(Thank you, everyone, for your comments on my last post. I appreciate every kind comment or thought.)
So, I have been knitting. Like another Juneau-ite says, “In Juneau, the weather is always fine, if you are a knitter.” Oh so true. This has been a crazy summer by most accounts. The highs are in the low 60′s and it is overcast and drizzly 5 days out of 7. Perfect weather to curl up with knitting and a hot cup of tea or coffee.
I finished the baby cardigan that is a gift for another couple having a baby next month. I adore this pattern, it is well written and easy to follow. It is an easy top-down raglan style sweater with no seaming.
- Pattern: Easy Baby Cardigan by Knitting Pure and Simple (Free Download)
- Yarn: Knit Picks Comfy in Planetarium colorway
- Mods: Made in 12 month size, did the collar version instead of hood and only did one set of i-cord ties.
I have also been working on my Monkey’s. I finished the first one while we were still in Saipan and it was too short, so I had to rip it back. I put that off and put it in the knitting bag where it sat patiently waiting. I decided last week to dig it out, rip the toe out and add another repeat on the foot, knit the toe and kitchner it shut. By then, I was on a roll and cast on for #2 immediately. This pattern is addicting, as is the yarn. I adore this yarn. It is nice in the hand, and nice on the foot. A pure pleasure to knit with. And I think that it will hold up well to wear. I did the gusset yesterday and am almost done with turning the heel. Then it is smooth sailing on down the foot.
- Pattern: Monkey (Free Download)
- Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Mediumweight in Sherbert colorway
- Mods: None
I have also been working on my yarn thrifting skillz. I bought this 100% lambswool Old Navy sweater at the thrift shop for $3.25.
There are tons of tutorials online regarding taking apart sweaters, I liked this one the best and followed it. It was time consuming, but not too bad. DH even got into it by helping me unravel the pieces. I was then left with all of this…
Which I promptly dyed with Tropical Punch Kool Aid on the stove. And hung to dry…
The yarn came out a little more pinky than I would have liked. So, I got more packets of the fruity flavored drink (store brand this time), in the black cherry flavor. And set out to dye it up again…
It didn’t turn the deep red that I was looking for, but that is okay. It is now hanging again, drying. I used this tutorial on Kool Aid dyeing. Once I got over my initial fear, it turned out to be one of the simplest things to do. Seriously.
I have lots more in the works, but nothing that I can show right now…one secret project and lots of ideas mostly.
Peace.
8 comments
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September 9, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Kendra
Very PINK!! yarn there.
I’ve wondered if Kool-Aid could be used to dye cross stitch fabric. I know one of my high school classmates used to dye her hair with it!
September 9, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Aunt Jackie
Absolutely love the baby cardigan. Can you make me one.
Thinking of you often and remembering where we were a year ago at this time. Grateful for the time I got to spend with mom during those final days.
September 10, 2008 at 3:28 am
Phoe
Love the Monkey!
September 10, 2008 at 5:42 am
Debi
You did it, you rat. I’ve been avoiding learning to knit. Managed to turn my nose up at all the socks my other blog friends have knit (knitted?) over the last almost three years. But that one little monkey sock on your foot is too cute to pass up. And your description “nice on the foot.” I’m trying to think positive that someday we will get to build that house in Utah (where they had their first snow flurries week before last) and some thick, “nice on the foot” socks will be appreciated, I’m sure. Guess it’s time to get my own supplies.
Your baby cardigan turned out great – I know photos never do the color justice but it’s even a great color in the pic.
I haven’t had time to check in here for a few days and missed your tribute to your mom. My mom is 76 and gets more fragile all the time. She and I are friends, like you and your mom, and I dread when she’s not here anymore. I’m so grateful to have had her for so long (her mother died at 51), so sorry that you were not able to have so much time with your beautiful mom.
Love the new version of the Obama you. I stopped at DNC HQ in our town yesterday and picked up some good buttons. I’m going to Disneyland Saturday and, although I usually try to leave the world behind when I go there, this time I’m wearing my “Yes We Can” Obama button on my belt pack. It’s just too important.
Hugs!
September 10, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Toni
I’ve been knitting since I was about 9 years old. I must say, I’ve started more projects than I have finished. This year I actually made three hats and my knitting group was in shock that I actually completed not only one project but three.
September 11, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Dianne
You did a fab job on the cardigan. If I knew someone having a baby…
Also, what fun did that Kool Aid dyeing look? I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Ever think of getting a free (or you can go pro) Flickr account? Personally, I’d love to see your knitting closer up (love detail), plus with that Northern Exposure scenery-it ain’t a bad idea. There are knitting groups there, plus you’d go ga-ga with the photos too. : ) And you could set to public or private.
Oh…and thanks for visiting my blog too.
October 9, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Settle in, I have a lot to say. «
[...] When my life feels like it is going in a million different directions, I tend to not focus on what needs to be done now and instead daydream of crafty projects. So, it isn’t a wonder that in the past week I have started 2 pairs of socks and a basic hat for charity. I still have to finish my Clapotis and BTH’s longies made from the yarn that I thrifted and dyed. [...]
October 9, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Settle in, I have a lot to say. «
[...] When my life feels like it is going in a million different directions, I tend to not focus on what needs to be done now and instead daydream of crafty projects. So, it isn’t a wonder that in the past week I have started 2 pairs of socks and a basic hat for charity. I still have to finish my Clapotis and BTH’s longies made from the yarn that I thrifted and dyed. [...]