tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340365332024-03-08T12:52:54.773-05:00Adventures with the slowest knitter<b>If I had to knit for warmth, I would be dead.</b>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-26115001105598675112009-02-24T11:57:00.004-05:002009-02-24T12:30:15.377-05:00<h1>Legwarmers, a play in 3 acts</h1><br /><br /><b>Act 1</b><br /><br />Me: Legwarmers are stupid! How often do your calves get cold, amirite?? Lulz.<br />Beth: I wear leg warmers.<br />Me: ...really? <br />Beth: Yeah, they really help keep me warm.<br /><br />(later)<br /><br />Me: Man, the boot-cut jeans are letting breezes in under the cuffs! They're making my... calves... cold... <br /><br />(light bulb overhead)<br /><br />Me: I've been such a fool! <br /><br /><b>Act 2</b><br /><br />Me: I will make some plain legwarmers! Just 1x1 ribbing! Basic tubes, for my legs! But how much yarn will I need? <br /><br />(sits at computer quietly)<br /><br />Me: But all these patterns are giving wildly different yardages! I have no idea how much yarn I'll need! <br /><br />(cue: dramatic music)<br /><br />Me: I shouldn't buy new yarn. I have so much already! But no! There is not enough of any of my superwash wools! And I can't use non-washable, for the leg warmers will get dirty, and I don't want to hand wash them! <br /><br />Perhaps I will do some colorwork, and since I have superwash wools in different colors! No, the colors I have are ugly together, and I want these to be simple. What about this yarn, whose colors are kind of ugly, but the yarn is so soft? No! Not superwash! And this? No! Ugly! <br /><br />(days of constant researching later, complete with rings under eyes and crazyhair)<br /><br />Me: Maybe... maybe just a little colorwork... With this hand-dyed wool -- it's not superwash I KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT. And this nice... black Lana Grossa Cool Wool... The one skein should be enough... But there's that... pretty... pretty... <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=110&d_id=41&lang=us">star pattern from those socks</a>... I could just... do some math... <br /><br />(hours later, happily knitting along)<br /><br />Me: [frown] Something doesn't seem right... *gasp!* The chart has an error! <br /><br />(cue: dramatic music)<br /><br />Me: Do I rip back? Or keep going? Rip back? Keep going? Rip back? Keep going... Keep going... Keep going...<br /><br />(hours later)<br /><br />Me: Shit, it's too small! NOOOOOOOOOO! [rips out back to the top band] How will I ever, ever finish these? <br /><br /><b>Act 3</b> <br /><br />Me: Finally! I have the first leg warmer! And it fits! But wait! What's this?! I'm out of the black wool?! Which I bought in Philly? Even though I'm living in North Carolina?! NOOOOOOO! <br /><br />Me: Mom? Dad? I thought I'd come up to Philly for a visit! No no, no particular reason. Just to visit. Yessssss, to visit... heh heh heh... What? No, I'm fine. <br /><br />(days later)<br /><br />Me: Almost... there... just have to... sew down hem with elastic in... <br /><br />Me: Could it be? It COULD! They're done! They're done! (prances around)<br /><br />(later)<br /><br />Me: Ahh, how did I live my life without leg warmers? I will wear them all the time! I will wear skirts in winter! I will wear them with impunity, and ward off the cold with my LEG WARMERS! <br /><br />(cue: triumphant music)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3306960838/" title="IMG_0183.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3306960838_4e7539591a.jpg" width="500" height="481" alt="IMG_0183.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3306131271/" title="IMG_0181.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3306131271_c2bd8b9d8c.jpg" width="325" height="500" alt="IMG_0181.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />(days later)<br /><br />Me: Man, my knees are really cold. <br /><br />(cue: DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNNN)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-5967044379523683172009-01-07T16:27:00.004-05:002012-11-28T01:04:39.373-05:00<h1>
It is a truth universally acknowledged that cancer can suck it</h1>
<br />
<br />
This is Kate:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3177267925/" title="IMG_0042 by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0042" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3177267925_11132586ba.jpg" width="439" /></a></center>
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<br />
She's pretty fuckin' awesome. I can't even tell you how much. So when she told me that her grandfather's cancer had returned, I reacted as knitters react: I asked myself what I could knit for him. Being all sneaky-style as I am, I asked Kate if her grandfather had a shoe size, what shoe size he would have. Then a day later I asked her what his opinion was on the F-bomb. <br />
<br />
Being also fucking clever, she replied that he would be totally down with a pair of socks that might happen to say "Fuck Cancer." That was good enough for me. A few days later I had these:<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3173274294/" title="IMG_0284.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0284.JPG" height="312" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1065/3173274294_f98ab3fefa.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
Someone asked me for the pattern, and I figured that since I was writing it up I may as well post it here. Make 'em for your loved ones, or your liked ones, or people you haven't even met yet. <br />
<br />
Caveat Knitter: I haven't test knit this pattern. But the most important part is the chart, so use it as you will. <br />
<br />
<b>Cancer Can Suck It (Socks)</b><br />
<br />
Yarn:<br />
MC: 352 yds sport weight wool (I used 2 balls Lana Grossa Cool Wool 2000 with exactly enough for a 10.3” foot – approx. a man’s size 9)<br />
CC: Not much sport weight wool (I used 1 ball Lana Grossa Cool Wool 2000 and had lots left over)<br />
<br />
Needles:<br />
Size 3 for the ribbing, 4 for stockinette. I knit pretty loosely, so you may have to go up a size for each.<br />
<br />
Gauge: 6.5 stitches per inch in stockinette<br />
<br />
Top ribbing:<br />
Using size 4 needles cast on 52 stitches<br />
Switch to size 3 needles, join in the round being careful not to twist<br />
K2p2 around for 18 rows<br />
<br />
Leg:<br />
Switch to size 4 needles<br />
Work plain around for 10 rows<br />
Start fair isle lettering.<br />
<br />
When you get to the yellow stitch: Pick up left leg of stitch below and to the right -- the one with the thicker border -- and knit that leg together with your next stitch. <br />
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<br />
Work plain for 19 rows (or desired length)<br />
<br />
Heel (feel free to substitute your own):<br />
Working over half the stitches:<br />
Row 1: *sl1, k1 repeat from * to end of row<br />
Rows 2 and 4: sl1, purl to end<br />
Row 3: sl1, *sl1, k1, repeat from * to last stitch, k1<br />
<br />
Repeat until the heel flap is 2.3” ending with a purl row<br />
<br />
K15, ssk, k1, turn work<br />
sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn work<br />
Row 1: sl1, K to 1 stitch before gap, ssk, k1, turn work<br />
Row 2: sl1, P to one stitch before gap, p2tog, p1, turn work<br />
<br />
Repeat those two rows until all stitches on the heel have been worked, ending with a purl row.<br />
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Gusset:<br />
<br />
Knit across heel flap, pick up 16 stitches on the side of the heel flap. Place marker. Knit across the top of the sock, place marker. Pick up 16 stitches on the heel flap.<br />
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Row 1: Knit to 3 stitches before marker, k2tog, knit to next marker, k1, ssk, work to end<br />
Row 2: Work plain.<br />
<br />
Repeat two rows until you’re back down to 52 stitches.<br />
<br />
Foot:<br />
Remove markers and work plain until the sock is 1.25” from being the final length.<br />
<br />
Toe:<br />
Switch to CC.<br />
<br />
K26, place marker, k26, pm<br />
<br />
Row 1: *k1, ssk, k to 3 before marker, k2 tog, k1, repeat from * to end<br />
Row 2: Work plain<br />
<br />
