tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923955567201493972024-03-08T03:51:42.059-05:00Octopus KnitsOctopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-41941095114613522072010-09-11T10:53:00.004-04:002010-09-11T13:59:47.890-04:00Spinning, Spinning, Spinning Some More...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4579058648/" title="IMG_6078 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4579058648_41f17f9d71_m.jpg" height="160" alt="IMG_6078" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589118739/" title="IMG_6128 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/4589118739_70ded2759e_m.jpg" height="160" alt="IMG_6128" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596213338/" title="IMG_6161 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4596213338_1b050e9c2e_m.jpg" height="158" alt="IMG_6161" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596215966/" title="IMG_6189 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/4596215966_506c873c98_m.jpg" height="158" alt="IMG_6189" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677932388/" title="IMG_7538 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4677932388_70e41ffe4b_m.jpg" height="155" alt="IMG_7538" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726170137/" title="IMG_9717 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1192/4726170137_22a99c8617_m.jpg" height="155" alt="IMG_9717" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4753919658/" title="IMG_9841 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4753919658_4941c8b911_m.jpg" height="150" alt="IMG_9841" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784061161/" title="IMG_0090 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4784061161_cdd7236baa_m.jpg" height="150" alt="IMG_0090" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4806405879/" title="IMG_0843 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4806405879_88bb75f7b5_m.jpg" height="161" alt="IMG_0843" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881092984/" title="IMG_3404 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4881092984_beac5c01db_m.jpg" height="161" alt="IMG_3404" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677304567/" title="IMG_7553 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4677304567_bcb324fb18.jpg" width="388" alt="IMG_7553" /></a><br /><br /><br />Since I participated in both the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tour-de-fleece">Tour de Fleece</a> (Ravelry link) and the Spunky Eclectic Ravelry group's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/spunky-club/1038845/1-25">Great Stash Spin Up</a> (Ravelry link) this year, I've got a backlog of skeins to show you.<br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn I: <i>Cinnamon and Sugar</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/callwool">Call of the Wool</a> Shetland Wool Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 295 yards (113 g), 13 wpi (heavy fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Navajo-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>Fiber courtesy of Chantel the shetland sheep :) Thanks, Chantel!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3934867661/" title="IMG_2724 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3934867661_9e6e68881e_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="IMG_2724" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4578429921/" title="IMG_6072 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4578429921_07b8e95dba_m.jpg" width="240" height="186" alt="IMG_6072" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4578430239/" title="IMG_6076 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/4578430239_e95a8a40af_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_6076" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4579058992/" title="IMG_6087 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4579058992_39294f744b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6087" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4578430963/" title="IMG_6090 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4578430963_d751cffe0e_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="IMG_6090" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn II: <i>Hidden</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/shop.php">Spunky Eclectic</a> Bluefaced Leicester Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 652 yards (113 g), 26 wpi (lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Single-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>This colorway reminds me so much of lichen on rocks in a forest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2524332831/" title="IMG_4429 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2524332831_014a420ea0_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_4429" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589117249/" title="IMG_6109 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4589117249_595b7501cf_m.jpg" width="240" height="167" alt="IMG_6109" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589737388/" title="IMG_6123 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/4589737388_d3d28fecf1_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_6123" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589738226/" title="IMG_6129 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4589738226_c9b5b0e226_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_6129" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589738406/" title="IMG_6131 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4589738406_773e9957e3_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_6131" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589118357/" title="IMG_6125 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4589118357_df3b662137_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_6125" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589119905/" title="IMG_6139-2 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4589119905_73459e4ca4_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_6139-2" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn III: <i>Aqua</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.tranquilmorningfibers.webs.com/">Tranquil Morning Farm</a> Navajo Churro Lamb Batt<br /><i>Stats:</i> 122 yards (60 g), 13 wpi (heavy fingering/light sport weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>A little challenging to spin, but I love this color.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2565902772/" title="IMG_4798 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2565902772_ac7199d575_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_4798" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589736840/" title="IMG_6116 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4589736840_f80bd9e42f_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_6116" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596212884/" title="IMG_6158 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/4596212884_6d0de5b893_m.jpg" width="240" height="204" alt="IMG_6158" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596213788/" title="IMG_6163 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4596213788_2a65a07d30_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_6163" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596213948/" title="IMG_6165 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4596213948_809415eb76_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_6165" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4595602001/" title="IMG_6220 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1221/4595602001_45631cbf67_m.jpg" width="240" height="174" alt="IMG_6220" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4595601549/" title="IMG_6212 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/4595601549_0ffd5c7546.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_6212" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn IV: <i>Red Dwarf Star</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Allspunup">All Spun Up</a> Merino Combed Top<br /><i>Stats:</i> 285 yards (121 g), 11 wpi (DK weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>Holy squishiness, batman! This stuff is soft.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2736928441/" title="IMG_5571 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2736928441_cf94faed32_m.jpg" width="240" height="208" alt="IMG_5571" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596214342/" title="IMG_6171 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1294/4596214342_74ef9bd84b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_6171" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4595598959/" title="IMG_6185 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/4595598959_4bfa51d50b_m.jpg" width="240" height="203" alt="IMG_6185" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596216926/" title="IMG_6201 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1010/4596216926_8fb1e9808d_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_6201" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596217356/" title="IMG_6210 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1314/4596217356_6853080f58_m.jpg" width="240" height="163" alt="IMG_6210" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4595601325/" title="IMG_6211 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/4595601325_79fe1ca1d7_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_6211" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4595600065/" title="IMG_6195 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/4595600065_35d1f97a11_m.jpg" width="240" height="200" alt="IMG_6195" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4595602375/" title="IMG_6224 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/4595602375_0b9d7170dc_m.jpg" width="240" height="179" alt="IMG_6224" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn V: <i>Esmaralda</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedknoll">Enchanted Knoll Farm</a> Farm-raised Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 236 yards (110 g), 12 wpi (sport weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Navajo-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i> I'm thinking I'll use this with another yarn in a weaving project :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4455724545/" title="IMG_3464 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4455724545_98d34aaf0e_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_3464" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4612961874/" title="IMG_6243 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/4612961874_6f4b5a70b9_m.jpg" width="240" height="186" alt="IMG_6243" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677303657/" title="IMG_7526 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1300/4677303657_642de9f4f1_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="IMG_7526" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677303893/" title="IMG_7534 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4677303893_442fc715d8_m.jpg" width="240" height="199" alt="IMG_7534" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677932296/" title="IMG_7536 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1290/4677932296_43fde71cac_m.jpg" width="240" height="163" alt="IMG_7536" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677935386/" title="IMG_7655 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4677935386_dbdd235089_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_7655" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677934306/" title="IMG_7627 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4677934306_c00da55a06_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_7627" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677934012/" title="IMG_7619 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1289/4677934012_46cbedbc56_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="IMG_7619" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn VI: <i>Thunderstorm</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/shop.php">Spunky Eclectic</a> Panda Combed Top (60% Superwash Merino/ 30% Bamboo/ 10% Nylon)<br /><i>Stats:</i> 480 yards (119 g), 17 wpi (light fingering/lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Single-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>I need to figure out what to do with this cool color progression! Probably a simple shawl of some kind...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4563215501/" title="IMG_6066 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4563215501_1597cf9d3d_m.jpg" width="240" height="193" alt="IMG_6066" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726169919/" title="IMG_9715 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1381/4726169919_c7cfb063ed_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" alt="IMG_9715" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726817474/" title="IMG_9720 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/4726817474_2e69e7295a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9720" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726170829/" title="IMG_9730 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/4726170829_5a054be882_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9730" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726170445/" title="IMG_9723 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1087/4726170445_914716c335_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_9723" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726170341/" title="IMG_9722 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1367/4726170341_562243bf5c_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9722" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726170607/" title="IMG_9726 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/4726170607_a506780ab9_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="IMG_9726" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726171215/" title="IMG_9757 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1388/4726171215_8dbb0d64a9.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_9757" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn VII: <i>Koi Pond</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Allspunup">All Spun Up</a> Polwarth Combed Top<br /><i>Stats:</i> 346 yards (119 g), 12-15 wpi (fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>Polwarth is somewhat different than other wools I've spun. It feels soft and wonderful, but seems to eat up a lot more plying twist than I'm used to. I need to practice more with this fiber :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4697617314/" title="IMG_8357 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1282/4697617314_da7094100b_m.jpg" width="240" height="204" alt="IMG_8357" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4726171497/" title="IMG_9789 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1049/4726171497_4caf8cb117.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_9789" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4753279913/" title="IMG_9839 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4753279913_624b6ca202_m.jpg" width="240" height="196" alt="IMG_9839" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4753919776/" title="IMG_9842 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4753919776_5c3e0b5005_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9842" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4753280689/" title="IMG_9847 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4753280689_89b8d55664_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_9847" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4753920076/" title="IMG_9845 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4753920076_06699a8f07_m.jpg" width="240" height="185" alt="IMG_9845" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn VIII: <i>Cheshire Cat</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedknoll">Enchanted Knoll Farm</a> Merino/Bamboo/Silk/Sparkles Batts<br /><i>Stats:</i> 371 yards (87 g), 18 wpi (light fingering/lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Navajo-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>Meow! Another blue/green/black combo. I seem to have an affinity for them :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4563212899/" title="IMG_6030 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4563212899_672e9c0340_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="IMG_6030" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784060889/" title="IMG_0085 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4784060889_a3ee76d214_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_0085" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784062451/" title="IMG_0119 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4784062451_2b02389b0c_m.jpg" width="240" height="117" alt="IMG_0119" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784062359/" title="IMG_0113 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4784062359_f34df0cefc_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0113" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784061025/" title="IMG_0089 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4784061025_4d3d25286c_m.jpg" width="240" height="179" alt="IMG_0089" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784061849/" title="IMG_0106 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4784061849_f364a0e759_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_0106" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784064751/" title="IMG_0138 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4784064751_de97716790_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_0138" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784065835/" title="IMG_0169 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4784065835_4cab3d560e_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_0169" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784701366/" title="IMG_0296 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4784701366_d086407e6b_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_0296" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn IX: <i>Subtle Tiger</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Allspunup">All Spun Up</a> 50% Merino/ 25% Silk/ 25% Bamboo Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 1143 yards (120 g), 27 wpi (lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Single-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>Roar!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3935649018/" title="IMG_2736 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3935649018_70ff0fbd7c_m.jpg" width="240" height="198" alt="IMG_2736" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4784060773/" title="IMG_0084 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4784060773_b6eccc88db_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0084" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4806403783/" title="IMG_0837 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4806403783_69a5218d52_m.jpg" width="240" height="196" alt="IMG_0837" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4806404255/" title="IMG_0846 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4806404255_042b56f290_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0846" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4807026000/" title="IMG_0860 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4807026000_74ff3b32f4_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0860" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4807026364/" title="IMG_0857 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4807026364_d0b1f41eb6_m.jpg" width="240" height="186" alt="IMG_0857" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn X: <i>Eric</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://shop.southerncrossfibre.com/">Southern Cross Fibre</a> Merino Wool Top<br /><i>Stats:</i> 668 yards (114 g), 19 wpi (light fingering/lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>Such deep, delicious reds!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4697578912/" title="IMG_8263 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4697578912_25f2083dae_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_8263" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881095884/" title="IMG_3401 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4881095884_7fceabe40f_m.jpg" width="240" height="203" alt="IMG_3401" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881096464/" title="IMG_3411 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4881096464_9088441a3c_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_3411" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881096332/" title="IMG_3409 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4881096332_9c7d694da9_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_3409" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880488003/" title="IMG_3417 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4880488003_6254057c06_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_3417" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881097626/" title="IMG_3442 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4881097626_5822047ef3_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_3442" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880488245/" title="IMG_3420 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4880488245_f7baaa9a93_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_3420" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881093116/" title="IMG_1539 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4881093116_9385edde00_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_1539" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn XI: <i><a href="http://www.jabberwocky.com/carroll/jabber/jabberwocky.html">Jabberwocky</a></i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=430">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> 50% Merino/ 50% Silk Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 654 yards (192 g), 18 wpi (light fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Navajo-ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! (No unattended yarn snuggling. Bug, that means you!)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3322036780/" title="IMG_0233 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3322036780_4f91383eaf_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_0233" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4589737222/" title="IMG_6118 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4589737222_0bc41b0e62_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_6118" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677933490/" title="IMG_7563 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4677933490_ee55f02c80_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_7563" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677304367/" title="IMG_7547 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4677304367_d0528d023c_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_7547" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677304233/" title="IMG_7546 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4677304233_3c5ba2fd2b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_7546" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677307899/" title="IMG_7597 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4677307899_967b067496.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7597" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677934104/" title="IMG_7601 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4677934104_0f99d7d2c5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_7601" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4677305005/" title="IMG_7561 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4677305005_a73d3d6f3c_m.jpg" width="240" height="199" alt="IMG_7561" /></a>Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-59827482259164743592010-08-30T21:00:00.001-04:002010-08-31T00:00:52.928-04:00Knitting With My Handspun YarnSince I'm producing a fair amount of handspun yarn, I'm trying to knit it up when I can. Here are two projects I recently completed using my handspun. <br /><br />First, a wildly-hued pair of fingerless mitts:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656348801/" title="IMG_6679 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4656348801_91ac75e234_m.jpg" width="240" height="162" alt="IMG_6679" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4657182084/" title="IMG_1334 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4657182084_a3d31482df_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_1334" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4657180802/" title="IMG_1342 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4657180802_4864f69868_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1342" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dancingewe-yarns.com/PDGCommTemplates/DE/images/FreePatterns/DancingEweYarns_SusiesReadingMitts.pdf">Susie's Reading Mitts</a> by Janelle Masters<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn: My handspun </i><a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-spinning-update.html">"Raisin Wannabe"</a>, 100% Shetland Wool (185 yards / 113 g per skein), 0.73 skeins<br /><li><i>Needle:</i> US 3 (3.25 mm) double pointed needles<br /><li><i>Size:</i> Smallest</ul><br />Here's the yarn, before knitting (and the fiber it came from):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094162388/" title="IMG_8436 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3094162388_2d8d20fec7_m.jpg" width="240" height="229" alt="IMG_8436" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4462393197/" title="IMG_5309 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4462393197_c31679f109_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_5309" /></a><br /><br />The mitts have a fun turned picot hem:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656347395/" title="IMG_6665 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4656347395_70b0dd2f44.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_6665" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4657181526/" title="IMG_1340 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4657181526_33c508c30d_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_1340" /></a><br /><br />... and a little bit of garter stitch and lace for added interest:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656970302/" title="IMG_6687 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4656970302_1ed898517a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6687" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656347247/" title="IMG_6662 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4656347247_a6f5237e92_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_6662" /></a><br /><br />The colors are definitely wild, but I love them in a simple accessory like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656969694/" title="IMG_6678 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4656969694_e76a6fe253_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6678" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4657181394/" title="IMG_1343 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4657181394_7655ded1c7.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1343" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656560479/" title="IMG_1344 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4656560479_84e18a78f9_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_1344" /></a><br /><br />Happily for me, this was the kind of low-pressure photoshoot that Moana could get into:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656559797/" title="IMG_1336 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4656559797_cf7d957eb0_m.jpg" width="240" height="224" alt="IMG_1336" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656558527/" title="IMG_1346 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4656558527_60c1c1e2dd_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_1346" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4657180410/" title="IMG_1350 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4657180410_39b9163cf3.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1350" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4657180638/" title="IMG_1349 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4657180638_2e156a8942_m.jpg" width="240" height="206" alt="IMG_1349" /></a><br /><br />Alas, this might have been pushing it a little...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4656558707/" title="IMG_1353 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4656558707_288bc4d7b0_m.jpg" width="240" height="174" alt="IMG_1353" /></a><br /><br /><br />Next, here's another handspun knitted item, that just happens to match Bug's eyes:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828914854/" title="IMG_1427 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4828914854_b75c495ebd.jpg" width="400" alt="IMG_1427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828305661/" title="IMG_1420 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4828305661_b810dbc676.jpg" width="400" alt="IMG_1420" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828915384/" title="IMG_1436 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4828915384_4f02eab885.jpg" width="400" alt="IMG_1436" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828915782/" title="IMG_1440 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4828915782_b390498ca6.jpg" width="400" alt="IMG_1440" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://abitofknit.blogspot.com/2009/06/percy-free-pattern.html">Percy Shawl</a> by Sanne Kalkman<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn: My handspun </i><a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2009/09/some-recent-spinning-projects.html">"Mermaid"</a>, Wool/Silk/Recycled Sari Silk/Angelina (727 yards / 74 g per skein), 0.91 skeins<br /><li><i>Needle:</i> US 2.5 (3.0 mm) double pointed needles<br /><li><i>Size:</i> 62 inches wide, 24 inches deep at center ( = 8 repeats of Chart A, 3 repeats of Chart B (starting with row 5 and ending with row 27, as the pattern directs), and 1 repeat of Chart C)</ul><br />The yarn (and fiber):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3711491317/" title="IMG_2225 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3711491317_3b0847f890_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_2225" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3796100871/" title="IMG_2528 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/3796100871_e6907b284d_m.jpg" width="240" height="193" alt="IMG_2528" /></a><br /><br />I love how the different patterns come together in this shawl:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828909548/" title="IMG_1346 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4828909548_87d14a6c69_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1346" /></a>...Chart C<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828301117/" title="IMG_1343 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4828301117_17e66b7661_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1343" /></a>...Chart B<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828910202/" title="IMG_1349 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4828910202_5c2b52f349_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1349" /></a>...Chart A<br /><br />And in silhouette:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828303321/" title="IMG_1362 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4828303321_a477efb5dc_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1362" /></a>...Chart A<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828303799/" title="IMG_1365 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4828303799_4b5fd1d4e2_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1365" /></a>...Chart B<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828304209/" title="IMG_1367 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4828304209_406491f365_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1367" /></a>...Chart C<br /><br />The whole thing:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828302927/" title="IMG_1359 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4828302927_c2bab343a4_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1359" /></a><br /><br />OK, Bug, show us the proof...