A good yarn

Magazine review: Crochet Today! Nov/Dec 2009

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:09:33 -0700

So we're jumping right past the autumn issues of the various magazines deemed worthy of my subscription money directly into winter. Yes, that's right, no reviews will be written for Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Crochet Today! and Vogue Knitting Fall 2009 issues, nor for the majority of the summer issues either (except for Vogue, which was written in May). Why? For one thing, summer is over, and those issues are no longer on the newsstands. As for fall, let me ask you this: do you know how long it takes me to write a decent detailed review? No? Let me tell you: four hours at least; six is more likely. We're looking at a minimum of sixteen hours to write up reviews for those four Fall issues and, frankly, I don't have that kind of extra time this week. Therefore, I say nix to that; and hereby apologize to you, the loyal reader, for my procrastination, laziness, and lack of self-discipline in this regard. I also promise to do better.

Okay. Onward. Crochet Today! Nov/Dec 2009 issue, as can be discerned from its cover, focuses on the upcoming Christmas holidays with a kitschy retro flair.

CT04_CoverUSA_.jpg

(Apparently, AMC's Mad Men is a huge influence on fashion trends these days, and we should brace ourselves for an imminent onslaught of 1960s-style bubble dresses. Never watched the show myself. Nor worn a bubble dress.)

In Products and News, the usual assortment of gadgets, gizmos, and accessories are presented for our perusal. The individually-wrapped Eucalan wipes in particular caught my eye, as well as the fabric-as-reusable-wrapping-paper by Furochic (music on link alert).

Need a way to use leftover skeins and ends of yarn? Want to donate a handmade item to a worthy cause? Look no further. People features the charity Heartmade Blessings, which gathers 12" afghan squares from crocheters everywhere and assembles them into blankets, or "comfortghans", for people beset by difficulties such as illness, bereavement, or some other woe. The organization has a special program which provides these handmade blankets to the families of soldiers fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now I know where all those yarn remnants lurking in the bottom of the yarn closet will be going.

Crochet Class makes mention of the strangest way to keep a row count I ever heard: set out as many M&Ms as the pattern has rows, eat one at the end of each row, and when the M&Ms are done, so is the pattern. Being round enough already, I think I'll stick to my clicker counter, thank you very much.

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Reading promotes Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti. Umm. No. Graffiti is graffiti is graffiti, and crocheting an antenna cozy or a pair of sneakers for tossing across overhead power lines is a waste of yarn. Why not make an afghan square for Heartmade Blessings instead?

What's hilarious about this column is the juxtaposition of the blurb for Yarn Bombing right next to the mini-review of AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher by Vickie Howell. Yeah. Because wrapping a lamppost in acrylic is soooo eco-friendly.

Yay! Patterns!

On that note, I'm sorry to inform you I won't be linking to the projects on the CT website. CT no longer maintains a complete archive of projects from back issues, so many, if not most, links would be defunct as soon as the next issue's preview goes up. However, I will post pictures of my favorites in this blog entry. You'll just have to jump over to CT's website to see the rest of the projects.

So. Umm. Yay! Patterns!

First is the reworking of a vintage thread crochet ornament:

Vintage_Ornament.jpg

Twelve crocheted lace pentagons sewn together and stiffened with a sugar solution make up this oversized (approx. 5.25" diameter) ball suitable for hanging on a very large tree or any other decorative purpose. I think several of them would look spectacular as a garland lit with fairy lights. The pattern calls for #3 thread. I'll use #10 for a smaller, more delicate ornament. And because I have oodles of #10 white thread and virtually no #3.

Next is the Stitchy Gingerbread House, which is just what it sounds like: a house made of yarn with the look of the traditionally baked and decorated gingerbread house. Utterly adorable.

Retro_GingerbreadHouse.jpg

See what I mean?

If I'm not mistaken I have the yarn I need for this already in the stash. Of course, spouse will probably cringe in horror at the mere thought of a crocheted gingerbread house for decorative purposes, but I don't care. It's too cute, and I must have it. By the way, construction requires a cardboard "frame" for structural support, so do not attempt if you cannot cut a straight line with a box cutter. You'll also need a glue gun and glue sticks, or a fabric-friendly glue such as Elmer's.

