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September 30, 2005
Friday is for Fun
Fickle Knitter's Tip of the Week
It is not necessary to tell the Husband you have a crush on Barack Obama, even if it is true.
I'm awaiting a call from my Surgeon's office to schedule my Surgery. The verdict is the Gallbladder has to come out. My Surgeon said there's a small chance she may have to do a traditional incision if my asthma becomes a problem. Other than that everything should be fairly straightforward. Other than the fact I have to part with an organ I've shared everything with my entire life. [Cue Music: Bill Withers' Just the Two of Us]
[/pity party of two one]
Ever wonder what 880 yards of lace weight looks like knitted in one continuous circle?
Here's your answer along with my obvious deficiency in swift/ball winder/center pull skein making. This project has been such a stress reliever, I may just make a house cozy with it. I still have another 1760 yards of this lovely laceweight from Handpainted Yarn. What do lace knitters do with their leftover color ways anyhow? Are they like me in that I get bored if I have to use the same color more than once?
Knitting ADD
I have the Crew Neck Sweater on the needles, awaiting one sleeve and one right front. I have the Twist Front Top, which I'm going to frog and cast on for the smaller size. I have one Uptown Boot Sock left to make. A wee bit of finishing for Lyssa's Christmas Tchotchke. I also have the Buffalo Unspun waiting to be designed and knit up. So what do I do?
I swatch this Mimosa purchased at my first Yarn Lady Sale.
Cables look like crap in this yarn. In fact I'm starting to think the yarn itself is ugly. So Today's Fug is brought to you by low sale prices and foolish newbie yarn purchases.
I plan on 10 lashes with Fun Fur as punishment for my poor judgment.
Posted by Michelle at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2005
Surgery
Sweater Surgery
Take one part cutting, one part frogging, and 2 parts re-knitting and you have a successful Sweater Surgery.
I'm happy with the results, and yet I feel there needs to be a bit more fiddly fudging with the sleeves. I'll probably decrease the number of sleeve stitches and add a bit more length before I block the crap out of this sweater. I'll have a photo session as soon as the Husband or Roberta come back to town.
So long as Southern California doesn't burn to the ground first.
It's fire season, much like fall, snow season, or hunting season in other parts of the world. Fortunately the fires are far far away, but I feel badly for those who have lost their homes to the fires.
Surgery-Surgery
Today I go in to the Surgeon's office for my Gallbladder Surgery consultation. Due to my terribly overactive imagination, I've now pondered every possible thing that could go wrong, including but not limited to taking out the wrong organ, amputation, or death. I wish my brain would SHUT UP.
Fishes
We suffered another fish death earlier in the week. Poor Lazarus met his maker after a brief bout of the Ick, despite my ministrations.
I'm starting to think the Cat is scaring the fish to death.
At this time it is appropriate to [cue angelic voices]
My most recent installment of Elann yarn has arrived.
I think I figured out why this yarn is called Buffalo yarn. For it's startling resemblance to Buffalo chips. All I can say is, I'm as happy as a pig in shit over this yarn.
Posted by Michelle at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2005
So much for new yarn!
Yesterday, as I was walking to my car from my campus building I was pondering whether I should go by my Local Yarn Shop and pick up some sock yarn or go home and have some lovely jam on toast. It's an important decision that takes much pondering, as you are aware. I drove about 300 feet in the car before it went kaput in the middle of a major thoroughfare on campus, making my decision for me.
One AAA Tow, Mechanic Consult, and Cab Ride later I arrived home, just under 3 hours from the time my car died.
When situations like these occur the first thing I do is turn on the Southern Accent to full, and talk real slow. And I have to say I got treated extremely well, from the three strangers who pushed my car out of the intersection, to the Tow Truck Driver dropping me back off on campus, to the Cab Driver. (I'd add the Mechanic but since he's taking away my yarn money I'm a little bitter.) This just reiterates what I've thought about Southern California for a while. Most people are pretty nice out here.
So after my long trek home, about all I could do was knit on the Shawl from Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac
EZ suggests a gauge of 3 stitches per inch, which would work well for worsted or maybe dk weight wool but a bit hole-y for lace weight. So I'm at about 4 stitches per inch on size US 5 Addis. By the way, did you know most peoples Pinky Finger from the last joint line to the tip is about an inch long? That little hint comes in very handy when you're too lazy to get up the tape measure is no where to be found.
