tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75358671717039166852016-11-13T07:38:28.353-06:00YARNEXPLODERBlowing up a yarn stash, one skein at a timeYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-77864567006083455132016-05-01T23:04:00.001-05:002016-05-01T23:04:57.928-05:00Rhinebeck 2015Although it has been months, I finally got around to photographing my modest haul from Rhinebeck. (You can click to enlarge the photo)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ijwj7qkjd0/VybQboq9QHI/AAAAAAAAC6k/yyvA6WNSpgkfBIMCQhHDrGdz0Yj3pFQaQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-01%2Bat%2B10.56.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ijwj7qkjd0/VybQboq9QHI/AAAAAAAAC6k/yyvA6WNSpgkfBIMCQhHDrGdz0Yj3pFQaQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-01%2Bat%2B10.56.31%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>Does anyone else tag your stash with stuff like this? I have the projects I wear tagged with Rhinebeck(year) as well.<br /><br />I also got a few more skeins that have already been used, a glass circ from the glorious <a href="http://www.glasspens.com/">Sheila and Michael Ernst</a>, several needle felting kits from <a href="http://going-gnome.myshopify.com/">Going Gnome</a>, buttons, cards, and project bags.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBzrUb8QAd8/VybRN3BBFyI/AAAAAAAAC60/n2VtAz28bSQOhSTRY8mp948E--9F5D5fQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-01%2Bat%2B10.59.37%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBzrUb8QAd8/VybRN3BBFyI/AAAAAAAAC60/n2VtAz28bSQOhSTRY8mp948E--9F5D5fQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-01%2Bat%2B10.59.37%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-duuWUESkrSQ/VybRNw5Y3hI/AAAAAAAAC6w/x8Edd2oo__8bFm_YBTBYrMVLbbr7_k6dQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-01%2Bat%2B11.01.33%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-duuWUESkrSQ/VybRNw5Y3hI/AAAAAAAAC6w/x8Edd2oo__8bFm_YBTBYrMVLbbr7_k6dQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-01%2Bat%2B11.01.33%2BPM.png" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My knitting mojo has been gone lately, but I am about to pick up this lovely <a href="http://www.neighborhoodfiberco.com/">Neighborhood Fiber Co. </a> Studio Worsted to start my 2016 Rhinebeck sweater. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEVWofe7kOI/VybRh1Iwh_I/AAAAAAAAC64/eQAk_q9VBsEY0jcO2uBQFJA8WsobfAiTgCLcB/s1600/Yarn-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEVWofe7kOI/VybRh1Iwh_I/AAAAAAAAC64/eQAk_q9VBsEY0jcO2uBQFJA8WsobfAiTgCLcB/s400/Yarn-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm thinking another Joji pattern is on the way... As long as I can talk myself into picking up my needles again!<br /><br />-YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-29388131198291700162016-01-11T17:43:00.001-06:002016-01-11T17:43:16.317-06:00FO: Thom 2<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVnGZX8wKQ4/VpQ8l31InhI/AAAAAAAAC2c/JzVzqTGztwY/s1600/Thom2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVnGZX8wKQ4/VpQ8l31InhI/AAAAAAAAC2c/JzVzqTGztwY/s400/Thom2-1.jpg" width="266" /></a><br /><br />Today, I finished a sweet little worsted sweater for my son. I used Miss Babs "Yowza - Whatta Skein" worsted, which is lovely and squishy and there's a massive amount of it per skein - 560 yards. It's lovely stuff.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enxHodUcxDU/VpQ87QbEiWI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Op8Ayrep13M/s1600/Thom2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enxHodUcxDU/VpQ87QbEiWI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Op8Ayrep13M/s400/Thom2-2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />A simple top-down raglan is my favorite thing to knit, and I already had this pattern from a previous newborn sweater I knitted for my kiddo, so it was great for a quick guideline for cast-on, etc. Except when it wasn't, which is to say that the age 2-3 size fits my 22 month-old son quite well. I even sized up to a US 8 needle, so either my son is gigantic, or my gauge isn't.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izFv3FSW4DE/VpQ9pWzx4LI/AAAAAAAAC20/73BA9xlzqoM/s1600/Thom2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izFv3FSW4DE/VpQ9pWzx4LI/AAAAAAAAC20/73BA9xlzqoM/s400/Thom2-3.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />I am so glad I finished this quickly. It took just about a week, and the cold has rolled in to Texas. Well, the "cool", anyway, as I'm sure most of you would crack up to think of 50 degrees as anything but downright balmy.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rP3JE1mIflI/VpQ93-Tr0XI/AAAAAAAAC3A/4IerwPS654Y/s1600/Thom2-4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rP3JE1mIflI/VpQ93-Tr0XI/AAAAAAAAC3A/4IerwPS654Y/s400/Thom2-4.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />Aww, I love my little dude. Especially in knitwear.<br /><br />-YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-40569323685600347932015-12-08T23:21:00.002-06:002015-12-08T23:21:17.809-06:00Contiguous Sleeve Method: RevisitedA few years ago, I took a shot at doing some Youtube videos where I talked about knitting. They weren't super popular, what a shock. BUT I did get the occasional email from Youtube letting me know that someone out there HATED my video on the Contiguous Sleeve Method because I had (admittedly) awful music on it to cover up the bad audio hum on the clip.<br /><br />All that said, I finally reshot that video tonight. It's still not perfect, but it's better! Here it is:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cGfCSfd93Kk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cGfCSfd93Kk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-29343921533674281532015-10-12T22:00:00.002-05:002015-10-12T22:00:34.127-05:00FO: On the Grass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5794/21144021014_d674a8f5b3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5794/21144021014_d674a8f5b3_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>It's pretty ridiculous that it took me an entire year to finish this. Honestly, self, what the heck. This is Joji's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/on-the-grass">On the Grass</a>.<br /><br />I went through a period of a few months where I didn't touch it... The bottom was pooling badly, and I didn't want to rip out those stitches- painful moss stitch, in fact- to fix it.<br /><br />I eventually made peace with those pooling stripes and moved forward. The sweater was so bulky and stiff on the needles, but the yarn blocked beautifully. It's incredibly wearable and lovely now. The yarn is Dragonfly Fibers Damsel, which I got last year at Rhinebeck. I've finished this guy just in time for this year's show, and I'm already planning the other sweater quantity that I got there (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/YarnExploder/stash/chincoteague-colors-bay-collection">ahem</a>) for a new sweater. I'm trying to talk myself into some convoluted cables, but not finding any patterns I truly love.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5692/21740616836_b6af1e48f5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5692/21740616836_b6af1e48f5_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />My body has changed a lot since I had my son a year and a half ago, and adjusting to the new measurements- especially my increased hips- was an unexpected challenge. Things don't look the same on my body anymore, and I find myself second guessing what's flattering for this new shape.<br /><br />As far as Rhinebeck is concerned, I'm going to try to stay away from sweater quantities and instead focus on shawls... Perhaps 2 or 3 skeins of things, to try to keep it simple. So many options, and I definitely overspent last year and haven't had much drive to touch the rest of it. I'm hoping the happiness I feel for this completed sweater will propel me into the next project. I'd like to work on some shorter-run items, since there are only so many sweaters one can wear in Houston. :)<br /><br />I'm planning to go to Joji's meet and greet at the show, and she has mentioned that she'd like to see my Meridien, so I think I'll wear it on Saturday and this on Sunday. For the five of you still out there reading this, if you see me, please feel free to say hello! :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7448/9250925345_279f56ac3b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7448/9250925345_279f56ac3b_z.