Sheep Shots

Little Things

2012-01-29T20:07:00.000-05:00

Some tiny foot covers, all in washable yarns, all newbornish sizes. Just waiting for little feets. The two on the left are from 50 baby bootees to knit by Zoe Mellor.

And a dishcloth for March. Pattern here. This is not a direct link to the pattern; there are so many nice ones on this blog. noodle around and enjoy!

I used Rowan Linen Drape and a size 2.5 needle.

Definitely 3

2012-01-22T19:49:00.001-05:00

I wove in the last of the ends tonight and packed this sweater up with the first one I finished for Afghans For Afghans.

I'll be mailing both of them after work tomorrow.

The particulars: Pattern is Cottage Creations' Rialey's Sweater. Yarn is worsted weight Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride (wool and mohair blend), the yellow, green, and light blue, and odd bits of Patons Classic Wool, the red and darker blue. Size 5 and 7 needles.

Knit top down, in the round. Minimal finishing (unless you count all the ends.

Ain't We Sweet?

2012-01-21T21:20:00.000-05:00

The only thing I actually finished this week.

For the newest addition to one of my imaginary families. They'll go in the mail on Monday.

I am making nice progress on the A4A sweater. Expect to see it in all its glory tomorrow. There are just slightly less than a bazillion ends to weave in.

This Will Likely Be 3

2012-01-15T13:55:00.002-05:00

I started another sweater using odd balls of various colors of Brown Sheep Lambs Pride and Patons Classic Wool.

The colors in the picture at the left are pretty true to life. Yes, really that bright! I am loving working with these jolly hues! Just saying.

But I digress. Yeh, yeh, I know.

The reason for the really, really huge photo is to call attention to the raglan increases. The pattern is Rialey's Sweater which carries a range of 2-10 child from Cottage Creations (my favorite go-to pattern company for nearly every occasion).

Take a look at that increase . The technique is described (and shown) in the booklet, so I'm not repeating it here, but I am genuinely stoked at how cool it looks!

This photo shows it as it's worn.

And this one shows it as it's knit.

It's top down.

Here's how far I've gotten. If I finish this week, it will go in the mail with the other A4A sweater next weekend.

I am using the basic sweater pattern and striping it since I need a bigger size and my stashed yarn is limited to 2 skeins each of the gold (wild mustard) and the green (evergreen) and smaller amounts of the other 3 colors.I think the next one will use the great graphics that Cottage Creations intended to be knit into this sweater.

Random Acts-2

2012-01-14T06:23:00.001-05:00

No photo because #2 looks enough like #1 that most folks won't be able to tell the difference. Same button, but Encore instead of the washable wool.

I'll be sending it to its new owner later today.

Two

2012-01-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

Cute little polo sweater in Encore (well aged), about a 9 month size. This one is modified like the last one of 2011--collar instead of hood, joined and made a pullover instead of a cardigan.

I think the covered tummy makes for a warmer baby, though cardis are much easier to get on and off. Trade offs, folks.

This one's for Cheyenne River Reservation.

Random Acts of Crafting-1

2012-01-07T13:30:00.000-05:00

Last weekend One of the clerks at the smoked meats stand at the farmers market commented on the sweater I was wearing (a Lopi cardigan that I knitted several years ago from yarn that the Older Kid and the Not-Yet Daughter-in-Law purchased in Iceland.

She pointed to the (clearly commercially made) neckscarf that she was wearing and commented that she would love one in a color that

matched her workwear (tan and burgundy).

I just happened to have (right, like there was ever any doubt) the superwash wool in the right shade of wine and a button to match, and so I set to work.

I delivered the goods today, much to her delight.

Of course, I now need to craft another for her coworker. . .

One

2012-01-02T14:54:00.000-05:00

Let the countdown (or up) begin!

Patons Classic Wool in Denim Marl, Burgundy, and Evergreen, well-aged stash. Approximately 1000 yards (14 ounces) total. Pattern is a modification of Rich Designs Kids to Grown-ups Seamless Sweaters "tunic" in the smallest adult size.

Recipient: Afghans for Afghans sometimes abbreviated A4A for their current youth campaign.

2011 Recap

2012-01-01T09:33:00.000-05:00

For the past several years (okay, since 2002-wow, that long?) I have journaled my knitting, both here and on paper and then stuck the FOs into a spreadsheet and tracked number, weight of yarn, and yardage.

This year was no different, though the numbers are (at best) disappointing. It's been a b*tch of a year, and as a result, crafting took a back seat to work (you know, the stuff that gets the bills paid) and exhaustion.

Things are looking up now, and I am hoping for some improvement on all fronts.

My "resolves" for 2012 include:

*weaving a rug (even if it's just a bath mat) and trying a new (to me) weaving technique. I have the tee shirts; I have the Rotary cutter; I have the linen rug warp. Bring it on!

*12 in 12 (sweaters) and making at least 1/4 for me!

*random acts of knitting/crafting gifting

*25 (at least) catnip mice for my favorite local animal rescue charity

*there's something about removing 10% of my body weight again this year (back to South Beach--started today) and destashing bunches. We shall see.

So, I know you've been waiting and here's what 2011 saw:

11 sweaters (I am counting 10 actual sweaters and one baby dress)

18 afghan squares for charity
1 complete full-size afghan
1 bag (woven)
2 holiday banners
10 baby bibs
9 pairs of booties
1 Christmas stocking
10 face/dishcloths
2 doilies (fair entries)
9 hats
2 baby blankets
3 pairs of mittens
2 woven napkins
1 pillow
6 woven placemats
1 felted potholder
2 baby caps
1 scarf
2 shawls
3 pairs of slippers
1 pair of socks
2 toys

That's 100 FOs all together. Better than last year (86) but the second worst year since I've started tracking. I used a total of 389 ounces of yarn (24+ pounds)--25,611 yards, or 14.5 miles (3 miles less than I drive to work each day. Maybe that should be my 2012 target--17 miles!

Holly Jolly

2011-12-31T09:34:00.000-05:00

Among the decorations that I spotted this year that I hope to never see again:

Precious Moments lighted Nativity--I swear--figures are about one foot tall and just too precious

Santa peeking out (okay, look for yourself).

Oh, and this.

Definitely Eleven (or maybe 12)

2011-12-31T07:19:00.000-05:00

Ribbon-o-round from Knitters 104

Okay, it's finished! The 11 in 11 is done with hours to spare.

Yarn is Filatura Lanorata Wool Heathers from Smiley's.

Modifications--the obvious--I didn't make it in multi-colors (original pattern is shown in black with bands of purple, yellow, green, and red on the yoke). I also lengthened the sleeves. Original pattern calls for elbow-length, and while I like that, not in outerwear wool.

I'm pleased and it will definitely get worn. Maybe even today if the weather cooperates.

Number 10 (or 11)

2011-12-26T11:51:00.000-05:00

So, when I went back to check the number of sweaters I have completed in 2011, I counted 10 (or possibly 9) completed making the green heathery sweater I am working on for me officially Number 11 (or possibly number 10). That pushed me to immediately cast on a sweater for the current youth campaign for A4A. (See last post.)

It took me no time at all to realize the error of my ways. . .

Hello. Adult (albeit small adult) size sweater. What was I thinking?

So I put it aside. It can be the first sweater of the new year (where I have committed to 12 in 12--call me crazy!) or one of them.

Baby sweater! That's the ticket!Initially, I thought I would go to my go-to pattern--the 5-hour Baby Sweater.

But the yarn I wanted to use. Nah. Not that one.

Wendy Peter Pan DK, a lovely soft nylon/ack blend in bright, bright, bright baby colors.


And here's the finished sweater.

I do believe I might have a new go-to sweater, because this one also took just about 5 hours and just about 300 yards of yarn. Pattern here with modifications (as always).

Ten? Or Maybe Eleven?

2011-12-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

Back in January (nearly 12 months ago now), I committed to knitting 11 sweaters in 2011. When I count up my FOs for the year, I sincerely believe that the sweater currently on my needles (for me) is Number Eleven.

But when I look for actual proof I am at a loss.

There are photos and descriptions of ten including this one (eyes left)--Ribbon-O-Round from Knitters 104. I decided to forgo the horizontal stripes and knit the whole thing from a sage-y heathery wool yarn (Filatura Lanarota) from Smiley's. In a fit of modification (now there's a surprise!), I am making the sleeves full length.

And just in case, this sweater is actually Number 10, I cast on a top down sweater for A4A using my go-to booklet, Kids to Grown-Ups Top Down Sweaters in the smallest adult size.

The current campaign is shipping in February. It will be done by then for certain.

Yarn is Patons Classic Wool in classic colors from the odd ball bag.

My lord! Two months!!

2011-12-13T06:53:00.001-05:00

A friend pointed out that I have not updated my blog in a while. I checked. It's been nearly 2 months!
Stuff has gotten in the way, I guess.

Here's an update on 11 in 11. I have completed (I think) 10 sweaters this year and am closing in on Number 11.

Here are the Tiny Princes modeling # 9 and #10:

And here's an update on the Sock Yarn blankie:

I Bought a Bargain

2011-12-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

A little while back (September?) Smiley's had a sale on Schachenmayr Silenzio, only 1 color (sort of tealish) and 30 ball limit. I could not resist! This bulky yarn is machine wash (though dry flat) and a 50/50 blend of ack and animal. Frankly, I was thinking warm wooly baby blanket(s).

I finished Number 1 over the weekend (color in this photo is fairly accurate):

I love the way the pattern forms scallopy edges!

