01 July, 2008
The “Oh wow that was totally easy!” Skirt-Making Tutorial
First off I have to say big-huge thanks to Trena of The Slapdash Sewist for schoolin’ me with this knowledge on Saturday night. I was up in DC for a great gathering of crafty internet friends, and we hung out at Trena’s house one night and she showed us how to make a skirt. This is so easy and I think it would be a very satisfying first sewing project for anyone. You even end up with clothes. Let’s do it.
Step 1: Measure yourself. You need two measurements to get going here. First, the widest part of you below the waist. For most people this is their lower hips, for some, the thighs, whatever. Write that measurement down. The second measurement is the distance from your waist (where the skirt’s waistband will sit) to wherever you want the hem to fall. This will be a straight skirt, the same width all the way down.
Step 2: Calculate the fabric. For the width, you want the first measurement you took, plus ease. Ease is however much extra fabric you want that will allow you to actually move in the skirt. It’s totally a personal preference, but I think 3-5 inches is good for this project. You also need to add seam allowances. You can sew whatever width seams you want, but we’re doing 1/2 inch seams for this project because the math is easy. So here’s how you calculate.
Width equation: Hip measurement + ease + 1/2” seam allowance times 2. (There is only one side seam, there will be 1/2” of fabric on each side of it, so that’s why the times 2.) Let’s say your hip measurement was 45 inches and you wanted 3 inches of ease. You would get:
45 + 3 + 1/2 + 1/2 = 49 inches. Your piece of fabric needs to be 49 inches wide.
Length equation: Length measurement + seam allowances for waist and hem (1 inch each). Let’s say your waist to hem measurement was 22 inches. You would get:
22 inches + 1 inch + 1 inch = 24 inches. Your piece of fabric needs to be 24 inches long.
Step 3: Cut! Measure your fabric and cut out your piece.
Step 4: Side seam. (If you have a serger, you can go ahead and finish the raw edges before you get started. If not, ignore that last sentence.) Fold the fabric in half widthwise, with right sides together. Pin if you want, or not, whatever works best for you. Sew a 1/2 inch seam with a straight stitch along where the edges meet. Make sure you backtack on both ends of the seam, your machine will have a button or lever for this. This is the same as tying a knot. Some tips for sewing a straight line: watch the lines on the needle plate, not the moving needle. Keep the fabric aligned with the line.
Step 5: Finish your edges. If you’re working with a knit, don’t worry about it, but if your fabric unravels, you want to finish your edges of the seam. Change your machine to a zig zag stitch, and stitch as close as possible to each raw edge of the open seam. Eventually you’ll want to be able to get that zig zag stitch right on the edge so it actually holds the edge of the fabric, but at first, just do it as close as you can, it’ll keep it from unraveling. Depending on how you cut your fabric you may need to finish the top edge or bottom edge of the skirt too.
Step 6: Press! As Burda says, well-pressed is half-sewn. Pressing is crucial in any sewing project. This will make the difference from people asking, “Did you make that yourself?” to people asking, “Where did you get that awesome skirt?”
Press your seam flat, then open the seam and press it open so it lays flat against the fabric.
Step 7: Elastic waist time! Grab a length of 3/8” (or similar size) elastic. Pull it around your bare waist until it’s pretty snug with a little overlap, then cut it to that length. Sew the elastic into a tube (just sew the two ends together).
To attach the elastic to the skirt (obviously the elastic tube is quite a bit smaller than the skirt tube you just made), you want to mark both tubes with 4 pins each, at equal distances around. This will make attaching them to each other easier. This is a bit tricky to explain so let me show you with a crude drawing. An easy way to measure this is to lay the tube flat, put a pin at either side, then fold it flat the other way (your two existing pins will now meet in the middle) and put a pin at each side.
Once you have marked with pins, match up the pins and pin the elastic to the wrong side of the fabric. You’ll be removing a pin each time you line the marking pins up, and attaching the elastic to the fabric. Don’t put the seam of the elastic on the side seam of the skirt, it makes for bulkiness.
Now you will pull the elastic taut and use a zig zag stitch to attach it to the skirt. If you use a straight stitch, it’s not going to work, because a straight stitch can’t stretch. Keep the elastic pulled tight so the skirt fabric lays flat as you sew. This is a little tricky but you can do it.
Step 8: Finish waist. Your elastic should be on the inside of the skirt now. Stop what you’re doing and try it on! Hey look it’s becoming clothes! Now turn the top edge under to cover the elastic. Pin it to hold it down and sew with a zig zag stitch down the middle of where the elastic is. You’re gonna have to pull tight again so the skirt fabric lays flat.
