changes on the fly and I still refining the colour changes. I hope to get it more ironed out before I continue. I really don't want to be ripping out another project. Here's what I have so far:
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7B3QLOYWW2LKfwJK6eoBUZackJ-PFyppKb17L3SBecdFL4A-rXGWbLO9PyKhixcELq6da6SdjF-1e4JscAzhXHGlOfU5-fRoOLzNjDwFlBhSMyEdQSMV9wW_QhJrDYeteut-GzrsJmA/s1600/IMG_2998_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7B3QLOYWW2LKfwJK6eoBUZackJ-PFyppKb17L3SBecdFL4A-rXGWbLO9PyKhixcELq6da6SdjF-1e4JscAzhXHGlOfU5-fRoOLzNjDwFlBhSMyEdQSMV9wW_QhJrDYeteut-GzrsJmA/s320/IMG_2998_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The colour is off in the photo. It starts off with light grey then goes to charcoal and finally light blue. <br />
The latest project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> showed up in the mail yesterday. It's a leg warmer/mitten set. My first thought was "Leg warmers? I haven't worn a pair since the late 70s." My second thought was "Sure. Why not? I sort of like the yarn." My third thought "Hmmm...Am I really going to wear these? Mary Maxim sent me a project last year for boot cuffs, which are like short leg warmers. I made one. Didn't like the way it fit. Didn't make the other." I'm still having thoughts and am not sure what I'm going to do with this yet. Here it is:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxVIx8X-4uDYnyBlUY2HNHw9zbPZFa5k1EIqsdLLhwHOt5_hwYndw0HAr796hCRxNQK-dxp5FIApIaoiUiaUbNLCtPcxTIvOcBU36hgyDpznVUgFF2rMmrQhWDddW9bQnTz605_92wjA/s1600/IMG_2996_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxVIx8X-4uDYnyBlUY2HNHw9zbPZFa5k1EIqsdLLhwHOt5_hwYndw0HAr796hCRxNQK-dxp5FIApIaoiUiaUbNLCtPcxTIvOcBU36hgyDpznVUgFF2rMmrQhWDddW9bQnTz605_92wjA/s320/IMG_2996_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Two things about the photo struck me as odd.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>It's winter and she's not wearing socks. My feet are never cold in winter and I walk around barefoot in the house all of the time, but I'd never put on boots without socks. </li>
<li>Why go through all of that work to hide the leg warmers under the boots? Is that the way they are supposed to be worn? Back in the 70s, I wore them instead of tall boots. That is, with runners to keep my legs warm or with short boots. Either way, it showed them off. </li>
</ol>
<br />
Was that the style back then or was that just me? Has that changed? Anyone know?<br />
<br />
Lastly, Kate over at <a href="http://artsandsocks.blogspot.ca/">Art and Socks</a> asked me to friend her on ravelry. Well, I was a little embarrassed that I'd been using ravelry for patterns, but hadn't actually put any of my projects on there. That has been remedied. In fact, I had a lot of fun going back over some old projects and putting them up on the website. I didn't realize how easy it was. I still have a bunch of previously finished projects that I'll be adding as time goes by. Going forward, I hope to do add the project as soon as I start it. So, if you are reading this and are also on ravelry, feel free to friend me. I'm <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/ILoveSpring">ILoveSpring</a>. LazyDaisy was already taken. I still have to figure out how to put a ravelry button on my blog.
<br />
<br />
That's it for this week. I'm going to continue working on my WIPs.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-17382915889722606772017-02-02T11:48:00.000-06:002017-02-02T11:48:55.356-06:00Needlework Tuesday - Project updates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
Happy Groundhog Day!! Here in southern Manitoba it's a bright sunny day. So, it looks like we will have six more weeks of winter. We didn't see our resident groundhog (the one who lives in our neighbourhood forest); I'm sure he's sound asleep in his den. I know I would be if I had six more weeks to snooze. Oh well. Six weeks would take us to mid-March, which is usually when we see warmer weather anyway.<br />
<br />
This week I worked on a number of projects.
My Shibui scarf called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/multigrain">Multigrain</a> is going rather well and I'm pleased with it. I'm currently on the second section. For this scarf, you knit with two yarns held together as one using seed stitch throughout. There are three yarns: A, B,C. You change one yarn out for another at the end of each section, like this: A+A, A+B, B+B, B+C, C+C, C+A, A+A. That's it. I'm knitting it from right to left because I mistakenly didn't get all of my B yarn wound. Not that anyone would know. Last week I mentioned that the scarf was supposed to be all one colour, but because I couldn't find all of the yarns in one colour on sale, I opted for two different colours. So far, I'm liking the effect. Here's what the first two sections looks like:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23PwGQ4pI7aDk2a3ylHVbqyts79dIVccI4e3x_tjHsZgXVqo5fBqP0vtQGG_2P-HeSK7GCeCI8_TOu9Faes3QcjDn_7lP4EKzwRR83CbnfFRp9JLANbvVnYmC_HC1mk16kgpDE6-rxGg/s1600/IMG_2982_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23PwGQ4pI7aDk2a3ylHVbqyts79dIVccI4e3x_tjHsZgXVqo5fBqP0vtQGG_2P-HeSK7GCeCI8_TOu9Faes3QcjDn_7lP4EKzwRR83CbnfFRp9JLANbvVnYmC_HC1mk16kgpDE6-rxGg/s320/IMG_2982_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The other summer scarf is also going well. The pattern is <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/patterns-tier">Tier from Shibui Yarns</a>. However, I can't decide how long to make it. The pattern offers two lengths and I originally thought I'd make the longer one and purchased the yarn accordingly. However, now I'm not sure. I'm just over halfway through the second of three balls and it already looks long enough. Well, that is once I do the other end of dropped stitches. If I do go for the shorter length, I'm stuck with the dilemma of what to do with the remaining ball of yarn. It's small (50g, 174yds), so it's not enough to make anything and its fibre content of linen, silk, and wool, makes it a little more limiting. It's also quite expensive, so I don't want to use it up any old way. I think I've just talked myself into making the longer one. ;) Here's it is:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1itcHKW3Ez4HKZq_OHcRkE1IsT5pSjF2JpnbHH34iH1PbmKV5D3r3u6trCksUWwuhodKLuxD8_RJGKjY5P56TWGubuMSTs4aQyQJFbacF3wKgUYzIgO1zkCs8-A1Ia0eA9EcZpuUmzo/s1600/IMG_2988_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1itcHKW3Ez4HKZq_OHcRkE1IsT5pSjF2JpnbHH34iH1PbmKV5D3r3u6trCksUWwuhodKLuxD8_RJGKjY5P56TWGubuMSTs4aQyQJFbacF3wKgUYzIgO1zkCs8-A1Ia0eA9EcZpuUmzo/s320/IMG_2988_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's stocking stitch so it's knitting up quite quickly. Please tell me that blocking will take out some of the edge rolling.<br />
<br />
I did start one more project, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hidden-gusset">Hidden Gusset fingerless mitts</a>. Actually, it's a restart. The first time I attempt this one was a few weeks ago I ended up with some wonky stitch counts. This time, I'm counting stitches every time there's an increase...something I should have done the first time. I'm almost back to where I was before I ripped it out and so far, so good. I like the yarn, but still not loving it for this project. I already have a stripy pair of fingerless mitts and was hoping to knit a solid colour pair. However, I needed to pick yarn from my stash after spending way too much at the yarn sale in January. Here's what this reknit looks like:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoahBoSfgBaDq6gfJxdxdoguKqibwa_ycCutAWq8anwWXVQjCtgcF1xXIwqbilXPBT0TRIj5Lo7its_HGcheusHnasSj2kF0RYiw3ZYI-UB23AHmY7hNXHu2TL5H141tI6WkAsyJ34vWo/s1600/IMG_2976_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoahBoSfgBaDq6gfJxdxdoguKqibwa_ycCutAWq8anwWXVQjCtgcF1xXIwqbilXPBT0TRIj5Lo7its_HGcheusHnasSj2kF0RYiw3ZYI-UB23AHmY7hNXHu2TL5H141tI6WkAsyJ34vWo/s320/IMG_2976_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The last thing I worked on is still in the planning stages. I have a lot of yarn leftover from Sky Scarf I did a few years ago. If you look closely, you'll see some dust. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjU3QNVX-fSyaFoCll32gFG3EYxtDuy3hFGfgmuYdL2_mOBxVxlYc-Ys9UFJ2FtvQnUDVuIN-9Ksi2LJELRGlMZ9BBwtNGY10TP9UR1szUavlVwn_CH9PFSoBz-tBn4jW8unhfbS8vvY/s1600/IMG_2985_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjU3QNVX-fSyaFoCll32gFG3EYxtDuy3hFGfgmuYdL2_mOBxVxlYc-Ys9UFJ2FtvQnUDVuIN-9Ksi2LJELRGlMZ9BBwtNGY10TP9UR1szUavlVwn_CH9PFSoBz-tBn4jW8unhfbS8vvY/s320/IMG_2985_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I knew I was going to make a shawl, but I wasn't sure which one. Now that I've thought about it, I'm pretty sure I'm going to go ahead with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sand-layers">Sand Layers</a> (<a href="http://lazydaisy0413.blogspot.ca/2015/12/needlework-tuesday-busy-week.html"> my version</a>). I've already made one like this, but the designer created a new edging and since I adore this pattern, I thought I'd make another one. It should look a bit different if I use all five colours.<br />
<br />
This coming week, I hope to continue work on the scarves and fingerless mitts. I'm anxious to start the new shawl, so I'll probably do that as well. <br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations. Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-39893786743729103502017-01-24T10:19:00.000-06:002017-01-24T10:19:22.004-06:00Needlework Tuesday - Scarf, Hat, Scarf <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
This past week, I worked on two knitting projects: the latest one from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a>, and a new one. (I didn't get around to fixing/ripping out the fingerless mitts. Darn! Forgot about that one.) <br />
<br />
I managed to fix the hat I wrote about last week. There was a problem with the pattern and it wasn't turning out quite right. As it turns out, it was a misplaced "*". That wasn't the only problem with the pattern. It called for a 24" circular needle. However, I couldn't get the stitches to join in the round on that size, so I used a 16" circular needle instead. Much better.<br />
<br />
I also encountered a problem with the scarf. Even though I followed the pattern, the loop on the back of the scarf (to thread one end through to hold it in place) isn't wide enough to accommodate the width of the scarf, so it doesn't lie flat. It's knit into the scarf itself, so the only way to correct it is to rip the whole thing out. Not happening at this point. I'll just pretend it doesn't exist. <br />
<br />
Despite having a few problems with this project, I'm sort of happy with it.<br />
<br />
Short story about the photo: I had showed my husband the scarf after I was done because I liked the patterning. I hadn't mentioned the matching hat. I figured he'd figure it out when he saw it on my head. Silly me. So, the first few photos he took featured only the scarf. He completely chopped off my head because...hat? What hat? It didn't even occur to me to say something until he showed me the shots he took. This is me doing an eye roll and pointing to the hat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpK7WVXA5_uYOs3LLpJLcKO5qEXbExBt88hiVJ9Jea8Uar048Q5xuMG4q_j7h0xT4mF6ykLndnfAkOVZ1zK5WYuyS3mXixTTttl9aXf_7_JoF5jrdk3-Y_WRTcjBAe11_i1MP4hPYz6c/s1600/IMG_2951_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpK7WVXA5_uYOs3LLpJLcKO5qEXbExBt88hiVJ9Jea8Uar048Q5xuMG4q_j7h0xT4mF6ykLndnfAkOVZ1zK5WYuyS3mXixTTttl9aXf_7_JoF5jrdk3-Y_WRTcjBAe11_i1MP4hPYz6c/s320/IMG_2951_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I also started another project. Another scarf from Shibui called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/multigrain">Multigrain</a>. It's supposed to be a one-colour scarf using three different yarns. However, when I bought the yarn (on sale), I couldn't find enough yarn in any one colour so I decided to improvise. I'm the three different yarns (as the pattern suggests), but two different greens. Here's the start of the scarf and the other yarns:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K16EKe8jo1zLrG2IKlgc4GRT4CberiUletwZldXBaWe_gI35ymKCwGxR6I1YXl-h7Ag6Q5aj6LbD7xs6WmU1JkNipIEjPC3hDFqHbF_pQRnBm1kTwGI3auI0izCJqgJhcowHJaregFU/s1600/IMG_2969_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K16EKe8jo1zLrG2IKlgc4GRT4CberiUletwZldXBaWe_gI35ymKCwGxR6I1YXl-h7Ag6Q5aj6LbD7xs6WmU1JkNipIEjPC3hDFqHbF_pQRnBm1kTwGI3auI0izCJqgJhcowHJaregFU/s320/IMG_2969_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll explain more about how the different yarns and colours are used when I get to those sections.<br />
<br />
I really shouldn't have started another scarf because I already have one on the go, two if you count a lacy shawl that can double as a scarf...one I've been working on for way too long. This new one will make three. Dumb idea! Scarves are so, so, so long and I'm easily bored. I've been trying to do a little bit on all three every day, but I might have to start another project or two to break up the monotony. Mitts? A summer top? Another shawl? I have yarn and patterns ready to go for all three, but I'm not sure I can juggle another project without letting one or two slide. I'll have to see how the week goes.<br />
<br />
How many projects do you have on the go at one time? Not counting UFOs. I mean actually working on, say, at least once or twice a week.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-76134568652781966232017-01-17T18:52:00.000-06:002017-01-17T18:52:28.780-06:00Needlework Tuesday - On Tuesday!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
Look at me posting a Tuesday post on Tuesday!! Maybe it's this glorious weather we are having. The nice thing is that it's expected to last a week. The highways are probably going to be icy at times (YUK!!!), but it's going to be nice to wear a lighter spring jacket instead of a heavy parka. <br />
<br />
This past week, I started two new projects.
