tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233774882024-03-13T07:21:34.322-04:00Fancie Pants Knitsamandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-32751493694035589272011-04-28T22:49:00.002-04:002011-04-28T23:12:54.218-04:00Pin It! . . . and a backpackThanks for the nice comments on my appliqued cardi. I wish I could respond to you all by email. About half of my comment notifications have your email for reply, but most don't. Boo.<br />
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<tr> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWgrxYykQmk/TbohDfTbAvI/AAAAAAAABTs/j9Oer0h1QmA/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" imageanchor="0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWgrxYykQmk/TbohDfTbAvI/AAAAAAAABTs/j9Oer0h1QmA/s320/IMG_4689.JPG" width="257" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBiiIHgr17Q/TbohErhUhRI/AAAAAAAABT0/r5WDmXXRzQY/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" imageanchor="0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBiiIHgr17Q/TbohErhUhRI/AAAAAAAABT0/r5WDmXXRzQY/s320/IMG_4697.JPG" width="230" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>Anyway, I made a backpack! Realizing that Ellie is growing like a weed, I wanted to get started on this project before she was too old for a toddler backpack. Surprisingly, this was a really quick (probably about 3-4 hours) project to throw together.<br />
<b>Pattern</b>: Toddler Backpack, from <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/03/toddler-backpack.html">Made By Rae</a><br />
<b>Materials</b>: Alexander Henry Kleo fabric, from my stash; I selected a burgundy zipper and piping, but had trouble finding the right colored strap and strap adjuster (thanks, Joann's for continuing to have a crappy, limited selection). Thanks to <a href="http://www.strapworks.com/">Strapworks</a>, I found exactly what I needed for only $4, which included shipping. Score!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHDPgd_r4s0/TbohF-aQ04I/AAAAAAAABT4/DPp5cWtwYOE/s1600/IMG_4733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHDPgd_r4s0/TbohF-aQ04I/AAAAAAAABT4/DPp5cWtwYOE/s320/IMG_4733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2HCI7il1J0/TbohG7NZTXI/AAAAAAAABT8/1j1RF3eY4Z0/s1600/IMG_4734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2HCI7il1J0/TbohG7NZTXI/AAAAAAAABT8/1j1RF3eY4Z0/s320/IMG_4734.JPG" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The only modification I made was to line it. Having the wrong side of the fabric and seams showing inside seemed unfinished to me. The lining fabric is leftover from my Birdie Sling and was relatively easy to do. Ellie has never let me put hats or headbands on her, but seemed to like her new backpack. Now she can carry her "essentials" to my mom's house on my work days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0a326RIOQU/TbohH9EkdZI/AAAAAAAABUA/E1gRixaTihA/s1600/IMG_4741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0a326RIOQU/TbohH9EkdZI/AAAAAAAABUA/E1gRixaTihA/s320/IMG_4741.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can we go outside??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-djjr-EusApU/TbohJOYolLI/AAAAAAAABUE/PveDXjSslO4/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-djjr-EusApU/TbohJOYolLI/AAAAAAAABUE/PveDXjSslO4/s320/IMG_4742.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleeeeease??</td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Have you heard of <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>? I read about it a month or so ago and IMMEDIATELY requested an invite.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BH6RmDHJ-M4/TbolXDW9jVI/AAAAAAAABUI/dv2ojDTrB3g/s1600/mypinterest.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BH6RmDHJ-M4/TbolXDW9jVI/AAAAAAAABUI/dv2ojDTrB3g/s640/mypinterest.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Basically, Pinterest allows you to create an organized place for images you see on the interwebs, with links included. Before Pinterest, when I saw a great tutorial or a fun idea or inspiration project, I would drag the link to my bookmarks folder called "Crafty Stuff". This was a pretty bad way of keeping ideas organized because what I saw was the link's name, not the photo of what I thought was cool, so I would forget about things I saw a while ago . Pinterest has allowed me to delete my bookmarks and now keeps things organized in one place. You can find my boards <a href="http://pinterest.com/amandalb/">here</a>. The only rub is that you need to have a Facebook or Twitter account to join, but I suspect as it grows, it will open up to anyone, much like how Ravelry was in the beginning.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-63140025428868171132011-04-19T14:38:00.000-04:002011-04-19T14:38:42.253-04:00Felted Dahlia Appliqued CardiganMy latest cardigan-makeover was a fun take on the tutorial posted <a href="http://news.holidash.com//2010/04/23/mothers-day-corsage/">here</a> by Megan Reardon of <a href="http://www.notmartha.org/">Not Martha</a>. It's called a "Mother's Day Corsage", so it's seasonally appropriate.<br />
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<tr> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtK2QUVi1dg/Ta3RCumd7tI/AAAAAAAABSc/oeOgA1REBZI/s1600/IMG_4643.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtK2QUVi1dg/Ta3RCumd7tI/AAAAAAAABSc/oeOgA1REBZI/s320/IMG_4643.JPG" width="213" /></a></td><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Mb9tHMgvWU/Ta3RDfbGE2I/AAAAAAAABSg/NG9WVaYhsNs/s1600/IMG_4650.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Mb9tHMgvWU/Ta3RDfbGE2I/AAAAAAAABSg/NG9WVaYhsNs/s320/IMG_4650.JPG" width="213" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23ozOM2zgw8/Ta3RExz3SfI/AAAAAAAABSo/cHnopGrKzy8/s1600/IMG_4667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23ozOM2zgw8/Ta3RExz3SfI/AAAAAAAABSo/cHnopGrKzy8/s320/IMG_4667.JPG" width="213" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>I went to Joann's and picked up a bunch of felt rectangles (sold in 8" x 11" sizes for about $0.30 each. Often they are on sale for 4/$1). I then cut them up into little squares per the tutorial. The only change I made was to not do the largest sized square. I did about 14 of the 1.25" size and 20 or so of the 1" squares. Then put the 14 larger petals around the circle and filled in two overlapping rows of the smaller petals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d38fVf1lPq0/Ta3REW8mLWI/AAAAAAAABSk/HHYQzB-c7iw/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d38fVf1lPq0/Ta3REW8mLWI/AAAAAAAABSk/HHYQzB-c7iw/s320/IMG_4666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I like the combination of bright, jewel tones with the muted camels and browns. I also like that there are 8 that don't match perfectly but complement each other, and I can take off some or use 1 or 2 on another sweater or jacket.<br />
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There's no "before" photo of the cardigan. It's just a simple cotton cardi I picked up at Ann Taylor Loft many, many years ago.<br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4S9VOvQWu-o/Ta3VdmOKWJI/AAAAAAAABS0/tydRE16DYcA/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4S9VOvQWu-o/Ta3VdmOKWJI/AAAAAAAABS0/tydRE16DYcA/s320/IMG_4681.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A close up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Though this project does require a hot glue gun, I think anyone, crafty or not, should own one. I used it last week to repair a pair of shoes and one of Ellie's wood toy hammers that broke in half. They are SO handy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">All in all, this project cost me about $3 for 8 pins: felt, hot glue refills, pin findings (sold for about $1 for a 10 pack) and an empty cereal box (free). </div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-30702388495713862502011-03-30T16:04:00.000-04:002011-03-30T16:04:03.206-04:00Flower PowerI'm just dying for spring these days. To try and help welcome spring with open arms, I recently starting making flower necklaces. I mostly used the tutorial posted <a href="http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/2010/12/pom-pom-bib-necklace-tutorial-lmm.html">here</a> by <a href="http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/">Little Miss Momma</a>. <br />
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<tr> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkwYcreZOOE/TZOIy5LVIRI/AAAAAAAABSQ/hOTGcGJhFmA/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkwYcreZOOE/TZOIy5LVIRI/AAAAAAAABSQ/hOTGcGJhFmA/s320/IMG_4595.JPG" width="320" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XypTU3JWI9U/TZOI1SmOYTI/AAAAAAAABSY/xmv73EA7qNo/s1600/IMG_4600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XypTU3JWI9U/TZOI1SmOYTI/AAAAAAAABSY/xmv73EA7qNo/s320/IMG_4600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>These necklaces are super easy and super CHEAP. I used about 3" cuttings of the inexpensive ($3.99/yard) cotton at Joann's and some of the 72" by the yard felt for the backing. The chain and clasps were also in my jewelry making stash, but you could pick up a bag of chain and clasps for just a few bucks. The ribbon are just spools of grey and cream double-sided satin for $2.99/spool, which were purchased with 40% coupons. I did fold under the ends of the ribbons and sewed the edges in a box shape to keep it from fraying. I have lots of ribbon leftover and plan to use them to do more embellishing of cardigans.<br />