It's roughly 42" square and used about 825 yards of yarn at 13 stitches to 4" gauge.Pattern here. Thanks, Lisa!

Sunday, Sunday

2011-10-16T07:36:00.002-05:00

I'm currently stockpiling Little Gifts Suitable for Little Ones. Sort of "Welcome to the World, Little Person" presents. This bib is from a relatively new Cottage Creations booklet,Comfort Gifts for Family and Community, part of the "knitting for the community" series. You can get your own copy at your favorite LYS or directly from Carol Anderson: Cottage Creations/ At the Farm on Deer Creek/ Carpenter Iowa 50426-000.

This one is relatively quick (though not mindless). I started and finished it yesterday.

And there has been some progress on the Sock Yarn Blankie. I have completed 49 small and 5 (plus a bit) large squares. I suspect that this one is going to suck the life out of me. Just saying.

I can't tell if it looks better in the photo or in real life. (Or neither)

In other knitting knews, the Other Half has requested a new hat. He even spent quality time with the pattern books at Joann's last weekend and found a couple he likes. Unfortunately (or that other thing), the patterns he picked call for Stuff Not In My Stash. And of course, that means Yarn Shopping! I think that's just a shame.

Bibbity Bobbity Boo

2011-10-08T20:46:00.002-05:00

In an ongoing effort to protect the clothing of every baby in the world:

And the cute button to fasten it:

And here's the progress on the sock yarn blankie. I think it's coming along nicely.

Drive By Blogging

2011-10-05T04:47:00.003-05:00

Still trying to get the hang of the "new and improved" platform!

Just a little bit of what I've been doing lately.

First up, a modification of the Mason Dixon baby bib with applique. Base yarn is Sidar Wash 'n' Wear. Heart and blanket stitch something from the miscellaneous stash.

Button the first

Button the second

Don't they look good with the dishcloth cotton?

Not Rid of Me Yet!

2011-10-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

I've started a new project designed to use up some of the sock yarn in my stash. Over the past several years, I have made socks, but not so much recently. This little stash buster seemed like a good idea at the time. Now, well, I'm not so sure, but I'll keep plugging away until I run out of sock yarn or run screaming from the room.

Yarns: sock weight wool blends, some commercial, some indie dyer stuff, some, stuff indie-dyed by me back when I was knitting more socks.

Here it is all spread out. Each little square is about 2.5' and the big ones are about 5".

And a semi-secret project I am working on. No, there are no Princelings in the wings. Just knitting up some baby bibs ala Mason Dixon Knitting (the first one). Actually, I am hoping to use up some of my better buttons. You know, the ones that are too big to be attached to the front of a sweater, but too cute to give away or toss. The ones that are singletons.

That purple one is a stegosaurus.

Blogger no longer supports Internet Explorer. A few minutes ago, I switched over to Firefox. In theory, this will make my life easier. In practice, not so much--at least not until I get used to it.

I am hoping to blog more frequently now that things have started to calm down a bit.

On non-blog, non-knit notes:

I threw a small load in the washer this morning. When it was done, I went to the laundry room to throw said load in the dryer. Imagine my dismay when I discovered a substantial amount (not a deluge, but not just a drip either) of water on the floor. Washer shares a drain pipe with the kitchen sink (directly above) and something (the grease drained from last night's dinner?) probably plugged the common pipe.

Fortunately, the pressure exerted by washer discharge was enough to clear the plug (I hope). Subsequent carefully watched loads did not cause additional leakage.

And something smells somewhat funky (as in dead mouse funky) in the garage. If it ever stops raining, I will do a search. In the meantime, I am just thankful that the stink (slight though it may be) is confined to the outer part of the building.

Oh, My, It's Been a While

2011-09-18T17:58:00.003-05:00

No photos today, just a quick check in to let my reader know taht I am okay.

Fair came and went. I had 30 entries and got ribbons for 25 of them.

Work is beyond incredibly busy and has been occupying most of my time lately.

There will be pictures and there will be projects. For the moment a reminder that the Mittnz need to be in the mail in another week or so in order to have them arrive at Cheyenne River in time for the Annual October Mittnz Blitz.

Remember that if you make a pair and get them in the mail
CRYP
P.O. Box 410
Eagle Butte, SD 57625

by September 30, AND send an email to me (mcmanusab@gmail.com) I'll put your name in the hat for the prize draw. This is (and always has been) honor system, so don't let me down!

Another FO

2011-07-16T06:48:00.004-05:00

Another fair entry completed, as I sat this morning web surfing. It's actually been finished for several weeks, but I procrastinated on sewing on the pewter clasp at the neckline.

If you click on the picture, it will get bigger and you can see the detailing.

This sweater is knit from cuff to center back twice (once for each side, d'oh!), then grafted up the center back. That's the only seaming and the only sewing is the buttons or other closures.

Interesting construction that is very similar to the original Babies and Bears, without the textured panels and hood.

I like the detail under the arm (again, click to make it bigger).

Did I mention that the yarn is from my stash? It is!

Particulars:

Pattern: Babies and Bears Sweater for Grown-Ups by Cottage Creations (available direct--Cottage Creations, At the Farm on Deer Creek, Carpenter, Iowa 50426, or at LYS everywhere). I'm thinking I made the Medium (wow, a medium!) which is 44". It fits nicely.

Yarn: Filatura Lanarota Puno (100% alpaca) in the denim heather colorway from Smiley's. I used just about 11 skeins (less than 1100 yards) so the yarn requirements listed on the pattern are generous.

Clasp is from Schoolhouse Press (Meg Swansen's shop).

Currently on my needles are two more fair entries. I'll post photos when they are finished.

In the planning stage, some "shop samples" for my friend Rabbitch who has a growing fibre (she's Canadian) business. I'll use the samples as fair entries, then send them along to her for display. Her stuff (hand-dyed and -painted sock weight, mostly) is to dye for (pun fully intended). Watch for photos!

Pretty in Pink

2011-07-10T07:23:00.019-05:00

I am really pleased with my accomplishments this week. Two small items, but both were pretty intricate and so, required lots of concentration.

On weekends, once required errands are completed and I put in a little time in the yard, I can spend a couple of relaxing hours in front of the TV, watching movies and knitting.

During the week, my knitting time is pretty limited, so I am plugging away at fair entries, about 45 minutes a night (watching Dr. Who re-runs, and now, new summer season shows) one recorded hour (actually 45 minutes if you fast-forward through commercials like we do) a night.

This one's a fair entry.

Pattern is in one of the little Vogue Knitting On the Go books, Caps and Hats ((c)1999). It's called Swirl Cap and features a total of 23 stitch keys including 20 for shaping the cable(s). Lots of looking back and forth!

Right now, it's drying on an inflated balloon. I am so pleased with the result!

Yarn is Sidar Denim Tweed DK that I got in a grab bag from the Yarn Girls. Yarn is MW blend of acrylic, cotton, and wool. Not terribly scratchy. (Faint praise, no?) You never know what will be in one of those grab bags, but I've found that I always get full value.

Next FO (actually, I finished this one first) is from this very scary booklet ((c) 1976) that I bought at a used book sale (probably $5 a bag on the last day). Thank you Friends of the Library or AAUW!

More than 40 patterns (for the princely sum of $2 cover price) and probably 10 that I will make (eventually). I figure that each useable pattern cost me about 2 cents.

It has a couple of very Carnaby Street designs (Hey, there, Georgie girl), and those ski masks right out of a 1970s slasher flick, but there are also some pretty nice classics.

This was the first one that I knit.

I converted the crown to circular (it has a seam) because the intended ~~victim~~ recipient doesn't need that in her life right now. (Who does? Ever?) The brim is knit with two strands and sewn on after.

I confess that I attempted to knit and attach as I went and gave up after a very few minutes.

I love the way the decreases are done on this and will try to remember so that I can replicate when I make beanies with a cable or rib pattern.

Yarn is Classic Elite Classic Silk (another grab bag treasure) and is a cotton, silk and nylon blend.

It's in the mail and should arrive Monday.

Some More Stuff For the Fair

2011-07-03T05:11:00.001-05:00

Regular readers know that I usually take a week in August to prep my fair entries (and stress and blitz knit--it isn't a "vacation," actually).

I looks as though that will not be possible this year. As much as I would like a week to myself, and
need a week to myself, it likely isn't happening.

So, I've been plugging away and will just do the best I can with the time I have available.

First up on today's display is a 3-piece infant set.

Here's the cap.

And here's the yoke of the sweater.

And the whole set, drying afer a nice warm soapy bath and a spin in the OXO salad spinner.

Pattern is Leisure Arts #460 (copyright 1986). Yarn is Cascade Cherub Collection 4-ply. I'm pretty sure that the only commonality with the Cascade (220, et al) we all know and love is the name. This is "Made in England" and a nylon/acrylic blend.

Before

and after shots of a very simple felted potholder.

Lopi-size and style wool, knit up on #11 needles, then shrunk down in the washer.

I need new potholders in the kitchen, so this one will be pressed into service right after Labor Day.

One More Thing

2011-07-02T07:26:00.002-05:00

Round dishcloth, blocked to within an inch of its life.

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How I've Spent My Time

2011-06-19T11:27:00.003-05:00

My soon-to-be-former ISP has been totally uncooperative for the past 6 weeks or so. We've had the Internet at infrequent intervals of, oh, 12 minutes or so.

I have remained busy, though and have some stuff to show off.

These are both fair entries.

The yoke of a little dress made in Bernat Soy (discontinued). The original had long sleeves and a picot edging at cuff neck, and hem.