Other Stuff
Susie will be having a stash sale sometime this week. If I had any yarn money left, you can bet this is where I'd spend it.
For a good time call
1-877-SOS-KNIT. That's 1-877-767-5648.
I emailed the Husband and instructed him to call the number and press 3. Will report on the results as soon as they become available.
Posted by Michelle at 08:48 AM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2005
Knitting Agent
I removed the Pirate Sweater from time out and started the collar
I was struck by an inspiration (over the head and forcefully) to make the collar a turtleneck in 1 by 1 ribbing. I'd like to at this point go back to that point and confine myself to the stocks. Argggg.
Half a Pair of Uptown Boot Socks
I'll be casting on for the second sock real fingers crossed soon. Maybe after I finish the Crew Neck Sweater.
I don't like to say which yarn I ordered from Elann until it's in my hands because I don't like to share in case of Acts of God, or Lost Mail. I'm living on the edge today so I'll share before it arrives on my doorstep. I ordered White Buffalo Unspun in Persimmon and Tumeric. I've read that White Buffalo is only available in Canada, so I decided to give it a go since it's available on Elann. I'm thinking I'd like a form fitting raglan in persimmon with and 2 by 2 corrugated ribbing detail for the sleeve, body and collar.
I'm planning on making a purchase for another special sweater for myself, sort of as a one year blog birthday gift. I'd really like to make a Lusekofte Norwegian style sweater. I'd like to order the yarn from Schoolhouse Press when they go live on October 15thish. Which also happens to be close enough to my one year blogiversary for me to feel it's meant to be. And I'm not one to tempt fate.
So what I'm saying is, I'll need a smallish yarn purchase to tide me over til then. I'll guiltily admit I'd really like some of that Regia Clown Yarn. Shameful, I know. Just the right yarn for these clown feet.
I have a quirky-but-enjoyable movie recommendation, Station Agent. Check it out!
Posted by Michelle at 08:20 AM | Comments (0)
September 25, 2005
Left to my own devices
The Husband is still on travel for work. Eventually I grow a beard and become a hermit when he's been gone too long. Ok maybe not. But along those lines I did clean the house yesterday. Anyone who knows me knows this is a sign of trouble. There was a vacuum involved, a toilet scrubbie [shudder], laundry, and a mountain of dishes with no apex.
The cleaning binge ended fairly badly, with me putting on my favorite shoes and staring at them in the mirror like Narcissus.
Don't worry, I can only wear them for a few brief moments before the severe calf and the foot cramps arrive. So the prancing was short lived. But damn I love those shoes. Too bad I can't actually wear them outside of the house.
I rewarded consoled myself by a wee yarn purchase from my Dearest Enabler Elann. I have to admit when I first started knitting I didn't fully understand the allure of Elann. Back then I was all starry eyed with Noro and Brown Sheep Co Yarns. Neither of which were available at Elann. But as I matured I began to appreciate a fine quality Merino, or perhaps some Wool with a bit of Alpaca to top it off. And the prices, woe be to those knitters on a budget who stumble across Elann. The strangest justifications happen and then suddenly, three days later you have 1,000 skeins of yarn because they cost a mere $0.28 USD per ball. Kinda like shopping at Costco when you come home and unpack 15,000 tampons. It sure seemed like a great idea at the time, no?
Knitting
I finished Roberta's Christmas Present. Knitting gold lame thongs is not an experience I wish to recreate, but she's a great friend and thusly worth the trouble. And if I did briefly wear her gift, I'd surely wash it before I gave it to her.
I've made progress on the Cardi. I'm nearly to the Raglan Decreases on the back piece. Next I'll do the Right Front to see if it will all fit over my bosoms. If not, I expect I'll do largish button bands and call it a personal preference or a design element. For those who are curious about the sleeve, I believe it will fit over my Gramma Arms just fine.
Happy Monday!
Posted by Michelle at 07:34 PM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2005
And the Award for World's Weakest Pot of Coffee goes to...
Me! There's nothing worse in the morning than realizing you didn't use enough coffee beans in the Sacred Coffee Making Process. And then feeling too guilty about wasting said weak coffee to make a fresh and satisfactory pot. So here I sit half awake, wits dulled from watery, ineffective Joe.
But I like to live on the edge.
I'd show you a picture of the Crew Neck Cardi Sleeve, but it looks a whole lot like the picture of the Left Front. So I will leave it up to your imagination.
