SSK love.

I have always hated my ssk sock gusset sides. As a matter of fact, when using a k2tog decrease on one side of something and a ssk on the other side...I have never been satisfied with it. The k2tog is always so neat looking...but I just could never get a nice even leaning ssk line. Well, not until now!

With missing out on the friday knit and chats last week, I had to make up for the time. I met some ladies at starbucks in the morning for just that. Karen from SWK came out and was talking about Cat Bordhi's neat and tidy ssk method. Hmmmm. Makes sense...this may work!

Nonno knits did a little experiment with left slant decreases way back when. I remember taking a look, trying a couple, but still not getting that perfect line. I have tried the slip one knitwise, then slip one purlwise....no good. I tried knitting tighter on the ssk line by working them at the tip of the needle...no good...but on the right track! You see the magic is worked on the line before the row!

I have not seen anything that compares to Cat Bordhi's technique demonstrated in this video.

Absolutely brilliant.
Watch it a few times. At first you may be thinking
"seriously...you want me to remember doing something a stitch before the ssk...and on the round before."
Don't worry, after doing a couple rounds it actually becomes habit.

I had just turned a heel (one I didn't really love) on the yarrow ribbed socks. So, I decided to rip back a bit and reknit the gusset...CB style! The results are just outstanding.



I actually can't tell the difference between the ssk side of the gusset and the k2tog side.
(I also changed the heel a smidge...bringing the leg pattern down)



I am totally amazed...this is the best thing that has happened to my knitting in a long time. Some of you may not be bothered by the sloppy look of a regular ssk gusset...but for those of you who are a little OCD or who are perfectionists....this is the technique for you!

Oh the benefits of Knit and Chats! Everyone has something to offer...the smallest thing can make your day!
Thanks Karen...and Cat Bordhi!

I need a plan.

Well, those were some interesting numbers! Funny how we are all different...with one goal in mind. A finished knit...eventually;)

So I am starting up some more WIP's...after all that! P you would be proud!
This is what is really on the go...
1. Sunlit by Kim Hargreaves in the estelle cotton. I have the arms and the back complete and have cast on and knit a few inches of the front. Then I need to seam it all and knit the garter stitch yolk...all in time for a possible wearing to the knitter frolic. That is April 24th?!
2. Another knit for the knitter frolic but as a sample. A baby sweater and hat...but only a premie size. I have swatched and plan to cast on this week...hopefully completing it by next week.
3. Lily. Well, poor lily. I really like this and the inner knitter was talking to me about the size and the stretch of the calmer. Well, I tried it on and it is too big and stretchy. I think tightening up the gauge will work. So it is just sitting...waiting to be ripped...no rush.
4. The infamous March square for the Great American Afghan along. I finished it...but the last row looks odd....like I should have started the garter stitch edge a row sooner. So I should really rip it back a few rows and reknit that....yeah...I'll get right on that. Now, this is an ongoing WIP...so it is "complete" for the month.
5. I started another sock this weekend. Well, I had started it last friday and ripped it back. Now I decided on toe up and added 6 sts for another repeat of the yarrow ribbing. It is for hubby and is really for knit and chats. Mindless. I turned the heel last night...again, no rush. FYI he tried it on this morning and was so excited that I was knitting him another pair of socks!
6. The plaid socks. Ok. So, M from Friday night knit and chat was working on these a few fridays ago and I just loved them. I picked up this fabulous bamboo/nylon blend. On your toes is the brand. G actually knit her hubby a great pair of ribbed socks and I loved the yarn. The colours I chose are great. A beautiful green and purple blend. BUT...my inner knitter is talking to me.



