Knitting Nature Knit-Along

Fun is always in style.: Blog Giveaway ~ Scandinavian Mittens

2009-01-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

Fun is always in style.: Blog Giveaway ~ Scandinavian Mittens

I love the booklet, Happy Anniversary.

Vortex Street Refashion

2008-10-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

Remember the Vortex Street sweater refashion project? I finally sat down and finished it last month. It only took 6 months to sew the scarf panel to the sweater body. ;-)

I posted a picture-rich entry of all the steps (and false starts) in the refashion. You can also see the very beginning of the project and read about vortex streets, as seen from space.

Another Shell Tank

2008-09-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

I've finished my shell tank a few weeks ago but I've forgotten to post it here at the knitalong.

I made little modifications according to my personal measurements because I needed the tank a little longer and didn't want the swing shape like Norah designed the tank. So what above looks like somewhat waistshaping is really nothing but straight edgings as you can see in the next picture. I am totally satisfied with this tank because it fits to my shapes very well and the pointed hem flatters the figure. I didn't admit that I would like such an asymmetrical garment so much because I normally love symmetry. So sometimes one had to try something else, he? This tank make heads turn, that's true!

More on my knitting blog Knit and Relax (click).

Happy (Nature) Knitting,

Susanne from Germany

bubble sweater!

2008-04-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my bubble pullover: between being a graduate student in 4 classes and working 16 hours a week, not to mention still trying to be on a sports team, it took me nearly 6 months. but it's done! the photo isn't phenomenal, and i'll try to get another one up soon... but i'm pretty happy. though i think it makes my mid-section look rather short because of the two colors.

Vortex Street

2008-03-31T21:01:00.001-07:00

I found this moth-eaten cashmere sweater at Goodwill (a thrift store). It was too nice to trash so I decided to refashion it with a scarf collar a la Norah's Cabled Cardigan from the Fall 2006 Issue of Vogue Knitting.

Learn more about vortex streets, as seen from space.

Cowl pullover - finished

2008-03-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Since Ravelry is on, I guess people will less and less use the KAL on the blogosphere, but still for those who are not on Ravelry...it is finished. I love it!!

All pics on FlickR

Hitting the Target

2007-11-24T22:15:00.001-08:00

I finished a pair of the Target Wave mittens. I like them enough although their shape is kind of weird. 1 skein of the Goddess Phoebe was not enough, so I had to reverse the colors. More comments and details on my blog.

So which pattern to do next......

Ogee Tunic Done

2007-11-19T16:02:00.000-08:00

I finished the Ogee Tunic last week:

This was a great design to make, but some wording in the pattern threw me off and caused some grief and frogging. If you're making the tunic do go over my notes here. The linked blog post also has more pictures, modification (I added waist shaping and shortened the sleeves), and yarn details... This is the second pattern I made from the book, and look forward to many more!

Cowl Pullover

2007-11-03T09:28:00.001-07:00

My Cowl Pullover is knitted from 5 skeins of worsted weight Malabrigo in the marine colourway. I knitted an intermediate between sizes petite and small getting the gauge at needles size 6mm.

I couldn't make the instructions for the cowl work, so I changed it by looking at the photos instead - I think it worked out well.

I was a littled worried about sewing and cutting the cowl, but that worked out nicely, too.

I really like the outcome of my efforts - I must say, that this is another clever pattern from Norah: I like how the integrated sleeve-collar makes this an unusual sweater. Mmmmmm :)

Cowl How-to

2007-10-30T04:59:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

I thought I would post some pictures about how-to knit the Cowl. I started several times as I thought there was an error in the instructions, but it is correct.

There are 3 YO (yellow arrows), and therefore 3 decreases. The fact that the rows are shifted by 2 stitches make the spiral appear.

Knit until you arrive at the first YO from previous row.

Knit this YO and next stitch

Once arrived at second YO this corresponds to the start of the next round (here is the 2-stitch-shift), now start again with:

1YO,1knit,1YO (see the pink arrows before and after ?)

next stitch is slipped (green) and corresponds to the central stitch (looks like the spinal column -in red- with the ribs/holes at right and left-in orange), next stitch is the 3rd YO from previous round (yellow) and should be knit, then pass over the slipped stitch.(red arrow)

At last, make 2 decreases, by doing k2tog twice (in red). In rounds when increases happen, you just do only once the "k2tog".

My tip: place markers where you increased, or you will get lost;))) Here you can see where the 3rd hole is, bearely visible! this is probably why knitters get confused?!

Enjoy!

Asym Cardi Finished!

2007-10-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

After quite a delay where I removed the bottom ribbing and redesigned the collar and wrists with a simple single cable twist, sewed on the "perfect" buttons and managed to win a blue ribbon at our local county fair, this lovely sweater is done and fits just right! The pics are from my new digital camera - hope they look okay!

Violet droplets

2007-10-16T21:02:00.001-07:00

This was an incredibly easy and fast knit and I am very very happy with the result. So happy, in fact, that I cast on for another one in the bus on my way home this afternoon.

I did not find the hat too snug or small as some of you have, quite the contrary. It was made using Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted, colorway Wild Violet, with the recommended needle sizes (4 mm and 5 mm). It's intended as a gift for someone who has a bigger head than I have (yay!), but the next one I'm making for myself. To make the hat a bit snugger (now is that a word??) I'm going down .5 mm in needle size. I'm also going to do it in the round and do the conversion on the fly. Wish me luck!

Cowl on the go

2007-10-08T06:47:00.001-07:00

I started the cowl pullover that has a sleeve looking like a winkle shell. I had to start it something like 6 times, until I decided to smartly use markers. The wool I use is 70% polyamid and 30%mohair from a swiss brand. I will knit the jersey parts with my big-wool knitting machine.

I mostly knitted the interesting sleeve while breastfeeding or in the car (obviously I was not the one driving;)).I am looking forward to sew and cut the sleeve, but anxious it will not unravel.

Bamboo Basalt!

2007-08-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

I think I learned a lot by turning this tank into a dress. And I will be able modify the pattern so much in the future, that it will be completely mine. This one however, due to the stitch pattern is very much so an homage to Nora Gaughan.

I would change the upper half hex into a triangle if I make this again, and the upper whole back hex into a pentagon.

This was fun!

The yarn is 100% bamboo yarn just under 4 balls at 250yards purchased from the yarn girls at discontinuedyarn.com. The Yarn Girls are great to buy yarn from and have excellent customer service. They are having a labor day sale and I recommend this for anyone who wants beautiful unusual yarn for less than retail.

Roundabout Leaf Tank

2007-08-20T10:29:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would post my finished Roundabout Leaf Tank. I really enjoyed knitting this, even with all the challenges this pattern had to offer. When the weather cools down, I look forward to knitting the Ram's Horn Jacket. Thank you Janette for posting all that wonderful information concerning that jacket.

Roundabout Leaf Tank

2007-08-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Mister Sandman

2007-08-16T09:07:00.001-07:00

Mister sandman, bring me a dream
Make him the cutest that Ive ever seen
Give him two lips like roses and clover
Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over

Sandman, I'm so alone
Don't have nobody to call my own
Please turn on your magic beam
Mister sandman, bring me a dream

Take one part sand dollar

Add a dash of desert

Throw in some Ivory Silk Maiden

And a little Sea silk for flavor

Don't forget to follow the recipe...

Mix well

Form by hand

Allow to cool (but not too long.)

