Knit Cocoon and Baby Hat

Fair Isle Hat

Baby Cocoon

To occupy my time and nervous energy here are a few quick baby knits that I've been working on.  The larger piece is a newborn 'cocoon', quite a popular project among baby knitting patterns lately.  I can't see how any kid would stay put or warm in this for very long, but it sure is cute and is sure to make some sweet photos.  I found this free pattern online here.  I used a 100% organic cotton yarn by 'Sprout' on size 7 needles.  It measures approximately 18" in length.

The baby hat is my first attempt at Fair Isle Knitting, which is knitting with intricate color change patterns.  I've been meaning to try a project like this for a while and when I came across this pattern I thought it was the perfect opportunity.  I adapted the pattern and hat size to be appropriate for a newborn and use the yarn I had on hand.  I'm so pleased with this little winter hat!  And I completed it in an afternoon.  It is made of a combination of cotton yarns on size 7 needles, about 14 inches in circumference.  Both projects ready for my newborn, expected to arrive in a couple of weeks!

Stuffed Animal Series: Monkey

I finally found some time to work on the last of my stuffed animals: the Monkey. There wasn't a true monkey pattern, so I worked from the Zebra and Lion patterns to put together this guy, improvising on the face and ears to pull it together. I'd like to make another one of these for a friend but I'm not sure if I'll be able to duplicate what I did here! I bought this yarn in Monterrey while on the Babymoon a few weeks ago. I used 'Sprout' 100% organic cotton yarn from the Verde Collection by Classic Elite Yarn. It's very similar to the Blue Sky Cotton I used on the other animals and produced similar results.
  
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

More Stuffed Animals

Because I gave away a few of my animals as gifts I knitted a few more to complete my set. I knitted another Lion and Elephant during my trip to Louisiana.  These are also worked in the Debbie Bliss Cotton I mentioned in previous posts.  I'm so in loving this community of animals I'm creating!  I think I'm going to try to create a monkey next.  There isn't a lion in the series so I'll have to create a new pattern, working with the body of the lion as a base.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Stuffed Animal Series: Zebra and Fox

A group photo of the stuffed animals knitted to date.  New members to the group:  introducing the zebra and the fox.  I'm having so much fun with these animals that I can't keep them to myself... so I've been giving them away to friends who are expecting as well.  

Mr. Fox was made for Parker Fox Robinson, the son of our good friends in South Carolina.  I altered a pattern I had for a mouse figure to achieve the fox.  I just added pointed ears, a white patch on the chest, a big bushy tail, and I gathered the snout a bit to get a that authentic fox look.  I'm super excited with the way the fox came out... I was worried without a true pattern that it would fail.  This was knitted on size 7 double pointed needles in Blue Sky Organic Cotton in colors 'Pumpkin' and 'Bone' (found here).  This yarn is so great, and the larger needle size makes a slightly larger animal (see group photo).  I think I'll use this yarn exclusively for future animals.

The Zebra was also made from the Blue Sky Cotton in colors 'Bone' and 'Ink'.  All the cute details of the mane and tail make the zebra fun.  It took a bit longer to knit because I was changing colors every 3 rows (just a bit annoying and a little more work).  But it came together to make a cute animal in the series.  Now I've knitted all 4 jungle characters in the pattern series.  

Stuffed Animal Series: Giraffe

 Here's the giraffe we're introducing to the group.  I had fun with this one!  I love the mane, ears, and horns.  Knitter's notes:  worked on size US 7 double pointed needles using Brooklyn Tweed 'Shelter' in color 'Nest', one skien, 100% wool.  The pattern I'm using can be found here: http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/KnittingatKnoon/KnittingatKnoonPatterns.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=7783

Stuffed Animal Series: Lion

The most recent stuffed animal in the series to be completed: Lion!  The mane and tail make this guy extra  fun.  I used a denser, variegated cotton yarn for the body (I've lost the specifics on this yarn!) and it seems like it will be more durable than the yarn I used for the elephant.  Burnt orange wool was used for the mane and tail accents.  Next up, Giraffe!

