Andrea's Knits

Indianapolis, IN

2012-02-12T23:47:00.000-05:00

I salute you, good job Indy.

Shuttle Tatting again

2011-04-18T23:38:00.002-04:00

I'm back to the tatting. Cindy has gotten the bug and we're off. I've began a w row collore the my mother-in-law. I will post pictures later.

Look what I got for Christmas!!

2010-12-24T19:14:00.003-05:00

My new yarn swift with a netting cover.

Close up of netting

AND these are my new "Buds"

Reds a fan for my PC and Yellow adds 4 more hubs.

Another Birthday

2010-11-20T15:01:00.002-05:00

Thank God for another year, this is my 61st and I was at first worried, but now I'm relaxed and enjoying every day. Since you can't go back and do things over, it's best to let it go and go on with life. Now that I got that out of my gut. On to something different.

Revised the scarf

2010-09-23T20:13:00.002-04:00

I decided to crochet one of the scarf and I feel I will finish it. The first plan was to do it in Fibonacci sequence of stripes, but it was a bit too much to get into; so I'm do 2 rows of blue and 2 rows of white and and it's a ripples stitch, not bad. The scarves are to be 8inch wide and after a false start I got the correct amount of chains to get the measurement. Ch 31 and the patterns is Lion Brand Pattern #: 81072AD. It calls for bulking yarn, but I'm using a #8 and a single strand of Cascade 220. Will post pics in a few days.

What have I been doing?

2010-08-08T23:58:00.004-04:00

For one as in the post I've been on FaceBook. Enough about that.

I'm still working on the Superbowl scarves, and concluded to do them on the Bond knitting machine, I have started the scarf three times with three different techniques and it feels like it taking forever to make any progress. The knitting machine scarves will be plain but will be in the dimensions require.

I've been distracted of late

2010-05-07T00:55:00.003-04:00

I have been on FaceBook playing games and I enjoy it. Lately it's been getting congested on the web and the games slow down or lock up. This is one of those evenings and I decide to cut back on FB and return to my dear Blog.

My projects are floating for now, I volunteered to knit scarves for the 2012 Super Bowl that will be here in Indy, the yarn was free, 2 skeins, 1 blue, 1 white (3 kits = 6 scarves) and it came with size 8 straight bamboo needles, but you know I like my cirs. The yarn is Cascade 220 and the scarf are to measure 8 inches wide and 76" to 96" long. The patterns are either all garter stitch or stockinette for so many rows then reverse stockinette. I decided to try crochet and I made a lovely square call "The Circle of Friends square" I used a (H) hook and it measures 8" sq. to get the length I will need to make 9 squares. I did start knitting the scarf but it's taking to long; I should have finished one scarf by now.

The scarves are do in November 2011, that give me time to get "er done".

Here is what I'm working on: the blue is 2x2 rib, but it taking me forever to get in the groove.

The Circle of friend square was a little hard at first, but once I interpreted the directions it was a breeze. I like the texture the square and I hope the blue looks as good.

I deleted the blog about the bonnets I knitted

2010-04-05T02:08:00.004-04:00

I keep getting comments on the blog I wrote about the adult bonnets I knitted in 2007. The weird part is the comments have nothing to do with knitting or bonnets. A total of 17 comments were made and I read 1 or 2 and realized the comments were irrelevant to the knitting community; there fore i deleted the blog entry and I hope that ends that. I still have the pictures of the bonnets on my Flickr account.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T04:00:00.002-05:00

Have a blessed day!

Tip for the day--Frogging two stranded knits

2009-11-06T17:48:00.007-05:00

If you have knitted a pair of fingerless gloves and discovered you didn't like them (I really didn't), and you decided to frog them; but they're double stranded. If you've encountered this before I now have a solution.

1. remove all pets, kids and partners from bedroom.
2. have at the ready your favorite lotion for your hands, a beverage of choice, chocolate and a yarn ball winder.

My winder is attached to a small piece of shelve from a cabinet. I hold it on my lap and wind the yarn. If your lucky to have a Knit Pick model it have an attached handle.

To explain part 1, you will need space to throw the yarn (not really, but if it gets tangled who knows) on both sides of you. Having the partner in there..well like I said you need space and this would be the time he would want to take a nap and take up half the bed, then slowly creep towards you and take up your half and I'm speaking from experience. And if you have pets especially cats, they will make a bed out of anything that looks comfy, and a pile of yarn is comfy. Having the kids in the room making noise is distracting and if you've ever knitted with a toddler around, it can funny one time and terrible the next. I have knitted with both cats and kids and when the yarn suddenly become damp, and you look up to see your yarn passing through the mouth of either one...the beverage of choice could be a strong one.

On to part 2, the lotion is for your hands to get rid of any dryness that may catch the yarn and if it have a great scent it's aromatherapy too. The chocolate just the hell of it and the ball winder as mention before. Now to frog.

If the said item is small like the fingerless gloves you can hold it between your knees. But should it be larger, then you'll have to get your feet involved. With good lighting and Patience find the beginning if you've already seamed and tucked in the tails (yes I did) and un-seam, pull out the bonded off edge and undo two rows.

Now while sitting in the middle of the bed, take a strand in each hand and pull gently out to arms lengths right and left at the same time. Toss or drop the yarn on the edge of the bed (to find the ends make a slip knot and place a stitch marker or safety pin in the loop). It helps to hold the knitting with your knees or feet, because as you unravel the knitting it will comes to you. Now continue separating the yarn and dropping it on either side until you get to the end. PLEASE DO NOT DROP THE ENDS YET Make another slip knot and place a stitch marker of safety pin in the loop and lay it where you can put your hand on it. Now take on the strands of yarn and place it in the yarn winder and start winding, if you don't have a winder just make a ball. Everything should go smooth of nothing have been disturbed.

Thanks Cindy

2009-10-12T15:28:00.004-04:00

I've learned to spin on a spinning wheel. A Babe Fiber Starter. The site link is below:

http://www.babesfibergarden.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=56&vmcchk=1&Itemid=56

I finally got control of my foot motion so I can treadle in a smooth motion. Once I learned to treadled without the wool, I tried it with the wool roving. Yes there was a mess, but I have learned to live with the mess and I call it my designer yarn, Nothing is thrown away.

