ZebraKnits

earthy

2008-11-17T08:26:00-05:00

Am not quite sure whether this hat knitting phase is a product of having an exposed head (scalp and short hair) that needs constant covering for warmth OR it's an escape phase from tackling a bigger knitting project (I have so many in queue and seeing Sylvi doesn't quite help it at all). Anyhow, hats, mittens and small things are just about what am obsessed with lately and it feels fine.

Pattern: Selbu Modern by zeitgeistyarns . Free Raverly download.

Yarn: Dale of Norway Heilo and Falk, Bronze and Brown. A ball each.

Needles: I used US 1 and 2.

Mod: Just knit one less repeat to make it less of a Beret and more of a hat. Love the pattern. Love the warmth and earthy tones of the hat. It's so easy once you get going. Sometime, I might try it in a different colour combination.

Happy Monday!

Fiona

2008-11-14T14:07:10-05:00

Last week, I was spotted in my new fall accessory at the park on a sort of dark, windy and cold day. I started this hat just before my last trip and finished it over a week ago. Since then, I have been wearing lots. And I LOVE it. It's soft, squishy and totally reversible. So Fiona it is.

Pattern: My own. The Brioche stitch pattern can be found in those Harmony stitch guides (I think there is/are some version of it). Mine came from an old VK magazine stitch guide that showed four different kinds of Brioche stitch and this one is my favourite. I have used it before in other knits but not in a hat.

The yarn: This gets me giggly. Blue Sky Suri Merino in shade #414. I just had to try this yarn after drooling over for a while. It is dreamy, soft against skin and easy to work with. I used 1 hank. Since this brioche stitch is a double knit type of stitch (it takes more yarn), I thought I would have enough to make a fancy bobble topper but I ran out of yarn. So I settled for the simple stockinette which turned out well. Highly recommended but with a hefty price tag.

Details: I know this is just a hat but I enjoyed the construction of it. First, I dislike ribbing's on hats or sweaters and I wanted to try a folded band (hem), casted on small needles with a provisional cast on. I think it makes a neat alternative to ribbing. Second, the texture of the pattern is just great. A little visual interest to somewhat simple of a hat. I think.

Now, this is my new favourite hat. But there is more to come! Happy weekend.

Pozie

2008-11-09T16:00:40-05:00

Big T. finally gets her Pozie Cardigan (named from the colour name of the yarn) for the year in a yarn and colour of her choosing. You may recognise it from Mini Boden where inspiration came from or more so, from Leslie's version for her girl. When I was having a hard time staying focused on my projects, I started knitting a Debbie Bliss sweater for her and a week or so later, decided to ditch it because the yarn wasn't so good (that merino) and the pattern was far more complicated than she would appreciate it at her age. So I'll keep the pattern to knit later when she is over 10 at least.

Today, she wore it for play outside and I got to take a few shots. The sun wasn't quite right hence the difference shades in the colour but the true colour is richer like the photo below.

I am so thrilled she likes it (she is so hard to please that's why we sit down and pick the yarn and discuss the pattern before I pick up the needles). It fits her perfectly and there is extra room for growth and I'm counting she wears it at least for another 2 years). The sleeves are slightly long but she seems to like burying her hands in them so that's OK.

I put some nice Pearl buttons that actually look better than I expected (her choice).

Pattern: My own.

Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in colour Posie (#127).The tweed yarn is lovely and soft but somehow feels different from the same yarn I have in different shades. Strange! 9 balls.

Needles: US 6 (4mm) & 7 (4.5mm) circulars.

Details: Knit in one piece and in the round.

Verdict: Happy. I feel relieved, refreshed and ready to cast on another red sweater for little T.

goodness (from friends + fabric)

2008-11-07T08:22:00-05:00

Sheree spoiled me with a package recently, filled with a gorgeous floral bag, some fabrics from her collection (and store) and some yarn. She is one talented lady with the sewing machine and if you ever see some of her clothing designs for children and smacking bags she makes, you'll totally agree. I wish I could sew a tenth of what she does as she continually inspires me to sew! Thank you so much Sheree!

