To Cable Or Not To Cable...

Projects, projects, projects!
I've got so many projects that I want to make right now my head is about to burst! I'm trying to take it slowly and not allow myself to get overwhelmed.

The projects I'm working on right now are coming along nicely. Crimson Waves of Grain is about half way through the first half, the Lala Shawlette needs some edging and the Hanne Muff's inner layer is complete. Although I really want to finish the first half of Crimson Grain scarf, but I'm feeling if I push it too much, lace burn out is imminent.

So, I'm thinking that I'll cast on for the Hanne Muff's outer layer. But I'm stuck.
Here's why.
The outer layer isn't a cable, but a mock cable. I love cables and am thinking that doing an actual cable rather than a mock cable will be much easier and faster. But I question why the designer decided on a mock in the first place. Maybe it saves on yarn or adds less bulk. Hmmm. Maybe it is actually easier. There aren't any others in Ravelry, so I can't count on someone else's experience with this pattern to help me make a decision.

I guess since I've never done a mock cable, I could just follow the damn instructions and chalk it up to learning something new.

Oh, speaking of cables, not sure if anyone was interested in another Fall Cable KAL...if so let me know or join the Ravelry Group.

Fini! Now We Just Need The Baby.

It's done!

Backstory

Pattern: Sweater with Cable Pattern #7 from Rebecca Kids and Baby #6
Yarn: GGH Samoa
Needles: Knitpicks Options size 7
Exposition: It's just too cute! And it was super fast to make! I wasn't too sure about the mock turtleneck, but there were other issues and I didn't feel like figuring out a change. Besides, it will be so cute over a collared shirt and will keep the baby's neck warm without being too bulky. Everyone wins.

The only problem that I ran into with this pattern was the cable chart. As you can see from this picture, down the center, the cable pattern alternates between a large and small cable braid. Following the chart, however, will give you a large cable braid, followed by two smaller ones. The mistake comes when you start the chart repeat. By the time I got to that point, I was familiar enough with the pattern that I was able to work it without having to refer back constantly. Of course my overconfidence caused me to make a few mistakes, but nothing too bad. I was going to knit up an example of what that chart would look like knitted up, but I found out that my sil's sister is due sooner than anticipated, so I've got to get started on her new son's sweater. I'm thinking argyles. I LOVE ARGYLES!

I didn't do a proper blocking of the individual pieces...as you can tell by how crappy the sleeve seams looks. I will give it a good wash and blocking before presenting it to the baby.

Now, on to more baby knits!

Fall Cable KAL '08

The Fall Cable KAL 2008 is getting underway! Jennifer and I will be hosting the KAL as a Ravelry Group, so if you're interested please join us! We like to keep things pretty laid back and easy going, so there's no pressure to rush to meet a deadline or anything.

If you want to see some of the projects from the 3 previous KALs, get pattern ideas or cabling tutorials, there are links to those blogs in my sidebar. And as always, Jennifer and I are happy to answer any questions that you might have.

Hope to see you there!

Cable KAL?

Hey everyone...
Jennifer [awesome crafter and co-host] said that a few folks have been asking about another Fall Cable KAL. Anyone interested?

This time I promise to actually do a cable knit...

Tres Vogue!

I'm avoiding talking about Notorious. It's been set aside and we're in completion talks. Now on to happier topics...

So Friday afternoon, I received my Knitting Daily e-mail. I've been enjoying
Sandi Wiseheart's illustrations of sizing by having Interweave's staffers try on some of the sample knits from previous issues. Friday it was with the Origami Cardigan. Now, something about the Origami cardi appeals to me, but not enough to put it into the queue. Maybe it's the funky orange or the sleeves...or maybe it lacks the oomphf I look for in a project. In an attempt to find a reason to knit this, I consulted Ravelry and was lead to another Norah Gaughan pattern.

Now the reviews on the Vogue 25th Anniversary issue haven't been very positive, but why didn't anyone point out this sweater? Oh my gosh, isn't it gorgeous? Now I would prefer a shorter length, but isn't the collar amazing...and what fantastic cables [speaking of cables, why haven't you joined the Fall Cable KAL?]!!!

Now I haven't knit any of Norah's patterns before, so I'm feeling cautious about trying to change anything ... especially since her name seems to be synonymous with interesting construction techniques. I don't want to destroy the integrity of the sweater, so I'm feeling cautious about trying to change anything. My hubris, however, is making me think I can find a way of manipulating it. Oh, I can't stand it, it's just too beautiful!

OH, this queue is getting out of hand!

An Effort To Be Interesting

Business

Although the temperatures will be in the 100's this week in LA, the calendar indicated that Fall is coming. And I've read on more than one blog the certain need to get rid of all this cotton we've been working with and get back to some serious wool work. Well, just in time for cooler weather, Jennifer and I will be co-hosting our third Fall Cable KAL. If you're interested in joining us this year, e-mail your information to: fallcable at gmail dot com. You know you can't resist all those cables in the new issue of Interweave. And for those of you on Ravelry, once we get up and going, we'll add on a group there too.

Notorious

Still trucking along...I'm thinking of knitting the sleeves in a plain stockinette rather than the ribbing. My reasoning is that it might drape nicer without the ribbing. Or does the ribbing lend itself to the overall look of the garment. Talk amongst yourself and get back to me.

Nonsense

Remember last week when posted a 1/2 frogged Notorious and said that I would have to tell you why my green strawberry necklace reminds me of my best friend?

Well, here's the reason, one of my favorite little things in the whole world:

I can't remember when she gave this to me. Must have been in high school or something. Y'know learning stuff gets boring and we tend to be easily distracted.

Nice shading work, huh?

Detail of her crayon work.



I think this one rivals Les Demoiselles d'Avignon in its artistic importance.

This cracks me up. I especially love the ant on the tree.

It's That Time Again...

Just a quick post...gf and I are about to get out of the house...but the Interweaves Fall Preview is up. I love the cover design. Tres chic! This issue looks chock full of cable goodness....does this mean yet another Fall Cable KAL?