FO(s): Notoriously Uncharted

Out of all the accessories I utilize everyday, I think scarves are the most often used. Light or heavy, wool or silk, in every color of the rainbow, scarves come in the biggest variety I've ever seen. In one household, my mother and I together own at least 10 pashmina scarves, supplemented by one or two (or 11) hand knit scarves. So it's safe to say we don't mind a few new additions to our collection.

Pattern: Baktus by Strikkelise

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Black and Natural, 1 skein each.

The pattern is really versatile and the triangular shape is wonderful. I've only this twice, which I regret. It's a fun easy project that's good TV and transportation knitting. I haven't had much opportunity to wear this scarf, but from the few minutes I've stolen with it, I can attest to it's warmth and softness. Cascade is such a great yarn, and a great material to use for cold weather articles. I'd knit every sweater I own out of it if I could. I eyeballed when to decrease and increase, but I still got a pretty substantial scarf out of it.

Pattern: Annis by Susanna IC

Yarn: Bernat Meadowspun in Burgundy, 3 skeins

Susanna is truly a genius, this short row shawl is AWESOME. After casting on the ungodly amount of stitches and knitting the lace, the short rows were easily to do and went by really fast. It was interested to watch this shawl develop, and how it became even better with some blocking! I can't wait to knit another one, but only with a different yarn. The yarn left much to be desired- constant breaks in the yarn made it annoying and the fact the tag said 'do not block.' The color however was gorgeous with its heathered purple-red.

I've still got one more shawl left to photograph, even if it's done and blocked. I'm waiting for the weather to look up again so I can have some real modelled pictures for you with humans, instead of my favorite cardigan pulling mannequin duty once more.

A Tale of Blocking, Part 2: Drying and Pinning

Now for Part 2! Here's where all the good stuff happens! Onwards!

So after you're done soaking and such, remove the piece from the water. When you're taking the piece from the water, try to support it with both hands to prevent stretching and breaking. After soaking, the fibers, especially wool, are VERY fragile and prone to breaking. So support the piece with both hands and lay it out on a dry towel. Never ever ever wring out your knitting! EVER. The fibers are fragile and this will stretch out and break your knitting! Gently pull out of the piece from the damp ball it's in and lay it out flat on an old and very absorbent towel.

Once it's flat on the towel, roll the towel up into like a wrap with your knitting inside it. Now g-stomp the living shit out of this towel. Yes there's a purpose to this. Stomping the towel takes out all the excess water from the knitting, and believe me, there's a whole lotta water in there. This won't ruin your knitting, so don't be too worried. Once you're finished stomping the knitting, unroll the towel and gently move the knitting to a different towel or blocking board, what have you. The knitting should be fairly damp, but it's still fragile so be careful to support it.

Once it's on a separate towel, begin to pin out your knitting. I prefer T-pins and blocking wires. Gently stretch out your knitting to the dimensions you want, and pin it down. If you're blocking a lace shawl with straight edges, I'd recommend blocking wires to get straight edges. Tack out your points to emphasize them. Wait for at least 24 hours for the knitting to be completely dry, unpin and wear! You now have a beautiful, blocked shawl!

In conclusion-

• Never wring your knitting! Remove excess water by pressing it between towels.
• Pin out to dimensions using wires and pins.
• Wait for 24 hours to dry or longer depending on your piece's weight.
• Wear that lace knitting!

If you have any extra questions about blocking lace, I'd recommend these videos here and here and of course, any blocking article on Knitty

A Tale of Blocking, Part 1: The Soak

I know I have extolled the virtues of blocking literally every FO post regarding a lace item on this blog, and I also know that tutorials like this exist all over the Internet. But to me, blocking is singlehandedly the most important skill I've learned in knitting, save for knit and purl stitches. This even beats out grafting, and heck, it's a lot more fun. Blocking is one of those skills that can literally transform your crumpled, tiny project into something simply beautiful and elegant. However, I've seen with my own eyes how blocking can go dreadfully, dreadfully wrong. Hence these posts.

When I block, I typically use a bucket. Some use sinks, but I like the bucket. Personal preference. More space and easier and faster to fill and refill. Fill the bucket full or halfway with water. Here's where it gets tricky. Water temperature is a HUGE HUGE HUGE factor in blocking. Here's why-

One of my knitting friends made a gorgeous shawl for her daughter. I'm not exactly positive of the fiber content, but I suspect it was a merino and silk worsted weight. The pattern was Damsel Shawl by Lori Law. It was her first shawl *squeal* and she had never blocked before. Naturally, she went to our local yarn store, where the assistant advised her to put the shawl is hot water. First mistake. After removing the shawl from the water and pinning it down, she discovered it had partially felted. You can see the shawl below and how there is absolutely no definition to the lace. It's just a blobby triangle :(

Never ever ever ever put your item in an extreme temperature. My general rule of thumb is if you wouldn't put your baby in it, don't put your knitting in it. I go for a lukewarm temperature, leaning more towards cold. If I can splash it on my wrist without discomfort, it is the temperature for knitting. If your piece is in an extreme temperature, there is a chance it will felt and it is indeed a heartbreaking and tragic event.