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828308245/" title="IMG_1445 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4828308245_fd6e1a3c27_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1445" /></a><br /><br />Now that's just not fair! Give us a peak... please?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828913202/" title="IMG_1416 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4828913202_cc9dcd3226_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1416" /></a><br /><br />Pretty please, with yarn on top?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828308583/" title="IMG_1457 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4828308583_c97699ef27_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1457" /></a><br /><br />Ahhh... That's better!Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-69540343982756061972010-08-21T12:25:00.005-04:002010-08-21T15:44:42.065-04:00Adventures in WeavingHi again! I'm actually posting twice in one month--I don't know what's gotten into me!<br /><br />I got a <a href="http://www.schachtspindle.com/our_products/cricket.php">Schacht Cricket</a> rigid heddle loom at Christmas, but haven't put it to very much use yet. So far I've only made two scarves (my husband has also given it a try, making some hemp straps he'll impregnate with epoxy to make a lightweight but strong <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kite_aerial_photography">kite aerial photography</a> rig), but I have grand plans for lots more weaving projects.<br /><br />My first scarf was the project that came with the loom. The box included a ball each of <a href="http://www.brownsheep.com/ns.htm">Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted</a> in "Blue Boy" and "Spring Green." I used pretty much all of the blue, and less of the green.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4296989380/" title="IMG_4203 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4296989380_5ac34c3bac_m.jpg" width="240" height="154" alt="IMG_4203" /></a><br /><br />It's kind of a Kermitty scarf (well, maybe more of a "<a href="http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Kermit_the_Frog">Kermit</a> meets <a href="http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Cookie_Monster">Cookie Monster</a>" scarf), but it was a good introduction to basic weaving technique.<br /><br />Sticking with the blue theme, here's my second woven scarf:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828902734/" title="IMG_1306 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4828902734_6042406cde_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1306" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828294399/" title="IMG_1304 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4828294399_b57187e66a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1304" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828900306/" title="IMG_1248 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4828900306_6592b015fd_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1248" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828294181/" title="IMG_1300 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4828294181_cd5ccd6db3_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1300" /></a><br /><br /><b>Sparkly Scarf</b> by me<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn 1: <a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-spinning-update.html">Handspun by me (Enchanted Knoll Farm Superwash Merino/Silk)</a></i>, colorway "Dragonfly" (445 yards / 116 g per skein), 0.73 skeins<br /></li><li><i>Yarn 2: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/OctopusKnits/stash/handspun-by-me-tranquil-morning-farm-navajo-churro-lamb">Handspun by me (Tranquil Morning Farm Navajo Churro Lamb)</a></i>, color "Aqua" (122 yards / 60 g per skein), 0.28 skeins<br /></li><li><i>Reed:</i> 8-dent<br /></li><li><i># Ends:</i> 58</li></ul><br />I used two of my handspun yarns:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3540947618/" title="IMG_1490 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/3540947618_3688c07fc7_m.jpg" height="110" alt="IMG_1490" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2565902772/" title="IMG_4798 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2565902772_ac7199d575_m.jpg" height="110" alt="IMG_4798" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501194029/" title="IMG_5943 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4501194029_0b4667d85c_m.jpg" height="125" alt="IMG_5943" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4596212884/" title="IMG_6158 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/4596212884_6d0de5b893_m.jpg" height="125" alt="IMG_6158" /></a><br /><br />... and did a <a href="http://www.alteredcloth.com/blog/2007/08/how-to-make-twisted-fringe-for-scarves-and-wraps.php">twisted fringe</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828292707/" title="IMG_1266 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4828292707_c318b71ab1_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1266" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828293467/" title="IMG_1288 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4828293467_85dbe45932_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1288" /></a><br /><br />I don't know if you can tell, but the dark yarn is quite sparkly, thanks to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedknoll">Josette's</a> magical fiber blend). This photo hints at the sparkle:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828291323/" title="IMG_1243 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4828291323_19b05d0a5b.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1243" /></a><br /><br /><i>A few caveats</i>: <br /><br />I wish I'd made the scarf a little longer for ease of use. It's only about 46 and a half inches long excluding the fringe (about 56 and a half inches including the fringe. Also, the thicker, lighter-colored yarn is pretty much hidden where it is used as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warp_(weaving)">warp</a> beneath the darker, thinner yarn that makes up most of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weft">weft</a>. You see hints of it, but it's not producing the plaid-effect I was going for. I like it anyway :)<br /><br />Bug tried it out:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828917038/" title="IMG_1468 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4828917038_93bee43ae9.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1468" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828917714/" title="IMG_1490 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4828917714_7872309d51.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1490" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828310315/" title="IMG_1497 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4828310315_b431477013.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1497" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828919522/" title="IMG_1518 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4828919522_ce8dc36790_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="IMG_1518" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828312277/" title="IMG_1528 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4828312277_8453496bdc_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1528" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828919882/" title="IMG_1524 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4828919882_713ca5dfae_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_1524" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4828311119/" title="IMG_1512 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4828311119_8b8d772aa6_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1512" /></a><br /><br />He says it's pretty comfy (and, of course, it matches his eyes)!<br /><br />I have a bunch of yarn lined up for future projects... now I just need to make it happen :)Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-73848817895068827592010-08-13T12:51:00.006-04:002010-08-13T15:57:05.770-04:00Funky Baby-Wear<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118097545/" title="IMG_3250 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/4118097545_e6c41c4610_m.jpg" height="80" alt="IMG_3250" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4740591880/" title="IMG_9817 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4740591880_25c0ecb22a_m.jpg" height="80" alt="IMG_9817" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880491877/" title="IMG_3462 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4880491877_e89bd8e8a8_m.jpg" height="80" alt="IMG_3462" /></a><br /><br />Because two of the attorneys at my summer job were expectant mothers (congrats to both!) and I have a new nephew, I've gotten to knit some cute and tiny baby things lately.<br /><br /><hr /><br />First there was the Baby Sheep Hat for my little nephew:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118097579/" title="IMG_3275 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4118097579_5fc289712c_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_3275" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118867098/" title="IMG_3266 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4118867098_08d8b5551b_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_3266" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.indigomouse.net/indigomouse/sheephat-pattern.pdf">Baby Sheep Hat</a> by Melissa Burt<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn 1: <a href="http://www.morehousefarm.com/KnittingKits/Scarves/Alligator/">Morehouse Merino Gator Yarn</a></i>, color "CreekCroc," 100% Merino Wool (225 yards / 57 g per skein), 0.3 skeins<br /></li><li><i>Yarn 2: <a href="http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=classicwool">Patons Classic Wool Merino</a></i>, color "Worn Denim," 100% Merino Wool (223 yards / 100 g per skein), 0.19 skeins<br /></li><li><i>Yarn 3: <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220.asp">Cascade 220</a></i>, color "Natural," 100% Wool (220 yards / 100 g per skein), 0.13 skeins<br /></li><li><i>Yarn 4: <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220.asp">Cascade 220</a></i>, color "Black," 100% Wool (220 yards / 100 g per skein), 0.02 skeins<br /></li><li><i>Yarn 5: <a href="http://www.brownsheep.com/lps.htm">Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash Worsted</a></i>, color "Corn Silk," 100% Washable Wool (200 yards / 100 g per skein), a yard or so<br /></li><li><i>Needle:</i> US 3 (3.25 mm) double pointed needles</li></ul><br />I cast on 84 stitches for a bigger hat, adding two of the front-facing sheep to fill in the blank areas between the normal pattern repeats, giving me 8 sheep in total.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118097609/" title="IMG_3283 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4118097609_dfa85e26f1_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_3283" /></a><br /><br />The last time I tried to make a pom-pon I managed to produce only an anemic shadow of one because I didn't use nearly enough yarn. This time I was determined not to make the same mistake -- so instead I used so much yarn that my little "fluff" ball is actually quite solid and significantly heavier than you might expect. Ah, well... such is life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118097753/" title="IMG_3248 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/4118097753_2d1872a006.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3248" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118097785/" title="IMG_3259 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/4118097785_0431366c20_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_3259" /></a><br /><br />The hat has multiple uses. For example, it doubles as a tiny wastebasket (with a fluffy surprise in the bottom):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118097927/" title="IMG_3272 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/4118097927_b0e0db14da.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3272" /></a><br /><br />A close-up of the sheepies:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118867222/" title="IMG_3252 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4118867222_7fdac3a943_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_3252" /></a><br /><br />Moana graced the hat with one of her rare photo sessions:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118097447/" title="IMG_3207 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/4118097447_4bc1373487.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3207" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118866896/" title="IMG_3203 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4118866896_16198f801a.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3203" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118866864/" title="IMG_3242 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/4118866864_ac3034387c.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3242" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4118097419/" title="IMG_3243 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/4118097419_b339dcfd20_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_3243" /></a><br /><br /><hr /><br />Next, I knit a Baby Surprise Jacket for the daughter of one of my co-workers (although we didn't know the baby's gender when I started):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4740591318/" title="IMG_9813 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4740591318_6d9d32657b_m.jpg" width="240" height="156" alt="IMG_9813" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4740590222/" title="IMG_9803 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4740590222_4edcbb1afd_m.jpg" width="240" height="157" alt="IMG_9803" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4739955095/" title="IMG_9804 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4739955095_e46c444f95_m.jpg" width="240" height="151" alt="IMG_9804" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/Baby_Surprise_Jacket">Baby Surprise Jacket</a> by Elizabeth Zimmermann<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn 1: <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=182_4_64">Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight</a></i>, color "Muddy Autumn Rainbow," 100% Merino Wool (360 yards / 127 g per skein), 0.33 skeins<br /></li><li><i>Yarn 2: <a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/sub_yarn.php?id_sub_yarn=16">Malabrigo Yarn Sock</a></i>, color "Ochre," 100% Merino Wool (440 yards / 100 g per skein), 0.29 skeins<br /></li><li><i>Needle:</i> US 2.5 (3.0 mm) Knitpicks circular needle</li></ul><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093319511/" title="IMG_8449 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/3093319511_6a490260e6_m.jpg" height="100" alt="IMG_8449" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3321205819/" title="IMG_0223 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3321205819_2ab0659079_m.jpg" height="100" alt="IMG_0223" /></a><br /><br />It's a pretty ingenious design. I love the way it comes together, from this...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4739954425/" title="IMG_8367 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4739954425_93cfbdc634_m.jpg" width="240" height="150" alt="IMG_8367" /></a><br /><br />...to this...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4740591712/" title="IMG_9815 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4740591712_f6e7d10f9f_m.jpg" width="240" height="146" alt="IMG_9815" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4739956353/" title="IMG_9814 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4739956353_77779f3997_m.jpg" width="240" height="145" alt="IMG_9814" /></a><br /><br />I added ribbed cuffs and a little collar after seeing <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46756204@N00/4661577908">this</a> cute version.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4740590842/" title="IMG_9808 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4740590842_f718c40ff7_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" alt="IMG_9808" /></a><br /><br />Here are some other views:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4740589940/" title="IMG_8369 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4740589940_b017a6de96_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8369" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4740592252/" title="IMG_9819 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4740592252_824407393e_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9819" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4739957483/" title="IMG_9823 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4739957483_1880f80385_m.jpg" width="240" height="146" alt="IMG_9823" /></a><br /><br />All in all, a very cute little sweater :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4739955969/" title="IMG_9811 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4739955969_36c1b8a534_m.jpg" width="240" height="167" alt="IMG_9811" /></a><br /><br /><hr /><br />Lastly, I knit these <a href="http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/seabirds_foragefish/seabirds/flash_cards/short_tailed_albatross.php">short-tailed albatross</a>* feet for my other co-worker's new baby boy:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881094752/" title="IMG_1637 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4881094752_6e8132f2a3_m.jpg" width="240" height="185" alt="IMG_1637" /></a><br /><br />* Note: <i>Descriptions of short-tailed albatross foot color range from <a href="http://www.fws.gov/midway/stal.html">pale bluish</a> to <a href="http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/506/overview/Short-tailed_Albatross.aspx">pinkish gray</a> to <a href="http://www.seattleaudubon.org/birdweb/bird_details.aspx?id=15">yellow</a>. Evidently, juveniles have dark legs, and as they mature their <a href="http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/fmd/longline/North_Pacific_Albatrosses.pdf">legs become paler</a>.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss10/PATTduck.php">Duck</a> by Jeny Staiman<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn: <a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/sub_yarn.php?id_sub_yarn=16">Malabrigo Yarn Sock</a></i>, color "Ochre," 100% Merino Wool (440 yards / 100 g per skein)<br /></li><li><i>Needle:</i> US 0 (2.0 mm) Knitpicks circular needle and double pointed needles</li></ul><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3321205819/" title="IMG_0223 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3321205819_2ab0659079_m.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_0223" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880489971/" title="IMG_3452 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4880489971_fd1855a900_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_3452" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880491483/" title="IMG_3453 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4880491483_ff71d2a0cb_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_3453" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881100062/" title="IMG_3454 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4881100062_322c928b5b_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_3454" /></a><br /><br />And now for the modelled shots. On my fingers:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881100506/" title="IMG_3465 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4881100506_3f9fe2be0e.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3465" /></a><br /><br />On Moana (hey, it was worth a try!):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881095250/" title="IMG_1653 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4881095250_f937bd3efd_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_1653" /></a><br /><br />On Bug:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881093736/" title="IMG_1587 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4881093736_356a1aaa0d_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_1587" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4866986434/" title="IMG_1613 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4866986434_62d5481342_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1613" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880485313/" title="IMG_1606 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4880485313_050dd7ddd8.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1606" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881094130/" title="IMG_1610 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4881094130_9e58960739_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1610" /></a><br /><br />On the back feet:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880486789/" title="IMG_1667 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4880486789_0d8709e85b_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_1667" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880484737/" title="IMG_1563 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4880484737_7d0a85ab56_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1563" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880484937/" title="IMG_1570 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4880484937_b8b738ec3d_m.jpg" width="240" height="148" alt="IMG_1570" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881093622/" title="IMG_1575 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4881093622_3001dd6649_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="IMG_1575" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881095542/" title="IMG_1703 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4881095542_3a4bcf4882_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_1703" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880487213/" title="IMG_1726 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4880487213_e53cc1fc0b_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_1726" /></a><br /><br />...and on the front feet:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881094534/" title="IMG_3670 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4881094534_d9e47f5a94.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3670" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880485655/" title="IMG_3655 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4880485655_4c62993031_m.jpg" width="240" height="227" alt="IMG_3655" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4880485847/" title="IMG_3657 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4880485847_18612bd23c.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3657" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4881094628/" title="IMG_3681 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4881094628_23524cc508.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_3681" /></a><br /><br />(bat ears in first and last pictures courtesy of a wide-angle lens)Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-16384325118385651842010-04-27T23:28:00.003-04:002010-04-28T12:06:26.021-04:00Big Spinning Update!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4469420384/" title="IMG_5329 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4469420384_0300cc5dab_m.jpg" height="157" alt="IMG_5329" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4318392660/" title="IMG_4328 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4318392660_248f5fcae5_m.jpg" height="157" alt="IMG_4328" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4371491362/" title="IMG_4669 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4371491362_fb52a21f3a_m.jpg" height="150" alt="IMG_4669" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501193409/" title="IMG_5923 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4501193409_cd880f31bd_m.jpg" height="150" alt="IMG_5923" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4463170528/" title="IMG_5314 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4463170528_8c2b52c2e5_m.jpg" height="154" alt="IMG_5314" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501828252/" title="IMG_5956 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4501828252_761fd8503f_m.jpg" height="154" alt="IMG_5956" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532985284/" title="IMG_6023 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4532985284_12095bddb5_m.jpg" height="159" alt="IMG_6023" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532984582/" title="IMG_6018 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4532984582_476c15e22e_m.jpg" height="159" alt="IMG_6018" /></a><br /><br />First, thanks for all your nice comments about my cabled sweater and my Citron :) Second, as you might have deduced from the thumbnails above, I have developed a bit of a backlog of handspun yarns to show you: five single ply, two Navajo ply, and one 2-ply.<br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn I: <i>Serpent</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pigeonroofstudios">Pigeonroof Studios</a> 80% Merino Wool, 20% Silk Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 288 yards (129 g), ~11-14 wpi (sport weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>Silky, shiny, ssslithery... (alliteration is my friend)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3321206095/" title="IMG_0239 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3321206095_a2825992ac_m.jpg" width="240" height="190" alt="IMG_0239" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4469420276/" title="IMG_5323 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4469420276_595822e50f_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_5323" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4469420384/" title="IMG_5329 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4469420384_0300cc5dab_m.jpg" width="240" height="208" alt="IMG_5329" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4469420504/" title="IMG_5331 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4469420504_37c8d5616b_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_5331" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4469420828/" title="IMG_5339 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4469420828_832d31ca31_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_5339" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4468643881/" title="IMG_5333 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4468643881_66dddab80a_m.jpg" width="240" height="167" alt="IMG_5333" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4468643959/" title="IMG_5336 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4468643959_f8a1971988_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="IMG_5336" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn II: <i>Amethyst</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://allspunup.etsy.com/">All Spun Up</a> 50% Merino Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Bamboo Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 355 yards (127 g), ~14 wpi (fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>A silky, shiny yarn that was a smooth spin.