Ball Bands are Versatile!

I keep getting so distracted by knitting, I forget to update the blog!

This is a pretty simple scarf I made my Mom for Christmas.



Project: Diagonal Rib Scarf
Source: I got the stitch pattern from last year's Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar
Yarn: Misti Chunky Alpaca #678, 1 hank
Needles: US 10 1/2
Started: 10/4/06
Finished: 10/22/06
Comments: I love the alpaca! The length is 46" including fringe.


These are a couple of band cuffs inspired by Mason Dixon Knitting that I made for my nieces. I want to knit that rockin' purse someone made as well.




Project: Band Cuffs
Source: Star
Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in Grape & Yellow with Patio Pinks
Needles: US 7
Started: 11/15/06
Finished: 11/16/06
Comments: These were a fun little project. They knit up fast & easy in under an hour.

I keep knitting on, waiting on yarn to complete my capelet. In the meantime, I was able to finally Finish(!) a couple of things completely. All that's hanging around now is that pesky sock!

Gift Knitting

I hope everyone had a great holiday season and an inspiring start in the New Year. I've got a lot of goodies to show in the next few days and I'm going to start with some little presents I knit for Christmas.

First up, a few simple felted bowls. The first one I kept for myself. I've had a couple of questions regarding the contents of the first bowl. I put some beads into the bowl for the photo. I thought they matched really well!





Project: Felted Bowls
Source: One Skein
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky in RPM Pink, Bronze Patina & Sunburst Gold, Victorian Pink, Mulberry & Oregano, 1/2 skein each bowl
Needles: US 15 24" circ & DPNs
Started: Early August '06
Finished: Mid August '06
Comments: These are super easy to make, easily finished within a day. This was my first attempt at felting and it seemed to improve the more I did it.

Christmas Ball Bands

These are a couple of Christmas-themed Ball Band Dishcloths I made for my bf's grandma. I wrapped them with some Vanilla Spice hand soap for a festive Winter treat! Hopefully she will actually use them.




Project: Christmas Ball Band Dishcloths
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Sugar 'N Cream
Needles: US 7
Started: 8/18/06
Finished: 11/15/06
Comments: Obviously I wasn't knitting on them exclusively! The Ball Band was starting to drag for me.

Bring On the Cold Weather, Please!

Here's my Winter Clapotis. Hopefully it will be cold enough to wear it in New Jersey over Christmas. The second photo shows the colors more accurately, they are actually kind of muted.




Project: Clapotis
Source: Knitty
Yarn: Patons SWS in Natural Plum, 6 1/2 skeins
Needles: US 9
Started: 10/25/06
Finished: 11/13/06
Comments: Dimensions are approx. 63" x 18". I have been wanting to try this new yarn for awhile because it is a wool/soy blend. I have a skein and a half leftover, so I'm thinking of doing some sort of felted project. This is probably it for Clapotis, the pattern is easy but very tedious and I had to individually drop each stitch. It is worth the finished product though!

Early Gift

I gave my SIL an early Christmas gift last night because I won't be able to see her until next year, ha-ha. While it may be 70 degrees here, she will be traveling to Colorado the day after Christmas and I wanted her to stay toasty warm.



Project: Stacked Triangle Scarf
Source: My Own Design with simple knit and purl pattern from somewhere I cannot remember
Yarn: Misti Baby Alpaca Chunky in #M678, Forest Green Melange, 1 skein
Needles: US 10 1/2
Started: Mid Nov. '06
Finished: 12/17/06
Comments: Dimensions are approx. 51" x 2 1/2". This isn't a very good photo and the triangle pattern wouldn't show up very well because the yarn is so dark. The pattern also made three columns that overlapped and stacked on top of each other. It's sort of hard to explain, but the finished product looked pretty cool.

Fetching Fingerless Gloves

I haven't been posting, but I have been knitting. I finished my Winter Clapotis a few weeks ago, but I do have several more stitches to drop and just haven't gotten around to it. I also completed a couple more Christmas present which I will post after the new year. I can finally post the Fetching Mitts I knit for my mom. I thought they were going to be for Christmas as well, but I changed my mind and she got them early for her birthday. Now I can get to work on my own, which I've been itching to do for awhile.