<br />
<br />
The first project is the latest one from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a>. I showed the project package last week and figured I might as well start. Because it's made with chunky yarn, it knit up quite quickly. It's essentially stocking stitch, so it's curling up quite a bit and definitely needs to be blocked. I'll show the whole scarf once that is done, but for now here's a close up of the patterning:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFLhPg2VDHj2AOXgnAa_TzZq7fV8jlwTwz3hqCjDXUkKAuwvjlhLrjoBqDWMWzRYAvH-tHj4j0bVfFdGNajlaM83_lXu3-uyTIzcWVSm4T4hGAqLJhalYxWq-HYZ1WkZpp0DLogPDy7s/s1600/IMG_2943_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFLhPg2VDHj2AOXgnAa_TzZq7fV8jlwTwz3hqCjDXUkKAuwvjlhLrjoBqDWMWzRYAvH-tHj4j0bVfFdGNajlaM83_lXu3-uyTIzcWVSm4T4hGAqLJhalYxWq-HYZ1WkZpp0DLogPDy7s/s320/IMG_2943_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Cool, eh? I like the effect. The best part is that there are very few ends to weave in. Yay!!! I also started the matching hat, but I'm pretty sure there's a mistake in the pattern. Either that or I did something wrong. I noticed that something was amiss basically from the start, but continued to knit anyway. I'll have to rip back about an hour's worth of work before trying to figure out what happened. If it's a pattern mistake, I hope MM will send out a correction (they did this once before). I could try phoning them, but last time I couldn't reach the person I needed to talk to. It's probably best if I just try to figure it out on my own. It shouldn't be too bad, but it's definitely annoying.
<br />
<br />
The other new project I started is a summer scarf. The pattern is <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/patterns-tier">Tier from Shibui Yarns</a>. It's rather plain with just a few sections of dropped stitches, but that's sort of why I like it. I really like the yarn I'm using (<a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/yarns/twig/#">Twig (colour Mineral 2022</a>, also from Shibui), but it's more rough than soft. It's made from a combination of linen, recycled silk, and wool. Here's what I have so far:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX7QztE1L3GN8WzxYZSLGSNJwignoi0qr-iIGzU6JqKuVQh-cV4GL8YDVDfN24IA6wxIaAXTpLbubTAnLxKRg21dRzpakouttflKE2jsnRN4UOzsgQNwsI_WPYYujDjm6_g2Ug-CQ8vk/s1600/IMG_2948_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX7QztE1L3GN8WzxYZSLGSNJwignoi0qr-iIGzU6JqKuVQh-cV4GL8YDVDfN24IA6wxIaAXTpLbubTAnLxKRg21dRzpakouttflKE2jsnRN4UOzsgQNwsI_WPYYujDjm6_g2Ug-CQ8vk/s320/IMG_2948_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's a super easy pattern and I've only just started. However, getting the tension correct after dropping a number of yarnovers (yo) was a bit of a challenge. It, too, is in stocking stitch and will need to be blocked. I have a couple of other projects from <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/free-patterns/">Shibui</a> lined up. Look for those in futures posts.
<br />
<br />
This coming week, I'll work on the summer scarf for a bit then I'm going to figure out the problem I'm having with the hat (see above). Oh, yes. I mustn't forget about the fingerless mitt I mentioned last week. It was another pattern I somehow screwed up. However, at least on that one I know it was me and not the pattern. I should figure that one out soon before it ends up a UFO.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-55662931076506055052017-01-12T20:14:00.001-06:002017-01-12T20:14:40.024-06:00Needlework Tuesday - On Thursday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
Another week and yet another storm. We just can't catch a break here in southern Manitoba. Many of the highways were closed for most of the day, which means we spent the day at home. The blowing is over now, but we are under a Extreme Cold Warning. It'll be -42C with the wind chill overnight. The good news is that after tomorrow we are going to have a huge upward swing in temperature. By next Thursday, the day time high is supposed to be 0C (-5 with the wind chill). Yay!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I have a few finished projects to show you, but first another project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> showed up the other day. I like the weave-like pattern on this scarf/hat combo, but I'm not wild about the style of the scarf. However, I don't have one like it, so I figured I'm make it as is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcEBOfZVnDx4evt-T9yA47L-jcCpvAWaJtDf-rzzC192sLDhYa8XyWvNELUVz4duAFgW92A-aMx5BjAZsanZc6HfsZOZt6flA0stwFyyr8lIbh4VUuOhqw6Vlm4gWMkNKpN8oMZUYNHE/s1600/IMG_2921_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcEBOfZVnDx4evt-T9yA47L-jcCpvAWaJtDf-rzzC192sLDhYa8XyWvNELUVz4duAFgW92A-aMx5BjAZsanZc6HfsZOZt6flA0stwFyyr8lIbh4VUuOhqw6Vlm4gWMkNKpN8oMZUYNHE/s320/IMG_2921_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The colours didn't show up well at all in the photo. From left to right: taupe, coral, and navy blue. At first I thought it was black and got really excited. I love black yarn. On closer inspection, though, I realized it wasn't. Boo. I guess they ran out of grey that's pictured on the pattern. Another boo.<br />
<br />
These next two projects finally got blocked this past week. One I finished in November; the other, I got done between Christmas and New Years. The yarn for both had come from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a>, but I didn't care for either pattern and decided to make something other else out of it. Too see the original patterns I pass on, check on my post on <a href="http://lazydaisy0413.blogspot.ca/2016/12/needlework-tuesday-snowed-in.html">December 6</a>.<br />
<br />
The first one is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boneyard-shawl">Boneyard Shawl</a>, designed by Stephen West. Unfortunately, this sparkly, variegated yarn doesn't do this pattern justice. It is big, cozy, and super easy to knit, though, so I guess it'll do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv6LMZA5enr9_J7FdhpmK9z9yw3a3INspaBxDr0XIst7vV88OmJ69N7gT3r7bZZXwV8CnOo-SVPBwHa4htAxP_MRDXWHccLXxQbgdAlbGOTwW51RGnmeStx8cLaWYZ-7XZJG2RqShx5U/s1600/IMG_2938_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv6LMZA5enr9_J7FdhpmK9z9yw3a3INspaBxDr0XIst7vV88OmJ69N7gT3r7bZZXwV8CnOo-SVPBwHa4htAxP_MRDXWHccLXxQbgdAlbGOTwW51RGnmeStx8cLaWYZ-7XZJG2RqShx5U/s320/IMG_2938_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a close up of the "rib texture":<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESxFWl1poYwAwes2veYJxgzQ2wv4_lENDzDg2-KykKoZ1Lxlr3mD3Bvy_8n-0oXoVIJkwa4u2AR0tV0vnkec1lLXas7bnwnv4HaxI5NDDCPES_IlMAAQEjRu4-bFMOQM5LoZ7BLqNuL4/s1600/IMG_2772_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESxFWl1poYwAwes2veYJxgzQ2wv4_lENDzDg2-KykKoZ1Lxlr3mD3Bvy_8n-0oXoVIJkwa4u2AR0tV0vnkec1lLXas7bnwnv4HaxI5NDDCPES_IlMAAQEjRu4-bFMOQM5LoZ7BLqNuL4/s320/IMG_2772_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you like original, funky, colourful knits, check out <a href="http://westknits.com/">Westknits</a> or <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/stephen-west">Stephen West on ravelry.com</a>. I'll definitely be making another one of his creations. <br />
<br />
The second one is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/offhand-lace">Offhand Lace by Caitlin ffrench</a>. It's fabulous in the neutral color (shown on ravelry.com), but I like my version, too, which uses two variegated yarns with long repeats. Here it is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAewoiyzXXRDEQ04u-HaWcmJNbsMlVaEVKkpeR-hGrASQvskY97vzN27XiMwjLDCMjfTsaxJ1k4jLhC2vXlGqlYLPKJgXUspcYLPagVlQjtAzXsWPgMcxqExQLMyF_Iy__sOnwXquxqfs/s1600/IMG_2935_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAewoiyzXXRDEQ04u-HaWcmJNbsMlVaEVKkpeR-hGrASQvskY97vzN27XiMwjLDCMjfTsaxJ1k4jLhC2vXlGqlYLPKJgXUspcYLPagVlQjtAzXsWPgMcxqExQLMyF_Iy__sOnwXquxqfs/s320/IMG_2935_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Because the yarn is chunky and the suggested needles are quite large, it knit up in no time. I think I wore it for a straight week after it was done. <br />
<br />
I did start one more project, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hidden-gusset">Hidden Gusset fingerless mitts</a>, in the last few weeks, but I haven't had any luck with it. The first yarn I chose was a lovely plum coloured tweedy wool, but it was breaking at the slightest tug. So I abandoned it and chose a much more sturdy sock yarn. The colours are okay, but the contrast is a bit too high. Anyway, things were going great until I sectioned off the stitches for the thumb and realized that my stitch counts were off by quite a few stitches. Not sure what happened, but I'm going to have to start again, otherwise, the pair will never match. <br />
<br />
Did I mention that my local yarn store has a sale going on right now? Select yarns are 50% off, while the rest of the yarn in the entire store is 20% off. I swear some of the skeins were jumping right off the table into my basket. What was I supposed to do? Put it back? I had been eyeing some of them at full price before Christmas. There was no way I was going to leave them there unloved for even one more day. In other news, my husband might be planning an intervention.