It was also heavy wool.

This version is light weight and summery.

The full length version.

So, what do you think?

Princess Dress?

Pattern from an old House of White Birches book.

And a doily knit in Gedifra St. Tropez that I got (I think) at Goodwill in that huge haul from a couple of years ago.

This is knit from the center out and then the sawtooth edging is knit on as the bind off (does that make sense?). Pattern is available here.

I am taking my floor mat blocking boards for their trial run wiith this one. So far, so good!

Off Jumps Jack

2011-06-17T11:24:00.006-05:00

Two whole stitches All By Myself!

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Stick a Fork In It

2011-04-25T16:10:00.005-05:00

It's really done!

This is the latest scrapghan, made from DK weight ack. From the scrap bag.

I started on 8 stitches (4 dpns size 6) and increased 8 stitches every other round until I ran out of scraps. It goes without saying that I switched needles until I was up to my 60" Addi.

Finished size is 36" or just about the right size for cuddling a little one (and for dragging around if you happen to be a toddler).

Threw in rounds of garter and rounds of k2 tog, yo as the spirit moved me.

It's done!

I think it looks like a god's eye when it's turned this way.

.

Scraps, Odd Balls, and Other Nonsense

2011-04-17T08:40:00.004-05:00

Now that TPT's Dragaroundghan is finished and mailed (and received and thanked), I turn my attention to the lighter weight ack in the scrap bag.

This one will be donated. It's a combination of Patons Astra, some Red Heart, and some Cervinia plus some unlabeled stuff that I had to bleach-test to ensure that it is synthetic.

The current challenge for Cheyenne River is How Much Can You Stuff In an Envelop? I have a couple of big padded envelopes that I bought at the post Office (on sale, of course--season was past). I'm pretty sure that this will fit inside one once it's completed.

Then it's off to the WIC center where (I hope) it will become somebody's dragaroundghan.

Drag Around

2011-04-10T07:25:00.005-05:00

It's a fact that every little kid will latch onto some inanimate object as a drag around.

If Mommy is lucky, it's something that can go straight into the washer and dryer (or dishwasher) without fear of destruction, decimation, or decay.

I present: The dragaroundghan.

Let's hope that TPT latches onto this rather than some of Mommy's lingere like another little kid I once knew. (Leaving it behind in the pew after Sunday services caused quite the stir in the congregation!)

Particulars: "Log Cabin" design, all sorts of 100% ack leftovers. Size 7 needles.

One Trick Pony

2011-04-03T06:52:00.007-05:00

I promise you that I formatted this post. Blogger is messing with me right now. I'll try to go in later and edit so it's more readable, but if I don't post this now, I might not get it posted for days! Edited to add: Blogger isn't adding breaks and paragraphs today. (I added them manually)

Babies are popping up all over and so are baby booties! This makes 3 pairs I have finished in the last couple of weeks. (One pair has already been given away.) Super easy knit from Morehouse Merino Knits in washable wool or wool blends.

I went on a quest yesterday for washable wool. Came up empty in all 3 big box stores locally, so I decided just to make do for the next couple of pairs. I'm sure that I have something washable here that isn't Red Heart!

Did I mention that these still need their little ties? I'm debating the benefits of chained strings vs. ribbon.

And in other Knitting Knews, I finished the March Challenge Dishcloth (one of the groups I participate in) just under the wire. This might be a fair entry, though I'll need to decide whether it's a dishcloth or a doily between now and August.

I am making some progress on a sweater/tee-shirt/vest that I am making for myself, and I am nearly finished with TPT's "drag around"/scrapghan. ::whew::

Signs of Spring

2011-04-02T16:58:00.006-05:00

Pregnant squirrels begging at the back door

Twenty-five Little League dads raking the infield

Little kids trying to catch a fish on opening day of trout season

First yard sale of the year

Phillies home opener

And you thought I was going to say "robin!"

Ever Wonder

2011-03-23T16:18:00.002-05:00

if there's any real difference between the store brand and the "name" brand?

This afternoon, I made 2 batches of cupcakes for a party on Friday.

The chocolate ones are the store brand from a store I trust. And trust me, the few canned foods I buy (tomatoes, beans, a couple other odds and ends) generally are this store's brand. Why? Because I can't really tell the difference. Yes, they are that good!

So, there was no doubt when I compared the incredible array of cake, brownie and quick bread packages, that I would grab the store brand cake mix.

I already had a box mix (Duncan Hines, if anyone cares) at home, but I wanted to do two flavors.

First up was the chocolate (store brand) and then the "confetti" (DH).

Technique was identical. Same eggs, same oil, same tins, same mixer, same oven. But look at the difference in the finished product(s).

Not a mistake I'll make again soon!

But heck, add enough frosting, and they'll be just fine.

Getting Bigger

2011-03-20T08:54:00.002-05:00

Just like its intended ~~victim~~ recipient, the scrapghan grows.

It was a rough week for knitting time. The Other Half is headed into a major work deadline, and I have also been very, very busy at work, so there hasn't been a lot of time to spare for relaxation.

I think I'm at about the halfway point on this one, but the rows get longer.

What I've Been Up To

2011-03-13T09:04:00.002-05:00

I haven't really finished much of anything since I posted two (really, that long) weeks ago. I've dipped into the scrap bag of ack odd balls and started a scrapghan for TPT. Seeing that 90% of what I had was red, white, or green (leftovers from Christmas decorations/stockings), I added a couple of skeins of Red Heart Classic (the yellow and the orange) and got down to it.

This is how far I've come. (Not very.)

I've been working on a summer layer for myself as well, pattern by Oat Couture, yarn a huge cone of reclaimed cotton in a color called "bark" that I bought from Elann.com many years ago.

I'm not sure what I was thinking when I picked this color (I also bought faded denim--long since knit up and the sweater given away--and eggplant--still on the cone). I think it will go well with some natural linen slacks that I already own. We'll see. It will definitely need to be a layer, though.

And last, the only FO of the times. A pair of booties in Patons Astra color Camouflage Ombre. Pattern is from Morehouse Farms Merino Knits. It's my go-to, hurry-up baby pattern.

Not for TPT!

Welcome Spring!

2011-03-12T08:59:00.002-05:00

A walk around the yard uncovered some sure signs that 1) spring is on the way and 2) we are bound to get hit by another snowstorm before it arrives.

Daffodils, getting ready to bloom.

Snowdrops already blooming.

This Would be Four

2011-02-27T12:57:00.003-05:00

The Older Kid requested a sweater. But not for himself. For the Not-So-New Daughter In Law. (I need to find a shorter name for her!)

Seems that both he and TPO have Wonderful Wallabies (in gray and red respectively) and TPT is really still too tiny for one (but he's growing like a weed, so I should probably cast on soon--green, I think). Anyway, Momma needs one!

She picked out the yarn (Elann Superwash Bamboo, eggplant) when they were here at Christmas.

Last night, I grafted the top of the hood and the underarm stitches. It will be going out in the mail this week.

TPO has decreed that when going for a walk in one's Wallaby, the only way to go is Hood Up and Hands In Pouch.

And now you know!

Isn't it wonderful to be Three and In Charge?

Off the Loom

2011-02-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

Over the past couple of months, I have been doing a bit of weaving on my Flip (Schacht Rigid Heddle) loom and have a few things to show.

First up is a scarf made of several different odd balls of shades of purple and navy for the warp (chenilles and rayons and silks and something called "seta") with sock wool for the weft.

Overhand knot. Nice long fringes.

I love the faux ikat in the stripes. That's the seta ribbon-y stuff.

Next, two of a set of 4 placemats in various odd balls of mercerized cotton for warp. I used a soy blend for the weft.

I made a similar set for a friend but neglected to take a photo before I put them in the mail.

Used a zigzag stitch with the sewing machine to finish the edges, rather than knot the fringe.

Another scarf.

This one in some sort of blend in lime green and pinks-> burgundy for the warp and Brown Sheep Lambs Pride worsted in a variegated (kettle-dyed-looking) shades of pink forthe weft. You can see how it striped in the weaving. Interesting.

I was hoping that the warp would felt up a bit, but it didn't. I did not test the yarn before warping, so I had no idea when I threw it in the washer (in a mesh bag) for 5 minutes of cold water aggitation what the final result would be.

Final result: The Lambs Pride softened a bit; felted a bit. The unknown yarn that I used for warp sat there like a lump and didn't do a thing.

Here's a closer look at the weave structure and the twisted fringe. The green is much more obvious in person than it is in these photos.

I believe I used a 5 dent heddle to weave. The 8 would probably have worked just as well, though the fabric might have not been sufficiently drapey.

Obligatory bathroom mirror shot showing one possible way to wear it.

There's a huge basket of other odd balls calling my name. Some were "collected" on various trips, others are leftovers from projects past. Some were gifts. Some I purchased. All are lovely and deserve to be used.

Three Down; Eight To Go

2011-02-06T19:30:00.004-05:00

After several false starts (I think I taste-tested at least 4 patterns with this yarn including lace, cables, and a combination thereof), I finally hit on the solution: Let the yarn speak!

And it did!

This is Moda Dea Silk 'n Wool Blend (85 wool/15 silk) and of course, it's no longer available. It held up remarkably well through several trips to the frog pond.

Pattern is Knitting Pure and Simple Neckdown Summer Cardigan (221) . I modified by adding 2" to the sleeves and a little to the length.

The fabric is lovely. Buttons are from my stash.

Color in this close-up is closer to reality.