I filled two bobbins with single twist of Hand Dyed Blue Faced Leicester Top roving. The Blue Face Leicester is the name of the sheep the wool came from. The colorway is called Atlantis.

After it has rested for a bit I'll ply it into 2ply yarn, set it and knit something.

More on the radiator

2009-09-05T17:01:00.000-04:00

Damn,

It was fixed and it still leaks.

What's up?

2009-08-29T17:41:00.002-04:00

1) I'm stuck at home without a car. Radiator have a hole in it.

2) I've straighten out my catch all area by my bed. I put my active knitting and spinning in separate grocery bag(the cloth recycled kind...big bags)
3) I plan to knit and spin a little every day until I've finished the knit projects and spun up the roving.

Needle Felted Bunny

2009-08-15T10:27:00.002-04:00

Here she is, the pic still isn't as clear as I would like it to be, but you can see it's a bunny holding a carrot. She 2inches tall and 3inches long from nose to tail. I thing I'll make a larger one next time.

New Stuff

2009-08-14T15:54:00.003-04:00

I'm still knitting, this time it's my winter set. I've finished the Calmitery, fingerless gloves which have a mitten cover in time. On the needles is a reverable cable scarf. The problem is I read the instuctions and not the chart, so the fist set of cables started on the 18th row instead of the 5th row. Still looks good.

The other new stuff is I made my first skein of yarn and dyed it green with Kool-Aid. In addition to spinning, yarn dyeing and knitting, I've learned to Needle Felt. The first Needle Felted I made is a bunnie holding a carrot. The pics I took are not good, so I will do another photo shoot with her soon. I am so impressed with the method of needle felting it crazy. I went to the blog of feltalive after watching her on Youtube. The link is www.feltalive.com She is awesome and so are her creations.

Well she got one..spinning wheel that is!

2009-07-06T19:52:00.003-04:00

It arrived today and she has yet to put it together. I hope to see it this coming weekend, I know it's going to tempt me to gt one or should I just say prompt me to get one. Anywho, the first step is spinning the roving, second step plying it into yarn, third step dyeing it (with kool-aid), fourth and final step knitting the new yarn into something nice. I hope to not get to carried away with the spinning and lose interest in knitting.

My winter set is getting there, I've finished the Calorimetry, and now I on to the fingerless gloves. The hood will be next then the mittens.

Confusing

2009-06-28T19:51:00.003-04:00

I logged in and couldn't get here. I recently created a google mail account and oh boy. Anyway I made it.

I have been spinning yarn with a drop spindle and it is very exciting. I'm even thing of getting a spinning wheel, it will be a while before that happens, but I enjoy watching the Youtube videos and at my LYS one of guys have a spinning wheel and gave us a demo. Cindy is my partner in crime and she is ready to get herself a wheel.

Getting over a cold

2009-06-07T21:50:00.003-04:00

I've been down with a cold all week and I'm tired of it.

What's new, not much I completed my new Calorimetry from Knitty.com Winter 2006. It's for the winter this year, I decide to get ahead this time. Next to make is the wrist warmers and mittens. The calorimetry only covers the crown of the head, but when it gets colder I want to have a hood/bonnet ready too. The yarn is KnitPicks Telemart 100% wool sports weight, color Grey wolf;my new coat is charcoal grey and the yarn matches. Instead of a scarf I'm going to make a scarlette/ascot

What a surprise!

2009-05-23T13:25:00.003-04:00

1. I got a new keyboard for my laptop, it folds up and it's taking sometime to get use to. The keys feel wonky and I can't speed type like I can on a solid keyboard. But it is helping me focus on what I'm writing.

2. I've started taking my time with the spinning. Last night I took the bits and pieces that accumulated and drafted them together and got a nice mixes of black and white. I spun it and the results were brilliant. It's almost an even thickness like fingering weight.

3. The best surprise is my knitting buddie (machine knitting) Doris has the same spinning kit I got from Cindy. The spindle and the alpaca roving. Go figure! We plan to get together and knit and spin one afternoon.

Spinning

2009-05-18T01:23:00.004-04:00

I found a wonderful VHS on drop spindle spinning and it has helped me understand a lot. I started pre-drafting the roving Cindy and I got on Ebay, and I was able to spin some of it. It have lumps through out it, but I can pull some of them out when I draft it. Other wise it make the yarn have thick and thin body. It's good for practice, and who knows it may even get knitted up into something one day.

Lambspun Triangle Shawl;

2009-05-18T01:09:00.005-04:00

This pattern is in "A Deadly Yarn" by Maggie Sefton. The yarn I'm using is KATIA Sonrisa; very soft and knits up nicely

The self striping socks are finished

2009-05-18T01:03:00.002-04:00

Six on one hand...what ever!

2009-05-10T13:45:00.001-04:00

I finished loom knitting my eggs, and I found my box of embrodiery threads so I can give them personalities. Will post pictures soon.

Changes

2009-05-10T13:42:00.002-04:00

I decided to change the look here, the letters were too small, but now I can read them. I hope it dosen't pose a problem for folks who stop by and read.

It's Friday again

2009-05-08T11:15:00.002-04:00

I forgot to notify the IndianaLoomers about our monthly meeting tomorrow. I hope I can get the word out in time.

I've started spinning wool with a drop spindle. I've noticed that each time I pick the spindle up I do a little better. I would like to create a thin yarn to do lace with and socks. I know I have delusions of grandeur, but it fun when the twist dosen't break.

It's Friday and May Day

2009-05-01T21:00:00.004-04:00

Now for something different -- not really!

I am still knitting the cuffs of the socks, it looks like the more I knit the fewer the rows develop. I'm beginning to think I'm pushing too hard to finish those socks. In the meanwhile I've begun to spin wool by drop spindle, it's going to take a lot of sheep for me to learn this, but it is fun! My next project is loomed eggs, a gift for a co-worker. I intend to embroider personalises on each one. I can see them in my head so it won't be long before their in the carton.

