Posts Tagged ‘Knitting’

Knitters, start your engines! (Erm, spin your ball winders?) Today's the day our Classic Raglan KAL gets underway.

By now, I'm guessing that you've purchased your pattern, bought your yarn, gathered your needles and made a swatch. (Jane has some good advice about why you might want to consider swatching in the round, if you're not at that point yet.)

So now it's time to cast on (I've come to prefer the long-tail cast-on – what do you use?) and start knitting. I'm loving how quickly this pattern comes together with its straightforward increases – I can't believe how much time using kfb (knit front and back) instead of paired m1r/m1l (make one right/left) increases saves me!

I've got just a few rows left before it's time to cast on my front neck stitches and start knitting in the round. By this time next week, I'm hoping to be ready for waist-shaping.

I hope that you'll check in in the comments section of this post and let me know how it's going. What colour did you choose? Have you started knitting? Have you encountered any questions/problem areas? If so, please dish in the comments and we'll all pitch in to try and help you figure it out.

(And of course, the most important question of all: What are you watching/reading/listening to as you knit these days? I had to put down my knitting during this week's episode of NCIS: Los Angeles – hey, I didn't say it had to be high-brow! – it was super exciting, but the suspense makes my stitch tension go crazy!)

Finally, a big hello to our awesome participants:

• Karen, who's knitting her sweater in Seafoam
• JoAnna, who's joining in from Washington, D.C.
• Lea, who's a talented spinner as well as a knitter
• Rheanna, one of our Test Kitchen superstars, who's knitting her sweater in Patons Natural Mix
• Rheanna's Mom, who chose Patons New Denim
• Kelly Daniels, who happened on the KAL and decided to join in
• Kelly of Celtic Cast On, who's currently knitting her second raglan (now there's an endorsement!)
• Chaline, who can't wait so maybe got a head start? ;^)
• Jenny, who's already knitting away
• Meagan, who's looking for a break from her Owls sweater
• Karyn, I hope you decided to join us!
• Nicole, who's super enthusiastic, which I love
• Ann, who's been waiting for the right time to cast on
• Tina, who's using reclaimed Cascade 220 (wait till you read her story about that, it's great!)
• Jane, the talented lady behind the sweater
• Skwishee, who hasn't knit something for herself in four years

...and of course, you're welcome to join in anytime. We'd love to have you!

I am so pleased to see that our Classic Raglan KAL is gaining a following of enthusiastic knitters! It's so great to read your comments as they roll in, and I'm looking forward to working together and hearing from you as your balls of yarn turn into sweaters.

Photo, courtesy Jane Richmond.

The knit-along launches on Friday, so if you're still thinking about it, you've got plenty of time to check out the original post; peer at the pattern details; and ponder colour choices.

I went with Cerise. It's somewhere between red and pink – not even close to the blue marl I had in mind when I headed into the store, but I think I'm going to like it.

If you're anxious for a head start, this would be a good time to swatch. Mine worked up quickly on Saturday afternoon – working with worsted weight is always a treat after a stint of sock knitting.

I really think this sweater will be a satisfying knit for an experienced knitter and a great first sweater for someone who's new to big projects. I hope you'll join us!

You know how I'm planning to knit 12 sweaters in 2012? Well, that inspired one of my lovely co-workers to resolve to try knitting her first sweater. Since the pattern she's using was on my to-knit list, I thought I'd join in. Then I convinced Tina to jump on the bandwagon. And then I got thinking...

Wouldn't it be fun if we ALL made a sweater together?

(Please say yes!)

We're having a knit-along!

We're going to knit a sweater by B.C. knitwear designer Jane Richmond. Her Classic Raglan Pullover for ladies is a perfect first sweater. And it's called "classic" for a reason – this sweater is a wardrobe staple that seems to work for everyone, and just about every occasion. Have a look:

Photo, courtesy Jane Richmond

Slim but not too slim, with a tiny bit of waist shaping, this works over a shirt and under a coat – a great transitional piece as we move into spring. It's sweet and simple and just so versatile.

Photo, courtesy Jane Richmond

If you're eager to move past the scarf-knitting stage, this pattern fills the bill – the fairly simple construction is not intimidating, there are lots of sizes to choose from, and it uses Patons Classic Wool, which is widely available and comes in a ton of great colours.

