I live in Texas. This means actual winter doesn't start until January but fall is already beginning - the leaves are starting to turn and fall and it drops into the 70s at night (yes, I know that isn't cold in the slightest but compared to the over 100 temps it's been, it is quite nice!). I grew up in Florida so it is fun to see fall and winter because in FL there is one season - summer. It does get cool there and occasionally even goes down to the 50s but usually it is not very cold.
One thing I have learned about living here, well, knitting! I learned to knit when I was thirteen, about twelve years ago, but it was an on/off kind of thing because knitted items are not really needed in FL. But here, I knit at least a dozen hats each winter, socks, fingerless gloves (storebought are two for 1.50, I can't make them that cheap but they're too short, so I layer them with the fingerless ones), scarves, a few sweaters and slippers. Nice warm things!! I get cold easily so I wear a lot of knitted items!
I thought I'd share some of my favorite autumn patterns. Inspiration for me to get up off my butt and knit them and inspiration for you because everyone needs new patterns :)
I get a lot of nice patterns from Knitty.com I don't usually make them because so many seem too complicated but I did make (almost finished!) an Annis shawl! I like this pattern called Falling Leaves. i think I'm going to use it for a Halloween knitalong my sock knitting group is doing. If I actually follow the pattern anyway - I have this tendency to just go off and do my own thing. One of these days, I'm going to submit a pattern to Knitpicks IDP program, hopefully. If I can ever write one down well enough for people to understand!
This Clapotis is super popular and can be altered to be made into a stole. Generally, I try to stay away from the super popular patterns but this one is really cute and I can see the potential of a scarf that can also double as a stole, keeps you extra warm that way!
This hat is perfect for fall, one, it's named Foliage and it'd look great worked in fall colors! Dig out those reds, oranges, yellows and browns!
I've been looking for a good sweater pattern for me lately. I've made four sweaters so far - two baby sweaters and two little girl sweaters. I think it is now time for make myself one! I particularly like this one called Mr Greenjeans. It's casual but not too casual, you could wear it running errands or out to dinner. It does have some basic cabling which I've never done but it claims it is simple! You could even, if you wear a medium, make it for just $16 if you buy Knitpicks Woold of the Andes! Wow, now that's a bargain - you can't even find a really nice wool sweater for that price!
This wrap is really pretty - Muir by Rosemary Hill. It's named for California Bay Laurel trees in Muir Woods in northern California. And what better symbol of fall then a tree?
I seem to have a thing for cabled sweaters because I also really love the http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/PATTholla.php sweater by Jennifer Lippman-Bruno. I particularly like it because it has longer sleeves that fall over the hands - not exactly practical but a feature I love anyway :)
This is a really trendy style - the peacoat! This is the Saity pattern with princess seams and peacoat styling. I don't know if I'd have the patience to knit this but it looks really nice!
I truly love the Victoria cardigan in Knitty First Fall 2010. It wouldn't be too terribly expensive to make if you used Knitpicks yarns, especially the Wool of the Andes. I really think I'm going to use that yarn in my first sweater and maybe I'll choose this pattern!
This would knit up super fast using super bulky yarn!The Jewels Cardigan is a cropped style so popular nowawdays. You could even probably knit it in a weekend. Hmm, people always say that and then it takes me like a month.....
This isn't a warm thing but it is real cute and in honor of my youngest brother's 2nd birthday this weekend I present the Bubby bear pattern. Cute isn't it?? Could also be made into a bunny if you prefer :)
What do you like to knit in the fall?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Needles
I've been knitting for about ten years now and I've learned a few things about needles.
One, I prefer wooden. Especially since I have the tendency to leave my knitting on the floor next to my bed - in the winter those metal needles are COLD! So, I prefer wooden or plastic if they're chunky needles.
Two, I like the shorter needles. Around ten inches, I think they are. The fourteen inch needles just seem too long for me. I do have a lot of fourteen inch needles though, all metal!, so I end up using them anyway :) But I do have several pairs of bamboo needles in ten inch length and I love them!