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<tr> <td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFuIf0cWPys/TZOIxcPq4RI/AAAAAAAABSM/jURrgvc5vmI/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFuIf0cWPys/TZOIxcPq4RI/AAAAAAAABSM/jURrgvc5vmI/s320/IMG_4589.JPG" width="320" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1u9QZbL-rAk/TZOIzweB0PI/AAAAAAAABSU/iy7dCSuzqVo/s1600/IMG_4598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1u9QZbL-rAk/TZOIzweB0PI/AAAAAAAABSU/iy7dCSuzqVo/s320/IMG_4598.JPG" width="320" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>Here are what they look like on. Super fun and definitely statement pieces, especially the cream one with those 7 flowers. For probably less than $5 per necklace, you can't complain. This tutorial could be used to make any kind of necklace, really, with any kind of flower, or cluster of buttons, or pins or whatever you like. You could even use scraps of old t-shirts or printed fabrics instead of buying pieces like I did. Now, bring on the warmer weather!amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-55929773261506390992011-03-17T10:05:00.001-04:002011-03-17T10:26:30.130-04:00Felted Lei Cardigan Knock-Off<div style="text-align: justify;">Last year I saw this cardigan by Field Flower at Anthropologie and completely fell in love. Then I looked at the price tag: $118. I do have a small pile of beautiful sweaters from Anthro that I've purchased (all on sale!) over the years, but this sweater looked like one I could try to create myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W-ZHjKJfWN4/TYIMffK_TbI/AAAAAAAABSI/WS_cQ3WWQG0/s1600/anthropologie-field-flower-felted-lei-cardigan-profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W-ZHjKJfWN4/TYIMffK_TbI/AAAAAAAABSI/WS_cQ3WWQG0/s320/anthropologie-field-flower-felted-lei-cardigan-profile.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What's a girl to do? Well, I managed to make my knock-off, though it did take some shopping and perseverence.</div><table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C9cw-AB8pjs/TYILRohP7II/AAAAAAAABRo/p0pWkr2b3n0/s1600/IMG_4622.JPG" imageanchor="0"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C9cw-AB8pjs/TYILRohP7II/AAAAAAAABRo/p0pWkr2b3n0/s320/IMG_4622.JPG" width="212" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RAtCuXxMdqc/TYILNlxrxGI/AAAAAAAABRY/scAwa0NDC6Y/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="0"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RAtCuXxMdqc/TYILNlxrxGI/AAAAAAAABRY/scAwa0NDC6Y/s320/IMG_4611.JPG" width="212" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oqqhOoF1Lqg/TYILTCCiyqI/AAAAAAAABRs/156Aojxa2iw/s1600/IMG_4623.JPG" imageanchor="0"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oqqhOoF1Lqg/TYILTCCiyqI/AAAAAAAABRs/156Aojxa2iw/s320/IMG_4623.JPG" width="212" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">As luck would have it, I headed over to Ann Taylor Loft and found this lonely sweater on the sale rack for $19.99. It was a medium petite, which is not my normal size, but I had to make it work. It had most of the details of the Field Flower cardigan: long sleeve, slightly cropped, concealed buttons and a ribbon running along the inside of the button band.</div><table><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5Zy4oAe_yQ/TYIMY3tJejI/AAAAAAAABSE/M_gFdD7nzss/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5Zy4oAe_yQ/TYIMY3tJejI/AAAAAAAABSE/M_gFdD7nzss/s320/IMG_1172.JPG" width="213" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0UgtdsqK260/TYIMX2r8PII/AAAAAAAABSA/jSnirQpJJeY/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0UgtdsqK260/TYIMX2r8PII/AAAAAAAABSA/jSnirQpJJeY/s320/IMG_1171.JPG" width="213" /></a></td> </tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">First thing to replicate was the color. I bought a box of Rit Dye in Teal and got to work. I followed the directions exactly and only used a teeeeeeeny bit of dye, maybe a teaspoon. I still had most of the dye still in the box. The sweater turned a lovely shade of pale, minty green. Now, I was in business.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next I had to find some cream color felt to cut out flowers. I headed over to Goodwill and picked up a men's wool sweater from Abercrombie and took it home and felted the crap out of it. I used a template I found online to cut out what I counted on the original sweater as 14 flowers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r4XiO5sdkOI/TYILUfQ1nyI/AAAAAAAABRw/JUXwbQttzAI/s1600/IMG_4638.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r4XiO5sdkOI/TYILUfQ1nyI/AAAAAAAABRw/JUXwbQttzAI/s320/IMG_4638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last item was to replicate the green trim that runs up and down the sweater. This was the hardest part. Joann's had nothing that worked. I went to a great local fabric store and found a roll of chiffon in a not-too-dark green and bought a yard (which ended up being WAY too much). I cut strips of the fabric, folded them in half length wise and sewed up the side. Then I turned it right side out, turned in the bottoms to make a long, finished piece. Then I attached it to the sweater while pleating and bunching along the way. Using the Field Flower sweater photo as a guideline, I sewed two strips on the sweater. Then I attached the felt flowers I had cut with some different colored buttons and a bright yellow thread. The original flowers were attached with some embroidery thread and other small pieces of fabric, but the buttons seemed to work well for me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wore it last Mother's day for the first time and love it. It's a totally fun addition to my wardrobe!!</div><table><tbody>
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</tbody></table>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-17225659396023005922011-03-14T14:41:00.000-04:002011-03-14T14:41:43.062-04:00The demise of the knit blog?When Ravelry was brilliantly created back in 2006 (I think that was the year), many knitters probably began to wonder what additional value their knit blogs would contribute that couldn't be encompassed on their Ravelry project pages. I know I did. I've noticed over the years that many bloggers I used to follow no longer publish and the ones that still do publish are doing so less frequently. It's not that we aren't interested in seeing everyone's WIPs and reading about their stash additions. It's that we can get it instantaneously on Ravelry. I love that. But, at the same time, it is sad to see this era of knitting start to dissolve. It is the blog, after all, that partly inspired Jess and Casey to create Ravelry.<br />
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Anyway, I just wanted to say that. It's something I've been thinking about and noticing: that the "successful" bloggers out there are the ones who have sponsors and ads and have enough interesting content that they are able to post multiple times per week. I know I don't have that much stuff to show you to keep you coming back. BUT! I have been doing lots of crafty stuff over the past few months and I plan to make this knit blog thing evolve into more of a craft journal for me. I have a monthly craft night with 2 of my best friends and they have encouraged me to document all the stuff I am doing. So, this is where I will do that. I've been embellishing sweaters, making flower necklaces and sewing some things. Fun stuff. Hip stuff (I think).<br />
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I have also been knitting, a little. I have to admit I've realized that I only need so many sweaters and that so many of the ones I have knit I don't really wear. Here's a summary of my knitting progress since the fall. It's not much, but it is something!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wxzm_gkKHJ0/TX5D_zDDDBI/AAAAAAAABRA/cNt1jK3esXA/s1600/IMG_4549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wxzm_gkKHJ0/TX5D_zDDDBI/AAAAAAAABRA/cNt1jK3esXA/s400/IMG_4549.JPG" width="266" /><a name='more'></a></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-giraffe">Sock Giraffe</a>, for our friend's baby who is due to arrive in May. The construction of this little fellow is very smart. No seaming, and stuff as you knit. I learned how to do a Turkish Cast On and a new way to knit short rows. There is a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mybootee-sock-hippo">Hippo</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-piggee">Pig</a> variation, but if you got creative you could make any animal with this pattern. I am going to try a cow. MOO.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f4legw2JHOo/TX5EA9pA9tI/AAAAAAAABRE/SCcRLGLSYN0/s1600/IMG_4571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f4legw2JHOo/TX5EA9pA9tI/AAAAAAAABRE/SCcRLGLSYN0/s320/IMG_4571.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blackberry-cabled-cardigan">Blackberry Cabled Cardigan</a> in the fall. It's coming along, but I won't finish in time to wear it this season. That's OK. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Bk1ehePyPg/TX5EByZhGtI/AAAAAAAABRI/7pvTJ3ZOgxU/s1600/IMG_4576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Bk1ehePyPg/TX5EByZhGtI/AAAAAAAABRI/7pvTJ3ZOgxU/s320/IMG_4576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A pair of white <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gansey-gloves">Gansey Gloves</a>. I started these in the fall of 2008. Seriously. Over two years to make a pair of gloves? Well, yes, and that's OK. I finally finished them, they fit and they keep my hands warm. Hoorah.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've already taken photos of at least 5 other craft (NOT knitting) projects I've finished. I will show you the oldest (and probably my favorite) one this week. It is my knock-off of this Anthropologie sweater that I swooned over last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Iwy6rlAi_Fg/TX5Gc7aaqcI/AAAAAAAABRQ/ckIrS5JLBCc/s1600/anthropologie-field-flower-felted-lei-cardigan-profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Iwy6rlAi_Fg/TX5Gc7aaqcI/AAAAAAAABRQ/ckIrS5JLBCc/s400/anthropologie-field-flower-felted-lei-cardigan-profile.jpg" width="267" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also can't leave without showing you how my little girl is growing . . . so FAST. She's 19 months old today, and she loves whole grain Goldfish. YUM.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gb3hYrsgpUM/TX5gOhi_awI/AAAAAAAABRU/RmWbiqRGlFI/s1600/IMG_4564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gb3hYrsgpUM/TX5gOhi_awI/AAAAAAAABRU/RmWbiqRGlFI/s320/IMG_4564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-63933053478127729712010-10-19T11:34:00.000-04:002010-10-19T11:34:30.180-04:00FO: AllureHoly moly, knitters, I finished this lovely knit back in <b><i>APRIL</i></b> and am now just getting around to taking photos. Oops. Well, Allure sat in my dresser all summer and now that it's finally cool enough to wear it, I thought it time to blog it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL21jRe0CoI/AAAAAAAABQg/rgQQMUrVVf8/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL21jRe0CoI/AAAAAAAABQg/rgQQMUrVVf8/s320/IMG_3499.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><b>Pattern</b>: Allure, by Kim Hargreaves [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/allure">Ravelry Link</a>]<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: Rowan Kidsilk Haze, color Bebe (#586), 4.25 skeins <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL21zNuXR8I/AAAAAAAABQk/At7qgOTFOL4/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL21zNuXR8I/AAAAAAAABQk/At7qgOTFOL4/s320/IMG_3505.JPG" width="232" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL210ktbLQI/AAAAAAAABQo/8PdzGypunjA/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL210ktbLQI/AAAAAAAABQo/8PdzGypunjA/s320/IMG_3511.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>I love this sweater. Ever since I learned how to knit, I wanted to make a soft, lofty, pretty, lacey, mohair-y sweater. I tried working with Kidsilk Haze back in 2006 but failed miserably. I wasn't until I learned how to "read" my knitting that I was able to tackle this project (and churning out some other lace projects helped, too).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL2119IOPEI/AAAAAAAABQs/PHpiDei2aCA/s320/IMG_3542.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Playing ring-around-the-rosie</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL2119IOPEI/AAAAAAAABQs/PHpiDei2aCA/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I didn't make any modifications to the sweater, except that I knit a size in between the given XS/S and S/M. This was easy to do, just followed stitch counts in between the two sizes and shaping instructions for the smaller size. I did have to work the cowl neck end twice - casting off VERY loosely should be emphasized more as my head didn't fit through the first time.<br />