The Retro Ripples Skirt takes your under-the-tree decoration back, back, back to the 1970s (or maybe earlier: I'm not really sure when ripple crochet became the "in" thing) in sparkly red, white, and green Red Heart Holiday. I don't like ripples. It's a personal thing. Your mileage may vary.

Next up, Candy Shop Ornaments: Tiny candy canes, peppermints, and ribbon candy look-alikes made from #3 thread to festoon your tree, or your mantle, or anywhere else that might need festooning. Really cute.

Of course, no issue of Crochet Today! is complete without at least one afghan. Sparkly Snowflakes makes use of Red Heart Holiday once more with its shimmery white snowflake motifs surrounded by midnight blue join-as-you-go borders. SIDE NOTE: I wouldn't use Red Heart Super Saver (which is what the "Holiday" yarn is) for anything other than a dog toy or maybe that gingerbread house. Certainly not anything that would be used/worn by people. It's stiff, scratchy, and extremely hard on the hands. This is the acrylic yarn most people think of when they turn up their noses and say "Ewww." Which is too bad because there are some wonderful acrylic yarns out there. Like my beloved Bernat Berella 4. Or Plymouth Encore (a wool/acrylic blend). Or Paton Canadiana.

Granny hexagons, as opposed to granny squares, make up the Stuffable Stockings. A fun look, and a fun project to use up more odds and ends of yarn.

Your child won't drive you insane with noise on Christmas morning if you give her the Little Drummer Set. Yes, a crocheted drum set, complete with cymbals and drumsticks. More Red Heart Supersaver here, and this is an appropriate project for it. The pattern also calls for lightweight cardboard and polyester fiberfill.

WW_Pullover.jpg

Oh, hey! Clothing! The Icicles Pullover went into my Ravelry queue upon first glance. I even have the right yarn to use. Oh, not the yarn called for in the pattern (Red Heart EcoWays Bamboo Wool), but a Bernat cashmere blend in pure pure white that's been sitting in my stash for about three years. I'm not a big fan of crewnecks so I'll probably modify the neckline to a scoop or a V when I make this. Otherwise, it's just perfect.

The Snowfall Cowl is a fluffy buttoned concoction that calls for Red Heart Light & Lofty and lots and lots of triple crochet. Looks like it's as easy as pie and, with that yarn or one similar, should stitch up in virtually no time flat. Great gift idea.

The magazine copy calls the Capelet Swing Cardi completely customizable. Yes, all those Cs were deliberate. Alliteration is our friend. This cardigan, though, I'm not so sure. The asymmetrically-buttoned bodice with a cowl-like collar and extended cap sleeves looks like it's part of one garment, and the mid-thigh-length flyaway swingcoat lower half seems to belong to another garment altogether. I keep imagining it as much shorter and more fitted and buttoned all the way to the hem. In other words, more as a regular cardigan. Well, they said it was completely customizable.

Snowflake Earrings. Crocheted jewelry. 'Nuff said.

Oh hey! Baby stuff! The Candyland Sweater in TLC Baby Amore is a sweet treat for that special baby. Made as shown in aqua or some other pastel, this longsleeve flyaway cardigan would be suitable for a girl; stitch it in something other than a pastel and your favorite baby boy will be dressed for church on Christmas morning.

A granny square on steroids makes up the Cotton Candy Blanket. Yes, it's one giant granny square in alternating colors of Red Heart Baby Clouds. Another easy to make and quick to stitch project.

Need another quickie baby project? Try the Gumdrop Booties. Tiny booties with criss-cross straps stitched up in candy-colored smooth worsted make adorable (and fast) shower gifts. You'll need decorative buttons and snaps for fastening the straps.

Baby_MittensGloves2.jpg

I'm not in Michaels nearly as often as I used to be, but every time I'm in their yarn section, I pet the yarn called for in this project: Red Heart Moon & Stars. I can't resist its fluffy chenille-like texture. The Candy Store Set uses this texture to good advantage with a soft soft soft pair of mittens and matching scarf for the youngster who is too big for booties.

