Fully Finished: Birds and Flowers

Friends, I am slowly reducing my WIP pile. It feels so great to have a fully finished piece! The design is Birds and Flowers from the book “The Sampler Motif” by Brenda Keyes. I used two strands of my own chosen DMC colors on an Aida 18.

For the finish, I wanted a flat fold made from materials I already had in the house.

What I did?

• Recycled cardboard to cut a rectangle for the base of the flat fold. The width was determined by how much Aida fabric I wanted to remain on each side of the cross stitch design.
• Used an X-Acto knife to slightly cut the middle of the rectangle. This facilitated folding the cardboard in half.
• Used craft paper to fully cover the cardboard.
• Added some batting in between the Aida and the cardboard. Laced piece.
• Cut a piece of craft paper to cover lacing.
• Added rope & beads for cuteness 🙂

I’ll be back soon with more craftiness!

What’s going on? Stitching…

Once again, the stress and sadness have battered me. I cannot make peace with the two mass shootings occurred here in the United States. One of them hit SO close….within 15 miles of my home. Please keep this country and the victims in your thoughts. We are in desperate need of reconciliation, peace, and empathy.

Going back to regular programming: As suspected, I didn’t have enough yarn to finish my Lila pullover. Not winning the yarn chicken game took my knitting mojo away. I have a plan B with a different yarn (used already in the neck) but for now the project is on time out. Or, should I should say, the knitter is on time out?

I have been stitching up a storm on this beautiful geometrical pattern.

Chart name: Sea Glass. Stitch count 162×162

Designer: CM Designs

Thread: Called for DMC threads

Cloth: Zweigart 18 count Aida (modification as pattern suggests 14 count)

New thing: Gridding the cloth with a Pilot FriXion pen. The tint will fades with heat.

Will I win this game?

I am playing the yarn chicken game. Have yet finished one sleeve on my Lila pullover and all yarn let is what you see below. Ravelry project link: here.

For the sleeves on this project, I used my new shiny stitch holders. They were sponsored by my husband. He got them at the Modern Daily Knitting shop but they seem to be unavailable now. You can still buy them at this Etsy store.

The holders have super pointy ends. Getting the stitches on and off is very easy. They hold a decent amount of stitches. If you are in the market, I fully recommend these!

Wish me luck in my finishing stages of his sweater. I am really ready to cast on something new.

Fully Finished and Loved

Here in my neck of the woods we have had rain and a some warm days in between. On the bright and beautiful days I went to tennis courts; soaking in vitamin D and having a great socially distanced time with my teammates.

When it rained, I had some productive time in my craft room. I have been working on two cross stitch projects and knitting the sleeves of my Lila pullover. Finally, I framed one of my first cross stitch projects.

Because I cannot help myself, I added my touches to this project. I only have DMC colors and just chose those that best matched the picture on the book. Also, I didn’t stitch the border. Love the simplicity of the finished object.

• 

The details:

Chart: Flora Danica by Jana Hauschild Lindberg. Read more about the exquisite Flora Danica dinnerware on their website.

Book: Scandinavian Cross Stitch Designs . Re printed in 1996.

Cloth: Aida, 20 count, Zweigart rustico

Thread: DMC 3363, 580, 869, 452, 3836, 154, 904 and an unidentified dark green.

Frame size: 6 ^1/2 x 8 ^1/2 inches

Knitting Finished Object: A new favorite neck accessory

This is a beautiful (and free) design by the Espace Tricot team. I used a yarn that I bought at one of my firsts fiber festivals. The one where I also learnt to spin. Memorable!

The cowl is worked fast with a bulky yarn. It looks very nice and provides a good warmth. I would knit it again. Only caution is to bind off loosely so it goes over “big brains” with ease. My cowl “collar” is a bit tight. I have to take a deep breath and pull out the cowl with as much care as possible hoping not to loose an earring or my mask in the process. No worries, the operation is smooth and kid friendly (most of the time).

The facts…

Yarn: Two skeins of Plymouth Taria. Bulky weight blend of 40% Merino, 30% Llama and 30% Silk in colorway 2767 red. This yarn is discontinued.

Needles: US size 10 (6mm)

Modifications:

1. Cable cast-on. Tutorial: here.
2. Cast on less stitches (124 stitches rather than suggested 140).
3. Joined in the round on row #2 as is easier for me to make sure stitches are not twisted when joining in the round.

Ravelry Link: here

Knitting WIP: Lila Pullover

Haaaaaaaapy Birthdaaaaay to me! Well, the actual birthday was two weeks ago. I made the executive decision to celebrate the entire month.

A few weeks ago I found a knitting bag with skeined yarn, a pattern and its required needles. All this had been waiting for me since mid 2019.

