Girl Who Knits

Leave it to my blog readers to put my problems with Size 0 needles in perspective.  Who knew there were size 000 or 0000 needles?  And who knew there were people that actually knit with these sickingly small needles?  I tell you, the lengths we knitters go...

And now, a mini-FO.  Just after I got my new camera a few months ago, I decided to knit a camera pouch for it.  It was a quick little pouch that I made up and got really excited about until I tried it on and realized that I made it a little too small.  I didn't want to bother making a new one at the time and so I have been using the too small pouch ever since.  My friend saw the pouch and asked me to make her a camera case too.  She is going on a trip this weekend and so I thought it was the perfect time to deliver.

The biggest problem I have with the pouch I made was that it keeps sliding off my camera while in my purse.  So I knew the case I made for my friend had to have a drawstring of sorts.  And then I knew what I needed to make...I have long thought the soft drawstring pouch on the cover of Last Minute Knitted Gifts was beautiful but hadn't really had a reason to make one.  So I grabbed some left-over Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in a silverish pink color and using US 6 double points, knit this baby up:

I made a few modifications to the pattern: I cast on less stitches, made the roll brim at the top a lot shorter, and did not add the fringe to the i-cord tie.  I love it.  It even fits my little camera perfectly.  I almost wish I didn't have to give it away.  But I think she will like it so I guess as long as my friend is happy I will be too. 

You know, I just find it hard sometimes to give away my knitting.  We spend so much time together.  We bond.  When I give a knitted piece away, I almost feel like a bitter ex-girlfriend.  "They will never love the knit like I did." Of course, most bitter ex-girlfriends are delusional.  In the case of giving a knitted gift to a non-knitter, I believe that statement is actually true.    Only a knitter can fully understand the time and effort that goes in to a knit project.  Truly, they won't love it like you will.  They can't.  But does that matter?  Probably not.  I am really just trying to justify keeping the pouch for myself.  I won't though.  Really it only took me about 4 hours so we are not TOO attached yet.  For you and I pouch, it will have to be a short love affair.  Adieu.

I never really understood the idea of size 0.  Doesn't zero mean nothing?  So how can someone wear a size nothing pant?  And don't get me started about size 0 needles.  I casted on for the Simply Lovely Lace socks from the Spring 06 Interweave using size 0 double points last night.  I am only a few repeats into the cuff and I have to be honest...I am hating it.  I don't know if it is the sock pattern or the size "nothing" needles.  Knitting it has been painstaking. 

I love the yarn.  Sweetgeorgia superwash sock yarn in Moss.  Love it.  So soft and the color variation is so subtle—it is just beautiful.  But I am seriously debating continuing.  Doing a simple sl 1, k2tog, psso takes forever.  I am thinking about frogging and re-casting on using 1's.  Do you think that will be better?  I can't imagine it would change the size too much.  I just don't want to knit something that I am not enjoying.  I don't know.  I think I will try again another night and see how I feel. 

Forecast is coming along nicely.  Here is the upper body finished:

I feel like it looks like a little child sweater in that picture.  I am loving this sweater.  So much.  First off, I have tried it on and at this point I think it will fit well.  I LOVE the texture of it.  All the purl stitches really work for the style and feel of the sweater.  The color is much deeper in real life and has some great yellow undertones to it.  I will try next time to get a better picture of the color.  The pattern is easy to remember and it has been really fun to knit.  I knit the upper body several inches longer then the pattern calls for and I am going to knit the ribbing at the bottom longer too.  I am wagering that the sweater will not be done in time to wear before it gets too hot but I am going to keep working on it anyway. 

This weekend I am going casting on for Rambling Rose.  So that should be fun.  More small needles.  Just as long as they aren't 0's. 

I don't know what to do with myself...I only have one project on the needles.  That's right...one!  Forecast is coming along great—I am loving the texture of the pattern—although I have had to ignore it a little to make 6 swatches for a finishing class I am taking at my LYS on Saturday.  I am very excited for the class and just know afterward I will be an expert finisher.  I just know it! 

I have been wanting to cast on for other projects but I think I have too many things I want to do and that is making it difficult to decide.  Plus sister/roommate Kara and I made a yarn diet pact that we won't buy any new yarn until Estes Park in June.  That's right...June!  I was committed until I saw Knit and Tonic's entry today.  How much do I love the allhemp6 cool hemp ponchette?  I love it...so much.  Pre-yarn diet Erin would have purhased the pattern and the yarn today.  Kara tells me I can buy the pattern but not the yarn.  Oh the agony.  What good is the pattern without the yarn?  Argh.  Hrumf.