Ruffled spirals make up the Twirly Scarf, created by a special stitch technique which makes the fabric curl in on itself as the stitch pattern progresses. Suitable for all ages!

The Two-Hour Hat is a basic beanie, but the ribbed single crochet stitch pattern and subtle color changes in the recommended yarn (Red Heart Collage) add visual interest. Simple, but not boring.

Gifts_booties.jpg

The pompom at the heels elevates the Snuggly Slippers beyond the ordinary crocheted footie. My only concern with slippers like this is the "slip" part of "slipper." As in slipping on my tile floor and landing on a tender portion of my anatomy. If I made these, I'd add a non-slip surface to the sole. I believe there's a liquid adhesive of some sort made specifically for this purpose; I just have to find it.

Gifty Gloves are colorful and fun and, if the pattern is to be believed, a quick easy project. Crocheted in sockweight yarn (Red Heart's Heart & Sole is suggested), this fingerless glove pattern also includes instructions for a full-fingered version, should the maker so desire.

Finally, to wrap up the issue, we have the Wrap-Up Afghan. Constructed of oversized granny squares, this is another good project to make use of leftover skeins of worsted. Just remember to unify the varying squares with an outside border of a single coordinating color.

And that's it for the November/December issue!

(In case you were wondering, writing this review took six hours. It would have taken longer had I linked to all the yarns mentioned.)

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Houndstooth Check Bag

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:51:29 -0700

Pattern: Houndstooth Purse by Mary Jane Hall, from Crochet Today! May/June 2009
Yarn: Plymouth Encore in #678 Gray and #217 Black, less than 1 skein each
Hook: H
Skill level: Easy
Satisfaction with end result: Not too shabby! This is the first purse I've made that is tailored, after a fashion: in other words, not a tote or market bag of some sort. Spouse's first thought was "How fast can you make those? I can sell them on eBay!" Sorry, dear, that would be a violation of copyright. I haven't tried carrying it, yet, so I don't know how practical it is, but it sure is cute.

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Icy Spring Throw

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:58:12 -0700

One of the advantages of taking such a long break from blogging is spending more time making stuff to blog about. (When not screwing around on Facebook, that is.) This morning, I finished this blanket:

Pattern: Airy Spring Throw by Marianne Forestal, from Crochet Today! Mar/Apr 2009
Yarn: Bernat Berella 4 in Winter White, roughly 8 1/2 skeins, or 1568 yards.
Hook: H and J
Skill level: Easy peasy
Satisfaction with end result: LOVE!!! I don't think the picture does it justice. This is flat gorgeous, if I do say so myself. And the fabric, once the finished piece had been washed and dried, is soooo soft and cozy, but still lightweight. It's intended as a gift. Now I just have to discover who I made it for.

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Long time no see....

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:01:26 -0700

So, um, I finally return to the world of knitblogs (or crochet blogs, as the case may be). Curse that newfound addiction to Facebook! To make up for the looooooong absence, I have project pics. Completed project pics, even.

My "Denimbrigo Vest", so called because it's loosely based on Julia Vaconsin's Malabrigo Top from Interweave Crochet, but made with Rowan Denim rather than Malabrigo Lace.

Bamboo washcloths, a quickie little gift knit for the sole purpose of using two remaining skeins of Bernat Bamboo.

Two cowls are currently blocking. I'll get those posted sometime in the next couple of days. I'm not even going to try to review the knit and crochet magazines that have accumulated in the last couple of months. We'll start fresh with the fall issues when they show up.

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UFOs, this time with pics

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:32:30 -0700

First, the bad news: I decided to frog the Gathered Pullover. Yes, at about 95% completion, I took a good long look at the fabric and how it draped, and decided the Mirasol Cotanani was not the right yarn for the job. The color was gorgeous, the stitch definition was fabulous, but the whole thing was just too heavy, and I'd have hated wearing it. So, we took a trip to the frog pond. However, I did take a picture of it before destruction...

