Project Spotlight: Oscilloscope Shawl

For the last project in my project spotlight series, I decided to give a shout out to the first shawl I ever knit for myself. This was a life altering project because I can't seem to bring myself to knit anything other shawls since I finished this one! I will completely point the blame at this shawl for me not finishing several projects (including my Hermione Hearts Ron and Green at Heart) for an extended period of time. That is my excuse, at least, because I have not been able to stop obsessively knitting shawls and no other projects have had a chance to be completed. I have finished 7-8 shawls for myself in the past year that are now sitting in a "to be blocked" pile. Maybe it's an obsession, but shawls actually are a great accessory and they're fun to make! So expect to see some more shawls in the future because I have plenty for show and tell!

Dates: April 15, 2012- April 23, 2012

Pattern: Oscilloscope Shawl by Kate Gagnon Osbourne, from Knit Scene Fall 2010

This is a great pattern- mostly because it looks much more complicated than it is, but it still is complex enough to keep your attention. I must say that Knit Scene is my favorite knitting magazine, because it never fails to provide modern and unique projects. Even looking back at this outdated volume, the patterns are still appealing because they fit into the trends at the time but aren't terribly avant garde.

This would be a great project for someone newer to lace knitting, because the eyelet pattern and construction of the shawl are both fairly simple. The Oscilloscope Shawl is also a great quick project for more advanced knitters that are looking for more bang for their effort.

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Dolche (55% Alpaca, 23% Silk, 22% Wool)

When I first got this yarn it didn't seem very soft, but it softened considerably after knitting it and blocking the final piece. The softness of the silk and dreamy alpaca combined with the warmth of the wool and alpaca makes this a wonderful accessory for a brisk morning. Actually, I could imagine cuddling up with this shawl as a blanket or pillow in the drowsy and chilly early morning hours.

Also, Cascade yarns is a great company that offers yarns of terrific value. They keep their prices moderate, but offer wonderful staple yarns that knitters with any budget or tastes can use and love.

Where I Bought the Yarn: Webs (yarn.com)

I must warn you that this website is fantastically addictive. Some people don't like buying yarn without being able to see and feel it, but buying yarn online really offers a new way to purchase yarn. With an unbelievable stock and variety of yarn, you can easily find whatever yarn you need (and plenty that you don't exactly need, per se). The worst part is that this website always has amazing sales and closeouts on all the discontinued yarns that they specifically buy to sell for cheap. I literally can't stop spending all of my "extra" money on this website. Also, It's always terribly exciting when you receive a box of yarn from Webs. Happy Birthday!

The End.

Project Spotlight: Green at Heart

Hi there! Ready for the second installation of my pattern spotlight series?

I have to admit upfront that this project had been sitting on my needles for over a year. I made major changes to the original pattern and had to reference two separate patterns which was very consuming. It was completely worth the effort though and I'm so happy that I finally finished this project!

Dates: September 22, 2012- April 5, 2014

Pattern: "Green at Heart" by Jean Moss, found in Sweet Shawlettes

I am loving this cowl! The project is very quick (if you actually stay focused on it) and when completed, this cowl adds just the right amount of warmth without all the fuss of wearing a scarf. The color, texture, and construction of this piece make it the ideal accessory for a chilly autumn day. I am very pleased with how this project turned out with the perfect combination of stitches, yarn, and buttons.

This is a great project if you are looking for a challenge because the stitches themselves require focus, but the shaping isn't complicated (since it's just a rectangle) and it's not a very large project.

Deviations From Pattern: I switched the cable pattern in the book out for the “twisted and crossed cable” from the Harmony Guides: Cables and Arans book. 

I think the cowl looks better with this twisted aran pattern that matches great with my triquetra buttons. All aspects of this piece combined create a very Celtic look for this accessory that I love.

Yarn: Renew by Rowan (93% Recycled Wool, 7% Polyamide)

I used the same yarn that the pattern called for, and even in the same color. Honestly, I think the tweed texture of the yarn and the olive color is what made me fall in love with the pattern. The stitches aren't completely visible in this textured yarn, but the subtlety of the cable and lace border actually look very appealing. Plus, this yarn is made from recycled fibers making it a great choice for those of us who are "green at heart."

