Scattered Knitter

Hats for Donation

2011-01-03T15:11:00.002-05:00

2011-01-02 19.09.26.jpg
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Over the holidays I've not picked up my knitting once, but I did crank out some crochet hats with the red-heart-like acrylic that my mom brought from her old yarn stash. Now I just need to find a place to donate them.

Here's the pattern on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bonita-hat
And non-Ravelry: http://talesofthehook.blogspot.com/2010/10/hat-patterns.html

Double Pom Pom Hat

2010-06-15T23:10:00.003-04:00

Double Pom Pom Hat
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

I broke out the hook for this one, a quick little project for a friend/coworker to use in her infant photography sessions. Ravelry project here: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyJ/double-pom-pom-hat

Just keep knitting... knitting... knitting...

2010-05-28T23:07:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm still around. Just not feeling like I have a lot to say, and busily knitting along.

Here's my latest finished project: a Multnomah shawl in Wollemeise. YUM.

Cypress Cardigan

2009-11-30T08:24:00.001-05:00

Cypress Cardigan
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Not a great picture at all, but I couldn't wait to wear this sweater. Soft and cushy and just the right amount of warmth. I actually love the 3/4 length sleeves, after being skeptical about them. They don't get in my way while typing.

Pattern: #77 Vine Lace Top Down Cardigan by SweaterBabe
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Bulky in Cypress.

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyJ/77-vine-lace-top-down-cardigan

Ridinghood for Loretta's 8yo in Mirasol Chirapa

2009-11-23T08:29:00.001-05:00

Ridinghood for Loretta's 8yo in Mirasol Chirapa
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

I'm very proud of this one! Nice pattern, though I made fair number of modifications for a thinner yarn, larger size, less full skirt, longer arms, etc.

Listing tomorrow - Wednesday, May 20th

2009-05-19T14:57:00.002-04:00

A quick note to you that I am going to be listing a few things on the Inspired Congo on Hyenacart tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20th. The location is http://hyenacart.com/inspired.

Charity Hat #3 for 2009 - Nubby Brim Cloche

2009-03-13T10:47:00.001-04:00

Nubby Brim Cloche
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

This is one that I crocheted. The body is worked in HDC, alternating between working in the back loop only and the front loop only. The "eyelet" row where the chain is threaded through is worked in DC. And the brim is worked in SC.

Both the pattern for the hat and the pattern for the butterfly embellishment are free on the interwebs, at the following locations:
Nubby Brim Cloche (ravelry link): http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nubby-brim-cloche
Butterfly Embellishment: http://www.kaleidesigns.com/crochet/patterns/archive/frid001.html

This was made with a USK 10 1/2 (6.50mm) size hook, two strands of Bernat Aspen Soft held together. I long ago lost the ball bands, so I do not know the exact colorway names, but they are pretty true burgandy and hunter green.

Charity Hat #2 for 2009 - finished

2009-03-13T10:41:00.003-04:00

Charity hat 2
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

This is the second charity hat that I finished. No pattern, all stockinette. Size US8 (5.00mm) needles on 36grams of TLC Amore yarn - in vanilla and rose.

For the horizontal stripes, I switched colors every two rows, carrying the opposite color up the inside of the hat, catching it under the working yarn as I went to make it hidden. The vertical stripes are my first time trying stranded colorwork. I held the rose in my left hand and worked it continental-style, which is my normal style of knitting. I held the vanilla in my right hand and worked it english-style, which was new to me, and did feel pretty awkward. I consulted my coworker Carolyn, who knits english, to see how she holds and tensions her yarn to try to find something that felt comfortable.

Progress on socks for Loretta

2009-03-10T10:29:00.002-04:00

IMG00033.jpg
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

The yarn that Loretta provided to me is super-squishy! I am really enjoying knitting with it. It is knitting up at a sport-weight type gauge.

Now... to kitchener the toe and then cast on sock #2.