So this leads me to my next train of thought, the projects that have been tempting me but have not yet made it on the needles.  Every day the list grows and alters.  Some of the projects I have purchased yarn for, others are just a glimmer in my eye.  Here it is as it stands today:

Socks (Due to a recent obsession with sock yarn, I must start knitting more socks.)

• Simply Lovely Lace Socks (Interweave Knits Spring 06)...love these and will probably make next with my sweetgeorgia moss yarn (see right and make sure you expand the picture so you can see the pretty blue undertones to the yarn—ohhh I love it).
• Evening Stockings (Knitting Vintage Socks)...I adore these socks, just haven't found the right yarn for them yet.
• Jaywalkers (Magknits/Grumperina)...this seems to be an initiation of sorts—all sock knitters must at some point in their lives knit Jaywalkers.  Plus I have the perfect stripy yarn (see right).
• Over-the-Knee Stockings (Handknit Holidays)...tried to knit these already but the yarn was all wrong on way too large needles so I frogged. 
• Mata Hari (Craftoholic...scroll her gallery to see the picture)...have some hottish pick Lorna's Laces yarn I am thinking of using for these.
• Springgrass (Craftoholic...scroll her gallery to see the picture)...v.v. pretty.
• Bed Sock (Knitting Vintage Socks)...I want to buy some nice cashmere as the pattern recommends.
• Hedera (Knitty.com)...a lot like the simply lovely lace socks, perhaps too much?
• Pomatomus (Knitty.com)...I love how unique this pattern is.  Perhaps I should use my Sundara Cherry Blossom? (see right)

Clothes/Sweaters

• Rambling Rose (Rowan 39)...bought Rowan 4-ply Soft for this sweater in color #378, Daydream (see right).  I want to start pretty soon.
• Streakers Shrug (Interweave Knits Spring 06)...love this but no yarn yet.
• Somewhat Cowl (Knit and Tonic)...great work top but again, no yarn.
• Argyle Deep-V Vest Revisited (Eunny)...want to knit one that fits this time. Maybe I need to choose different yarn? 
• Bonita Shirt (Interweave Knits Summer 06)...can't really tell if I like this yet since all I have seen is the small preview picture but I want to make a good summer top and this one looks pretty.
• Beth (Rowan Ribbon Twist Collection)...I have been wanting to knit this one for a while but just don't want to spend the money to knit it in Ribbon Twist...and yet I like the ribbon twist look so I am stuck.  Still want to knit it though—any good substitutes? 

Scarves/Wraps

• allhemp6 cool hemp ponchette (kpixie.com)...my new obsession.
• Trellis Scarf (Interweave Knits Spring 06)...have the most beautiful Schaefer Anne sock yarn (see yarn) that I want to use for this or another wrap.
• Icarus Wrap (Interweave Knits Summer 06)...again, have only seen the preview but think it looks gorgeous.
• Branching Out (Knitty.com)...have long wanted a nice lace scarf and love all the versions of this one I have seen all over the blogosphere.
• Dad's Sharfik (Grumperina)...bought some knit picks Andean Silk yarn in Slate for this one. 
• Baltic Sea Stole (Fiber Trends)...do have some gorgeous Kaalund Expressions yarn in the color Silky Oak bought in New York that I could use for this (see right).
• Print O' The Wave Stole (Eunny Jang)...could use the Kaalund for this too.

I am thinking I should always have a sock on the needles and 2 other projects (one big, one less so.)  That sounds about right to me.  So what do you think?  Which projects should I put on the fast track?

I can't sew.  I knew this and yet I still choose a knitting project that involved me having to sew.  Perhaps I was in denial—I must have thought the bag would sew itself once the knitting was done. 