Repeat both rows until you have 24 stitches left (total). Graft toe closed.<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3172444183/" title="IMG_0287.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0287.JPG" height="420" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3172444183_b1cf31233d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-36439821101898445972008-12-15T20:48:00.002-05:002008-12-15T20:58:43.696-05:00<h1>What's better than mittens?</h1><br /><br />Tiny mittens!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3105561442/" title="IMG_0130.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/3105561442_1505f78a20.jpg" width="422" height="500" alt="IMG_0130.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />Miss Nala doesn't think they're so cute, but I do. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3105559904/" title="IMG_0138.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/3105559904_46fb2527a7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0138.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />And I made a hat! It's based on the Side Slip Cloche from the book Boutique Knits. I don't have the money for the book so I just deconstructed it. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3112257506/" title="IMG_0162.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3112257506_a21d439772.jpg" width="500" height="470" alt="IMG_0162.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />I used Sirdar's Sublime aran-weight yarn. It's pretty delicious. I just need a brooch to close up the side. That white thing in the picture is a twist-tie. Because I'm super classy. But! This'll be for my mom for xmas. I hope she'll wear it. I need to do a lining, though, and am not sure yet how to go about doing that. Bah. But yay! I cast on for another one almost immediately.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-1167498058176803302008-11-24T22:55:00.003-05:002008-11-24T23:20:25.624-05:00<h1>Things I done did</h1><br /><br />A few weeks ago I learned a friend of mine was pregnant. <i>Real</i> pregnant. Due in a week and a half. I panicked. Baby coming?! Must! Knit! Hat! They didn't know the sex, so I had to find some gender-neutral superwash wool in my stash, stat! Couldn't find any! AUGH! Finally I settled on some green and white fingering weight that I'd whip into some kind of hat-with-fair-isle-sheep. <br /><br />...but then three days later I saw on her facebook page that Miss Sadie had already arrived! I snagged some pink sport-weight wool (I know, I know, cliché color, but whatever, pink is nice) and the <a href="http://yarnbearer.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/spritely-hat-pattern/">Spritely Hat</a> pattern and four days later I had this:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3050758203/" title="IMG_0097.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/3050758203_e31b7662f4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0097.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />The pattern is for a child's size, but with the sport-weight wool and size 3 needles it'd be close enough. <br /><br />The sticks: size 3 circs<br />The string: Lana Grossa Cool Wool 2000. <br /><br />The little leaves on the top are outrageously cute. <br /><br />And remember this?<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2979474484/" title="IMG_0014.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2979474484_9b4244e96d.jpg" width="500" height="465" alt="IMG_0014.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />It became this:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/3035010903/" title="IMG_0087 by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3035010903_2fe8a0c949.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0087" /></a></center> <br /><br />Which I want to be enough for a scarf, but really probably isn't. Alas. Maybe paired with some black wool? Hmmmm... Ooh! No! Dark gray! Yes.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-90783510096385511422008-11-02T17:42:00.001-05:002008-11-02T17:43:56.690-05:00<h1>Did I have fun at SAFF?</h1><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2996399409/" title="SAFF 2008 by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2996399409_6a2c579744.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="SAFF 2008" /></a></center><br /><br />Why yes. Yes I did have fun at SAFF. It was full of Hotties.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-13026597197352929482008-10-31T12:31:00.003-04:002008-10-31T12:49:23.105-04:00<h1>SAFF</h1><br /><br />I went, I saw,<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2978616711/" title="IMG_0006.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2978616711_28dc80b075.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0006.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />I was very reasonable with my purchases. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2979474484/" title="IMG_0014.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2979474484_9b4244e96d.jpg" width="500" height="465" alt="IMG_0014.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=55462">Sugarbee Studios</a> One night stand batt in Isaac. I don't know how I'm going to spin it up yet, but I'm totally looking forward to it. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2978620087/" title="IMG_0026.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2978620087_24187b629d.jpg" width="500" height="461" alt="IMG_0026.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />ReadySpin (RealWool) 6-pack of rovings. This'll end up being some super stripey sock yarn, I think. <br /><br />Now that I have new stuff I'm spinning the hell out of some purple roving so I can start spinning up the batt. <br /><br />I didn't finish my sweater in time (the collar was still on the needles, and while I tried to wear it like that it was just too crowded and I was bordering on hurting someone with my needles), but it's just about finished now (after I fix the sleeves, re-bind-off the collar, and find buttons). Do I have pictures? Heavens no! <br /><br />But SAFF was fun. And if y'all get a chance to hang out with <a href="http://www.staceybudge.com/urbangypz/">Stacey</a> you should, because she is FULL of win.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-16776792057800933542008-10-21T12:55:00.002-04:002008-10-21T13:07:23.057-04:00<h1>Oh!</h1><br /><br /><a href="http://www.saffsite.org">SAFF</a> is coming up. A lot of knitters, before festivals, will make it a goal to have a sweater or a shawl finished to debut in front of a very appreciative audience. While I've always respected that, I've never done it, mostly because I'm lazy. I'll bring something I've finished relatively recently, but I don't make it a goal. <br /><br />So imagine my surprise when I saw this:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2962104500/" title="IMG_0463.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2962104500_57a275ff67.jpg" width="449" height="500" alt="IMG_0463.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />...three days before SAFF! Will I get the button band and the collar (I don't have enough yarn for the hood -- I think) done in time?? Only time... will tell. <br /><br />(Also, who's going to SAFF? Huh? Huh?)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-85676569201631171112008-10-11T16:03:00.005-04:002008-10-11T21:48:37.127-04:00<h1>Scandihoovian hat</h1><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2931323289/" title="IMG_0469.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2931323289_2f4c07c900.jpg" width="448" height="500" alt="IMG_0469.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />Gauge: 2 stitches per inch<br />Needles: Size 13 DPNs (I used a circ, and it was painful because it was too small for magic loop).<br />Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Bulky Natural, 1 skein (45 yards, with plenty leftover for a nice, optional pom pom)<br />Size: 1 year (your mileage will TOTALLY vary. My nephew is 4.5 months and giant and this hat just fits him).<br />Notes: My increase was knit-into-the-stitch-below. It doesn't really matter which you use. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2932178040/" title="IMG_0465.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2932178040_72239d2f66.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0465.