<br />
<br />
This week I'm going to work on the scarf/hat combo as well as figure out the fingerless mitt fiasco.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-7083115733081264342016-12-27T16:58:00.000-06:002016-12-27T16:58:32.657-06:00Needlework Tuesday - Christmas Mittens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
I hope everyone had a great Christmas. We sort of did, but since all of southern Manitoba was under a winter storm watch/warning, we decided to stay at home Christmas day and not venture into the city for our family dinner. As it turns out, the storm didn't hit until much later in the day, late evening in fact, and we could have gone and probably made it home safely before it got really bad. The thing is when you live in a rural area, you just never know what the highway conditions are going to be like. We kept hearing that conditions would be deteriorating rapidly and since we were over an hour away from our destination, we decided not to take the chance. It's bad enough to be stranded in the city, but on Christmas with everything closed. Hmmm...no thanks.
<br />
<br />
Anyway, it gave me a chance to start a new book ("The Lake House" by the ever fabulous Kate Morton) and do some more knitting.<br />
<br />
Last week, I showed you part of a mitten I was knitting for my husband. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heritage-mittens">Heritage Mitts</a> (link to pattern) are based on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson's_Bay_point_blanket">Hudson's Bay point blanket</a>. I finished these and I absolutely adore them. I'm kind of sorry I didn't buy a second kit for myself. My husband and I aren't matchy-matchy types, though, so it's just as well. Here they are:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3Q7tSrRSJ5dYMDQVVZsAb9AuXUYuE9Lmwufx1KK75GWlRI3bDiF7GwffPh4gW6VlzbuZXMq7DlI45PLVngA-wrlnIAACVhgYsn_wdPkltaxRVOuqZTNg4Ml4pzdtJsi9bpbA45mtsBg/s1600/IMG_2908_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3Q7tSrRSJ5dYMDQVVZsAb9AuXUYuE9Lmwufx1KK75GWlRI3bDiF7GwffPh4gW6VlzbuZXMq7DlI45PLVngA-wrlnIAACVhgYsn_wdPkltaxRVOuqZTNg4Ml4pzdtJsi9bpbA45mtsBg/s320/IMG_2908_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The pattern offered options for putting the famous "points" on the cuffs. However, I decided I liked the mittens without them.<br />
<br />
These were so fun and quick to knit. One thing though....I'm not that pleased that I had about 1 inch (!!!!!) of the white roving left when I finished the thumb on the second mitten. Not even enough for weaving in. I managed to tuck it in under two stitches and tie it off. I'm hoping it'll hold. My husband says he can feel the knot, but isn't bothered by it. I'm not sure what happened...I didn't even leave tails as long as the pattern suggested. So not cool!!<br />
<br />
After those were done, I started a pair of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lightning-fast-mittens">lightning fast mittens</a> for myself. This was another kit I picked up at my local yarn store. I started them on Christmas Eve and by Christmas day evening, I had a brand new pair of gorgeous mittens. Here they are:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q6WnfjvS25y8tsmHfzg0cyTGUO4pOntMMi01MZ9M0pQdYcmLS_2TmcE6DV95h5Ls082hb9IBfM1qK9xAsSQ7oQk0yZks88GIHC2dPfFDC9XVha5YGZIIEX9nJfSofEbGolQ06mfs2wY/s1600/IMG_2916_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q6WnfjvS25y8tsmHfzg0cyTGUO4pOntMMi01MZ9M0pQdYcmLS_2TmcE6DV95h5Ls082hb9IBfM1qK9xAsSQ7oQk0yZks88GIHC2dPfFDC9XVha5YGZIIEX9nJfSofEbGolQ06mfs2wY/s320/IMG_2916_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Unlike the Heritage Mitts I have quite a bit of yarn left. Not enough to make anything, though. It's a shame because the yarn was quite expensive. I know, I know, there's no pleasing me. First there's not enough yarn left, then there's too much. ;)<br />
<br />
I've been itching to start another project, but haven't done so yet. I have plenty of projects I want to do and plenty of yarn to do them, I just haven't matched them up yet. I do have a few matched up, but the yarn isn't wound into balls so they'll have to wait until I get to the yarn store. Of course, I have a few UFOs laying about, but there's nothing like the thrill of starting a new project. We'll have to see what this coming week brings.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-57597921297110919602016-12-20T19:42:00.000-06:002016-12-20T19:42:43.405-06:00Needlework Tuesday - Shawl, Vest, and a Canadian Classic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
Believe it or not, I wrote a post last week, but it was Friday before I got back to the computer to post it. At that point, I figured I'd just skip it and post it this week. However, now the information is outdated, so here's another try.
I finally finished knitting the shawl, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/149-2-jette">Jette</a> from Drops Design on ravelry.com and had time to steam block it. Here it is:
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3B2BcExsnPSm6mW3qJHA1dOpgzv2sJkuPMozjyb_OUdTQhRqh5e1-1g5gO3QWFJbpmGB2xCagWT0rP3cJaBgP-uqQU35xVmSySaYw70tHAxYwCckunP1mtDzqxq3S0Hohq38NgRHq_o/s1600/IMG_2894_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3B2BcExsnPSm6mW3qJHA1dOpgzv2sJkuPMozjyb_OUdTQhRqh5e1-1g5gO3QWFJbpmGB2xCagWT0rP3cJaBgP-uqQU35xVmSySaYw70tHAxYwCckunP1mtDzqxq3S0Hohq38NgRHq_o/s320/IMG_2894_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I deviated from the pattern slightly in a couple of places. For instance, that wide green stripe isn't in the pattern. I added for two reasons: 1) to use up the rest of the green yarn I had, 2) to "stretch" the pink yarn in hopes of having enough to finish the project. That plan didn't work. I seriously underestimated how much yarn I'd need to finish up and had to order another ball.
<br />
<br />
Anyway, it's done and I love it. It's large, cozy, warm, and made with (mostly) leftover yarn for just over $20. Can't ask for much more out of a shawl. Perfect for watching TV.
<br />
<br />
The other thing I worked on was <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/top-down-vest-small-36.html">Top Down Vest</a> from Mary Maxim. I had a little trouble deciphering the pattern at first, but after that initial stumble it was easy peasy. Since the yarn is bulky it knitted up quickly. Here's the finished piece:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nbYXGJb6GbUC1QhY3pL7lBriShM44FixRUkuXcERdh02R3IL5r1zU68_S80asuIKq5imneZ5M4DwG9vfiyEcxZAXLGE_SQBfNLU-QsX4TWM5nOv_FKYZcjVj9L6mourlBf59mu5Bhdg/s1600/IMG_2904_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nbYXGJb6GbUC1QhY3pL7lBriShM44FixRUkuXcERdh02R3IL5r1zU68_S80asuIKq5imneZ5M4DwG9vfiyEcxZAXLGE_SQBfNLU-QsX4TWM5nOv_FKYZcjVj9L6mourlBf59mu5Bhdg/s320/IMG_2904_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm quite pleased with the result. I was a little worried that I didn't pick the right size, but it fits me perfectly. I'd show you, but my photography helper was out today and I haven't mastered selfies. Even though I ordered the buttons that they suggested, I didn't use them. I found some others I liked better, especially after the mistake I made. No need to talk about that, though. Let's just move on, shall we?
<br />
<br />
I really like this yarn, <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/mary-maxim-aspen.html">Mary Maxim Aspen</a>. It's 100% acrylic and it's speckled with all of these colours making it so rich looking. I used colourways, Fireside. I'd definitely use it again. Here's a close up:
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF_oaXLeeOfFcH10ESFx3QsvDj0SnF1ALg32OvAGaw6avCETkclbNug4P6LHMmkHoryndISTb95lx3Y0N-lwJBSNRC_lLV6JtJhWzRMM20Gbxejl2iUKTwSN98ndpDn0YFWQZftWG9WA/s1600/IMG_2885_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF_oaXLeeOfFcH10ESFx3QsvDj0SnF1ALg32OvAGaw6avCETkclbNug4P6LHMmkHoryndISTb95lx3Y0N-lwJBSNRC_lLV6JtJhWzRMM20Gbxejl2iUKTwSN98ndpDn0YFWQZftWG9WA/s320/IMG_2885_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After finishing the vest, I started on a pair of mittens for my husband. I don't knit much for him for a variety of reasons (see below), but when we were at the yarn store not too long ago, he spotted this kit for mittens based on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson's_Bay_point_blanket">Hudson's Bay point blanket</a>, a true Canadian classic with it's green, red, yellow and navy stripes. This version, put together by my local yarn store, is knit with roving, which is something new to me. Also new for me is knitting mitts from a chart. I had a little trouble, but I think I managed okay. They will be good enough for my husband, who will either 1) lose one or both, 2) store them on the slushy floor of the car. <eye roll=""> Here's a little peek at one sans thumb:
</eye><br />
<eye roll=""><br /></eye>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkxjSrK9OPh-prgagM9Spskfu6jYVUqTqyM9LmpWQTBM_34PqFE3J-jZMLw_XRZWffieOThhqq1aAaN2iYgvHQZrSxVVkP30YcihXlI24tlYdUbFzPnFCpx68QbXhsLThvb29D1eNSvc/s1600/IMG_2897_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkxjSrK9OPh-prgagM9Spskfu6jYVUqTqyM9LmpWQTBM_34PqFE3J-jZMLw_XRZWffieOThhqq1aAaN2iYgvHQZrSxVVkP30YcihXlI24tlYdUbFzPnFCpx68QbXhsLThvb29D1eNSvc/s320/IMG_2897_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is another one of those projects that knit up quickly. It shouldn't be too long before we are looking for one mitt that's been lost. Note to self: Check the floor of the car first.<br />
<br />
This coming week, I'm going to finish the HBC mitts and start another pair (different yarn, different pattern) for myself.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
</div>
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-40297874053343466032016-12-06T13:38:00.000-06:002016-12-06T13:38:05.189-06:00Needlework Tuesday - Snowed in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.
