knitting – Page 2 – Celebrate Life!

Teaching crochet: Crochet & knitted amigurumi dolls. Knitted robe and shawl

August 8, 2012August 12, 2012 Aynaria 7 Comments

This week, my biggest work in progress is teaching my daughter to crochet. I mainly knit, but I relearned crochet this past December, and I love it too.

Earlier this year, my daughter expressed interest in learning crochet. She didn’t stick with it after learning the simple chain and single crochet, and I didn’t push. She wasn’t ready and immediately went back to her comfort zone, sewing. She’s been sewing for three years; she’s nine-years old.

This time is different, she’s determined to learn crochet, and I believe her. I know my daughter well enough to know when she’s ready to master something, and so I’ll be there to gently coax her along if she gets frustrated. She told me that after she masters crochet, she wants to learn knitting.

The crochet and knitted amigurumi dolls that I’ve made are the main reason she wants to learn. She’s seen how much fun I have turning my sketches into a lovely fiber art, and she wants design her own. She designs most of the clothing for her Monster High dolls. Occasionally, she’ll ask me to design outfits for them.

Last evening, I had her working on a simple crocheted square, and she did well. I told her initially, her crochet might not look as she’d like, and that was fine. If she persevered, crochet would become much easier, and eventually she’d be able to make whatever she likes.

Another crocheted amigurumi doll

Crochet: amigurumi doll — I need some clothes!

This past Friday, I started crocheting this amigurumi doll. I didn’t use a pattern. This doll is for my daughter’s best friend, and while we gave her some lovely presents at her Girlee Gurlz birthday party, in the back of my mind, I wanted to give her more.. so this will be an extra gift.

Knitted amigurumi doll

Yesterday, I finished knitting the legs for this knitted amigurumi doll, and last evening I sewed the seams. There are a few firsts going on here…. You see, it’s my first time knitting an amigurumi doll, and it’s also my first time making a non-fabric doll with seams. With crochet I’ve always made dolls in the round. With the next doll I knit, I’ll knit in the round too, with my circular needles.

Knitted robe for amigurumi doll

This is the robe I’m knitting for the knitted amigurumi doll. I’m using a seed stitch. Once this is complete I’ll add embroidery, and most likely line the robe. The book you see in the background, The Very Easy Guide to Lace Knitting has some lovely lace trim pattern and I’ll be using some of those as a gift to a friend. I know she’ll adore the hand-knitted lace trim.

Knitting: Diamonds and Pearls Shawl

I’m linking too…

It’s Alive!

August 3, 2012August 12, 2012 Aynaria 3 Comments

Yesterday, during my free time, I found myself knitting this project.

Knitting Amigurumi doll pieces — Can you tell what I’m knitting?

It might be hard to figure what I’m making… currently, it’s just a bunch of knitted pieces, but eventually this will be a knitted amigurumi doll.

I chose not to knit in the round since I wanted to add extra stitching details to this knitted dolls body, which is definitely doable knitting circular, but not as easy. Also I’ve never crocheted or knitted a flat amigurumi project… first time for everything, right?

It’s my first time knitting an amigurumi doll, and surprisingly enough I’m liking it more than the crochet amigurumis dolls I’ve made. Shocking indeed, since I didn’t think that would happen. Of course this means I’ll be making my own knitted Coraline soon. And as much as I loved crocheting Coraline, I wondered at the time how she would look knitted.

While knitting this doll, I felt like Victor Frankenstein, prepping my little beastie that I’ll eventually bring to life, and of course I became inspired to knit another doll, that one will be undead.

As a child my mother couldn’t understand my fascination with the darker subjects such as the occult, horror, etc., and banned me from reading such material. I still managed to read those books. It’s one of the few times I secretly defied her. That fascination has continued to this day, but these days I write stories, or put my ideas into sewing. It’ll be nice to expand that to crochet and knitting.

Knitting amigurim doll — Putting the knitted amigurumi parts together

And while this knitted doll is only body parts, I’m loving her! I’m not sure you can see her little lumps on her upper torso; those will be her boobs. The knitted increases were put in the right place, so the only thing left is to give them a bit of a “lift”. Also, I’ll be adding a navel. Guess what? When you flip her over, there will be an actual butt, not just some shapeless thing. But that’s as far as I’m going with being anatomically correct. I wanted this knitted doll to be similar to my daughters Monster High dolls.

Of course, I’m using my Knit Picks Options circular needles for this project. Circular needles aren’t only for knitting things in the round (socks, hats, etc.)