Heels, what else have I been talking about

2009-04-17T10:52:00.003-04:00

I got one heel finished on the stripe sock...I used the wrap and turn technique and it worked. I should have the second heel done this weekend and then on to the cuff.

Addendum: I have now finished the heels, I tried on the socks and they are wonderful. I am now doing a 3 x 2 rib cuff. The end of the tunnel is getting closer.

It has been a year making these socks...and the shock is I'm ready to start another pair.

That AFTER-THOUGHT HEEL!!!^^&$%&$$%

2009-04-08T16:25:00.002-04:00

Who ever came up with that lame idea was totally lazy. Bull's eye heel is a lot of bull! I made the mistake of cutting the yarn and drawing it throught the stitches, the heel looks like crap. It was pointy and didn't line up with my heel; luckly this was on one sock so I was able to unknit it and put it back on the needles so I can kitchener them.

Future note: I will not do this technique again, I will do the heel with gusset if need be to get the look I want.

One pair to go

2009-03-31T09:53:00.006-04:00

Self-Stripe socks are on the way to being finished, I'll be doing an after-thought heel for the first time. This will be interesting I'm sure.

The next pair of socks will be with Knitpicks Essential which has been named "Slimer" because it's the same color as the green glob in GhostBusters. It's a striped yarn specked with black. I will make them toe up and I hope to master the Turkish cast on with them.

Also in the plans is a winter set to go with my new wool coat. It will be a Calorimetry found here: http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcalorimetry.html , a pair of short mittens, wristwarmers and a scarf. The yarn is KnitPicks Telmark sports wgt. in 100% wool called Grey Wolf. I will work on the set over the summer.

For DH a pair of Thrumb mittens. This will be another first, I'll be using Roving to knit in the mitten to create a fuffy lining. Since it for a man I choose black yarn Cascade 220 for the body of the knitting. I will try to start them when I finish the strip socks.

Reknit of the Tabis Socks

2009-03-21T19:05:00.003-04:00

The Tabis were too big and I reknitted them.
Before:

And

After the reknit

The color of the large toe cap is the same, but I changed the foot color to wheat. It strange that the color in one pix is different in the other.

Socks continued

2009-03-10T18:42:00.002-04:00

I have finished the heels on the re-knits, and I'm now doing a 2x2 rib cuff. I discovered that knitting stockinette stitch is borrrrrrrrring, but ribbing keeps it interesting.

Socks

2009-03-03T16:27:00.002-05:00

I have been stalling on completing the socks in self-striping yarn. Well they are back on the needles and I'm working on them. I also have a pair on the needles that I'm re-knitting the Tabi Sock. It was a toe-up and I frogged it to the beginning of the join for the single toe cap. I put both of them on Magic loop and I'm doing the heel on one already.

Two Weeks???

2009-02-23T14:01:00.003-05:00

As I had posted in my profile that I was an empty nester...I didn't move away fast enough...one of them came back. My front room began looking like public storage when the youngest ask to put some of his stuff here, then move out of town. I have aquired chairs, nice chairs and an assortment of other junk from him. But AJ brought his videos with him and Albert is in video heaven. AJ has a hugh library of videos and it's been movie-licious all weekend. I was so glad when Albert took a nap it gave me a break to watch something I wanted to watch.

I know it's only temporary, but I'm glad he here.

Another update

2009-02-11T18:18:00.000-05:00

I restarted the Yin Yang Bolero with the nylon ribbon yarn, this time I using #10cirs and I getting good results.

Oops! I delete the entry I wrote about the book "It Itches". I loved it.

I was watching Knit and Crochet on PBS and there was a very interesting Intarsia jacket. It was knitted with a lot of different colors of yarn, but it made the light blub go off in my head. This would be a good way to use up the stash I have of acrylic yarn. It's like I stock pile it. It's time it went from sitting to knitting.
(Don't hold your breath, some of it been around so long I forgot where I brought it) I can dream can't I?

Still here!

2009-01-13T11:45:00.005-05:00

I continue to knit even when I reach a mundame spot and want to quit.
I put a pair of socks on hold, just to work on a re-vamped pair of socks (go figure). I also started a bolero using flat ribbon yarn and I'm thinking about trying a different yarn. My knitting group friend Cindy is knitting the same bolero, and ran into a snag with the instructions, but she evenually worked out the problem and wrote it down. I'll follow her directions when I reach that point.

I knitted a hat and scarf to go with my new jacket. And I'm writing up the pattern for the hat in two different styles. I plan to post it on the pattern page.

For now I have two projects in the works:
1. Re-vamped socks on the magic loop
2. Bolero by TrendSetters

Thinking of starting:
1. Afghan
2. Fingerless gloves
3. Summber top
4. Skirt with knitted hem

Almost

2008-12-22T13:43:00.002-05:00

I'm tired...it's been that way for a long while. The weather, arthritis, and age are piling up on me. The good days are few, and the bad days are long. BUT!!! I'm still here! and Thank God for that! Each day is a blessing pain or not and I appreciate him for that.

MAY YOU AND YOURS HAVE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Christmas time it here (music please)

2008-12-06T11:53:00.002-05:00

To day is the first Saturday of December, and it's when I put up the tree. I have a Fiber Optic tree and it fits on a table.

Tinsle and glitter anyone?

It's Friday

2008-11-28T10:44:00.003-05:00

I've not started shopping, but I will be out there in the mix to pay a few bills. I had a nice Thanksgiving Thursday at my sister-in-law. There was a slight scare when she got steam burns from her pressure cooker. She's got a few blisters, and her quick action with cold water saved her from further scarring. The Medic's said she did good by putting on cold water instead of butter like husband had suggested. Butter only keep the skin cooking.

I started a sweater of all things, it a LB pattern what calls for #13 needles, but I'm using #35's and two strands of worsted. Will post progress.

Holidays are coming

2008-11-22T14:00:00.003-05:00

It's nearly the end of the year wow! Thanksgiving is a few days away. I have been listening to the radio question: What are you thankful for? I'm thankful for every day, good or bad. My children are ok, I'm alive and blessed. I have a wonderful man, people who like me family and co-workers. My life is good and I'm happy.

