Tag: knitting

Knitting: Long-term projects; Sylvi coat and Beekeepers quilt

Aynaria 11 Comments

I’m a “process crafter,” I enjoy learning a new technique.

In some cases, I’ve spent hours learning something new only to erase the project and start fresh. Most recently its been crochet, since I learned in December 2011. Occasionally I’ll learn something new with knitting, although I’ve been doing that for 33 years. When my daughter was younger, she used to be shocked that I’d erase a project… “Mommy, why did you do that, you spent a lot of time on that?” But as I told her, it was obvious that I was just learning, since it showed in my work… there was no way I was going to pass that product off as “complete” unless it was made correctly. I enjoy the process, regardless of the craft.

Works out perfectly for those people/groups that I deem “craft worthy” since I also don’t mind giving things to others…

I like to see items being used, and while I could keep all the items I’ve created, how useful would they be tucked away in some closet collecting dust? That, to me, is wasteful, since I don’t need to physically keep the items, to relieve the crafting experience. So yes, for me, it’s better to give those items to someone who’ll actually use them.

But here’s the thing…

I make the items for whomever I want, on my terms. A lot of the items made, go to someone besides me. And many of my crocheted, knitted, and sewn items are given to various charity organizations. But, the moment someone starts assuming I’ll make something for them, without even asking me, things change. I dislike self-entitlement, and for someone to automatically assume that I’ll make something for them, without even asking me first, is a bit rude. I’ll say no quickly.

I rarely make something for myself, that’s because I have what I need/want. But, I do have a few long-term projects in my queue…

Knitting Sylvi cardigan

Such as this gorgeous Sylvie coat, isn’t the detail amazing?

When I look closely at the picture, it looks as though they’ve used seed stitch too. I’ll be making mine a bit longer, currently I’m unsure of the color, and of course I’ll be deviating from the pattern a bit….

I really love what the designer, Mari Muinonen, did with the cables… just look at those lovely cabled flowers! While I’ve been making cables since I was young, I haven’t done too much intricate cabling such as above and so this week in my “creative” time I’ve been playing around with intricate cables. It’s been a lot of fun…

Knitting Beekeepers quilt 1

And this amazing knitted beekeepers quilt. I believe I’ve written about my fascination with bees on this site before. Well, I’m fascinated by most insects, and I absolutely adore honeybees. They’re hard workers. I’ve been fascinated with bees since I was a child, and would spend a lot of my outdoor time watching them, and studying their activity. I tried to follow them back to their home a few times, but that never worked.

But back to this lovely knitted quilt. It’s made by knitting hundreds of honeycomb shapes aka hexipuffs. I’m planning on making at least a queen size quilt… think about that, I’ll be turning yarn into honeycombs, which will then be joined to create a queen size quilt. That will take some time.  This is an item that will be passed onto my daughter. The beauty of it is; she’ll be able to watch some of the process. I plan to start on knitting this quilt this Fall.

Question:  Do you have any long term projects, it doesn’t have to be craft related?

Photo Source:

  1. Sylvi; Ravelry
  2. Beekeepers quilt; Miso Crafty

Father’s day, cable needles, and my 300th post

Aynaria 8 Comments

Father’s day is this Sunday. My how the time has flown. Unlike Mothers Day, I dont have items completed a few weeks in advance.

For some reason I was thinking it was later in the month, but that’s not true, since my daughters choir will be performing in church on Fathers day which is this Sunday.

I was a bit puzzled at what to do for my father. He’s low maintenance, and doesn’t make too many demands. But, the more I thought about it, I realized that he’d most likely appreciate a cover for his Bible.

It might sound simple or insignificant to some, but those people don’t know my father. He studies the Bible daily, and knows more than anyone else I know; Not just from the scriptural standpoint, but the historical aspect also. I enjoy our conversations about the Bible, since I usually learn something new not so much from a Biblical perspective, since I’ve read the Bible several times, but I learn a lot about the people/locations from a historical standpoint.  He uses reference books to accompany his studies.

Video Tutorial: How to knit cable stitch with a cable needle

I do believe I’ll knit the Bible cover, and will use a cable stitch. Cable’s are stitches that are knitted out of order. The result is beautiful, and adds a touch of elegance to a knitted project. I’m sure he’d like the cover. A few months ago, I started crocheting a Kindle Fire cover for him, and I believe I’ll finish so I can give it to him this coming Sunday. A few days ago a reader emailed me for information on cables. And so I logged onto YouTube and stumbled upon this informative video.

Video Tutorial: How to knit a cable stitch without a cable needle

Although I can make cables without using a cable knitting needle, I tend to use them because I’m paranoid about something happening to ruin my pretty cables.

This is my 300th post on Celebrate Life. I have a ways to go before I catch up with my last personal site that had about 5,000 posts, but to be fair that site was around for almost four years, and this site is only two years old. In fact, for about a year on this site, I didn’t post anything.

The knitted hats for my daughter and I are being put on hold, while I work on completing the covers for my father, during my down time.

