Fair isle success - finally!!!

I am trying to learn some of the more advanced techniques that are in the Toyota KS950 manual. The last two days I have been trying to get a nice fair isle swatch. FINALLY I figured it out!  At first I couldn't get the second color to knit, then it wouldn't consistently. The manual itself isn't all that clear of where to put the second yarn into the carriage. A vague description and a black and white photo that is from too far back wasn't much help. I kept trying different things but the swatch never came out right. I talked to a friend and she recalled being instructed and thinking "really, that is all you do?"  Meaning it wasn't much, simple and somewhat counter intuitive. I went back to my machine and looked closer at where the yarn positions in and finally noticed a little hook on the front side of the latch to close in yarn color 1. I placed yarn 2 behind this hook (latch remaining closed to lock in yarn 1). Voila!  A clean and perfect swatch without any dropped stitches! It really didn't require that much, was simple and very counter intuitive. 

Ugh oh! This isn't going to work

So I am now at the point of trying knit patterns that are for machine knitting. I am working on baby garments in order to save time and money while I learn valuable lessons. So glad it is a little baby jacket that I am learning lessons on. The pattern has you start at the back bottom hem and work up to the shoulders, adding stitches on each side to create sleeves. Then you place some center stitches on hold for the neck, work a few rows on one side before starting to add stitches for the front neckline. I managed to get through one side all fine and dandy, but I guess I learned my lesson of the importance of how you cast on for the other side.

I didn't realize that they were unraveling until I had about 30 additional rows done. I did briefly debate on whether to rip it back to where the sleeves start and try again, but decided I didn't like the dimensions of the pattern (too long and skinny) so I took it off the machine, took a picture of it, and tossed it to the side to not continue on it. Maybe one day I'll work on it and turn it into something else. Like a teddy bear sweater for the girls to use.  Either way, lesson learned.

Toyota Knitting Machine Win-Win

After seeing a Bond knitting machine for sale in a local craft store I have been intrigues with the idea of being able to machine knit. After doing some research I decided to look for a more advanced machine on eBay. One video that I saw was of Vickie Howetll using a Bond and having some trouble with it. The other videos of machine knitting looked and sounded a little less finicky. So, I ended up with a Toyota. Working for a US auto company I can't believe I own a Toyota. It is a KS950, and I also bought a KR506 ribber to go with it.

So, here starts my adventures of machine knitting - and learning what the codes mean on cone yarn.

How does time fly

I am now seeing that it has been OVER three years since my last post, and not a post that I would have liked to ended on.  Much has occurred over the last three years...we welcomed our second daughter in January of 2014.  Bringing our family to a total of 6 plus one cat.  With all the fun that comes with pregnancy and a new child working full time there doesn't leave much left of the day to do other things.  Now that she is 2 1/2 and the next youngest is 4 my time is starting to increase where I can do other things - like crafty things!  I have already completed some projects recently, and have acquired some new toys so I'm looking forward to sharing those. 

Here is to a fun future of sharing new projects - that hopefully turn out and fit like planned!

Good bye Oliver

It is sad to right that today we had to say good bye to our Oliver.  We have known the time was coming for the past several months when he started to loose weight rapidly.  We took him to the vet hoping it was something simple, turns out it was a fist size growth in his abdomen that would have required many tests before a surgery that was not optimistic. This past week his condition worsened and had to say good bye.  He was a wonderful cat that is already missed.  

VOGUEknitting Crochet 2013

VOGUEknitting Crochet

For my birthday I received the new crochet issue of VOGUEknitting from my mom.  It has some great articles in it.  My favorite is about Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam and her play structures.  Truly amazing and inspiring.  The patterns I liked, but most I think I would not wear.  Most of the dresses in the Red Hot in Rio section look like swimsuit cover ups and had see through sections.

 

My favorite pattern comes from the Pretty Chic collection by Pat Olski.  I love the way that the cardigan is made from side to side, instead of the typical top down or bottom up you see with a wave/scallop pattern.  The delicateness of the stitches but still with structure is also a great balance.  A wearable piece that is also inspiring at the same time. 

The other sections of patterns were ok.  Nothing that caught my eye to make, and sometimes the model's hair, other outfit, color of the yarn, and backdrop was more distracting for me than paying attention to what was actually being shown. 

