Beat Knitting

Lullaby in Lace, a Baby Blanket Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:41:00 +0000

The Lullaby in Lace Blanket features rosebud lace with borders of daisy-chains and garter. At 32 by 30 inches, it's the perfect size to stay cozy in a car seat, play on the floor, or snuggle on the couch.

Any little one is sure to feel loved when wrapped in this soft, light blanket.

This pattern is available for $3.99 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*

finished size: Width: 32"/81.5cm. Length: 30"/ 76cm
needles: US 4/3.5mm and US 5/3.75mm circulars or straights. Change needle size if necessary to get gauge.
yarn: Knit Picks Brava Sport, Tranquil, 3 skeins, or 800yds/732m of sport weight yarn
other: tapestry needle, stitch markers
gauge with larger needles: 16sts/31⁄2"/9cm in Rosebud pattern; 20sts/4"/10cm in stockinette
stitches, skills: binding off, casting on, knit, purl, increasing, decreasing, knitting from a chart

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link. If you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Eagle Pine Mittens

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:28:00 +0000

The Eagle Pine Mittens are fun to knit and wear. Knit with worsted weight yarn, these mittens work up quickly and will keep your hands cozy all winter.

The pattern comes in sizes suitable for a woman, man, or child. Make them in a trio of brights on a neutral background, or with two contrasting colors.

The slip-stitch pattern is easy. You'll never knit with more than one color at a time. These mittens are knit in the round, with your choice of double pointed needles or circulars. The stitch pattern is both charted and written.

This pattern is available for $2.99 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*

You may also purchase a copy through Knit Picks.
The Eagle Pine Hat pattern is sold separately.

to fit hand circumference: 6-7 (7-8, 8-9)"/15-18 (18-20.5, 20.5-23)cm

finished sizes: Hand circumference, 7¼ (8, 8 ¾ )"/18.5 (20.5, 22)cm. Length, 9¼ (10¼, 11)"/23.5 (26, 28)cm.

needles: US 5/3.75mm and US 7/4.5mm. Use set of dpns or 1 or 2 circulars depending on method you prefer for knitting in the round. Directions do not specify needle type. Change needle size if necessary to get gauge.

yarn: For multi-color mittens, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, 1 (1, 2) skein(s) Bramble Heather (MC), 1 (1, 1) skein each of Avocado (CC1), Calypso Heather (CC2), and Rouge (CC3). For bi-color mittens, Knit Picks Swish Worsted, 1 (1, 2) skein(s) Squirrel Heather (MC), and 1 (1, 1) skein Delft Heather (CC).

approximate yds/m: MC (either mitten option), 100 (110, 121)yds/92 (101, 111)m. CC1, CC2, and CC3, 21 (24, 25)yds/20 (22, 23)m. CC (bi-color mittens), 63 (72, 75)yds/58 (66, 69)m.

other: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn

gauge over 4"/10cm: 20sts/32rws in slip-stitch pattern, and 20sts/28rws in stockinette

stitches, skills: rib, casting on, k2tog, ssk, Kitchner stitch, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, stockinette, working with multiple colors

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link, or if you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Eagle Pine Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:26:00 +0000

The Eagle Pine Hat is a classic beanie with a laid-back vibe. Knit with worsted weight yarn, you’ll have it off your needles and warming up your head before you know it.

The pattern comes in sizes suitable for a woman, man or child. Make it in a trio of brights on a neutral background, or keep it basic with two contrasting colors.

The slip-stitch pattern is easy. You’ll never knit with more than one color at a time. This hat is knit in the round, with your choice of double pointed needles or circulars. The stitch pattern is both charted and written.

This pattern is available for $2.99 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*

You may also purchase a copy through Knit Picks.
The Eagle Pine Mittens pattern is sold separately.

to fit head circumference: 18-19, (20-21, 22-23)"/45.5-48.5 (51-53.5, 56-58.5)cm

finished sizes: Brim, 15¼ (17¼, 18¾ )"/40 (44, 47.5)cm. Body, 18½ (20, 21½)"/47 (51, 54.5)cm. Length, 8¼ (9, 9¼)"/20.5 (22.5, 23.5)cm

needles: US 5/3.75mm and US 7/4.5mm. Use set of dpns or 1 or 2 circulars depending on method you prefer for knitting in the round. Directions do not specify needle type. Change needle size if necessary to get gauge.