Because this doll is knitted flat, there will be a lot of seaming. Since I love sewing (especially hand-sewing) I don’t avoid implementing it into my crafts. You know, I was content to start seaming when all the parts were knitted (I still need to knit the feet) I have an impatient nine-year old daughter who wanted to see at least one seamed body part.

Knitting making a dollhand — Seaming a knitted hand…

And so, last evening before she went to bed, I seamed a hand.

You know… I should have been working on a crocheted doll for my daughter’s best friends birthday party (which is tomorrow) and I promise I’ll do that… today. But yesterday the knitted doll idea I had spinning in my head, was begging me to make her, and so I listened.

Gothic Knits by Fiona McDonald

Where can I find the knitted doll pattern?

My inspiration for the doll came from Fiona McDonald. This particular pattern is from her book, Gothic Knits, as with patterns I follow, I deviated from the pattern; sometimes a little, often a lot. I’ve been a follower of Fiona’s artwork for quite some time. I was intrigued that with many of the dolls made by her weren’t knit in the round.

With my next knitted amigurumi, I’ll knit in the round, and include a lot of details that I’ll be adding to this doll. Knitting this doll has brought back many fond memories of the numerous dolls I sewed from the age of seven on into my teens. I never played with them, but I sure loved bringing them to “life”.

One of the songs playing through my mind, while knitting this doll… I love Rob Zombie’s music.

Knitting: Diamonds and Pearls shawl; work in progress

August 1, 2012August 12, 2012 Aynaria 13 Comments

I adore shawls and wear them constantly during the cooler months. I’ve designed and sewed many of my own, but I realized that I’m lacking with crocheted or knitted shawls. It’s high time I changed that, right?

This Monday, I casted on the Diamonds and Pearls shawl. It’s a simple pattern that knits up very quickly. But… between clients projects, hanging with my daughter, and other daily tasks, it hasn’t left me too much time for knitting. Yesterday, I’ve only managed to knit a few rows of the Diamond and Pearls shawl, but it’s coming along nicely. I’m over the halfway point, yeah!

With lace projects, I usually use a lighter yarn than the one used here. However, this pattern called for worsted weight yarn. Since I love the simple lacy design, I decided to cast on this project and start knitting.. I’m undecided if I’ll keep this or gift it to someone else? Decisions, decisions… Regardless of what I decide, I’ll deviate from the pattern a bit and make it longer, perhaps knit a simple crocheted flower, and I’m thinking I’ll incorporate beads into the knitted fringe.

Shelia January is the designer of Diamonds and Pearls, and can be found on Ravery. My user name on Ravelry is OpalT. The knitted shawl pattern can be found in The Book of Yarn. Please note that this pattern is written, no charts, I prefer charts, but since I really wanted to make it. I started knitting the shawl.

Knitting: Diamonds and Pearls errata page

I usually come up with my own designs, but when following a pattern, I’ve gotten into the habit of searching for an errata page. There’s an errata page for the Diamonds and Pearls knitted shawl, and while there aren’t many errors with this pattern. If I remember it’s only two, it’s still wise to check when working with a pattern before you start the project. With this pattern, the first error is located within the first row.

I’m linking too…

Knitted Mary Jane slippers; simple

July 26, 2012August 12, 2012 Aynaria 4 Comments

From the age of 12 – 15, one of my favorite shoes to wear were shoes similar to the ones I knitted above. I remember we referred to them as baby doll slippers, but they were also marketed as Mary Jane’s or China doll slippers too.

The doormat below my feet says Wipe your paws!

Back in the 1980s, a plain canvas pair like the ones featured above, cost between $3.00 – $6.00. And those were the type I usually received. Occasionally, I’d use my own money, that I’d received from cutting lawns to purchase those shoes. They also had fancy pairs with beautiful embroidered decorations on the front of the shoe. Those were about three dollars more. One year, I had a pair that featured a gorgeous flower, and the next year I had a pair that featured a dragon. Since I was so fond of embroidery I really loved those shoes.

Since I wore them often, they received a lot of wear. I was a tomboy (still am I guess). Shocking I know since I enjoy making pretty things. But I’d still much prefer be outdoors, getting dirty from yard work, than to get dressed up in anything fancy. As a child, my baby doll shoes took a lot of abuse, from all my activities, but I’d still try to wear them. I remember my mother found a pair of my baby doll shoes, and threw them into the trash. Gee, thanks mom!