Three, circular needles are easier then straights. You can't lose one of the pair, the project can't come off as easily, and you can straighten your work right on the cable without taking it off the needle so you can see exactly how big something will be - can't do that when it is all scrunched up on a straight!
Four, my favorite needles of all are the Knitpicks Harmonys. I have a set of DPNs for sock knitting from that line. First off, they're only 5 inches long LOVE THAT!! The typical DPN is eight inches - way too long in my opinion. Secondly, they've got this grippy thing going on so my stitches aren't all over the place, but they're also slick and pointy which is great for sock yarn!
Five, plastic needles are easily broken especially the smaller sizes. If it is smaller then a US 8, and plastic, it'll be broken! I had a set of plastic DPNs in a US 4, hmmm, I think I've one or two of them left LOL
What are your favorite needles and why?
One, I prefer wooden. Especially since I have the tendency to leave my knitting on the floor next to my bed - in the winter those metal needles are COLD! So, I prefer wooden or plastic if they're chunky needles.
Two, I like the shorter needles. Around ten inches, I think they are. The fourteen inch needles just seem too long for me. I do have a lot of fourteen inch needles though, all metal!, so I end up using them anyway :) But I do have several pairs of bamboo needles in ten inch length and I love them!
Three, circular needles are easier then straights. You can't lose one of the pair, the project can't come off as easily, and you can straighten your work right on the cable without taking it off the needle so you can see exactly how big something will be - can't do that when it is all scrunched up on a straight!
Four, my favorite needles of all are the Knitpicks Harmonys. I have a set of DPNs for sock knitting from that line. First off, they're only 5 inches long LOVE THAT!! The typical DPN is eight inches - way too long in my opinion. Secondly, they've got this grippy thing going on so my stitches aren't all over the place, but they're also slick and pointy which is great for sock yarn!
Five, plastic needles are easily broken especially the smaller sizes. If it is smaller then a US 8, and plastic, it'll be broken! I had a set of plastic DPNs in a US 4, hmmm, I think I've one or two of them left LOL
What are your favorite needles and why?
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Christmas Ideas
Yes, it is already time to start thinking about Christmas presents! Or at least, it is if you make a lot of them as I do :)
Here are some ideas for you:
Argyle iPod Jumper / Cozy This is an adorable "sweater" for an ipod/mp3 player! Could also probably work as a camera case if made a bit bigger or even a cell phone case.
If you've got a bit of time and patience or just like mindless knitting for watch tv (and who doesn't!) what about a Garter Ridge Shawl? Any yarn and needles will do, gauge doesn't even matter too much. If it's too big, you can always say it was meant to be the world's first triangle blanket LOL
Do you have someone you want to make something really special for? What about handknit socks? These Tickled Pink Socks aren't too difficult but do have cables and ribbing to make them just a little more special.
Maybe you've got a guy who is hard to knit for. Aren't most guys? This Hat Fit for a Boyfriend is great for guys! It's a simple fitted ribbed hat and looks really nice. It'd actually work for a girl,too, if you need a hat for a girl!
My sisters are clambering for fingerless gloves and I just love this pattern called Frothy Gothy wristwarmers. They're basically just garter stitch but they've got a frilly edge over the back of the hand that really adds something to the pattern.
Are you or maybe someone you know a fan of Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street novels? I love them myself! Here is Alix's Prayer Shawl you can make for that person. Like the Garter Ridge Shawl you can use any needles and yarn you like and can be made to any size you want.
Do you have a baby? Those big flowered headbands are all the rage now - every baby girl needs one! The "Spring" Baby Headband is really easy and you have a choice of a knit or crochet flower. Or you could just buy one but that kind of defeats the whole making the present yourself thing.
I think these Maidenhair socks are quite special and if you've a bit of time (and you do, it's 4 months away after all), they'd make a very lovely present to someone important to you.
