Another Prosperous Top and a New Knitting Case

A week ago today, I started another Prosperous tank top. This time, I'm using Brown Sheep's Serendipity Tweed in Striped Coral Root color. It's a beautiful tweedy yarn in 60% cotton and 40% wool. It doesn't feel itchy when I rub the skein against my skin. I'm hoping the knitted fabric will hold true. I'm knitting the same size as the olive version, size 32". This time I'm following the pattern instructions...verbatim.

I did a provisional CO of 160 sts using size 7 circs. Knitted for 4 rows, then did a picot row of YO and K2tog. Switched to size 8 circs and continued for another 4 rows. Undid my provisional CO sts and threaded another circ through the loose sts. Matched WS together (RS facing out) and knitted through the two needles to produce the picot hem. Here it is in the round (knitted from the bottom up):




The beautiful skeins of yarn:




Now onto my new accessory....

Here's my new knitting case. It's a Mini Hanging Organizer by Vera Bradley. I stumbled upon this at my local boutique in Old Town Manassas. When I unzipped the main compartment, I knew this was a knitting case in the making.




There's a back pocket as well as a handle on top:







Even though it's small, it can hold a lot of knitting accessories:




There's a metal hook at the top....




...that can be tucked into it's own little pocket:




Plenty of zippered pockets for all sorts of knitting knick-knacks:







I was torn between this bright and bold print and a black and white version. I'm glad I chose this one. The quality and craftsmanship of this case is superb. There is no way I could sew one of these for the price I paid.

I don't know why I'm attracted to Vera Bradley. I used to think it was for "older gals". VB has some really nice bags and accessories. This mini hanging organizer is one of them.

Finished!

Finished and just in time to wear for our 90 degree weather we're having this weekend. My Sierra Prosperous tank top was a fun knit, but the sizing is off. As you can see from the pictures, there is no 4 inches of negative ease anywhere. I'm blaming this on operator error. Moi. I did get gauge with this Cascade Sierra yarn, but have no clue as to what happened during the knitting stages. I knitted a size 32", but ended up with something close to 35-36"...my bust size.

I finished the neckline and armholes with a single crochet stitch. That resulted in a snug fit in the upper part of the top. I was pleased with the results of this finish.



I really like how each of the back cable and lace pattern continues into the straps.



I'm happy with the way the back looks. The picot stitches add some interest.



So, doing a provisional cast-on was a first for me. The picot hem was also a first and I really like the finished look...mostly it doesn't curl up and out.

What's next on the needles? Another version of this top. This time I plan on removing the shaping around the waist and depending on the yarn I use, I may or may not cast on less stitches. We will see.

Some Pictures of Prosperous Tank Top

I thought I would share some photos of my Prosperous tank top...still in the works. It's a fascinating knitting project. I'm still knitting the front and back straps. This is a project where you have to try on the top to figure out how long the straps should be. I'm getting closer to the final lengths...at some point, I will put all the straps on waste yarn and do a loose slip knot to tie the shoulders together. By the time I finish this top, it will be summer. Glad this project is sleeveless.

The front view:



The front neckline close-up:



The back view:



The front cable and lace pattern:




Other hobbies have taken over my knitting time. One of which is making Origami cranes. I have no idea how and why I've started this hobby. Last year, I happened to be searching on the Internet and found the "crane" instructions. I started with plain white paper which got pretty boring after I mastered the folds. I happened to be at my local Michaels store and sure enough...they carried the fancy Origami paper that came in plain colors and printed designs. Too cool! I'll post pictures of what they look like later this weekend. For now, I'm watching Lord of the Rings with my hubby and folding beautiful sheets of Origami paper.

Happy Knitting!

A Somewhat Quiet Knitting Weekend

I'm finally getting over a week-long cold. I thought I had the allergies and couldn't figure out why the allergy meds weren't working. That's because I had a head cold. Makes more sense as I haven't had a Spring allergy for years. After being duped up for two nights on NyQuil, I'm feeling better. Feeling like my ole knitting self.

The weather here is going back and forth between 60 to 80 degrees during the day. I'm starting to wear my sandals and starting to feel like knitting for summer weather...like sleeveless tops.