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-58586574188243134032015-05-14T22:52:00.000-05:002015-05-14T22:52:13.648-05:00FO: Planetary PillowI finished something! Here it is:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8748/17634678246_a3cf5c9ee4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8748/17634678246_a3cf5c9ee4_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was a really mindless knit, which has been great relief while I work on my On The Grass sweater. I got the planet buttons from the TessaAnn Etsy shop (similar <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127494088/space-set-beanie-button-sweater-buttons">here</a>), and they are just about the best quality polymer buttons I've seen. It goes from the sun all the way out to Pluto (you'll pry my Pluto from my cold, dead, dwarf planet hands!)</div><br />This is going in the nursery, although I should probably do a slipcase for it, since you can see the white of the form a little bit, thanks to an aggressive blocking.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/17474684849_00c05a2d0a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/17474684849_00c05a2d0a_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I ran short on yarn- my knit group can attest to the fact that my VERY LAST button loop was quite literally the last usable piece of the skein, which never happens to me! Anyway, this is going in my son's space-themed room, and I am really pleased with how cute it is.<br /><br />It's been awhile since my last post- how are you guys? What are you working on?<br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-8309740461379356612014-11-19T10:36:00.001-06:002014-11-19T10:36:22.161-06:00Wool People 8!I'm still here! Just, again, not much is going on in my world of knitting.<br /><br />Except we went to Rhinebeck, which was fantastic!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/15642243878_e54c511f5a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/15642243878_e54c511f5a_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />A shot of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stash/search#tags=rhinebeck2014&sort=added&user=YarnExploder">spoils</a>:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eS01_S0zeak/VGzFGH5FhoI/AAAAAAAACsw/I9UxGwoHHWw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-19%2Bat%2B10.27.41%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eS01_S0zeak/VGzFGH5FhoI/AAAAAAAACsw/I9UxGwoHHWw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-19%2Bat%2B10.27.41%2BAM.png" height="276" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was great! This time, we rented the most beautiful house right in the middle of town. The owner was fantastic and sweet and everything you'd want in a host! I'd tell you more, but we've reserved the house again for next year, so perhaps a more in-depth look will pop up in a year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My photography business has been really busy lately, so I haven't had the time to devote to knitting. I do have a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/YarnExploder/on-the-grass">sweater</a> in the works, but nothing to see of it just yet. </div><br />In other news, WOOL PEOPLE 8! Fantastic. A few of my favorites:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RwwUfzwOvY/VGzGbm_kHUI/AAAAAAAACtA/J_chct-o8Mk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-19%2Bat%2B10.23.25%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RwwUfzwOvY/VGzGbm_kHUI/AAAAAAAACtA/J_chct-o8Mk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-19%2Bat%2B10.23.25%2BAM.png" height="250" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DqqS3WL0Pto/VGzGbs54bFI/AAAAAAAACs8/D8a1bY3lMww/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-19%2Bat%2B10.24.17%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DqqS3WL0Pto/VGzGbs54bFI/AAAAAAAACs8/D8a1bY3lMww/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-19%2Bat%2B10.24.17%2BAM.png" height="250" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwulzU_U2cQ/VGzGb_zU2zI/AAAAAAAACtE/9ZT7H5mKKE0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-19%2Bat%2B10.24.26%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwulzU_U2cQ/VGzGb_zU2zI/AAAAAAAACtE/9ZT7H5mKKE0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-19%2Bat%2B10.24.26%2BAM.png" height="250" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>...As if I need to cast on anything else!<br /><br />And in other news, I am really heavily considering moving this blog over to wordpress and giving it a lovely little makeover. Is it worthwhile? Are you still reading, out there?<br /><br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-51407656282759573622014-09-17T10:49:00.000-05:002014-09-17T10:49:16.170-05:00FO: Golden HourI started this back in February, just a few days before the baby was born. I'd done so much baby knitting that I needed a break... Well, 6 months later, I'm finally done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/15078156227_f9f6bc0026_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/15078156227_f9f6bc0026_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />Raglan construction, fingering weight yarn... I used Tosh Sock in "Antique Lace", which was bought on a whim at my LYS. The wheaty color is something I usually don't wear, but I am finding I like it with my skin tone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/15078020970_a15be3ffb3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/15078020970_a15be3ffb3_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The chevron detailing was easy enough to do without the chart, so it was great tv and knit night knitting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5571/15078156007_f159b71482_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5571/15078156007_f159b71482_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I need to block it, because right now it's this weird mid-crotch length, and I'm hoping to get an inch or two out of it. I already added a few rows of chevrons to the bottom to accommodate my long torso, but I really should've just started the chevron charts later. Ah well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/15078158578_9f6df2ca96_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/15078158578_9f6df2ca96_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The little cable/button back closure is so cute. Completely unnecessary, as the neck is generous, but it gives a nice detail. I chose a blue button at the advice of some twitter friends, but also considered bright red and hot pink ones. I have a lot of buttons.<br /><br />Oh, and before I go... That little green Wee Austin Hoodie I did for the baby? Well...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5562/14985620060_70693327f9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5562/14985620060_70693327f9_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-87060440344292231732014-07-26T23:22:00.002-05:002014-07-26T23:22:15.947-05:00FO's and knitting time?Every time I post here, I think "Wow, has it been a long time or what?"... I think parenting does this to you. I spent quite awhile trying to figure out life again, and suddenly, my photography business exploded. So maybe I'm cameraexploder, too, now... Anyway, things have been hectic!<br /><br />Remember how I made that cute little blue baby sweater? Someone fit in it one day:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14521731364_8e4482b606_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14521731364_8e4482b606_c.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />Then the next? Not so much!