yarn: For multi-color hat, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, all sizes, 1 skein each of Bramble Heather (MC), Avocado (CC1), Calypso Heather (CC2), and Rouge (CC3).  For bi-color hat, Knit Picks Swish Worsted, all sizes, 1 skein each of Squirrel Heather (MC), and Delft Heather (CC).

approximate yds/m: MC (either hat options), 86 (93, 109)yds/79 (86, 100)m. CC1, 23 (25, 26)yds/22 (23, 24)m. CC2 and CC3, 16 (18, 19)yds/15 (17, 18)m. CC (bi-color hat), 55 (61, 64)yds/51 (56, 59)m.

other: tapestry needle, stitch markers

gauge over 4"/10cm: 20sts/32rws in slip-stitch pattern, and 20sts/28rws in stockinette

stitches, skills: rib, casting on, increasing, k2tog, knitting in the round, stockinette, working with multiple colors

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link. If you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Pictures of the day

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:38:00 +0000

I'm trying to take a photo every day or so. I'll post some of them. I like these two. One of them is not even a cat! It's Don's Christmas sweater out on the town.

I want to write a pattern for the sweater, but I might change some details and maybe make a women's version. I used Barbara Walker's simultaneous set-in sleeve technique, and I have mixed reactions to it.

I tried the black and white setting on my camera. I couldn't get Ziggy to look up or to stay still...

The Highs and Lows of Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:30:00 +0000

I want to take better pictures.

Ziggy, 1995

Ziggy, 1996

A cat, 1976

Most of the photos on this site and in my knitting patterns were taken by me. Since I now use a digital camera and trash my failures, I had to search the archives for the best examples of my worst shots. I get better results than I used to but still struggle to take good photographs.

When I searched online for help, I found Steve Johnson's Minimalist Photography 101. The site and Johnson's ebook, Low Cost High Impact Photography, contain useful information for photographers who want to take great pictures using relatively inexpensive cameras.

Johnson writes, "An expensive camera and an in depth knowledge of photography is not required to take good photographs. "

The first part of this point is well illustrated by the photographs on his site and in his book. He took this photo with a Canon A3100 IS, a compact camera.

Woman on bridge in the snow, by Steve Johnson

Many of Johnson's photographs are black and white. He writes that shooting in black and white "is a very fast way to get a good appreciation for the importance of tone and it will feed back into your photography very quickly."

A new ebook

I found both Johnson's site and book inspirational. I have a dSLR, which I love, but there are times when I prefer my compact. I wasn't very far into Johnson's book when I had to admit I've been making a mistake leaving my compact on auto.

For the last few days I've been experimenting with different settings and finding a new appreciation for my old Canon PowerShot. It's quite fun to, as Johnson puts it, treat a camera as a sketchbook.

Even after reading this practical book, I'm lost when it comes to the technical aspects of cameras and photography. Fortunately, the book includes tips and techniques that one can put into immediate use while still mulling about f-stops, ISO speed, and depth of field.

I like to learn by reading, practicing, and then reading a little more. I'll be revisiting Low Cost High Impact Photography in between taking pictures. In the meantime, I'm keeping this encouraging advice from Johnson in mind:

Photography is never as complicated as it sounds on paper or screen; always treat this sort of writing as jumping off points for your own ideas and experiments. If something doesn't make sense don't worry about it, it may tomorrow or in six months' time.

Take lots and lots of pictures and treat the camera and photography as a learning process. The best photographers are the curious ones who have a reasonably developed eye.

by Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson's photographs and words are used here with his permission. No cats were harmed in the making of this blog post.

Talise Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:14:00 +0000

Photos by DJ

Last summer the nice folks at Knit Picks asked me if I'd be interested in designing something in one of their new yarns. I chose to work with Capra, a DK weight yarn of merino and cashmere. Needless to say, the resulting sweater is extremely soft.

Talise is a close-fitting, tunic-length pullover. Worked in the round from hem to yoke, front and back are then separated and knit flat. Sleeves are picked up around the armhole and knit in the round. Bold cables extend into the collar which is seamed in the back.

This pattern is available for $4.99 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*

You may also purchase a copy through Knit Picks.

Errata notice, 3/24/2011: The original pattern contained errors in the chart legend and in the written chart directions (page 5). Many apologies!

