JBB's Knitting Projects

Dorothy Day and Knitting

2012-01-14T20:21:00.000-08:00

Knitting is very conducive to thought. It is nice to knit a while, put down the needles, write a while, then take up the sock again. ~Dorothy Day

As quoted on Musings from Marilyn.

Salley Mavor

2011-12-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

A short film, Rabbitat, showing Salley Mavor at work:http://vimeo.com/danielcojanu/rabbitat

Salley Mavor's blog and main website, Wee Folk Studio.[Added later] An interview with LOTS of pictures.

Van Gogh's Knitters

2010-12-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

Check out the paintings of knitters at Habetrot.

Thoughts on handwork

2010-10-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

Change

2010-07-27T20:43:00.001-07:00

What is needed for dramatic change is an accumulation of acts--adding, adding to, adding more, continuing.

Clarissa Pinkola Estés in The Bloomsbury Review, quoted in Knitting in the Old Way by Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts and Deborah Robson, p. 9.

Shetland lace

2010-07-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

[In Shetland] it was a source of pride that the patterns, learnt at a mother's knee* or worked out from an example, were retained in the knitter's head.

*girls started to learn to knit patterns by knitting the alternate plain rows between the patterned ones their mothers work. (p. 8)

From Heirloom Knitting: A Shetland Lace Knitter's Pattern and Workbook by Sharon Miller, 2002.

On knitting

2010-03-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

From Weldon's Practical Knitter, latter part of the 19th century. As reprinted in Knitting: 19th Century Sources, ed. by Jules and Kaethe Kliot, published by Lacis in Berkeley, California.

From time immemorial we have had various revivals of what is termed the "lost arts." At present the art of knitting is undergoing one of these processes, although it can by no means be called a lost art, even though for years it has not, as in earlier days, been considered a necessary part of a young woman's education. The more practical German and English workers have never neglected it, as they have a decided preference for substantial hand-made articles.

In addition to the fact that the knowledge may be turned to account in case of necessity, as there is always a market for hand-made goods, it is a most delightful occupation.

An ancient writer says: "It does not distract the attention or check the powers of imagination. It forms a ready resource when a vacuity occurs in conversation; it impairs neither body nor mind, and requires no straining of the eyesight. It may be interrupted without loss, and again resumed without trouble. The whole apparatus is so cheap, needs so little room, and is so light, that it can be kept and gracefully carried about in a basket, the beauty of which displays the expertise and tast of the fair worker."

Swallowtail Shawl

2006-11-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

On my recent train ride from Los Angeles to Seattle, I finished knitting the Swallowtail Shawl (mine is more of a scarf size) as a gift for a former boss. It was in lieu of another shawl I had started last year but never finished.

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl, by Evelyn A. Clark
Pattern from: Interweave Knits, Fall 2006
Wool used: Misti Alpaca Lace, Sea Mist color. I used about one skein (50 grams, 437 yards) single strand.
Where purchased: Knit Cafe in Los Angeles, CA
Needles: Addi Turbo circular, U.S. 4
Started: September 2006
Completed: November 2006
For whom: A former boss
What I learned: Knitting five stitches together can be a bit tricky with the blunt Addi needles.

Shawl point—

Shawl body—

Shawl edge—

Nether garments

2006-10-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

My latest project is knitting some nether garments from Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac using Rygja wool I bought at a thrift store.

Following the "Washing" instructions on this Recycling Yarn page, I soaked the hanks of wool in hot water and shampoo.

When the water cooled off, I rinsed the hanks in Eucalan Woolwash and hung them out to dry and, hopefully, lose some of the rancid lanolin smell.

Then I wound one of the hanks into a ball and started knitting to find out the gauge. I'm getting 5 stitches to the inch on size 5 U.S. (3.75mm).

And I've started knitting. Here's the first ankle. I'm not worrying too much about the irregularities of my knitting as these are long underwear. (I probably won't wear them under a housedress with boots, EZ style!) The wool is quite rough, and I'm hoping blocking will help even out the stitches somewhat.

I've started increasing up the back seam for the calf and knee shaping. It's tricky trying to increase the way EZ recommends. But I should figure it out before I finish.

This is my knitting project for a two-day train ride. Hopefully, I'll have nether garments well on their way to being completed by the time I reach Seattle!

