Saturday, April 3, 2010

New Knitting Bag

I got this bag today from the Dollar Store. It's a garden tool bag, but works wonderful for my current project that involves four colors of yarn. The back has four outside pockets just the right size for a ball of yarn each. Can't beat the price of a Dollar!!!

I've also been working on my Ultimat Sweater Machine
Here is the front pannel of the sweater I am working on. Had to stop for the night because I'm stressing out over not having enough yarn.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

My First Sell

My Frist Sell


Many times I have told people, I knit for fun and don't take orders. Well, after coming to the realization that in order to be a business I have to actually sell something, I let go of my old adage and took two orders. Thankfully the buyers loved the hats and I can now say that I run a small business. My next hurdle is to come up with a name that isn't already taken.

If I had more subscribers I might have a contest to try and come up with a name. As it is right now I have TwistedStitch Hand Knits and Yarn Closet Designs.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Independence Day Baby Blanket Pattern

Independence Day Baby Blanket Pattern
Using the Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine


I've started a new blog, you can check it out at: http://jennyfishknits.blogspot.com

Materials:
1 skein each of Red, White and Blue Worsted Weight “I Love This Yarn” (7 oz., 355 yrds)
Be careful and test yarn to see if it will bleed.
Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine
Keyplate 3 ½
Claw Weights
Row Counter

Needles Required: 56

Stitch Pattern:
Seed Stitch (K1 P1 then Purl the Knits and Knit the Purls)
To do this you knit one row then go back with hand tool and drop and knit every other row Knit the next tow and drop and knit the opposite needle as the row before.

Independence Day Baby Blanket”
Panel A
Using Red yarn CO 56 using closed cast on method.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2 – 10: Seed Stitch
Row 11 – Knit and keep the last 6 stitches on right in seed stitch
Continue until 229 rows read on your row counter
Row 230 – 239: Seed Stitch
Row 240: Knit then closed bind off

Panel B
Using White yarn CO 50 using closed cast on method
Use the sew as you go method to attach Panel A on the left side of Panel B, making sure to grab the bar and have the purl side facing you.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2 – 10: Seed Stitch
Row 11 – 229: Knit
Row 230 – 239: Seed Stitch
Row 240: Knit then closed bind off

Panel C
Using Blue yarn CO 56 Using closed cast on method
Use the sew as you go method to attach Panel AB to the left side of Panel C, making sure to grab the bar and have the purl side facing you.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2 – 10: Seed Stitch
Row 11 – Knit and keep the last 6 stitches on right in seed stitch
Continue until 229 rows read on your row counter
Row 230 – 239: Seed Stitch
Row 240: Knit then closed bind off

Weave in ends, wash block and enjoy.

Hand Towel Topper Pattern

Hand Towel Topper

I simply wanted a replacement for the crochet topped hanging hand towel that was given to me many years ago. So I decided I could figure this out and knit a topper.

Materials:
Hand Towel
A 3 oz of worsted weight yarn
Size 7 Knitting Needles
12 Safety Pins
Darning Needle
Large Button




Cut hand towel in half.

Fold over cut end twice, safety pin in place.

Run a stitch back and forth leaving enough room for your knitting needle to fit in the loop seeming up the top of the dish cloth while casting on by slipping knitting needles through the stitches leaving loops on the needle. (You can also use a crochet needle and place the loops on the needles. Choose whatever method works best for you. The idea is to seam up the top and punch through the towel to get loops on the knitting needles.)

The aim is to get 53 stitches on you knitting needles. If you don’t get that amount don’t worry about it. On row 6 you will increase or decrease to end up with 53.