<br />
<br />
Since we are snowed for the day (or days), I figured it was a good time to write a blog post. I had two appointments scheduled in the city today and I'm not pleased that I had to cancel them at the last moment, but what can you do when a blizzard hits and they close the highway. It had temporarily stopped snowing and blowing in this picture, but has since picked up again. sigh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQ9GkNoWJ95tok8Nr1INnewZaC7cCST1O2l5HuP1sz3xBQWLmI3bQG0HVGXLq5ehHtR70-6CElv3Qg2zzRpPbZvik7ber_A0SJXeRfP49bjw0UXn1MoaVs1ZKgKgYhwX5lHAmjtJ6u0w/s1600/IMG_2791_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQ9GkNoWJ95tok8Nr1INnewZaC7cCST1O2l5HuP1sz3xBQWLmI3bQG0HVGXLq5ehHtR70-6CElv3Qg2zzRpPbZvik7ber_A0SJXeRfP49bjw0UXn1MoaVs1ZKgKgYhwX5lHAmjtJ6u0w/s320/IMG_2791_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's been awhile since I last posted, so I have lots to report on today. Two new projects showed up from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> and another one that I had ordered finally arrived.<br />
<br />
The first project from the club is a Grey/White/Silver poncho.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKs5uYONz161zMflO-L6qebiszSESOuhqPkXlqfg7XGpHNZg-kDzmF6Y1B_UlSc5X2zdi21sQDnpCfslBnfQEXZMgDwsvuY0J4p7zauH-9p0CRi5ROlEN5tLYTKUdcAdjv22P-RdLIk8/s1600/IMG_2776_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKs5uYONz161zMflO-L6qebiszSESOuhqPkXlqfg7XGpHNZg-kDzmF6Y1B_UlSc5X2zdi21sQDnpCfslBnfQEXZMgDwsvuY0J4p7zauH-9p0CRi5ROlEN5tLYTKUdcAdjv22P-RdLIk8/s320/IMG_2776_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I debated long and hard over this one and waffled back and forth as to whether or not I wanted to make this item. On one hand, I don't really like the style. The holes are HUGE! I can fit my hand through them. On the other hand, though, casting off and on in the middle of a project is something new to try. And try I did. I started it twice and I got to the second row of holes before abandoning the project altogether. Perhaps if the holes were smaller I could have lived with the results, but as is...nope. I've made something else with the yarn, but I'll leave that for another day.
<br />
<br />
The second project is a multi-coloured Saturate Entrelac Cowl.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz_sjgoE9lq9RFSWk4xrf0xG2H1ciOAEbytv1jbB1YGbIvfQZMki1XsVOmifqzFItsOpOc61CdL3C1G3vurSSFHd0QX5pM795eZTCEvKf8hO5JJavJFn2VPF_UbID1f4IffwF3akCJYg/s1600/IMG_2780_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz_sjgoE9lq9RFSWk4xrf0xG2H1ciOAEbytv1jbB1YGbIvfQZMki1XsVOmifqzFItsOpOc61CdL3C1G3vurSSFHd0QX5pM795eZTCEvKf8hO5JJavJFn2VPF_UbID1f4IffwF3akCJYg/s320/IMG_2780_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I just received this yesterday. I won't be making it and will use the yarn for another project. I've already learned how to do entrelac on a baby blanket and while I liked doing it, I don't want to do it again...not on this project. I already have an oversized cowl that I don't wear. It's not my thing.
<br />
<br />
The additional project I ordered is a Top Down Vest from Mary Maxim.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLK-ocwzde-xUxZ_RXZ_F1a7nY070_InbzExBd_m1U83VFkXXGXlDqsrMeCMsBYGS10hBnOoJuKW56n1E98lQNujY99FPryVcOxyH0yMD2vmEFZFe9ETeNLxmzPcL3J67bTSq9aNNYD8/s1600/IMG_2788_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLK-ocwzde-xUxZ_RXZ_F1a7nY070_InbzExBd_m1U83VFkXXGXlDqsrMeCMsBYGS10hBnOoJuKW56n1E98lQNujY99FPryVcOxyH0yMD2vmEFZFe9ETeNLxmzPcL3J67bTSq9aNNYD8/s320/IMG_2788_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
It's supposed to be an EASY project knitted from the top down...hence the name. I've started it and I'm already stumped...on ROW 3. I'm sure I'll figure it out, but not a great first impression. I don't have a great photo of the yarn, but it's a really rich marbled blend of colours. Hopefully, I can show that better at a later date.<br />
<br />
In the past few weeks, I've worked on a couple of previously started projects. The first one is a multi-coloured summer clutch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjuXdIbfNjhIEo51qb9lsLJC5bdPWQyKqmRQHbi4CtRuUW86dt1X041r8dt7pmOAGoTVbjSbM2VE0-Z8FlUQMBKJzkpkVZ2dNtnU9fbwJcQjaIokLZpGmA-tWyFQ5G0N0zuiNSJ4svTo/s1600/IMG_2764_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjuXdIbfNjhIEo51qb9lsLJC5bdPWQyKqmRQHbi4CtRuUW86dt1X041r8dt7pmOAGoTVbjSbM2VE0-Z8FlUQMBKJzkpkVZ2dNtnU9fbwJcQjaIokLZpGmA-tWyFQ5G0N0zuiNSJ4svTo/s320/IMG_2764_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was another project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a>. The white edging was the only thing that was outstanding and I procrastinated on doing it because I thought it was going to be difficult. It was, but not for the reasons I thought. I won't bore you with the details other than to say that the pattern was misleading and not very helpful. I don't know if I'm going to use it, though. I'm going to put it away until spring and decide then.
<br />
<br />
The other project I worked on is the shawl called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/149-2-jette">Jette</a> from Drops Design on ravelry.com.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1I7grJNCzsr0OUTUJnqP2pvPqEs-woWkcFzL5-YZ2kP2kZ5yMDDqm2v1l_QsfNgs21aGwbgRreVx2_BxSd9HyyBnhLOcTvZ6u40csnsh_6Iz5eoy8ri-wRusiKhC71NCzzIKt3Nhm_E/s1600/IMG_2770_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1I7grJNCzsr0OUTUJnqP2pvPqEs-woWkcFzL5-YZ2kP2kZ5yMDDqm2v1l_QsfNgs21aGwbgRreVx2_BxSd9HyyBnhLOcTvZ6u40csnsh_6Iz5eoy8ri-wRusiKhC71NCzzIKt3Nhm_E/s320/IMG_2770_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was using up some leftover yarn from other projects, but had run out of one colour and had to order more. Now, that I've received it I can continue. I don't have much left to complete, so I should be able to finish that up this week. <br />
<br />
This coming week, I'm going to finish the shawl above as well as continue work on vest, if I can figure out the pattern.<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-85147492292616894542016-11-30T13:47:00.000-06:002016-11-30T13:47:21.692-06:00Win Socks for Life from Yarn Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZpb5FKUv3Np1G8GdzvhvR-EWvMJkFL4rtLWS9JdqjR2Gf8e1FH6gxzt9MmBizXGr-LaIr9OISonQx0kEI9sEIDA_s3xGpgSn_S2k7rgt7w2djzMAE99iRfRUpu1_HE2fsgVtTj7Seec/s1600/Sockforlife-side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZpb5FKUv3Np1G8GdzvhvR-EWvMJkFL4rtLWS9JdqjR2Gf8e1FH6gxzt9MmBizXGr-LaIr9OISonQx0kEI9sEIDA_s3xGpgSn_S2k7rgt7w2djzMAE99iRfRUpu1_HE2fsgVtTj7Seec/s320/Sockforlife-side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Recently, I was made aware of Yarn Canada's Win Socks for Life! contest. It's open to residents of both Canada and the U.S. For details and a link to enter, read on. There's a deadline for entries, Wednesday, December 7, 2016, so read quickly. <br />
<br />
Here's the press release from <a href="http://www.yarncanada.ca/">Yarn Canada</a>:<br />
<br />
Win Socks for Life! Well the yarn, you’re on your own after that.<br />
<br />
(Vancouver, BC) “<i>To be fair, it’s actually only a 25 year supply, so we can only hope the winner dies early to keep me an honest woman</i>.” - Nikki Smith, VP YarnCanada.ca<br />
<br />
After extensive research YarnCanada.ca discovered two key issues which continue to plague the world which we’d like to help bring to an end.<br />
<ul>
<li>Some people have hobbies other than knitting (idiots) </li>
<li>Other (marginally insane) people buy socks at Costco</li>
</ul>
“<i>With one final blow we’ll give someone years of knitting and make it so they never need to succumb to Fruit of the Loom again</i>.” - Robert Matherson, YarnCanada.ca<br />
<br />
Don’t want to use all the yarn to make socks? That’s okay, no hard feelings.<br />
<br />
Yes, some marriages may end as the winner ignores her husband in a multi-year knitting frenzy. But that’s simply a risk we must take. On the other hand, maybe getting non-terrible socks for Christmas could bring families closer together.<br />
<br />
The prize will go to whomever can show how their life will most be changed by winning and what you will do with the prize.<br />
<br />
Anything could happen:<br />
<br />
“<i>I’ll use the yarn to start a knitting business on Etsy!</i>” - Beth C, Winnipeg<br />
<br />
“<i>My friends always get together to watch The Bachelor, but goodness it’s boring, now I’ll have something to do to keep me distracted</i>.” - Janet G, Toronto<br />
<br />
“<i>Honestly I have no self control. With all that yarn I’ll knit non-stop, stay up for days and miss work. I’ll get fired, not be able to pay rent and get kicked out of my apartment. But… I’d have so many socks!</i>” - Samantha T, Vancouver<br />
<br />
“<i>I’ll knit them all up as fast as I can and give them to charity.</i>” – Nicole<br />
<br />
Whatever the reason, let us know why knitting is important to you and how a lifetime supply of sock yarn would change your life.<br />
<br />
Look here read more about the contest and to enter: <a href="http://www.yarncanada.ca/socksforlife">Enter to Win a Lifetime Supply of Socks</a>.<br />
<br />
Of course, I've already entered. Did you see all of the yarn?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviqmPDkRI47-CVhM0nM860X3lx1yR0bFjWvP_Gkx7K6_StlSAhalYJw3BUjH3IJaxe7_wJ1_2UDeJFI8sYZirLqdFniQ_gZvTemNhUQYviLnDJaWiFIX869fDsW8eat4PKv-fKLNwJhQ/s1600/Sockforlife-top-wide.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviqmPDkRI47-CVhM0nM860X3lx1yR0bFjWvP_Gkx7K6_StlSAhalYJw3BUjH3IJaxe7_wJ1_2UDeJFI8sYZirLqdFniQ_gZvTemNhUQYviLnDJaWiFIX869fDsW8eat4PKv-fKLNwJhQ/s320/Sockforlife-top-wide.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's what I said: <br />
<br />
"<i>Socks for life? If I were to win, I'd probably kiss the delivery man and then have a smile on my face for weeks delighting in all of that yarn. It would be like heaven!! Seriously, I knit every day, but can't imagine I'd be able to use it all in my lifetime. Perhaps, I'd share a few skeins with friends or maybe donate some to a school or senior centre</i>."