I made these knitted baby dolls/mary jane slippers, last week, while renovations were going on in our home. A simple knitted rib stitch was used, k3, p3. I really love rib stitch. For me it’s mindless knitting, and I can do this pattern with my eyes closed. The pink buttons are actually crocheted. Sometimes, when working on crafts, I go into “purist mode”, and refuse to work with anything but fibers to finish off a project. And so, with some of my handcrafted items the embellishments you see will be crochet, embroidery, knitting, or sewing.

In hindsight I should have doubled the yarn, since the knitted slippers I made, used a single strand of worsted weight yarn. But overall I was pleased with how soft and comfortable these shoes are. After all, I’d made plenty of crocheted bedroom slippers for others, it was time to add myself to the equation. I was quite pleased with those crocheted bedroom slippers that I linked too, I made them about a month after I started crocheting. I’ve advanced a lot, with crochet, since those early days.

For future knitted mary jane slippers perhaps I’ll use more elaborate stitches? I might even incorporate lace into some of the shoes. Who knows, perhaps I’ll add some embroidery too… I have many wonderful childhood memories, it’s nice that I can recreate some of my most cherished items through crafts.

Inspired by Curls & Q’s knitted teapot doohickey, I knitted wristlets….

July 26, 2012August 12, 2012 Aynaria 5 Comments

“You first, Mrs. Boast,” said Ma, for Mrs. Boast was company. So Mrs. Boast opened her package. In it was a lawn handkerchief edged with narrow crocheted lace. Laura recognized it; it was Ma’s best Sunday handkerchief. Mrs. Boast was delighted, and so surprised that there was a gift for her.

So was Mr. Boast. His present was wristlets, knitted in stripes of red and gray. They fitted him perfectly. They were the wristlets that Ma had knitted for Pa. But she could knit some more for Pa, and the company must have Christmas presents.

By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Boasts had arrived at the Ingall’s house on the night before Christmas, so there was no time to make them anything. They weren’t expected, but they had arrived early to get a jump on settlers looking to register a claim in the early spring. I thought it was just like Caroline, Laura’s mother, to include them in the families Christmas celebration.

If you’ve followed my site for a bit, you’ll know that I quote passages from the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, quite often. I read the entire series when I was eight-years old, and have continued to read the books; at least a few times yearly. It’s safe to say, I know the majority of the passages from those books by memory. I felt like I knew Laura, after reading her books, and I continued my research of her beyond the Little house on the Prairie series. She’s definitely a person I’d have loved to have meet.

Q, recently wrote a post about a ” knitted teapot doohickey” that she’d made. Her lovely teapot would drip, when she would serve tea, and the knitted little scrunchie (as I’ve called it) solved that issue. For some reason, Q’s post made me think about Laura’s Ma, Caroline, and her ability to come up with creative ideas. I’m betting Caroline would have loved Q’s idea. When I saw the doodad resting on the spout I instantly thought about a project that I hadn’t gotten around to making; knitted wristbands/sweatbands.

A few weeks ago, when I was doing yard work outside, I thought about making some. It was over 100 F, I was cutting grass, and doing work in the garden. A lot of sweating was going on that day. While working, I thought about knitting a pair, since I could use the wristlets to wipe off the sweat while I worked outside.

As I worked, I figured that making them in a super absorbent cotton, using a rib stitch, would be ideal. Wool was out of the question, since it makes me itch. I love cotton yarn, but I was concerned that even using a stretchy rib stitch, since it was 100% cotton yarn it wouldn’t “bounce back” as I’d like. About a month ago I knitted a 100% cotton ribbed beanie hat, that hasn’t returned to it’s normal shape after washing; so that made me hesitant to go 100%. For the wristlets, I figured that this could be avoided if I added a yarn that would retain its shape after washing. And so I added a grey acrylic yarn to the 100% green cotton yarn that I’d selected for this project. No pattern was used, I started and finished with a acrylic worsted weight yarn using a simple rib stitch; k1,p1 throughout the piece.

In the future, I’ll use a yarn that’s a cotton/polyester blend, but overall I’m pleased with the simple knitted wristlet pattern This weekend, I’ll cast on a pair for myself. I believe I’ll drop down to size five knitting needles.

I wish I could report on how awesome these were when I worked outside yesterday… but I can’t. I gave this pair to my father; July 24th, was his birthday… It was an extra gift that my daughter and I gave to him. I used my size 6 Knit Picks circular needles. It produced a tightly knitted wristlets, that were incredibly stretchy!. I bound off the stitches loosely to insure they’d fit over his large hands.