Row 1: Knit and count the amount of stitch you have. I ended up with 53. (WS)
Row 2: K1, P1 (RS)
Row 3: Knit the knits and Purl the Purls (WS)
Row 4: Knit the knits and Purl the Purls
Row 5: Knit the knits and Purl the Purls
Row 6: Knit and do even increases or decreases to reach 53 sts.
Row 7 and all odd rows to row 29: Purl
Row 8: K11, k2 togo, place marker, k11, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k11, ssk, k11
Row 10: K10, k2 togo, place marker, k10, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k10, ssk, k10
Row 12: K9, k2 togo, place marker, k9, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k9, ssk, k9
Row 14: K8, k2 togo, place marker, k8, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k8, ssk, k8
Row 16: K7, k2 togo, place marker, k7, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k7, ssk, k7
Row 18: K6, k2 togo, place marker, k6, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k6, ssk, k6
Row 20: K5, k2 togo, place marker, k5, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k5, ssk, k5
Row 22: K4, k2 togo, place marker, k4, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k4, ssk, k4
Row 24: K3, k2 togo, place marker, k3, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k3, ssk, k3
Row 26: K2, k2 togo, place marker, k2, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k2, ssk, k2
Row 28: K1, k2 togo, place marker, k1, k2 togo, slip marker, k1, slip marker, ssk, k1, ssk, k1 (9 stitch)

Remove Safety Pins

Start Neck:
Row 30: K1, P1 (RS)
Row 31: Knit the knits and Purl the Purls (WS)
Repeat Row 30 & 31 (10 times)

Button Hole:
K3, BO 3, K3 (turn)
K3, turn CO 3, turn, K3
Row 1: K1, P1 (RS)
Row 2: Knit the knits and Purl the Purls (WS)
BO 9

Weave in ends. Sew on button.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Baby Blanket is Done

I made this blanket with the Ultimate Sweater Machine. Pattern to come soon... (as I type it up)

Works in Progress

Now and then it's a good thing to take stock of all the wonderful items on your needles. This way you can tell how really scatter brained you really are. I've decided to post my many works in progress. Now these are just my active works. I would have to dig in the knitting closet to find the few inactive works. Frankly, I just don't want to do that, or admitted how many unfinished items I've put away for one reason or another. I do know that somewhere out there is a sweater I started awhile ago that is missing in action. I found the extra yarn but have misplaced the pattern and beginnings of the work. But honestly I don't remember how much I had completed or the name of the pattern. Oh well, it will appear someday when it's ready to be finished.

Baby Blanket


This project is the closet to done. I just have to finish washing and then it's on to blocking.
Mason Dixon Wash Cloth


This project is a fast knit, and my excuse for carrying a large hand bag. I plan on getting a stack of these done to give out as gifts this year. I plan to always have one on the needles. This is what I call my purse knitting. I have a special area in my purse for a project.
The Friday Night Knitting Club
Okay I know, this isn't a knitting project. However, I claim it as an unfinished work because I haven't finished reading it. It's hard, because when I start reading I stop to go knit.
Lake Burridge Aran Afghan
Those of you that know me, know that I have given myself 3 years to finish this afghan. So far it has been 2 years and I'm about 1/4th of the way through the 3rd panel. Not to bad. This afghan has three long panels then two small that go at the head and foot. This project lives in a speacial bag and gets knitted on when I don't want to knit anything else and am not ready to cast on a new project.
Snowflack Ear Flap Hat
I'm almost done with this hat. It's a personal design that I'm knitting for a second time using my pattern instructions to make sure I didn't forget something. Unfortantly I have had to make a few revision to the pattern. But I'm glad I decided to go through the pattern this way.




Saturday, March 6, 2010

Knitting with the Girls



We had a blast knitting tonight. Becca's working on my Ear Flap Hat pattern, I'm knitting a washcloth from Mason-Dixon, and Karen is using the Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine to make a baby blanket.

We started at 3pm meeting at a local bagel/coffee shop to knit with other local knitters. Then came back to my house to hang and knit some more. Karen brought chicken breasts with a sauce that was to die for. Becca made the coffee and I smoked up the house when I started a fire without knowing the flu was closed. Once we gave up on the fire and sat down to eat the fire kicked up and decided to actually produce a flame. (for a little bit)

This lovely night lasted until 12:30am. All three of us made so many mistakes that very little got accomplished, but we had an awesome time.

Lessons Learned:
Check the flu
Check the direction of the fan before turning it on in a smoke filled room
Don't get offended when you ask someone a question and get a 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 as an answer
It doesn't matter how many times you count, you will be off
Row counters can make mistakes too
Jenny can't say the name of the movie Oh Brother Where Art Thou without totally messing it up
Karen is tight, Becca is right on and Jenny is loose (this is a knitting reference, I promise)
Three women can knit together for over 9 hours without finishing a project (some don't even get finished casting on)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I Love the Mail Man...

