It never fails...

If there's one thing I've learned in my years of knitting, it's that no project will be completed without some problem; and usually it's something really stupid on my part.  I guess I should've realized I was about due on this project.  I almost had the body of the sweater done and ready to attach the shoulders, when I realized my mistake.  I made one armhole wider than the other, throwing off the front widths.  On one side I had a normal armhole opening and on the other I had an opening big enough to put an elephant leg though.  It actually extended a quarter of the way across my chest, leaving a very narrow band of fabric in the front.

How did this happen?  How could I not see it until now?  Well, on the one side I accidentally bound off twice as many stitches for the underarm than I was suppose to, and I guess I just wasn't paying attention to the difference as I knit.  Looking at the photo I can totally see it now.

So what kind of stupid mistakes have you done in your knitting that took you awhile to realize?

I'm getting excited

I tried it on the best I could and looks like it's going to fit!  I was worried it was going to be to big, but when I measured it last night it's only about a half inch wider than the original pattern.  Looking at it on the table, it still looks huge, but I think I need to come to terms with what size I really am.  I'm up to the armhole shaping and will try it on again when I attach the shoulders together.  I'll post a picture of myself wearing it when I know for sure it will fit.  I'm hoping to have it done in the next month or so, so I can wear it at least once this winter yet.

Sweater update

I've been working on my sweater since Feb 4th.  I'm 10 inches in and now I'm nervous.  I took it off the needles last night to try it on and it looked humungous.  I tried it on the best I could and it seems ok, but when I compared it to another sweater I own, it's about 8 inches to wide and about 2 inches wider than the original pattern.  I know I redesigned to be a little wider than the original pattern, so I'm forging ahead with it and hoping it will all be ok in the end.  I'll know if it fits better once I get up to the armhole shapeing and chest.  If it ends up to big I'll have no choice but to rip it out, start over and follow the pattern.  Already I seeing things I should've done differently.  Like the button bands.  I thought to save time, I'd knit the button bands with the sweater (I really hate picking up stitches) but I don't think that's going to work so well.

On another note, I learned last night that drinking and knitting don't mix to well.  I accidentally dumped my drink in my knitting basket. Luckily nothing was damaged to bad and I didn't get any on the yarn. This is the second time I've done it.  Guess I'll have to be the designated knitter from now on.  Only water for me.

Waiting not so patiently

I ordered the yarn for my sweater last Friday.  I've been sitting on my hands all week to keep them from starting a new project before I can start my sweater.  I've been obsessing all week about the design, playing with the length, size, and gauge in my knitting software.  I've made so many changes that it won't turn out to be the same sweater as the original pattern.  I'm itching to get started, so how can I possibly go to work today when my yarn will be delivered sometime today?  Maybe I should call in with the knitty flu.  Somehow I don't think they'll believe me.

Knitting something just for me

So I'm looking though my closet and I think to myself,  "I really need to go shopping."  I have 1 sweater, 2 fleece sweatshirts, and bunch of Hubby's old flannel shirts that I wear over t-shirts.  My job doesn't require me to dress up, but they also don't share my appreciation of Hubby's hand-me down flannels.  So rather than go shopping, I decided to put my knitting skills to work and actually make something for myself.  Which is almost unheard of; other than small projects.

I've been avoiding knitting for myself for a couple reasons.  Number one, well lets face it, I'm a big gal and finding patterns that fit and I actually like can be a little difficult.  I know there's all kind of pattern books dedicated to the plus sized knitter, but that leads me to the second part of the of the problem; I have a very hard time envisioning myself in the finished sweater.  What if I spend all that time working on it and I hate it when it's done?  Or worse, I love it, but it doesn't fit?

I've been eyeing up this sweater for a couple years, but didn't have the nerve to cast on, because the cables were over my head at the time.  Having recently gained more confidence in my cabling skills, I felt now was the time to tackle it.