Rowan is a yarn company that never disappoints with their luxurious fiber usage and gorgeous textures. It is a high-end company, so keep that in mind when designing your budget for this project.

Where I Bought the Yarn: Filati Fine Yarns in Roseville, CA

I bought this yarn on one of my many visits to Filati during their retirement sale. It was very sad to see this business close it's doors after not being able to find someone to purchase it. This store had an incredible variety of yarns and a helpful staff. I also bought the triquetra buttons at this store, since they had an impressive stock of decorative buttons. I can assure you that Filati is a store that has been missed.

The End.

Project Spotlight: Hermione Hearts Ron

Hi there! It's been awhile since I've written, so I decided to make a three part series highlighting projects I've finished over the past year. Somehow I'm still able to shove time knitting and crochet time into my busy schedule, so it's about time I share some of the items I've created!

Dates: October 10, 2012- March 13, 2014

Pattern: "Hermione Hearts Ron" by Christie Aylesworth

This pattern is based off the hat Hermione Granger wears in the third Harry Potter movie, and I honestly loved the softness and femininity of the hat when I first saw the movie. Luckily some fantastically geeky knitter loved it as well and wrote up a pattern for it, yay! I saw this hat made up at Yarns on First in Napa (My favorite yarn shop), where the owner kindly wrote down the name of the pattern for me. I bought yarn for this project there, but it just wasn't the right pink.

This would be a great pattern for anyone new to cables, lace, or charts, because it is fairly simple, straight-forward, and repetitive.

Deviations From Pattern: I used a smaller needle for the ribbing to make a tighter brim and I cast on using the ribbed/ alternating cable cast on, which I am quite fond of now.

I also made some big changes for the crown of the hat. I used a double decrease in line with the top of the cables to create an even-looking pattern. The fabric also lies more smoothly than how it was written in the pattern. 

Yarn: Joey's Baby Silk by Queensland Collection (60% wool, 20% silk, 20% bamboo)

In order to fulfill my fantasies for this project, I had to find a soft and feminine pink yarn. Although the Road to China Light, which this pattern originally calls for, is actually my #1 favorite yarn and it truly would have knitted up wonderfully in this pattern, I had to find the color I had been imagining. I have always been pleased with the Queensland Collection yarns I’ve bought, and this yarn is no exception. It is soft and dreamy, just like I had been fantasizing. With a smooth sheen and great stitch definition this yarn that makes the cables and eyelets look gorgeous. I hope I didn't make the yarn sound too desirable though because they don't make this yarn anymore. I'm sorry, my friends!

Where I Bought the Yarn: yarn.com and Babetta's Yarn in Fair Oaks, CA

I have an interesting story about the yarn for this project and of me being unrealistically lucky. I ran out of yarn during this project. I tried to reorder it, but having bought the yarn on clearance,  the yarn was out of stock by that time and it had been discontinued by the manufacturer. Months later, I stumbled upon the project in my UFO (unfinished object) pile and wondered if I should just rip it out or even just throw it away to rid myself the frustration of having to look at a project I could never finish. Fortunately, I resisted the urge to toss the whole project. Just a few days later I traveled to a yarn store I hadn’t been to before, and guess what I found there! Babetta, being a collector of discontinued yarns like myself, had the yarn I needed and there was ONE ball left of the same color I was using! When I got home, I compared the two balls of yarn to see if the dyes were much different from the different dye lots, but it turns out they were exactly the same because they were from the same batch. I think I've used up all my luck for a lifetime on that experience!

The End.

Adorable Pin Cushion

The other day I made myself a pin cushion out of a frame, so it can sit out on my desk. You could also make one to hang on the wall, which was my original idea. I found an adorable frame at my work that I could not resist and soon made my way over to the fabric.

First, I removed the glass from the frame. Using it as a guide, I cut a piece of fabric approximately 1/2" larger on all sides of the glass. I glued this fabric to the inside of my frame (hot glue works). 

Then, I filled it with stuffing and closed the back. I'm in love. (That spool of thread it looks so cute with is actually a container)

I have plenty of fabric left... I wonder what I will do with it next.

The End.

Scalloped Dishcloth or Potholder

This is a very simple, yet very cute project. I designed them when I wanted to use up some leftover yarn, and have been making them ever since. They are quick to make, which makes them great gifts.