Charity Hat #2 for 2009

2009-03-05T10:47:00.001-05:00

IMG00031.jpg
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

A few coworkers and I have put together a fundraiser as part of our company's greater drive to raise money for the Relay for Life. We are knitting and crocheting hats to donate to the local cancer center, asking a donation of $10 for each hat.

We have a group of 10 crafters, two of which are just learning, lined up to knit and crochet these hats.

The world would be a better place if we were all fiber-enthusiasts.

New Web site

2009-03-04T10:58:00.003-05:00

My new Web site is up and running now, thanks to Cynthia of Webwurkz. I have free knitting patterns for immediate download, and paid knitting patterns all hooked up for paypal payment and immediate download.

Prajna Mama

Let me know if you have any questions or comments, as they are always appreciated!

Designing socks for Loretta

2009-03-04T08:46:00.001-05:00

IMG00030.jpg
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Loretta sent me some yarn, which is knitting up at a sport weight gauge, to make socks for her as my end of our trade. She made diapers for Eliana for me. GORGEOUS diapers.

So, I am designing a pair of cabled socks for her in this yarn. Here's a picture, 8 rows into the pattern... two mini cables on the right and left and two larger cables in the middle.

Longies for Wendy's Ian

2009-03-03T08:40:00.001-05:00

IMG00029.jpg
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Wendy/eternalw on DSD and I bartered. She sewed diapers for Eliana and I knit these longies for her (now newborn) Ian from yarn she provided.

Longies for TraceyKY

2009-02-27T18:53:00.001-05:00

IMG00028.jpg
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

A relatively bad picture of some gorgeous longies. Knit from the Miss Priss Diaper Pants pattern by my friend Wendy, just in an XL. In Malabrigo Worsted in the Alpine Pearl colorway, which is gorgeous dark greys, lighter greys and purples.

Tracey and I traded... she made Fattycakes pocket diapers for me and I knit these longies for her.

FOs: Winter Hats for the girls

2008-10-27T21:17:00.002-04:00

I've been on a hat roll. Nice and quick and usually easy. And especially enjoyable when you use mmmmmmmmmmalabrigo!!

Pattern: Sunflower Tam by Norah Gaughan in Knitting Nature
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in lettuce and blue surf (she requested blue stripes after she saw her sister's blue hat)

Pattern: Yellow Bells Jester Hat by Cosette Cornelius-Bates in Knit One, Embellish Too: Hats Mittens and Scarves with a Twist
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in blue surf
Such a nice easy hat. No increasing or decreasing. Just a tiny bit of k1,p1 rib and the rest is stockinette in the round. Three needle bind off for the top. I found the directions a little unclear on the bind off, but was able to find a method of getting the yarn from/to the right places that worked for me.

PATTERN: Star Struck Wristwarmers

2008-08-13T11:07:00.003-04:00

If you're on Ravelry, you can see the project and purchase/download from here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/star-struck-wristwarmers

If not, here's the link to purchase without a Ravelry account needed: http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/prajna-mama/7793

Yarn weight: DK / 8 ply (11 wpi)
Gauge: 5.75 stitches = 1 inch in star stitch
Needle size: US 8 / 5.0 mm
Yardage: 100 - 150 yards

This pattern is available for $3.00.

This gender-neutral pattern was written to highlight the special characteristics of a good handspun yarn, but can certainly be knit in a luscious commercial yarn with outstanding results.

This can be mostly knit on an 8 to 12 inch circular (all but the thumb), depending on the size you are making. Otherwise, it can be knit on DPNs, two circulars, or magic looped on a long circular.

I do recommend pointy needles to make the k3togs easier on your hands, especially if you knit tightly.

Many thanks to Rebecca and Kerry for their excellent test knitting/technical review.

WIP Parade

2008-06-27T14:30:00.002-04:00

I think I have a bad, bad case of startitis. Sigh.

RPM Socks in Noro Kureyon Sock, colorway S164 from The Loopy Ewe.

Ice My Heart socks (my pattern) in Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Cotton, colorway Carib Blue from The Stitching Post in Centerville, Ohio.

