emilyWools

first sweater complete.

2011-04-01T18:48:00.002-04:00

so the joyous day has come! i finally finished my first sweater (rav link). i started it during a tumultuous time in my life, and i brought it with me and knitted in some situations that carry heavy and difficult memories. it felt like i was knitting these feelings into the sweater, so i put it down for a very long time-- over a year. at the beginning of march, i told myself i needed to finish this sweater by the end of the month. i made it JUST in time!
when i started this project, i had never done cables, increases, sleeves, or seaming-- i was a complete knitting newb. i have learned so much! ravelry is so helpful.. i dont know how many times i consulted the forums about almost every step in the pattern. im really happy i did the icord bindoff.. it looks really smart and professional, albeit very time-consuming. my main disappointment is the stripes. they didnt line up at all.. but i dont think it looks that bad. i ALMOST ran out of yarn.. see how much extra i had:

ahh, my knitting mind feels so at ease. :)

catch-up.

2011-02-08T21:51:00.002-05:00

DEEP BREATH. ive been working on many things but christmas and busy-ness intervened.

first bad news:
i crocheted some slippers but the pattern was terrible and they turned out too small and awkward.

the rest is good news:
i completed my first colorwork project: the inga hat. i wanted to make it for my mom for her birthday, but i found out she is not fond of hats. halfway through the project i realized it was going to be too long (many people have suggested skipping 10ish rows because of this). stubbornly, i didnt listen to these wise souls and found myself most of the way through the hat, but before the decreases. as i came to this long-hat realization and decided to convert the project to a cowl.

the only modifications i made: no decreases and repeated the beginning at the top. i forgot to switch to smaller needles for the border.. which made me really mad but mostly came out when i blocked it.

so next up i have two WIPs to mention: thrummed mittens and the aestlight shawl (rav link). both projects have elements ive never worked with before: wool roving and lacework, respectively. i am almost through the first mitt, and im halfway through the birds-eye lace on the shawl. i am looking forward to finishing both! i see spring-y projects on the horizon...

ooh that 'garter stitch goodness...'

two hats and withholding.

2010-12-16T11:59:00.001-05:00

(insert witty Arrested Development reference here.)

hello! i know i havent written in awhile but ive been making lots of things but they are surprises for people so i cant discuss them! two of the hats i made have been gifted already, though, so i can share about them:
first up is a trilobite hat made with cascade 220 .

this was a fun, easy pattern to follow. i had never used a chart before in knitting, and its pretty easy-- especially if you have the pattern printed out (right now im working on something and i keep forgetting to print it-- annoying to have to stay by the computer to read it). it turned out a little snug, but i sent it to my sister for her birthday and she said she likes it.. i haven't seen it on her yet to verify.

next up is wurm (pdf). this hat turned out a lot bigger than i wanted. i've had the 'hat too small' problem several times in the past, so i opted to make the largest size for this. it turned out like a rasta hat, which may or may not be a good thing.

the brim was something i haven't done before: it is double-thick. it was easy, and definitely worth the extra (slight) effort of doing double the knitting and then matching up the fold-over to keep knitting.

i've got two more yarn projects in the works, but they are presents for christmas (HOPEFULLY), so i'll share them after they have been delivered.

halloween report.

2010-11-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

salvador dali fashioned a surrealist art object called "Aphrodisiac Phone" or "Lobster Phone." it looked like this:

he eventually created six of these working telephones. further reading.

for halloween i wanted to be dali's art object. i contemplated making the lobster out of paper mache, but i thought that would be fragile, so i decided to sew it. i went to joanns and looked through the fabric remnants and found some red fleece. next, i sketched out the pieces id need to make (two claws, a body, and some little feet):

and i set to work. i didn't really follow more of a pattern than this. it turned out a little quirky, but i thought that was part of the lobster's charm. well, that and the button eyes. when i finished, i sewed on a little friend that a coworker gave to me:

perfect. the one difficult obstacle was figuring out how to get this giant stuffed lobster to stay on my head. i sewed velcro on his stomach, and then also onto a black hat. it was wobbly, but it worked. for the cord i very loosely crocheted a black chain that i sewed into the lobster tail and then pinned to my side, and i made a dial by printing and cutting two pieces of paper reinforced with packing tape. here's an after-wearing picture (it got sorta beat up with use):

as for the rest, i wore a black dress, tights and shoes and voila! lobster phone! final product (with strongbad boyfriend):

happy belated halloween.

completion!

