Hello, again. It's been a while. I have been facing a major knitter's block for the longest time and have not accomplished much the past two years. I am hoping to find inspiration again.
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts
2011/07/20
2010/09/12
Sometimes It Ain't Your Day
I have to frog the self-designed cardigan. It turned out wrong. Very wrong. The top half was extremely wide and floppy and the bottom half was misaligned. I'm not even sure how that happened. The eyelet row does not line up properly and just looks weird. Sigh... I'll chalk this up to learning experience. I think I'll just knit other people's patterns for now.
At least the wrap I'm knitting for sis is not a disaster. Actually, it's turning out pretty nicely. The green-ness of the yarn makes it look quite tropical.
So, it's not all doom and gloom after all (although I felt like stabbing myself with my needles last night).
At least the wrap I'm knitting for sis is not a disaster. Actually, it's turning out pretty nicely. The green-ness of the yarn makes it look quite tropical.
So, it's not all doom and gloom after all (although I felt like stabbing myself with my needles last night).
2010/09/05
Happy Yet Sad
I can't believe we are in September 2010 already, where does time go? My family and I had to deal with a very sad loss as my gran passed away. It was an unexpected death and I think I have not quite come to terms with it yet. We gathered with our relatives and went through the Chinese funeral rituals and ceremonies for several days and nights. I met cousins whom I have not seen in years and cannot believe how grown up everyone is.
The day before my gran's passing, I started to knit a little something for my mum in-law. A couple of years ago, I offered to knit her a shawl or something more elaborate. But my MIL asked if I could make her a neckerchief instead. She needs one for her morning walks. I casted on and frogged a number of projects before settling on the Goldie Neckerchief, a recent pattern published on Ravelry. I also had some pretty bamboo yarn hand-dyed by a local knitter.
I'm glad it turned out okay. As I was knitting, I had some doubts because it looked rather wonky on my needles.
This can be worn several ways, on the front, back and to the side. Projects in garter stitch are good for non-knitters because they usually cannot tell right from wrong side :-) And bamboo is the perfect yarn for tropical weather... it actually feels "cooling" when worn.
Project Details
Pattern : Goldie Neckerchief by Rachel Hunnicutt (Ravelry link)
Yarn : Dream Passion Superwash Bamboo in Raspberry Coffee (Etsy link)
Needles : 3.5mm
Used : approx. 130m
ravel it!
I hope my MIL likes it. I have not gifted it yet and I don't think she's reading my blog or tracking my flickr photos, so it should come as a surprise.
August has been a month of change. Not only did we have to deal with a death in the family, but my sister (who's now a qualified doctor!) has moved in to live with my hubs and I for several months until she finds her own place. She's currently doing her housemanship at a local hospital and is working some insane shift for the next two weeks. I'm really proud of the lil' monkey and have complete faith that she will do well in her chosen career :-)
She was telling me the hospital gets pretty chilly due to the strong air-conditioning and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to knit a wrap for her.
She likes green and this yarn was purchased a couple of years ago with the intent of knitting something for her. When I first saw it on the skein, I thought the colour looked rather strong and erm... very green. But once I started knitting with it, I began to appreciate the intensity.
As for the self-designed cardigan, it's coming along and is almost 75% complete. I just realised I have not knitted a full garment with wool before. All the past wooly projects were scarves. The cardigan has gotten to a point where it's rather warm and heavy and when it sits on my lap, it feels like a mini blanket. That's a problem with knitting in the tropics. I can only bear knitting it in air-conditioned environments now.
I should have it completed in time for my trip to China. We are visiting my brother in-law and his family in Beijing again. The last time I went there, I fell completely in love with China and its people. I don't think we'll be doing a lot of sight-seeing this time but it's more of a "lifestyle" trip with lots of shopping involved (I hope!).
The day before my gran's passing, I started to knit a little something for my mum in-law. A couple of years ago, I offered to knit her a shawl or something more elaborate. But my MIL asked if I could make her a neckerchief instead. She needs one for her morning walks. I casted on and frogged a number of projects before settling on the Goldie Neckerchief, a recent pattern published on Ravelry. I also had some pretty bamboo yarn hand-dyed by a local knitter.