P.S. There is an EZ knit-along, Zimmermania, that is currently quite active.

Knitting books II

2006-09-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Shelf 1: Small items—toys and doll clothes, collections of small items, socks, mittens, hats, bags, furnishings; collections of generally larger items (mainly sweaters)

Shelf 2 right: Children and infants, "knit lit," crocheting

Knitting books I

2006-09-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

Shelf 1: How-to; Elizabeth Zimmerman; pattern stitch and motifs, including afghans; garment construction and general patterns; knitted fabric techniques (e.g., color work); finishing

Shelf 2: Knitted lace and scarf/shawl patterns; Scandinavian knitting; Fair Isle; Aran, including Starmore books; traditional British

Beach socks

2006-08-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

I started a pair of socks on my recent trip to Hawaii. I ripped out the first attempt because size one needles were too large. I found a pair of size 0s at The Needlework Shop in Lahaina, Maui, and started again.

I'm using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock wool in Aslan (beige, lilac, light blues), which I won in a drawing at the former Knitty Gritty.

The pattern is from Wendy Johnson: her toe-up feather and fan sock pattern (.pdf).

Sock has been knit while on Maui beaches, in the condo, and in the airport. The first attempt on too-large needles kept me occupied on the flight over.

Blocked Flower Basket shawl

2006-06-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

If you have good neighbors (like I do), living in a duplex can be a handy thing—for example, if you need someone to model your freshly blocked Flower Basket Shawl.

I would have liked to make it a couple repeats larger, but I had a deadline, so I hope this size will work.

Details in two previous posts.

It's blocking

2006-06-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

I picked up a 40 x 60 inch piece of foam board, which, of course, did not fit in my car. So I had to put it in the trunk, and then, of course, I didn't have anything to tie down the trunk. So I found a large plastic sack stuffed away, ripped it open, managed to feed it through the latch on the top of the trunk and tie it to the matching latch on the inside of the trunk.

I drove home with the trunk more or less open, but at least the plastic tie held it somewhat, and I was able to take side streets.

The colors ran quite a bit when I soaked the shawl, even with vinegar. Then I rolled it in towels and laid it out on the foam board.

I've never made a shawl before, so I now see the advantage of buying blocking wires to keep the straight edge of the shawl straight. As a substitute, I thread dental floss through the eyelets along the top edge using a double-pointed needle that also has an eye on one end and pulled it tight. Then I tried to pin the edge without making too many bumps. The scalloped edges are easier, although it's difficult to stop re-pinning to make the scallops as symmetrical as possible. I was still re-pinning after I took this picture.

I knitted three extra repeats of the main pattern for ten repeats total. The Flower Basket shawl is still slightly smaller than the dimensions suggested. It will be more of a scarf/shawl than a shawl to wrap up in. The dimensions are about 55 inches across the top edge and just over 26 inches from the top edge to the bottom point.

More pictures when the shawl is dry!

Unblocked Flower Basket shawl

2006-06-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I've been working on a Flower Basket shawl for my former boss and colleague. Today was her last day at work, but I just finished knitting the shawl around mid-night last night. So it still needs to be washed and blocked. I gave it to her anyway at her good-bye picnic and then took it back so I could block it.

Pattern: Flower Basket Shawl, by Evelyn A. Clark
Pattern from: Interweave Knits, Fall 2004
Wool used: Cherry Tree Hill Glitter Alpaca, Martha's Vineyard colorway. I used about one and three-quarters skeins (50 grams, 222 yards each) single strand.
Where purchased: Unwind in Burbank, CA
Needles: Clover bamboo circular, U.S. 5
Started: Mid-May 2006
Completed: Mid-June 2006

I like the bumpy texture of the back of the shawl, again, unblocked.

Lacy Scarf

2006-04-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Originally posted March 4, 2005.

My mum's belated birthday gift arrived in the mail today [edit: that is, my gift to her—her gifts to me are never belated!], so here are some pictures.

