April 2006 Archives

Yes, I am so getting a pair.


Knit Lite Knitting Needles- LED lighted ends! These would be damn handy for my dark den of a knitting spot. The Boy is usually playing Xbox and thus the lights are mostly off where I knit. And I can hear my mother now, chastising me for straining my eyes...
Bonus is they would make knitting with black yarn so much easier too!

You can get 'em here - http://laknitterieparisienne.com/Knit_Lite.html in sizes 6-15.

Slow but steady



The swiftness at which some of you bloggers out there produce knitting just astounds me. I tend to think I'm not that slow of a knitter, probably close to average, but damn I can not compare to some of ya. I like to think that it's just because only get to work on pieces for short stints at night. At least that's what I'm going to keep telling myself.
So that's the celtic cable purse ( I need to think up a more creative name- suggestions?) with the stitches picked up, the back worked and the start of the double knitted section. On the right, a longer strip of lace.

April Project Spectrum Postcard done!
Was a little behind on this but I had fun making it and am pretty happy with how it turned out. Also managed to not cause bodily injury with the exacto knife and/or rubber cement. This shouldn't be as surprising as it is considering how much use these got through college but there it is.


A shiny happy spring flower in strips of yellow and paper hole punches of orange. Zoomed version here. I think the project fit well for the overall theme of PS for noticing the colors around you. Flipping through the stack of old catalogs/magazines for this really made me focus on seeing colors, shades and textures.

Had a great weekend, besides working on crafty things also went to the Ft. Worth Arts Festival on Saturday. Things I've taken from this: looking at the artists is as interesting as looking at the art. It's kinda like that people looking like their pets phenomenon. The Boy noted how it's a bit alarming how much some blended into the displays. Second- if you should happen to have the opportunity to try a deep fried twinkie- do. It's atrociously unhealthy sounding but surprising how little you care one you're happily eating it.

Then to cap off the weekend I had a fantastic time at the local Stitch 'n Bitch. Thanks to everyone for making me feel so welcome! I will definitely be back. :)

I know everyone has said how addicting lace is, and it's so true. But playing with some ideas, charting out your own lace design, then knitting it and seeing it actually come out looking like a pattern? It is so cool! I'm always a bit surprised when the stuff in my head actually works. The little piece done doesn't look like much unblocked and all, but spreading it out in light has given me a pretty good idea of the finished look, well hopefully.


This is going to be a choker style necklace with a wide ribbon woven through the center column of "super eyelets" (as I've dubbed them) that ties in the back. It's essentially two lace edgings knit at the same time facing opposite directions. I'm imagining two little delicate loop button closures at the top and bottom also.

A little orange for you in this month's Project Spectrum- Sari Style. The first one's even modeled. :)


This photo was taken after our American wedding ceremony in Hawaii. We're at the beach house we rented for it, check out the view! I want to go back! This was before we went to India and I have since learned how to wrap the sari a bit more effectively. Oh well, photos with people are more interesting in my humble opinion.


The non-modeled sari but it's a really pretty peach color and the softest silk. This was my first sari, gifted by my now MIL. Last month's March's pinks are here too.

It was a very photo filled weekend with finishing up the final photo shoots for the knitty submission. This has been rather a challenge of late as illustrated below.

Outake from the photography session in constant 35 mph winds. It has been like this almost every day for weeks. We did manage to get some decent ones and Aejaz got to come along and run around off leash. So it was definitely all good for him. He kept posing in all the bunches of clover and flowers so he got some pics too.



He was very intrigued by what we were doing and just sat and watched. (For a rambunctious puppy I consider this rather amazing.)

Been so busy I haven't gotten to do much for Project Spectrum this month. I do have this wool sweater I picked up at a thrift store I plan to recycle. Is that orange or what? It's some really nice yarn, from American Eagle originally. The sweater is way too small for me to actually wear, I'm thinking it will be reincarnated as a little felted baguette handbag.


The red cotton sweater from last month is also yet to be unraveled. I figure I can just do both in one shot now.
I also broke down and cast on for swatching some lace in the Jaeger laceweight I just acquired. Worked about 11 inches of different stitches to figure out what I wanted and have a rough pattern down for a choker style necklace. Photos of that to come soon.

Mr. Cottantail says go stuff yourself! Do I hear buffet...?



Happy Easter everyone.

A big Thank You to everyone for your super nice comments on Topi!

Marie in florida has already finished one! Way to go Marie! She used twisted rib and an I-cord bind-off in her variation. This is what I love about the online knitting community, getting to read and see everyone's own take on an item. Can't wait to see a photo Marie!

If you're in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area a reminder that the DFW Fiber Fest is April 28-30th. All kinds of classes, a vendor hall and a Friday night Fashion and Trunk Show. Check out the website here. So there New England! You're not the only ones who get fiber festivals!

Also up already is the home page for the next 2006 DFW Knit Out and Crochet Too. Last year's was packed so I'm happy to see they're already planning on more space.

As for actual knitting, I've gotten a bit more of the Celtic cable purse done, but not much to look at yet. Finishing up my next Knitty submission too, should just be able to squeeze it in under the submission deadline. Then it'll be onto photographable knitting, which is always much more interesting. Something like this with a mini KAL over at coloursknits.

Well looky here - pattern #2 is up at the new Knitty! I'm so excited to have two patterns published in the same month!




