the knit tog

Ariann Cardigan

2011-10-30T15:32:00.004+01:00

Bonnie Mae Burns' Ariann Cardigan. Knit in DROPS Angora Tweed (discontinued)

This project took me a LONG time to finish (cast on in June 2010!), but not because of the pattern itself. I just got caught up in (sidetracked by) other projects in between. Still, it feels good to post this project as FINISHED. I wore my new cardigan work last Monday.

Overall, this was a very easy pattern to follow and fast to knit up (when the time is made for it). However, I had some problems with the pattern from where you join the body to the sleeves. I followed the pattern the first time and ended up with a cardigan fit for a hunchback. So I went back and re-worked the shoulder section, decreasing every RS row from joining the sleeves until the end. This did the trick. I also went back and re-worked the collar in the same style as the cuff and bottom rib instead of in the original garter stitch. Personally, I think it looks more pulled together. The drawstring is a 2-stitch knitted i-cord. The buttons, a gift from my mom, are JHB Smoked Agoya. One day I might reinforce the button holes. The yarn is so squishy/stretchy that the button band gives quite a bit.

I'm very happy with the finished product. I only wish I would have made the arms full length. Why is that I always make 3/4 sleeves...?

Light Thermal Blanket for Baby

2011-06-05T15:59:00.004+02:00

I haven't exactly had no knitting projects going these last few months, but I haven't been doing a lot of knitting either. I recently finished my last semester of school (thus, signaling the near completion of my master's degree!). This is great, of course. But my last semester included only one class, which meant I was not commuting to Oslo very often (commute time = knitting time). I'm not really sure when I will be commuting regularly again (there are some work-related plans come this fall, but still a little early to announce them with any certainty).

Anyway, I did manage to finish this light, thermal-stitch baby blanket for my boyfriend's brother's baby who is on the way into this world any day now. I did it with fingerling yarn and 2.5mm needles, which meant it took forever. I had originally grabbed the yarn (ONLine Linie 2 Supersocke Silk Color) from the deep discount basket at my local yarn shop, with the intention to make this top from Laura Chau. The color + texture combo turned out looking way too retro for an adult-sized top, but I thought it was just enough retro for a little boy's baby blanket. I used the same, waffley stitch from Chau's top for the blanket and her twisted rib stitch on all side trim.

I finished it over a month ago, but was finally found the motivation to take photos today (first, because I know I need to send it out this week; second, because the light was perfect). In the meantime, I've been working on Bonne Marie Burnes "Ariann" cardigan. It's about 85% complete, but at the pace I'm going, it could be fall before it's off the needles.

Christmas? Bring it on!

2010-12-22T10:08:00.007+01:00

I am happy to report that I was able to finish the Adirondack Pullover in time for Christmas! In fact, it's been done over a week now. Es tried it on - and it fits perfectly! So, it won't be much of a surprise gift this year under the Christmas tree, but at least it won't be a disappointing one. Below are some (rather poor) photos taken yesterday. I will try to get better ones, with the sweater being worn, after Christmas.

This was really a great pattern to work with. I followed it exactly, except for one modification: I doubled the neck ribbing to make it thicker (sewed it into place on the inside). And the yarn I used (Drops Classic Alpaca) makes for a really nice, cozy sweater. It's thick and warm. Perfect for the Norwegian winter.

Since I had some extra time on my hands before Christmas, I decided to squeeze in another project. I chose this fun Incognito Cowl pattern from Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark for my boyfriend's brother, who often sports a mustache.

I did the mustache in intarsia, because I couldn't figure out how to do duplicate stitch. (Duplicate stitch should be easy, right? But mine looked all knotty and messy. Maybe because I was using different yarn?). I also included a little more length in the master color above the mustache, including 8 rows of ribbing, so that it can more easily be pulled up over the nose. It took about 2 skeins of Drops Lima, a DK weight wool/alpaca blend.

(Edited on 5 June 2011 to add photo below)

That's all for now. Happy holidays to everyone.

Some progress. But still plenty of work to do!

2010-11-28T16:18:00.003+01:00

Adirondack Pullover by Elizabeth Morrison

I am really loving this pattern. Easy & wearable. It fits E. perfectly so far. Yay! Maybe having it ready by Christmas 2010 won't be impossible.

