tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24097966238359569562024-02-19T05:55:23.257-05:00Nothing Fancy KnitsKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-18473154748287814222012-10-10T14:10:00.002-04:002012-10-10T14:11:15.022-04:00Second Milo: Lazy Daisies<a href="http://nothing-fancy-knits.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-of-many-milos.html">As I suspected</a>, another Milo vest has been knit. This one has no cable but does have some daisies embroidered with some bulky-weight wool. The green yarn is Knit Picks <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/City_Tweed_DK_Yarn__D5420184.html">City Tweed DK</a> in Basil. The yarn is really more worsted than DK, but it's very nice to knit with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x-KLN5PhbiWFEpmbQpAwTitqRX5RxW4NwZJ9908CAtA9jrisrQ0sxalKDs38VIQOI2rCriwokWkLNbfQS0bfvn1j0D6tupt9tAaJRivvs5GOqiXOUlNV_xe3cFFudI4H1Oia6THP_uVa/s1600/DSC06214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x-KLN5PhbiWFEpmbQpAwTitqRX5RxW4NwZJ9908CAtA9jrisrQ0sxalKDs38VIQOI2rCriwokWkLNbfQS0bfvn1j0D6tupt9tAaJRivvs5GOqiXOUlNV_xe3cFFudI4H1Oia6THP_uVa/s320/DSC06214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Obviously someone is very happy with her new vest.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-51393222143060625892012-09-30T15:33:00.004-04:002012-09-30T15:33:58.042-04:00Little Cardigan for Little Miss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that our little girl is here (born August 30!), I can finally put some of my recent tiny knits into the laundry rotation. This cardigan, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/newborn-vertebrae">Vertebrae</a>, is almost shrug-like in the sense that it wraps the arms and back but leaves the front of the chest open. I think the design is ingenious because when my daughter spits up, only her onesie is in the line of fire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_ZgsxDHV5Vi7Yj0KUfYZgS7qC0nPLUp5_9lWqwI42K42o3H5rHx5iPAXyLfX3TwiIqSn4OpooOaL-69slWYUK2aPKcgXbuvA56sO9fBYA908SB8BMWCR00Jbe-jqwq5xrcQPQ0o-2fqQ/s1600/DSC06162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_ZgsxDHV5Vi7Yj0KUfYZgS7qC0nPLUp5_9lWqwI42K42o3H5rHx5iPAXyLfX3TwiIqSn4OpooOaL-69slWYUK2aPKcgXbuvA56sO9fBYA908SB8BMWCR00Jbe-jqwq5xrcQPQ0o-2fqQ/s320/DSC06162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was the newborn size, but my gauge was off a little and I still only used one skein of sock yarn. This gorgeous orange-pink-red is Knit Picks self-striping yarn, <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Felici_Fingering_Self_Striping_Sock_Yarn__D5420165.html">Felici</a>, which is released in limited-time colorways. This colorway, Matador, had been sitting in my stash for about two years. I love having a little sweater for my daughter that isn't cotton candy pink.<br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-49546708416999436412012-09-15T13:24:00.001-04:002012-10-10T14:11:32.924-04:00First of Many Milos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I first saw the pattern for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/milo-3">Milo</a> about two years ago and instantly loved it. My son was 2 at the time and always runs hot, so I rarely knit anything for him that isn't a winter hat, and my daughter, who was born August 30 (was it only 16 days ago?!), wasn't even a thought at the back of my mind yet, so the pattern went un-purchased and un-knit. </div>
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Finally buying the pattern this summer, I managed to knit one vest before my little girl was born. This one, knit in <a href="http://www.berroco.com/shade_cards/vintage_sh.html">Berroco Vintage</a> for ease of washing and its wonderful "squishiness," is the 6-month size. I used the heart cable motif, and look forward to knitting more Milos with other cables: my stash is calling me!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milo, red hearts version</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart cables (detail)</td></tr>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-11972667540108337962012-08-09T10:18:00.000-04:002012-08-09T10:18:28.752-04:00Preparation Knitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our baby girl is due two weeks from today (feel free to show up any time, little one!) and I have knit a few things for her this summer. Below is the Smocked Dress from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/60-Quick-Baby-Knits-Superwash/dp/1936096137/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344521676&sr=8-1&keywords=60+quick+baby+knits">60 Quick Baby Knits</a>. I used Cascade Yarn's <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-UltraPima.asp">Ultra Pima</a>, which is a sport-weight yarn. The pattern calls for worsted weight, but I always knit larger than gauge, so this time I just went with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6j4yjdVxB2nf1xJdqBsPgt8P1ECnrVoU3zcR6vSTQFKVQThU-4qHGjHnb_KvVWIlwO6qqw5D-u1LKBizcWQ056hvs90tf4IyFCBO9iqDELEPSTB_SiCXMpSXpsPunmyR0I3d_0S2bOUL/s1600/DSC06017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6j4yjdVxB2nf1xJdqBsPgt8P1ECnrVoU3zcR6vSTQFKVQThU-4qHGjHnb_KvVWIlwO6qqw5D-u1LKBizcWQ056hvs90tf4IyFCBO9iqDELEPSTB_SiCXMpSXpsPunmyR0I3d_0S2bOUL/s320/DSC06017.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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The finished dress seems to be about the right size for a 6- to 9-month-old, so our little girl will most likely be sporting this in the spring over cute long-sleeved tees.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-87611702162237519252012-07-18T17:15:00.001-04:002012-08-09T10:18:45.806-04:00It's a Wrap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been working on smaller projects lately, things that don't get too hot on my lap in this ridiculous weather and don't take too long so I'll be ready for the Ravellenic Games, which begin July 27th. </div>
