FO - Deep Purple Libby

Chloe's deep purple Libby is finished, sewn up, buttons on, just needs a wash and a block. Good news is it fits Chloe well, and she loves my choice of buttons.

As much as I resent the amount of time it takes to assemble a sweater, I found the sewing up of Libby to be enjoyable. Certainly not something I want to do often, but assembling a knitted garment once in a while is kind of fun.

The completion of Libby has resulted in the casting on of numerous new projects, so far one pair of socks, three shawls and soon a cardigan for me. The main emphasis is color at the moment, and the cardigan will be lace, so the pattern will be creating the interest. Did not knit as much as I wanted this weekend, but at least it felt productive.

Libby is Progressing Nicely

So far I have completed the back and left front of Chloe's Libby. I am about to cast on for the right front. I am pleased with how it is working out so far, in particular I think the flair that the cardigan has will be really cute.

I have realized a slight color difference with one of the skeins, because I bought them on sale, a few of the balls were a different dye lot. I am pretty sure it will be unnoticeable once fully assembled. At least I hope so.

Casting On Libby

Today I cast on Libby, a free pattern on ravelry for girls aged 10-12. Perfect for Chloe. It is so hard to find patterns in that size, after all her chest circumference is 27". The small or extra small in most patterns is usually 30-32" and then has ease. They would be way too big for her.

But this pattern is simple, has a nice little flair at the bottom but doesn't look too 'little girl' or too 'grown up'. I'm going to have to cast on something in lace as well as I'm already having withdrawals, and as Libby is a stockinette cardigan, I'll need some back up for sure. So I don't die of boredom of course.

FO - Chloe's Posidon

So today I finished Chloe's Posidon and it fits her beautifully as you can see here:

Today I spent the morning sewing in the zipper, and I am really pleased with how it looks. The zipper and the cardigan. The zipper has been installed so that it cannot be seen while the cardigan is closed, as the fabric cover it. I really like this look. 

The cardigan fits her perfectly, plenty of room for it to be comfortable and for her to grow. As you can see the back cable pattern has not been blocked, but there was no opportunity, she barely allowed me time to tie a knot in the sewing thread before she had it on, and it hasn't come off since. So happy she loves it and so happy it fits her well.

Now I am getting hassled for little man's "button jacket". I'd better get back to work!

Memorised Kitchener

I think I have finally memorised the Kitchener stitch. On the Tangled Yoke Cardigan, the pattern requires you to graft the underarms together using Kitchener stitch. I decided to see if I could do it from memory, and I did! Including remembering the set-up stitches. So I am very proud of myself at the moment.

Today I worked solely on the Tangled Yoke, and had a nightmare with the collar. The collar requires you to pick up stitches inside the cardigan, to fold the collar over and make a neater finish. And for some reason today, I just had my uncordinated hands on, I think. Not only did I somehow pick up stitches on an angle that ended up higher than it should be, I didn't notice until I had 3 needle bind-off half the stitches. So rip. Got it all back on track and then for some unknown reason I decided to pull out the needle holding the picked up stitches. I had a major WTF moment then.

Finally I got it all back on, finished the bind off, grafted the underarms and tried it on.......PERFECT! I could not be happier. The length is perfect, adding the 5 inches on before the shaping worked perfectly. The shaping matches up with my body and makes a very flattering shape. The arms are the right length, the yoke is the right depth, and even the collar, which I thought may be bound off too tight.....sat just right.

Tonight I hope to start on the button bands and tomorrow venture out on a hunt for buttons. I really hope I can find some that work. I will also have to calculate how many I want considering the extra length I added.

On a personal note, I am thinking about cutting my hair by about 3-4 inches. Bring it up to my shoulders. Not sure it's that or getting foils, or both. I need a change and my hair is so dark, I get sick of it sometimes. I think a lighter shade may soften my face a bit. I am hoping to see a new hairdresser who will actually give advice and recommendations, not just a "whatever you want" attitude. I'm not too good with choosing flattering styles or colours for myself, so sometimes you do need help.

High Concentration

I have reached the celtic horizontal cables of the tangled toke cardigan, and especially as it is not something I have done before, I'm finding I need to maintain a high level of concentration. Last night when I began on the yoke pattern, I chose to go without tv, podcasts, audiobooks or company. I wanted peace and quiet so I could make sure that I was doing it all right as I do not want to rip back. So far I am pleased with how it is going, although each row is taking me 30minutes, so this yoke will be with me for a few days. I don't know if it is looking how it is meant to look, but I think it does. I have been following the directions carefully.