After filling the bucket or vessel of preference with your lukewarm water comfortable to the touch and adding soap if you so desire (Quick note, I highly advise against Wool-lite or any commercial detergent. I know of rumors of the detergent taking away the sheen of the yarn and no one wants that. I have heard of baby shampoo being used, but I'd recommend Soak or Eucalan), GENTLY submerse your knitting. Push down the knitting into the bucket with your hands and 'squish' it in the water to allow the garment to become fully soaked. DO NOT agitate your knitting as it will felt. Be gentle, like you are playing with soap bubbles. Gently squish and push the knitting to allow water in and fully soak the piece. After this, leave in the water for about 20 minutes.

If you used soap, rinse and repeat till the water runs clear. As always, be gentle and use lukewarm water. The same rules as the initial soak apply to the rinse.

In conclusion-

• Use lukewarm temperature water that is comfortable if you placed it on your wrist. NO extreme temperatures
• When soaking, be gentle. NO agitation of the pieces. Squish and push. Gentle in the key word here.
• If you used soap, rinse and repeat till water runs clear.

Part 2- Drying and Pinning! Really that's all there is to it.

FO: Ishbel

It started in February when I purchased the yarn from Creatively Dyed Yarn. Dianne, the booth owner, had so many different kids of yarn that came in so many different colors, and varigations! But my eyes landed upon Catkin, a gorgeous teal with hints of black and it was love at first sight. Dianne suggested the pattern, and I was fixed. Hooked. Obsessed you might say.

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda Teague

Yarn: Creatively Dyed Yarn Steele in Catkin

The pattern is so easy and gorgeous and I can see why it's got over 8000 projects! I've knitted this construction before, and it's by far one of my favorites and the most logical as well! Preblocking, the shawl looked like an uncurled mess from hell, and the lace pattern was just ugly. Again and again, blocking is proving it's worth to me. And Ishbel is one of those that looks good in any kind of yarn, and I can see myself knitting it many times in the future, as gifts or just selfish variations for myself.

Steele is simply gorgeous. The color is beautiful and the dye did not run when I blocked it. Steele definitely matches up to Malabrigo Sock in softness, and in color. The extra yardage makes the yarn even better, even though the yarn was kinda expensive. Catkin was hard to photograph. It appears dark blue in some light, and then photographs a little greenish in others but it's simply beautiful in person.

I do plan on wearing this to the next knit and crochet festival, and maybe I'll come back with another new beautiful skein of sock yarn from Creatively Dyed Yarn. If you see the booth, I encourage you to check it out! You'll be floored by the rainbow of colors she has, and I know I'll definitely be looking for a skein of sunshine yellow for a Damson.

Catch Up

In the days that I haven't posted, we've gone through the holiday season, entered a new year and been snowed in. That last one is my favorite. Looking outside, I can see the few inches of snow that apparently constitute a cancellation, though I can't say I'm complaining. I had finals.

I had a very merry Christmas indeed. This year's gift list surpassed last's year by far. Meet my new obsession.

That's right, Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts. 5 hours well spent. Dumbledore's office is definitely my favorite part of the castle just because it includes Trevor, Neville's frog.

In addition to the amazing castle, my friends and I had a Secret Santa exchange. I got two balls of Malabrigo Worsted in a beautiful dusty pink. While pink is a color I never rarely go for, I'm sure going to enjoy knitting it up.
And yes, that is in fact Whimsical Little Knits 2. Looking through the book, Ysolda's creativity is simply amazing. I've knitted mittens with flaps on my own, but the way she does it with her Snapdragon mittens is ingenious. The book is filled with practical accessories that are really creative and fun.

Just to remind my family that I am a teenage girl, I asked for the most spectacular pair of black pumps that I've ever seen. I have a thing obsession with shoes, and I've been on the hunt for a pair of simple black heels.

A 'batwing' sweater, which I have wanted for so very long. I'm deciding whether to get a yellow scarf and pretend I'm Batman, though I can't deny that I enjoy yellow and gray together.

Of course, I did grab some Christmas gifts for myself, including a new iPod touch affectionately named WALL-E, skinny black pants, and a plaid scarf.

It's going to be a magical 2011 indeed.

WIP Wednesday

So much for monogamy...

