Wednesday, July 23, 2008

FO: Orangina

Orangina
Pattern: Orangina, by Stefanie Japel.
Yarn: Elann Lara in black, 5 skeins.
Modifications: None. I knit this exactly as written for the XS size. I added maybe an inch or so to the overall length.
Orangina
Strange occurrences: My gauge really changed while knitting this. For the first piece, I was worried that it was going to be too small. I blocked it out while it was on a holder and it seemed OK. Then as I was knitting the second piece, it was turning out 2" wider than the first! What?? It was either a) the yarn, b) my gauge relaxed as I progressed, or c) both. In the end, it turned out OK because I blocked the second piece to match the first. Now they are only 1/2" different and it's not noticeable.
Orangina
Verdict: I'm really enjoying wearing this sweater. It's much dressier than anything else I've knit and it goes with a lot. I had to buy a stick of that clear gel deodorant though, because the regular stuff really does show - yuck!
Orangina
Silly face!
I've washed this in the machine and it held up really well and actually cleaned it up a bit. The yarn was leaving black fuzzies on my camisole underneath, but the washing helped with that.
In other knitting news, I am one sleeve away from finishing the Clover Lace cardi, and I started a pair of Christmas stockings. Yup, that's right. Christmas stockings. Last year, the holiday arrived so fast I didn't have time to think about knitting Christmas things. This year I'd like to have our stockings finished and hanging by the fireplace by December. I'll show you all that stuff next time.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Thong, thong, thong, ....

This post is reminding me of that silly "Thong Song" that was so popular about 8 years ago. I can't remember who sang it, but here's why it's in my head.
Lacy Black Thong
Pattern: Frecklegirl Thong, found on, where else, Ravelry.
Yarn: Less than 1 skein of Elann Lara in black. This was leftover from my now completed Orangina (sorry, I don't have pics of that just yet. It need a washing first). The ribbon I found at Joann Fabrics for $0.98/yard.
Verdict: Fun! This is for one of my best friend's bridal shower next month. I am a bridesmaid and couldn't resist the opportunity to make something small and sexy for her to open up in front of her guests. I'll probably go get her something else to go with it (no knitted bras here) in addition to her real gift (from her registry). This actually turned out nicer than I thought and has more coverage than the average thong!
Lacy Black Thong
Here's a shot of the back.

What the heck else have I been up to? Well, I've been working on the Clover Lace Cardigan. I've got the back, one front and 1/2 of the other front completed. I've had to rip and redo a little bit because I'm being particular about how the decreases work, but this has been a pretty quick moving pattern. I knit one entire front last Sunday while watching the 7 1/2 hour Wimbledon men's final. What a great match that was.

Believe it or not, I've been thinking a lot about fall knitting. Already? I know, I know. After seeing some wonderful FO's pop up around, I've been inspired. I'm excited to start Wicked (yes, I am the last knitter to actually make this pattern) with some stashed red tweed, and after seeing Jatta's beautiful Henley Perfected, I know what my stashed Baby Cashmerino will become. I hadn't even given this pattern a second look, but after seeing her cardiganized version, I want one!!

Anyone else thinking about fall knits yet?