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Meanwhile, more babies are appearing. Good friends recently welcomed little Sophia Rose, so I got down to business.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL214Es4CFI/AAAAAAAABQw/wrFD5oPrb9Q/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL214Es4CFI/AAAAAAAABQw/wrFD5oPrb9Q/s320/IMG_3492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Pattern</b>: Little coffee bean cardigan, made with longer sleeves. [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-coffee-bean-cardigan">Ravelry Link</a>]<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: About 1 skein each of stash yarn(!): Rowan handknit cotton for the 2 pinks and Berroco Touche for the purple. Perfectly matching buttons found at Joann's.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL2177IhwyI/AAAAAAAABQ0/VENIHyAPD-E/s1600/IMG_3469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TL2177IhwyI/AAAAAAAABQ0/VENIHyAPD-E/s320/IMG_3469.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div> Hooray for fall knits!amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-12794927618973746402010-09-19T13:17:00.000-04:002010-09-19T13:17:20.512-04:00Fall Sweater FestIt's been chilly here in the mid-Atlantic recently which means cozy weekend mornings with my fall knitting and pumpkin spice coffee creamer added to my morning cup. Love it. <br />
<br />
No baby knits here today, folks. I've been downright selfish with my knitting choices as of late. I've cast on for three new sweaters and purchased the pattern and yarn for a fourth. Wanna see?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TJZCjtRpNsI/AAAAAAAABQA/pGbcZ79aI-c/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TJZCjtRpNsI/AAAAAAAABQA/pGbcZ79aI-c/s320/IMG_3445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venezia-pullover">Venezia</a> sweater, knit in two colors, which has been done often by other Ravelers. I'm using Valley Yarns Huntington in grey and cream. I had a hard time finding the right yarn for this project. I wanted something that would be soft next to my skin and I think the Huntington is going to provide that. It's a splitty yarn but I am using Knitpicks' yarn thimble (that little purple thingie in the picture) which helps with that and also evened out my tension tremendously.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TJZDN7Qs5PI/AAAAAAAABQI/_RL5ENEUjnc/s1600/IMG_3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TJZDN7Qs5PI/AAAAAAAABQI/_RL5ENEUjnc/s320/IMG_3454.JPG" /></a></div>Next up is the <a href="http://www.knitdarling.com/patterns/delancey-cardigan/">Delancey Cardigan</a>. I'm being totally unoriginal here and knitting it in colors similar to the model. I'm using another Valley Yarns: Northfield. It's a blend of merino, alpaca and silk. It works up very nicely and I hope the silk helps with the drape of this unusually constructed garment. It's been a lot of fun to knit and I can't wait to see how the rest of the shaping works.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TJZDvxQL2FI/AAAAAAAABQQ/qBFLh-ikTeQ/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TJZDvxQL2FI/AAAAAAAABQQ/qBFLh-ikTeQ/s320/IMG_3457.JPG" /></a></div>The third project to show you is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-fitted-pullover">February Fitted Pullover</a>. I ended up casting on for this on a whim since I had stash yarn that worked perfectly. I'm using Rowan Cashsoft DK. I ended up making some modifications and I'm not sure that they have worked, and the sweater GREW a lot in blocking so I am a little unmotivated to finish this one, but we'll see.<br />
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So that's where I'm at. We also squeezed in one last week of summer at Virginia Beach where the weather was great and the beach was not crowded.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TJZElCw6PxI/AAAAAAAABQY/1htqdafGJRo/s1600/IMG_3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TJZElCw6PxI/AAAAAAAABQY/1htqdafGJRo/s320/IMG_3273.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hooray for the beach!!</div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-79092601357391455562010-08-23T13:40:00.004-04:002010-08-23T14:16:15.973-04:00One<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/THKyqiSUetI/AAAAAAAABPA/fnx775-cN28/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/THKyqiSUetI/AAAAAAAABPA/fnx775-cN28/s320/IMG_2880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508661738055432914" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I can't believe a whole year has gone by already. How fun it has been.<br /><br />More baby knits to share. This is the last of them for a little while. I've actually cast on for two new fall sweaters for <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">me</span>, bought the yarn and pattern for another one and ordered yarn and the pattern for a fourth. Excessive? Probably, but these are all great sweaters and I'm excited to have such a burst of mojo back.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4920091005/" title="IMG_3128 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4920091005_7a07a93225.jpg" alt="IMG_3128" height="500" width="320" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Jasper Diamond Hoodie, from Vintage Baby Knits [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/jasper-diamond-hoodie">Ravelry Link</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: 3 plus a little of a 4th skein of Knitpicks Simply Cotton Organic Sport<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4920090661/" title="IMG_3123 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4920090661_34df73dbd9.jpg" alt="IMG_3123" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div>I love, Love, LOVE this sweater. The pattern is fabulous and I made not one modification. The fit is perfect for 12-18 months and the short rows on the hoodie make that adorable little 'elf' look. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4920691038/" title="IMG_3150 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4920691038_92645825bd.jpg" alt="IMG_3150" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div>I also love this yarn. For the price, you cannot beat it. The quality is great and it was wonderful to knit with. I have yet to wash it, but I expect it to wear well. Definitely the BEST baby knit I have made for Ellie to date in terms of cuteness, wear-ability and longevity of use!<br /><br />I also recently knit up a little sweater for someone at work who is expecting a baby boy in September.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4920094497/" title="IMG_3111 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4920094497_361a235f74.jpg" alt="IMG_3111" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:78%;">model: Ellie B.</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Baby Sophisticate [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/baby-sophisticate">Ravelry Link</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: I was hoping this would be more of a stash buster, but I really just have lots of odd skeins of yarn around, so I ended up purchasing a skein of Vanna's Choice (the lighter green) and using leftover Knitpicks Swish (yellow) and Valley Yarns Superwash (dark green). For the price, I really like the quality and handling of Vanna's yarn. I ended up using every last yard of it, too!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4920692204/" title="IMG_3156 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4920692204_caa484c6f6.jpg" alt="IMG_3156" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>I cast on 38 stitches since many Ravelers noted that it was sized kind of small. Now, I'm a little concerned that it's too wide and the sleeves are too short, but bigger is always better for baby knits, right?! The recipient is a short gal, so maybe she'll have a baby with short arms? Yes?<br /><br />Hope everyone is enjoying the last weeks of summer. Can we have some fall weather, please? I can't wait to show you all what I've been working on. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">PS</span>. A new comment system has been activated on my blog and I don't know how to respond to you all by email, so I apologize that I have not answered you. Please know that I appreciate every note you drop! I hope to figure it out soon. Has anyone else who used to have Haloscan for comments figured this out?</span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-62470399274764391542010-07-14T13:29:00.004-04:002010-07-14T13:52:12.967-04:00The heat is onHappy summer, everyone. It's pretty much hot everywhere, no? After many years of knitting adorable little summery knits, and after subsequent years of said knits sitting in my closet because the humidity is unbearable or it's just too warm for a short sleeve sweater in a worsted gauge, I have hung up the towel on summer knitting. Fortunately, with the wee one crawling (and now standing, cruising, but not walking independently yet) and many peers with wee ones on the way, summer time leaves plenty of time for small knits.<br /><br />A dear friend, mom to a 12 and 6 year old boy decided to go for a third baby at the age of 40. After a miscarriage, she became pregnant with twins. Certain of her fate as a mom to 4 boys, she decided to let the twins' sex be a surprise. The whole pregnancy she said they were boys, prepared herself for boys . . . you get where this is going? She then delivered two adorable little girls and I squealed with excitement to knit them something cute.<br /><br />I wanted something practical for summer but something that would also potentially go into the autumn.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4791456907/" title="IMG_1833 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img style="width: 214px; height: 257px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4791456907_215ba28111.jpg" alt="IMG_1833" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4792089426/" title="IMG_1826 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img style="width: 220px; height: 260px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4792089426_de45621a8e.jpg" alt="IMG_1826" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Confection Baby Shrugs [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/confection-baby-shrug">Ravelry Link</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Stash busting of leftovers/frogged yarn<br /><br />This pattern knit up very quickly. Ellie was about 9 months when these photos were taken, so I am confident that the twins will get some wear out of them through the fall months, too.<br /><br />I also spent the late spring knitting up a little bolero for Ellie.