Late last week the pre-project planning started.  I had Hubby take my measurements, I picked out the yarn, and since I won't follow a pattern to the letter, started to make modifications.  I want to change the cabling to a slightly different Celtic cable, I want buttons instead of a zipper, and I want it a little longer.  But I got ahead of myself and ordered the yarn before I was done with my modification, and now I'm scared.  I'm scared I didn't order enough yarn, I'm scared Hubby didn't make the right measurements.  And I'm scared the whole thing will turn into a giant mess.  Will this be a success or another disappointment?  The only way to find out, will be to knit the sweater.

Post project blues

Does this happen to anybody else?  You spent a good month or so on a project, you're happy that it's finally done; and then you spend the next couple days felling a little lost because you don't have a project to work on.  That's what I'm feeling right now.  I want to start something but haven't found the right pattern yet.  I'm kind of at a loss as to what I want to do.  I thought about doing some experimenting, but I know I don't have enough yarn, unless I want to make something out of scraps.  That could be interesting or it could turn out very ugly considering the colors I have left over.  Maybe it's time for a visit to the yarn shop for some inspiration.

Alison Tank Top

Here's the Alison Tank Top!  Turned out really cute.  I had a little trouble with the arm hole shaping and had to rip it back a couple inches, but other that that it went pretty smooth.  Would've had Alison model it, but she was busy tonight.  We'll have to get some pics this spring when we can take some outside shots.

Alison Tank-top

I'm really excited about this project, because for once something I designed from scratch is working out almost as I envisioned.  Usually my gauge is off or my measurements so the finished project is funky.

This one started the same way.  I did some fuzzy math and came up with way to many cast on stitches.  I was planning on this tank top having an hourglass shape, but after spending weeks knitting the lace part, I realized the hourglass wasn't going to work unless I wanted it to be a minidress.  Rather than rip it out, I decided to let it work to my advantige and let it be more of a baby doll tank.  Loose in the torso and tighter around the bust.  I had to do a little increasing for the bust because of the gauge difference.  As I knitted, I was worried that I had increased to much, but I had her try it on tonight and it fits perfectly.  Just another inch or 2 and I can start shaping the underarms and neckline.  Can't wait to see the finished project!

Hats for Girl Scouts

I've been busy this last week knitting for Girl Scouts.  These are hats I made with leftover or unwanted for my daughter's troop to sell at their Tot Shop on Dec 3.  I have one still on the needles and enough yarn for another.  Hopefully I can get the last two finished before the sale.

Stashbuster

My yarn stash has been of a thing of contention for me for a long time.  I vowed several years ago to use up what I had before I would buy anymore.  That only worked if I wasn't picky about what yarn I wanted to use for new projects.  Over the last couple years I've been able to dwindle my stash down by donating skeins, or deciding that 1/2 a ball of Red Heart really wasn't worth keeping.  I'm down to my last 5 skeins of nicer cheap acrylic yarn.  I've kept them because I liked them when I bought them and always thought I'd do something with them, but they've been sitting in my stash for quite some time.

My daughter's girl scout troop is hosting a Holiday Tot Shop, where little kids can come and buy presents for Mom & Dad.  So I thought what better way to get rid of my yarn than knitting hats for the sale and what doesn't sell will be donated to charity.  And then I'll finally be able to buy new yarn with out the quilt.

Introducing my first pattern for sale

Tutu Tank Top

A cute toddler's tank top with a little bit of a ruffled hem.  Pattern available in sizes 24 months to 4T.  Available for purchase on Ravelry for $6.00.
Sample was knit with Corny Goodness dk in 4T.

Don't know how to knit?  I can knit it for you.  Contact me for more information.

Test knitter wanted

I think I have the pattern finalized for the Diamond Brocade toddler sweater, but before I publish it, I really want to have somebody else test it out.  It's written in sizes 18/24 mos. to 4T.  If anyone is interested, leave a comment and we can work something out.