Recipe yields one sand dollar pullover (soon)

Turbulence U-neck Pullover

2007-08-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here's my Turbulence U-neck knitted from 1 strand of Drops Alpaca and 1 strand of mulberry silk in size petite. The only deviation I made from the pattern was making the sleeves wider, i.e. starting with the number of stitches I was supposed to have when arriving at the cap and not doing any increases.

Roundabout, take one

2007-08-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe! how fast and fun this is! Before you know it, you've knit up this much of the Roundabout Leaf Tank:

So far I'm happy with the yarn (see previous post on this KAL) and the color. The knitted stripe curls inward a LOT, but I guess that's normal for stockinette and since I haven't blocked it yet I'm not worried (yet) that it won't lie flat.

Also, I found an obvious error in the pattern which I'm sure many of you have noted. I don't find any mention of it here, so here goes: The pattern says to

"k2, yo, ssk, k(n) (can't remember how many), yo, ssk, k2"

for every RS row. This should read

"k3, yo, ssk, k(n-1), yo, ssk, k2".

See, if you only knit 2 stitches in the beginning of every RS row, you end up with two different borders on each side of the stripe.

A Roundabout Tank in the making

2007-08-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I received my eagerly awaited-for order from Knitpicks containing among other things yarn for the Roundabout Leaf Tank. I got their Shine Worsted (Cotton/Modal) in Sunflower. I really like the color and so far it's knitting up beautifully. I'm just a little worried b/c the yarn called for, Berroco Denim Silk, is a ribbon yarn and the one I got is just normal yarn. Have people here had problems substituting a regular yarn for the ribbon yarn in this tank?

Bubble Pullover? Check!

2007-08-05T17:29:00.001-07:00

The details: Bubble Pullover, some kind of crazy yarn called Swa Laine, leather buttons, totally fun!

Roundabout Leaf Tank

2007-07-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

First I would like to thank Lilikoi Knits for inviting me to join. I just love Norah's designs and will start the Ram's Horn Jacket soon. I am almost finished with the Roundabout Leaf Tank, I am trying to figure out the best way to attach the shoulder straps to the main body.Could someone please tell me how they did theirs? I would appreciate any suggestions. When I finish the tank I will post a picture of it.

basalt tank - the final post!

2007-07-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

i present to you......... the basalt tank - off the blocking board and on the ole body!

while i still am unsure about how much i'll wear this, i'm pleased with how it turned out (and very displeased with the photograph, but i was anxious to go ahead and post it). i feel like everything time i finish a project, i get a little bit closer to knitting that elusive perfect garment. i consider this basalt tank to be one baby step closer to that goal.. i've posted more pics and details of the project at my blog. thanks for motivating me to get this thing finished!! i'll be back with progress on the ram's horn jacket once it cools down a little... in the meantime, i look forward to seeing all of your finished (and in progress) gems!

basalt tank is done!

2007-07-24T09:09:00.001-07:00

my basalt tank is finished!! ends woven in, blocked and ready to go! i still haven't put it on for a photoshoot, but here you can see it blocking in all it's brown, hard-to-photgraph glory:

as you can tell, i modified it that there are 1/2 hexagons on the sides, but other than that, it was knit exactly to the pattern. the arm holes are a teeeeeeeeeeny bit small, but it fits pretty well. doesn't necessarily mean i'll wear it a lot. now that it's finished, i find myself wondering: "hmmm, a brown knitted hexagonal tank top... is that something i would really ever wear? is it worth wearing just because i made it? will people take one look at me wearing it and think 'there she goes, wearing her weird, knitted stuff'".. hmmm. hope to have modeled pics soon!

What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs...

2007-07-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

Pie Pie

Me oh my

Nothing tastes sweet, wet, salty and dry
all at once o well it's pie
Apple!
Pumpkin!
Minced
an' wet bottom.
Come to your place everyday if you've got em'
Pie
Me o my
I love pie

- Andie McDowell in the movie "Michael"

I heard project spectrum was all about red and black this summer. I noticed the annual increase in flag waving and bunting bearing, all in patriotic shades of red, white, and blue as we drew closer to Independence Day.

I went stash diving, in search of something, anything to help me get my red fix. Came up with three skeins of Handmaiden lace silk that were too lightweight for the project they were intended for.

Found this pattern in Knitting Nature.

It calls for a gauge of single strand on ones of nine stitches to an inch. Double strand on size five needles yields five and a half to an inch. Wound one up and swatched. Perfect. At both gauges.

Now I know what you're thinking.

How is that ~~totally embarrassing~~ belly baring top going to look on a fifty year old ~~goddess~~ woman?

Not to worry. I am adding two and a half inches onto the length so my ~~rolls of fat~~ pleasantly plump stomachs don't show.

Sat down last week and cast on. By the weekend I had enough done to tell whether it was working or not.

Oh yeah, it's working!

The shine is fabulous; the drape is luscious; the color shifts so subtly between crimson and berry, you almost think you must have imagined it.

The knitting gods have smiled on me.

Because sometimes a girl just needs pie...

a la mode!

Fireworks Day! (USA)

2007-07-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

I've finished my summer version of the hex coat. When I start to feel a chill in the air, I'll add sleeves - until then, I have a lovely long sleeveless coat. I knit this with cascade 220 superwash wool (220 yards on size 8 needles) that I bought at Webs last anniversary sale. It was about half the cost so materials for this coat came to about 25.00 without sleeves. It will be about 35.00 with sleeves. Surprisingly, I had no problems with the moss stitch, even in all of it's monotony. The yarn is only a little rough, softer than I expected. The heathered green is gorgeous. The hexagons, however - worried me to no end. I think I could have cast on more stitches per side. And I must have been asleep while making the shoulder seams, because they are not the same as in the book. I will have to adjust the cap sleeves or I will be in trouble. I knit the entire body in the round (sorry in one piece), and added waist shaping. I skipped the ribbing at the bottom edge, because I thought it was an unnecessary edge. I also made the back smaller, and in doing so created a collar where the hexagons join. This looks rather nice, and I've fastened the first three hexagons with clasps. I am happy with this, although, I should have known I'd have trouble making the hex's fit right. The bottom of the coat curls in because of this.

2007-07-02T11:39:00.001-07:00

Snapping Turtle Skirt

2007-07-01T20:33:00.001-07:00

Hi all, I’m Herdis, a newbie on this KAL. My Snapping Turtle Skirt is finally ready! Actually, it’s been ready for a while, but my camera broke and I couldn’t get any decent pictures of the thing. That’s why I couldn’t post any pictures of the progress on knitting the skirt either… well, that and the fact that it looked so horrible while being knit that I wasn’t sure it would ever become anything. Then in the end, it did actually come out pretty well. I really enjoyed knitting this skirt and I plan to wear it to pieces!

I made some modifications, mainly unintentionally, so the finished garment looks quite different from the one in the book. First of all, I chose to knit it in wool.

Second, my carefully checked gauge turned out to be all wrong. Instead of having six hexagons to the round, I needed only five, which is fine by me if they hadn’t looked like hats rather than hexagons. This was the main reason I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to wear this thing. Blocking the skirt improved this a lot, but even after blocking you can still see the hexagons bulging out a bit. The skirt is also quite a bit longer than the original b/c of the bigger hexagons, but I actually really like that.

Third, I knit the skirt “in the round” and so did not have to sew the skirt together in the end. Doing it this way makes so much more sense… I didn’t even realize that I wasn’t following the pattern until the skirt was almost ready.

Happy knitting, thanks for reading!