Onwards

2008-10-31T14:28:00.004-04:00

When I last wrote I mention I was going to do the sleeves for the Pinwheel sweater...not. I made narrow bands of garter stitch and called it a day. It fits in the arm holes, but it stil short coming around the front. I had thought of having it overlap and closing it with a ex-large button, unfortunatly I would have to add more knitting to do that. It turned out to be a great experience, and I may try it again one day down the road.

Wow! I haven't written for a month, and an update on the PinWheel Sweater

2008-10-03T10:08:00.004-04:00

The Pinwheel body is finished and I'm now working on the sleeves.

Added note 10/14/08: I had started the sleeves and was on a roll, when I tried the sweater on...WHAT!!! the armholes were too tight. After ripping them out I decided to make the sweater into a vest. I picked up an additional 8 stitches (4 on each side of the armhole) and knitted six rows of garter stitch (like the edging) and bound off. It looks good, so I have one more to do and I'm done. Will post soon.

Moving right a long!!!!!!!

2008-08-29T11:33:00.005-04:00

I've been knitting like crazy. The Pinwheel sweater is growing like mad, I discovered I can really put the stitches on when I'm riding in the truck with Albert. He drives, I knit...works great. I sometime alternate projects so I can get in as much knitting as possible when I'm not at home. The Toe-up socks are now at a very boring place. I've put in the two rows for the after-thought heel and now I'm just doing plain knitting. I do love the pattern that developing from the yarn. I want to take a picture, but AIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! I have dead batteries in the camera, I hope to fix this this weekend and come back and post the pictures.

Group meeting

2008-08-08T14:20:00.005-04:00

This Saturday the IndianaLoomers and Crafters will meet at Mass Ave Knit Shop. I wasn't able to attend last month, so I'm looking forward to see everyone tomorrow.

I still working on the loomed scarf, and I may try to knit a little on the socks. Their long enough now to knit the stitches for the after-thought heel. I'm really anxious to wear them.

EXTRA NOTE:

We didn't meet after all. However, I did go to my family reunion. It was good to see my cousins again.

What's New

2008-08-06T15:13:00.005-04:00

I had my eye operated on in June and it's taking me some time to get focused again. I will need a new prescription for glasses, the one I got last Spring isn't doing me any good. The surgery was on the muscle of my right eye to tighten the left eye muscle (again) and keep it from drifting. I had this surgery done on the left eye when I was 18 and before computer work.

Update on projects:

On hold: A pair of socks, Pinwheel sweater and a shawl

In Planning: A skirt

In progress: A scarf on the loom [54 pegs] (easiest to see without too much eye strain)

New stuff

2008-05-09T11:25:00.005-04:00

I have started the Pinwheel sweater in antisipation it will turn out better then the KIA.

New yarn: KnitPicks "Sparkle" 100% Nylon ladder yarn.
What to make: Undecided

New Toy: 54 peg loom. The spacing is narrower than the regular Knifty Knitter Loom.

New Circular Needles: 24 inch Bamboos Sized 1 - 15. The cable is plastic tubing and have no memory. They feel great and very smooth.

I stand corrected and I finished the KIA

2008-04-27T20:10:00.003-04:00

The KIA has not met it's end; I pick it up and gave it a close look and it's still have value. I'm continuing the knitting and I have started the decreases to make the center back. I think it will work. I finished it and I'm not please with it. It's the yarn if anything; the construction is a bit dizzy too, but I was curious to know how it was made. I think I'll give it to my granddaughter.

It's almost been a month

2008-04-24T16:43:00.004-04:00

1. I haven't written here for a while. I'm working on a KAL dishcloth (first in months).
2. I finished the lace knitting, will not tackle the rest of the yarn until I have control of the stitches. The piece I did do is enough to tie around my ponytail.
3. The KIA has met an impasse, it will be frogged, and turned to another direction, still a vest, but I'm not sure of the style.
4. I have on the magic loop a pair of toe up socks in self striping sock yarn. The toes do not match because the yarn is starting at two different locations. I'm being impatient because I want to do both at the same time.
5. I finished a hat for DH in 9 days on needles
6. I finished a hat for me. (learning to do mitre squares).
7. I treated myself to the Knitpicks interchangable cable needles sizes 4-11, with 24" and 32" cables; and I ordered a pair of 60" (magic loop for the socks). I had to have 2 cable replaced because the screw in on one of both cables didn't work. I really like those needles.

New type of yarn for me!!!!! and that KIA vest

2008-03-19T13:09:00.008-04:00

My knitting friend Cindy gave me sock yarn that I've never seen before. It's wool,cotton,nylon and last but not lease Elastic!!!!! It's KnitPicks "Dancing", there is no name for the colorway on the band; so I'm calling it Wow-Sherbet. I'm using a pattern from Easy Knitted Socks that reminds me of a pattern in a Mon Tricot(sp)book from back in the "70's". The pattern is a two-needle sock, knitted flat from the cuff to the toe. The heel is shaped by short rows out of the sides like wings. Then the whole thing is seamed down the back. The yarn is very soft, so the seam won't be a problem on the bottom of my foot.

The KIA Vest (WIP and on hold)

The one thing I plan to change on the sock is the lace openings that runs down the legs and the side of the foot. Since the yarn is variegated, it's busy enough without lace openings. I ran into that problem with the KIA I have on cir's. Making the lace opening was a waste of time and If I had realized it before I reached the point of almost no return, I would have just knitted it plain. I have examined it over again, and the conclusion is to start over. But to do that without taking the entire piece off the needles, is to un-knit one stitch at a time until I reach perhaps 10 rows or so from the beginning. I discovered that by ripping back that way it was less frustrating then starting over again. I will leave some of the lace openings near the beginning and knit the rest plain. Perhaps this way I will come up with the right number of stitches and still have enough yarn to finish.

The KIA before I made the arm holes and discovered that I may run out of yarn.

This is a close up of the stitches, it is difficult to see the lace openings.

This will be ongoing while I work on the socks.