Sometime last week, I started knitting Prosperous Plum Tank which I renamed "Sierra Prosperous Tank" because I'm using Cascade Sierra yarn. BTW, this is a free pattern on Ravelry. The yarn is moss colored and a joy to knit with. It's 80% Pima cotton with 20% wool.

This Prosperous Tank is an interesting knit for me. First, it's knit in the round (way cool). Second, I did my first provisional cast on. Third, I learned to knit a hem (e.g. picot hem). Really, way cool! I had way too much fun at the beginning of this project.

The instructions includes two charts (A and B) for the pattern which has a bit of a cable pattern along with a squiggly lace pattern. As I was looking at what others knitted on Ravelry, I noticed I disliked the dominant continuous squiggly line which is in chart A. I ended up modifying the pattern a bit by reversing one of the cables in the pattern. In chart A, instead of doing a C6F, I changed it to a C6B.

Here's what I have done so far for the front with the pattern going up the center:



One thing is for sure, I'm having a blast knitting this top. Here's the back with the pattern going up along each side:



My Sofia is still waiting to be finished. I spent a few minutes here and there sewing up the seams of my cardi. It didn't take too long and I actually enjoyed my quiet moments joining the pieces. Taking the refresher class late last year probably helped with the overall enjoyment process. I confirmed I was doing the seaming process correct and I learned to take my time and just enjoy it. It worked.

I'm still knitting the eyelet border to go around the fronts, sides, and back. I'm past the halfway point, but still have a few inches to go.




I'll be back later this week to post (with pictures) about my provisional cast on method and the picot hem I learned.

Happy Easter!

Another Finished Top

** Updated to include new pictures **

I've finished my Calmer Tank Top (Ravelry: Lillian Tank Top). I must say it fits beautifully. It's now become one of my TNT patterns. I plan on knitting up several of these to wear throughout the seasons. I'm thinking of using Cascade Sierra, Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, and even Lion Brand Cotton Ease. Wool blends and cotton blends. The lace pattern is beautiful and the top knits up quickly. I managed to knit my Calmer version in under 2 weeks. That's during my lunch breaks and during the evening hours.















I was going to start knitting a different project, but I may end up knitting another tank top. I'l be back with pictures. :)

Happy Knitting!

A Hot Sunday

For a hot and humid Sunday (over 100 degrees), it's only appropriate to be knitting a lace tank top. I've cast on for a Lillian Tank Top pattern I got from Ravelry. It has a lace body, few rows of ribbing under the bust, and then stockinette stitch to the shoulders. It's knit in the round and then separated for the front and back. There's ribbing around the squarish neckline and armholes and also at the bottom hem.

I'm using Rowan Calmer yarn for this project. This yarn didn't sit for long in my stash. After seeing so many complements about the yarn I knew I had to try it out. The yarn is very springy and light. Produces beautiful stitches in my opinion.

Here's the base of my tank top:




I also came across some future projects:

Reid, by Berroco, is a beautiful lace top. Perfect for transitioning from Summer to Fall. I plan on using Bamboucle in Apple Red for this project.




Then, I saw Minnie, from the Cardigans book by Louisa Harding. This is a versatile pattern. It can be made long or cropped (e.g. bolero), cabled front or lace, and long or short sleeves. I actually like this version pictured here:



I also fell in love with Sofia, also from the Louisa Harding's Cardigan book. It's a beautiful cropped cardigan that draws/curves up the front and has short sleeves. Very cute and very shapely. Unfortunately, I can find a picture...but will try to post one later.

I'll be running my errands early this morning and then staying inside later today in the cool comforts of my AC.

Finished Pictures of Leaf Yoke and Chevron

A quick post with pictures of my finished tops....

Leaf Yoke:




Chevron:



Happy Knitting!

Another Top Completed and More Knitting

I got around to finishing my Leaf Yoke top the other day and wore it to work on my special day. I received a lot of complements. The top is very comfortable to wear and the Pebble yarn made the garment feel lightweight. I actually like the two color contrast yarns I used, but I plan on knitting another top in a single color.