I had to artificially manufacture some excitement into the Cardi process. I'm making the sweater [gasp] one size smaller. I feel my past sweaters are a bit loose, and I'm hoping for something more form fitting. I'm not really worried about the body fit as much as the sleeves. The plan is to try on the first sleeve and fudge go from there. I'll report back on the results on Monday.
May your Weekend be full of Properly Prepared Coffee, Productive Knitting, and your Sails Dry from the Storm.
Posted by Michelle at 08:55 AM | Comments (0)
September 22, 2005
Tempest
There's the Husband, wearing his fabulous recently renamed Hurricane Hawaiian Shirt* evacuating from the Texas Coast. That's right. He's in Texas in the eye of the storm. When he called me earlier in the week to update me on his situation I was brewing at about Category 1. Now I'm a boiling Cat 5. He ought remember to be safe, that's all I'm saying.
*Shirt from our favorite California Art Artists, Paul and Kimberleigh Gavin. We also have a print of Vista Romantica, one of our most prized Wedding Gifts. The pictures on the net just don't do the art justice.
The house is deteriorating around me while he's gone. I'm almost out of food, and living as a feral pig in clutter. I've cleared a path to the dog's food dish, and in major household thoroughfares. Everything else is messy. Me and my Gallbladder don't mind mess much. It makes life more exciting.
Here's Where I'd talk about Knitting
If I had something other than Roberta's Christmas Gift on the needles. She's busy flirting with Waiters, eating fine Food and Wine Drink, and in her spare time, work.
Just kiddin' Bertie ;)
She tagged me for the 23rd entry, 5th sentence Meme. I am white bread boring, so here is my entry about my then new Denise Needles: (Prepare to stifle yawn now)
Two things I don't like - the circular part doesn't
have a 16" length, I have to make due with a 17"
length, the second -the needles run in size from US 5
to US 15, I'd like some smaller needles.
If you want to steal this Meme for your own blog, feel free! I hope your entry is a might more exciting than mine.
A Birthday Suggestion to My Husband
While you are reading my blog about KNITTING and YARN, I figured I'd help you out with some birthday ideas since you are not sure what you should buy. DIAMONDS and SAPPHIRES are good (especially in WHITE GOLD). Kitchen items and household improvements are NOT GOOD. BOOK GIFT CERTIFICATES for exorbitant amounts are good. So are GCs for my favorite SHOE WAREHOUSE. FLOWERS, also good. Don't even think of buying ANYTHING for me at Home Depot. Finally, LARGE SUMS OF MONEY are also accepted.
Take care Husband, and don't let co-workers read my blog when you are holed up in the hotel!
Posted by Michelle at 08:34 AM | Comments (0)
September 20, 2005
Self Portrait Tuesday**
This Week's Self Portrait Tuesday Theme is Body Parts. And since I have a misbehaving body part, I figured I'd participate. Please note I have no shame, and no problem beating topics like so many dead horses.
**Blatantly Stolen from the Lovely DebR.
Posted by Michelle at 12:19 PM | Comments (0)
And the Rain Came
I was reading Eldest last night, cuddling with the dog, enjoying the rare sound of the Thunder, Rain and occasional Lightening Bolt. I was going to compare the experience to a Saturday Evening Post Normal Rockwell Illustration for this blog entry. And then I was going to wax on about how I used to be frightened by Thunderstorms and what changed that. And how it was a wonderful, ethereal experience.
But then, at 2:30am the Thunder, Rain and frequent Lightening continued until dawn. And I became utterly annoyed with the storm. Enough with the nine pins, Van Winkle!
And the dog, bless his heart. He woke me between claps to go out at his usual late hour. Only he wouldn't go out, lest he get his dainty paws wet. Spoiled Southern California Doggy. It typically rains here for 10 minutes every 8-12 weeks from the months of December through May. At most a storm might last an hour. Just long enough for the oil to leach out of the pavement. And for the cell phone yapping big honkin' SUV drivers to cause accidents clogging up every major freeway.
The Rain finally stopped, just in time to start the day.
Revision: It's still moving and a shaking around these parts.
It's not all bad, I'm feeling better, I get the results back from all the cup-peeing and blood taking today. And the nausea receded. I'm telling you one thing, you don't appreciate your appetite (however healthy it may be) until it's gone, gone, gone. But like the rain, it returned with a vengeance.