See, I was well advanced on a project when all of the sudden the pattern instructions didn’t make any sense. What was wrong? I had started a pattern and then mixed up the instructions from another pattern of the same book. Uhum! #$@&&%!!? I give myself some credit in that I unwinded the yarn instead of smacking the useless thing in the trashcan.

I have started the pullover again. With a good attitude and a printed pattern copy. This is a borderline boring pattern that works perfectly for podcast binging. Oh my, I discovered “flosstubes” in Spanish and I cannot stop watching them. If anyone is looking to donate some hours of their day, please send my way. I need them for the podcast watching and crafting that I have on queue.

Here is what you might want to know about my pullover…

Pattern: Lila Top Down. Pattern is from “Madder Anthology 2” by Carrie Bostick Hoge

Yarn: Cascade 220 Worsted in colorway 2452 Turtle. Cascade has a some free patterns on their website that you might want to check out.

Needles: Chiagoo US size 8 (5.00 mm). Chiagoo is offering a free hat pattern in honor of their 15th year in business. Head over to their website to download it.

Ravelry link: here

Fully Finished Cross Stitch: Be Calm

I took on cross stitch last year when I couldn’t even hold my knitting needles due to stress and anxiety. Learning a new craft seemed less panicking than having to worry about fit or gauge of a knitting project. Eventually, cross stitching re opened the door to my craft room. It helped me resume knitting and spinning when I was ready.

This finished object was enabled by my dear husband who gifted me the chart. No one can be surprised that I didn’t follow the directions exactly as written. I collected my favorite threads from thrifted kits, grabbed a fabric that seemed appropriate and started stitching. The original design is little too busy for me. What to do? I left out a few things …without any guilt!

The perfect (second hand) frame was found for less than a dollar. Inspired by other stitchers that I watch on YouTube, I decided to fully finished this project myself.

Post data...

— Pattern is part of the “Attitude Series” from Shepherd’s Bush

— Vonna Pfeiffer has the most valuable finishing tutorials at her blog “Twisted Stitcher” and YouTube Channel

— Coping with Stress during Covid-19 resources on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

–Finally, let’s all be calm and take the necessary precautions and care. We are in this together! xo

Knitting FO: Tolmie, the pullover

Last year, I had to tidy up my craft room often because (a) I kept buying stuff and (b) I was not using my stash. My new goal is to craft from my stash. I want to downsize. I not only need the physical space but the mental as well. I am not trying to preach on this space. What works for me, might not for you. That is what makes this a beautiful world—we all are different & unique.

Let me show you my most recent sweater FO: Tolmie. The pattern comes from a magazine I bought years ago. The pullover was constructed with yarn from stash. I did not have enough of the main color yarn to knit the seater. My work around was to add a second yarn for the neck, sleeves and bottom. Even then, I could not knit long sleeves with the lighter color yarn. I contemplated completing the sleeves with the darker color but at the end decided on three quarter length for them.

I am pleased with not only the fit but also the colors of this sweater. I also took baby steps toward my downsizing goal. Win-Win!

The fine print

Pattern: Tolmie by Josee Paquin, originally published on Amirisu Fall 2016 Issue II

Yarn: Main color is Elann A Series W02 Pure 28 micron mercerized wool (discontinued). Contrast color is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in Blackberry.

Needles: US 9 Knitters Pride Royale.

Modifications:

1. Used two color
2. Went up to US 9 size needles to get gauge
3. Three quarter long sleeves

Ravelry project page: here

Finished Object: Handspun Hat

Do you agree with me on that there aren’t enough handspun hats out in the world? I am changing that one at a time. This is my first hat of the New Year!

The original post showcasing the yarn can be found: here.

The details:

Yarn: Superwash Targhee spun from commercially dyed fiber from Highland Handmade (no longer in business).

Needle size: US 7 – 4.5 mm

Pattern: March Hat by Meghan Babin for Kelbourne Woolens. This is part of the “Year of Hats” collection. All twelve free patterns are found in Ravelry: here.

Modifications:

1. Did not change needle size for brim (ribbing)
2. Added a few pattern repeats for a slouchier hat

Ravelry: project page

Stash: Gotland Handspun

Edited to add: I began the new year fully inspired and hopeful. Unfortunately, the events of Wednesday, January 6,2021 in Washing DC (USA) dramatically changed my mood. What happened there is totally unacceptable. As the creator of this small space I want to make clear that I condemn violence, bigotry and racism. I am a firm believer in humanity and democracy.

Let’s start the year showcasing my latest handspun. This 75% Gotland and 25% Merino fiber spun with a garment in mind. Who am I?? Planning before sitting in front of the wheel! I am as shocked as you are so let’s move on…

I want to knit the Shoreline vest again. This pattern is included in the book “Swoon Main“. My intention is to sample for gauge and then adjust the pattern…perhaps using the Ann Budd’s book “The Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters” as a resource.