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4791457027/" title="IMG_1811 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4791457027_253656a1e5_m.jpg" alt="IMG_1811" height="240" width="160" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Debbie Bliss Bow-Tied Bolero, free [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bow-tied-bolero">Ravelry Link</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Valley Yarns Longmeadow, about 3 skeins<br /><br />This yarn is a winner for kid knits. It's machine washable, soft and holds up very nicely. A great pick for the price and color selection.<br /><br />I also started what was supposed to be Ellie's summer jacket but will likely be her fall jacket, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jasper-diamond-hoodie">Jasper Diamond Hoodie</a> from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/vintage-baby-knits">Vintage Baby Knits</a>. This book was at my local library and has many cute patterns, and I love the vintage style to them.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TD33GunCK8I/AAAAAAAABOw/KXAMI3JElVs/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TD33GunCK8I/AAAAAAAABOw/KXAMI3JElVs/s320/IMG_2639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493818815424900034" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And, rounding up the little knits - I just started this cardigan today. It's for a friend at work who is expecting a little boy in September. It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-sophisticate">Baby Sophisticate</a> pattern. I'm using up stash yarn by making it striped. I like the Charlie Brown feel to it.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TD33jZ96XyI/AAAAAAAABO4/UOF5N7qkKxs/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/TD33jZ96XyI/AAAAAAAABO4/UOF5N7qkKxs/s320/IMG_2635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493819308099919650" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I've also purchased a pattern and new yarn (!!) for my annual get-me-in-the-mood-for-fall sweater. Previous fall sweaters for which I purchased yarn in the summer include the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/september">September Sweater</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/ribbon-trim-cardigan">Ribbon Trim Cardigan</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/juno">Juno</a>. All winners, and all were worn this past winter. What are you excited about knitting this fall, or are you just enjoying the summer? Hope everyone is staying cool!!<br /></div></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-3330947730361447432010-04-27T15:35:00.005-04:002010-04-27T15:47:17.462-04:00Knit in ActionHowdy!<br /><br />I owe a much better post than this, but wanted to share a few recent photos. Ellie is now 8 1/2 months old and she enjoyed her first Easter.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/S9c9tCVzJSI/AAAAAAAABOg/FYHmCRuk_9E/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/S9c9tCVzJSI/AAAAAAAABOg/FYHmCRuk_9E/s320/IMG_1320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464904516769096994" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/leafy-lace-cardi">Leafy Lacy Cardi</a> in action.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/S9c-QAueF-I/AAAAAAAABOo/XRU4rYOo0R8/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/S9c-QAueF-I/AAAAAAAABOo/XRU4rYOo0R8/s320/IMG_1643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464905117631125474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We also went on a trip to Charleston and Savannah. Our little <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosemite_Sam">Yosemite Sam</a> really enjoyed the baby swings!<br /><br />On the crafting front, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/allure">Allure</a> has been finished for a long while now, and I've knit up a few little baby items. I'll show you those and thoughts on summer knitting very soon. Promise!<br /></div></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-90452375209296807472010-01-14T16:39:00.004-05:002010-01-14T16:57:33.472-05:00FO: Starlight, StarbrightHappy New Year! Hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable holiday season. Ellie enjoyed her first Christmas as much as she enjoys everything else right now. It was fun getting her dressed up and telling her Santa was coming (even though she was more excited to see her cereal spoon on Christmas morning). Anywho, I've finished Starlight, Starbright and couldn't be happier with how it turned out.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4272184917/" title="IMG_1049 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4272184917_1a6db72122.jpg" alt="IMG_1049" height="473" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/starlight-starbright">Starlight, Starbright</a> test-knit for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kirsten-jensen">Kirsten Jensen</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/starlight-starbright">Raveled Here</a>. Pattern to be released very soon!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Knitpicks Palette in Mai Tai Heather, Sky and Green Tea Heather. 1 skein each. Buttons found where else? Joanns.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4272199453/" title="IMG_1042 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4272199453_2d3359e989.jpg" alt="IMG_1042" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>This is a really delightful little pattern. At a gauge of 8 sts to 1", it's not a quick knit, but seeing the finished product, I would choose to knit one of these instead of 3 or 4 quick-o baby knits. I had some serious knitting-brain-farts when starting this, but if you're familiar with Norwegian style knitting, it will be a piece o' cake.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4272206591/" title="IMG_1036 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4272206591_6dec99962b.jpg" alt="IMG_1036" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>I made a few mods to the pattern, but the main one was knitting the sleeves in the round with steek stitches and then separating them after securing the steeks. Why haven't I thought of this before? I avoid DPNs at. all. costs. I don't even know why I own them, except for the occasional i-cord, I suppose.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4272192585/" title="IMG_1045 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4272192585_02e78ecda2.jpg" alt="IMG_1045" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>I know it's mid-January and all, but I didn't get a chance to show you all <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/cascade-christmas-stocking-w104-3">lady Eleanor's Christmas stocking</a> I churned out the week before Christmas. I couldn't let my first born have no stocking hanging on the fireplace on Christmas Eve, even if she didn't notice. Besides, my outdoor lights are still up (yup, we're those people).<br /><br />For deets, follow the link above. I made up my own chart for the snowflake and snowman to fit the number of stitches I needed for the repeats.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/S0-SL1vdthI/AAAAAAAABOQ/OOGqvX__jZc/s1600-h/IMG_0993.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/S0-SL1vdthI/AAAAAAAABOQ/OOGqvX__jZc/s320/IMG_0993.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426716808107111954" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I'm ready for a break from fair-isle now. I'm getting back to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/allure">Allure</a>, which I started way back in July. My goal is to finish by Super Bowl (in which I hope, but don't expect, to see my Ravens). Hope you're all staying warm and toasty during this dead-of-winter period with your yarn and needles!amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-11017936921151849572009-12-12T16:36:00.006-05:002009-12-12T18:47:19.857-05:00FO: SeptemberFinally! Today was a great day, if a little cold, to take some photos of my finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/september">September</a> sweater. I started this project back in, uh, September, and finished it shortly after returning to work at the beginning of November. I'll remember it as my maternity leave sweater.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4179180345/" title="IMG_0629 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/4179180345_51fcc0f3d0.jpg" alt="IMG_0629" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/september-4"> September</a> [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/september">Raveled Here</a>], loosely based off the pattern notes from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/eyeloveit">eyeloveit</a>. I used her general construction and cable charts for the sleeves and yoke of this sweater. For the body section I selected two cable charts out of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-harmony-guides-cables--arans">Cables & Arans</a> to repeat around.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4179188087/" title="IMG_0632 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/4179188087_ddca72ae97.jpg" alt="IMG_0632" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Ah, there's always a yarn saga, isn't there? 15 balls of Jaeger Extrafine Merino DK in Cream. I had purchased a bag of 10 balls from <a href="http://www.cucumberpatch.co.uk/">Cucumberpatch</a> last year on clearance for like $40. That's 1370 yards, which I thought would be plenty for this project. Once I had gone through half of it and hadn't even finished the top section, I knew I was in trouble. There were a few Ravelers who had some of the yarn stashed in the same dyelot, but none were up for trade and all had intentions to use it for a project. On a whim, I emailed Cucumberpatch to see if they happened to have any left. As luck would have it, they did, so I ordered 5 more balls. While working the rest of the sweater, I decided to use up of all the yarn.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4179959640/" title="IMG_0638 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4179959640_8b7c568d80.jpg" alt="IMG_0638" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">How the sweater is constructed:</span> The top section is cast on at one sleeve, worked up to the armpit, then stitches are cast on at the bust, worked across and back down the other sleeve. Then, stitches are picked up under the bust and the rest of the sweater is knit down to the hem. The only seaming were the sleeves and the short section at the sides. I decided to knit until I had 3 balls of yarn left and then cast off at the bottom. I then picked up stitches for the button bands and collar and knit each piece with 1 ball of yarn. This way, I had no leftovers.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4179211597/" title="IMG_0639 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/4179211597_8b85d0644f.jpg" alt="IMG_0639" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>I also opted for snaps since I didn't know as I was knitting it how many buttons I wanted to put on it. There was quite a bit of math involved in this one, and I will post the details on Ravelry for those interested.