I thought for sure that my friend T’s Rikke would spell the last of my winter knitting. I figured that she’d have very few chances to wear her hat, which was the last of a 3-piece gift: Rikke, Strata (from “Knitting New Mittens and Gloves”) and Eleanor.

Har-dee-har-har. There is actual snow on the [...]]]>

Strata Fingerless Gloves

I thought for sure that my friend T’s Rikke would spell the last of my winter knitting. I figured that she’d have very few chances to wear her hat, which was the last of a 3-piece gift: Rikke, Strata (from “Knitting New Mittens and Gloves”) and Eleanor.

Har-dee-har-har. There is actual snow on the car hoods this morning. Not much but it was snow! The average temperature for this date is supposed to be closer to 60 degrees (F) than to 32. Not funny, weather gods. Well, at least I don’t feel so bad about talking up my woolly adventures with alpaca(s). That, and a mug of coffee should warm me up – some.

Details of Strata and Rikke

The plan was to knit accompanying pieces that went together but that did not necessarily match.

I made the first layer of Strata with Blue Sky Alpaca sport weight in Capri blue. This was my first foray into making fingers although I’ve made an uncountable number of mittens and fingerless mitts in my time. It turned out to be a lot easier than I thought. The only caveat? Make sure to save a bit of yarn to stitch up and secure any gaps between the digits. The fingerless cream-colored Plymouth Indiecita alpaca top layer was a breeze by comparison. The only digit required is the thumb.

A Winter Ensemble

And Rikke makes three.

I thought the German Twisted Cast-on would be difficult. At least it looked complicated the first time I saw the YouTube videos. I recommend watching 2 or 3 to get the hang of it as each person explains a little differently. How this cast-on manages to be both firm and stretchy is beyond me. I’ll chalk it up to a touch of knitting magic!

The only issue I had (and I’m not sure why) was snugging up the stitches when switching needles during the decreases. I took corrective measures with a tapestry needle afterwards.

For T’s Rikke, I cast on using the remainder of the KSD from Knitty’s Eleanor, completed in mid-November 2010. The 100 yards of remaining yarn formed the first 3 inches of Rikke. The body of the hat was done using Blue Sky Alpacas sportweight in the Capri colorway, held double with cream-colored Plymouth alpaca.  Once that ran out, the crown of the hat and remaining decreases were done in cream-colored alpaca only. I love how it turned out!

Oh, and did I mention I made one for myself? Except mine was made from one skein of bellamoden’s sport weight yarn in the Fahrenheit 451 colorway. This hat, along with my version of Stephen West’s Boneyard shawl became my “go to” gear this past winter.  Both have seen a good bit of wear but they still look fantastic.

Who doesn’t love an adventure?

Have you ever thought about adopting an alpaca? Well, that’s exactly what a group of friends did for Pirate Alice’s birthday (erstwhile alpaca farmer back story). We would occasionally talk about going to the farm where her alpaca lives but it was talk that came to naught. That is, until the fates intervened during the Chicago Auto Show.  A media blogger friend of ours was given an SUV for a week and AlpacaQuest was ON!  The four hours to the White Violet Farms in southern Indiana were worth it to see and feel the wool on the hoof, so to speak.  It was a chilly rain and mud kind of day but with these faces, no one was complaining!

It’s not as though I don’t have hand knits to wear, right?  The conundrum [...]]]> December in Chicago and the first snows have fallen, right along with the temperature.  I was afraid I wouldn’t have what I needed so I knit as fast as my fingers permitted – just to make sure I was ready for the drop.

It’s not as though I don’t have hand knits to wear, right?  The conundrum this year had to do with a cape and the colors of that cape.  Yes, a brown, cream, charcoal and rust colored tweedy wool cape that very much put me in the mind of the old Sherlock Holmes movies.  Beautiful, dashing things WITHOUT sleeves.  What to do, what to do?  My workable option came in the form of Malabrigo Hand Thingies (Ravelry). I like the faux-rib created by the slipped knit stitch, so I adapted the pattern to create fingerless mitts that extend to the elbow.  No sleeves? No problem.