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I finished this triangular shawl a few weeks ago. It's the <a href="http://classiceliteyarns.com/WebLetter/176/Issue176.php">Kumara Wrap</a>, a free pattern from Classic Elite yarns. I used two skeins of <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-superwash.asp">Cascade 220 Superwash</a>. It blocked very well, and the shawl is squishy 1x1 rib. The fringe took a while but was very worth the effort. I really like this shawl, but I have a friend who just <i>is</i> this color blue, so I may gift it away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy_yaiKjFoLyRf-yHZBzqwOEKoOCGKkPIaIE00Wk0S2ueeV75jvrWDBJ1aYLfEgzliabIQi4hO9nJLuozAcJ672NRJLR73cls32JgsQrRj8SVxxdoj2xSnHu2-DHyqQaODKxe04j-eTVD/s1600/DSC05999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy_yaiKjFoLyRf-yHZBzqwOEKoOCGKkPIaIE00Wk0S2ueeV75jvrWDBJ1aYLfEgzliabIQi4hO9nJLuozAcJ672NRJLR73cls32JgsQrRj8SVxxdoj2xSnHu2-DHyqQaODKxe04j-eTVD/s320/DSC05999.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Another free pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grayson">Grayson</a>, used less than one skein in each color of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Palette_Yarn__D5420132.html">Palette</a>, which is a nice fingering-weight wool that comes in a staggering number of colorways. It uses a very ingenious <a href="http://www.leethal.net/zine/?p=1091">method</a> of casting on stitches at the edge (where the yellow is later knit), thus making it completely unnecessary to pick up stitches to knit the border. I'm not entirely in love with the yellow. I think a darker yellow, one with more brown or orange in it, would have looked more harmonious.<br />
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When working the stripes, I always brought the new color under the old color, and this made a very neat little spiral/spine up the edge of the knitting: very tidy looking!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY0-3sk7gZp1jEENAnECNHT6yCfkwMMBwxTg3sh4U5BKyMw4nbzC_37PjmForU637pDNM_nK6J-6dyhVsr8rqsObUtHFJXytq6PNlbAEKMyBInjemTSpOvlERC5kY8vbyaETZHGNmAPZz/s1600/DSC05995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY0-3sk7gZp1jEENAnECNHT6yCfkwMMBwxTg3sh4U5BKyMw4nbzC_37PjmForU637pDNM_nK6J-6dyhVsr8rqsObUtHFJXytq6PNlbAEKMyBInjemTSpOvlERC5kY8vbyaETZHGNmAPZz/s320/DSC05995.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Currently on the needles is another shawl, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quaking-aspen-shawl">Quaking Aspen</a>. . . </div>
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<br /></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-67587139236138828392012-07-06T16:47:00.000-04:002012-07-06T16:47:19.471-04:00Oh, it's been a while, hasn't it?Not without good reason, though: I'm 33 weeks pregnant, expecting a girl, and have been working on a few projects for her. I've knit a little cardigan and a smocked dress, and yarn is on the way to knit another cardigan as my project for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/ravellenic-games-2012">Ravellenic Games</a>. I also have a few summer-friendly projects on the needles right now: small shawls and cowls, AKA things that aren't so hot that I'll melt beneath them in this heat wave I'm suffering through.<br />
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Back soon, with pictures!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-18624948402982591722012-03-16T08:03:00.002-04:002012-03-16T08:03:47.131-04:00Spinning a Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The drop-spinning continues at my house. I bought a small stash of wool roving and have been slowly working my way through it. I'm still knitting, for sure, and am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on a cardigan I'm working on right now, but spinning is so easy to pick up for five or ten minutes throughout the day.</div>
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Working third shift, I am blessed to be home to help my husband start bedtime for our son, but around 8:00 or so, I say goodnight, leave my husband to read bedtime stories, and I get ready for work. Once the scrubs are on and the dinner is packed, I have 10 minutes before I have to leave in which to spin.</div>
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Undyed wool roving, my second attempt at handspun:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugZ-T4ZULfwxYq_HlMFt4ohkFW8mzCD46mr_RwC7iyS0p1rqvacJEeK_z7W8zq7NKyYvOBtqkLUmt4zMQZdiUv61Yfi1H4XorqfmndQ588fgh4m3G1b9eWcmvgY-AC3qhAaqiox4tOnOw/s1600/DSC05678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugZ-T4ZULfwxYq_HlMFt4ohkFW8mzCD46mr_RwC7iyS0p1rqvacJEeK_z7W8zq7NKyYvOBtqkLUmt4zMQZdiUv61Yfi1H4XorqfmndQ588fgh4m3G1b9eWcmvgY-AC3qhAaqiox4tOnOw/s320/DSC05678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two plies of pink and one ply of purple, which I spun more tightly:<br />