For 2/1 RPC it should read: Slip next st to cable needle. Hold in back. K2, p1 from cable needle.
Written chart directions should read: Circular: work every rw from right to left. Flat: Work odd numbered rws (rs) right to left, even rws (ws), left to right.

sizes: 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54)

finished bust: 32¾ (35¼, 36¾, 39¼, 40¾, 43¼, 44¾, 47¼, 48¾, 51¼, 52¾, 55¼)"/83.5 (89.5, 93.5, 99.5, 104, 110, 114, 120, 124, 130, 134, 140.5)cm

finished length: 27¾ (28, 28¼, 28½, 28¾, 29, 29¼, 29½, 29¾, 30, 30¼, 30½)"/70.5 (71, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 77, 77.5)cm

Zero to 2"/5cm positive bust ease. Sample shown with 1"/2.5cm ease.

needles: 24"/61cm and 16"/41cm circulars in US 6/3.75mm and US 7/4.5mm. Dpns in US 6/3.75mm and US 7/4.5mm. If necessary, change needle size to get gauge.

yarn: 10 (11, 11, 12, 12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16, 16, 17) skeins Knit Picks Capra, DK, in Platinum, 85% Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere, 123 yds/112 m, 50g.

Approximately 1182 (1272, 1326, 1417, 1471, 1561, 1615, 1705, 1759, 1850, 1904, 1994) yds/1081 (1163, 1212, 1296, 1345, 1427, 1477, 1559, 1608, 1692, 1741, 1823)m total.

other: cable needle, tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn or stitch holders.

gauge: 20 sts and 28 rws in ST st over 4"/10cm.

Center panel for sizes 32-38, is 34 st over 5¼"/13.5cm, for sizes 40-46, 38 st over 6"/15cm, for sizes 48-54, 42 st over 6¾"/17 cm.

stitches and skills: 2x2 rib, cables, decreasing, k2tog, ssk, straight stitch, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, seaming. See page 4 for details on 3-needle bind off and short-rows.

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link, or if you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Click image for larger schematics

Adagio, a Tunic Vest Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:08:00 +0000

Feel at ease in Adagio, a fitted tunic vest in a luxurious blend of Merino and Alpaca. The braided cables in the center panel are graceful and elongating. The drapey cowl keeps you warm while creating a lovely frame for your neck and face.

Adagio, in Knit Pick's City Tweed, is rustic when layered for a rainy afternoon at the beach. It is refined when worn on its own as a sleeveless shell. Versatile, simple, elegant, Adagio is relaxing to knit and to wear.

Adagio is worked in the round from hem to armhole, then separated at the yoke and worked in rows. The shoulders are joined with a 3-needle bind off. Cowl collar and armbands are picked up and knit in the round. There are no seams to sew in this tunic.

This pattern is available for $3.99 as a pdf download.*

You may also purchase a copy through Knit Picks.

Sizes: 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46

Finished bust size: 32.75 (35, 37.25, 38.75, 40.75, 43.25, 45.25, 47.5) in/83.5 (89, 94.5, 98.5, 104, 109.5, 115, 120.5) cm

Choose a size that will give you from 0 to 3"/7.5 cm positive ease. Sample shown is worn with about 1"/2.5 cm positive ease.

Techniques and stitches: 2 x 1 rib, 3-needle bind off, cables, decreasing, increasing, knitting in the round, stockinette stitch

Gauge: 22 st and 28 rws over 4"/10 cm in ST st. Center panel is 6.25"/15.5 cm for sizes 32 through 40, and 8"/20.5 cm for sizes 42 through 46.

Yarn: Knit Picks City Tweed DK, 7 (8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10) skeins in Plum Wine, 55% Merino wool, 25% superfine Alpaca, 20% Donegal tweed. I recommend buying 1 extra skein to accommodate gauge differences and swatching.

Substitute yarn of similar weight and composition in the following approximate amounts: 827 (884, 940, 978, 1028, 1091, 1142, 1199) yds /756 (808, 860, 894, 940, 998, 1044, 1096) m

Needles: US 5/3.75 mm and US 7/4.5 mm, 24" and 16" circulars, US 6/4 mm, 16" circulars. You will need a third needle in US 7/4.5 mm to work the 3-needle bind off. If needed, change needle size to get gauge.

Misc: cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link, or if you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Click image below for larger view of schematics.