Fickleness in Knitting
Ok. The truth is, I started a new project. To be fair I did finish half of a pair of socks, which entitled me to cast on for new projects, right?
It's the "Long Sleeves, Button Band Crew Neck" found in the Fall Issue of VK. I'm using GGH Wollywasch which serendipitously found it's way into my cart at the last Yarnlady sale. When some unlucky person through it back in the bin right in front of me. GGH Wollywasch slides over the needles like butter. I don't have any particular rhyme or reason to the knitting order of the sweater. I'm thinking of doing a sleeve next, then maybe the back. I'm taking it as it comes.
Roberta's Christmas Present Yarn arrived in the mail yesterday. Hopefully I will finish before that lucky bitch Astrophysicist arrives back in the US from her Observing Sessions in Chile. You may see a picture of her Christmas Present Here.
Well I'm off to start my day avoiding Wellie Clad Cell Phone Chattering Chowderheads driving dangerously under the current hazardous road conditions.
Cheers!
Posted by Michelle at 08:12 AM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2005
Gaggle of Pity Parties Knits
I'm trying to distract myself from my current malade imaginaire status. I am afraid to eat a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich due to the possible gallbladder ramifications.
Update: I overcame that fear recently, but have taken to my bed over the loss of french fries in my life. I recently went as far as turning down tater tots. Stupid Gallbladder. I've also notified the important people in my life about the up and coming separation between me and my internal organ. Everyone seems so calm. No one is as worked up as I am...
There will be far more gallbladder speak as the surgery grows near did you know it is ripped from thy bosoms via a wee hole?.
But this is plenty for today. Or not.
Insert Awkward Subject Change Here
Lyssa has created perhaps the cutest and most practical hat pattern ever. The Pointy Hat pattern is easy to follow and, did I mention, cute? And it will warm the head of a freezing Mongolian Baby. Almost makes you forget errant gallbladders.
Twofer
Ene, she is done! Unbelievable I know. But those last few chart repeats went really quickly. And I only found one dropped stitch so far. Life is good.
I have also completed my first Christmas gift, Pasha. I'll be making at least another version to be sure.
Fish Update
Our tank finally cycled and we got a Plecostomus Catfish. He rid the tank of brown algea in less than 24 hours. If only there were a human counterpart for cleaning that pesky brown algea around the house.
Books
I have gone to my local Book Megastore twice in search of a certain newly released BookBookBook2. Much to my dismay it has not arrived on shelves yet, but did manage to find the much anticipated Eldest
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for the nominated cast and crew of Arrested Development!
Posted by Michelle at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2005
Bye Bye Gallbladder, Bye Bye
Dearest Gallbladder,
It's been real nice knowing you fuckface. We have our first appointment with the surgeon at the end of September. How a young, chipper, 28 almost 29 year old gallbladder could betray me with so many stones is beyond comprehension. At least I know the incredible pain I was having was from passing stones, and not you know, gas.
Signed,
Fickle Q Soon-To-Be-Gallbladderless Knitter
PS I'd like to have a moment of silence for all the future generations of french fries and potato chips that are hereby reprieved from my belly.
Posted by Michelle at 04:19 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2005
Progress
I've just finished the second of five repeats of the 3rd Ene's Scarf chart. I've had to make deals with myself along the way, to overlook the many mistakes and to keep going. I thought long and hard about giving up and frogging the whole thing, and thankfully decided against it. Ironically reading someone's statement about the high difficultly of lace-mohair knitting that gave me more confidence to keep on going. Typically reverse psychology works like a charm on me. I like to blame it on the genes.
Something I can't blame on my gene's any longer is my body. I've finally realized that quitting smoking eight years ago is no longer an acceptable excuse for weighing 50 pounds more than I should. But I've been working on it, much the same way I've been struggling with Ene's Scarf. I've allowed myself to be imperfect and make mistakes.
I threw away my watch, avoided the scale, and put on my running shoes and went outside, one city block at a time. At first I literally did the Gramma Shuffle. My feet made that dragging shuffling sound, and the Husband was walking at my "running" pace. Earlier in the year I tried Weight Watchers for a few months. Admittedly it did help me loose 7 lbs (which I have kept off), but I was completely miserable. I am not a nice person when hungry. I also started jogging on the treadmill at the gym, preparing for the Revlon Run/Walk which I successfully completed. But neither of these things worked in the long term for my health goals.