And a closeup of the cabled knot detail:

I'll definitely make this top someday, but with a lighter yarn (i.e. NOT a wool/cotton blend). Gee, maybe even the yarn the pattern suggests. Now there's a concept! *grin* And as far as the Cotanani is concerned, all is not lost: I have a couple of ideas for the right pattern for that particular stash.

Onward.

The Houndstooth Bag is awaiting assembly:

Assembly involves heavy duty fusible interfacing (not shown) and a zipper. I have always disliked sewing zippers. However, I have a new sewing machine:

Which should make sewing a pleasure again instead of the struggle it was as my old machine died a long and painful death.

I only work on Delphine when I can pay fairly close attention; therefore, we're just inching along:

The lace pattern is easy, but it's not mindless. Gotta watch that stitch count carefully.

And then there's the Denimbrigo, so called because I'm using Rowan Denim instead of the suggested Malabrigo laceweight:

Do you see the problem? I didn't, at least not until I took this photograph. Notice the major color variation where I changed skeins, that is. Checked the yarn...different dye lots! Damn! I thought I'd been so careful. Luckily, only two skeins are different, so I'll use them for the upper bodice. I already ripped this one out and expect to start over this evening. As you might expect, given the vastly different weights between the suggested yarn and what I'm using, I'm making some major modifications to this pattern. Notes will be posted with the finished project.

Of course, the baby blanket is still in pieces:

and the Pom is in permanent hibernation:

Still, the goal of the moment is to finish something before picking up the Cotanani again. We'll see how well that goes.

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Gosh, has it really been a month...

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:59:11 -0700

....since I wrote an entry? Guess so. And now the latest issue of Crochet Today! is waiting for a review as well.

Still working on the Gathered Pullover. I actually thought I was done except for the seaming until last night, when I sewed on a sleeve and tried it on to check the fit. Not good. The sleeve is too long. And too tight through the shoulder cap. *sigh* So, this morning I removed the sleeve, ripped it back to where the increases began, and will now re-knit with more frequent increases and a taller sleeve cap. Lather, rinse, repeat for the other sleeve. This should be interesting. I hope I don't have to rip out the main body to redo the armholes too.

The crocheting part of the Houndstooth Bag is done; the lining, interfacing, zipper, and hardware have all been purchased; and the lot of it sits on my craft table awaiting assembly, next to the new sewing machine I had to buy to finish this project. (Hush: that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.)

In the meantime, I could not resist casting on for Delphine from French Girl Knits, using Skacel Collection's Urban Silk in 03 Pretty Pink. Kind of a fussy yarn, but it knits up beautifully with a great sheen and texture.

And, because I needed a portable and mindless project, I decided to adapt Julia Vaconsin's Malabrigo Top from Interweave Crochet's Spring 2009 issue to use the Rowan Denim that's been sitting in my stash for sometime. I say adapt because the pattern is written for a laceweight wool, which the Rowan most certainly is not. Also, I'm making it as a sleeveless V-neck cardi/vest, rather than a sleeveless V-neck pullover vest. Someday I hope to be as comfortable changing and adapting and essentially rewriting knit patterns to suit me as I am crochet patterns.

Right now I'm resisting the urge to pull out the Classic Elite Desert and cast on Stephanie Japel's Thick and Thin Cardigan from Fitted Knits.

Still no pics. Recently I am most remiss when it comes to pictures.

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No time for blogging....

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:39:26 -0700

....too busy knitting. And crocheting. And, well, other stuff, like work, laundry, errands, and so forth.

And apparently too busy to take photos of current projects in progress, as well. So, I'll link to the patterns instead.

Houndstooth Bag from Crochet Today's Mar/Apr 2009 issue. The crocheting is all done, using Plymouth Encore Worsted in Black 217 and Soft Grey 194. Now I have to get the lining made, and find the appropriate zipper, purse feet, and handles.

Gathered Pullover from Interweave Knits Winter 2007, using Mirasol Cotanani in Turquoise 407. I've got the body through the center cable detail finished, and am now working on the front pieces on either side of the V-neck. At the rate this project is proceeding, I'll probably be finished in another couple of weeks, unless...