More Runner's Mittens

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:14:00 +0000

After knitting Don's mittens, I cast on for my own pair. Wool mittens are so cozy to run in. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to use them for their intended purpose. It's been too warm to wear mittens while running. I did wear them while walking around Cannon Beach.

The pattern is improvised, just basic mittens with an offset thumb for a good fit.

The yarn is self-striping Regia sock yarn. My sister gave it to my mom who gave it to me. None of us are big sock knitters. It was in the family stash for several years before I went digging around to find mitten yarn.

In a skein, the variegation was nothing to look at. But when the self striping worked its magic, it was beautiful to behold. It was only later that I realized my mittens would coordinate well with my Garmin and Buff. It's highly satisfying when things effortlessly align.

Hand-knit running garb

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:07:00 +0000

Don's collection of hand knits for running is growing. He needed another hat because the Well-received hat grows like crazy in the rain. He wore it in a rainy six-mile race and was in danger of running blind because it got so long.

I improvised this slightly smaller, ribby version out of the last of the Elann Superwash Worsted (discontinued) left over from the Argyle Man sweater. The Well-received hat is still useful for dry weather or sitting in a cold house.

I like these mittens. They're a generic mitten I improvised after looking at a few patterns. I made right and left hands because I think it's more comfortable to have the thumb offset rather than sticking straight out from the side. The gusset starts about 55% from the start (or end) of the round.

They are light but plenty warm enough. Anything thicker would be too warm for running in our climate. I finished them just before Christmas when the weather here was unusually cold, 10 or more degrees below freezing. I confess that I took them on a 14-mile test run before wrapping them up for Don. My hands were really cold ,and I only had polyester or acrylic gloves. I did wash them afterwards!

I knit them with Austermann Step, a lovely sock yarn. I bought it years ago and nearly feinted when the clerk gave me the total for 2 skeins. It was over $40. Since then, I've become more accustomed to the price of yarn, but for a long time I couldn't think of a worthy project for such costly materials.

I think this was the right choice. Warm hands on a long winter run are deserving of a little luxury.

Several things

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:38:00 +0000

I saw several beautiful and unexpected things today while on my 10-mile run: waterfalls tumbling into stone basins full of ice, fallen trees in the lake with ice sculptures growing on top of the broken limbs, and a tree that someone had decorated with Christmas ornaments. On top of the tree was a angel made from a clear, plastic soap bottle.

All of this has nothing to do with knitting except that I kept thinking the whole time, "I'm a knitter. Why am I wearing thin, acrylic mittens that are letting my hands freeze."

Damson Slouch Hat Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:03:00 +0000

The Damson Slouch Hat pattern is available from Knit Picks for $1.99 as a pdf download.

I love relaxed, slouchy hats. This one's easy to knit and fun to wear. The yarn is Knit Picks City Tweed DK. It's warm, soft, and drapey. I love the plum color, which manages to be earthy and bright at the same time.

Sizes
to fit head circumference
small 18-20"/45.5-51cm
medium 21-23"/53.5-58.5cm

finished brim circumference
small 161⁄2"/42cm
medium 19"/48.5cm

Size medium will fit an average woman. Size small will fit children and teens

Yarn: Knit Picks City Tweed DK in Plum Wine (C102), less than 2 skeins (about 200 yds for size medium)
Needles: 16" circulars in US 4/3.5mm and US 7/4.5mm, and US 7/4.5mm dpns. If needed, change size to obtain gauge.
Other: cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge: 1 cable rep slightly stretched = 4"/10cm (4.5"/11.5cm) after blocking. 28 rws over 4"/10cm. For reference, 22 sts/28rws over 4"/10cm in ST st.

Techniques and stitches
Stockinette stitch: k all rnds
Ribbing
Decreasing: k2tog, p2tog, p3tog
Increasing: yo
Cables
Working from a chart

A Well-received Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:13:00 +0000

A couple of years ago, I made Don a hat with alternating cables and ribs. The little cabled hat hasn't seem much action over the years.

I thought maybe Don just didn't like wearing hats. But, last year when we ran in a 5k Turkey Trot, we got free, black, acrylic beanies as part of our goody bags. He's worn that hat quite a bit, including during a prolonged cold snap last winter when he was walking to and from work in the snow. Aside from a little patch with a turkey on it, the hat is plain stockinette stitch. It's a nice enough hat as those things go. But, not nicer than a hand-knit, cabled hat!