<br />
<br />
Since learning of the contest, I've been surfing the web looking for projects that I'm going to make when I win. I'll probably make a few pairs of socks, of course, but I'm also eyeing a scarf, a shawl (surprise, surprise!!) as well as some <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hidden-gusset">fingerless mitts</a>, and a hat. Sock yarn is so versatile that the sky's the limit when it comes to projects. <br />
<br />
So, what will you make if you win? Need ideas? Check out <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">ravelry</a>. <br />
<br />
How can you resist? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Yg6-oVmZzsANSThTijAo77xf9KdN2KoZgp1NO-sCwfzHpPMe5daAQ_MISCvvylz38wB9HJRx7XQ8vKvGhHSr4L1QsvwE5-x3VoXsoMtO2BS6OOH7yykdExgEs2Yll6F4tvsYWpgHyHg/s1600/Sockforlife-top.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Yg6-oVmZzsANSThTijAo77xf9KdN2KoZgp1NO-sCwfzHpPMe5daAQ_MISCvvylz38wB9HJRx7XQ8vKvGhHSr4L1QsvwE5-x3VoXsoMtO2BS6OOH7yykdExgEs2Yll6F4tvsYWpgHyHg/s320/Sockforlife-top.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Really? You're still here? You are probably wondering how to sign up for their newsletter, right? That's easy, go to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5296256244311296024">Yarn Canada's</a> website. Now you are wondering is Yarn Canada is on social media? Yep, they're there, too: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yarncanada/">Yarn Canada on Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yarncanada/?hl=en">Instagram</a>.<br />
<br />
In case you missed the link to enter the contest, here it is again: <a href="http://www.yarncanada.ca/socksforlife">Enter to Win a Lifetime Supply of Socks</a>.<br />
<br />
That's all I got. Go enter the contest. Or better yet, don't! All of that yarn is mine! Mine, I tell you! Mine!!! :) You'll have to excuse me now. I have to go put on a little lipstick for when the delivery guy gets here.Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-30284302070542364152016-11-02T10:45:00.001-05:002016-11-02T10:45:41.652-05:00Needlework Tuesday - On Wednesday - Knitting and Blocking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.<br />
<br />
This week I worked on a couple of projects.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lazydaisy0413.blogspot.ca/2016/10/needlework-tuesday-baby-knits.html">Last week</a>, I had started another baby hat to use up the remaining yarn from the stuffed <a href="http://lazydaisy0413.blogspot.ca/2016/10/needlework-tuesday-rabbit-scarf-and-bit.html">Rabbit </a>project. If you remember, I also made a small baby blanket and a hat for a 12-month old. This new hat is supposed to be for a toddler. However, I think it might be a wee bit short, but only by a few rows. I was running out of yarn and may have stretched it a little to get to the desired length before starting the decrease rows for the crown on the hat. I think it'll be okay, though. I like the orange stripe. Here it is:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96VRbfX_VbmdxgP8qJ6vNAMcObkNb45ttH0-S54jmV8EWf4elaVSsIToNdeQnWWgpv5LItZbalt9PXV0gUhyphenhyphenVKXYPOSIzbHolQzA9KLBUbHGsONrNXHZx5kYxXhet6tg8r1BrstmG-P8/s1600/IMG_2740_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96VRbfX_VbmdxgP8qJ6vNAMcObkNb45ttH0-S54jmV8EWf4elaVSsIToNdeQnWWgpv5LItZbalt9PXV0gUhyphenhyphenVKXYPOSIzbHolQzA9KLBUbHGsONrNXHZx5kYxXhet6tg8r1BrstmG-P8/s320/IMG_2740_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, I have about 5 yards of the yarn leftover. Probably just enough to make a pompom tail for the rabbit, which I totally forgot about.<br />
<br />
I'm also blocking a shawl I made months ago. It's the first one, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waiting-for-rain">Waiting for Rain</a>, <a href="http://lazydaisy0413.blogspot.ca/2016/07/needlework-tuesday-shawls.html"> in this post</a>. I haven't done a lot of blocking, but a fellow knitter/salesperson at my local yarn store suggested blocking wires.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBn6v8kHhq8Dk1u8McgT7RNRd-kNow__Gudle4pljl01OOgvqpOvVp9njCn_fRc2lurCtm53jGzC7VVBiyTR1pZKnEQtxnWpmhkdJe6ALuYiUjv9m63ExfBsDlXcx0aHGEKGvroXC9mE/s1600/IMG_2742_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBn6v8kHhq8Dk1u8McgT7RNRd-kNow__Gudle4pljl01OOgvqpOvVp9njCn_fRc2lurCtm53jGzC7VVBiyTR1pZKnEQtxnWpmhkdJe6ALuYiUjv9m63ExfBsDlXcx0aHGEKGvroXC9mE/s320/IMG_2742_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It looks a bit wonky, but it's the best I could do. It took quite awhile to get the wires threaded and the shawl pinned down. I measured it several times in an attempt to get the sides somewhat symmetrical. I'd measure, move the pins, measure, move the pins, measure....repeat several more times. It wasn't that much fun and being down on the floor for that long hurt my back and hip. I finally said good enough and left it. My main goal was to open up the lace and have it lie flat. I'll let you know how it works out once it's dry.
<br />
<br />
As for the wires, I've used them a few times now and they seem to be working out. (I consulted Google on how to use them). However, since I haven't done a lot of blocking, I'm not sure. Have you used blocking wires?
<br />
<br />
And lastly, I started another shawl called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/149-2-jette">Jette</a> from Drops Design, a free pattern on ravelry.com. This <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/karenicus/149-2-jette">particular version</a> caught my eye. It's beautiful AND uses yarn that I already have leftover from other projects. <br />
<br />
A word about the colour: It's medium green and dark rose. I would have definitely picked different colours had I not been determined to use up some of the yarn in my stash. I had limited options and this was the best colour combination I could come up with. All week I've been telling myself to think "rose garden" rather than "Christmas".<br />
<br />
Here's what I have so far:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8CzKKeLyyltJ4sbRrnXEtCXB9mbW6DTH9O30B7aL3X11eLj8xVL8EYJwruLdcEYoqbGphAlvDhncEHpuTBEz0UnBttf11Gawh1W3gU0qY-6T7pxUFuvzzStKxOg1RRJbhUpdTnHqhMA/s1600/IMG_2744_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8CzKKeLyyltJ4sbRrnXEtCXB9mbW6DTH9O30B7aL3X11eLj8xVL8EYJwruLdcEYoqbGphAlvDhncEHpuTBEz0UnBttf11Gawh1W3gU0qY-6T7pxUFuvzzStKxOg1RRJbhUpdTnHqhMA/s320/IMG_2744_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's an asymmetrical shawl that's essentially knit in two parts. After knitting this part, stitches are picked up along the edge with the stitch markers and it's continued from there. My shaping is backwards because of the whole old left-handed, right-handed thing, but I'm hoping it's going to work out regardless.<br />
<br />
This week I'm going to continue to work on this shawl. Also, another project from <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> should be showing up any day, so I'll probably take a look at that.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-7613703323175364262016-10-26T09:53:00.000-05:002016-10-26T09:53:00.104-05:00The Woman in the Photo by Mary Hogan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFdKCUQimbmiGIy3NRjTEtAJqmaEbA4PbG9PVTVxfmQicIHA83fP1HQPzuPq4L3MQGoBSaq1UE7cFLI1pYWKIm88HdEuDchn8Ug5gq2T-L6lM4c9B019i0JFJpM5iJmv6dhHJjRkbjRU/s1600/The+Woman+in+the+Photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFdKCUQimbmiGIy3NRjTEtAJqmaEbA4PbG9PVTVxfmQicIHA83fP1HQPzuPq4L3MQGoBSaq1UE7cFLI1pYWKIm88HdEuDchn8Ug5gq2T-L6lM4c9B019i0JFJpM5iJmv6dhHJjRkbjRU/s200/The+Woman+in+the+Photo.png" width="132" /></a></div>
In <i>The Woman in the Photo</i>, Lee Parker digs into her family's history after her adoption records are unsealed and she sees a photograph of a woman. The photograph shows a woman, who looks like her, standing amidst a pile of rubble next to Clara Barton, the founder of the Red Cross. What she discovers will change her life forever.<br />
<br />
I loved this book! It was inspired by a real life disaster in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where a dam in the mountains above the town bursts and floods the town.
<br />
<br />
The story alternates between the past, 1889, and the present. The past features Elizabeth Haberlin, a young woman of privilege and her life at an exclusive country club in the Allegheny Mountains near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The present features financially strapped Lee and her adoptive mother as Lee digs into her family's past.
<br />
<br />
I especially like the sections that take place in the past. The setting and the language used by the author felt authentic to the time period. I loved reading about how the wealthy lived and how the young people of the time were expected to behave. The story also highlights the disparity between the wealthy and the working class of the area.
<br />
<br />
This story features a person from real life, Clara Barton. I love it when real life people become characters into fictional stories. The author includes a lot about Barton's history and how she founded the Red Cross. All of this information was fascinating.
<br />
<br />
This edition of the book includes an additional section at the back of the book, which contains information about the author, and the real life story on which the book is based, a reading group guide as well as a book synopsis of Hogan's other book. It's definitely worth the read.
<br />
<br />
I've also read <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062279934/two-sisters">Two Sisters</a> and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I haven't written my review yet.
<br />
<br />
Highly recommended. I hope to read another book by this author.
<br />
<br />
For more information about this book, please visit the <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062386939/the-woman-in-the-photo#"> HarperCollins</a> website.
<br />
<br />
I'd like to thank those nice people at <a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/"> William Morrow</a> for this review copy. Sorry the review is so late.