I'm glad it turned out okay. As I was knitting, I had some doubts because it looked rather wonky on my needles.
This can be worn several ways, on the front, back and to the side. Projects in garter stitch are good for non-knitters because they usually cannot tell right from wrong side :-) And bamboo is the perfect yarn for tropical weather... it actually feels "cooling" when worn.
Project Details
Pattern : Goldie Neckerchief by Rachel Hunnicutt (Ravelry link)
Yarn : Dream Passion Superwash Bamboo in Raspberry Coffee (Etsy link)
Needles : 3.5mm
Used : approx. 130m
ravel it!
I hope my MIL likes it. I have not gifted it yet and I don't think she's reading my blog or tracking my flickr photos, so it should come as a surprise.
August has been a month of change. Not only did we have to deal with a death in the family, but my sister (who's now a qualified doctor!) has moved in to live with my hubs and I for several months until she finds her own place. She's currently doing her housemanship at a local hospital and is working some insane shift for the next two weeks. I'm really proud of the lil' monkey and have complete faith that she will do well in her chosen career :-)
She was telling me the hospital gets pretty chilly due to the strong air-conditioning and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to knit a wrap for her.
She likes green and this yarn was purchased a couple of years ago with the intent of knitting something for her. When I first saw it on the skein, I thought the colour looked rather strong and erm... very green. But once I started knitting with it, I began to appreciate the intensity.
As for the self-designed cardigan, it's coming along and is almost 75% complete. I just realised I have not knitted a full garment with wool before. All the past wooly projects were scarves. The cardigan has gotten to a point where it's rather warm and heavy and when it sits on my lap, it feels like a mini blanket. That's a problem with knitting in the tropics. I can only bear knitting it in air-conditioned environments now.
I should have it completed in time for my trip to China. We are visiting my brother in-law and his family in Beijing again. The last time I went there, I fell completely in love with China and its people. I don't think we'll be doing a lot of sight-seeing this time but it's more of a "lifestyle" trip with lots of shopping involved (I hope!).
2010/08/08
Unknown Cardigan
The design process is a pretty tough one. It's all well and good when I have several ideas in my head but the execution is rather overwhelming. At this moment, I only know how to cast-on and knit in my size. This comes from experience and feels a little more intuitive. However, when I try to figure out how to write for other sizes, my brain goes a little dead. I have looked through The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns and the Designers' forum on Ravelry, and good-golly-gee, the most basic pattern offers at least 5 different sizes?
So, I thought before I even think about going to different sizing, let me just get this one size right.
I'm calling this "Unknown" for now because I do not know what name to give it. I used to laugh at Vogue Knitting and their naming conventions, eg. Basic Sweater with Buttons, because I thought they were so uncreative but I now find myself wanting to call my pattern Basic Cardigan with Buttons.
Which brings me to another issue... at least 50% of the yarn in my stash are discontinued. I got them at really good discounts and they were cheap(er) for a reason. I guess I can recommend yarn substitutions and since this is a free pattern (of which I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to share), it shouldn't p*ss too many knitters off :-)
Yep, this is just great... my first pattern will be for one size only using a discontinued yarn.
So, I thought before I even think about going to different sizing, let me just get this one size right.
I'm calling this "Unknown" for now because I do not know what name to give it. I used to laugh at Vogue Knitting and their naming conventions, eg. Basic Sweater with Buttons, because I thought they were so uncreative but I now find myself wanting to call my pattern Basic Cardigan with Buttons.
Which brings me to another issue... at least 50% of the yarn in my stash are discontinued. I got them at really good discounts and they were cheap(er) for a reason. I guess I can recommend yarn substitutions and since this is a free pattern (of which I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to share), it shouldn't p*ss too many knitters off :-)
Yep, this is just great... my first pattern will be for one size only using a discontinued yarn.
2010/07/31
Completely Incomplete
Throughout the year, I've been starting and then frogging projects because I have not been happy with how they were turning out. When a friend's wife recently delivered the cutest little baby girl, I immediately started thinking about knitting a baby dress or cardigan. I went through many patterns and eventually decided on Boheme (ravelry link).
