Gentle Lace

We kept flirting with cooler weather here for awhile, but the plants don’t lie. It’s no doubt spring time.

This project should not have taken me as long as it did.  House-cleaning has definitely taken over my craft time, but, I have indeed been knitting a few minutes here and there.  Cool weather and crazy rains last week made it perfect crafting week.   I couldn’t think of a better time to pick up and finish the cardigan.  The piece is hard to put down once I am deep into it.  Sleeves (two-at-a-time) were done in a day (last Monday.)

Hood finished next day (and was blocked separately, twice.)

The mesh pattern is fun to knit.  The sweater progressed quickly–except for the border picked up and worked last–which seemed to take forever! The garter-edging kicked my hiney.   It took over two days to wrap up just ‘cuz my poor fingers needed a break from major cramping.   I strongly recommend using a 60” or two 40” circular needles for the task.  Plus you may try the whole thing on to make sure the border isn’t out of proportion after knitting one round…something that looked wavy (at least during first phase of blocking.)

After second blocking and fabric manipulation, I love the result.  PHEW!  Between you and I, it did give me a good scare…I hate the thought of ripping out the border and knit it over again.  For blocking tips, read my previous post here.

Let me tell you, my friend.  I followed the directions on the  cardigan to the T with the few exception noted above.   I ignored that niggling voice in the back of my head that said ‘the border is gonna be too much and floppy.’   I ignored it so hard that I didn’t question.   I trusted it completely as there was no errata published on the designer’s or Ravelry site.  When I followed the pick-up directions, I got 491 border-stitches.  Personally, picking up 3 stitches off 4 rows for garter-border would be much better…instead of 2 stitches off 3 rows as pattern instructed.

If you didn’t catch from teaser pictures in my last few posts, it’s Laika from Little Red in the City (Page 122) by Ysolda Teague.  An easy but lovely simple lace pattern with inclusive button band.  The perfect fit, seamless Laika will add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe and wrap you in CHIC in no time at all.  Wear it open for a little warmth in the evening or buttoned over a skirt or jeans, Laika will create a distinctive versatile outfit.  It is quicker going than I’d expected it to be because of the lace.  Sewing up 20 gorgeous shell-buttons is another story…well worth it, I promise.

This medium-size cardigan is worked from the neck down with  added waist definition and shape.  You may try it on as you make it and, if needed, adjust the garment to your own proportions.   Since mine is a shop sample, I had to follow the instruction as written with the exception of 1) slipping first stitch of every row, 2) closing up gap before a buttonhole by knitting the stitch before the gap and a stitch below next stitch together, and 3) Correction–2nd pattern row for body–work established pattern to 1 st before marker, k1, slm, k2, work established pattern to 2 sts before marker, k2, slm, k1, work in pattern to end.

Like music, knitting truly is a universal language.   Knitting lace is like hearing music.  As I knit, my little world becomes quiet.  It may seam tedious, the constant counting–yo, s1, k2tog, psso, yo, k3 etc.–not only rhythmic, it kept things interesting and made  a soothing mobile project to work on.  All in all, Laika is a wonderful,  easy-to-memorize pattern.  The laced cardigan is perfect for a light layer to chase the chill away in summer–if the day is not hot or it becomes cool in the evening or early morning

Laika will sure grace your favorite cami or get glamorous over a dress and lets you enjoy your glorious sleeveless wardrobe in style.  This jumper offers real laced comfort on a brisk high-desert day.

When the body was done, the sweater looked small.  Have faith.  Once the border was added and after blocking, it easily came out to the correct sizing. Yeah, the magic of blocking.  This sample will be at the store tomorrow or latest Thursday.   Be sure to stop by and test-drive it for size if you are in the Portland area.  Both the book and MadelineTosh Merino Light yarn in variety of colors are available for purchase.  Mine weighs 393 grams (or 1651 yards) before buttons.  You will need four hanks for a 34-36″ bust-size sweater.  Alternatively, you may make do with three hanks of MadelineTosh Merino Light if you were to knit the garter-border with a DK yarn.  I can’t wait to knit mine up to wear.  It’s going to be my next summer sweater!

