knitting with dogs

Handspun Shaking Leaves

2011-03-26T16:44:00.019-04:00

Shaking Leaves Cardigan

Hello Yarn Club fiber Finn "Shaking Leaves". This prep was so absolutely wonderful, it practically spun its self! I really love the squishyness of the garter stitch with the Finn wool.

Spinning notes:
20oz Finn wool spun semi worsted. I like to spin long draw, but I smooth the singles as I let them wind on. This is possibly not technically correct, but it works for me!

Singles spun 18-20 wpi
Plied yarn 9-10 wpi
Grist-Approx 1000 ypp Worsted-Aran weight

Knitting notes:
Gauge: 20sts, 33 rows/4in with size 7 needles
Yarn required ~1100 yards Worsted-Aran weight

Finished measurements:
Collar 18"
Bust 39"
Yoke depth 8.5"
Upper arm 14"
Waist 34"
Length (from underarm) 16"
Sleeve 15.5"
If you need this bigger or smaller, you can simply knit more or fewer increase rows. Ah, the beauty of Top down sweaters!

Odd rows RS, Even rows WS

Body:
With size 4, 32" circular needle CO 85 sts and k 4 rows plain
Row 5- Knit Increase row - *k3 kfb* k1 (throughout pattern repeat sts between *'s)- 21 sts increased - 106 sts
Row 6- Switch to size 7 32" circular needles, k 1 row even - knit button hole on this row and every 7 garter ridges, or to your own taste. I did a 3 stitch 2 row buttonhole.
Row 7- Knit Short row - k 80% of sts, w&t, knit back to the same point on the other side, w&t, k to end of row. (Example: If you have 100 sts on needle, k 80sts(20 sts from the end), w&t, k 60sts(20 sts from the end), w&t k to end. No need to pick up wraps when knitting short rows in garter stitch)
Row 8- k 1 row even
Row 9- Knit Increase row - k5 *kfb, k2* k5 - 32 sts increased - 138 sts
Row 10- knit 1 row even
Row 11- Knit Short row as stated above except only k 70% of your stitches before your, w&t
Row 12- k 1 row even
Row 13- Knit Increase row - k7 *kfb, k3* k7 - 31 sts increased - 169 sts
Row 14-28 knit even (don't forget your button hole!)
Row 29- Knit Increase row - k6 *kfb, k5* k7 - 26 sts increased - 195 sts
Row 30- knit 1 row even
Row 31- Prepare to begin raglan increases(RS)- k31, pm, k1, pm, k38, pm, k1, pm, k53, pm, k1, pm, k38, pm, k1, pm, k31
Row 32- k7, p to last 7 sts, k7 (continue 7 st garter button band throughout)
Row 33- 1st raglan increase round - k to first marker, *M1R, k1, M1L, knit to next marker* repeat across - 8 sts increased. 203 sts.
Repeat last 2 rows 10 more times. 88 sts increased. 283 sts.
Repeat row 32
Split sleeves from body(RS) removing markers and knitting raglan sts as you come to them- k43, slip next 60 sts to scrap yarn, CO 6 under arm sts, pm, CO 6 more sts, k77 sts, slip next 60 sts to scrap yarn, CO 6 under arm sts, pm, CO 6 more sts, k43.
Knit body sts in stockinette stitch back and forth, keeping the 7 st garter button band, until sweater measures 3 in from underarm. Decrease 2 sts at each side every 8th row, 4 times.
Knit straight for 3-4 inches
Increase 2 sts at each side of side markers every 7th row, 3 times. Knit to 1.5" less than desired body length.
Knit 12 rows of garter stitch and bind off.

Sleeves:
Slip sleeve sts back onto size 7 circular or DPN. PU 6 sts pm, PU 6 sts, join and begin to knit in the round.
Decrease 2 sts each side of marker each round for 3 rounds and then once more after knitting a few rounds plain.
Knit 5 inches even.
Decrease 2 sts each side of marker every 12th row, 5 times.

Knit sleeve 1.5" less than desired length (in my case 14 inches) and knit 12 rows of garter stitch and bind off.
Repeat for second sleeve.
Sew on buttons and enjoy!!

DISCLAIMER - I do not own or have ever looked at the pattern "Garter Yoke Cardigan by Melissa LeBarre" I was inspired by this design, but wanted to incorporate some additional features such as a higher neckline and additional waist shaping. This pattern is not really "mods" per se, but my own interpretation of that pattern. I did my best to double check the math, so please let me know if you find a mistake.