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />C/O 6 (I used <a href="http://www.spellingtuesday.com/circular_co.html">Emily Ocker's Circular Cast-on</a>). Place marker at beginning of round. <br /><br />Row 1: *K1, m1, repeat from *<br />Row 2, and all even rows: Knit around<br />Row 3: *K2, m1, repeat from *<br />Row 5: *K3, m1, repeat from *<br /><br />Continue until you have 30 stitches total, ending with an even row. <br /><br />Next row: Increase 4 stitches evenly. <br /><br />Knit plain until the whole hat measures 6.25". <br /><br />Next row: K7, <a href="http://www.thedietdiary.com/blog/lucia/222">wrap and turn (w&t)</a><br />Next row: P7, w&t<br />Next row: K to 1 stitch before wrapped stitch, w&t<br />Next row: P to 1 stitch before wrapped stitch, w&t<br /><br />Repeat until you have one stitch unwrapped, ending with a WS row.<br /><br />Next row: K4, picking up wraps, K13, w&t<br />Next row: P7, w&t<br />Next row: K to 1 stitch before wrapped stitch, w&t<br />Next row: P to 1 stitch before wrapped stitch, w&t<br /><br />Repeat until you have one stitch unwrapped, ending with a WS row.<br /><br />Bind off loosely, picking up wraps as you get to them. Add braids at the end of the ear flaps. Add pom pom to the top, if that's your cup of juice. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2932177682/" title="IMG_0463.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2932177682_bf0a8427af.jpg" width="500" height="417" alt="IMG_0463.JPG" /></a></center>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-27421283133856417772008-09-23T13:06:00.003-04:002008-09-23T13:20:44.092-04:00<h1>I'm a terrible blogger</h1><br /><br />Two of the things I'm currently working on:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2882003629/" title="IMG_0212.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/2882003629_9bed0ee1d3.jpg" width="500" height="345" alt="IMG_0212.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />The pattern is <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/cassidy.html">http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/cassidy.html">Cassidy</a>. <br /><br />Remember this sweater?:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/1267833947/" title="Me in front of Tjörnin (the lake) by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1031/1267833947_970325704d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Me in front of Tjörnin (the lake)" /></a></center><br /><br />I frogged it. It didn't fit well, and the yarn (Queensland Kathmandu Aran Tweed) was too nice to just have it sitting unused. So now it's becoming a cardigan. <br /><br />And!:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2882838330/" title="IMG_0216.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2882838330_871e0fc559.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0216.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />Dale of Norway's Lillelam pants! GOD these are cute. SO much work. <b>SO</b> much work. But it's really fun, so I don't mind. <br /><br />I got a hot tip from someone in the Stranded group on Ravelry for weaving in ends as you knit. It's <a href="http://sockpr0n.blogspot.com/2006/10/how-to-weave-in-ends-while-knitting.html">here</a> on Sock Prøn's blog. It's working decently well, and the thought of cutting down the finishing is a big relief. <br /><br />The only thing is that the inseam looks wonky from working so much patterning in the round. It occurs to me that an extra stitch as a false seam would make it look much better. But tearing out... oh lord... I don't know. <br /><br />At any rate, if they don't fit (my nephew is a big boy -- in the 90th percentile and up for his size) I'll throw a temper tantrum like the world has never seen. I'm knitting the one year size, and he'll be 7 months by then (xmas), so MAYBE. But he's already wearing 6-9 month clothes. You see my concern. <br /><br />(especially since nothing I've knit him so far has fit. Sigh).Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-4890567768961440712008-08-30T22:14:00.003-04:002008-08-30T22:27:29.952-04:00<h1>Not knitting related</h1><br /><br />Backstory: I'm looking for a job, and am having about zero luck, and frankly am a little anxious about it. <br /><br />So. The phone rings at 9am on Wednesday. I checked the caller ID -- a number I don't recognize! It might be a job!<br /><br />YES! <br /><br />Me (trying not to sound like the phone woke me up): Hello?<br />Her: Is this Emily?<br />Me: YES!<br />Her: This is Gail (YES!) from (YES!) the Obama Campaign. <br /><br />NO! <br /><br />It was funny. Except for the part about how it wasn't regarding a job.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-25755222881082323142008-08-25T15:48:00.003-04:002008-08-25T16:09:42.684-04:00<h1>A second gold!</h1><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2796815565/" title="ravelympics2k8 by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2796815565_59ff719f89_m.jpg" width="153" height="240" alt="ravelympics2k8" /></a></center><br /><br />With two days to spare I finished the acrylic monstrosity!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2787722806/" title="IMG_0172.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2787722806_16c71f94f7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0172.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />It needs buttons still but WHATEVER, I'm calling it done. <br /><br />For the record, it's definitely still a monstrosity. Here! A list of annoying things regarding the "Ready to Play" jumper. <br /><br />1. It's acrylic. <br />1b. <i>crappy</i> acrylic. Really crappy acrylic. <br />2. Flat-knit fair isle. Purling with two colors <i>sucks</i>. <br />3. The original knitter did a float on <i>every</i> stitch on the purled row, not every 3rd or 4th stitch, which takes approximately FOREVER. So I didn't do it. So it doesn't match on the inside. Shhh. <br />4. Not only are the colors unappealing, but the pattern itself... not so great. However, I'm open to the option that it might not be horrible if done differently. <br />5. Since it's acrylic you can't really block it (as far as I can tell). It looks a little wonky, and I don't know if I can fix it. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2786867305/" title="IMG_0173.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2786867305_88b95df14f.jpg" width="413" height="500" alt="IMG_0173.JPG" /></a></center>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-76344243573137927512008-08-17T18:22:00.003-04:002008-08-17T23:47:11.297-04:00<h1>What's that smell?</h1><br /><br />Why, it's Knitting Olympics Gold! <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2771743935/" title="IMG_0096.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2771743935_bb93a5258a.jpg" width="461" height="500" alt="IMG_0096.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />The shawl! She is done! <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2772589996/" title="IMG_0103.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2772589996_24d57e997c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0103.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />And now I can start working on the acrylic kids snowsuit thing! <br /><br />...swell.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2741947768_6d08684d5f_o.jpg"></center>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-44153892540415509862008-08-16T11:19:00.004-04:002008-08-16T11:25:18.732-04:00<h1>Isn't it nice...</h1><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2766035386/" title="Photo0005.jpg by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2766035386_db5b2f9224.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Photo0005.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />when you get some help...<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2766036004/" title="Photo0006.jpg by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2766036004_652564c801.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Photo0006.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />winding a particularly tangled skein of yarn?<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2766036686/" title="Photo0009.jpg by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2766036686_6e1db24b93.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Photo0009.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />(I let her play because 1. I didn't think she could make the tangles much worse, and 2. it was DAMN cute). <br /><br />Olympics update: only 17 more edging repeats on the shawl until I'm done!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-56498810422642470402008-08-09T11:43:00.004-04:002008-08-09T12:33:41.947-04:00<h1>Knitting Olympics</h1><br /><br />In which I attempt to use the word "olympics" as much as possible.