<br /><br />Now that he's nearly 5 months old, I've finally found time to knit again. I'm working away on a sweater project (on the last sleeve, in fact, so I should be done in, oh, another four thousand years)... And I've just finished this cowl, which I've been meaning to knit for myself forever:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/14567524729_f0aeee2589_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/14567524729_f0aeee2589_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's called Foolproof, and it really is a fantastic pattern. You knit the cowl flat, if you can imagine. There's a lot of turning your work, but no purling, no casting on (unless you count one stitch) and no binding off (unless you count a K3TOG and thread the end. With limited nights to work on it, I still managed to get it done in 16 days. Fast and great for TV knitting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14751011621_629185d15b_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14751011621_629185d15b_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used Wollmeise twin (fingering weight) yarn on this project, with size 6 needles. Basically, it's the drapiest, squooshiest thing ever, and will be great for fall weather. I'm happy with how it turned out, and can't wait to wear it. I think it'll look good with some black skinny jeans and a denim jacket. A little biker-y. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2912/14754172965_72a333e9df_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2912/14754172965_72a333e9df_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anyway, I missed this! I wonder if anyone is still out there, reading. Are you? Perhaps I should give out more yarn? ;)<br /><br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-3431634359896400602014-02-07T13:35:00.000-06:002014-02-07T13:35:09.100-06:00Better imagesI have better images of many of the FOs I've completed here in the hospital. Here we go:<br /><br />Here's Harbinger. Although it calls for a heavier weight yarn, I really like the fabric quality here:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7436/12257291094_0b9db35943_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7436/12257291094_0b9db35943_z.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />This is a deceptive angle, since it looks like I'm not pregnant. Here's the real story:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2832/12257434306_f6bdf2258f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2832/12257434306_f6bdf2258f_z.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><br />The rustic fisherwoman hat:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3752/12123615554_d8a0a276ca_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3752/12123615554_d8a0a276ca_z.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finished Wee Austin hoodie. I got the coppery leaf imprint buttons from <a href="http://www.fusionbeads.com/">Fusion</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7352/12256911693_70eb81dde6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7352/12256911693_70eb81dde6_z.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The buttons:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5474/12256747325_18df648609_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5474/12256747325_18df648609_z.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />And two little projects for two very special preemies in the NICU:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2843/12210663595_f3e90e9bf0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2843/12210663595_f3e90e9bf0_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7382/12256914053_83f74489ef_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7382/12256914053_83f74489ef_z.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've done another two projects (toys), just haven't had time to photograph them yet. I'm planning on doing a big shoot of the two things I've finished and a TON of un-recorded yarn for my stash, so I just need to find the time to do that between blood draws and visitors.<br /><br />I've put my Ysolda "Follow Your Arrow" Mystery KAL project on the shelf for now, as I'm not thrilled with the direction it's headed. I'm trying to determine if I want to write some new "clues" to make it more wearable (for me), or if I want to just frog the whole thing and use the tosh on something else...<br /><br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-39079674947483951942014-01-23T10:52:00.000-06:002014-01-23T10:52:57.518-06:00FO: Wee Austin Hoodie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This post contains spoilers about the Ysolda Teague Mystery Knit Along, "Follow Your Arrow". Proceed with caution...Again!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished the baby sweater I was working on last time:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3794/12098282953_6cba6551b5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3794/12098282953_6cba6551b5_z.jpg" height="400" width="377" /></a></div><br />It's blocking right now. Although the hospital has some decent AC, I definitely miss being able to block things under the ceiling fan in my guest room. One night under the fan, and anything was ready to go.<br /><br />I'm excited to get home and take some nice images of all these FOs, but sadly it's looking like I'll be here until the beginning of March sometime. Our baby will probably be in the NICU at first, so either I'll keep producing lots of knitted things, or I'll end up going radio silent again for a few weeks.<br /><br />I'm still working along on the Ysolda KAL, and this time chose clue B, the short row clue. Here's the progress:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3705/12094939785_de77c22fe6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3705/12094939785_de77c22fe6_z.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><br />Sigh... All this terrible photography!<br /><br />Anyway, I like the way this weird geometric thing is shaping up. I can't wait to see the next clue set!<br /><br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-36473860611731775932014-01-14T18:07:00.002-06:002014-01-14T18:07:29.946-06:00Weird things happening<i>This post contains spoilers about the Ysolda Teague Mystery Knit Along, "Follow Your Arrow". Proceed with caution!</i><br /><br />Today is my birthday. Isn't that fun? Ask me where I'm spending my birthday...<br /><br />...The answer is "in the hospital"!<br /><br />Due to some complications with my pregnancy, I had to enter the hospital on 12/31. I'm now on indefinite bedrest until March, when I'll be delivering my baby a whole 5 weeks early. Kinda nuts! But in the meantime...<br /><br />I've finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/YarnExploder/harbinger">Harbinger</a>, which needs a good blocking and deserves a better picture than this one on my hospital bed (Vice Yarns Sinful Singles):<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/YarnExploder/204452904/image_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/YarnExploder/204452904/image_medium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I also finished a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/YarnExploder/fisherwomans-hat">Fisherman Hat</a>, which again is much prettier than these pictures give credit. See the Harbinger in the background? (Classic Elite Chalet):<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7384/11891936494_fbe6596bbd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7384/11891936494_fbe6596bbd_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've started a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/YarnExploder/wee-austin-hoodie">Wee Austin Hoodie</a>, which is coming along quickly. Photo doesn't represent the color, which is actually the same as<a href="http://www.yarnexploder.com/2013/10/fo-sultan-pompom-hat.html"> the little baby hat I did</a>. (Wollmeise 100% in Wasabi):<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2875/11921929083_2d10bb1b90_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2875/11921929083_2d10bb1b90_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />And to make things interesting, I've started Ysolda's Follow Your Arrow mystery knit along, which has a wonderful "choose your own adventure" feel to it. Out of the first two clues, I chose option A, which is an angular/ geometric option. Option B is a semicircular option. Although B is pretty (and I'd venture to say the prettier of the two), I tend to dislike wearing semicircular shawls, so I went for the other option. I'm using Tosh Sock in Antique Lace:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7386/11956021326_3020493095_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7386/11956021326_3020493095_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I need to do a wrap-up of 2013 (I'm SO late), and take some better photos! It's so hard to get nice images in the hospital!