Another consideration is color. The yarn as is might pool. A decision as to over dye will be made after swatching. Stay stunned.

It’s all in the details…

Main fiber: 4 ounces of Gotland from Taku Fiber on Etsy

Second fiber: 2.5 ounces of Merino from my stash

Yardage: 1009 yards pre-washed

Wraps per inch: 14 WPI

Other: S Spun, Z plied on Louet Julia

Knitting WIP: Tolmie sweater

Say hi to my current work in progress (WIP)….her name is Tolmie. It is a beautiful sweater designed by Josee Paquin. I have been playing “yarn chicken”since casting on. I decided to use two different yarns just in case I ran out of the main color.

Let me confess that I cannot put this project down. The chart is not only easy to follow but addictive as well. It’s been a long time since I felt this urge to knit and it feels good.

Pattern: Tolmie by Josee Paquin, originally published on Amirisu Fall 2016 Issue II

Yarn: Main color is Elann A Series W02 Pure 28 micron mercerized wool (discontinued). Contrast color is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in Blackberry.

Needles: US 9 Knitters Pride Royale. I went up a needles size to get gauge.

Ravelry project page: here

Thankful

It is difficult is to count our blessings when one is so afraid and stressed. At the end of the day, I have a healthy family, the best friends, food on the table, hobbies and so much more. For all that, I am thankful…

Hope everyone reading this have a good day, week, rest of the 2020. We are in this together with our knitting needles, our spinning wheels and our tapestry needles ready to craft our worries away. With our best intentions and our feet moving forward.

The cross stitch small pillow is “Give Thanks” a free pattern by Lizzie Kate. It was stitched on hand dyed 18 count Aida with my own DMC thread conversion.

Work In Progress: Flamenco Sampler

I have stitched half of the pattern as of today. It has been easy to keep track of where I am in the pattern and the “confetti” stitching is manageable. So far, so good!

This project will be put on hold until the next year. My new focus is on Christmas stitching – starting new projects and fully finishing others. I am that ambitious crafter who wants to do ALL the things before the 25th….cheers!

Pattern: Flamenco by Papillon Creations

Cloth: Aida 14 count in Gray

Thread: DMC 924 and 926

Finished Object: Shoreline Vest

Fresh from the oven is my Shoreline vest. I am so proud of myself — fully finishing even when it doesn’t fit me :-(. I was wishing for the Alpaca to stretch during blocking. It didn’t. The silver lining is that it fits my daughter perfectly!

A second vest, with realistic measurements, is in the pipeline. It will be a handspun.

Ravelry project page: here

Pattern: Shoreline Vest by Carrie Bostick Hoge from the book “Swoon Maine“

Yarn: Galler Yarns in Peruvian Tweed (Colorway 123).

Spinning: Potluck Roving

It has been a long time since I spun on my beautiful spindle. The “Zebra Yellowheart stripe over Maple” spindle is from Kundert Spindles. Unfortunately, the artisan temporarily closed his shop due to some medical situation. Hope these affordable pieces of art will become available to spinners worldwide again…soon!

What is that fiber, you ask? According to the label this is 8 ounces of 24 icon virgin wool in color Night Sky. The roving is produced by Ferndale Fiber. Find the list of retailers that sell this roving: here.

Looks like the final 2 ply yarn would be a light fingering weight.

Sweet Pumpkin

This is a very quick project and is perfect for yarn leftovers. I can see a “scraptastic” pumpkin in my future.

Pattern: Spice Pumpkin Pattern (free). It also includes a crochet version of the pumpkin.

Modifications:

1. My biggest modification was to use the increase & decrease “points” as guide for the pumpkin ridges. These “points” are very visible and equally spaced.
2. Worsted weight yarn
3. US size 3

Ravelry project page: here.

Work in Progress: Knitting & Cross Stitch

This week’s post is all about Work In Progress (WIPs). I started a vest in a very rustic, light and yummy yarn. I purchased this Peruvian Tweed alpaca skein in Stitches South 2014. Check other Galler Yarns: here.

• 

• 

Pattern: Shoreline vest by Carrie Bostick Hoge

Needles: US size 5

Ravelry project page: here

My first cross stitch sampler is from Papillon Creations. I love everything about this project. From the PDF format to the colors I have chosen. Check out the designer’s website: here.

Pattern: Flamenco by Papillon Creations

Cloth: Aida 14 count in Gray

Thread: DMC 924 and 926

Rose City Rollers No. 1

My first pair of Rose City Rollers will not be the last! I love how they look and fit.

Reasons to love the Rose City Rollers pattern: 

• Pattern is free. Ravelry link.
• Socks are quick to knit and easily adaptable.
• Instructions are best in class and include step by step to complete two different toe shaping.