Project: Fetching Mitts
Source: Knitty
Yarn: Misti Baby Alpaca in #2105/light grey, one skein
Needles: US 7 DPNs
Started: 1st- 10/2/06, 2nd- 10/5/06
Finished: 1st- 10/3/06, 2nd- 10/6/06
Comments: This was my first time using alpaca and I really liked the yarn. It's very fuzzy and soft, but it wasn't too slippery. Of course this pattern was easy and fun, as every knitter knows!

Clapotis Mania

With all the new clapotis floating around, it seems like the pattern is more popular than ever before. Sarah has just completed one and the thread on Craftster is very hot right now. I haven't posted my Spring Clap before, so it seems like the perfect time.

I just started one last week that's heavier and warmer than the first one. I've finished the increase sections and hopefully this will be the last time I make one of these. The finished product is well worth the time, but I do admit to finding the pattern increasingly tedious and irritating!








Project: Clapotis
Source: Knitty
Yarn: Southwest Trading Company Bamboo in Bougainvillea
Needles: US Size 9
Started: 10/10/05
Finished: 4/12/06
Comments: Needless to say, I put this one away for a long time for other projects. Once I finally picked it back up again, I finished it very quickly. It's a great light wrap, perfect for chilly movie theaters. I used 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 skeins. The finished measurements are approx. 20" x 76".

Lady Eleanor

I have also completed my most beloved Lady E. I still have to trim the ends of the fringe a bit, but I could not resist taking it out for photos on a crisp Autumn day.

In other knitting news, the sweater is on hold momentarily for gauge issues. I'm coming right along with my secret holiday presents and I've had another brain blip and decided I need a Winter companion for my Spring Clapotis.

I went a little crazy with the photos, so be prepared!









Project: Lady Eleanor Stole
Source: Scarf Style
Yarn: Noro Kureyon in #124, 9 skeins for the body, 1/2 skein for the fringe
Needles: US 10 1/2, 32" circular
Started: 8/9/06
Finished: 9/27/06, Blocked: 10/2/06, Fringed: 10/22/06
Comments: I can really see myself making this again even though I probably do not need two of them. I may knit this stole a little wider so I can make myself a throw. I think this was the most fun knitting I've ever had. I really enjoyed the quick pieces of knitting that comprise entrelac. I learned to how to knit backwards so I wouldn't have to keep turning my work, but it seemed to strain my wrist so I used both. I'm pretty short, so I only did 5 knots on the fringe instead of 7. Finished measurements: 68" long without fringe, around 90" with fringe and 21 1/2" wide.

Candle Flame Photos!

So I've finally completed my shawl and my stole. What exactly are the differences between the two, I really don't know. I did not rip back my shawl and I left the mistake in and bound off. You really can't tell at all. Onto the photos!!





Project: Candle Flame Shawl
Source: The pattern I used was originally posted on the Knit List a while back, but the link is now broken. I do know that there is a PDF file floating around out there somewhere.
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay in Agate, around 5 skeins
Needles: US 10
Started: 10/4/05
Finished: 9/30/06(!), Blocked: 10/7/06
Comments: This shawl was the bane of my existence when I first started it. It was by far the most complicated thing I had attempted and it tried really hard to kick my ass. Technically I guess it's a lace pattern because of the three yarnovers at the bottom of each flame that you can't really see, but obviously it's not nearly as complicated as most lacy & delicate shawls. I did learn to love this shawl though and it turned into a very relaxing and comforting project. I did not like how it loved to gobble up my yarn and leave me scrambling to find more. I definitely will not be knitting another triangle shawl for awhile, for while the first rows fly so quickly past, by the end it was taking hours to get a few rows done. Finished measurements are 31 1/2" from band to tip and 54" wide. I do believe this could stand to be bigger, but my mind and budget would not allow it. I'll probably search for a elegant vintage brooch to help keep it closed. I'm proud to have accomplished this and do so love the Autumnal subtle colors. The End!

Think Pink

So here's the scarf I knitted last week. It's for the Think Pink Challenge that I just found out about. I mixed several yarns and knit it sideways, so it didn't take any time at all. It's going to be a teensy bit hard to part with it, if only because it's so Pink! I have a ton of the fringe left over though, so I'm going to add it to something else or wear it in my hair.