<br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-40255915186887879152013-12-12T14:10:00.004-06:002013-12-12T14:10:58.746-06:00Recently queuedI've been working on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harbinger">Harbinger</a>, the LondonLeo shawl pattern with such beautiful geometric elements <a href="http://www.yarnexploder.com/2013/08/slowing-down.html">I posted about in August</a>.<br /><br />I have a sad, blurry cell phone image of the WIP right now, but it isn't even the right color. The actual color is more turquoise. The yarn is from a local dyer, Vice Yarns, and I really need to do a writeup of her stuff, especially because I have a skein to give away on the blog! :D<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/YarnExploder/193943538/image_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/YarnExploder/193943538/image_medium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />In other news, I've added more things to my queue, and here are a few of them:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mountain-of-light-koh-i-noor-shawl---tuch">Mountain of Light Koh-i-noor shawl</a>, by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/alexandra-wiedmayer">Alexandra Wiedmayer</a>. A total color project; it would be fun to play around with yarn choices on this. I'd do lavender and grey, maybe. Or bright blue with cream. Or scarlet and grey. Or.....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhqtfw_RAxQ/UqoXCKdsqOI/AAAAAAAACgg/Ujzp7zgsKEs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhqtfw_RAxQ/UqoXCKdsqOI/AAAAAAAACgg/Ujzp7zgsKEs/s320/1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dreiecke">Dreiecke</a>, by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/shannon-cook">Shannon Cook</a>. I received this pattern as a gift and just love the texture. It has a ski chalet feel without the pain of Fair Isle. I have some oatmeal-y Tosh that would be great for this. Or an electric yellow. I can see it being so many things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-049sftEFN6g/UqoXbo6R_YI/AAAAAAAACgo/YxIOb5gWT1s/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-049sftEFN6g/UqoXbo6R_YI/AAAAAAAACgo/YxIOb5gWT1s/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maple-leaf-knit-shawl">And finally, the Maple Leaf Knit Shawl</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/natalia--elfmoda">Natalia @ Elfmoda</a>, because wow. I really, REEEEEALLY hope she's in the process of doing a whole series of leaves. I'd die. And have to knit them all. Gah, I just get tickled looking at it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VcrttNggCQ/UqoX7rUiMFI/AAAAAAAACgw/NgGBLoP7iG8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VcrttNggCQ/UqoX7rUiMFI/AAAAAAAACgw/NgGBLoP7iG8/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-60025838559148826902013-11-14T17:27:00.000-06:002013-11-14T17:27:12.392-06:00Yarn ball ornamentsI love all of the knitted holiday ornaments that I see in stores and on Ravelry. Unfortunately for me, I don't have the patient to knit a million little sweaters or mittens or penguins.<br /><br />But I can make these:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/10861292934_91da02d93f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/10861292934_91da02d93f.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These little yarn ball ornaments are pretty easy to make, and make use of your scrap yarn. I've been meaning to make these for a few years now, and I'm happy to show you my process!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/10861146035_5a99749846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/10861146035_5a99749846.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Materials: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2" Styrofoam Balls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4" dowels</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Caps for the dowels</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Silver cording (I used embroidery floss)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sand paper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scissors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pencil sharpener</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Something to cut the dowels (not pictured)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A thin, sharp knitting needle (optional)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some type of glue. (I chose 1991's favorite adhesive, my trusty hot glue gun.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scrap yarn (The green ornament uses fingering yarn, the red one at the end of the tutorial is worsted)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 1: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut dowels into 1-1/2" pieces. I used a model-making chopper for this, but strong scissors, wire cutters, or a hand saw could do the same. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/10861149285_7d8178f06a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/10861149285_7d8178f06a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 2: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use the pencil sharpener to sharpen the ends of two of the dowel segments. Use sandpaper to blunt the ends of the points. Place the caps on the remaining two dowel segments. The caps held on to the dowels with friction, but you could use a good white craft or wood glue if they don't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/10861301674_dfeabbbdf7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/10861301674_dfeabbbdf7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 3:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stick dowel segments into a styrofoam ball, being careful to line up the segments so they look straight and continuous. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used a sharp knitting needle to make holes all the way through the styrofoam, which showed me exactly the angle I needed to use to place the dowels into the ball. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/10861199386_103b70aba7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/10861199386_103b70aba7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 4:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Glue the dowel segments to the styrofoam, and make a small hole in the top of the ball, sticking both ends of a piece of cording into the hole. Glue cording in place. (I used 4" of cording)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/10861155105_2c0f7d8321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/10861155105_2c0f7d8321.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 5:</b><br />Wrap your scrap yarn around the ball multiple times, in many directions. I didn't even secure the starting end of the yarn, I just overlapped it enough that it held. When I was finished, I slipped the yarn under the wraps and stuffed it under wraps in an opposite direction. Sometimes I could find a little hole of styrofoam and mash the end into the foam, securing with a teeny bit of glue. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/10861157155_7dbbd1b0a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/10861157155_7dbbd1b0a2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ta-da! Knitting ornaments!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You could paint or stain the "needles", use i-cord or crochet chains in place of regular yarn, put beads on the yarn... Lots of options! You could even use some large, pretty beads for the needle ends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you make these ornaments, send me a picture and I'll be sure to share it here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy holidays!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- YX</div>Yarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-87050110761398461972013-11-11T12:30:00.000-06:002013-11-11T12:30:10.213-06:00FO: Baby Love HatI finished another baby hat. This time, for the daughter of some friends.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/10803892304_3194e5603c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/10803892304_3194e5603c_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was just a quickly improvised hat. I cased on 111 stitches, size 3 needles. The yarn is that lovely Anzula Cloud laceweight I used on my Meridien sweater.