We'll launch the KAL next Friday, so there's time for you to gather your materials and get ready to cast on. Then we'll check in each Friday for the next six weeks, with status updates, hints and tips, and maybe (if we're feeling fancy) a fashion show of our finished sweaters. You can use the comment section as a forum if you have any questions as you knit, and to encourage your fellow knitters.

Interested? I hope so!

You can find the pattern online on Jane's website, via Ravelry, or in her Etsy store. Sizes range from a 30- to 50-inch bust – or, if you'd like to start small, there's also a pattern for a child's sweater.

Too cute! Photo, courtesy Jane Richmond

You'll also need some standard knitting kit: 4.5 and 5 mm needles (32-inch circulars and DPNs), stitch markers, and a tapestry needle. Yarn requirements range from 4 to 7 balls (100 g each), from 820 to 1435 m, of Patons Classic Wool or another worsted weight wool – it's all spelled out clearly in the pattern.

I'm excited, and I hope you'll chime in in the comments if you're up for the challenge. Now: to the yarn store!

I've been getting such a kick out of your responses to my plan to knit 12 sweaters in 2012. Some people are all for it, some people think I'm crazy. Some people have enthusiastically endorsed the plan...and then asked if one of the sweaters could be for them. And some people have decided that if I can knit 12 (debatable), they could at least try to knit one.

I've got lots of recommendations for easy first sweaters, if you're so inclined (I like Jane Richmond's Classic Raglan Pullover – perfect in Patons Classic Wool – or the Tea Leaves Cardigan from Madelinetosh), but I'll be honest – every time I hear the words "first sweater," I can't help thinking wistfully of my first sweater. Behold:

My first sweater was this patriotic pullover, out of a then new, now long-out-of-print, Patons pattern book. It was knit in the round with stranded colourwork, in Patons Canadiana. I squeaked along with my acrylic yarn on plastic needles, watching episodes of Friends and The X-Files (for the first time!), struggling with my first DPNs. Having taught myself to knit from a not-exactly-illuminating book, I made the entire thing inside out. But what I didn't know didn't hurt me, and I ended up with a sweater at the end of it all.

Unfortunately, I don't know where it is now. I wish I could lay my hands on it again – it would be neat to see it, and try it on, and see if my stitching is any better now than it was way back when.

What was your first finished object (sweater, afghan, sewing project...)? Do you still have it?

I think I might be crazy, but I'm possessed by a near-overwhelming urge to make 12 sweaters in 2012. I didn't write about it in my 2012 crafty resolutions but I've been thinking about it for some time now.

Sweater #1 is already well into the rotation. Sweater #2, a baby sweater, is in progress. And I've got sweaters 3, 4 and 5 lined up and ready to go. (If only my yarn budget grew as fast as my Ravelry queue!) I think I'd better throw a few other baby sweaters into the mix, though – I'll need them for months when the knitting goes into overtime.

Are you planning any grand 12-in-2012 projects?

February is just the right time for a huge pot of tea and, oh, about a million episodes of your favourite TV show, isn't it? (Nerd alert: I'm working through the seventh of nine seasons of "The X-Files.")

I drink a lot of tea, often when I'm knitting. So for Christmas, I asked for and received a lovely old-fashioned Brown Betty teapot. She's a real beaut, big enough to hold several large servings of steaming hot Earl Grey.

The only trick is keeping all that tea nice and toasty. I made a cute quilted tea cosy a few years ago, but, sadly, it's about two sizes too small. I've been stuffing it as far over the teapot as it will go, then wrapping the bottom in tea towels – functional but not attractive.

So this week, I decided to use up some of my yarn stash and knit up an improvised tea cosy. Honestly, it's really just a hat. I made a Rose Hill Hat a few years ago, and this cosy is a riff on that pattern: I cast on extra stitches, skipped the bobbles (ugh – I hate making them) and switched colours partway through for a cute colourblock effect.

Cool, eh? I figure a little blocking and a bit of garnish on top is in order. I think a pretty two-tone pom-pom will do the trick. I'm going to try out this technique for making one.