And in case I feel like I haven't knit enough purple lately, I've started Sweater #4. A Wonderful Wallaby. In eggplant!

Sounds In the Night

2011-02-05T18:27:00.003-05:00

There are few things that make me cringe more than the sound of the snow plow/salt truck while it's still dark out.

This morning was a Cringe Day.

Our driveway was still have ice-coated because it's in the shade for the better part of the day. There's snow pack under that ice, if we could just break through, the blacktop would be exposed and the sun's warmth would help with the melt.

Ice melt (calcium chloride) is in short supply. We were able to score 100 pounds (2 bags) at a small independent hardware store. Customers were sitting on their bags so that they wouldn't lose out.

The Big Box stores were sold out (but promising there will be more on Monday).

Salt (sodium chloride) is a piss poor substitute.

Spring can't get here soon enough!

Imbolc

2011-02-02T06:42:00.002-05:00

Today, according to the Celtic calendar is Imbolc, the first day of spring. Bring it on!

It's also the feast of St. Brigid and time for a poem.

IMBOLC

So the skies rumbled and the snows came,
And everywhere down through the centuries of this gray night,
Came women gathering to pray,
And to sink their hands into the dark earth.

They gathered seeds and prepared them for planting,
They meditated in the icy darkness,
And they celebrated the lambing of the first ewe,
To hasten spring.

And when through the earth they felt the stirring,
They sang songs encouraging the tiny seeds to grow.

In the dark, wet soil you can smell their work still;
They are digging along beside us. Listen!

The north wind carries their song across the snow,
This Imbolc night.

As the Earth prepares for Spring,
Wise women gather in circles to await the promise of new life,
And to sing praises for the green earth.

And so do we, here now,
This year, and every year.

Welcome Imbolc!

--
Jill Yarnall

Spectacular Sky

2011-01-29T07:17:00.003-05:00

I don't often get the opportunity to watch the sun come up.

Yes, I drive to work in the dark and unlock in the dark, but usually, I am so engrossed in email and voicemail that I miss the beauty of a sunrise.

This morning's was especially beautiful. This photo does not do it justice and color correction didn't help.

You're just going to have to imagine it. Sorry.

It looks like it might be a wonderful (snowless) weekend, though I am not holding my breath. There's another storm heading up the coast, scheduled to arrive Tuesday.

Big Foot and Little Foot

2011-01-25T20:15:00.002-05:00

Just a little something(s) going in the Valentine's box for TPO and TPT.

Yarn: Moda Dea Washable Wool, Patterns (Big Foot) Nola's Knitted Slippers from the Seaman's Church Institute website, single stranded, size 5 needles, and (Little Foot) booties from Morehouse Farms Merino Knits, Baby Blanket with Booties and Hat, also on size 5 needles.

Quick and easy.

You could whip up a pair for this year's Heet the Feet campaign for Cheyenne River Reservation! Deadline (self-imposed) is February 15.

All Those Ends

2011-01-23T08:47:00.002-05:00

One hundred twelve. Ends To Weave In.

Usually, I would weave as I knit, but not this time. Narrow tubes on double pointed needles. Nah. It's hard enough to keep from losing stitches.

All in all, though, a pretty good sweater. It should warm a child nicely. It will go out in the mail on Monday or Tuesday with some other stuff I need to mail.

The particulars: Worsted weight wool odd balls including Patons Classic Wool, Lily Sugar and Cream 100% Wool, and Panda Woolbale. Pattern from Ann Budd's Handy Book of Sweater patterns. Size 30" chest. Size 7 needles.

My concern about the jog at the color changes was (mostly) unfounded.

The purl bumb disguises it somewhat and it's under the arm (down the side), so not "front and center."

I have lots of wooly stuff left, but other deadlines to meet, so this will be my last effort for this campaign. If you have the time, wool, and inclination, won't you consider warming a child you ~~may~~ will never meet?

And now, for something completely different. . . Stay tuned!

No Pictures, Some Reviews

2011-01-21T16:08:00.003-05:00

Short and to the point:

Movies: Duck Here's what Netlix said: "Esteemed character actor Philip Baker Hall scores a rare star turn as Arthur Pratt, a lonely widower whose life finds renewed purpose when a duckling mistakes him for his mother. Together, this odd couple wanders Los Angeles on foot, searching for a new home." Here's what we thought: 1* (because there isn't anything lower!) Depressing, sad. Old guy adopts cute duckling, gets evicted, lives in the woods. Duck gets big, no longer cute. Maybe it got better, but we bailed after 30 minutes.

Books: Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortenson. The New York Times said "As “Stones Into Schools” chronicles the institute’s work, it captures the physical and political landscapes of Afghanistan in ways that make it exceptionally timely and compelling." Where's the "agree" button? It's a wonderful follow-up to Three Cups of Tea. Buy it. Read it! Learn from it!!

The weather: No one but me commenting here. Winter sucks! Big time.

That is all.

Odds and Ends

2011-01-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

A call for additional warm woolies (especially sweaters for 7-16 year olds) from A4A prompted me to dig into my wool odd ball bin for some coordinating yarns.

What I found was some well-aged Patons Classic Wool in Evergreen, Navy, and Burgundy, and some slightly less-aged Rich Red.

I teamed those up with some Lily Sugar and Cream 100% wool (talk about well-aged!) in Dark Green, and some Panda Woolbale, also navy.

Next, I dragged out Ann Budd's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns and checked to see how big I could make my sweater with the yarn on hand (30", it turns out, so somewhere about a kid's size 10-12 depending on ease).

Then, I cast on. And you can see where I am going with random stripes on the body. (Click on the picture to make it bigger.) I'm almost ready to bind off the underarms and start the sleeves.

Okay, confession: I started one sleeve and finished the cuff (car knitting) but I still have about 12" of tube to knit and another to make before I join everything and I still need to decide: round yoke or raglan. . .

Here's how I am creating the pattern: using random numbers of rounds of each color, I purl the round when changing colors. I like the purl bump change over. The texture is neat! The only side issue is, well, the side. I haven't figured out a good way to do a jogless jog at the color changes when the stitch is p, not k.

We are experiencing a snow day (or rather an ice day) here in eastern Pennsylvania. The Other Half ventured out to drive to work. I am sitting and knitting because we have a 2 hour delay at my work. It's pretty nasty out there.

Have I ever mentioned how much I despise winter?

And a Hat To Match

2011-01-16T05:03:00.003-05:00

Here's Ugly Baby modeling a matching hat for the Rambling Rows Jacket.

I used the pattern found here with the following modifications. Instead of 2 strands of worsted weight and size 11 needles, I used 1 strand and size 7. I made a total of 6 wedges, 2 of each color. Before seaming, I picked up stitches along the bottom edge and knit 3 rows, ending on the wrong side Then I bound off loosely in purl, seamed it carefully and called it a ~~wrap~~ hat.

Ugly baby's looks have not improved with age. Just sayin'.

.

Committing

2011-01-15T07:40:00.003-05:00

Since I have now committed in public (okay, bloglic) to making 11 sweaters this year from stash, I guess that I had best start figuring out what they will be.

The requested sweaters are a no-brainer.

1) a Wonderful Wallaby (Cottage Creations) in a lovely machine wash woo/bamboo blend in deep purple

2) a summer cardigan in Moda Dea Silk 'n Wool (also purple)

3) February Lady Sweater (this one has been in the planning stages for at least 18 months, possibly longer) in Needful London Tweed in a dusty rose color.

4) simple top-down for A4A using up either Patons Classic Wool odd balls (burgundy, green, rust) or some stuff I kool-aid dyed several years ago (shades of reds, golds, orange)

5) something for TPO

6) something (Rambling Rows?) for TPT

It's a start.

Mission Accomplished

2011-01-14T18:50:00.000-05:00

Last year's 10 sweaters project was so successful (and helped reduce stash so effectively--not!) that I decided to host a re-do.

This year, I'll call it 11 in 11 and attempt to use stash to make 11 sweaters, (and this is new) at least 5 of them for charity (though a lot of last year's batch were donated.

Here's Number 1--the front.

And the back.

The pattern is Rambling Rows Jacket (Cottage Creations). The yarn is Red Heart Classic leftovers from the 9-patch blankie.

This is easy in-the-car or watching mindless TV mindless knitting once the various sections are set up. It's a relaxing knit.

There will be a hat. And once the hat is finished, the trio will be a Fair Entry. (Yes, I really am starting early this year.)

I have requests (from family--I don't take requests from friends or casual acquaintances) for at least 2 more sweaters, but I'm thinking that Tiny Prince Two/Too might be in line for one of these. His will be washable wool, though.

As Promised

2011-01-09T08:02:00.004-05:00

I'll be posting photos and descriptions, etc. for all FOs as I can (and am inclined and they aren't super secret stuff).

This is my first (and likely only) pair of slippers for this year's Heet the Feet for Cheyenne River Reservation.

The pattern can be found at the Seaman's Church Institute website (you'll have to noodle to get to patterns). The pattern is Nola's Knitted Slippers. Two strands of DK weight ack (Paton's Astro and some stuff from Smiley's), size 9 needles. They are a bit small for me, so will likely fit a middle school age child. Using worsted weight (as the pattern directs) will make an "adult medium."

I am stocking up on purchased socks (mostly Fruit of the Loom) and want to buy a couple packs of tube socks at the Mart of K to include in my Heet package.

If cold feet make you sad, consider joining in this campaign.

That Mitered Square Blankie

2011-01-08T08:08:00.005-05:00

There was a request for more info, so here it is:

I generally use size 7 needles with worsted weight when I blankie knit.