I resolved the long armhole issue on my Leaf Yoke. First, when I was getting ready to do the I-cord BO, I picked up less stitches in the underarm area...about 44 stitches versus the 50 recommended in the pattern. It was a slight improvement, but the armhole area was still a bit "loosey-goosey" for me. I dove into my sewing notions stash and found fine elastic thread. I took my darning needle and threaded the fine elastic through my I-cord BO edge, making sure the thread didn't show on the right side. I pulled the elastic until the armhole area was slightly gathered and I knotted the elastic. I tried on the top again and the fit was perfect.

I'm still weaving in the ends of my Chevron top. Though I loved using 3 different colors for this top, the ends are a pain in my side to weave in. I have a few more strands left and I should be done.



I've been looking through Ravelry (my queue) and through my pattern books and magazines to find a new knitting project to start. I found a lot of sleeveless tops, but can't seem to find one that jumps out at me. I've also grown my yarn stash to include more cotton and cotton-blended yarns in light worsted and DK weights. I actually enjoy knitting with the thinner yarns.

In the meantime, I've resurrected a WIP from last year...my Lace Panel cardigan. I stopped knitting it last August which I regret now. It's taken me awhile to figure out where I left off and I've noticed my knitting skills have vastly improved since last year. My right front I'm working on now looks a bit better than the left front from last year. LOL!!! I'm glad I had documented this garment on Ravelry. Let's face it, my mind can only remember so much from last year.



So, I'm working my way towards the shoulder and I'm not looking at my notes from last year. See that vast improvement of my knitting skills? I can now look at what I knitted and figure out when I need to do my next decreases. Wonders never cease for me.

I'm still debating as to knit the short sleeves for this cardi or just knit an I-cord binding around the armholes and make this cardi into a vest. My "Simple is Better" motto keeps coming to mind as I really need to change this WIP into a finished garment and check if off my Ravelry list. I'll be back to post the results.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting Updates & Learning Another Technique

I've finished my Chevron Lace Top. Now, I need to weave in all those loose ends. My gosh, there are a lot. I feel proud of finishing this top as I made some modifications to the original pattern and it's been quite a few months since I have knitted a garment. I've had to take out my Knitter's Companion reference book to review techniques that I used to know. I had a huge "knitting high" over the last few weeks. Enjoyed it immensely. The top is done (minus the loose ends) and it fits. I ended up finishing the armholes using the I-cord BO. It was a last minute decision and my first attempt at this BO method. I spent time researching different I-cord techniques over the Internet. The technique I chose is from Knit Picks. Simple is better. That seems to be my knitting motto of late.

I ended up finishing the neckline with 1x1 ribbing. Would have preferred to finish with the same I-cord binding used on the armholes, but wanted to make sure I could get the top over my head. Ribbing finished made more sense.

I'm still knitting my Leaf Yoke top. I have about 4 more inches to knit in the body. My armholes came out really deep and I plan on using the I-cord BO as it will tighten the armhole space quite a bit. To match the armholes, I plan on knitting the same I-cord BO for the bottom hem. Again, simple is better. I also plan on finishing the neckline with the same BO method. I'm looking forward to finishing this top this weekend, if possible.

I enjoy knitting the I-cord BO method and like the finished/polished look. My knitting mojo is moving right along. Knitting is fun. Life is good.

Happy July!

I can't believe it's already July. This week, we've been having beautiful weather. No humidity and in the 80s. I've been out enjoying the weather when I can. This can only mean that not much knitting has been done.

Here's a status check on my two garments. I've got another 2 inches to go on the back section of my Chevron shell. After that is completed, I can finish the front.




I'm knitting my Leaf Yoke top when I happen to be sitting in front of the TV. Mindless knitting in the round.



My plan is to finish these two tops over my 3-day Holiday weekend. Plus, make two necklaces. Plus, re-organize my yarn stash. Plus, look for new knitting projects to start soon.

