I Got Me Some Yarn

Look what was waiting for me on my porch yesterday!

Portland Yarn Crawl

The Portland Yarn Crawl happens this weekend, March 5-7. What's a yarn crawl? You visit and sign in at any of the 16 participating yarn stores and you receive a raffle ticket to win one of the 16 identical baskets at each store. You don't need to buy anything to get a raffle ticket. Just visit the store, sign in and you get a free raffle ticket. So, if you visit all 16 stores over the weekend, you have 16 chances to win. You can only enter once per store. There's also a scavenger hunt. The theme is “Hat’s off to Portland’s Knitting Designers.” As you visit each store, be on the lookout for a handknit hat with a numbered tag. The first two people who email phyllis@portlandyarncrawl.com with the correct names of the designer, store name and item number will win kits from Blue Sky Alpacas.

See all participating stores here.

Finally, Some Fabric

Melissa and I headed over to the Bolt Liberty 25% off sale this morning. I have been waiting to purchase this particular Liberty fabric, Dotty, for a while now and was very excited that it was still available. I also bought this coordinating red and yellow crossweave cotton from Moda. These here fabrics are my choices for the Rooibos dress. The Liberty will be my contrast fabric and I am planning to make my own piping with it for the neckline and pocket trim. The fabric is in the wash now. I am spending some time this afternoon making a muslin of the dress bodice to determine the proper size to sew up. I want this dress to have a closer fit, so I think the size four may be a little too big for me.

PS I also ordered the yarn for the Heather Hoodie Vest. I had a hard time finding the Lamb's Pride Bulky in grey heather. It was out and backordered in all the local yarn stores that I checked, as well as online. I finally found it at KK Wools.

Nothing to Show

So, I was all excited to buy some yarn today for the Hoodie vest, but the LYS was out of what I wanted. I decided to go ahead and use the specified yarn, Lamb's Pride Bulky in grey heather. I also stopped in at the fabric shop, but I couldn't find what I wanted for the Rooibos dress. I think the problem is that I don't know exactly what kind of fabric I am looking for and am just waiting for something to jump out at me. I guess I need to be patient and do more waiting. It's hard because I'm itching to do some sewing and some knitting!

What's Next?

I have been projectless for several weeks now and it's been strange! I feel like I have too much time on my hands. I miss having something to work on while I watch the Olympics. I've been trying to decide on my next knitting project and I think this Heather Hoodie Vest will be perfect. It's very similar to the Central Park Hoodie, but with short sleeves and a different cable pattern. The recommended yarn is Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky, so I'm thinking it will knit up pretty fast. Maybe I'll shop for yarn this weekend!

Rowan Brea Sweater

Rowan Brea Sweater
Originally uploaded by actionhero

I finished weaving in the ends of this sweater early this afternoon, so I could wear it out running errands. The only mods I made were shortening the sleeves just a tiny bit and knitting four rows of garter stitch at the hem and the sleeves edges to prevent curling. This sweater is very warm, soft, and cozy. I love how it turned out!

One Project at a Time

Sorry for the lack of posts, but I usually only work on one project at a time and right now I'm focusing on knitting this Brea sweater. It's knitting up pretty quickly and I'm almost finished with the front. Pictured here is the completed back. I really love this yarn and it was well worth the money spent. I'm looking forward to wearing this sweater!

Brea Cables

Once the cable pattern started, the knitting on the sweater got fun! This Lima yarn creates an amazing fabric that is extremely soft and a pleasure to knit. I just decreased to shape the armholes. Just a little more to go before the back is done.

Splurge

I headed out to one of my local yarn stores this afternoon, Close Knit, to buy the Rowan Lima Collection pattern book and some Rowan Lima yarn to knit up this Brea sweater. I love the gathers that form on the bodice under the cables. I also really dig the color of the yarn, a sort of mustardy heathered yellow. I haven't made a sweater with Rowan yarn in a while, so it was definitely a New Year's splurge!

And the Winner Is

I finally got the three zippers I ordered last weekend and I decided on using the aluminum zipper. I did try to machine sew the zipper in, but it stretched out the knit placket too much, so I had to rip it out and sew it in by hand. I also sewed in some snaps to hold the placket down. I made the smallest size, but it's still roomy enough to add a couple of layers underneath. The Schulana Merino was a bit aplitty to knit with at times, but the finished fabric is dense and very soft. I'm really happy with how this jacket turned out!

Zipperless

I spent yesterday morning knitting on a smaller placket to the left front, though the directions didn't call for one. Even though the zipper would be sewn to that unfinished edge, I thought it would be neater with an actual placket, or band, there. I had a bunch of separating zippers in my stash that I thought I could use, but all of them were too short. So I ordered three different zippers from ZipperStop: aluminum, antique brass, and molded plastic. I'll have to decide which one looks best once they arrive in the mail.

Weekend Knitting

I finished knitting the second sleeve of the sweater tonight. All I have left to do is knit the garter stitch flap on the right front. Interestingly enough, the left front isn't finished in any way. I may just knit on a few rows of garter stitch just so I can sew the zipper to a flat edge. This jacket will be a perfect layering piece for the cold weather that's hitting Portland right now.