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And some hand-dyed wool, done on the stove with plain old liquid food coloring, tap water, and vinegar:</div>
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Spinning is great fun, but there's a little added excitement for me as I watch the colors change gradually, and then again as I wait to see what will happen when the individual strands are plied together.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-22065835711300686072011-12-29T11:52:00.000-05:002011-12-29T17:09:04.854-05:00New Adventures in Old Technology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I received a top-whorl spindle for Christmas from my awesome parents, and within three days had already spun through the wool roving that came with the spindle. Last night I wound my single into a center-pull ball, then took the "outside" end and the "inside" end and plied them together to create a 2-ply yarn:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0TqlHbJWSTLUpAXCHmk3Wsc-AZCiQpi8FCxMDDBWkVERkmzJ2EBkQg86jx-YkxK_DJd1aE7i51jDpek3DwXg8ZYVjrFlf03xkXdf4uhuVNVLno7gGq-1p4-nv2BxnjYtCfsapRARAed1/s1600/DSC05577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0TqlHbJWSTLUpAXCHmk3Wsc-AZCiQpi8FCxMDDBWkVERkmzJ2EBkQg86jx-YkxK_DJd1aE7i51jDpek3DwXg8ZYVjrFlf03xkXdf4uhuVNVLno7gGq-1p4-nv2BxnjYtCfsapRARAed1/s320/DSC05577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It varies between worsted and bulky weight, and there are definitely some spots that are much thicker or thinner than others, but overall I'm pretty happy with it. I have 1 oz (~28 grams) of wool that will probably never be knit into anything, but I've already bought more wool so I can keep practicing.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-70779827589223313262011-12-19T10:24:00.000-05:002012-08-09T10:19:01.190-04:00Chroma Chroma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I saw the pattern for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chroma-stocking-cap">Chroma Stocking Cap</a> on Ravelry, I knew I would knit it. Furthermore, I knew I would knit it in Knit Picks <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Chroma_Worsted_Yarn__D5420204.html">Chroma</a>. And, because I'm cheap, I knew I would knit it in whichever colors were on sale. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ye5yvflDwDcOTnfnKB3rfbvTRBwa_3II3jMYa2zNoXTXLll19UHcY9EJ-b0zr5ipQJqLHuZsghIe43cci_eM7_NOJ8OEtQDYmLabkSRr8AU2b9fVDP8c1hOJai6lo6rQ2b3Sxd6_JApF/s1600/DSC05475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ye5yvflDwDcOTnfnKB3rfbvTRBwa_3II3jMYa2zNoXTXLll19UHcY9EJ-b0zr5ipQJqLHuZsghIe43cci_eM7_NOJ8OEtQDYmLabkSRr8AU2b9fVDP8c1hOJai6lo6rQ2b3Sxd6_JApF/s320/DSC05475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, here it is: Chroma in Pool Party (blue-green-yellow) and North Woods (green-yellow-orange-brown). Because both colorways rely heavily on a blueish green and a greenish yellow, I had to do a little "editing." If both skeins were coming up on the same color at the same time, I snipped out the offending color from one skein and rejoined my yarn.<br />
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This was a very well-written pattern with a good tutorial for jogless stripes. My only modifications were using a tubular cast-on method (beautiful!) and adding a tassel, because this hat was just begging to have one. Also, it was a great way to use up some of the yarn that I cut out earlier to make more eye-pleasing stripes.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-3206062227452995892011-11-25T17:04:00.001-05:002011-11-25T17:09:10.482-05:00Thick Stripes Cowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Four skeins of clearance-priced <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/alpineWool.html">Lion Brand Alpine Wool</a> somehow jumped into my basket about six months ago. I thought about knitting hats and mittens with them, but during a Christmas-shopping trip I saw some great chunky, soft cowls and decided to see just how far those four skeins would take me:</div>
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This was super simple to knit, and made me especially glad that I had bought a 40-inch cable for my interchangeable needle set. More details on my Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/nothingfancy/thick-stripes-cowl">project page</a>.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-79129427535882558912011-09-30T15:24:00.002-04:002011-09-30T15:26:16.445-04:00Orange You Glad I Knit You a Sweater?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A recent <a href="http://nothing-fancy-knits.blogspot.com/2011/08/splurge.html">splurge</a> has become this: </div>
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A top-down raglan pullover for my son. I've used tubular cast-off on the cuffs and waist, and <a href="http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2008/01/tubular-cast-off-its-pretty.html">TECHknitting's post</a> on the subject is really well done. After having my son try on the almost-finished product, I abandoned the idea of also using this bind-off at the neck and instead just picked up stitches and worked a few rows of stockinette stitch for a nice rolled edge. I used a suspended bind-off that I've used before.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Knit 1, *slip st back to LH needle, k2tog through the back loop; rep from * until one st remains and draw end of yarn through last st to secure.</span><br />
