Category: sweaters

Sunday Sunday šŸŽµ Bah-da Bah-da-da-da šŸŽ¶ a YOP Update

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, sweaters, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged , , 22 Comments

Knitting

Iā€™ve made progress this week on Powdermill. Iā€™m enjoying this knit. Nothing like straightforward, repetitive colorwork to keep you going. (Iā€™m giving Arrowhead side-eye.) Also, this yarn is scrumptious. Iā€™m glad I have a stash full of it!

Iā€™m also up to 12 inches on the body of the purple Lodge Sweater. Itā€™s my mindless knitting. However, spring is coming, and Iā€™m starting to shift my focus to sewing.

Sewing

Ottobre Casual Cotton Pants

This week I finished sewing my Ottobre casual cotton pants. I canā€™t wait to wear them. Itā€™s still too cold for this cotton twill, which is a medium weight. Iā€™m planning to sew another pair in navy stretch twill, and then Simplicity s9376 in black brushed cotton twill.

The new Ottobre has a lovely summer top pattern, and it only takes 1.5 yards for my size. I have some cotton prints in mind for this from stash. The polka dot was a gift from BonnyKnits, and the batiks are fair trade from Global Mamas in Ghana.

I continue to alter my sewing plan (see what I did there?) as I assess my wardrobe needs.

Spinning

I finished spinning my Pumpkins for Sale BFL fiber. This was my first time chain plying, and I enjoyed it. My spinning is getting more even, but I still have a long way to go.

It looks good with the yarn I spun from the same fiber, and dyed orange. (I was exhausting a dye bath.) These plus one more color will knit up a nice Shift cowl in the fall. I have more BFL fiber in stash to spin. What color should I dye it to go with these? Maybe russet, or olive green? Iā€™d like the cowl to be made completely from hand spun. Let me know your opinions on the color in the comments.

DIY Hair Care

I thought I was on the right track with my homemade hair care products. But after a few weeks, my hair started feeling like straw. Iā€™m back to purchasing products. Maybe if I get a good crop of soapwort this year, I can try again with that.

Gardening

Itā€™s still too cold to start seeds or plant peas. I hope it warms up soon!

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can read my updated project list at this link. You can find out more about the group on Ravelry.

TGIF: Thank God Itā€™s Finished, a YOP Update

Posted on Posted in knitting, sweaters, Year of ProjectsTagged , , , 30 Comments

Knitting

Well I finally did it. Arrowhead is done! Two… Years… Later. (Two and a half, actually.)

Pattern is Arrowhead Cardigan by Anna Cohen. Yarn is Istex Lettlopi in Chocolate Heather and Glacier Blue Heather.

Sizing: it is slightly too large. The sleeves are too long. But since it is a jacket, and I’m short, I did modify it to fit me better. I thought about ripping out the cuffs and a couple of inches of knitting on the sleeves, and then reknitting the cuffs. But I have noticed my sweaters start to felt when I spin them in the washer to get the excess water out. If this starts to felt, I’d like a little leeway in the sizing. My Ranunculus arms are bracelet length now, which I’m not crazy about. I’m always pulling on them. So I think I’ll leave this as is. It’s cozy.

I’m pleased with this facing technique. Instead of covering the steek edges with ribbon, you pick up stitches and knit stockinette a few rows to cover it, then sew it down. I will be using this technique in the future, for sure. Overall, I’m surprised I didn’t make any mistakes. I did have a few errors, but was able to fix them. I may enter it in the State Fair.

And can I take a moment to sing the praises of Icelandic wool? It’s lightweight, warm, and surprisingly soft. No, you wouldn’t want to wear it next to the skin. But over a shirt, it’s great!

Sewing

I applied for a second part-time job last week, and even though I don’t know if I will get it or not, I’ve realized I need some business casual wear. I think I should get on those Audrey Pants in brushed black cotton. If they turn out well, I can sew another pair in gray cotton twill.