Step 9: Hem it! Iron down your hem edge to the inside of the skirt about an inch all around (iron the crease so the wrong sides of the fabric are together). Double fold the edge and pin to hold it down. Double fold just means you fold the raw edge to the crease you just made, then fold it over again. Sew your hem with a straight stitch with the left edge of the needle foot against the folded edge of the seam (or approximately 1/2 inch). Press your hem, and give the whole skirt a once over with the iron if you want.
Step 10: Wear it! Whipped this one up last night in mere minutes from an old sheet. I’m gonna be making a lot of these! Perfect for summer.
I hope this tutorial is helpful. See, you can make clothes! If you have any questions or if I got something wrong, which is quite possible, please leave a comment!
Dutch Canyon Socks
Yarn: 1 skein of Socks That Rock lightweight, Dutch Canyon colorway.
Needles: Size 2 Addi Turbo 40” circular
Size: one size
Started: February 17, 2008
Finished: May 3, 2008
Modifications: None at all!
Final Verdict: Love these socks. I have knitted this pattern twice now, once for my mom and these are for me. It knits up surprisingly fast for a cable pattern. I think Socks that Rock is officially my favorite sock yarn to knit with and to wear. So smooshy and the colorways can’t be beat.
Previous entry: Starting
Also you can view complete details on Ravelry.
A new little craft buddy.
May I take a few moments to make a little product recommendation? Karen Elizabeth (of the etsy shop of the same name) was kind enough to send me one of her awesome Spool Stands for my craft room! I hadn’t found a reliable way to stash my ribbon other than throwing them all in a basket, and this ended up being perfect!
The spool stands are sturdy and made of wood and stand 14 inches tall. I’m told they can hold anywhere from 6 to 22 spools of ribbon, depending on the size of the spools. Mine came in a bright apple green but check out Karen’s shop for several other colors. I love this thing, I definitely recommend picking one up!
04 March, 2008My ears are no longer cold
Talk about a quick knit! I made the Drops Headband last night at Stitch n Bitch, took less than three hours.
I love this thing! I finally used up most of one of the balls of yarn I bought in New Zealand too. This one is a blend of merino and possum* fur (bought it pre-vegan, hence the animal fiber). The yarn is super soft and warm. This will keep my ears warm on my bike rides and weekly nature walks with Jimmy. I plan on making a few more of these! Complete details on Ravelry.
*The New Zealand possum is different from the American overgrown rat opossum.
More finished knits
A simple little hat for Jimmy. Finished this a few months ago but finally made him stand still for a picture. It’s alpaca and really warm.
The Capitan Hat for myself. The brim is a little large for my liking. I may rip it out and redo it with fewer stitches. I’m not sure.
I like the cables though.
My Oceanic Tote. This is one of the first projects I ever started knitting back in 2004. I never felted it because I didn’t feel like doing 72” worth of i-cord for the handles. I HATE i-cord. A ravelry user suggested I cast on 200 stitches then cast them off. I ended up doing 120 per handle. Perfect! I felted it and love it.
20 February, 2008More knitting!
I’m on a big knitting kick lately and I’m just going with it. I basically spent all day Monday knitting and watching Project Runway with Tasha. Good times! Here’s my Seaside Shrug, which is the Two-Tone Ribbed Shrug pattern from Fitted Knits. I’m making it out of cotton yarn and love how it’s coming out.
I’m about 80% there, just doing the big collar and then I’ll be done!
And I started another pair of socks. These are my Dutch Canyon socks (the pattern is Badcaul). I’ve been dying to use this Socks That Rock yarn forever, and have cast on three different patterns for it that I didn’t like.
I think this is finally a good use for it. The colors are so gorgeous!
19 February, 2008Bombshell Sweater
Pattern: Bombshell by Stefanie Japel from Big Girl Knits.
Yarn: 8 balls of Plymouth Royal Bamboo in color 99.
Needles: Size 6 & 3 US. Knitpicks Options.
Size: 1x
Started: July 2007
Finished: February 11, 2008
Modifications: I had to do some serious additional increasing for my hips, it was no big deal though, I just kept trying on the sweater as I went and when it fit the widest part of me, I stopped increasing. I also made it quite a bit longer than the pattern called for to make up for all the fabric eaten up by my ample butt.
