Currently viewing the tag: "knitting"
Part the First, January – March
As a reminder, pattern links are Ravelry links. All photographs from Flickr are copyright their respective owners and used for illustration and inspiration only.
April – Petrea by Amy Herzog
I fell in love with this cardigan the moment I saw it. Amy’s patterns are always so gorgeous and elegant but simple. I think this cardigan may have been part of what spurred me to want to do this 12 Cardigans in 2012 project in the first place. The original yarn called for would cost a fair penny and I miiiight use it anyway because it would be fabulous, I’m sure, but Madeline Tosh Vintage seems like a good substitute and several other projects have been done using it and look great as well. I’m torn between several colors at the moment, but it’ll probably depend on what’s available when it comes time to buy it. So far, I like Amber Trinket, Forestry and Lepidoptera.
I have really high hopes for this cardigan and may end up making more than just one!
May – Honeybee Cardigan by Laura Chau
This is a cardigan that I think will be great as a learning experience for me and should also boost my self-confidence as a knitter and as a cardigan-wearer, as I expect it will get lots of compliments, especially after I tell people I knit it myself. I haven’t yet decided if I will do a full length or cropped version – I think that will largely depend on how fit I am when it comes to making it. If it’s a good pattern, I might end up making a full length first and then a cropped one later.
I had contemplated using a double ended zipper for this one, but I think that might interrupt the flow and femininity of it. It’ll be very fun to choose buttons for this I think.
I will use Malabrigo Sock yarn, and I think I’ll use the color Impressionist Sky (though again, that might depend on what’s available when it comes time to buy the yarn).
June – Tappan Zee Cardigan by Amy King
I have 8 oz of Frog Tree yarns Meriboo top to spin up into this cardigan.
I am so excited to start spinning it up (though it will have to wait until after I actually get a spinning wheel). I am hoping to have the yarn spun and plied well before June, so that I can get more if needed. Actually I don’t think I’d be able to get the same color, so I’d try for a coordinating color, but I’ll cross that bridge if I come to it.
In any case, I expect this to be an absolute delight and suspect that I may have several Tappan Zees come off my needles in the coming years.
Have you knit up any of these patterns? What do you think of them?
I’m really excited about making 12 cardigans next year. I’ve been planning for a few months now, finalizing patterns and pairing them with yarns. I want to be open to changes throughout the year – I won’t stick with a certain cardigan if I don’t feel it anymore or if another one comes out that I like better. My goal is to have 12 cardigans at the end of the year that I absolutely adore and love wearing. (Pattern links are Ravelry links. All photographs from Flickr are copyright their respective owners and used for illustration and inspiration only.)
January – Liesl by Ysolda Teague
It’ll be a quick knit (judging from my previous attempt) and I think it’ll be just the thing to get me started with this project! I’ll need to put buttons all the way down the front, I think, just so it fits my body type better, but that’s okay because I like buttons. 
February – February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne
This is a crazy popular pattern, but I’d love to have my own. This will also require buttons down the full front (most likely). I want to use Malabrigo Rios in either Ravelry Red or Purple Mystery. I think if I use Purple Mystery for this (which would be fitting as it’s the February Lady Sweater, my birth month and amethyst is my birthstone), I would definitely use the French Blue for Liesl.
March – The Cooke Cardigan by Amy Herzog
I love the closure Amy uses here, so might try for something similar. I’ll probably end up wearing it open a lot too, which looks great.
I’ll write about the rest in 3 more installments. Don’t want to overwhelm you, or me, with writing about all 12 (plus some standby patterns) at once!
Have you knit up any of these patterns? What do you think of them?
I’m excited about crafting and recording such crafting adventures. That’s part of why I started this blog, I think, but I let other things overshadow that initial, and most important, desire. I’ve done a lot of projects in the past and either forget that I did them (the HORROR!) or can’t remember exactly how I did them in order to repeat or adjust the process because I didn’t take notes or write up an account of the project. I want to be able to look back over a year (and 5 and 50) and be able to see what I’ve done.
I’m hoping this blog will be geared more toward that in the future. Hooray for documenting projects!
In that vein, I did not end up doing the commissioned accessories – the woman that did them last year decided to do them again. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any jewelry made waiting to sell, otherwise I probably could have sold some of that to the gift shop instead. I’m hoping to have some regular jewelry making days going forward so that I have inventory on hand if the gift shop needs any. (I had been doing a full weekend or two of jewelry just every once in a while instead, and I believe it leads to specific-craft burnout. So no more!)
One of the things I’m SUPER excited about at the moment is purchasing a spinning wheel. It’s all I want for Christmas and I’ve told the appropriate people that so I’m hoping to cobble enough cashola to be able to buy one toward the end of the year. I’m stoked!