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4105249014/" title="IMG_3101 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4105249014_3ca0ef78a9_m.jpg" width="240" height="206" alt="IMG_3101" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4318392444/" title="IMG_4320 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4318392444_db5f4e9f20_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="IMG_4320" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4318392596/" title="IMG_4327 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4318392596_c24669f58b_m.jpg" width="240" height="125" alt="IMG_4327" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4318392564/" title="IMG_4322 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4318392564_d4f7122074_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_4322" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4317660959/" title="IMG_4385 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4317660959_c80185bf7f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_4385" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4318393058/" title="IMG_4368 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4318393058_c2e2658be3_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_4368" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4317660893/" title="IMG_4370 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4317660893_d4f01acaf3_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_4370" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn III: <i>Beach Glass with Peaches</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://WhorlingTides.etsy.com/">Whorling Tides</a> 60% Merino Wool, 40% Bamboo Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 533 yards (110 g), ~20 wpi (light fingering / lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Chain (Navajo) ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>Hmmm... is anyone else noticing that I seem to have a thing for silky, shiny fibers :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645919702/" title="IMG_1899 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3645919702_9a622f91fe_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" alt="IMG_1899" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4455725287/" title="IMG_3474 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4455725287_6b79e2b52a_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="IMG_3474" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4371490922/" title="IMG_4659 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4371490922_e30aa9785d_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_4659" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4371491362/" title="IMG_4669 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4371491362_fb52a21f3a_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_4669" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4371491040/" title="IMG_4661 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4371491040_4e47775916_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_4661" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4371489950/" title="IMG_4646 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4371489950_993d07981f_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_4646" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4370741125/" title="IMG_4655 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4370741125_eff2b33edf_m.jpg" width="240" height="153" alt="IMG_4655" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4371490188/" title="IMG_4651 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4371490188_b239d2eb91_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_4651" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn IV: <i>Blaze</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://allspunup.etsy.com/">All Spun Up</a> Wensleydale Combed Top<br /><i>Stats:</i> 628 yards (129 g), ~23 wpi (light fingering/heavy lace)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply<br /><br /><i>Comment: </i>I found out I love spinning <a href="http://www.winddanceranch.com/wensleydales.html">Longwools</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4296241997/" title="IMG_4206 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4296241997_ddb989b66f_m.jpg" width="240" height="193" alt="IMG_4206" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501827178/" title="IMG_5925 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4501827178_e6051282f1_m.jpg" width="240" height="197" alt="IMG_5925" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501193409/" title="IMG_5923 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4501193409_cd880f31bd_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_5923" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501826968/" title="IMG_5922 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4501826968_542481130b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_5922" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501193189/" title="IMG_5920 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4501193189_509273a3c8_m.jpg" width="240" height="164" alt="IMG_5920" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501193635/" title="IMG_5931 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4501193635_a9345e900a_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_5931" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501826784/" title="IMG_5916 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4501826784_b6d3c69cf6_m.jpg" width="240" height="201" alt="IMG_5916" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn V: <i>Raisin Wannabe</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/shop.php">Spunky Eclectic</a>, Spunky Club November 2008, Shetland Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 185 yards (113 g), ~9-11 wpi (light worsted)<br /><i>Ply:</i> Chain (Navajo) ply<div><br /></div><div><i>Comment:</i> This was such a fun, easy spin!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094162388/" title="IMG_8436 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3094162388_2d8d20fec7_m.jpg" width="240" height="229" alt="IMG_8436" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4462393197/" title="IMG_5309 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4462393197_c31679f109_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_5309" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4463170528/" title="IMG_5314 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4463170528_8c2b52c2e5_m.jpg" width="240" height="198" alt="IMG_5314" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4463170406/" title="IMG_5313 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4463170406_e22a73c246_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_5313" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4462393363/" title="IMG_5310 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4462393363_47bf4d885e_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_5310" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4463170240/" title="IMG_5312 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4463170240_db46a05537_m.jpg" width="240" height="158" alt="IMG_5312" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4462394071/" title="IMG_5316 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4462394071_4f44d33241_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="IMG_5316" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn VI: <i>Dragonfly</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedknoll">Enchanted Knoll Farm</a> Superwash Merino/Silk Batts<br /><i>Stats:</i> 445 yards (116 g), ~16 wpi (light fingering)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Comment:</i> Sparkly! A pleasant spin.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3540947618/" title="IMG_1490 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/3540947618_3688c07fc7_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_1490" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501193873/" title="IMG_5939 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4501193873_8aab3d7068_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_5939" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501828252/" title="IMG_5956 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4501828252_761fd8503f_m.jpg" width="240" height="190" alt="IMG_5956" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501194495/" title="IMG_5955 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4501194495_9e8c05ccb0_m.jpg" width="240" height="168" alt="IMG_5955" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501829006/" title="IMG_5967 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4501829006_aa9683033d.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5967" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501828596/" title="IMG_5962 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4501828596_98f7215267_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_5962" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4501828866/" title="IMG_5963-2 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4501828866_ceb46dcabb_m.jpg" width="240" height="208" alt="IMG_5963-2" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn VII: <i>Jade</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://faeriemountainfibers.blogspot.com/">Faerie Mountain Fibers</a> Superwash Bluefaced Leicester Roving dyed with Weld and Indigo<br /><i>Stats:</i> 243 yards (54 g), ~22 wpi (light fingering/heavy lace)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Comment:</i> Required quite a bit of pre-drafting, but the lovely, natural colors made up for it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3980713795/" title="IMG_3018 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3980713795_078f2c16ee_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_3018" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532982732/" title="IMG_6008 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/4532982732_569dcbff4c_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_6008" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532985284/" title="IMG_6023 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4532985284_12095bddb5_m.jpg" width="240" height="201" alt="IMG_6023" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532982924/" title="IMG_6025 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4532982924_00e7b6975c_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_6025" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532983610/" title="IMG_6010 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4532983610_01925fef73_m.jpg" width="240" height="163" alt="IMG_6010" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532351723/" title="IMG_6020 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4532351723_8bfa8198fe_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_6020" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532351869/" title="IMG_6021 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4532351869_fb8739720b_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" alt="IMG_6021" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn VIII: <i>Champagne</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/shop.php">Spunky Eclectic</a>, Spunky Club December 2008, Wool Combed Top<br /><i>Stats:</i> 441 yards (108 g), ~16 wpi (fingering)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Comment:</i> A nice spin :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3143540110/" title="IMG_9188 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3143540110_c4ba25c5f7_m.jpg" width="240" height="209" alt="IMG_9188" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532350671/" title="IMG_6012 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4532350671_41f60f899f_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_6012" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532984582/" title="IMG_6018 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4532984582_476c15e22e_m.jpg" width="240" height="199" alt="IMG_6018" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532351087/" title="IMG_6015 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4532351087_e98402ca35_m.jpg" width="240" height="191" alt="IMG_6015" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532983938/" title="IMG_6013 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4532983938_0885827500_m.jpg" width="240" height="167" alt="IMG_6013" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532984076/" title="IMG_6014 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/4532984076_d75cfe0e85_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_6014" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4532984398/" title="IMG_6016 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4532984398_d8f3a3e353_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_6016" /></a></div>Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-31133541725599105152010-04-21T21:09:00.003-04:002010-04-24T23:53:41.622-04:00Citron<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458615526/" title="IMG_5283 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4458615526_9674d05217.jpg" width="400" alt="IMG_5283" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458614852/" title="IMG_5273 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4458614852_a532283a07.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5273" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4457836873/" title="IMG_5279 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4457836873_5d9381d6fb.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5279" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php">Citron</a> by Hilary Smith Callis, Knitty Winter 2009<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn 1: My handspun </i><a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2008/10/spin-fest-feast-and-blog-awards.html">"December Sunset"</a>, 50% Merino Wool, 50% Tencel (187 yards / 64 g per skein), 1 skein<br /><li><i>Yarn 2: My handspun </i><a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2008/12/three-new-yarns-see-how-theyre-spun.html">"Graphite"</a>, Carbonized Bamboo (440 yards / 59 g per skein), ~0.75 skeins<br /><li><i>Needle:</i> US 4 (3.5 mm) Knitpicks Options Needle</ul><br />I decided to use two color-compatible yarns I've spun to make this shawl, as I didn't think I had enough of either (and I was right!). Although the multi-colored yarn is much thicker and a (Navajo-plied) 3-ply and the solid silvery yarn is a slenderer but significantly more variable thickness single-ply, I think it worked out pretty well :)<br /><br />The fiber:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2449721747/" title="IMG_3699.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2449721747_3095696744_m.jpg" height="120" alt="IMG_3699.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2264029780/" title="IMG_2044.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2264029780_e46c95eca8_m.jpg" height="120" alt="IMG_2044.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The yarn:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2706734863/" title="IMG_5401 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2706734863_833bcc09ff_m.jpg" height="140" alt="IMG_5401" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3025679252/" title="IMG_7946 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/3025679252_86993f4f72_m.jpg" height="140" alt="IMG_7946" /></a><br /><br />The shawl:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4456367488/" title="IMG_5178 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/4456367488_48c1b7aed5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_5178" /></a><br /><br />Some close ups:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4455587281/" title="IMG_5167 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4455587281_32d5ec5f09_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="IMG_5167" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4455586839/" title="IMG_5158 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4455586839_3ee2a9e680_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_5158" /></a><br /><br />And closer:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4542403652/" title="IMG_5155-2 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4542403652_8248c79cd7_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="IMG_5155-2" /></a><br /><br />And, of course, here's Bug's Citron photo shoot!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4455587893/" title="IMG_5181 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4455587893_d9bac4b9ab_m.jpg" width="240" height="221" alt="IMG_5181" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4456367794/" title="IMG_5187 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4456367794_d599944f1f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_5187" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4456368194/" title="IMG_5195 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4456368194_b170cca395_m.jpg" width="240" height="174" alt="IMG_5195" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4456368290/" title="IMG_5196 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4456368290_e0d8201389_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_5196" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4456368002/" title="IMG_5192 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4456368002_aff81b26ae_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="IMG_5192" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4456368392/" title="IMG_5198 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4456368392_946ca7a9db_m.jpg" width="240" height="157" alt="IMG_5198" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4456368482/" title="IMG_5200 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4456368482_a1cc1c4551_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_5200" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4455588843/" title="IMG_5207 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4455588843_024ddd4e29_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_5207" /></a><br /><br />Bug looks a little bit like a fuzzy flower, don't you think?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4455588345/" title="IMG_5193 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4455588345_28deb88cf9_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_5193" /></a><br /><br />Happy (slightly early) Earth Day!Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-30306655487924781982010-03-23T18:54:00.007-04:002010-03-23T22:05:09.873-04:00Plum Cabled Sweater<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458614588/" title="IMG_5270 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4458614588_6a8e44273c.jpg" width="400" alt="IMG_5270" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4457833823/" title="IMG_5238 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4457833823_396b2281d8_m.jpg" height="220" alt="IMG_5238" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458613230/" title="IMG_5252 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4458613230_474c404c9f_m.jpg" height="220" alt="IMG_5252" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4457834381/" title="IMG_5246 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4457834381_89aaee7a32_m.jpg" height="235" alt="IMG_5246" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4457834715/" title="IMG_5251 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4457834715_f62ba45259_m.jpg" height="235" alt="IMG_5251" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458612432/" title="IMG_5243 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4458612432_beef698073.jpg" width="400" alt="IMG_5243" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/modell-509">Modell 509</a> by Gedifra<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn: </i><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/queensland-collection-uruguay-dk">Queensland Collection Uruguay DK</a>, 70% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 10% Silk (124 yards / 50 g per ball), ~8.64 balls, color 05<br /><li><i>Needle:</i> US 3 (3.25 mm) Knitpicks Circular Needle and bamboo DPNs</ul><br /><br />I know I haven't posted in a while, but I have been knitting (some, though less than I'd like). I had been wanting to make this sweater ever since late 2007 when I saw <a href="http://smallbirdblog.wordpress.com/">Smallbird's</a> lovely <a href="http://knits-and-pieces.blogspot.com/2007/09/front-and-back-cable-sweater.html">silver-gray version</a>. The cables are just plain drool-worthy (in my opinion, at least - I'm a sucker for a good cable!).<br /><br />Of course, I finished it just in time for the weather to be mostly too warm to wear it (this is always a hazard in northern California - especially when one is using an alpaca blend - toasty!), but I will make it my mission to seek out a few cooler days in the next month or so when I won't be at risk of heat stroke if I wear it :)<br /><br />The yarn:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/947341858/" title="296-9637_IMG.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/947341858_640452d138_m.jpg" width="240" height="232" alt="296-9637_IMG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I found the yarn to be very soft and pleasant to work with. The only slightly odd thing about it was the occasional little blebs of white fluff I found intermingled with the plies. If one was particularly large, I gently pulled it out, but otherwise, I generally ignored these. If there were more (many more), it would work well as a tweed, but as it is, there are simply a few random white flecks in my sweater. Luckily this is not something I'm concerned about, but if it would bother you, I'd recommend either inspecting the yarn in person before buying or being consistent about pulling the white bits out as you encounter them.<br /><br />I used the cable chart from the Gedifra pattern flipped upside-down to knit top-down in the round, but I made up the rest of the sweater as I went along, adding 2x2 rib to the cuffs and bottom. I had some excitement at first because I didn't immediately realize I needed to flip the symbols for the different cable patterns (I had scanned the chart and flipped it upside-down and backwards, which turned out to be a little too much flipping). I was essentially knitting the cables inside out (see below for what that looks like - kind of cool, but not quite what I was going for). After I corrected this situation, the going was much smoother.<br /><br />Bug tried to help me with blocking:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4456368764/" title="IMG_5216 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4456368764_8fa64f50e6.jpg" width="400" alt="IMG_5216" /></a><br /><br />(If you were wondering, the T-pins were used here purely as anti-cat devices; they do keep the kitties from <i>laying</i> on my drying sweater, but the little beasts still think it's fun to walk through the forest of pins whenever they pass by.)<br /><br />Here are some close-ups of the cables:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458702724/" title="IMG_5300 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4458702724_c14a2cb5d2_m.jpg" width="240" height="200" alt="IMG_5300" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4457923589/" title="IMG_5302 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4457923589_f4b9aa0963_m.jpg" width="240" height="210" alt="IMG_5302" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458702476/" title="IMG_5297 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4458702476_bbd842390f_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_5297" /></a><br /><br />The cables look pretty cool inside-out, too:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458615902/" title="IMG_5294 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4458615902_a13f73647f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_5294" /></a><br /><br />And, for good measure, here are a couple more shots:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4458613634/" title="IMG_5256 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4458613634_7472887a13_m.jpg" width="240" height="197" alt="IMG_5256" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/4457835501/" title="IMG_5258 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4457835501_d4512886fb_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_5258" /></a>Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-84289326077399676172009-11-27T23:41:00.010-05:002009-11-28T02:47:47.542-05:00Chocolatey Eliina Shawl<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3981472274/" title="IMG_2785 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/3981472274_9da7f14fe3.jpg" width="395" height="500" alt="IMG_2785" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3980711001/" title="IMG_2822 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3980711001_e135d7c35d_m.jpg" height="195" alt="IMG_2822" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3981472626/" title="IMG_2797 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3981472626_198854e8ec_m.jpg" height="195" alt="IMG_2797" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3980711203/" title="IMG_2806 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3980711203_c28001cc16_m.jpg" height="184" alt="IMG_2806" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3980711787/" title="IMG_2787 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3980711787_75efbd6bbf_m.jpg" height="184" alt="IMG_2787" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3981472136/" title="IMG_2802 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/3981472136_5f789be903.jpg" width="395" alt="IMG_2802" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3980711083/" title="IMG_2810 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3980711083_68c5c79e8f.jpg" width="395" alt="IMG_2810" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lankakomero.blogspot.com/2008/12/eliina-shawl-pattern.html">Eliina Shawl</a> by Lankakomero<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Yarn 1: </i><a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2008/10/spin-fest-feast-and-blog-awards.html">My handspun yarn</a>, 50% Superwash Merino, 50% Tencel (503 yards / 119 g per skein), ~1 skein, colorway "Milk Chocolate Lizard"<br /><li><i>Yarn 2: </i><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Gloss+Sock+Yarn_YD5420151.html">Knit Picks Gloss Sock Yarn</a>, 70% Merino Wool, 30% Silk (220 yards / 50 g per skein), ~0.42 skeins, colorway "Cocoa"<br /><li><i>Yarn 3: </i><a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2009/05/recent-spinning-projects.html">My handspun yarn</a>, one ply Falkland wool, one ply Alpaca, silk, merino (372 yards / 109 g per skein), ~0.12 skeins, colorway "Turkish Delight"<br /><li><i>Needle:</i> US 3 (3.25 mm) Knitpicks Circular Needle<br /></ul><br />The main yarn:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2565902620/" title="IMG_4795 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2565902620_07dfdd9e51_m.jpg" height="136" alt="IMG_4795" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779765157/" title="IMG_5962 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2779765157_8b3038226c_m.jpg" height="136" alt="IMG_5962" /></a><br /><br />Blocking:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3981470312/" title="IMG_2761 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3981470312_5be1873e9f.jpg" width="395" alt="IMG_2761" /></a><br /><br />Backlit:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3980707565/" title="IMG_2784 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/3980707565_9115cb5c94.jpg" width="395" alt="IMG_2784" /></a><br /><br />The "wrong" side:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3980711989/" title="IMG_2823 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3980711989_9eedf9f78e.jpg" width="395" alt="IMG_2823" /></a><br /><br />Close-ups:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3980709465/" title="IMG_2775 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3980709465_9c5d9fc3a5.jpg" width="395" alt="IMG_2775" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3981470206/" title="IMG_2768 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3981470206_791d0c044e.jpg" width="395" alt="IMG_2768" /></a><br /><br />Hope those of you who celebrate it had a Happy Thanksgiving!Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-38329103898369072022009-10-04T13:40:00.000-04:002009-10-04T16:40:33.571-04:00Two handspun scarves...Here are two scarves I made from my handspun yarn (fairly) recently. As you will see, Bug kindly offered to model them for me...<br /><br /><b>Scarf 1.</b><br /><br />A garter stitch scarf with knotted fringe made from my handspun <a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2008/10/spin-fest-feast-and-blog-awards.html">Owl Clover</a> yarn:<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5055805">Ancient Threads Farm</a>, Merino Superwash Roving (naturally dyed with cochineal, osage orange, tumeric, and lac)<br /><li><i>Yarn:</i> 1 skeins = 578 yards (126 g), 14 wpi (fingering weight), single ply (~0.85 skeins used)<br /><li><i>Needle:</i> US 4 (3.5 mm) Bamboo Circular Needle<br /><li><i>Size:</i> 76.5" long x 7" wide, not including fringe (fringe adds 16 inches to length)<br /></ul><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2524331885/" title="IMG_4403 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2524331885_3c693422ef_m.jpg" width="240" height="203" alt="IMG_4403" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2889876115/" title="IMG_7014 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2889876115_c85d2467e6_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_7014" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499944024/" title="IMG_1182 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3499944024_625cba2678_m.jpg" width="240" height="225" alt="IMG_1182" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126999/" title="IMG_1180 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3499126999_9fa2d5664b.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1180" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126911/" title="IMG_1179 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3499126911_a8026e63ab_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1179" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126819/" title="IMG_1174 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3499126819_cf292cc797_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_1174" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499943634/" title="IMG_1214 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3499943634_65e0c0ab3c_m.jpg" width="240" height="164" alt="IMG_1214" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126533/" title="IMG_1187 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3499126533_cb9ae6ecc5_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_1187" /></a><br /><br />Gratuitous cat modeling:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499943358/" title="IMG_1143 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3499943358_8cbd68d644_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="IMG_1143" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126339/" title="IMG_1144 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3499126339_0ac9642ba7_m.jpg" width="240" height="154" alt="IMG_1144" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126365/" title="IMG_1168 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3499126365_2c83ce42e5_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_1168" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126433/" title="IMG_1149 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3499126433_27d32bea3d_m.jpg" width="240" height="194" alt="IMG_1149" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126249/" title="IMG_1160 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3499126249_37020c91dc_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_1160" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126211/" title="IMG_1164 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3499126211_b28c10b7f0_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1164" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499126127/" title="IMG_1154 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3499126127_a8e09d4c90_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_1154" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499943210/" title="IMG_1152 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3499943210_db322b7383.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1152" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3499943130/" title="IMG_1169 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3499943130_7116136190.