Loom socks

2008-02-16T11:02:00.002-05:00

I have discovered that looming takes more time than I want. The socks are the "Weekend Socks", well it's been 2 weekends since I started them and I'm still on the cuff. I think it's the cables that are slowing me down. I have 3 cable rows done on each and I'm going to leave at that. I just going to do straight knitting until I get to the heel placement.

Looming again

2008-02-04T16:12:00.001-05:00

I wanted to make a pair of socks, but I'm not ready to use my sock yarns and #'s 2 & 3 needles.
I got the Loom Knitting Primer and there is a sock pattern that uses the Blue Knifty Knitter loom - 24 pegs. I have two (yippee!!) so I'll be making them at the same time row for row. The yarn I chose is Simply Soft variegated instead of the bulky yarn called for in the pattern. The stitch pattern is a two stitch twisted cable. Let's keep the fingers crossed.

Sleepless in Indy

2008-01-12T00:28:00.000-05:00

I should be in bed, instead I'm here writing. The Indiana Loom Knitters meet Saturday, and I haven's loomed knitted anything for a while. I've been needle knitting a Circular vest-Berroco's KIA, and it's starting to take shape. I'm using the yarn from a sweater I brought at the Good Will. It's a very fancy yarn that consist of a Boucle' strand, a variegated thread and a fingering weight yarn. The only down side is you can't see the lace pattern without holding it up to the light.

The second knitting project is a Survivor scarf. Cindy gave me the pattern and 4 balls of Sugar and Creme yarn in Rose Pink. The pattern is cute, it's pink ribbons, and their made with cables.

I got a free pattern from Lion Brand of a hat that I would never have thought of. It's a rectangle, also as if you were starting a scarf then stopped. It's then folded over and seamed for you have the points sticking out like horns. It's done in a thick yarn and have 3 sets of cables from front to back. It was the cables that catch my eye, but after looking at the hat itself, I was hook. It's needle knitted, but I think I can do on the loom.

Here it is!!

2008-01-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

My version of Mrs. Weasley's Sweater from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Here is the sleeve, I had a ball making this.

It's finished--what?

2008-01-03T08:57:00.000-05:00

I'll post pictures and then you'll know.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T23:23:00.000-05:00

Here wishing everyone a Safe, Happy and Loving Christmas and New Year

I got new yarn

2007-12-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

Only two of us met this past Saturday at Mass Ave Knit shop, but we had big fun. I got to the clearance room, and found some Mexicana sox yarn on sale. I got 4 balls, but I haven't decided what to make with them. It will be socks, but which style: regular or Tabi

I crocheted my first Amigurumi critters, it's a gingerbread man and a snowman.
I used my Hot Fix wand to apply the eys, mouth and buttons on gingerbread...so cute, I sew seed beads on the snowman.

Cindy gave me some tatting thread and some Pink Peaches and Creme yarn for a Survivor Scarf. And then Monday when I came into work Shannon gave me two balls of fur yarn, one is feathery and white and the other is celery green with metallics. I don't know what to make from either of them.

My Mrs. Weasely Sweater is coming along quite well. I have the body of the sweater done, and I'm debating whether to attach the sleeves now and finish the flare of the sleeves or finish the sleeves and then attach them.

Have A Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-20T15:13:00.000-05:00

Enjoy Your Day

I'll be knitting and eating!!

Mass Ave Knit didn't happen, but I did get my craft/room office straighten up.

2007-11-07T15:56:00.000-05:00

The meeting at Mass Ave didn't happen for me, Albert used the truck and the reminder didn't go out as scheduled, so Tracy didn't go either. I don't know who else made it, but there next month if the weather and holiday planning permit it.

I did finished the neck scarf for Albert, and I needle knitted one for myself with Fun Fur. It turn out very nice, I double stranded it, and it only took 1 1/2 balls. I put buttons on it just like the pidge, and I added 2 more buttons on Albert's so it wouldn't flap over like it did when he first put it on.

I was knitting the back of my Mrs Weasely sweater on the bulky knitting machine, when I decide to straighten the room. It took all day, I got so much junk. The whole purpose for the clean up was to setup my Standard KM and ribber. I got a replacement part for the ribber attachment and I'm ready to go. On the standard I can do lace and fair isle with punch cards. Not sure what I'll do first on it, the two KM's are side by side...WOW!

Mass Ave Knit Shop/Mrs. Weasley Sweater

2007-10-18T11:59:00.000-04:00

WOW!!
My first time going there, wall to wall ceiling to floor YARN, YARN, AND MORE YARN.

The Indiana Loom Knitters met there last Saturday, what a wonderful place. You can sit, knit, talk and knit some more. I didn't take my hand knitting with me just the loom Pidge I working on. But for now on I taking every knitting project with me when I go there next month. Cindy showed me the Mercerized cotton yarn she wants to make a Circular vest with, she also sent me the pattern she going to use. I like it so much I've started making the border, which reminds me I will need to buy another #10.5 circular needle, because the one I have is in use on my Mrs. Weasley Sweater.

Mrs. Weasley from Harry Potter, wears this great sweater with wide sleeves. After several pausings and drawings, I got the gist of the sleeve, it's crocheted and the rest of the sweater is covered by her pinny/apron. Anyway here is a pic of my version of the sleeves. I started it at the center blue wedge and went from there.

The crochet vest pattern I first used was too flimsy for the weight of the sleeves, so I frogged it, and started over with a knit sweater pattern. There is a section in my sleeves that will need adjusting, but I'll take care of that later since this is not a rush job. I will be working on this as an ongoing project.

Picture of Knitted dress

2007-10-03T15:17:00.000-04:00

The picture without me wearing the dress is at:

http://ak-andreasknits--thepatterns.blogspot.com/

Knitted Dress

2007-09-28T15:51:00.000-04:00

I mention before about machine knitting another dress, I had started a 4 panel skirt, and now I'm debating if I want to turn it into a dress. The yarn is worsted weight acrylic, I have another skirt made from WWA and it has held up pretty well.

