Silky Orchid

I love triangular shawls, but, sometimes they are difficult to keep in place without a pin.

Hana, on the other hand, in its distinguish curve makes a difference. It measures 56″ wide, 12″ center deep, and 7″ short ends.

It may simple be tied like a scarf or have longer ends that drape gracefully around the shoulders.

The gentle crescent lends itself to numerous ways of tying and draping, making it a versatile accessory to the Fall wardrobe.

The shawlette is knitted in one piece starting at the outside edge, with a very long cast on (393 stitches,), work the 12-repeat Japanese lace (instead of 14 per pattern at Kristina‘s request,) and then shape the narrow, long curved body of the shawl with an unique set of short rows.

The interesting combination of true lace and simple stockinette stitches–in DK weight Silk Bamboo and Size 5 Addi Lace circular needles–makes Hana a fun, pretty, incredibly useful, affordable–3 balls of Patons Silk Bamboo, 307 yards,–and fast 7-hour project.

I was a little apprehensive about the fake tubular bind off at first…but worked out perfectly.

I wear my shawls mostly as scarves and this one is perfect for wrapping around the neck or shoulders–it shows off the pretty edging, yet, is plenty long enough to stay put.

This one, after re-blocking to elongate the flowers to show its true beauty, will be going to my friend Lindy when we meet up on the coast next week.

Me…I will work up some handspun for another interpretation of my very own Hana. Thanks, Kristina, for a fabulous test-knit experience, and PLEASE do publish the design as I know many of my friends would love to knit one for themselves

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Purple Perfection

My love affair since mid-90s, like black was my Corporate wardrobe staple for about 20 years.

Purple, my neutral color, is complimentary to so many colors…all shades of green, magenta, pink, turquoise, earthy brown, and black…practically everything I have in my closet.

Here is a purple lace I cast on last night and finished this evening in Silk Bamboo. In DK-weight, it knits up lightning fast. No fuss, no muss. Yummy, isn’t it? I can’t wait to get it modeled once blocked and dried tomorrow

What is your neutral color?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Tame Lion

Every child’s dream. Take a deep breath. Things are about to get sickeningly cute up in here.

A little change of scene. Instead of next epic project, I need a small filler.

Color work is definitely my thing.

I really enjoy the knitting and love the finished article, knit up in a day.

Love it, I tell you! Especially modeled by my 36″ Life-Size Barbie

and my Build-a-Bear bunny

So adorable in fact that I’m going to do another one…and maybe get my knitting maths out to re-size it to fit my 10-year-old.

To knit a solid background as Frances’ prototype, aka Woolenhorse, I’d need another ball of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino…nearly $40 for this 3 to 6-month-old sizing! Sweet but too deep for my pocket.

I can’t believe it’s end of August. While summer often seemed as if it went on forever, it never lasted nearly long enough. Fall is here and not a moment too soon…cool temperatures, changing leaves, football, Halloween candy, Thanksgiving eats, and the release of relatively intelligent movies. What’s not to like? Hope you are all busy bees working on your project of choice.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Fresh, Sweet and Smooth

as a tomato. Have you seen Cat Bordhi‘s new short-row, no gap, no-wrap heel construction, Sweet Tomato Heel?   A month ago, Cat has released a brand new e-book introducing her brand new basic and padded Sweet Tomato Heels for the first time.

I am a huge fan of Cat and have every printed book of hers ever published.  I have never done it with socks but have applied similar short-row technique on hats, bags, and sleeves on garments. So, today, I decided to give it a try on my son’s socks, replaced heel-flap in the pattern I knitted here last week.

It was very straight-forward, 2-at-a-time/magic loop–1/3 of stitches to insteps, 2/3 of stitches to soles. I made mine with 64 stitches around with 43-stitch heel and 2.5 wedges. Smooth, clean, relaxing, and absurdly easy.

In a standard short-row heel, your stitches become less with each row of knitting until there is about 1″ (less or more as desired) left in center then you increase/expand the gusset on outward edges. Here in Sweet Tomato, you may knit full wedge (in my case 16 stitches) on either side of center/un-work stitches on 1st wedge, then say 8 stitches on 2nd wedge, and 10 stitches on 3rd wedge. Change up the order or number stitches to work between wedges, decrease or increase number of wedges as you wish to achieve the ultimate form-fitting heel. Very flexible. Great hours of playing fun.

The outcome is more stretchy than a regular short-row heel…probably ‘cuz mine is in twisted rib rather than stockinette or padded slip-stitch heel as demonstrated in the tutorials (padded version here.)

It can be easily inserted into any sock pattern, regardless original design calls for cuff-down, toe-up, heel flap, fleegle, or a short row heel.