This is the first pattern I have come across that has so many different features, 2x1 cables, 2x2 cables, 2x3 cables, 5 into 1 increases and decreases. So many twists and turns that I followed the advice of others and colour coded my chart so it was easier to read. Once I have done the repeat a few times, I memorise it, but the need to make sure I do the right amount before I change to the next pattern repeat means I need to focus.

Ordinarily in my house, the ability or opportunity to focus and concentrate is almost impossible to find. Between the kids, my partner, phone calls and general noise, the only time I have to work on my yoke will be after 9.30pm when my 8 year old goes to sleep. Before that there is too many interruptions. As it is, I'm not guaranteed the nights either, lately my 4 year old son has been having bad dreams and waking up crying. By next year I hope to have more time to myself, but then again, that time is supposed to be for studying.

In conclusion I am having s much fun with the yoke, even though I have only done a few rows. I was stunned to find 2 hours had passed since I had sat down. I was totally immersed in the pattern, the yarn and the moment. I intend to do this more often.

New Fitness Goals

Now that I have definately booked my wedding, for real this time, and with summer around the corner, I feel a strong desire to get in shape......again. To be back where I was happiest I need to lose 15-20kgs, which is a big undertaking. But I will get there. Last time I lost 15kgs I did it using the exercise bike, but that has done nothing for me for the last couple of years. I have always exercised pretty much every day. So my new goal includes running.

As I have a treadmill, I have started jogging, tried running but not fit enough yet. Today was a breakthrough point, I actually enjoyed it and the time flew! Shocking! But I managed to do 7.63kms in 60mins. Very proud of myself. I do hope to one day be able to do 10kms in one go. At least that's my short term goal. So to hold myself accountable I plan to note down any kms I do and a total tally as well.

But other than running my ass off, I have finished the first sleeve for my tangled yoke and have cast on for the second sleeve. I have had no desire to work on the Wave Shawl, all I can think about is how I need another light-weight cardigan that can be worn with skirts. All my knitwear is more designed for jeans and cold weather, which is fine for today (cold and wet-record rainfalls over the last 2 days in glorious Melbourne but at least it looks like our drought has ended) but we have also had some lovely days with the sun shining, but the breeze requires light coverage.

Planning on making the Cece I think as my summer lace cardigan. I was going to make myself a Que Sera, (I loved that pattern) but I decided that there are so many patterns out there, I should try to do as many as I can! And I can always do the Que Sera whenever I want.

So now off to work on my second sleeve....can't wait to get to the tangled yoke, looks like fun!

A Tangled Yoke

Today, as i was waiting for the Que Sera to block and dry, I turned to my father-in-laws sweater vest. Basically a 2x4 rib, with the 4stitch panel doing a cable every 8 rows alternating so they are uneven. Although knit with a thick wool and on 4.5mm needles and knit in the round, it is kinda boring, working up the body. I'm in a place where I either want interesting wool, interesting pattern or a plain knit stitch I can completely zone out with. So I figured it was time to cast on a new project.

So now the Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang is officially on the needles, and I'm excited about it. It's going to be knit in a 5ply/sport weight so it should be a lighter cardigan for the warmer months. The yarn is 100% handwash wool, in Colonial Ocean Tweed. It is a gorgeous deep green with slight flecks of lighter and darker shades speckled through. I love it!

I'm not happy about the length of the cardigan though, definately too short for my liking. So I think i will knit the 5inches of garter rib, then 8 rows of stocking stitch before I begin the shaping. Hopefully this will keep the shaping in the right place, but add on the extra 5 inches in length I want. I love my long cardigans......obviously!

Tonight I am hoping to take Que Sera off the blocking boards, sew the shoulders together and pick up and knit the neck stitches. There aren't many rows so it shouldn't take too long. Then I'll sew in the sleeves, try it on (we are pretty much the same size) and then put it away in it's box, awaiting Christmas. After taking photos of course!

Love Danielle

New Years - Casting on and weaving ends

Well, I finally finished Chloe's cardigan and she loves it. She hasn't taken it off since i gave it to her, and it doesn't even have buttons yet!!! So happy and proud of myself. I promised myself I would finish by new years, and I did with an hour and a half left! A very close call. :) I did the finishing and weaving ends yesterday, but that didn't count. I had finished knitting!