...I give in to the urge to start something new. The stash, it callz me. Cast-on-itis, I haz it.

Speaking of Interweave, the Summer 2009 issue of Knits is sitting here on my desk, daring me to write a review. I'll get to it eventually.

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Magazine Review: Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer 2009

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:40:21 -0700

After threatening you all with it for weeks, today I'll finally take the time to write the review of the latest offering from Vogue Knitting.

VK Spring 2009

First impression upon retrieving the magazine from the mailbox: "OMG, look at that cover knit: it's gorgeous!" Second impression: "OMG, look at that cover knit: it's so complicated!"

We'll skip right on past the editor's column, the gadgetry plugs (some very cool scissors featured in this, umm, feature), and the news & notes columns because, frankly, there's really nothing worth noting here. Except those very cool scissors. Oh, and a link to download a sweater pattern worn in the film Coraline.

Silks are the focus in Yarns, with VK's top 10 culled from the usual suspects like Debbie Bliss, Rowan, and Nashua Handknits, as well as a couple of unfamiliar yarn companies. I was especially intrigued by Tsumugi Silk from Habu Textiles, a laceweight yarn with some 40 colors, available in a 450-yard (50 gram) cone for about $14.00 per cone.

FrenchGirlKnits

VK's Library column features the fabulous French Girl Knits by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes, which I purchased several weeks ago, after the first time I read about it in some other magazine. Other noteworthy volumes include Knitting in Tuscany by Nicky Epstein (more about that later), and Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy D. Johnson.

CountryWeekend

Although the sock book looked interesting, what really grabbed my attention was Country Weekend Knits by Madeline Weston, with its focus on traditional ganseys, Arans, and Fair Isle patterns. I may soon be adding yet another book to the ever-growing avanta7 knit library. Just don't tell my husband.

Frugality is the watchword in the Spotlight, with a special emphasis on repurposing old sweaters, especially those found in thrift stores, by frogging them and using the yarn for new modern projects. The column includes a detailed how-to on taking apart that thrift-store find, information easily found on the web and elsewhere, but always good to review.

Meg Swansen's column discusses the Bohus Stickning movement of the late 1930s through 1960s, an era in knitting history previously unknown to me, and a subject which I found fascinating. I only wish Ms. Swansen had gone into more detail; however, one of the column's purposes was to plug a book on the tradition available through Schoolhouse Press, so it's understandable she left some mystery in the subject.

Bohus

Of course, this also means there's yet another knitting book to be added to the above-mentioned ever-growing knit library. Again, please don't tell my husband.

Skipping over a lengthy article on internships for fashion students in the fiber arts industry (which I read but didn't care about), we come to the Techniques column, which talks about my newest love, skinny yarns! Yes, it often takes longer to knit a sweater with a fine-gauge yarn but, as this article points out, the results are worth it: a more tailored garment with a more flattering fit that can usually be worn throughout most of the year. Besides, who wants to wear a sleeveless tank or camisole made from some bulky wool?

Runway Trends: Glitz. *sigh* If I have to read the word "bling" one more time in any article about shiny sparkly fashion items, I may commit a crime against humanity.

And finally, the patterns: The first pattern offered in the magazine was back a few pages in between articles: an excerpt from Nicky Epstein's Knitting in Tuscany, the Tuscan Sun Scarf. The book itself is a combination pattern book/travelogue/tour guide. The scarf is a sparkly thing constructed from multiple sunflower-shaped medallions knitted in a sequinned yarn. Looks like a fun accessory, casual or glamorous as the wearer chooses. Not to my taste, but I can see how other knitters might love it.