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1169" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Scarf 2.</b><br /><br />A stockinette stitch scarf with simple fringe made from my handspun <a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2009/05/recent-spinning-projects.html">Live Shrimp</a> yarn:<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://creativelydyed.com/">Creatively Dyed</a> Milk Protein, Seacell, Wool Roving<br /><li><i>Yarn:</i> 1 skeins = 365 yards (114 g), ~15 wpi (fingering weight), 2-ply (every bit of 1 skein used)<br /><li><i>Needle:</i> US 3 (3.5 mm) Addi Turbo Circular Needle<br /><li><i>Size:</i> 65.5" long x 7.5" wide (unrolled), not including fringe (fringe adds 8.5 inches to length)<br /></ul><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3322036850/" title="IMG_0229 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3322036850_f396e29d8b_m.jpg" width="240" height="200" alt="IMG_0229" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3377621259/" title="IMG_0351 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3377621259_e84691af7d_m.jpg" width="240" height="197" alt="IMG_0351" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645111887/" title="IMG_1892 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3645111887_aef9e5e6be_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_1892" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645919544/" title="IMG_1880 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3645919544_a05564fb03_m.jpg" width="240" height="185" alt="IMG_1880" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786892251/" title="IMG_2507 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3786892251_faa3b988b5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2507" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786892303/" title="IMG_2506 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3786892303_e62818151b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2506" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786892149/" title="IMG_2470 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/3786892149_fc7b4887fc.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_2470" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786892107/" title="IMG_2476 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3786892107_7dd6a770fb_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2476" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786892045/" title="IMG_2499 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3786892045_0450728613_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2499" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786891787/" title="IMG_2469 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3786891787_51d6b04bfc_m.jpg" width="240" height="163" alt="IMG_2469" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3787702732/" title="IMG_2484 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3787702732_1897379c3f.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_2484" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3787702844/" title="IMG_2485 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3787702844_b5eeef5600.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_2485" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3787702796/" title="IMG_2504 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3787702796_1fb974f9f6_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2504" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786891897/" title="IMG_2501 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3786891897_3b00ed582f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2501" /></a>Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-76206977370320379612009-09-15T19:40:00.003-04:002009-09-15T22:47:13.733-04:00Some recent spinning projects...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3711491317/" title="IMG_2225 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3711491317_3b0847f890_m.jpg" height="144" alt="IMG_2225" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3796100871/" title="IMG_2528 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/3796100871_e6907b284d_m.jpg" height="144" alt="IMG_2528" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3283584684/" title="IMG_0005 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3283584684_bc0140fe0c_m.jpg" height="150" alt="IMG_0005" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3561466087/" title="IMG_1719 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3561466087_b4cb52cbae_m.jpg" height="150" alt="IMG_1719" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2525155192/" title="IMG_4467 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2525155192_a443c69802_m.jpg" height="145" alt="IMG_4467" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3787702498/" title="IMG_2444 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3787702498_9f73c43ee4_m.jpg" height="145" alt="IMG_2444" /></a><br /><br />...and a word (well, several) of warning:<br /><br /><i><b>Be sure to add enough twist to your singles!</i></b><br />(For an answer to the question "Why do you mention this?" see my note for the last yarn, below.)<br /><br />First: Thanks so much for all the nice comments about my <a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2009/09/embossed-coral-goodness.html">Printed Silk Cardigan</a>! <br /><br />So far I'm surviving law school, and finding it pretty darn interesting - which is always good when you decide to devote a good chunk of your life to something :) I spun all three of these yarns BEFORE I started, however. I need to work on "working in" more spinning time here and there, now that I've got so little "free" time on my hands...<br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn I: <i>Mermaid</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://enchantedknoll.etsy.com/">Enchanted Knoll Farm</a> Wool/Silk/Recycled sari silk/Angelina Farm-Raised Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 727 yards (74 g), ~25 wpi (lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3711491317/" title="IMG_2225 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3711491317_3b0847f890_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_2225" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3796100903/" title="IMG_2518 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3796100903_9b196983a1_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2518" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3796100871/" title="IMG_2528 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/3796100871_e6907b284d_m.jpg" width="240" height="193" alt="IMG_2528" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3796100743/" title="IMG_2530 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3796100743_e69ac4ffc0_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_2530" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3796917618/" title="IMG_2534 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3796917618_4e020662e6_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_2534" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3796100945/" title="IMG_2536 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/3796100945_7bf23d9e1d.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_2536" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3796100681/" title="IMG_2523 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3796100681_af8172b665_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2523" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn II: <i>Give Me Roses</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://enchantedknoll.etsy.com/">Enchanted Knoll Farm</a> Cotswold/Merino/Bamboo/Silk/Recycled sari silk/Angelina Farm-Raised Batts<br /><i>Stats:</i> 483 yards (84 g), ~22 wpi (lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3283584684/" title="IMG_0005 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3283584684_bc0140fe0c_m.jpg" width="240" height="179" alt="IMG_0005" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3540137339/" title="IMG_1510 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/3540137339_01c4dafdb9_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_1510" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3561466087/" title="IMG_1719 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3561466087_b4cb52cbae_m.jpg" width="240" height="200" alt="IMG_1719" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562284148/" title="IMG_1725 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3562284148_9d2b01aef8_m.jpg" width="240" height="207" alt="IMG_1725" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562284108/" title="IMG_1728 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3562284108_800c286e7a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1728" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3561465987/" title="IMG_1734 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3561465987_e4f00aaf8f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1734" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3561465927/" title="IMG_1731 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3561465927_58aee007b5.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1731" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562283930/" title="IMG_1722 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3562283930_5c1120def2_m.jpg" width="240" height="190" alt="IMG_1722" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562283968/" title="IMG_1723 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3562283968_4d2d66da66_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="IMG_1723" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn III: <i>Artichoke</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/shop.php">Spunky Eclectic</a> Corriedale/Alpaca Roving, colorway "Lichen"<br /><i>Stats:</i> 700 yards (109 g), ~20 wpi (lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2525155192/" title="IMG_4467 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2525155192_a443c69802_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_4467" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2524333465/" title="IMG_4465 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/2524333465_3e660e06e5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_4465" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3711493693/" title="IMG_2249 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3711493693_b8205314fc_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2249" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786891695/" title="IMG_2446 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/3786891695_e2488456e5_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_2446" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3787702498/" title="IMG_2444 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3787702498_9f73c43ee4_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_2444" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3787702468/" title="IMG_2454 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3787702468_93318c604f_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_2454" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3787702628/" title="IMG_2455 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3787702628_3ce264e42a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2455" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786891641/" title="IMG_2447 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3786891641_154b1c921d_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_2447" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3786891545/" title="IMG_2450 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3786891545_2e657e9aa2_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="IMG_2450" /></a><br /><br />An, <i>ahem</i>, extended note about this last yarn... which took me a little over 2 months to complete:<br /><br />I initially spun it thinking I would leave it as a lace weight single. The fiber drafted beautifully, and while spinning I had a few instances of breakage, but nothing to be worried about (I thought). Then I decided it would be a really lovely 2-ply, instead of a single. When I started plying, all hell broke loose (more or less literally).<br /><br />Every meter or so (sometimes even more frequently) a ply would drift apart, causing me to stop and reattach it. After a while (which actually enveloped a rather large chunk of time), I was extremely frustrated, having made so little progress in the face of serial-breakage. I thought, fine - it doesn't have enough twist in it to ply (you ply in the opposite direction, which removes twist from the singles), it needs to remain a single - so I stopped and tried to wind the singles off onto my niddy noddy. The singles broke again, and again... and again.... So I thought, OK then - I'll just run the singles back through my wheel, adding more twist. More breakage ensued - ack!<br /><br />This had never happened to me before, and I was suddenly unsure of everything. Was there something wrong with the fiber (which had seemed quite pleasant to work with when I initially spun my singles)? Was it me? At this point the intransigent singles were inhabiting 4 of the 5 bobbins I owned (the two I'd spun the singles on, the plying bobbin, and another regular bobbin from when I'd tried to add more twist to the singles). I was stuck, and I didn't see a way to spin anything else (to renew my spinning confidence) without removing (and thereby destroying) my pretty but non-coherent singles. <br /><br />I didn't spin for weeks... and weeks.<br /><br />Finally, desperate to finish my yarn, I decided that my only hope was, indeed, adding more twist to the singles. I approached this cautiously, and with some trial and error, I found that adjusting the intake, treadling more slowly, and watching like a hawk that the tension on the singles coming off my lazy kate and running through my fingers remained consistent, I was able to slowly work through the remaining singles a bobbin at a time with much less frequent breakage. <br /><br />I was surprised just how much additional twist I needed to add - I had significantly underspun the singles!<br /><br />Finally, I plied them together (with little incident!), and I'm happy to say, I was able to rescue my yarn (with some wastage, to be sure, but nothing like the total loss I thought I had on my hands at one point).<br /><br />All I can say is - Phew!<br /><br />(and... be sure to add enough twist to your singles!!!!!)Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-1246294387710618382009-09-05T17:26:00.002-04:002009-09-05T20:34:27.798-04:00Embossed coral goodness!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3872195114/" title="IMG_2682 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3872195114_2687637d95.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_2682" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3871411457/" title="IMG_2688 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3871411457_f6fbba2088.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_2688" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3872194824/" title="IMG_2686 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3872194824_fb8cf3fba2_m.jpg" width="240" height="191" alt="IMG_2686" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3871411365/" title="IMG_2683 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3871411365_ebc982a5db.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_2683" /></a><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Printed-Silk-Cardigan.html">Printed Silk Cardigan</a></b> by Connie Chang Chinchio<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li>Brooks Farm Yarn <a href="http://brooksfarmyarn.com/cart/index.php?cPath=50&osCsid=58a3ee80c990601da759a738f06f21ec">Solo Silk</a> 50% wool, 50% silk (400 yards / 113 g per skein), ~2.41 skeins, color "SW" (coral)<br /><br /><li>US 3 (3.25 mm) Addi Turbo Circular Needle<br /><li>US 2 (2.75 mm) KnitPicks Circular Needle (for neckline and upper button band ribbing)<br /></ul><br /><br />Hi again! Here's another in my series of sporadic postings :)<br /><br />I started law school at UC Berkeley a few weeks ago, so my knitting and blogging time remains limited. However, I have a decently long bus ride (45-50 minutes each way) to and from school every day, so when I'm not madly trying to finish up reading before class or having to stand (clinging to a bar for dear life - lets just say the bus drivers get away things I would never accept as a passenger in a car) because it's so crowded, I have some nice, built-in knitting time :)<br /><br />I had been wanting to knit this pattern for a while and got the yarn for it over a year ago at Maryland Sheep and Wool, but finally went ahead and took the plunge. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2469225429/" title="IMG_4115.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/2469225429_456d6a6895_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_4115.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Solo Silk is truly lovely stuff - smooth and soft, with a beautiful sheen and great depth of color. It has amazing yardage, hence I only used a little less than two and a half skeins. Of note, the dye did bleed when I soaked my sweater before blocking. However, comparing my leftover (unwashed) yarn to the sweater, I don't notice a decrease in saturation at all. Overall, I'm very satisfied with it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3711494165/" title="IMG_2251 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3711494165_49543ff2f3_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_2251" /></a><br /><br />My ongoing wacky gauge issues (I generally knit pretty loosely) and my desire to have a more fitted sweater (smaller than the smallest pattern size) led me to make some adjustments to stitch counts, etc., but otherwise I knit it essentially as written, with two exceptions. The first is that I didn't do the bust increases within the patterned portion, and the second is that I waited to start the neckline shaping for an extra inch and a half, so that my neckline scooped less deeply than the original. I also added a single crochet edging to the lower border of the sweater after sewing up, because that edge was curling like crazy. It seems to have done the trick - post washing and blocking the edge lays pretty flat :)<br /><br />Here is a characteristic blocking shot with anti-cat devices (i.e. excessive, frequently placed T-pins, which weren't really needed to facilitate blocking per se, at least in the absence of cats) in place to prevent feline trespass:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3871411843/" title="IMG_2633 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3871411843_a6d143953e.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_2633" /></a><br /><br />(You can see that Bug appears to be considering whether it might be worth it to learn to sleep on a bed of nails, as it were. Really... who would want to sleep on a padded chair seat with a damp bed of silky wool so close at hand? It would be nice, at least, to massage with ones toes...)<br /><br />Some close-ups:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3871411925/" title="IMG_2705 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3871411925_959cd8ae67_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_2705" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3871412037/" title="IMG_2710 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3871412037_23bc40d4bc_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2710" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3871412273/" title="IMG_2702 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3871412273_35b79f6b40_m.jpg" width="240" height="168" alt="IMG_2702" /></a><br /><br />I purchased the vintage glass buttons at <a href="http://www.britexfabrics.com/">Britex</a> in San Francisco. My husband read about it online, and thought I might like to go there to check out their extensive button selection (organized by color!) in addition to the four floors of fabrics, trimmings, and even a small yarn selection. He was right :) Definitely worth a field trip!<br /><br />Here's a slightly closer view:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3871412389/" title="IMG_2704 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3871412389_c782165571_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_2704" /></a><br /><br />I think the only thing I would do differently if I were to make this sweater again is to use an even smaller needle for the ribbing at the neckline. It would be nice if the neck opening was a little tighter, but works as is just fine. <br /><br />Thanks for the great pattern, <a href="http://physicsknits.blogspot.com/">Connie</a> :)<br />(Actually, she has a lot of great patterns - and I fully intend to knit more of them in the future!)<br /><br />Have a wonderful labor day weekend!Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-68096488400957374622009-08-04T16:55:00.005-04:002009-08-04T20:02:33.393-04:00Guanaco Capelet (minus the Guanaco)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645112233/" title="IMG_1858 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3645112233_6c813fc8f8_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_1858" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645112269/" title="IMG_1861 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3645112269_a90e76c25c_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_1861" /></a><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.windyvalleymuskox.net/other/guanacocaplet.html">Guanaco Capelet</a></b> by Helen Hamann<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li>Jade Sapphire <a href="http://www.jadesapphire.com/laceylamb.html">Lacey Lamb</a> 100% extrafine lambswool (825 yards / 60 g per ball), ~0.62 balls, color "Oyster" #601<br /><br /><li>US 5 (3.75 mm) Knitpicks Options Circular Needles<br /></ul><br /><br />I usually knit quite loosely (in comparison with project gauge/needle combinations), however, I'm noticing a different trend with lace weight yarn and lace shawls - namely, I seem to knit lace more tightly than expected.<br /><br />The Guanaco Capelet pattern suggests a US 9 (5.5 mm) needle, but I chose a US 5 (without swatching), because I usually have to go down to a US 4 to get something resembling the proper gauge when a pattern (for worsted weight yarn) suggests US 8's. Evidently this personal "rule of thumb" is not transferrable to knitting with very fine yarns. I know I should be swatching, but I generally figure that size isn't that crucial for a shawl or scarf.<br /><br />Before blocking, my Guanaco Capelet looked tiny.<br /><br />Exhibit A:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3642491441/" title="IMG_1795 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3642491441_ab4492ef7e_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_1795" /></a><br /><br />Exhibit B:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3642491397/" title="IMG_1798 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3642491397_5775a9deb0_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_1798" /></a><br /><br />Note that it appears to be about the right size for my 8.5 lb. cat to wear (it was about 27 inches wide and only 10 inches deep at the center back).<br /><br />It would not be an exaggeration to say that I was terrified (e.g. that I had just put a lot of effort into making a hanky too holey to blow your nose on - or a very fancy cat afghan that would be shredded by eager claws in short order).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3643298182/" title="IMG_1791 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3643298182_6e13554f41_m.jpg" width="240" height="153" alt="IMG_1791" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3642491317/" title="IMG_1799 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3642491317_3cec48c2a0_m.jpg" width="240" height="132" alt="IMG_1799" /></a><br /><br />Very luckily, blocking made it big enough (about 42 inches wide by 17 inches deep at the center back - I forgot to put the measuring tape in the post-blocking photo, but you get the idea) for me (and my 14 lb. cat) to wear comfortably.<br /><br />Here are some shots of Bug looking deceptively docile, as usual:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645112155/" title="IMG_1870 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3645112155_ab7824728d_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_1870" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645112805/" title="IMG_1862 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3645112805_56180d21ff_m.jpg" width="240" height="164" alt="IMG_1862" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645919828/" title="IMG_1867 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3645919828_8b9443ee45_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_1867" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645920282/" title="IMG_1864 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3645920282_fdced8e31f_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_1864" /></a><br /><br />At this size, the capelet is only long enough to cover my upper arms (it hits approximately mid-bicep at the sides and is several inches longer in front), however, it looks very nice worn as a scarf, so I'll probably mostly wear it that way. Worn as a capelet, I think elbow length (which I think the original was) would be optimal.<br /><br />I first saw the pattern in the Windy Valley Muskox booth at Rhinebeck two years ago. They had one knit up, and I thought it was lovely, but, apparently, so did everyone else, because they had run out of copies of the pattern. After a bit of research I learned that I could purchase it from the Windy Valley Muskox website, however, I thought they were charging a bit much for shipping, so I decided to wait and see if I could find it in person later. Happily, Windy Valley Muskox was a vendor at Stitches West this year, and this time, they had the pattern in stock :)<br /><br />The only real complaint I have about the pattern is that it uses quite a bit more paper than I think it needs to (9 pages, single sided, with a much larger than necessary font size). Other than that, this was my first time working an edging like this, so I found that I wasn't always sure I'd picked up stitches in the right spots, etc., but I don't think that was a failing of the pattern.<br /><br />Two lovely stitch patterns make up the body of the shawl:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3643297926/" title="IMG_1812 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3643297926_05b7cb1f2f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1812" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3645920346/" title="IMG_1872 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3645920346_6468fedc50_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1872" /></a><br /><br />...and then there's the edging:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3642491203/" title="IMG_1811 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3642491203_5d8af0af59_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_1811" /></a><br /><br />I think the combination is really beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3643298004/" title="IMG_1814 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3643298004_7396e53ce5_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_1814" /></a><br /><br />Partly because I knit it on the small side, and partly due to the light and springy nature of the Lacey Lamb yarn...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/947275756/" title="295-9529_IMG.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1389/947275756_f1837b9cd0_m.jpg" width="240" height="235" alt="295-9529_IMG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />...my capelet seems to weigh little more than a breath of air. The original was knit in Windy Valley Muskox's gorgeous - but much too expensive for my budget - guanaco/merino/silk blend yarn in "natural," a silvery, heathery fawn tone. I think the Lacey Lamb makes a nice substitute.Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-90206002623611171272009-05-30T19:13:00.003-04:002009-05-30T22:25:14.240-04:00Tempting Turkish Delight Tokyo<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3580117348/" title="IMG_1775 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3580117348_e3651aca2b.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1775" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3580116784/" title="IMG_1784 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/3580116784_ec6158997f.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1784" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3579305699/" title="IMG_1764 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3579305699_a82c24e481.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1764" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3580117046/" title="IMG_1763 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3580117046_af73b10710.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1763" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3580117604/" title="IMG_1771 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3580117604_80da8075a3.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1771" /></a><br /><br /><b><a href="http://ruthlessknitting.com/designs">Tokyo</a></b> by Ruth Homrighaus<br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li>My handspun yarn - made from <a href="http://enchantedknoll.etsy.com">Enchanted Knoll Farm</a> Alpaca Silk Merino Batts & Purple Fleece Falkland Top (~372 yards / 109 g per skein), ~1.1 skeins, colorway "Turkish Delights"<br /><br /><li><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Gloss+Sock+Yarn_YD5420151.html">Knit Picks Gloss Sock Yarn</a>, 70% Merino Wool, 30% Silk (220 yards / 50 g per skein), ~1.58 skeins, colorway "Cocoa"<br /><br /><li>US 2 (2.75 mm) Knitpicks Circular Needles<br /></ul><br /><br />As you may have guessed, this is what I mentioned I was working on with my handspun yarn in the last post :) <br /><br />Ruth's Tokyo pattern has been tempting me since she first posted <a href="http://ruthlessknitting.ruthlessediting.com/finished-object-tokyo-top">her gorgeous version</a> on her blog. Initially I had planned to use another handspun yarn for this project, but when I swatched, I noticed there was not enough contrast between my <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2780621936_8a32e3bd47_m.jpg">chocolatey handspun</a> and the solid-color Knit Picks Gloss. <br /><br />With one ply of white Falkland added to a ply made from "Turkish Delights" Enchanted Knoll batts, I found the contrast that my original choice lacked. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3283585662/" title="IMG_0031 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/3283585662_cae46c5d77_m.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_0031" /></a> <br />+ <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2728205237/" title="IMG_5547 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2728205237_d90743c6ef_m.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5547" /></a><br /><br />=<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562284482/" title="IMG_1752 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3562284482_8005993ebb_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1752" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562284444/" title="IMG_1757 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3562284444_d90d414c31_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1757" /></a><br /><br />...and here's a peak at the "wrong" side:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562284356/" title="IMG_1746 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3562284356_97e0fbf85d_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_1746" /></a> <br /><br />I worked Ruth's pattern pretty much as is, however, I decided to add some variously spaced stripes of the handspun, as I was worried that the bands at the top and bottom provided a little too much contrast (there's that word again) to the much darker overall effect of the main pattern. I think it worked out nicely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3579306785/" title="IMG_1782 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3579306785_363a17abe5_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_1782" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3579306957/" title="IMG_1780 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3579306957_ae74eab04b_m.jpg" width="240" height="159" alt="IMG_1780" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3579307211/" title="IMG_1779 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3579307211_fcf8fe701b_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_1779" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3579307109/" title="IMG_1778 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3579307109_b7b4f13036.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1778" /></a><br /><br />The top is worked in two identical pieces, front and back, starting with the garter stitch band at the bottom and working upward. There is no waist shaping (everything is strictly rectangular), but the garter band (which I knit on the same size needles as the body) provides some welcome width over the hips and the rest of the body seems to fit nicely (with a little stretching of the pattern evident over the bust area). <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562284516/" title="IMG_1759 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3562284516_5ede5a2abd.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1759" /></a><br /><br />Ruth gives tips on adding shaped side panels to accommodate a larger bust, but I decided I wasn't well-endowed enough to warrant that, so I'll just have to live with a little stretching :) <br /><br />When you get to the sleeves, Ruth has you cast on stitches to achieve the extra width. After front and back are finished, you just seam up the shoulders and the sides. It's a very simple and beautiful design.<br /><br />Here you can see a little of the color variation within the handspun yarn:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3561466219/" title="IMG_1755 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3561466219_1f6304af24_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1755" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3562284264/" title="IMG_1748 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3562284264_ae2479244d_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="IMG_1748" /></a><br /><br />There are shimmery red, magenta, green, and copper strands in there in addition to some luminous cream-colored silk, and it's actually quite a sparkly yarn (though you may not be able to tell from the photos).<br /><br /><br />BLOCKING:<br /><br />I've received a few questions about my blocking set-up. I use a 4 piece "high impact" tiled mat system that I found in the sporting goods sections of a Target store a while back. I see that they're now selling a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000E1230K/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new">6-piece set</a> online. <br /><br />The pieces have interlocking edges and can be placed in several different configurations, according to the shape of the item to be blocked. As you can see, Tokyo only required a single tile. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3540947872/" title="IMG_1505 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/3540947872_54e84838ab_m.jpg" width="240" height="217" alt="IMG_1505" /></a><br /><br />The foam works well with blocking pins, and it's nice not to have to worry about getting the carpet or a bed wet in order to block something. To dissuade my cats from lounging on blocking garments, I have taken to placing a bunch of extra pins a few inches apart over the whole thing. I can also lean the tiles upright to dry if I don't want to spare the floor space (all those extra anti-cat pins help support the damp weight, so the garment doesn't stretch out).Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-87893221774866206212009-05-11T21:36:00.001-04:002009-05-12T00:39:50.643-04:00Recent Spinning Projects...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3377621289/" title="IMG_0354 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3377621289_6c3ea5101a_t.jpg" height="79" alt="IMG_0354" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3376459736/" title="IMG_0278 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3376459736_a87188d890_t.jpg" height="79" alt="IMG_0278" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3282764921/" title="IMG_0018 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3282764921_6d9f68d7c3_t.jpg" width="100" height="79" alt="IMG_0018" /></a><br /><br />Long time, no blog... <br /><br />Happy May! I hope you're having a good month.<br />It would appear that I'm not doing any better at blogging regularly - I think I'll just have to settle for sporadic :)<br /><br />Anyway, here are 3 yarns I've spun in the last several months.<br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn I: <i>Live Shrimp</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://creativelydyed.com/">Creatively Dyed</a> Milk Protein, Seacell, Wool Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 365 yards (114 g), ~15 wpi (fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3322036850/" title="IMG_0229 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3322036850_f396e29d8b_m.jpg" width="240" height="200" alt="IMG_0229" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3376460356/" title="IMG_0316 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/3376460356_9727766080_m.jpg" width="240" height="163" alt="IMG_0316" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3376472026/" title="IMG_0342 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3376472026_920ddea755_m.jpg" width="240" height="225" alt="IMG_0342" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3378439836/" title="IMG_0365 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3378439836_3dde201616_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0365" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3377621041/" title="IMG_0367 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3377621041_84cce7281b_m.jpg" width="240" height="193" alt="IMG_0367" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3378439880/" title="IMG_0352 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3378439880_9f2f4fa200.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_0352" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3377621289/" title="IMG_0354 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3377621289_6c3ea5101a_m.jpg" width="240" height="209" alt="IMG_0354" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3377621259/" title="IMG_0351 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3377621259_e84691af7d_m.jpg" width="240" height="197" alt="IMG_0351" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn II: <i>Four-color</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> Merino Batt (I don't remember who I bought this from, but it was at Maryland Sheep & Wool last year)<br /><i>Stats:</i> 206 yards (114 g), 9-12 wpi (thick & thin worsted weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2469224831/" title="IMG_4121.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2132/2469224831_26cee9e7bd_m.jpg" width="240" height="154" alt="IMG_4121.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3375642127/" title="IMG_0248 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3375642127_ea347c0377_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0248" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3376459600/" title="IMG_0280 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/3376459600_e9955218c4_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0280" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3376459550/" title="IMG_0279 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3376459550_0a5cdb94aa.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_0279" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3376459736/" title="IMG_0278 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3376459736_a87188d890_m.jpg" width="240" height="201" alt="IMG_0278" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3375641943/" title="IMG_0273 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3375641943_ece8bba9ea_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_0273" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn III: <i>Turkish Delight</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://enchantedknoll.etsy.com">Enchanted Knoll Farm</a> Alpaca Silk Merino Batts & <a href="http://www.purplefleece.com/">Purple Fleece</a> Falkland Top<br /><i>Stats:</i> 744 yards (219 g), ~18 wpi (light fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2-ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3143540884/" title="IMG_9130 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3143540884_85c9a52aa6_m.jpg" width="240" height="167" alt="IMG_9130" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2450546962/" title="IMG_3697.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/2450546962_d731a6f3f3_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_3697.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3282765117/" title="IMG_9924 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3282765117_465f500cfa.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_9924" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3282765509/" title="IMG_9927 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/3282765509_ea66bd36d2_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9927" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3282765477/" title="IMG_9929 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3282765477_2cee25a5fa_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9929" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3282765449/" title="IMG_9931 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/3282765449_bd9a2d5bbe_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9931" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3283586214/" title="IMG_9935 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3283586214_637020e4b5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9935" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3283586180/" title="IMG_9934 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/3283586180_36dc369009_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9934" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3283585226/" title="IMG_0023 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/3283585226_4016389b33_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_0023" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3282764563/" title="IMG_0029 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3282764563_60f3acdab0_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_0029" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3282764647/" title="IMG_0158 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3282764647_c757a66112_m.jpg" width="240" height="174" alt="IMG_0158" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3283585636/" title="IMG_0155 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3283585636_178abd34df_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="IMG_0155" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3283585774/" title="IMG_0152 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/3283585774_ec8a93c7b4_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_0152" /></a><br /><br />I'm actually making something with this yarn right now, so hopefully I'll have an update on it soon. As you can see, I had a bit of the Falkland singles left-over, so I plied them with one another. I'm not sure what to do with the mini-skein, but I'm sure it will be useful eventually :)Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-63868493445384240462009-04-12T21:38:00.003-04:002009-04-13T10:23:24.806-04:00Owls in a TreeMaybe they're not chicks or fuzzy bunnies, but they're pretty cute just the same...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436028750/" title="IMG_1045 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3436028750_523f54e2d6_m.jpg" width="240" height="239" alt="IMG_1045" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436028072/" title="IMG_1038 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3436028072_4dc6c25372_m.jpg" width="240" height="209" alt="IMG_1038" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3435222867/" title="IMG_1018 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3435222867_b4349b8e60.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1018" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3435223159/" title="IMG_1040 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3435223159_ba31acf77b.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1040" /></a><br /><br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><b>Owls in a Tree</b> by Me, using the <a href="http://needled.wordpress.com/designs/">Owls</a> stitch pattern and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/slinky-tree-bark-rib-tunic">Tree Bark Rib</a> stitch pattern <br /><li><a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220.asp">Cascade 220</a>, 100% Wool, (220 yards / 100 g per skein), ~5.14 skeins, colorway "Lake Chelan Heather"<br /><li>US 3 (3.25 mm) Knitpicks Circular Needles<br /><li>US 4 (3.5 mm) Knitpicks Options Circular Needles<br /></ul><br /><br />This is sort of a mish-mash of ideas. When Kate Davies posted her <a href="http://needled.wordpress.com/designs/">Owls</a> pattern, I fell in love with it, however, I didn't make it right away, as I didn't really think I needed a pullover sweater (I'm living in the San Francisco Bay area, where I feel that cardigans are, in general, much more useful).<br /><br />Eventually I settled on making a "cardiganized" version of Owls in a lighter (worsted) weight yarn, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to use a stitch pattern instead of stockinette stitch for the main part of the sweater. I had been wanting to make some form of Teva Durham's Slinky Tree Bark Rib Tunic (probably something similar to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/siggasif/148659717/">this</a> beautiful version by <a href="http://rndnrnd.blogspot.com/">SiggaSif</a>) for a while, so I compromised by borrowing its stitch pattern and then selected some lovely blue-green heathered Cascade 220 from my stash.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/946483431/" title="296-9614_IMG.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1360/946483431_0b67001fdf_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="296-9614_IMG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I used Ysolda's method for a <a href="http://ysolda.com/wordpress/pictorial-guides/double-rib-tubular-cast-on/">Tubular Cast on for 2x2 Rib</a> to cast on the body and sleeves. It worked quite well and produced a nice edge.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436473756/" title="IMG_1077 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3436473756_1dfe6bf88b_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_1077" /></a><br /><br />I probably should have looked into trying to find a bind-off that would look something like it for the button-band/collar.<br /><br />Because I knew the ribbing would be very stretchy, I departed from my normal methods and decided not to do any body shaping. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436027360/" title="IMG_1052 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3436027360_7c38738eb1_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_1052" /></a><br /><br />I knit a rectangular body up to the armpits, then I knit two sleeves flat (I did use shaping for them, increasing up the arm), seamed each individually, then joined my body and the two sleeves and began knitting the yoke as one piece. I have to mention that I found it very difficult - or maybe just extraordinarily annoying (even with a long cord on my circular needle) - to knit the first 10 or 15 rows of the yoke. The sketchy part was the tightness and degree of stretching that occured as I tried to shuffle stitches around near (I use this term loosely) the sleeve junctions with the body. <i>Argh.</i> I think the next yoked sweater I make will be knit top-down, instead of bottom up....<br /><br />After I completed the owls, I did some decreases along the neckline to form a bit of a V-neck. I added a ribbed button-band/collar knitted all at once using short rows to shape the collar and add depth at the back of the neck. I should have added more short-rows and knit the collar taller, as it's a little too short in the back (and tries to flip up sometimes). I may make some adjustments to this at some point if it bugs me enough.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3435221791/" title="IMG_1065 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3435221791_de447893cf_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_1065" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436027500/" title="IMG_1066 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3436027500_c40fe6982a_m.jpg" width="240" height="145" alt="IMG_1066" /></a><br /><br />Here it is blocking, with anti-cat devices (a slew of T-pins) deployed:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436028886/" title="IMG_0944 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3436028886_4447b44400_m.jpg" width="240" height="144" alt="IMG_0944" /></a><br /><br />To create the illusion of shaping and create some hip room, you can see that I stretched the ribbing out a bit toward the bottom of the sweater.<br /><br />I'm quite happy with the way it turned out - except for the shallow collar in back. There's also some excess fabric in the yoke, such that there's puckering above the owls, so I probably could have decreased a bit and left off one or two of the owls for a smoother look.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436027880/" title="IMG_1035 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3436027880_ae31e2e193.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_1035" /></a><br /><br />My husband tells me it just looks as if they are long-eared owls :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436027206/" title="IMG_1058 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3436027206_5df8cb493c_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1058" /></a><br /><br />I ended up with 31 owls ringing the yoke - a lot more than in the original Owls pullover - due to my tighter gauge.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3435221937/" title="IMG_1051 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3435221937_d91e66d6d0_m.jpg" width="240" height="205" alt="IMG_1051" /></a><br /><br />The buttons I've used are polished, cut pieces of rock (<a href="http://www.gaaj-zenhokyo.co.jp/researchroom/kanbetu/2004/kan_2004_04-01en.html">ruby in fuchsite</a> from Southern India, for those who are curious) that my husband drilled holes in for me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3436027138/" title="IMG_1057 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3436027138_bb114e0ed6_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_1057" /></a><br /><br />I think they go quite nicely, but they're somewhat flamboyant, so I'm not sure the owls will get button eyes. If they do, I'm thinking they will be small and similar in color to the sweater itself. I'll keep my eyes peeled for buttons matching this description....<br /><br />Happy Easter :)Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-66087407764477456882009-02-22T17:15:00.005-05:002009-02-22T20:27:05.477-05:00Two socks are better than oneAt least, they are more useful for performing vulcan mind-melds with your cat :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3299698240/" title="IMG_0180 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3299698240_82b00fe4cb.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_0180" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3299698302/" title="IMG_0185 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/3299698302_8dacc1b511.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_0185" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3299698176/" title="IMG_0190 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3299698176_4cdcb00c08.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_0190" /></a><br /><br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><b>Sock Recipe: A Good, Plain Sock</b> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Rules-Yarn-Harlots-Tricks/dp/1580178340">Knitting Rules!</a>)<br /><li><a href="http://www.lornaslaces.net/yarns.asp#">Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Multi</a>, 80% Superwash Wool, 20% Nylon, (215 yards / 57 g per skein), ~1.51 skeins, colorway "Vera"<br /><li>US 00 (1.75 mm) aluminum dpns<br /></ul><br /><br />I made the <a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2007/06/moana-monkey-mind-meld.html">first</a> of these socks in May/June 2007 to convince myself that I would be able to produce something resembling socks for Sockapalooza 4. I made a pair of fiery looking <a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2007/06/matching-monkey-bonnets-ahoy.html">Monkeys</a> for my Pal in June of 2007, and... I've been intending to make the second sock (to complete what should have been my first pair) ever since.<br /><br />I have been trying to put my new job's long public transportation commute time to good use, and the second sock was the first knitting beneficiary (I've also gotten more reading done than usual). I'm pleased to report that I didn't lose any of my needles on Caltrain or MUNI, and my yarn ball managed to behave itself - admirably resisting the urge to leap off my lap and go tumbling down the aisle or beneath the seat in front of me.<br /><br />There's not much to say about this basic sock, except that I like the pattern very much :) I found it to be straightforward: easy to follow and to understand. I cast on 76 stitches and used teeny-tiny needles (00) to accommodate my gauge. I did make some notes in the margins of Stephanie's book, but I mainly used the first sock as a guide for the second.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3299698452/" title="IMG_0213 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3299698452_187daee6f2_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_0213" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3299698380/" title="IMG_0191 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3299698380_d661dbffbb.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_0191" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3299698424/" title="IMG_0212 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3299698424_d23590ecef_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="IMG_0212" /></a><br /><br />Bug was game for a little photoshoot once he discovered I could itch him under the chin (albeit rather clumsily) with my toes. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3298868703/" title="IMG_0192 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3298868703_56162311ae_m.jpg" width="240" height="164" alt="IMG_0192" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3299698336/" title="IMG_0182 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3299698336_0fa5c5e516_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0182" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3298868619/" title="IMG_0183 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3298868619_160794e78a_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_0183" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3298868543/" title="IMG_0188 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/3298868543_47ff8bf68a_m.jpg" width="240" height="155" alt="IMG_0188" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3298868593/" title="IMG_0196 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3298868593_b1cf3b7585_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_0196" /></a><br /><br />Of course, he's always happy to model blanket-like objects...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3299698118/" title="IMG_0201 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3299698118_bcf7042b3f_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_0201" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3298868427/" title="IMG_0206 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3298868427_0ab896ea83_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_0206" /></a><br /><br />I'm trying to post more often, even though I'm feeling awfully busy, and I hope to get back to more blog reading as well as I get settled into my new schedule - I am missing so much of what you guys are doing! <br /><br />In the meantime, I hope you all have a great week!Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-63634071565947010092009-02-12T11:01:00.011-05:002009-02-12T14:18:26.117-05:00In which Bug catches a swallow by the tailor something like that...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204158927/" title="IMG_9727 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/3204158927_f7b97eaf62_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_9727" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205006268/" title="IMG_9739 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3205006268_6357a5bda7_m.jpg" width="240" height="167" alt="IMG_9739" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205006152/" title="IMG_9743 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3205006152_3fbeb82bc1_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_9743" /></a><br /><ul style="margin-left : 0; padding-left : 20px"><br /><li><b><a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2006_fall.asp">Swallowtail Shawl</a></b> by Evelyn A. Clark (Interweave Knits, Fall 2006)<br /><li>My handspun yarn (made from <a href="http://AllSpunUp.etsy.com">AllSpunUp</a> Bluefaced Leicester Roving), 100% Bluefaced Leicester Wool, (442 yards / 115 g per skein), ~0.87 skeins, colorway "Shallow Water"<br /><li>US 5 (3.75 mm) Knitpicks Options Circular Needles<br /></ul><br />I must confess that I've been pretty busy lately with a new job that requires a long, multi-part public transportation commute, so this post is a little late (as I finished the shawl about a month ago).<br /><br />I followed the pattern pretty closely and didn't do anything differently (that I know of). The nupps gave me some trouble, but I got better at them with time, and I think they add a little somethin' - somethin' to the overall look, so I'm glad I did them :)<br /><br />I used my <a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2008/12/three-new-yarns-see-how-theyre-spun.html">handspun yarn</a>, and the color transitions worked out nicely. Here's a refresher of what it looked like in roving form and all spun up(!), in a lovely little skein. I must compliment Kristen (of <a href="http://Allspunup.etsy.com">All Spun Up</a>) on her color sense - her rovings are always gorgeous.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2737763758/" title="IMG_5573 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2737763758_d9ebe0f48d_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" alt="IMG_5573" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093321125/" title="IMG_8540 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3093321125_560fb309cd_m.jpg" width="240" height="199" alt="IMG_8540" /></a><br /><br />The leftovers:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3215237471/" title="IMG_9836 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3215237471_8655751132_m.jpg" width="240" height="203" alt="IMG_9836" /></a><br /><br />Here the shawl is blocking...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204157581/" title="IMG_9701 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3204157581_a577236c4c.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_9701" /></a><br /><br />I have been admiring Swallowtails online for quite a while, so I'm very happy to finally have my own :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204157931/" title="IMG_9759 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3204157931_8d0220a047_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9759" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205005966/" title="IMG_9752 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3205005966_80eac71e3a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9752" /></a><br /><br />Here are some close-ups of the three main patterns, from the center outward:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204157789/" title="IMG_9767 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3204157789_660c788398_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_9767" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205005832/" title="IMG_9757 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3205005832_cc0523c3c9_m.jpg" width="240" height="185" alt="IMG_9757" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204157835/" title="IMG_9758 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3204157835_dc77fab842_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_9758" /></a><br /><br />I do love these colors!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204157607/" title="IMG_9772 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3204157607_659426a013.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_9772" /></a><br /><br />Here you can see the "wrong side":<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204157647/" title="IMG_9729 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3204157647_583189671a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9729" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204157699/" title="IMG_9730 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3204157699_332f7a3425_m.jpg" width="240" height="179" alt="IMG_9730" /></a><br /><br />... and with light shining through:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205005640/" title="IMG_9706 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3205005640_5aa38ed97f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9706" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205005596/" title="IMG_9770 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3205005596_7dd08e7624_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9770" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204157431/" title="IMG_9703 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3204157431_8cbb34bdef_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9703" /></a><br /><br />I had to persuade Bug to model the shawl. At first he was more than a little annoyed (<i>hello - I'm trying to nap here</i>):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205006304/" title="IMG_9738 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/3205006304_ef09e09a4a_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="IMG_9738" /></a><br /><br />...but he warmed up to it:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204158585/" title="IMG_9726 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3204158585_713d6d4cc9_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_9726" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205006870/" title="IMG_9718 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3205006870_af92649588_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9718" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204158379/" title="IMG_9716 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3204158379_9d965730a3_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="IMG_9716" /></a><br /><br />In fact, he kind of lost himself for a bit:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205006782/" title="IMG_9731 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3205006782_e8ceb8bdd8_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_9731" /></a><br /><br />He appreciated the lovely colors and pleasing pattern, but what really won Bug over was his discovery that Swallowtail makes an excellent curtain in a sunny window - letting through just the right amount of skin-warming light.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3204158051/" title="IMG_9803 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3204158051_562c6ab916_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_9803" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3205006048/" title="IMG_9809 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3205006048_1849f96120_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9809" /></a><br /><br />Happy Lincoln's Birthday (and Charles Darwin's, too)... and Happy almost Valentine's Day :)Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-54975287826847061552009-01-19T20:48:00.002-05:002013-10-11T22:09:51.910-04:00Christmas Knitting Wrap-UpOK... so it's been a while since Christmas, but now that everyone has received their knitted items (and I'm finally getting around to posting), here's a summary of my (no longer) secret Christmas knitting projects.<br />
