Project Spectrum - February & March

1. Cables in Chamonix--Complete!, 2. Camisole Tube, 3. Cupcakes, 4. Center Square on Joel, 5. Secret Window, 6. Haircuts, 7. Cavern Cardi, 8. Beads, 9. Finished Garter Scarf, 10. Into the Water, 11. Shades of Blue, 12. Sand Dollars, 13. Blue Cupcake

As you can see, blue is one of my favorite colors! I do have a few projects planned for April/May, and I'm sure a few unplanned ones will be started as well.

The Perfect Day

Yesterday was a really fun day and my birthday. I got up early and went to a local bakery, where I had my favorite, a cheese roll. So good, but not very healthy, I'm sure. From there I walked over to the Japanese Tea Garden. I have been meaning to visit for weeks, but just haven't made it.


It was so beautiful and peaceful. I love it! It was pretty crowded for a weekday morning, but not too bad.

In the afternoon I decided to check out a local yarn store. What a great store! There was so much yarn of all types stacked from floor to ceiling. They had all of my favorites and lots more to try. I had a some birthday money (thanks to Joel's mom and grandmother!), so I picked up a few things.

Cascade 220: 2 skeins of the lighter color and 1 of the darker. The colors are a little off here, but you get the idea. This is for the two-toned ribbed shrug in Fitted Knits.


Three skeins of Noro Silk Garden. The colors are off here, too. This is for More Stripes from the latest Knitty. There is quite a bit of orange in this colorway. I'm not really a big orange fan, but I think it goes well with the other colors.


I've already cast on for the shrug--not a very exciting photo! I have a bunch of works in progress right now... maybe too many.

I spent the rest of the day hanging out with my husband. We went out for some drinks and dinner... the perfect way to end the day.

All done!

After lots of procrastination, I finally put the finishing touches on my Cavern Cardi this afternoon. Just in time for the nice weather we are supposed to get later this week.

Cavern Cardigan by Cosmicpluto Knits
Yarn: GGH Illusion (recycled from Round Yoke Sweater)
Needles: US6 circular and DPNs

This sweater, a simple top-down pattern, progressed really quickly. I recycled the yarn from another sweater I knit last spring that I wasn't happy with. This is not my favorite yarn, that's for sure. Although I like the color and stripe effect, it snags like crazy. I think this is due to the loose cabled construction of the yarn. There are quite a few noticeable snags even though I was very careful not to catch the it. The yarn is also pretty crunchy, although it did improve after blocking. Hopefully, the sweater will get softer the more it's washed.

Other than the yarn, I'm very pleased with how this turned out. I was originally planning long sleeves, but decided to go with short instead. Perfect for spring!

The tie for this sweater threw me for a bit of a loop. The pattern calls for you to crochet a 10-inch chain and then slip stitch back to the start. Crocheting a chain is my one and only crochet skill, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out the slip stitch even though looks really simple. My hook kept getting caught on the splitty yarn, so I decided to skip the slip stitch and just go with a simple chain.

My final touch was to add a couple beads to the ends of the ties. Very cute! This is something I'll wear often.

Quiet Weekend

What an uneventful weekend! The weather was very blah--super foggy with some occasional rain. We watched a couple movies and relaxed. I love quiet weekends.

I spent yesterday trying to get the smell of bleach off my hands after cleaning up some sand dollars found at the beach. If you go to the right part of the beach at the right time, then there are lots to be found. I have always loved them, and I'm thinking about putting some in a shadow box for the bathroom.

There has been quite a bit of knitting done over the past few days as well. I'm starting to get shoulder pain--that can't be a good sign! I finally bound off my Cavern Cardi, which just needs the finishing touches before it's complete.

I also started a new pattern, the All-Season Shell. I had the called for yarn, which was purchased at a going out of business sale. If it hadn't been so cheap, I probably wouldn't have bought it. I can't resist a good bargain though. Anyway, this seemed like a good way to use it up--something simple that I'll actually wear. I think the name is funny. Is it just me, or is a shell something you wear under a suit with pearls?

Tonight I'm going to start the sleeves for my hourglass sweater. I'm having a hard time getting motivated to work on this pattern, but I think once I get going it will progress quickly.

Center Square

My first fair-isle project is complete! This was such a fun project and very quick, too--finished in just two nights. I'm looking forward to trying this technique again on a more complex project.

Center Square by Knitty.com
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool
Needles: US11 DPNs
Mods: none

I'm very happy with how this turned out, much better than I expected with my first fair-isle project. I think I did a fairly good job of maintaining even tension, although it was tricky with the DPNs.

My one problem with this hat is that it is too long. My gauge was off, and this was the unfortunate result. It is still wearable, although it's a bit large on me it fits my husband (the reluctant model). I may try to shrink it down a bit with some hot water.

Speaking of water, when the hat was finished I soaked it with a little detergent. This yarn has a really strong wet dog smell when wet... ugh. I think it needs another really good soak to get rid of that.