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I knit the sleeves straight until just before the cuff, where I did a few rounds of decreases before switching to 1x1 ribbing. In hindsight, I think I would have preferred using paired decreases from the elbow to the wrist: next time, right?Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-82817898265348461192011-09-04T20:35:00.002-04:002011-09-05T19:30:55.504-04:00Man on the Moon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love to knit for my husband: searching for the perfect Man Hat pattern, knitting it in something washable yet soft in a deep green, or navy, or the orange and brown of his beloved pro football team. In the past year or two, when I offer to knit for him, he says something like, "I have <i>so many hats.</i> Knit something for yourself." </div>
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As one might imagine, it was a mark-the-calendar day at my house when my husband requested a hand-knit sweater this spring. He, of course, had something particular in mind:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7f7BvcCnD9rn1f4Sag-Al_rU85cS2yWgMZcgubdt9M6EVZIjq7W4mdMVitaE8ITJ8T-HebpR0pNV49InSexe53XxX0W8lF7g74zsWQFpY-P3j87bDXeuz8SmRB9oMHEzNBpsF7ZoPZZb/s1600/kaufman_andy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7f7BvcCnD9rn1f4Sag-Al_rU85cS2yWgMZcgubdt9M6EVZIjq7W4mdMVitaE8ITJ8T-HebpR0pNV49InSexe53XxX0W8lF7g74zsWQFpY-P3j87bDXeuz8SmRB9oMHEzNBpsF7ZoPZZb/s320/kaufman_andy.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Andy Kaufman, of <i>Taxi</i> and <i>Saturday Night Live</i>, not to mention his comedy specials.</span></div>
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Yes. I was being asked to custom-knit Andy Kaufman on a grown man's sweater. I did a little digging on the internet, just in case something was already available. There are plenty of bizarre, lovely patterns available, and since there <i>was</i> actually a Big Lebowski sweater pattern out there, I thought there might be something for an Andy Kaufman sweater. </div>
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I did not find a pattern, but someone had already done the hard work of rendering Andy Kaufman in intarsia. The <a href="http://www.domiknitrix.com/dkx_images/andykaufmanknittingpattern_lg.gif">chart</a> is from <a href="http://www.domiknitrix.com/">DomiKNITrix</a>. (If you were so inclined to knit a <a href="http://www.domiknitrix.com/knittingpatterns/brucelee_knittingpattern.cfm">Bruce Lee</a> sweater, she has that covered, too.)</div>
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I bought ten skeins of worsted wool in a natural color and one in black. I used a basic (very basic) men's sweater pattern that I used many years ago for the second sweater I ever knit for my husband and added the chart. In hindsight, I should have moved the portrait up about two inches, but overall the effect is pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6M7_T2PaJ6-84ubmhDKHGalgb1onyaqhppDL3tl0-Wxsd7f2vuaoGP6NVhG0Q2bjnlAUif9AJbvKcB2oc7-RiChQxhz-KM0PgB3sPV7kDYC-NPKweCOIAQgrz5Yc33PcpA4kjIumLcpM/s1600/DSC05166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6M7_T2PaJ6-84ubmhDKHGalgb1onyaqhppDL3tl0-Wxsd7f2vuaoGP6NVhG0Q2bjnlAUif9AJbvKcB2oc7-RiChQxhz-KM0PgB3sPV7kDYC-NPKweCOIAQgrz5Yc33PcpA4kjIumLcpM/s320/DSC05166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My husband swears this is his new ski sweater, to be worn all the time. All. The. Time. All I can say is, after this much stockinette stitch, <i>someone </i>had better get some wear out of it.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-52982877090690170492011-08-22T19:35:00.004-04:002011-08-23T15:43:49.978-04:00Splurge<div>This past weekend was the annual fiber festival in my state, which meant three barns full of vendors. After some serious browsing, I bought this gorgeous yarn, Miss Babs "<a href="http://www.missbabs.com/store.php?cat=64">Yowza - Whatta Skein</a>!", in a truly delicious and vibrant orange. The colorway is Bittersweet, and I <em>lurve</em> it. At 560 yards, it should definitely be enough to knit a sweater for my son, who is 3 years old.</div><div>
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<br /></div><div>This color makes me think of autumn leaves and jack-o-lanterns and sweet potato pie, maybe not in that order.
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<br /></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-62014671057726368222011-07-03T15:46:00.004-04:002011-09-12T14:08:42.279-04:00Simple Ribbed CardiganAnother baby gift: Debbie Bliss's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ribbed-baby-jacket">Ribbed Baby Jacket</a>. I love the simplicity and sophistication of her designs, and while this particular pattern looked very feminine in the book, swapping purple wool/cashmere for off-white organic cotton and adding a chunky wooden button made the finished project very gender neutral. It would look equally adorable over a pink onesie or a blue plaid shirt.