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/10803767466_d419f98eeb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/10803767466_d419f98eeb_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A little scrap of Wollmeise for the "embroidery" on it...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/10803891564_cfe8730c2a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/10803891564_cfe8730c2a_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And pow! Baby hat time.<br /><br />The fabric is so soft and drapey-- it's great for a little teeny head that can't have a bunch of hefty, thick fabric on it!<br /><br />I'm working on a grown-up project, again, so I'll have some WIP photos for you at some point... AND ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!<br /><br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-22698088477162090812013-11-04T11:19:00.001-06:002013-11-04T11:19:54.310-06:00October Winner!<div><i>This is a guest post, announcing our giveaway winner! A big thanks again to Ellelittleblog, aka Letitia, for a fabulous post and opportunity to win her giveaway... I'm jealous, winner!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I counted 46 unique entries including Sharon’s extra shares (not sure if those are usually counted for YarnExploder’s giveaways, but I did anyway) and the winner is. . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-QSeNUc-og/UnfW1aRiOdI/AAAAAAAACfM/6utxAnT4bdw/s1600/puppy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-QSeNUc-og/UnfW1aRiOdI/AAAAAAAACfM/6utxAnT4bdw/s1600/puppy.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anonymous Belinda aka beedragon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see her on Ravelry, so I will let her know she won!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I find our comments quite curious:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Beedragon:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps winning would be a curse more than a gift ;)”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ellelittleblog:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you win anyway!”<o:p></o:p></div><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> 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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for all your comments everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed looking at your projects.<o:p></o:p></div>Yarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-60218432402000474112013-10-28T12:54:00.001-05:002013-10-28T12:54:58.190-05:00Poor OctoberSad little October, you've gotten away from me. The thing is, there's nothing going on over here to report! As you know, I'm gearing up for a new arrival in April, which means I've been sleeping a TON lately. Between that and my day job, I haven't accomplished much in the way of knitting.<br /><br />It's Halloween time, though! <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/10/halloween-knitting-patterns/">A cute article on Craftsy</a> shows some Halloween-y knit options, which is leading me to ask: Have you ever knitted a Halloween costume? The closest I've come is my viking hat:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7152/6676817165_10fd241b46_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7152/6676817165_10fd241b46_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I'm working on another newborn hat using the leftovers from <a href="http://www.yarnexploder.com/2013/07/fo-meridien.html">Meridien</a>, as a gift for a friend who just had a baby girl- congrats, Kate! I'll post it when it's done.<br /><br />And I'm excited that we're coming to the close of <a href="http://www.yarnexploder.com/2013/10/guest-post-entangled-stitches-gloves.html">October's giveaway</a>, a lovely project kit from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2033086594"></span>ellelittleblog<span id="goog_2033086595"></span></a>! Winner's coming up soon!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/9887628033_f824633db7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/9887628033_f824633db7_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Go check it out while there's still time!<br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-29316496928643016372013-10-09T13:33:00.001-05:002013-10-09T13:33:19.673-05:00FO: Sultan Pompom Hat<i><a href="http://www.yarnexploder.com/2013/10/guest-post-entangled-stitches-gloves.html">Click here to check out the October Giveaway</a></i><br /><br />I've made a new little hat:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3782/10105034176_dbdb268c19_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3782/10105034176_dbdb268c19_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />It's a top-down beanie, and I love it. A quick <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/12/pom-poms-a-very-simple-tutorial.html">pompom made without cardboard</a>, and some leftover yarn turned out really well. I love the variation of color in the pom:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2835/10104951064_b7bcbe2259_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2835/10104951064_b7bcbe2259_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This heavily-variegated yarn looks like a ton of different colors in one pompom, but is much easier to make.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7389/10104986175_9eaa59492d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7389/10104986175_9eaa59492d_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Both yarns are Wollmeise sock, and the stitch definition is, as always, gorgeous. I should get around to writing up the pattern. By making the hat top down, I was able to control exactly how long the hat was without being afraid of running out of yarn.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5449/10105058833_f6b195d1e8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5449/10105058833_f6b195d1e8_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />I made this hat for a very special recipient... My husband and I are expecting our first baby! He or she is due in April. I'm so happy to share this news with you! We've been through a lot together since I started this blog TWO WHOLE YEARS AGO! Hopefully I'll have more baby knits to show in the future!<br /><br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-20099325613382296712013-10-01T15:54:00.001-05:002013-10-01T15:54:32.360-05:00Guest Post: Entangled Stitches Gloves from ellelittleblog<div class="Publishwithline"><i>This week, I'm bringing you a guest post. This is a friend of mine from the knit-o-sphere, and she's done a lovely project to share with you. I'll be featuring a few more guest posts in the next few months, so enjoy! </i><br /><br /><br />Hi YarnExploder peeps! My name is Letitia. I will also answer to Elle, blond chick, and hey you. I am poly-craftual, as most crafty people tend to be. I consider myself mostly a sewer these days, but I have also been knitting since December 2008. I taught myself how to knit by looking up stitches online and making preemie baby caps. “Hey! Bobbles look fun. I’ll put some of those in a hat! February Lady Sweater? I’m not sure what lace is, but I can turn that into a hat. Etc.” I love knitting, but unfortunately/fortunately I live in Florida and there isn’t much use for knit beanies or giant Aran sweaters or gloves. Yeah. So about those gloves…</div><div class="Publishwithline"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9820089454_4f72412bd2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9820089454_4f72412bd2_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I fell in love with the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/entangled-stitches">entangled stitches pattern by Julia Mueller</a> sometime in 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone posted in Remnants about how her brand-new gloves in a beeyoutiful silk blend yarn were stolen off the train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was understandably heartbroken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, awesome ravelers are awesome and someone was able to get the dyer of that yarn to dye more (she wasn’t dyeing anymore from what I remember) to gift to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/101mystic/entangled-stitches">this