Isn't it gorgeous! The photos aren't the best, but oh well. This is my first

cabled project and it was a lot easier to cabled than I had imagined. I think I now have a cabling bug :)
I recently ordered some beautiful new handwash wool in a red tweed to make my mum a long cardigan/ jacket for mother's day. This gives me five months, so I should be done by then. I can't wait to get the wool, but I expect it to be a few days away still. I bought it from Bendigo Woolen Mills and their prices are fantastic! I bought 800 grams for $44. Couldn't get close to that at my local Spotlight.
I'm going to visit a few LYS's this week, to explore, but also to hunt down some new needles. The ones i'm using are ok, but i'm sure that there are nicer ones out there. Should be fun.
For now however, I'm going to work on a simple afghan square for some mindless knitting. I then have Nathan's jumper with a couple of stripes to finish up. Even though It's summer, it makes sense to me to make these cold weather garments now, before it's too late!
Til Next time, Danielle

Long time, no post

Things have been crazy for the last couple of months. The dramas I have had with my family exceed any soap opera. Seriously. But some good has happened too, wedding date has been postponed so it falls on our 10 year anniversary. I have finished my course for this year and am learning to drive. So it's all good.

I finished my dad's jumper and have made no progress on my black ribbed cardigan. I have lost complete interest in the dishcloth blanket too.

But I did make a pathways blanket which took a couple of months but was fun because the colors were always changing so it was hard to get bored. It used up a lot of my scrap yarn. Only problem is it is more of a display blanket, not too comfy being it had so many weaved in ends. Not very drapy, but I love it.

Now I am working on a cabled cardigan for my daughter, the pattern i found on ravelry. It's called "Mi escuelita" by Rosi GArmendia. It's absolutely gorgeous and i am delighted with my progress so far. Cables are certainly easier than I expected and lots of fun. I can't wait to get to the next cable turn and watch it grow. I'm making the cardigan in purple and might even make another one for my little sister. In a different color of course :)

I also have a country style stitchionary blanket on the go, when I get bored. It's fantastic learning new stitches on a small scale. Plus it helps to use up all the single skeins i have floating around. I need the space!

Til next time, Danii xoxox

Outdoor Knitting

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, Spring is definately in the air! I had the kids outside for a few hours, playing on the swings, slide, trampoline, balls and with Angel, our dog. When they got bored with that, out came some books and the matchbox cars. While my DD read about Wooly Mammoths (and insisted on sharing every word :P) my DS set up his car ramp to race his matchbox cars through the umbrella hole in our Jarrah table. A couple of sandwiches and some fruit and they were content away from the tv which was a miracle in itself.

I, on the other hand, got to enjoy a few hours of "Day Knitting" in one chunk. While outside they let me knit on my black ribbed cardigan which was fantastic. It was so much easier to see in daylight. A lot trickier to see inside unfortunately. But I managed to add a few inches which I'm really pleased with. Just hope it fits at the end! I've never made a cardigan for myself before.

I'm hoping to go outside again today, it's supposed to be another nice spring day, but knowing Melbourne, maybe not! I need to work on my dishcloth blanket and dad's sweater today too, even a couple of rows feels very productive.

Oh and yesterday was a cleaning day too, which followed a baking day! I tidied up a lot of the house, which isn't easy with 2 kids and 2 grown men who quite frankly, can't seem to put anything away. They all have a habit of turning any surface into storage, which gets very cluttered very quickly. A bit of vaccuuming today, some more tidying and hopefully a lot of knitting!

Til next time......Danielle

Knitting in Black

I bought some yarn ages ago, in black without thinking through how it would be to knit. It's not too hard, but not too easy either. I'm knitting a ribbed cardigan in one piece, and although i'm good at ribbing, because i can't see exactly where i am at a glance, i need to look closely. I always check once in a while to make sure i haven't accidently knit instead of purled, or vice versa.

The pattern is from the book "One Thousand Sweaters" and i love the fact that the book teaches you how to mix and match bodies, sleeves, pockets and necklines. It is also fantastic for giving a lot of basic patterns for loose or fitted garments. I believe this will help me to understand future patterns that i read. I chose just a basic 2x2 rib, because of the black. I want the cardigan to be fitted and have made it with negative ease. Only just. But i also amended the pattern to knit the two fronts and the back in one piece, so i figure it'll be a little bit bigger because of no seaming.

I have been working on my dad's sweater while reading "Comfort Food'. It's not really my kind of thing, but it's ok. While knitting my ribbed cardi I have been alternating between podcasts and listening to audio-books. I'm currently listening to "Deja Dead" by Kathy Reichs. I've read it before, but i love her books. The dishcloth blanket I'm making for my niece is plodding along, I do a couple of rows here and there when i get a chance. Usually when the kids are quiet and eating!