Striped Neiman

2010-11-14T12:06:00.004+01:00

Ta dah! My striped Neiman is done! Actually, it's been done for a few weeks. I just haven't had a chance to take a decent photo. The misty park in front of our apartment provided a nice backdrop this morning.

The sweater is small. Maybe I should have frogged it & restarted early when I realized it was a bit tight. But in the end I think it looks nice so snug with the boat neck. Also, the sleeves are a little to short… they stretch out at the elbows as you can see. And the stripes totally jog. I should have figured out how to knit jogless stripes. But to be honest, I don’t care. I love this sweater. I have worn it several times already.

I started a new project last week: Elizabeth Morrison's Adirondack Pullover. It's planned as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend. I have never made anything this big before. 14 skeins of yarn! But it's going fast so far. I hope finishing it by Christmas isn't over optimistic.

Striped Neiman

2010-08-23T18:32:00.003+02:00

I've been working on this striped version of Ann Weaver's Neiman pullover ever since "Hey, Teach" came off the needles. It's been kind of slow going because I've been on vacation. But I've been back home for a week and back to my train commute for two days now. I can see the progress already.

I LOVE the hem facings and like the stripes even more than I expected. All in all, this is turning out to be a cute & tidy little sweater.

I really struggled to get the gauge right, and worry that it is running a little small. But I keep trying it on every few rounds and it seems to stretch just the right amount. I guess so long as I am childless and stick to a regular exercise program it should be OK.

Hey, Teach: How about some extra credit?

2010-08-23T18:27:00.005+02:00

Not to play teacher’s pet, but I think my "Hey, Teach" cardigan deserves some extra credit.

First, I worked the back and side panels together with a circular needle, versus making them as separate pieces and sewing everything together. Second, I went for longer, 3/4 sleeves (although, they turned out to me more like 1/2 sleeves). Finally, I knit the sleeves in the round, raglan style. And to top it all off, the sweater turned out next to perfect... For example, the pattern held up even with the changes needed to to knit it in the round, and I've worn it 3-4 times already and it has held its shape nicely. I only wish the button holes were a bit more sturdy.

So what do you say teach, do I get an “A” on this one?

Hey, Teach(ish)

2010-06-30T19:22:00.004+02:00

Been working on (a modified version of) the Hey, Teach cardigan for the last couple weeks. Yarn is Rowan All Seasons Cotton. I picked it up at a sewing shop in Olso, down the street from where I take my Norwegian lessons. They had all their Rowan yarn marked 50% off. I picked up this and Cashcotton DK for a really decent price.

The original Hey, Teach pattern is knit in pieces and sewed together in the finishing. I have modified the pattern to knit it in the round, in more or less one piece, with raglan sleeves. Also, I have 3/4 sleeves on mine.
It's nearly complete. A few more rounds to finish the neckline shaping. Then just add the neck/buttonhole band. And the buttons, of course. I am excited to see how it turns out!

my best project ever.

2010-06-04T19:40:00.004+02:00

The Leaf Tee is done! And it is great. Perfect even. Despite having run out of yarn.

I used all 4 skeins of M&K Eco Bomull that I had in the milky green color. Added a full skein of the same M&K Eco Bomull in brown to the bottom, plus a few more meters for the neck ribbing.

I doubted how well it would look if I just continued the same pattern with brown. I thought the twisted rib stitch that I learned from this pattern would complement the shape and lace pattern nicely (and I think it did).
Also, added the phony side seam that was suggested here to the body (section with leaf lace).

It fits me perfectly... but, it will be put in a box tomorrow and shipped off to my sister. Guess I'll have to make one of my own.

Leaf Tee

2010-05-09T19:54:00.003+02:00

Spring is going strong in Southern Norway. Despite a shock to the system earlier this week (Snowfall! In May!!), we've had sun and blue skies nearly every day since. Yesterday, I noticed that the cherry blossom trees were in bloom (or at least some tree with pretty pink flowers). And nearly all deciduous trees and green plants in our yard have gone from having big green buds to little baby leaves. It's a nice change.