Love the pattern–surprisingly easy and fun to create and great to wear! Love the yarn in Logwood colorway–super soft and luscious!  This has been one of my favorite knits, this year. ♥

Here is a great tip I came across today:  Buying all the needles, stitch holders and stitch markers at one time can be costly. A great way is to simply just buy what your pattern calls for.  Make sure you are getting the best you can afford.  Eventually, just like me, you’ll have a collection of everything you need and some pretty nifty scarves, hats, gloves, sweaters and socks!  Knitting lace can be a fun, relaxing hobby as you do it.  Many knitters are intimidated by lace, but–with a little guidance and practice–anyone may create beautiful pieces, like this cardigan.

What is your relaxing hobby?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Test for Patience

I love the look–the beauty–of stitches, the way yarn marries the knitted fabric.

 However, it is advisable to block the pieces.  The extra effort of blocking a jumper does pay off.  My time and work is worth it.   The finished garment will morph from handmade into holy cow, you made this?!

By blocking a knitwear, the stitches are allowed to bloom and become uniform.  Furthermore, I get to control the outcome by manipulating the fabric into the shape I choose (or in this case per pattern diagram specification,) guaranteeing a beautiful end result.   What once was lumpy and decidedly looked homemade will now be a beautifully even-stitched sweater that makes me proud to have produced my own hand knit.

So don’t knock it ‘til you block it!  In lace garment, it often takes more than one blocking.  This lacy body and hood are blocked separately, each twice, to arrive to my expectation.  It’s a shop sample and demands professional, high standard.  (As shown below, I tucked the garter-borders inside the hood for a smooth finish.)

I have heard knitters complained about their finished sweaters were too big.  Care for my advice?   Good.  Here they are:  1) When soaking is complete, remove the garment with care–do not let any part dangle–and gently squeeze water out.  Squeeze only, no wring.  2)  Lay the garment flat on two thick towels, then roll the towel in a tight roll.  Step on the towel to squeeze out and absorb as much water as possible.  3) Carefully shape, manipulate the stretchy wool, smooth and smoosh until you have the length/width you desire, and pin the sweater to pattern diagram and measurement.  4) In crunch time, safely speed up the drying by using an hairdryer.

Given good yarn, good workmanship, and good care, a knitted jumper will outlive its knitter, providing warmth and pleasure to several generations of family and friends. What is your favorite family treasure?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Not Long to Go

The wait is nearly over.

Trust me–It’s worth the wait!

My friend Rin and her lovely family came for a short visit earlier in the week.

We had a blast at 10 Barrel last night… ♥

 fun times, beer party, dining out…awesome company!

What is your favorite place for dinner, drinks and fun…with friends, family or special someone?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Expect the Unexpected

Knitting is a journey. While it’s ultimately about a lace shawl, a sweater, a pair of socks or mittens…and tens of thousands of stitches I will look to knit, purl, yarn-over, increase, and decrease, in reality, it’s much more than that.

It simply starts with the decision to knit.

Then there is the selecting pattern and yarn process, which to me is really about making a commitment…a commitment to knit and get to cast-on.

Then there is gauge tension, textural, and drape preference. For many, this is where the true challenge of knitting a fitting and appealing garment lies as it requires commitment that extends far beyond a single day.

Finally there is the finishing day; the point where I ideally realize the fruits of my labors and go for it all.

For some, the goal is a world record. For others, it’s about simply finishing and proving to ourselves and others that We did It.  Or in my case, often it’s a vehicle to de-stress.  No matter what the personal goal may be, we all have one common objective associated with our respective knitting journeys and that is to cross the finish line–casting off, seaming where applicable, and blocking.

