Month: July 2012

Owl’s it going? Owl cables, appliques, and hat; finished object Friday

Aynaria 16 Comments

This past Saturday, I returned home from vacation in South Carolina. Once everything was put away, my circular needles were steadily clicking away at new projects.

Knitted cable owl applique 1

The first item I casted on were these owl appliques. The lilac owl, was the first one I made. I decided to make this knitted cable owl, as an applique before adding it to a larger project. The green owl I made slightly different. I wanted its ears to mimic the Long-eared owls I’ve seen in some of my books.

Knitted cable owl applique 2

Owl cable knit applique

My nine-year old daughter loved it, and sewed on two buttons, and used a bead for its nose.

Knitted owl cable ribbed beanie hat 1

Owl cable knit beanie hat

Since I was pleased with the knitted cable owl, I knitted a hat for her. Can you see the owls?

Although it’s a finished object I’ll be either embroidering or adding beaded eyes to her hat. Who knows, I might do a combination of both? No pattern was used for the hat, just your basic knitted rib stitch, followed by the owl cable rows, and I finished it of with stockinette stitch. The yarn used is a washable wool/polyester blend. I can knit with animal fibers but can’t wear most of them since they’ll give me a rash, and make me itch.

Knitted owl cable cowl 1

Owl cable knit cowl

She loved the hat so much that I made a cowl. With the cowl I used a different cable stitch to make the knitted owl cables, I wasn’t as pleased with this cable results, but my daughter loves her cowl. I added a lacy design to the bottom of this cowl, tossed the hat and cowl into the washer/dryer, and now they’ve been folded away until I add the eyes, then they’ll be tucked away once more until the weather gets cold.

My daughter told me she now wants cold weather, since it’ll give her the perfect excuse to wear her newest knitted items. I must say; I don’t mind making items for my nine-year old daughter. She appreciates hand crafted items, so she’s definitely crochet/knit worthy.

Knitted ribbed beanie hat 1

Ribbed knit beanie hat

The above knitted beanie hat was completed before we went on vacation, and originally it had a crochet trim at the bottom of that hat, but since I wasn’t feeling that trim, I removed it, kept on knitting in simple stockinette stitch, transferred my circulars for double pointed knitting needles, finished the decrease rows, and marked this off as a finished object.

Sites I’m linking too…

  1. Tami’s Ami’s 
  2. Natural Suburbia
  3. Wisdom Begins in Wonder

 

Still loving my DPN’s

Aynaria 2 Comments

Dpn

I don’t just use circular knitting needles for knitting in the round. Think hats, cowls, etc. I also use them for straight work such as sweaters, scarves, and flat lacework. They’ve complete replaced my standard knitting needles.

And although I’ve kicked my straight knitting needles to the needle art graveyard, I still use my DPN’s aka double-pointed needles…

I couldn’t imagine finishing off my knitted hats with anything but DPN’s… sure I start with circular knitting needles, but I always switch to dpn’s once my decreased stitches demand something smaller than my 16″ circular needles can handle.

Video tutorial: How to make a magic loop with circular knitting needles

I still prefer DPN’s over the magic loop. For some small projects I’ll use magic loop with my circular needles, but in many cases for working small projects in the round, I opt for my DPN’s, mainly because circulars/magic loops seems too fiddly to me…

Oh… one double pointed needle also come in handy for some of my cable stitches too. Yes, I do have cable needles, and occasionally use them, but for larger work, I always reach for my dpn’s.

After observing several videos of knitting socks with circular needles, I’m not too impressed, but I still will make a few pairs, before I form an opinion. But I most likely will keep using double pointed needles.

Disaster area; cleanup imminent

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Wednesday, I rearranged by bedroom/design area.  The bed has been moved to the other side of the room, which opens up more space for my fiber creativity; crochet, knitting, and sewing.

My nine-year old daughter seems to love it too, since she’s been hanging out in mommy’s room for reading. It’s nice to see she loves book, almost as much as myself. And while I’d love her to read more than the R.L. Stine series, for her “no-brainer reading.” I don’t push it, since she reads a variety of educational topic too. She’s read the Stine read numerous times already, she did pick up the latest Monster High Book: Monster High 4; Back Deader Than Ever, the last time we visited the library.

But back to my bedroom, I found a ton of clothes in s small closet I rarely use. I sorted through them, and am giving them away to a local charity. Quite a few of the items in there are clothes I designed, but I know I won’t wear them anymore. They still look great, but I already have enough clothing, so why hold on to items I most likely won’t wear? It seems a bit silly… you know?