It wasn't until I gave up on the things that caught me in a circle of obsessing (dieting:weighing myself:not seeing immediate progress:giving up) that I started to see some progress. I don't shuffle my feet anymore, and it seems that I've finally reached the pace I ran on the treadmill. Plus I smoke the Husband when he's walking the dog. If I'm really curious about how far I'm going, I check this website for plotting distances, but I don't rely on it and I don't obsess over it.
I still have a long way to go, but am working slowly toward my goal of being a healthy, strong person.
Funny how these things work isn't it?
Posted by Michelle at 12:08 PM | Comments (0)
September 13, 2005
Deficit Knitting
FickleKnitter's Unofficial Official Knitting Mantra
1. If you are short a stitch, yarn over. 20 Rows later, realize you dropped a stitch causing the shortage. Buy more yarn to compensate.
2. If you have an extra stitch, K2 Tog. Get to the end of the row and realize you actually needed stitch. Crack open Tequila. You don't need no stinking glass.
3. If pattern requires gauge less than what I get on US 3's for regular knits, US 1's for socks, knit item in smallest size of pattern in gauge you are comfortable with. Do no calculations, do not look at any measurements, just cast on and go.
3a. When knit item doesn't fit due to large size, throw it in the dryer. When the dryer won't shrink item, set afire.
3b. When knit is too small, play tug of war with dog. When dog tugging doesn't work, put item in chest for ill-shapen future children. Hope they have really long arms.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I can hardly believe it myself. I rarely go back and fix mistakes. Just call me lazy eager to leave a soul trail.
So for whatever reason, the mistake on the Twist Front Top was making me crazy. So I dropped down to the offending area and started painstakingly picking up the stitches the way God intended. And they looked loose and wonky. So, I ripped. It must be the alignment of the planets.
Or my foul humors.
Next I cast on (even though my gauge was WRONGWRONGWRONG) for the beautiful Tivoli. So about that 34 inch yoke. Erm. Yeah. Not so much. I'm going to try knitting the smallest size. And if that won't work, maybe some math.
Say does anyone remember if I knitted a swatch for Ene?
Posted by Michelle at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2005
Big Trouble in Little California
Watch out World! I've finally got my hands on a pair of Golf Cleats. Finding shoes you've been eyeing for a year at 60% off is better than se lots of stuff.
You might also want to watch out for your glass window panes, wayward golf clubs, and very loud cussing.
If it weren't 70 degrees F here all year round, I'd have knitted myself a golfing Aran, Stockings, and a Tam to wear on the local Muni 9 hole course. Of course all the Scottish accoutrements in the World aren't going to help my game. But I'm in it for the Sunshine, Zen, and Exercise and if you buy that I have a bridge to sell you on Mars.
I know I said I'd alternate knitting on Ene every other week, but for now she is still in time out.
I figure a little intimidation is in order to whip her back into shape. We won't discuss what I was thinking when I undertook this project in mohair.
But I digress.
The Adrienne Vittadini Twist Front Top is coming along. I'm nearly up to the armhole decreases, just in time to notice a horrific mistake well below where I'm at now.
Oh the Humanity.
My current darling, the EZ Shawl is the apple of my eye. Endless miles of stockinette is a boon at my current stress level. I think I should be knitting circular shawls all the time. In fact, I'm considering changing my blog name to "Fickle Circular Shawl Knitter."
Happy Monday!
Posted by Michelle at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)
September 09, 2005
I'm happy to report I committed no crimes
Probably due to the ameliorating effect of casting on for this:
Pattern: Plain Circular Shawl, Pithy Directions; Knitter's Almanac by the lovely Elizabeth Zimmermann
Yarn: Laceweight by Handpainted Yarn
Needles: 32" Addi Turbos
Circular Cast On Method: Magic Loop. I can see a line where I cast on. But I'm sure it will come out in the wash.
Don'even think of Ene. She's in time out.
Crimes Perpetuating Insectia
A certain member of the household* did something that caused the unwelcome appearance certain species of larva. And then, there were the ants and the dog vomit. Surely you can ascertain my state of mind after all these discoveries. It was somewhere between Sea Harpy and Wifecon 1.
I do have to credit Roberta though. She is truly a good friend. She was there when I was shrieking like a little girl about insects and Husbands. She didn't laugh, and she helped me clean things up. Bless her heart.