Yarn: Sugar N' Cream (100% cotton, worsted weight) in two colors

Needles: Size 8 knitting needles, for dishcloth
Size 7 knitting needles, for potholder
A Size "G" 4.0 crochet hook, for border

Note: Potholder is made holding two strands of main color together throughout body, with a smaller needle. One solid ball of Sugar N' Cream (120 yards) will make one potholder and one dishcloth, or three dishcloths.

Cast on 26

Knit until length matches width (appx. 7") bind off. Weave in ends.

Scalloped Edge:

Row 1: With crochet hook, join contrast color in a corner. ch 2 (counts as one sc), sc 24 across first side, (sc 3 in corner, sc 25 across next side) repeat two times, sc 3 in corner, sc 25 across last side, making last sc in corner, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch.


Row 2: *(sk 1 sc, 5 dc in next sc, sk 1 sc, sc in next sc) repeat 5  times, sk 1 sc, 7 sc in corner* repeat to end, 10 sc in ch 6 space, sl st in next dc. Fasten off and weave in ends. Block lightly for best results.

Abbreviations: ch= chain, sc= single crochet, dc= double crochet, sl st= slip stitch, sk= skip

The End.

Fort Bragg

Shortly after going to Napa, my bf and I decided to head to the coast. Although upon our arrival we discovered the North Coast Brewery is now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (the two days we were there) while the food + drink we had there last year had been burned into our thoughts, we still had quite a good time. Anyways, being by the ocean was relaxing, and I got to work on my stole.

We went to the beach close to sunset and it was quite beautiful.

The rocks and pebbles around Glass Beach were neat. 

We popped back down to Mendocino for a bit, where I bought some cool rocks and took pictures of my Oscilloscope Shawl. I just love the jagged coastline of the headlands.

The Atrium is where we stayed, which is an adorable B&B with a garden. I would definitely recommend staying here or at The John Dougherty House in Mendocino Village, where we stayed last year.

And I love the cute socks I bought at Tangents in Fort Bragg:

Sewing supplies, sheep, hearts, flowers, cherries, and mugs of beer for the boy.

We also went crab hunting in the tide pools at MacKerricher State Park. We just wanted to see them, not harass them, but I don't think they liked it when the rock they were hiding under disappeared.

Most importantly, I think trips like these bring Kevin and I closer together.

The End.

I heart Napa

Yesterday was my sister's birthday. As a celebration, we went on the Napa Wine Train. The vegetarian food was fantastic and the wine tasting was a lot of fun. The local shops were so adorable, that I'm already aching to go back soon for a shopping trip. We had some time when we got there to hit up the local yarn shop, Yarns on First. This shop is, by far, my favorite yarn shop I have been to. The yarns are organized by color which is visually stimulating and got my creative juices flowing. The yarn shelves are shallow, which shows off the yarn and it's texture. It's brilliant, really!

Also, the owner was very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. She has awesome taste, too. I liked every yarn in the store, and every color. The samples and patterns were all gorgeous and modern. This shop is a must see for any yarn lover. I signed up for their newsletter as I will be glad to see more inspirations and project ideas in days to come. And I will be going back soon.

The End.

The search is over!!!

I have been looking for these for the longest time and no one has had them. Thank you Safeway!

No, I am not overly excited about this. I use them to store my yarn. These are 2.5 gallon bags and are big enough to fit the yarn needed for a sweater or another larger project. 

These bags help preserve my yarn while keeping them tidy and easy to organize. I put small projects in my nine cube organizer in case I want to grab a new project. It is great to put yarn in a basket without them all tangling together.

It also keeps the yarn safe from kitties.

The End.

I want to go to the coast...

The ocean always seems so peaceful and calming.

 The coast is the perfect place to reflect and take a break from life. I always come home to the sierra foothills feeling refreshed. I just started this shawl, from one of my new favorite books, as a knit along with Ashley and Katie. I am using Pagewood Farm's Denali in Teal.

It is a very beautiful book, and I find myself wanting to jump into the pictures. The top picture is from my trip to Mendocino last year. The song "Never Let Me Go" by Florence and The Machine always makes me want to visit the ocean, as well.

The End.

I Love New Shoes

On Monday, Ashley and I went to downtown Sacramento. There we went to Shoki Ramen House where we dined on delicious noodles, then walked to the nearby yarn shop [Rumpelstiltskin]. On the way home we decided to stop by the Arden Fair Mall to buy some yummy tea. I also bought the most adorable shoes: I love them! The watch is new too.