Appropriately, my latest project is Melissa LaBarre's Leaf T-Shirt, found here on Ravelry. I'm working with M&K Eco Bomull on this. Unfortunately, I think I'll be a little short on yarn. I only have 4 skeins in this color, and being that I bought it in January on clearance, there's little hope of finding a 5th ball now (I did go and check the shop this weekend... but no luck). However, I have some of the same yarn in brown so I'll probably just use that the bottom. I'm telling myself it will be OK. Although, really, I wanted this project to be perfect. So far though, I think it is. Even the rolly-polly neckline that a lot of others have been less satisfied with.

thanks Kitt!

2010-05-02T17:38:00.003+02:00

1 skein Noro Kureyon Sock yarn

I'm just not that into you.

2010-03-24T22:13:00.006+01:00

I spent another week or so on the Supersocke Silk Color scarf after my last post. But something was wrong. I was sleeping on the train more than knitting. I like a good train nap from time to time, but usually not when I have a project that I really like. It was time to admit the truth. Supersock Silk Color, I'm just not that into you. So this project has been tucked into my knitting bag for a rainy day. Or possibly to be completely forgotten about.

After giving up on the scarf, I trolled around on Ravelry for a few days looking for ways to play with my new Noro yarn. I wanted to try something with entrelac. But in the end, I just picked up the yarn and my 3.0mm circular needles and started knitting. At first, I told myself it was just to see how the colors looked in fabric form, but then I kept starting new rows and adding more stitches. Now I'm about 1/2 way to a shawl of sorts. And despite the lack of real planning, I quite like the way it is turning out. I certainly keeps me awake on the train.

I played around with a tradition 2x2 rib to create a "wave" effect. I think it complements the horizontal color stripes.

Spring semester is nearly finished, which means my train time (read: knitting time) will be cut back pretty significantly. I think I've worked it out so that I won't need to go to Oslo nearly at all in May, although still keeping busy with term papers and exam prep at home. So I don't have high expectations for knitting in the next month or so. If I can just finish this project (or geez, any project!) before summer, I'll be happy.

Although my projects have been pretty hum drum as of late, I've been totally inspired by these:

Faverolle as seen on Yarn Sprout

Rosamund's Cardigan as seen on Subliminal Rabbit

Possibly I'll have the energy to take on a little more of a challenge next fall semester...

Another story of second chances...

2010-02-19T13:25:00.005+01:00

I gave this Thermal sweater from Knitty an honest attempt using my (bargain bin) Supersocke Silk Color yarn. I knit up a whole sleeve, examining it every few rounds, trying to figure out if I kinda liked it or completely hated it. In the end, I decided to rip it out. No use knitting up a whole sweater (in fingering weight no less) if I'm not sure about it. I think this is also a lesson to me in bargain bin shopping. I got over my compulsion to buy (off-color, ill-fitting) on-sale clothing a few years ago. Now it's time to apply the same learning to yarn. Just because it's cheap, doesn't mean it's great.

So what to does one do with 7 skeins of sock yarn? I shudder to think of knitting so many pairs of socks. Instead I've opted to double up the Supersocke, throw in a little (leftover) Rowan Kidsilk, and make a lightweight, spring color scarf. Moss stitch adds nice texture. I think I have much higher chances of actually wearing this. Although I still stop every few rows to be sure.

Oops, did I just dis' socks? I take it back! I received a lovely (surprise) package from my friend Kitt in Geneva yesterday, full of beads, trinkets, and 2 skeins of sock yarn. I guess it's a sign to give socks another try!

And speaking of packages, I whipped up one of my own last weekend... a late Christmas gift for my boyfriend's brother & his wife (who also happen to be friends of mine) living in Geneva. They had given me a macaroon recipe book for Christmas, so what better way to say thank you then by making up a batch for them. Let me tell you, these were delicious. I just hope they arrive in Geneva before going stale.

Bella's Mittens

2010-01-30T21:47:00.005+01:00

I just wanted to post photos of my Bella's Mittens. I finished these a couple weeks ago, but haven't had a chance to take a photo. The snow makes a better backdrop than our dining room table, right?