I got a box today from Knit Picks!!! Tonight I am trying out for the first time Zephyr Needles.


Yesterday's knitting went into the can. I went back to the dark green cotton to try out my new needles. Although I don't have a clue what I'm knitting, I'm casting on just for the pure joy of it.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Time To Start A New Project

I casted on for a new pattern the night before last. I don't really know what it's going to be, but we will see. Right now I cast on 120 sts and am working in a 2X2 basket weave pattern. I'm thinking it will be a hat.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Snowflake Ear Flap Hat Pattern



I have started a new blog: You can visit it at http://jennyfishknits.blogspot.com

Materials:
• 1 Ball of Green Worsted Weight Cotton (50g)
• 1 Ball of Cream Worsted Weight Cotton (50g)
• Size 4, 19” Circular needles or 5 dpn (this hat can be knitting using a longer circular cord and done in magic loop method)
• Stitch Markers
• Tapestry Needle
• Stitch Holder (or extra dpn)

Gauge:
24 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches

Earflaps: (make 2) MC
Cast on 4 stitches using cable cast on.

Rows 1 (RS) and 2: Knit
Row 3: K1,yo, knit to last st, yo, k1
Row 4 and 6: Knit
Row 5: Rep Row 3
Row 7: K1, yo, knit to last st, yo k1
Row 8: K3, p to last 3 sts, k3
Rep Rows 7-8 until there are 20 sts

Keeping first and last 3 sts in garter st (knit every row), and rem sts in St st (RS knit, WS purl), work even until earflap measures 2 ½ inches (4 rows). Place sts on Stitch Holder (or extra dpn).

Hat:
With MC Cast on 120 sts using Cable Cast On. Join without twisting, pm between first and last st. Marker will be the center back of hat.

Next rnd: [K2, p2] 5 times, with RS facing you, place one earflap behind work. Working in k2, p2 rib, work 1 st from main needle and 1 earflap st tog until all earflap sts have been joined. Work in rib over next 40 sts, join 2nd earflap as for first, work in rib to end of rnd.

Work even in 2X2 rib for 1 ½ inches.

Next rnd: With CC knit 10 rnd, inc 5 stitches in the 10th round.

Start Pattern: (gray = main color, white = contrast color) Pattern Repeats 5 times around hat.




Decreasing Rounds:
Dec Rnd 1: Change to CC Knit
Dec Rnd 2: Dec 5 sts evenly (120 sts)
Dec Rnds 3 through 7 and all odd round: Knit
Dec Rnd 8: *K9, K2tog*
Dec Rnd 10: *K8, K2tog*
Dec Rnd 12: *K7, K2tog*
Dec Rnd 14: *K6, K2tog*

Continue in decrease rounds pattern until 11 stitches remain. K2tog 5 times, K1
Last rnd: *K2tog* 3 stitches remain. Cut yarn and using tapestry needle thread yarn through last remaining stitches. Weave in ends.

Braids:
Cut 6 strands of MC and 6 strands of CC 24 inches long. Using tapestry needle, thread one strand of mc and one cc color through end of ear flap 3 times on each flap. Divides strands into three groups and braid, tie in knot at end.

last revision: 03/18/2010

It's Finished...




I finished the ear flap hat as the closing ceremonies began. Caleb was very happy to model the new hat. However it was a tiny bit small on him. He asked me to make another one a bit bigger.

I plan on writing down the pattern tonight so I don't forget how I made it all work out. Then I will be looking for a couple of pattern testers to try out the pattern before I post it for sell.