2010-11-07T09:47:00.001-05:00

i am finished with the arm warmers! they look and fit the recipient very well! they are very difficult to photograph, though. maybe if i used a real camera (not my phone) id have better luck. i still have to sew in the elastic and palm pad/reinforcement, but the knitting part is over. i am very happy with how they turned out. im also very happy i decided to incorporate finger holes.

shades of gray..

2010-10-24T09:58:00.001-04:00

hello! i have made some progress on the arm warmers:

the recipient wants them to be opposite colors.. which im cool with, its much easier to see gray yarn than black. it also photographs much better. the fingers on the first glove came together much more quickly than i thought they would.. they were kinda tricky though. picking up stitches from existing fingers was difficult, and while i had 3 dpns in each finger hole i was scared that some of them would slip out. i thought it was going to look horrible because the stitches seemed to have wonky tension, but when i completed it, i think they look fine (for my first try at knitting finger holes, anyway). to bind off the fingers i used what i *think* is a double crochet bind off.. the stitches i ended up making dont look like double crochet, but single crochet. so i guess ill just refer to it as 'single crochet bind off.'

i want to be finished with this project!!

almost a glove!

2010-10-11T09:37:00.001-04:00

almost done the first arm warmer! i have three more fingers to knit. so far, so great! they fit really well.. it helps to have multiply try on 'sesh-es' to make sure things fit right. i followed natalya for the thumb gusset and loosely for the first finger.

warming up arms.

2010-10-04T10:20:00.002-04:00

making progress with the arm warmers. i think finger holes will be possible, but im still trying to work out how to incorporate elastic in the upper arm. the original arm warmer is to the left so you can see what im working from.

forward-thinking.

2010-09-30T09:40:00.009-04:00

i finished the cowl. i like it very much.. i think it will be very practical, especially when cycling. every time ive worn a scarf its wrangled its way away from my neck to dangle in front of me, which distracts and aggravates me, but also could be hazardous (on a bicycle). the cowl can't come undone-- as someone pointed out, 'its just a tube.'

so ive started on some arm warmers for jacob. i am kinda scared they will be difficult to get right, but i got a few rows in last night, and made it through the first try-on phase. lets hope the success continues. he wants me to sew elastic into the tops so they stay up and close to his upper arm. ive been researching online and i dont seem to have come to any particular conclusions about how to tackle this request.

back in the groove.

2010-09-24T10:41:00.007-04:00

here's a sneak peek of a little guy (a cowl, in this case) im working on..

knitting seems to be growing on me quite a bit, which is a nice change from the awkwardness i used to feel when using multiple needles (instead of one crochet hook). i remember first picking up knitting and getting the strange feeling that i was forcing my way into a grid of needles and stitches that had no desire to bend. crochet has always felt like an extension of my hand; the hook feels pliable and able to maneuver into any stitch. i am so happy that im starting to feel that way with knitting. HOORAY!

spring makings.

2010-03-07T13:58:00.000-05:00

hello! its been too long! spring is coming and it does nothing but amazing things for my mood! ive started a new bag. i still need to line it, but i am excited about it, so i wanted to share. i used some of cosymakes handspun and some white peruvian wool. i think the colors go well together, but then again what doesnt go with white. i am surprised at how quickly this came together, i worked on it for a week so far maybe?
i forget sometimes how much i love crocheting. it feels much more natural to me than knitting, but i still like the way knitted fabric looks. crochet just fits with how i enjoy creating.

a bundle of joy.