Project Details

Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks FX in Cameo colorway

Needles: US size 3

Size/Toe: Small / RoundRound

A new to me craft: cross stitch

Cross stitch is becoming one of my favorite crafts. It all began in March, when my state went into lockdown, as a way to keep my mind busy by learning something totally new to me. As in the past, You Tube proved to be a great resource with many FlossTubes (podcasts) and tutorials to learn from. 

This little project comes from “The Sampler Motif Book” by Brenda Keyes. This book was first published in 1995. I bought it used for almost nothing. In my opinion, some of its patterns can be easily updated by changing the call for threads and cloths. This versatility is one of the things that I enjoy the most about cross stitching. I love adding my touch to every project.

Pattern name: Fruit Tree

Stitched on: hand dyed 14 count Aida

Threads: DMC 221, 301, 350, 938 and 3787

Finishing materials: Burlap, ribbon, jute twine

Linen, cotton and community

I recently finished “Lustre”, a drapey shawl knitted with a linen and cotton blend yarn. This was the project that brought my knitting mojo back.

Crafting is my therapy; a necessity during turbulent times. Expect to see some more knitting, spinning and even cross stitch in here. I am excited to be back at blogging. Hoping this space will help me re-connect with other crafty souls.

Pattern (free): Cotton Lustre Wrap by Carrolldj

Yarn: Berroco Linsey (64% cotton, 36% linen) in colors Pomegranate, Blonde and Driftwood.

Needles: US size 10.5

Ravelry link: here

Stressed? Then knit (and wash your hands!).

Stressful times call for casting new projects and lifting the quarantine on current WIPs! 

This week I have been working on a free pattern named “Cotton Lustre Wrap“. The yarn, a cotton and linen blend, is providing for a wonderful  drape and texture to the shawl. So far, my hands are not suffering while knitting this. Their mad dryness is due to world record number of hand washing. Let’s not even discuss if these three colors go together. Ignore that the combo might remind you of  low calorie, organic and gluten-free Neapolitan ice cream. There are bigger fish to catch out there. After all, the yarn is discontinued. Found six skeins on clearance at my LNS –long time ago when social interactions at less than thee feet apart were seen as normal.

Until the next time. Lather, rinse, knit and be kind!

Warm hands

Two new mittens finally received a well deserved wash and block. Both pairs were finished last year with very special yarns.

Pattern (free): Lambing Mitts by Veronica Jobe. Link here.

Yarn: Cestari Traditional Collection Sock Weight, a Targhee & Columbia blend, in Natural Light. To my surprise, as I washed them, the water quickly turned light brown. I enjoyed knitting with this yarn and would definitely consider it for a larger project.

Pattern: Squad Mitts by Ann Weaver from “Mason-Dixon Knitting Field Guide No. 1”. Ravelry link here

Yarn: Two ply Merino handspun that I dyed blue at home and Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport in Stone.

 

Antlers on

  

The Antler toque is a wonderful, and free, pattern by the talented Tin Can Knits team. I used “Imperial Yarn Columbia” in the Teal Heather color way. This is an Aran weight yarn. The recommended yarn for this pattern is worsted weight. 

I should have used different size needles as it turned out a bit tight for my big “brain”. You live, you learn. It is still getting a lot of use. Baby, it is cold outside!

 

 

Granny Blanket

This Granny Blanket, a free pattern by Purl Soho, is my first ever crochet project.  I found the instructions to be beginner friendly.

While the colors and materials of the original blanket are gorgeous, the over $140 USD in yarn for my first crochet project didn’t seem right at first. I am using a Caron yarn exclusively sold at Michael’s. It feels synthetic but not terrible. In retrospect, I wish I used a nicer yarn!

The colors are just perfect for the recipient, my daughter, who loves a happy yellow any given day.

Carmine

This project was completed on November 2018. Back then I didn’t know what eventful months laid ahead. Oh, 2019…never a dull moment. I am taking one day at a time. Going back to activities that bring me joy. Hello again sweet purls. I have missed you dearly. Thanks for waiting until I was ready to come back.

I purchased the Superwash Targhee from Highland Handmade. Sadly, it looks like they are out of business. The fiber was a joy to spin in my Turtle Made spindle.

I created several “singles turtles” (a hundred percent not sure that is a technical term) and offload then into my swift. Then, the singles were transferred into two bobbins and plied on my Louet Julia wheel.

The yarn is about 11 wraps per inch or a DK weight, 290 yards. Possible patterns, in my library, to knit with this yarn: Pastella hat, Brick Sidewalk beanie (free on Ravelry) or the Hackberry hat.

Handspun Scarf

Who would have thought I would enjoy knitting a very long scarf so much? Perhaps the success was due to a nice match of yarn and pattern. 

Ravelry project details: here.

What a great feeling it is to have this scarf that I love  — after so much time and effort spinning and plying the singles and finally knitting the yarn. I used almost 500 yards on this project. I cannot wait for winter to wear this over and over.