Pattern: Vine Lace Scarf
Pattern from: "A Trio of Lacy Scarves" pamphlet by Catherine Vardy, Fireweed Originals. Purchased for $0.25 at a sadly now-closed thrift shop that had a wonderful section of linens and handicraft items.
Wool used: Cherry Tree Hill Suri Alpaca (I think; I've temporarily misplaced the label) in the Northern Lights colorway.
Where purchased: Skein in Pasadena, CA, with the counsel of Larry.
Needles: Crystal Palace bamboo double-pointed U.S. 7 (4.5 mm)
Started: September 2004
Completed: February 2005
For whom: My mother's birthday gift
What I learned: How to knit with lace-weight wool on large needles. With only 58 stitches cast on, the 8" bamboo double-points were a definite advantage over the 14" needles.
Blocking method: Washed the scarf in cool (or maybe warm) water with a touch of Woolite. I should have added vinegar to stabilize the colors, which did run a bit. After rinsing, I rolled the scarf in towels to absorb the excess water, and then pinned out the scarf taut on a towel laid over the carpet.

[Updated 3/5/05]

In the package by the front door

2006-03-29T21:50:00.000-08:00

A used copy of Classic British Knits: 40 Traditional Patterns from England, Scotland and Ireland by Madeline Weston, for considerably less than currently listed on Amazon.com.

In the package by the back door

2006-03-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

A new reprint by Dover Publications of Traditional Aran Knitting by Shelagh Hollingworth.

Projects Update

2006-03-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Although you wouldn't know it by the frequency of my posts here, I have been knitting. I was hoping to show a picture of my completed Evening in Eden / Blackberry Ridge stole that I finished knitting almost two weeks ago, but I haven't had a chance to block it yet.

So here it is in its unblocked glory. The fence between my neighbors' house and mine is just rough enough that it acts as light Velcro or—an older technology—as flannel for flannel graph pictures and holds woolen knitting in place. The side of the stole is not really that crooked—I was in a rush to take the photo before the sun set and the wood kept catching the wool.

I need to clear enough space on my bedroom floor to pin out the stole (which is five feet in length unblocked). The rest of the house is my cats' domain and, hence, not suitable for laying out woolen items on the floor.

Now I'm working on the Atherton jacket from Jean Frost Jackets. I've finished the back, and this is the left front. I have just cast off for the sleeve shaping.

Here's a detail of the slip-stitch pattern in a combination of linen and mohair yarns.

Dad's socks II

2006-02-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

The socks are finished (except for weaving in the ends), and I did run out of the Trekking wool. So I undid the first sock from the toe and joined the wool to the second sock. I would undo a few rows on the first sock and then knit a few rows on the second sock until the two socks were at the same place. Then I joined the black wool and finished knitting each sock separately.

Which meant I had to use Kitchener stitch again to finish the toes. Schurch has a clear explanation in her socks book on page 24. However, on the first sock I was not doing the "as if to knit" correctly. I was "knitting" into the back of the stitch on the back row instead of the front of the stitch. The second sock is better, although still not perfect. Maybe next time....

Dad's socks

2006-02-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

I finished the first of my dad's birthday/Christmas socks on Sunday (1/29). I'm using the instructions from Charlene Schurch's new, excellent book, Sensational Knitted Socks.

The instructions are very thorough and have charts for all different sizes. I'm using a very simple pattern, the first one in the book. Wool: Trekking XXL, 75% superwash wool, 25% nylon, 100 grams/2 ½ oz, 420 m/459 yds; Color: # 111 (black, grey, and yellow flecks); Needles: 2 mm (U.S. 0).

One ball of wool should be enough, although I was a little unsure. So I had the attendant at the mail room at work weigh the completed sock and then the remaining wool. He said they weighed exactly the same, so I hope I'll have enough to finish. If not, I plan to undo the toe of the completed sock and finish both toes in black wool. (Color # 111 seems to be discontinued.)

Knitting in Norway

2006-01-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

I have many favorite knitting sites I visit. Currently, they are stored in two Bookmarks' folders, Knitting Blogs and Knitting Blogs II, and each folder links to about 30 sites.

One of those sites is Helenes side, a knitting and craft site from Norway. Helene writes in both Norwegian and English and posts lots of pictures.

Helene's most recent project is making sheepskin rugs. She also has had some interesting posts on medieval/Viking craft fairs, camps, and re-enactment events.