Along with that, I thought I could give you a little tour of my "not" sewing space in the basement where I keep my fabrics, notions and sewing machines. It's a little corner, it's dark and pretty much cold and is surrounded by a) a water heater b) a gas heater (talk about fire safety - I worry about losing my fabrics to fire)! I have barely touched this space since months ago, maybe just once in the summer. I'm so ashamed to admit but it is the truth!

Cheryl will laugh at me beacause that blouse is still hanging at the same place, un-steamed with unfinished hems just as she saw it last year in September. I think I like it as a decoration than a fashion piece for the winter. That's just an excuse!

You may recognise the shelves as Gorm from Ikea. My husband built them. I stack my African fabrics, buttons, magazines (on the top) and all sorts of prickly sewing gadgets there. On the bottom left is a sewing table that fits both my Pfaff sewing and overlock machine. A Jules chair is on the right covered with the stripy fabric. On the bottom shelf, there is more fabrics in plastic tubs as well as on the left corner (the white tubs)! So there, I am embarrassed to admit that I haven't sewn much lately ( a long while) but I do like to look at the fabric!

Next up will be some knitting FO that is currently blocking. Happy Friday!

Oh, thank you so much for the wonderful suggestions on sock yarns on the last Noro socks. I am far better equipped and knowledgeable about sock yarns before I make my next yarn purchase.

socks + fall

2008-10-30T07:27:00-04:00

It's time to face up and show you what I really have been knitting, slowly as it may be, and finishing up a simple project. Just pair of Noro socks. Plain and simple although very colourful. I love the gradual colour changes, the warm feel to my feet and obviously, my feet are happy. They are perfect for the Fall season.

As you all know it's the month of Socktoberfest and I have a tendency to either miss the deadline or barely make it. This time I made it. Just in time.

I knit these socks toe - up using basic instructions from Firestarter (my first toe-up), with a short row heel using Socks of Kindness how-to's and the rest was just simple and easy stockinette stitch. The yarn was satisfactory to knit with. I was fortunate not to get any knots or breaks although, occassionally, a few thinner spots showed up. I didn't really mind them though.

Speaking of this sock yarn, I would love to hear your suggestions as to what are your favourite yarns for sock knitting. I have knit about seven pairs in just over a year since I learn't how to knit socks, using yarns such as :- Bluemoon Fiber Sock That Rock, Dream in Colour Smooshy, Noro Sock, Regia, Lana Grossa, Artyarns Merino and Cherry Tree merino. I don't really have a stash of sock yarn but I do want to try something else new. I am pretty intimidated with buying sock yarns, particularly the handdyed/handspun ones crafty people make - but I do wish to. By now, I can honestly say multicoloured yarns are my least favourite unless they are subtle ( I hate wondering what it will look like when knit or what patterns will suit). So, do you have any good recommendations of yarns I could try? Surely, I would wish to get my hands on some Wollmeise but I know it's a far and unattainable wish so I will stick with what could be available.

Now, I have my eye on the Through the Loops mystery socks a lot of people have been knitting this month. I wish I had joined in earlier but I am certainly a monogamous sock knitter. One pair at a time. I think I will cast on a pair soon especially after seeing some really great socks!

elevated

2008-10-29T09:51:25-04:00

I went to Colorado and back over the last weekend tagging along on husband's business trip with no kids! I got a lot of knitting done in flight and on drive up to the gorgeous Rocky Mountains in Estes. It was wonderful to see all the glory of the mountains that we don't get see everyday and breathe some really fresh air.

I picked up some pine cones for my kids Fall gathering collection - these are really soft pine cones and not to spiky like the ones am used to. If it wasn't for the strong winds almost blowing me over, I'd have picked up more.

This guy came right at us wanting to cross the road among all the human Elk watchers.

I haven't shown you my new hair style I got recently. I am starting locks and hopefully, my hair will continue to grow quickly as my head feels very cold being exposed. Bad timing (weatherwise although hats are useful) but I think am growing to like it! FYI -I brought with me a couple sweaters thinking it will be much colder but it wasn't. I only wore my Cabled Jacket to the mountains because it was extremely windy!

