Sunday, June 29, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
SP12 Question of the Week #3 and more
What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?
Uhm, that is not an easy one. The perfect stash would e the one in which I always find the yarn I need at 2 in the morning for the project I just decided to start. Short of that, I try to keep my stash around 400 balls, for no reason in particular, except maybe that it fits in my regularhiding storage places.
This year I made a plan for my stash and this bring me to the project for this month, Jay by Debbie Bliss from Junior Knits, using 55% Hemp/45% Wool from Hemp Traders in Berry Blue. I decided to make the smallest size because it calls for 600 yards of yarn and I do have 600 in Berry Blue. And beside that, the smallest size is for 2-3 years old, but it has a circumference of 32.5" (don't ask, it's absurd, I know) so I figured it would fit Paperino. I have 1,000 yards of this yarn in Chili Red, enough for a cardi for me, but before committing to a project for me, I wanted to see how the yarn would feel after it has been knitted and washed, it is pretty rough in the ball. Now, a more sensible person would have knit a swatch, washed it and there it the answer right. Swatching? Never crossed my mind, so I got this:
The red top is mind, so this thing is larger than my top. I was supposed to have a gauge of 18 sts = 4", instead I got 16, so instead of 148 sts/18*4= 32.8" I theoretically got 148 sts/16*4=37", but since gauge always lies, the thing is actually 40". It fits me, if I overlook the fact that it barely hits my belly button.
And then I knit a swatch and I washed it:
Still scratchy. It's going to be a rug.
Uhm, that is not an easy one. The perfect stash would e the one in which I always find the yarn I need at 2 in the morning for the project I just decided to start. Short of that, I try to keep my stash around 400 balls, for no reason in particular, except maybe that it fits in my regular
This year I made a plan for my stash and this bring me to the project for this month, Jay by Debbie Bliss from Junior Knits, using 55% Hemp/45% Wool from Hemp Traders in Berry Blue. I decided to make the smallest size because it calls for 600 yards of yarn and I do have 600 in Berry Blue. And beside that, the smallest size is for 2-3 years old, but it has a circumference of 32.5" (don't ask, it's absurd, I know) so I figured it would fit Paperino. I have 1,000 yards of this yarn in Chili Red, enough for a cardi for me, but before committing to a project for me, I wanted to see how the yarn would feel after it has been knitted and washed, it is pretty rough in the ball. Now, a more sensible person would have knit a swatch, washed it and there it the answer right. Swatching? Never crossed my mind, so I got this:
The red top is mind, so this thing is larger than my top. I was supposed to have a gauge of 18 sts = 4", instead I got 16, so instead of 148 sts/18*4= 32.8" I theoretically got 148 sts/16*4=37", but since gauge always lies, the thing is actually 40". It fits me, if I overlook the fact that it barely hits my belly button.
And then I knit a swatch and I washed it:
Still scratchy. It's going to be a rug.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
SP12 Question of the week #2
In many parts of the US and abroad, school's out. Take a walk down memory lane for Week Two's question:
As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?
I used to spend my summers on the beach, and I must say that I do miss the long hot Italian summer (try going to the beach around here, you will freeze to death!)
But many years later, my kids are spending the summer on the beach in Italy .......
As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?
I used to spend my summers on the beach, and I must say that I do miss the long hot Italian summer (try going to the beach around here, you will freeze to death!)
But many years later, my kids are spending the summer on the beach in Italy .......
Friday, June 13, 2008
I am a free woman
Hubby and kids in Italy. House is empty and silent. I am alone in my house. Enough said.
Oh, don't forget to stop by tomorrow!
Oh, don't forget to stop by tomorrow!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
SP12 Question of the week #1
What's your favorite summertime drink?
Oh gosh, I really do not have one. Probably "caffe' freddo", here would be iced coffee, but of course there is no ice involved in Italy!
Oh gosh, I really do not have one. Probably "caffe' freddo", here would be iced coffee, but of course there is no ice involved in Italy!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
And I am done!