Pattern Books Online

2006-01-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

I keep forgetting about the riches of Project Gutenberg. In the "old" days, the books were only available in plain text. But now many of them include illustrations, for example, Beeton's Book of Needlework by Mrs. Isabella Mary Beeton. There are some interesting Victorian knitting and crocheting patterns in it, given a bit of patience for downloading the book.

Knitting in Staggerford

2006-01-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

From Jon Hassler's novel, Staggerford:

Lillian Kite began to knit. She was a constant knitter. She never sat down without taking up her needles. She had begun knitting seriously when her husband died—not after the funeral when time hung heavy on her hands, but immediately upon finding him dead. [...] She called the doctor and the minister and the undertaker, and she picked up her needles and a ball of yarn and she went to work at high speed. When one by one the doctor and the minister and the undertaker came to the front door, she did not rise from her chair but said merely, "He's in there," pointing at the bedroom with her right-hand needle. She had been knitting ever since. (pp. 57-58)

Log Cabin Socks

2006-01-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

I just finished these (Christmas gift) socks yesterday. This is actually the first pair of socks I've completed.

Pattern: Log Cabin Socks, by Anne Woodbury
Pattern from:Handknit Holidays: Knitting Year-Round for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice, by Melanie Falick
Wool used: Cascade 220, 100% Superwash Wool. One 100 gram/3.5 oz/220 yard ball, plus part of another ball. Color 816 - steel grey.
Where purchased: Unraveled, Monrovia, California
Needles: Brittany wood 5-inch double-pointed U.S. size 4 (3.5 mm)
Size: Woman's - 48 stitches. The socks comfortably fit my size 9 (U.S.) feet. They are for my sister, who has size 8 1/2 but wider feet.

Started: Mid-December 2005
Finished: January 21, 2006
For whom: My sister, who asked for warm socks for Christmas.
What I learned: Knitting socks on size 4 needles is much faster than with size 0 or 1! How to do Kitchener stitch to cast off the socks. On the first sock, I think I wrapped the wool the wrong way, so the toe is a little pointy (on the right). But it doesn't look too bad, I hope, when the socks are being worn.

I like the cables that come all the way down the heel, so the socks can be worn with clogs.

Lace Hat, Striped Sock, Mountain Colors Scarf

2006-01-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

Originally posted February 9, 2005.

Knitting Content!

I finally got a disposable camera of pictures and a roll of film developed today. (The pictures on the camera were almost a year old....) So, I'm eager to post some knitting pictures. (Click pictures for a closer view.) Full details will be posted later.

1) Lace Rib Watch Cap, from Hats On! by Charlene Schurch.

2) Self-striping sock, Wendy Johnson's Generic Toe-up Sock Pattern. (Yes, I still need to knit the second sock.)

3) A rather extravagent scarf, in Mountain Colors Wooly Feathers and Merino Ribbon using their Gypsy Scarf pattern in the Yellowstone colorway.

Barbie Clothes

2005-12-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

These were shipped off today to my niece for Christmas.

I followed a poncho pattern published by Susan of I'm Knitting As Fast As I Can. I used Sockotta cotton/wool/nylon, color 502. And I already forgot the needle size -- U.S. 2?

The two dresses were from patterns in Nicky Epstein's Knits for Barbie Doll. I followed the colors and thread suggested by the patterns.

Knitting in Japanese

2005-12-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

As soon as I read Mary's post and saw the pictures she linked to, I ordered the book. It arrived last week while I was gone, so last night and this morning I have been looking through it.

Most of it is in Japanese, but between the numbers and charts, as well as a page listing all the yarns with gauge used, plus translation references Mary has linked to, I think the patterns can be figured out. It reminds me of my course work translating from all sorts of languages that used different alphabet scripts. I knew my Ph.D. studies would be good for something!

Cara will be hosting a knit-along beginning in January for the Am Kamin sweater. I'm not sure if I'll join, but I certainly shall follow along. I especially like the Herbstlied Aran pullover (pictured on the cover of the book) and the When the Mountainash is in Flower shawl. I also love the brown Fair Isle swatches on p. 11.

Blackberry Ridge Stole

2005-11-27T14:13:00.000-08:00

Originally posted March 19, 2005.

I've just finished three of nine pattern repeats for a stole using the Evening in Eden Stole pattern by Lynda Gemmell of Cabin Fever. I'm using black fingering weight wool from Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill on No. 8 (5.0 mm) needles.