It all started when Kara put some gorgeous yarn in my stocking at Christmas.   Classic Elite Miracle in this cool orange color called Cuban Sunset.  On a whim I choose the Accessories Pouch pattern from Handknit Holidays and started knitting over the holiday.  The two panels knit up pretty quickly and they turned out great I thought.  Then I was faced with the inevitable reality, I had to sew it.  Oh, I distracted myself for a time with buying the lining and zipper but then I had to buckle down and actually do it.  I enlisted the help of a friend who sews and sat down to her sewing machine.  She started by guiding me and then she stepped in to fix a mistake of mine and then she just took over and did it.  I was thrilled with this set-up. Only problem was that the zipper was the first part that was sewn and it was done by me and it was done poorly.  Initially I thought I could live with it but I took the clutch home and stewed over it and then my perfectionist tendencies took over and I knew I had to fix it.  Or, erm, I should say, my friend had to fix it because goodness knows I couldn't do it.  Anyway, months later the clutch is finally done.  My friend returned it to me yesterday and I was able to seam it up last night. 

Here it is:

Pattern: Accessories Pouch

Source: Handknit Holidays

Yarn: Classic Elite Miracle, #3385 Cuban Sunset, 2 skeins

Needles: US 5

Alterations: I added a third row of the scallop pattern to make it more of a "clutch" and less of a "pouch."

Notes: I love it!  The yarn is perfect since it has these great yellow undertones to it that give the scallops a lot of depth.  Plus it feels very silky.  Perfect for a night time clutch. 

I tried to get an action shot but I am taking pictures during lunch at my cubicle so all shots of me holding the clutch turned out miserably.  I was going to ask someone for help but really, how do you explain why you need an action shot of your knitting for your knitting blog to a casual co-worker. 

Take a look at the inside (complete with sample items the clutch could potentially hold one day):

I love how it turned out.  I would make more...you know, if I could sew.  Someday maybe...someday.

Awww yeah, you gotta love my argyle mini-dress:

After 42 hours of blocking the vest is ready for pictures...but not for the public.  Turns out, after all my mistakes, fears, miscalculations and close-to-frogging moments, I was right.  I should have started over when I first got worried.  You know the funny thing?  What I was most worried about was the length...it is long, but I kind of like that part of it.  I am 5 '10 and the length looks good.  So what is wrong you ask?  Perhaps you can't tell from the above picture—it is kind. 

Meet...the wings:

Some people might call them armholes but they have a very distinctive aero-dynamic feel to me.  I really don't know what happened.  Did I make the wrong size?  Was it my longer row gauge?  I just don't know.  I still highly recommend the pattern.  It is incredibly well written, full of useful information and very easy to decipher.  Just make sure you know your gauge and make correct adjustments.  Mine didn't turn out because of my own folly.

Here are the specs:

Pattern: Eunny's Deep-V Argyle Vest 

Yarn: Knit Picks Merino Style, Storm (6 skeins) and Tide Pool (4 skeins)

Needles: 29 inch circular US 4's

Modifications: I didn't make any intentional modifications but due to not understanding the implications of row gauge I accidentally made it about 5 inches longer then it is supposed to be (it measures in at 29 inches). Read all the details of this experience here.

I am sad because I love it. I love the pattern, the argyle, the colors, the style...oh well.  I am going to have to re-knit, I just don't know when or how I will avoid the wings in the future.  I don't think I can bear to unravel this vest so if anyone knows a broad shouldered, long torso-ed lady who wants to tempt it away from me...I could be convinced to do a trade. 

I spent Saturday morning, in bed, doing this:

Yes, that is me going against all natural instincts and cutting my knitted work.  Steeking is fun...ish.  I am still nervous that the whole garment will unravel in a mess of aqua and navy but it seems to be holding up just fine now.  I am so close to being done with the vest and will hopefully have finished pictures up soon.  I am beginning to feel better about the length but I can't really be sure until I try it on.  I refuse to try it on until I am all finished.  This drives sister/roommate Kara crazy because she desperately wants me to try it on.  I think I might have put it on last night after I bound off the neck band but I didn't want to give in to her incessant pleading.  It is my vest and I will try it on when I say. 

In other news...thanks to zeneedle's post today, I learned about the Estes Park Wool Market in nearby Colorado and Kara and I decided on the spur of the moment that we are going.  Yea!  I am so excited!  It will be my first of these types of events and I am excited to walk around and see what is there.  I think Kara is most excited to take pictures of llamas so she can be a cool llama-pictures-in-her-post-blogger.  Either way it is going to be great fun.

I can't believe I made it this far but see what I am working on now:

Steeks!

For a while there I thought this vest was going to a pre-mature grave.  Here is the story...