The good news is, since now have extra space, I have the perfect spot to put my embroidery floss, fabric and yarn. Oh my jewerly supplies are there too. The closet is big enough for all my supplies with room left over. I even stacked Cuttlebug, paper, and stamps on one of the shelves. While I’m not as active with sketching, like my daughter, I regularly my own cards, and I make sure I have a variety of paper on hand; plain, linen, canvas, and card stock for  both of us.

The good news is that my bedroom should be back to normal in a few hours, with the added perk that I have more space… pure  win!

Knit Picks: Options interchangeable nickel plated knitting needles; My upcoming Knit Picks purchase

Aynaria 8 Comments

I’m finally breaking down and purchasing the Knit Picks Options interchangeable nickel plated knitting needles. I love silver, so that appealed to me. The needles are also super-pointy, I like that, and it’s perfect for knitting lace. I’ve tried plastic and wood hooks and needles and I don’t like them.

I didn’t learn about KnitPicks until early this year. Interesting to read that some fiber lovers refer to it as the Wal Mart of online yarn shopping. I honestly can’t say, since I’ve never ordered from them before. But if this is indeed true, I think it’s a great choice for those that don’t have the money, or simply don’t want to spend a lot of money on their fiber addiction.

Knit Picks Options interchangeable knitting needle

When I first started using circular knitting needles, I didn’t think I’d be spending a moderate chunk of cash on them. I was perfectly happy with the circular knitting needles I have (mainly Boye, but a few Bates are tossed in there too). The idea of occasionally swapping needles without a lifeline was appealing, also I liked the fact that I could go up and down in cord size.

What does the set include?

NICKEL-PLATED KNITTING NEEDLE TIPS

US Sizes: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,10.5 and 11 (3.50mm, 3.75mm, 4.00mm, 4.50mm, 5.00mm, 5.50mm, 6.00mm, 6.50mm, and 8mm)

CABLES

2 each of 24″ and 32″ lengths

ACCESSORIES

0.5″ x 5.75″ x 2″ zippered clear vinyl needle case, 5.75″ x 4.5″ x 0.5″ clear vinyl cable case, 8 end caps and 2 cable keys

I believe I first heard about Knitpicks through Ravelry; my favorite online crochet and knitting forum. I’m OpalT, for those who might want to friend me. And the first artsy person I saw with items from the store was Nicole of D’Nali.  I saw the Knit Picks label on some of her yarn stash. She recently posted a recipe for blueberry strawberry muffins, so do stop by and follow the recipe if you love blueberries.

Besides it’s affordability, what appealed to me was the reviews from customers who’d purchased this item from Knit Picks. For those who experienced an issue, the item was replaced quickly. And while those who had issues were slim, I really liked reading that problems were resolved.

Once I return from my hand out lunch outing with my daughter. My daughters best friend, and her mom will be joining us, I’ll be purchasing my Knit Picks Options interchangeable nickel plated needles. The set costs $69.99, and from my extensive search of those who use them, it should keep me happy for years.

A yarnie surprise; leaving an unexpected gift at the condo

Aynaria 4 Comments

I’ve finally had the chance to upload all the photos I took while away on vacation. I hit the ground running, once I arrived home, and haven’t had too much time for anything… It’ s been that busy.  

Eventually I’ll catch up with comments left, blog visits, etc., And I’ll be sure to post some of the pictures I took while in South Carolina.

You know… I completely forgot to take pictures of the dishcloth until we were leaving at 2:30 am Saturday morning, so please excuse the blur. I’m knitting up some more, so I’ll be sure to “proper photos.”  

Knitted dishcloth SC3

I had plenty of downtime while I was away, during those times my hooks and knitting needles stayed in my hands. Why? I like to keep my hands busy. I did manage to gift the condo with one of my traditional knitted dishcloths. It was nothing fancy, and only took less than an hour to knit. I made this while visiting at my grandmothers old house. She now resides in Florida, but she and her children, normally come to South Carolina, twice yearly.

My four-year old cousin watched most of the dishcloth making process, while my circular knitting needles clicked merrily along the short rows.

Knitted dishcloth SC1

What I do love about knitted cotton dishcloths is their absorbency, since it’s knitted, the fabric is stretchy, which I believe enhances its absorbency. Bottom line, they do an amazing job of scrubbing the gunk off cookware. And I thought the brightly colored dishcloth added a bit of pizazz to the dishcloth drawer.

When I returned home, I did email the condo owner to tell her that I left a token dishcloth. I also thanked her for making her condo awesome. We’ll  be back later in the year. She responded late yesterday, and thanked me for the dishcloth. Although simple, it triggered fond memories of her grandmother making knitted dishcloths for her mom, when she was young. 

