Archive for the 'Patterns' Category
« Previous EntriesNext Entries »
better update!
Monday, October 15th, 2007
I’m back to knitting and sewing!
In addition to the normal book writing and freelance stuff, I’m working now on the scarf for the class I’m teaching on the 27th at Unravel. It’s a ribbed lace pattern that looks equally good from the front or the back, and doesn’t curl at the edges so after blocking it stays nice and flat.
It’s knit on 6s, so it’s not incredibly tiny and goes fast for lace. (Those are my redwood Colonials, if you haven’t had a chance to try these needles, I recommend them. They’re really pointy and flexy but not TOO flexy…and they’re just pretty.)
(If you do the zoom on that photo…please ignore the cat hair on the couch! I need to get the vacuum out this afternoon….)
The sewing part of the post is baby-related…here’s what the newest batch of diapers look like:
Front:
Back:
Inside:
These are size small Fattycakes (of course) with woven cotton Hello Kitty outer, hidden layer of PUL inside, along with a few layers of cotton terry for absorbancy. The inner is cotton flannel. This kind of sewing is totally addictive. Choosing fabrics, thinking about Mazey’s outfits and what she’s going to need to go with what. It’s also very assembly-line, so I cut everything out and do step one on them all, then step two, etc., so it goes FAST. I can make 10 or so diapers in a day if I really sit down and do it. Just very mindless and satisfying because it’s so immediate.
——-
So I started taking a B6 supplement, and it has helped SO MUCH with the tiredness!! I was living most days like this:
Wake up at 7, prep for class, teach, come home for lunch, sleep till about 5, wake up for 4 hours, go to bed.
Lately, I’m not needing that 3 hour nap in the middle of the day. It’s also knocked out the morning sickness completely. The day is SO much better when it doesn’t start out with a vomit. I’m also getting used to the extra weight out front, and the new center of gravity. There were a couple of weeks there when my belly suddenly just POPPED out, from nothing to HUGE…and I just wasn’t used to it. I wish someone had suggested B6 earlier! It seems like every single pregnancy is different, and they just don’t know what will work for every person. It’s hit and miss.
Posted in just chit chat, Patterns, baby | 5 Comments »
Is it fall where you live?
Saturday, September 8th, 2007
Here in Southern NM, it’s starting to cool down. I think it was about 68 last night, but it was still in the high 80s all day.
I’m ready for it to be fall. Every year when school starts, it feels like it should be sweater weather already. Growing up in Iowa, we’d have to wait a few weeks for REAL fall weather, but by the time mid-September rolled around, it was usually sweater-weather in the evenings. And then living in the Northeast NY, MD, same thing, except fall lasted a LOT longer and the winters were milder.
Here in the waaaaaaay Southwest, though…we have LooooooooOOOooOooong summers. I LOVE the sunshine, and I really do even enjoy the heat. For about 3-4 months…and now I’m ready for it to cool the f*** down already! I’m getting BIG, I’m walking funny (the waddle) and I’m TOO HOT.
In preparation for cooler weather, I started working on this shrug-sweater-thing out of some gorgeous Neighborhood Fiber Co. Merino. It’s gonna have long sleeves, super-extendo-ribbing, and actually close in the front. This is what I work on at SnB on Wednesdays, so I get a few inches done every week. My rate of project-completion has gone waaaaaaay down since this pregnancy has set in. I’m so tired. In a good way, but tired.
The ultrasound yesterday was really neat.
This clinic we went to has a much more high-tech machine than they do at our reglar clinic. (This was a level-2 ultrasound that they do on high-risk people.) We saw her little arms and legs, hands and feet, head, heart, stomach, kidneys, brain, ribs, spine…everything.
She was wiggling around and moving her legs and arms a LOT. When we first saw her, she was lying with her arms in the same position that I was lying in on the table!
Both the technician and the attending physician remarked on how much she was moving and called her a “wiggle worm.” (And said again that all that movement is great to see and is a great sign.)
She just woke up and I can feel her moving around now, too. She’s not doing the big Karate (or Kar-a-tay) kicks yet, but I can feel her moving and dancing around. So, we got some of the ultrasound photos, and I put them in her scrapbook…but except for the first one, they’re kind of a mystery. The one that says “face” is the one that I’m particularly ignoring.