No-pattern longies in multiple yarn odds and ends... aka FrankenLongies

And no progress, but still waiting are:
Francie - sock #2 needs cast on
Plain Ribbed sock - sock #2 needs cast on

52 Pair Plunge II - some FOs and some WIPs

2008-06-16T15:28:00.002-04:00

Finished sock #1 of Francie and sock #1 in a simple ribbing in Austermann Step. Need to knit the mates for those.

FO #1 - Crystal Palace Maizy in Sky Blue.

FO #2 - unknown wool

Here's the most recently finished pair, in an unknown worsted weight wool that was gifted to me. Basic sock, CO 24 on size 4US. K2, P2 for 12 rounds. Knit 12 rows in the heel flap. After heel turn and picked up stitches, decreased back to 24 sts, continuing k2,p2 pattern on instep. Worked even until it looked long enough, then decreased for toe down to 8 sts total. Grafted toe.

How exciting!!

2008-06-11T16:49:00.001-04:00

I am guesting on the Inspired congo on Hyenacart during June. Some of my knits are listed for sale.

http://hyenacart.com/inspired

Come check out what the Inspired ladies and I have created this month!

52 Pair Plunge II - Sock 0.5 "Francie"

2008-06-04T15:31:00.002-04:00

Sock #1 of 2 of first pair finished!!

In Crystal Palace Maizy (corn/elastic nylon) in "sky blue". The yarn was a bit splitty, but not too bad with this pattern. Pattern is Francie.

Here's a link to my project on Ravelry.

I am kind of "meh" about the broken ribbing on the leg. It just doesn't seem to "GO" with the rest of the sock. I don't mean to sound ungrateful for the hard work of the designer, I can just never leave well enough alone. If I were to do this sock again, I would modify the leg to have the same type of V pattern that you see on the foot.

Off the wagon

2008-05-29T15:37:00.002-04:00

Yes, I fell off my self-imposed no-spend wagon. To the tune of $82.

But... it's $82 worth of scrumptious sock yarn. From The Loopy Ewe. Dream in Color Smooshy, JKnits Eureka, Noro, and ShiBuiKnits. MMMMMMMMM!!!

Take a few measurements and win some silk/wool

2008-05-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

Contest here:

http://knitasaur.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/i-have-creepily-scrawny-wrists/

Show Off Your Socks contest

2008-05-15T13:57:00.002-04:00

Neat idea!! Go enter yourself... the contest is open until May 20th and you just email her pictures of the socks you've knit since July 1st, 2007 and she puts up a collage of your socks.

Here is mine: http://teaknit.blogspot.com/2008/05/amy-j.html

PATTERN: Tight Braid Cable Baby Legwarmers

2008-05-14T13:15:00.005-04:00

After much testing, revising, test knitting, and retesting... I am releasing my first "for sale" knitting pattern.

Tight Braid Cable Baby Legwarmers

This pattern is available for $3.00 USD.

Pattern to fit a thigh circumference range from 7” to 14”.

The legwarmers are worked starting at the top, inner thigh. The cable braid pattern runs down the outer thigh.

WAHMs are welcome to knit and sell from this pattern, up to 26 pairs per rolling calendar year. Please reference me as the pattern designer, and include a link back to me at http://prajnamama.etsy.com/.

New Heel... well... New-To-Me at least

2008-05-13T15:07:00.004-04:00

I just turned the heel on a pair of plain ribbed socks. The ones in the nachtblau (blue night) colorway of Austermann Step. The socks are a simple k3,p1 rib on the leg and instep with stockinette on the sole. I've cast on 72 stitches using the long-tailed cast on method on size 2.25mm circular needles (the pink ones from a Yarn Pirate "Booty Club" shipment from last fall/winter). This is producing a fairly snug sock for my medium-width size 7.5 (US) feet.

Anyway, on to the new-to-me heel. This link was posted on the Sock Knitters Anonymous group on Ravelry, which is where I was introduced to this type of heel turn.

http://criminyjickets.blogspot.com/2007/08/band-heel-generically.html

There are no gusset decreases in this type of heel, though it is certainly not a short-row heel, either.