More Garment Knitting

I'm back to garment knitting. It's only taken 7 months to get the garment-itch, again. Now that Summer is in full swing, I'm thinking "sleeveless" tops. I found a cute chevron top in one of my Tahki Yarns booklet. I'm doing some major omissions/modifications to the pattern...no sleeves and no front button placket. Oh, and no seams(!)...just knit in the round. Make it simple.

Here's the body of the shell. I really do like the colors I picked out. I'm using Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic. I believe this is the first garment I'm knitting with smaller than #8 needles. I'm using #6 needles! This knitting project is going fast. I've already separated the front and back section and now knitting the back.



Also on my needles (size 7), is the Leaf Yoke top that's from last year's Knit.1 magazine. As you can see, I'm using two colors for this top. Just wanted to knit something different. I've learned how to do short row wraps (shaping). Something new for me to learn.



I'm alternating my time between these two projects. I hope to have both completed by the end of our upcoming holiday weekend.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting Bliss

As you can see, I've had to limit my time on my computer in order to spend more time knitting. I've finished my Colonnade shawl. It's waiting to be blocked. In the meantime, I've started two more projects.

First up, is my 220 Yards of Heaven Shawlette. I'm using Noro Silk Garden and I have to mention...I love this yarn! The colors are stunning! It's a nice surprise to see something like this develop:



Next, I've started a sleeveless shell in plum color. I'm using one of my favorite yarns, Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. This is my second attempt. I made one last year when I was starting to knit garments. It came out okay. Now that I have a year's worth of knitting experience under my belt, this should knit up faster and look a bit more finished. I am knitting this version in the round (no side seams). This version has a moss stitch border at bottom edge of the shell.



Looks like I'm anticipating and preparing for warmer weather. I am! It's been in the 60s here and I definitely have Spring Fever!

Quick Knit Shell - Completed

This shell has been sitting on my sewing/cutting table for some time. Waiting for its side seams to be sewn. Some of you will remember that when stuff starts hibernating on my cutting table, no sewing gets done.

My vehicle is in the shop for repair all day and it's been raining...I thought I might as well get this done and off the table and write up my review.

Here's my review of this lovely shell:

Quick Knit Shell (Ann Norling) by Sandi Rosner. Patons Shetland Chunky in Sea Ice.


Name of Pattern:
Quick Knit Shell (Ann Norling)

Designed by:
Sandi Rosner

Pattern/Garment Description:
Formerly known as the "Bulky Knit Sleeveless Top", this easy sweater will be a wardrobe staple. Can be knitted in cotton for a summery shell or in soft wool to ear under a jacket in colder weather. Great first sweater for the beginner. More experienced knitters will find it a good blank canvas to fill with your choice of stitch patterns or color work.

The shell is designed to fall at the high hips and close fitting armholes so bra straps won't show.

Size(s):
36" to 52" (36, 40, 44, 48, 52)

I casted on for a size 36 inch.

Yarns Used:
Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed in color Sea Ice. This is a light blue tweedy yarn with a bright sheen. Wonderful to knit with.

I used 4 skeins to to make the size 36 inch.

Gauge:
3.75 stitches per inch using size 10 circulars using the Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed yarn.

Knitting Tools Used:
Circular needle: 24 inch Size 8 for the bottom borders, armholes, and neckline.
Circular needle: 24 inch Size 10 for the body of the shell.
Stitch markers when I'm approaching decreases (personal reminder).

Techniques I used/learned:
Moss stitch for the borders.
How to smoothly bind off when two RS rows use BO (armhole areas).
When to use SSK and k2tog for neck shaping.
Picking up stitches.

What I Like About this Pattern:
I love this pattern. Actually, in general, I'm loving Ann Norling's patterns. Her patterns contain several gauges (e.g. 3.5, 4 & 4.5 sts = 1 inch) and instructions for each of the gauges. Also, includes the total yardage needed. So, one could easily use available yarns from their stash or substitute inexpensive yarns (sign of the times) and start knitting this shell.

The instructions were easy to follow.

This pattern came with a 4x6 photo of the garment displayed on the front sheet.

This pattern gives you the option of a round neck or a turtle neck version.

Suggested yarns included Crystal Palace Meringue, Party and Bamboozle.