I began to suspect that cables were not Don's thing, especially when he referred to a man's cabled sweater pictured in a magazine as "frilly."

So, I made him this plain, blue beanie out of Elann Superwash worsted wool. It's already been on his head several times since I knit it. The hat's nothing fancy, but Don looks good in it.

He seems pretty happy wearing it in Rasummens's pumpkin patch.

Temple Cats Hat Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:24:00 +0000

This pattern is available from Knit Pick s for $1.99 as a pdf download.*

Once I decided to design a cat-themed hat, I became a little obsessed. Originally I was going to knit with a traditional pattern gleaned from one of my books.

But the heads seemed to be lacking something, namely, a body, and I think this pattern looks a little menacing. I wanted purring, not hissing, cats. So rather than traditional, I decided to be original. Imagine that!

After several overly complex sketches, I blocked out a simple shape. These cats look naive and sweet, like a cross between a Maneki Neko (beckoning cat), and a pixelated kitty from a classic video game.

I've named the hat "Temple Cats" in honor of one of the legends of Maneki Neko, and because everyone loves a pun.

I'm fond of the curling tail.

*1/21/10: This pattern is now being offered at Knit Picks.

Pattern Information
Techniques and stitches
Stockinette stitch, decreasing, knitted braid, stranded knitting, knitting from a chart, knitting in the round

This pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters. The directions assume that you are familiar with stranded knitting.

Sizes
To fit head circumferences
xs / toddler: 15.25-17.25 in /39-44 cm
s / child: 17.75-19.75 in /45.5-50 cm
m / adult: 20.25-22.25 in /51.5-56.5 cm
l / adult: 23-25 in /58 -63.5 cm

Finished circumferences
xs / toddler: 15.25 in / 39 cm
s /child : 17.75 in / 45.5 cm
m /adult: 20.25 in / 51.5 cm
l/adult: 23 in / 58 cm

Hat pictured is size m, worn with 2 inches negative ease.

Yarn: Knit Picks Elegance, 1 (1, 1, 2) skeins of Ash (MC) and 1 (1, 1, 1) of Cornflower (CC).

1/21/10: Since Ash has been discontinued, I recommend substituting Knit Picks Andean Treasure in Fog Heather for the main color.

Substitute yarn of similar weight (DK) and composition (70% alpaca, 30% silk, or wool and wool blends) in the following approximate amounts:
For MC: 70 (80, 100, 130) yds / 65 (74, 92, 119 ) m
For CC: 40 (50, 65, 80) yds /37 (46, 60, 74) m

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm circular, US 6/4.0 mm circular and dpn’s. If needed, change size to obtain gauge.
Misc: stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge: 22 sts and 26 rws over 4 in/10 cm, in stockinette st, after blocking.

When is a cucumber not cool?

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:25:00 +0000

When the temperature reaches 106 farenheit! I just stepped into the garden to pick a cucumber and a few cherry tomatoes. They felt warm and cooked. And now, so am I.

I finished a hat a few days ago. I'd like to post a picture of it. But, for some reason, I just don't feel like putting anything made of alpaca anywhere on my body.

Woolly Copse

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:13:00 +0000

My sister has a talent for finding expensive yarn in thrift stores. Sometimes this is cause for celebration, and at other times, lamentation. At first glance, I couldn't imagine what this strange yarn should be used for. My sister must've have thought the same thing because she gave a big bag of the stuff to my mom.

My mom is not daunted by weird yarn. She knit a blanket, and it's kind of cool. Look how good it looks on Ziggy! Ziggy's been under the weather for more than 3 months now :( But, at least he's keeping cozy in this thicket of wooly boucle.

I'm nearly done with a summer cardigan. I think these buttons look about right. Best of all, both the yarn and the buttons are from my stash.

And, here's a little swatch of what I hope will be a simple, summer tank. I'm experimenting with combination knitting. I have a couple of wrong way decreases, but other than that, I like the results.

I don't generally have trouble with rowing out, and I'm not opposed to imperfections, but the stitches in this 100% cotton yarn looked a little too uneven for my tastes. Combination knitting helps to keep the tension of the purls equal to the knits. (It's probably hard to tell from this stupid picture.)

Learn more about combination knitting from Annie Modesitt and Grumperina.

Sock Summit 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Here is the first line of an e-mail I received today:

We wish to welcome you to the Sock Summit 2009. Thank you very much for signing up to participate. We're very happy you're coming.