All in all, a great pattern. I would definitely recommend this as a first project for someone who wants to try fair-isle.

In other knitting news, I've joined the new Hourglass Knit-along. I started this sweater many months ago, but it was deserted as I became more excited about other projects. I'm hoping this will kick start me into finishing it.

Just for Fun!

Cupcakes from One Skein by Leigh Radford
You can also find a free pattern here.

This was a fun and quick project using odds and ends of yarn, buttons and beads from my stash. I had a great time picking out the "sprinkles". I think they would make a really cute birthday present.

Knitting... in Two Colors!

When I saw this pattern, I knew that I had to try it. It was just so cute. Which meant that I had to learn fair-isle knitting... something that has really intimidated me. It just looks so hard.

I'm not usually afraid of trying a new technique--I tend to jump right in with nary a swatch (not always so smart). The thought of working with more than one color was different though. It looks so complex.

I was determined to at least try, because there are so many patterns I would like to knit. This seemed like the perfect starter project with its chunky yarn and only two colors. First I taught myself to knit the English way, which really wasn't so bad, just slow, slow, slow. I'm sure I would speed up with practice, but I've always knit Continental style, so it was a little awkward.

I decided to jump right in after that, and start the hat. You know what? It really wasn't that hard at all. My main issues were joining in the new color of yarn (what is the best way? tie it on?) and keeping my tension even. It probably would have been even easier if I hadn't been juggling the DPNs, but I don't really like short circular needles either. For all the awkwardness of knitting with two hands it went pretty quickly--the photo shows just a few hours work.

I spent the rest of the night admiring my work while watching Tsotsi (I highly recommend it--but it has subtitles, so no knitting) with my husband. Afterward, he said that he thought I kept looking at him during the movie, but whenever he turned to look at me I was looking at my hat sitting between us on the couch. Guilty! I'm so glad I finally tried this--there really wasn't anything to be afraid of after all.

Camisole Tube Complete

The Camisole Tube is finished--mostly because I was knitting non-stop like a crazy woman on it. I finished it in exactly one week (not counting two days of starting and restarting). Whew!

I bought this as kit about a year ago, and it sat there while more exciting things were being knit. This wasn't on my to do list last week either, but I noticed it while going through my yarn, and I decided needed a change from the sweater I had been working on.

Camisole Tube
Pattern by Stephanie Japel (Glampyre.com)
Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus
Needles: US7 body & US4ribbing
Mods: I added an extra pattern repeat before the lower ribbing.

The agonizing details:
Despite the simple pattern I got off to a rough start. I thought I had cast on for the size small, but realized shortly after finishing the top ribbing that I didn't have enough stitches. I had cast on for the extra small... so rip, rip, rip.

So I cast on again for the size small. When I started doing the rows of yarnovers, they didn't look open enough. Now, I have always had a feeling that I wasn't doing yarnovers properly, despite having done them in a few projects. After a quick search of the internet and a pattern swatch, this was confirmed. I feel like something of an idiot for not knowing how to do this, but in my defense, I taught myself how from a book--apparently I misinterpreted something.

At this point, I ripped back up to the a few rows below the ribbing. I decided to try it on before putting it back on the needles, and it was way too big. So I had to completely start over yet again, and cast on for the size I had originally (supposedly mistakenly) cast on for. I am truly amazed that I even restarted at this point.

Everything progressed smoothly after that, however. I learned to make bobbles for the first time, which was fun. The only thing I would change would be to add a few more rows of stockinette before starting the ribbing. I think it looks strange with the way it is now, but I'm OK with it.

All in all, I'm very happy with the end result. This is perfect for the weather here since it is light, but will provide a little extra warmth. I'm picturing it paired with cuffed jeans and my favorite espadrilles. All I need now is some sandal weather!

Moving Right Along

My camisole tube is really shaping up quickly--especially since I stopped making silly mistakes. I am just about to start the lower ribbing. I will probably add one more pattern repeat first though... I'm still undecided.

This is a somewhat distorted photo, but it's difficult to photograph yourself! I have a tripod somewhere that I'll have to dig up. Can you make out the four rows of bobbles? Each bobble row also has a row of yarnovers in between.

The yarn is a real el-cheapo variety. I purchased this as a kit, and I probably wouldn't have picked it out myself. I've been pleasantly surprised with it though--it's a cotton blend with a slight gloss and isn't too hard on the hands. Even though the top part of this was ripped twice, the yarn isn't showing any wear or pilling.

The weather here has been absolutely gorgeous, so we were out a lot this weekend. I saw two women knitting in public yesterday. The first on was with a friend at a local bar, and the second was part of a wacky, older hippie couple we saw at a coffee house. She only knit a few rows before they stood up and began hugging and kissing over their table. It was quite the scene. You've got to love San Francisco!

Mmm...

Apart from knitting, one of my favorite things to do is cook. I love to try new recipes or concoct my own dishes. Last night I made something new--Lasagna Soup. I saw a link for this on someone's blog a while ago (unfortunately, I don't remember who) and bookmarked it.