Knit On

I've got a bunch of stockinette stitch left to do for the body of the jacket before I can move on to the sleeves. Hopefully, it won't take too long. It's perfect knitting for watching movies or Glee.

Black Collar

I swatched with the Schulana Merino and met gauge with the recommended size six needles. This sweater is knit in one piece from the top down. Here's the start of the collar with the pink markers marking the raglan sleeve increases.

I Got a Package

A crazy storm seems to have landed into town, so the evening has been windy and rainy. I found a waterlogged box on my porch when I got home and it was the Schulana Merino Superlight for the New Motorbike Jacket that is next on my project list. It looks like I'll have some great knitting weather this weekend.

Getting My Money's Worth

I was trying to decide what my next knitting project would be when I started browsing through the fall issue of Knitscene again. Somehow I found a jacket I wanted to make that I hadn't seen all the other times I had looked at the magazine. I love the styling of this Motorbike Jacket with the asymmetrical closure and hidden zipper. The pattern calls for Schulana Merino Superlight yarn, which is like knitted I-cord and creates a nice dense fabric. I think I've found an online retailer that carries the yarn too.

Lace Twist Mitts

Lace Twist Mitts
Originally uploaded by actionhero

I finished these mitts this afternoon. It was a satisfying quick project. Knitting on the thumbs were the biggest pain, but they didn't take too long. I used one skein of Cascade 220 Superwash.

Laced Up

I wanted to do a quick easy project next and found these cute mitts, another project from the fall 2009 Knitscene. I found some Cascade 220 Superwash in my stash that will work perfectly!

Berkshire Dolman Sweater Done. Finally.

Immediately after I wrote that last post, I ripped out the cowl neck on the sweater. I knew that it would bug me if I left it, so I decided to knit the cowl over again. And I'm glad I did. You can see the difference in the photo. The neckline is a bit sturdier and isn't so stretched out like it was when I just knit on for the neck. The weather is supposed to warm up this week, so I just need some cold weather before I can actually wear it.

Do Over?

I finished sewing on the buttons this morning. When I tried the sweater on, I noticed something funny going on with the cowl neck. As you can see in the photo, the neck where the cowl attaches is pretty wide. This is probably due to the fact that I knitted on the cowl neck and the directions said to knit the neck separately and then sew it on afterward. It seemed like a couple of extra steps to me, so I just knit on. Now I may end up doing it over again since it isn't totally looking right to me. But the thought of ripping out the neck is not appealing. Thoughts?

Long Cowl Neck

I've been working on this ribbed cowl neck for the last several days. I need to knit almost 10 inches on it, so I'm about two-thirds of the way there. As you can tell from the sleeve, all the seams need to be blocked since they are really curling and not laying flat. I need to find some cool big buttons for the sleeves.

Halfway Done

THis is the back of the sweater, pre-blocked. I started in on the ribbing on the front last night and managed to get that done while watching the season premiere of Fringe and Project Runway. The best thing about this sweater? I won't have to knit sleeves! After I finish the front, I've only got seaming and the neck to knit on and I'm finished. Gotta love those Dolman sleeves.

Beginning of Berkshire

Knitting on size 10 needles has made this stockinette stitch on the Berkshire sweater go by pretty fast. I really like the look of these Dolman sleeves and how the stockinette is a continual pattern from one sleeve edge to the other. It will be nice not to have to sew set-in sleeves. I think this project is going to knit up faster than I expected.

Knittin' Time

I've been doing so much sewing lately that I've really missed knitting. I bought this Eco Wool at the Sock Summit marketplace to make this Berkshire Dolman sweater from the fall 2009 special issue of Knitscene. I really love the fitted styling, the big turtleneck, and the buttons on the cuffed sleeves. I also like that the Dolman sleeves aren't totally huge and baggy. I swatched last night and just finished the ribbing.

Aran Waistcoat is Complete

Originally uploaded by actionhero

I finally steam blocked the edgings on this vest this afternoon and tested out some button closures. I ended up crocheting some button loops on the inner edge of the placket. I just didn't want to cut buttonholes into the finished garment. It seems to be a pretty good solution for now, and easy enough to change if I don't like it later on. I don't know if I'll wear it that often completely buttoned up, but it works!

Spaced Out

I finished knitting the seed stitch neckline tonight. Now I just need to sew on the buttons and do a final steam blocking on all the edgings. As I was arranging the leather buttons that I will use, I looked at the vest and realized I completely forgot to knit in the buttonholes! The directions don't mention anything about buttonholes and I was too engrossed in paying attention to the diagonal rib and cable charts that I didn't even notice. So now I must problem solve. I'm contemplating two options. Do I crochet button loops to the edge of the placket or create buttonholes with my sewing machine? Opinions?

Into the Groove

Last night when it was still 99 degrees outside at 8 o'clock, I reluctantly picked up my knitting to continue on with the waistcoat. Instead of fumbling with the charts, something clicked after a short while and I was able to knit without even really looking at the pattern. It was exciting to have that breakthrough because I was on the edge of just shelving this project.

