Sunday, December 7, 2008

Nailed 'Em - Radical Knitting

Our ever-vigilant Border Patrol not only keeps foreigners out, they prevent traveling Americans from coming back in. (04:31)


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

New projects and new pretties!

So I have some new yarn, and some new projects that I have started work on, or plan to start soon at least.

Project: The Coolest Scarf in the World http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/04/noro-scarf.html

One day a couple weeks ago my friend Marisa called me to tell me that she had started knitting again, and that she was working on the coolest scarf in the world. That was a pretty bold claim, and I didn't really believe her until I saw the scarf she was working on, and damn she was right, it was the coolest scarf int he world. I was stunned by how simple yet sooo awesome that it was, and I knew I had to make one for myself. I can honestly say that I was not very impressed by Noro Silk Garden, or other Noro Yarns until I saw this project, and now I am in love.

Noro Silk Garden
45% silk
45% Kid Mohair
10% Lambs Wool
100% Pure awesomeness!
Colors: Rainbow
Royal
Color 37 Lot D (Purple, Green, Blue)

PB170015

tcsitw

PB170013

--

Project: Percy http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTpercy.html

I have been wanting to make a bag for a little while now. I did some searching and found a couple bags that were nice, but there were a little large, and I wanted to start with something small. I spent some time at my desk one day while answering calls working on a mock up of a bag out of paper that I would like to make, and right after I had completed my mock up I Found this pattern and it was pretty much what i was looking for. I am making this bag for Rose, and originally she told me she wanted a black bag, and then when the time came to buy the yarn she said she wanted a pink bag. I can honestly say that I was not to fond of the idea of making a pink bag because I need to be motivated by the yarn I am using, I cannot make something with yarn I do no like, but I decided to forgo my personal prejudice and make the bag anyways. When I opened the box with the yarn I was surprised that the color was not as bad as i originally thought, and the texture of the cotton was very nice.

Elann.com Sonata
100% Mercerized Cotton
Color: Cyclamen #3703

PB170019

PB170007

--

Project: Fingerless gloves http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer05/PATTcigar.html (I am using this pattern, but I am making it fingerless)

There is no big story behind these gloves besides the fact that I like the ones that Kim made and I wanted to make some myself.

Wool of the Andes
100% Peruvian Highland Wool
Color: Onyx Heather

PB170004

Monday, November 10, 2008

Finally a Free Slouch Hat Pattern!

DSCF3078

I think the slouch hat has to be one of the most closely guarded knitting secrets on the web. I searched, and searched, and searched, and could never find a good pattern. Don't get me wrong, I did find some patterns but they were either patterns I had to pay for, or the pics were HORRIBLE and they never inspired me to try them. Eventually Ii just bit the bullet and decided to wing it and make one on my own, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the results!

Note: The names of the yarns used have been changed to protect the innocent, or more precisely I forgot the names! The model for these pics is my best friend Marty. These pics are linked to my flikr.com page, and because of the nature of the links it sometimes cuts off the right hand portion of the pic. To view the whole pic just click on the image to go directly to my flikr.com photo stream.

Materials
Needles: 1 set US size 8 circular
1 set US size 8 dpns
Yarn 1: Cascade 220 Superwash Chocolate (main color = MC)
Yarn 2: Cascade 220 Superwash Tan (Contrasting Color = CC)
Stitch markers
Tapestry Needle (to weave in ends)

Pattern

CO 72 stitches using MC and add stitch marker to indicate beginning of round

Ribbing:
* k2 p2 * until end of round, and then join making sure not to twist (do I even need to say this?)
* k2 p2 * repeat pattern from * to end of row, and until piece measures 1½inches from CO edge.

Change to CC

Increase Round: * k2, m1* repeat until end of round. (108 stitches)

The main pattern is repeated 4 times until the piece measures 8 inches in length.

Round 1: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 2: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 3: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 4: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 5: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 6: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 7: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 8: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 9: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Change to MC
Round 10: * k1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 11: * p1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 12: * p1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row
Round 13: * p1 * repeat pattern from * to end of row

Decrease Rounds
Round 1: * k9 place a stitch marker after stitch* repeat pattern from * to end of row.
Round 2: * k7, k2tog * repeat pattern from * to end of row (96 stitches)
Round 3: * k6, k2tog * repeat pattern from * to end of row (84stitches)
Round 4: * k5, k2tog * repeat pattern from * to end of row (72 stitches)
Round 5: * k4, k2tog * repeat pattern from * to end of row (60 stitches)
Round 6: * k3, k2tog * repeat pattern from * to end of row (48 stitches)
Round 7: * k2, k2tog * repeat pattern from * to end of row (36 stitches)
Round 8: * k1, k2tog * repeat pattern from * to end of row (24 Stitches)

Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull closed, or if you're me you leave a little hole at the top.

DSCF3081

DSCF3085

DSCF3079

[fin]

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Ribs & Ruffles Scarf

Manos Del Uruguay Eclipse

Materials
Needles: 1 set US size 10
Yarn: 2 skeins Manos Del Uruguay Eclipse
Tapestry Needle (to weave in ends)

Pattern
The main pattern is worked in multiples of 4+3, and the ruffle is 4x the number of the stitches you want to work with.

