Buttercup!

Backstory

Pattern: Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier [rav link]
Yarn: GGH Safari
Needles: size 4 and 5
Exposition: Let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief.
It's done! It's done!

Can you believe it? Well, believe it!

There are many Buttercups out there, and I have to agree with most of the knitters out there...it was pretty straightforward. Although I knit mine according to the written instruction [for the most part], I've seen quite a few people adapt the pattern for less of an a-line shape, others who added more lace to the bottom and/or the sleeves, and even one that is two toned...and it has proven to be a pattern that is very adaptable to the needs of the wearer. The only change I did make was to add an extra lace repeat a the bottom band.

I've used the GGH Safari once before and I will admit that I enjoyed it equally this time around. I love the suede-y hand and although I was a bit hesitant of the color, but now I have to say, I really like it...especially since I already own a pair of perfectly matched shoes. What could be better?

I was a bit concerned about how stiff it was when I finished, but as before, the yarn softened to a beautiful drapey material after blocking.

All praise aside, I have a two issues with my finished Buttercup. First off, the neckline is very wide. I have broad shoulders and if it's pulling a Flashdance, it's wiiiiiide. I'll get around to redoing it. I was also hoping for a cute poofy sleeve but alas, it doesn't seem to poof at all. No biggie though. I'm just happy it's done.

Dawn!

Backstory Done and Done!

Pattern: Dawn from Kim Hargreave's Nectar
Yarn: GGH Linova - 6 skeins
Needles: US 5 and US 6
Exposition: Well the Dawn has finally arrived!

What to say about this little shrug? It came together so quickly, it's almost like it didn't happen. Like it just magically appeared. Amazing! And now that it's all done I'm excited for an opportunity to wear it.

I had my issue with the collar, but was able to fix it with just a few hours frogging and knitting. Attaching the collar to the back edging was another story. The garter has give and the lace is loose and floppy, so trying to fit one to the other worked out, but caused a little bit of a gathered look at center back. It does lay flatter when pulled up, so it's not anything that's bothering me. I also think that a good wash and block will fix it.

The pattern was pretty easy to follow and it knit up very quickly. My initial concern was about how tight the ribbing would be around my waist, but it seems to be fitting okay - dare I say loosely [I think I blocked it out a bit too much]. Now my concern is stabilizing the wonky button band. The garter is pretty stretchy and therefore I'm having trouble figuring out where exactly to attach the buttons. I don't want any funky pulling [as you can see at the bottom, it's already curling] so I'd like to get it to lay flat and behave. I might have to sew something to the backside or add a hook an eye to give it a little extra stability.

Speaking of buttons - I love the buttons I found at Joanns this afternoon. They are La Mode Vintage - a collection of buttons recreated from their archives. I first saw this pretty leaf style, but unfortunately, it didn't look right on Dawn. These were next ones I picked up and they were perfect! Oh, I love them so!

I love them so much, you might see them appear on another garment in the not too distant future - or maybe I'll have to go back and get those leaf buttons...

Overall, I'm really happy with how Dawn turned out. I'm going to give it a good washing which will hopefully snap the ribbing back a bit, figure out a solution for the band and attach the buttons accordingly. WHOO HOO!

April Goal #1: Jacket #41

Backstory

Pattern: Jacket #41 from Rebecca 33
Yarn: Rowanspun 4ply, held double
Needles: US 5 and 7
Exposition: It has risen from the ashes like a brilliant Phoenix! Jacket #41! New, improved and wearable!!!

I chronicled my adventures on Saturday afternoon, as most of the frogging and reknitting was done Friday evening. And being so close to the finish line, I decided that the rest of Saturday should be spent completing Jacket #41. A FO is way more important than reorganizing my closet.

Like you would have made a different choice.
Yeah, I thought so.

As you can see, there's not much difference when looking at it from the front, other than the bottom ribbing being longer. Wearing it, however, was a huge difference. It was much more relaxed and comfortable, mostly due to the cable band being looser and relaxed across the back of my neck.

The biggest difference, as you can see, is from the side. NO MORE PUCKERING! The longer bottom ribbing has helped it lay down and behave! Yipee! This sweater has finally reached its potential!

As for the Rowanspun yarn, I think it's really nice to work with. I had read that it has a tendency to break, but I didn't run into that problem. I love the color and although this is a cropped, 3/4 sleeve sweater, it's really cozy warm. Perfect for wearing in the subarctic office during the summertime over a cute dress or a tank!