My father, loves practical gifts, just like me. He also enjoys being outdoors. Since he wipes the sweat of his forehead with his wrist, he now has super absorbent wristlets to help keep his face dry.

Wendy knits lace and how do you ssk?

July 25, 2012August 12, 2012 Aynaria 5 Comments

Earlier today, I received the book… Wendy Knits Lace by Wendy D. Johnson, flipping through the book. I saw plenty of knitted lace projects (simple and advanced) that will eventually end up as works in progress.

I’m already a big fan of Wendy’s knitted designs, having thoroughly enjoyed her books; Socks from the Toe Up and Toe-Up Socks for Everybody. Wendy didn’t disappoint with this book, and I enjoyed flipping through the pages, and being inspired by the gorgeous knitted lace designs.

Regardless of your skill with lace knitting you’ll find an appropriate project. Wendy has an entire chapter focused on learning lace knitting techniques, and she even tells you how to fix common lace knitting mistakes; perfect for a new lace knitter, or someone who wants to brush up on lace knitting.

Of course, I’ve already casted on a knitted project from this book. How could I resist? The designs are lovely! I chose the Elizabeth cowl as my first project. For those new to lace knitting (and chart reading) I’d highly recommend this pattern. I’m already working on an elaborate project, and I don’t feel like adding another one — just yet.

The actual lace pattern consists of seven stitches, and there’s two lace pattern rows repeated throughout the entire row. The chart is simple (just four rows total) that’s repeated throughout the pattern. The only stitches used in the pattern are k, p, yo, k2tog, and ssk. These stitches creates a simple, but pretty lacy design. For a new knitter ssk can be a bit deceptive, since if you took it literally, you would slip, slip, knit. But that’s not true. SSK is actually a left slanting decrease. k2tog is a right slanting decrease.

How do I make ssk stitches?

Ssk (usually) means that you slip each stitch knitwise, once stitch at a time. Occasionally, I’ve seen it done differently, but it was explained in the pattern. Moving the stitches from the left to right needle.

Slip each stitch, one at a time, from your left to right needle.
Insert the left knitting needle into the fronts of the slipped stitches which are now on your right needle.
Knit the slipped stitches together

Youtube has a video tutorial of the differences between ssk and k2tog. If you’re unsure how to do these stitches the video tutorial will show you how to make ssk and k2tog.

Over the past week, I’ve taken numerous photos of work in progresses (most of which are now complete) and finished objects. My daughter even caught a few pictures of me knitting, so I’ll be sure to post some of those too. I most likely will start posting the pictures here at Celebrate Life, tomorrow.

Knitting abbreviations

k=knit

p=purl

yo=yarn over

ssk=slip, slip, knit

k2tog=knit two together

Still not on my MacBook Pro; Knitting with my Knit Picks Options circular needles

July 21, 2012July 21, 2012 Aynaria 1 Comment

Besides a quick look at my 17″ MacBook Pro, I wasn’t able to do anything else. I’m thinking it might be my hard drive, hopefully I’ll have a chance to run a few tests today to see if I’m correct. Since I do use external hard drives, I’m not worried about data loss. My hard drive information is secured in a few places. That ailing MacBook Pro is my oldest Mac computer, I’ve had it for six years now, and for the most part I haven’t had any issues, so I can’t complain.

Since all my user information is stored on my MacBook Pro there are still items and sites that I don’t have access too, and I’ve resisted the urge to attempt to retrieve any of that information from the desk top — yet. But I might have to soon.

In other news…

Renovations at our home are almost finished, the contractor is working on the main bathroom, once that is complete we’ll be able to put items back in their normal place.

Having fun with my Knit Picks circular needles

Earlier this week I knitted a few preemie infant beanie hats. Soon, I’ll be dropping them off at a local hospital. Currently I’m working on a really soft and squishy scarf buttery yellow cabled scarf. I told you my Knit Picks interchangeable needles were getting a workout.

Once complete I’ll add it into my completed projects bin. I have a nice clear storage bin that contains all my crocheted, knitted, and sewed items that are being given to someone else. While quite a few of those hand crafted items have name tags, there are other items that don’t since I have no idea who’ll receive them. And such is the case with this scarf, currently, I’m unsure of whom I’ll honor with this gift. But based on the time spent making these intricate cables, the recipient will definitely be worthy of a handcrafted item.

Tag: knitting