All in all, I found the articles to be much more inspiring than 2012, but just don't think the patterns were shown as great as they were last year.

Dream office

Looking at one of my favorite blogs, Herman Miller, I saw what I think my dream office would look like.  For some reason I am liking the updated version of the brown, blue, and orange combination.  It is a grown up sophisticated yet still youthful and relaxed.  Can't you just imagine some yarn on one of the shelves, neatly folded fabric on another, coordinating steel and orange cylinders that hold hooks, needles, cutting utensils, and pencils.  Now, to just get the time and money to take some of these ideas into my little work corner at home. 

Indianapolis Knit and Crochet Show

I have my classes scheduled, hotel reserved, and CGOA dinner tickets for the Knit and Crochet Show.  It is in Indianapolis from July 17th to 21st.  Is anyone else going?

A trip to NYC



This past weekend I went to New York City with work for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.  One of the first things I did when I found out I would be in NYC was to see how far the Lion Brand Yarn Studio was to our hotel.  Turns out it was just a little over a mile away!  So, I drug my coworker along with me to my one "tourist" request of the weekend.  The store surprised me a little in being smaller than I expected, but it was so welcoming and fun to be in.  The creativity it shows and inspires through its interior design and displays is something I think many of the lys around here lack.  I didn't buy any yarn, but I did check out first hand their LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel yarn.  I wouldn't make anything for apparel out of it, but I think it can make some amazing home decor items.  I did buy a crochet hook organizer, a retractable tape measure, and some gifts for family and friends.  

The other thing that shocked me is to find myself being star struck by some of the ladies working there.  They are the ones that are in their tutorials!  I think that just shows how much of a yarnie I am!

Definitely one of the highlights to my trip, and will visit again if I am ever back in the big apple. 

Spring Fiber Expo

I went to the Fiber Expo in Ann Arbor, Michigan with my mom and one of my best friends.  It was the first one they held in spring.  Last October we went to the fall expo and it was about three times bigger.  However, they still had wonderful yarn, roving, hand made items, and of course the great fair food cart  With about two thirds less of repetitive vendors competing against each other it was much easier to compare and find what you want.  My favorite that was there again were the live alpacas.  Unfortunately Clyde the camel was not.

Completed hairpin lace shawl

I finished this shawl a while ago, but just now took a picture to post.  I made it for a high school friend of mine in Texas.  The weight and look she will be able to use there. 

I really do like this pattern.  It is quick to do, and the hairpin gives a little something different to the traditional crochet stitches.  I like the Caron Spa yarn I used, however it did come out shorter than the pattern said.  It is still long enough to wrap around, but it would look better with about 12 more inches in length.   

Free Bootsy Socks pattern

a Cathy Black design

Bootsy Socks

2 skeins Patons Classic Wool

1 skein Lion Brand Homespun

Crochet Hook 5.00 (H) and 8.00 (L)

Needle

Stitch markers

Gauge: Ch 21, sc in 2nd ch from

hook, sc in each ch (20)

Ch 2, Dc in next st and in following sts; repeat 5 times.

Size: 7-9 US women’s shoe size.

Special Notes: Sock fits feet from a narrower size 7 foot, to a wider foot that still wears some

normal width size 9.  Sock can easily be adjusted to fit wider or narrower widths by adding

or decreasing one chain at beginning, and adding or decreasing 2 stitches to each round.

With Homespun yarn knot beginning and end of tail to prevent unraveling.

Stitch Guide:

Dc2tog: Yo, insert hook into st and draw up loop, draw yarn through 2 loops. Yo and insert

hook in next st, draw up loop, draw yarn through 2 loops. YO and draw through all loops on

hook. 1 dec. made.

Foot:

With size H hook and wool yarn:

Ch 10

Rnd 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, place marker in 2nd sc just made. 7 sc, 3 sc in last st. Turn, 7 sc

in next 7 st. Sc in first sc to join. 20 sc

Rnd 2: 2 sc in marked sc, sc in next 9, 2 sc in next sc, sc to beginning of round. 22 sc

Rnd 3: 2 sc in marked sc, sc in next 10, 2 sc in next sc, sc to beginning of round. 24 sc

Rnd 4-6: 2 dc in first st. Dc in each st to next increase, 2 dc in increase st, dc to beginning. Ending

with 30 st.