It was one of the most enjoyable days I've had in awhile... It was a wonderful adventure. I also found this great polka-dot headband that compliments these cuties I bought while visiting family in Michigan:

We must do outings like this more often.

The End.

Yesterday was fantastic!

First thing in the morning I made soap for the first time. I would like to make this a regular activity of mine. I found a cool blog that has some great soap making projects as well as other inspirations: Offbeat and Inspired. This is what my soap looks like [for now]

I also made some delicious tea, which led me to the conclusion that 

starting the off with a good cup of tea makes the day so much more enjoyable.

Later that day, I finally set up the yarn organizer I had sitting around for several months. 

I am becoming very excited about getting my craft room together!

I also decided to paint the clothespins on my wall organizer pink, and it is much cuter now. 

This took a long time and killed my proactive buzz =P

The End.

Drop Stitch Scarf

My boyfriend's mom made me this wonderful scarf and hat set. The scarf was knit lengthwise with Sierra Nevada by Trendsetter. Now... I've always wanted to make a lengthwise, drop stitch scarf, and I had been grueling over what to make out of that yarn... but I hadn't thought of putting the two together, genius! Anyways, I loved that scarf so much I had to make another one, and here is the pattern:

You're going to need: a size 13 circular needle, 29" or longer

110 of bulky weight yarn (110 yds. was just enough yarn)

Optional: 110 yards light weight mohair (using 1 strand), or 220 yds. lace weight mohair (using 2 strands)

I held my Sierra Nevada together with 2 strands of lace weight mohair to add more black.

Cast on 100 stitches, loosely.

*Knit 3 rows

(K1, YO) to last st, K1

(K1, drop YO off needle) to last st, K1*

repeat these rows two more times.

Knit 3 rows.

Bind off VERY loosely and weave in ends. I recommend binding off using a larger needle.

Knitted Braid Headband

Cute, easy, and quick. This headband is everything you've been looking for! Be wary when making this though, because people see it and want you to make one for them as well. Which would be great if you have an i-cord maker and are looking for a new i-cord project. You could whip one of these out in a few minutes and make one for everybody.

This pattern is designed for an adult. You can make it to fit a child just by making the i-cords shorter. Try measuring the child's head and subtract an inch (so you can tie it on nice an snug). I'd also love to make some bracelets this way, by making the i-cords 5" long.

Materials:

Appx. 200 yards Aran or Worsted weight yarn

Two size 4 double pointed needles

I-cord (make 3):

leaving 10" tail, cast on 4 stitches,

*do not turn, knit 4*

repeat this row until your cord measures 20"

cut yarn leaving a 10" tail, and thread through 4 stitches on needle pulling them together.

*Tie the 3 i-cords together at one end. Braid the tails and tie a knot.* repeat on other end

Cyprus Mohair

I decided, for some reason, to start a new project last night. I couldn't finish the tunic top that just needs to be sewn together, nor the great number of unfinished projects I have laying around the house. I picked up a skein of Cyprus Mohair that I've had for years, and that I've started many projects with that I've ripped out. Luckily, the yarn isn't completely ruined and I think I've finally found what I'm going to make with it. With just a simple woven-knit stitch, this cowl is to die for. I was just waiting to make the perfect piece and here it is:

1 Skein Feza Cyprus Mohair (176 yards)

Size 10 knitting needles

Note: Work all slipped stitches purlwise, in this pattern.

Cast on 28

Row 1: (k1, yif, sl1p, yib) to end of row

Row 2: (p1, yib, sl1p, yif) to end of row

repeat rows 1 & 2 to end of skein, or until desired length. Bind off. Fold piece in half, and sew cast off edge to cast on edge. Weave in all ends.

abbreviations: K= knit, p= purl, yif= move yarn to front (as if to purl), yib= move yarn to back (as if to knit), sl1p= slip 1 stitch purlwise

Aspen Crocheted Hat

So I've been feeling crafty lately.... Realizing I haven't actually made anything in quite awhile [though my boss is unhappy that my knitted baby set is unfinished and has been waiting for me to finish the booties for about a month] >__> Anyways, I grabbed a hank of Aspen I bought on clearance about a year ago and whipped out a cute hat in less than an hour. Now I am ready to tackle those.... booties......