Here's my "pattern," in case you feel like making one of your own. I used leftover worsted wool – black and blue-green Cascade 220 – and size 8 needles.

Mad Hatter's Tea Cosy

• CO 128 sts. Place marker, and join in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts.
• K 1 rnd.
• Alternate K and P rnds to make 3 garter ridges (6 rnds total).
• K each rnd until piece measures 7 inches from CO edge, switching colours whenever the spirit moves you. (This cosy would look great in stripes!)
• *K2tog, K12, SSK; repeat from * to end of rnd. (112 sts remain.)
• K 1 rnd.
• *K2tog, K10, SSK; repeat from * to end of rnd. (96 sts remain.)
• K 1 rnd.
• *K2tog, K8, SSK; repeat from * to end of rnd. (80 sts remain.)
• K 1 rnd.
• *K2tog, K6, SSK; repeat from * to end of rnd. (64 sts remain.)
• K 1 rnd.
• *K2tog, K4, SSK; repeat from * to end of rnd. (48 sts remain.)
• K 1 rnd.
• *K2tog, K2, SSK; repeat from * to end of rnd. (32 sts remain.)
• K 1 rnd.
• *K2tog, SSK; repeat from * to end of rnd. (16 sts remain.)
• *K2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd. (8 sts remain.)
• Break yarn. Weave tail through remaining sts and draw hole closed.
• Weave in tails.

Time for a fresh pot of tea. Cheers!

Hooray! I finally finished my I Heart Aran sweater.

I grabbed it at the last second as I was heading out the door to Quebec City for the weekend, and I'm so glad I did. It kept me busy on the flight, and by the time I touched down I was finished.

I washed it in the bathroom sink and blocked it on the ironing board (making the hotel room smell of damp sheep, but oh well) while I went out to enjoy Carnaval. After I was back from my fun weekend with Bonhomme, my sweater was ready to wear. Hooray!

The heart pattern and X's and O's motifs make it perfect for Valentine's Day. And the TFA green label yarn (shown above in Sand) is perfect. Easy to work with, and lovely and soft once it's washed and blocked, with a beautiful drape.

Next up: Glenna's Locke St. Cardigan, also featuring TFA yarn. (Sometimes when I'm not knitting, I'm modelling knits – check it out!)

What are you knitting this Valentine's Day?

This week, I've been spending a lot of time waiting. In ERs, in sickrooms, on the road, in parking lots, on trains and on streetcars. Helping loved ones get better involves driving hundreds of kilometres, drinking many pots of tea and spending lots of quiet hours watching them sleep away their maladies.

All this waiting means my travelling craft bag is getting a workout. When I head out, I make sure it's packed with portable projects and supplies. And since I love those What's in Her Bag behind-the-scenes things, here's a peek at what's inside:

• My current project. This week, it's my cross-stitch seed packet and a Simple Things shawlette.
• Stork scissors. These are the perfect little snippers for embroidery and yarn ends.
• Knitting markers and notions. These little guys are always handy – and you can never have too many.
• Needle holders and stoppers. I hate when stitches drop off the knitting needles in my bag. These little springs keep your needles together, even on the go, and these sticky point protectors are great for keeping rogue stitches where they belong.
• Stitch holders and waste yarn. These are great for holding on to stitches you're going to work later.
• Tape measure. Sometimes a retractable ruler is just a wee bit more accurate than your eyeball at measuring, isn't it?
• Crochet hook. This is essential for picking up dropped stitches and fixing runs in your knitting.
• Tapestry needles. I always seem to be on the move when I'm sewing in ends on knitted projects. These big blunt needles are a must-have.
• Cable needle. I love my compact curved cable needle because it stays in my knitting a little better than the longer ones with the bump in the middle.
• Highlighter. For marking up stitching charts, there is nothing that saves your sanity better than a fine-tip highlighter.

What do you carry in your travelling craft bag? Is there something I should be adding to mine?

Share in the comments below!

This week we're giving away a copy of Beyond Knit and Purl, a new book by Kate Atherley. Today, we're featuring one of the projects from her book as a little treat for all our readers.