2010-01-31T14:05:00.005-05:00

and we're back! got some stuff working, but someone has been taking up a lot of my time.. her name is livi, and shes extremely precious.

otherwise, ive been working on the trinity stitch beret. this pup has taken me awhile because i haven't had much time to devote to it. the trinity stitch is a little tricky at first, but its becoming more fluid and natural for me, and ive been able to enjoy it. its ridiculous how soft the alpaca with a twist feels. i think alpaca is my favorite fiber (although i havent worked with the cashmere my aunt gave me yet.. we'll see if my opinion changes after that). there is much to be said for learning to love the itchy warmth of rough wool, though. anyway! TTFN!

2010!

2010-01-03T09:55:00.010-05:00

hello world. welcome to a new decade. yes! christmas has come and gone, and now i feel free to work on personal projects again. 2009 was quite the year.. i picked up knitting, i made lots of beautiful things, i met some incredible people. i feel very lucky to live my life.
so BACKTRACK.. a couple highlights of last year:

here are some craft goals i have for this year:
• finish the sweater. preferably before it gets warm out.
• learn insartia.
• knit a pair of socks.
• make a leather purse.
so, first up....

a rose (of sorts) for emily.

2009-12-13T13:09:00.005-05:00

so im starting to run out of window space for plants. i got this bromeliad the other day. i read somewhere that the red flower is actually called a pup, and it will eventually become a new plant! how cool! i also bought a poinsettia and a christmas cactus. so my house is definitely getting some quality oxygen these days.

also, yesterday was handmade arcade. i bought some yarn, and it made me really happy. there were lots of other booths that were extremely inspiring and i got some christmas presents. the armory (where HA has been held the past two years) was pretty packed when i went at noon-ish, but that can be nothing but a good thing for all the vendors!

sending christmas cards

2009-12-05T13:37:00.009-05:00

christmas is coming. very, very soon. i am not ready for it, even though ive been working on holiday stuff for two or so months at work. i wanted to send some christmas cards to family, and considered buying some beautiful letterpress ones from etsy, but they are just sooooo pricey. so i decided to make my own. i think they turned out nicely.

today is the first really cold day that ive experienced in a very long time.. and it occurred to me as i quickly walked to the post office to buy stamps for the cards that i havent been cold like this since.... march. i think i like the change of seasons, but its going to take some serious adjusting to get used to this weather. i hear its going to be a cold winter. here's to change.. cheers!

iSweater.

2009-11-23T07:40:00.007-05:00

so i got a new computer. its very little and very fast.. just what i wanted.

so what is the first thing i do with a new gadet? that is correct– make a case for it. i am going to call this thing a computer sock. much like the ipod socks, this 'case' doesnt really protect TOO much, but it will prevent scratches. i used some of the yarn from my aunt: colinette yarns ltd's skye. its decidedly 90s, but i decided i like it.

i kind of just winged (wung?) the whole thing.. i made a little swatch to see how many stitches i needed to make it wide enough, and just went to town and knitted this thing up. LUCKILY, its perfect.. when i bound it off, the stretch got zapped from the ribbing, but it makes a nice closure to stay around the computer. i suppose its more like a sweater than a sock.. but enough histrionics.

now its back to christmas presents........

the kitchen sink.

2009-11-16T21:18:00.008-05:00

making another hat right now. the yarn is absolutely beautiful handspun that my old roommate left behind when she moved to new mexico (thanks, alexis!!!). the colors are just breathtaking to knit through, and the fiber feels so good on my fingers. the name of the yarn is 'kitchen sink' because its made up of randomly odds and ends from the artist. ahh.. its going to be a warm, beautiful hat. (also... my camera finally took a really good picture.. this photo is not edited at all!)

felicity saves the day.

2009-11-08T17:59:00.006-05:00

remember felicity the american girl? my sister had her, but i had samantha. i have no idea why i wanted that one, because felicity was highly superior. the patterns and styles of her clothes were beautiful. i even read all the books.. hahahaha.