Definately feeling kinda lonely for knitting company, but it's so hard without a car. Unfortunately no one lives close enough that i feel comfortable inviting them over, it's a long trek for them. And I don't know any knitters that live closer. Hopefully I'll find some soon, taking little one to playgoup this week, might meet some then!

Til next time . . . . . Danielle

No Followers :(

Had a sad realisation today, no followers :( Poor me. Oh well, just like a diary I will babble to myself. It's been a while since my last post. The cardigan is finished and dearly loved. Worn multiple times. Fits well, but in my opinion it's a bit short and the arms look a bit too baggy. But gotta love those kids, 7 year olds don't spot the flaws, just the love.
I would post a pic, but haven't figured that out yet.

I started knitting socks for myself, but the bad luck was the first one was huge! Although I followed the pattern and checked the gauge, it just wasn't right. I made another which I finished tonight and it fits perfect. I just need to knit the second sock now, and i'm so excited to wear them! They will be my first knitted socks.....ever!

I haven't made much progress on my dad's sweater, been too busy with my socks. I did start my niece's blanket/afghan. It's made out of double sport ply, on 6mm needles. Each square is a dishcloth pattern, of a heart. It actually looks really good. Very very pink!

My third term of my studies begins today, and I just want to knit! But oh well, i'll pick it up tomorrow. Still addicted to Knitmore Girls Podcast at the moment, and I have a few more waiting in line. I have also downloaded a heap of audiobooks, including Harry Potter and Twilight, as well as Jonathan Kellerman, David Baldacci, Anne Rice and more. I'm kinda bored with tv at the moment.

Til next time...........Danielle

What's next?

I have almost finished the cardigan, sewing it up and then knitting the neck, then i'm done. Which is great because I'm sick of hot pink for the moment. I'm excited about making more progress on my dad's sweater, getting through the ribbing so it can be a reading project. I also plan to start my first pair of socks, for when I'm watching tv with my man in bed. Something that requires some focus, but allows me to still watch the movie. Over the years I have bought dozens of multi-colored acrylic yarns, every time I saw a color combination I liked, I bought it. I had no idea what I would use it for though.

But my interest in socks has been peaked with all the sock crazy knitters out there. I have finally found a pattern for anklet socks, as I don't wear long socks, never have. So although the pattern requires circular needles, I think I'm going to use DPN's. I actually like using them for small circumference items.

I am reading "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs and absolutely loving it. I really enjoy the way knitting has been intwined with a fascinating story about a group of women and the difficulties and challenges they all have in their very different, yet the same lives. I love the idea of a knitting club and being a part of a group that is so welcoming of everyone regardless of their skill, background or age. It's very refreshing. Although there are similar SnB groups around me, As I have 2 kids and no car, it's very difficult to attend a meeting. Which I find so sad. I really want to go! It gets lonely knitting alone, although with my iPod, movies and books, I get by!

Til next time..........Danielle

All About Yesterday

I realised this morning that each blog is all about yesterday. I never have time on the day to write, I knit til i'm to tired to do another row.....then I go to sleep. So it's always the next morning that I blog about the day before. Oh well, it's all good I suppose.Yesterday was productive again once my son had his nap.

I knit and read Hide by Lisa Gardner and had a lovely break. Managed to completely finish the body of the cardigan and I measured it against my daughter because it looked like it might be too small. But thank goodness it looks like a perfect fit. I wasn't sure if i've got enough contrast yarn, so this morning i went and bought another ball and the buttons for the cardigan. So Cute! I found purple heart shaped buttons with little polka dots on them, ideal for a 7 year old I think.Haven't had a chance to work on dad's sweater yet, but I will get there. So close to finishing the cardigan that i can't stop! I guess that where I am a project knitter, I can't just put one project aside to start another. i'm too excited to see what the one i'm working on will look like when completed, if it fits and then I can take a photo! It definately becomes an obsession. Especially with projects I designed or amended myself, I get really anxious to see the end.

My two afghans for my kids were pattern free, just spontaneous and random yarn combinations. And this cardigan design was originally a varigated yarn. I didn't like it, too busy, so I chose a hot pink and a pale purple and did set stripes......and it's gorgeous!Hoping to knit today, if i ever finish up with housework and cooking. Stupid chores.....they just interfere with knitting time!Til next time, Danielle