The decreases are made during the second half of the heel flap rows, just before you start the heel turn. In a traditional turned heel, you knit the heel flap with no increases or decreases, complete the heel turn, pick up stitches along the side of the heel flap, and end up with a bunch of extra stitches which you then need to decrease at the sides (usually) to get back to your original cast on number of stitches.

So I find that the band heel fits much more snugly than a traditional turned heel, and may be a good option for those that have narrow heels or find traditional turned heels to be too wide/loose/floppy for their specific anatomy.

Here is a picture of the heel just a few rows after I turned it. Click on the picture through to my Flickr account and you'll see the notes that I've added regarding where the decreases, heel turn, picked up stitches, etc are located.

WIPs and FOs

2008-05-12T09:51:00.005-04:00

I've finished three washcloths/dishcloths over the weekend. One each from the following patterns: Transformers, Skully, and No Holes Dishcloth.

There is errata for the Transformers dishcloth on row 25. It should read:
MB4, K3, P5, K5, P1, K2, P3, K2, P1, K5, P4, K3, MB4

I also made two soap bags (for mom and for MIL) for Mother's Day and picked up some cold process soap at a local farmer's market on Saturday morning to put inside the bags. The pictures I took of them are horrendous, so I will spare you all that pain.

I currently have four projects on my needles (only four!):
+ A Baby Surprise Jacket in Lion Brand Homespun on size US13 (9.0mm) needles for myself.
+ A pair of plain ribbed (k3,p1) socks in the "nachtblau" colorway of Austermann Step yarn.
+ A toddler hat that I am designing.
+ A toe-up pair of socks with a large and simple heart design in lace.

Pure Insanity

2008-05-07T15:02:00.002-04:00

I have GOT to be totally, certifiably INSANE, right?

Before you go saying "YES" just on the basis of what you already know about me... let me tell you why even *I* think I'm insane now.

I just signed up for round 2 of the 52 Pair Plunge. I am challenging myself to knit 52 pairs of socks in one calendar year (midnight 1 June 2008 - midnight 1 June 2009). That is one pair per week.

I.N.S.A.N.E.

FO: Fingerless Fishtail Mitts

2008-02-28T11:06:00.002-05:00

GREAT pattern from Knitting Pattern-a-Day: 2008 Day-to-Day Calendar.

Used US 6 / 4.0 mm Clover bamboo DPNs. In the "American Beauty" colorway of worsted Malabrigo. Or should I say MMmmmmmmalabrigo?

I ended up with 9 pattern repeats total. 4 before the thumbhole, 1 for the thumbhole, and 4 after the thumbhole. I saw some fingerless mitts my cousin-in-law knit based on the Koolhaas hat stitch pattern that nearly covered her fingers and that got my head thinking about needing fingerless mitts with a bit more coverage than my fetching mitts.

FO: PIE blanket

2008-02-22T08:25:00.002-05:00

Just finished this up and turned it over yesterday. I knit this as a donation to my company's United Way Auction. Basically, I donated a "hand knit item of your choice". The person that bid on and won my item got to decide what type of item they wanted, with some input from me as to suitable yarn choices/exact patterns. This is for his sister-in-law, who is expecting a baby in March.

Here's the original pattern: http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/pie/pie.html

I knit it on US 10.5 circular needles (knit picks nickel plated options) using ALMOST 5 hanks of knit picks bare superwash merino.

Because I'm a geek like that, I calculated how long it took me to do a row and then multiplied out from there to get an approximation of the time spent knitting... 26 hours.

Here's a closeup of the stitch pattern.

FO: Soaker Sack for Angel

2008-02-09T20:57:00.000-05:00

And here's my most recent finished object... a soaker sack (think cloth diaper cover meets newborn gown) as a baby present for Angel's baby girl to be.

I started it as a crocheted soaker sack using Patti Gonsalves' pattern. Realized about 3/4 through that I would run out of yarn. So I frogged the whole thing and cast on to knit it instead. I combined the waistband from the Curly Purly soaker pattern and then winged the rest of it. Came out pretty well and it's already in Angel's hands. The yarn is handdyed by Jessica of Baby Black Sheep.