Materials:

1 hank Classic Elite Aspen (57 yds.)

super bulky wool/ llama blend

10mm crochet hook

SO HERE IT GOES:

I started with the magic loop method

then 10 double crochet into the loop, and join into first dc with a slip stitch

Round 1: chain 3, dc in same st, then 2 double crochets in each stitch, join [20 stitches]

Round 2: chain 3, dc in same st, *1 dc in next 2 stitches, 2 dc in st* rep to last stitch, 1 dc, join

Rounds 3 & 4: chain 3, dc in each stitch, join

Round 5: chain 4, treble crochet in each stitch, join & fasten off.

Then I wove lace (or ribbon would be cute) through the trebles and tied a bow =]

Easy but adorable

Learn to Crochet a Hat

Here is the hat pattern I've paired with my Crochet in the Round class:

Crochet Hat

To Start: Chain 4, slip stitch into first chain (or use “magic loop” method to form ring)

Round 1: Chain 3, make 11 double crochet into ring. Slip stitch into 3^rd turning chain from beginning of round. (12 stitches)

Round 2: Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch, 2 double crochet in each stitch, slip stitch into 3^rd turning chain from beginning of round. (24 stitches)

Round 3: Chain 3, *2 double crochet into next stitch, double crochet in next stitch* repeat to last stitch, 2 double crochet into last stitch, slip stitch into 3^rd turning chain from beginning of round. (36 stitches)

Round 4: Chain 3, *2 double crochet into next stitch, double crochet in next 2 stitches* repeat to last 2 stitches, 2 double crochet into next stitch, dc into last stitch, slip stitch into 3^rd turning chain from beginning of round. (48 stitches- multiple of 6)

Round 5: Chain 3, *2 double crochet into next stitch, double crochet in next 5 stitches* repeat to last 5 stitches, 2 double crochet into next stitch, double crochet in next 4 stitches, slip stitch into 3^rd turning chain from beginning of round. (56 stitches- multiple of 8)

Round 6: Chain 3, *2 double crochet into next stitch, double crochet in next 7 stitches* repeat to last 7 stitches, 2 double crochet into next stitch, double crochet in next 6 stitches, slip stitch into 3^rd turning chain from beginning of round. (63 stitches)

Rounds 7- 15: Chain 3, double crochet in each stitch, slip stitch into 3^rd turning chain from beginning of round. (63 stitches)

Bind off and weave in ends. To bind off, cut yarn leaving a 5” tail, (with crochet hook still in last loop) pull tail through last stitch (leaving a long tail where the loop was).
*repeat from first asterisk (*) to second asterisk (*) as indicated

Learn to Crochet a Scarf

I think I am finished with my adventure to update/improve/change my crochet classes. It has been interesting, but I am much more pleased with my personalized instructions/patterns than just the basic info. I am hoping to further improve my classes, one day, by making a youtube page where my students can view videos of me as reminders/extensions of my classes. Wish me luck with that :] Here is the scarf pattern I have paired with my learn to crochet class:

Crochet Scarf

Start here: Chain 17

Skipping first chain, insert hook into the second chain from hook, single crochet in this chain, single crochet in the next 15 chains

Turn work so that your hook is on the right-hand side

Row 2: Chain 2, yarn over, skipping first stitch, insert hook into second stitch from hook, complete double crochet in this stitch, double crochet in next 13 stitches, double crochet in chain

Turn work so that your hook is on the right-hand side

Row 3: Chain 3, yarn over twice, skipping first stitch, insert hook into second stitch from hook, complete treble crochet in this stitch, treble crochet in next 13 stitches, treble crochet in chain

Turn work so that your hook is on the right-hand side

Row 4: Repeat row 2 (double crochet)

Turn work so that your hook is on the right-hand side

Row 5: chain 1, Skipping first stitch, insert hook into the second stitch from hook, single crochet in this stitch, single crochet in next 13 stitches, single crochet in chain

Turn work so that your hook is on the right-hand side

Repeat rows 2 through 5 until you reach the end of your yarn, and bind off. Hurray!

To bind off, pull tail of yarn through stitch on hook.

Now you just have to weave your yarn ends into your work.