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-23T12:24:00.002-05:00

Yarn Ball Wreath
Originally uploaded by Orchid22

So, I can't believe that is has been this long since I have actually posted on my blog!!!
I have been so busy since last fall. Work has been crazy, and then I got a spinning wheel for Christmas last year and have been spinning up a storm ever since.

This is a little wreath that I put together using styrofoam balls and some yarn that I picked up on the cheap at JoAnn's. Oh, yeah, and 2 of the balls are covered in yarn that I spun from my puppers!

Natalie Dee rocks!

2008-09-04T12:22:00.005-04:00

Seriously! This girl is hard core funny...

nataliedee.com

nataliedee.com

Fabulous Fiddleheads

2008-05-01T19:23:00.000-04:00

It may seem strange to be so excited about knitting mittens at the beginning of Summer, but I saw this pattern on Ravelry and I just had to cast on IMMEDIATELY!! These mittens were designed by Adrian Bizilia of Hello Yarn fame.

I have never felt compelled to do any Fair Isle knitting before. I always thought it looked too folksy or something, but this pattern combines a beautiful design with uber-functionality. I don't think these look too bad for my first attempt at stranded knitting.

I have learned a few new tricks with this pattern as well. You begin the mittens with an I-cord cast on. I can see this being a really useful tool in many other situations. I also learned the aforementioned stranded knitting. I followed Adrian's suggestion of using the colored yarn as the color you "carry under" and I tried to knit continental with my left hand and english with my right, but I am not very proficient in continental yet and my hands were cramped something terrible!!

I knit these in the small size with Lamb's Pride Worsted as the main color and Noro Kureyon as the contrast color on size US3 needles. This produced a firm windproof fabric. I am still trying to decide what to line these with. I have some Lana Grossa Babykid in Teal that is a possibility and also some Blue Sky Alpaca sport weight in a lucious turquoise color.

The lining is up next...Stay tuned!!!

Ravelry = Major time suckage

2008-04-25T23:40:00.009-04:00

While I was waiting for my Ravelry invite for all those tedious months, I always envisioned how much easier it was going to make my knitting life. It really has revolutionized the way I have decide what projects to knit and what yarns to lust after, but there was one unanticipated effect.

Major. Time. Suckage.

It is so easy to get caught up analyzing patterns and researching the perfect yarn. Not to mention the forums!! There is a forum announcing new yarn sales, one listing yarns that people have for trade and various social groups to chit chat and be goofy in. It is really easy to spend several hours chatting and looking around and zero time knitting. I have met a ton of cool, funny and interesting people on Ravelry. It really has been a lot of fun!

In knitting news, I got my first Smooshy Arrows sock completed. I really love this yarn!! It is 100% extrafine Australian merino. The colorways are slightly variegated and shift colors gradually. I love the stitch definition that I get. This yarn is really really smooshy! I think it is my favorite yarn for socks right now.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

2007-12-23T20:33:00.001-05:00

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by Orchid22

Here is just a little glimpse of our decorated tree.

I did the whole tree in cool blue shades and silver snowflakes.

I am so glad we finally got a tree. I have been wanting to have one to decorate for a few years now. I was kind of worried that the dogs would knock it over or eat the ornaments, but the have actually been pretty good. I had one little issue with Tanuki trying to eat an ornament, but I caught him before he ate too much.

I love this little lambie ornament. I got it at the lobby store at my work. It is so nice to work at home office and be able to shop on my lunch break if I need to pick up some gifts.

I can't wait for all of this holiday craziness to be over so I can get back to more knitting!!!

I have 3 pairs of socks on the needles right now, but I have been itching to start something bigger. I hope there are some good yarn sales after the holidays so I can get some yarn for a bigger project.

Will it felt?

2007-12-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

I have been wondering about the durability of the new Noro sock yarn since this is a single ply non-superwash yarn. I had heard some rumors that it was indeed superwash, so I decided to put it to the test. I knitted up a VERY small swatch (4sts x 4 rows). I couldn't bear to part with too much of this georgeous yarn for a destructive test.

I then measured it pre-washing.

I hand felted this swatch in the sink in warm water with some hand soap. It did felt rather quickly.

I measured the swatch post wash and it had shrunk about 1/8 inch in both directions. This yarn definitely is not superwash, but it sure is beautiful!!

Noro Sock Yarn Review

2007-12-15T18:04:00.001-05:00

Orchid22

Noro Sock yarn at last!!

