Clothilda First Run - SOLO

How do I amuse myself? Let me count the ways....

Here is Clothilda I. I did this entirely by myself. Let me tell you, it's not easy to duct-tape yourself! She's a bit lumpy and I have to get a base for the bottom of the torso. I need to make a neck, cut the sleeves and put darts in the shirt to fit, and put the bra inside! I have all the makings for the stand. If I can get someone to duct tape me better, there may be a Clothilda II someday. Right now she's stuffed with pillows and towels.

I think I really would rather do this one but I need help! My FN thinks I need SERIOUS help.

TFOs

I hate it when I get TFOs. It generally starts coming on so gradually. Maybe the first time I spot something, I'll think - That's nice or that looks good, but it's not me or maybe some day. I'll see it again and my feelings will have warmed a bit. Then all of a sudden I've gotta go there, I've gotta have it, I've gotta do it - gotta gotta gotta. Sometimes it passes before I actually get there. So can you believe I couldn't sleep the other night mulling over how many ways there are to make a body double and the stand!! I'm serious. I COULDN'T sleep! I was awake from 2 a.m. thinking about how to make Clothilda and how I want her to be perfect in every way.

So I see these socks on a blog and I think - Good Lord! Who in their right mind would go to that much trouble for a dang pair of socks?!? Then I see them again and it (my mind) says again a bit softer, Those are a lot of work, but geez Louise, they're beautiful! But I don't wear knee socks! I'm too old for that. Then, there they are again. I start looking up the source now. Nancy Bush, Folk Socks. Hmmm. And yet again I see them.
I almost purchase the book.

tfo=temporary fixated obsession

Duct-taping my Twin

Eunny's dress form has inspired me. Kelli and I are going to have a full body cast party. Here's a link on specifics. A photo blog of details will follow. Favorite Neighbor (FN in future) will be our photo journalist memoralizing every detail. (This party may take a few weeks to get arranged, so don't hold your breath!)

Nancy's Chemo Hat

I learned tonight my favorite neighbor's sister will be starting chemo treatment for breast cancer tomorrow. This was a VERY fast hat to knit, most appropriately in pink. So please say a little prayer, cross your fingers, or whatever you feel is appropriate.

Next up? A Real Shawl

This is what I want to do soon. This is a REAL shawl. But I have to add, once I stopped trying to make this FBS into a shawl and just decided it's a scarf, I love it. Actually roll the top sort of like a shawl collar and tie it in front. Sweet to wear over just about anything. Like a shrug, but better.

Here is a link to the pattern.

FBS Finale

What this shawl needs is about 30-50 more rows or a small person. But it was quick and I'll do it again. AND I'll get some Alpaca to do it in so I can block it. Actually pinned out, it measures 59x30. Instructions say it's to be 54x27. But in my view, it's just wimpy sized. Lace is
f-u-n!

Flower Basket Shawl

I think it's becoming clear to me that I am NOT a monogomous knitter. Used to be I thought I was. But while knitting Denim, I got a hankering to try a real shawl. I did not have any lace weight yarn just waiting to be knit up and as the pattern said to double it, I decided this old microfiber would do for my first. It's a fast, fairly easy pattern. It is an Interknit Weave pattern. The pictures I've seen of it look a little on the short side. I'll work the number of repeats and see how it looks and decide whether or not to add any extra. Anyway, so far I love it. Definitely will be ordering up some lace weight yarn soon. Maybe alpaca or some shetland wool?? I'm not sure yet.

Denim Aran

The first thing you might notice is the third cabling in the middle - well, I got carried away and made a design alteration that I can live with. This project was dragging so slow, I finally decided to address the issue and try to figure out why, and it wasn't that difficult to figure out - it was my choice of needles. For some reason this Encore Chunky and Denises along with the cabling just didn't work. I switched to the Boyes, and it's chugging along better now. But what I would give for an Addi size 10...

Nona has a great explanation, for knitting in ends that I did on this

I've always done cables without a cable needle, but on this I've finally decided not to even switch the order of the stitches, but just knit them as the cable should be knitted. A quick search for this technique didn't reveal any sites with appropriate explanation. I remember seeing a pattern for a left twist or right twist where you just stick your needle into the third stitch in on the left needle knit it - don't pull anything off - then stick your needle into the first one and knit it, get the loop on the right, but don't remove the stitch, knit the second stitch in and then pull all three off the left needle. Well, it works for a cable 4 as well. And what makes it twist right or left depends on if you stick your needle in from the FRONT into that stitch further in on that left needle or if you do it from the BACK. It sounds very strange until you try it. It's just easier than pulling the stitches off and switching them and then knitting them, which I thought was might slick itself. Anything to avoid havin to pick up an extra needle!