Kate points out that this is a great way to practice your cable skills before starting a more complicated project – and that one of these would make a sweet little Valentine's Day gift.

Cables Mini Project: Coffee Cup Cozy
Choose a color that matches how you take your coffee so spills don’t show.

Finished Measurements:
3.25 inches/8 cm wide, 9 inches/23 cm around unstretched; will stretch easily to fit the largest take-out coffee cup.

Materials:

• 1 ball Sirdar Eco Wool DK (100% undyed virgin wool, 100m/50gm ball; color 201—grey)
  • Designer’s Tip: If you can’t find this yarn, any worsted weight wool like Cascade 220, or Paton’s Classic Merino will work nicely!
• 4mm (US #6) straight needles—wood, bamboo or plastic needles are easiest
• Cable needle
• Yarn needle

Gauge:
22 stitches and 28 rows across 4 inches/10cm in stockinette stitch on 4mm needles.

Method:
Cast on 20 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: K4, p2, k8, p2, k4.
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8 [WS]: K6, p8, k6.
Row 3 [RS]: K4, p2, k8, p2, k4.
Row 5 [RS]: K4, p2, C8R*, p2, k4.
Row 7 [RS]: K4, p2, k8, p2, k4.

*C8R: Slip next 4 sts to cable needle and hold in back; k4, then k4 from cable needle.

Repeat the last 8 rows until piece measures 9 inches long, ending after a Row 1.

Bind off, leaving a 12 inch tail to use for seaming.

Finishing:
Wash the piece.
With RS facing, seam using the invisible horizontal seaming method as given below, using the tail left over from the cast-off.

How To Work the Invisible Horizontal Seam
If you look closely at your knitting, you’ll see that at the bottom of each knit stitch – each V – you’ll see a point. You’ll use these for seaming.

Fold the coffee cozy in half along the short side, with right sides facing you, and line up the cast-on and bind off edges. The cast-off tail should be on your right if you’re right-handed; on your left if you’re left-handed. Thread your darning needle with your cast-off tail.

Starting with the cast-on edge (that is, the edge that doesn’t have the tail attached to it), run the darning needle under the point of the V of the first stitch, right at the edge.

Next, run under the corresponding V on the other side, right up by the cast-off edge. And then back across the other side, going in where you came out, and under the next V....

And so forth. When seaming purl stitches, the v is still there, it’s just hiding a little bit. Stretch the fabric out to see the V's.

Pull snug as you work. When you get to the end, weave in your ends.

Don't forget that you've got a chance to win a copy of Kate's book, Beyond Knit and Purl. Just leave a comment on the giveaway post for your chance to win.

Thanks for your kind comments on my shamelessly repeated 2012 craft resolutions last week. It's so nice to know I'm not the only one who didn't quite hit the mark last year and would like to pretend 2011 never happened.

One comment in particular grabbed my attention.

Wanda mentioned tackling some items on her knitting bucket list. She's already finished one item – boom! done! – and is steadily working her way through the projects she's always wanted to tackle.

When I read that, I realized I don't have a craft bucket list. I think it's a great thing to have – it's an excellent way to set your sights on projects that are challenging and inspiring. These are the projects you'd try if you won the lottery and could do anything you pleased with your time. Not that I...um...think about that all the time or anything.

So, without further ado, here are the dream projects I need to get done in this lifetime.

1. Dear Jane quilt. This is the most enormous, involved quilting project I could imagine, besides #2 on my bucket list.

Photo, twiddletails @ Flickr

2. Baltimore album quilt. I love appliqué, so this is a natural on my list. I'm pretty sure I'd have to quit doing anything other than appliqué for years to get one done.

Photo, mm_berndt @ Flickr

3. Granny square afghan. I remember these afghans on my grandmother's and my aunt's couches back in the '70s. I'd make mine with dove grey backgrounds and vibrant centres.

Photo, MissMessie @ Flickr

4. Irish fisherman's cardigan. My mom had a beautiful one of these sweaters. It was made from the warmest, most bulletproof cream-coloured wool I've ever seen. I love the challenge of using all those different stitch patterns in one garment.

Photo, siobhanmc @ Flickr

So now that you've seen some of the things I'd like to make, what's on your list? Share your project links in the comments below!