CO 96 stitches

Ruffle Beginning
Row 1: *k2tog* repeat pattern from * to end of row (48 stitches)
Row 2:*k1* repeat pattern from * to end of row (48 stitches)
Row 3:*k2tog* repeat pattern from * to end of row (24 stitches)
Row 4:*k1* repeat pattern from * to end of row (24 stitches)

Begin Eves rib pattern (24 stitches)
Row 1 rib pattern: *k3, bring working yarn forward, slip stitch as if to purl , bring yarn back, repeat pattern from * to end of row ending with k3
Row 2 rib pattern: k1, bring working yarn forward, slip stitch as if to purl, bring yarn back *k3, bring working yarn forward, slip stitch as if to purl , bring yarn back, repeat pattern from * to end of row ending with k1

Ruffle End
with approximately 8 yards of yarn left, begin ruffle pattern as follows
Row 1: *k1* repeat pattern from * to end of row (24 stitches)
Row 2: *knit into front and back* repeat pattern from * to end of row (48 stitches)
Row 3: *k1* repeat pattern from * to end of row (48 stitches)
Row 4: *knit into front and back* repeat pattern from * to end of row (96 stitches)

Bind off ends, and sew in ends

Finished Measurements
Length:
Width:


P8270090

P8270087

P8270093

[Fin]

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Starry

this http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=112306.0
with these kizzy 145

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Rule of 8


I think I may have developed the perfect ribbed hat pattern! or at least that is what I like to tell myself, and I called it "The Rule of 8". I use size 8 needles, cash on 88 stitches, and when I decrease I repeat the pattern 8 times until the next decrease, and then repeat that pattern 8 times as well. You see where I am going with this?

Materials
Needles: 1 set US size 8 circular
1 set US size 8 dpns
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash (any worsted weight, or bulky yarn would do for this project)
Stitch marker
Tapestry Needle (to weave in ends)

Pattern
CO 88 stitches and add stitch marker to indicate beginning of round
Knit: k2 p2 until end of round, and then join making sure not to twist (do I even need to say this?)
Knit: k2 p2 until piece measures 5inches from CO edge.

Work decreases as follow

Decrease round 1: k2, p2tog* repeat until end of round (66 stitches)
Round 2: k2, p1* repeat to end
Round 3: k2, p1* repeat to end
Round 4: k2, p1* repeat to end
Round 5: k2, p1* repeat to end
Round 6: k2, p1* repeat to end
Round 7: k2, p1* repeat to end
Round 8: k2, p1* repeat to end
Decrease round 2: k2tog, p1* repeat until end of round (44 stitches)
Round 2: k1, p1* repeat to end
Round 3: k1, p1* repeat to end
Round 4: k1, p1* repeat to end
Round 5: k1, p1* repeat to end
Round 6: k1, p1* repeat to end
Round 7: k1, p1* repeat to end
Round 8: k1, p1* repeat to end
At this point I switch to dpns, but it may be better to switch sooner.
Decrease round 3: p2tog* repeat to end of round (22 stitches)

Break off yarn and pull through remaining 22 stitches. I leave a little hole at the top because I do not like the way the hat bunches without the hole, and I guess it is my little signature thing. Weave in end and then wear!

add stripes or other embellishments anywhere you want.

Finished Measurements
Length: 8 inches (20.32cm)
Diameter: 13inches un-stretched, and it expands to fit my 24 in noggin comfortably.

acknowledgments: I would like to thank Kim, without her I would not know how to knit, and she kinda helped with coming up with the pattern name. and I would like to thank Heather for being herself, although she can be a pain in the ass sometimes :P

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Mittens too small

So i made this. it's kind of messed up in a bunch of places but kind of neat. It's an ipod cozy if you couldn't tell :P cozies saves the days.
Mitten.. too small

Monday, September 8, 2008

ehhh.

how on earth do i "m1 in pattern".....grrroar. where and what in the where hmm..?

Edit.
Oh it helps if you aren't reading things upside down!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Sunday, August 3, 2008

humm

pattern lacking?

the difference in the yarn sizes makes the pattern look interesting.
mitten 004
mitten 013

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Twisted drop stitch revisited

A while ago I was on a twisted drop stitch kick and I had started 3 different scarves, but until now I had only finished 2 of them. I finally sat down again, and worked a little on this scarf, and it did not take much to get it to it's desired length.

I am using:

Yarn: Misti Alpaca 100% Baby Alpaca
-Color: 620 Lot No. 78044 (I call it Merlot)
-1 skein 108 yards (98 meters) 100g
Needles: Size 10 bamboo

Gauge: 3½ stitches per inch

Pattern:

CO 15 stitches
http://kisknit.wordpress.com/2006/09/13/twisted-drop-stitch-scarf-pattern/

final length: 65 inches (165 cm)

I am not exactly sure how much yarn I used for this. I bought 2 Skeins, and I still have a significant portion of the 2nd skein left.