<br />
<br />
The Woman in the Photo by Mary Hogan William Morrow (HarperCollins), ©2016. ISBN 9780062386939(Trade paperback), 406p.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-67573610281985304422016-10-25T11:48:00.000-05:002016-10-25T11:48:28.042-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Baby Knits<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.<br />
<br />
Last week, I mentioned that I had lots of yarn leftover from the Mary Maxim knitted rabbit project. I wanted to use up the yarn before it got lost in my stash, so I decided on a small car seat sized baby blanket. It's rather small, roughly 18"x20", but I wasn't sure how much yarn it would take. I probably should have made it bigger. However, I hate running out of yarn in the middle of a project, especially one that I'm only making to use up yarn. Here it is:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfU98ZsDNAltMpHxtdS6wS8Dx9s4A0mUZRGdy71KhNe5mGqIOFRLvBZYSVCaQqpr4DtdWwYDSKgKrHm6lyTXkd9UrtXqa_2yl0je17VWHDvkwVuZa_IGgGv1xxvDce0ArJpygmHC6D08/s1600/IMG_2733_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfU98ZsDNAltMpHxtdS6wS8Dx9s4A0mUZRGdy71KhNe5mGqIOFRLvBZYSVCaQqpr4DtdWwYDSKgKrHm6lyTXkd9UrtXqa_2yl0je17VWHDvkwVuZa_IGgGv1xxvDce0ArJpygmHC6D08/s320/IMG_2733_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
If I had known more (or anything for that matter) about "car seat blankets" I would have put a hole in it to accommodate the buckle(?). Whatever. It blocked beautifully, even though it looks a little wonky here. <br />
<br />
After finishing that, I found a free pattern for a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-baby-hat">Basic Baby Hat</a> on ravelry.com. The pattern featured 5 sizes. I figured I'd shoot for the middle, 12 months, and see what I had left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESsllPfO1aviPITMc_Lw-slDc1RGBEFws4fzxSQFnfyVw3In7yQORAnFInMn6FgjhSpOiPkVWrzfnRni85k9oSXhZ-JoVQ0Y3DIA5Ysz8sY04wkfo2g8lxDsfo8CW_TdbQclz6uCMWXA/s1600/IMG_2735_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESsllPfO1aviPITMc_Lw-slDc1RGBEFws4fzxSQFnfyVw3In7yQORAnFInMn6FgjhSpOiPkVWrzfnRni85k9oSXhZ-JoVQ0Y3DIA5Ysz8sY04wkfo2g8lxDsfo8CW_TdbQclz6uCMWXA/s320/IMG_2735_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As it turns out, I have more yarn leftover than I realized. Oh well, these hats knit up so quickly I don't mind making another one. I'll start on the next size up and go from there. For me there's no such thing as too much practice with knitting in a round with double pointed needles. Besides, this soft self-striping yarn is fun to play with. So, it's all good. These items will be donated.<br />
<br />
As for next week, have you seen the lovely leaf stitching over at <a href="http://bayouquilts.blogspot.ca/2016/10/leaf-stitching.html">Bayou Quilts</a>? I'm going to use that as inspiration to see what I can come up with. I'll also finish up the baby hat I started and see what other project I can get into.<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-59727915981285388382016-10-18T19:22:00.000-05:002016-10-18T19:22:29.612-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Rabbit, Scarf, and a bit of lace. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.<br />
<br />
This week I worked on three projects, all from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a>.<br />
<br />
For this first one, I completed the knitting last month, but didn't get around to assembling it until last week. Here's my finished rabbit:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCUTnGnuosf11CU6S8ERfxfSmVm7w4E_kpA7X75AcLD8eJm2n-sUABmhf5tab1P8B7kQjGuMC3VAf_kAXr9NlcAi0yRGwbGV6RaC-SnTieZ-EUTIKad-0V22krVc8TLARt38PF_TCGYY/s1600/IMG_2709_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCUTnGnuosf11CU6S8ERfxfSmVm7w4E_kpA7X75AcLD8eJm2n-sUABmhf5tab1P8B7kQjGuMC3VAf_kAXr9NlcAi0yRGwbGV6RaC-SnTieZ-EUTIKad-0V22krVc8TLARt38PF_TCGYY/s320/IMG_2709_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I could have chosen to knit the arms and legs in similar colours so they'd match, at least each other (by winding off some of the self-striping yarn - an option on the pattern), but I opted to just continue knitting with the yarn as is. At the time, I didn't think it was worth the bother. However, now that I look at it perhaps it would look more finished or cohesive with matching limbs. <br />
<br />
I'm not entirely happy with it, but it's done. The pattern was pretty vague in the finishing of this piece. There was some direction with respect to stuffing the arms and legs, but none for the head or body. The sewing together, the positioning of the limbs, and the facial features were all left up to the individual crafter. Something isn't quite right, but I think I did okay.<br />
<br />
One part I really don't like is that the pattern instructs the crafter to make separate eyes and then sew them onto the head. Had I thought about it more, I would have embroidered the eyes instead. As they are constructed now, the eyes are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. I wish the designers had thought of that or at least mentioned it in the pattern.<br />
<br />
Things I don't like about knitting stuffed items:<br />
<ul>
<li>• it's hard to know how much to stuff </li>
<li>• it's hard to get the stuffing evenly distributed </li>
<li>• it never looks like the photo </li>
<li>• it eventually becomes a dust collector </li>
</ul>
The kit had enough yarn and stuffing to make two of these rabbits. I don't think I'm going to bother with the second one. I still have quite a bit of yarn left, so I'll be looking for something else to make with the leftovers. Lots of options.<br />
<br />
The second item I worked on was the <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/yin-yang-shawl.html">Yin Yang Shawl</a>, October's project, which could also be used as a scarf. I love working in short rows!!! It turned out okay, I guess. It feels soft and drapes nicely when it's in my hands, but doesn't fit nicely on my shoulders as a shawl and is a little stiff wrapped around my neck as a scarf. Perhaps some blocking would help?? Anyway, here it is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3SBTHstdAcnOZd6NRixZC4N2UBr8_pU_Vwtb_EVoszSS0B1dZgQWf8aA5glzBV_Rq7ai04s1oLyHVAJHpbgASxjyA4jWb7xgeVuz5hktFoG0ATW0vHCFZrFgN8EOHbxiAx3MSRYIOp8/s1600/IMG_2696_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3SBTHstdAcnOZd6NRixZC4N2UBr8_pU_Vwtb_EVoszSS0B1dZgQWf8aA5glzBV_Rq7ai04s1oLyHVAJHpbgASxjyA4jWb7xgeVuz5hktFoG0ATW0vHCFZrFgN8EOHbxiAx3MSRYIOp8/s320/IMG_2696_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsexecX-tbzbl8V81NFk5YPq3JMYLY-K1BPkNdwaUrQPsVp57I8JRVXExljqlgxqUizpIYv-XPQ78Z5v5Pdfbr4IdCJaTN14JjUCRoXAilQDxO7iUiBX1-YOI1jWPwoS9KjX10PyiBfKI/s1600/IMG_2698_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsexecX-tbzbl8V81NFk5YPq3JMYLY-K1BPkNdwaUrQPsVp57I8JRVXExljqlgxqUizpIYv-XPQ78Z5v5Pdfbr4IdCJaTN14JjUCRoXAilQDxO7iUiBX1-YOI1jWPwoS9KjX10PyiBfKI/s320/IMG_2698_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
At least here you can see the short rows and the subtle colour changes.<br />
<br />
The last project I worked on is the lacy Mary Maxim project shawl/scarf I've been working on for months. It's getting a lot easier, but it's still slow going. Here's a close up of the lace:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVY09Yu9gM5sMRZUTy4zOfT5wZfH0aRnSK4BwC_rhf-O7JY0hSfbRFd3F40d6c7rKzY7ZME_IUzvzXjokCqLnoYNLwROWY4Dw2EQCZpw9m3X4EQfMXs8StGb0CNjah_-YXbZXsWqYOwA/s1600/IMG_2710_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVY09Yu9gM5sMRZUTy4zOfT5wZfH0aRnSK4BwC_rhf-O7JY0hSfbRFd3F40d6c7rKzY7ZME_IUzvzXjokCqLnoYNLwROWY4Dw2EQCZpw9m3X4EQfMXs8StGb0CNjah_-YXbZXsWqYOwA/s320/IMG_2710_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
This week I also took a trip to my local yarn store, which had a 25% off sale on selected colours of <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/">Shibui</a> yarns. They're yarns are ultra luxurious and quite pricy, so generally sales have me jumping for joy. This time I actually went to the store with two scarf patterns, so I didn't just add to my stash. The hardest part was combing through the baskets looking for enough yarn to complete the projects I selected. Luckily, I had both my husband and the helpful staff helping me pick colours. I'll feature both of these patterns at a later date.<br />
<br />
This coming week I'm going to start a new project. I'm just not sure which one yet. Of course, I hope to continue to work on my lacy shawl/scarf.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-29834348244033861372016-10-11T19:25:00.000-05:002016-10-11T19:25:32.175-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Knitting and Blocking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.<br />
<br />
Last week I mentioned that I had received two <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> projects. One I completed "as is", the other I made something else with the yarn.
<br />
<br />
Well, one of these projects was a shrug. While the wave stitch looked interesting, I've made at least one other shrug like this and I didn't really like the finished garment. It's basically a rectangle with a couple of side seams. Instead, I found this lovely shawl pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hill-island-wrap">Hill Island Wrap</a>, that I wanted to try on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">ravelry.com</a>. Even though they suggested a cotton/wool blend yarn, I decided to use an acrylic/nylon blend from the kit. I knew it wasn't going to be as nice as pictured, but I figured I'd give it a shot.<br />
<br />
The whole time I was knitting, I was thinking I'd wet block it. However, I didn't realize that wet blocking doesn't really work on acrylic yarn. So, I tried steam blocking, which was suggested by my friend Google. I didn't exactly follow the instructions, though. I pinned it all down first. Then I hovered my steam iron over the shawl until I emptied the water reservoir twice. I should have taken a "before" photo, but since I wasn't totally convinced it was going to work, I figured it wasn't worth the bother. I didn't realize how much blocking could change an item. While I don't love the colour combination, it turned out so much better than I thought it would. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCyYuTpSY8rmZCVddqVlYaeQ5HSRyAf08QHzsOSXLflYpoLqWDv9jsMEeaP2nkHavW_DbfuJUcN-5qRa_eDlPsBBxjYPfNpaDkTbdPJpvQmBJ4KnowZiYhDRiJENJGnG5OgN8WPwVbNk/s1600/IMG_2664_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCyYuTpSY8rmZCVddqVlYaeQ5HSRyAf08QHzsOSXLflYpoLqWDv9jsMEeaP2nkHavW_DbfuJUcN-5qRa_eDlPsBBxjYPfNpaDkTbdPJpvQmBJ4KnowZiYhDRiJENJGnG5OgN8WPwVbNk/s320/IMG_2664_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best part is that I have enough yarn leftover to make something else. Perhaps another shawl. ;) </div>
<br />
The other project I mentioned last week was a knitted stuffed rabbit. I haven't finished sewing it together yet, so I'll leave that until next week.<br />
<br />
The other thing I mentioned last week was a circular knitting needle set purchase. I was really tired of buying new needles every time (or almost every time) I started a new project. I bought <i>The Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles Takumi Combo Set</i> from Clover. It was quite pricey, but I'm hoping it's going to be cheaper and worth it in the long run. It includes 12 pairs of bamboo needles: 3.25mm - 6.5mm, 8.0mm, 9.0mm, 10.0mm, as well as 5 cables: 16, 24, 29, 36, and 48 inches. Of course, they are all interchangeable. One of the best features is the zippered leatherette case that'll keep everything together in one spot. There's also a separate segmented plastic envelope for the cables. So far, so good. I've only used one pair of needles (5mm) and the 29" cable. The yarn (cotton/wool/acrylic blend) is sticking a bit to the needles, so it's a little rough on the fingertips, but otherwise I'm happy with the set.<br />
<br />
Here's another look at it:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILFa5nwmCDVzhBPyFVjBSPe7jqpxtrsPwZbyuFXufHKJXHhg3I6Rm8XH_5e_Mro1s7AYHt0Ez3mDRxFR61fNH9DJ3aWmtkmTYiHUdRHoKjSghZnIIReAhkE2Cfdf0REIr7bx4lnPfoo4/s1600/IMG_2680_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILFa5nwmCDVzhBPyFVjBSPe7jqpxtrsPwZbyuFXufHKJXHhg3I6Rm8XH_5e_Mro1s7AYHt0Ez3mDRxFR61fNH9DJ3aWmtkmTYiHUdRHoKjSghZnIIReAhkE2Cfdf0REIr7bx4lnPfoo4/s320/IMG_2680_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week, another project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> showed up in the mail. It's a scarf/shawl. Here it is:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0bOojf3VWl3hXuaMcDw-QgDyAVX7eeEVmm3efuJn1TyjKpGMvIDUq-vS3ONclIFaLMRye0ff1MX7gLyNKTwQ4uLVUew03eOsVkPNhKM6tn0uCMIJIwrCWcHlKOtrSC8Vx-DnvalzXuc/s1600/IMG_2670_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0bOojf3VWl3hXuaMcDw-QgDyAVX7eeEVmm3efuJn1TyjKpGMvIDUq-vS3ONclIFaLMRye0ff1MX7gLyNKTwQ4uLVUew03eOsVkPNhKM6tn0uCMIJIwrCWcHlKOtrSC8Vx-DnvalzXuc/s320/IMG_2670_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The yarn I received is coloured differently than those in the photo. I like the ones I got, "Black Denim" and "Grey", but they don't have a big enough contrast to really tell them apart. I think you'll still see the colour changes, it'll just be really, really subtle. Here's small section:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-5MG2Y9SutJBLFQ9hRllUSJUfQlSlMJwdSJvMN7wvSqFSd396sX3kJxUsCFMOJhmY_0teVpkuNCcDCzTRug4FEJfFZTIxbyZAdJ2aQSN-slcJkAl1H9JvJk0WExzuAKFecvdHThB9ao/s1600/IMG_2674_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-5MG2Y9SutJBLFQ9hRllUSJUfQlSlMJwdSJvMN7wvSqFSd396sX3kJxUsCFMOJhmY_0teVpkuNCcDCzTRug4FEJfFZTIxbyZAdJ2aQSN-slcJkAl1H9JvJk0WExzuAKFecvdHThB9ao/s320/IMG_2674_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The thing I dislike most about this project is the pattern. It's horribly written and confusing. It's knit in short rows, so you turn the work before getting to the end of the row. That part I understand. However, after turning the work, you're supposed to "PM on last worked st.". I know the abbreviations, but that doesn't help figuring out what the "last worked stitch" is. Luckily, Patons has a video on the their website explaining <b>exactly</b> how to make this shawl. (Perhaps they know the pattern is confusing). If that's not bad enough, the pattern clearly states that "Sl1" = slip next stitch knitwise, but in the video, the presenter clearly slips the stitch purlwise. She even states that the stitch is to be slipped purlwise. This isn't such a big deal, but it's confusing as to which it should be. I'm also having a bit of trouble with the stitch counts, but I'm going to chalk that up to me not keeping track closely enough. Overall, this project is a bit annoying.</div>
<br />
Next week, I'm hoping to sew up the bunny rabbit and adjust his stuffing enough to take a photo or two. I'm also going to continue to knit my latest shawl from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a>.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-27242161521518916422016-10-04T18:54:00.000-05:002016-10-04T18:54:28.757-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Projects and New Toy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.<br />
<br />
Wow! Time has certainly flown since I last posted. I could swear it was only two weeks ago, not two months. I've been busy, busy, busy.