And while I made that dishcloth for the condominium “just because” … I did get a knitting request from the owner. These days, I rarely sell any of my creative designs or take on commissioned work… I really don’t have the time, and some people don’t have a clue about the price when it comes to quality hand crafted items.  But, this lady isn’t like that, she gets it.  So, I’m working on a commissioned knitted item. 

While the language makes me cringe, might I refer my readers to Harlan Ellison’s rant about this topic? It’s called, Pay the Writer! Of course, this concept doesn’t only apply to writing, there are plenty of people that are eager to undervalue your hard work… if you let them. I don’t! 😉

Curious green anole; lizard

Aynaria 3 Comments

I believe this might be a green anole. 

During our vacation, we spotted this inquisitive little sweetie.

Green anole Lizard 2

While exiting the pool center, I heard a rustling in the shrubs, I stopped and patiently waited, and was rewarded when this lizard clamored onto a bush to get a better view of the chatter. Perhaps we were disturbing its afternoon siesta?

My daughter, four-year old cousin, and my aunt were there also, and so it had a captive audience. Since I’ve read a lot about lizards, I was able to talk about some of their characteristics while I snapped shots. They were a captive audience, and the lizard seemed to bask in the attention. It even was bold enough to crawl closer to get a better view, while it cocked its head, and its eyes rotated to follow us.

Green anole Lizard 1

This lizard, posed for numerous shots, and my only regret is that I didn’t stuff one of my macro lens into my Nikon D80 bag, before we headed to poolside. We reluctantly left, with the lizard still watching us.

I’m in constant awe of the world that God created, and am continuously blessed that I’m here to enjoy it.

Home, owls and cables….

Aynaria 5 Comments

We’re back home from South Carolina…

I had a great time hanging out with my daughter, spending time in our lovely condo,  and visiting extended family (mother’s side of the family). Saturday we retuned to Maryland. It’s good to be home. 

Trees near Lake Marion 1

This is what I saw each morning, it was right outside our condo in South Carolina, so many trees. I felt as though I was back in Maryland! Our little community, in Maryland, is surrounded by trees, lots of green grass, and plenty of wildlife too; deer, squirrel, rabbits, and the elusive raccoon, and the shy red fox. In my early twenties I lived in the city, and while I enjoy it… I much prefer the country.

But back to my vacation… I didn’t get to take a picture of the crocheted hat I made for my four-year old cousin’s Dora doll, but that’s ok. Lord willing, I’ll be seeing her at Thanksgiving, and I’ll be sure to take pictures of whatever quick project I whip up for her then. I must say it was nice receiving compliments on my needle work. My family is direct, so they won’t be telling me something is nice, if it looks like crap. Many of the people in my family do some type of craft. So they get that it can take time to master a technique and make it look “easy”.

It was especially nice hearing the compliments from one of my Aunts, who’s an amazing seamstress.  She’s my favorite aunt; we’re only nine years apart. My mom is fourteen years older than she. Anyway she’s had her work featured in boutiques and local design shows (just like me). She “gets” the fact that many people don’t grasp how much time it takes to make a good handcrafted garment. The time it takes to make an item, designing, materials, and actually making the item needs to factor into the final price That is… if you want people to take your skills (or others) seriously. That fact alone, is one of the many reasons  I‘ve never place my designs in the regular stores.

But back to my aunt, She’s interested enough in crochet and knitting to try it out herself. I figured she would be, she asked a lot of questions while I was making the knitted cable bag, and the crocheted hat for my cousins Dora doll. And will be following up with me in a few weeks, so I can point her to online video tutorials. She said, she’s already thought of ways she could incorporate both into her clothing designs. I told her I do the same thing… How cool is that!

Knitted; Playing with cables; knitted owl cable hat

Yesterday, I did get a chance to work on knitting cables. I cast on 90 stitches, and knitted my daughter a cable hat, the way the cables were placed resemble an owl. The hat is so cute, once it’s been washed, I’ll take pictures. I started with a freestanding knitted cable owl first, before I moved onto the hat. My daughter decorated that owl with buttons for eyes, and one of my jewelry beads for a nose. I’ll be sure to post pictures of that owl also.

I guess you could say, knitting anything with cables, is my thing to do right now. Sort of how crochet amigurumi was something I was doing a while back. I get like that, I go through phases when I do one particular thing a lot, for a variety of reason. With the crocheted amigurumis, it was something new, so I wanted to get a good grasp on it before moving onto other things. With knitted cables, those are something I’ve done for years, but I didn’t do too many elaborate cables, so for the past few weeks, I’ve been changing that, stepping up my game with cables because in the back of my mind, I’ll be making the knitted Sylvi coat sometime this fall.