WIP: A's killer bees sock

2008-02-09T20:48:00.000-05:00

And here's a picture of sock#1 of the pair - prior to my first "too tight" bind off attempt.

I am happy to report that I was able to tink (un-knit, "knit" spelled backwards) the tight bind off and bound off using the combo of rivki and miri's advice. And the sock fits. It has been washed and is currently drying.

I am using the Seeded Ribbing pattern stitch from Charlene Schurch's book, More Sensational Knitted Socks. I seriously love this book. I have made the majority of the handknit socks I've done from this book. Using US1 (2.25mm) Harmony 32" fixed circular needle from Knit Picks, magic looping. Getting 9 stitches per inch, cast on 56. A's foot is 6" long and 5.75" circumference. Long and skinny like daddy's feet. Grandma S calls them "expensive feet" and I agree.

TIP: Very.Stretchy.BindOff

2008-02-08T20:03:00.000-05:00

I did my first toe-up sock (for my preschooler, A) and bound off using a traditional bind off in what I thought was a loose manner. I mean, I knit the sock on a US1 (2.25mm) needle, so binding off with a US3 would be nice and stretchy, right? Wrong. Wouldn't go on over her heel. Very disappointed little girl.

So, as any good sock knitter would do, I consulted the ladies in the SKA. That's Sock Knitters Anonymous on Ravelry. I thought I would compile the responses I received and share them with you.

pgprcrst8n: "look for EZ’s sewn bind off. It’s what I use for my toe-ups. Works great."

rivki: "Knit your first stitch. Knit your second stitch. * You have two stitches on your right needle. Slip the second stitch back to the left needle. Slip the first stitch back to the left needle. Knit both stitches together through the back loop. You’ll have one stitch on your right hand needle. Knit your next stitch. * Repeat the steps between the astericks around the cuff."

Miri: "I speed up the k2togtbl [that rivki describes] by not bothering to slip stitches back to the left hand needle. With stitches on the right, just slip the point of the left needle into the fronts of those stitches (now it looks just the same as if you’s slid the right needle into the backs of 2 stitches on the left) and knit them."

MomofTwins: "I have 2 favorites. 1) A Hemmed cuff. Looks fabulous, adding a professtional touch to the sock. And is quite comfortable. Although will mean a bit more knitting. and 2) a Tubular Bind off. It too looks quite nice. It is a “mantra” bind off like the Kitchener stitch (knit/purl/purl/knit). But is nice and sproingy (if you don’t pull too hard) and looks good too. I hope this is helpful. Here are some links: Tubular Bind off instructions

willknit4food: "I love Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Stretchy Sewn Bind off. It is easy as pie and wonderful! Copied from Weebleknits blog:

Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Sewn Cast off from Knitting Without Tears

Break yarn, leaving a tail about 4 times as long as the circumference of the sock. Thread a tapestry needle.

sew forward (right to left) through two stitches as if to purl, leave the stitches on. Sew backward (left to right) through one stitch as if to knit and remove the stitch. Repeat from * until you run out of stitches. Work in tail on the inside of the sock and trim any excess.

Denise’s variation for circular knitting (from http://www.socknitters.com): For the very first stitch only, after you go backwards through it, do not remove it, instead move it to be the last stitch on the final needle. It will then become the final stitch to be cast off. This gives a neater finish to the end of the round."

purplemelly: Definitely EZs sewn bind off. There’s a great article on Knitty of different bind offs and it has this one. Linky It’s the last technique on the page.

FO: Catching up

2008-01-24T11:17:00.000-05:00

An wee tiny sock in Knit Picks Essential in "grass".

A *pair*, yes, a PAIR of Nine to Five socks in Knit Picks Essential in "grass".