Somewhat to my surprise, I'm signed up for a sock design class. I'm surprised because,

I generally knit plain stockinette socks. This is boring of me, but I love a plain, well-fitting sock.
I've never taken, or even been tempted to take, a knitting class. I'm somewhat irrationally proud of being "self-taught," though, in all honesty, my mom taught me when I was little.
I wish this weren't true, but I can't knit in a group. Maybe I just need more practice at this, but if I'm talking to someone, I'm looking at them. If I'm looking at them, then I'm not looking at my knitting. If I'm not looking at my knitting, I'm making a mistake.

But, despite all of the above, I wanted to attend Sock Summit for the fun and to try something new. Plus, I live about 30 minutes from the Portland convention center.

I'm not attending any of the meet-and-mingle events.

I'm signed up for a class taught by Star Athena. It sounded like a useful, basic design class.

I'm happy I'm going to Sock Summit.

Different day, same cat

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Wed, 06 May 2009 04:39:00 +0000

All Ziggy's tests (thyroid, kidney function, x-rays) came back oky-doky. So, his problems are probably due to the sensitive stomach of a senior kitteh. This is good because it means his condition can be managed through diet. All I need to do is figure out what to feed him.

I needed to hear this good news because right before the vet called, I was vexed. I've been working on a summer shell. I really like the yarn, the stitches, and the pattern was coming along nicely until I spotted its nearly identical twin in the Ravelry database.

Now, all I have to do is figure out a new design.

Kissable

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:47:00 +0000

For the last several weeks, Ziggy's been making frequent trips to the veterinarian. The vets, techs, and receptionists are getting to know him by name. To know him is to love him, I guess, because today, when he went in for a thyroid panel, his doctor kissed him.

He is a handsome little devil, don't you think?

Argyle Man Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:05:00 +0000

This pattern is available for $5.50 as a pdf download.*

Argyle designs are timeless and beautiful. The set-in sleeves and standard fit on this sweater add to its tailored, classic look. The pattern includes two charts for the color work: one scaled for the smaller sizes and one for the larger.

The argyle motif appears on the front only. The back piece is solid. You'll get plenty of argyle goodness without the sorrow involved in trying to match the design at the side seams.

Argyle looks classic in subdued colors, funky in bright shades, and subtle in earth tones.

Information
Recommended skill level: experienced knitters and patient beginners

Size: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50
To fit chest size: 37-38 (39-40, 41-42, 43-44, 45-46 ,47-48,49-50) in / 94-96.5 (99-101.5, 104-106.5, 109-112, 114.5-117, 119.5-122, 124.5-127) cm
Sweater pictured has about 3 inches of positive ease.

Yarn: Elann Superwash Worsted
11 (12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16) skeins in Jet Black (MC), 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2) skeins in Denim Grey (CC1), 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein in Pewter (CC2)

Substitute yarn of similar weight (light worsted) and composition (wool) in the following approximate amounts:
For MC: 1301 (1393, 1487, 1584, 1667, 1772, 1909) yds / 1190 (1274, 1360, 1449, 1525, 1620, 1746) m
For CC1: 79 (81, 83, 84, 113, 116, 121) yds / 73, (75, 76, 77, 103, 106, 111) m
For CC2: 29 (30, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) yds / 26 (27, 28, 28, 29, 30, 31) m

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm, US 6/4.0 mm straight, US 4 circular,16 in/40 cm (for neckband)
Misc: stitch markers, tapestry needle, optional yarn bobbins

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rws over 4 in/10 cm

Techniques and stitches: casting on, binding off, intarsia, following a chart, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches, mattress stitch or invisible seaming, Stockinette st, 1 x 1 rib

Click image below for a larger schematic.

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Ziggy's stomach

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:00:00 +0000

moar funny pictures

Ziggy, my kitteh, has been having health issues. He is 14 years old. According to a chart on the vet's exam room wall that is equal to 72 human years. With age comes dignity, wisdom, and sensitive bowels. Ziggy, I feel your pain.

His doctor is recommending trying a prescription cat food for about a month. Ziggy has long been a consumer of only the finest natural, and sometimes organic, kibbles that I can afford. But, still, the kitteh boo boos abound.