I really liked this pattern. It was easy to follow and the mittens turned out as I expected. I only wish that I had made the arms a little shorter. They look really cute like this - and I'm sure they would be great under a coat if you're wearing a T-shirt. But they are a little chunky to put on over/under a sweater. Still, I'm very pleased.

Since finishing these I've started work on this sweater from Knitty with my new silk/merino blend sock wool. Except I'm not really following this pattern. I ripped out my first sleeve 3 times before being happy with the stitch texture. The yellow/beige has a very retro-look when knitted up. I like vintage-y looks, but waffle stitch + this yarn = a look that is more "That 7o's Show" than I'd like. So I settled for a moss stitch. Photos will come next time the light is right.

Kicking off 2010 with knit

2010-01-06T12:26:00.009+01:00

2010. A new decade has begun! And I have 3 new knitting projects to kick it off:

#1: Sweater, design TBC

I was inspired by a Christmas gift, "Mother-Daughter Knits" by Sally Melville & Caddy Melville Ledbetter. I started knitting Sally's Buttoned Muffler with a blend of leftover Rowan Cotton Wool, Mirasol Miski, and Zwerger Garn Opal on New Year's Day. I cast off, examined the piece for a couple minutes, then picked up stitches to add a ribbed collar (with M&K EcoUll as accent color). Better, but not perfect. I decided that I just don't like it as a muffler, not for me. But I would love it as a sweater collar! So I'm going to build a sweater around it. I just need to find the right yarn... probably some more Mirasol Miski.

#2: Bella's Mittens, from Subliminal Rabbit

This project is motivated by my birthday calendar, these will be a gift. I started this project on Monday evening and it goes fast! The left mitten is already off the needles. I am working with Drops Eskimo Super Bulky in this pretty grey/purplish/blue color, not so unlike the Miski above. I think this is my new favorite color combo. But actually, I picked this wool because the color matches the recipient's winter coat.

#3: Thermal Sweater, from Knitty

I've had this project queued for a while on Ravelry. I found the perfect yarn this week in one of my (other) favorite color combos - yellow & white. This project will probably take me forever - it's knit on 3mm needles. But the labor costs will be offset by the yarn costs. The yarn was on sale for 10 kr per skein, 70 kr total, equivalent to about $12 bucks. I also bought 8 skeins of Marks & Katten's Eco Bomull (cotton) for 5 kr each... totaling about $7 bucks. Yay for budget knitting!

Christmas wrap up

2009-12-17T10:22:00.006+01:00

The past month has flown by. I finished my exams in early December, and now it's nearly Christmas already. We fly to Phoenix tomorrow!! Yay!!!!!!!! The past couple of weeks have been packed with housework and Christmas prep. I've finished up most of my planned gifts, including...

Finding buttons for the Thermis neck warmer.

Finishing up the second Gentleman's sock (just this morning!)
I also finished up my project with Mirasol's Miski Peruvian baby llama yarn, but I'll save the photos until the gift is given.

I have 2 new projects that I'm saving for the (15+ hour) flight. It's a bit ambitious for me, I'm not the fastest knitter. But I'm also not the best sleeper on flights. I'm hoping to knit away while I watch "The Reader" and "Julia & Julia", both scheduled on the in-flight entertainment.

First, some hair wraps with M&K Eco Cotton.

Second, a baby hat with this stray ball of Rowan wool cotton.

Now I need to get back to packing. Happy holidays to all!!

shades of grey

2009-11-22T20:09:00.003+01:00

The weather here has been CRAP for the past two weeks. Rain and more rain and grey, grey skies. I don't mind it so much. It's exam time at school and most of my time now is spent studying at home, sitting at the dining room table with my books and notes spread out in front of me, Wikipedia on-call for quick referencing, and a cup of hot tea placed just out of spill reach from my laptop. I only went to Oslo two days last week, and it will probably be the same this coming week and the week after. And then I'm done with my first semester of grad school. Yay! But despite my lack of train time, I did manage to knit a little this week. Both projects grey like the weather. But more cozy.

First, the second sock. "Yawn". I'm really over this project.

And second, a "mystery" project using the baby alpaca wool.