Knitting: Not feeling the trim

Aynaria 6 Comments

When it comes to crafts, I enjoy juggling a few projects at a time. So it’s not a shocker that I’m usually working on two or three, and in some cases many more. 

Knitting ribbed stockinette hat 1

The above photo is the ribbed stockinette hat that I’m knitting. 

Knitting ribbed stockinette hat 2

But, I soon realized that I hated the trim that I crocheted onto the brim, and I’ve since removed it, since it annoyed me so much. The hat should be completed by tomorrow, That’s… if I work on it later today.

Soon, my daughter and I’ll be heading out for her piano practice, and then we’ll return to an afternoon of crafts. It’s too wet to be outside (raining most of the day). She’s focused on designing/sewing additional outfits for her Monster High dolls, and of course I have many projects, like wrapping up the crocheted and knitted bag.

And there’s a new project,  my daughter’s knitted hat.  Earlier today, I casted on her hat using my size six circular knitting needles. The pattern will remain similar; a few rows of stockinette stitch, followed by a few rows of ribbed stitch, and finished off with more stockinette stitch.  

But… it won’t be a smaller replica of mine. Instead, her hat will be done in the multicolored cotton (trim) you see in the above pictures. It’s her choice. Also, I’m thinking of sketching out a simple design onto graph paper, and knitting that onto her hat.  There’s so many things she adores; animals, tons of insects, and hearts… Hmm, guess I better dig up an appropriate yarn, eh?

Ahh… decisions, got to love them.  

Gardening, grilling, and knitting…

Aynaria 6 Comments

Today has flown by so quickly, this morning I was up early picking sweet peas in our garden…

Naturally, I nibbled on a few while I picked them. And why not, our garden produce  is organic, so I don’t have to worry about fresh chemicals sprayed on the plants. Which means I don’t have to wait X amount of days before I start eating them, and since the almost one acre of garden is completely enclosed with fenced. I don’t have to worry about deer wandering in for a snack, or a neighbor dog marking our plants Ughh…

Today marked my daughter’s first day of summer vacation, well if you don’t count the weekend, and so in honor of this occasion I grilled outside. Hotdogs and hamburgers for her; tons of fresh veggies for me. I didn’t feel like making anything more elaborate for myself.

When my daughter and I weren’t acting silly, you could find me knitting a hat. I love hats, the sillier the better. This knitted hat was made with ridges. at the bottom. Of course it’s  colorful! I’ll be sure to post a picture later this week. It’s too big for my daughter, but it fits me! It wasn’t intentional, honest! Tomorrow, I’ll cast one on for her; she’s excited that we’ll have matching knitted hats. 

Of course, I didn’t take pictures at all today. But, my daughter did use her video camera a lot, and she even performed a play with her Monster High dolls. I was one of the voice actors. 

Crochet and knitting: Tying up loose ends; knitting in rounds with circular knitting needles

Aynaria 10 Comments

Sometime this weekend, I’ll be washing the crocheted and knitted bag that I’m making for my daughter’s teacher…

 

Crochet half double crochet

The bulk of the crocheted bag is complete, I know it doesn’t look like it from the above picture. In total, this bag is three foot long, of course it won’t be that length when it’s pieced and sewn together. I am positive that my daughter’s teacher will love this gift.

I truly love what she has done with my daughter’s third grade class, and I want her to know it. Well, I know she does, I’ve sent her notes and gifts throughout the year. And yesterday, I received a really nice card, with a long message from her. It felt great.

I’m still undecided if I’ll hand-sew or machine-sew the ends together, but I have a few days to make my decision.

Since the end is near with this bag, last evening I kept my hands occupied with knitting…

 

Knitting stockinette stitch circular needles 2 06 09 12

It felt great playing around with my circular needles. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was on television, and so my daughter, and I curled up in our family room, and watched the movie on our 53″ flat screen television.

I don’t need to look at my hands when I’m knitting. My hands automatically “know” where to go.

Regarding the circular needles, I’ve been using them for a few weeks. I haven’t made anything yet, but I have knitted a lot to get getting comfortable knitting with a cable attached to the ends. I’m finally over that awkward stage, and can now knit as smoothly as I do with my regular knitting needles/double pointed needles. 

I figured last evening was a good time as any to start knitting in the round with my circular knitting needles. It’s the main reason I bought them after all, I’d much prefer to knit socks, and a variety of other projects with circulars knitting needles instead of DPNs (double pointed knitting needles). I’ve knitted in the round with those many times, but never with circular knitting needles.

I’m pleased to say I didn’t find this “new process” difficult. No mistakes were made, and since I’d been practicing with the circular needles (daily) for over a week, knitting with circulars no longer feels awkward. 

When attempting something new, you need to allow yourself time to get used to the basics. I always do that before moving onto something more advanced.

Knitting stockinette stitch circular needles 1 06 09 12

If you look at the above picture, you’ll see a “jewel” hanging from my knitting. That’s my row marker. Last evening, I created it, along with others.

Since I’m pleased with how knitting on circular needles is going, I’ll be frogging this project (ripping out the stitches) and casting on something new. 