Project: Think Pink Scarf
Source: My Design
Yarn: TLC Wiggles, Plymouth Fantasy Naturale, Cascade 220 & Yarn Bee Party Girl
Needles: US 13
Started: 9/19/06
Finished: 9/20/06
Comments: I love this scarf and want to do this in all colors of the rainbow. This is also great for stash-busting. Just cast on as many stitches as you want the length to be and knit as many rows as the width you want. Super-easy! This is the first fringe I've made and it was kind of fun too.

New Arrivals

Say hello to my new nephew Simon. He arrived Friday night healthy & curious. His nose matches those of his sisters when they were born and he has a very sweet disposition. Of the 2+ hours I spent with him yesterday, he only let out one little cry which quickly passed.

My favorite thing about brand new babies? Little tiny feet of course!


So the million ends of the baby blanket were finally worked in and the kimono finally sewn. Hopefully Simon will find some comfort in these items because I have definitely had him on my mind for most months of this year.



Project: Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in Key Lime Pie, 1 1/4 skeins
Needles: US 6
Started: 6/16/06
Finished: 8/7/06
Comments: The pattern is easy, though not very exciting. I became pretty over this when I ran out of yarn and had to eventually go to 3 different stores to find it. I did find the same dye lot though! It does look pretty sweet all sewn together and be-ribboned though.






Project: Simon's Baby Blanket
Source: My Design (Diamond Brocade taken from The Harmony Guide 450 Knitting Stitches Volume Two) with 3" Seed Stitch Border
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Green Apple, 12 skeins
Needles: US 8
Started: 4/24/06
Finished: 6/15/06
Comments: Dimensions are approx. 22" x 50". This yarn is so soft & very stretchy, I love the feel of the seed stitch. I do wish the skeins had more yardage, as each skein only got me a few inches, hence all of the ends to weave in. I did notice after washing & drying the yarn already seemed to pill a little as well. The previous baby blanket I made was way too small so I cast on a whopping 193 stitches for this, perhaps I overcompensated? I think it will be nice to wrap the baby up nice and snug in this extra long blanket and hope that Simon will use it for years to come. It can double as a wrap for the weary momma!

Waterlily Makes Her Debut

Finally, Waterlily from Interweave Knits Spring '06 issue. I've been lusting over this since Feb. or something. From the first cast-on to the final blocking, with a few days of doing nothing, this only took me 11 days! I knew it would be quick, but this really surprised me because I'm a somewhat slow knitter. I made the largest measurement because I was worried about fitting the bust. The bust size came out perfectly but the rest is a little loose, of course the lower half is knit on larger needles so that makes sense. I think it really looks better than these photos show. I don't have to wear a top under it, it really doesn't come down that low, but you can't see the eyelets as well without a background. All in all, I think I did pretty good for my first garment and I'll probably wear this from time to time. Now I can move on with my life and don't have to continue pining away after this yarn. I do still get distracted by all the pretty garden colors when I'm wearing it though.




Project: Waterlily Top
Source: Interweave Knits Spring '06
Yarn: 3 1/2 skeins of Colinette Giotto in Florentina. I found a much cheaper source in London, Loop
Needles: US size 10 1/2, 11, & 13 24" circs
Started: 7/18/06
Finished: 7/29/06
Comments: Things I learned while knitting this top- 1) Provisional Cast-On, 2) Shaping a garment, 3) Three Needle Bind-Off (the pattern didn't call for it, but I didn't want any bulky seams!), 4) Steam Blocking. There were no mistakes in the pattern and it was very straightforward.

More Baby Knits

More knits for nephew Simon, who will be arriving in 2 1/2 weeks! The One-Hour Booties from Stitch 'n Bitch Nation are made with Bernat Cotton Tots in Jelly Belly. I held it doubled & used US size 8s. The Baby Hat is from One Skein, and it also used Cotton Tots (different dye lot, that's why it's brighter) and US size 7 DPNs. Both were relatively easy knits, I just hope Simon has a petite head and feet.