On another note, we are expecting a high of 105 degrees here in Portland today. Stay cool!

I'm Back

I got back from vacation on Tuesday, but only picked up my knitting this afternoon. I made a little progress on the left front of the waistcoat, but I had forgotten where I was in the chart, so that sidetracked me for a little bit. I hope to get back in the groove of things this week and maybe even start some sewing projects too!

Slow Start

I put off starting the front of the waistcoat because of all the chart referencing. I have to go between several different pages for all the chart patterns. It's sort of a pain. I'm going to try to get a lot of knitting done tonight since I leave for a 10-day vacation tomorrow and I am not bringing the project with me. Have a good holiday everyone!

Waistcoat Back

The back of the waistcoat has been knitting up very quickly since it's mainly a ribbing pattern. I'm almost ready to bind off for the shoulders. I think I only have a few more rows to knit.

I've Got Mail

I came home to find this package of yarn from KnitPicks waiting for me. I ordered six hanks of Bare Merino Wool DK for the Aran Waistcoat project. I thought about dying the yarn, but then decided against it. I rather like the natural color. I hope to do some swatching before the week is over.

The other night I was looking through that Japanese skirt pattern book I just bought and I couldn't remember why I purchased it. I couldn't find one pattern in it that I absolutely loved, so I exchanged it for the newest Machiko Kayaki book, My Favorite Shirt. There are some really cute shirt and shirtdress patterns that will be fun to make.

Aran Waistcoat

Summertime weather is here and that means my knitting will slow down a little. The next project on my knitting docket is this Aran Waistcoat by Megan Rogers. It's a pattern from Twist Collective. I hope to get sewing my Parfait dress this weekend too!

Honeycomb is Blocking

So, I pinned the vest down for blocking last night. The night before I finished the front and had to redo the back because I had done the decreases incorrectly along the neckline. I didn't even notice it until I was getting ready to three-needle bindoff the shoulders together. I must have really been deeply involved in Dancing With the Stars to not have noticed that error because it was so obvious! You can't really tell in this photo, but there should be a slight U-shaped scoop on the back with the straps on the same edges as the armholes. Luckily, the fix wasn't too complicated.

Honeycomb Vest Back

Finished the back of the vest yesterday afternoon. I think I'll have time to cast on for the front later today. The back took a little bit longer than I anticipated because I was using a cable needle for the stitch pattern most of the time. However, Once I figured out how to forego the cable needle, the project sped up.

The Nines

B and I spent the weekend at the Nines downtown, so I didn't have much time for knitting, though I did bring it with me.

Honeycomb

I started a vest last night. I had a bunch of yarn I got on sale from Fabric Depot. Originally, I had wanted to make this Badia vest from Berroco, but I decided to look through patterns from Knitty and remembered that I had always wanted to make Honeycomb from last spring's issue. I love the texture created from the stitch pattern.

Here She Is, the Rebecca Sweater

Heading Towards the Finish

I completed the sleeves late last week and was able to pin the sweater for blocking on Friday. The sweater has a short stand-up neck that is only 12 rows tall and is made sturdier by knitting a purl row and then another 12 rows that is folded over and sewn down on the wrong side. It's a little curly and still needs to be blocked. I just need to set in the sleeves and then sew the seams and the side seams.

Making Progress

I haven't posted anything lately because my progress has been slow on the sleeves of the Rebecca sweater. I'm really close to binding off for the sleeve caps and then I should be able to finish the reminder of the sleeves sometime later this week. I also cut out a pattern for the Kasia skirt from BurdaStyle. I'm using some lightweight grey wool I had in my stash that I bought after my tour of the Pendleton Woolen Mills several years ago. I generally tend to dislike high-waisted skirts or pants because I am so high-waisted, but I loved the front of this skirt with its buttoned placket, so I'd thought I'd try sewing it up.

I Got Me Some Sleeves

I had been battling a cold several weeks ago, so my progress on the Rebecca sweater had been very slow. However, I managed to finally finish the front this weekend and was able to start the sleeves last night. So far, they seem to be knitting up pretty fast. I did most of my knitting tonight while watching the Oscars. I must say, I really liked the changes that were made, including Hugh Jackman as host. It was fun to watch, especially the acting awards with the five previous winners they brought on stage to present the nominees.

Cables

So Far, So Good

I started the Rebecca sweater last weekend. The cable pattern is interesting enough to hold my attention, but I haven't quite memorized it just yet. I like how the merino yarn feels during knitting too. Snow may be in the forecast again this weekend, so it looks like it will still be sweater wearing season for a while!

Scarf Full of Wedges

Here is the finished wedge scarf, blocked and all. I really love how this turned out. It's pretty long, almost seven feet. I hope it's not too itchy for me to wear!

Up Next

I got my yarn from KnitPicks in the mail yesterday. I'm still working on the wedge scarf, so I probably won't start on the Rebecca sweater until the weekend.