The wool is maybe a bit prosaic for an "evening" stole—something with some glitter might have been better—but the wool will be warm.

Memorial Blankets

2005-11-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

Five blankets have been assembled from the squares sent in as a tribute to Kerstin's brother-in-law. They are quite striking.

I recently ordered (another) book from Schoolhouse Press, Knitting with a Smile: A Knitting Sketchbook (scroll down), by Inger Fredholm. The last chapter has pictures of 2,000 afghans made out of knitted squares for a refugee camp. School children in Sweden knitted the squares in the late 1980s.

Projects in Process

2005-10-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

I have a number of soon-to-be finished projects in the queue, most with deadlines, some still to come and one past due.

First, inspired by the Thursday, October 6, 2005 entry at I'm Knitting As Fast As I Can, I started the Hyrna Herborgar shawl from Three-Cornered and Long Shawls (Þríhyrnur og Langsjöl) by Sigrídur Halldórsdóttir. Per Susan's notes, the shawl takes slightly more than one ball of lace-weight Misti Alpaca.

The pattern had been going well up to where it is now, but I think I'm off a stitch, so I need to go back a couple of rows. I hope I can fix it. Susan finished her shawl in a week (!) but I certainly won't be.

I need to sew up and block some knitted Barbie outfits for my niece's birthday coming up. I'll post pictures when those are done.

My hemp shopping bag is finished except for sewing it together and knitting and attaching the two shoulder straps.

Finally, I finished knitting and blocking a piece for a gift. I also picked out the fabric it needs. Now I just need to figure out how to assemble it. Again, pictures will be posted once the project is completed.

Knitted Lace Books

2005-10-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip, I was in Berkeley for half a day and was able to squeeze in a short trip to Lacis. I had come prepared with a list as I wasn't sure if I'd even be able to stop in. But if I can shop efficiently for anything, it would be books!

First I found two sets of miniature double-pointed knitting needles, 4 inches in length, .75mm and 1.25mm.

Then I hit the bookshelves.

Knitted Lace, by Sonja Esbensen and Anna Rasmussen. This is the first book of Danish knitted lace patterns by Esbensen, and it has been translated into English. So now I can consult it when I have questions about Kunststrik II.

Creative Knitting, by Mary Walker Phillips. When I had seen this book earlier, I didn't think I'd be too interested. But after seeing Janice Rosema's freeform knitting and crocheting at the LA County Fair, I am intrigued with the possibilities of "non-traditional" knitting ideas.

Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls, by Martha Waterman. Techniques, history, stitch patterns, finishing, ideas for wearing shawls.

Creating Original Hand-knitted Lace, by Margaret Stove. Construction techniques and patterns.

Knitting: 19th Century Sources, edited by Jules & Kaethe Kliot. My favorite! Excerpts from Weldon's Practical Knitter. Patterns for everything just as they were published (and illustrated) in the late nineteenth century in England. Counterpane squares, socks, edgings, doll clothes, baby clothes, anti-rheumatic kneecap cover, knickerbockers, petticoats, barrister's wig in puffed knitting, etc.

The preface includes a short quote from Weldon's Practical Needlework:

[Knitting] does not distract the attention or check the powers of imagination. It forms a ready resource when a vacuity occurs in conversation; it impairs neither body nor mind, and requires no straining of the eyesight. It may be interrupted without loss, and again resumed without trouble. [...]

My hemp string bag proved to be an excellent project for traveling as it has just two simple pattern rows that can be easily interrupted and resumed, the hemp doesn't show dirt, and the tension/gauge doesn't have to be exact.

Plain knitting

2005-09-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Wanting repetitive, not-too-challenging, comfort projects during these days, here are a couple things (not all...) I've been knitting. These are all in-progress, pre-blocking pictures.

From The Great American Aran Afghan, I've started the "Aran Sweater" square by Susan Rainey, using Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool. The sweater still needs the sleeves and neckband knitted.

One of the reasons I chose this square was to practice the combined knitting technique I learned in Annie Modesitt's class. I especially wanted to see how evenly the stockinette stitch came out. I was quite pleased—again, this is pre-blocking.