Notorious

Sugar Plum Fairy

The Life Aquatic

Ocean Eyes

Scrap Stripes

Inspiration

The weather has been amazing on and off. Which lets me do things like-Pretty stitch markers
Inspiration from a tiny ball of yarn for some pretty socks
Turn A Square
Finding my miniature Peter Rabbit books :)

A schematic for a something ;)

FO: Fast, Rapido, Really Quick Like Torpedo

Patterns: Wham, Bam, Thank You Lamb by Susan Chang. Fourteen by John Brinegar

Yarn: Lion Brand Thick & Quick in Cranberry, Two skeins

Needles: US 13 circulars

The feeling of frogging is so SATISFYING. Especially frogging large, thick, cast like mittens that were uncomfortable. The yarn required an intense washing (you could see the dust coming out ofthe mittens. Ick.)
Now I have three, warm, comfy scarves to outfit the family. An excellent trade off.
Only took a week and half. That's instant gratification.

*Title- Now Generation, Black Eyed Peas

FO: Hodgins' Broken Heart

Among the diverse list of shows I watch, Bones is definitely in the top 10 (yes, I watch more than ten TV shows on a regular basis) So imagine how psyched I was when I found out there was a series of Bones related patterns!

Pattern: Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante

Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Tiziano Red, 1 skein

Needles: US 6 24" circulars

The pattern was remarkably quick, and the results are amazing. If I had to knit it again, I would probably increase the stockinette section. Malabrigo comes with more yarn than the recommended, and I had a good bit of yarn left. I did 3 repeats of Chart A, and kept everything else the same. Definitely worth the time.
The scarf is something quick I can throw on, and it's so soft and pretty! The color is my favorite by far. It's a burgundy, with variation.

Keeping Busy

I've been keeping myself busy with many many things.Visiting the local knit and crochet festival and buying some goods or 'swag'
Creatively Dyed Yarn Steele in Catkin, a gorgeous teal turquoise that really can't be captured accurately on film. The owner had hundreds of yarn in the most amazing colors that were really beautiful and bright.
A progressive Traveling Woman
A scarf I've been avoiding like the plague.

And of course the project. I even organized the drawer (and my Ravelry projects!) for it.

FO: Roses and Heather

It seems like every post I do here has an FO attached to it...I'll try and bring in some variety next time ;) Anyways...

Pattern: Flora by Margaux Pena

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Dark Heathered Rose and Grey Heather

Needles: US 8

Boredom + Stash + Flowers= Flora

So warm...perfect for Snowmageddon. :)

FO: Grapes

Pattern: Baktus

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Solids and Heathers in Purple Print

Needles: US 7/4.5 mm

Aptly named for the fact that when I wore it, my friend commented: "You look like a grape."
I had a Goldilocks moment while making these, testing out 3 different needle sizes and discarding each saying "Too small...too big....too weird..." Till I found my proverbial porridge of a needle- US 7

I officially love garter stitch, because it makes such a nice scarf. My favorite method of wearing this scarf is wrapping the largest part in front of my face (bandanna style) and tying the ends underneath. Then, I fold it over and tuck it into my jacket. It's officially my new scarf :)

Works In Progress

I've been casting on like crazy since I had a bunch of spare time...there's so many potential projects in my stash considering I've been sorting through and planning on how to best get rid of those small spare balls without just knitting myself a scrap blanket. Grape Vines. The yarn (Vanna's Choice in Purple Print) was given to me by a good friend, and it's so gorgeous. It's being knitted up into a Baktus, and reached the halfway point. And if you're wondering why Sherlock is in there, it's because it's a great series and it matched the color scheme. Although Robert Downey Jr might play a part ;)

Next up, the Man Who Can't Be Moved also known as Hodgins' Broken Heart. The pattern is Traveling Woman, which is also inspired by the TV show Bones (one of my favorite!) The Malabrigo Sock is GORGEOUS. It's Tiziano Red, which is this dark red burgundy and it's just so pretty. It looks a little black in the photo, but it's way more red.
A Flora. I'm actually using the heather grey in the bottom photo, because I thought it would look better than a sparkly white.
Marram Hat. It's such a sweet optical pattern, and I wanted something to match with my Quo Vadis mittens. I might gift this one to my dad if he likes it enough. He finally started wearing the scarf I made him, and I think this would match pretty well :)

FO: Soupsnake Hat

Pattern: Who? by Sara Amoroso

Needles: US 6

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in Oxford Grey
Made to match the mittens. Yay for a set! The blue scarf does complement rather nicely though
The only difference I did was 5.5 inches instead of 6 before decreasing. There's a nice slouch, on the hat, and it's super warm and I love it. It's so cute.

FO: Grape Vines

Pattern: Quo Vadis by Spilly Jane

Needles: US 6

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in Violet and Grey Heather, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Purple Print

My owl mitts are pretty much dying in front of me, so I decided to make a new pair (not to mention it's NaKniMitMo) and I love these mittens. I had to knit loose, and added with a needle size up, they're roomy on my hands. They're warm, and they add a nice pop of color to everything.

I don't really mind the after thought thumb, although it makes fitting while knitting a little difficult. Plus, long tail cast on has become my new favorite cast on.

I probably should've picked different colors for the vines, but it doesn't look that bad if you look at it from a distance. It looks pretty good on a computer screen too.

Pretty cute in my opinion.