I'm so fond of the Bubble Pullover

2007-06-29T01:01:00.000-07:00

I finished the Bubble Pullover as my second item from Knitting Nature (the third item, the Turbulence U-neck Pullover, is already on the needles). It is just so nice to wear and fashionable as well. I made it less baggy than in the book, and I think that suits me better. As I have mentioned before, I reversed the decreases like Knot Another Hat did in order to use this as a design feature. I made the largest size but with a much smaller gauge. The sweater came out as a size small. The buttons are ladybirds. You can see a closeup and more details on my blog.

Yarn: 1 strand kidmohair, 1 strand 100% wool from Henrichsens Uldspinderi

Needles: 4.0 mm and 4.5 mm

Size: Large, but turned out small due to the smaller gauge (as planned).

Honeycomb stitch pattern

2007-06-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show you how I adapted the stitch pattern of the Honeycomb Henley in this vest. Sorry for the bad photos. You can read more on my blog, if you like.

Ram's Horn Jacket - Norah Gaughan

2007-06-20T03:09:00.001-07:00

Ram's Horn Jacket is done. I've detailed everything on my blog, which is quite a lot, so not repeating here.

Thanks to the people who contacted me when I requested assistance with this pattern.

Ram's Horn Jacket - Norah Gaughan

2007-06-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone …. I’m experiencing problems with the collar instructions and seeking assistance from anyone who has completed this jacket.

I’ve completed the body of the garment, which was a very easy knit. Have also blocked and sewn together, but the collar instructions have me totally confused.

Is there anyone on the Knit-Along who is currently knitting or has knitted this pattern? A friend is also experiencing problems with the collar instructions, so I know there is a real problem deciphering details.

I have read the errata attached to this Knit-Along, as well I have emailed Norah Gaughan at Berroco, where one of the staff replied directing me to another errata page and the publisher for assistance. I have not contacted the publisher, but hoping someone here will be able to assist.

HELP!

The Hats...

2007-06-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this book!

Unfortunately, I'm not knitting sweaters until I get close to my target weight, soooooo....
hats it is!

Cascade 220 Heathers (100%wool): 9454
This pattern was a tiny bit tricky for a somewhat beginner, but so worth it.
I'm so in love with this yarn's color...

Cascade 220 Heathers (100%wool): 4009
This is the second one of these I've knitted- this is the first:

I didn't like my yarn choice for the first one, so I did the second, but now I can't decide which one I like better...
I added a crocheted edge to both of them because they turned out a bit too short for me.

Turbulence Pullover

2007-05-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Deciding that making a short-sleeved version of the Turbulence Pullover would be fun, I embarked on changing little bits of the pattern as gracefully as I could. First, I used a divine bamboo/cotton blend yarn in a very luminous purple - six balls of Valley Yarns bamboo from www.yarn.com. It is soft and silky. The bits of bamboo fiber are darker than the cotton, so that when you look closely at this yarn, it is not solid. It tends to split very easily, so I do not recommend using pointy needles. I am lazy, so I translated the pattern to work the bottom in the round, and split the top into the two seperate sections. I added waist shaping, but not quite enough. I also should have worked the set in sleeves, but lack of motivation won again, and I just picked up the stitches - which made this shirt look a tad strange. Now that I am done with it, I love the way it feels against my skin. I am not even sure that it will need to be blocked, although I may do this tomorrow.

I am trying to think of a way to make the phyllo yoked pullover much smaller, and almost completely in the round..I think I could split the two pieces when the pattern needs it...could anyone help me with this?

Spiral scarf finished

2007-05-19T00:25:00.000-07:00

Here is my finished Spiral Scarf, which I started last weekend. You can read about the yarn here. I used bamboo dpns size 3.5mm. The largest hexagon now has 25 sts along the side, and there are 14 hexagons.
I like how it turned out - I think I found a good application for this yarn.

Ram's Horn Jacket

2007-05-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across the Ram's Horn Jacket through another Aussie blog about a week or so ago and immediately purchased Knitting Nature, ordered the yarn, which arrived three days later, and began knitting.

I'm using a Bendigo yarn (Rustic, colour Peppercorn) and so far it seems to be working well. I went up a needle size then recommended for this yarn to a 5mm to get gauge, which worked out exactly, as well, the fabric still looks good. I choose this yarn as it was immediately available to me in Oz and the colour was so close to the photo of the jacket.

The right front is complete, now working on the left front. Such an easy knit so far, but really looking forward to knitting and attaching the collar to complete this fabulously, stylish jacket.

You can also follow my progress on my blog.

Turbulence Calmed

2007-05-18T11:22:00.001-07:00

All is calm on the Turbulence U-Neck Pullover, it is done! I love the fit, it suits me well, and I am happy to say, "finished!" The sleeves did come out a little longer than I had measure (they are supposed to three-quarter length) my came out between full length and 3/4s. I like it though, because I love a pushed up sleeve, so it works for me. I really loved doing the half-twisted ribbing, it made the ribbing more detailed looking. There were other surprises in the design, like the make one at the cuffs to the elbow were by making a stitch between two stitches which created a lovely yarn over hole on both sides of the seam. And the neck was fun, applied after sewing together the front and back on one side and then picking up stitches along neckline in a knit, knit, purl bind-off for the three rows added! Well, back to the lacy summer knit sweater.

Spiral Scarf is finally done

2007-05-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Finally I finished my first project out of Knitting Nature with the Spiral Scarf.

I worked with 200 gr Regia Bamboo colour 1066 double-stranded on 3.5 mm bamboo-dpns .

To be honest: I was really happy when I had finished the spiral scarf. At first it was fun to knit the hexagons but then it was really boring. I sew some little push-buttons in order to hold the wider end of the scarf on the shoulder.

I still have to get used to wear the scarf in public because I always think I wear a chain of pot-holders. I hope this impression will fade in time ...

Nevertheless: One of my next projects will be another design from Norah Gaughan. This time it will be the multidirectional cabled shrug called "capecho" which was presented in the winter-issue of Vogue Knitting.

Creative greetings from Germany
Susanne

Spring is here!

2007-05-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is the finished Basalt Tank I've been working on. It looks very smooth and I can't wait to wear it around. The hemp has softened up a bit, and it will be a long lasting durable garment. Elizabeth Lavold's Hempathy would be good to make bags and purses from. It is also the exact gauge Norah Gaughan's pattern calls for. I knit the front center hexagon in the round, as the back (my first attempt, has the dreaded seam everyone here has mentioned). I should have added waist shaping, because it is a wee bit boxy on me, but I am very happy with the result.

I am watching a tiny bird dive through the railing and past my feet in this photo. It was quite the pilot. So fast you can't see it in this picture.

I've started the Spiral Scarf

2007-05-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm already knitting the Bubble Pullover, and now I've started the Spiral Scarf, which I guess will soon be finished since it is such a rapid knit - I find it so hard to put it away since I can always "just finish the next hexagon" :)

It is knitted from this blue yarn, which is one strand of mohair mixed with a 2-ply strand, that changes colour between black, yellow, turquoise, and pink - I think this strand is made of cotton and maybe polyamide.
I made my largest hexagon with 24 sts along the sides, i.e. two more than the pattern calls for, to make the scarf a little larger. By now, I have made 8 hexagons, starting with the largest one.

Basalt Tank

2007-05-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

As this is my first post here, I'd like to say thank you to the blog organizer. I first saw this book about a year ago when I was learning to knit, and I wanted to work my way up to being able to knit these beautiful patterns. Now I feel confident, and am very excited about making several of these (I think unique) patterns.