Another project I pick up when I want to knit while watching TV is a hemp shopping bag, using All Hemp 6 and a pattern from Lanaknits. There are only two pattern rows for the body of the bag.

Finished Knitted Lace

2005-09-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

This is the first piece of circular knitted lace I have made, which was a birthday gift for my mother. Except for beginning it (see previous entry), it was a very enjoyable piece to knit. (Click on pictures to enlarge.)

Pattern: Knud II
Pattern from: Kunststrik II, by Sonja Esbensen
Finished size: Just under 14 inches in diameter
Thread used: DMC Cordonnet Special; 100% cotton; size 30; color Ecru; almost 2 balls, 197 m/20g each
Where purchased: Book, thread, and some needles at Velona Needlecraft
Needles: 1.5 mm (U.S. size 000 or 3/0) in 3.5 inch Inox double-points; 8 inch Addi double-points; 16"/40 cm HiyaHiya circular; 20"/50 cm Addi Turbo circular; 24"/60 cm Addi Turbo circular. Also, for final cast-off round, 1.25 mm Susan Bates steel crochet hook.
Started: Early August 2005
Finished: Mid-September 2005
For whom: My mother

What I learned: This type of project is great summertime knitting, portable, and a nice balance of excitement (can't wait to get to the next pattern set), concentration when establishing a new pattern, and "conversation" knitting when going around the plain knit rows.

The most difficult part was casting on. It took many attempts to finagle eight tiny stitches on four tiny needles and successfully knit a couple rounds without a) the stitches slipping off or b) the needles and stitches twisting and not being able to tell which way to straighten them. The small needles helped. (I've since learned that knitting needles in small sizes and lengths can be purchased through miniature doll house furnishing suppliers.) Also, leaning on my elbows and forearms on my bed with my legs tucked under me so that I could lay the knitting on the flat surface of the bed was the only posture in which I finally managed to get the first rounds going.

Next time I will try a method Larry told me about, Emily Ocker's cast-on. (The method is also described in the introductory notes in Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle, pp. 12-13.)

Additionally, I will try obtain all the needles I need from the same brand (Addi). There is a difference in size amongst the brands that does make a small difference in the tension or gauge.

I cast off by crocheting two stitches together and then making two crochet chains before picking up the next two knitted stitches.

The pattern components of the doily are quite simple: octagonal swirl; knitted diamonds and eyelet diamonds; purl rows; and two sections of feather and fan or Old Shale.

After casting off, I sewed in the ends, including trying to tidy up my cast-on attempt. Then I soaked the doily in cool water and Woolite, rinsed it, and rolled it in a towel to squeeze out the extra water. Then I pinned it out on a towel. I didn't use a template to make sure I got perfect circle, but I think it came out OK. The picture below is a little more true to the ecru color than the pictures I took outdoors above.

Knitting in Danish was accomplished by: using the English translation of the symbol chart that came with the book (or available here in .pdf); looking up words in Knitting Languages, by Margaret Heathman, published by Schoolhouse Press (although I don't see it listed on their Web site at the moment); and consulting a woman from my church who speaks Danish and who loaned me beautiful knitted lace pieces her sister knit in Denmark.

Starting Circular Knitted Lace

2005-09-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from entry originally posted August 1, 2005

Knitting again

After not having worked on a knitting project for a couple months, this weeekend I picked up the needles again, or rather, had the needles sawn in two and then started knitting.

3.5 inch needles
I had bought a lace knitting book, Kunststrik II by Sonja Esbensen at Velona's sometime back. But trying to cast on and knit eight stitches with size 30 thread distributed on four size 000 (1.5 mm) slippery steel 8" double-pointed needles was impossible for me.

So, unable to located 000 needles in a shorter length, I ordered another set of 8" needles and brought them to Berg Hardware, a wonderful old-time hardware store where they still price everything with handwritten tags. They cut the needles into 3.5 and 4.5 inch lengths. The ends are a little rough but worked OK for getting the circular pattern started until I could manipulate the full-sized needles.

8 inch needles
Lesson learned, however—the needles should be the same brand. The Inox needles I had cut are slightly thicker than the 8" Addi needles, enough to see a difference in the tension.

(This project won't be finished because the thread I used is too heavy for these needles. But it was enough to show me 1) the shorter needles help to get circular lace patterns started and 2) I can figure out Danish patterns!)