Halloween Week: Funkins

Hey y'all! Before we get to today's Halloween Week installment, I'd like to answer a question from one of my legions of fans. Ms. UbranKnitrix [with Flava] submitted this question: Since Christie got to dress you as Zero, what would you dress Christie as if you could?

Hmmm. That's a good one. I would have to think of something that would be embarrassing to her. Something she'd hate. Condeleezza Rice comes to mind. Complete with helmet hair flip, scowl and unflattering pantsuit. Either that or Gayle King. HAHAH AHAHAAA! Why do all my costume ideas for Christie involve bad wigs?

Thanks for the question. Send me your address and I'll get a little Halloween treat out to you.

Today's Halloween Week topic is Funkins. Funkins are carvable foam pumpkins. I was a little skeptical, but we gave it a chance. Let's look at the pros and cons of using Funkins rather than real pumpkins.

On the plus side, these are hollow, lightweight and very easy to carve [Christie used a regular paring knife]. There's no pumpkin innards to clean up, but there are bits and pieces of foam which can easily be vacuumed up. Since it's foam it won't rot so you can store it after Halloween and reuse [good for people who want to decorate with out the hassle of carving a pumpkin every year]. Christie used a pencil to draw her Jack Skellington face and any mistakes were erased very easily. The best feature of all, it looks like a real pumpkin.

The cons of using foam rather than a real pumpkin are few, but very important. First off waste. You can compost a real pumpkin, which is good for the environment and your garden. Also, funkins cannot be exposed to fire..so no lit candles on the inside. Funkins won't give you pumpkin seeds, which is a tragedy in itself. And lastly, tradition. If you do have kids, it's fun to make a special trip to the pumpkin patch, choose the perfect gourd and to carve it...annual family togetherness, people!

So, as you can see, there are a lot of good points to both. It really is just a matter of what your looking for in your Halloween decorations.

And for those of you looking for something crafty, here's Christie with a fun pattern!
Backstory
Pattern: Zero the Ghost Dog
Yarn: Bits and pieces of 100% acrylic yarn in off white and orange. Black cording for eyes, mouth and nose.
Hook: Size E
Exposition: We're having a Funkin carving contest here at work and I wanted to add something knit or crochet to my entry. This is what I came up with.

I followed the instructions for the head, but deviated for the body. The original pattern didn't have ears so I made them up. Really rough instructions for both are on my Rav page. I love how his jack-o-lantern nose came out, but I think there's room for improvement on Zero's eyes.

His ears were curling pretty badly, so I ran some thin craft wire along the length so I could add the appropriate airiness to them. I also threaded the wire along the length of his 'legs' so that I could attach Zero to the Funkin and give him the appearance of floating.

If you don't crochet, there is a knitted Zero pattern here.

I'm not sure if I'll win, but I think it's pretty damn cute!

See you tomorrow everyone!

Labor Of Elephantine Love

Backstory

Pattern: Offset Wraplan with elephant chart from Rowan's Zoo Vest, size 3/6 mos [gauge was off a bit so I knit a size up]
Yarn: Elle Elite DK in Natural, Denim and Forest
Needles: Knitpicks Options size 4
Exposition: I can't tell you how much I love how this turned out. I can't wait to see it on the new baby!

The Elle Elite DK is a great yarn and stood up to a lot of frogging. I wish I would have read the care label a little more carefully as it is not machine dryable. They'll just have to remember to dry it flat. If they dry it and it shrinks, I guess Poppy will have a new sweater, right?

I followed the sweater pattern as written with the exception of casting on provisionally so I wouldn't have to pick up stitches around the collar. And the only instructional problem I ran into was that the collar's raglan decreases were off a stitch or two. So I just lined them up with arm decreases. I also tightened up the elephant chart due to space issues...he's more compact than the original pattern.

I really love the look of the mistake rib edging. It almost looks like grass that our elephant buddy is standing on. I still haven't blocked yet, so that's the reason the stitches are still a little wonky. Since this was a top down raglan, knitting the chart from top to bottom was a bit of a challenge, but I think I got it right [for the most part, and if I didn't would I tell you?].

As for buttons, I really had it in my mind to find some kind of thematic buttons. I wanted something circus or maybe leaf related. My search left me sadly disappointed. I did come across some leaf buttons, but they were either the wrong type leaf, the wrong color or the wrong feel. I though I would at least find a round button with a leaf motif, but no luck...and I definitely didn't find any circus related buttons. I was pretty crestfallen. So during an outing last weekend, I pretty much gave up. I bought some plain, round ivory colored buttons at Joann's. Since we were in Santa Monica, we decided to drop in to Wildfiber in a last ditch effort and...