<br /><br />Something about job hunting and having so much free time makes blogging seem rather unappealing. I have been knitting -- I have a sock done and its mate on the needles, but it's been put away because it's Knitlympics time! <br /><br />I haven't done the Knitting Olympics before, but I have the Print O' The Wave stole for Paige's wedding, and since I'm not feeling the lace love I needed encouragement. Plus, two weeks ago I decided that if I designated it as "Olympic knitting" then I could work on something else until then. <br /><br />And so here it is, and I've started working on the shawl, and ugghhhhh. Maybe the magic will come when I block it, but for now it's not my favorite thing ever. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2747062788/" title="IMG_0093.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2747062788_c5fc71a8a4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0093.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />As it's not a new project I'm in the WIPs Wrestling group, (also known as endurance trials). I have a second project in case I finish the shawl early. It's another project I need an outside deadline for. Have a gander:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2746227429/" title="IMG_0094.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2746227429_d3e51e247f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0094.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />Bernat "Ready To Play." Not my usual style, eh? Much too big for my nephew. Kitchy. Sigh. See, when I was young my next door neighbors were my second family. My brother and I were always over there being fed amazing food and playing with the kids. Maria makes the best pizza you have ever eaten. <br /><br />Last time I was in Philly my dad and I went to visit, and Maria showed me the romper. It was started and mostly accomplished by a friend of hers who was very sick, who then gave it to Maria to finish it. Maria thought it beyond her abilities, and so gave it to me to finish. If I wanted to. It'd mean a lot to her friend to know it was finished. I promised to give it a shot, even though it's so many things I don't like in a project (acrylic, neon, colorwork knit flat). It means a lot to her, and she means a lot to me, so it's project 2. <br /><br />Well. I'm starting to see a real problem with having the Knitting Olympics during the actual Olympics, because -- and this is especially true during the opening ceremonies -- all I want to do is watch the olympics. I mean really. Did you see those drummers? I'm supposed to pay attention to lace while that's on? HAH!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-25996604749162437722008-07-06T14:03:00.009-04:002009-09-05T19:20:14.421-04:00<h1>Unders, size XL</h1><br /><br />“The sock yarn I found there was so lovely that if you had told me that angels flew it down from heaven twice a week to try and make up for poison ivy, I would consider that a reasonable explanation. It is so beautiful and soft that I would not hesitate (except for the nagging concern that people would think I was a raving lunatic) to knit it into underpants.” <br /><br /><center>- <a href=”http://www.yarnharlot.ca”>Stephanie Pearl-McPhee</a>, <I>Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of A Knitter</I></center><br /><br />I think all knitters have felt yarn that demands to be made into something that goes right on one’s happy place (I don’t think Lorna’s Laces shepherd sport really qualifies, but work with me here). And UNlike Mme Harlot, I have no major qualms with people thinking I’m a raving lunatic, since what with the obsessive knitting and the obsessive contra dancing, I’m probably not too far off anyway. <br /><br /><center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/melosond/Knitting/IMG_0086.jpg"></center><br /><br />Plus, I thought that knitted underwear would be awesome anyway. And they are. Remember the feeling you got when you put on your first pair of hand knit socks? It’s like that, but <I>better</I>.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/melosond/Knitting/unders2.jpg"></center><br /><br />The written pattern’s kind of ugly and sketchy, and it only comes in one size because I have NO IDEA how to change the size on something with so picky a decrease. But hey! It’s free! <br /><br />If you’re smaller than me, you can use a lighter weight yarn and smaller needles. <br /><br />Gauge: 6 stitches, 11 rows to the inch<br /><br />I used:<br />Needles: size 2 circs for the body and size 3 for the i-cord<br />Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport, 1 ball and a smidge (around 50 extra yards). <br /><br />Your mileage will probably vary. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/melosond/unders">Rav link to mine</a>.<br /><br />Also needed: <br />- Embroidery needle<br />- Enough 1/4" elastic to go around your hips. I bought about a yard and that was fine. <br />- Some thinner elastic for around your legs. 1/8" or so works.<br /><br /><b>Waist:</b><br />Provisionally cast on 220, join, being careful not to twist<br /><br />Knit 5 rows<br />6: k2tog, yo to end<br />knit 5 rows<br /><br />Knit next row together with cast-on row. Ta da! Picot edge! <br /><br />Knit in stockinette for an inch. <br /><br /><b>Back:</b><br />Over 110 (half the total) stitches:<br /><br /><b>IMPORTANT NOTES:</B> All instructions are for <b>right side rows</b>. Wrong side rows are just purled. When you see two dashes (--) it means the right side row is knit plain. It’s good to slip the first stitch of each row for a selvedge (ignore this if you’re binding off stitches at the beginning of the row). This’ll make it easier to pick up stitches for the I-cord edge.<br /><br />1: b/o 4 either side<br />2. b/o 1, ssk, k to last 4, k2tog, k next, pass last st over knitted st<br />3. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />4. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />5. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />6. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />7. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />8. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />9. --<br />10. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />11. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />12. --<br />13. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />14. --<br />15. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />16. --<br />17. --<br />18. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />19. --<br />20. --<br />21. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />22. --<br />23. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />24. --<br />25. --<br />26. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />27. --<br />28. --<br />29. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />30. --<br />31. --<br />32. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />33. --<br />34. --<br />35. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />36. --<br />37. --<br />38. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />39. --<br />40. --<br />41. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />42. --<br />43. --<br />44. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />45. --<br />46. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />47. –<br />48. --<br />49. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />50. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />51. b/o 1, ssk; k to last 4, k2tog, b/o 1<br />52. b/o 1, ssk; k to last 4, k2tog, b/o 1<br />53. b/o 1, ssk; k to last 4, k2tog, b/o 1<br />54. b/o 1, ssk; k to last 4, k2tog, b/o 1<br />55. b/o 1, ssk; k to last 4, k2tog, b/o 1<br />56. b/o 1, ssk; k to last 4, k2tog, b/o 1<br />57. --<br />58. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />59. --<br />60. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />61. --<br />62. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />63. --<br />64. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />65. --<br />66. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />67. --<br />68. --<br />69. --<br /><br />Front:<br />1. b/o 3 on both sides<br />2. b/o 3 on both sides<br />3. b/o 3 on both sides<br />4. b/o 3 on both sides<br />5. b/o 3 on both sides<br />6. b/o 3 on both sides<br />7. b/o 3 on both sides<br />8. b/o 3 on both sides<br />9. b/o 3 on both sides<br />10. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />11. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />12. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />13. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />14. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />15. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />16. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />17. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />18. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />19. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />20. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />21. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />22. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />23. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />24. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />25. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />26. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />27. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />28. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br />29. sl 1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1<br /><br />Kitchener two sides together. <br /><br />Using size 3 dpns or circular needles, I-cord around the leg holes. <b>Note:</b> be generous when you’re I-cording. Pick up more rather than fewer stitches – I-cord doesn’t stretch. <br /><br />Use the 1/4” elastic to measure around your hips and mark the end. Don’t stretch the elastic when measuring. Lace through the picot edge, overlap the elastic by about an inch, and sew together, being careful not to twist. <br /><br />Use the 1/8” elastic to measure around your leg and mark the end. Don’t stretch the elastic when measuring. Lace through the I-cord. This can be tricky. Sorry. Overlap the elastic by about an inch, and sew together, being careful not to twist. Repeat for other leg. <br /><br />Weave in ends. Put on. Prance around. <br /><br /><center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/melosond/Knitting/unders.jpg"></center>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-80680711067727368372008-06-24T13:18:00.004-04:002008-06-24T16:08:31.691-04:00<h1>Shiny</h1><br /><br />I'm not in a mood for knit-based rambling, but I haven't updated in an age, so here! Have some pictures, with assorted commentary, maybe! I haven't decided yet. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2533799063/" title="IBFF handspun by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2182/2533799063_54affed8d2.jpg" width="500" height="405" alt="IBFF handspun" /></a></center><br /><br />Sport-ish weight singles spun from the superwash merino that <a href="http://www.littledramapants.com">Grace</a> sent me. I hereby dub that yarn, "IBFF."<sup>1</sup><br /><br />The back of the vest I've been working on:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2607458781/" title="Edinburgh Vest by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2607458781_3319b24d6b.jpg" width="500" height="405" alt="Edinburgh Vest" /></a></center><br /><br />I've ripped it out more times than I'd care to think about, it's got a ton of things I'd change if I cared to rip it out again (no), but it's trucking along decently. <br /><br />OMG Cable Close up!!1!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2608289260/" title="Cabley by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/2608289260_5b2536ab66.jpg" width="500" height="365" alt="Cabley" /></a></center><br /><br />And even though I really should be spending money on unnecessary things, I bought some sock yarn while I was in Wisconsin last week (did I tell you I was in Wisconsin? I was in Wisconsin. Family reunion.) to make socks for my mom.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2605021471/" title="Smooshy sock yarn by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2605021471_c34fe7ca57.jpg" width="500" height="423" alt="Smooshy sock yarn" /></a></center><br /><br />Now I just need to pick a pattern. <a href="http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/09/bayerische_sock_part_ii.html">Bayerische sock</a>? But would it be comfy enough? I want comfy AND sophisticated. I really like the <a href="http://www.rustlingleafpress.com/rustlingpatterns.htm">Rivendell sock</a>, but am not feeling the whole "paying for a pattern" thing right now. So I dunno. Thoughts?<br /><br />Also, I spent many, many hours both in a car and on a plane with my remaining <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/1361482239/in/set-72157601661734401/">Schaefer Anne</a>, and it would NOT stop pooling. It's in time out. Possibly for a long, long time. <br /><br />That's most of my news. How's with all y'all? <br /><br />Apparently I ramble even when not in the mood. Intriguing!<br /><br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> Internet BFFEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-3879784832908590772008-06-03T14:37:00.004-04:002008-06-03T14:43:37.701-04:00<h1>Damn it.</h1><br /><br />Dear cables:<br />You are dead to me now. <br /><br />Up yrs. <br />Emily<br /><br /><br />Ughhhh. I'm trying to design this cabled, hooded, zip-up vest, and I <i>swatched</i>, like did a proper swatch and everything, and I decided, because I am STUPID, to design my own front cable, because I am STUPID. <br /><br />And I swatched the damn cable but, because I am STUPID I didn't write down what I did, and now it's looking like I'll have to frog about 3 inches (of 4 and a quarter total). <br /><br />I hate cables.<br /><br />(P.S. My nephew is hella cute:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2526867018/" title="P1000385.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2526867018_aceec7c677.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1000385.JPG" /></a></center>)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-36482096087205723072008-05-21T17:04:00.003-04:002008-05-21T17:33:24.009-04:00<h1>Just in time for summer</h1><br /><br />I've been thinking a lot about knitting between stitches lately, and after some swatching, ended up with this hat:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2512355908/" title="IMG_0131.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/2512355908_7b3dbd96f4.jpg" width="463" height="500" alt="IMG_0131.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />It's really just a variation on a slip-stitch, but I'm pretty fond of it, and have great plans for more swatching and tinkering. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2512356096/" title="IMG_0134.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2512356096_68482dc799.jpg" width="500" height="472" alt="IMG_0134.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />I worried all through knitting that it would be too big, and it's not. It's not totally snug, but I was actually aiming for that since I'm not-so-fond of hat head. I know, crazy. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2512356330/" title="IMG_0137.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2512356330_39158b9a76.jpg" width="500" height="448" alt="IMG_0137.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />It's a nice dense fabric and cozy like whoa. I defy you, summer weather! <br /><br />Well. While I was in the Poconos (which are in Pennsylvania, for those of you playing at home) I stopped in at Mountain Knits and Pearls in East Stroudsburg. It's a great shop with lots of Dale of Norway patterns and yarns, plenty of sock yarns (including Noro's Kureyon sock), and what looked like a charming knit afternoon. Plus beads and stuff, but I mostly ignored that. <br /><br />ANYhoo, I was browsing the Dale of Norway patterns and saw these Lillelam pants:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2511526537/" title="IMG_0139.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/2511526537_e39e2a73a3.jpg" width="476" height="500" alt="IMG_0139.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />And my ovaries melted into a puddle of goo. I mean, I'm not really one to get all in a fluff about clothes, but there's clearly some kind of subliminal cuteypants message in all that fair isle. Even now I keep thinking "Pssh, they're pants, whatever, I'll just take a look and <I>awwww those are so CUTE I love you yes I do</i>." <br /><br />Yes I do.