I can't give away to much about this project because it is a present for my, let's face it, only regular reader (thanks, Mom). But I will say that it is the softest wool I have every used in my life. Half of the time I spend "knitting" with it is actually just spent petting the fabric. Or making my boyfriend pet the fabric. Yum, yum. I must get more of this stuff for a personal project.

ta dah!

2009-11-14T18:04:00.004+01:00

I finally have some good results to share!

First, my second attempt on the 'Gentleman's Sock' turned out better than the first attempt. It still looks funny laid flat (although it hasn't been blocked or anything yet... or are you even supposed to block socks?), but it fits my boyfriend like, well, a sock. So now I'm just faced with the true pain in the ass of sock making... I have to knit a second one just like this. I'm still not convinced about this sock knitting business.

Second, I finished the 'What-Knot' scarf. I like the stitch a lot, and it the Eco Ull feels really soft and cozy.

I tried to model it, but the photo is a little dark. It's intended for a gift, so I'm hoping the future owner will send me a better picture.

Just to point out one detail on the scarf... I opted to not go with a fringe and instead started and ended the scarf with 8 rows of 2x2 rib. I really like the look. Simple and clean. And less likely to get stuck in coat zippers.

Second chances...

2009-11-08T12:11:00.004+01:00

This week was all about working on my couple of "re-do" projects.

First, my Gentleman's Plain Winter Sock with Dutch heel from Nancy Bush. You can see my first attempt in the blog below. The first attempt turned out to be a sock alright, but it was a sock for someone with incredible thick "cankles". This second attempt is turning out better I think for a more proportionate person.

I decreased the total stitches from 70 sts to 60 sts, but am still working the heel flap with the stated 37 sts. The heel was fine on the first sock, it was all the excess fabric on the front that was the problem. So I'm hoping this approach will help.

By the way, this sock is made with ZwergerGarn Opal. I have loved the single stripe look since making my Treeline Striped Cardi from Purl Soho. But I decided to go with a solid heel on this second attempt. Keeps from criss-crossing the yarn on the inside.

Up next is the "what-knot" stitch scarf with Marks & Kattens Eco Ull. I am nearly finished, working on my last of 4 skeins. This is turning out to be such a cozy scarf. I think it will be just the right thickness and length. I'll take a photo of it on when it's finished up.

Link found

2009-10-31T18:54:00.001+01:00

The "what-knot" stitch from below can be found here...

born again... 2 projects

2009-10-31T18:05:00.004+01:00

I didn't knit so much this week. I only went up to Oslo on 3 days so my train time was cut back quite a bit. Also, one night the train home was so full that I couldn't find a seat until Rygge... that sucked big time. But I did get some new work done on my two projects that were need of some help...

First, I have started my second attempt on this sock project. I am not feeling so stoked on socks I must say. I spend an hour knitting for like 3 centimeters of fabric gain. It's just not the instant gratification that I need to stay motivated. But I'm going to get through at least one pair successfully before writing off socks entirely. Maybe by next week I'll have something worth showing.

Second, the intarsia shrug idea has been shrugged. Instead I've decided to use the yarn (M&K Eco Ull) to make a scarf. 'Yawn', I know, but the stitch is not so boring. I'm using this "What Knot" stitch, from a scarf pattern that I found on Ravelry a few days ago (although I can't seem to find it now...). Anyway, it's a nice textured stitch where you purl 3 together, leaving the stitches on the left needle, wrapping yarn around the right needle once, then purling the same 3 stitches. It was a real bitch to purl 3 together at first, before I loosened up my tension. But now I have the tension right and the project seems to move along pretty quickly. Here's a peek...

And some excitement today... I went to a yarn shop in town and found this gorgeous, super soft, Peruvian baby llama yarn (Miski from Mirasol Yarns). I bought it with a project in mind. I just need to finish the other two up top before jumping in.

You'll have to excuse the photos. It's pretty much dark at 4pm now, so I'm relying on a 60watt bulb here. The Norwegian winter is setting in fast... too fast.

born again... 2 projects

2009-10-31T16:13:00.003+01:00

Second, the intarsia shrug idea has been shrugged. Instead I've decided to use the yarn (M&K Eco Ull) to make a scarf. 'Yawn', I know, but the stitch is not so boring. I'm using this "What Knot" stitch, from a scarf pattern that I found on Ravelry a few days ago (although I can't seem to find now...). Anyway, it's a nice textured stitch where you purl 3 together, leaving the stitches on the left needle, wrapping yarn around the right needle once, then purling the same 3 stitches. It was a real bitch to purl 3 together at first, before I loosened up my tension. But now I have the tension right and the project seems to move along pretty quickly. Here's a peek...