I don't like the boo boos, but mostly I don't like him to be so uncomfortable and listless. He's down 2 lbs from his normally svelte weight of 7.2 lbs. So, he will try the special food. If that doesn't work, then I might have resort to home cooking.

Does it seem ironic to that a bland diet should require a prescription?

k10, ssk, k1, k2tog, k10. Rep 8x.

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:15:00 +0000

Is there anything more irritating than trying to spell check a knitting pattern ? Yes, it's spell checking a knitting pattern at the end of a long day with tired eyes and a fuzzy head.

But, if I'm checking the spelling on my document it must mean I'm very nearly done with my pattern.

Compartmentalizing

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:51:00 +0000

In Alexander McCall Smith's novel Love Over Scotland, one of the characters muses how a friend has become tiresome. This friend became an "enthusiastic jogger," placed 52nd in a big-city race, and could no longer hold a conversation that didn't involve long-winded discussions about running.

That passage in the book made me laugh. I recognized myself in the running-preoccupied friend. I try not to talk about running too much, but it's hard. I think about it a lot. I could say the same about knitting.

I don't want to give up blogging about either topic because writing about a thing helps me to think about the thing. Also, I need to keep a detailed running log because my memory is bad.

I've started another blog to keep track of my running. Mostly, it will be of no interest to anyone but me and maybe one other person. Still, knowing that anyone could read it will keep me motivated to proofread and practice the correct use of commas.

Now this blog can be devoted to more knitterly things.

Bugsy and I

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:14:00 +0000

The Oregon coast in winter is windy and wild. There are no crowds, so you have long stretches of emptyish beaches upon which to walk. You will freeze your face off, of course. That's part of the fun.

It can be quite a cheap getaway, too. A few weeks ago, while in Lincoln City, Ore., Don and I stayed at the rustically charming Anchor Inn. Like the sign says, it's $39 a night (during the off season) and included a hearty (though not heart healthy) hot breakfast of pancakes and sausages. It seemed like quite a bargain.

Our little cabin had a couch with sand in the cushions, a dog-themed decor and groovy beaded curtains behind which was the bedroom, or, as the innkeeper called it, the "love nest." The inn is, I think, a lovingly remodeled, former dump of a roadside motel.

I loved the lounge and bar, but unfortunately they are only open for special events. We missed the transgender fashion show that happened the night before we arrived, but I did meet this handsome character one morning.

Bugsy, for that was the name etched in his tags, was not shy about asking for what he wanted.

And, who could say "no" to a face like that? Who would dare to say "no" to jaws like that?

After saying "so long" to Bugsy, we headed over to Nestucca Bay Yarns. It is an organized store with a good selection of yarn. It was difficult to choose. I hovered around the Simply Shetland bins for a long while, but finally decided I could not leave town without 4 skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in a very beautiful and oceanic teal.

If you're ever in Lincoln City, I highly recommend visiting both Bugsy and Nestucca Bay Yarns.

Hot Toes

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:54:00 +0000

Is it just me, or are these some good looking feet?

These are basic, toe-up socks. I added a few hugs and kisses cables on the cuff. I thought the cables were appropriate for a Valentine's Day gift, but unobtrusive enough that a fellow wouldn't feel ashamed to wear them.

I tried to use a tubular bind-off, but couldn't get it to look nice. I'll need to practice more before I master that technique. Instead, I worked the [k2tog, transfer just-worked-stitch back to left needle] repeat, bind-off. It's stretchy though nothing special to look at.

I think Don's feet look not only handsome, but happy.

Stats
Pattern: improvised the ribs and cables, consulted Wendy's Toe-up Socks for toe and heel construction (can't remember which pattern--they're all good).
Yarn: Paton's Kroy Socks, 75% washable wool, 25% nylon, in Flax, 2 skeins
Needles: size 2 dpns
Size: Don's. I traced his foot.

Poll: Pointed vs. Rounded Hoods

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Do you like pointy or round hoods?

I like a pointed hood. But, they can look, well, too pointy.

Since I'm writing a pattern for the hoodie pictured, I thought I'd ask my readers. So, to my few and cherished readers, please make your voices heard and take the poll to the right. Leave a comment if you need more room to expound.

I did a few decreases to make the hood a little less angular. I like the way it looks here. Still, I can't decide if a round hood might not be better. I could easily rip out a few rows and rework the top.

When I write that part of the pattern, I could include instructions for both a pointy and a round hood. Maybe that's the best solution.