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4179204133/" title="IMG_0649 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/4179204133_2500e4069f.jpg" alt="IMG_0649" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div>I really love how this turned out. It's a versatile color and quite cozy. The yarn has a slight stretch to it, but I plan to hand wash it and see if I can give it a quick spin in the dryer on low heat to restore its shape over time. But right now, it's great. And, it was a new construction for me, which is always fun.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4179987040/" title="IMG_0606 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4179987040_a81a0214b5.jpg" alt="IMG_0606" height="402" width="500" /></a><br /></div>Now I'm trying to make progress on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/starlight-starbright">Starlight, Starbright</a>. I've finished the body and started the sleeves. I secured my steeks with a sewing machine and cut. So far, so good. I am a little nervous about my steeks coming apart, but I'm probably needlessly worrying.<br /><br />Hope you all are enjoying the holiday season!amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-61378156245639940842009-11-29T10:29:00.006-05:002009-11-29T10:44:45.870-05:00A Fair Isle FallHope everyone is having a the kind of Sunday-after-Thanksgiving (for US readers) or last Sunday in November (for all readers) you'd like to enjoy. This past weekend has been full of family, friends and food. And of course, the knitting.<br /><br />I finished Ellie's first winter hat. This is a fantastic stash-user, even <span style="font-style: italic;">scrap-user</span>, easy and fun.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SxKUVjwVSsI/AAAAAAAABNw/4tWuErVcoL8/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SxKUVjwVSsI/AAAAAAAABNw/4tWuErVcoL8/s320/IMG_0288.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409549200521513666" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/giacomos-baby-hat">Giacomo's Hat</a> by the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/">purlbee</a>. [<a href="http://www.purlbee.com/giacomos-baby-hat/">Web Link</a>] [Raveled <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/giacomos-baby-hat">Here</a>]<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SxKUvfZrVoI/AAAAAAAABN4/I2DMj7Sy7RA/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SxKUvfZrVoI/AAAAAAAABN4/I2DMj7Sy7RA/s320/IMG_0257.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409549646029346434" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: <span style="font-style: italic;">Main color</span>: Joann Tesoro leftover from Ellie's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/seamless-kimono-sweater">Seamless Kimono</a>; <span style="font-style: italic;">Flower</span>: Joann Tesoro in Lilac; <span style="font-style: italic;">Background</span>: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Cloud; <span style="font-style: italic;">Pink detail</span>: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. For all of these yarns, I used very small amounts, and the slightly differing weights still resulted in a nice fair isle look.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SxKVoklv6iI/AAAAAAAABOA/mCc61Im9GbU/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SxKVoklv6iI/AAAAAAAABOA/mCc61Im9GbU/s320/IMG_0263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409550626674698786" border="0" /></a><br /></div>All of my knitting attention is now being paid to finishing my test-knit for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kirsten-jensen">Kirsten</a>'s <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/starlight-starbright">Starlight, Starbright</a> pattern in Knitpicks Palette. I had several ditzy moments in the beginning and learned about Norwegian knitting before I got the pattern to work correctly for me, but now it's smooth sailing. I've never done steeks before, either, so this pattern is a real learning experience for me.<br /><br />My September sweater is not only finished, but I've even worn it several times. I am hoping to get Bill and the camera outside today for some photos. Darn these shorter days! Hope you all have a great week, with lots of leftover turkey sandwiches.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-16988518179601988002009-11-03T12:19:00.004-05:002009-11-03T12:38:54.314-05:00FO: Seamless Kimono and Flower ClipI went back to work yesterday, so maternity leave is officially over. But, I'm only back at reduced hours, so I still have some quality time with little E a few days a week. Knitting has been moving along at a nice pace. Here's a little faux-wrap sweater that fits now and hopefully will get us through winter:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4071895647/" title="IMG_0036 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/4071895647_5fcfb655bd.jpg" alt="IMG_0036" height="361" width="500" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Seamless Kimono Sweater [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/seamless-kimono-sweater">Raveled Here</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Joann Sensations Tesoro, 2.5 skeins<br />This yarn was a clearance buy for $2.37/skein a few years ago. After blocking with a little Woolite, it softened very nicely. I used some leftover yellow Knitpicks Swish for the i-cord and flowers.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4072663268/" title="IMG_0041 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4072663268_dc65529d53.jpg" alt="IMG_0041" height="391" width="500" /></a><br /></div>I cast on fewer stitches since my gauge was larger than the pattern and adjusted the raglan shaping accordingly. I also used a lace edging instead of garter stitch, just in case it wasn't girly enough.<br /><br />I also made this little pacifier clip for the car seat, and it only took about a day. Not too much sewing on this one.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/4071924565/" title="IMG_9837 by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/4071924565_bfc2116788.jpg" alt="IMG_9837" height="335" width="500" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Flower Clip, in Itty Bitty Nursery [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/pacifier-clips-flower">Raveled Here</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: All leftovers of Rowan Handknit Cotton in Sugar for the petals and Valley Yarns Longmeadow in Lettuce and Mango for the edging and stem.<br /><br />My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/september">September</a> sweater is nearly finished - I just need to knit the button bands and get some buttons. I'm really excited about this one, folks! And, I've been asked to test knit one of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kirsten-jensen">Skandi's</a> soon to be released patterns, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/starlight-starbright">Starlight, Starbright</a>. I am using some stash yarn for this and will post some deets on it next time. It's an adorable little fair-isle baby sweater great for a boy or girl.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-91359210595472995502009-10-14T17:29:00.014-04:002009-10-14T18:10:14.566-04:00FO Parade!I promised I have been knitting during my maternity leave and am finally delivering the proof. Let's not waste time; here are the goods. First up:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZFUJXDB_I/AAAAAAAABMY/0W_o6kHjFNs/s1600-h/IMG_9805.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZFUJXDB_I/AAAAAAAABMY/0W_o6kHjFNs/s320/IMG_9805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392573816235034610" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Cloud Bolero by Ysolda, [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/cloud-bolero-2">Raveled Here</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Tahki Cotton Classic in color 3214, 5 skeins<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZGbNRl20I/AAAAAAAABMg/KZhFgwoYEKw/s1600-h/IMG_9801.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZGbNRl20I/AAAAAAAABMg/KZhFgwoYEKw/s320/IMG_9801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392575037056604994" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods</span>: Cast on 74 sts and worked raglan increases for the medium size. Made the sleeves longer and body longer. Added a garter stitch button band as I went along. I like how this came out. Perfect for these cooler days. The big buttons (found at Joann's) cause the button bands to gape a little in the front, but it adds interest, I guess. Overall, a success!<br /><br />Next up:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZJMmb_NfI/AAAAAAAABNQ/UbMA65X42PU/s1600-h/IMG_9816.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZJMmb_NfI/AAAAAAAABNQ/UbMA65X42PU/s320/IMG_9816.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392578084647941618" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Baby Sweater on Two Needles, [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/baby-sweater-on-two-needles-february-3">Raveled Here</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Rowan Handknit Cotton, 2 1/2 skeins<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZJHq-yCJI/AAAAAAAABNI/a1EXFrFDll0/s1600-h/IMG_9812.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZJHq-yCJI/AAAAAAAABNI/a1EXFrFDll0/s320/IMG_9812.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392577999968274578" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I've made this pattern twice before, once with the same exact yarn. You can't go wrong with this tried and true pattern. It's a little big on Ellie now but she'll grow into it quickly, I'm sure.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZIuM-kImI/AAAAAAAABM4/T-1EChLFU4A/s1600-h/IMG_9819.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZIuM-kImI/AAAAAAAABM4/T-1EChLFU4A/s320/IMG_9819.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392577562417570402" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Berry Baby Hat, [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/berry-baby-hat">Raveled Here</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Di Ve Zenith, less than a skein of orange and green.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZIP84wENI/AAAAAAAABMw/okKwIwAF3q8/s1600-h/IMG_9821.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZIP84wENI/AAAAAAAABMw/okKwIwAF3q8/s320/IMG_9821.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392577042702143698" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I made this an October-themed hat for Halloween. Totally cute! I only wish the change over to the green "stem" was further down closer to the ears. It's a pretty skimpy looking stem, in my opinion.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZLEAwyf2I/AAAAAAAABNg/rzG5iJBvJpQ/s1600-h/IMG_9834.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZLEAwyf2I/AAAAAAAABNg/rzG5iJBvJpQ/s320/IMG_9834.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392580136118943586" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Pea Pod Baby Sweater, [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fanciepants/pea-pod-baby-set-2">Raveled Here</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Debbie Bliss Merino DK in teal<br />You've seen this one before, but now that it has buttons, it's WAY cuter. It's too big on Ellie for a modeled shot right now.