Again, a *pair* of Fuzzy Feet slipper socks in Patons SWS in "natural plum".
--before felting

--after felting

Charity Auctions for Yvonne

2008-01-23T16:38:00.000-05:00

Please check these out and bid if you are able!

http://hyenacart.com/Charity_raffles/
http://hyenacart.com/DivaDesigns/

Your generosity will help Yvonne and her family recover from a fire that caused the loss of their family's business and primary income.

Help support my friend Yvonne

2008-01-14T13:55:00.000-05:00

Yvonne's family business (their main source of income) was severely damaged in a fire. Story here. Yvonne is a WAHM that makes gorgeous hand crocheted play food in addition to sewn items that I am lucky to have known. Take a minute to visit Yvonne's Hyenacart at Diva Designs. She is Cuddlebub Creations.

Our friend Cynthia of Rumpknits is also trying to help Yvonne and her family. Click here to find out how.

The perfect handmade gift for a knitting friend...

2007-12-05T11:24:00.001-05:00

If I could only find the free time to get a the machine to sew this up...

http://crazylanea.typepad.com/fiberarts/2007/12/sock-bag-tutori.html

Win something cool and pay it forward!

2007-12-04T11:09:00.000-05:00

Check out this blog, where she's giving away something from her stash every day this month, in exchange for you doing something to pay the kindness forward.

http://theninjaknitter.blogspot.com/

Get rid of that paper clutter!

2007-12-04T11:08:00.001-05:00

Go here and opt out of all those annoying catalogs you get. The ones that tempt you into a consumeristic "I want, I want, I want" lifestyle... The ones that take up trees to produce... The ones that take petroleum for fuel to transport around the country

http://www.catalogchoice.org/

Contest: To win yarn/needles

2007-11-27T13:34:00.001-05:00

Go check out this contest that I heard about on Ravelry... http://www.sketchesandmore.blogspot.com/

FO: Snapdragon Soaker

2007-11-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Here is a size large soaker from my friend Heather's Snapdragon Soaker pattern done in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky bare, that I dyed with kool aid. This is for a swap on Diaper Sewing Divas (where I'm a moderator) with Jessica (jessh2021). I added short rows to this pattern as Jessica mentioned that they use prefolds, so I figured she would need a bit of extra room, even though the legs are slightly front-loading on this pattern. I finished the soaker out of just one hank, but had to dip into the second hank to make the drawstring. I am planning to do some legwarmers for E out of the remainder of the second hank.

And here's a picture of the yarn just after I dyed it (on the left, obviously):

FO: Clapotis in Andean Silk

2007-11-13T08:40:00.001-05:00

This has been done for a while now, and I love it! I skipped 4 repeats in the straight section, and I'm glad that I did, because it is just the perfect size for a nice wrap/short scarf for my 5'2" height and my frame.

Done in the LEAF color of Knit Picks Andean Silk. I have a pair of Fetching that I did in this colorway a while ago, so I feel all matchy-matchy now.

FO: Longies for E

2007-11-13T08:32:00.001-05:00

Dyed by Carrie (akiss4meg) from mr & miss lil pocket pants on aran BFL yarn from Jessica (J'La) from Baby Black Sheep. This is the size medium of the LTK Picky Pants pattern, with 1" added rise. The waistband ribbing is P2togs instead of K2togs and the cuffs are a 2x2 moss stitch.

This the yarn before knitting - Carrie also made me a Tshirt for E like the one in the picture, only longsleeved.

PATTERN: Baby Legwarmers

2007-11-11T21:38:00.006-05:00

My first pattern!

Editing to add a link to download a PDF of this pattern from Ravelry. The PDF version is free also.
http://www.ravelry.com/dl/prajna-mama/4644?filename=Baby_Legwarmers.pdf

These were born out of an intense dislike for a certain torture device called "baby tights". Evil little things. Terrible to get on a squirming child, and off and on again for the endless diaper changes. These leg warmers make me think of my childhood in the 80s and the lavender striped pair that I owned. Oh yes... and the PASTEL PINK ones, too. Those of you who know me, don't fall over in shock that I actually wore something pink. Besides, they matched the paint on my bedroom walls.