My Basalt Tank is happily blocking out. It was an easy knit, but it took me a long time - I think due to the yarn I used. Elizabeth Lavold's Hempathy was a bit easy to snag, and bled a little in the blocking process. If it softens up a bit, I will not be disappointed by this yarn. I still don't think I would use it again. It took just under four balls to make the xs size with half hexagons at the sides. It is an airy knit with size four needles, but this does not distract from the pattern. I will post a picture of me in it when it is done drying.

One of my goals in this blog is to accurately describe the different kinds of yarn I use for each project. I love it when people critique yarn. I never buy yarn in person, so research is a must, and I don't see enough of it out there.

I am also thinking about making the Phyllo Yoked Pullover, but I am near certain that a size 36" xs will fall off of me. I am closest to a 32" but this knit looks like it could be a little loose...I have no idea how to size it down to a 33-34" top as of yet. I will be grateful for any input on this matter.

I look forward to seeing more projects by everyone, and in general, shooting the breeze about these knits.

Crystal

Too warm for wool?

2007-05-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

I eventually received my yarn from the US all the back to France. I could benefit from sales at Web's. Well, it's still the most expensive sweater I will knit so far, but this time I really wanted to have the exact matching yarn for my Serpentine. I may well start my project only in a couple of month (and do another one) as it's getting towards summer. I am participating to another french KAL "Lace & summer yarns".Maybe Sand Dollar with a Bamboo Yarn will do??

Finished Roundabout Tank

2007-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished Roundabout Leaf Tank. I've been done for nearly a month now, but i haven't had time until recently to get it photographed.
It's knit in Kollage Cornucopia, a 100% corn braided tape yarn. I highly recommend the yarn to anyone, but especially those interested in alternative fibers.
I have to admit, the shot isn't great, the fact that my boyfriend is right next to me hides part of the tank, and his hand is not placed properly to get a good picture. So another shot is in order at some point, and perhaps i'll even be smiling in that one...

Unlike a previous comment on the fit of a roundabout, i find that i love the way the garment clings and shapes to me. Perhaps that has to do with the yarn. and the fact that i'm relatively young and in shape. It turned out longer than i anticipated. I would have stopped a full rotation earlier had i been paying more attention and following the pattern less. But i like the longer fit as well, even if it wasn't what i was going for.

Knitting Nature in France

2007-05-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hi ! My name is Mimosa and I'm French .
I'd like to thank Lilikoiknits who let me join this great knit-along.

I love Norah Gaughan's patterns and I find that "Knitting Nature " is a wonderful book . I fell in love with that shawl pattern and had to find yarn to substitute for Harrisville cashmere .

I chose Sublime extra fine merino wool dk and knitted a swatch gauge which corresponds to the pattern .

To be continued ...

(If you want to see more of me , my knitting blog is here .)

Bubble Pullover in progress

2007-05-06T02:12:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a picture of my Bubble Pullover progress. I posted earlier on this item too, however I had to frog it, because it was too small with my smaller gauge. Now I'm knitting away again - one sleeve, the bottom rib, and the collar are yet to come. I also need to find some funny buttons for it. I'd like to have some in the same style as So Much Fun, but I haven't figured out there to find some yet.

Turbulence U-Neck Pullover

2007-05-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks for allowing me to contribute to this great blog you have going! I live in South Metro Denver, CO. I have lived many places and I believe Denver to be the mecca of yarn stores and knitters - at least in the USA! Oh, I love green yarn, then blue (as in indigo or larkspur blue). Please visit my blog, Larkspur Studio to see what I am up to and please comment (I need insights to what I am doing). Enough with the intro.

Last week I went to a LYS (Strings, A Knitting Boutique) yearly blowout sale and picked up this Queensland Katmandu DK (half off), thinking I could easily make the Ram's Horn Jacket, only to be disappointed, not enough and guage all wrong. I don't know why I was so disappointed? Only because, I turn back to my favorite piece in the whole book to see that, yes, the gauge is correct, and I HAVE BOUGHT EXACTLY THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SKEINS! I immediately swatched on 4's and 6's. Washed, blocked, and got amazing results. Sunday's start, to Wednesday finishing the back! Yesterday I started the front, got up early this Saturday morning and arrived to the paatern portion to the top of the front. I hope to finish the front tonight!

Phyllo Yoked Pullover Alert!

2007-05-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

There is a phyllo in progress in London!

It is my first adult sized knit and the jumper involves techniques that I have not tried before e.g. final construction on circulars.

I am halfway up the second sleeve and the back, front and other sleeve are waiting impatiently for me to get to the point where I put them all together onto a circular needle, ready to do the yoke...I am really looking forwards to this bit!

I am posting progress on my ORK blog and will update here when I have something more interesting than stocking stitch to show you all.

Apologies for very null 'Blog Owner' name, I run a newsletter blog for a small sports club...and I like to keep the different elements of my life a little bit separate!

Sierpinski scarf

2007-05-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

After studying fractals in my math-for-non-math-majors class, I decided to knit the Sierpinski scarf. I love chunky scarves, so I'm just using dishcloth cotton yarn I have on hand, with several different shades.

You can see a picture of the scarf in progress at my blog, Marvelous Things.

Shell Tank

2007-04-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

Done! I am very pleased; it fits perfectly. I owe that fit to Anna, whose own shell tank (posted here last August, I think) was my inspiration, and who very kindly told me exactly how she sized hers down. Thank you Anna! The principal mods were lengthening it by two inches, and sizing it down to a 34. Size aside I loved this pattern; it is so beautifully thought-out, and the finishing details are so elegant. I used addi turbos in 8 and 6, and four balls of Rowan Calmer in Drift.

basalt tank half way

2007-04-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

Just a few more hexagons, some straps and some garter around the bottom and she's done! This project is coming along quickly and the hexagons are fun to knit. So far I haven't encountered any problems with the pattern and I anticipate finishing it up before too long. I'm a little nervous about the sizing / wearability of the finished garment, but with this odd construction it'll be hard to tell until it's completed... We'll see soon enough!

Not-so-new member

2007-04-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

I joined this knitalong last year, but have yet to actually make anything from the book! Well, that's going to change this summer. I've bought yarn to make the Basalt tank:

I'll be using Knit Picks Shine Sport in "grass," a wonderfully bright green. I know for sure I'll be modifying this sweater (a la Kelly's version from last year), so I'll be checkin' in more frequently to update on my progress.

another new member!

2007-04-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I've had an eye on this KAL and have loved watching all of your projects come to their exciting conclusions. Some of the things I've seen posted here have inspired me or prompted me to reconsider knitting certain garments out of knitting nature - my most favorite knitting book ever... Norah Gaughan is a genius.

Anway, I was so eager to make something - anything - out of the book that I started small and immediately set to making the sunflower tam.

The lite lopi's a little scratchy for me, but what a fun knit - I loved seeing the pattern emerge. After that, I dove into bigger projects, like the Ram's horn jacket. Here's one of the fronts, with a contrasting blue wool hem that barely peeks out:

I've since finished both of the fronts and one sleeve but I've temporarily shelved this because it's getting a little too warm to work on it here.

Lastly, I've just started the basalt tank. See - my yarn for it (wool cotton in a chocolate color) just arrived from WEBS!! I'm making mine with half hexagons on the sides and I'm hoping it will turn out as beautiful as this one by kelp! knits. Truly an inspiration.

Sorry for the long post - more info on these and other projects at my blog here.

Hello

2007-04-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's Ruth from 5elementknitr.blogspot.com. Happy to be here! For my next trick, I'll be swatching some lovely Drops Alpaca to make the Ogee Tunic (pg. 126). Wish me luck!

I think he likes it!