The squares in the most recent one (eyes left) are based on a 10 edge-stitch module, so, for the small squares, cast on 20, mark the center, and proceed. Bigger squares (the "unbleached muslin" ones) have an edge that is 3 times the small one, so 30 stitches on a side--cast on (or pick up) 60.

You can follow this recipe to make a 4-patch look-alike or to mimic any other quilt pattern (like Lights and Shadows/Around the World) that is based on patched squares. A Google "image" search on quilt patterns (or Around the World quilt pattern) provides lots of inspiration.

You can make the base squares bigger (I don't recommend smaller, even in heavier weight yarn--just too many bulky edges where you join).

I do recommend orienting the squares so that all the diagonals go in the same direction. I like it better that way, but you don't have to do that either.

Knitter's choice!

First and Second of the New Year

2011-01-07T16:30:00.005-05:00

I hereby resolve to be a better blogger.

I will blog regularly and often.

I will post pictures of Finished Objects even when it's hard to discern what the heck they are. Witness: black wool cap for Ship Support that is my first 2011 FO.

Pattern from One Skein Wonders (the original) edited by Judith Durant. Yarn is Naturally Loyal (dk weight washable New Zealand Merino wool).

Second FO of 2011 is this baby blanket fashioned from leftover odds and ends of Big Box ack. Mitered squares, lots of ends to work in, but no seaming.

If it looks a bit like a nine-patch quilt with a lot of unbleached muslin, well. . .my work here is done.

It will be a fair entry with a baby sweater (Rambling Rows Jacket by Cottage Creations) and some sort of hat in the red, yellow, green, blue and natural.

Lots more in the planning stages. I promise to post them as they are finished.

Almost Didn't

2011-01-03T19:47:00.004-05:00

I almost didn't get TPT's Christmas stocking finished in time for Santa's visit, but there it is--far right.

I bound off and grafted the toe and seamed the seam right about December 20. That's cutting it kind of close.

We are running out of room!

Ring Out the Old; Ring In the New

2010-12-31T15:34:00.005-05:00

Each December, I post a list of my Finished Objects (FOs) for the year, and this year, though the total is pitifully small compared to years past, I am doing it again. I blame Facebook (or rather Farm Town and Farmville) for the diminished numbers. I spend way too much time playing and I really need to stop. And I will. Just not today.

To the left, you see what is probably the last FO of the year, a cotton dishcloth in Sugar 'n Cream Rainbow Bright. A bunch of us on one of my lists are making this cloth in a variety of yarns and colors.

The pattern can be found here. It's impressive looking, but really quite easy. Mine took about 35 grams of worsted weight cotton or about 65 yards.

The only project currently on the needles is a scrapghan of RH ack. Sort of a 9-patch looking thing. even if I jumped on it right now, and knit straight through until midnight without stopping, I could not possibly finish it. So it will be amonth the first of 2011. I plan to match it with a baby-size Rambling Rows Jacket and some sort of hat as a fair entry. (Yes, I started earlier this year!)

And now for the list. Regular readers may remember that last January, I committed to 10 sweaters from stash. I am pleased to say that I actually finished fifteen sweaters (granted, some of them were for babies and others were vests, but still. . .)

Okay. Here's the list:

Adult sweaters-2
afghans-1
baby dress-1
booties-3 pairs
children's sweaters-13
Christmas stocking-1
dishcloths-5
dishtowels (woven)-7
doilies-2
hats-10
lap robes/baby blankets-6
mittens-6 pairs
placemats (woven)-7
potholders-1
baby hats-4
purse-1
scarves-8 (2 knit, 6 woven)
socks-1 pair
toys-1
Christmas ornaments-6

The dent in my stash? 18 miles of yarn knitted up; 30.52 pounds.

I am in no danger of running out--I still have more than 75 miles in balls and many many miles of coned stuff. And the kits. And the partial balls. And the stuff I never logged (like the Sugar 'n Cream that went into the dishcloth in the photo).

I am committing to another 10 sweaters from stash in 2011 I have already selected patterns and yarn for the first two. A couple more will be easy--they'll be for TPO and TPT. The rest will be for my serious commitments (the reservation, A4A, etc.), you know, "charity."

I wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy new year.

It's Been a Long, Long Time

2010-12-28T14:42:00.002-05:00

As several of you have reminded me, I haven't blogged in a while. You see, I've been sort of busy.

Twice since I last blogged, we have had company (a rare occurance in the Casa) and then there were the holidays and the annual visit of the Plague (Hamthrax, head cold, call it what you want, but it's going around and around and around)!

Christmas morning dawned (not nearly as early as I remember it 30 years ago) with presents and stockings and a visit (secret in the night) from a Jolly Elf.

All was good.

Matchboxes can entertain a 3 year old for hours on end! And so, there were Matchboxes galore! And then some more. (Just between us, there are at least 8 more of those suckers hidden in my office. . .Just saying.

First Christmases are very special even if you won't remember them.

That's why we take pictures.

We know that they don't stay this size for long. Just look back to January 2008 posts to see the Tiny Prince, Original (TPO), at this same age and size.

Note: TPO is 3'3" tall now, though he insists that he is "Just 3!"

And we take pictures so that we will remember very special smiles, because they are so precious.

Also precious: snuggling with a teensy at 2 in the A while he eats. And burps. And remains upright for 20 minutes. (I did a fair amount of one-handed "farming" in the middle of the night.)

And just as precious: Waking up at 4 in the A to a little person who says, "Hi, it's me!" and then crawls into the middle (one pillow, one blanket, no piggyloo) and sleeps for another three hours (saints be praised!) until teensy wakes up again to eat again. And burp. rinse, repeat.

Cindy Lou Who has nothing on the Tiny Prince Two (TPT) who is seen here wearing the hat I made for his Big Brother (TPO) for his first Christmas and his very own red wool hoodie (pattern at Knitting Pure and Simple in the free section).

I'm afraid if you want to replicate the hat, you will have to wing it.

The sorta "recipe" can be found here.

The shirt is an old favorite. I try to wear it often during the season.

Ready To Mail

2010-11-10T13:29:00.003-05:00

This little vest (about a size 8) was a great stash-buster. I used up 5 balls of yarn (about 800 yards total), 4 of them chunky/bulky weight, the 5th, sock yarn.

I used the pattern found here and made the vest version (scroll to the bottom).

It was fast, easy, and warm.

Mailing off to Afghans For Afghans for the current campaign.

This is sweater #14 that I have knit this year, all from yarn I had stashed. I made my goal (10 in 2010) and might actually try for 11 next year!

Some Finished Stuff

2010-11-06T05:21:00.005-05:00

Here's a picture of the next three woven dishtowels. I hesitated to post this so soon, as they were just put in the mail to the intended ~~victim~~ recipient earlier this week.

But what the heck. If I wait, I'll forget and my loyal reader will never get to see them.

Same as before: long warp, then differeing patterns for the weft.

Cotton chennille.

And here's a stash-busting mitered square blanket that I will be putting in the mail to Afghans For Afghans as soon as I finish the sweater that's on the needles. Fall campaign for youth is in full swing. Blankets, sweaters, socks and mittens are the most requested items.

This one is odds and ends of wool and other animal fibers. I believe there's a tiny bit of soy silk in a couple of the squares.

Worsted weight, size 8 needles.

Sadly (or gladly) I have at least as much odd bits of wool left as I used.

Something(s) To Show

2010-10-20T16:44:00.004-05:00

I've been weaving!

These dishtowels were made on my Flip with the 8 dent heddle. Cotton chenille with crochet cotton for the hems.

The Other Half really liked my first effort, so I made some more. I warped once then used a different weft pattern on each to make them fraternal.

(And truth be told, I'll make some more, but the others are a gift, so I won't show and tell until they get to their destination.)

This one was made of multiple strands (I think 4) of a very fine cotton yarn, something along the lines of a 20/2, or about the weight of fine sewing thread. i'm thinking that I won't be making more of like this.

It was a good experience, just not one I'd want to repeat and so I probably won't.

We've Been Keeping This Under Wraps

2010-10-11T19:42:00.003-05:00

The Not-So-Tiny Prince has abdicated his title in favor of a new one! (If you click on the picture, you should be able to read it.)

Last weekend, we went here.

to meet the new Tiny Prince.

He is very tiny! And Brand New.

Welcome Conor Quinn McManus, born September 28, 2010. Coming home tomorrow!

Another Overachiever

2010-10-03T12:02:00.004-05:00

Jennifer D (whose Mittnz photo you have already seen) finished several more pairs in time for mailing.

She sent me the picture you see at the right.

Wanna get in on the action? You have until Friday (October 8) to get your 10 Mittnz photo to me (abmcmanusATverizonDOTnet) and get those Mittnz in the mail.

Another Overachiever!

2010-09-30T15:55:00.002-05:00

Here's a picture of the 15 pairs Nancy G mailed to the reservation. That's 30 warm hands!

Double Dose of Mittnz

2010-09-28T17:00:00.003-05:00

Check out these great batches of Mittnz.

Louise made these.

And Barb in Montana made these.

Both batches will be on their way to Cheyenne River Reservation so thatthey arrive in early October to warm the hands of lucky boys and girls there.

Have you finished yours? Send me a picture!

Still More Mittnz

2010-09-21T04:14:00.003-05:00

Marianne joins the Overachievers-R-Us club with her offering of 18 pairs of Mittnz this year.

I like the blue and gold pair in the front. Can you tell? They are fraternal twins!