This yarn is just as beautiful as its worsted weight counterpart. Subtle shifts of color over several rows give your project a handspun look. I picked mine up at Knitter's Mercantile. They had several lovely colors to choose from, but I liked this one with its mix of purples and greens. As you would expect from Noro, the colors are very saturated.

The texture of this yarn is similar to the regular Kureyon. It feels slightly scratchy at first, but softens up considerably in the knitted fabric. This is a tightly spun single ply yarn with very little bounce, and surprisingly little splittiness. Also, its variable thickness has a quality that enhances the handspun look. I have not yet encountered any hay or twigs in the wool, as I have with other Noro yarns. It has been a little problematic getting the yarn to feed smoothly from the center pull ball. I think it is the yarn's somewhat twiny texture that causes it to tangle. It isn't a huge problem, but just something to be aware of.

I am knitting my socks on size 2 needles. I was advised to knit this yarn on size 1's, but mine are currently in use. I don't believe the fabric is too open to compromise the durability of the socks; it is a 30% nylon blend, so I think they will wear pretty well. I am knitting this 64 stitch sock toe-up on a magic loop with a short row heel. The instep and cuff will be a 3x1 rib. I am consistently getting 9 sts/in.

I look forward to finishing and wearing these to test the softness and durability. I do admit that I am really enjoying knitting with this yarn so far!!

The Ravens have landed!!

2007-11-14T21:41:00.001-05:00

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Raven Sock
Originally uploaded by Orchid22

Blue Moon Fiber Artists have outdone themselves again!

Their new series of colors is deep dark and saturated. Inky ocean blues, dark cherry stains, eggplant hues and murky waters. They are georgeous!!

I have attempted to take pictures of the two I got, but it is very hard to capture all of the depth and color in these. Plus, the camera doesn't know where to focus!

The first above is Thraven - described as "blusey greens and greensy blues painted black". This color is really beautiful in person. It is the deepest blue green suffused with charcoal and black.

Next up is Tlingit above - described as "hot pink, chartreuse and robins egg blue stewed in black". That sounds dramatic! This color really does remind me of the irridescence of a raven or blackbird's feathers.

Both of these yarns are in the "Socks that Rock - Mediumweight" base. If you haven't knit with this yarn yet, I highly recommend trying it out. It is by far the best sock yarn I have knit with.

I'm not sure yet what i will knit with these (maybe some gloves?). I am still having too much fun petting them in the skeins!

Tanuki!

2007-11-12T22:00:00.000-05:00

Tanuki's first day home
Originally uploaded by Orchid22

Let me introduce you to Tanuki! He is a 2 year old male Keeshond found as a stray in Northern Ohio and picked up by the Animal Warden. I worked with a local volunteer for Keeshond Rescue of the Central States to adopt him in April of this year. She told me that he was covered in mats and a real mess when she picked him up. Luckily he didn't have to stay in that condition for long!! He blew out most of his undercoat this Summer and it is filling back in nicely this Fall.

He and Pepper got along really well right from the begining. They wrestle and tumble all over the house. I know that Pepper is happy to have a little brother to play with.

It has taken Tanuki a little while longer to come out of his shell with the humans in the house. All he would want to do is play and roughhouse (I love that word!) 24/7!! He finally seems to seek and enjoy affection from us. He can be a real cuddlebug in the evenings when we are winding down for the night. He doesn't seem to understand that he doesn't quite fit on my lap!! I sometimes wonder what his life was like before us, but I know he is happy now.

Sea Wool Pomatomus

2007-11-09T22:51:00.000-05:00

Sea Wool Pomatomus
Originally uploaded by Orchid22

Finally finished!! I love these socks! Is it wrong to be in love with a sock? I think not!

These are probably the hardest thing I have knit to date. The pattern isn't particularly hard, but you do have to pay attention. The hard part is all of those kbl (knit through back loop). I think I am going to have to take a few days off from tiny needle knitting.

These are knit with Fleece Artist Sea Wool. A lovely yarn with a beautiful sheen. I have another hank dedicated to some Monkey socks.

Introduction

2007-11-09T22:25:00.000-05:00

Smiling Dutchman!
Originally uploaded by Orchid22

What is a Keeshond you ask? They are a member of the spitz group of dogs and are incredibly smart. Sometimes my husband and I feel like we have furry kids running around the house. They have a very extensive vocabulary of howls, growls and things I can't even describe. As you can see, they also smile. :)

This is Pepper. He just turned 8 on November 7th.

Coming soon...Tanuki!!