<br />
<b>Santa Claus Stockings</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006934498/" title="IMG_7789 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7789" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/3006934498_515af7193b.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/santa-claus-stocking">Santa Claus Stocking</a></b> by <a href="http://ruthlessknitting.com/">Ruth Homrighaus</a> (with permission from <a href="http://www.bernat.com/">Bernat</a>, original publisher of the pattern)<br />
US 4 (3.5 mm) bamboo circular needles (used for knitting flat)<br />
US 5 (3.75 mm) bamboo dpns (used for knitting the toe in the round)<br />
<br />
Yarns used (yardages are per stocking):<br />
<ul><br />
<li><a href="http://www.plymouthyarn.com/index.php?nav=cYarn.yarnDetail&yarnid=000132&searchcollection=000012">Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Brush</a>, 80% Baby Alpaca, 20% Acrylic, (110 yards / 50 g per ball), ~0.07 balls "White"</li>
<li><a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/775D86C4-B7C2-4AD1-A0C7-0F91A395E839/productID/774F0D2A-4572-453A-BB75-AFED836C84CC/">Valley Yarns Lenox</a>, 60% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 10% Cashmere (109 yards / 50 g per ball), ~0.05 balls "Ballet Slipper"</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220.asp">Cascade 220 Wool</a>, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, (220 yards / 100 g per skein)<br /><ul><br />
<li>~0.39 skeins "Natural"</li>
<li>~0.35 skeins "Christmas Green"</li>
<li>~0.20 skeins "Christmas Red"</li>
<li>a few yards of "Black"</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
When they were small, my husband and his siblings all received personalized handknit stockings from an elderly (and very generous!) family friend. She used an old Bernat pattern (published in the 1950's, I think) in holiday appropriate red, green, and white. My mother-in-law had mentioned that she would be interested in having me recreate these stockings for my nephews and niece. So, in November of 2007 I set about trying to find the pattern. Extensive web searches revealed that many other people were searching for a similar sounding pattern.<br />
<br />
Eventually I discovered that <a href="http://ruthlessknitting.com/">Ruth Homrighaus's</a> family also had a tradition involving this stocking pattern, and that she had knitted a number of them from a photocopy of her grandmother's pattern from the original kit. I contacted Ruth and - to make a long story short - she was kind enough to get Bernat's permission to make the long out of print pattern available via PDF. I know she put some serious work into it, recharting the pattern and typing up the instructions. Thanks so much, Ruth! I (and many others) really appreciate it :)<br />
<br />
After finding the pattern, I needed to find the right yarn. As I was still living in Connecticut at that time, my mother-in-law mailed us my husband's stocking, and we went to <a href="http://www.yarn.com/">Webs'</a> year end sale to look for good yarn substitutions. We weren't able to find exact matches, but we came away with Cascade 220 in Natural, Christmas Red, and Christmas Green (how could I pass those names up?) as well as a brushed alpaca yarn for fuzzy Santa hair/beard and a peachy pink for his face.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006988390/" title="IMG_1562 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1562" height="174" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/3006988390_d565845702_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Here are some in progress shots of one of the stockings:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093319961/" title="IMG_8589 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8589" height="163" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3093319961_d03cd164b3_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093319939/" title="IMG_8586 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8586" height="172" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3093319939_8337ca2f42_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3113490495/" title="IMG_8704 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8704" height="160" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/3113490495_fa69e08d41_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3114322326/" title="IMG_8703 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8703" height="189" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/3114322326_de5f8324b5_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
As you can see, it's knit flat from the top down. The colorwork is a combination of stranded knitting and intarsia. When you're knitting Santa's head, you need to have a lot of different yarn strands/bobbins going at once (my maximum was 13).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3113490455/" title="IMG_8712 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8712" height="189" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3113490455_26b3a702c1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3113490423/" title="IMG_8714 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8714" height="193" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/3113490423_f8a235509f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3114322222/" title="IMG_8800 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8800" height="185" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/3114322222_d47cd73d79_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Part way through the mirrored candy canes on the top of the foot, you put stitches to either side on holders, finish the instep, then slip the previously held stitches together onto a needle (so that the back opening is in the center of the needle). You knit a heel flap across these stitches and turn the heel. You now have the instep stitches and the heel stitches on two different needles/holders, as shown here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3114322198/" title="IMG_8804 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8804" height="157" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/3114322198_fc9667b1c1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3114322168/" title="IMG_8805 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8805" height="171" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/3114322168_0e254ef990_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Then you knit in the round on all the stitches, decreasing for the toe. This leaves you with 3 seams to sew up: 1 long seam up the center back above the heel and 2 short seams (one on each side of the foot) between the instep and the heel itself.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3113490327/" title="IMG_8812 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8812" height="181" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/3113490327_27b296ae67_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
After making the first stocking, I thought that Santa's beard/hair could look a little fuller, so for the second stocking I doubled the alpaca brush yarn. This was more difficult to deal with logistically, and it resulted in a wider Santa head / wider stocking in addition to a fuller beard, so I went back to a single strand for the final stocking. You can see the difference here (single strand on the left, double on the right):<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094162484/" title="IMG_8458 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8458" height="126" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/3094162484_53266b002d_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
...and when all the stockings are layed out next to one another (fat-headed Santa on the far right):<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3114322024/" title="IMG_8818 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8818" height="163" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/3114322024_f17058acbf_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3113490229/" title="IMG_8816 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8816" height="171" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/3113490229_6990a62527_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I didn't try too hard to get the same gauge as the original stocking (on the left), so, as you probably noticed, my stockings are much longer. You can also see how different the colors are - both the red and the green in the original are much yellower than the yarns I was able to find.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3113490159/" title="IMG_8822 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8822" height="161" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3113490159_5bc00f9e3e_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
P.S. I changed the candy cane chart, because I thought the original version was pretty weird looking. Mine aren't fabulous either, but I think it's an improvement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tiny Sweater Ornaments - 2 Types</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3142345874/" title="IMG_9079 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9079" height="151" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/3142345874_0a102082a3_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729189/" title="IMG_9063 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9063" height="156" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/3130729189_cfef2b0911_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729065/" title="IMG_9068 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9068" height="169" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3130729065_4d05acdb23_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729231/" title="IMG_9064 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9064" height="162" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3130729231_098595f737_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>1. Mini Weasley Sweater Ornaments</b> by Alison Hansel in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charmed-Knits-Projects-Harry-Potter/dp/0470067314">Charmed Knits</a><br />
Miscellaneous leftover DK to heavy worsted yarns<br />
US 4 (3.5 mm) bamboo circular needles<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3142345922/" title="IMG_9077 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9077" height="223" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/3142345922_f225c8040d_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3141517455/" title="IMG_9078 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9078" height="175" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3141517455_e011291c71_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559008/" title="IMG_9066 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9066" height="170" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/3131559008_6c79c41f7f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131558938/" title="IMG_9067 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9067" height="151" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/3131558938_911e809e92_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729149/" title="IMG_9065 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9065" height="158" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/3130729149_ab2d4da75e_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>2. <a href="http://cargoplus.dynalias.net:81/fetchingknits/content/view/47/32/">Cheers!</a></b> by Cheryl Niamath<br />
Miscellaneous leftover DK to heavy worsted yarns<br />
US 3 (3.25 mm) Knitpicks Harmony dpns<br />
<br />
I made these entertaining little sweater ornaments for various friends and family members.<br />
<br />
Bug had fun modeling 6 of the 7 the tiny sweaters for me (I hadn't made the last one at the time of the photoshoot)...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131558760/" title="IMG_8922 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8922" height="181" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3131558760_5abdccb274_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131558688/" title="IMG_8924 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8924" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/3131558688_0e0fcea871.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729033/" title="IMG_8912 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8912" height="207" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/3130729033_05547c8b0a_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131558816/" title="IMG_8914 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8914" height="197" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3131558816_b38b16029c_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130728941/" title="IMG_8918 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8918" height="162" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3130728941_f8afe4ac44_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
So dignified ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tiny Stocking Ornaments</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559240/" title="IMG_9070 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9070" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3131559240_8617926d48_m.jpg" width="179" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729427/" title="IMG_9069 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9069" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3130729427_637b063d13_m.jpg" width="162" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://everwhelming.blogspot.com/2007/11/rockin-macro-setting.html">Tiny Sock Ornament</a></b> by Everwhelming Liz<br />
Leftover fingering and DK weight yarns<br />
US 0 (2.0 mm) Knitpicks Harmony dpns (for fingering weight)<br />
US 3 (3.25 mm) Knitpicks Harmony dpns (for DK weight)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729279/" title="IMG_8964 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8964" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/3130729279_5a90b4f4d3.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Bug decided these tiny stocking ornaments were the height of ear fashion:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559140/" title="IMG_8960 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8960" height="216" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3131559140_aeb9a05f80_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729385/" title="IMG_8928 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8928" height="228" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/3130729385_601702b694_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559196/" title="IMG_8944 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8944" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/3131559196_5591e21acd.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559164/" title="IMG_8941 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8941" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3131559164_de9f73af74.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I'd have to agree! He was sad to see them go to their recipient...Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-17259738572628143042008-12-28T13:57:00.011-05:002008-12-28T16:16:32.883-05:00Le Mieux (and Pucker Stitch, too)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663285/" title="IMG_8631 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3096663285_e65d4b4015.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8631" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663339/" title="IMG_8629 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/3096663339_3e61361ab7.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8629" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3097501994/" title="IMG_8635 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/3097501994_4d430dbc9e.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8635" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3097501972/" title="IMG_8645 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3097501972_a6256f1d69.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8645" /></a><br /><br /><b><a href="http://spindlesandspices.blogspot.com/2008/04/international-cat-hat-france-le-mieux.html">International Cat Hat: France, Le Mieux</a></b> by Stacy Mar of <a href="http://spindlesandspices.blogspot.com/">Spindles and Spices</a><br /><a href="http://www.debbieblissonline.com/Yarn.asp?yid=19">Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK</a>, 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere (120 yards / 50 g per ball), ~0.56 balls color 18011<br />US 5 (3.75 mm) bamboo dpns<br /><br />I hope everyone is having a relaxing and happy holiday season :) What better way to celebrate than with cats in handknit headwear!<br /><br />I followed the pattern except I increased more (repeating rounds 7 and 8 six times for a total of 132 sts) than specified in the pattern for a slightly bigger, floppier hat (it would have been fine with fewer repeats, too).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663451/" title="IMG_8598 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3096663451_4c6b997d9f_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="IMG_8598" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663431/" title="IMG_8595 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3096663431_a8873a3eba_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_8595" /></a><br /><br />I actually got a few shots of Moana in this one:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663149/" title="IMG_8614 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/3096663149_788dc30990_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_8614" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663103/" title="IMG_8617 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/3096663103_0dfb6f3c52_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_8617" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663085/" title="IMG_8606 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/3096663085_6acc55df6a_m.jpg" width="240" height="175" alt="IMG_8606" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663129/" title="IMG_8610-2 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3096663129_00601d0790_m.jpg" width="240" height="196" alt="IMG_8610-2" /></a><br /><br />...très chic!<br /><br />As usual, Bug tolerated a somewhat longer (and less blurry) photo shoot, so here are a few more photos of him modeling Le Mieux: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3097501840/" title="IMG_8650 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3097501840_c915ffb5ff_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8650" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3097501882/" title="IMG_8662 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/3097501882_a35f7c3c02_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_8662" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3096663247/" title="IMG_8649 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3096663247_ab7259c064_m.jpg" width="240" height="239" alt="IMG_8649" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3097501822/" title="IMG_8669 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3097501822_cfdf9a415f.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8669" /></a><br /><br />Jaunty!<br /><br />I also recently finished a scarf:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729549/" title="IMG_8994 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/3130729549_65d12bd661.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8994" /></a><br /><br /><b>Pucker Stitch Scarf</b> by me, with the help of <a href="http://www.vogueknitting.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=117">Vogue Knitting Stitchionary, Vol. One: Knit & Purl</a>, stitch pattern #207, "pucker stitch"<br />Foxhill Farm Millspun Cormo Silk, 65% Cormo Wool, 35% Silk (255 yards / 117 g per skein), 1 skein<br />US 4 (3.5 mm) bamboo circular needles<br /><br />I tried this lovely yarn with several different stitch patterns before finding one that I thought showed it off nicely. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2398768247/" title="IMG_3074.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2398768247_c0439aceac_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_3074.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The full width of the stitch pattern in Vogue Knitting would have eaten up my yarn too fast and resulted in a very wide and very short scarf, so I modified the pattern to suite my needs. The pattern I ended up using is a 22 stitch pucker stitch pattern with a 2 stitch garter stitch border on each side (as well as garter stitch border to finish the CO and BO edges).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131561440/" title="IMG_8843 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3131561440_4c17190811_m.jpg" width="240" height="168" alt="IMG_8843" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131561306/" title="IMG_8841 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3131561306_82228b7752_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_8841" /></a><br /><br /><b>PATTERN</b><br /><br />Yarn: DK weight<br />Gauge: approximately 21 sts and 30 rows = 4" (blocked) in stockinette stitch<br />Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) needles (I knit somewhat loosely)<br />Size: 49" long x 5.5" wide (blocked)<br /><br />-CO 26 sts. <br />-Knit 2 rows. <br />-Begin Pucker Stitch Pattern: <br />-Rows 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17, and 19 (RS): knit. <br />-Rows 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16, and 18 (WS): k2, p22, k2. <br />-Row 20 (WS): k2, MP* in next 11 stitches, p11, k2. <br />-Rows 21,23,25,27,29,31,33,35,37, and 39 (RS): knit. <br />-Rows 22,24,26,28,30,32,34,36, and 38 (WS): k2, p22, k2. <br />-Row 40 (WS): k2, p11, MP* in next 11 stitches, k2. <br />-Repeat Pucker Stitch Pattern until desired length is achieved, ending with either Row 19 or Row 39 for symmetry. <br />-Knit 2 rows. <br />-BO all stitches. Weave in ends.<br /><br />MP* = With yarn in front, insert right needle from top into the loop (purl bump) of the stitch 9 rows (9 purl bumps) below the next stitch on the left hand needle. Slip this loop onto the left hand needle and purl it together with the next stitch in the current row. (Note: For variety, I picked up stitches from only 6 rows down every third pucker row.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559990/" title="IMG_9049 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3131559990_a0c5429d58_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9049" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130730269/" title="IMG_9042 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/3130730269_4b0f6a2c41_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_9042" /></a> <i>"wrong" side</i><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130730345/" title="IMG_9037 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3130730345_336dfe3410_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_9037" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131560344/" title="IMG_8993 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/3131560344_32f73e2099_m.jpg" width="240" height="204" alt="IMG_8993" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130731345/" title="IMG_9031 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/3130731345_b7dd2e80f2.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_9031" /></a><br /><br />Bug enjoyed lounging under the scarf during our photo shoot. He found it to be quite soft and warm...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729695/" title="IMG_8986 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/3130729695_9813df49a4.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8986" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729719/" title="IMG_8987 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3130729719_fd5792bee2.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8987" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559618/" title="IMG_8966 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/3131559618_d588864dc4.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8966" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559464/" title="IMG_8970 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/3131559464_485181391e_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_8970" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559494/" title="IMG_8976 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/3131559494_8feddb7823_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_8976" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3131559570/" title="IMG_8978 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3131559570_7b0cd81e7c_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_8978" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3130729587/" title="IMG_9017 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/3130729587_e1dd19a43a_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_9017" /></a><br /><br />...and he appreciated the fact that the yarn coordinated so well with his eyes :)<br /><br />Bug, Moana, and I wish you a happy, healthy New Year filled with knitting (and spinning) and other good things!Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-11039512512290077342008-12-08T23:00:00.000-05:002008-12-09T02:08:04.447-05:00Three new yarns, see how they're spun...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3024851109/" title="IMG_7953 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3024851109_1c191e3d8b_m.jpg" width="109" alt="IMG_7953" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861519/" title="IMG_8196 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/3039861519_ae0aea2e82_m.jpg" width="119" alt="IMG_8196" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093321077/" title="IMG_8542 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3093321077_3b23db603e_m.jpg" width="120" alt="IMG_8542" /></a><br /><br />I do have some knitting projects going, but they're either blocking (to be photographed soon) or they belong in the category of secret holiday knitting, so... here's a spinning update! I've got three new yarns for you:<br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn I: <i>Graphite</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.soysilk.com/fibers.html">SWTC</a> Black Diamonds Carbonized Bamboo Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 440 yards (59 g), ~25 wpi (lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2264029780/" title="IMG_2044.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2264029780_e46c95eca8_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" alt="IMG_2044.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2983392156/" title="IMG_7252 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2983392156_3379277b46_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_7252" /></a><br /><br />This stuff was slippery and a bit fly-away (picture little cotton candy tufts trying to escape every which way if I pre-drafted much), but lots of fun to spin.<br /><br />It's so shiny!