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625215327037166354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NSzq_AvwzKDbNYTURVneBVqVCiJI32CfknJ6uPpRVhoGFou9qpjbfLOBxQIVJaffP6NdqSbvU3xqMi0do_I_9aipf10x2C27b87lbvj2LPaQhETOJWMuLMZ1D4o0LQ_dq4FSPKAnrbLt/s320/DSC05036.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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I added the buttonhole using a 4-stitch buttonhole. I made no other modifications, but I do kind of wish I'd taken measures to keep the bottom hem from rolling. Other than a stiff blocking - which the recipients will probably not want to do each time it's washed - there really is nothing to be done, but I love the finished product, rolling hem and all.</div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-35550668761013280172011-06-28T18:37:00.003-04:002011-09-12T14:08:33.007-04:00Aestlight AgainIt's not that common for me to knit the same pattern twice. A few baby patterns that have been made for multiple babies and the plain old sock pattern are a few exceptions. But sweaters, hats, and particularly shawls are not my typical repeat offenders.<br />
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However, a friend of mine complimented <a href="http://nothing-fancy-knits.blogspot.com/2010/08/aestlight-shawl.html">my Aestlight</a> this spring, so while I found myself with some time off in May, I knit one just for her:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxOvlIWZucemSufMpgxXLAr7kWmoZ9S2HSJj2W_kgIZ5GSS87R6HieRnBD4QNZqf1RiozpfBGXKKM8x32em_OTH-357klGIiaO4vzf5geaGpE050BgFr55nE1obVyde7NN-fEWPVpmAHM/s1600/DSC05024.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623403908820172370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxOvlIWZucemSufMpgxXLAr7kWmoZ9S2HSJj2W_kgIZ5GSS87R6HieRnBD4QNZqf1RiozpfBGXKKM8x32em_OTH-357klGIiaO4vzf5geaGpE050BgFr55nE1obVyde7NN-fEWPVpmAHM/s320/DSC05024.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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I used two skeins of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfyarns/yarn_display.cfm?ID=5420132">Palette</a> in the main color and one in the lace contrast color. Again, a very well-written pattern that makes a lovely shawl of a pretty good size.<br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-42597986302695666442011-06-19T17:57:00.003-04:002011-09-12T14:08:22.533-04:00Great Outdoors SocksHappy Father's Day, all you dads out here on the internet. For my father, I knit a pair of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/just-yer-basic-sport-sock">sport-weight socks</a>: another wonderful free pattern on Ravelry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwprT35imqx2POFKNlyheGGEGDjs6iAF2LOPefkwfnXQfazD4A71s6i4DwcWD0Z-EurxUEXqCVnB3197E0TqD8ZsK5YCqGhv3lhK_kLxiOeMegI9HYtqZQvcY7kMWfxvbdCg_USWYDWf6Z/s1600/DSC04717.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620053605943605874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwprT35imqx2POFKNlyheGGEGDjs6iAF2LOPefkwfnXQfazD4A71s6i4DwcWD0Z-EurxUEXqCVnB3197E0TqD8ZsK5YCqGhv3lhK_kLxiOeMegI9HYtqZQvcY7kMWfxvbdCg_USWYDWf6Z/s320/DSC04717.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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It was great to find a basic sock pattern for sport yarn, since I accidentally ordered four skeins of this a few months ago. I had meant to order two, but, well, accidents happen and online shoppers click "submit order" too many times. This is my favorite kind of sock pattern: top-down construction, heel flap, and paired decreases for the toe shaping. Maybe it's <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primacy">primacy</a>, but I have tried toe-up socks, short-row heels, and spiraling decreases and they just leave me wanting. </div>
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Of course, I'm also the woman who will <em>never</em> give up double-pointed needles.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">What knitting method, technique, or trick is first in your heart?</span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-85315730310199458752011-06-07T18:57:00.005-04:002012-02-10T08:23:38.048-05:00Little Mustard SeedA friend of mine from my brief stint as a middle-school teacher is having her first baby in September. She and her husband decided to keep the gender a surprise, which I would <em>never</em> be able to do, so I decided to knit her a sweater in gender-neutral Golden Heather and Marshmallow <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Simply_Cotton_Worsted_Yarn__D5420199.html">Simply Cotton</a>. I really like this yarn, particularly the worsted weight, because it's organic, machine wash- and dryable, and softer than your average cotton yarn. It does lose about 10% of length after machine washing and drying, by my estimates, but as long as you take that into account when knitting. . . no problem!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhLY_3W-HryehoQtIex_ZKkwAkXHLIFICkdzpkJ0gI52tL6SuvlbHkqQeYPweNlE0KGGSjonE3xk_IAHebEhcV0j6QaNRip_4-IzH6MhdeB5l1h2PETyyo3UAbOeXEebGNM7lHR0liFdG/s1600/DSC04990.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615616195637963346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhLY_3W-HryehoQtIex_ZKkwAkXHLIFICkdzpkJ0gI52tL6SuvlbHkqQeYPweNlE0KGGSjonE3xk_IAHebEhcV0j6QaNRip_4-IzH6MhdeB5l1h2PETyyo3UAbOeXEebGNM7lHR0liFdG/s320/DSC04990.