<br /><br />But! I was going to Maryland Sheep and Wool the next weekend, so I refrained! And in the following week thought better of it, and called the shop and ordered the pattern book AND the yarn. I couldn't find a website that had both together, so I figured I was being clever. And in conclusion, I was. Sort of. Dale Ull is pretty expensive. I won't tell you what I ended up paying for the yarn and the book because it pains me. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2512356700/" title="IMG_0140.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2512356700_79060cac15.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0140.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />So. I pulled out the book and started to read the directions. They're short -- like 3 paragraphs. And it's all dense and abbreviated and it uses <b>7</b> colors, y'all, <b>7</b>, and GOD do you know how many ends that will be? and this is for an <I>infant</i> and all they do is eat and poop and make <I>messes</i> and then they grow out of EVERYTHING and <b>7 colors</B>, people! AND ONLY 3 PARAGRAPHS OF DIRECTIONS. How smart do these people think I <i>am?!</i><br /><br />And then I have to go lie down for a while. But they're cute pants.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-12878825568787399912008-05-19T17:18:00.006-04:002008-05-19T18:42:39.491-04:00<h1>Finally</h1><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2487153903/" title="IMG_0052.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2487153903_906bbc7ced.jpg" width="500" height="461" alt="IMG_0052.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />His name is Jackson! He's cute as pie, healthy and mostly happy (being an infant is hard, often upsetting work, you know). I haven't gotten to smoosh over him too much yet, but soon. Oh yes. Soon. <br /><br />While I, family and friends were bonding with the really uncomfortable waiting room chairs as Jackson took his sweet time in joining us in the bright, harsh world I cast on, and finished, these:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2489813084/" title="IMG_0069.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2489813084_4c9253ecb1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0069.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />They're <a href="http://members.home.nl/tdpj/Patronen/Bootees/Saartjes%20bootees.pdf">Saartje's bootees</a> (pdf!), modified as closed-toe because my SIL wasn't impressed with the strappy version I'd knit previously (she called them Mary Janes. I scoffed at her). They're actually cuter in real life. <br /><br />My mods (for the large size): <br />Mods:<br />Row 26: k16, ssk x3, k1, k2tog x3, k to end<br />Row 27-29: work plain<br />Row 30: k13, ssk x3, k1, k2tog x3, k to end<br />Row 31-32: work plain<br />Row 33: bind off<br /><br />(Though you could probably bind off on row 31. Am going to try that next time). The only problem is that they're Koigu KPPPM and not machine washable. I'll gift 'em anyway, just because they're cute. <br /><br />So. Remember back in, oh, December when I showed a bunch of knits I finished while in NZ? Like the <a href="http://fibremonkey.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-do-still-knit-and-not-just-in-extreme.html">Tomten Jacket</a> which just needed a zipper or some toggles?<br /><br />Y'all, I searched at LEAST... like... four stores for non-huge, non-ugly toggles, and there was NARY A ONE to be found. And then I tried looking for zippers. Did you know there are at least two kinds of zipper? Separating and non-separating. The non-separating kind are like the ones in your pants. Separating are like jacket zippers. <br /><br />I couldn't find a short (and I needed short -- babies, it turns out, are tiny) separating zipper. So the jacket remained in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a> WIP list. For MONTHS. <br /><br />Finally (see how I reference my title? I was an English major!), I was in the Poconos and hit the American Ribbon and Craft Outlet in Stroudsburg -- which is a strange place. Not Stroudsburg -- the store. Stroudsburg is very charming. It (the store) is old and dusty and has weird stuff like old ribbon bobbins and lots of train set equipment. There are big empty spaces and things aren't quite put away properly. It's got a lot of character I'll tell you what. <br /><br />But! The point is they had zippers, and I found a 12" white separating zipper (the shortest they had) and bought it, took it home, held it up to the jacket, and found it was about 3" too long. At which point I threw it all into a corner for another few weeks. <br /><br />When Jackson arrived I had fresh resolve (fresh!) and looked up how to shorten a zipper. It's not that hard, actually, and I ended up using a mishmash of techniques. <br /><br />1. Figure out where you want the zip to stop, then sew a stopper in between the two teeth like so:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2506122387/" title="IMG_0094.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/2506122387_ab7f582a58.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0094.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />I used 3 threads of embroidery floss (a half a usual strand). <br /><br />2. With some needle-nose pliers remove the four teeth above your stopper. I found grabbing the tip of the tooth worked best, for some reason. <br /><br />3. Cut below where the teeth start up again, and fold that extra bit of fabric to the back for a nice neat edge. <br /><br />Then I followed <a href="http://www.claudiasblog.net/2006/03/everything_i_know_about_puttin.html">Claudia's technique</a> for installation. Except that I hand sewed it because I don't have a zipper foot for my sewing machine. <br /><br />I find the uneven row of stitches pretty charming. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2497347055/" title="I sewed a zipper! by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/2497347055_d9c513c052.jpg" width="372" height="500" alt="I sewed a zipper!" /></a></center><br /><br />And it's finished! Ha HA! And too big for little Jackson for a while yet, but that's okay! It'll fit eventually. <br /><br />In other news! Yesterday I trekked over to the Philadelphia Book Fair, met up with the entirely cool knitting/spinning/contra dancing <a href="http://atthe-algonquin.livejournal.com/">Marie</a> and we yanked out our knitting to see the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca">Yarn Harlot</a>!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2506122209/" title="IMG_0092.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2506122209_ed58d1c705.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0092.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />She was riotously funny, and we all learned about how knitters are on mental par with Buddhist monks, which is very encouraging. <br /><br />She spoke about this Cambridge study (and if you're planning to see her I'm not spoiling anything here) which essentially concluded that having a repetitive physical task during a traumatic event can make people less traumatized. I immediately thought about being on a plane, and how if we could somehow show the FAA and other airline security groups this study, maybe -- maybe! -- they would finally and totally ease up on our need for pointy sticks. <br /><br />Less trauma means fewer lawsuits, right? (Okay, so the image I immediately got was a plane crashing and two or three people furiously knitting as the plane goes down. To reduce the trauma! ...right? Are you with me? Hello?). <br /><br />Anyway. As I handed my book to Stephanie for her to sign I started to mention this theory, and she replied, "Needles are allowed on planes." I was a little thrown and said yes, but not always! IcelandAir didn't allow my needles. National flights, sure -- but -- and she agreed that international flights don't always, and then everything was kind of a blur as I tried to explain my theory and got flustered because they were shooing the line along, but she called out a "Nice to meet you!" as I dazed away. <br /><br />But! I have explained myself to all y'all in a lengthy way, so I feel better now.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-9266770209595903662008-05-15T09:39:00.005-04:002008-05-15T11:48:00.427-04:00<h1>Clarification</h1> <br /><br />Some of y'all may have seen <a href="http://littledramapants.com/2008/05/14/yummy-presents/">Grace's post</a> today about how we met, and I'd just like to clarify a few things.