Here is the KM I'm using it's a Studio 150 9mm Chunky Knitting Machine. The reason it's pitched up at an angle is that I had the ribber bed on it

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The yarn colors I picked for skirt are Dark Green and I putting a band at mid thigh in Navy. I was also going to make a top in Antique White, but now that I think of it, a dress make with the three colors would be very pretty. Back to my drawing pad.

I'm still here

2007-09-27T11:43:00.000-04:00

It has been awhile since I last posted,I caught a sinus cold and haven't had the gumption to do anything.

I got my first pattern up on the new blog and I given a lot of thought to the next one. I did a dress on the Knitting machine a few years ago from Sugar and Creme 100% cotton. It's very comfortable to me in summer and winter, but it's still a (TOWEL)so when it comes out of the washer,it weighs a ton. Another trick I learn from it, is that if I dry in the dryer it shorten by 4 inches, if I let it air dry, it lengthen about 4 inches.

I'm think of doing the dress again, but with an acrylic or wool/acrylic yarn and make a slight change in the blouse part. On many of the machine knitted things I make, I sometimes do a different technique that others don't and may not understand. I got that from mama, she would make changes to dress patterns and you wouldn't know it wasn't in the original pattern; so I will keep it simple.

New Blog

2007-08-30T17:00:00.000-04:00

I have created a second blog. It's called Andrea's Knits -- The Pattens. I will be posting patterns there.

Success

2007-08-21T10:58:00.000-04:00

I have converted the machine knitted brim hat to the loom. I am writing the pattern and will have step by step pictures too.

The hat

2007-08-09T15:05:00.000-04:00

Progress on the brim hat is slow, I restarted it. Using a single strand of the yarn that is listed as a chunky weight, made the hat too flimsy, I started again using two strands. It works, the plastic brim insert won't poke through. I'm using the ex-lg loom (yellow) for this hat, but I'm also think of making a child size one. I got a child hat pattern in my sewing pattern stash to make the brim template.

Trying something new

2007-07-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

A long long time ago (I not singing American Pie) I machine knitted a hat with a brim. I had made several to them, but the one I have left is a sight to make your eyes sore. I came across it the other week, and I got inspired to recreate it (with a better color way) on the knitting loom. I knitting it the way I did it on the machine; and the reason for this is I had started knitting a something on the loom (forgot what it was) and just didn't want to rip it back to the start. So I'm knitting it flat and it will have a back seam. I can see it in my mind, and that means I will have it in my hands soon. I about half way there.

Oh yeah, I remember what the knitting was, it was a beginning of a hat. I cast it on the way I saw Isela Phelps demonstrate on Knitty Gritty. She left one peg open as she knitted back and forth to make a fair isle hat.

Feeling good!

2007-07-12T10:57:00.000-04:00

I feel really good today, I'm blessed and I'm not going to question it.

I'm still here

2007-07-09T09:25:00.000-04:00

I know it's been awhile since my last post, I've been working and I plan to take a few vacation days soon. I've been looming, and I started tatting again. The IndianaLoomKnitters are meeting this Saturday the 14th at Circle Center Mall downtown. I looking forward to having a ball.

Keyhole Scarf -- another finished project

2007-06-25T09:58:00.000-04:00

The keyhole idea is Isela Phelps http://isela.typepad.com/looming_crafts/2007/05/double_knit_key.html

I made it with Cherry Tree's silk and merino wool on the pink long loom. The color just pop! I don't remember the name of the yarn now, but when I first got it (bargain at second hand store), I look it up at Cherry Tree and it was no longer available.
The last picture is my darling hubby's back, he let me use him to model the scarf.

Now for something different....

2007-06-15T15:36:00.000-04:00

I keep getting this pinging in the back of my head (no it's not a tumor), but an idea to make something. The problem is WHAT??? I have a few things to finish, but I'm taking my time so I don't feel like I'm being pushed. I mean, no one is holding gun to my head...but me to get it done.

TO FINISH:
Mama's Afghan (this will be worked on a little at a time)

A loomed scarf (will I ever get to the end) and a loomed sock. I'm so far into it to frog it, but it's still no rush, I still have to make a second one to have a pair.

ON MY MIND:
A pair of socks for granddaughter Vikki, machine knitted.

A cotton jacket for myself (yarn and pattern are at the ready)

Beds for the cats (to use old yarn stash) I have a great idea for this.

Perhaps the best thing for me to do is write down each project on a piece of paper and have dear Albert pick one...this just might work.

KIP

2007-06-11T08:49:00.000-04:00

I met Tracy, Cindy and Mark at the Arts Garden for a day of looming, talking and sharing. I really enjoy meeting with people that share the same interest as I do, it was great fun.

Knit in Public day June 9th

2007-06-08T23:39:00.000-04:00

I'm heading downtown Saturday to meet and knit with with fellow knitting hoosiers. It's going to be fun.

Opps!

2007-05-30T11:09:00.000-04:00

I haven't mailed my hats yet.

New Kittens in the house

2007-05-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

I got 2 new fuzzy babies, and I finaly settled on the names, they are: Missy

And

Peanut

It took an entire week for BooBoo to get use to the invaders, she actually was afraid of them.

And Tommy is missing, he came home 2 and a half weeks ago all beat up with fur missing on his front legs. Albert dosen't think he will make back this time if he's hurt, because it been over a week since we've seen him. He has stayed away before, but this time it dosen't feel right. Who knows he just might surprise us, God is watching over all of us and that includes our pets.

Reversible Hoosier Hats for Head Toppers

2007-05-15T10:52:00.000-04:00

I made four hats, these are the reversible ones. They turned out so cute, I machine knitted the hats in one continuos strip, separating the hats with waste yarn. this method is wonderful when making hats the same size. If you follow this link it take you to my 360 yahoo blog and you can see the strip, I wasn't able to post the pic here.
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-s9I0mtIwdaJ_4krEU2Lcc2rvTXM-?cq=1&p=140

The Head Topper Project for
Regan Duval 90 Railroad Street Malone, NY 12953.

I will mail my hats out this weekend.

Finished the Bottom Woven bag too

2007-05-07T10:13:00.000-04:00

I finished this bag, the Tabi socks and I have two dishcloths to complete.