I must confess that my own Mittn knitting has taken a back seat to fair entries and princling knitting. Warping the loom for some dishtowels that the Other Half requested didn't help the cause either.

I will personally be filling in the gap with many purchased pairs this year.

It isn't too late to get in on the fun. There are prizes (oh, my) including some hanks of (donated) Socks that Rock.

All you need do is:

1) Knit ten pairs.
2) Take a photo and email it to me (abmcmanusATverizonDOTnet)
3) Mail them the last week of this month to:
Cheyenne River Youth Project
p o box 410
Eagle Butte, SD 57625

Watch for more pictures here.

And Some More

2010-09-16T17:06:00.004-05:00

It's been a long week! We are awaiting the arrival of the Tiny Prince's baby brother (quite a stressful time since he's not due for several weeks, but is determined to be a September baby)!

And it's been a rough week at work.

So I was really pleased to have this day brightener arrive in my inbox. Carol K sent a photo of her Mittnz pairs.

She's in the drawing for one of ten fabulous prizes (including some Sock That Rock yarn!)

Won't you join us?

Mittnz!

2010-09-07T04:44:00.002-05:00

Jennifer D sent a picture of her first 10 pairs.

(She plans to make more before the end of the month mailing date.)

Won't you join her?

What's Done Is Done

2010-08-24T19:42:00.003-05:00

I surrender.

Throw in the towel.

Wave the white flag.

I have done what I can and leave only 3 (of 32) entries unfinished.

AND, I have a running start on two for next year!

What you see left is Mr. and Mrs. Claus, other, made of stuff I pulled from the scrap bag, some batting, and a couple of buttons from the button stash.

Christmas stocking of my own devising from pristine, brand new skeins of Red Heart Classic straight from the Tru-Value (yes, the hardware store).

Traditional patterning, basic sock pattern (36 stitches).

Mr. and Mrs. Snowman-other. Both these and the Clauses are from a Jean Greenhowe book. I've used the patterns before with varying modifications.

And now, I am putting my needles aside for a day (maybe) and warping my loom for nothing but a learning experience. No deadline, no pattern in mind, just zenning out on weaving.

Fair results (and a visit from the Tiny Prince who wants to see squirrels (they don't have those where he lives) and sheep in about 10 days. Can't wait!

Closing In

2010-08-21T22:22:00.004-05:00

With 5 days left to go, I finished 2 more entries.

This first one is a pillow (or cushion)-knit. I used Plymouth Encore on a color (256) that I have used for the last two "pillows-knit" and given to a good friend as Christmas gifts. This will round out that collection.

I used a pre-owned bolster as filler (and will replace it with a new one as soon as the fair is over). No time to shop. Just keep knitting, just keep knitting.

Pattern is of my own devising: cable section knit flat, then stitches picked up on either end to cover the round parts. seamed into a tube, stuffed, then twisted cord run through the eyelets I added to the edge.

And here's Mr. or Mrs. Claus-other, to match the snowman washcloth.

I had my doubts as I was knitting. It just didn't seem to be happening in the same way that the snowguy did. But, yep, there's the Big Fellow.

Yarn (for both) is Sugar 'n Cream. Pattern (ditto) can be found here though you may have to noodle around a bit to find the snowman. Check out her other dishcloth patterns (and consider buying a download). They are quite clever.

And now, I will lay my head down briefly so that I can get up in the morning ready to do battle with the 5 still unfinished (though mostly started) remaining entries.

Fiddly? You Betcha

2010-08-20T10:41:00.001-05:00

I quite nearly made my 60+ year old eyes go completely blind on this one. The finishing touches to the 12-24" doily, knit. They are strung on a single strand of quilting thread and hand stitched to the picots.

Beads. Note to self: The large 30 g package of size 6 "Premium Beads" (made in Japan) and 85 g of glass bugle beads--definitely enough.

Anyone have any suggestions for 80+ g of glass bugle beads and 25+ g of size 6?

The beads do set if off though. And since it refuses to hold the square shape without a pillow to be stitched to (this is supposed to be the topper of a ringbearer's pillow, after all), I just let it run wild. So it's round.

Definitely worth the temporarily blurred vision. Where the heck did I put the eyedrops?

I've used this pattern for Santa ornament before, though this time, I modified it a bit. Yarn is sport weight ack and some black stuff and some fuzzy stuff, all from the scrap bag.

Lightly stuffed, he'll join the cotton one I made a few years ago on our tree.

Pattern is from Schachenmayr booklet that I think came from Elann.com. It's called Inspirations.

And when in need of a toy animal in a hurry, I like this seal pattern. Same fuzzy white yarn (and black stuff) as I've been fishing out of the scrap bag for the last several projects. Quick to make, soft and cuddly. Just the right size for a baby.

And look at that sweet face.

Hayfield Novelties pattern.

Though it looks like not a lot was accomplished, I do have a basket filled with assorted body parts waiting to be stitched and stuffed for:
Mr. & Mrs. Claus-other
Mr. and Mrs. Snow-other

My Christmas stocking is clearly many hours from completion as is the laprobe-knit, though I am still hopeful. Pillow cover is planned and in double strands of worsted weight, it's doable. The only question is: 16" square, or bolster?

I have identified and cast on a couple of stitches for Mr. or Mrs. Claus-other (in the same spirit as the snow guy.

I have given up on the shawl. That will be my jump start on next year.

I need to warp my loom for a runner or pair of placemats. We shall see.

Stay tuned.

And Another One Bites the Dust

2010-08-19T18:50:00.007-05:00

I worked continuously on this sweater today. When he saw it back around July 4 weekend (and the yoke wasn't even finished), the Tiny Prince pronounced it "MINE!" and so, when I discovered that I didn't have enough yarn to finish it, I went stalking the dreaded Discontinued Yarn Ball. Cannot disappoint the Tiny Prince.

I was fortunate and emails to the two sources Google found yielded 4 more balls (I had 5 to start with, having anticipated using them long before the Tiny Prince got So Big!)

Kirtland's Yarn Barn saved the day! I was even more fortunate that the dye lots were soooo close! I couldn't see the difference in daylight, but I alternated rows anyway.

I still have 3 pristine balls and might just ~~try to scout up~~ order a little more in a contrasting color for a striped sweater.

Here's a close-up of the cable.

Pattern from Top Down For Toddlers by Cabin Fever. Yarn is Dale of Norway Free Style in Goldenrod. Color on the top picture is true. (Yes, that yellow!)

Here's a hat-adult in some very vintage Brunswick Germantown that I encountered at Goodwill two years ago. (Yes, I am still knitting that acquisition!)

Pattern called for a pom pon, but since I already shot that wad on the cap-child, I left it off (I do not enjoy all the snip, snip, snipping!)

Pattern? If anyone really, really wants it and swears that s/he will make one, I will find it. Otherwise, it's just a nice hat! Versteh?

And last up and in serious need of blocking is a cap and sweater set in mint Dale Baby Ull. Pattern was on the 'net. Pattern here.

I modified the pattern slightly (translation: I screwed up) on the sweater, so I had to similarly modify the cap. All's well that ends well.

Or will be once I hit this puppy with some serious steam!

Tomorrow, I get cracking on all the fiddly little Christmassy Santa-y things.

Whew! Since I lowered my expectations and eliminated at least one large project (fan and feather stole on size 7s), I might actually get finished.

More Countdown

2010-08-18T10:19:00.002-05:00

As promised, the rest of the set.

The sweater is knit sideways in 3x3 ribbing. Blocking is a bear because of the "bounce back" of the ack in the Decor. ::big sigh::

It looked a lot better damp!

Hat is what you'd expect except for the little topknot.

Adult mittens. I will burn this pattern if I can find it. The thumbs are totally sucky! And the pattern doesn't compensate for the way cabling pulls in.

All in all, very unsatisfying. Destined for the reservation with my sincere apologies!

The good news is, despite all the flaws, they fit my hands, so they'll likely fit another adult.

Wool. Brown Sheep. Same Grab Bag. Sure got my money's worth!

Another doily. TiaJudy's pattern from the 'net.

Yarn? Another Grab Bag find, though unlabeled. It was nice to knit and blocked out well. I have no earthly idea of the fiber content.

I'm thinking that I might make a bunch of these stars in sparkly crochet cotton for the Christmas tree.

Scrappy scarf. I think I might have shown this one while I was knitting it.

Pattern for free on the Elann.com website. It calls for 10 yards each of lots of different yarns (their sample skeins or your odd balls) in miles and freaking miles of mind-numbing seed stitch.

You are looking at about 2 years' worth of samples.

Child's hat and "gloves" (mittens) in SWS from Smiley's. Pattern inna book somewhere. Please don't make me go look for it. There's nothing special about the pattern. It's all about the yarn, baby!

Countdown Some More

2010-08-17T09:58:00.003-05:00

Plain Jane socks-adult- in vintage wool yarn. These are destined for Afghans For Afghans in their next sock shipment.

They won't make the current batch as the deadline is the end of this month and I won't have them back in time.

There will always be cold feet, though, so I will save them and ship when the next call goes out.

A "babe" from Knitted Babes.

Lot of fiddly crap in this one. I doubt I will ever make another for any reason.

Yarns are all odds and ends an bits of dk or sport weight ack. Stuff from the bag that the Tiny Prince has wound and wound and rewound more than a few times.

Child's hat. Yet another from a One Skein Wonders book.

This one is in Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted.

All of the Brown Sheep yarn featured in this Countdown came in Grab Bags from the Yarn Girls.

Okay, a take-off on the Baltic Booties that are available kitted at Peace Fleece. I have had a copy of the photo in my "to do" folder for a really long time.