<br /><br />While I decided to leave it as a single, I think it would make an excellent (and more robust) 2 ply as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3024851197/" title="IMG_7944 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3024851197_6673cf5307.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7944" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3024851109/" title="IMG_7953 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3024851109_1c191e3d8b_m.jpg" width="240" height="197" alt="IMG_7953" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3025679176/" title="IMG_7954 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/3025679176_6317ed9daf_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_7954" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3024850931/" title="IMG_7952 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3024850931_6499088702_m.jpg" width="240" height="185" alt="IMG_7952" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3025679100/" title="IMG_7947 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/3025679100_631f5ab720_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_7947" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3024851061/" title="IMG_7951 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/3024851061_23ec8783a5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_7951" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3024850903/" title="IMG_7949 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/3024850903_2fbf8e2151_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_7949" /></a><br /><br />Moana stood still long enough for me to snap this photo of her modeling the yarn:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3024850865/" title="IMG_7955 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/3024850865_d4b14d783b_m.jpg" width="240" height="199" alt="IMG_7955" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn II: <i>Lame Duck Mallard</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/shop.php?crn=277">Spunky Eclectic</a> Superwash Bluefaced Leicester Roving, October 2008 Spunky Club colorway "Lame Duck Mallard"<br /><i>Stats:</i> 375 yards (115 g), ~17 wpi (light fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 3 ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2987185369/" title="IMG_7714 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2987185369_13f1b065b6_m.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7714" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2987185401/" title="IMG_7715 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2987185401_24a052dab5_m.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7715" /></a><br /><br />I think <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/wp/">Boogie</a> was right on with her interpretation of the Mallard duck's colors:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699614/" title="176_7635 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3040699614_9563d17b3c_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="176_7635" /></a><br /><br />Moana wanted me to leave this yummy fiber unspun for lounging, snuffling, and kneading purposes:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2988041522/" title="IMG_7719 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2988041522_b6982ffd05_m.jpg" width="240" height="221" alt="IMG_7719" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2987185215/" title="IMG_7721 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/2987185215_c07b80ff2d_m.jpg" width="240" height="213" alt="IMG_7721" /></a><br /><br />However, I prevailed and managed to steal the fiber back from her (although I had to keep an eye out for her while spinning, because she really loves this stuff). Here are the three bobbins of singles:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861105/" title="IMG_8178 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/3039861105_225f0f5972_m.jpg" width="240" height="162" alt="IMG_8178" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699142/" title="IMG_8188 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3040699142_57ca8376d2_m.jpg" width="240" height="96" alt="IMG_8188" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861151/" title="IMG_8191 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/3039861151_db3befc1e6_m.jpg" width="240" height="90" alt="IMG_8191" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699156/" title="IMG_8187 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/3040699156_96db8b58a3_m.jpg" width="240" height="90" alt="IMG_8187" /></a><br /><br />...And the 3 ply:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699546/" title="IMG_8200 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/3040699546_88a94d00ba_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="IMG_8200" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861519/" title="IMG_8196 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/3039861519_ae0aea2e82_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_8196" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861427/" title="IMG_8198 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3039861427_b54d070687_m.jpg" width="240" height="185" alt="IMG_8198" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861417/" title="IMG_8202 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/3039861417_bcde8e60ee_m.jpg" width="240" height="182" alt="IMG_8202" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699454/" title="IMG_8206 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/3040699454_2bbed8e52c_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_8206" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861387/" title="IMG_8204 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3039861387_e18bbecb87_m.jpg" width="240" height="206" alt="IMG_8204" /></a><br /><br />As usual, this yarn has been fully Bug tested and approved.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699186/" title="IMG_8216 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3040699186_9a80c9f710_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8216" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861179/" title="IMG_8249 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/3039861179_893ab45c07_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8249" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861193/" title="IMG_8245 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3039861193_8a8011e789_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8245" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699264/" title="IMG_8239 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3040699264_d9a29f6e69_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8239" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861255/" title="IMG_8222 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/3039861255_eb8667461c_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8222" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699312/" title="IMG_8218 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/3040699312_53150bb95e_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8218" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861247/" title="IMG_8225 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/3039861247_59a9c05f7e_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8225" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861281/" title="IMG_8259 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3039861281_d1582159d3_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8259" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699334/" title="IMG_8257 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/3040699334_03fef73004_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8257" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699362/" title="IMG_8231 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3040699362_1373eeede9_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8231" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3039861317/" title="IMG_8255 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3039861317_658e2e9ac7_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8255" /></a><br /><br />Here's an example of why there are fewer pictures of Moana on the blog. I got just these two photos before she jumped up and started dancing around, then fled the scene (she had been napping peacefully moments earlier):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699398/" title="IMG_8262 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/3040699398_57a917db00_m.jpg" width="240" height="216" alt="IMG_8262" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3040699386/" title="IMG_8263 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3040699386_310cfe2d13.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8263" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn III: <i>Shallow Water</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://Allspunup.etsy.com">All Spun Up</a> Bluefaced Leicester Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 442 yards (120 g), ~16 wpi (light fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2 ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2737763758/" title="IMG_5573 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2737763758_d9ebe0f48d_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" alt="IMG_5573" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2736927419/" title="IMG_5574 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2736927419_14782d5bb3_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_5574" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093320693/" title="IMG_8465 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3093320693_dccedb7752_m.jpg" width="240" height="191" alt="IMG_8465" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094163082/" title="IMG_8470 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/3094163082_5b2a5bc203_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_8470" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093320667/" title="IMG_8468 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3093320667_714a5a17eb_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_8468" /></a><br /><br />This color palette reminds me of the look of shallow water over pale sand near the edge of a lake or the ocean - a lovely turquoise tinged with greens and golds.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093321125/" title="IMG_8540 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3093321125_560fb309cd_m.jpg" width="240" height="199" alt="IMG_8540" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093321041/" title="IMG_8552 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/3093321041_1067f34433_m.jpg" width="240" height="195" alt="IMG_8552" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094163432/" title="IMG_8547 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3094163432_9318be56be_m.jpg" width="240" height="174" alt="IMG_8547" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094163284/" title="IMG_8550 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3094163284_c069940b8c_m.jpg" width="240" height="142" alt="IMG_8550" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094163234/" title="IMG_8558 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3094163234_6cf3da721d_m.jpg" width="240" height="201" alt="IMG_8558" /></a><br /><br />For some reason, Bug seems to wash the color variation out somewhat with his dark-chocolatey self. He doesn't mind - it still makes a pretty decent pillow.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094162954/" title="IMG_8570 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3094162954_61695398ab_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_8570" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094162924/" title="IMG_8571 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/3094162924_1f54ce448a_m.jpg" width="240" height="190" alt="IMG_8571" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094162904/" title="IMG_8568 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/3094162904_5707803fa2.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8568" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3094162842/" title="IMG_8580 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3094162842_3355bf004a_m.jpg" width="240" height="179" alt="IMG_8580" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093320397/" title="IMG_8581 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3093320397_efa098cc7d_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="IMG_8581" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3093320383/" title="IMG_8585 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3093320383_5aa437564e_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_8585" /></a><br /><br />Have a great week :)Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-29071898035528703432008-11-28T20:02:00.011-05:002008-11-29T00:40:07.242-05:00Ribbons of squooshy amethyst-colored lace...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3057737719/" title="IMG_8409 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3057737719_9602614538.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8409" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3057737735/" title="IMG_8406 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/3057737735_eb8c4b6e2f.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8406" /></a><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTlaceribbon.html">Lace Ribbon Scarf</a></b> by Veronik Avery<br />My handspun yarn (made from Foxhill Farm fiber), 100% Cormo Wool (413 yards / 104 g per skein), 1 skein<br />US 3 (3.25 mm) Knitpicks circular needles<br /><br />Happy day after Thanksgiving :)<br /><br />I pretty much followed the pattern for this scarf with a minor exception. I cast on and worked 19 repeats of the 24 row chart, but only had yarn enough to knit a single final row (the pattern specifies two) before binding off. These knit rows serve to stabilize the edge a bit, and it seems that the pattern should have called for two knit rows after the initial cast on as well (both for parallelism and added stability). I'm not sure why they're only called for at the end.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3058573698/" title="IMG_8373 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/3058573698_8c9a14a108.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8373" /></a><br /><br />Other than this, I thought the pattern was lovely and worked fairly well with my handspun yarn, which had a tendency to stripe-up rather randomly. I think the pattern is simple enough that it doesn't get terribly lost in the busy-ness of the yarn, although it would also be gorgeous in a more subtly varying color palette.<br /><br />I used <a href="http://octopusknitting.blogspot.com/2008/05/contest-winner-and-spinning-update.html">this yarn</a> that I spun back in April:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2450544676/" title="IMG_3659.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2450544676_19b831bcbb_m.jpg" width="240" height="163" alt="IMG_3659.jpg" /></a><br /><br />...from this fiber:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2398768193/" title="IMG_3072.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2398768193_ffd83c3c49_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_3072.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Cormo produced a super squishy yarn, so the scarf (as you might imagine) feels wonderfully soft!<br /><br />Here it is blocking, so you can see the whole thing at once - it's about 10 inches wide and 63 inches long:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3052347758/" title="IMG_8304 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/3052347758_671c9d4968_b.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8304" /></a><br /><br />Even though I stuck pins all over my blocking scarf, Moana still managed to traipse all over it :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3051509879/" title="IMG_8314 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/3051509879_493f3b6207_m.jpg" width="240" height="163" alt="IMG_8314" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3051509919/" title="IMG_8313 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/3051509919_681b46bc97.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8313" /></a><br /><br />Here are some close-ups:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3052347636/" title="IMG_8359 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/3052347636_9f45385892_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8359" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3051509769/" title="IMG_8360 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/3051509769_96d5173b6a_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8360" /></a> <i>"right" side</i><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3051509719/" title="IMG_8366 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/3051509719_652127ccdb_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8366" /></a> <i>"wrong" side</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3052347556/" title="IMG_8365 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/3052347556_9bd8ce1c9e_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_8365" /></a><br /><br />...and now for some cat modeling:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006144821/" title="IMG_7847 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/3006144821_9013643def.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7847" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3057737829/" title="IMG_8397 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/3057737829_0d52102c3e.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8397" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3057737857/" title="IMG_8390 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/3057737857_8e537ee5bc_m.jpg" width="240" height="185" alt="IMG_8390" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3058573796/" title="IMG_8383 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/3058573796_bd869b2ffa_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_8383" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3057737879/" title="IMG_8389 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/3057737879_2ce90c42a4_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="IMG_8389" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3058573728/" title="IMG_8432 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/3058573728_c406d8ed85.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8432" /></a><br /><br />Have a great weekend!Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-52663050675412375202008-11-12T21:05:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:09:56.096-05:00Presto ProtoPretty Chango! (wink, wink)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/947317054/" title="295-9597_IMG.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/947317054_ad607128f9_m.jpg" width="240" height="228" alt="295-9597_IMG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />...green yarn becomes...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036643/" title="IMG_7818 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/3006036643_41fd49095f.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7818" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036613/" title="IMG_7819 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/3006036613_8f558db414.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7819" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036593/" title="IMG_7814 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/3006036593_9e26f18b82.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7814" /></a><br /><br /><b><a href="http://squeakyweasels.blogspot.com/2006/05/protopretty-dna-sweater-shell.html">ProtoPretty DNA sweater shell or tank</a></b> by Chris O'Brien<br /><a href="http://www.josharp.com/Yarn/Yarn.html">Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton</a> 100% Cotton (109 yards / 50 g per ball), ~5 balls of the color "Rockpool"<br />US 4 (3.5 mm) 16" and 24" bamboo circular needles<br /><br />Yes, it's true - my ProtoPretty DNA tank has magically appeared. It only took me 3 months :)*<br /><br />*<i>Please note that it shouldn't have. I just had too many things on my plate.</i><br /><br />This is a great design that combines three beautiful patterns: diamond background lace (1), modified torchon insertion (2), and DNA cable (3). I pretty much followed the instructions for the smallest size, and it worked out well. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006871934/" title="IMG_7805 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/3006871934_13f61a15be_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_7805" /></a> <i>1</i><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036477/" title="IMG_7803 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3006036477_ea5ce996bb_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_7803" /></a> <i>2</i><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036541/" title="IMG_7823 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/3006036541_d3239e2225_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_7823" /></a> <i>3</i><br /><br />I enjoyed the Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK yarn, but I had to be a little careful to keep from splitting the myriads of thread-like plys.<br /><br />The only problem I had (or thought I had) - aside from occasionally messing up the lace patterns - was that my stitch count didn't always match the pattern when I got to certain landmarks (e.g. after binding off for the armholes). I was 4 stitches off. Luckily I realized why pretty quickly: the width of the modified torchon insertion chart is 19 stitches for the first three rows and 17 stitches for the final three rows. Due to gauge differences, etc., I was simply ending up in a different part of the chart than the designer did, and since the modified torchon insertion chart is worked twice for each row of the pattern, this put my stitch count off by 4 stitches. Mystery solved.<br /><br />The pattern doesn't specify how many stitches to pick up for the armholes or neck, which is fine by me. Sometimes it can be nerve wracking trying to match the # of stitches suggested in a pattern. I tried to pick up stitches in ratios that made sense with the composition of the corresponding edge. Also, I made sure the number of stitches I picked up in each armhole was the same.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036565/" title="IMG_7822 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/3006036565_5de7ee3d3b_m.jpg" width="240" height="191" alt="IMG_7822" /></a><br /><br />I think it worked out nicely :)<br /><br />The DNA cable also looks quite interesting on the "wrong" side (click for closer view):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036517/" title="IMG_7802 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3006036517_962c9dced3_m.jpg" width="240" height="189" alt="IMG_7802" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Malabrigo Scarf</b><br /><br />I should also mention that I finished the Malabrigo Scarf I started in late August (don't worry, this one only took me a month!).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036787/" title="IMG_7836 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3006036787_0cb192e876_m.jpg" width="240" height="209" alt="IMG_7836" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036763/" title="IMG_7832 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/3006036763_792d5b04f5.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7832" /></a><br /><br /><b>Malabrigo Scarf</b> by me<br /><a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/yarn/worsted.html">Malabrigo Merino Worsted</a> 100% Merino Wool (216 yards / 100 g per skein), 1 skein (exactly) of the color "Charrua"<br />US 5 (3.75 mm) bamboo circular needles<br /><br /><i>Key:<br /><br /> S = stockinette (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) <br /> R = reverse stockinette (purl on right side, knit on wrong side)<br /><br />Pattern:<br /><br /> CO 26 sts.<br /><br /> Work in garter stitch for about 3/4 of an inch, then work<br /> bands of stockinette and reverse stockinette stitch as follows:<br /><br /> 8 rows each of S,R,S,R,S,R,S,R,S (= 9 bands) <br /> 10 rows each of R,S,R,S,R,S,R,S (= 8 bands) <br /> 12 rows each of R,S,R,S (= 4 bands) <br /> 12 rows of R (= 1 band - this forms the center of the scarf) <br /> 12 rows each of S,R,S,R (= 4 bands) <br /> 10 rows each of S,R,S,R,S,R,S,R (= 8 bands) <br /> 8 rows each of S,R,S,R,S,R,S,R,S (= 9 bands)<br /><br /> Work in garter stitch for about 3/4 of an inch, then bind off.</i><br /><br /><br />Of course, I love the yarn (so soft, and such lovely colors):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2545943596/" title="IMG_4515 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2545943596_895af5eb92_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_4515" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006872186/" title="IMG_7772 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3006872186_947c8888f7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_7772" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006872172/" title="IMG_7774 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/3006872172_39d1e00481_m.jpg" width="240" height="179" alt="IMG_7774" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006036681/" title="IMG_7773 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/3006036681_dac75eb12a_m.jpg" width="240" height="186" alt="IMG_7773" /></a><br /><br />Squooshy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006872446/" title="IMG_7778 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3006872446_7082d5c435.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7778" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006872478/" title="IMG_7784 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/3006872478_06a09bccb0_m.jpg" width="240" height="196" alt="IMG_7784" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/3006872406/" title="IMG_7776 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3006872406_e00f6bc454_m.jpg" width="240" height="190" alt="IMG_7776" /></a><br /><br />Moana agrees :)Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-83473430116412835542008-10-28T23:56:00.002-04:002008-10-29T03:05:34.470-04:00What was that?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982534845/" title="IMG_7691 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2982534845_1e9b5e4f02.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7691" /></a><br /><br /><i>Pssst.<br /><br />Hey, do you hear something?<br />...something like the click, click-clacking of tiny claws<br /><br />...or the snick, snick of miniature masticating mandibles?<br /><br />Shhh! There it is again.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982534757/" title="IMG_7692 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2982534757_f8bde79f55.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7692" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982534691/" title="IMG_7693 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2982534691_fc2d30493b.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7693" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982534637/" title="IMG_7697 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2982534637_8f18182192.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7697" /></a><br /><br /><b>Boo!</b><br /><br />Meet Lola... the lavender lobster!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2983391602/" title="IMG_7647 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2983391602_78f6aa69ea.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7647" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2983391760/" title="IMG_7644 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2983391760_0217dfa5a3_m.jpg" width="240" height="167" alt="IMG_7644" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2983391526/" title="IMG_7648 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2983391526_1758217208_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_7648" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982534163/" title="IMG_7653 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2982534163_d47aef38a3_m.jpg" width="240" height="154" alt="IMG_7653" /></a><br /><br /><b>"Lola" or <a href="http://dirigo.wordpress.com/2007/12/17/free-pattern-toy-lobster/">Knit Lobster</a></b> by Molly Lincoln<br /><a href="http://www.soysilk.com/karaoke.html">SWTC Karaoke</a> 50% Soy Silk, 50% Wool (109 yards / 50 g per ball), ~0.5 balls of the color "Bloom"<br />US 2 (3.0 mm) Knitpicks Harmony dpns<br />US D (3.5 mm) crochet hook (for chained antennae)<br /><br />I had been wanting to try this pattern for a while, and I'm glad I did - it's pretty entertaining to make the pieces and put them together! I worked the pattern essentially as written, except I changed the last part of the claw pieces. Here are my changes:<br /><br /><i>Where the pattern says “Now work an icord for 6 rows using the 3 live sts remaining. Row 7: k2tog, k1. Row 8: k2tog” I did the following instead:<br /> -Pick up 1 st on each side of remaining 3 live sts = 5 sts.<br /> -Work a 5 stitch icord for 3 rows.<br /> -Next row: still working as icord, K2tog, k1, K2tog = 3 sts.<br /> -Next row: still working as icord, k2tog, k1 = 2 sts.<br /> -Next row: still working as icord, k2tog = 1 sts.</i><br /><br />Although no numerical gauge is given for this pattern, I think my gauge was a little too tight and my row gauge was a bit wacky because my lobster seems shorter and plumper than the original. This also may have had something to do with the fact that I, in retrospect, overstuffed Lola. I had some difficulty pulling the legs through the body - a slightly looser gauge would have made that easier - and my overstuffed arms/claws were somewhat resistant to the process of being formed into multiple segments.<br /><br />Despite these issues, I love Lola anyway :)<br /><br />I think she looks a bit like <a href="http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/photos/images/white_lobster.jpg">this</a> "white" lobster.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/946477267/" title="296-9604_IMG.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/946477267_3e33473138_m.jpg" width="240" height="231" alt="296-9604_IMG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As usual, I enjoyed working with the subtly color-changing <a href="http://www.soysilk.com/karaoke.html">Karaoke</a>, which I've used several times before. It was challenging to execute some of the m1's (make 1 stitch) on the small needles with this worsted weight yarn, and the single-ply broke on me (I pulled too hard) the first time I tried to tie a length of yarn around one of the arms to try to get the segmented look.