Materials:
--Any worsted or aran weight yarn that will give you gauge. I used aran BFL from Black Sheep Baby.
--US 8 (5.0mm) DPNs, set of 5 - or needle size that will give you gauge
--US 5 (3.5mm) DPNs, set of 5 - or needle size that will give you gauge

Gauge: 20 sts and 27 rows to 4" (5spi).

These baby leg warmers are worked from the top down.

Please contact me regarding any errors and I will correct the pattern.

You are free to make and sell from this pattern or modifications of this pattern. I do ask that you indicate that you are not affiliated with me in any way, and please link back to me as the pattern source.

TIP: How to do the duplicate stitch

2007-11-02T13:17:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the Lime & Violet Daily Chum for bringing this tutorial to my attention.

TIP: Weave in ends while knitting

2007-11-02T10:22:00.000-04:00

I just heard about this on the Sweaters for Dragons podcast and thought it worth spreading the news about. For anyone else that ABHORS weaving in ends... THIS is for you!

Scrapdash: Weave in ends while knitting--Continental Style

Sock Pr0n: Weave in ends while knitting--English Style

FO: Longies for Bonnie

2007-11-01T14:03:00.001-04:00

100_2577.JPG
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Done! They are just gorgeous - I am so very happy with them. I sent them off to Bonnie on Tuesday morning. So, now I am nervously awaiting their arrival at her house and HOPING that she really does like them.

WIP: Bonnie's Longies

2007-10-26T13:46:00.001-04:00

1026071327
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Just finished the cuff on leg #1 - a moss/seed stitch that will cuff well and look exactly the same on the reverse side. The cuff is a tad larger around than the leg to facilitate cuffing without stretching the cuff out of shape.

WIP: Longies for Bonnie

2007-10-20T14:27:00.001-04:00

Longies for Bonnie
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Coming right along! In aran BFL, dyed by Julie of Selah. I do not know what the colorway is called, however.

FO: Open Twisted Rib - Amari's Socks

2007-10-20T14:26:00.001-04:00

Amari's Socks
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Yay!!!! Finished. And they fit. From Charlene Schurch's "More Sensational Knitted Socks" in Patons Kroy Socks - "krazy stripes" colorway.

WIP: Longies for Bonnie

2007-10-19T10:55:00.001-04:00

Longies for Bonnie
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

The custom-dyed yarn arrived from Julie of Selah and I cast on!

I saw a new way to do a double-tail cast on loosely... Say I'm knitting the waist ribbing on 6s... then hold two size 6 DPNs together and tightly cast on to them, then remove the extra one - VOILA - nice loose cast on.

I am just to the point where I am inserting the first short rows.

WIP: Andean Silk Clapotis

2007-10-09T13:56:00.000-04:00

I picked up my clapotis last night for the first time in a week or so, maybe longer. I was/am enjoying the pattern and the knitting progress, but have been dealing with sequential illnesses, first the 4 month old with a cold, then the 3 year old with a viral throat infection, then the husband with a nasty cold, then the now-5 month old with a combo of the viral throat thing and the cold, and last night - the 3 year old starts sniffling. Sigh. It's not even winter yet.

Anyway, because of all of this drama, I have no progress pictures, but here is a picture of the colorway I am using in Andean Silk.

FO: Lattice Stitch Socks for J

2007-10-08T11:00:00.001-04:00

100_2557.JPG
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Finished - the lattice stitch socks (More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch) for DH J. In the oatmeal colorway of Wool Ease. Nice and warm for winter and he is surprised at how comfortable and cushy they are - this is the first pair of socks I've knit him. YAY!! Score 1 for knitting.

Sock On!

2007-10-08T10:57:00.001-04:00

1001070840
Originally uploaded by amyjunkins

Some sock progress on the sock for A that I'm knitting. It's going very nice and quickly and the Patons Kroy Socks is nice and sturdy. I can't say that I like the way the pattern is striping on the front, but the striping is striking on the back.