So my extra yarn came on Wednesday and that night I picked up the vest and got to finishing.  A few hours into my work I finally let my mind address what I had been subconsciously worried about ever since I reached chart two (about half way).  It is too long.  Some of you may remember that I had already discovered my row gauge stupidity but I thought I fixed it.  Or, I should say, it was supposed to be fixed.  Around midnight on Wednesday, I stood up and held the vest to my body only to discover...it was knit for an amazon.  My sister roommate Kara was on the couch knitting and when she looked up and our eyes met, there was only one thing we could do.  We laughed.  We laughed hard for a good while.  The whole thing just seemed so ridiculous.  I mean, why can't I have one handknit sweater that turns out.  Why?  I sat back down and thought things over.  Frogging was the only solution I could think of and the only one I was unwilling to accept.  Then I started thinking, surely this will fit differently once it is seemed, steeked, and blocked.  Perhaps I am being too hasty.  Perhaps the late hour is addling my brain.  Perhaps it is just fine.  Don't be so hasty.  

I went upstairs still a little depressed but with a hesitant optimism.  I decided to play down this newfound optimism to find out what Kara really thought.  Depending on our moods we sometimes withhold our true opinions until we know the other can take it.  You know how sister's can get a little sensitive.  Anyway, here is how our conversation went...

Me: It is so long.  I am probably going to have to frog it.

Kara: Aw...is it not funny anymore?

Me: Um, yes (laugh) it is.

Kara: (she giggles) Good.  Muahahahahahahahahahaha. 

This is when I smile and go to brush my teeth.  Then I hear...

Kara: Yeah, too bad your vest didn't turn out. 

Ah Ha!  The truth.  She thought it was hopeless.  Well, I went to sleep feeling that way too.  It took a night's rest and a day's work to come back to the vest and realize that while yes, it is long, it is not THAT long.  I made the decision to accelerate the end (making the neck decreases more frequent and starting the back shaping immediately) and by doing that I cut about 10 rows.  It might only save an inch and a half but it is something.  Tonight I finished the body of the vest:

I am now working on the crochet steeks.  I haven't cut anything yet (yikes) but I will be cutting this weekend.  Honestly, messing up in other areas makes me feel better about the steeks.  Bring it on I say.  If I mess up on the steeks then...sucka...the vest was already too long so who cares?

Secretly (between me and you) I want it to turn out.  I have visions of putting it on and discovering that the length is, in fact, hip and elegant and that it is the best fit piece I have knit.  Perhaps this is the same optimistic yet faulty thinking that led me to believe Ben Affleck and JLo were going to go the distance.  And I really did too.  Hopefully the vest has a better fate.

My title is a quote from last night's Grey's Anatomy.  Man I love that show.  Isn't the line so true though?  No matter what else is going on in life, I've got my knitting.  Yes, that sounds a little cheesy and perhaps depressing but it is still something.  On the show Meredith decided to gave up on men and take up knitting.  Heh, heh.  I am pretty sure my Mom just groaned at that comment.  It's okay mom...I still believe I can have both.  Someday.  Soon-ish.  I promise. 

So it is official...I ran out of yarn for my vest.  I knew it was going to happen but still got bummed when it happened before the yarn I ordered arrived.  So instead of finishing the vest this weekend, I casted on for a new project.  Forecast did not inspire me at first, I didn't catch the vision until I saw Winnie's version.  So pretty.  Plus it is made with Cascade 220 which is a pretty inexpensive option for a sweater (although I am skeptical I can make the whole sweater with the 4 skeins it recommends.)  I bought some yarn from my LYS in a deep olive color and casted on last night.  Here is a peek at the start:

Due to a stupid pattern reading error on my part, I had to frog and restart 5 times (yes, 5 times! Grrrr) but I am now on my way.  I love the feel of the yarn and it is an interesting pattern so it has been fun to knit so far.  It is knit top down so what you see above is the sweater collar.  This is more of a fall sweater but I am hoping I will finish before the spring is over so I can wear it once or twice before the heat of the summer.  I joined the KAL too so hopefully that will keep me on track.

Once I get my yarn from KnitPicks I will finish the vest so I look forward to that.  I have also been compiling a list of projects I want to knit and will share the list soon.  There is so much I want to knit now it is crazy.  In order to get it all done I would have to quit my full-time job and focus 100% on knitting.  But I know myself.  If I did that I would turn into a crazy lady that only goes outside to collect the mail and has piles and piles of handknits that never get worn because I never go out.  Yes, I think having a job is good for me.