2007-04-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

I gave my brother the Reflection Aran Pullover today. We had a short modeling stint:

I also gave him a book that has all my blog posts on the Reflection Aran Pullover, a set of rules that need to be obeyed (they're posted on my blog), a copy of the celebratory email I sent to my family and a ridiculous photo of the sweater on a body pillow I've got with his head photoshopped on. I hoped it would let him appreciate it more. Only time will tell...

Finished Reflection Aran Pullover!

2007-04-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

So, there has been a lot of saga involved in doing this sweater. Mostly, I think I learned that if I start reading a chart and it doesn't make any sense at all, that I know cables well enough by now to fudge it. That's exactly what I did, and to be honest, i think the finished product looks just fine:

I started this project in November on size 4 Addi Turbos (i aparently knit really loosely!) with Knit Picks Swish Superwash in the Deep Ocean Colorway. The front is actually two different dye lots stranded together, but I think the varigated effect adds to the depth of the cables in the front, and it doesn't look crazy at all when you look at the whole thing. All in all, I liked that yarn quite a lot. I didn't think I was such a huge fan of Knit Picks, but it seems alright. The dye kept coming off on my hands as I was knitting with it and seaming the ends, so I'm hoping it doesn't turn my brother into Grover, but that's alright. Here's a close up of the front cables:

I don't have a picture of my brother wearing it yet (did you really think anyone that's not family could deserve a sweater like this!?), but I'll be giving it to him this Saturday, and when I get photos of him in it I'll post one here.

This is the first sweater that I've ever actually completed, so I'm rediculously proud of it! To be honest, I did like a full 5 minute raver happy dance after I'd complted it to the tune of "Feel So Fine" by Dhany. It's my second project from Knitting Nature. My first was the Roundabout Leaf Tank I completed in August.
I dip into the saga of it all on my blog if you're interested.

Europe is in

2007-04-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow knitters,
I am French & Swiss and just in love with Knitting Nature.
I feel very close to Norah Gaughan as I have the same profile: very much interested in arts and biology, I also eventually studied Biology. The difference is that knitting is my hobby and I live in the nature (remote area in the Jura mountains), and I use biology for a living.
As Norah says we don't like " do whatever you like or want"... it is not challenging enough, we prefer having some limitations so that it stimulates our imagination. I also can't stick with the directions of a knitwear, there is always something personal to add or change: as an example I wish to knit the Serpentine Coat...but shorter.
The yarn is ordered, by the time I get it, I will probably (as many other knitters) start something else from that gorgeous book.

Spiral Scarf complete

2007-04-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Here's my Spiral Scarf, complete. The multicoloured yarn is Koigu, and the darker blue is Claudia Handpainted; I thought the two really worked well together in this pattern. This pattern is great for handpainted and variegated yarns, which mimic it, spiralling towards the centre. I love the pattern itself; so simple but so beautiful!
I made some changes mainly in the arrangement of the hexagons, and details, with more pictures are on my blog.
Am looking forward to more projects from this book! I think the Ogee Tunic might be next.

Asymmetrical Cardigan

2007-04-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

I finished the Asymmetrical Cardigan! It's knit out of Malabrigo Worsted instead of the bulky cashmere called for in the pattern. Because of the different gauge, I wound up knitting a larger pattern size, which worked out ok fit-wise. More photos and all of the gory details are on my blog.

This is the third pattern I've knit from Knitting Nature, and I'm planning on knitting the Phyllo Yoked Pullover, too!

Spiral Scarf

2007-03-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of my Spiral scarf. I'm using Koigu and Claudia Handpainted for alternate hexagons, since the colours seem to complement each other well, and the gauge is really loose and drapey, on size 5 needles. It makes for a softer scarf this way, I think. As you can see, I didn't knit it all in one direction. I started with a couple mid-sized ones, then knit two larger ones and joined them with a fifth one. My largest is at 20 stitches so far, and I don't think I'll make a larger one than that.

This is a quick, fun and addictive knit! Incidentally, the cast on question I had a few days ago was resolved easily. Basically, no matter what cast on you do, just make sure you leave a tail long enough to pick up half the number of stitches of a side. That makes for a stronger join with the next hexagon. As for the very first one, the tail doesn't matter. I like the nice, pointed edge of the long-tail cast on.

New Gal with Droplet Hat!

2007-03-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am Momo aka Miriam and I am new to this KAL. I just have to say that several times over the last couple of months I have looked over this blog and found a lot of inspiration. There are so many gorgeous FO's from the book. And I love seeing so many people's interpretation of color and texture.

I was lucky enough to receive Knitting Nature as part of the One Skein Exchange - my partner really spoiled me - and I had been in love with the droplet hat since first looking over the book. So, I come to you with my first KN project: a droplet hat! My modification was to add earflaps because I felt like the hat was too short. (Hello, row gauge!)

There are more details and another photo on my blog, Kung Fu Knitting.

On another note, I wanted to share something about hexagons in nature. Here is a link to an interesting little article about the formation of a hexagonal band at one of Saturn's poles.

New Member & Spiral Scarf question!

2007-03-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks, I just joined the KAL after buying the book. After going back and forth, not being able to decide between so many beautiful projects, I decided to begin with the Spiral Scarf, and I have a question about the cast on.

It says to cast on using a "tail method" so that the tail can be used for casting on later hexagons and picking up stitches. But does this mean that you just have to leave a long tail for later pick ups, or do you have to do the long-tail cast on for the first one as well?

I just started the first hexagon with a knitted cast on and left a long-enough tail for picking up stitches for the next one, but thought I'd check with you all here. Could someone who's made this, or anybody who has the book look over the instructions and clarify it for me?

Pictures once I've done a couple of hexagons!

Desiknitter.
http://desiknitter.typepad.com.

Sizing Down Shell Tank

2007-03-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, and thank you for letting me join this KAL. I am very excited to get started on a shell tank, and have a supply of Rowan Calmer in Drift to use. I need to size the pattern down to a 34; would anyone mind telling me how to go about it? I know that Anna knit a beautiful one in a smaller size, and no doubt others have too. Thank you very much; I hope to have pictures to share soon!

Droplet o' Java

2007-03-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

It's my first contribution to this, or any, knitalong: the Droplet hat from Knitting Nature. Here it is, resting on my desk in the sun. It's composed of 1.5 balls of Noro Cash Iroha in color 94, which I call "coffee."

The Cash Iroha knit perfectly to gauge and I didn't change anything about the pattern. Although I don't see any reason for it NOT to be knit in the round. Seeing that the author is very much interested in circular and alternative constructions, I figured there MUST be a reason this thing is knit flat. Upon finishing, I have not come upon one. Any thoughts?

My only quibble with my yarn choice is the fact that the rather dark color doesn't show off the intricate stitchwork as well as something a little lighter would. However, the Cash Iroha is SO soft and produces no forehead itch. It catches the light beautifully and looks even better after a careful handwash or two. There will be another one or two of these in my future!

See more at my blog!

New Member with Spiral Scarf

2007-03-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hy everyone,
I'm new to this knit-along. Many thanks to Lilikoi for inviting me to the club.

I own the book "Knitting Nature" just a few weeks and this is my first project of it.

I loved the "Spiral Scarf" from the very first view and looked for the right yarn to make it. Finally I found "Bamboo Color" from Regia (shade 1066) and I'm very happy with it - it is so soft. I work double-stranded with 3,5mm-needles as the pattern defines. I like the pattern very much because it is so easy and the outcome is so impressive and - different.