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0y77lEYBbY9Z3MtHziBGQDACzGPh6JFKt9dZtwGw4f1M-ruWWW6v8K9msWkOldrkDwEDX7I5VcVwvbhDuZ_w1CgOlC034L7n6LRwnXXzyZVbMdT0dQoKhCv77A72mhy5nKDBmUVNRIjM/s1600/DSC04984.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615616188457231666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0y77lEYBbY9Z3MtHziBGQDACzGPh6JFKt9dZtwGw4f1M-ruWWW6v8K9msWkOldrkDwEDX7I5VcVwvbhDuZ_w1CgOlC034L7n6LRwnXXzyZVbMdT0dQoKhCv77A72mhy5nKDBmUVNRIjM/s320/DSC04984.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-coffee-bean-cardigan">Little Coffee Bean</a>, yet another wonderful free download available from a Raveler. I really liked the pattern: clear, well written, and very easy for an intermediate to experienced knitter. If I was knitting this specifically for a boy, though, I would swap out the yarnover increases for M1L and M1R increases that didn't produce eyelets. </div>
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This just might be my new go-to baby gift pattern, since it only took 200 grams of worsted weight.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-15678347123361289982011-06-03T10:37:00.006-04:002011-09-12T14:08:05.010-04:00Charity Projects #2-5<br />
Finally, a sunny day when I have time to take a few pictures! These projects have been off the needles for two weeks, but between blocking and waiting for them to dry, then days upon days of rain, I hadn't had a chance for photographs.<br />
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These <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/75-yard-malabrigo-fingerless-mitts">fingerless mitts</a> claim to use 75 yards of Malabrigo, and my pair came in at 73.8 yards of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Capra_Cashmere_Yarn__D5420109.html">Capra</a>: pretty good! The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-hat-fit-for-a-boyfriend">Hat Fit for a Boyfriend</a> and mitts combined used about one and a half skeins of Capra in Caviar, which is the perfect stormy grey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxbelKuCUCKM1xqrndUzWwwedk5R55fpkvBDQICqYWLSiVRxQgCg5_oCq2b8-phlT9k8X0EitpLMn8ip6I7irCRKgNfCmJyWCQH1_KeHeYl3VQH3_TLiTO3USh83iHh-gnr1o762lJIV8/s1600/DSC04973.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614003219476087842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxbelKuCUCKM1xqrndUzWwwedk5R55fpkvBDQICqYWLSiVRxQgCg5_oCq2b8-phlT9k8X0EitpLMn8ip6I7irCRKgNfCmJyWCQH1_KeHeYl3VQH3_TLiTO3USh83iHh-gnr1o762lJIV8/s320/DSC04973.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><br />
These <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fingerless-gloves-44">fingerless gloves</a>, knit with more of the mystery worsted from my stash, were super simple to knit. They are worked flat in ribbing and then sewn up one side. Remembering to leave a hole for the thumb is the only tricky part. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZtz0Zs0Rqs1_Bp0oSuhehu_xXv9m_B6kU_z4OQXjoVHIx-yJAia8iqX0aM1v7yLgued4gUaInMP9yZmDFfaBKM5hyphenhyphenpjFtqmsyoT_S98JVZqnFkWQF1SVSepVg8tY4mxPyq5xPo_76qUf/s1600/DSC04969.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614003212951749458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZtz0Zs0Rqs1_Bp0oSuhehu_xXv9m_B6kU_z4OQXjoVHIx-yJAia8iqX0aM1v7yLgued4gUaInMP9yZmDFfaBKM5hyphenhyphenpjFtqmsyoT_S98JVZqnFkWQF1SVSepVg8tY4mxPyq5xPo_76qUf/s320/DSC04969.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><br />
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Below is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-very-braidy-cowl">Very Braidy Cowl</a>, which used about one and a half skeins of Capra. It is soft and cuddly and very warm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqT_FIvYvLoLjmJgNo1Tl2cI86-BKH74PRbzxelh3GFlHMGFETrtc7MVgwoobKKgTdCqBumKdyV9641wcK9hXsrWIsYdjadq9QjEw2ugLA1SjS3QjJTos_mSKfpakmuJTDD-ltOJ_mFakK/s1600/DSC04965.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614003203073331298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqT_FIvYvLoLjmJgNo1Tl2cI86-BKH74PRbzxelh3GFlHMGFETrtc7MVgwoobKKgTdCqBumKdyV9641wcK9hXsrWIsYdjadq9QjEw2ugLA1SjS3QjJTos_mSKfpakmuJTDD-ltOJ_mFakK/s320/DSC04965.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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I've been working a custom sweater for my husband, a shawl for a friend, and a cardigan for another friend's first baby, all currently in progress. I did finish a cardigan for me, but I can't seem to get sunny weather <em>and</em> someone else to take pictures. That would be pressing my luck.</div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-51168364603260309712011-05-12T15:49:00.001-04:002011-05-14T13:30:56.686-04:00Great Charity Stash-Down UpdateWell, roughly two weeks later I have finished five projects: two hats, two pairs of fingerless mittens, and a cowl. I've made one hat/mitt set out of the mystery wool and another set in <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Capra_Cashmere_Yarn__D5420109.html">Capra</a>, which is <em>deee</em>-licious. It feels pretty nice in the ball, even better knit, and amazing after blocking. And speaking of blocking, pictures will have to wait until said blocking is finished.