Day: March 8, 2007

crafts · finished objects · knitting

FO: Fad Classic

stitchywitch12 Comments

Pattern: Fad Classic, from Knit and Tonic, size 32

Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Sport in Grass, 5 balls (approx.)

Needles: US 6 and 4

Notes: I’m really pleased with how this turned out.  I started it on a whim and nearly ripped it all out – the straps being knit with 2 balls of yarn really made me crazy.  I got through it though, and it all worked out… although I’d rather not do that again.  I added a lot more shaping than the pattern called for – instead of 2 sets of waist decreases I did 5, and then only 3 sets of increases for the lower waist.  After all that it was still a bit big, so I blocked it for length, with the result that it stretched from 20″ long to 23″ long, and now it fits perfectly.  The lace pattern was really easy to memorize and execute, and I really enjoyed all of the knitting except the straps.

We leave at 6 am tomorrow for Florida, so I won’t be posting for a week (although I will certainly be on my email) so I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

crafts · knitting · Life

On swatches

stitchywitch4 Comments

Swatching is not something I enjoy, but yesterday I was on a swatching marathon – part to decide on my next project, and part to get used to the stitch patterns in my upcoming projects. My swatches are never shown here, mostly because I’m pretty bad at making them the size you’re supposed to.

I went back and forth between several projects, but I finally cast on for the “Dollar and a half” cardigan from the new Interweave.

Sorry for the large(ish) picture, but WordPress is not cooperating today.

The yarn is Cotton Fleece in New Age teal. I had to go up one needle size, but it’s measuring what it should. The lace wasn’t opening enough, even after blocking, on the size 5s. I’ve never worked with Cotton Fleece before really (just swatching) and I’m suprised by how much I like it. It’s definitely easier on the hands than pure cotton. My only complaint so far is that it’s a wee bit splitty, especially on the ultra sharp knitpicks needles. I’ll take it to work with me tonight and maybe start the first lace section if no one comes, but I’m in no rush. I like to give my hands and wrists a few days rest after finishing a project.

I’m trying to pack for our Florida trip. I’m trying to make do with the spring clothes I didn’t pack away, because I don’t feel like getting the giant boxes from the basement. And, of course, I’m worrying about what knitting projects to take with me. I’ll probably take the $1.50 cardigan, a pair of socks (I want to start some in that Neopolitan yarn!) and another sweater in case I run into a snag on the $1.50 cardi. I want to make the feminine puff sleeve cardi from Fitted Knits, but I fear it may yet have errata, plus I sort of want to save it for the KAL in April. I’ll probably take Rusted Root, since I already know how to make it.

I’m still trying for photos of Fad Classic – this week is really hard because I’m not getting home til 9pm. I’ll probably break down and use the flash later on tonight.