Well, that's quite a few ideas to get you started. Got any others that I didn't list, let me know!
Here are some ideas for you:
Argyle iPod Jumper / Cozy This is an adorable "sweater" for an ipod/mp3 player! Could also probably work as a camera case if made a bit bigger or even a cell phone case.
If you've got a bit of time and patience or just like mindless knitting for watch tv (and who doesn't!) what about a Garter Ridge Shawl? Any yarn and needles will do, gauge doesn't even matter too much. If it's too big, you can always say it was meant to be the world's first triangle blanket LOL
Do you have someone you want to make something really special for? What about handknit socks? These Tickled Pink Socks aren't too difficult but do have cables and ribbing to make them just a little more special.
Maybe you've got a guy who is hard to knit for. Aren't most guys? This Hat Fit for a Boyfriend is great for guys! It's a simple fitted ribbed hat and looks really nice. It'd actually work for a girl,too, if you need a hat for a girl!
My sisters are clambering for fingerless gloves and I just love this pattern called Frothy Gothy wristwarmers. They're basically just garter stitch but they've got a frilly edge over the back of the hand that really adds something to the pattern.
Are you or maybe someone you know a fan of Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street novels? I love them myself! Here is Alix's Prayer Shawl you can make for that person. Like the Garter Ridge Shawl you can use any needles and yarn you like and can be made to any size you want.
Do you have a baby? Those big flowered headbands are all the rage now - every baby girl needs one! The "Spring" Baby Headband is really easy and you have a choice of a knit or crochet flower. Or you could just buy one but that kind of defeats the whole making the present yourself thing.
I think these Maidenhair socks are quite special and if you've a bit of time (and you do, it's 4 months away after all), they'd make a very lovely present to someone important to you.
Well, that's quite a few ideas to get you started. Got any others that I didn't list, let me know!
Monday, July 26, 2010
I have Pictures!!
I'm always talking about what I'm knitting (at least, when I blog) but i rarely have pics. This is rather annoying because when I read knitting blogs I love seeing the pictures of the projects and the WIPs. But I finally got some photos off the camera for your viewing pleasure!
This one is of Addison's sweater. Addison is my friend Megan's little girl who was born in April. She doesn't quite fit in the sweater yet but maybe by winter (in Florida? What was I, insane to make a Floridian baby a sweater???). It's made of Joann Sensation Rainbow Boucle which I've had forever, just waiting for the perfect project. Which reminds me, I promised Miss Addison a matching headband....
And here's another of the pretty sweater:
Rather then attempting to match the stripes in the yarn, they're wide fading stripes and hard to match, I just used the same yarn in a plain white for the sleeves. The pattern was the Five Hour Baby Sweater - a misleading title, took me dang near a month! Then again, I was working with a boucle, not exactly the easiest yarn to work with. I do so love the look of boucle though!
On another note, I have joined a most awesome group on Ravelry (okay, actually more then one, I'm sadiekate over there if any of you are there!). This one is called the Odd Ducks Swap and I just was in one for the show Firefly. Way awesome swap let me tell you! I cannot wait to do another. Oh, wait, I don't have to, already signed up for the pirate swap!!
Anyway, here is some of the stuff that came in my box:
"Kaylee" striped sock yarn!! I'm rather excited by this as Kaylee is one of my favorite characters and I've really wanted to try striped yarn. The full quote on the bag is "No Power in the Verse can Stop Me" but you try getting all the sides of a round object in one picture! The blue yarn has been used to make "Hands of Blue" fingerless gloves with a pattern I invented for it. Maybe I'll get it up here one of these days.
The stick is actually a little photoball on a stick to represent River's ice planet on a stick. How clever!
And inside those mysterious boxes:
Inside my "compression coil" I found 10 little magnets, a small crochet hook for picking up stitches, a pin and a Dr. Pepper lip balm! Each little round magnet is for one of the characters and the bigger pin - the big round glare sorry! - reads "you can never have too many socks" So true!