Fingerless Gloves

2005-09-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

From an entry originally posted November 15, 2002

Fingerless gloves

Pattern: Basic Women's Fair Isle Fingerless Gloves
Pattern from: Knitting Fair Isle Mittens & Gloves: 40 Great-Looking Designs by Carol Rasmussen Noble
Wool used:Filanda Extrafine 100% Alpaca, heather taupe color (# 32 / 452). I'm hoping I can make both gloves with just one 50 g. ball, but because I'm only using one color, I'm not sure if one ball will stretch quite far enough.
Where purchased: Temple City Knit Shop, Temple City, California
Needles: Addi bamboo double-pointed U.S. 0 (2.0 mm) for cuff ribbing and hand; U.S. 1 (2.5 mm) for ribbing for partial fingers; and U.S. 2 (2.75 mm) to cast off partial fingers.
Started: November 2002
Completed: February 2005
For whom: Me
What I learned: How to make seamless (partial) fingers on two needles, knitting with a third needle. Also, it is important that the knitted partial fingers are not too tight or else they cut off circulation to the fingers.

I tried out the glove last Sunday when I was practising the piano before church. It really helped keep my right hand warm and nimble in the not-quite-heated church. However, now that the weather has warmed up so much, I'm not in a hurry to knit the left-hand glove.

(This was a very difficult picture to take. I had to hold my 35 mm camera, which was extra heavy with the flash, in my left hand twisted around so I could press the shutter button.)

Egg Cozy

2005-09-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Originally posted November 12, 2002

Grade 4 project

At boarding school, beginning in Grade 1, we had two handwork projects each term, one knitting project and one sewing project. Every Saturday morning we'd meet at the house of the teacher assigned to our projects. We worked on our handwork throughout the week, except we weren't allowed to work on it on Sundays. After "Handwork" we had "Library" and then a few prep periods. In the afternoon we went swimming and played down at the river. (I recently came across some school pictures, including the swimming pool and play area by the river. The pictures were taken before my time, but not much had changed at the school when I was there in the 1970s.) Then in the evening we were shown films. I loved Saturdays!

Eventually, I will take pictures of as many projects as I still have. I know I've lost some along the way, e.g., the yellow smocked nightgown and the blue dress with the hand embroidered bodice. As a start, here an egg cozy I knitted in Grade 4 (I think):

Egg Cozy

Started & Completed: ~ Grade 4
What I learned: How to make pom-poms

Oval Knitted Lace Table Cover

2005-09-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

Originally posted November 12, 2002

Handwork documentation

Well, I got my roll of film back, so here goes. Eventually, I want to put up a separate page with my handwork projects, similar to Wendy's, but ever so much more modest. But Wendy is an inspiration and role model: she does beautiful work and she finishes projects. (Please note that some of my documentation categories are similar to hers, e.g.)

Oval Knitted Lace Table Cover

Pattern: Knitted Lace, Fluted Design with Eyelets
Pattern by: Mrs. Mae Young
Pattern Source: "Trimmings," in PieceWork magazine, January/February 1996
Thread used: DMC Fil D'Écosse; Cébélia; 100% cotton; Size 10; Color Ecru
Where purchased: Thread--Mariposa, South Pasadena, California and Michael's, Pasadena, California; Satin smooth brocade cloth--Velona Needlecraft, Anaheim Hills, California
Needles: Clover Takumi Bamboo double-pointed U.S. 1 (2.5mm)
Started: 1996?
Completed: November 2002
For whom: M
What I learned: How to block knitted lace from the instructions in Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel and from Judy Gibson's knitted lace blocking photos and instructions. (I also learned about Velona Needlecraft from Judy Gibson's site.) From the helpful woman at the Bearly Stitchin quilting supply store, I learned how to make patterns from freezer paper (available in grocery stores, e.g., Reynolds brand). You iron sheets of freezer paper together (iron on the non-plastic side) to make as large piece of paper as you need and then draw a template or pattern on the non-plastic side. You can then iron the pattern onto the back of the fabric (again, iron on the non-plastic side with the plastic side against the fabric), cut out the pattern, and then peel off the freezer paper.