ANYWAY, i finished my first hat! one of my friends has been using the felicity hat pattern (requires a ravelry account) for quite a few hats now, so i thought it would be a good place to start. Her hats are always fit fabulously (i said fabulously, yes).
this was my first experience with noro. ive seen ravelry-ins using it for awhile, and i wanted to see why people go so nuts over it. PROS: i really liked the colorway, so creative and different. i usually stray from using self-striping yarns, because i just dont like how the colors blend into one another, but noro's is so nice. CON: the yarn broke twice (both at crucial moments of the project, which was extremely nerve-racking, but i got through it.)

i used to think that i really liked crochet hats. after this, i am pretty sure i liked knitted ones better.. they use less yarn, less bulky, and stretchier in the right places. sorry, crochet. i loved you for so long, but it seems as if i am moving on to knitting. its not you, its me.

halloweenie

2009-11-01T18:00:00.007-05:00

so halloween was last night. i went as a wolf(e) in sheep's clothing. i thought it was pretty cute. i found this fabulous wolf hat at a secondhand store, crocheted some ears, and sewed them onto the top of it. michelle picked up some sheep-y fabric for me to make a dress-like thing. and a tail. and some pockets. since i just sewed it up quickly and left the edges raw, my room seemed like spring at a sheep shearing establishment after i finished, because the fuzzies got EVERYWHERE. the final product was pretty worth it, though.

so where did i go in my ensemble, you may ask? answer: EVALINE. this thing was a giant halloween party that featured a homemade roller coaster. my entrance fee was waived because i happened to talk to the owner of the whole event.. and got the password to get in. he seemed pretty nice, and told me he doesnt really make money, but breaks even every year. hmm... maybe next time dont tell complete strangers how to get infor free? anyway.. this party has been happening every halloween for 17 years, and i had a really awesome time.

ps still working on the sweater.. and a hat, and some other stuff.

the weather incentive.

2009-10-17T08:36:00.004-04:00

it seems as if overnight, the weather has decided to be winter. and gray (not grey. those words describe two distinctly separate feelings). this has been an incentive to get my sweater finished so its bold, quirky colors can brighten my day. i'm halfway finished with one sleeve.. almost.. right?

its really exciting to go on ravelry and find so many patterns that i want to accomplish RIGHTNOW. i am thankful i have something very personal that can wisk me away to calm and peace, and is actually productive at the same time.

this week i started a crochet get-together with my friend steph, and i think we are going to make it a regular thing, so thats pretty cool! i feel as though ive been neglecting crochet, and this will be a good way to stick to it.

i hope you all have a delightful saturday!!!!

a windfall of yarn.

2009-09-30T14:41:00.005-04:00

my aunt discovered that i like to crochet and knit. she decided to give me all of her yarn-- she said she'd never use it. now this is no ordinary stash of yams.. in fact, its the most spectacular yam stash i've ever seen. not only are there enough balls of each type of yarn for huge projects, but also this stuff is FABULOUS, quality fiber. here are some highlights (the first is by far the most spectacular........):

cashmere.. 12 balls

wool/alpaca blend.. 15 balls

wool/silk.. at least 18 skeins

cotton tape.. 3 skeins

silk/mohair/wool.. 14 skeins

the sweater updated

2009-09-19T09:46:00.006-04:00

hello again. its been awhile, but 'something(s) has suddenly come up' and my sweater has been laying dormant for a few weeks. finished the back, and now i am working on the front.. almost finished the left front, and then its on to the right front. then its just sleeves and a hood, and its finished! yesssss. i really enjoy the colors.. i think they look very harmonious and autumnal. i should have some time to get a lot finished this weekend and next, so hopefully another update will be coming soon!

a sweater?

2009-08-24T21:03:00.001-04:00

so i have decided i am going to make a sweater. that's the real reason i am learning to knit, because crocheted garments just don't do it for me.. they dont hold their shape very well, and they are too bulky. so i am going to attempt the central park hoodie. i think i can do it. i still have that cowl to finish, but its almost there.. and it can be a project to work on when i need a break from this. so far, its lookin' pretty fine. i am using wonderful wool, made of mostly wool, with a tiny bit of mohair. so soft, so squash!

suitcase + balloons = art?

