Zeneedle...needleart as life

NaKniSweMo Road Hazzard

No knit should be a slog. I've said that to several knitters this past week, including myself.  If it isn't fun, why are you knitting it?  If it's a slog, and not working out satisfactorily, why are you knitting it?  We could all use more time, especially more knitting time, so why are we so willing give up time to a slog of a knit. To digress just a little... If you need a quick gift, go buy something. It's unlikely the person your giving the gift to doesn't want your "quick" knit anyway.  Few people love your knitting the way you do and very few will appreciate it the way you do. Something as cherished as time should be only be given with great discretion.  This article in the Twist Collective says it better than I can.  OK, I got a little off track. Let's go back to the "No knit should be a slog" bit.

Just as Plan B  (Ravelry link) was moving away from the hard to see increases and into the easy knitting of the body and sleeves, I made a tactical error. All that intuition and experience failed me and I hit a big bump in the road, a bump which nearly derailed the whole project.  All the adjustments to start the sleeves were made when I suddenly had the brilliant idea to knit the sleeves in the round. How cool would it be not seam them, to just knit round and round with the Kidsilk and be finished! Whee...it sounded great! 

HOWEVER, after purchasing the size 8 bamboo needles, and starting to knit the first sleeve I quickly saw the error of this decision.  The yarn just isn't quite right for sticky bamboo and trying to handle four needles, the fuzzy yarn, a cable and the decreases (which doesn't sound too bad as I type) turned into a nightmare.   The sleeve became a BIG OLD SLOG.  I told someone that I officially hated this sweater and didn't know if I could go on.  But, go on I must and when I sat down to slog on I knew, I just KNEW a change had to be made. 

Immediately I took out the needles and started rewinding the yarn row by row.  It felt good, cathartic in fact, and before long I had the offending 4" rewound and the stitches back on the lovely Addi lace needle.  The first row of back and forth sleeve knitting and there was no doubt it was the right thing to do. That evening the sleeve was nearly finished and there was no hesitation in starting the second sleeve.  All is well in NaKniSweMoland.  Let's hope this sweater photographs better when finished than it does now.

On a happier note, the Forest Canopy Cowl in yummy Manos Silk Blend, color Java, is finished and I love it's softness against my neck.  The pattern is very quick and fun to do.  If you love someone very much, and you would like to give them something you've knit, this would make a wonderful gift.  But, make one for yourself, too.

NaKniSweMo Report

If a knitter wants a sweater in one months time, it's best to keep a few things in mind.  A sweater knit at a large gauge will grow more quickly than say something on a size 2 needle. Use a yarn that is comfortable and lovely, one that your hands will love and that you'll love.  Of course the main consideration is the pattern. Is it a time tested pattern, something tried and true with few problems to fix? Above all, check for errata to ensure there are few, if any surprises. Input from other knitters is always a bonus (thank you Ravelry) and when you are ready to knit carefully read through the pattern and mark any changes that need your attention, such as size changes, increases, decreases, a change in needle size, or if it instructs "at the same time".  A yellow marker, pencil and paper,stitch markers, stitch holders and other neccasary items should always be handy.  Follow this advice and you'll be in the running to have the sweater finished in one months time.

It's proven to be a good thing that I moved on to Plan B for NaKniSweMo.  However, this seemingly simple cardigan has had its own issues from the beginning. I may not have followed my own advice when choosing this pattern. I did check Ravelry for errata and found many complaints and problems. In addition there was loads of advice and it seems errata was added daily for a time. Hope doesn't help a knitter much, but faith is active and requires participation.  I have years of experience, dozens of classes and many finished items under my belt.  That means my knitting intuition has been honed.  I know when a project is worth the effort and when its a bust.  I took the jump, acted on faith and went for it.

Even though the pattern called for only 2 balls of Kidsilk Haze, I knew this was unlikely.  I had 5 balls of my chosen yarn on hand so knew there would be no shortage if my intuition proved correct.  Later this corrected amounts of yarn were posted and I have more than enough.  I also saw a potential sizing problem as the finished measurements did not coincide with the schematic. This problem helped in my decision to knit a Small instead of the Medium size.

Addi Lace needles have been a big help, as they keep the stitches tamed and under control and the yarn has been interesting to watch, as it changed from white to gray to charcoal. It has been a wonderful experience to knit with this yarn and it hasn't caused one minutes trouble.  Even when I've had to rip back, it has behaved well.  This knitter is pleased.

To my advantage, the small size had minimal errata. However, the biggest problem has been the way the raglan increases are executed.  Once I figured out that the YOs in the "K1 yo K1" increases needed to line up one top of the other, the increases fell into place.  Reading them as if they were a lace pattern helps, as did stitch markers, but they are very difficult to see in the fuzzy haze of mohair yarn.

Some of the pattern rows are not written out and the only way to ensure the count is correct has been to write them out for myself. Counting the stitches in each section (front and back) is critical...nothing should be left to chance. Knitting through row 19 was an exercise in patience and perseverance, but once past that point the pattern has been easier to follow. 