Jackpot!

We found the cutest little plastic mice buttons! At first we thought the blue was a bit too bright, but against the green, it's a little calmer [but just enough to stand out]. Aren't they the cutest thing evah? It just sends the adorability factor over the edge! I wanna weep at the cuteness!!!

So, it's finally done! I hope the challenge this sweater has been isn't a reflection on the recipient.

Remember Me?

Hey friends. It's been awhile. SOMEONE has been hoggin' the blog and insisting that if I didn't have anything to say I shouldn't be allowed to post. You know me, I always have something to say...but whatevahs. I guess I could just say I was on vacation, and truth be told, I was still recovering from our Paris trip. Jetlag is a bitch! Anyway, I'm here today to present a few things.

First is my new little friend. Kim sent him to me and as soon as he came out of his packaging, we were instant friends. I mean, we're wearing the same dress, he has impeccable taste and honestly, what's not to love about a cross-dressing bear? He much better company than Christie. I have yet to come up with an appropriate name for him. I've been racking my brain, but nothing seems right yet. It's coming though.

Moving right along...

Backstory

Pattern: Baseball Baby Tee from Knit 2 Together
Yarn: GGH Bali in purple
Needles: US 5
Exposition: I'm also here to present Christie's latest finished project, the Baseball Baby Tee. She wanted me to tell you it was pretty straightforward and it was an easy pattern...blah, blah. The GGH Bali is a yarn close to my own heart, as I am made from Bali. Quality stuff, let me tell you. She also said to tell you that she only used two balls of the Bali. Something about decent yardage. And if she were to do it again, she would consider knitting in the round on both the body and sleeves, whatever that means. You knitters and your "terms".


I found 3 white heart buttons last night and Christie used two for the shoulder closure and sewed the third to the hem. I suggested the she just do three buttonholes instead of two, but she scoffed and said she had already woven in the ends and she'd be damned if she did any more reknitting. TESTY! Jeez.

And in honor of Wednesday being America's Next Top Model night, I insisted on modeling.

Nigel Barker, eat your heart out.
Miss Jay, I'm coming for you.
Paulina, you've got nothing on me.
Tyra, am I smiling with my eyes?

Fierce.
Fiercer.
Fiercest.

Let It Flo

Okay nay-sayers...here's the big reveal...

Backstory

Pattern: Flo Cardigan
Yarn: GGH Bali
Needles: US 6
Exposition: Ah! Finally done. What a relief.

Nothing much to say about the pattern itself. There is no shaping to the body, so there were no surprises about the resulting sweater. It's boxy, it's comfy...perfect for those 'I didn't drink enough water bloaty' days. The only thing that I would change would be the size that I made. I measure a 38" bust, but usually will make my sweaters in a 36". Since Flo is a cardigan and I didn't want the dreaded button boob-age gape, I decided to go against my usual MO and make the 38". It's pretty roomy, so I could have gotten away with the 36" and not had gapeage. Oh well, live and learn.

I love my button choice.

Totally worth the money I paid for them. I'm thinking [but am probably too lazy to] I might reinforce the button band. The pattern said 7 buttons, so I bought 8 just in case I lose one, but somehow, Flo only has 6 buttonholes. What the...? I've notice that if I have the top two buttons undone, the top flops open, so I'm planning on using the extra two button as button backs at the top. Pretty inside and out.

Flo...the perfect driving around LA on a Sunday sweater.

Lights! Camera! Camera?

Um. I finished Flo. I even got the buttons on and everything. But guess what?

I forgot my camera at home again.

Patti - Full Stop

Backstory

Pattern: Patti from Rowan Studio 1 and available for single purchase.
Yarn: Jaeger Luxury Tweed in Red Ink
Needles: Addi US 2 and Options Harmony US 5
Exposition: Aahhh...it is complete. I had my doubts, but it looks like Patti won me over in the end.

On the other Ravelry-ed Pattis, some knitters had a problem with sizing. I measure 38" and made the 36-38"...it fits perfectly with a t-shirt or even a light sweater underneath. Also, some knitters had issue with the pleats ballooning out. I can't say what they did, but I noticed after the decrease section, the instructions say to continue straight rather than saying to continue in the slip stitch repeat [I kept up the slip stitch until I cast the pleats off]. I think that might have helped along with blocking, blocking, blocking and blocking some more. They still open up a bit, but not enough to annoy me.