Sadly, it was another knit that didn't turn out as I'd hoped.
The two fronts do not meet and there's a rather large gap in between. This was supposed to be a buttoned cardigan and I could not get the fronts to close in properly.
I had already made three button holes at the top front and had to sew them off because there was no point in adding buttons at this stage. It was rather sad too because I found perfect little yellow buttons to go with it.
Quite honestly, I was really reluctant about gifting it because it was an embarrassment. But le hubby told me that I should, since it's already done and I didn't have time to salvage it as we were visiting mummy and baby as soon as it came off the needles.
So, I told the giftee's parents that it can be worn as an open front cardigan :-)
project details : on ravelry
I have been toying with the idea of delving into knitwear designing. I think every knitter would have thought of this during the course of their knitting. Although I have been pretty much off my game (knitwise) in the last three years, several ideas have been forming in my head and I have been sketching them down so I won't forget.
I do not know when I'll start with my first "design" but it's not going to be something brand new or groundbreaking. My ideas are to create classic, comfortable and wearable items. Most importantly, it has to be easy to knit because I know there are many busy knitters out there with very little spare time (me being one of them).
Ravelry is a wonderful space for up and coming designers. And I am a huge fan of many of them! When it comes to established designers, I find much inspiration from Kim Hargreaves and Nancy Bush. Their designs are always honest, classic and are able to withstand the test of time.
Well, this is an aspiration to work towards to. I doubt anything I design would be a big hit since there are so many more wonderful patterns out there. But just putting my ideas down and sharing them with others, will be joy enough.
Sadly, it was another knit that didn't turn out as I'd hoped.
The two fronts do not meet and there's a rather large gap in between. This was supposed to be a buttoned cardigan and I could not get the fronts to close in properly.
I had already made three button holes at the top front and had to sew them off because there was no point in adding buttons at this stage. It was rather sad too because I found perfect little yellow buttons to go with it.
Quite honestly, I was really reluctant about gifting it because it was an embarrassment. But le hubby told me that I should, since it's already done and I didn't have time to salvage it as we were visiting mummy and baby as soon as it came off the needles.
So, I told the giftee's parents that it can be worn as an open front cardigan :-)
project details : on ravelry
I have been toying with the idea of delving into knitwear designing. I think every knitter would have thought of this during the course of their knitting. Although I have been pretty much off my game (knitwise) in the last three years, several ideas have been forming in my head and I have been sketching them down so I won't forget.
I do not know when I'll start with my first "design" but it's not going to be something brand new or groundbreaking. My ideas are to create classic, comfortable and wearable items. Most importantly, it has to be easy to knit because I know there are many busy knitters out there with very little spare time (me being one of them).
Ravelry is a wonderful space for up and coming designers. And I am a huge fan of many of them! When it comes to established designers, I find much inspiration from Kim Hargreaves and Nancy Bush. Their designs are always honest, classic and are able to withstand the test of time.
Well, this is an aspiration to work towards to. I doubt anything I design would be a big hit since there are so many more wonderful patterns out there. But just putting my ideas down and sharing them with others, will be joy enough.
2010/07/17
2010/01/02
another year gone by
Happy 2010! Time really flies! It was not a very productive year knit-wise but I am glad I managed to finish a few projects before the year ended.
The Georgia sweater should not really count because I started it back in 2007 and finally got around to seaming up all the pieces in 2009. But I had left the project aside for too long and actually knitted the various pieces in different sizes and needles. So the fit was a little strange on me. Mum who is shorter wore it better so I gave it away to her.
I really liked the pattern for the Montego Bay Scarf. It was repetitive and brainless enough for me to just chug along without having to concentrate too much on it. I intended to wear the scarf for my trip to China but the weather there was warmer than I'd thought and it pretty much sat in my suitcase the whole time.
The Debbie Bliss Pleated Wrap was a really nice knit. Some people may find all that garter stitch boring but I liked it because it was another mindless project. I gave it away to my boss because the colour was wonderful on her. I do plan to make a wider version for myself. Well, I will get around to it one day.
The final project for 2009 was the vest knitted for lil' sis. I think I may have spent the least amount of time knitting this because the chunkier yarn made the whole thing zip by faster. The lace pattern is very easy and the yarn is so smooshy (gotta love Rowan's All Seasons Cotton).