And yes, I already have ideas in mind…

While knitting with my circular knitting needles, a few  creative thoughts invaded my brain, and it was all about a gorgeous hand knit sweater… for me! The ideas were so delightful that I hurriedly sketched them on paper before they vanished. That’s happened to me when I was in my teens…I’d have an idea, sometimes they would awaken me sleep, but in all instances, I’d forgotten to write it down, and it vanished. I quickly learned to write immediately, so I wouldn’t lose the inspiration. Now, I stop and draw when I’m inspired. I’m sure I’ll be knitting that inspiration within a few months. Knitting will play the major role in that project, but crochet will be stopping by to join in on the creative fun.

At the halfway mark; crochet and knitted bag for daughter’s teacher

Aynaria 4 Comments

Today, I’m a bit too busy to post photos and link to other works in progresses…

But I’m moving along with the crocheted and knitted bag I’m making for my daughter’s third grade teacher.

Thus far, I’d say I’ve put about ten hours into crocheting this bag. Because of the stitching used, half-double crochet, it is extremely durable.

If you’ve been following my recent posts, the pattern I linked to was obviously a crocheted bag. But that’s just a generic pattern guide. I referenced it, so I could get a general idea about the bags height, width, and base.

I’m almost halfway through crocheting the bag, after that time I have a few things I’ll be knitting, which won’t take long at all. The final step in the process will be sewing; yes, I’m adding that into the mix too, and perhaps a bit of embroidery.

I decided not to dye the crocheted bag…

This is my first time working with Sugar’n Cream yarn . Also, I haven’t used  mulberry as a dye in years, I don’t want any unpleasant surprises.  However, I will be introducing some earth tone colors in the form of trim, and it’ll make an appearance with a few other items also. 

There is a possibility that this handcrafted bag will be completed by tomorrow, but I’m planning on giving it to her teacher on Friday, which is the last day of school…

Knitting (socks) with Zegna Baruffa lace-weight yarn…

Aynaria 2 Comments

There was a pasteboard box full of bright-colored yarns and another box filled with embroidery silks and sheets of perforated thin cardboard, silver-colored and gold-colored. Ma gave both boxes to Laura, saying, “You gave away the pretty things you had made. Now here are some lovely things for you to work with.” Laura was so happy that she couldn’t say a word. -The Long Winter

The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, is one of my favorite books from the Laura Ingalls Wilder series. I read the series when I was eight-years old, and the above passage comes from the chapter; The Christmas barrel.

In an earlier chapter, Laura’s mother talks with the older girls of the inability to have Christmas presents that year. The town had received numerous blizzards that were preventing trains from coming to replenish the two stores supplies. Laura, took the initiative and gifts her mother and her sisters with items she’s created. Pa, received some embroidered suspenders from a local hardware store. The family put their pennies together and purchased them for 10 cents. 

In many ways, I could identify with Laura. Which explains why I’ve read this series countless times, and it’s a personal account of pioneer life. She’s headstrong, has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and she’s quite crafty….

But, there is a big difference, many of the items she made were created out of necessity. However it’s obvious throughout the series that she loved crochet, embroidery, knitting, and sewing. I don’t need to make hand crafted items for my family or those in need. I make them because they bring me joy, and I love sharing with others, just as she did….

Zegna Baruffa yarn

Yesterday, I received these three extremely large spools of soft alpaca lace-weight yarn…

And just like Laura, I was thrilled.

I was so overwhelmed; I didn’t speak for a bit. In my mind I was already thinking of how I’d use these three spools of lace-weight yarn; crocheted and knitted lace, embroidery, embellishments, shawls, and perhaps socks too; which I admit, is what I really want to use some of this yarn for… Judging by the size of the spools, I believe the yarn will last for years.

I must say, seeing large cones of yarn, direct from the spinner is quite different from the tiny hanks I’m used to seeing at Big Lots (Think Joann Fabric, Hobby Lobby, Michaels) and local yarn stores (stores that only sell yarn related items). Giant cones such as this are what a crochet or knitting designer would receive if they were creating handcrafted items for a crochet/knitwear shop.

The yarn is from Zegna Baruffa. I must admit, that I wasn’t familiar with the company until yesterday, but after a few brief internet searches, I learned….

Zegna Baruffa is one of the leading Italian spinners of knitwear yarns.

They’re located in Italy.

How did I get the yarn?

These spools were mixed within bags of clothing we receive from a secondhand store. We receive clothing from them often, and we turn these items over to other organizations in need. if you think about it, most second hand stores don’t have unlimited storage, and after some time, they’ll have to remove the items that aren’t selling, to to make room for newer merchandise.

We pick up the castoffs, and turn them over to clothing closets and loved ones who might be able to give items to those in need. Clothing closets are beneficial for those who don’t have money, since they can receive nice clothing for free. Many of the items haven’t been worn. Occasionally we’ll receive additional items, such as electronics, which is donated to the Purple Heart. This is the second time I’ve received yarn…