Continuing in spiraling rounds, dc in each dc until piece measures 2” shorter than desired length. Or,  7 1/4” for size 7, 7 5/8” for size 8, and 8” for size 9. Stop sc one st shy of being even with marker when sock is laid flat.

Ankle:

Rnd 1: Ch 28, skip 17 sts for heel opening, dc in next 13 sts, dc 25 around ch. 38 DC.

Rnd 2-7: Dc in each st

Rnd 8: Dc in each dc until there are 2 st remaining to be even with marker. Sc 2 and go to cuff.

Cuff:

With wool and homespun together using size L hook.

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (counts as one dc). Dc 3 in next 3 st. *Skip one dc, dc 3 in next 3 sts.* Repeat 7 times. Slip stitch in second ch of first dc. 28 st

Rnd 2-3: Ch 2. Dc in each dc. Slip stitch in second ch of first dc. 28 st

Rnd 4: Ch 2. Dc in each dc. Slip stitch in second ch of first dc and fasten off. 28 st

Heel:

Rnd 1: Make a slip knot on hook as you would to start a new ch. Yo and insert hook where foot

and ankle meet on the side of foot marker, yo and pull up loop. Pull yarn through 2 loops on

hook. Yo insert hook in next st, yo and draw up loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo

and draw through all loops on hook. One decrease made. Dc 22. Dc2tog. Dc 16. 40 st.

Rnd 2: In continuing spirals dc2tog, dc 20, dc2tog, dc 16. 38 st.

Rnd 3: Dc2tog, dc 18, dc2tog, dc 16. 36 st.

Rnd 4: Dc2tog, dc 16, dc2tog, dc 16. 34 st.

Rnd 5: Dc2tog, dc 15, dc2tog, dc 14, dc2tog. 32 st.

Rnd 6: Dc2tog, dc 12, dc2tog twice, dc 11, dc2tog. 27 st.

Rnd 7: Dc2tog, dc 10, dc2tog twice, dc 9, dc2tog. 23 st.

Rnd 8: Dc2tog, dc 8, dc2tog twice, dc 7, sc then slip stich and fasten off. 20 st.

Fasten off leaving long tail to sew heel opening together from corner to corner.

Weave in all ends.

I love the new "VOGUEknitting Crochet"

Earlier I posted this post on the new "VOGUEknitting Crochet" magazine.  I have since finished it and am thoroughly impressed with the patterns and layout.  The pattern photos look like a current fashion magazine, not like some other crochet magazines that tend to look from the 80's.  If this was issued regularly I believe it would be my go to magazine for patterns.  Here are some of my favorite ones from this issue.

Nicky Epstein

Dora Ohrenstein

Karen Stahlecker

Cristina Mershon

Mary Beth Temple

You can see these and all the rest of the patterns in the issue here.  There are several other patterns that I liked, but the ones above are my top "I would make these first" patterns.  Several of the granny square ones; like the coat, dress, and v-neck sweater.  If I made them I would do them in a different color way since I tend to wear more toned down clothes.  I also like most of the jewelry.  However, like the granny squares, I doubt I would make any besides the bracelet above.  No reason why I wouldn't make them except I probably would only wear them once.  I do find all the patterns inspiring, and even some of the second shots of backs and details show creative ways of shaping the garments that you usually don't see.

This issue is definitely going to be one of my favorites in my pattern collection.  As I said in the previous post, I usually only find two or three patterns I like in a magazine if I'm lucky.  With this one having 5 that I could see becoming a staple in my wardrobe, plus many more that are inspiring, this magazine is definetly one that stands apart from the rest.  Now, when is the next one coming out?!

Free Double Banded Cuff pattern

a Cathy Black design

Double Banded Cuff

Bernat “Satin” : 1 skein

Metal Beaded Trim

(2) ½” DIA. snaps

Matching Thread

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Needles

Ch 13

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 4.

Row 2: yo hook 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.  Ch 4.

Repeat row 2 to desired length, omitting last ch 4 on final row.

Fasten off.

Steam or block flat.

Sew edging to crochet end at a ch 3 section. Weave over then under posts. Sew end of edging to opposite end.

Tack edging woven under.

Repeat edging on other side.

Sew on snaps at each corner for closures.

Vogue Knitting Crochet magazine

I have mine...did you get yours?