This won't be my last knitting project from this book and from Laura Gaughan. Have you seen her short jacket in the last winter issue of Vogue Knitting? I think that will be my next challenge.

Keep on knitting and if you like have a look at my blog click here. I look forward to your comments.

Greetings from Germany
Susanne

I've started the Bubble Pullover

2007-03-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

I've started knitting the Bubble Pullover from my stash, since I'm attending the Stashalong 2007.
I make it in two blue colours from Henrichsens Uldspinderi combined with marine kidmohair. I make most of the pullover in the petrol blue, but I'm doing 2 of the pentagons and maybe the beginning of one sleeve in cobalt blue. I've decided to swap the ssk's and the k2tog's to make the decreases a design feature, like Knot Another Hat did. As you can see, I'm on pentagon 4 now, and I really like to knit this sweater! I've always been fond of this kind of construction, where you knit up a sweater from smaller, identical parts.

I'm doing size medium since my gauge is somewhat smaller than what the pattern calls for, and I am a size small.

You can follow my progress on my blog.

Sunflower Tam Strikes Again

2007-03-06T06:10:00.000-08:00

I've taken up knitting hats to procrastinate and put off my senior project. The sunflower tam appeared as one of those hats.

The tam is done with double stranded Lamb's Pride (in medieval red) on size 7's and 9's. The lucky recipient happens to pull off the hat with graceful style. And the conception of the hat also was remarkably random (she mentioned she liked the hat, i had a lot of red yarn and said "how about red" and two days later, the hat was done).

Turbulence U-Neck Sweater

2007-02-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Here's my Turbulence U-Neck sweater. I have used Duo Silk Merino from Design Club dk held double. I made the body a little longer, and added a bit of waist shaping, but those are the only modifications. This is my third FO from Knitting Nature. Next up is the Hex Coat, which I hope to start some time this Spring.

Another Sunflower Tam

2007-02-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

This hat is just so much fun to make-and it goes so quickly too.

Hemp Basalt Tank

2007-02-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

Knitting Nature was a Christmas gift from my mother. A note inside the book said "comes with yarn for one pattern." I set my mind in motion Only one pattern? How could I possibly choose? And on the college student budget, I realized that this gifted yarn might be the only "good" yarn that i would get to knit into a pattern in this book for a while. After long debate, I decided on the yarn first. Hemp yarn. AllHemp6 by Hemp for Knitting/Lanaknits. In a rather lovely sapphire (not a color I often wear or knit with, which made it even nicer.)
My original plans to knit the roundabout tank were foiled. The hemp curled all over the place and wouldn't lie flat. (Moral: don't use a round yarn in place of a ribbon/tape yarn.)
And then the more I looked at the Basalt Tank, the more I realized that the hemp yarn was speaking to me to be used. And so here it is.....my wonderful boyfriend took the pictures, so blame him for the bad lighting.

Basalt Tank

2007-02-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

I love this book. This is the first book I've picked up recently that found several projects to get to quickly. Even had the perfect yarn for the Basalt Tank.

I am making the smallest adult size (cast on 188) and I'm doing fine up to Row 26. At the end of row 24 I had 17 stitches in each section. The pattern, page 18, first group - actually all of them - say to Repeat row 2, which is a decrease row, but to maintain 17 stitches per section.

Should the pattern say repeat row 7 or should it be a purl row. If I purl, it would create a garter stitch, which is what the pattern looks like.

I do hope you get this quickly! I'm eager to get moving. The top is really going quickly!

Jenny Tabrum

I finally finished something!

2007-02-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

After working (or rather NOT working) on my Ogee Tunic for months I picked up the Knitting Nature book again and was struck by an uncontrollable urge to knit the Sunflower Tam. Which I did. It turned out great except I didn't check my gauge (I know I know ... rookie mistake) and it's too large for my head. But it made a nice gift this morning. I just wanted to knit it, you know?

Bubble Pullover Head-Scratcher

2007-02-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

It's taken a while, but I've finally started the Bubble. I am knitting it in Jaeger Matchmaker, black, and hit gauge on size 9 needles. My finished Pentagon seems very, very small --- but it more or less matches the schematic --- so I guess I'll keep going! This is a fun, structural knit, and I can't wait to see how it comes together.

Did anyone else have the same reaction of thinking their Pentagon 1 came out alot smaller then they'd imagined it would?

Debut project: Asymmetrical Cardigan

2007-02-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

Knitting is definitely one of my most precious hobbies, and I'm lucky ;) to have two daughters and three grandchildren - with a fourth on the way! - to pass my creations on to. After having browsed the Knitting Nature book, my oldest daughter ordered an Asymmetrical Cardigan, and here it is, modeled by one of my colleagues at work!

I have to admit that I had my doubts both in regards to the shape and the amount of yarn, but what looked pretty weird during the making turned out to be an awesome jacket. Finding buttons is one of the hardest things with knitted jackets, but I reckon this one will be worn open most of the time, so I guess the buttons aren't really that important.

I spent 11 balls of a yarn called Merino Maxina, using 5,5mm needles. The project took me nearly two months - in between several pair of socks, a kid's sweater, and the start of another jacket. I have pictures of all of those, plus a few pictures of the Asymmetrical Cardigan during the process, at my hobbyblog.

Hex Update

2007-01-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

After finally getting all my holiday knitting done, I've been able to get back to the Hex Coat. I have both fronts done and am starting on the back panel.

If you notice, I have modified the pattern a bit. I'm curvy and don't like boxy clothes so I've modified the sides a bit. I've also shortened the coat to be more of a jacket. Here's where I am now:

To keep track of the increases and the decreases on the hex boarder, I put a marker 10 stitches in and increase and decrease the required 5 stitches. It definitely helped me keep track. I also had two different colored markers so I could keep track of which side of the knit I was on. This was important because Moss Stitch wasn't easy for me to keep up with initially. Color coding the markers definitely helped. (Red on the right: do the opposite of what's on the needles. Blue on the right: match what's on the needles).

After looking at the photo of my knitting, it looks like I may need to redo the first panel (the left one) as I wasn't quite into the zen of keeping track of my rows. I have it down to a science now. I'll wait until after the back panel is done to determine which panel matches the back the best.

Since I've been working with this heathered gray, though, I'm getting a little tired with the color. I seriously want some color added to this, so I'm thinking about making the hex's in a self striping color. There was some beautiful stuff at a local yarn store that just may work out.

Oh, and I've been a little irritated with the Reynolds yarn company. Some of the balls towards the end of them have small pieces just laying on top of each other. This yarn lends itself very well to the spit splice, I just don't want to have to splice in every yard. (I exaggerate, but it was a bit rude to have to keep splicing pieces in).

Asymmetrical Help!

2007-01-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

Okay I am to the part where you shape for the sleeve on the left front. It says to cast on _# of stitches and so on. Where do I start knitting on the chart for all of these new cast on stitches? If I start at the beginning won't that mess up my pattern since the number of stitches is increasing every other row at the beginning? And will this change where I stop on the chart? Can someone please explain this to me. The book does not give detailed instructions and this is my first time ever knitting something in this sort of construction.

thanks for your help!

2007-01-28T13:39:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm new to this knit along, but have already made a few of the smaller objects from the book.
The Droplet Hat, two Sunflower Tams, the Target Wave Mittens and the Spiral Scarf. I recently started knitting the Starfish Shawl. I found one error in the shawl pattern, the last YO on line 7 should not be there. My blog is here: www.tittei.net

New on the block

2007-01-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I'm new to the knitalong and had to create a new blogger account to post. (I guess the old version of blogger can't touch the new version, seems silly.) Anyway, I'm going to knit the Asymmetrical Cardigan. I'll be using Cascade Eco wool in a natural brown. I'm looking forward to sharing my progress. Here's what i have so far. . .