The beautiful, ethereal cables come out of nowhere and if they are not well marked a knitter could easily to forget about them altogether. Sadly, the do not show up well in photographs (and barely in the actual sweater).  To make sure each cable is twisted on the right row, it has been best to keep a row count as I go.  This sweater demands constant vigilance, consistent and accurate counting.  Stitch markers are a must and there is no letting down ones guard, no easy mindless knitting. 

I am now knitting the sleeves (they are finished before the body, which is a good idea) and the rest of the project should be easy going (except for counting where each cables is twisted).  I do expect this sweater to be worth the experience.

NaKniSweMo

Plan B is in place....

details to come.

Last night at 10:00pm it was 70 degrees. We had the windows open and could hear crickets chirping.  It was likely our last warm night until next spring.  Rain is on the way and we need it desperately.
Good bye fall.

NaKniSweBloPoMo Fini!

I've fallen head over heels for Scoop!

This was a fun, fast, classic knit that went together so smoothly, so nicely and I'd love to knit a second one, right now!  I've been wearing this sweater almost everyday since she crossed the finish line.  The fabric, the fit, the warmth, and style, are to live for. She's the perfect, dress up, dress down, always lookin' good sweater.  If I ever knit with Peace Fleece again you can bet it'll get the rough treatment.  It softened wonderfully and the itch factor vanished!

Scoop Pattern: Scoop du Jour by ChicKnits
Yarn: 6 skeins Peace Fleece, Blueberry Borscht
Size: 40
Needles:  As per pattern 5-8 Addi Turbo
KALs: NaKniSweBloPoMoFo
Time to Knit: November 1- November 22, 2007
Modifications:  Lengthened body and sleeves 2"

Love it!!

NaKniSweBloPoMoFo wasn't too bad, but I think I'll take it easy in December.  Have a good weekend!

Scoop du Blueberries Finishing Details

Scout de Jour was finished just minutes before we left to have Thanksgiving Dinner with Anne's family.   I didn't rush, didn't push just so I could wear it, it just happened that way.  The perfect buttons were found on Wednesday and the perfect buttonholes executed on Thursday.   

I know you're just dying  to see the finished project, but every time I knit a sweater I'm asked how I get them to fit...so, don't you want to know my secret?  I'm also going to share with you how to make a good button band the first time.  I'm no expert, it's just that I really don't like doing things twice, if I can avoid it at all.  My methods aren't fool proof, but they will improve your success rate.

First, do the gauge thing folks...just do it.  Knit a 4 to 6 inch square and treat it the way you would your finished sweater.  I like to wash my sweaters on delicate, cold water, in the washer and lay them flat to dry.  That's what I do with all swatches.  It tells me how a yarn will react and helps in judging what size to knit.  Knitting math is as easy as basic math...you can do it, if I can, you can. 

Take your favorite fitting piece of clothing and measure it.  That will give you a good idea of what size sweater to knit.  Claudia used an already finished sweater as a template when she knit Thermal...that's a perfect way to insure your sweater will fit. While knitting I check my gauge often, to make sure the stresses of life (or the extra relaxing times) aren't taking a toll. I also try the pieces on if I can.  Every piece is measured when finished and, I block as I go, which is a good way to to make sure all pieces are the size they should be.  Measure, measure, measure...it can't be done too often.  Count rows to make sure you sleeves, and the pieces of the body are the same length, so that everything will sew together smoothly.  All in all, that's pretty basic knitting advise...Knitting 101.

(I deleted my math as several people let me know it was wrong. It was messed it up...I can't do math, evidently...but, some how I did get the right number of stitches picked up and the sweater looks great.)

The way I placed the buttonholes is a little less scientific. One button is in the neck band and the last button is 2" from the bottom edge.  With the 2x2 rib it was easy to space the rest by counting the ribs. I can't tell you how much I love this sweater, but I'll try (on Friday). Nancie Wiseman's book, Finishing Techniques, has been my go to book when it comes to finishing details and her one row buttonholes can't be beat.  Don't skimp on knowledge when it comes to doing a good job of knitting and finishing.  That's Basic Knitting Advice, Knitting 101.

Scoop - The Finishing Touches

Sunday, while pinning the body pieces of Scoop to the floor, I noticed a glaring error.  The back neck 'scoop' was as deep as the front neck 'scoop' and I knew that just couldn't be true.  Upon inspection of the written pattern, the error of my ways became clear...the extra two inches of the body length had not been added into my calculations before starting the neckline.  That meant the a reknit!  I had just given the sweater a good dunking, with agitation, in order to fuzz up the finish and help the yarn blossom to its maximum.  Would it be possible to pull back and reknit? Would the yarn be felted together? 