Star Motif Pullover -- Short-sleeved lace raglan-style top with deep ribbing at the hem and foldover neck. Made from a cotton/bamboo blend. Pretty lace pattern. Unusual seamed construction, with a diamond-shaped front and back, and triangular-shaped sides. Not currently in my Ravelry queue, but it's a possibility.
Star Camisole -- Pretty tank with a star-shaped medallion knitted from the center outward on the front, and a deeply scooped back. I like it a lot but would never make it for myself, mainly because I can't figure out how I'd ever wear a bra with this piece. Frankly, me sans brassiere = not a pleasant sight.
Multi-Shapes Top -- If ever a piece were aptly named....Constructed by knitting one geometric shape, then picking up stitches on a side and knitting another geometric shape, and repeat. Beautiful design, and probably a great deal of fun to knit. Drawback #1: Comes in only two sizes, XS/S (31" bust) and M/L (40" bust). Drawback #2: The magazine contains instructions for the 31" size only. The M/L sized must be downloaded from the web. Still, it's another possibility not currently in the queue. Perhaps once I reach my goal weight.
Botanica Medallion Cardigan -- LOVE!!! The cover knit, and what a beautiful piece of work this is. A completely circular knit, with an intricately detailed center medallion surrounded by an equally intricate wide band which makes up the shawl collar and lower half of the back, with slits left for armholes when attaching the band to the medallion. If you plan to knit this, make note of the errata, and check out the step-by-step instructions. In my Ravelry queue.
Short-Sleeve Cardigan -- Feminine, lacy, short-sleeved, crew-neck cardigan with intentional gaps between the front buttons. Multi-directional knitting and construction, and a unique lace pattern. I like it, after a fashion, but I'm just not crazy about gappy front openings. A plus-size pattern, though, and that's a good thing.
Feather and Fan Dress -- Lace dress in a classic stitch knitted in the round from the scalloped hem upward. Tiny cap sleeves and a scooped neckline. I put this in my queue with the intention of making it much shorter and using it as a summer top. I'll probably add set-in short sleeves, as well.
Lace Tunic -- Sleeveless tunic-length fastener-free cardigan would be perfect for the office over a dress, as shown by the model, or perhaps over a fitted shirt and slim-fitting trousers. Very nice back yoke detail. A plus-sized pattern. In my queue.
Lace Cardigan -- Tunic-length flyaway cardigan with belled raglan 3/4 sleeves in eyelet lace for the body and what appears to be a mock cable lace for the bottom several inches of the hem and sleeves. Moderate V-neck. Depending on the yarn chosen, could be equally suited to the office or a night out. Probably best worn with a skirt or dress -- I think the dense pattern at the hem would make this piece too bottom heavy if worn with slacks. In the queue.
Laced Tank -- Sleeveless V-neck tank with eyelet pattern and I-cord lacing on the front. Nice summery piece. A possibility, but not currently queued.
Tie-Front Cardigan -- Another 3/4 sleeve flyaway cardigan that escapes the mundane in its details: V-necked yoke in a slanting lace and cable stitch, and upside-down eyelet Vs on the sleeves and below the bust line. The real surprise in this piece is its recommended yarn: Patons Grace, a budget-priced yarn available at virtually any big box craft store, such as Michaels or Joann. A plus-sized pattern. In the queue.
Feather Trim Vest -- The defining feature of this A-line surplice-front vest is the ostrich feather trim around the front and neck edge, and that's the detail I dislike. Feathers are just plain fussy. Otherwise, this is a well-designed basic wardrobe piece.
Lace Afghan -- LOVE!!! 4' X 6' throw in a beautiful scallop lace pattern with ribbed edges. In the queue, and likely to be the first major lace project I attempt.
Drop Stitch Scarf -- Simple, casual scarf in a dropped-stitch basketweave pattern that looks light as the feathers I disliked in #11 above. The pattern seems to be a quick knit and requires less than 450 yds of sport-weight yarn, making this project a great choice for gift-giving. Not currently in the queue, but it's a possibility.
Bias Lace Shrug -- VK almost always has at least one pattern per issue that I call the "What were they thinking?" piece. In this issue, it's this piece. The odd truncated body seems to have way too much fabric below the arms, but maybe that's just the way the model is sitting. The set-in 3/4 sleeves are odd, too, for a piece they're calling a shrug. It's as if the designer (Michele Rose Orne) couldn't decide between creating a shrug or a cardigan, and ended up with some mutant cross-breed of both. Pretty lace pattern though. And kudos for another budget yarn choice: Lion Brand's Microspun.
Lace Crochet Coat -- LOVE!!! Kristin Omdahl's below-the-knee duster is constructed of huge lacy crocheted medallions with belled sleeves and a tie front. I have no idea where I will wear this, nor for what occasion, but I'm making it anyway.