2009-08-09T13:09:00.015-04:00

on friday i was part of an art exhibition in Lawrenceville. Last weekend I made a dress using a vintage patten and it turned out very large, so for a few days i was perplexed with what to do next. a friend helped me out with an idea of elevating the dress with balloons. i had a very busy week and i did not get a chance to completely think this through before friday.. so after leaving work early i picked up twenty balloons, ran home to get my dress, a suitcase, and some patience, and scooted down to the gallery to set it up before the show started.

for some reason i had the notion that this was going to work on the first try. it didnt. it also did not work the second, third, or fourth time. after i became completely exasperated, i realized the dress was unable to be held up by balloons alone. i called michelle and she came down to the space to help me. i ended up suspending the dress from the ceiling by wire, and then stuffed the dress full of balloons and 'tied it down' with a suitcase. considering the entire process of making this piece work, i am very happy with how it turned out.

the opening was a huge success and lots of people showed up. i enjoyed myself, but i dont really have positive aversions to art right now. its pretty frustrating for me because i think that its important for art to have a purpose, which is why i hold pottery and fiber arts in higher esteem than abstract canvasses and conceptual art in general. i understand rothko and hesse but i think that today's contemporary art movement is too concerned with getting "in" the art scene and not so much with integrity and creative executions of great ideas.

..but dont take my word for it.

(special thanks to michelle for the photogs)

adventures with DPNs..

2009-07-22T07:46:00.004-04:00

so i got some DPNs. i decided i would rather use them instead of circulars because, honestly, they seem more rustic and authentic to me. circulars seem like cheating.. i dont know why, thats just how i think. anyway.. these things are rather complicated, but really fun to work with. its so different than crocheting, but i am finding it to be strangely pleasing, except when the needle flies out of 15 live stitches and i panic as i attempt to ease them back in line.

ive been so busy this week that i have barely had time to sit down and really delve into them to figure out how to finesse them to make beautiful, tubular work. i decided to try my hands at a basketweave cowl using some fabulous hand painted alpaca/bfl wool from stashupyarns. so finally this past weekend i got through 15 or so rows, and i am **SO** happy with what i have so far.

we'll see how it looks when its all finished.

recent stash additions

2009-07-15T07:59:00.008-04:00

this past week i spent a little bit o money on some new yams. it was definitely worth it, though.. they are all soft, touchable, BEAUTIFUL wools.

the first two yams i purchased at the southside works exposed 'festival,' which was mostly very loud, terrible bands, but as i walked around the craft booth section, a shining light drew me in. this was cosyknits literally's booth. inside she was spinning some wool, and had the most feminine wares for sale. i found an AMAZING recycled sweater skein that she had hand-dyed, and also a hank of ohio shetland farm wool, dyed with thoughtful shades of magenta, reds, purples and pinks.. absolutely fabulous and *girly*.

the last picture has four yams.. two of them i bought this week at natural stitches (the yellow and brown skeins). the other two were a christmas present from a very special person. the white is undyed farm wool, and the pink is called 'heartbeat' which i think is quite appropriate.. i love all four colors together, and i want to make something very special with it.. i think when i learn to knit better, i will use it for something. ideas?

galavanting

2009-07-14T20:30:00.003-04:00

so this past weekend i made a new bag (ravelry).. i decided to call it 'galavanting,' because i want to be able to cruise around town and put everything i need inside a single bag. i think i have accomplished this.. because this bag is enormous. i need to add some sort of closure (a button and loop i think), but i have not found the right one yet. i might trek over to natural stitches sometime this week.. i want to get some circular knitting needles anyway so i can start practicing for my first knitted cowl!

i used almost three skeins (almost 600 yards!) of araucania ulmo (on clearance at natural stitches), worked mostly in double and single crochet, except for the gathering between the handles i used front and back post stitches. the lining is vintage (i think) fabric from my favorite thrift store, and the green bias-tape-like stuff is also from a thrift store. the second and third photo show the bag pre-lining, so thats why it looks so flat.