It turned out very well, evidenced by the fact that Joel ate half the pot. I substituted veggie sausage for the Italian sausage since I don't eat meat. I think you could cut that out all together and just add more vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, instead. Anyway, it was delicious!

Another new recipe I made yesterday was Instant Chai Mix, found on the Knitting Nurse's website. Chai is one of my favorite drinks, so I had to try that. It was very simple to make, tastes great, and is better than other recipes I've tried. Now I can have some whenever I wish.

In knitting news: I've started a new pattern, the Camisole Tube from Stephanie Japel. To say that this has been frustrating is an understatement. It's not that the pattern is difficult. I just made a lot of really stupid mistakes, and had to restart 3 times. Ugh. When I finally cast on the third and final time, I accidentally cut the wrong yarn--the one that was attached to the ball! There was no way I was casting on again, so I just winged it and joined the yarn back in. No progress photos because they just aren't that exciting, but this promises to be a quick knit.

Unexpected Finished Object

This sweater, last seen here, has been lingering for months. The reason? I did not have the correct needle to finish the neck. Now, I've bought other needles since then, but for some reason, I just wouldn't buy this needle.

So it has sat there, taunting me. Two days ago I decided I must finish it ASAP. Since I still did not have the required circular needle, I decided to use some DPNs and wing it. There were some dropped stitches here and there (the DPNs were too short, which is why I hadn't used them before), but once I got going I finished in no time.

After I weaved in about a million ends, it was done. The funny thing is that this would have been a really quick project if I hadn't set it aside. Sometimes it's the little things that hold you up though.

Pattern: Cables in Chamonix from The Yarn Girls Guide to Beyond the Basics
Yarn: GGH Savanna
Needles: US8 (the pattern called for 10.5!)

I'm very happy with how this turned out. The yarn (a blend of alpaca, linen, new wool and nylon) is soft and lofty, making for a lightweight but very warm sweater. Hopefully, we get a cold day here so I can actually wear it!

The one downfall is that it is too short. I do have a little yarn left, so I may try to remedy that. Most likely though, I will just wear it with a longer shirt underneath.

Here is a closeup of the cable rib pattern, all done without a cable needle. I love doing cables--they make such an impact with very little effort. I can't wait to try a more complex pattern, perhaps Shedir from Knitty.

Heart on Display

While driving near a local college, I happened to look out the window, and what did I see? A giant heart with a knitted cozy. I quickly snapped a picture before we drove away.

Apparently, this is all part of a local art installation, and at one point, there were other hearts on display throughout the city. This particular one was created by artist Adele Louise Shaw. She knit the cozy out of polypropylene rope using hardwood handrails from a construction site.

According to Ms. Shaw's website, she is designing and knitting seasonal cozies so the heart can be well-dressed year round. At one point, the heart even wore a knitted bra, which was stolen. Wouldn't you love to know what they are doing with that?

All done!

Garter Stitch Scarf
Yarn: 2 balls GGH Amelie in color Teal
Needles: US8 straights

A quick and easy garter stitch scarf made with a soft, fluffy yarn. My original plans were a little more grand, but the yarn called for something simple. The scarf is shown with a vintage pin from my collection.

I'm glad this is finished. It was a little boring to knit, but I know I'll wear it.

Shades of Blue

I have been feeling blue lately, thanks in part to Project Spectrum. From a perfect sky to the dark ocean to a fuzzy, soft yarn... I'm enjoying it all.

Yesterday, I headed to San Jose with my husband on business (his). So of course, I had to pack a few things. I may have been a little overly ambitious, but a girl can never be too prepared.

I have been able to accomplish very little car knitting since moving to California. There always seems to be something new and beautiful to see, even if you are driving on the interstate. Yesterday was no exception, so I simply enjoyed the drive.

Once we arrived, I was on my own. So after wandering around for a while and deciding there wasn't much to see, I pulled out my knitting. I had started a simple garter stitch scarf on the drive out west, and that was what I decided to work on.

The yarn is a lovely, soft faux-mohair that is somewhat difficult to work with. I had originally planned on doing something more interesting with it, but after swatching a few different ideas it seemed best to switch to something super simple. This is the first time I've made a garter stitch scarf, believe it or not. My mom taught me both knit and purl stitches right away, so I did a lot of stockinette when I first learned to knit. I have a number of curly scarves to show for it.

When Joel's second meeting ended I was left with only a few yards to go. I was a little sad to pack it away when I was so close, but that may give me the motivation to finally finish it.

I also packed the sweater I have been working on, but it never made it out of the bag.

I finished the body the night before, so I'm ready to start the sleeves. I'd hoped to make it a little longer, but I'm worried about running out of yarn. I'm really happy with how this is turning out. I even like the mis-matchy stripe effect. My goal is to finish this in the next week, so I can move on to something else. Maybe something that has been sitting around for a while.