If you've been keeping up with the Patti saga, you also know I was having issue with the pleats puckering. Well, Saturday, I consulted my bevy of crafty gurus. Mom was busy in the kitchen, so my sister [who studied design and merchandising and is quite an accomplished knitter and sew-ist], my paternal aunt [who is a retired home economics teacher], and one of my maternal aunts [who, according to family fokelore, used to make clothing with only measurements...no patterns] gave me some sage advice. They suggested I tack the pleat together 1/2 an inch down before sewing it in, sewing a row lower than I had, and to block it a bit and see if that would help. Well, I did a little bit of everything and they seem to be hanging up better. Thanks ladies!

I didn't buy any super special vintage-y buttons for Patti. I wasn't sure whether to choose red, blue or purple buttons, so I took a small swatch to compare and contrast. I was able to find some nice dark red buttons at Joann's and feel they add without standing out too much. Very understated.

Ok, after all my blocking the pleats still balloon out, but I don't care. Do you see that edge? Razor sharp. It just want to be seen.

Like I said this sweater has really won me over. At first I wasn't sure about my yarn choice. I thought the blue and red plied yarn might be funky...splotchy...purple but not. I was also worried about it being a bit scratchy. Well, I'm happy with the color and although the yarn isn't the softest in the world, but it's nice and warm, which I really like. I was also toying with the idea of making full length sleeves. 3/4 won out as I was liking the layering element of this sweater. And I'm happy with that decision, although I do have enough yarn left over in case I change my mind.

And my butt. I mean the back. Not bad, huh? I'm referring to the back, not my butt...

The End.

Mom's Fringed Striped Lap Shawl...Done!

Backstory

Pattern: I actually made it up myself!
Yarn: Knitpicks Main Line in Red Velvet Cake, Antique Rose, Ink and Ivory.
Needles: US Size 9
Exposition: This lapshawl is a combo birthday gift/"let me steal some of your acrylic yarn so I can make super happy crochet cute animals". I think my mom will enjoy it.

I casted on 72 stitches and just garter stitched away, changing colors every second row. The fringed ends were twisted together for a more finished look. I do still need to even them up a bit. The finished shawl is 19" wide [not including fringe] and 30" long. Since it's worked in garter, there's a little bit of stretch to it....and it hasn't been washed yet, so those figures may change a bit.

Mom's shawl is keeping me warm today. Yes, I'm getting my cooties all over her gift.

I love the look of the stripes on the "wrong" side.

Not bad for a few day's knitting, right? What's next you ask? Well, I think that I'm going to put the crochet shawl aside for the moment. I finished blocking Patti yesterday and will start seaming tonight. I also have another sweater that I'm really excited to work on. I love red sweaters!

3 FO's for the New Year!

A few things to show you! I'm not just organizing, I'm knitting a little and putting the finishing touches on two leftovers from last year!



Backstory

Pattern: Cashmere Neckwarmer by Kim at Yarn Abuse
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay 100% Wool
Needles: US 8
Exposition: After returning from Paris, I really wanted to make scarves for our hostesses. I thought a handmade gift might be nice, so I found out their preferred colors, found some yarn and knitted away. They aren't very fussy girls, so I thought a scarf that would keep their necks warm as they walked to and from the Metro and tuck nicely into their jackets would be perfect.


I was able to knit this up pretty quickly, but finding the perfect button was a bit more challenging. I took a trip to Wildfiber last night and found this perfect button. I love this button. I should have bought a second one.


I knit the end just long enough to tuck in without any excess bulk. I had enough Manos to make a second scarf...but I think I'll give that one to my sister-in-law whose new school colors are navy and orange.



Backstory

Pattern: Yummy Neckwarmer by Queta. Pattern on Craftster
Yarn: Joanne Sensations Licorice
Needles: US 13
Exposition: This scarf is for our other Parisian hostess. The colors are bright and sunny and I really hope she likes it.


Like the Neckwarmer above, I was able to finish this really quickly...of course, the perfect buttons for this were also purchased at Wildfiber. I love these buttons. It's going to be hard to part with this scarf.


Rather than sew the buttons vertically, like in the original pattern, I sewed them horizontally, starting in the corner and placing the two others along the scarf edge. I think it give the scarf a nice finished touch and was a little less bulky around the neck. If the button placement is too tight, she can undo the top button and it will fold over nicely. Nice and toasty warm. All ready for their trip to Paris!

Backstory

Pattern: Luxe Neckwarmer from Knit Two Together by Mel Clark and Tracey Ullman
Yarn: Pingouin Fleur de Laine and Muench Furrari; knitting with both strands held together
Needles: US 10 1/2
Exposition: My oldest sister's birthday is New Years Eve, so I decided [very last minute] to make her a scarf...since she lives in Texas and it's pretty cold there right now.