Project details

(2) skeins of Cascade 128 Chunky Solid in Charcoal Grey
Size 10.75 US needles

Although I used heavier yarn than called for in the pattern, I still cast on the requisite number of stitches. I followed the pattern as written except I kept going until I’d knit the length of my forearm, alternating k2, sl 1 row with knit row until to about 2 inches shy of my wrist.  I then repeated the purl row, knit row banding as in the beginning of the normal Thingie pattern and voila!  Thingies At Arm’s Length:

Malabrigo Arm Thingies

I’ve never worn this cape so I decided its debut wouldn’t be complete without a neckwarmer and matching hat.   The challenge here came in the form of the flared-bottom shape of the cape.  It absolutely requires a fuller shaped hat to help balance top to bottom.  I have enough body issues so I refuse to look like a tweed-clad penguin with a tiny head and large body.  I settled on Natalie Larson’s Star Crossed Slouchy Beret (Ravelry). The slouch and the fullness of the softly cabled top really appeals to me.

For the neckwarmer, I stuck with the Malabrigo Neck Thingie pattern, using one skein (210 yards) Malabrigo worsted weight merino in Red Java.  Two days, start to finish:

Red Hot Malabrigo Neck Thingie

There is no way I was going to go the completely matching ensemble route though, which is why I chose the same pattern for arm and neck thingies, then the same color for neck thingie and slouchy beret.  I’ll try to snap a picture of the complete look once I get cracking on the beret.

What can you do with 100 yards of Aran-weight yarn?  Why, make a pair of fingerless mitts of course.  These should be the perfect complement to the legwarmers I recently completed for my friend Lu.

I based the mitts on the same alternating round stitch pattern of K2tog, YO, K1 and K1, YO, [...]]]>

Matching mitts for Lu

What can you do with 100 yards of Aran-weight yarn?  Why, make a pair of fingerless mitts of course.  These should be the perfect complement to the legwarmers I recently completed for my friend Lu.

I based the mitts on the same alternating round stitch pattern of K2tog, YO, K1 and K1, YO, SL1, PSSO.  For the rest, as is my wont, I decided to wing it.  I took some cryptic notes along the way so that I might be able to reproduce mitt number 2 just as I’d made number 1.  Despite my “chicken scratch,” I was able to read enough to replicate in such a way that any difference is barely noticeable.

By the way, the pattern is still in beta but if anyone is interested in trying it out before I add it to the list on the right (and to Ravelry), let me know.  I’ll send you the PDF straight away for a quick test knit.

Other business

It’s National Crochet Month (or NatCroMo as some have dubbed it)!  Find out more about this March event at the Crochet Guild Of America or join the party on Ravelry at an even jointly hosted by the  Crochet Liberation Front and Crochet on Ravelry.  If you just want to follow the action on Twitter, look for tweets tagged #natcromo.

Lastly, let me end the “which yarn for Citron” conundrum.  I went with All Things Heather in the raspberry color.  Butter Peeps ran a close second but the intensely-hued deep pink just said “Spring” to me.  So who won the random number sweepstakes for some lovely yarn?  Congratulations to #8,  Jen from Knitting Like Crazy.  I’ll contact you via email to nail down the particulars.

When it came to relating crafting stories, I felt dried up; choking on the sameness and wanting something else. I kept waiting for the spark of inspiration or the kind of [...]]]> If you’ve ever been away from something for a long time, you’ll understand when I tell you how difficult it becomes to return to it.

When it came to relating crafting stories, I felt dried up; choking on the sameness and wanting something else. I kept waiting for the spark of inspiration or the kind of project deserving of your attention because I figured that’s what was needed for me to legitimately re-engage. That is, until I observed the pure joy displayed by a 2 year old girl when I gifted her with a colorful pair of mitts the other night. She rolled around and modeled and mugged for the camera, all the while flashing her infectious smile.

A girl and her new “sleevies”

They’re little things – perhaps 4 inches in length – but they (and she) reminded me that I didn’t need a grand gesture or an intricate something requiring serious examination. Yes, she put them on backwards but she no matter. Luxy was having fun. In that moment, I found clarity. This isn’t life and death. It’s just the occasional missive that I put out into the world; my “Hello. I’ve missed talking with you.” Could it be any simpler than that?