It’s really cute to compare the first batch where she was like a gummi bear with a tail to the second batch where we can see her long legs and even a foot! She’s sure growing and I’m so relieved to have gotten to see her and know that she’s doing well.
We go back in 4 weeks for another of these, because her position in my belly was such that they weren’t able to see the outflow “tubes,” for lack of better word, from her heart well enough. Her back was facing forward, head down. So we’ll see her again soon!
(I’ll add pics today, but wanted to post the update to the quickie from yesterday!)
Posted in just chit chat, Patterns, events, baby | 13 Comments »
Photo Sunday (Petal)
Sunday, August 19th, 2007
I finally got the buttons sewn on the Petal sweater, so we were able to take the final photos. I decided to use smaller buttons than I originally planned because the bigger ones just didn’t sit well right at the top of the neckline. These are still vintage Bakelite buttons…just smaller. A few years ago I managed to amass quite the Bakelite button collection through some serious and dedicated eBaying. Lucky for me NOW, because I’ve become incredibly lazy.
I realized something today that I’m totally going to pass off as a “design feature” of this sweater. Having the two buttons and the two buttonholes makes is possible to vary the ease in the front of the sweater. And, luckily, it looks equally fine with one button closed as it does all buttoned up.
If you’re really careful while finishing, you can even wear it with the “lapels” turned out like a real little suit jacket.
I’m putting the finishing touches on version 1.0 of the pattern, which will go out to the TestLab this afternoon or tomorrow sometime.
—-
This has been just a great weekend. Yesterday we rearranged the furniture in the living room. We brought the futon out of the baby’s room and put the rocker IN the baby’s room. (Friends have decided to build us a crib, so we needed to make room for that.)
I also set up a new bookcase in the LR and put all my cloth diaper sewing material in pretty baskets so I can have it out (but not OUT) all the time. We did a major floor-cleaning and furniture-and-curtain vacuuming. Nate took a bunch of Rubbermaid containers of my too-small clothes out to the garage and got that all organized.
I’m not exactly sure why this brings me so much joy, but it DOES! I’m in this total cleaning-binge-mode right now…lately (and this is new) clutter bugs the HELL out of me, and I literally lie in bed at night obsessing about what needs to be organized next. Somehow, though, dusting hasn’t yet become a priority. 
Today we went out to take Petal Pictures. I haven’t really been happy with a photoshoot since Germany, so that was nice.
Then we went out to lunch to my favorite big-salad bar-having place. After that, we stopped by work to pack up and move out all my extraneous books and papers. It feels so good to be moving on to the next phase of our lives. I really don’t think I’ve been this happy in years.
In fact, this just might be the happiest I’ve EVER been in my LIFE.
Posted in just chit chat, Patterns | 27 Comments »
More baby clothes
Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
So, Ok…I’m totally addicted to my baby. I know that sounds rediculous, and it probably is. But I can think of nothing else.
To help assuage this feeling of urgency in regard to “getting ready” I keep something baby on the needles at all times.
Here’s the most recent Baby Thing:
It’s a pair of “Picky Pants.” (Another soaker.) For this one, I used Theresa’s pattern and followed it to the T. The pattern is like a choose your own adventure novel, in that it’s 18 pages long…and after completing one step you decide whether to add some feature (short rows in the seat) or another (long or short legs, different hem treatments.) I’ll definitely make these again! (Yarn is Cascade 220 tweed.)
And here’s the most recent Baby Thing from Mom:
It’s a sweater from Jill Eaton’s “Minnies” baby book, with another set of handmade buttons. CUTE. This one is Malabrigo worsted!!
(photos taken at night, again!)
Posted in just chit chat, Patterns, baby | 11 Comments »
My first…soaker.
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007
To those of us who are new to the whole cloth-diapering world, the word “soaker” being used to describe a diaper cover is just gross.
But that that’s what it’s called.
And there are a million and a half free soaker patterns on the internet.
So (and they tell me this is true) apparently, you can put a cloth diaper on a baby, then put a pair of wool undies on top of that…and it won’t leak. You have to wash the wool undies in a lanolin mixture first, but isn’t that interesting? That wool is as waterproof as some other manmade stuff? I love wool.