Sneak peak at a new pattern

I've been knitting alot lately, so much so that my hands are starting to hurt.  I think I better take that as a sign to lay off of it for a while.

Diamond Brocade Toddler Sweater

I've been working on a new pattern.  This drop shoulder sweater features an expanded neckline by shoulder fastening, a diamond brocade design on the body with a little bit of diamond brocade on the sleeve too.  Right now I only have the pattern written for 18-24 months, but I'm working on making it multiple sizes.  When done, the pattern will be available for sale in the shop.

Baldwin the Bathroom Monster

The other week I was at the craft store, picking up more yarn when I ran across  Rebecca Danger's The Big Book of Knitted Monsters.  Paging through it, I thought what a perfect way to use up all my left overs or single odd skein.  The projects are fairly simple and knit up fast.  I was able to knit Baldwin on a 5 hour car trip.  I have more left over yarn to use up, so I'll be making more in the near future and donating them to a local children's charity.

Vine Lace Beanie pattern

I tried to make this pattern a PDF file, but here it is in case you can't access it.

 Vine Lace Beanie

Brenda Hoffman

Gauge: About 20 sts/4 inches     Vanna’s Choice WW Yarn

Needles:  #7 & #8 16” circular needles

With a #7 needle cast on 88 sts.  Place marker to indicate beginning and work k2, p2 rib for 12 rows or 1 ½ inches.

Increase round as followed

With #8 needle, work 43, kfb, work 43, kfb  (90 sts)

Start lace pattern, starting with row 2

Lace Pattern (multiple of 9)

Row1: k                                                                                                  

Row 2: *yo, k2, skp, k2tog, k2, yo, k1 rep from * to end

Row 3: K

Row 4:*k1, yo, k2, skp, k2tog, k2, yo rep from * to end

Repeat these 4 rounds, until hat measures 6 inches

Crown

On the next round (work 43 sts, k2tog) 2 times. [88 sts]

Work one round even.

Shape crown as described below.

Round 1: *Work 6, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [77 sts remain]

Round 2 and all even rows: K

Round 3: *Work 5, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [66 sts remain]

Round 5: *Work 4, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [55 sts remain]

Round 7: *Work 3, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [44 sts remain]

Round 9: *Work 2, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [33 sts remain]

Round 11: *Work 1, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [22 sts remain]

Round 13: *K2tog. Repeat from * around. [11 sts remain]

Finishing

Cut yarn, a generous tail. Draw tail through remaining stitches on the needle. Pull gently to close hole. Weave in tail.

Weave in ends.

Finished projects and a free pattern

I finally finished the vest I've been working on for quite a while.  I was planning on offering the pattern for sale, but as I worked on it I made changes here and there and never bothered to write them down.  And once it was done I wasn't to thrilled with it.  Don't get me wrong, it looks fine, there's just something about it that I don't like.  I'm going to try it again with a couple revisions in mind and a different yarn.  Maybe those changes will be enough to make me change my mind.

On another note, I do have a pattern to offer.  This beanie is the result of playing around.  My daughter loved the pattern and requested a hat.  Since then I've gotten couple requests for the pattern and decided to offer it here for free.  I'm working on matching fingerless gloves, if I can figure out how to do the thumbs without messing up the pattern.

Gauge issues

Measuring my gauge has always been one of my biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to knitting.  And this project is no different.  I knit a swatch and carefully counted my stitches and rows and came up with 6.5 stitches & 8 rows/inch.  Using these numbers, I figured I needed  234 stitches to make a 36 inch wide piece.  It wasn't my math that was off, it was my gauge.  Turns out my gauge was more like 6 stitches/inch, so right from the beginning I inadvertently added extra inches.  So now the garment I meant to make as a small is more a medium or even a large.

Since this pattern is still a work in progress, I'm going to finish it as is and see how it turns out.  Knowing what I know now, I'll be able to make the necessary adjustments to make the next one the size I intend.