Reading

I finished Keeper of the Queen’s Jewels. I liked it. I gave it four stars on Goodreads. I’m on track to finish 12 books this year, which is a hilarious goal. I do have other books partially read as well, if I can bother to finish them.

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can read my updated project list at this link. You can find out more about the group on Ravelry.

Year of Projects: Week 9

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, sweaters, Year of ProjectsTagged , , 23 Comments

Sewing

This week I sewed an outfit from lightweight merino wool jersey. I got this fabric for a great price on Etsy. I think the seller was clearing out the 100% merino, or maybe because itā€™s lightweight. Anyway, I knew I wanted some black wool wide-legged pants for spring. I only needed two yards for that, and I still eked out a Tekura Tee to match. The pants are from the Ottobre PJ pants pattern. I think one leg may be just a skosh longer than the other, but Iā€™m not sure I care enough to do anything about it.

A few new sewing patterns have caught my eye, and Iā€™ve updated my project list with them. Iā€™m also losing weight (not intentionally, just happening from medication and diet changes) so Iā€™m pushing back any tailored pant sewing until my weight levels out. But Iā€™m already excited about sewing new linen garments from my stash.

Knitting

Iā€™ve finished knitting the sleeves on Arrowhead. Iā€™m ready to knit the armhole facings, and then I can pick up and knit the collar. After that, just the collar facing to go! I canā€™t believe Iā€™m nearing the finish line on this project.

Other than that, Iā€™ve started The Who Ya Gonna Shawl knitalong, and am nearing the end of the hem ribbing on Freyaā€™s Lodge Sweater.

DIY Hair Products

My homemade shampoo is working great. Itā€™s a simple recipe of water, Castile soap, and argan oil. The conditioner is also working, but I think I may be able to skip this step and simply use a little argan oil on my hair after towel drying, at least while itā€™s this short. I may also experiment with an herbal hair rinse, possibly with marshmallow root since itā€™s emollient. (Cue to me looking in the garden for someplace to grow marshmallow. Iā€™ve always loved the look of the plant. Now I have a reason.)

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can read my updated project list at this link. You can find out more about the group on Ravelry.

WIP Wednesday

Posted on Posted in knitting, sweaters, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged , , 21 Comments

Iā€™ve primarily been focusing on my Arrowhead cardigan. Iā€™ve steeked the front, and am close to the cuff on the sleeves. After that, there will only be finishing left to do! I expect that will take me a week or two, as there are facings in addition to cuff and neckline ribbing to knit. I am really looking forward to finishing and wearing this cardi!

Year of Projects

Posted on Posted in books, gardening, knitting, sewing, sweaters, Works in Progress (WIPs)15 Comments

Knitting

I cut the armhole steeks, seamed the shoulders, and Iā€™m now on the sleeves of Arrowhead! Iā€™ve decided to knit them two-at-a-time to make the colorwork a little easier. It will keep the chart fresh in my mind, and wonā€™t be like starting over from scratch on the second sleeve. This is definitely a product knit for me, and Iā€™m looking forward to finishing it.

Iā€™m nearly to the toe on the second Merry Krampus sock. Maybe Iā€™ll have a sock it to me Monday finished object tomorrow?

Sewing

Joann Fabrics was having a big sale, and I picked up this springy cotton flannel for $2.99 a yard. Iā€™m always running out of flannel PJ pants in the winter, and decided to sew another pair. Sometimes you can save money sewing your own!

Baking

Someone recommended I try making gluten-free sourdough snickerdoodles. They are delicious! I cobbled together a recipe, but itā€™s easy to find one online. Iā€™m not a big snickerdoodle fan, so next time I might try gluten-free sourdough chocolate chip cookies instead.

Reading

Iā€™m nearing the end of Barkskins. This means I can check off my book for the month, although I might also finish Keeper of the Queenā€™s Jewels. My bedside stack is still growing. Iā€™ve promised myself to only blog about books that Iā€™ve read recently, as my memory has proved fallible. These are my go-to titles right now.

Gardening

I sketched a garden plan. It looks so neat and tidy on paper, but I know it will be a jungle anyway. Itā€™s supposed to be nice this week, so I may start weeding and plant some greens under the little greenhouse.