<br /><br />Lastly, I had to show you all this.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZHm7857kI/AAAAAAAABMo/KH374P3WZh4/s1600-h/IMG_9785.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZHm7857kI/AAAAAAAABMo/KH374P3WZh4/s320/IMG_9785.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392576338076495426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZMIzk7nkI/AAAAAAAABNo/Reu300r-g_U/s1600-h/IMG_9766.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/StZMIzk7nkI/AAAAAAAABNo/Reu300r-g_U/s320/IMG_9766.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392581317990522434" border="0" /></a></div>This is a sweater, hat and booties knit by my grandmother for my mother. So that makes it over 60 years old. The gauge on this is ridiculously small - about 9 sts to 1 inch. My mom found a box of these vintage hand knits and I plan to share more of them with you as I go through them and as Miss E fits into them.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-69700191667626762532009-09-28T11:00:00.004-04:002009-09-28T11:15:19.509-04:00September sweater progressThank you all for the wonderful comments about my daughter! I can't believe 6 weeks have gone by and that I only have 5 weeks of maternity leave left. Where does the time go? Well, despite my absence from blogging, I have been finding more time to knit than I thought I would. Here's some proof:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SsDRF_Q5FtI/AAAAAAAABMI/WOHJv6IMnwQ/s1600-h/IMG_9416.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SsDRF_Q5FtI/AAAAAAAABMI/WOHJv6IMnwQ/s320/IMG_9416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386535055146948306" border="0" /></a><br /></div>This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/september-4">September</a> sweater by <a href="http://eyeloveit.blogspot.com/2008/12/september-sweater-tutorial-complete.html">eyeloveit</a>. There isn't a formal pattern for this project, but instead guidelines for its construction and the cable patterns. It's worked from one wrist to the other, increasing and decreasing stitches along the way to create the yoke. It's required some math to figure out my gauge and whatnot, but it was actually pretty easy. I'm working on the right sleeve now. Once the top part is done, I'll pick up stitches around the bust and work straight down to the bottom. Then buttonbands and a collar are worked last. I've never constructed a sweater like this before and am enjoying something different. I'm using Jaeger Extrafine Merino DK, which is now discontinued, and it's a lovely, soft yarn. I can't wait until this one is finished!<br /><br />I've also been queing up LOTS of baby girl patterns. I've started a February Baby Sweater, which is almost complete, and plan to make a matching hat. And, I've got two FO's done and waiting for pictures, so stay tuned for those next! In the meantime, here's some cuteness to keep you entertained.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SsDSTDEXWBI/AAAAAAAABMQ/08nxlHj-dxI/s1600-h/IMG_4830.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SsDSTDEXWBI/AAAAAAAABMQ/08nxlHj-dxI/s320/IMG_4830.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386536379018074130" border="0" /></a><br /></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-70675257712695339972009-08-17T14:24:00.004-04:002009-08-17T14:42:47.260-04:00It's a girl!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SomjnhWyzAI/AAAAAAAABMA/-s9qS4G7Kbk/s1600-h/IMG_8998.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SomjnhWyzAI/AAAAAAAABMA/-s9qS4G7Kbk/s320/IMG_8998.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371003929980226562" border="0" /></a><br /></div>After an amazingly (but frighteningly!) quick 8 1/2 hours of labor, including a middle of the night race to the hospital, Baby E was born on Friday, August 14th at 11:57 am. She weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SomhrFRgeeI/AAAAAAAABL4/Mju65IC7Qn4/s1600-h/IMG_8976.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SomhrFRgeeI/AAAAAAAABL4/Mju65IC7Qn4/s320/IMG_8976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371001792138082786" border="0" /></a><br /></div>We are all home now and adjusting to our new lives. The first (OK, well maybe not the first) step is to figure out how to nurse and knit at the same time. Now I can get to all of the girly projects I had queued up!!<br /><br />Thanks to all for your words of encouragement before her arrival and tricks to induce labor. Not sure what worked (I had my mom's homemade <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1926,147160-249197,00.html">Polish Golumpki</a> the night before) but she's here now :-)amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-2106169920205011372009-08-04T12:16:00.007-04:002009-08-04T12:32:29.822-04:00FO: TrellisOne week to go! Well, at least until my due date, but who knows when baby will really come out. In the meantime, I've been crafting.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3789287176/" title="Trellis by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3789287176_c758100dd4.jpg" alt="Trellis" height="366" width="500" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trellis">Trellis</a>, Knitty Spring 2005<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Di Ve Zenith in dark brown, 2.5 balls from stash<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3788483303/" title="Trellis by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3788483303_653b6f388d.jpg" alt="Trellis" height="391" width="500" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods</span>: I knit this pretty much according to the instructions. Back and fronts were knit separately, and then I joined the shoulders using a 3-needle bind off. Then, instead of knitting the sleeves separately, I picked up stitches evenly across the armhole opening and worked the sleeve from the top down. The cable pattern looks the same upside down as right side up, so this worked well. For baby knits, I will probably use this technique again. I did have to sew the side and sleeve seams. For the collar, I used short rows instead, which didn't produce the rolled collar that I hoped it would - I should have done more short rows - but it turned out just fine. I think baby might outgrow this before he/she gets to wear it anyway!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SnhgQfY70fI/AAAAAAAABLg/auf1cAHVpcw/s1600-h/IMG_8839.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 271px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SnhgQfY70fI/AAAAAAAABLg/auf1cAHVpcw/s320/IMG_8839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366144792432202226" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Last week on Etsy I saw some really cute wipes cases that had been covered and embellished with fabrics. I was tempted to buy a couple to match my <a href="http://fancie-pants.blogspot.com/2009/04/fo-amy-butler-everything-bag-elijah.html">Amy Butler Diaper Bag</a> and <a href="http://fancie-pants.blogspot.com/2009/06/birdie-sling-30-weeks.html">Birdie Sling</a>, but I decided to try to make them myself with my leftover fabric.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SnhhQ_nuLmI/AAAAAAAABLw/rapxr8r-y4M/s1600-h/IMG_8842.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SnhhQ_nuLmI/AAAAAAAABLw/rapxr8r-y4M/s320/IMG_8842.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366145900595785314" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I picked up pink and blue plastic wipes case from Babies R Us for $2.49 a piece and cut out some leftover batting and fabric pieces to size (photos above are the top, and photo below is the bottom), plus a little extra to wrap around. I then picked up some trim on clearance from Joann's for $0.99/yard. I bought 2 yards for each case.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Snhg2pmlqkI/AAAAAAAABLo/Q_Wf3IIgrc8/s1600-h/IMG_8841.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Snhg2pmlqkI/AAAAAAAABLo/Q_Wf3IIgrc8/s320/IMG_8841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366145448008854082" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I pulled out the hot glue gun and attached the batting to the top and bottom, then cut it even with the edges. Then I glued the fabric to one side and pulled tight and glued to the other side. The short sides were glued similarly, and the corners were wrapped like you were wrapping a gift box. No need to worry about frayed edges - that's what the trim is for. Then I glued the trim all the way around to hide the edges and give it the finished look. Not bad for about $5 in supplies each and 30 minutes of sitting on the couch with a glue gun! These would be a fun addition to any baby shower gift.<br /><br />Now that I'm 39 weeks, I'm ready for baby to come out. Anyone have suggestions for getting labor going? I haven't tried anything yet . . .amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-56657468734916170782009-07-28T14:41:00.010-04:002009-07-28T15:15:03.941-04:00Baby Countdown: 2 weeks!My due date is 2 weeks from today, and I've told the baby that whenever he/she is ready, so am I! But while we wait, I am crafting as much as I can. I've been making progress a long-sleeved version of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cloud-bolero">Cloud Bolero</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9GuztCRAI/AAAAAAAABKw/i6nh8R9wr3I/s1600-h/3759727930_23c9788a0c.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 308px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9GuztCRAI/AAAAAAAABKw/i6nh8R9wr3I/s320/3759727930_23c9788a0c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363583451188577282" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I'm using some stashed Tahki Cotton Classic. I've run out of yarn on the sleeves, so thanks to the miracle of Ravelry, I was able to find someone (thanks <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/Moirae">Moirae</a>) with another skein in the same color and dyelot. I now should have enough to finish with elbow or 3/4 length sleeves. Phew!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9L-HX8tJI/AAAAAAAABLY/sf34JNnu_tg/s1600-h/3759717074_2c04af7e73.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9L-HX8tJI/AAAAAAAABLY/sf34JNnu_tg/s320/3759717074_2c04af7e73.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363589211725018258" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I also bought some Kidsilk Haze from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/FairyGodknitter">Joan</a> on Ravelry and have started a pattern I've had queued for a while: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/allure">Allure</a>. This is a pattern in Kim Hargreaves' book <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/amber---a-winter-gathering">Amber</a>. There are some really lovely patterns in the book, so for me it was worth the money. I've just started it, but it's moving pretty quickly on size 6 needles, and the lace pattern is easy to memorize.<br /><br />My co-workers threw a shower for me at work last week. There are 2 gals in the office whom I taught to knit a few years ago. In addition to them, there are 3 other gals who either knit or crochet. Well, the 5 of them got together and surprised me with this:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9Ir9UDEmI/AAAAAAAABK4/zlxAtv2i2aY/s1600-h/IMG_8763.