chick</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how I remember it happening anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fast-forward to August 2012 and I see an ad on LSG for sheepytime knit’s colorway of the month, <a href="http://www.sheepytimeknits.com/shop/yarn.htm">South Pacific</a>, and I HAD to have the entangled gloves in THAT color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind the fact that I was going nowhere close to cold anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">My first order of business was to find my colored pencils and color in each different symbol on the pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many different kinds of twisted stitches in this pattern and the symbols look similar enough that coloring in the squares was very necessary for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That took somewhere in the neighborhood of three hours to complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That should have been my first clue as to how intense this project was going to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are seven (7!) pages of charts after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not one to look at something complicated and think I can’t do it, so onward I cast on with my tiny size 0 DPNs.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9820113936_b9481909f2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9820113936_b9481909f2_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I note on my Ravelry project page (very light on the notes, btw) that I was 15 hours into my first glove and I wasn’t done with the first chart yet—that’s not even 40 rounds in 15 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hands are like normal people hands with the pinky spread thing (not sure what to call that exactly, but you know what I mean right?) starting earlier than the other fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved my pinky stitches onto waste yarn on after round 88 and continued working the other three fingers according to the chart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the only modification I made that I can think of apart from using a smaller needle size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to make the crosses on the fingers line up with my knuckles because I thought that would look cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I had a picture of that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry, not sorry.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9820118295_a19b4e8247_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9820118295_a19b4e8247_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">From start to finish, these gloves took just short of 6 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was zipping along on them all through September and was almost done with glove 2 when I stalled for all of October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked the gloves back up to finish chart 2 on the second glove and was almost done knitting the fingers by mid-November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I stalled again, spent a month in Central America, and went back to work in January busy as hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My biggest challenge was WEAVING IN THE DING DONG DURN ENDS!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mugglefrackin ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ends are my kryptonite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, ends and buttons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so not wanting to weave in those ends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a deal with myself to just weave in 2 a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still took me forever, but here, look at my pretty finished gloves!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glorious gloves really.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/9820120706_59b855ded2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/9820120706_59b855ded2_z.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/9820117236_2dd7b21b7d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/9820117236_2dd7b21b7d_z.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>My original idea was to take these pictures at the beach. I’m glad I didn’t because the reflection from the sand would have been horrible for showing the detail on the gloves. The backyard wearing a $2 dress from the Nicaraguan version of Goodwill was way better.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/9820130436_6822f97c2e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/9820130436_6822f97c2e_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This photo is really blue. I was trying to get all the cabling to show and overadjusted the colors in the process. Oops.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />For the record, we had a really cold March and I was wearing my gloves regularly in the mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steering wheels get cold!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough about my gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find me as <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/ellelittle">ellelittle</a> on Ravelry and/or read my blog about sewing, what I’m cooking, and where I’m going, as well as other random things over at <a href="http://ellelittleblog.blogspot.com/">ellelittleblog.blogspot.com</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />And since I’m feeling really generous, I’ll sponsor a giveaway too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up for grabs is a digital copy of Entangled Stitches (gifted through Rav so you gotta be on there) and a skein of Knitpicks Stroll Tonal in Pearlescent that’s been languishing in the stash forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because I’m really freaking awesome, I’ll make you a sweet project bag to go along with it all.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/9887628033_f824633db7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/9887628033_f824633db7_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You want this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave a comment 1) confirming that I am, in fact, awesome and 2) what the hardest thing you’ve made so far was and why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bonus internet points for linkys.<o:p></o:p></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> 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</style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><w:sdt contentlocked="t" id="89512093" sdtgroup="t"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr><w:sdt docpart="634AEB3F305F7C40AC5C67B338A3FF17" id="89512082" storeitemid="X_5F329CAD-B019-4FA6-9FEF-74898909AD20" text="t" title="Post Title" xpath="/ns0:BlogPostInfo/ns0:PostTitle"></w:sdt></span> </w:sdt> <!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="MsoNormal">That’s it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to Yarnexploder and readers for having me today!<o:p></o:p></div>Yarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-48166060469299051072013-09-28T12:53:00.000-05:002013-09-28T12:53:12.490-05:00Park Avenue YarnsSo recently, I headed down to League City, Texas to check out a trunk show at <a href="http://www.parkavenueyarns.com/#home">Park Avenue Yarns</a>. I'm saving my post about the trunk show itself for another day (perhaps another yarny day, with lots of lovely yarny giveaway potential. Indeed, I may have shopped for you while I was out!)<br /><br />But I was so excited because I just absolutely love this yarn store, and I want to tell you all about it.<br /><br />So if you go to the website I liked above, you can see the front of the store. It's a cute little house on a street with some other shops-in-houses. As I walked up to the front entrance, I was amused by the yarn bombings on the porch:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9984194903_ae2eafaee1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9984194903_ae2eafaee1_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was super cute. Once I got in, I was immediately overwhelmed. In a good way.