The Bearly Stitchin woman also told me about foam-core poster board, which is available at art supply stores, and which can be used for blocking. I bought a 32" x 40" x 1/4" piece for $3 - $4, and it worked really well. I used a Sharpie water-proof marker (again, Judy Gibson's suggestion) to draw grid lines for blocking an oval shape. Because the board doesn't absorb water, the lace dries more quickly. The board is lightweight yet sturdy and, therefore, very easy to move from the floor to upright against a wall or from room to room. And it's very easy to reposition the pins multiple times as needed.

After I washed the knitted lace in cold water with Woolite, rinsed it, and then rolled it in a towel to absorb the excess water, I used T-pins to pin out the lace.

The next challenge was to figure out how to attach the lace to the satin material. Abbreviated version of a long story: the tailor at the dry cleaner I use sewed the piece together so that it is reversible. I was quite pleased with her work, although it's not perfect as the photo shows. However, the piece does look better in real life than in the photo and when it's properly ironed. Originally, I had wanted to complete the entire project myself, but after searching for ideas on how to put it together (the pattern is only for a piece of knitted edging, not for how to make it into something), I ended up having someone else finish it. Next time, I will look for a place that specializes in finishing handwork if something is too complicated for me to do well. I will also instruct them not to iron the knitted lace part.

Finally, here is the thank you note I received from M. On the one hand, I'm embarrassed because I know the gift isn't perfect; on the other hand, M writes such elegant notes.

How can I adequately express my deep appreciation and reverance for a gift of such consequence and intrinsic worth? I am awed by your thoughtfulness and the beauty and substance of your handwork. I will indeed treasure the beautiful lace and hold dear the kindness, talent, generosity of spirit, and good thoughts with which it was wrought. Thank you....

Projects List - 1st Edition

2005-09-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Originally posted January 6, 2004

Knitting projects list

Yesterday afternoon I catalogued my knitting projects and stash of yarn. The stash is not very large or interesting. But some of the knitting projects have gone unfinished all too long. Here is a listing by order of how long I've (not) been working on various projects:

Project: Baby Blanket
Started: 1986
Pattern: Leisure Arts Leaflet 397 Baby Wrappers!, "Eyelet Lace"
Yarn: Bernat Sesame 4 100% wool in "Baby Green"
To finish: Sew one garter stich border to main blanket; knit second border and sew; knit top border.
Project: Baby Sweater and Hat
Started: 2001
Pattern: Sirdar 3071
Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Baby Care Cotton Blend DK, baby blue color
To Finish: Complete button placket; sew to body of sweater; sew on buttons.
Project: Fingerless Gloves
Started: November 2002
Pattern: "Basic Women's Fair Isle Fingerless Gloves"
from Knitting Fair Isle Mittens & Gloves: 40 Great-Looking Designs by Carol Rasmussen Noble
Yarn: Filanda Extrafine 100% Alpaca, heather taupe color
To Finish: Mark thumb of left hand glove; knit about an inch and a half to the fingers; knit the partial fingers.
Project: Faroese Shawl
Started: Summer 2003
Pattern: "Barbara Shawl" in Stahman's Shawls & Scarves: Lace Faroese-Shaped Shawls From The Neck Down and Seamen's Scarves by Myrna Stahman
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fine (80% cotton, 20% wool), white "Cotton Ball"
To Finish: Need to find my place in the pattern; have knit about 12 inches down from the neck—the rows only get longer and longer.
Project: Black & White Jacket
Started: Fall 2003
Pattern: "Atherton" from Jean Frost Jackets: Fabric, Fit, and Finish for Today's Knits
Yarn: Euroflax 100% linen, black; Ornaghi Filati Mohair, off-white
To Finish: Have completed about 13 inches of the back; soon to start decreasing for the armholes.
Project: Baby Layette
Started: Fall 2003
Pattern: "Rose" in Baby Knits from Dale of Norway: Soft Treasures for Little Ones
Yarn: Baby Ull Dalegarn, pink
To Finish: Start decreasing for armholes on sweater; knit second bootie; sew together first bootie; knit hat.
Project: Assorted Barbie doll clothes
Pattern: From Knits for Barbie Doll by Nicky Epstein

My first goal is to finish the top three projects, soon! I've started with the fingerless glove.

Picture Uploads

2005-08-22T21:01:00.000-07:00