It's Actually Working


I can't seem to put this hat down. I'm in love with the way it is turning out. So Cute, if I do say so myself. Now I just have to remember that the cast on for the brim is 120, then increase 5 after the ribbing. 10 rows of cream then start chart. Ha! Now I have it in my blog so I can come back to remember. :-)

Friday, February 26, 2010

I Never Said I Was Good At Math

I decided to change the original pattern because I didn't do the math and it turned out all wrong. After searching the web for patterns I liked, I got very discouraged. I noticed the sweater my husband was wearing and right away it dawned on me that was the design I wanted. I got out graph paper and went to work. I came up with the design above and lucked out when it fit mathematically into my hat. (after I took the time to count the stitches). I didn't get much knitting done tonight because I spent most my time working on the pattern. Can't wait till tomorrow when I can make a little more progress.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Got That Fixed, Then Got Adventurous


After fixing the size by a major decrease I moved on and finished the ribbing. Then I got a little tired of the green and decided to add some cream. After 3 round of cream I decided to try my hand at color work. I went online and found a nice Nordic pattern and got to work trying my hand at colorwork. I didn't count the stitches so I am a little off with my pattern. But hey, this is just a prototype after all, a design in action. Trying things out for practice. Crossing fingers it turns out looking half way normal.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I Refuse to go to 0's

I've decided to make an Ear Flap Hat, although the picture looks like some kind of underwear, I promise this is the beginning of a hat with ear flaps.

Calls for Super Fine weight yarn and size 2's
Here is the problem. I'm a very loose knitter. This can easily be fixed with most patterns, I just go down automatically by at least two needle sizes. This will make up for my slack. However, when a pattern calls for a 2, I run into a major road block. I absolutely refuse to use a 0. It all steams from an unfortunate incident involving a sock, a size 0 double pointed needle and my misplacement of said needle, only to find it with my butt cheek as I sat down on the sofa. Enough said!

As seen above the hat at this point could be used for a belt around my supple waist. No Go.

In my infinite knitting wisdom I decided to make a few changes. Starting with the fabric, I felt the super fine weight yarn was too gappy. To fix that I doubled the yarn, thus making the fabric even larger. No Problem, I will just decrease by 16 stitch and to make up for the loose knitting I allowed myself to go down to 1's (purchased by accident of course).
After knitting a few rounds you can see from the picture it turned out a few inches larger than the first go round. Humm how to I plan to fix this issue?
Well, I like the fabric so I am sticking to the double strand. I don't want to start over, so I am going to do two major decreased and come back and steak that area when I am done. We will see if this works...

Monday, February 22, 2010

So Much for the Yarn Diet!

I tried with all my might to slim down my yarn collection. Although I made several scarves, hats, socks and miscellances stuff I think I have more yarn now then I did when I started. The issues was I received a large plastic bin of yarn from a family friend and I found 3 boxes of yarn that I didn't count in the first go round. But the biggest kink in my plan was the sweaters I have bought from thirft stores to take apart and reuse. These sweaters once salvaged added to the yarn total.

Once again it is time to reorganize the closet and take stock of the inventory. This time around I have called upon my best friend Becca to help with the project. We got a start a few weeks ago and we got ride of anything not knitting related. We purchased wood shoe cubies and have made a good start in the process. I need to get a few more cubies to store my yarn in.

The complecated knitting machine has gone away with the garbage man. However my Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine has been a ton of fun. I have learned how to make socks, scarves, hats and mitten gloves. I even made a few of my own patterns that I plan on sharing once I write up the pattern and take some photos.

In the process of all this I have designed (in my head) the ultimate knitting room. Someday when I talk my husband into cleaning out the man cave and moving our son into that room, I will redecorate my sons old room into the knitting room of my dreams. Hard wood floors, yellow walls with white wood work. White wood cubies to store my yarn in, acentuated by canvas prints of knitted fabric color cordinated with the yarn in each cubie. I plan on getting a day bed to place in the room and nice table set up for my Bond knitting machine.

After watching the 2010 Winter Olymipics. my husband is requesting a USA Cable Turtle neck sweater. So as soon I find the pattern I plan on getting started on that project.

This year I have made great strides in my massive Afphgan project. I'm almost on track for having it done within three years. Hey, it's a big blanket...

I started a pair of socks for soldiers, but a majorly messed up on the heel. I was knitting without thinking and I will have to sit and think real hard to figure out what the heck I did to fix them.

Once I get my stuff out and take some pictures I will add then to my blog, right now it's just getting started blogging again after almost a year.