3x3 ribbed scarf

When I first started showing off my knitting, I had a couple friends ask that I knit them something. I made this scarf for Rose, and originally she requested that I make her a white scarf, but I thought white was a little boring so I picked out this wonderful ivory colored wool. I bought 2 skeins of it, but I only ended up using one.

This Scarf was a real test for me, for a while every week I would fuck it up and have to take it to the yarn store so they could help my fix it. Eventually I learned how to fix it myself and then things were good. It's not perfect, but I think I may be the only one who can see all the mistakes.

so here we go...

I am using:

Yarn: Washington 100% Merino Wool, 1 skein 210 yards (192 meters)
Needles: Size 8 bamboo

Gauge: 4½ stitches per inch

Pattern

CO 33 stitches
odd rows: k3, p3
even rows: p3, k3
knit until desired length, or until you run out of yarn

final length: 52 inches (132 cm)

simple eh?

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

I am a hat knitting machine!

Hats are half the reason I got into knitting in the first place, and so far I love making them. I never liked the starlike pattern you get when decreasing a hat so I brainstormed on how to fix this and came up with my own pattern...

I am using:

Yarn: 1 skein Lambs Pride Bulky Oregano (m113)
Yarn: 1 skein Lambs Pride Bulky Gray Heather (m03) for a stripe
Needles: Size 7 circular needles, 16" long
Needles: Size 7 double-pointed needles

Gauge: 4 stitches per inch.

CO 80 stitches loosely
Knit k2, p2 for 6½ add stripe wherever you like
Add stripe (if desired) wherever you like, I added mine after about 4 inches

Round 1: *K2tog, P2, K2, P2* all around
Round 2: *K1, P2, K2, P2* all around
Round 3: *K1, P2, K2, P2* all around
Round 4: *K1, P2tog, K2, P2tog* all round
Round 5: *K1, P1, K2, P2* all round
Round 6: *K1, P1, K2tog, P1* all round
Round 7: *K1, P1, K1, P1* all round
Round 8: *K* all round
Round 9: *K2tog* all round
Round 10: Cut off yarn leaving 6 inch tail, and then thread through all remaining stitches and pull closed. I prefer to leave a little hole at the top so the stitches do no munch up and look funny.












Thursday, April 17, 2008

Also the copy cat scarf

Michelle got the same yarn as me when I was making my sisters scarf, and made this really nice looking scarf! I thought I would try it with my left over yarn and it's okay. Her's for whatever lame reason looked better.
Picture 156
Picture 157
Picture 158
I think i mostly like photographing the yarn..

Matching Fibers

Oh my pretty yarn came that i had ordered when originally ordered the blues for my mits!
Picture 189
Picture 186
Picture 188
This is a good sense of the color. I think they are wonderfully amazing together.
Picture 187

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Roll Brim hat of yumminess...

I finished the roll brimmed hat that I started on Friday, and I think it came out nice, I just hope it is not to large for the person I am gifting it too. Most of thw work was done on the bus to San Francisco, or the car ride to Santa Cruz, and all around the bay area. The knit stitch is so easy to do, and takes very little concentration on my part. I did have a few issues, but those were when I tried to purl for some reason, and they were fairly easy to fix....


Friday, April 11, 2008

New yumminess, and a roll brim hat.

So I got some new very yummy yarn, and I know in the past I have said I do not like variegated yarn very much, but I found some that I am totally in love with. This yarn is manufactured by a company called Manos Del Uruguay, and their yarn is unbelievable! Whenever i go to village knitters i spend half the time staring at this stuff, and I have finally found a project to use it on, a roll brimmed hat. I am not going to say who the hat is for, but she is the only person who I think would wear one. I am starting it today and maybe I will post progress pics on Monday, or someday. Anyways...

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

One Hat to rule them all, One Hat to find them, One Hat to bring them all and in the comfiness bind them



So after working on my ribbed scarf, I decided that I had my purl stitch down, and I wanted to try my hand at making a hat again, and I have succeeded! I started this hat on 03-30-08, and finished it on 04-05-08, 1 week later. I think I made good progress considering I knitted the vast majority of it at work.

I started by casting on 74 stitches of Lambs Pride Bulky, and doing a knit purl ribbed pattern, Which I found here http://kisknit.wordpress.com/2006/08/31/fo-second-chemo-cap-plus-the-pattern/. I never being one to follow a pattern decided to knit a fold seam, or whatever the hell it is called a couple inches into the project, and I think it came out looking nice.

If I were to make this mat again, which I am sure I will I would not put in the fold seam, and I would prolly cast on a couple extra stitches, maybe 76-78 just to make it a little large.

enjoy the pics.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Hecka Hella Hella Ipod cozy.

I made a super cool ipod cozy out of my beautiful yarn .. i think life should be made of this yarn. Hopefully i never actually find any to buy cause i'd max out my credit card.
This is the opening of the Icozi
Picture 145
I want to try and make one with openings for the head phone port, screen, and scroll button area.. but complicated.

I took pictures of during the make a little bit mostly because the yarn is really photogenic.
Picture 142
Picture 141
I know it's sort of ugly but its ugly in a beautiful way.