I've done lots of knitting, a bit of reading, and oodles of workouts, but the biggest time suck has been our kitchen renovation. On top of that, my husband, who's did lots of work to get ready for the reno, but who's been neglecting his physio exercises, hurt his back again. Not good. He's quite a bit better now, but still has to take it a little easy. Oy vey.<br />
<br />
Don't worry...I'm going to confine this post to my knitting projects...it is Needlework Tuesday after all.<br />
<br />
Since I last posted, a couple of projects from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> showed up.<br />
<br />
Here's the first one:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFMoxqTOQQj0aZgeIFYUmCa3DrOBnSSWDnOKLc5TkXOmq_FH225Em0MEdqg8aZQeMagkuIPXAxs7nJt0L9QwobPvUXm5va2L5z1Gmq5jDD-ZcvEjaYtZtuEFnhyoYgY5O4xHGhiDyCFE/s1600/IMG_2644_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFMoxqTOQQj0aZgeIFYUmCa3DrOBnSSWDnOKLc5TkXOmq_FH225Em0MEdqg8aZQeMagkuIPXAxs7nJt0L9QwobPvUXm5va2L5z1Gmq5jDD-ZcvEjaYtZtuEFnhyoYgY5O4xHGhiDyCFE/s320/IMG_2644_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's the second one:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMydCar8QwdVA5ypuEBBd2QelbpZzwY41NBiXtGdSoiB2VCOV0-mYY4tx59d39MtoqleG_5Srsg4d1qIbUOspKwbpRcO5d1Q6eCHHjao3lyIrLM7Wp-GYA_ENkXl4p3B6VhQJ_mfgXaQc/s1600/IMG_2640_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMydCar8QwdVA5ypuEBBd2QelbpZzwY41NBiXtGdSoiB2VCOV0-mYY4tx59d39MtoqleG_5Srsg4d1qIbUOspKwbpRcO5d1Q6eCHHjao3lyIrLM7Wp-GYA_ENkXl4p3B6VhQJ_mfgXaQc/s320/IMG_2640_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While neither of them is really to my taste, I made one of them "as is" and made something else with the yarn from the other. You'll have to wait until next time to see what happened with each kit.<br />
<br />
I also completed this ultra luxurious shawl from <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/">Shibui Knits</a>, called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spectrum-5">Spectrum</a> on ravelry.com. It uses two yarns in two different weights, Rain and Silk Cloud. The majority of the piece is knit with the two yarns held together, while the see-through stripes are knit with just the Silk Cloud, the thinner of the two yarns. It was quite easy to knit, all in stocking stitch. However, the thin yarn was a bit of a pain to work with. It's about as thin and strong as ordinary sewing thread, just a little fuzzier. It definitely kept me on my toes. Here's me and my I-absolutely-adore-this-piece-but-I-can't-believe-how-expensive-it-was-to-make shawl:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk8131GRq6SC_67h-T_F63jZaKSStqU42LEYw2BSXoB1LPIb9HimbUyAZF48RKN3B4lgc34rofYBDspns2yLbrnioIB2z06RDudjrh25sTekBIcH-a_a8dgI1FgyjVuJ8v4mkfuCjxfA/s1600/IMG_2630_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk8131GRq6SC_67h-T_F63jZaKSStqU42LEYw2BSXoB1LPIb9HimbUyAZF48RKN3B4lgc34rofYBDspns2yLbrnioIB2z06RDudjrh25sTekBIcH-a_a8dgI1FgyjVuJ8v4mkfuCjxfA/s320/IMG_2630_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's another teaser for next time: While I already have lots of knitting needles, for one reason or another I've had to buy several new ones in the past few months. This was getting to be expensive and frustrating. So, I purchased this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi7BpcHUBb9_EUQFB7Nr-e4CFGghMve4ghvOMTQSdbYcLEFawgrP5zK2yd9KI-z2nad1S5NNlVUM2IyQdqwGEut5EPttnTTS44_WaUsM-3Z6_OpuVlWSBVtR6_5GwNbvDpxxWpIgHeTA/s1600/IMG_2624_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi7BpcHUBb9_EUQFB7Nr-e4CFGghMve4ghvOMTQSdbYcLEFawgrP5zK2yd9KI-z2nad1S5NNlVUM2IyQdqwGEut5EPttnTTS44_WaUsM-3Z6_OpuVlWSBVtR6_5GwNbvDpxxWpIgHeTA/s320/IMG_2624_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven't used it yet, but I'm really hoping it's going to useful and turn out to be a "bargain" in the long run. I'll write more about it next time!!<br />
<br />
Not sure what this coming week is going to bring, but you can be sure I'll be knitting something.<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-82005358433401274262016-08-02T19:59:00.000-05:002016-08-02T19:59:32.640-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Wraps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.<br />
<br />
In the last couple of weeks, I started two projects.
The first one was a Mary Maxim project that's been sitting for many moons. Here's the project:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFf_VQIoKcmzg_OI0fnysIxwlks7wYgxWLgVYnK5E4PgiDBHCWfaalcY6-TqYJAuzxlilSmKLdx6EdM5ZgCX1vnoFaRWQh4VPLeMlv_vQryqe42XOCdzSr_XzVa5HX2mbnPYixGKAobQ/s1600/IMG_2555_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFf_VQIoKcmzg_OI0fnysIxwlks7wYgxWLgVYnK5E4PgiDBHCWfaalcY6-TqYJAuzxlilSmKLdx6EdM5ZgCX1vnoFaRWQh4VPLeMlv_vQryqe42XOCdzSr_XzVa5HX2mbnPYixGKAobQ/s320/IMG_2555_copy_upload.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
When it first showed up I was really excited about it. However, when I started the project I quickly became disillusioned.<br />
<ul>
<li>The lacy pattern was really complicated, which I had a hard time following while watching TV. </li>
<li>I had trouble with tension. It uses bamboo crochet thread. </li>
<li>The piece kept falling off the needles. </li>
</ul>
The problems just went on and on. So, I put it away. I've now pulled it out again and restarted it for the third time. I'm still having some problems with tension, but I'm using on wooden needles this time to prevent the piece from slipping off the needles. They are a little short, but that's all I could find at the time. The pattern is still complicated, but I'm getting the hang of it...sort of. There's one section about 3" by 3" where I totally screwed up the pattern. For the sake of my sanity, I just couldn't bring myself to start it a 4th time even though I only had about 9" done. The first few inches were the hardest part for me to get through each time.
<br />
<br />
Anyway, at the time I wasn't using lifelines and couldn't rip back properly because there are too many K2tog, yo, SSK, etc. I tried to put in a lifeline after the fact, but couldn't manage it. I decided to carry on and just pretend it didn't happen. I'm back on track with the pattern and unless someone spreads out the whole piece and examines the pattern closely, they won't notice the mistake. Here's what I have so far:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_THAmm-yw7S6BZtvrqylSx1c-WntfvXlmTkRfsa0qK-NCWE_dVJazbNTq9iTWzn-ZMupgCmdQCdLM-YaCF2hC6AF6R2hDvssBhKDtwJSqSmb6X3lDzbzRyCqGH9AwKqT9KqZfLJ6JghQ/s1600/IMG_2557_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_THAmm-yw7S6BZtvrqylSx1c-WntfvXlmTkRfsa0qK-NCWE_dVJazbNTq9iTWzn-ZMupgCmdQCdLM-YaCF2hC6AF6R2hDvssBhKDtwJSqSmb6X3lDzbzRyCqGH9AwKqT9KqZfLJ6JghQ/s320/IMG_2557_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In this photo, the problem section is hidden in the folds on the right. ;) I'm using lifelines every 12 rows (in a pattern 24 rows long). I hope not to use them. The finished piece is going to be 24" by 72". In the grand scheme of things if a small section isn't right, I can live with that.<br />
<br />
The other project I started is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spectrum-5">Spectrum</a> on ravelry.com. It uses two yarns from <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/">Shibui Knits</a> in two different weights. The pattern is ultra simple (all stocking stitch) and after knitting the complicated lace pattern in the piece above, it's a nice break. Here's what I have so far:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbpgHrODy3GzQAjSRip1iK2CpcOABLtIr3UgrJCZr2O2ku7yuaixf6IRTlMuRem96yB-Gk_U8Aix5Qk5TrbzJTgEZvL7skGC8hK9Bjen5oH1ahPKPvSqUCyafC10NE6X4XWoJywUDBRI/s1600/IMG_2559_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbpgHrODy3GzQAjSRip1iK2CpcOABLtIr3UgrJCZr2O2ku7yuaixf6IRTlMuRem96yB-Gk_U8Aix5Qk5TrbzJTgEZvL7skGC8hK9Bjen5oH1ahPKPvSqUCyafC10NE6X4XWoJywUDBRI/s320/IMG_2559_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm hoping that blocking will flatten out the curling edges. You really have to look at the finished piece on ravelry to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of this piece. <br />
<br />
The next project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> should be arriving any day. I wonder what I'll be knitting next.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-71839268169470869452016-07-20T13:20:00.000-05:002016-07-20T13:20:12.219-05:00Needlework Tuesday - On Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.<br />
<br />
These last few weeks I've been working on two projects.