Having a spinning wheel will enable me to spin up the Spunky Eclectic Fiber I’ve been getting since July from the club! I’ve spun up a bit here and there on my spindle, but I really want to do the majority of it on a spinning wheel. Even though I’ve never used one, I’m convinced it will be faster and easier after I get the hang of it. I do like spindling and at some point would like to invest in a Turkish spindle, but I can’t wait for a wheel!
Being able to make handspun yarns in a timely manner will also aid in my 12 Cardigans in 2012 project/goal! I’ll devote an entire blog post to that soon, but at least one of my cardigans will need handspun yarn and I’d like to make maybe 2 – 4 more out of handspun yarn. It’s like doubling the entertainment value for my fiber dollar!
I can also give handspun yarns as gifts to knitterly friends and that’s pretty amazing. I’d love to see what someone made with one of my handspun yarns.
Speaking of gifts, this year I started fairly early on knitting gifts for the holidays. And it paid off! I’m nearly done with everyone’s handmade gifts. I’ve got some finishing touches on my international packages, and then those are going to go out tomorrow. Domestic packages should go out next Saturday, so there will be plenty of time for all packages to be received. I’m super excited about being done with knitting for Christmas well before Christmas Eve. It’ll be nice to enjoy the holiday itself without having to worry about finishing any projects. Because of the success of planning and starting ahead of time, I think I’ll do it every year. Though next year might not be knitted gifts, since I’ll be doing the 12 Cardigans in 2012 project. That gives me plenty of time to figure out other handmade gifts, though.
Now I’m off to finish up some gifts and get them sent out by mail today!
What have you been excited about lately?
I’ve been lucky enough over the past year to sell several of my jewelry pieces to a local gift shop. It certainly wasn’t enough to quit my day job, but it helped offset the amount of discretionary money spent on crafts and hobbies and maybe paid a bill or two.
Last year this same local gift shop had a HUGE hit with a knitted accessory and they were hoping to have about 200 of them for sale this holiday season. The artisan who made them last year will be unable to make them this year. I’ve been asked if I could make them.
I am flattered and feel very honored that I was asked to help. On the other hand, 200 accessories is a lot to knit up in a somewhat limited time frame. It will mean putting a few of the holiday gifts I had planned on hold (I’m ahead of schedule at the moment so this is okay), but even doing that I’d still have to try to make 200 knitted accessories in probably less than a month. That’s about 50 a week, or 7 a day, for a solid month.
On the other other hand, it would be an awesome influx of unexpected income which would mean I could get a spinning wheel for Christmas! One that I want rather than one I would possibly have to settle for due to cost. And that would be AWESOME.
I have to mull this over a bit still, and will have to determine exactly how quickly I can knit up one accessory. Though I must say I’m leaning toward whatever gets me a spinning wheel faster. 
I have been listening to a lot of knitting podcasts lately, which is how I discovered Brass Needles by Miss Kalendar. A podcast about sci-fi and knitting? I’m in! I was pleasantly surprised to find that Miss Kalendar is friends with Gail Carriger, author of Soulless! Gail has a few segments on knitting fashion that are pretty awesome.
In her own words: Devoted to the wondrous arts of knitting, sci-fi, steampunk, cosplay and random geeking.
I like to listen to this podcast when: Anytime she posts a new episode! I’ve now listened to the whole back catalog and may go back to certain episodes where she talks about specific shows or series as I watch them or re-watch them.
I’d recommend this podcast and website to: anyone looking for thoughtful commentary on science fiction. Miss Kalendar is an intelligent viewer and it’s pleasant to hear her critiques and accolades.
One thing I’ve learned from this creator: How to cosplay! I don’t intend on cosplaying anytime soon, but if I need to, I’ll have advice from Miss Kalendar to go back on which I’m sure will make it a more gratifying experience.
If forced to describe this blog/podcast in only one word, I would choose: thought-provoking.
The color I associate with this podcast: brass!
I would love to have this creator over for: knitting or spinning (or weaving!), and a sci-fi TV show marathon of some sort, complete with our snarky and thoughtful commentary.
Please check out Brass Needles if you haven’t already! There is also a Ravelry group, which is awesome.
I apologize for my brief absence – life happens! I have the tools now to regularly podcast, so that is my plan. Thanks for tuning in again this week!
I’m considering a Ravelry group for the podcast – do you have any suggestions or thoughts about that?
Also, please excuse my dust as I figure out the podcast segments and fine-tune everything. Thank you!