In order to make it across the finish line, I spend countless hours knitting and preparing–both mentally and physically–for the challenge of cast-on day. I know what to expect from myself in order to successfully complete the journey–from start to finish and how long it would take.

However, as much as I like to think that I know what will await me on the final day, in reality, it is in many ways a great unknown. While I have prepared for many varying scenarios I may encounter–tension, fit, misinterpreting instruction, dropping stitches, distraction…the truth of the matter is that when it comes to the finishing day, I must also be ready to expect the unexpected.

There is a lot that can happen between casting on and binding off. Some factors I may control, others I may not…but, it’s how I react and respond to these unforeseen circumstances that may significantly impact the finishing-day experience and associated results.

I’ve always found it the key to realize that finishing day is by no means an isolated experience. In reality, it is the final phase of the journey I embarked on when I first committed to knit this sweater. So while knitting this hoodie is sure to be exhilarating (trust me, it is,) it’s also bound to bring along some unforeseen challenges.

The key here is not to be surprised; know that my body and mind will test me in ways I did not expect. However, it’s also the ability to overcome these challenges and persevere through them that also makes the journey of knitting a sweater and finally crossing the finish line so extremely rewarding.♥

What is your self-rewarding challenge?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

A Bee-yooo-tiful day

One Bee Makes No Swamp…thousands of bees gathered outside downtown post office this afternoon. According to a lady in the building, they weren’t there two hours before I spotted a big lopsided mass of tan bark.

Spring swarms are no cause for alarm. It is a natural means of colony reproduction, propagation for honey bees. Honey bees swarm into new areas when their hives become congested due to the rapid buildup of bees and stored food as temperatures warm in the spring. Hives are splitting as new queens are hatched.

However, it’s my first encounter, up close, that isn’t in someone’s or my yard, house awning, in the wood, in a farm…Under the bees were more bees. They seemed to be at least four bees deep around the tree.

This swarm was gentle, calm, not agitated, or attacking. Understandable. The bees don’t have a hive to defend, thus, are less aggressive. Their mission? Engorged with honey, they bring as much of a food supply with them as they can to build a new home.

Honey Bee swarming season occurs roughly from March to July. If you find a swarm on your property, do not attempt to kill the bees. If you leave them alone, they’ll move on once they’ve found a home. If they decide your shed is a great new home, call the local police dept or county extension office–beekeepers love to collect swarms, it’s like getting 10 skeins of brand-new yarn FREE just for picking them up in someone’s yard.

It’s my real first-day out since suffering a serious allergy attack. A perfect day.

I can’t seem to get this tune out my head…When the dog bites, when the bee stings When I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don’t feel so bad.  Both of my girls did the musical when they were 6 and 8. What a wonderful trip down memory lane. Do you have an earworm stuck in your head?

I did manage to squeeze in an hour of knitting my lacy Laika this evening. Ooooh, sleeves. It’s you and me time…How I love thee!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

I Want to Be

HAPPY.   How ridiculous it may sound. Yet, I think of the very thought often. If I see an apple tree far away, there is no use in standing here and wanting an apple.

Go and get it.

Wanting something is the very thing that drives me to the road of UNHAPPINESS, the source of all miseries, greed.  While in the midst of my de-cluttering process, I catch myself wanting something and reflect on what I already have and the things I am letting go of. Must I define my life as happy or miserable? The difference between an enlightened person and one that is not is choice. Everything will align to your and my will. Would you choose to be happy, the enlightened one, instead of a “wannabe” wanting it?

This is the go-to project I cast on today–between errands, waiting for kids, in the car to grocery shopping, or just to have a break. Very intuitive knit…and a stitch pattern that serves well as a “trinity prayer.”  It’s not a quickie, knitting in size 3 needles…but I am truly enjoying the snail-pace that I am striding.

How about you? Are you enjoying the wondrous fragrant of spring budding (smelling the roses…of life?)

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)