Bus Driver #1:
Pattern: Hand/Wrist Warmers by Joelle Hoverson
Yarn: Artyarns Handpaint Stripes in colorway #141
Teacher #2:
Pattern: Teapot Mat by Jo Sharp
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid in Ivory
Bus Driver #2:
Pattern: Maine Morning Mitts by Clara Parkes
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino in colorway 209
And just another baby hat because Paperino's baseball game laster longer than I thought (am I the only one who thinks that watching baseball is like watching paint dry?) and all I had with me was leftover yarn from the Bus Driver Handwarmer:
And now I can turn my attention back to the plan: June yarn is Hemp Traders 55% Hemp/45% Wool and the designed project for it is Jay by Debbie Bliss.
Pattern: Hand/Wrist Warmers by Joelle Hoverson
Yarn: Artyarns Handpaint Stripes in colorway #141
Teacher #2:
Pattern: Teapot Mat by Jo Sharp
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid in Ivory
Bus Driver #2:
Pattern: Maine Morning Mitts by Clara Parkes
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino in colorway 209
And just another baby hat because Paperino's baseball game laster longer than I thought (am I the only one who thinks that watching baseball is like watching paint dry?) and all I had with me was leftover yarn from the Bus Driver Handwarmer:
And now I can turn my attention back to the plan: June yarn is Hemp Traders 55% Hemp/45% Wool and the designed project for it is Jay by Debbie Bliss.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
WWKiP Day
June 14 is World Wide Knit in Public Day. If you are in the Bay Area, please join me at the Allied Arts Guild - if you do not know Allied Arts, this is a perfect excuse to visit one of the most charming places in the Bay Area. Once there, look for La Bottega near the Court of Abundance, we will be in the patio. Refreshments will be provided, there is plenty of space, and a delicious restaurant for a proper lunch if so desired.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
SP12 Questionnaire
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I am currently in love with Artyarns, especially the superwash in any weight.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A vase for straight needles, a binder with plastic pockets for circular and dpn's.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned when I was about 14 years old. Advanced.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, link on my blog.
5. What's your favorite scent?
Citrus.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Not really. But I love sour candies, the gummy like. But my kids want you to know that they love chocolate.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I do not spin. Yet. No other crafts.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like to listen to Italian music, and yes.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Purple and red. I can't stand neon colors.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married with two kids. No pets.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
No hats or ponchos. I do wear scarves and half mittens.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
All of them!
13. What are you knitting right now?
End of teh end teachers' gifts. A red cardi for me, a sweater for Paperino (my son), socks always, a blanket, a lace shawl, a couple of scarves.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I use both straight and circular, and dpn's. I love bamboo dpn's, aluminum circular and straights.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes to both.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Logcabin blanket, started in July 2006.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
I do not have one.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to IK and Vouge Knitting. Books I want are on my Amazon list.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
No.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes. 8" circumference, 8.5" long.
23. When is your birthday? Dec 3rd.
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? lux2night
I am currently in love with Artyarns, especially the superwash in any weight.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A vase for straight needles, a binder with plastic pockets for circular and dpn's.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned when I was about 14 years old. Advanced.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, link on my blog.
5. What's your favorite scent?
Citrus.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Not really. But I love sour candies, the gummy like. But my kids want you to know that they love chocolate.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I do not spin. Yet. No other crafts.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like to listen to Italian music, and yes.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Purple and red. I can't stand neon colors.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married with two kids. No pets.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
No hats or ponchos. I do wear scarves and half mittens.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
All of them!
13. What are you knitting right now?
End of teh end teachers' gifts. A red cardi for me, a sweater for Paperino (my son), socks always, a blanket, a lace shawl, a couple of scarves.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I use both straight and circular, and dpn's. I love bamboo dpn's, aluminum circular and straights.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes to both.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Logcabin blanket, started in July 2006.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
I do not have one.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to IK and Vouge Knitting. Books I want are on my Amazon list.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
No.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes. 8" circumference, 8.5" long.
23. When is your birthday? Dec 3rd.
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? lux2night
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