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can read my updated project list at this link. You can find out more about the group on Ravelry.

My My Here Come the Fuzz: a YOP Update

Posted on Posted in finished objects, knitting, sweaters, weaving, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged , , , 41 Comments
Look at that fuzz!

I finished my Peaceful Lodge Sweater. I absolutely love it. I can wear it without a shirt underneath, too. I was worried about that because of the kid mohair content.

Pattern is Lodge Sweater by Ozetta. Yarn is Peaceful colorway in Superwash Merino DK by Cornbread and Honey held with Aloft by KnitPicks in color Sydney.

I grabbed the Cornbread and Honey yarn last spring at the Wild and Wooly Fiber Expo in Cleveland. There were five skeins of this colorway, and I scooped them all up with the intention of knitting a sweater. This is one of those dream projects that came together without much planning. Just a lot of knitting, so nothing to complain about. Mostly stockinette, too! I knit it on US 9 needles to get the most yardage out of the yarn, plus I hit gauge and liked the drape of the fabric.

I cast on Powdermill this week and have completed one round of corrugated rib. Not much to see so here is a photo of my pins. Marilee and I are having a little Powdermill knitalong. She wanted to start the new year off with a bang.

I continue to make progress on my scarf. I weave at least one color repeat each day, meaning all five colors. The stripes are random, so itā€™s not a pattern repeat. The purple is my favorite, and Iā€™m halfway wishing I had woven the entire weft in purple. This will be fun to wear, though.

Yesterday, for Saturdate, Bob and I played a new game: Horrified: American Monsters. It was a little complicated at first, but once we got the hang of it, it was really fun. We also watched After Midnight. We enjoyed this romantic horror comedy. I havenā€™t laughed that hard during a movie in a while.

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can read my updated project list at this link. You can find out more about the group on Ravelry.

Friday FO: This is Halloween šŸŽƒ

Posted on Posted in finished objects, knitting, sweatersTagged , , , 18 Comments

I finished knitting my Pumqueen Cardigan, and I love it! Pattern is Fall Favorites Collection by Meghan Regan. Yarn is Cascade BFL. The yarn is a little toothy but silky, and has wonderful drape and stitch definition. Buttons from The Button Bird.

My next Halloween sweater will be the same pattern, but a short sleeved gradient pullover with purple cats!

This La Bien AimĆ©e gradient has been in my stash since the great yarn hoard of 2020. I bought the purple to go with it, and over dyed the green. I wanted the green for the catā€™s eyes. Now Iā€™m thinking a pale teal would have gone with the set better. The original green of the yarn was too pale. This yarn is sport weight, but itā€™s superwash so it will grow. Iā€™m also a loose knitter. Donā€™t worry. Iā€™ll knit a swatch. Maybe that will also help me decide what to do about the green.

AnnƩe de Projets

Posted on Posted in knitting, socks, sweaters, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged , , 31 Comments

Knitting: My goal was to finish Bobā€™s socks for Fatherā€™s Day, and I did!

Bob likes the socks I knit for him, which makes me want to knit them more. Yarn is Knit Spin Farmā€™s Blueberry Popover Day colorway in Targhee Sport. No pattern, just a recipe. For sport weight I used 56 stitches on size 3 US needles.

I also finished the yoke on my Pumqueen Cardigan. Now Itā€™s rows and rows of blissful stockinette until the border.

I sewed and dyed last week, but wonā€™t be able to share photos until the summer boxes are shipped and received.

This week I will be casting on a Summer Solstice wrap. Iā€™m still fussing about the yarn colors, so today I think Iā€™ll wind my yarn and label each one for the order. Iā€™ll feel better if I have a plan.

For sewing this week, Iā€™ve decided to try the Free Range Slacks pattern in black linen. Iā€™ve been seeing them on Instagram, and they look very comfortable. If I have enough fabric, Iā€™ll make a matching a-line tank to wear with them, like a suit. Will I really wear it that way? Who knows? But I like options.