I used the cast on number from this pattern and then “winged it.”
MODS:
Instead of doing the k1 p1 stitch pattern, I worked mine all in stockinette. I also did a more decorative decrease method at the edges (slip the first stitch, k1, skp, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2) on every RS row.I picked up a multiple of 4 sts for the waistband and worked that in k2p2 ribbing, making eyelets for the draw cord in every P rib, about 1 inch up. Also picked up for ribbing at legholes.
Main part is regular worsted yarn (maybe Brown Sheep naturespun?) that I dyed with KoolAid, and the ribbing is all Malabrigo merino worsted. The photos are kind of technicolor again…because when I get home from work I go to SLEEP. Then I can get up for a couple hours and do some stuff, like take photos…in the dark.
Posted in Patterns, baby | 15 Comments »
A few FO shots
Thursday, August 2nd, 2007
SO…here are a few FO shots (click on one and it goes to the set). I’m pretty happy with how it came out. It needs a good blocking and buttons…but on the mannequin you can get an idea of where the buttons will be.
That’s our incredibly fancy backyard, complete with lots of random wires doing who-knows-what on the side of the house. AND…that’s my BELLY! I’m 16 weeks, almost halfway there!
It looks a LOT different on the mannequin with no curvy belly underneath!
Like I said, it’s pretty plain, but that’s part of what I like about it. I won’t have to think about it or work to put an outfit together around it. Believe it or not…purple actually does go with most of my wardrobe! I might do a wool one with long sleeves for winter. I think this will be great for nursing, too…what do you nursing moms think?
I’m feeling better today, and I’m SO GLAD. I don’t want to see another flu bug again! My appetite is back, and it’s so nice to be hungry again! 
We have another midwife appointment tomorrow, and we’ll start scheduling the 20-week tests. I’m looking forward to getting all of that out of the way. We don’t get an ultrasound this time, it’s hard to wait to see the baby again!
In general, feeling really good but tired. I’m not as nervous about everything as I was in the beginning. If I lie or sit still, I can feel the baby move around. That’s so reassuring!!
Posted in Uncategorized, just chit chat, Patterns, baby | 13 Comments »
Maternity top finished
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007
Hello! After a few days’ bed rest (for the flu that wouldn’t die) actually mandated by our midwife. I’m feeling better, typing no longer makes me seasick, and I can actually eat FOOD and drink DRINKS! (Other than crackers and saltines.)
I don’t know how this sickness happened, or how it settled in for so long! I felt like hell on Tuesday, Wenesday, and went back to work on Thursday…then Fri - yesterday were a MESS. Today was still really slow, but not AS bad, so I finished knitting my maternity top in between naps.
The basic concepts that went into it are:
1) I know myself better than to think I’ll feel like knitting myself very many sweaters that I’ll only be able to use for a short time. If I DO knit myself something while I’m pregnant, it has to last the whole time, and even after the baby comes. I’m not about to spend a week on something I’ll only wear for a week! (Longevity)
2) I’ve heard that a pregnant body temp is a lot higher than normal…so I want something that I can adjust the warmth of…by opening buttons or something along those lines. (Adjustable temperature)
3) The size should be pretty much self-adjusting. I want to get a lot of use out of this, but I don’t want to have to do any reworking of the sweater at later stages…it should just grow on its own. (Adjustable size)
4) Since I’m not making myself a ton of new maternity sweaters, what I DO make I want to be able to wear with a lot of stuff. (Versatility)
5) This should be something I don’t have to think too much about while I’m knitting (baby brain) so that in case I somehow lose track of where I’m at in the pattern, it’s either really east to figure out OR just doesn’t really make much difference because it’ll turn out fine anyway. (Not very complex…but looks sophisticated)
6) Easy care / multiple season use. I chose a cotton/rayon blend with lots of bounce. Should be washable and not need to be treated too preciously. Also, it’s 5 sts / inch on US8s (5mm), so very easy to sub yarn, use other fiber content, etc.
SO…it’s kinda plain, but I definitely think it’s versatile and I really hope that my construction idea holds up to the other points above.