Stuffed Animal Series: Elephant

I intend on knitting a whole series of stuffed animals for Baby Carlisle.  I've got patterns for a series of jungle animals, each about 8"-12" in size.  This knit up pretty quick and each only require one skein of yarn.  We developed a soft spot for elephants after our encounters with them in Kenya.  I'm so pleased with how this pattern shaped up and can't wait to get started on the rest of this jungle series!

Technical notes:  I used 1 skein of Cottonspring by Artyarns, color turquoise, 80% cotton, 20% wool.  Worked on double pointed needles size US 5.  Stuffed with organic cotton filling.

Recent Handknits

Vitamin D

That's the name of this sweater pattern I found on Ravelry back in May (before I learned I was expecting).  I was attracted to the pattern because of the great drape in front, the eyelit details, and the cropped length.  Very subtle and sophisticated.  This is by far my most ambitious knitting project.  The knitting always required reference to the pattern.  And I actually followed instructions, to the letter!  (I often have problems with this).

The yarn added to the project's complexity.  It's a DK weight by Madeline Tosh, merino wool superwash.  Very light and fine gauge.... I worked on size 4 US knitting needles.  This is one reason it took soooo long to complete the project... just a lot of small stockinette stitching.  I actually bought this yarn online without having seen it in person, another first with this project.  And I am so pleased with the material.  Great subtle variation.  I really like this Madeline Tosh line of yarn - great color selection and a great price.  This marks a milestone... I'm actually comfortable enough with my fiber and knitting knowledge to correctly choose the right yarn without seeing it myself.

I'm in love.  So pleased with how it came out.  This is a sweater I will wear (and have been wearing)!  Success!  I have a bad history of making sweaters and ultimately never wearing them.  But not this one.      And considering it has no front closure it should be perfect for the pregnancy!

Spiral Star Baby Blanket

It reminds me of a hurricane!   I just finished this blanket last night, the first completed project for the little one.  From center to point the radius is 23" (46" in diameter).  It's so nice to see in completed... I had so many stitches crammed on my needles it was impossible to get a gist of the shape that was being developed.  I pinned it in place to block it, it's still drying.  This project actually called for Madeline Tosh DK, the yarn I was just raving about, but the thought of knitting such a large blanket from such a fine gauge yarn made my head spin!  So instead I substituted a chunkier, cheaper cotton yarn (which is more practical for a baby than merino wool, right?).  The project was easy, fairly quick, and fairly cheap.  Very pleased to have one (of the many) projects for the baby completed. :)

I'm Back!

I apologize for the lag between posts.  Since my last update I've moved from South Carolina to Sacramento, California.  Matthew began a Fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center in July so we'll be California residents for the next few years.  In other news... I'm pregnant!  We'll be expecting our new addition late January.

Whew!  So, what does this mean for my art?  Well, clay is pretty much out of the question.  Many of the component of glazes are very toxic and it's best just to stay away all together when your with child.  Playing with wet clay isn't so bad, though I should avoid the airborne components in clay dust (present in greenware when clay has dried).  All that being said I've shifted my focus to home-making and baby projects.  Here is a quick preview:

Hawaiian Quilt
I bought this pattern while I was in Hawaii and started working on it during a few of the rainy days when we were stuck inside the apartment.  This thing is beautiful, but is a test of my patience.  It's applique quilt, which basically means that the design is attached by slip-stitching a small hem into place around this intricate pattern.  I had to work at my ironing board, constantly ironing the hem in place and stitching it down.  It's taken me three weeks to finish just the applique.  The quilting will likely take me just as long.  Here is my progress:

The quilt is about 45"x 60".  The design is 'Angel's Trumpet', which grows as well in Louisiana as it does in Hawaii.  Now that the applique is done I'm really excited about the finished product an ready to start quilting!  Have I mentioned this is only my second quilt?  I'm a glutton for punishment...

Star Baby Blanket

When I need a break from quilting I move over to knitting.  I found this sweet pattern on Ravelry and it's going pretty fast.  The yarn I'm using is cotton and slightly more bulky than what they recommend so that helps speed things up.  This won't be on the needles that much longer.  I liked the demonstration blanket in yellow so much I decided to stick with it!  Also, it is a pretty safe color, as we're going to try to wait until the baby is born to find out the gender.