I'll be posting progress on my real blog: knithole

Latest FO

2007-01-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

Finished with the Kureyon Bubble Pullover! It was a really fun knit; I made a few modifications detailed on my blog

Knitting Mojo is BACK!

2007-01-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

After all my whining and moaning about this scarf over the past few weeks I thought it's only fair that I showed you some pics of the finished object.

It's going to be on its way to the UK as soon as the Aussie Day long weekend's over! (After all the rush to get it finished I couldn't get to the Post Office today because of work commitments... sigh.)

And here are the project details if anyone's interested...

Project: Phylotaxis Scarf from Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan (obviously)
Yarn: 6 balls of Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in Autumn
Needles: 5mm and 5.5mm
Started: Christmas Eve 06
Finished: 25th Jan, 07

Brief description: The scarf is knitted as a tube with an 80 stitch, 20 round pattern repeat. Sounds scary but after a few repeats it's obvious where the pattern's going and you can pretty much ditch the chart. (Although it's a good idea to check every few rows as mistakes are a pain to fix because the twist stitches are hard to undo and redo.)

Basically the pattern is formed using 'twist' stitches (same technique as in the Asymmetrical Cardigan) to create a lattice pattern that spirals up the scarf without any breaks. The continuous spiral is created by knitting an extra stitch (i.e. K81) in the even rounds so the pattern repeats (done in the odd rounds) shift and move diagonally up the scarf. It's pretty clever and what drew me to the pattern in the first place.

The Experience: I really enjoyed this at the start. The formation of the pattern is interesting to watch, and once you get the hang of the pattern, it's pretty mindless TV-friendly sort of a project.

However, because it's knitted in the round, it takes twice as long to get the length you want and I was bored by the time I was halfway through. Admittedly I do have the attention span of a gnat so this may not be a universal problem.

Also I used Addi Turbos which are great needles in general, but the tips were just too blunt for doing the twist stitches. I think this is going to my last project with these types of stitches for a while.

Bye Bye Scarf Of Death

2007-01-24T01:10:00.000-08:00

Last night I finally finished the Scarf of Death.

After my last post, I completely lost steam on the Scarf and procrastinated for a few days without knitting a SINGLE stitch on it. Instead, I started knitting a pair of socks, which amazingly, made me SO HAPPY.

Of course it didn't help that it was 40+ degrees C in Sydney over the weekend and our air-conditioner gave up and died. The SoD is one heavy and WARM project so I couldn't really work on it. (Come to think of it, I don't even know if it gets cold enough in London, where the SoD is going, for it to be worn. Oh well, it's going regardless.)

Last night, I picked it up again and two eps of The West Wing later, realised I had actually made it past the required 60 inches. All I needed was the final 10 rounds of garter stitch. So off I went to finish it off in bed, while listening to Cast-On. (It was the episode hosted by Dave from Chub Creek WAY back from series 1 btw. And it was hilarious.)

Anyway when I finished I thought I needed to record this momentous occasion. (Yep, that's Jerms asleep in the background.) Clock says 1.35am.

Oh and that's when I decided to block the bloody thing.

So a couple buckets of wool wash and about 5 towels later... here it is on our dining table. Clock says 2.10am. I'm mad, I know. And on a work night too.

Hopefully by the time I get home tonight, it'll be dry and I can post it in the morning. I actually can't wait to send it overseas. I think it's affecting my knitting mojo.

Thanks for putting up with me again. Night guys.

Spiral Scarf Guage question

2007-01-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am eager to start the spiral Scarf from my Knitting Nature book.

I have a problem with the gauge though.

Living in UK we almost always have to use a yarn other than the one recommended but I guessed that the doubled yarn of a 2-ply would be a 4-ply yarn but 18 sts and 25 rows gave me a much smaller swatch than a 10cm square.I have tried double knit and Aran weight yarns and still I don't get a big enough swatch.Is there any way of checking whether the gauge printed is the correct one or at least knowing the length of one edge of the biggest hexagon would help.

Any thoughts?

Scarf of Death

2007-01-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

Remember this post?

Well the Phylotaxis Scarf, better known as the Scarf of Death, is still not finished.

I was supposed to post it this week so it'll get to the UK in time for my friend's birthday on the 30th but it's not going to make it.

I do love the pattern and everything but people, if you're going to knit a scarf as a tube, THINK TWICE! This is like knitting two identical scarves, and for someone with a fairly short attention span, I just don't know what possessed me.

My knitting skills are also regressing (probably cos' I'm SO BORED after 50 inches of what started out as a really interesting pattern). I have been making exactly one mistake a day for about 2 weeks now, which means ripping and re-knitting, EVERY SINGLE DAY!

On a good day I'll find the mistake early and just have to undo a few stitches. On a bad day, I'll end up with an extra stitch about 5 inches down.

Normally I would correct every mistake because I won't be able to live with it otherwise but at one point I really couldn't work out where I'd picked up an extra stitch so I did a naughty and just K2tog. It's not even visible but I KNOW IT'S THERE and it'll haunt me for the rest of my life. At least this one is going overseas....

Phew. I'm glad I got that off my chest. Thanks guys, I feel better.

Help, please, with Shell Tank

2007-01-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hi,
This is my first blog ever - I don't even know what a blog is.... but I'm hoping to get some answers on the shell tank from Knitting Nature - page 89. Here's where I'm stuck - where it says "Shape right front", the note tells me the left edge is shaped on WS rows and the right edge is shaped on RS rows. Then it continues on to tell me how to shape the WS, but there is no mention (that I can figure out, anyway) on how to shape the RS rows. Am I missing something? Help! I'd appreciate any input on this. Thank you so much.
Janice

Hex Coat

2007-01-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

I've re-started my Hex Coat attempt. Here's where I am - just starting out.

Bubble Pullover Done!

2007-01-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

i finally finished the bubble pullover and my kitty likes it!

see pattern notes and more pictures on my blog

Asymmetrical Cardigan yarn suggestions?

2007-01-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to find some alternatives to the yarn suggested in the book. Could y'all put on your thinking hats and send me a few suggestions? I'm a big gal and would need to knit the largest size if I use the intended gauge. However, if someone has some ideas for using slimmer yarn and can offer some assistance is working with the pattern I'd be in your debit!

Thanks,

Charity

littlebittyknits@yahoo.com

New Errata

2007-01-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hi All ~ I just got an email from the Yahoo KN group with a second set of errata. It is 3 pages long (small font). I don't think I should post it all here, but hopefully it can be added to the errata section of this kal.

I'm back to my Asym Cardi, btw. I put it down for holiday knitting but it is at the top of the heap again, and I hope to finish it before spring (ha-ha).

Tree

Slowly but Shirley

2007-01-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

I'm such a cheeseball. Sorry kids.

Well, I've been knitting the Reflection Aran pullover for my brother. It was supposed to be a Christmas gift, but he got a mini sweater instead. So I'm still chugging along on the sweater. In fact, just this evening I finished the second sleeve. Here is where I was a couple of days ago (sorry, it's not my best photographic moment, but the light here is kinda iffy):

Here you can see the back and one and three quarters of a sleeve. I'm knitting it in Knit Picks Swish Superwash in the color way Deep Ocean on size fours. Yup, that's right folks. Size FOURs. I guess I knit my cables really loosely. ANYWAY. You'll notice if you click on that link that the color way is so popular that they won't have any to sell until 1/19/07. This would be great...if I weren't already running out of yarn for the sweater. I've only got about four and a half skeins left, which is NO good since the back is a lot less intricate and took me about five skeins in and of itself. I'm thinking I will need to reorder, and while I decided that I don't care anymore about the dye lots matching (because he's a guy, he won't know!), it still means that I need to actually procure more of this yarn.