Vine Lace Dress -- Knee length tank dress with a scoop neck and delicate eyelet vines from neck to hemline. The pattern calls for patch pockets which, to my eye, are a completely unnecessary detail which interrupts the flow of the dress. Otherwise, this is a beautifully simple design, and one I'd consider were I a more slender version of myself. Even so, it's still a possibility in a much shorter length as a casual summer top.
Ripple Pattern Cardigan -- Standard-issue 3/4 sleeve flyaway raglan cardigan made special by the choice of yarn and the wide collared V-neck. The more I look at it, the more I like it. Not currently queued, but I haven't completely ruled it out.
One Button Cardigan -- Okay, so this issue of VK has two "What were they thinking?" pieces. The chief problem with this otherwise interesting design is the wideness of the neck and the narrowness of the caps of the sleeves. Yoo hoo! I have sloping shoulders. These sleeves would slide right off and droop around my upper arms rather than stay put where they're meant to sit. They even look like they're about to do the same on the model, and we know she has nice square walking-clothes-hanger shoulders. That's why she's a model. I suppose if I really loved this sweater, I could widen that very narrow upper right and left front as well as retool the fit of the upper sleeves to make the garment sit properly on my shoulders. But I don't love it. I like the texture of the multiple stitch patterns, and the unique twisted cable at the top of the sleeves, but I don't love the sweater. So I won't bother.
Textured Top -- Nifty tee with short sleeves and a Peter Pan collar, knit in several different textured stitches that unfortunately are mostly lost in the choice of a bi-colored yarn. I like the yarn (which looks great in the ribbing and the cable stitch, BTW); I like the top, but I don't like them together. Not completely. In my queue anyway, because I'm sure I can find a better yarn choice for this pattern. A plus-sized pattern.
Halter Tank -- I'm not entirely sure I understand the fuss over Twinkle, because I have yet to see a design from that source that I like. This racer-back tank is no exception. It's not ugly, but it's just not my taste. Maybe it's an age thing.
Two Color Top -- Top-down raglan with short sleeves and a cowl neck in a nylon/rayon metallic yarn. Deeply ribbed hem, with the ribbing repeated on the sleeves and cowl. Cute! But not for me.
Mitered Top -- Scoop-neck sleeveless tank knit in metallic yarn with a sparkly spangled carry-along for the neckline and armholes. Ribbed waist detail, A-line shaping below the waist, and a scalloped hem. Very dressy. Not in the queue, but it's a possibility for the right occasion. A plus-sized pattern.
Pleated Top -- A (barely) sport weight yarn in a mohair/silk blend knit on just-one-size-too-large needles results in a nearly sheer lightweight confection of a tee. Pleated cap sleeves and Swarovski crystals decorating the pleated V-neck make this a sweet sexy special evening out garment. Another piece I have no idea when or where I'll wear it, but I'm making it anyway.
Ruffled Cardigan -- Knit in a sequinned sparkly yarn, this cardigan has barely there cap sleeves and a ruffled neckline and button band. Rhinestone buttons and a split hem make this evening topper extra special. A plus-sized pattern.
Tank Top -- Metallic yarn and a shaped silhouette give pizazz to this otherwise plain-jane tank. The deep-scoop neck is bordered by ribbing, as are the hem and armholes. A plus-sized pattern, and a possibility.
Diagonal Rib Top -- I put this short-sleeved V-neck tee in my queue because I love the diagonal stitch pattern and lace border around the neckline. I think it will be just as striking, and more wearable, in something other than the shiny metallic and sequinned suggested yarn.
Fingerless Gloves -- A leaf pattern on the back and an elongated ruffle at the wrist give extra feminity to these sweet mitts. Pretty, but not for me.
Lace Shawl -- You know how I keep saying "I'm not a shawl person"? This piece might make me change my mind. Knit with an ultra-fine mohair silk blend, this rectangular shawl looks like it weighs no more than a feather ("feather" is apparently the word of the day) and might even qualify as a wedding ring shawl (which, if you are unfamiliar with the term, is a shawl knit so finely that it can be pulled through a wedding ring).
Lace Socks -- Pretty little anklets with several complementary lace patterns. I just realized I haven't queued these. Will remedy that as soon as this entry is finished.
Lace Scarf -- Simple lace repeats make up this straight-edged rectangular scarf. Currently not in my queue, but I'm thinking I may have yarn suitable for this piece already stashed, so it is a possibility. Another potential make-it-quick gift item.
Lace Stockings -- Spectacular thigh-high stockings with flowers on the back of the legs, leaves on the front...so demure, so sexy, so bridal! Too bad I didn't know how to knit when I got married. Spouse might have gotten the surprise of his life on our wedding night. *grin*