Although I found the perfect pattern, finding a nice yarn in my Gift Stash Bin was a bit more difficult. I took and evening to play around with a few different yarns, but none of them did the trick. I had tried a swatch with the Pingouin, but thought it would be too light and floppy. Then I had the brilliant idea to knit it with the Furrari. After a few rounds, there was no going back. Frogging was impossible. So I knit until I ran out of Furrarri...which was about 4 hours later.


I do like the color variation and the Furrarri is super soft and airy; I'm guess would probably be so warm it would cause one's neck to sweat...which are all good things...I suppose, but it is waaaaaay too fuzzy.

I'm sure my sister will look at it and say, "what was she thinking? She sent me blue fuzzy roadkill". Regardless, I think that I'll send it to her anyway, and maybe make her a second scarf like this in a less hairy yarn.

That's all for now...Habu updates this weekend!

3-3-3 Posts In 1

I've been hording stuff. Stuff that I've been meaning to share. Stuff that needs blog closure. Stuff that needs to make it's blog debut. Some old stuff. Some new stuff. But stuff, all the same.
Enjoy!

Thanks!
A very long overdue thank you goes out to the Anti Christy who gifted the Christie with this beautiful, sofee-soft, hand-cramp inducing crocheted scarf. She chose me as a recipient in a crafty "Pay it forward". I plan on keeping the movement going and randomly surprising a few of my blogging friends with some happiness in their mailboxes. Thank you Anti-Christy, you made this Christie very happy...and toasty-warm!

Necessity is my Mother's invention

We were over at Mom and Dad's on New Year's Day and I noticed her scrubbing her pots with a nifty little croched purple scouring pad. Of course I had to ask, "Mom, did you make that?" She said yes then said she bought random colored tulle, cut it into long 2" wide strips and crocheted a disk. Brilliant. I love my mom. And of course I have to make some for myself.

My Love, Avril Hasegawa

Avril: Super fine merino

Hasegawa: Silk stainless steel

Another reason to love my mom. She gifted me with Avril Hasegawa, aka Habu Kit-78, aka the Kushu Kushu scarf. I also have to thank my sister for suggesting this gift to mom. The color is perfect and I'm so excited to work with the Habu Silk stainless steel. Of course not until after I finished gf's sweater and some of the Patti jacket.

FO: Reduction Tote



Backstory

Pattern: Reduction Tote from Magknits
Yarn: Suss Cotton
Hook: Size F
Exposition: Very straightforward pattern, quick and easy. I did not follow the chart for the bottom nor did I make a front granny square pocket. I do plan on revisiting this pattern as it's a quick, easy and very cool gift.

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse! Just say not to plasic grocery bags!


Notorious

America's Next Top Model Pose

Backstory

Pattern: Notorious from Romantic Hand Knits by Annie Modesitt
Yarn: GGH Safari in light green; 4 balls
Needles: Circular sizes 4, 5 and 6
Exposition: Where to start? This pattern was very challenging for me, and it's still hard for me to be objective about the finished top...months later. It didn't turn out like the I had hoped, which is a bit disappointing, but after the many issues it presented, it's finished and that in itself is a success. I haven't really paid it much mind since finishing in September, other than a guilty feeling about not posting fo pictures. So here you go...
There were quite a few modifications on this baby. First off my yarn choice. The pattern calls for a worsted, but I thought a cute summer top needed to be in something a bit lighter for me to even consider wearing. And while the GGH Safari I used is technically a worsted it's quite a bit thinner. In consideration of Safari's yarny nature, I went down two needle sizes and eliminated the center cable. And since I was making this top a solid color, I eliminated the picot edging. I ran into a few problems with the pattern as written. There was some confusion on my part as to where to start the armhole shaping and how long to make the front. I also had some problems with the sleeves. I really need to seek professional help when it comes to short rows. Since I couldn't seem to wrap my mind around the sleeves, I eventually just improvised.
More information on my Notorious journey can be found on the individual Notorious blog entries.

Now while this top is fairly flattering on [despite the chubby girl/ribbing rule], there's some strange puckering going on under the bust. I'm not sure if this is being caused by my changes to the pattern or the "underwire" lacing. I might play around with it a bit more and see if I can't find a way to keep this from happening.

Love? Hate? In different? I really can't say yet. I love the originals style and I love the Safari. I think that I'm still a bit bitter about the issues I had with this knit. I'm going to put it away and let it marinate until Spring. By then, water will have gone under the bridge and maybe Notorious and I can be friends.