Sigh. The things I do for my brother. Oh, and the yarn is making three of my fingers on my right hand turn blue. I just hope the sweater doesn't make him look like Grover when it's done with him.

Still there, peoples?

2007-01-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

Happy new year, knitalongers!

I started my 2nd Knitting Nature project over our Christmas break up in hot & humid Far North Queensland. Not the best knitting weather, trust me!

It's the Phylotaxis Scarf using Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in Autumn. This picture was taken outside our cabin at Palm Cove - you can just see a bit of the lush tropical trees outside.

The scarf is going to be a birthday/belated Christmas present for my best friend in London. I've got less than 2 weeks to finish it - think I'll make it? (Bearing in mind I do have a day job and a life!)

So far I'm about a fifth of the way there. Didn't really get much done while on holidays as we were having too much FUN!

Read about our Great Barrier Reef & Daintree adventure on my blog!

Sunflower Tam

2006-12-28T12:15:00.001-08:00

I finally finished something besides holiday gifts. This is the Sunflower Tam made with two skeins of Lambs Pride Bulky, 85% wool and 15% mohair in Autumn Harvest. It was a quick knit and I love the way it came out.

Spiral Scarf

2006-12-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

I have just finished the Spiral Scarf. This is my third project from Knitting Nature (but it's the second to be finished!)

The scarf is composed of 15 hexagons that make a spiral shape. I ran out of time, and made 12, but I don't think the last three tiny hexagons wuld make much of a difference. I changed from 1x1 ribbing to stockinette, because the yarn didn't look good in rib stitch. This modification was a BIG mistake, as the stockinette stitc make the edges curl, and I believe ribbing wouldn't curl like that. I have wetblocked it for 36 hours, but it's not entirely flat. Lovely as it is, I don't think this yarn was the best choice for the pattern. A lighter, more drapy yarn would have been better. It was a really, really quick knit. I had some minor surgery done on my arm that caused knitting discomfort, and then I lost a day to migraines, but I still managed to finish it in five days.
More pictures in my blog entry.

Spec:
Pattern: Spiral Scarf from Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan
Yarn: Ekatra wool - sari silk 60-40 blend
Started 3 Desember 2006
Finished 8 December 2006

First post and Target Wave Mittens

2006-12-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hi all, and I'm so glad to be here! I fell in love with this book and had to have it. Had to have it so much that, shockingly, I paid retail!

I've got a Bubble Pullover in the works, but my first completed object is a pair of Target Wave mittens for my (adorable, I know) son. I couldn't resist switching the MC and CC for the two mittens. I couldn't bear the thought of him wearing acrylic, store-bought gloves again this winter. These are in two worsted weight stash wools-- some WOTA and Kraemer superwash -- on #6's to make them come out toddler-sized. I enjoyed the process of making these, BUT, the pattern is chock full of errata. If anyone is interested, I will post what I figured out (I haven't seen it noted anywhere).

Asymmetrical Cardigan

2006-12-05T16:38:00.000-08:00

Finally finished! Using malabrigo, yummo, I love it, but it took a bit of blocking to make it big enough for me, opps!

target wave mittens

2006-11-18T05:12:00.000-08:00

I recently finished my first project from the book. The Target Wave Mittens. I had been wanting to knit them for a while and was finally tempted by some handspun that I had lying around. For the whole story check out my
blog.

Yet another Asymmetrical!

2006-11-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

This must be THE most popular Knitting Nature project, but here's my contribution...

Project details:
Pattern: Asymmetrical Cardigan from Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan
Size: Petite (I'm nowhere near a petite but the book has quite generous sizing)
Yarn: ALL of 14 x 50g balls of Nundle Woollen Mill Pure Wool 12ply in Grey (I unraveled the gauge swatch to get enough yarn)
Needles: 5mm and 5.5mm
Notions: Shell buttons from my LYS
Modifications: Pretty much to spec except I added an extra button

Errata:
1. Right front neck shaping... BO 4 st ONCE, not twice (to match the left front neck shaping)
2. Back length... only knit 10" in pattern (NOT 13") and then 3" of 2x2 rib

A couple more pics and comments on my blog.

Spiral Scarf Abridged

2006-11-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

Fresh off the sticks, I present my first project from Knitting Nature: the Spiral Scarf. It was fun to knit and a great foil for the abundance of straight scarves out there. It wears more like a stole, so I decided to keep it shorter. I did not like how the trailing mini hexagons flopped around in the book illustration, so I kept it to 5 decreasing segments that would allow for a little overlap:

Drape about shoulders, add some chopsticks to fasten, and voila! Instant glamour gal.

Yarn: Tahki Stacy Charles Shannon; Needles: INOX size 7 dpns

Asymmetrical Mystery

2006-11-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

My Asymmetrical Cardi is almost done! I didn't want to spoil the surprise of the finished product photo shoot - so here's a few random 'mystery' shots.

Will get some proper photos up once it's complete and if obliging hubby/photographer is willing...

A Little Vacay and a Lot of Knitting

2006-11-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

I've been knitting the back of my brother's sweater to beat the band.

I've got 13.5 inches so far. I need about 27.5 inches. This might not make sense at first. I'm kind of knitting a small. This has been a math intense project. The smallest size in Knitting Nature is for a 46" bust. My brother's got about a 35 inch bust (he plays baseball and is in pretty good shape). So I had to narrow the middle section a bit. There's less ribbing since I had to get rid of about 5" on the front and the back. Also, my brother's torso's a bit longer so instead of knitting the back for 26.5 inches as described for the small size, I'll be knitting it for 27 or 27.5 inches. I've sort of done the math for the front, but I'll have to make a nice little color coded chart for the cables in the front, which I'll also be shrinking a little to account for the 5 inches that need to be taken away from the front for the smaller bust. It's so much easier for me to figure out what I need to do from a chart with colors than a chart with symbols.

Oh, and have I mentioned that I'm knitting this on size 4 needles? Good thing I've got all this time to knit it before Christmas!

I like the right twist that's thrown into the ribbing - it makes it less boring to knit.

Half an Asym.

2006-10-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

Just a little update. For whatever reason, the Rowan Cork is not going as far as I had hoped. Luckily, I have extra. Sizing still looks good, but I do wonder if the schematic for the sweater includes the button band? The band w/collar schematic is shown next to the sweater. Anyhow, when figuring sizing and checking gauge, I did not include the button band, so it may be slightly larger if I've guessed wrong. Also, on Right Front, I believe total number of stitches after Shaping Front Neck are off. For small, I came up with 86 stitches, not 90. Anyone else notice this?

Knitting Along At Last

2006-10-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

I must be the latest starter on a Knitting Nature project. Since receiving the book, I've been madly trying to finish off Arisaig so I can start the Asymmetrical cardi.

Well at last here's the evidence that I am actually knitting along rather than just salivating at everyone else's finished projects...

I love how quickly this knits up compared to poor old Arisaig which was done on 3.0mm. What a killer.

I'm using the 12-ply wool in grey from Nundle Woollen Mills, which I visited with reluctant husband earlier this year. You can read about our adventures here and here.

The 50g balls are just AUD$4.50 each and I'm pretty sure they ship overseas. They have a fantastic range of colours.