Scary lace

I've avoided lace patterns up until now, because I was scared they were to complicated and to difficult to keep track of the stitches.  The last time I attempted lace was when I was just learning to knit and picked a pattern that was way over my head.  The last couple of months I've been browsing through my stitch dictionary longing to do something other than basic cables and ribs.

I chose horseshoe lace for this project because it looked to be one of the easier ones.  I already knew how to do all the stitches.  It was just a matter of putting them in proper sequence; which wasn't as easy and it seemed.  I can't tell you how many times I started out, sure I was following the pattern, but by the time I got to the end of the row, something was off.  I either had to many stitches or not enough, throwing off the rest of the pattern.  It wasn't until I realized I could use stitch markers at the end of each repeat to keep track of where I was.  Now even though I have 200+ stitches in a row, they just seem to fly by and I've finally gotten to the point where I've started to memorize the pattern.  I'm finding lace really isn't as scary as I thought.

Sneak peek at my next project

Here a little sneak peek at what I'm doing next.  This is yarn I bought last weekend at  Interlacements booth at the Shepard's Harvest Festival.  This is the thinnest yarn I've ever used and I haven't had much luck with lace patterns before so this is definitely a challenge.  I'm in the process of designing something and everything goes well, I'll be publishing the pattern for sale in the shop.

On the blocking table

This sweater started out as a shrug I knitted last summer.  I only wore it about 3 times and then put it away, because I really didn't like it.   This winter I decided to frog the shrug and knit something I've been thinking about for a while.  I knit this this pattern for my daughter a couple years ago.  Hers was knit in acrylic for easy care, but this one is 100% highland wool, and has me a little nervous.  I don't usually work with wool and I've never hand washed anything before.  I tried very hard to avoid stretching, but somehow it looks like it's gotten wider.  I'm hoping it will be ok.  I hate to think of all the work I put into it and then not have it fit.  I still have to find a button, I'm thinking of hitting the antique stores for something unique.

~Edited to add that I was able to put it in the dryer for about 20 minutes on delicate and get it shrink back down to size.

No-sew method for adding a decorative edge to your projects

Decorative edge knit onto a blanket.  WIP

I hate seaming… So much so that I avoid it whenever possible. When knitting blankets or something that requires some sort of finished edge, I usually try to incorporate the edging or border into my pattern, but that’s not always possible. This particular blanket it wasn’t possible and I really debated whether or not to but a border on it. I put it away for a while and finally decided it needed something.

First I thought about picking up the stitches all the way around and knitting a simple garter stitch border, but really I wanted something a little fancier than that. I looked through my stitch dictionary and found a border I really liked, but it would need to be seamed on. What I wanted to be able to do, was knit the border and attach it to the blanket at the same time.

I spent the better part of a day searching online for directions on how to do just that, but came up with nothing. I knew there had to be a way and if I couldn’t find it online, I’d have to come up with a solution on my own. I played around with different ideas and finally found one that works.

• Pick your border pattern, and cast on desired number of stitches on a DPN. My border was originally 4 stitches wide, but I added 10 more stitches to make it a little wider. I placed a stitch marker between the 4 edge stitches and the 10 I added so I could keep track of when to start knitting in pattern.
• Remove the last cast on stitch but keep it live, insert needle, from the wrong side of the blanket, into an edge stitch, place live cast on stitch back on needle.

Cast on needle with the picked up blanket stitch

• Pass the blanket stitch over, and knit your first row, away from blanket edge

• Turn your work, blanket and all and knit back towards the blanket until you come to the last stich

• Pick up the next blanket edge stitch, knit the last stitch, pass the blanket stitch over

Picking up next blanket stitch

• Turn your work, knit away and repeat.  

Depending on the size of your blanket, it could take a while to knit the border all the way around, but your omitting the seaming and you’ll know exactly when to stop knitting when the ends meet. The only seaming you’ll need to do is the two ends together with the method of your choice.  Weave in tails.