More photos here. I'll show you the exciting knitting stuff as soon as I get photos. It's rainy, windy and cold here, just perfect for cozying up in and drinking a cup of hot tea and cocoa.

totally silent

2008-10-25T08:56:00-04:00

Totally speechless.

A good weekend is in order for everyone! Enjoy it.

a little thing

2008-10-19T15:46:36-04:00

A two year old moment of stillness I could steal and take a photograph. It only lasted a few seconds before he run off to something else.

This vest is a simple little thing I knit over a week ago just to keep myself knitting. I was hoping this unfocused and unproductive phase will pass very quickly, but I was wrong. Anyway, as simple as it is, it's an accomplishment and worth showing. He seems to like it, which is a good thing. Normally, he tells me he's not cold when I mention putting on something to keep warm. Sometimes we fight over it but he didn't fight this one.

I knit it with some Debbie Bliss Merino DK (discontinued and I totally dislike the yarn now after seeing how much my Amanda sweater is wearing after only a year) leftovers in stash (doubled on big needles). No pattern required. Just plain, easy stockinette stitch over movie watching.

We went downtown Philly yesterday for a little historical tour for Big T. to see the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It was quite chilly than I imagined but the fall colours and clear skies were just beautiful. I also managed to stopover at Loop for some tweed goodness.

Now, off to read my google reader as I am way far behind. Ciao!

****updated: oops, I can't read my feeds because my internet is out and the wireless thing am using is soooo slow and not loading pages well. So, am going to wait till it's fixed in a few days and will visit your blogs then!***

...yes!

2008-10-10T08:32:00-04:00

Take a witty typical British humour movie "Run, Fat boy, Run", a glass of wine, some scrumptious cashmere wool and a simple fingerless mitt pattern by Leslie - the outcome is a recipe for instant gratification for a girl who has some real knitting issues!

I had 2 tiny balls of cashmere in my stash that defeated me as to what to make. I tried knitting several things, they just didn't work. This pattern was perfect and I got some tiny leftovers. So, toasty it is.

Happy Friday!

tidbits

2008-10-05T13:02:29-04:00

*This yummy impromptu soup we had for dinner last night has nothing to do with the post, except that it was delicious. I basically made it up.*

Well, where do I start? I guess before I leave you all wondering what became of my 5 free hours wrecking my brain to find a well fitting knitting project, am happy to report that I managed to get one cable sweater started for Big T. And, so far so good. My next dilemma is to find two other projects that can work along with this sweater. I have a few projects on my queque on Raverly with the yarn to go with but am torn between knitting for myself and my kids. They only get a few knits a year from because a) one is fussy about itchy yarn b) they both are warm bloodied therefore don't like sweaters much and I spent my entire winters trying to make them wear sweaters which they refuse (it hurts my feelings!); c) plus, they both get a few sweaters from their grandama too. So, I will sort this one out this week and hopefullly something good will come out. Thank you for encouraging me on the last post.

FYI: I have done some few housekeeping chores on the blog and you will notice on the sidebar, I've added a FAQ's page. Please check it out especially if you have once asked me about knitting patterns or photography. I will update it as I go along. I felt a pressing need to do that because I don't quite succeed in responding timely or individually to you ( even though I have good intentions of responding).

Now, happy to oblige and satisfy Amanda's curiosity for a meme about 6 things about me:-

Most of my ideas, solutions to problems, inspiration or just plain Einsten moments come to me in the shower. I don't know what the correlation is between turning the shower water on and my brain finding one solution to a problem.
Definetely right handed. I also like someone to walk on my right if we are taking a stroll.
It is the truth that I can and have always carried stuff balanced on my head. Whether it's water in a bucket or basketful of maize to the mill, I've done it a lot growing up.
I have graphic memory. I remember faces, places and things really well. I also get around to places I've been to once before without actually knowing the street names.
I am Acrophobic. I don't think I'll be mountain skiing anytime soon.
I love jam. Berry Jam. Anything strawberry, rasperry, gooseberry etc. My favourites are Tiptree and Mackay's. I also love both their orange and ginger marmalades too.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.