I like the look and comfort of this heel a lot, but as with the personal footprints, be prepared to have to make adjustments. I am always on a look-out for really great techniques and will definitely use Sweet Tomato Heel more often on socks when appropriate.

THANKS, Cat, for your generous gift! By the way, I love the concealed wraps and will probably still use it in future projects.

Have a fabulous weekend…Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Homeward Bound II

12 legs sock reminded me of Homeward Bound II directed by David Ellis, voiced by Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, Ralph Waite…Love this seamless project. Love these cuff-down socks.

I tested out the small version for Jeannie Cartmel on one 47″ Addi Turbo circular needles, magic loop, two-at-a-time.

By the time I was ready to cast on, the pattern was pretty much clean out and edited. Charts are very easy to read. Cable turns are intuitive and logical. The “resting” row between them is balanced. I love the intricate cables and these kept my interest when knitting them. The design is very addictive. The flap heel construction actually came out surprisingly fitting. I love it even more as the pattern comes charted only, no line-by-line to proof-read during testing phase

Half a skein, great looking, graceful flow of the cables and terrific way to showcase them, beautiful wool, and quick to complete (even with me accidentally switching charts early on and misreading a suggested modification by the designer to another tester.) The result is elegant and trendy. The socks turned out small but still fit my Woman’s 5-6 feet, yet perfect for my 10-year-old who is delighted with this luxurious wool/bamboo blends, hand-dyed by sweet Laura of Textiles a Mano, my home-away-from-home. The pattern is really easy to follow. I may never wear these with shoes.

MODIFICATION:
1) I used smaller needles (2.0 mm) than recommended 2.5 mm mainly because my petite feet (woman’s 5.5-6.)
2) moved one stitch over to sole to even out stitches to 28 (instead of 29 and 27) before toe-shaping.
3) Added 3rd round between toe-shaping increase until 20 stitches left on the needles for each sock. Did anatomical toes.

When I knit another pair for me, I would
1) Use 2.5mm or larger needles for leg to heel.
2) Knit ribbed cuff to 1” instead of .5”.
3) Add one more repeat of Chart A for longer leg AND another 1.5” stockinette rounds before toe-shaping.

Measurement:
Foot Length 7.25”, as worn 9” (1” from heel flap;) Heel-to-Cuff 7.25” ended up to as worn 5.5” in length
Cuff .5”; Arch 8” as worn 11”; Toe 2.25”; widest Foot/Cuff 6.5” Circumference, as worn 8.75”

I spent roughly 15 hours on the testing. To knit another pair now with all the clarity, it would take me about 8-10 hours.

I am definitely adding this to my holiday knit to-do list…

and can’t wait to make another pair for myself.

Have a fabulous weekend…Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Goddess of the Rainbow

Presenting Iris, a roomy, comfortable, and very structured-looking pair of socks.

lovely design by Rebecca aka Stitch-Sculptor. She uses a long repeat of twisted and cabled stitches. Though the patterns are written for medium sized feet girth, it is very accommodating to people with small feet with minor adjustment.

I tested out the 64-stitch version, 2-at-a-time, Magic loop with Addi Turbo 47″ circular needles. It’s heavenly.

I must say, this nice pattern is quite addictive Charts are very easy to read, cable turns are logical. The resting row between them is nice.

The fleege heel is wonderful alternative to short-row for comfort and perfect fitting. With small modification, this seamless textured design fits my feet snugly, just the way I like them

It would go really fast if I wasn’t proof-reading both chart and line-by-line instructions and a couple of ripping back. To knit another pair now with all the clarity, it would take me about 10 hours. I am adding it to the holiday-knit list

MODIFICATION:
1) I used smaller needles (2.0 mm) than recommended 2.5 mm mainly because of my petite feet (woman’s 5.5-6.)
2) Instead of increasing gusset stitches to 69, I did 52 stitches and it was perfect.
3) 2 more rounds of cuff (2″ in length)
4) Knitted 2 twist-knit stitches together in sole and instep on *last Round 22 repeat* to set up for 1×1 ribbed bind-off.
5) Replaced Sewn Bind-Off with Italian Bind-Off (tutorial here) for tidier/cleaner finish, my preference for ribbed borders.

6) Measurement: 9″ Foot Length/Heel-to-Cuff; 2″ Cuff

Yarn is Araucania Itata Solid Medium Blue (2004)–leftover from Mitaines Danseuse Fair Isle Mittens. Next pair, I’d use 1.5 to 1.75 mm needles for toe through heel turn, cuff, and solid-color yarn…2.0mm for leg section (Chart C.) The intricate cable details will show off cleaner and crispier. For longer leg, I would up needle size for second repeat of Chart C…may use 2.25 mm needles.