<br /><br />Knitting these small projects has been very rewarding, and on more than one level. First of all, I'm reducing my stash. Making way for new yarn, making room in my house: both are good news. Second, small projects give me a very real, very tangible sense of accomplishment. As beautiful as a me-sized stockinette cardigan in sport-weight wool is, months of knitting to achieve one garment is not always the most satisfying. Third, knitting for good people, especially people who've had some tough breaks, just makes a body feel good.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-59520300863398501742011-04-26T16:54:00.005-04:002011-09-12T14:07:41.585-04:00Charity Project #1The first project in my <a href="http://nothing-fancy-knits.blogspot.com/2011/04/great-charity-stash-down.html">Great Charity Stash-Down</a> is complete. It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scathachs-hat">Scathach hat</a>, and I used about two and a half balls of the mystery worsted yarn.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599999008690355682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR2IiZe9txtw7YBF0LKF10dMI_sdg78i91V6TtWR98s9kFVyYQY5pRdmCyzH7-3S06Osap_QUFNXaS3gw9yvHie4xS41meqd4X9xfx4Zur_V2wCr_kyMG7j5GtYgjfstiwGblAWEtavyr/s320/DSC04656.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /><br />
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I knit one extra repeat of the cable and picked up 12 stitches more than the pattern called for, and I ended up with a pretty cute (in my opinion), slouchy hat. Knitting some fingerless gloves to make a set has crossed my mind, but this yarn definitely is not soft enough for a scarf or cowl.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-18563092359237694082011-04-09T06:16:00.009-04:002011-04-09T20:03:16.432-04:00The Great Charity Stash-DownI may be setting myself up for failure with this post title, but even if I fail to achieve greatness in number of items knit, making things for deserving people is always great. <br /><br />A woman from the knitting group I was an active member of in a previous life (before my son was born, before I went back to school, before my internship) works with a group of college students who have aged out of the foster care system, and she is organizing knitters and crocheters to make hats, mittens, scarves, and other items geared towards young adults. I have until the beginning of December to knit as many items as I can. I plan to use my stash, which includes about 20 balls of a neutral/tan yarn with some nubs of darker brown and cream. It's worsted weight, which is pretty versatile when you're talking hats and mittens, and I <em>do</em> have plenty of it. <br /><br />I also ordered some kits from Knit Picks on sale, so I have <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Capra_Cashmere_Yarn__D5420109.html">Capra</a>, a very nice merino/cashmere blend, two balls each of five colors. I cast on for my first project last night: something to work on while I wait for the needles I need to finish the sweater I've been working on for me. Hopefully I'll be able to post about my Red Green(field) cardigan in the near future.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-10601554477170166992011-01-30T16:15:00.007-05:002011-09-12T14:07:26.803-04:00Simple ThingsSometimes I get caught up in patterns with intertwining cables, intricate color work, and outrageous construction. The challege is exciting, and the new techniques are inspiring and educational, but sometimes it's nice to go back to basics, because the basics can make for some pretty, sweet, and often nostalgic garments.<br />
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This is girl's smock was knit from the top down in the round with a garter stitch yoke, stockinette body, and garter stitch hem.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568091039414045058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSB2wvvTeI2utVjbXxwskg7GfcuvnmAKc6wBRkaSAVIMOhMaoFU3FrPMmImxTf6aDS2ZEMGN6GLd0V3-sastpHdAyTTcRvvx3VIqIZaaRQCe-5EAz9oUfEw-7C8TnkFTzhNpP2DizIyus/s320/DSC04308.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /><br />
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Three wooden buttons were sewn on at the margin where the end of one round and the beginning of the next meet, making a sort of <em>faux</em> buttonband.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3FOIIIP-GjR1zKlNZmyQ_5RnakV75Xa9_4pFjADzVLaqRL0ZGLtkaXl9HuPIs5Y7dd4CHbDBBATx2MmPg7Qjcupg-Lw8vJo7AmdBMDsAVmsW6Ur5jSqjHYwdz8y8QYpq_pe231CV9Dlf/s1600/DSC04310.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568091047890199170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3FOIIIP-GjR1zKlNZmyQ_5RnakV75Xa9_4pFjADzVLaqRL0ZGLtkaXl9HuPIs5Y7dd4CHbDBBATx2MmPg7Qjcupg-Lw8vJo7AmdBMDsAVmsW6Ur5jSqjHYwdz8y8QYpq_pe231CV9Dlf/s320/DSC04310.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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These simple but classic elements along with <a href="http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=classicwool">Patons Classic Wool</a> in a natural heather colorway add up to, in my opinion, a sweet smock that can be dressed up or down.