<br /><br />It's true, we met at SAFF two years ago, but she says "I grabbed her sleeve and babbled excitedly and mostly incoherently about her sweater while she was very gracious about being attacked by a crazy person."<br /><br />This, y'all, is not entirely true. What <i>really</i> happened is that she said something to me about my sweater, and then I strategically <i>glued</i> myself to her side. I was on my third-or-so lap around the building, and hadn't talked to anybody and was beside myself with joy that I'd met someone. Plus she looked pretty cool, iffin' I say so myself. <br /><br />So I hung around awkwardly while she and <a href="http://www.trailingyarn.com/">Elizabeth</a> tried out wheels. Grace hipped me to the blogger meetup, and whispered excitedly that La of <a href="http://knottygirls.com/jenla.blog/">Jen and-</a> were there, and I played excited even though I didn't actually know who that was. And then there was exchangery of emails, and now we're totally IBFFs (Internets BFFs). <br /><br />And she is hella cool. I mean honestly. And not just because she graciously lets me inundate her with often-random knitting-and-spinning questions. She's also hilarious and a FABulous step-ma to a singularly awesome young man.<br /><br />Plus she sends me cool gifts. Look!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2489891129/" title="Gift box! by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2489891129_6bcde462eb.jpg" width="500" height="411" alt="Gift box!" /></a></center><br /><br />Clockwise from left - her own handspun! 190 yards of smooshy colonial wool! Mmmm!; Merci chocolates, half of which are, heh, now gone. I mean, they're so SMALL, it's okay to have five or six in a sitting. At 10am.; more chocolate, which is getting saved for when the Merci chocolates are gone, because sometimes I have self control; and some superwash merino in "Emily" colorway! I admit to you in confidence here that I geeked out just a little bit when I saw it was in the "Emily" colorway. <br /><br />Grace wins. <br /><br />And to cap off this post, gratuitous nephew shot!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2487970018/" title="IMG_0051.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2487970018_796d5fddc4.jpg" width="482" height="500" alt="IMG_0051.JPG" /></a></center>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-89277096378107027702008-05-11T22:29:00.003-04:002008-05-11T22:34:34.612-04:00<h1>It's POSSIBLE that I'm a little bit biased</h1><br /><br />...but I'm pretty sure there never was a cuter nephew:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2483868409/" title="IMG_0038.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/2483868409_e0195d2ffb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0038.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />Yes, he showed up on mother's day. Yes, all are well and hopefully getting some much-needed rest. No, he doesn't have a name yet. Yes, I damn near cried when I saw him. Yes, I'm close to crying now just thinking about it. <br /><br />Oop. Crying. <br /><br />Welcome out, Infant X!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2484681780/" title="IMG_0033.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2484681780_2fff6e35fd.jpg" width="500" height="426" alt="IMG_0033.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />More soon!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-20283735398517426232008-05-05T11:20:00.003-04:002008-05-05T12:26:35.303-04:00<h1>Maryland Sheep and Allergies</h1><br /><br />Before I left the house for the Maryland Sheep and Wool I saw a box of tissues -- the decent kind, with aloe and lotion -- and thought ah! I should bring those along, what with my heinously evil allergies, even though I have already had some benadryl, and have some extra in my pocket. Naturally, I forgot to grab the tissues on my way out. I stopped at the gas station, and there were no boxes of tissues, but they had a generic pocket pack of sandpaper brand tissues. I bought a roll of paper towels instead. <br /><br />And what did I do? I left them in the car. A compacted nasal passage makes me stupid. <br /><br />MDSW is pretty amazing. It's huge and confusing and there's wool and people and sheep EVERYWHERE. I had to walk around four times before I could actually focus on any one product. This is the line for Socks That Rock:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2468072474/" title="The line for Socks That Rock. by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2468072474_63f5a25c11.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The line for Socks That Rock." /></a></center> <br /><br />The weather was pretty good -- cloudy and cool in the morning. The afternoon got warmer and humid, and I started to feel badly for all the people who were wearing their recently-finished wool sweaters. <br /><br />There was a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a> meet-up, and BOY was it crowded.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2468072972/" title="Saturday's MDSW Ravelry meet-up by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2468072972_daac58398a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Saturday's MDSW Ravelry meet-up" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2468072074/" title="Saturday's MDSW Ravelry meet-up by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2226/2468072074_5e99a9a07c.jpg" width="500" height="368" alt="Saturday's MDSW Ravelry meet-up" /></a></center><br /><br />Being not so wild about big crowds I got my Official Ravelry Pin and took off for shopping. So here're my spoils:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2468074450/" title="My spoils from MDSW by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2064/2468074450_95cfffac68.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="My spoils from MDSW" /></a></center><br /><br />Clockwise from that blue stuff on the left (or you can click for flickr notes): 2 braids Flying Fibers hand painted BFL; 1 oz Nono Cashmere; Socks That Rock (I had to see what all the fuss was about) in Purple Rain; more Cashmere*, this time from The Fold (aka the Socks That Rock booth); three small skeins of Koigu KPPPM which were 25¢/ounce which is actually not as good a deal as you might think, but will make good baby booties**; and finally, in the gold bag, an ounce of buffalo roving. I rave about it all the time and thought since I cause such a fuss about it (and since it was half the price that I've seen it for online -- thank you, The Fold!) I should have some to show off. This may never get used for spinning, but kept for fondling. <br /><br />I wanted to go to the Ravelry party, but at around 4pm I got hit with some really bad allergies -- sneezing, itchy eyes, general misery, and I dealt with it for an hour, and finally decided it wasn't worth it and went home. <br /><br />So! Project update. I blame this one on <a href="http://www.littledramapants.com">Grace</a>. She was all talking about <a href="http://littledramapants.com/2008/04/30/in-which-i-am-somewhat-vague/">knitting baby sweaters</a>, and then all of a sudden there I was, knitting a baby sweater. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2468076388/" title="Whale sweater by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2468076388_d8261a8f0e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Whale sweater" /></a></center><br /><br />It also hasn't helped that I've been lusting after colorwork knitting lately, and than it's looking like my nephew is going to be a hefty fella, and everything I knit him already is a little on the small side. But there you go. I'm still debating what to do for the neck. I like button necks but haven't done one before, and am not sure how they should work. Whatever. I'll figure something out. <br /><br />I used the <a href="http://www.yarnstandards.com/">Yarn Standards</a> website to try and get some sizing ideas, and y'all, babies are some weird-ass sizes. For a 3 month old the length from their armpit to armpit is 8", but the length from the nape of their neck to their waist is just 6". <br /><br />That makes for a freaky looking sweater, so I'm just using it as a guideline. And if it doesn't fit, well, then I'll just cry. <br /><br /><br />*See, I stuck my hand into the cashmere bag at The Fold and was all NOM NOM NOM but ended up buying some from a different booth (the Nono cashmere), but then I got back to the Fold, realized THAT cashmere was 1. nicer, and 2. half the price, I bought some of that, and then didn't feel like I could return the first one, and can you really have too much cashmere? I didn't think so. <br /><br />**Although since I just found out it's not machine washable it'll only be used for knitters' babies. Shoot.