Month: September 2009

Feather and Fan Baby Blanket

by T, posted in knitting, pattern

I finished a simple baby blanket for my 7 month pregnant co-worker. I was feeling quite lazy after my last few projects and picked the thickest yarn I could find for this. This is made out of James C Brett Marble Chunky (bulky 12 ply yarn), knit up on size 15 needles. The gauge is 12 stitches, 12 rows equals 4 inches by 4 inches.
This is a very simple feather and fan pattern.
Cast on 91 stitches (or in multiples of 18 +1)

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3 Knit 1, *Knit 2 together three times, Knit 1 Yarn Over 6 times, Knit 2 together three times Repeat from * to end.
Row 4: Knit
Repeat these four rows. It should be about 40 inches wide by 30 inches long. This is a great size for a baby blanket for a bassinett or over a car seat. However, it is a versatile pattern that can be made smaller bigger, wider, longer. I love how simple it is and how fast the project goes.Feather and Fan Baby Blanket

Finished the Beaded Wedding Scarf

by T, posted in knitting, pattern, wedding
The picture does not do it justice!
The picture does not do it justice!

I finally finished it. It did not take as long as I thought it would, but of course I was overly eager to get it done. The pattern is fairly simple. I used 4 skeins of Lana Grossa Secondo in white (200 grams). I also used 4 containers (about 100) clear beads from Jo-Ann Fabric. They are 2/0 Czech Glass E-Beads from Beader’s Paradise.
This is my first pattern, so please bare with me.

String approximately 50 beads on. Cast on 78 stitches with size 6 needles.  Gauge is approximately 6 stitches, 4 rows per inch but it is a stretchy yarn and pattern, so gauge is not necessary.
Row 1 – Purl 1, add one bead, Knit 4, Purl 1, add one bead, Repeat- continue to last stitch, add one Bead, Purl 1
Row 2 – Knit 1, Purl 4, Knit 1, Repeat till end.
Row 3 – Purl1, Knit 4, Purl 1, Repeat till end
Row 4- Repeat row 2
Continue this until you run out of beads, then continue without beads. When you get to the fourth skein, string the remaining beads (approximately 50). Repeat the four rows until you run out beads. Scarf should be about 20 inches wide when stretched out and 60 inches long.

Florida Fiber-In

by T, posted in knitting

Today my fiance and I drove three hours north to go visit the Florida Fiber-in up in Sarasota. It is a festival more drawn toward fiber and spinning but knitting/crocheting are included. It was located at the Hilton Garden Suites off of Tamiami Trail North. I peaked down the long hallway first, and watched the two women outside spinning. There was a standing wheel and an old antique Norwegian spinning wheel, both for sale for $400 each. I had a long conversation with one of the women. I had made the mistake of buying an old antique spinning wheel without any idea of what I was doing. For those of you who know what I am talking about, I am missing the lazy kate/bobbin, the footman (goes from the wheel to the treadle, the mother of all (part that holds up the lazy kate/bobbin) is loose, and there are assorted other minor problems. For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about- I didn’t either until I started researching my purchase. I wish I had known what I was doing.
Back to the Florida Fiber In.
It was a great place, with lots of spinning wheels. I wish I had sat down and practiced- but my nerves were a bit rattled and I am ultra-shy! I bought some handspun from sunshine knit designs and may try to spin on my drop spindle. I wish there was more yarn and knitting. My lovely fiance wanted to leave so we were out the door entirely too soon.
I have decided that I have to have a spinning wheel. However, I have learned my lesson in that I’m not touching an antique (unless someone can fix mine!!!). Instead, I want an Ashford Travelor. Now is not the time to buy it, but I’m going to start setting aside money for it. I have a ton of projects in progress. I am almost finished with my wedding scarf and can’t wait to show it off!
http://www.floridafiberin.org
spinning wheel

Home Sick

by T, posted in personal

I’m home today with a bad cold. I went to the walk in clinic and I don’t have the flu. Right now, I’m on the couch with my precious cat Sofie on top of me. I’m about to lay down for another nap. I slept all day yesterday and just want to sleep all day today.
I think cats are the best medicine. At least sleepy purring cats.

Wedding Scarf

by T, posted in knitting, wedding

Beaded Wedding Scarf
I am working on this scarf to wear on my wedding day. It is made of Secondo yarn from Lana Grossa. I bought four skeins of it from Gabriella’s Yarn Shop in Naples, Fl. It is a simple ribbing worked from p1, add one bead, k4, p1, add one bead, repeat til last stitch, p1. I’m using four packages of beads from Joannes, and will bead the beginning and end but not the middle. This will be absolutely gorgeous with my off white halter top wedding dress.

I am looking forward to my small wedding on the beach to my loving fiance who puts up with my many ecentricities. We’re planning a very simple ceremony at sunset with a few friends and family members. If I had more time, I’d probably be knitting my wedding dress, but three months was not enough time at all. I decided I’d probably tear my own hair out. I want something of my own creation, so I will have the scarf and I will be knitting my own garter belt.

Beaded Wedding Scarf