Loft Preview

Moving to a new place can be a huge headache... but it can also be really fun.  As much as I hate packing and actually moving (especially in the first trimester of pregnancy!) I really enjoy the process of  making the new place a home.  I love the exercise in design.  This is our third move in 5 years, so I'm not new to the process of starting all over... again.  This time was unique because we sold a lot of our furniture in SC and bought new furniture here.  With the cost of moving so far it was a more cost effective option.  We also downsized considerably... from a 3 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom loft.  So far I can say that what I miss most is attic space!  And hardwood floors and my garden.  But it's so nice to feel pared down to the essentials only.  

The new space is very modern and very urban.  We're living in a loft that is part of a mixed-use shopping center near Sacramento State.  We're right above the Starbucks!  Also in the shopping center is a great mexican restaurant, sushi place, an Anytime Fitness facility, Office Depot, a sandwich shop and an ice cream shop and even a brewery!   Plenty of activity. 

So here are a few progress photos of our new place!

Photomerge by Photoshop.  Obviously distorted... but you get the drift.  This is our black and white wall.  We've got a few more pieces to hang but we haven't yet figured out how we're going to get them up there.  I love the ceiling and the natural light.  Matthew and I's room is the loft above.  The baby's room is behind the TV below.

The kitchen was a big struggle at first because there is no storage at all to start.  Ikea came to the rescue with the island and cabinet there, doubling as a pantry.  I like that the exposed shelving doubles as a display for all my pottery.

 

This maybe my favorite part of the house.  Like a little kid I feel like it's a hide-away in a treehouse.  Its such an interesting space, tucked away and secluded yet open.  I like the scale of the ceiling height.  Our bed frame is from Ikea and has such great storage space underneath that we didn't need to buy dressers!  It also allows space for an office/project area.  If I ever get a loom there is more than enough space to house it up here.  

 

I'm ashamed to say that this is the baby's room.  For now, it's serving as storage space for everything we can't find a place for.  Including most of our empty boxes and camping gear (this is where the attic would be handy!).  I'll tackle this soon.  

That's all for now!  More updates coming soon.

Mouse, Birds, and Bags

Just a review of recent projects I've been working on...

I've always wanted to knit a stuffed animal... this little mouse was a quick project and a great way to use remnant yarn.  A baby gift for a friend.

I made these throw pillows.  I carved the bird design and printed each by hand.  They'll live in our bedroom.

This is a repeat of a bag I designed last spring.  I made this for a clay friend; we exchanged work at the end of the semester.  I added my logo - a quick stamp to the inside lining.  

'Savannah' Handknit Sweater

As if I weren't busy enough with all of my school work!  I was so excited about this project I managed to squeeze in this knitting project, completed over about 4 weeks of knitting in September and October.  I found the pattern and the yarn during our labor day trip to Asheville/Black Mountain. I mentioned to you that one of my classmates at Penland, Kim Dolce, was a knitware designer - this is one of her patterns.  This is her 'Savannah' sweater, pattern No. 0803.  For more details on the pattern and her collection, check out her website: http://www.dolcehandknits.com/collection_fawi.html

This pattern was listed as 'easy', and I was a bit skeptical.  But it was easy, it was just alot of knitting.  I followed the pattern, which is really hard for me to do, even following her recommendation for yarn selection.  The Yarn is by 'Nashua', 50% linen, 50% cotton.  The gauge on size 7 needles matched the pattern's gauge perfectly, so I didn't have to make any adjustments there.  I used less than the pattern called for, about 5 1/4 skeins at 220 yards per skein.  I did make one adjustment to the pattern:  the whole thing is about an inch or two shorter than she prescribed (I raised the hemline).  I'm a pretty short lady and I think the adjustment worked well for me.

This project was a success because I will wear this sweater.  (I actually wore it to church this morning to celebrate LSU's victory over Florida!).  But I have a couple of comments on the fit.  I think the gathering that subtly indicates the empire waist is a bit high... it does not sit under my bust.  This is probably because I am a little more busty than the typical 'XS' form.  I wish it were an inch lower.  Also, despite lots of blocking, the front edge curls in rather stubbornly.  However, when wearing the sweater neither of these issues really matter that much because it is so casual and the piece has such movement.  I don't think either is really noticeable.