<br /><br />Here's the rest of what happened when Lola introduced herself to Bug:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982534065/" title="IMG_7661 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2982534065_6d7cb9138b_m.jpg" width="240" height="217" alt="IMG_7661" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982533995/" title="IMG_7684 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2982533995_cbb1e350c2.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7684" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982533877/" title="IMG_7674 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2982533877_1b1d9d8012_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_7674" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982533813/" title="IMG_7663 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2982533813_095af7ea4b.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7663" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982533769/" title="IMG_7662 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2982533769_cb3cc0e73e.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7662" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2982533579/" title="IMG_7664 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2982533579_6a6118f7ea.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7664" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, they're getting along smashingly :)<br /><br />Happy (almost) Halloween!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2983737210/" title="IMG_7359 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2983737210_9eea19c5f4_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_7359" /></a>Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-8922414264382197712008-10-16T23:48:00.004-04:002008-10-17T02:55:34.898-04:00Spin-fest (feast?) and blog awards!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2449721747/" title="IMG_3699.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2449721747_3095696744_m.jpg" height="143" alt="IMG_3699.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2706734863/" title="IMG_5401 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2706734863_833bcc09ff_m.jpg" height="143" alt="IMG_5401" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2565902620/" title="IMG_4795 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2565902620_07dfdd9e51_m.jpg" height="136" alt="IMG_4795" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779765157/" title="IMG_5962 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2779765157_8b3038226c_m.jpg" height="136" alt="IMG_5962" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2756048264/" title="IMG_5891 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2756048264_ef0f6c0cd7_m.jpg" height="155" alt="IMG_5891" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2859832089/" title="IMG_6545 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2859832089_df39978edb_m.jpg" height="155" alt="IMG_6545" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2524331885/" title="IMG_4403 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2524331885_3c693422ef_m.jpg" height="150" alt="IMG_4403" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2889876115/" title="IMG_7014 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2889876115_c85d2467e6_m.jpg" height="150" alt="IMG_7014" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2890711348/" title="IMG_7013 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2890711348_288df1d894_m.jpg" height="141" alt="IMG_7013" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2931120302/" title="IMG_7225 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2931120302_e0c3111e5c_m.jpg" height="141" alt="IMG_7225" /></a><br /><br />First, the spin-fest. What follows is a summary of my last few months of spinning (I know, I know - you were hoping the above pictures were the summary, but... no such luck). Interestingly, all of these handspun yarns remind me of photos I've taken, so I decided to name them after the photos - pretty goofy, I know, but fun (for me, anyway) :)<br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn I: <i>December Sunset</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.sheepshed.net/">The Sheep Shed @ Mountain View Farm</a>, Merino/Tencel (50/50) Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 187 yards (64 g), 15 wpi (fingering / light fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> "Navajo" plied<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2449721747/" title="IMG_3699.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2449721747_3095696744_m.jpg" width="240" height="166" alt="IMG_3699.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2706733273/" title="IMG_5366 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2706733273_a3b1361667_m.jpg" width="240" height="174" alt="IMG_5366" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2706733605/" title="IMG_5372 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2706733605_9d823d89a6_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_5372" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2706736301/" title="IMG_5408 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2706736301_43cf114532_m.jpg" width="240" height="210" alt="IMG_5408" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2706733997/" title="IMG_5386 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2706733997_a9378bcd22_m.jpg" width="240" height="192" alt="IMG_5386" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2706734863/" title="IMG_5401 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2706734863_833bcc09ff_m.jpg" width="240" height="198" alt="IMG_5401" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2707553360/" title="IMG_5403 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2707553360_33eb657d68_m.jpg" width="240" height="199" alt="IMG_5403" /></a><br /><br />The namesake photo:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2863387422/" title="167_6742 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2863387422_38a8b1dd80_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="167_6742" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn II: <i>Milk Chocolate Lizard</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5083940">The Painted Sheep</a>, Merino/Tencel (50/50) Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 503 yards (119 g), 20 wpi (light fingering / lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2 ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2565902620/" title="IMG_4795 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2565902620_07dfdd9e51_m.jpg" width="240" height="190" alt="IMG_4795" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2755218549/" title="IMG_5889 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2755218549_b9c1c20bd9.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5889" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779760615/" title="IMG_5894 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2779760615_119105ab8b_m.jpg" width="240" height="191" alt="IMG_5894" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779762469/" title="IMG_5960 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2779762469_444062af47_m.jpg" width="240" height="178" alt="IMG_5960" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2780620736/" title="IMG_5946 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2780620736_1e24e6fdeb_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_5946" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779765157/" title="IMG_5962 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2779765157_8b3038226c_m.jpg" width="240" height="156" alt="IMG_5962" /></a><br /><br />The namesake photo:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862554315/" title="IMG_8867 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2862554315_5861bc884a.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_8867" /></a><br /><br />Mmmm... milk chocolatey! <i>(Don't worry, I know I'm describing you in food terms, but I'm not going to eat you, Mr. Lizard.)</i><br /><br />I had plans for this fiber even before I started spinning! I will be making <a href="http://ruthlessknitting.com/">Ruth's</a> <a href="http://ruthlessknitting.com/designs">Tokyo</a> top using my <i>Milk Chocolate Lizard</i> yarn in conjunction with <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Gloss+Sock+Yarn_YD5420151.html">Knitpicks Gloss Sock Yarn</a> in the color cocoa (seen here with the fiber, pre-spinning):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2729032406/" title="IMG_5559 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/2729032406_330aa63b34.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5559" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn III: <i>Amber Ant (a.k.a. Sunflower)</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5922028">JulieSpins</a>, Merino/Silk (80/20) Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 625 yards (113 g), 19 wpi (light fingering / lace weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 3 ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2756048264/" title="IMG_5891 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2756048264_ef0f6c0cd7_m.jpg" width="240" height="215" alt="IMG_5891" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2859635497/" title="IMG_6481 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2859635497_1d5f805abf.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_6481" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2860461962/" title="IMG_6474 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2860461962_4f35abd0b6_m.jpg" width="240" height="191" alt="IMG_6474" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2859635563/" title="IMG_6516 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2859635563_c7ff3155dc_m.jpg" width="240" height="163" alt="IMG_6516" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2859635781/" title="IMG_6527 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/2859635781_4a3956a978_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_6527" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2859635915/" title="IMG_6531 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2859635915_e37262da2a_m.jpg" width="240" height="181" alt="IMG_6531" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2860462914/" title="IMG_6524 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2860462914_2d1f7b7ea1_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="IMG_6524" /></a><br /><br />The namesake photo:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862554221/" title="Amber1-small by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2862554221_9ba53f55ce.jpg" width="240" alt="Amber1-small" /></a><br /><br />I didn't do a great job of dividing the singles evenly between the 3 bobbins, so instead of trying to redistribute the singles after I ran out of the first bobbin, I switched to a 2 ply (55 yards, 6 g). I ran out of the 2nd bobbin with just a bit to go and finished up by Navajo plying the remainder (less than 1 g). Here they are together:<br /><br /><href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2859824121/" title="IMG_6552 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2859824121_dd35afaf29_m.jpg" width="240" height="194" alt="IMG_6552" /><br /><br />Bug appreciates <i>Amber Ant's</i> pillowy properties<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2859636575/" title="IMG_6521 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2859636575_806b796dbd_m.jpg" width="240" height="231" alt="IMG_6521" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2860463436/" title="IMG_6520 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2860463436_8ecfc73c4f_m.jpg" width="240" height="186" alt="IMG_6520" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn IV: <i>Owl Clover</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5055805">Ancient Threads Farm</a>, Merino Superwash Roving (naturally dyed with cochineal, osage orange, tumeric, and lac)<br /><i>Stats:</i> 578 yards (126 g), 14 wpi (fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> single ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2525153064/" title="IMG_4402 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2313/2525153064_f00bfc9fb9_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_4402" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2524331885/" title="IMG_4403 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2524331885_3c693422ef_m.jpg" width="240" height="203" alt="IMG_4403" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2889875739/" title="IMG_6980 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2889875739_9c4832e27c_m.jpg" width="240" height="184" alt="IMG_6980" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2889875813/" title="IMG_7022 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2889875813_0df6ed9884_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_7022" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2889875839/" title="IMG_7030 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/2889875839_b12a79c6f9_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="IMG_7030" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2889876031/" title="IMG_7021 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2889876031_2fdcc17eb0_m.jpg" width="240" height="196" alt="IMG_7021" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2889876057/" title="IMG_7018 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2889876057_27605b23ce_m.jpg" width="240" height="168" alt="IMG_7018" /></a><br /><br />The namesake photo:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2947481207/" title="107-0757_IMG_2 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2947481207_0e7e27127e.jpg" width="240" alt="107-0757_IMG_2" /></a><br /><br />My young nephew found it to be quite passably squooshy:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2889875779/" title="IMG_7016 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2889875779_e99d6a4b82.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_7016" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Handspun Yarn V: <i>Columbia Fuzz</i></b><br /><br /><i>Fiber:</i> <a href="http://www.weavingworks.com/">Weaving Works</a>, Local Columbia Wool Roving<br /><i>Stats:</i> 615 yards (128 g), 15 wpi (light fingering weight)<br /><i>Ply:</i> 2 ply<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2890711348/" title="IMG_7013 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2890711348_288df1d894_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_7013" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2931125562/" title="IMG_7057 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2931125562_910691c3f7_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_7057" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2930265359/" title="IMG_7061 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2930265359_a664b10920_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_7061" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2930257963/" title="IMG_7228 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2930257963_deea8c7696_m.jpg" width="240" height="198" alt="IMG_7228" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2931119494/" title="IMG_7239 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2931119494_69d1334d32_m.jpg" width="240" height="202" alt="IMG_7239" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2931120302/" title="IMG_7225 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2931120302_e0c3111e5c_m.jpg" width="240" height="174" alt="IMG_7225" /></a><br /><br />The namesake photo (yeah, this is a real stretch, I know):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2471569310/" title="IMG_3882.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2471569310_ea6569a0e4_m.jpg" width="240" height="165" alt="IMG_3882.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><i>Baa aaa aaa aa a... ...meow?</i><br /><br />The guest cat paw you may have noticed caressing (well, perhaps "gripping" is a more accurate description - I had to disentangle the claws several times) the singles above belongs to my mom and dad's cat, Cali. She was kind enough to sit for a photo shoot with my oh-so-exciting white yarn (which I spun while visiting them):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2930266591/" title="IMG_7051 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2930266591_4ef06609fe_m.jpg" width="240" height="172" alt="IMG_7051" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2930267137/" title="IMG_7050 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2930267137_1ffbbc3bc0_m.jpg" width="240" height="173" alt="IMG_7050" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2931125800/" title="IMG_7054 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2931125800_23bed0ee4e_m.jpg" width="240" height="174" alt="IMG_7054" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2930267421/" title="IMG_7047 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2930267421_73f656e15f_m.jpg" width="240" height="190" alt="IMG_7047" /></a><br /><br />Well, now... was that really called for?<br />Apparently Cali's not one to hide how she feels about a situation. Hmph.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2930267569/" title="IMG_7068 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2930267569_d6530f3be1_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_7068" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Arte Y Pico & I Love Your Blog awards!</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862980655/" title="arteypico by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2862980655_73cb5c19cf_m.jpg" width="144" height="240" alt="arteypico" /></a><br /><br />Bryony of <a href="http://www.bryonyramsden.co.uk/wp/">Library Girl knits!</a> (who has a fantastic blog herself) has nominated me for an award - thanks, Bryony! Here are the rules* of <a href="http://arteypico.blogspot.com/">Arte Y Pico</a>:<br /><br />1) You pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogger community, no matter of language.*<br /><br />2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.*<br /><br />3) Each award-winning, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.*<br /><br />4) Award-winning and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y pico” blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.*<br /><br />5) To show these rules.*<br /><br /><i>* = I'm amending this to add "if you want to," because I don't wish to impose mandates on anyone :)</i><br /><br />Now, I read a ton of blogs (well, ahem... I usually do, though I have been rather bad about it these past few months, unfortunately for me), and I find stunning examples of creativity all over the place - you guys are a bunch of super-interesting, inspiring, and artistic people - so it's really difficult to choose a few blogs to mention, but here goes:<br /><br /><a href="http://throughtheloops.typepad.com/through_the_loops/">Through the Loops</a>: Gorgeous photography (and fun photoshoots with Kirsten's spirited and entertaining kids), beautiful knits (and spinning!), great patterns...<br /><br /><a href="http://annasflyingneedles.com/">Anna's Flying Needles</a>: Anna has really lovely taste in knits and her execution is fabulous :)<br /><br /><a href="http://stitchywitch.wordpress.com/">Green Apples - A Knitting Blog</a>: Beautiful knits (and crochet!) - very artsy :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.missalicefaye.com/blog/">missalicefaye</a>: Holey, moley! (pun totally intended...) Alice does exquisite lace work and is my hero when it comes to drop spindle spinning :)<br /><br /><a href="http://yarnsnob.wordpress.com/">Yes, I'm A Yarn Snob</a>: Great knits! She's currently on a bit of a cable kick :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2948827268/" title="2924862463_dbe8dec8aa_m by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2948827268_b040fcd199_m.jpg" width="134" height="240" alt="2924862463_dbe8dec8aa_m" /></a><br /><br />More recently, <a href="http://washingtonkestrel.wordpress.com/">Washington Kestrel</a> (check out her knitting and sewing projects - and zoo photos!) nominated me for another award (heh, maybe I should try to blog more often, so I can feel more deserving of these awards). Thanks!<br /><br />Here are the rules*:<br /><br />1. Please put the award on your blog.*<br />2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.*<br />3. You must nominate at least 4 fellow bloggers for this award.*<br />4. Add links to the recipients.*<br />5. Leave a comment so the recipients know they have received an award.*<br /><i>* = Again, I'm amending this to add "if you want to," :)</i><br /><br />Hee, hee! So here are 5 more blogs that I love :)<br /><br /><a href="http://alittleloopy.blogspot.com/">A Little Loopy</a>: Three crafty women share this wonderful blog :)<br /><br /><a href="http://catknits.typepad.com/catknits/">CATKNITS</a>: Wendy knits, spins, and cares for four unbearably cute kitties!<br /><br /><a href="http://knittymuggins.wordpress.com/">Knittymuggins</a>: A funny, very friendly knitter who's always doing exciting things :)<br /><br /><a href="http://sunflowerfairyknits.blogspot.com/">Sunflowerfairy Knits</a>: The exploits of a knitting, spinning mom who I have the pleasure of knowing.<br /><br /><a href="http://theaddknitter.blogspot.com/">The A.D.D. Knitter</a>: The queen of knitted accessories (with a healthy lust for sock yarn)!<br /><br />Yay! Have a great weekend (and for those of you going to <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.com/">Rhinebeck</a> - have a fantastic time)!<br /></href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2859824121/">Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-492395556720149397.post-59362804976010859412008-09-16T14:11:00.007-04:002008-09-16T17:15:01.232-04:00Hello, from the west coast :)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862909097/" title="Oregon coast"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2862909097_9a45d1038c_m.jpg" height="140" alt="IMG_6388" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2863742180/" title="New Jersey Freeway"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2863742180_30ec29539b_m.jpg"height="140" alt="IMG_5999" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862909501/" title="The evolution of the beer can - Nevada"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2862909501_4185263fb7_m.jpg" height="130" alt="IMG_6165" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862909225/" title="Kansas Motel"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2862909225_e60e5dfd17_m.jpg" height="130" alt="IMG_6027" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862909181/" title="California squirrel"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2862909181_97904d9d0a_m.jpg" height="130" alt="IMG_6202" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862909385/" title="Nevada sunflower"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2862909385_453c829f8e_m.jpg" height="138" alt="IMG_6046" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2862909583/" title="Arches National Park, Utah"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2862909583_1e819434f6_m.jpg" height="138" alt="IMG_6076" /></a><br /><br />We've made it to the west coast, but we're visiting with family, so it will still be a little over a week until we reach our final destination.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I don't do so well knitting as a passenger in a car (or moving truck) - I'm one of those people who likes to stay alert to the happenings on the road, and I'm not so good at knitting without looking (in fact I'm pretty bad at it) - so I got very little knitting done on the trip. That also may have had something to do with a broken needle... but I digress.<br /><br />Something I finished before our cross-country move is this scarf:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779758405/" title="IMG_5917 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2779758405_560815e990_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="IMG_5917" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779758895/" title="IMG_5915 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2779758895_1a9e158907.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5915" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779760413/" title="IMG_5903 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2779760413_e912ab2340_m.jpg" width="240" height="149" alt="IMG_5903" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779759725/" title="IMG_5920 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2779759725_5a35bfe851_m.jpg" width="240" height="213" alt="IMG_5920" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779759285/" title="IMG_5914 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2779759285_060d47ab14_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_5914" /></a><br /><br /><b><a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/04/noro-scarf.html">Noro Striped Scarf</a></b> by Jared Flood<br /><a href="http://www.knittingfever.com/c/yarn/noro-silk-garden-lite/">Noro Silk Garden Lite</a> 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Lambswool (136 yards / 50 g per skein), 1 ball each of colors 2010 and 2015<br />US 5 (3.75 mm) bamboo circular needles<br /><br />I knit this pretty much as suggested, aside from the following: I substituted a lighter weight yarn (the original pattern calls for Noro Silk Garden, not Silk Garden Lite), CO 33 stitches instead of 39, and used only one ball each of two colors.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2263240297/" title="IMG_2038.jpg by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/2263240297_08424db309_m.jpg" width="240" height="158" alt="IMG_2038.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My scarf came out a nice size (66 inches long x 4 inches wide). I found it endlessly entertaining to see which colors ended up paired with one another along the length of the fabric (though I admit to sometimes egging the yarn on in my head when it seemed like a particular color was hanging around for too long).<br /><br />Some intriguing color combinations resulted. For example, the Kermit and Miss Piggy section:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779756701/" title="IMG_5907 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/2779756701_ab0bf3daef_m.jpg" width="240" height="176" alt="IMG_5907" /></a><br /><br />The very spooky Count Dracula section:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779757227/" title="IMG_5909 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2779757227_dc3772cfb3_m.jpg" width="240" height="188" alt="IMG_5909" /></a><br /><br />The flaming gray squirrel section:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2780615286/" title="IMG_5910 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2780615286_db4d68d4cf_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="IMG_5910" /></a><br /><br />... and the Monet <a href="http://www.toffsworld.com/art_artists_painters/impressionist_impressionism_art_movement.htm">"Impression - Sunrise"</a> section:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2780613680/" title="IMG_5906 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2780613680_bb82dfed12_m.jpg" width="240" height="179" alt="IMG_5906" /></a><br /><br />All in all, a very enjoyable knit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779760091/" title="IMG_5905 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2779760091_53c183cef8.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5905" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Bag by Beth</b> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2792396773/" title="IMG_5972 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2792396773_81e96de35d.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5972" /></a><br /><br />Before I left the east coast, I received a fun gift from <a href="http://therealbabybeth.blogspot.com/">The Real Baby Beth</a>. She made 5 bags (in the Bag-n-tote Backstroke event) for the <a href="http://blog.ravelry.com/2008/07/25/ravelympics/">Ravelympics</a> and decided she didn't know what to do with all of them, so I was one of the lucky folks she gave one to.<br /><br />It's made of organic cotton and recycled soda bottle yarn (<a href="http://www.littlebarninc.com/">Little Barn</a> Cotton & Ecospun) - very cool!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2793248134/" title="IMG_5975 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/2793248134_db51aa47b4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMG_5975" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2792395125/" title="IMG_5976 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/2792395125_786631c5f9_m.jpg" width="240" height="187" alt="IMG_5976" /></a><br /><br />Thanks, Beth!<br /><br /><br /><b>Swatching and waiting...</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2728218083/" title="IMG_5551 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2728218083_ffa537b2bc.jpg" width="240" alt="IMG_5551" /></a><br /><br />A while ago now (a few months ago?) I did some swatching for several summer tops. Well, summer is essentially over now, but at least I started one of them :)<br /><br />It's the <a href="http://squeakyweasels.blogspot.com/2006/05/protopretty-dna-sweater-shell.html">Proto-Pretty DNA Tank</a> by <a href="http://squeakyweasels.blogspot.com/">weasel knits</a> that I've been eyeing for a long time. I think it's a clever design, and I'm having fun with it, though that doesn't stop me from having made a number of bone-headed mistakes that have resulted in much ripping back. I am farther along than this photo shows: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2779754773/" title="IMG_5900 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2779754773_4fa5e9fe5b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_5900" /></a><br /><br />...but not by much.<br /><br />I've also been working on a simple scarf of <a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,8/">Malabrigo Worsted</a> in the deliciously earthy color Charrua - a rich, chocolaty brown shot through with streaks of sky blue:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2545943596/" title="IMG_4515 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2545943596_895af5eb92_m.jpg" width="240" height="183" alt="IMG_4515" /></a><br /><br />I'm alternating bands of stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch of increasing width. Bug thinks it's quite tasty looking:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octopusknits/2755218733/" title="IMG_5795 by Octopus Knits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2755218733_f2bc79e5b1_m.jpg" width="240" height="177" alt="IMG_5795" /></a><br /><br /><i>Next time... spinning update!</i>Octopus Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03711733066980432896noreply@blogger.com17