Aren't those strawberries cute? They're filled with lavender and smell so nice :)
The bag had two nail polishes in it - a deep purple and a green. I just love deep colors and green is totally awesome - I have green toenails at the moment LOL
Thanks Dawn for the great box!!
This one is of Addison's sweater. Addison is my friend Megan's little girl who was born in April. She doesn't quite fit in the sweater yet but maybe by winter (in Florida? What was I, insane to make a Floridian baby a sweater???). It's made of Joann Sensation Rainbow Boucle which I've had forever, just waiting for the perfect project. Which reminds me, I promised Miss Addison a matching headband....
And here's another of the pretty sweater:
Rather then attempting to match the stripes in the yarn, they're wide fading stripes and hard to match, I just used the same yarn in a plain white for the sleeves. The pattern was the Five Hour Baby Sweater - a misleading title, took me dang near a month! Then again, I was working with a boucle, not exactly the easiest yarn to work with. I do so love the look of boucle though!
On another note, I have joined a most awesome group on Ravelry (okay, actually more then one, I'm sadiekate over there if any of you are there!). This one is called the Odd Ducks Swap and I just was in one for the show Firefly. Way awesome swap let me tell you! I cannot wait to do another. Oh, wait, I don't have to, already signed up for the pirate swap!!
Anyway, here is some of the stuff that came in my box:
"Kaylee" striped sock yarn!! I'm rather excited by this as Kaylee is one of my favorite characters and I've really wanted to try striped yarn. The full quote on the bag is "No Power in the Verse can Stop Me" but you try getting all the sides of a round object in one picture! The blue yarn has been used to make "Hands of Blue" fingerless gloves with a pattern I invented for it. Maybe I'll get it up here one of these days.
The stick is actually a little photoball on a stick to represent River's ice planet on a stick. How clever!
And inside those mysterious boxes:
Inside my "compression coil" I found 10 little magnets, a small crochet hook for picking up stitches, a pin and a Dr. Pepper lip balm! Each little round magnet is for one of the characters and the bigger pin - the big round glare sorry! - reads "you can never have too many socks" So true!
Aren't those strawberries cute? They're filled with lavender and smell so nice :)
The bag had two nail polishes in it - a deep purple and a green. I just love deep colors and green is totally awesome - I have green toenails at the moment LOL
Thanks Dawn for the great box!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Upcoming Review!
Recently I was asked if I'd like to do another CSN review. Of course, I said yes :) Reviews are a lot of fun for me to do and it generates buzz about an awesome store. Actually, CSN is more then just ONE store, it's over 400!! You can get just about anything under the sun at csn.com! The latest hot item is wall sconces - just see what they offer:
For example, the Tofino One Light Wall Sconce is awesomely cool looking!
Wouldn't that look great in an entryway with marble flooring? Maybe get an Italian look going there!
And just look at this one - isn't it elegant?
It's called Alexander I Three Light Wall Sconce in Bronze and Gold. That would be so pretty to have one or two of them in your dining room!
This one is neato looking, really modern! It's called the Tate Wall Sconce and would be suitable for a lot of different rooms in your house, such as the bedroom, living areas, and maybe even the bathroom!
You like these? Well, head on over to csnlighting.com and pick out some for yourself!!
For example, the Tofino One Light Wall Sconce is awesomely cool looking!
Wouldn't that look great in an entryway with marble flooring? Maybe get an Italian look going there!
And just look at this one - isn't it elegant?
It's called Alexander I Three Light Wall Sconce in Bronze and Gold. That would be so pretty to have one or two of them in your dining room!
This one is neato looking, really modern! It's called the Tate Wall Sconce and would be suitable for a lot of different rooms in your house, such as the bedroom, living areas, and maybe even the bathroom!
You like these? Well, head on over to csnlighting.com and pick out some for yourself!!
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