Tag: arrowhead cardigan

TGIF: Thank God It’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.

WIP Wednesday

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

I’ve primarily been focusing on my Arrowhead cardigan. I’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!

Throw a Steek on the Barbie: A Year of Projects Update

Posted on Posted in gardening, knitting, sewing, Year of ProjectsTagged , , , , 13 Comments

Knitting

I’m a few rows shy of the shoulder shaping and bind off on my Arrowhead cardigan! I had hoped to see the back of this project by now. (See what I did there?) I can’t imagine wanting to work on a Lopi coat over the summer. But, I would love to have this done by fall. I’m looking forward to cutting the steeks!

See how excited I am about steeking?!

I’m also nearing the toe on Bob’s Blueberry Popover Day sock, and have reached the jack o’lanterns on my BFL Pumqueen cardi.

Sewing

As promised, I sewed another spoopy project bag. It’s available in my shop. I don’t have plans to sell many handmade goods unless they are made from materials I already have, or that are leftover from personal projects. I’m trying to keep it small and sustainable.

I would like to get more Pietra pants sewn in the black and indigo linens I have, and a Felix dress from some purple linen in my stash. I’ve updated my list to include those. I would love to sew some pleated twill pants, but I’m undecided on a pattern. I’m looking at Style Arc’s Audrey Pant. I love their clear and concise pattern instructions and intuitive construction. I have gray and navy twills for these.

I have yet to finish my Me Made May challenges. I’ll squeeze at least one more in today or tomorrow.

Spinning

Nope. I look at my spinning wheel, a lot. But I prefer knitting.

Gardening

I mowed the front yard today. That’s why my face is red in these photos. Also, Bob was clearing a section of brush, and found wild roses. I love wild roses! I know a place is home if there are wild blackberries and wild roses. As far as cultivation goes, everything is planted except the okra and sorrel. I need to get them in the ground, because something keeps disturbing the starts that are in pots. I think they are looking for slugs to eat, which I applaud. I wish they would not disturb the baby plants, though.

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

YOPday, YOPday

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, Year of ProjectsTagged , , , , 20 Comments

Knitting

Arrowhead Cardigan gets a little bigger every week!

Sewing

Today I applied fusible interfacing to half of the fabric on my Clare coat. Dan Bill helped by hogging the sewing chair so I wouldn’t sit down. I’m not a fan of fusible interfacing, but since I’ve never made a coat before, I thought I should follow the instructions the first time. Applying fusible interfacing with a steam iron is hard work. I’ll do the other half next weekend.

Spinning

I bought a small amount of merino and angora fiber to try. I have a couple of bags of raw angora fiber from my bunnies that I used to have, and I want to card it with some other fibers to spin. I thought sampling a small amount of a blend would help me get the feel of it. I’m still working through my “wool top” that came with my wheel.

Felting

Before: 36 stitches and 42 rows on size 10 US needles
After

I knit a swatch with some felted wool yarn, then felted it in the washer. I’m planning to make a wide brimmed hat. I might try to felt the swatch a little more.

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