I'm much more impressed with this issue of VK than the last. Several plus-sized patterns, several "budget" pieces (either in yarn selection or yarn quantity), and some truly outstanding designs make this issue a real keeper.

Happy knitting!

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Poppies, poppies, poppies will make them sleep....

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:27:51 -0700

Finished last night....I call it my California Poppy:

Pattern: Ring Around the Posie by Tammy Hildebrand from Interweave Crochet Spring 2008.
Yarn: Bamboozle from Crystal Palace Yarns, color Ember Glow, 9 skeins.
Size: 45"
Satisfaction with end product: LOVE LOVE LOVE!
MODS: Used size K hook because I couldn’t find the J. 11 motifs for side strips; 5 motifs for back center strip; 4 motifs for center front. The extra motifs on side and back strips added necessary length; using 4 motifs for the front gave the finished piece a deeper front neckline which is more flattering to my (ample) figure. Eliminated side gusset and used single crochet for seaming.

The neckline isn’t really crooked: Just before spouse snapped the pic, I had adjusted the straps on the cami under the shirt so they wouldn’t show and accidentally hiked the neck up a tad too much on one side.

I wore it to work today and loved every minute of it.

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A couple of finished projects to display...

nobody@vox.com(avanta7) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:43:59 -0700

First, I'll show you the pretty one:

Pattern: Petunia Tote by Katie Himmelberg, from Interweave Knits Spring 2007
Yarn: Bernat Gloucester Sport (I'd link to it, but it's discontinued) in French Blue, 660 yards
Satisfaction with end result: I really like it. It's the perfect spring/summer casual running around town bag. The lining really sets it off, as you can see in the picture below.

In fact, here's the entire bag turned inside out, so everyone can see the fabulous lining fabric.

The fabric is half a yard of a 60" rayon challis purchased from JoAnn. Other than that, I can't tell you a thing about it.

The only modification to the pattern was making the strap somewhat shorter than the pattern dictated. I'm not tall, you see, and didn't want the bag to hang down to my knees when worn slung across my shoulder. Additionally, I'm thinking about adding a magnetic closure at the top. I'll carry the bag around for a while before making a final decision.

Son of Stitch 'n Bitch: 45 Projects to Knit and Crochet for Men

Now, the not-so-pretty one. I finally finished spouse's Treads socks from Son of Stitch and Bitch. The cuffs turned out beautifully:

The rest of the socks, not so much:

Yarn: Cascade's Heritage in #5601 Black, approximately 656 yards (approx. 1.5 skeins)

The foot is so wide you'd think I made them for a hobbit. My fault totally. I didn't pay attention to gauge. If I had, I'd have realized I was using the wrong size needle (a 2 instead of a 0). Even then I probably could have saved them if I had decreased across the instep when I turned the heel. Instead, spouse ended up with a baggy, saggy, shapeless pair of socks. I told him it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he never wore them outside the house. Note to self: not all sock patterns are created equal. One must pay attention to the damn pattern while knitting the foot!

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