*The Usual Suspects are the cat, the dog, the fishlet, and the Husband.
Thesis, Schmesis
I am desperate enough to ply the Atomic Force Microscope for thesis data with knit cozy promises, WD-40, and alms for the poor.
If that doesn't work I plan on bringing in a pair of wire strippers.
Posted by Michelle at 07:39 AM | Comments (0)
September 08, 2005
I totally think a Jury would aquit me
Although I'm considering moving into the dog house as it's probably cleaner in there.
Posted by Michelle at 05:35 PM | Comments (0)
September 06, 2005
Laguna Beach is Ruining the World. And another Finished Object.
Everyone on campus under the age of 20 believes they are a honorary member of the MTV Laguna Beach Production. Today I personally witnessed one such Surfer Boy with a t-shirt proclaiming him a "Cow Tipping Expert." Let me be clear that the closest any OC-ite comes to real honest to god cows other than in burger form is that quarter acre farm lot sandwiched between urban sprawl and the 405 freeway. There are approximately 5 head of cattle on this Rolling-Hilled Bucolic Respite from the toils of City life**
And logistically he'd have to cross about 10 lanes of traffic to reach the farm, only to be run off again by stampeding, royally pissed of Cattle. Besides cow tipping is an urban legend anyway. I lived on a farm, and I never heard of anyone successfully tipping a cow and living to tell of it. Maybe Dude thought eating his burger with the bottom bun up is cow tipping.
**Miffy: Should I accessorize with the Louis Vuitton or the Marc Jacobs?
Muffy: Grody to the max, cow tipping dudette! Everyone knows Vuitton and Jacobs were so two days ago, the real Laguna Beachers have Fendi.
As if the very sight of teenagers carrying around bags more expensive than my overpriced mortgage wasn't enough, there was a Pep Rally on campus today. It rendered what little parking available obsolete. But I got to see Cheerleaders, our Hallowed Mascot (who incidentally looks suspiciously like a Cow Tipper, No?), and lots and lots of Jazz hands. I could barely contain my excitement.
Finished Items 101
Just in time for a friend's Bebe to be born next month.
Pattern: Bernat Baby Fashions in Baby-Germantown circa 1960
Yarn: A(squeeaaakkk)crylic Bernat yarn.
Needle Size: I forget
Lace Border: Eyelet Points, Knitting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein
Posted by Michelle at 08:15 PM | Comments (0)
September 05, 2005
Labor Day
I haven't been faithful to Ene. I think I'll knit on Ene's scarf solely every other week. For now it's more than my little brain can bear.
I finally got my even feed foot in the mail. I'm about 1/6th of the way through machine quilting my Flock of Triangles Quilt found in Denyse Schmidt Quilts.
And I broke my first needle. I was tugging on it, and using the needle as a pivot point for all those layers of fabric. Whoops. I have no idea how a person quilts in straight lines, much less those beautiful swirls I've seen in various places.
I've been hesitant to blog about our remaining fishie for fear of him dying on us. Due to his miraculous recovery, we've renamed him Lazarus. I plan on adding another fish or two once we get the tank cycled and the Nitrite and Nitrate levels right.
Posted by Michelle at 12:24 PM | Comments (0)
September 03, 2005
Finally a Finished Object!
My interpretation of the Harry Potter Weasley Sweater
Pattern: Basic Raglan found in Bernat Cables and Raglans circa 1966
"M": I downloaded and installed the Hogwarts font. Using Microsoft Word, I made the M in the largest size possible, and blew that up to 500%,and printed it out. I taped the M to my Excel Graph paper (Height = 12.75, Width = 2, All borders), and taped both to my sliding glass door to have plenty of light to transfer the pattern onto the graph paper. Next I went back to Excel and plugged in the pattern. At this point I didn't feel the M was large enough, so I fiddled with it in Excel until I was pleased with the results.
Needles: 40" Addi Turbos US 3
Yarn: Harris Tweed 4 Ply Shetland in Mulberry. I found the yarn to be very delicate. It breaks upon slight applied pressure. I doubled the yarn in the pattern for added strength.
I was worried I hadn't ordered enough yarn. But as it turns out, I barely eked by. I plan on using the second batch I ordered "just in case" for some sort of lace. I think this yarn is better suited for a delicate project.
Posted by Michelle at 01:38 PM | Comments (0)