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9Ir9UDEmI/AAAAAAAABK4/zlxAtv2i2aY/s320/IMG_8763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363585601251775074" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's me on the left, if you couldn't tell!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9J6XeTPxI/AAAAAAAABLA/iqBY6Lpflww/s1600-h/IMG_8802.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9J6XeTPxI/AAAAAAAABLA/iqBY6Lpflww/s320/IMG_8802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363586948303896338" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 of the 5 gals who put this together for me (if you click on the photo, you can really see the details and stitch patterns)<br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was so touched that they would take the time to do this. They each knit or crocheted 4 squares and then got together to sew them. One of them took the blanket and crocheted the border and added the fringe.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9K4UnH7hI/AAAAAAAABLI/T5JsUVGVWYs/s1600-h/IMG_8789.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9K4UnH7hI/AAAAAAAABLI/T5JsUVGVWYs/s320/IMG_8789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363588012687486482" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Another co-worker made me this adorable fleece blanket. I've seen this no-sew pattern before, but never tried it. It's two large pieces of fleece layered on top of each other with little cuts made all the way around the edges, and then the pieces are tied together. It is so soft!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9LvlHKnEI/AAAAAAAABLQ/rCb8c01xwuE/s1600-h/IMG_8728.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sm9LvlHKnEI/AAAAAAAABLQ/rCb8c01xwuE/s320/IMG_8728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363588962009652290" border="0" /></a><br /></div>But, my friends, the craftiness of my co-workers didn't stop there. Another group of gals pitched in a bought the supplies for 2 of them to make this amazing diaper cake.<br />It was full of diapers, onesies, bodysuits, receiving blankets, a teething ring, pacifiers, bottles, a stuffed monkey (who's wearing a little pair of shoes) and two rubber duckies. It was such a great gift and something I would definitely try to put together for another friend as a shower gift.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2009_fall.asp">Interweave Fall Preview</a> is up! I know it's still July, but is anyone else thinking of fall projects to start?amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-85379439770541905012009-07-06T20:07:00.008-04:002009-07-06T20:23:40.879-04:00Baby countdown: 5 weeks to go!With just 5 weeks left until baby's expected arrival, I am trying to keep my crafting goals realistic. I started <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trellis">Trellis</a> on July 4 in some stashed di Ve Zenith in a chocolate brown. The last gender-neutral project! I've finished the back already, so this looks to be a quick little project. I've knit one before and the cable pattern is coming back to me.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SlKSmlwIVGI/AAAAAAAABKQ/efQsXGycJ-o/s1600-h/IMG_8721.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SlKSmlwIVGI/AAAAAAAABKQ/efQsXGycJ-o/s320/IMG_8721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355504098563609698" border="0" /></a><br /></div>We also (nearly) finished up the nursery this weekend! Here are some photos:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SlKTq9MvPQI/AAAAAAAABKY/sYm5TaZ1rM8/s1600-h/IMG_8707.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SlKTq9MvPQI/AAAAAAAABKY/sYm5TaZ1rM8/s320/IMG_8707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355505273088720130" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Wall colors are Crystal Aqua and Betsy's Linen, both by Valspar. We put up the chair rail ourselves, which was easier than I expected. Crib ordered online at Amazon (which always seems to win the online-price wars), chair we've had for several years, nightstand was painted and refinished - it was part of my mother's childhood bedroom set. Dinosaur prints were a find at Home Goods for $14.99 a piece!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SlKUNpeiu2I/AAAAAAAABKg/eNghibf4cMY/s1600-h/IMG_8711.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SlKUNpeiu2I/AAAAAAAABKg/eNghibf4cMY/s320/IMG_8711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355505869090110306" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Changing area: dresser from Ikea, outfitted with removable changing pad. Prints are by Yuko Lau, found unexpectedly at Target.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SlKVCMy-XmI/AAAAAAAABKo/bWyJ5TXbC-Q/s1600-h/IMG_8714.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SlKVCMy-XmI/AAAAAAAABKo/bWyJ5TXbC-Q/s320/IMG_8714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355506771924246114" border="0" /></a><br /></div>One of the wall shelves we put up: Peter Rabbit was a gift from a good friend, and the little antique plate was a shower gift from another good friend. Now, all we need is the baby!amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-47004255350752470812009-06-19T14:14:00.006-04:002009-06-19T14:49:36.052-04:00Little Baby Knits!I've finished up two sweaters for baby (who is due to arrive in about 8 weeks!).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3639775914/" title="Sheep Yoke Cardigan by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3639775914_1e6ebcd3e5.jpg" alt="Sheep Yoke Cardigan" height="457" width="500" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Sheep Yoke Baby Cardigan [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sheep-yoke-baby-cardigan">Ravelry</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: I used up stash yarn: Debbie Bliss Wool/Cotton (2 skeins), di Ve Zenith in St. David's Blue (< 1 ball), Valley Yarns Superwash in Green #600 (< 1 ball).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This little sweater came out very nice, though I probably would have gotten better results if I had used yarns in the same gauge. The Superwash is a little heavier than the Wool/Cotton, so the yoke section seems to gather a bit, but once there's baby spit up on it, it won't matter anyway!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3638970211/" title="Duffle Coat by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3638970211_6bedd7d24d.jpg" alt="Duffle Coat" height="477" width="500" /></a><br /></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Debbie Bliss Duffle Coat [<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duffle-coat">Ravelry</a>]<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Valley Yarns Williamstown, 4.5 skeins<br /><br />I made several mods to this sweater: Used seed stitch instead of garter, kept stitches for the back and fronts on holders instead of binding off, used these stitches to knit the hood. It came out pretty nice, though it looks a little big, but we'll see how it turns out once baby is here (and bigger) to model it.<br /><br />At this point, I'm a little tired of the gender-neutral knits. I'm still happy that we don't know if I've got a boy or girl swimming around in my belly, but I think I'll be more motivated to do kid knits once I can pick something really girly or really boyish.<br /><br />With that, I decided to start something for moi! I've seen some really nice finished Liesls around lately and decided to pull out the Cloud Bolero pattern I made last summer and do a longer-sleeved version.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3638977273/" title="Cloud Bolero by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/3638977273_a2f6ce7a00.jpg" alt="Cloud Bolero" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>I'm using some stashed Tahki Cotton Classic and am putting buttons all the way down.<br /><br />My friend Jen (who taught me how to knit) gave me these little guys as a gift. They are crocheted and boy are they cute! I love the look of the little hand-made toys.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SjvYlqMjzHI/AAAAAAAABKI/9iF8FHXCm28/s1600-h/IMG_8468.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 167px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SjvYlqMjzHI/AAAAAAAABKI/9iF8FHXCm28/s320/IMG_8468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349107123926322290" border="0" /></a><br /></div>And, lastly, I thought I would share some nice fall sweaters I saw in the recent WEBS catalog. I've never knit their patterns, so I can't say how well they are written, but for $1.99 each, that's a pretty good deal. I loved the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/victoria-buttoned-raglan">Buttoned Raglan</a> and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/closed-bud-lace-coat">Lace Coat</a>.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-38974482526637582522009-06-03T15:50:00.004-04:002009-06-03T16:06:03.076-04:00Birdie Sling! 30 Weeks!I finished the Amy Butler Birdie Sling!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3592475589/" title="Birdie Sling by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3592475589_ed97a4ba85.jpg" alt="Birdie Sling" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div>I used prints from Amy's Midwest Modern line: Fuschia Fresh Poppies, Fuschia Martini and Ivory Floating Buds. A lot of people who have made this bag have commented on how large it is. I was afraid I was going to get something like a weekend travel bag, but this bag is perfect for work. It does hold my laptop - but makes it pretty heavy - so I usually just put my usual stuff (wallet, phone, keys, lunch, 2 pouches with computer accessories and pens/make-up, etc). The inside pockets are great for keeping stuff organized.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3593275106/" title="Birdie Sling by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3593275106_2bc076bc23.jpg" alt="Birdie Sling" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the pleats!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3592482645/" title="Birdie Sling by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3592482645_ba9f621e26.jpg" alt="Birdie Sling" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>The pattern was not difficult to make, compared to other bags I've made. I did make one small adjustment: I made the strap less wide. When cut as specified, the strap is pretty wide and didn't sit in the "nook" of my shoulder just so. Making it a little thinner overall made this better. I also used less interfacing on the strap but doubled up the interfacing on the exterior panels.<br /><br />I needed something girly in the midst of all my baby-gender-neutral projects! The photos above also show a sneak peak at the nursery, which is completed except for accessories, curtains, etc. <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SibXSlIVD1I/AAAAAAAABKA/dKrY8ApdUAU/s1600-h/IMG_8402.