I'm happy to report that <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/meadowside">Meadowside</a> from ravelry.com is complete. While I still don't love it, it's growing on me more and more. It appears to be a medium sized shawl (compared with others I've done) that'll be nice to throw over my shoulders once this heat dissipates. Here's what it looks like:
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zAuCvw-ALXotrD1RRkuTYuiU7JX72yU_FAJJbAqYKq7x6tJKr3qTJLWT9T6Rc-J63GS-6zQVL6GcHSlJ7jFEbJF3ApETay2ycKpcxurgvaAyiBDBqVxoF2UNKfFthN8YiPmQHPB0SyU/s1600/IMG_2528_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zAuCvw-ALXotrD1RRkuTYuiU7JX72yU_FAJJbAqYKq7x6tJKr3qTJLWT9T6Rc-J63GS-6zQVL6GcHSlJ7jFEbJF3ApETay2ycKpcxurgvaAyiBDBqVxoF2UNKfFthN8YiPmQHPB0SyU/s320/IMG_2528_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtf7seFHetUzIttmOc-21lsRH_SNfbnCLGhgDM7CXrUwvkc269oLbmE8gCb4taw9j2-4jAV3OoWszuolsDHzaX6tkSSmu_rnvDxvk8_-TNDvFB3z01Vl4hP09pXNSUxR6w5m_SkX9l9s/s1600/IMG_2535_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtf7seFHetUzIttmOc-21lsRH_SNfbnCLGhgDM7CXrUwvkc269oLbmE8gCb4taw9j2-4jAV3OoWszuolsDHzaX6tkSSmu_rnvDxvk8_-TNDvFB3z01Vl4hP09pXNSUxR6w5m_SkX9l9s/s320/IMG_2535_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The pattern indicated that blocking is needed to open up the lace. Even though it's hard to see, I might omit this step. It's not that it's a gorgeous intricate lace to begin with. It's rather ordinary and I'm not sure it's worth the effort. We'll see. <br />
<br />
I really like the yarn I used: <a href="http://www.langyarns.com/index.cfm?dolphin=E8AB3366-155D-006D-01EB-4C02F806D7C1">Lang Yarns Jawoll Color</a>. However, I ran into one problem. According to the yardage on the label, I should have had some yarn leftover, but I didn't. In fact, I ended the piece 8 rows early and still used all of the yarn with about 1.5" left at the end of binding off. That's cutting it close...too close! This sock yarn comes with some reinforcement yarn wound around a spool. I'm wondering if that amount was included in the total yardage. If it was, it would make sense. I didn't use this extra yarn in my shawl because it's so tightly wound that it's "weight" was much different than that of the ball and would have been noticeable. I have quite a few balls of this yarn in different colours, so I'll have to make a note not to expect to get the full yardage indicated.
<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I was worried that the next project from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a> might be delayed in the mail because of a strike or lockout at Canada Post. However, for the time being it looks like the two side are still at the table and the mail is going through. My next project showed up right on time. Here's the project:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8P_6_VRdjElTgREFbyBuJNEjK2DV7AtPUmP9-Oxbs3acSoJtofp14Y7qR7KB3dYoYzHrQTAeNQilQQZw4gDnwVE6_n_m43Nj9HHdbdBTvSTu-jh0ZNNnO9Hxg6HNxCBQLU4KAF8wTV0/s1600/IMG_2516_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8P_6_VRdjElTgREFbyBuJNEjK2DV7AtPUmP9-Oxbs3acSoJtofp14Y7qR7KB3dYoYzHrQTAeNQilQQZw4gDnwVE6_n_m43Nj9HHdbdBTvSTu-jh0ZNNnO9Hxg6HNxCBQLU4KAF8wTV0/s320/IMG_2516_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Since I had been knitting shawls now for what seems forever, I took the opportunity to do something different and started the clutch the day it arrived. Here's a close-up of the stitches:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KPaYeGC1eNS3Nhe7IrV7QhVBv60JG8RIc2T3hFj_gMYhEbKRIpTrqTNmSjBJFVZf0OIFNTb56LJ_mqFohyqHMneqqtkIzNFxlvQDo3Zttw2LvskH_nAv4Yb4_moY4Pi1ZYWd15UsKvU/s1600/IMG_2518_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KPaYeGC1eNS3Nhe7IrV7QhVBv60JG8RIc2T3hFj_gMYhEbKRIpTrqTNmSjBJFVZf0OIFNTb56LJ_mqFohyqHMneqqtkIzNFxlvQDo3Zttw2LvskH_nAv4Yb4_moY4Pi1ZYWd15UsKvU/s320/IMG_2518_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It was a bit of a shock to work in worsted weight cotton after all of that fingering weight 100% wool. It feels a bit clunky, but it's nice to do something different.
<br />
<br />
In my opinion, the clutch is a little big at roughly 11x8. I would have preferred something a little smaller, maybe 8.5x6 or 9x7. Oh, well. I think it'll do. <br />
<br />
The pattern could have been written a little more concisely. It didn't specify whether to slip 1 knitwise or purlwise, so I opted for slip 1 knitwise. I didn't notice until I was about a 1/3 done that my slip stitches were twisted. I could started again and done it differently, but decided it looks okay regardless. I thought all of my slip stitches were the same until I look the above photo and realized that at least two of them are different...upper and lower left. Oh, well. Here's what I have so far:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLNCZjqwXx_V97tap8GhPhFmXz2xUqovqUAGDERxGznIxI0VkTS5B7_QkkFHQJxxdo2S7OSU2SWA6YaCGDcSsYJyqn-V8qxj7Kc6vKsvfnwx7KJTsf-JAQmITn7mQo2btjSJ3lkS-myo/s1600/IMG_2541_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLNCZjqwXx_V97tap8GhPhFmXz2xUqovqUAGDERxGznIxI0VkTS5B7_QkkFHQJxxdo2S7OSU2SWA6YaCGDcSsYJyqn-V8qxj7Kc6vKsvfnwx7KJTsf-JAQmITn7mQo2btjSJ3lkS-myo/s320/IMG_2541_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm been procrastinating on adding the edging because it's supposed to be done in white. That's adding another colour to an already colourful bag. I'm thinking I might want to trim it in the dark blue or one of the other colours already used. Also, the pattern instructs me to pick up stitches through the two layers of knitting and then knit around the bag essentially seaming and trimming the bag at the same time. Sounds fine and dandy until I realized what a pain that was going to be since it's knit quite tightly. I might opt for a crocheted edge and regular seams. Any advice?
<br />
<br />
For the first time in months, I don't have another project lined up. I'll have to come up with something soon. My fingers are itching to get knitting.
<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296256244311296024.post-21952975761017243092016-07-05T20:35:00.002-05:002016-07-05T20:35:53.482-05:00Needlework Tuesday - Shawls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s1600/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nMZLmZwUP3js-MkjlUKbqUMyjqwS1-l1CdwJqZrkoT2a999-nJbkPeYsOWAXt5yIjaacHjqkNYeBFkL5HO_tP6Ofy62vwvuI4-3BhzDf243UjG-13fAHnUOPDIeCuYj30oK_s_d6uw/s200/Needlework+Tuesday.jpg" width="168" /></a>Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.<br />
<br />
These last two weeks I worked on two projects.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waiting-for-rain">Waiting for Rain</a> on ravelry.com is complete...mostly It turned out better than I thought it was going to. I just love the yarn and the colour. I haven't blocked it yet, but I think that'll even out the lacy sections quite a bit, so it's on my to-do list. In the meantime, it's quite lovely the way it is (even if I have to say so myself). Here's what it looks like:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcunRaTcefS1YWS3B9IjowEVA-9BVPJl3BN5zAyPBotlzqkWMPdSx1fJ8HHQGe92_2DPpO7XZVjj7yUjNK8mmtO4seinDbLGo_GeKD9COqyBvTAf5_P7SY94xtjyo2o7Q6-vjhfihLdFM/s1600/IMG_2468_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcunRaTcefS1YWS3B9IjowEVA-9BVPJl3BN5zAyPBotlzqkWMPdSx1fJ8HHQGe92_2DPpO7XZVjj7yUjNK8mmtO4seinDbLGo_GeKD9COqyBvTAf5_P7SY94xtjyo2o7Q6-vjhfihLdFM/s320/IMG_2468_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6mDkwISy9bDzuwPessSAebWfqHPTrN6QqtdI_xWCdaoKAhybzZOmvHTymBfkPIYN46Xp5X_E1cFMGLpAt80R1hn1jFCZfCKS_69dj8gHaZWbEWGV0FeUTtvBxlUTpLb3cdD302_NjF8/s1600/Front+and+Back+Waiting+for+Rain_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6mDkwISy9bDzuwPessSAebWfqHPTrN6QqtdI_xWCdaoKAhybzZOmvHTymBfkPIYN46Xp5X_E1cFMGLpAt80R1hn1jFCZfCKS_69dj8gHaZWbEWGV0FeUTtvBxlUTpLb3cdD302_NjF8/s320/Front+and+Back+Waiting+for+Rain_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The pattern was quite easy to follow once I got the hang of it. It's a lot more conversational than some of those old stuffy patterns of years past. I'm definitely going to look for more patterns by this designer. I already have one in mind...<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-rain-outside">The Rain Outside</a> is a sister piece to this one, but she has lots of pretty ones to choose from.
<br />
<br />
The other project I worked on is....another shawl!!! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/meadowside">Meadowside</a> is another one from ravelry.com. I really loved it when I saw it in my local yarn store. Bright and colourful. I liked the idea that it was made from sock yarn. However, I picked two fairly drab colours because the yarn was 50% off and at the time that's all they had in the sale basket. I loved the idea of spending less than $20 on a shawl instead of +$200. Well, I'm not loving it now. The colours are dull-ish and the pattern is super simple. Not very challenging. It's fairly similar to another one I made awhile ago, which I should have recognized just by looking at the photos, but didn't. Anyway, I'm finding it pretty boring to knit and look at. Here's what it looks like so far:
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJZylKC-8_X0i7wxeylJJiIFqpcE95VAm-q5F1l2HTD_nja29ZVFUlgaXnELNT_RAmLyDEb9YOq80J49SmAY-HvmbhzTOCWZNay4koMciYZx1bk3320t937Re5PBnksdYc3sDD88ufc8/s1600/IMG_2509_edit_copy_upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJZylKC-8_X0i7wxeylJJiIFqpcE95VAm-q5F1l2HTD_nja29ZVFUlgaXnELNT_RAmLyDEb9YOq80J49SmAY-HvmbhzTOCWZNay4koMciYZx1bk3320t937Re5PBnksdYc3sDD88ufc8/s320/IMG_2509_edit_copy_upload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If I hadn't already purchased the pattern, I probably would just rip it out and make something else. The one interesting thing about the pattern is that you knit two rows with one colour followed by two rows of the other, which makes for a stripy effect. Oh, well. I'm sure it's going to turn out okay-ish. Maybe it'll grow on me. <br />
<br />
Another project should arrive soon from the <a href="http://www.marymaxim.ca/knit-crochet/club-of-the-month/knit-club-of-the-month-2.html">Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month</a>. I got a notice today that the package was sent out. However, it may or may not show up. It'll depend on whether or not there's a strike/lockout with Canada Post. I can only hope that there's a resolution or that they'll get it here before the deadline on Friday. Last time, it took 6 days. I wonder what Mary Maxim is going to do if there's no mail service. Do you think I could convince someone that my knitting project is an essential item? ;)
<br />
<br />
This week I'm going to continue to work on my so-not-exciting shawl, while I wait to see if I get another package.<br />
<br />
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at <a href="http://www.heatherpearson.com/">Books and Quilts</a>. If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.
Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15577757312285531026noreply@blogger.com1