Weekly Serendipatiousness
I checked out two local yarn stores last Saturday morning – The Recycled Lamb and Knit Knack. Neither are super close to me, but every once and a while, I think making the drive is worth it. From The Recycled Lamb I picked up 12 balls of Hempathy in a color called Sap Green that I ADORE, but never would have bought from an internet retailer, so that was quite fortuitous! I can’t wait to figure out what cardigan to use it for for my 12 Cardigans in 2012 project. Possibly, the Pinnate cardigan, since the pattern calls for Hempathy.
Pinnate Cardigan, from Savory Knitting
Weekly Strategy
I started organizing my Ravelry queue for holiday knitting. When I went to the yarn stores, it was with an eye toward yarns I can use for my holiday knitting projects. I’m excited to get those started and to really be ahead of the game. I’d rather not be knitting any holiday gifts on Christmas Eve! I’ve already swatched for Little Miss Greenjeans and Ice Queen, so I’m planning ahead!
What I’ve Been Working On
Liesl! Finished knitting her this past Sunday night after I couldn’t get the podcast recording to work. Wove in the ends while podcasting and I can’t wait to wear her! (With appropriate clothing, that won’t show the shedding so much.) WOO! I also started a pair of vanilla socks for my fella. I’m trying to get the perfect pattern down for his socks so I can remember it and knit them whenever. I’d like to also find the perfect pattern for my socks, so I can do the same for my own socks. Eventually, I’d love nothing more than to have a drawer full of handmade socks.
Are you participating in the Westknits Mystery Shawl KAL 2011: Earth & Sky by Stephen West? I’m loving how mine is turning out!
Future Projects (or, What I’m Looking Forward To)
Starting some holiday gifts. Wearing Liesl for the first time, though she does need a shawl pin or something for closure since I skipped buttons and buttonholes this time.
In a few weeks, my mom, older sister and I are going to go to a painting class. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at canvas painting, but most of the classes available at the big box hobby stores are during times when I’d be at work. This will be on a weekend, so I’m really looking forward to it.
I’ll be taking a spinning class in October to more easily learn on a wheel. Yay!
I’m on the waiting list for the Sequoia Spinning Wheel by Benjoanie Enterprises, as heard on the Spin Control podcast. As the wheels are handmade, it will be quite some time before I get my new wheel. I might get a used one, or I might try my hand at making my own spinning wheel, analog or electric – I’m not sure yet though.
Neat!
Digital Magazines! I ordered the 2009 Interweave Knits magazine collection on CD and I love the layout and ease of browsing through the magazine. I’ve also downloaded Zinio, a digital magazine app, on my iPod Touch and now my MacBook and I love it. I subscribed to the digital Interweave Knits and it’s really great. I don’t have to figure out where to store them after I’ve read them but I can always go back to them if I need them.
Awesome Media to Craft By
I’ve been catching up on Eureka. In fact, this newly completed Liesl will probably be dubbed my Eureka Liesl. I love the show, and am sad that it’s not being picked up for another season.
Also, I’m really looking forward to watching Star Trek: The Next Generation and concurrently reading Memories of the Future, Vol. 1 by Wil Wheaton.
Contact and Feedback
I’d love to hear from you – please let me know what you think of the show! Leave a comment below, or get in touch by any of the ways below.
Email / Twitter, @strerendipity or @Langwidere / Ravelry / Flickr / Pinterest
I love the idea of -of-the-month clubs. It’s a great way to try things you wouldn’t necessarily buy, but that you might end up loving completely.
I spent a lot of time trying to decide which monthly yarn or fiber club I wanted to join. I kept going back to the Spunky Eclectic Club and joined last month! It was super exciting for me because for once I had a made a time sensitive decision about something BEFORE it needed to be made. (A lot of times I find that I decide, “Yes, I’m going to do this” only to realize I have to wait several more weeks before I can actually do it.) I signed up just before the deadline of July 19th and immediately joined the Ravelry group and eagerly awaited the 20 Questions game. My yarn was shipped on a Saturday and I believe I got it that Monday, which is a crazy amazing delivery time.
Headache, from Spunky Eclectic
I could not be happier with my first club shipment! The colors are gorgeous and right up my alley. I should probably spin this up soon so I can figure out if I need more so I can buy it as necessary. The fiber is Wensleydale, which is something I’ve never worked with before. I’m looking forward to making a shawlette out of this after it’s all spun up.
Are you a subscriber to a yarn or fiber or anything else monthly club? I look forward to joining more in the coming years, so please leave any suggestions you may have!
Thanks for listening to Episode 4!
At some point, I will come up with a more structured introduction to avoid the repeated attempts at podcast introductions. I also apologize for the slightly poorer sound quality – too much background noise (ahem, puppy)!
Weekly Serendipatiousness
Kidsilk Haze for $2!
