My design sketches show a row of buttons on the left, front but it did not fully dawn on me until this morning that I’d been approaching the knitted realization of the sketches from right [...]]]> I seem to have been going about this the wrong way. Literally. And that’s why my neckwarmer in progress looks like this:

My design sketches show a row of buttons on the left, front but it did not fully dawn on me until this morning that I’d been approaching the knitted realization of the sketches from right to left (beginning of row) and not left to right (end of row). The lesson here is that, while you may picture it one way, it cannot be created that way (head > desk).

I’ve been at this for the past two weeks, in one way or another, with very little to show for my efforts except for scribbled pattern notes (with the requisite strike-throughs) and arrows pointing to other parts of the page. As the yarn begins to show signs of wear after being knit and ripped and re-knit several times, so does my patience with my ability to execute these particular design choices. Oh, and before anyone asks, the first item of business was the creation of two carefully measured gauge swatches.

Could lack of sleep or the pressure and pain behind my eyes be playing tricks on my inner deconstruction vision? If it’s not a bout of the galloping sinus crud, my biggest fear is that alpaca released into the air by frequent frogging might be sparking some kind of allergic reaction (cue the screeching “Psycho” violins).

Thus, here the balled yarn sits, gored by a pair of size 17US needles and awaiting new orders. In the meantime, I think I’ll knit an adorable little jumper (free Blue Sky Alpacas pattern) for my neighbor’s new baby girl. After all, Malabrigo chunky hath charms to soothe the savage breast.

Relevance? I’m simply trying to draw a parallel between a coincidence [...]]]> The Chicago Marathon was held this past weekend. This fall tradition brought over 45,000 runners of all skill levels right past my home. See, I happen to live along the last leg of the 26.2 mile course. You reach my pad, the race is almost over!

Relevance? I’m simply trying to draw a parallel between a coincidence of habitat location and the difficulty I’m having in drumming up sufficient motivation or stamina to go the distance on three half-finished projects.

One of the items in question is a sweater for this little guy, barely one month old. I already gave his parents the hat, thinking that would spur me toward the finish line having made the commitment and all. This crocheted gem will be over-sized to ensure longer wear opportunities. Or maybe, it’ll be a perfect fit by the time I actually finish it. Laugh with me.

I started the toddler mitts (also half done) months ago – like it wasn’t even summer yet – because I observed how another neighbor’s child likes to put socks on her hands like mittens sans thumbs. I figured I’d just knock out a pair of fingerless mitts so she’d be able to pull something on but still do fingery stuff which is sort of a problem when you’re using socks. She’s almost 2. I’m aiming for Christmas. Yes, Christmas THIS year.

And wouldn’t you know it, another neighbor had a baby around the same time as the child above was born – same week, in fact. In my head, I’m already thinking about which Debbie Bliss patterns would best showcase the peachy colored cashmerino in stock that was just waiting for a little girl. Argh! Must. Stop. Wheels. Turning.

I’m out of control, of that there is no doubt. It’s not that I buy yarn and patterns with wild abandon. My major flaw these days appears to be project paralysis. So tell me, my peeps: is there a cure?

By the way, have you heard about Aspen, a yarn new this Fall from Classic Elite? The yarn is temptingly soft as a baby’s bum super chunky wool / alpaca blend and it comes in a small palette of tasteful, subdued colors. I already have a couple of ideas for cute designs…

The LayoutThe Results

Materials11 skeins of Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in 6 [...]]]> How right you are! Ripping is much better than the substandard item gifting. Despite the brief setback, I actually finished my crochet version of Mason-Dixon Knitting’s Moderne Baby Blanket a few days ago. I’ve been busy (which I’ll explain momentarily) so no blogging. First, the blanket.

The Layout


The Results

Materials
11 skeins of Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in 6 different colors (Chicory, Lintel, Grape, Phlox, Chili, Peony)
US size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook.
Finished dimensions are 38″ x 28″

Pattern modifications
You probably know that the Mason-Dixon log cabin blanket patterns are written for knitting. No beef against the knit version of Moderne since I made one before. But now, time was of the essence. Besides, it seems that crochet and this 1824 cotton were made for each other, as evidenced by the way I was able to smoothly use the hook to grab and manipulate the yarn with ease.

The other thing going for me was my absolute willingness to be kinda loose with the math and let the blanket take shape, with the entire thing based on the outcome of the foundation block. The first block in the original knit pattern is essentially a 36-stitch block.

When substituting “single crochet” for “garter stitch,” remember that the single crochet is taller than garter stitch. That’s why I did the foundation block as 28 rows instead of 36. The size of the remaining color blocks is determined relative to the foundation block size. Use the Mason-Dixon pattern as a guideline for when to turn the piece or pick up new sections until you are comfortable with your color plan progression. I did a two-color single crochet border in chicory and lintel.

Other stuff…
I finally started the Rehabilitation Institute Chronic Pain Management program. Yes, it kicked my butt for the rest of the day and I was none too willing to go back for more activity today. I did it though. I’m told several forms of exercise are required daily.

I suppose that, between the army of therapists and doctors, the chances for improvement in my physical condition are significant. There’d better be or there will be hell to pay!

The young squire is due to make his appearance in July. That’s why it [...]]]> I hadn’t seen Natalia for months. In fact, up until a week ago, I didn’t even know she was pregnant. And not just a little either, as evidenced by this photo taken during the World Wide Knit In Public event in downtown Chicago.

The young squire is due to make his appearance in July. That’s why it became imperative that I come up with a gift and a color palette that suited both the mother-to-be and my crochet-only situation. Thanks to Mason-Dixon Knitting, the answer came in the form of the Moderne Baby Blanket (Ravelry), except of course substituting crochet for knit. Brilliant! Finally something I can do with all that lovely Mission Falls 1824 cotton I picked up for a song awhile back. Here’s the layout:

A = Chicory, B = Lintel, C = Grape, D = Phlox, E = Chili, F = Peony

The only thing I can’t decide? Should the colors simply flow one into the other (left) or should there be delineation between the color blocks (right). It’s working up pretty fast (thank you, crochet!), but there’s still plenty of time to let me know what you think.

The first “small things” belong to my neighbor’s newborn baby boy. Even though it took approximately 3 weeks off and on to knit the earflap hat with matching [...]]]> You know how we casually toss off the phrase, “stuff happens?” Today’s post is all about small things and random encounters as I skip across the Web.

The first “small things” belong to my neighbor’s newborn baby boy. Even though it took approximately 3 weeks off and on to knit the earflap hat with matching socks, I’m sure he’ll graduate in no time to bigger and better things – in probably less than 3 weeks time!

Two- color hat and socks made from Jaeger Matchmaker Merino

Randomnymity

Here’s another way to get small: Nikon’s small world and the obvious companion piece, The Micropolitan Museum. There are so many interesting – and usually unseen – parts of the world around us. All we need is a little help in opening our eyes to them.

A word, if you please. Where do you go for your fix? You might find a new source or two in “A Logophiles Delight!”

Quilters already know about fitting small squares inside larger squares. See how commonly understood principles of logic and design meet harmoniously in “Layers of Meaning.”