Clapotis progress

2007-09-23T16:11:00.000-04:00

I am two rows into the first repeat on the straight rows. I really do like how the andean silk is working up. Such a nice drape and so soft! I am excited to get to the first place I get to drop a stitch. Almost like a present waiting for me, egging me on to keep going in the pattern.

I checked my guage and I'm getting 4.5 spi on size US 8s, so I am just going to stick with that since the pattern calls for 4.75 spi, I figure that's close enough for this item for me. In a diagonal row with 106 sts, it means I'll get 23.5" rather than 22.3" - that's close enough for me.

OTN: did I mention SCATTERED?

2007-09-21T12:25:00.000-04:00

I feel like I have a million things on the needles (OTN) right now, but even more in my ravelry queue just egging me on. I NEED to make myself stop casting things on, because I get interested in them and leave the old projects as UFOs - and then decide I don't like the UFOs enough to finish, so I frog them. That's ALOT of wasted knitting time.

1. Lattice Stitch Socks for DH based on Charlene Schurch's More Sensational Knitted Socks book - WW oatmeal wool ease - just finished the gusset on sock#2. And now the picture:

2. Clapotis - Andean Silk in a yummy dark green - just finished the setup rows.

3. Sweetheart dress for A - WW acrylic - has been hibernating FOREVER

4. Little Turtle Knits (LTK) Picky Pants longies for E - aran BFL from Jessica at Baby Black Sheep custom dyed for me by Carrie at mr & ms lil pocket pants to match a custom embroidered longsleeved tshirt from Carrie. Here's a pick of the T and colorway:

5. Fibertrends Kids Felted Clogs for A. Also hibernating FOREVER. Picture:

6. And last, but certainly not least... Breeze Socks for ME!

Back to knitting!!

PSA: cloth pads

2007-09-19T17:07:00.000-04:00

I have heard LOADS of good things about this free pattern, so I thought I'd pass on the news. I just printed out the pantyliner instructions and pattern PDF to try. Not that I need them right now - haven't seen PPAF yet, thank goodness - but it will be good to have them ready ahead of time as backup for my diva cup, which has to be the best invention EVER.

Get sewing!

And oh yeah... benefits of cloth pads.

On the BlogWagon

2007-09-19T15:56:00.000-04:00

Yep, on the BlogWagon. I never thought myself the type to start a blog, but I stumbled across this signup and ended up with a blog before I really new what had overcome me.

I am AmyJ on Ravelry. If you haven't yet heard of Ravelry, you must be hiding in the dark ages. Get thyself over there and SIGN UP. You'll simultaneously thank me and curse me once you get in and see what all the fuss is about. Really.

I am early-30s, married to J, mama of two little girls - A who is 3 years old and is the perfect little angelic demon and E who is 4.5 months old and just rolled over for the first time last night and appears to have a tooth that will be making it's hideous presence soon known.

I am a cloth diapering, sewing, cloth diaper sewing, knitting, crocheting, breastfeeding, pumping, attachment parenting, semi-cosleeping, recycling, WOHM. How's that for enough labels? Have I painted myself into a corner now? I'm sure you have me all figured out by now.

Hi, my name is Amy, I'm a Gemini. My favorite flower is the Jacqueminot Rose. I enjoy long walks on the beach and romantic poetry read by the fire.

Enough about me, on with the knitting.

I have a million and one things on the needles - and am going to add one more thing... a Clapotis in a lace-weight. Conjoined Creations Pastimes in the Winds of Change colorway, to be specific. 100% soysilk yumminess. 800 yards of pure heaven. And it's not pink. Not even close. Not one iota. I picked up this yarn very recently at A Wool Gathering outside of Yellow Springs, Ohio. A friend and I and assorted small creatures drove down and spent the day rolling in the goodness that is yarn and fiber. Well, not really rolling, although I am completely convinced that they would have understood (being fiber junkies themselves), and actually envied our fearlessness, but probably thrown us out. The icing on the cake that was this day - CINNAMON ice cream at Young's Jersey Dairy.

To keep me on track with this project, I am joining the Second Wave Clapotis KAL. They have some hard work ahead of them keeping me on track and honest.