<br /><br />Square shelving units create "aisles" of yarn, and there are two back rooms- one with couches for hanging out (this is where the trunk show was) and one with a large table for classes. Everything in the shop is tidy and organized, so walking through, it was quite easy to see things and compare items.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9984084604_e474e125c1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9984084604_e474e125c1_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Each table is curated and displayed with intent. It's so nice to walk in a store where a display table has a clear feature. Yarns were piled in baskets or bowls, not left on a table to fall all over the place. The store recognizes knitting, but also crochet (a large selection of books and hooks) and spinning (you can see the wheel, and they carry fiber and if I recall correctly, a few drop spindles).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/9984073555_eccac06fab_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/9984073555_eccac06fab_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />My favorite thing about this store is definitely the variety of products. Normally, when I go into a yarn store, the owner or merchant's preferences are super easy to predict. There are lots of yarns in a specific color range, for instance. Or fifteen different kinds of Debbie Bliss, a handful of Rowan, and no indies. Park Avenue has a nice spread of local indies, small, specialty brands, and big names. Aside from the Vice yarn, I picked up two skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/classic-elite-yarns-mountaintop-chalet">Classic Elite Chalet</a>, which is a wonderfully squishy braided ply yarn. The friendly lady behind the counter was making a project with it, and we chatted for a bit about the yarn and how it works. She even showed me her project, which was lovely.<br /><br />It's nice when employees are invested in talking about your project plans. I had an excellent experience at Park Ave, and my only complaint is it's woefully far from me- 40 minutes in the car, as opposed to the 10-minute hop to my current LYS. Regardless, I think Park Ave is going to be my primary stop for projects. I know I'll find something I like there, and probably a bunch of other things I didn't plan on buying!<br /><br />Next week, I have a guest post planned. I was going to set it up this week, but my lovely guest poster has some surprises in store for you, and they'll be perfect to ring in October!<br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-12868340686436982462013-09-18T13:08:00.001-05:002013-09-18T13:08:57.897-05:00FO: Big red cowlBig needles, giant yarn, and we have a cowl:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9767618231_08e0ca94f3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9767618231_08e0ca94f3_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />It's a monster. And really cute double-wrapped:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/9767832014_027a58c3e9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/9767832014_027a58c3e9_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This yarn (Lion Brand Hometown USA) isn't the fanciest or most expensive stuff on the block, but it will withstand football tailgates, washing and drying, and anything else a college kid can get into. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The texture isn't bad, either, and it's super soft, as acrylic tends to be:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9767618621_3a08492b1c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9767618621_3a08492b1c_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As soon as I took these snaps, it was off in the mail to its new home! So long, cowl!<br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-79616077980025241792013-09-11T21:49:00.001-05:002013-09-11T21:49:09.255-05:00Giant Red Cowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started babysitting when I was 13. It was more of a mother's helper gig at first, entertaining the kids while mom and dad got housework done. As time went on, though, I did more and more, until suddenly, I was leaving for college. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now, the one who was just 3 when I first met her, has started her first classes in college, herself. Wow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So she contacted me to ask if I could knit a big ol' red cowl for her, I was happy to oblige. This is the photo she sent:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/9725572739_5eae49057d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/9725572739_5eae49057d_z.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><div>It looks to me like a simple ribbed cowl, but then look at the bottom bit... Is that reverse stockinette stitch?</div><div><br /></div><div>I could easily do a simple ribbed cowl, but why not at least look at some potential projects? There's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/infinitude-scarf">Infinitude Scarf</a> by Jeni Chase: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmHeLuJ_neY/UjEos-V7paI/AAAAAAAACc0/YwVpjPB9VEA/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmHeLuJ_neY/UjEos-V7paI/AAAAAAAACc0/YwVpjPB9VEA/s400/a.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tante Ehm's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/northern-loop">Northern Loop</a>: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg6f42mPvH8/UjEpGglV_rI/AAAAAAAACc8/IGrd05113-o/s1600/b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg6f42mPvH8/UjEpGglV_rI/AAAAAAAACc8/IGrd05113-o/s400/b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Or do I go ahead and stick with the standard ribbed cowl, something like <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mallory-cowl---adult-version">Mallory Cowl</a> by Shannon Cook:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2iHy3MoU-4/UjEra1EWhXI/AAAAAAAACdI/m-FLuKW_hj8/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2iHy3MoU-4/UjEra1EWhXI/AAAAAAAACdI/m-FLuKW_hj8/s400/c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think? I picked up some red, bulky yarn and have the giant needles to go with it...</div><div>- YX</div>Yarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-1881510226207395032013-09-03T11:48:00.000-05:002013-09-03T11:48:24.761-05:00Wall decor: knitterly prideWho hasn't seen the fifty billion renditions of the "Keep Calm (Something) On" posters over the past year or so? I was thinking about ways to add more yarn references to my house, and it seemed like the only option I had was one of these ubiquitous posters. Harumph. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9jZoAVZgno/UiYQFWNbtCI/AAAAAAAACcE/Zp09jipeCgE/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9jZoAVZgno/UiYQFWNbtCI/AAAAAAAACcE/Zp09jipeCgE/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So I did some shopping. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first thing I found was <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68768396/knitters-eye-chart-tm-as-seen-in-vogue?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=knit+poster&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all">this fabulous eye chart-inspired piece</a>. I love the vintage feel of the chart, combined with the knitting references. At $20, it seems like a great art piece for a reasonable cost. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYPozxothEI/UiYQhz8s5hI/AAAAAAAACcM/An9OIV4BmjU/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYPozxothEI/UiYQhz8s5hI/AAAAAAAACcM/An9OIV4BmjU/s400/b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100766629/our-boys-need-sox-knit-your-bit-10-x-15?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=knit+poster&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all">this great Red Cross poster.</a> Also $20, I love the old-school war propaganda look, and the colors are fabulous. Not to mention, the yarn looks luscious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoSryg7QBqg/UiYQ5EgGA5I/AAAAAAAACcU/PHx_1phknLY/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoSryg7QBqg/UiYQ5EgGA5I/AAAAAAAACcU/PHx_1phknLY/s400/c.