For spinning, Iā€™m going to participate in Tour de Fleece in July. I wonā€™t be participating officially, as Iā€™m such a noob. But I will spin every day, and I will watch the Tour de France. I should at least be able to get through the wool top that came with the wheel. On challenging days, Iā€™ll ply, or maybe try color.

Itā€™s unseasonably cool, which means itā€™s a good day to weed the garden. I check on my frog daily. I had two at one point, but it looks like weā€™re back to one. I worry about Croque. I really shouldnā€™t, since he chose to be there and can leave if he wants. I probably make him nervous, staring at him every morning, talking to him, ā€œBonjour, Croque! Ƈa va? Quā€™est-ce que tu manges?ā€ Itā€™s a great way to practice my French. Heā€™s very polite and doesnā€™t correct me.

This has been a Year Of Projects (AnnĆ©e de Projets) update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kathā€™s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.

Planning a Gansey

Posted on Posted in design, knitting, sweatersTagged , 19 Comments

I’ve had the book Knitted Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel for such a long time. I have always wanted to design my own gansey and knit it using the guidelines in the book.

In the spirit of “conserve” (my word for 2022) instead of buying yarn, I begrudgingly trawled my stash for something appropriate. This Quince and Co Tern in Sea Star is fingering weight, but close enough to sport, especially with my loose knitting. Since the content is wool and silk, I knit a swatch to see if the stitches would be crisp enough for a gansey, and I think it works. It will be a nice, light, spring gansey. And, yes, I will probably put an anchor on it somewhere. I’m thinking ladders, wedding lines, a tree of life, and an anchor in a quiet spot. As someone who has moved from place to place throughout my life, an anchor is a symbol that is meaningful to me, even though I don’t live a nautical life.

Have you ever wanted to knit a gansey? If so, are there any symbols that are particularly meaningful for you? If you would like to learn more about ganseys, I found this article Ganseys for Dummies on the Knitting Genie site. I especially liked this bit, “The modern word ā€˜yarnā€™ comes from the Old Norse ā€˜garnā€™ (Old English ā€˜gearn)ā€™. That initial ā€˜gā€™ in Old English was actually pronounced more like a cross between a ā€˜hā€™ and a ā€˜yā€™. So the ā€˜gan-seyā€™ may just be a corruption of ā€˜yarn-syā€™, ie: ‘thing made from yarn’.”

I can’t wait to start knitting on my pink yarnsy. I have some math to do first, though.

Oā€™YOPpenbaum

Posted on Posted in holidays, knitting, sweaters, Year of ProjectsTagged , , , 24 Comments

Knitting

I finished my Ranunculus Sweater! Pattern is Ranunculus by Midori Hirose. Yarn is The Fibre Co Arranmore in color Ruari. (I believe this yarn is discontinued.) Mods: I used Aran weight yarn and knit the original size, which turned out perfect. I opted for a twisted rib cuff instead of an icord bind off. I knit until the sweater covered my derriĆØre. Itā€™s lovely and I donā€™t want to take it off. I think the only improvement would have been to include bust darts. But who am I kidding. Thatā€™s way too fussy.

Iā€™ve started the Unbearable Hat (Ravelry link) for Henry, but thereā€™s nothing yet to see other than some black ribbing.

Iā€™ve mended the heels on Bobā€™s socks. Iā€™ve learned that garter stitch doesnā€™t wear any better than any other stitch. I wonder if leather heel patches would help?

Sewing

I havenā€™t sewn anything this week.

Spinning

I signed up for a spinning class at the Newark Cultural Arts Center for January 2nd! Itā€™s a spinning wheel class that is one on one to go over all the basics. I hate that I am starting over but I am pretty much starting over. I hope this sets me off on the right foot. (See what I did there?)

I started a thing! I created a meetup called the Granville Stitchers and we had our first meeting yesterday. We drank cider at Seek No Further Cidery, worked on our projects and got to know each other a little bit. It was wonderful! We are meeting again in a couple of weeks!

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kathā€™s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.