I don't know if I should set a knitting goal for myself this year. Ideally, I would love to complete ten for 2010.
In the spirit of stash-busting, I casted on for Wandering the Moor, a lovely shawlette pattern. I am using RYC Cashsoft 4 Ply in a shade called Weather. I just love the muted grey tone and the softness of the yarn. I guess this is a good start to the new year :-)
2009/12/15
happy updates all around
Since my last post on my husband's health, I am very pleased to announce that his blood pressure has dropped quite a bit and he is no longer hypertensive. The diet and lifestyle changes we went through made a difference. We have lost some weight too, not by much but gradually.
In more good news, I completed another knit! I had six balls of Rowan All Seasons Cotton in a lovely neutral colour called Jersey sitting in my stash for a while. I had been searching high and low for a suitable pattern and came across the Vine Lace Vest one day. After seeing Little Purl's beautiful version in ASC (and she used six balls too), I knew that the yarn would be a perfect fit.
As I only had enough for the smallest size, I decided to knit the vest for my youngest sister. She has dropped hints about my knitting a few times and I thought it was about time I knitted something for the lil' hamlet.
I am so glad the vest fit her well and that lil' sis was thrilled to bits with it.
Sadly, we didn't have time to take the photos in daylight or outdoors and had to make do with a rather rushed "shoot" under florescent lighting and in quite cramped spaces. Both my pretty sisters did promise to model for me when I visit home during Christmas next week, so that's something to look forward to. They are quite the camera hogs :-)
It is likely I will not be updating the blog until 2010 and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy holiday. May the new year be brighter and filled with more joy!
project details:
on ravelry
2009/10/25
pleats and ruffles
It's been quite a long while since I completed a knitted project I really liked. When I first came across Debbie Bliss' Pleated Wrap, my initial thought was, "how boring...". But the more I looked at it, the more I started loving its simplicity.
I didn't even have to block it although I'm sure if would benefit from some light blocking. I used Debbie Bliss Cathay yarn in a lovely shade called Old Rose. The drape of Cathay is wonderful but I must admit I don't enjoy knitting with this yarn much because it tends to get rather splitty. There are better cotton yarns out there and this is probably the last I would bother with Cathay.
I was attracted to this pattern because of the ruffles. Who can resist them?
Ruffle, ruffle, ruffle...
I think I need a dressmaker body form. Honestly, it is not a fantastic experience taking self portraits especially when having to shuttle back and forth between the camera and where I stood. I don't even know what the camera was focusing at. Not to mention the heat of tropical weather makes this a rather sweaty exercise too. Not good when you have knitted wear on you.
I would consider this a success and feel quite inspired about starting another project. I have been meaning to use a bunch of Rowan All Seasons Cotton in my stash and I just need to go hunt for a suitable project for the six balls I have.
project details:
on ravelry
2009/10/16
starting again
I think the last time I posted on this poor neglected knitting blog was back in February 2008. I wanted a clean slate and deleted everything (yes, everything) from my archives. I have not been knitting regularly for a long time. I have completed only two miserable projects this year but one of them was a leftover from three years ago and I don't think it should count. So, it's only been one finished object for now.
I am hoping that by knit blogging again, it will inspire me to knit more. I am working on one project but it's something I should have completed a while ago.
I am hoping that by knit blogging again, it will inspire me to knit more. I am working on one project but it's something I should have completed a while ago.
This was the beginning of Debbie Bliss' Pleated Wrap from her Spring/Summer '09 magazine. I have already knitted five balls of DB Cathay and have one more ball to go. This project has been tossed aside for a few months and I have not picked up anything new since. But I think I'll start knitting again tonight.
I have been quite useless. I can't seem to handle complicated patterns at the moment. Also, stupid little things like yarn-overs on a purl side just make me cringe. I have no idea what's with my brain but it kind of short circuits when I come across a pattern with such instructions or charts.
Anyway, I really do hope the revival of this blog will rekindle my knitting mojo. I must admit that it does feel nice to start again.
ps - merged my food blog with this because it's easier to just manage one blog.
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