My next project will be a crocheted jacket, granny squares are the plan. The yarn is cotton, color is Salt and Pepper.

Re: Tabi

2007-05-03T11:57:00.000-04:00

Knitting.com is have another contest for the next calander (2008). All entries must be knitted from a Knitty pattern. Well, I did the Slickly Splits (Tabi Socks) from there, and I got a bug in my ear to have my oldest son model them. I don't know how much it's going to cost me to have him wear them (I only need a good picture of his legs and feet wearing the socks), but I guess I could fork over a six-pack of beer. This is going to be fun, perhaps I should have auditions with the three of them to see who have the best legs, I know the feet will fit since I knitted the socks a bit to big for myself.

Tabi's on the feet

2007-05-01T11:37:00.001-04:00

Tabi's on the feet,
originally uploaded by Mamapooki.

The Tabi Socks are still on the needles, but I count them done. A few more rows and that's it.

Pictures

2007-04-25T10:54:00.000-04:00

I finally have digital pic's of my sons even though they're not together in one pic. I'm going to play with with my photo program and see if I can make one picture.

Yea!!! One pair finished , one more to go.

2007-04-12T16:31:00.000-04:00

One pair done - the toe up socks are finished. I made a short cuff on them and they fit very nice.

April's Monthly KAL dishcloth

2007-04-06T17:43:00.000-04:00

This is a beautiful design, I am going to make another one for my knitting buddie's mom, but I'll use a beige color. This color I got from Mary Maxim, it would also make a cool top..hmmm.

Great news

2007-04-04T10:53:00.000-04:00

I'm a grandma! Victoria is 10 yrs old, and she's my first grandkid. Will post pic's when I take them. I'm planning a girls day out and I'm going to teach her to loom knit on the Flexiloom I order by misstake. It's the same as the green KK one, and it shows that there are angels guiding use along. When I received the loom I was dissapointed that it wasn't the right one, but I decided to keep it anyway, now it's Vickie's, I think the first project for her will be a draw string purse.

My Socks

2007-03-31T14:29:00.000-04:00

These are my Toe up socks, the color way is a Red Heart's variegated worsted wt. The pattern is "Your Putting Me On Socks" and can be found here: http://tiajudy.com/putmeon.htm

The last step is the cuffs, I may do a 2x2 rib, I haven't decided yet. The thing I enjoy about this pattern, is you can try on the socks as you knit, and the only adjustment I made was the needle size. The pattern called for #5 or #6 double points, I used #7's because they were the only ones I had two sets of 5's in, and I followed the instructions to the letter.
I've found two sock patterns that I just love, this one and the SWAN socks for the knitting machine.

New yarn, new project

2007-03-31T14:21:00.001-04:00

100_0229,
originally uploaded by Mamapooki.

I love this yarn, I see it as a jacket made of granny squares.
It's Sugar and Cream - Salt & Pepper yarn ordered from Mary Maxim.

Mid March Cloth

2007-03-27T15:00:00.001-04:00

Basket Weave Cloth,
originally uploaded by Mamapooki.

This pattern is Basket Weave, It's have such a good texure for scrubbing (the body that is), I'm thinking of making it longer and narrower for a back scrubber.

The Buzzards 4

2007-03-27T13:38:00.000-04:00

Where do I start with these guys? Frosty the all white one have a slight handicap, one of his wing is blunted. Albert brought this to my attention that Frosty's wing was missing??? I thought the flight feathers were just slow to grow out, but no, one of the wings isn't right, poor baby can't fly. Even with that problem he keeps trying to open one of the gates. What's he's going to do, drop to the floor and walk around?
The other three have issues too, Tweedy the blue one keep attacking Turk, he's the oldest, he has also out lived three other buzzards. Now he's being picked on, Conrad the yellow one, is keeping under the radar, when I first got him he was trying out best Tweedy and Turk, don't know what changaed his attitude, but I subpect he's got something under his wing. I may have to separate them, for now I'm watching and waiting.

The score

2007-03-27T13:36:00.000-04:00

Hats - 2 Finished

Socks - 2 pair in progress

Sweater - 1 in planning, nothing for commission

Dishcloth - 3 finished, waiting for next months cloth

Mitten - 1

Scarves - 2

Purses - 0, 1 in planning

Afghan - 0

Tatting - A lot of doodles

My knitting so far

2007-03-19T16:00:00.000-04:00

Hats - 2 Finished

Socks - 2 pair in progress

Sweater - 1 in planning, nothing for commission

Dishcloth - 2, 1 in progress

Mitten - 1

Scarves - 0

Purses - 0

Afghan - 0

Tatting - A lot of doodles

Mid Marsh KAL

2007-03-16T11:48:00.000-04:00

The new dishcloth knit a long starts today. I was at Miejers last weekend and brought more Surgar and Cream yarn in solid colors. If I do anymore variegated work, I will use the lighter colored varigates instead of the dark.

I also will be doing a loom class in April. I believe this will help me be more creative with the loom by having step by step instructions like the dishcloth KAL.

I'm still working on my socks, the Tabi's and a pair of toe ups.

KAL MARCH Hare dishcloth

2007-03-08T14:23:00.001-05:00

KAL MARCH Hare dishcloth,
originally uploaded by Mamapooki.

You can just make out that it's a bunny. I call it my March Hare dishcloth, because is you look just below the ears is a head band (booboo in my reading the pattern), and it reminded me of the sprigs of twine the Marsh Hare wore in Alice in Wonderland.

Knit A Long dishcloth

2007-02-23T09:33:00.001-05:00

100_0128,
originally uploaded by Mamapooki.

The Monthly Knit a long dish cloth is finished and I ready for the next one. I like the lacy look, but word to the wise, don't use a dark variegated yarn if your going to do a lace pattern. I lost stitches and had to frog it a couple of times.

Projects so far, drum roll please!

2007-02-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

Hats - 2 & 1 in progress
Socks - 1 & 1 In progress
Sweater - 0 for now, but have 1 to do on commission
Dishcloth - 1
Mitten - 1
Scarves - 0
Afghan - 0

I caught up with the pack!