I am now about 6 inches down the leg...I am not sure. I cast on 60 sts and the gauge is 28 sts in 4 inches. I just keep thinking it is too thick. I like my gauge thinner for socks. I like them but don't love them. I love the pattern and I love the yarn but I just don't think they work together. I have a plan though. Listen to this...
Buy different yarn for the pattern, a thinner gauge and use the bamboo yarn for something else...like this!
Hey? Yes? I think so;)
I am kind of excited to start this...but am resisting.
You see, there are also a small pile of cabinets in the livingroom. It seems my DH's boss ordered too many for his "cottage" (I learned today his cottage has 7 bathrooms. Seven! In a cottage! Yeah, we have 1 1/2...in our house.) Anyway, the cabinets are fabulous and make my kitchen look ghetto. So we have been trying to reconfigure the kitchen/diningroom space to make them work.
So I have a plan.

Take down the wall between the kitchen and the diningroom. Use one large piece for a sideboard and the other pieces on the half wall in the kitchen. But to make it all work I need to paint out the current kitchen cabinets in the same creamy colour (which was a job for the spring anyway), replace the vinyl flooring in the kitchen (I hate having another type of flooring down the hall so that will have to be ripped up and replace at the same time.), purchase a dishwasher to "build in" to the current cabinetry...but we would need to replace the fridge and with a smaller one...so we really should replace the poorly functioning stove as well...oh and the hood...and vent that outside while we are at it. THEN I need to paint the kitchen.
Well...what do you think? Yes? I think so;)

Now all I need to do is win the lotto.

What's your number?

This past friday night knit and chat was quite interesting. Depending on who I sit next too...I tend to raz up an innocent knitter;)
We somehow got on the topic of WIP's (works in progress).
Now, I am somewhat OCD. I can't have to many project on the go. I can't stand that...I would stay up late just to finish something.
Mind you I have come a long way. I used to have a maximum of 2 knits on the go...even that would give me the shakes. Now I have 4 on the go! I do get a little worried from time to time about it. I feel the need to finish something. I do have a new project to start for a sample knit...but I just can't.
I need to finish something.

There are certain knitters...not to mention any names...who sat next to me...who's name begins with a P and her daughter owns a yarn store in Guelph...who has 15 or so WIP!! AAAAAA! 15! I just wouldn't sleep! Of course, as most knitters can, she total justifies them. A couple are knit and chat knits, one is on going, some are store samples...one is for this...that...all justified! Poor P...I don't think she will want to sit next to me this week;)

I don't think anyone else offered up their WIP number! Maybe because I gave P such a hard time;)
(I have to be kind to P because I also found out she has a stash of fabrics and buttons at home! I think I will head over and help her finish those WIP's for some buttons!)

I will say that once when surfing around on Ravelry I was looking at someone's WIP's and had to scroll down several times...like 50+ WIP! I could feel myself hyperventilating! I had to leave her page...it was so overwhelming. Maybe she hadn't uploaded finished photos and changed her project status to finished? Maybe?

In my own knitting news I finished up the back of Sunlit as well as the arms...did I tell you about that project yet?



My mauve cotton has decided it would look best as a Kim Hargreaves knit! I will let this project rest a few days in order to finish up my March square for the Great American Afghan along.



Once that is done I will feel better about casting on my new project.

So what is your WIP number?

Raspby

Spring is in the air...finally.
This is why I must share with you one of my favourite accessories...perfect for spring.

Raspby



A slouchy lace beret knit in a gorgeous raspberry colour.



The raspberry coloured beret is knit with Naturally Merino et Soie in size medium/large.
I also knit a large/extra large in Sublime Cashmere merino silk dk.



Raspby is knit with approximately 25o yrds of dk weight yarn.



The med/lg has a finished head size of 21" and the lg/xl is 22 1/2 inches. Mind you the ribbing edge is really stretchy so it will fit all head sizes! The bigger the slouchier.

The lace pattern is easily memorized and it is perfect for the beginner lace knitter.


This is my favourite hat this season. I put one on almost everyday...many days to hide the unwashed hair...and wrinkles...plus you look fashionable!

Raspby is available for $4.50 in my ravelry store.
You can also purchase it through this link:

buy now

Can't wait to see yours!