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div>Or, you could go a little more three-dimesional. I've seen about fifteen million yarn-wrapped letters on Etsy and Pinterest, but I really love<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114867052/yarn-letters?ref=sr_gallery_41&ga_search_query=yarn&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=handmade"> these yarn letters on Etsy,</a> which are wild and interesting, and could make a great wall installation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64YekTHOcmo/UiYRXuGbgwI/AAAAAAAACcc/wxQmcwEBoPc/s1600/d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64YekTHOcmo/UiYRXuGbgwI/AAAAAAAACcc/wxQmcwEBoPc/s400/d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I love yarny housewares! Do you have anything on your house/craft room walls that you want to share?</div><div>- YX</div>Yarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-51938267420481844182013-08-25T15:35:00.004-05:002013-08-25T15:35:50.121-05:00Slowing downI haven't been posting much due to a resurgence of work contracts and a substantial bout of illness... What an August!<br /><br />I'm still queuing things, at least. And slowly working on my worsted sweater, which isn't very promising, as I haven't even gotten to the sleeve separation yet. Regardless, there's something on the needles, so that's a relief.<br /><br />Anyway, here's some stuff I've queued:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/on-the-grass">On the Grass</a> is a <a href="http://www.jojiknits.blogspot.com/">Joji</a> sweater. The pattern page has some lovely interpretations, my favorite being this one by Rav user jettshin. If you haven't checked out jettshin's projects, you are absolutely missing some of the best needlework on the internet. She's like lightning, too. I have no idea how she finishes so many test items so quickly.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-DVn2hE1kA/Uhpo8PeN5kI/AAAAAAAACbQ/UXA5DtgEWX4/s1600/A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-DVn2hE1kA/Uhpo8PeN5kI/AAAAAAAACbQ/UXA5DtgEWX4/s400/A.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />To continue the grass theme, I also love this slouchy <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grassroots">Grassroots</a> hat by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/dandiliongirl-designs">Dandilion Girl Designs</a>- a very simple toque/beanie with a cute little leaf pattern. Nothing particularly standout about the design, I just think it's a very nice combination of design elements, executed well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH99_2qXRJE/UhppvW1b2gI/AAAAAAAACbc/yFcDFBDtmCY/s1600/B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH99_2qXRJE/UhppvW1b2gI/AAAAAAAACbc/yFcDFBDtmCY/s400/B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Finally, I have <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harbinger">Harbinger</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/londonleo">LondonLeo</a>, which is an incredibly wearable shawl with simple, geometric design elements. The angora/merino Lion Brand suggested looks fabulous in the sample, and makes me want to knit this immediately.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxiHLY9Zyyo/Uhpqd-NxKvI/AAAAAAAACbo/KA2xD00H3UU/s1600/C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxiHLY9Zyyo/Uhpqd-NxKvI/AAAAAAAACbo/KA2xD00H3UU/s400/C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Yum. Too bad "winter" won't start here for another two months!<br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-3551042023845169722013-08-08T17:08:00.003-05:002013-08-08T17:08:55.019-05:00The Mystery WorstedOkay, so I was in Florence last May, and went to a lovely little yarn store called Campolmi Roberto Filati, which I found via <a href="http://www.planetpurl.com/community/blogs/knitting_in_tuscany/">Nicky Epstein</a>. It's a lovely store, large and chock full of fibery goodness. The language barrier was noticeable until an English-speaking employee stepped in to help translate.<br /><br />I should've bought some cashmere- we picked up a sweater quantity of cashmere yarn for my mother-in-law, who celebrated her birthday just before our trip. When the yarn lady quoted me a price for the cashmere, I started laughing. I couldn't help it! It was about 50% of the cost of similar-quality cashmere in the US. So inexpensive. It was about the same as a regular skein of superwash.<br /><br />I picked up only two things, but I made them count. Both are GIANT skeins of worsted yarn, dyed in the shop.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7309/9017888124_cdf414696a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7309/9017888124_cdf414696a_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>These skeins are LITERALLY as big as my head. They're huge. 400g (14oz) of worsted yarn. It's probably close to 1,000 or so yards each.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8267/9016698387_a92f147296_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8267/9016698387_a92f147296_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I love the colors, which have some abrupt changes. The grey skein goes from light to dark smoothly on one side, but has a dark line on the other. It's super odd, in a cool way. I tried casting on for a "huge shawl of indeterminate size", but ended up ripping it out when I decided that I was wasting a great opportunity for a gargantuan sweater.<br /><br />Yep, a worsted sweater, even though it's currently 103°F (39.4°C) here.<br /><br />Yep, a worsted sweater, even though I just finished a sweater project and determined I needed a break from major garments.<br /><br />Yep, a worsted sweater, instead of cracking into any of the various other yarns I have in my stash, doing a lovely little hat or a pair of super-bulky-fun-fur-electric-house-stomper socks.<br /><br />What is wrong with me? Seriously?!<br /><br />- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535867171703916685.post-14995518910513085672013-07-30T11:13:00.002-05:002013-07-30T11:13:38.170-05:00Technique: CablesAwhile ago, <a href="http://www.yarnexploder.com/2013/03/undereducated-knitting-techniques.html">I was talking about knitting techniques</a> I love or would like to learn. Today's is cable stitch patterns.<br /><br />So, this is the most cabled project I've done:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7246/7504068066_3238e1d98f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7246/7504068066_3238e1d98f_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>It's a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pinctada">pattern for a cowl</a>, but I made it extra long and turned it into a crossbody vest thingy. I'm super happy with how it turned out, though I'd like to reblock it wider to show the details on the cables.<br /><br />I've done some other cable projects, but I don't find myself particularly drawn to them. Indeed, there's something kind of annoying about having to remember which row is a cable row, which direction to cable, etc. Small projects can be quite fun, though:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8236/8480250720_c2c37e1f9b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8236/8480250720_c2c37e1f9b_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1815598043"></span><span id="goog_1815598044"></span>And I do enjoy them as a design element. My most recent sweater has a few cables, and they were fairly easy to manage:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3696/9253706850_3e7ec63198_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3696/9253706850_3e7ec63198_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are always row counters to help, and quite a few people like<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6DB6WhAKvY"> cabling without cable needles</a>. I've never been able to cable without a cable needle and have it come out properly. Like the linked video says, my knitting is too tight to make it work with anything more than a stitch or maybe two. Instead, I use a darning needle, which I stick into my yarn cake and use as a cable needle. I have some actual bent needles for cabling, but I find that the darning needle is twice as useful, and much smaller.<br /><br />I'd like to do more things in the spirit of my Pinctada, but a girl can only have so many cowls in Texas...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8018/7504067912_ac86d8a7e0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8018/7504067912_ac86d8a7e0_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>- YXYarnexploderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05860884512256681331noreply@blogger.com2