Mason-Dixon Knitting

I'll start today with 3 Ball Band Dishcloths I made while I was completing the blanket. These are addictive, as I'm sure every knitter knows. From left to right: Sugar 'N Cream in Hot Purple & Patio Pinks, Grape & Beach Ball Blue, Playtime & Hot Blue. US size 7 needles.



Next up: Baby Genius Burp Cloth & Baby Bib O' Love. I didn't make these in matching colors because I just used what I had in the stash, but I like the different colors. The burp cloth is SnC Early American Ombre & the bib is Country Brown Ombre, both using US 6 needles.

Kool-Aid Pithy Hat

Ok, so my hat is done. Next time, I have to be more careful when choosing which colors to wear near my face. I wanted to make this pattern and I had the right amount of yarn, more in fact, but I really neglected the fact that bright green & blue would contrast highly with my fair skin and red hair. Ah well, maybe if I let my hair go back to its original color someday, the hat will look better.

Anyway, the knitting got a lot easier a few rows into it. The knit 2 tog tbl could be tricky though. The pattern is from Little Turtle Knits. I think the purse stitch is very pretty and shows off the gradual changes in color very well. I used US size 9 16" bamboo circs for all but the first few rows.

It's a little uncomfortable modeling a wool hat when it's 100 degrees outside! I'm glad to be done with this impulse project and get on with other things.

In other knitting news, I was so close to finishing my Baby Kimono yesterday when I ran out of yarn! Eeek, I hate that! So now I have to trek all the way out to Hobby Lobby to get another skein of Sugar 'n Cream that probably won't match my dye lot just so I can knit a lousy 2 or 3 inches. How annoying!

Finally Some 100% Finished Objects!

It's about time. I really seem to burn right through projects, knitting like crazy then binding off and forgetting about them. I suppose I should be happy with myself that I at least finish the knitting part. I just need to get into a new frame of mind and remind myself that "finishing" is just that- completing the project entirely. Anyway, a few are finished now and my Kool-Aid dyed hat is just about to come flying off the needles, and I promise to weave in the ends right away. Hats are easy anyway, only 2 little strands to worry about...Photos to come soon, soon.

A Dishcloth!

This is my first Ball Band Dishcloth from

Mason-Dixon Knitting

I took a much needed break from the *HUGE* baby blanket to whip up something fast & easy. I had plenty of Sugar 'n Creme left over from my marathon Christmas dishcloth/doily knitting, so it was fun to mix and match colors. I wanted the blue to be the slipped stitches, but of course I didn't read the pattern before I started, so there ya go. I really like the effect it created though, kind of like stained glass. This was really fun and I will certainly be making more of them. I just need to weave in the ends to start using it! The colors of Sugar 'n Creme are Delft Blue and Jewels. Knit on size 7s.

Baby Hat!

Here's the Umbilical Cord Hat from Stitch 'n Bitch. This is the second one I've made and they're a breeze to knit. I used Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Reef and US size 7 bamboo circs.

Baby Mitts!

I recently completed these mittens for my nephew-to-be. I don't want him to scratch his face with sharp little fingernails, (although if he's anything like me, my brother, or my niece, he will be biting those nails very soon) so I made these to protect his soft skin. I was pretty petrified to use size 1 and 2 double points, but it was really no problem save for the casting on and first couple of rows, but I always have a little trouble with that. So knitting the mittens was easy, but man is i-cord a pain! I really dislike it. I made the cord about 30 inches long 'cause I read somewhere that someone else did and I had no clue. I thought they turned out pretty precious. The pattern is from the Knitting Page-a-Day Calendar, which for the most part has really fugly projects. The yarn is Knit Picks Simple Stripes Sock Yarn in Storm.

I Want This Hat!

I want Ben Harper's hat he wore on Carson Daly. I like the bucket shape and intricate designs. I think I might change the colors though, I'm not too big on red. After I get into intarsia & fair isle I'm gonna try this, man I loves me a man who wears hats! Women too :)

In other knitting news, I recently completed 4 Candy Wrapper sachets from the book

One Skein

I used Knit Picks Palette and I can't remember which size needles, maybe US 3? They were pretty quick to knit up, but it was somewhat difficult to get the oval shape needed. I think my tea bags were too big. They smell good & look pretty though, I guess that's all that matters.