After I finished this hat I asked Mr. PieKnits what should I name it. He somewhat jokingly replied Topi! Which means "hat" in Telugu, the language of Andhra Pradesh, India where he is from. Written like this in script -

So, Topi it was!


The singing in the rain pose

Some extras about the pattern, as I have a bit of a thing with exhaustive detail.
Added: Sizes given in the pattern are really just example adult sizes. Since this hat is knit from the top down you just work the top until it reaches your desired head circumference and then work the purl turning row and continue on with the sides. This can easily be made in many different types of yarn and child sizes.

To avoid the same jog that happens in color work on the purl turning row, work the "Jogless Jog" the same way you would with color. Great instructions located here.

If you have some difficulties with the Slip Knot Crochet Cast On, a similar method called the Emily Ocker's Circular Beginning is detailed in Eunny Jang's Majoring in Lace series. Both techniques produce comparable results.

For printing the pdf brim template to the correct size make sure your Page Scaling is set to 'None' in your Print settings.



If you're working the pattern in a different gauge I'd recommend cutting out the template a little large. You want it to fit snuggly and you can always trim as needed until you get the right fit.

This weekend was the yarn estate sale for a former member of the knitting guild I'm in who passed away a few months ago. The proceeds of the sale all go to her granddaughters' college funds, as she requested. Now how could one not have to go? Buying yarn for a positive cause? Yes, the items went quickly as you can imagine. It opened at 1 o' clock and we arrived at about 1:10. Judging by the number of people with shopping bags full of yarn already I would guess about 1/3- 1/2 went in the first few minutes. I went with the plan of restraining myself so I'm rather relieved there wasn't too much temptation. I found some Great things though. All this for under $25, woohoo!!



Regia Stretch sock yarn, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Lang Jawoll Superwash sock yarn, little ball of Rowan DK Handknit Cotton, Reynolds Signature ($1- who can pass?), and a cone of purple Jaeger laceweight wool (come to momma...)

Check out some of these "vintage" tags too.

The cupboard over the fridge
An amusing little meme from Kate. You know everyone has one- the crap cupboard. Here we have my little contribution.


Really the top of the fridge gets more use. It's so damn impossible to get into that cupboard and we're in an apartment so storage is at a premium. You should see the tops of all the cupboards. What do you mean they're not shelves?

So on top of the fridge we have some coffee liquor (the one item in reaching distance of course). This is also our coupon and take-out menu "holder". Usually also has assorted chocolates/treats and I was pleased to find the unknown York Peppermint Patty. Mmmm, minty goodness...

Oh yes, the rest of the shtuff. Actually in the cupboard, on the left is a large skillet that fits nowhere else, cookie cutters, coffee filters (you can see how often we make it at home), old kitty bowl, assorted tins, coin collection and hey! there's the Easter basket!

The Upcoming Knits list
I am definitely a List person. I like planning things out and looking forward to whatever the list is for. I remember making long detailed packing lists for going to camp when I was a kid. I'd plan each item I was taking then start counting down the days until I could start the actual packing. It's a more productive than just dreaming up about what you're going to do I suppose.

The number of items I have on my knit next list is getting a bit staggering and a little chaotic. So I thought I'd sit down and organize it to placate me until I can cast on for each of these.

• Rogue - I'm way behind blogland but I really Really want to start this. I got the yarn for it (Bartlet Fisherman 2-ply in Garnet) what seems like ages ago. Of course, now it's nearly 80 degrees everyday here in Texas and likely to stay that way for months. Considering my lack of project monogamy, that gives me plenty of time to have it finished in time for the (short) cooler months come winter.


• Fingerless gloves for The Boy. These were promised awhile back and I think I now can master the tiny circumferences on dpns. Will probably use this pattern.


• Lotus bag - Handbag design I've had in my head. Have KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Tulip and Chocolate sitting in the stash waiting.


• Broadripple socks in Bernat Sox - Jazz hot. I like trying new things in cheap yarn. Takes the pressure off screwing it up and if you do, no major loss.


• Icelandic yoke sweater - Working on the motifs, swatching in Cascade 220.


• Cybersocks/Errant Ankles Lace socks - Have some Jaeger matchmaker in a beautiful dusky blue I can't wait to try out.


• Harry Potter bookscarf - Love this idea, gotta sport the HP geekiness. Inspired by this pattern but going to make it with DK weight and in double knitting to avoid working in the round so small.


• Isabeau Purse - left over Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted


• In and out scarf - an idea for an interchangeable scarf pattern. Some KnitPicks Merino Style in Dusk and Pine to try it out.


• Peacock Feathers Shawl - Have the pattern and yarn (Zephyr Silk in Aegean Blue). I've now seen so many beautiful versions of this online it may have to be the next one up.


• Then and actual summer knit. The yarn from this sweater I want to recycle (little behind on that). Depending on swatch gauge, it will either be a tank design I'm thinking of with bias knit vertical stripes or Orangina.

Yeah, I will definitely be busy for awhile.

Also Thanks to everyone on the Zombie complements!

New MagKnits pattern is up up up!

Zombies Need Not Apply




My new pattern is available over at Magknits.com online knitting magazine. His and her skull Fair Isle wrist warmers. If you make some up for you and yours I'd love to see a pic!
Thanks to Kerrie for getting it up so quickly.



Feel free to contact me at jen AT pieKnits DOT com with any pattern blunders or troubles.
ETA - This pattern is now available as a free PDF download. Click here to download.