Princess of Power

Where I talk about my home, my family and of course, my knitting.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

WIP…
So on account of the cooler weather and a sale at Michaels on Patons classic wool, I started a new project. I am attempting the Starsky sweater form Knitty. In all the stores and fashion mags this season everyone is wearing these longish sweaters with skinny pants. I couldn’t afford any of the sweaters that I liked, so I decided to make one. I love the starsky sweater, but I am concerned because this is the biggest thing I have attempted (save the vast never-ending Tony sweater). Unlike the Tony sweater, however, it is not a boring knit. So hopefully I will not get bored before it’s done. So far the back and the left front are done.

Here is the progress:


The yarn is Patons Classic Wool, colour, burgundy. Although the yarn is finer than the yarn called for in the pattern, I was getting the right gauge with the 6mm needles so I went ahead with it. I know it looks really narrow in the picture, I think it will stretch quite a bit with blocking. The stockinette pieces are curling under too, which makes it look so narrow. I hope this does not turn into my first gauge accident. I am making the medium (I usually wear a small) so maybe it will be okay. This is a fun knit though.


An addition to the starskey cardigan, also working on the never-ending Tony sweater, and a stole for my mom. Here are some progress pics of those...




For the Tony sweater, the yarn is Bernat denim style. This piece is the back. I put the cat on it for scale. She is a small cat, but really, this thing is huge. I mean I know Tony is a big guy, but not that big. This sweater is designed with lots of ease. It will be comfortable, but it’s such a boring knit. All that vast stokinette. I promised him I would have it done by Christmas, and all that’s left is half a sleeve and the kangaroo pocket, but I'm still not sure if I will make it. Knitting this sweater makes me sneeze. The cotton/acrylic fibers like to go airborne...


The stole is with knit picks shadow, colour jewels. One this I like about this pattern is that there are only 4 rows to remember and two of them are purls. So I only had to memorize 2 rows, and I don’t have to follow a chart or a pattern. This makes a lace project that is easily transportable. What I don’t like is that it’s my first time using real lace-weight yarn and the stuff really is finicky...takes some getting used to.

Anyway, we are all excited here because of two new developments in the household. They are:

1 - tomorrow we are expecting a new addition to the family. Our brand new, much anticipated lazy boy recliner will be delivered then and then will begin the fights about who gets to sit on it.

2 - We are going on vacation in October! Hurray! 1 week in Vancouver with 2 of the days spent in Whistler for a large family gathering. We are soooo excited....

Thursday, September 21, 2006

I have finished so many projects recently...it’s given me a new found sense of purpose and accomplishment. Who cares if the house is a mess, I have a finished lace tank.

Here are some...



Fetching fingerless gloves. Destined to me a gift, I think.


Rolie Polie Olie sweater. This is the result of me asking Khalil, "what kind of sweater do you want me to make for you?". Remind me not to ask him that again. Also remind me not to do intarsia again.

Branching out scarf. Done in Garnstudio Alpaca, this is the softest and lovliest thing I have ever knit. I am so proud of myself. I made Lace! Now I have to decide to keep it or give it away.



Four washcloths and an altogether cleaner 3 year old.

Lotus Blossom Tank. In SWTC Bamboo. I love this colour and it was really fun to knit. It's a little disconcerting to have so much air conditioning around my belly, but the fit is amazing. I love the drape of this yarn.



This is a little tank I whipped up using 2 balls of Patons Decor. I'm happy with it.

And in the not knit category...


Handmade beaded stichmarkers. I used the prettiest beads for my stash of beads from when I used to call jewelery making my favorite hobby (before I discovered knitting). They are so pretty I just love to stare at them.

That's all. It's nice to have a bit of extra time to knit lately. I wish there was time for housework too though...

It's like my favorite saying, a spotlessly clean house is a sign of wasted time.