Rebecca’s twisted stitches and cables have a logical beginning that flows seamlessly into the foot/leg and terminates in a stunning and appropriate conclusion. You may see more of her published designs here.

Did ya know? Next project I’m castin’ on will make #51 finished knit of my 52in52-2011 Challenge!? 26348 yards, not counting unfinished projects. Will I stop knitting after that? That’s a million-dollar question!

Have a fabulous weekend…Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Think like a Child

You’re never too old for fun. Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable

Before the summer ends, do something you liked to do as a child.

Go to the park

Play a game of Uno, double dutch, or Bananagram.

Play hide and go seek,

race and let loose.

Forget about who might be watching.

The pair of cabled socks I’ve been working the last two days are done. I’ll share more details and photos tomorrow when I get to the valley.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

A wiz of a wiz

Follow the Yellow Brick Road…There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home…Oh, Auntie Em, Auntie Em…and Toto, too!

On this very night in 1939, theatre goers first saw the magical The Wizard of Oz in a gala premiere. The first movie to use the combination of black and white and color film starred Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale; Bert Lahr as both Cowardly Lion and Zeke; Ray Bolger as Scarecrow and Hunk; and Jack Haley as both Tin Woodsman and Hickory. Originally, Buddy Ebsen was in the role of the Tin Man; but he became ill and had to leave the production before its completion. Did you know the paint they used on Tin Man made Buddy Ebsen deathly ill and put him in the hospital?! Buddy was thus replaced by Ray Bolger.

Oh, I’m off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz. I hear he is a wiz of a wiz, if ever a wiz there was…

What a day would be without seeing old friend in her lovely new home…a quick stop at the farmer’s market…and a little knitting

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

One Dish

…I’ve always wanted to create is a yellow curry. The mildest and the smoothest in my opinion. The yellow color comes from Indian curry powder or turmeric depending on the recipe you use. Popular with the veggi-nazi crowd. Our fall/winter one-pot-wonder stable. Everyone’s favorite, at least at my house.

As such, I have trawled the internet on many occasions in order to make my own spice mix. I endeavor to recreate my own. Now be prepared to fall in love, to be mesmerized, to be swept off your feet…this may be love at first bite

INGREDIENTS
2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
1 Ginger, 1/2″ slice, finely chopped
1 Lemon Grass Stem, finely chopped
1 t Coriander Seeds
2 t Vegetable or Olive Oil
2 t Thai Red Curry Paste, the spicy part
1/2 t ground Turmeric
1 can Coconut Milk
2-3 Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut into 1″ cubes
1/2 C Vegetable or Chicken Stock
7 ounces Baby Spinach Leaves
Optional: Chicken, beef, shrimp, or halibut

DIRECTION
1. Crush coriander seeds, garlic, and lemon grass in a mortar with pestle until they form a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet. Stir in the spice paste and stir fry for 30 seconds. Now add the red curry paste, turmeric, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil.
3. Add potatoes, stock, and/or meat. Return to boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach and simmer until the leaves are wilted.

Keep it light on the vegetable stock if you don’t want the dish too soupy. Make sure you cut those potatoes into small pieces so they will cook all the way and not forever. Yellow curry is usually made with potatoes and onions. At times, I would toss in thinly sliced carrots.

My knitting is moving at a much slower pace due to proofreading/editing–both in chart and written form–at the same time…correcting errors…

If I didn’t have to sleep, can you imagine how much knitting I could get done?! That was my first thought when I read Twilight…those vampire people. Hopefully, this pair will be done tomorrow so I may cast on another.

Happy crafting…cooking…eating…and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Life Treasure

At the beginning of the year, I chose the word flourish. I was going to FLOURISH (and rule the world!)…err…something like that.

The battle of wills and hopes has been bloody. The drive to succeed, to learn, to know, to do–while applaudable–is not doable (for me.) It’s making me crazy and I do NOT like crazy.

So today, I take a chill pill. I acknowledge, I can’t do it all. I won’t do it all. And I’ll do what I can when I can.

I am putting another thing to the side. Life is precious and time with my family is important and often scarce. I’m taking a step back and focus on activities that will have everyone interacting in a fun way.

Life is too short to overlook the simple things that will most likely create life-long memories for my kids.

These past few days have been a treasure of a lifetime.

Excellent walk,

Sparkling clear water,

Quiet mornings and evenings, warm sun with cool breezes

living

loving,

laughing

plenty of laughs have made for a lasting memory.

The summer months go by fast, too fast. Yet, it warmed my heart to see that everyone is on the same page today…

And I even squeezed in a little knitting time.

Life is simply good!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)