These are fashioned from bits and bobs of dk weight washable wool. They are planned for the Tiny Prince's Hypothetical Future Sibling (coming to a blog near you in October).

Trading on experience, I made the feet long.

Last up in this batch is 1/3 of the blanket-cap-sweater 3-piece set. Yarn is Patons Decor. Pattern from an old issue of Family Circle Easy Knitting. I'll post he cap and sweater next.

Countdown to the Fair

2010-08-16T09:13:00.004-05:00

I am taking my traditional mid-August week off to prep for the Great Allentown Fair.

Lots of entries. I am photographing as they are washed and blocked and stowed in the handy dandy Rubbermaid transport tote.

Eyes left: Knitting Pure and Simple pattern, Bernat Soy yarn. This one is for me. I avoided blocking until this week so that I wouldn't be tempted to wear it.

Next up, a real stretch. The entry category is "Mr. or Mrs. Snowman-other" It's a dishcloth. Held at an angle.

We shall see how creaive the judges are feeling.

Another stretch. Category: Tote Bag-other (as opposed to "canvas"). Felted wool (Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Chunky). Sorta FSU colors. It will be a gift for the dear Daughter In Law.

Pattern is from one of the One-Skein Wonders books.

Took more than 1 skein, but then, I made it bigger than the pattern suggested. (They are just suggestions aren't they?)

Felted pot holder Can't remember where I found the pattern.

Yarn is Gjestal Naturgarn that I have had for years. (I have bags and bags of this stuff intending to make many Lopi sweaters. . . Mostly, it's becoming mittens and potholders and such.)

Last up in this batch, still drying: Doily 12"-24"-knit.

Another pattern from the One Skein Wonders, though this one is a "Ring Bearer's Pillow" (we are not in need of such things).

It is supposed to have beads strung between the picots. The jury's still out on that one though I do have the beads and thread and beading needle.

I've been posting some of my entries as I finished them. There will be more.

But now, back to the knitting!

Mittn Time

2010-08-13T17:40:00.003-05:00

Kathy F finished her 10 pairz, and she tells me that there are more to come!

Aren't they pretty? Aren't you inspired?

Get in the running for some fabulous Socks That Rock yarn, or any of ten great prizes. Make your Mittnz; take a picture. Send your photo to abmcmanusATverizonDAWTnet. Then be sure to mail your Mittnz the last week in September to:

Cheyenne River Youth Project
P.O. Box 410
Eagle Butte, SD 57625

so that they arrive before winter does.

Mittnz Galore

2010-08-06T17:28:00.000-05:00

Ann H sent me this photo of her completed Mittnz. Aren'tthey great?

Don't they make you want to cast on?

Do it!

Ann will be in the drawing for one of 10 great prizes. You could be too!

What a Lot of Love Can Do

2010-08-01T16:25:00.004-05:00

Before--at Christmas, so 7 months ago.

Helen butt.

Bedraggled, furless.

Neglected.

Poor puppy.

After--Today.

Fluffy.

Plumy.

No longer skinny.

Shiny coat, bright eyes.

See what love can accomplish?

Mittz!

2010-07-31T05:24:00.004-05:00

Jean C, who is a regular contibutor to the Mittnz Blitz,sent me this photo of her first 10 pairs. Did you get that? First tenpairs.

Jean likes to knit Mittnz and she tends to make lots.

On the other hand, I hate, hate, hate the thumbs.

I could/would make lots more if there didn't have to be thumbs!

All I Can Say Is

2010-07-24T04:23:00.000-05:00

Wow!

Bev sent me this photo of her most excellent ten pairs of Mittnz.

Thank you, Bev!

Remember, it isn't too late to join in the fun. Knit 10 pairs. Take a picture. Send the picture to abmcmanusATverizonDOTnet. mail the Mittnz the last week in September to arrive in South Dakota in early October.

You could win a prize! And ten kids will be warmer.

Round and Around ad infinitum

2010-07-06T07:37:00.002-05:00

Another finished object for fair entries. Pattern
here.

The yarn is Patons Decor in the Florals colorway, purchased a while back from Smiley's. Since most of their yarns are closeouts, I wouldn't expect there to be more waiting in the wings, but you never know.

To finish it off (and make it lie flat) I added a garter-based lace edging from Jan Eaton's A Creative Guide to Knitted Lace.

The edging is knit on, so except for weaving in some ends, there was no finishing.

Finished size, 40" (about). Blocking needed.

Where Have You Been All My Life?

2010-07-01T16:35:00.002-05:00

Today was the last of the endless annual poking and prodding that goes with being a cancer patient.

Bone scan, MRI, mammo.

The tech who did my mammo (Donna, bless you!) was the most gentle, cheerful person ever. And it didn't hurt!

I know this is not always the case. Trust me, I have experience with this.

If ever there was a reason for me to say "no excuses," it's this!

Get those mammos grammed!

Same On Both Sides

2010-06-26T14:59:00.002-05:00

Back while I was without technology, I worked up this sorta-design for a reversible dishcloth (or, with more yarn and more patience) scarf.

As you can see, there's no right or wrong side.

Here's how to do it:

With dishcloth cotton for a cloth, or wool or something else suitable for a scarf, and appropriate needles, cast on multiple of 4 plus 2 plus 8 or 10 for a nice edging. [Here's my math: 4 X 8 = 32 + 2 = 34 + 10 = 44]

Seed stitch (Row 1: k1,p1 across; Row 2: p the k stitches, k the p stitches) for 4 rows.

Set up the pattern: keeping the edge stitches in seed stitch (in my example, the first and last 5 stitches) K2, P 2 across like this:

seed stitch 5, [K2, P2] to last 7 stitches, K2, seed stitch 5

Next row, and every row until the cloth/scarf is almost as long as you want it: Seed stitch 5, then for every k2, k the second stitch on the left needle, then the first stitch, p the p stitches, to the last 5 stitches, seed stitch 5.

When it's nearly square (or a nice long strip), seed stitch 4 rows and bind off in pattern.

The yarn I used was from a cone that originally looked like packing twine (yes, that pleasant a color!). I think it was Sugar n Cream. I dyed it with sassafras so that it's sort of the color of the froth on a nice cappuccino.

Very Late In the Night

2010-06-24T05:32:00.001-05:00

I got up to, you know. . .

Anyway, before climbing back under the covers, I peeked out the window and saw avery fat skunk snuffling on the side lawn.

Do not disturb the stripy pussycat!

This Just In

2010-06-18T17:39:00.001-05:00

Barbara D finished her first set of ten pairs!

She sent the photo at left as proof, so she has her name first in the hat for the prize draw. Click on the photo to make it bigger.

Prizes for this challenge are "modest." There are no signed first edition knitting books by famous designers (though the value of my first edition of Aran Knitting just plummeted--bitter? moi? Never! But I digress.) or full bag packs of yak fuzz yarn.

Instead, there will be patterns and yarn (sufficient to make a nice pair of handwarmers for the recipient) and other nice things. Modest.

Oh, and Barbara (the overachiever) also made some Hatz! Ans socks. Yay, Barbara!

Driveby Blogging

2010-06-17T18:58:00.004-05:00

It is almost past my bedtime (yes, folks, 8 in the P is sleepy time around here for us that gets up at 5 in the A).

Since I have been so noticibly absent I thought I would share a quick post and show my version of the Garterlac Dishcloth.

I used Sugar n Cream in one of the stripes (Lime, I think). Planning might have made the colors fall better.

This was not difficult, but it requires some concentration.

Announcing Mittnz 2010

2010-06-16T16:08:00.004-05:00

This is way late, but (hopefully) not a dollar short. It's time to be thinkn about knittn Mittnz!

This year's goal is 10 pairs, handmade.

The target organization has not changed. We are doing this for Cheyenne River Reservation and the Youth Project there.

By late September, there's a nip in the air in South Dakota, and by October, it's downright cold!

So. . .

I am issuing a challenge to my readers to knit or crochet 10 pairs of Mittnz. Fiber (in order of preference, based on the warm factor): Wool or other animal fiber (regular or superwash), blends that are mostly wool (like sock yarn, held double or more), blends that are less than 50% wool (WoolEase, Decor, Encor and the like), acrylic.

Mittnz can be any size from tiny baby thumbless ones to great big ones for Big Man hands. Colors should be "appropriate" to the intended ~~victim~~ wearer. That is, don't make the gigantic ones in pink, nor the tiny ones in black.

If you want to make matching hats, go for it (I did). If you want to make wristwarmers or mitts, please include a pair of "magic gloves" with them. These can be purchased as inexpensively as 2 pairs for $1 at dollar stores and Target-type places. They really add to the warm!

When you finish your 10 pairs, snap a picture and send it to abmcmanus AT verizon DOT net. Mail your Mittnz the last week in September. As always, this is a planned blitz! I hope that the staff at the Youth Center looks forward to this early autumn storm of warm hand covers.

The mailing address is
Cheyenne River Youth Project
P.O. Box 410
Eagle Butte, SD 57625

Let's see if we can send 2010 Mittnz collectively (that's 1005 Pairz)

If there's room in your package, little treats are always welcome.

The Reports of My Disappearance

2010-06-15T19:12:00.003-05:00

are false.

I know it has been a month (and what a month!) I was without computer for a bit of that, and just tonight got my camera software properly installed and working on the new CPU.

There will be pictures. And stories. And even a pattern.

But not tonight.