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SibXSlIVD1I/AAAAAAAABKA/dKrY8ApdUAU/s320/IMG_8402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343194722126335826" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Since last post's baby bump photo wasn't so great, I thought I'd share a better one. I've hit 30 weeks - just 10 to go! I am hoping for a less-humid-than-usual summer here in the mid-Atlantic :)amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-16100511146422829722009-05-19T17:07:00.003-04:002009-05-19T17:16:31.206-04:00FO: Amy Butler Crib QuiltI finished the crib quilt (my first adventure in quilting!)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3544308794/" title="Amy Butler Crib Quilt by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/3544308794_2d85acac2d.jpg" alt="Amy Butler Crib Quilt" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Patchwork Crib Quilt from Amy Butler's Little Stitches<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabric</span>: Mostly prints from Amy's Midwest Modern line; some coordinating quilting fabrics from Joann's for the back, binding and yellow print in the quilt pattern.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3544316866/" title="Amy Butler Crib Quilt by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/3544316866_e1cd319340.jpg" alt="Amy Butler Crib Quilt" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>I'm really happy with how this turned out. I definitely learned a lot while working on this. Little things like: beware of bunching on the underside while quilting, be careful when machine stitching the edging on the binding, stitching in the ditch doesn't really mean *in* the seam, but really right next to it, etc.<br /><br />On the nursery front, we've selected our colors and hope to get to painting this weekend (don't worry, I won't actually be painting or in the room while it's wet and smelly). Upcoming sewing projects include curtains (once I select fabric), 2 maternity skirts, a nursing cover and the Amy Butler Birdie Sling.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/ShMhe5Sq-XI/AAAAAAAABJ4/n1PAAztYiMU/s1600-h/IMG_8349.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/ShMhe5Sq-XI/AAAAAAAABJ4/n1PAAztYiMU/s320/IMG_8349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337646798023096690" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I've been really bad about taking photos of my growing belly, but at 28 weeks, we finally managed to snap a few. I plan to make the photo-taking a weekly event, so stay tuned for more photos as I get bigger and bigger!amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-66475642143183818182009-04-21T13:02:00.007-04:002009-04-21T13:27:35.040-04:00FO: Amy Butler Everything Bag & ElijahHello! I know my blogging is spacing further apart, but I am crafting. Here's proof:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3462449955/" title="Amy Butler Everything Bag by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3462449955_46100b6b63.jpg" alt="Amy Butler Everything Bag" height="374" width="500" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: Amy Butler Everything Bag from Little Stitches<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabric</span>: Morning Glory from her Lotus Line<br />I also made the changing pad from Little Stitches to go with the bag. I think I plan on using this as a diaper bag, though it doesn't have any waterproof linings. I guess that's what zip locks are for?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3463258436/" title="Amy Butler Everything Bag w/ Changing Pad by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3463258436_83d2825248.jpg" alt="Amy Butler Everything Bag w/ Changing Pad" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>All in all, this pattern wasn't too bad. The cutting and interfacing attachment took the longest. The actual sewing part was (partly) a breeze. I had a tricky time attaching the lining bottom to the divider panel, and I re-did the top stitching a few times, but all in all, it was worth taking my time on this one. I'd say I spent 15 hours or so putting this together.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods</span>: I made the straps a little longer and spaced them further apart than the pattern says. I tried it on a few times while pinned to make sure it sat over my shoulder the way I wanted. Also, there is a HUGE error in the interfacing instructions. I contacted someone at Amy Butler and they confirmed the error and said they would send me two free patterns for pointing it out. Whoo hoo! (Well, I should say that was over a month ago and I still don't have my free patterns . . . )<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3462416801/" title="Changing Pad by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3462416801_65e0c41ffa.jpg" alt="Changing Pad" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a full view of the changing pad.<br /><br /></div>I also finished Elijah, my first baby knit.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66461660@N00/3463239246/" title="Elijah by amanda's knitting, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3463239246_38e38849e0.jpg" alt="Elijah" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>I didn't love knitting with the double pointed needles, but the construction of this little guy was so brilliant. I feel like all knitted toys should be made this way!<br /><br />I've also almost finished my version of the Pea Pod Baby Sweater. The pattern is no longer available online, so I used a free top-down sweater generator (there are several available on Ravelry) to make the basic shape and pulled out my copy of Rusted Root for the lace pattern (I think they're the same, or they at least look it!). I used some old Debbie Bliss Merino DK in a color that I hope suits either a boy or girl - we don't know what we're having. I think I'll pick out buttons after the little one arrives in August.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Se3_ckGWEeI/AAAAAAAABJw/5a6g7AuLqJE/s1600-h/IMG_8323.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Se3_ckGWEeI/AAAAAAAABJw/5a6g7AuLqJE/s320/IMG_8323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327194800440873442" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Other plans now include finishing Lush & Lacy and starting a few other baby items. I've also started a crib quilt, which I hope to get assembled soon so we can use it to help pick out a paint color for the nursery. I'm at 24 weeks now - only 16 to go!amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23377488.post-70187247994960598232009-03-10T12:28:00.009-04:002009-03-10T12:59:05.818-04:00Coming CleanSome of you may have noticed my diminished productivity over the past few months. No big winter sweaters or other knitting projects. I'm finally coming clean! I actually started a new WIP back in November and it got the best of me for a while.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SbaWLbQSvYI/AAAAAAAABJA/lMqF7bUUrt0/s1600-h/IMG_8161.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SbaWLbQSvYI/AAAAAAAABJA/lMqF7bUUrt0/s320/IMG_8161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311597933568900482" border="0" /></a><br /></div>This is from early February at 13 weeks. I am now almost 18 weeks and due in August! Bill and I are thrilled. It's been a great journey so far. From December through most of January, I barely knit a stitch. I was unmotivated and just exhausted most nights after work. My energy has been back for about a month and I've been working on some new things.<br /><br />With the spring weather teases, I've put all winter projects into hibernation and started my likely last me-sized sweater for a while: <a href="http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/lush-and-lacy-cardigan-knitting-project.htm">Lush & Lacy</a>. I loved how <a href="http://treschicveronique.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-valentines-day.html">Veronique's version</a> looked on her adorable preggo body and thought it would be a great little sweater for spring around here. I am using some Ella Rae Silkience from my stash.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SbaX16Q0nmI/AAAAAAAABJI/GmA-XdsacRI/s1600-h/IMG_8260.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SbaX16Q0nmI/AAAAAAAABJI/GmA-XdsacRI/s320/IMG_8260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311599762958753378" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I've finished the back and done a few inches of the left front. My goal is to finish this by Easter.<br /><br />I've also started my first baby project: <a href="http://ysolda.com/store/toys/elijah/">Elijah</a>. I got the yarn for this pattern a long time ago, knowing that I would knit one for someone's baby eventually. I'm using Di Ve Zenith, which is a soft, washable yarn.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SbaYn1DtmXI/AAAAAAAABJQ/_X11TzrWKlA/s1600-h/IMG_8255.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SbaYn1DtmXI/AAAAAAAABJQ/_X11TzrWKlA/s320/IMG_8255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311600620555049330" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Elijah still needs another arm, leg and a pair of ears, but he's pretty cute already!<br /><br />I've also started some baby-related sewing projects. Springtime always gets me into sewing mode with all the fresh, happy fabrics. I bought a copy of Amy Butler's <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/books_detail.php#little">Little Stitches</a> and have decided to make two projects to start.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SbaZzIHc17I/AAAAAAAABJY/hrqFFNnsWHs/s1600-h/IMG_8266.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/SbaZzIHc17I/AAAAAAAABJY/hrqFFNnsWHs/s320/IMG_8266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311601914161190834" border="0" /></a><br /></div>The "Everything Bag", which I plan to use as a diaper bag/carryall. I'm using her Morning Glory print from the Lotus line for the exterior.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sbaar04XHBI/AAAAAAAABJg/LKGjvf3zWZc/s1600-h/IMG_8268.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sbaar04XHBI/AAAAAAAABJg/LKGjvf3zWZc/s320/IMG_8268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311602888250170386" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Here's my progress so far. I've completed one inside lining piece and attached it to the inside divider.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sbabm17anQI/AAAAAAAABJo/w54Q0Yhl55E/s1600-h/IMG_8264.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_84pBK_RafYg/Sbabm17anQI/AAAAAAAABJo/w54Q0Yhl55E/s320/IMG_8264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311603902143700226" border="0" /></a><br /></div>The other project I plan to make is this little crib quilt. I have a mix of Amy Butler prints and a few prints from Joann's. We don't plan on finding out the baby's sex, but these colors are my inspiration for the nursery (I've read babies sleep better in blue or green rooms). Happy almost-Springtime!amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04937924140421120111noreply@blogger.com0