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-65136907616565495282008-05-02T17:15:00.002-04:002008-05-02T23:46:21.462-04:00<h1>Seriously. Babies everywhere.</h1> <br /><br />Two friends of mine have just had a little girl, and let me tell you, y'all: this girl is CUTE. I mean <i>cute</i>. Spiky gold-brown hair, big eyes, and a sweet pout. <br /><br />So, of course, it's hat time:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2460366502/" title="Top-down bonnet by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2460366502_6473f20292.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Top-down bonnet" /></a></center><br /><br />Final successful cast on: April something.<br /><br />Finished weaving in the ends: May 1.<br /><br />The originator: <a href="http://helloyarn.com/topdownbonnet.htm">Top-down Bonnet</a> by Adrian Bizilia of HelloYarn fame. <br /><br />The string: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Tahoe<br /><br />The sticks: Size 3 addis.<br /><br />Pattern shmattern: The only thing I changed was that I cut the yarn after binding off. <br /><br />I gots more to blog about but I need to head to bed, since I'm hitting Maryland Sheep and Wool tomorrow!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-52107153448556593342008-04-19T15:51:00.004-04:002008-04-19T17:37:58.294-04:00<h1>Pardon me, my water needs lemonating</h1> <br /><br />I have a very excellent story for all y'all, and I'm going to intersperse it with pictures from the sheep shearing (which was really more of a "farm-based colonial re-enactment" deal) that I attended last Saturday. <br /><br />So! Three days last week I hauled over to my brother-and-very-pregnant-sister-in-law's house in the early early morning to let in their contractor who was fixing their drywall. As thanks they took me to a local hibachi restaurant named, conveniently, Hibachi. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2408650215/" title="Natural dyeing by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2408650215_41e78d7d2c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Natural dyeing" /></a></center><br /><br />As per usual in such places we shared our table with other groups, one of which consisted of three women. Our waiter came over to take our drink orders, and the first woman said she'd have "Water, with like six lemons." The waiter raised his eyebrow but kept going, which got the woman all flustered. The second woman ordered the same, and the first woman blurted out,<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2408651341/" title="IMG_0109.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2119/2408651341_203a22ce22.jpg" width="346" height="500" alt="IMG_0109.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />-- are you ready for this? --<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2408651551/" title="O hai by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2408651551_78e6c4b5a0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="O hai" /></a></center><br /><br />"It's to dilute the poisons in the tap water." <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2408651777/" title="IMG_0121.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/2408651777_cdf70b112d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0121.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />My eyes slowly widened, and I turned to meet my brother and SIL's widened eyes looking back at me, as we suppressed guffaws of laughter. Don't get me wrong, I've said and believed more than one stupid thing in my life<sup>1</sup>, but this is so many layers of absurd that it's just totally delicious<sup>2</sup>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2409488182/" title="IMG_0122.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2409488182_dd42c70387.jpg" width="500" height="395" alt="IMG_0122.JPG" /></a><br />(This rug had me covet all the necessary tools for rug-making. It was made by pulling loops of long, thin strips of recycled clothing up through woven cloth, instead of pieces of yarn through plastic mesh, like I did once upon a time). <br /><br />We've gotten a LOT of humor mileage out of it ("I take my water lemonated, thanks"). <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2408650669/" title="IMG_0104.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2408650669_837c886e8e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0104.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />Anyway! Yes. So. The chap on the left in this picture is Tank (the gentleman on the right is his father, who is interviewing the spinner for a local radio station), who alerted me to the sheep shearing opportunity. He was totally fascinated by the spinning process, and I have a (vague) plan in place to make him a spinner. It'll happen. <br /><br />And no, I didn't come home with any wool. I know. <br /><br />In other exciting news, I met up with <a href="http://staceybudge.com/urbangypz/">Stacey</a> and her fi-yon-cé while they were in Philly visiting his family. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2416434461/" title="Me & Stacey by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2416434461_1a6f55321b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Me & Stacey" /></a></center><br /><br />We sat and barely drank our coffee and yammered for a long time about spinning, knitting, and everything else. I'd really only seen her two or three times before, and let me tell you, she kicks a substantial amount of ass. AND she gifted me some superwash roving, which I can't show you because I'm too busy spinning it. <br /><br />I also (finally) finished some socks. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2425531693/" title="IMG_0179 by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2342/2425531693_219bf3ebf2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0179" /></a></center><br /><br />Final successful cast on: March something.<br /><br />Finished weaving in the ends: April 19.<br /><br />The originator: My own pattern. <br /><br />The string: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Vera<br /><br />The sticks: Size 1 dpns.<br /><br />Pattern shmattern: Toe-up, garter ribbing, purl ridge near the top (à la Roza's Socks), 2-stitch increases to accommodate my Curvy Calves and this experimental heel:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2426346150/" title="Y heel by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2426346150_c46fbf6607.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Y heel" /></a></center><br /><br />I'm calling it a Y heel because I've never seen one like it (has anyone else? I know it's a little hard to see in this picture) and it's shaped like a Y. I'm nothing if not clever. It needs some tweaking, but could end up being a really good thing. <br /><br /><br /><sup>1</sup> Like that being an English major would be a wise career move. It's a lie, by the way. <br /><sup>2</sup> Especially because the news has recently been reporting that lemons tend to be the most germ-tacular thing in restaurants.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34036533.post-65261032782344286842008-04-12T23:20:00.003-04:002008-04-13T11:08:21.435-04:00<h1>Fairly random</h1><br /><br />1. I have found an excellent use for car cup holders:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2384810449/" title="IMG_0040.JPG by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2384810449_7d30c4e515.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0040.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />2. Reasons why it's good to have a friend with a wife who spins and who has just come into assloads of free wool:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68575423@N00/2386114249/" title="Marie and I gots some wool! by Full-on Emily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/2386114249_8179b04f4b_o.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Marie and I gots some wool!" /></a></center><br /><br />That lovely person on the left is <a href="http://atthe-algonquin.livejournal.com/">Marie</a>, who also contra dances, spins, and knits. We get along really well, as you might imagine.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037003827048773693noreply@blogger.com2