What I Dislike About this Pattern:
Nothing to dislike at all.

There is a slight error in the pattern. For the front piece, you're suppose to BO of 7 stitches and then BO another 7. Well that comes out to 14 stitches, when I had 15 stitches. I easily corrected the error.

My Pattern Rating (Beginner, Easy, Intermediate, Hard):
I do rate this as Easy, but a beginner could easily give this a try.

Conclusion/Additional Comments:
Did I mention that I love this pattern? I did spend a bit more for this pattern, but well worth it as it includes several gauges and instructions for each gauge. It also includes the total yarn yardage you need with each gauge. Kind of takes the guess work out if a particular yarn will work or not.

The instructions are easy to follow and well written. It does assume you have some knitting experience and that you know how to decrease to the get the correct shaping.

Since I didn't use the recommended yarn, my gauge actually came out to 3.75 stitches/inch with this Patons yarn. As I was knitting the body of the shell, I noticed my width was larger than 18 inches. I estimated my finished bust area would be around 38 inches instead of the 36 inches. Not a problem, as I prefer my tops loose.

This is my first semi-fitted knitted garment.

Will I knit up another version of this shell? You bet! I would like to knit one up that's a little more close fitting. Depending on the yarn I use next, I may need to narrow/decrease the shoulder near the armhole area. I will also need to shorten the armhole length.

This pattern is definitely a keeper and will be my TNT pattern for years to come. Here are additional pictures:

Side view

Back view

Partial side/front view

Don't Rush Me...I'm Trying to Finish My Shell

I have both front and back pieces completed. I seamed one shoulder and then finished the neckline. I seamed the other shoulder. I'm finding this is easier for me to pickup the stitches around the neckline and then finish it. I haven't tackled knitting in the round yet. I'm sure I will learn that soon.

I also finished the left armhole. This morning, my objective was to finish the right armhole. Well, I did a boo-boo. I knitted two more rows than I should have. Hellooooo! I see a pattern developing here. The last 3 projects I've worked on, I've had to frog a couple of rows somewhere in the garment. This morning, I was in a "self-inflicted" rush to get this shell finished. Well...it didn't get done.

Fast forward to now. I need to get dinner ready. Afterwards, I will attempt to frog the last two rows and then do my BO. Sewing the side seams will happen later this week. Sigh!

My Shell (before boo-boo): Neckline finished. Left-side armhole finished.

Knitting Weekend & Other Things

My DB is arriving later this evening. Not sure what we'll be doing this weekend, but I'm sure it will be a photographic adventure.

I wanted to post a long overdue picture of me wearing my cropped cardi vest to give an idea of length and fit.

Wearing My Cropped Cardi Vest

I'm making progress on the back piece of my shell. Gosh, I just love this yarn color I'm knitting with. This shell is turning out to be slightly wider than 18 inches, which is fine for me as I don't want this shell to be too tight. I'm anticipating when I'm done with both back and front pieces that the finished bust will be around 37 inches. This will be my first fitted garment, so I'm quite excited to get this all knitted up and seamed and see how it fits. This will lay the ground work for me on how to judge a pattern size...just like sewing.

Shell - working my way towards the neckline

Since knitting is a very portable hobby, I plan on knitting wherever I go this weekend.

Happy Knitting!

Next Project...a Sleeveless Shell

I've been looking through various pattern books at my LYS and came across this darling simple shell pattern:
Ann Norling - Quick Knit Sleeveless Shell #50

You'll notice in the picture that the yarn used for the middle shell looks familiar. :) It's the same yarn I had used for my cropped cardi vest from my previous post.

I plan on knitting the sleeveless shell on the right with the seed stitch border at the bottom, neckline, and armholes.

I found this beautiful yarn at Michael's:
Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed in Sea Ice color

Which will go with my latest sewing creation:
Brown and blue floral sweater knit cardigan


I can't wait to get started on this knitting project. This will be my first attempt at a knitting project where I am not using the suggested yarns. I knitted a test swatch/gauge with this Patons yarn and it came out pretty close. BTW, if you see this yarn...touch it and give it a squeeze. It's sooo soft.