I hate this part the most: being the model for my garments.  Especially when my husband works nights for a week straight, forcing me to set up this photo shoot solo.  The photography is bad, because I had to set a timer, the lighting sucks, ect.  Anyway, don't judge too harshly, but here is an idea about the fit.

A Bit of Knitting...

... I know, knitting in the summer?  But my in-depth study of fibers in July (and hanging out with knitwear designer Kim Dolce at Penland) got my mind back into the game.  And also, my mother-in-law came to visit and knitting is a great craft for us to share.  I had about 4 skeins of 'Brushed Suri' leftover from a project a couple of years ago and I always wanted to make a top out of it.  So I dove into an impromptu project.


Knitting, for me, seems to be hit and miss, especially when I'm creating my own pattern.  But I took a risk, worked with what I knew, and created this piece.  I just combined a few basic shaping tools:  the raglan sleeve and 2x2 ribbing to finish the hem.  Once I calculated the gauge if the yarn, which was about 4.5 stitches per inch on size 4 US needles, I determined the width of the neckline and cast on (I think 140 stitches).   I knit this top in the round from the top down.  It is a pretty simple design.

This yarn is Brushed Suri, which is 67% baby suri, 22% merino, 11% bamboo, by Blue Sky Yarns in color 'Earl Grey'.  Very soft and fluffy.   Dry clean or hand wash.

The fun and scary part of knitting is not knowing how it is going to fit, or if you will like it, until you spend countless hours of work on your design.  My success rate on knitwear that I actually like is not good...  but I think I will wear this (though I was much more excited about it on the needles than when I took it off).  The top is not as slimming as I thought it would be... and in hindsight I would have made it a bit longer... those are my only complaints.

Recent Knits

I apologize for the lag between posts... it's not due to lack of projects.  Excitement about the next project on the horizon often moves me forward before I have time to reflect on the one I just completed.  There was the end of the semester and a rush to finish those projects, and then there were the holidays, and so I am behind.

These two knitting projects were quick and both had pressing deadlines: babies!  (From what I hear their demands never do stop :).  Both very special kids with parents who are dear friends.  (I have so many dear friends with amazing children and I often wish I had time to knit for all of them).  As luck had it Matthew has been working the night shift for over a month and I had plenty of time to myself for knitting.

This was a hat for Baby Jack.  Jack's father is a friend from college, so I chose our alma mater's colors.  Jack also lives in New Orleans and I figured this could also double as appropriate Mardi Gras attire.   The yarn is 'Debbie Bliss Cathay', a blend of cotton, viscose microfiber, and silk, 1 skein purple and 1 skein gold.  I didn't have a pattern for the hat and it was my first time knitting a hat for a baby, so I started by doing a little research.  The circumference of a baby's head ranges from 13"-17".  I determined the gauge of my yarn which was 4.5 stitches per inch (with two strands held together) on my US size 7, 12" circular needles.  I cast on 64 stitches in the round, which theoretically would create a hat 14.2" round.  I started with a 2x2 rib in gold, then began alternating the colors in stockinette stitch for the body.  After about 5-6" I started decreasing by knitting two together every eighth stitch.  Continue decreasing in intervals of 8 (stitch markers help with this) every other row.  Overall I think it was successful, though when we tried it on Jack it was a bit large... but with babies room to grow is always a good thing.

This next project was a bit more involved, and a couple of weeks of marathon knitting were required to finish the piece before the baby shower last weekend.  But I was so pleased with the baby cape for Baby Barden.  Baby Barden is female, and her red-headed mother is a dear friend and knitting partner from my Atlanta days.  She and I often admired this pattern in my favorite knitting book, 'Knit 2 Together' by Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark.

The pattern is 'Daphne's Baby Cape', and surprisingly I didn't stray far from the instructions (which I have a bad habit of doing).  I used a worsted spun fine wool, 'Shepherd's Wool' by Stonehedge Fiber Mill, color 'Christmas Red'.  Four skeins were required rather than the three called for in the pattern.  The cape wasn't too complicated to construct.  If anything the rows and rows of garter stitch at such a fine gauge was rather monotonous.  It is definitely a pattern that requires some stamina.  But I was so very pleased with the finished piece, and hopefully next year this 'red riding hood' will be the perfect fit for Baby Barden.