So far I am only a few pages into it, but I LOVE it.  I have just read some of the articles and trend reports and have been very impressed.  It seems like I am reading a fashion/trend magazine right now instead of a crochet pattern magazine.  I am hoping that with the increased fashion showcasing crochet on the runways that there will be enough interest to keep Vogue doing on issue.  At least more often than once every 18 years!

Lets see how many patterns I will have to add to my to do list by the last page!  That will be the true test of how much I like an issue.  The most I usually like is only 2 patterns.  I will keep you posted.

Free Beaded Bracelet pattern

a Cathy Black design

Beaded Bracelet

Bernat “Satin” : 1 skein

Pearls

Seed Beads

Two-strand Metal Clasp

Matching Thread

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Needles

Ch 9

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook. Ch 4.

Row 2: yo hook 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 4.

Repeat row 2 to desired lenght.  On last row finish off instead of ch 4.

Steam or block flat.

Attach thread at end of a “ladder rung.“ Thread 4 pearls in each center of each section. Tie off at opposite end of length on a “ladder rung.”

Attach thread on bottom side of crochet bracelet. Threading through center of crochet length, sew 1 pearl in each space between clusters, and 3 seed beads on top of cluster centers. Tie off at bottom of last 3 bead cluster.

Attach clasp at ends.

Progress on the hairpin lace

I have managed to complete all three sections of the hairpin lace for the Just Married Shawl, and actually have already hooked the sections together.  The picture above shows me in process on the second section.  I used another yarn threaded through before I removed it from the loom to hold the stitches in front to back order.  This helped me know which direction to put the loop on my hook and be consistent.  Now I am in the process of the edging and have found that I can keep them in consistent order without the thread guide. 

So far I really like the pattern.  I am anxious to see it finished.

Free Skinny Ladder Scarf

a Cathy Black design

Skinny Ladder Scarf

RED HEART “SOFT YARN” : 1 skein

Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (US G)

Ch 13

Row 1: yo hook 3 times, in 5th ch from end, draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 3. Repeat from first * to drawing through 4 loops. Ch 4.

Row 2: yo 3 times, draw up loop in 1st st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times. Yo hook 2 times, draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook. Ch 3. *yo 3 times, skip 3 ch and draw up loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 3 times* repeat from * once in same st. Yo 2 times,draw up loop in same st, [yo and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 3. Repeat from first * to end once. Ch 4.

Repeat Row 2 to desired length.  On last row ommit ending Ch 4.  Fasten off.

Change in plans

So earlier this month I posted this post about projects to make after I got my swatches completed.  Well, I decided not to do either one of them and do something else.  I thought I would try something new. Hairpin lace. 

The pattern is the Just Married Shawl published in the recent edition of "Crochet Today!" The majority of it is three sections of hairpin lace.  In the magazine there is a tutorial of how to do the basic hairpin stitch to create the sections, but it confused me and left me with more questions than it answered.  Luckily through several different YouTube videos I was able to see what I was suppose to do, and what was being talked about in the written tutorial.  I didn't have to go out and buy a frame since I had one from a major auction score that consisted of knitting needles, crochet hooks, large wooden embroidery hoops, a couple of store bought needlepoint kits

I have already completed two sections and should complete the last one tonight.  I have managed to figure out how to do the repetitive motion with Sylvia sleeping on my chest.  Last night she even watched me and became mesmerised with the motion of the frame turning.  She quickly fell asleep.  I am using Naturally Caron Spa yarn in the misty taupe colorway.  I love the way it feels, and the color is the beautiful warm grey.  The only thing that I don't like is that it splits easy with using the G hook the pattern calls for.  I haven't used this yarn before so I'm anxious to see how it wears and how the rest of the pattern comes together. 

And, of course, Darla had to get in on the photo-op of my hairpin progress.  She is also getting used to Sylvia and now keeps us both company during the day instead of hiding like she did before.

Doing a little dance

I HAVE FINISHED ALL THE SWATCHES!

Between all my re-dos and double checking all the swatches are complete and I am satisfied with them for my CGOA Masters course.  I received the instructions at the end of December of 2011, started the swatches in the end of January 2012, and finished them today!  All that is left to do is write out the questions and put it all in a binder as instructed to be mailed for grading. 

Today feels like I'm back in high school and it is the end of school!  Time to celebrate -where's the wine?!