<br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-42214028973514961642010-12-27T06:52:00.006-05:002011-06-07T19:07:13.011-04:00Gift KnittingChristmas has finally arrived, and I was able to knit a few gifts this year. I have a few rules that I follow when knitting gifts. First, make it small. This allows multiple gifts to be knit without driving you, the knitter, crazy. Second, make it machine washable, or at least easy to care for. Third, choose a pattern you enjoy. When knitting for someone else, just like giving any present, you can't be sure the recipient will actually like it, so you might as well have enjoyed knitting it.<br /><br />Great projects that follow these rules include hats, socks, scarves or shawls, and items for the home. Below is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/holden-shawlette">Holden</a>, a small shawl that I knit for my sister in machine-washable sock yarn.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfkP32Jv_DO_vbFLWApw6BZqAkLDGa_ZLWgPwr_7AZcceH07ctqgjOyx5PvmqpckruSPMz2OTY8fkmT0QcFAT6p9Z5L9W7T4jHu3aYp88gLKle9xws7iLOyjGtZXbh8B0Vgcaprc29rqR/s1600/DSC04124a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555329296514102418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfkP32Jv_DO_vbFLWApw6BZqAkLDGa_ZLWgPwr_7AZcceH07ctqgjOyx5PvmqpckruSPMz2OTY8fkmT0QcFAT6p9Z5L9W7T4jHu3aYp88gLKle9xws7iLOyjGtZXbh8B0Vgcaprc29rqR/s320/DSC04124a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A set of two organic cotton washcloths, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-washed-up">All Washed Up</a> and my own <a href="http://nothing-fancy-knits.blogspot.com/2010/06/free-pattern-corrugated-cloth.html">Corrugated Cloth</a>:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-t9vL0mcoi-tpH7feyN00Eodoqc-m2UhLg7TWAfFxQ1jAF_JKn-nKNljHT9RkQuD1s2DStHDk_yTleO4WR9FChs6h05uZFCjah-bY5vJmhkMVpKqMbGugbasP4MC8GMdIY6G-m_O5OgU/s1600/DSC03901.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555329035365826530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-t9vL0mcoi-tpH7feyN00Eodoqc-m2UhLg7TWAfFxQ1jAF_JKn-nKNljHT9RkQuD1s2DStHDk_yTleO4WR9FChs6h05uZFCjah-bY5vJmhkMVpKqMbGugbasP4MC8GMdIY6G-m_O5OgU/s320/DSC03901.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>Another set with Corrugated Cloth and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-bump-dishcloth">Double Bump Dishcloth</a>:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOGVOCdBraw2ONbD_89rmwGBkn1mtmrmly42pJaKGolRfurOzuOSaTLj53CCMyUfFHiNmjYqMIUA0GzvhjqOghIO9Ms0b8PPojlasGGHOtxUnJmhNuvhR7hY9aS8HcUd6T4uDORtNAYw_/s1600/DSC03897.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555329023331277010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOGVOCdBraw2ONbD_89rmwGBkn1mtmrmly42pJaKGolRfurOzuOSaTLj53CCMyUfFHiNmjYqMIUA0GzvhjqOghIO9Ms0b8PPojlasGGHOtxUnJmhNuvhR7hY9aS8HcUd6T4uDORtNAYw_/s320/DSC03897.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>All of these gifts followed the basic rules for gift knitting, and I was able to add a little hand-knit goodness to my holiday. Bigger and better next Christmas, I hope!</div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-82661549411324713152010-12-24T06:12:00.002-05:002010-12-24T06:16:28.162-05:00Happy HolidaysEven though I am mostly all grown up, I am so excited about Christmas that I wake up ridicuously early not just on Christmas morning but also the two or three days prior to said event. I won't pretend like I'm not chomping at the bit to open some presents, but seeing family and spending time together is a larger contributor to my excitement.<br /><br />And I'm giving some handknit gifts this year, of course. I haven't posted them here at Nothing Fancy Knits to avoid potential spoilers, but will be back next week with pictures of (hopefully) happy recipients with their handknit items. Until then, Merry Christmas!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409796623835956956.post-86182010688099793092010-12-02T15:56:00.020-05:002011-09-12T14:07:10.664-04:00New Pattern: Big Sweater, Little PocketsI'm so excited! The pattern for Big Sweater, Little Pockets is live on Ravelry.<br />
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This sweater is sized for 2, 4 and 6 years and is intended to be oversized. Learn some new tricks, like the tubular cast on, and then relax with some stockinette stitch in the round. Two tiny afterthought pockets add a little interest to the front of the sweater, and bulky yarn means this project knits up quickly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ2W1lBXbfum1cKRHgpWUWbaylAtwsioIHJQ428O8jWJc9_A2MzEhaURz3cRqXvSpk-QhDwvHwrHo4d294kjUDsvLhHjRhVbhYUGH3xKndUbYRcZpUq1W32dHnFNyFgMwe8qVD6sBvD_q/s1600/DSC03692+-+Copy.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546191937940384450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ2W1lBXbfum1cKRHgpWUWbaylAtwsioIHJQ428O8jWJc9_A2MzEhaURz3cRqXvSpk-QhDwvHwrHo4d294kjUDsvLhHjRhVbhYUGH3xKndUbYRcZpUq1W32dHnFNyFgMwe8qVD6sBvD_q/s320/DSC03692+-+Copy.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 239px;" /></a><br />
<br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-sweater-little-pockets">Buy</a> it on Ravelry! See what some other <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-sweater-little-pockets/people">fantastic knitters</a> have done with Big Sweater, Little Pockets! Not a Ravelry member? Join <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">here</a> or purchase pattern without joining by clicking the "buy now" button below.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/kate-schoren-designs/51671"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07349712699592341218noreply@blogger.com2