Details
Lorna’s Laces Bulky (South Shore and Lilac) – leftovers from Thorpe (Ravelry link)
Four size 10 US / 6 mm dpns

Cast on 20 stitches, placing 10 on one needle and 5 each on the remaining 2 needles. Join in a circle and knit 12 rows of k1,p1 ribbing.

If you’ve ever made mittens in the round, you know the rest: increase for the palm, make room for the thumb then knit rounds until you reach the appropriate length. I topped out these mitts with 3 garter ridges and a little single crochet, but you can do ribbing or ribbon or roll edge – whatever your heart desires.

For those not comfortable with these loosey-goosey instructions, I heartily suggest you add Ann Budd’s “Knitters Handy Book of Patterns” to your library. It can be a lifesaver!

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…

I hadn’t seen Gloria for a couple of months. I’d heard she was getting treated for some sort of [...]]]> What started as a simple desire to provide a little warmth and softness for a neighbor who’d been ill for quite some time blossomed into a pair of somewhat stripey mittens with a matching hat to boot.

I hadn’t seen Gloria for a couple of months. I’d heard she was getting treated for some sort of cancer but that’s all I knew. What a great surprise to see her in early December! She was out walking around the neighborhood – a bit paler and thinner, but out and about nonetheless. I noticed she was wearing mittens and decided at that point to make her another pair.

We chatted for a bit about what she’d been going through for the past few months, when she revealed that the treatment made her hair fall out. “It’s just hair,” she said. “It’ll grow back.” In the meantime, I wanted to make something soft and warm for her head too.

Details
Both hat and gloves were made from Jaeger Chamonix, a lovely discontinued cabled yarn made with wool and angora. I have a couple of colors in stash that I was saving for something special at some unspecified future date. No time like now, eh? The accent yarn you might recognize as the leftovers from Jack’s hoodie: Fearless Fibers wool and mohair blend.

I originally intended to do a hemmed picot edge but I like the casual air of the rolled brim and grosgrain ribbon through eyelet instead. The variegated band above the eyelet is a simple pattern of stockinette, then 3 rows of knit and purl stitches. The crown decrease features the same simple knit, purl texture.

The somewhat stripey mittens were based on Ann Budd’s “The Knitters Handy Book of Patterns.” Nothing fancy. Just a little mix of 1-2-3 rows of striping after the ribbing at the wrist, then reverse the yarns after knitting the palm. Finish the top with every other row decrease until 8 stitches remain. Draw yarn through and anchor, then you’ve got a finished mitten.

Epilogue
I actually finished and delivered the mittens on Christmas Day. Gloria expressed gratitude and surprise that I even had the strength to go shopping for the mittens. Imagine her face when I revealed that I’d knit them. She was so shocked that she had no time to think when I asked if she’d like a matching hat. What could she say but, “Yeah, sure!”

Three days later, hat was born. It also became the last finished object for 2007. Boy, I can’t wait to see what fabulousness 2008 has in store. It could get juicy!

They were so beautiful that, on a lark, I left a comments saying [...]]]> About 3 weeks ago, Debi (of Chez FKD) penned a post called “Days of Wine and Roses.” In it, she describes the eponymous mitts she made, which were loosely based on those found in the Winter ’06 edition of Interweave Knits.

They were so beautiful that, on a lark, I left a comments saying essentially, “you know where I live and you can send them right along.” The surprisingly pleasant joke was on me! Can you guess what showed up in my mailbox yesterday?

(Click to embiggen)

Louet Gems in the “Fern” colorway. So incredibly soft. And the signature FKD beading? A visual delight! All I could think as I wore them today on the way to the doctor’s was, “I’m the luckiest knitter in all of bloglandia.” Thanks, Debi.

I also want you guys to know that your support and encouragement mean a lot to me. Even though I’ve been ordered to wear a splint on my right arm for the next 6 weeks (ulnar neuritis), I’ll still try to slip in a little knitting now and then. Shush. Don’t tell anyone.