After allowing it to dry thoroughly, I cut off the shoulders (much easier than trying to rip back) and raveled until just below the neckline.  The yarn was fluffy, slightly fulled, but not felted to itself....thank goddess!  However, I knew the problem would come in reknitting the area with yarn that hadn't been 'processed'  for maximum bloomability.  To that end, I wound off what remained of a ball onto my niddy noddy, tied the skein in several places, and proceeded to dunk it in a bath of hot water and soap. I stirred the waters wildly for a minute or two and checked the yarn.  It was perfect and looked very much like the finished fabric. 

Monday evening I began reknitting, found the yarn worked well and left no line of demarcation.  What a relief! The neck was finished quickly, the sweater pieces sewn together and the front plackets begun.  The photo shoot should happen right on schedule...if I can find buttons! I forgot about buttons!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!  I'll be back tomorrow if you want to stop by...it is NaKniSweBloPoMoFo, ya know!?

It Won't Be Long Now - NaKniSweBloPoMo

Can you tell this picture is of Scoop de Blueberries, her back and both sleeves?  I thought not...it's so hard to get pictures on the fly and in poor light.  The first front is coming along nicely, which means the sweater could be finished by this weekend. However, I have no plans to push myself and this week is extra busy.  It's been very enjoyable to watch the inches grow, row by row and progress continues even as there has been backtracking.  The first sleeve was knit waaay too long and the second sleeve was started with the wrong size needle.  Six inches of ribbing had to be redone, as did the first sleeve cap and yet, both sleeves were finished in about 3 days.

You just gotta love that!  PF isn't a very soft wool and it's a bit harsh to knit and in the fabric.  After washing it softens and blooms.  I took things a bit farther than just a simple wash and let the finished sleeves agitate in warm water for a minute or two.  The fabric softened even more, fuzzed up a bit (like fulling), but didn't obscure the stitches or shrink.

The result was just as I'd hoped and I'll now do the same to the back and front pieces before sewing them together.  We're aiming for a Thanksgiving photo shoot!

What are Friends For?

Monday through Friday for 3 and a half years I've been talking about me, my knitting, my State...whatever comes to mind...and then I join NaBloPoMo and the mind goes blank.  Thoughts disappear, ideas evaporate, and to top it off,  Norma brags about being organized and ahead of the game. Bitch. We all know how easily words come to Norma, and now I know what writers block is.  The ideas are there, knitting continues and grows, I have a bunch of fun fibery stuff to show off...but no words come.

Today is Vicki's birthday! It's also Laura's birthday, and I do believe it's Deb's birthday, too!  Deb has a thing for November calenders...so here you go Deb....three favorite calenders.  Oh, and it's Beth's  birthday, too! Is this a record for birthday's in blogland?

The weekend was spent very quietly and, often, the only sound was the clicking of knitting needles.  Scoop is growing so quickly...gotta love size 8 needles and worsted yarn, and I'm totally in love with her good looks.  The back is finished, even blocked and I've cast on the one of the sleeves.  Everyone has a mind game they play with themselves to insure all pieces of a sweater are finished.  My game is to knit the back, knit the sleeves and then the front(s).  In this case, I might mix it up a bit and live dangerously by knitting a sleeve, one front and then a sleeve again.  Knitting should be entertaining, so why not have some fun.

Because PF  is a little harsh in its state of skein, it felt right to wash and block the back.  It bloomed! It softened and it looks so pretty!  Seeing the back in a more 'finished' state is a real boost to knitting progress. I can't wait to have Scoop du Blueberries on my back. 

NaKniSweMo

This swatch is the first step of the journey, the first step for Scoop and NaKniSweMo.  The yarn is Peace Fleece, in the yummy color Blueberry Borscht. While I've knit with PF before, I couldn't help but be a bit skeptical while knitting this swatch. The yarn was harsh, hard and the color seemed dull.  After washing and blocking all worry disappeared as the swatch bloomed, softened and brightened.  The resulting sweater will be warm and pretty.  What you barely see in the photo are the subtle, tweedy, underlying colors of purple and blue/green.  Right after work yesterday all other knitting was set aside and I cast on for Scoop. This is going to be a very quick sweater and I might just be wearing it by Thanksgiving! 

The other projects have not, and will not, become UFOs.  Here is an accounting so you can monitor the situation. The Kelly Cardigan may not grow much this month, but she will be finished before years end. She's too beautiful to leave for long, and just might be a nice Holiday sweater, as she's so rich in color.  The Shockwave Socks aren't much farther along than yesterday's photo shows...they will grow...I'm using self-discipline, teaching by example, (ha!).  As predicted, the Portrait Scarf grows so, so slowly...little progress can be seen. I love her truly, so she will get daily attention (if possible) and her day in the sun will come. (note to self: There's a lot of pink in that  photo!)

That's about it from here.  I'm looking forward to the extra knitting days we'll have during the long Thanksgiving weekend. (Yes, I realize it's still three weeks away.) That extra time will help me to reach the goal of having almost everything off the needles by the end of the year....that's 60 days away.  However, in a moment of delusion, I may have cast on for something else.