Weekly Strategy
Taking time out for myself to recharge, rejuvenate, restore, recoup and other “R” words.
What I’ve Been Working On
DIY! Lotion, which turned out amazing and I can’t wait to make more and use it all the time! Tutorial from ReadyMade. If you use lotion a lot, or want to feel like an alchemist, I wholeheartedly recommend making your own lotion.
Face mask, dog biscuits, weed killer and laundry detergent! What are your favorite DIY projects for household products?
I’ve still be working on the Monkey socks – hopefully they’ll be done by the next podcast.
What I’m Looking Forward To
Working through the Sock Knitting Master Class (I bought mine at Knitpicks.com). I really want to fully understand sock construction, and I think this book will help me develop a firmer grasp on socks. Also, it will give me a reason to buy more sock yarn. Yay!
I also bought blocking mats. Yay for blocked knits!
And the Gloss Lace Yarn in Cyan from Knitpicks.com to make the Lepidoptera cardigan from the Fall 2011 Knitscene.
Copyright Interweave Press
Amy Herzog was featured in this issue of the magazine as well, and her tips on modifying handknits to fit to flatter have inspired me to want to make the sleeves shorter on the Lepidoptera.
The Petrea pattern! I have to figure out what yarn to use, but am very excited to search for the perfect yarn.
Petrea, photograph copyright splityarn 2011
I also purchased the Liesl pattern, which I was swatching for during the podcast. Very excited to work on that!
Liesl, by Ysolda Teague
Spinning! I participated in The Nerdiest Fiber Club Ever for 3 months last fall and it was really neat. I love the roving I got from The Yellow Hobbit shop on Etsy. I’ve been spinning Astrid on my drop spindle for awhile – hopefully it will be done soon.
Astrid
Neat!
I joined the Spunky Eclectic Fiber Club, and that’s also the Neat! segment of the week. Check it out, if you haven’t already. The forum on Ravelry is awesome.
Awesome Media
The Anatomy of Knitting by Erin
Oh! I also bought a kit to make plastic lace keychains. I say I bought this for the kids, but it may have been for me because it was such a trip down memory lane. I might end up making more than they do.
What’s your favorite nostalgic craft?
This past weekend, I was looking for some new (to me) podcasts to listen to. I happened upon iMake by Martine from Guernsey and immediately fell in love.
iMake branding by Aleximo by iMakeGuernsey, on Flickr
Martine’s voice is wonderful to listen to and her enthusiasm for crafts of all sorts shines through when she talks about them. I highly recommend the podcast and the blog for her lovely updates!
In her own words: …Guernsey girl, maker of stuff, podcaster, blogger, tweeter, knitter, geek, jewellery maker, domestic goddess, paper crafter, crocheter, candle maker, teacher, singer, actor (of sorts), writer, occasional G n’ T drinker, lover of stationery and reluctant sports person.
I like to listen to this podcast when: Anytime she posts a new episode! I listened to the whole back catalog Monday and it made my work day speed by which was fantastic.
I’d recommend this podcast and website to: anyone looking for crafty goodness. There are great tutorials and Martine explores many different crafts so you’re sure to be introduced to something new to make!
One thing I’ve learned from this creator: So many things about Guernsey! I love a little history/social studies/geography with my craft.
If forced to describe this blog/podcast in only one word, I would choose: inviting.
The color I associate with this podcast: purple.
I would love to have this creator over for: crafting, tea and cakes. Though I think I’d much rather go to Guernsey!
Please check out iMake if you haven’t already!
This morning I quickly scoured my craft room for a portable project to work on at lunch and during my morning and afternoon breaks. I saw this ball of sock yarn that I’ve had for about 5 years and a pair of needles and decided to wing it!
I spent my morning break trying to find a pattern I liked, but that would only need the approximately 200 yards I had in this one ball of yarn, (which was originally bought to make baby socks for my youngest niece). I wanted something I could wear this summer so it needed to be lacy. I couldn’t find anything.
I figured I’d try my hand at just doing a wide-ish scarf in the laciest pattern I could think of: [K1, YO] on Row 1 and [K2tog] on Row 2. I don’t know if this pattern has a name or not – it seems as though it should, since it’s so simple.
I LOVE the way this is turning out already. I know I’ll have to block it to get it to be as airy as I’d like, but I’m excited! I love the simple look and it’s easy enough knitting that I’ll be able to do it this weekend while catching up on Game of Thrones! It’ll be nice to have another completed knitting project under my belt this week.
Do you usually plan your knitting projects way in advance? If you do decide to do something on a whim, how do you feel it turns out compared to your pre-planned knitting?
Thank you for your Flattry!