Beautiful Dawn...

I love this yarn and I love this knit! Aren't you glad when all things work out as planned?!

ZickZack Tunic



Pattern: Zickzack Tunic by Melissa Wehrle Interweave Knits Spring 2009
Yarn: Dawn 2 ply. 10 balls in brown. I knit the 36 1/2" giving me 1" negative ease (the pattern does recommend positive ease...but you know how that usually doesn't work out for me;) I did use the lengths in the 39" size.




I love this tunic! It is just what I was going for. The yarn is absolutely fabulous to work with and feels so nice against the skin. Silky and soft. I decided to knit negative ease on this one. Once wet, the pattern could really be stretched out. I did no pulling to show the lace pattern. I just layed it out wet and pinned it down. I could have really stretched it out if I needed to. After knitting the cowl neck and arm holes I gently steamed them with an iron so that they would drape nicely.

I know you are loving my green bracelet...another one of Heathers creations from friday night knit and chat. You request green...and she makes it....I just love her bracelets! Wait to you see the other one I got...but I need to knit the matching sweater first;)



I ended up using 5 buttons because mine were a little small. I like the odd number.



The pattern is well written. This is not the first Melissa Wehrle pattern I have knit...there was the kimono I test knit for Sundara a few years ago. I really love her patterns, they suit my style.
This knit will be on disply at Shall We Knit for a while...then it will come back home for some serious wearing;)

This time I am listening.

I love this Estelle South Pacific pima cotton yarn I got at Shall We Knit. It is so soft...and not dishcloth looking. A little sheen but not shiney like mercerized cotton....it's perfect.
I cast on origionally for a knit I had designed...but didn't like where it was going.
So, I ripped it back...a few times....and eventually decided on the Leaf Tie Cardigan from fitted knits. I made it through the yolk and did the neckline increases....but didn't really like it. It was not working for my girls...so I ripped it back...a few times...and came up with this neckline.



Much better. A more gradual increase (every right side row). I cast on the front section where the ties will go. After a few inches, I decided it wasn't right...too big looking. So I ripped it back.
Yes, this is me listening to my inner knitter.
I left out the cast on section and just knit. I knit and knit that stocking stitch.
I made some nice waist increases and continued to knit until I was done the second skein.
At this point it was ok. So I changed the neckline, the look of the front and lengthened it.
Yes, I pretty much altered the total design.
I thought I better move on to an arm...so I knit and knit that stocking stitch for about 5 inches.
I tried it on for the umpteenth time...and stared deep into my eyes....I knew it was not right.
So, here it is as of last night.



Yes. I am listening to my inner knitter folks.
Swatching again...maybe this? Kim Hargreaves Nectar book is also tempting me...guess what I will be picking up at the friday night knit and chat!?
Surprisingly enough...this yarn is surviving the pressure I am putting on it! Yes, that origional skein is getting a little halo...but it looks fine still. This is some fabulous cotton!

All is not loss in my knitting world.



Casting on, it is so much fun!

Moving on.

So...has the Diminishing Rib Cardigan been ripped?
Well, not yet. It sits on the bench at the end of my bed...awaiting it's destiny.
Many thanks to all of the closure suggestions. I would really try them out if it wasn't also a size issue. It doesn't fit me...it's too big. It doesn't matter how I close it up.

But, there it is knit up, with a knitters opinion...so you can prepare yourself should you be casting on.
Surprisingly...40 people have favourited it on ravelry. Hmmm. Can't wait to see what you do with it!

What's on the needles now?
Well, Zaftig has been on and off the needles.