It’s going to be really easy to customize, by either adding a stitch pattern (it’s stockinette) or lengthening the sleeves or making the whole body longer, adding shaping, etc. It took about 3 or 4 days of knitting to finish.
Anyway, sorry for the “no photos,” it’s got ends that need weaving and buttons to attach…then I’ll show you the FO.
OK, back to bed because tomorrow is back to the office!
Posted in just chit chat, Patterns | 4 Comments »
maternity clothes
Sunday, July 29th, 2007
I’ve been looking around at maternity clothes, and I have to say…I’m having a hard time finding anything. Jeans or otherwise.
The problems are:
1) The butt of maternity jeans is really distressing. The pockets are way too small, or they somehow really have a funny cut that flattens and enlarges.
2) They’re all to short.
3) The washes are ridiculous or they’re bedazzled.
I finally found a couple of pairs at Ross for like $15, they fit passably well, they’re long enough, they’re straight leg…but they washes are hideous. SO one task for tonight is to dye them indigo. (WML)
I started working on a maternity jacket/sweater. It’s going to be something I can wear now, and that will grow with my belly so that I can wear it later, too.
Posted in yarn reviews, just chit chat, Patterns | 23 Comments »
Karida’s Saartje’s Booties!!
Saturday, July 28th, 2007
Aaw!! Look what Karida sent me!! I’ve got the Saatrje’s booties pattern downloaded onto my computer, but haven’t made them yet…and LOOK! She read my mind and made them FOR me!!
These are soooOOooo sweet!!
OK, I almost hit “publish” without really writing much or giving any updates…
SO. Here’s what’s new. I found out on Friday that I’ll be teaching an intro astronomy class this fall. I’m reading the textbook, planning lectures and reading labs. That’s going to be really fun, I think. I’ve never had an astronomy class with a lab before. Lots of chances to demonstrate principles with real life situations. I love labs.
The next big thing is that the final final FINAL deadline for my next knitting book is October 1. (That’s also my mom’s birthday, coincidentally.)
SO…while everything is going super-smooth so far, and I’m getting my steam back after the first trimester, I’m still feeling that little twinge of recognition that I *might* have a busy next couple of months.
I’m finally starting to look pregnant and not just chunky-in-the-exact-front-of-my-belly. SO…maybe I’ll post a belly photo one of these days. I just want it to be more obvious that it’s a baby. Even though I’m still not *quite* sure I look pregnant, it’s been so hot here I’ve been wearing men’s A-shirts as shirts(those ribbed undershirts) all the time. I’ve found myself sort of making a point to hold my belly and pat it in public, so people will think, “oh, it’s a baby.” and not, “She should NOT be wearing that!” I pat it pretty much all the time any way. (So excited!)
We’ve started having rainy season, so it cools down at night and we get really nice thunder and lightning storms. But it leaves the daytime really humid. You’d think I’d be used to it coming from Iowa, but no. I’m declimatized toward humidity. AND…we have a swamp cooler so to use it is to ADD humidity. So. We bought blackout curtains and installed those in all the windows and sliding doors on the NorthEast side of the house. It seems to be helping.
….And, now that I’m talking about curtains, I think that’s all the news worth reporting!
OH! here are a bunch more Saartje’s Booties photos.
Posted in just chit chat, Patterns, baby | 5 Comments »
Baby Bog: Finished!!
Tuesday, July 17th, 2007
I think it turned out pretty well. The yarns certainly look GREAT! I really love that the visual interest is totally amped by the combination of garter stitch and verigated handspun.
People are going to want to eat our kid for breakfast when (s)he’s in this sweater!
STATS:
Pattern: Bog Jacket from Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Around.
Size: 24″ chest
Yarn: Spincycle Yarns handspun 100% merino in [MC] Booya Kasha [CC] Lummi Island Sunset
Needle: US7(4.5mm)
Mods: shortened the body, added the optional shoulder shaping, only did the applied i-cord along the fronts.
Things I’d do differently: hold the RS together when kitchnering up the pieces…holding WS together created a knit row where I’d have preferred a purl row. remember to incorporate buttonholes into the applied i-cord.