And some excitement today... I went to a yarn shop in town and found this gorgeous, super soft Peruvian baby llama yarn (Miski from Mirasol Yarns). I bought it with a project in mind. I just need to finish the other two up top before jumping in.

Some (not so successful) intarsia knitting

2009-10-26T22:06:00.008+01:00

I have 4 more balls of Marks & Kattens Eco Ull (this time in a teal colour), so I started a new project that I thought would put it to good use. With only 4 skeins (approx 320 meters), there is not so much I can do, but I found this simple shrug pattern that I thought would make a nice gift for my sister who lives in Arizona (and therefore has no need for a full size wool sweater). But I wanted to the pattern a little twist, so I decided to add a peace sign in intarsia with the leftover pink yarn from the neck warmer.

The result: well, not so good.

First of all, I should have read up on intarsia knitting, because I did it wrong. My work is more "fair isle" style, with the yarn stranded across the back. The peace sign design turned out OK (after the second attempt), but the tension is not very even and I've decided that I really dislike the colour combo. So, I'll be ripping this out, at least back to the ribbing, to start on something new. I still like the shrug idea, but I really want to spice up the simple pattern a bit. I need some time to think. In the meantime, I think I'll go back to my sock project...

Remember this sad guy.

Knitting, it's a learning process....

Thermis

2009-10-24T17:04:00.004+02:00

This week I started and finished the Thermis neck warmer from Kris Knits using 2.5 skeins of Marks & Katten's Eco Ull. It was a really quick project! I think it will take me more time to pick out buttons for it then it took to knit. I went through my button stash last night, but couldn't find anything I was happy with...

This one is intended for a Christmas gift, but I'd like to make another one soon for myself. I love wearing scarves/wraps during the day, but they are really bulky tucked under a coat. And I constantly get them stuck in the zippers. I think a neck warmer might be a better alternative for keeping warm under my coat, without the looking like I've stuffed a baguette down my front side.

On a non-knitting note, Es & I went to Sweden today in search of a "huge" health food store that classmate had told me about where I could find some good teas. The tea selection in the town where I live stinks. Twinings or Lipton. We found the store... but disappointingly it was little more than a vitamin shop. I did get some tea though. Green & Oolong loose teas and a couple of boxes from Pukka, a British brand that is similar to Yogi Teas.
I'm just trying the Pukka "Relax" one now, with chamomile, fennel, & marshmallow root. It's good.

The health food store was just behind the state run liquor store, called (translated) "Systems Company". There was a line of people standing out front in the cold/rain. The whole thing had a very communist feel. But, damn, they have some good prices on boxed wine!

let the blogging begin (round 3)

2009-10-23T22:58:00.006+02:00

Hi there,

I've been trying to get a personal blog back off the ground since discontinuing my former blog, Life of Roo last year. Actually, I tried to revive LOR this summer to document a move to new country and a summer of freedom before starting a masters program. But I opened the blog to close friends and family only, which honestly, kind of defeats the purpose of having a blog, right? I miss the social part of blogging... of meeting new people, other bloggers, and feeling like I have some pretty cool "friends" out there, even if I only know them through their words and snapshots. It's also worth mentioning that now that I'm in school, I don't have much of a life outside of it. And even though I'm way beyond happy with life at the moment, most of my day-to-day doesn't make for exciting blog posts.

Except, maybe, for my knitting. I have banned studying from my commute time (reading on the train gives me a headache). Instead I use this time to knit. Knit and listen to American podcasts (my favorites right now are This American Life and Stuff You Should Know). You can usually find me tucked against the window in the silent car, giggling away at Josh and Chuck and plugging away on a knitting project. And after years of struggling to finish a project, I find myself cranking out one every week or so.

Anyway, this is my third attempt to get a blog going. I just hope it's a charmed attempt and not a strike out. Keep coming back and see for yourself.