Ha! You were looking for a modeled shot! No chance.
This was a sample knit for Shall We Knit to show you that cascade fixation is not just for socks;)
Again, I knit it all the while thinking that I would never wear it...well...it started to grow on me. Maybe in the privacy of my own backyard...20 lbs thinner...and some abs of steel...maybe.
It was fun to knit. A great study in short rows.
If knitting it again I would definitely try to combat that dreaded rolling edge with a garter stitch ridge. The straps are garter stitch so it would compliment it well.
Here are some more pics...I haven't seen any of the elasticband enclosure (which I only did a zig zag casing...not the x as in the pattern.)



I decided to see if you could cast on in the middle of a row with a crochet cast on....

Yup, and it looks pretty good. I took the last stitch worked off the needle and put it on the crochet hook then cast on the required number of stitches before joining it in the round. It makes a matching edge for the cast off...but was totally not needed. You crochet around the edges to finish them off...but it can be done! You can see more photos on the ravelry page.

Another sample knit is the Zickzack Tunic from the spring 2009 Interweave.



Eventually it will be mine.
After knitting up the back with such a delicious yarn, I will be so sad to let it go.
I am just loving this knit. The ribbing is worked with two strands held together and the lace in on bigger needles with one strand. It actually knits up pretty quickly.

Ok...here is a question I asked at my knitting group.
When measuring your knitting (should the pattern say continue until the piece measures x inches/cm) do you lay it flat and measure? Do you stretch it out (like for instance this lace pattern) to width and measure? Do you think all designers have a standard for this? Are they measuring as they knit...or are they measuring the finished garment after knitting?

Thoughts?

I need some closure...picture heavy post.

Firstly, before proceeding please note that when I take photos...I try to pick the most flattering ones. So it doesn't look all that bad...in the photos...but I will point out the problems to you.
Next, the design is lovely. It is not for me...it may be for you...it has nothing to do with the design...well, maybe a little with the "no closure" thing. But you can fix that.

The Dimishing Rib Cardigan.



Not too bad...a little big looking from the back.
Here are somethings I love.
I really love the colour. It is so spring like. Yes it is bright and maybe not for everyone but brights and neons are back in for spring.
I love the cuffs.



Beautiful. I love the cast off. Sewing the 1x1 tubular bind off. Brilliant. Definitely a technique I will use again.
I love the ribbing and how it shapes the garment. Again brilliant.

So what is the problem you ask? Well, here is what I did wrong.

The first mistake is the yarn. I knew it. I picked up many different types of yarn...really wanted this lovely alpaca blend that was way out of my price point...but I decided to choose something inexpensive. There was my first hint, I didn't really want to commit to the design...there was something about that no closure thing. I love Cascade 220...but I needed something with more of a drape to it.
Mistake number one. Choosing the wrong yarn.

Next, the designer notes that it the model is wearing the 35 1/2" size with 1" positive ease. I choose to knit the next size 39 1/2" which is 2 1/2" positive ease. So when you are wearing a positive ease sweater that has no closure on the front...this is what it looks like after walking around for a moment.



Hmmm. So you re-adjust and strike another pose.
Knitting myself a sweater with positive ease.
Mistake number two.



It's just not working for me.
But that bracelet is! Don't you love it! That was made by a very talented knitter I met at Friday Night knit and chat. Heather said she was bringing more this week...can't wait!

Ok, back to the sweater.
How about a keyhole looking front. Like button at the top and the waist.
So with the help of some stitch markers you get this...



Not bad. Easy to do.
What about putting on a button band. Well, I don't want it any bigger so I would have to figure out how to steek the front? I don't know...get rid of the I-cord edging and pick up stitches for a button band. I am sure this could be a posibility...anyone?
Mistake number three.
Knitting a cardigan with a no closure front.

Oh, you can see it pulling under my arm in the last photo. That is due to such a deep armhole...the inner knitter was speaking to me as I was knitting that as well. I like the armhole up in my armpit...well closer to it atleast.

So, now what?
Do I really want to try and make it work? Shall I seriously rip it all back?
Opinions please. This knitter needs help.

What if YOU really like this sweater. It is already knit...you might have 5 skeins of 220 around...we could swap! Anyone?