Only Small Things

2010-05-09T12:53:00.003-05:00

This week, I managed to finish a facecloth/dishcloth in Peaches and Creme (color: Salmon Royale). The pattern is called Speed Bump and since it's not mine, I can't share it (or even offer a link). Reverse engineering will get you there, though.

Cast on the number of stitches for the width you want, then work alternating bands of stockinette and garter stitch.

Voila!

The week's other FOs are woven. Place mats (2) and a table runner.

I used crayon colors of crochet cotton for the warp and white-white chunky cotton for the weft.

These are fresh out of the drier and could use a hit from the iron. Maybe I'll do that before I use them to set the table.

40 Years Ago Today

2010-05-04T00:19:00.003-05:00

The world as we knew it changed forever.

You can read about it here.

Share your memories in the comments.

The Other Half's brother was a senior at Kent State. He had been visiting us for the weekend (it was a big kegger weekend at the Other Half's fraternity). He had gone back to his campus and we worried mightily until we heard he was safe.

Around and Around

2010-04-30T18:07:00.003-05:00

I had a bunch of odd balls of mercerized cotton in DK weight.

Pattern is loosely modified from Bad Penny. I cast on for the largest size and just did my own thing with the color sequence. Since I had the most of the blue, I saved a full ball to use for the neckline and cuffs.

Total yarn used: about 400 grams (8- 50 gram balls), about 920 yards.

It's comfortable and nicely casual. A jeans sweater for summer.

This makes seven.

Fit For a Princess

2010-04-22T21:58:00.001-05:00

This was going to be a long ranty post about the morons I encounter on the road. . .

but then, I finished this sweet little princess dress and everything seemed too fine to start a rant. I'll save that for another day.

I love the lace panel. And the top-down, practically seamless construction. And the picot edge on the sleeves and hem.

Pattern is available (for free)here. You can see the modification I made, subbing 4 rounds of ribbing for the eyelet round and eliminating the satin ribbon.

Do you like the buttons? They are tiny bows. (Click on the picture to make it bigger.)

I have to say that this was a very quick knit. Something like 5 days start to finish, just working on it a couple hours a day. Of course, I made the smallest size.

And here's the whole thing. I like it!

.

Weave Me Some Magic

2010-04-18T11:14:00.005-05:00

I've been plotting the current weave for a while.

Our kitchen calls out for some brightly colored placemats in the summer.

And so, I dragged out the bag of odds and ends of crochet cotton (see below) that was part of a major Goodwill score a year ago and started sorting.

What I settled on was these crayon colors. The thread in each seemed slightly heavier than the typical size 10 (more like a 5?) and the colors look good together. For the weft, I am using some Bernat Chunky Cotton in white.

There were some glitches (mostly minor). First, there was the massive tangle of warp that I had to tease out before tying on to the cloth beam. Then, when I started to weave early yesterday morning and discovered that my perfect warp (oh, my lord, the tension was the best I've done so far!) was threaded only through the slots (not the holes) , I had to go back and untie, untangle again, thread, tighten, tie. Well, you get the picture.

First mat is nearly finished. I need to find something to use as a separator so that I can weave the second. I am really pleased with the way this is coming (I say that a lot, don't I?)

Here's what's left of the crochet cotton. I used some already in other projects (the striped dishtowel, the ill-fated washcloths) and I still have a bunch. Price tag is still on the bag to give you an idea of the magnitude of this bargain.

Since I do very little crochet work (and that, certainly not with thread), I suspect that this will be used up in weaving, or, when I get sick of it, I may dump it.

So far, though, I am more than satisfied with this purchase--all of $13 for enough yarn and thread to fill the trunk of my car. And the best part? What you see here is all that's left!

What You Were Waiting For

2010-04-17T10:52:00.001-05:00

This adorable dress was the pattern of the day earlier this week.

I just had to cast on! I could not resist.

Of course I subbed the yarn for something from stash (Plymouth Encore DK in Daffodil). I also made a minor modification--not especially visible or obvious in this photo, though it will be in the final photo.

I am not convinced that satin ribbon works with knitwear. Especially not in knitwear for babies. After all, the fiber is (usually) different, so it needs to be washed separately, and frankly, starts to look quite ratty quite quickly.

So, I eliminated the eyelet round at the waist (what baby this age has a "waist" anyway?) and knitted 4 rounds of k1, p1 ribbing on the smaller needles the pattern suggests to draw it in just a hair before the skirt increases.

It was a "finish as you go" project for me, so the sleeves are hemmed, the button band is tacked in place. All that remains is 4" more of plain knitting and a shallow pique hem.

So, is this a sweater, in which case it counts toward my 10 in 10, or not?

Some Progress

2010-04-16T04:39:00.002-05:00

I added another scarf to the "fair" box, but this one will also be a donation to the Red Scarf Project that is conducted each year to support kids who have aged out of the foster care system.

Perhaps you've been listening to the stories on NPR. Kids who are fostered often roll into "adulthood" with no support of any kind, though some few (the very lucky ones, it seems) may find a caring adult or family or caseworker who will guide them into maturity.

Imagine if you can (and I can, but that's another story for another day and blog) being 18 (barely) and alone in the world!

Enter the Red Scarf Project and OFA. Offering moral support and financial assistance to former foster kids who are continuing their education. They make a difference. And you can too! Follow the links and do what you can.

And here, in the Blarney Woolen Mills tote that I had to practiaclly beg for (despite having spent way more than the required minimum for "free with purchase--yet another story for another day) is the cotton tee.

It is progressing nicely, and a sudden turn in the weather makes me not really care if I finish it this week or not! Where did the warm weatther go?

Oh, I'll keep plugging away, but not right now. Right now, I am contemplating another potential fair entry.

Picture tomorrow.

The Taxman Cometh

2010-04-14T10:37:00.001-05:00

And ours are filed. So there!

Yes, we did wait until the last minute. That's because We Owe. Remember that little $800 "break"we all got? Well, we just returned it. Interest-free loan? Yep.

To the Parents

2010-04-11T16:35:00.002-05:00

of the child(ren) who called at 1:30 AM

Caller ID tells me your number and your name. Your Precious may have been having a "slumber" party, but trust me, she and her little friends were not slumbering.

Three times!?

Where were you?

Do Something With All This Yarn!

2010-04-10T07:06:00.000-05:00

That's what my mind has been screaming at me for days.

So I dipped into a hidden corner of the stash bins and came up with (eyes left, please) this lovely batch of DK weight mercerized cotton that was wanting to be something simple for summer.

Enter Bad Penny.

My summer shirt is (very) loosely based on this pattern. I'm using up odds and ends of Elann Sonata, Patons Bumblebee, Patons Cotton DK and Reynolds Saucy Sport. All the colors are soft and muted. I won't be adding anything metallic.

I have no plans to buy additional yarn, so this will be as long (or short) as the yarn allows.

The stripe pattern is 3-2-1 (repeat). the ribbing will be blue.

One Down?

2010-04-08T06:53:00.001-05:00

This scrappy scarf, made from Elann.com sample skeins, may well be my first entry
for the 2010 fair!

The knitting (many miles of seed stitch) took seemingly forever, but I stayed interested because each row (it's knit lengthwise) used a different yarn. Click on the picture to make it bigger.

There's a mix of luxury and utility in this one and some sparkly stuff and ribbon as well.

I am pleased, and I think I will enjoy wearing it.

Pattern is in the free patterns section at elann.com. Yarn selections are your own. Each row calls for 10 yards. I believe I have 45 different yarns in this one.

See You In Six Months

2010-04-07T16:29:00.000-05:00

I had a follow-up visit to my radiologist.

That's what she said to me! IOW, I am doing well.

It was a good visit.

Highly Unsatisfactory

2010-04-04T11:55:00.003-05:00

Here's an "after" photo of the baby washcloths I attempted with cotton chenille.

I decided to cut them apart and hem (by hand) before laundering (machine wash and dry). Honestly, the other option was to launder the whole strip and finish after.

I don't think it would have made a bit of difference in the long run. Even if the initial product had looked better, they will still need to be laundered.

What I learned from this project: Machine sewing! That's the ticket!

Of the 7 cloths, only 2 are salvageable. And only if I stitch down the hems.

Lesson learned!

And On To the Next Project

2010-03-31T18:25:00.003-05:00

A while back (few weeks ago, maybe?) I bought a bunch of unmercerized cotton "yarn" (and I use the term very loosely) at The Great Cone Sale (no link provided: I don't dare even go there to capture the link. I do not need/cannot buy any more weaving supplies!) at Webs.

This stuff is thin. Like sewing thread. So I used it double for the warp and and 4-stranding the weft. I have no idea what I will produce. It's slow going, but very Zen.

Okay, dishcloth(s), the dilema is whether it will be hefty enough. We shall see.

What We Learned

2010-03-29T18:20:00.002-05:00

I know this should be intuitive, but if you bring the weft yarn right up to the edge warp thread every single pick, you'll get a smoother selvedge.

D'oh!

Thus concludes today's lesson.

Six Down; Four To Go

2010-03-28T08:16:00.004-05:00

Sweater Number 6 is finished!

Why yes, it is a Wonderful Wallaby (pattern available at yarn shops and also direct from Cottage Creations: at the farm on Deer Creek, Carpenter, Iowa, 50426-0070). Yarn is Moda Dea Washable Wool. [yarn review: Who decided to drop this yarn from the line? It's lovely to knit with and makes a wonderful fabric].

Size is a 6 and used about 350 g of yarn. Just under 600 yards of worsted weight.

I'll be mailing it this week, I think, so that it can be worn before it's outgrown.