2007-02-20T14:58:00.000-05:00

I knitted all evening and got day 3 and 4 done. I have day 5's instructions and did 4 of 9 rows on my lunch hour today.

The Tabi Sock is on pause until I can fully understand 3 needle cast off. I watch a mini video of it, and I will practice it on some different yarn and needles.

Dish Cloth upday

2007-02-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

I worked on it during my lunch hour, whew!! I'm on track again and 1 day behind. I will get the 3d and 4Th day done this evening baring interruptions from Albert and his nemesis the Computer (I not going to go there).

Dish Cloth and Tabi Sock

2007-02-19T09:58:00.000-05:00

Would you believe, I made a mistake on the 7th row and I was at the 16th row when I found it. I later try to fix it but yuck! I kept on knitting and lost a stitch, frogged it and started all over. I placed stitch markers so I can keep up with the stitches.

The Tabi Sock is at the point where I join the toe caps together, so far so good.

Joined a Knit a Long at Yahoo groups!!!

2007-02-17T21:10:00.000-05:00

This is so much fun, it's called the Monthly Dish Cloth knit a long at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths/?yguid=70616970

It's so good! You receive instruction for a dish cloth, but you do not know what it is until you finish it. You're given 8 rows a day, I've completed days 1 & 2, tomorrow is day 3. The group knits two cloths a month stated on the 1st and 16Th. I started on the 16Th, but I will do the cloth from the 1st later. It was a valentine one with hearts. I saw some of the finished cloths and they are beautiful. I wasn't always interested in making wash cloths, now it since I'm doing a lot more hand knitting then Machine, it fired up an interest in me. I like the day to day knitting, one I've completed the 8 rows, I move on to the Tabi socks. I have always worked two knitted projects or one knitted and one crochet project simultaneously. Right now I can't guess what the cloth is, but it's lacey.

The Sun is shinning, it's Cooooooooooooold!

2007-02-16T14:59:00.001-05:00

I'm glad the sun is out, if it were cloudy I'd have no energy. It's amazing what sunshine can do.

Tabi Sock cont.

2007-02-15T16:27:00.000-05:00

After struggling with the long loom in the round, I decide to go to the needles. I am determined to make these Tabi Socks. I'm using a pattern Lickety Split from Knitty.com
http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTlicketysplit.html
I have completed the toe cap the part over the four toes, and I started the second one. I don't like to make one sock then start all over with the second one, so I do them in tamden. I hope to put both socks on a long circular ala Magic Loop. Here is the Tabi so far

I should have the second one up to this length this evening. I'm using Woolease wood print, nice isn't it? The big toe and heel will be in wood print and the rest of the sock will be another color.

Tabi Sock

2007-02-09T10:49:00.000-05:00

I started the Tabby's and I so far so good. I'm a little clumbsy using the long loom (26 pegs) for this project, it calls for flat knitting in the round. I have to treat the long loom like it's was round. I've notice where I e-wrap a row the stitches have a gap between and the flat dose not, my toe may poke through at that place. I'm not stopping to rip it, I'm pushing on to get it finished. I have told myself, that if I start a project I will finish it.

The score so far:

Hats - 2
Socks - 1 & 1 In progress
Sweater - 0
Mitten - 1
Scarves - 0
Afghan - 0

Projects: 1 Complete, 1 to Begin

2007-02-06T08:46:00.000-05:00

I have not started the Tabi socks yet. At my doctors appointmen I found out my sinuses are infected and I'm now taking penicillin for it and I'm feeling much better.

I had started knitting a hat before I got sick and I am doing the finishing touches on it, it's hand knitted in a fair isle design. I didn't quite follow the exact pattern, I did it my way, which is assbackward; but it works.
The Tabi socks are next on the list, when I started it, I was using too thick a yarn, and I wasn't sure which yarn to use until I realized it's the yarn I've been using for the hat, WoolEase/Encore.

I had meant to make a sweater from the Woolease/Encore, but I just couldn't get my head around what pattern/style to do. So the yarn is getting put to use in other projects.

So far: 1 pair of mittens, 1 hat, soon 1 pair of Tabi socks. And I still have more yarn to use.

Andrea's Knits

Indianapolis, IN

Shuttle Tatting again

Look what I got for Christmas!!

Another Birthday

Revised the scarf

What have I been doing?

I've been distracted of late

I deleted the blog about the bonnets I knitted

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy Thanksgiving

Tip for the day--Frogging two stranded knits

Thanks Cindy

More on the radiator

What's up?

Needle Felted Bunny

New Stuff

Well she got one..spinning wheel that is!

Confusing

Getting over a cold

What a surprise!

Spinning

Lambspun Triangle Shawl;

The self striping socks are finished

Six on one hand...what ever!

Changes

It's Friday again

It's Friday and May Day

Heels, what else have I been talking about

That AFTER-THOUGHT HEEL!!!*^^&$%&*$$%

One pair to go

Reknit of the Tabis Socks

Socks continued

Socks

Two Weeks???

Another update

Still here!

Almost

Christmas time it here (music please)

It's Friday

Holidays are coming

Onwards

Wow! I haven't written for a month, and an update on the PinWheel Sweater

Moving right a long!!!!!!!

Group meeting

What's New

New stuff

I stand corrected and I finished the KIA

It's almost been a month

New type of yarn for me!!!!! and that KIA vest

Loom socks

Looming again

Sleepless in Indy

Here it is!!

It's finished--what?

Merry Christmas

I got new yarn

Have A Happy Thanksgiving!

Mass Ave Knit didn't happen, but I did get my craft/room office straighten up.

Mass Ave Knit Shop/Mrs. Weasley Sweater

Picture of Knitted dress

Knitted Dress

I'm still here

New Blog

Success

The hat

Trying something new

Feeling good!

I'm still here

Keyhole Scarf -- another finished project

Now for something different....

KIP

Knit in Public day June 9th

Opps!

New Kittens in the house

Reversible Hoosier Hats for Head Toppers

Finished the Bottom Woven bag too

Re: Tabi

Tabi's on the feet

Pictures

That AFTER-THOUGHT HEEL!!!^^&$%&$$%