Final Verdict: I love this sweater. If I were to do it over again I’d make the bust darts a little deeper so the neckline would come a little higher. For now I can just wear a shirt under it though. I also bound off a little too tightly at the bottom, which I might rip out and redo, depending how much it bugs me.
This pattern is extremely well-written and easy to follow. I love that it’s knit top-down so you can try it on as you go. Makes it super easy to customize it to your shape.
Previous entries: Swatching | Progress | Blocking
Also you can view complete details on Ravelry. Thanks to Jimmy for taking these photos.
First finished sweater, FINALLY!
Remember this little beauty? Thanks to some technique help from Tasha, I finally quit procrastinating picking up stitches around the neckline and finished the Bombshell sweater!
It’s blocking! Making a super-fitted knit makes my pear shape sooo obvious. Check out those hips! Expect a post with notes on knitting this and me modeling it soon, I hope!
06 November, 2007Poppytalk Handmade Market
I’m completely stoked to be a part of Poppytalk Handmade Market for November! Poppytalk Handmade is a monthly online street market curated by Poppytalk to showcase, buy and sell handmade goods of emerging design talent from around the world.
This month’s theme is a Holiday and Gift Event. You will find everything from holiday cards to accessories, to artwork and tons of other cool stuff that is perfect for all your holiday shopping needs.
Visit my table if you get a chance and pick something up for your favorite doggie!
24 October, 2007Buy Handmade
Everyone should go check out Buy Handmade and take the handmade pledge this holiday season. Why buy handmade? For me it all comes down to one-of-a-kind gifts and avoiding the malls and parking lots which I LOATHE. But there are some other really good reasons as well. Here’s some great info from their site:
Buying handmade is better for people, better for the environment, and better for giving truly special and well-crafted gifts. The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us all dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. Buying handmade helps them reconnect.
We encourage all consumers to be aware of the social and environmental implications of their purchases.
Below is a list of resources that can get you started in the right direction:
http://www.coopamerica.org/: Co-op America is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1982. Their mission is to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.
http://www.sweatfree.org/: A Network For Local action against Sweatshops
http://ilsr.org/: The Institute For Local Self-Reliance. The Institute’s mission is to provide the conceptual framework, strategies and information to aid the creation of ecologically sound and economically equitable communities.
http://www.dmoz.org/Society/Issues/Business/Allegedly_Unethical_Firms/Wal-Mart/ : See what Walmart is up to in your community
They also have some great badges for your website. Take the pledge and represent! Oh, and if you’re looking for some great handmade artists, here’s a good place to start!
08 October, 2007Big ol’ Etsy Shop Update!
You know your faithful companion deserves pampering every now and then. So scamper over to the My Aim Is True etsy shop and get him a dapper new collar or get her a fancy leash poop baggie holder. Or buy them both some paw balm to soothe those cracked pads! Lots of good stuff, get it before it’s gone!
27 August, 2007Sew some more
Trying frantically to get ready for Crafty Bastards which is rapidly approaching. I did a bit of sewing this weekend and have a pile of dog collars and key fobs that are ready for the show. This weekend was pretty jam packed, I also went to CNU to check out my sister’s new dorm (she’s moving out of my mom’s house for the first time). I’m gonna make her some curtains as soon as I find the right fabric.
Saturday afternoon, several members of the Norfolk Craft Mafia got together with a writer from PortFolio Weekly. We’ll be featured in the visual arts issue which is the first issue in September (arts month). The interview was fun, I’m really looking forward to the article!
It was also my brother Noah’s birthday so we celebrated yesterday evening with my family. He got lots of cashola to spend on the trip he and my mom are taking to China next month.
School starts tomorrow!
15 August, 2007Bombshell Progress
The Bombshell sweater is coming along! I’m to the part where I need to try it on and see if the armholes on the sweater line up with my armpits. If so I can start on the body, if not I need to go up a size. I might try it on tonight!
This weekend Jimmy is taking a road trip so it’ll be a crafty/things-making filled weekend for me. I also have a lot of artwork that I just finished framing that needs to get hung up. I’m sort of stoked!
Also I’m always way late on trends, so of course I just started listening to the first Harry Potter audio book. Haha.
25 July, 2007Calorimetry
This is Calorimetry from Knitty’s Winter 06 issue. I made this for my friend Donna, who is dreading her hair. It’ll look a lot better on her.
I’m about the thousandth person to make this pattern, and now I know why it’s so popular! It’s quick, takes up less than a skein of yarn,and it’s an interesting pattern to knit. I like short rows.
I knit this up with a merino/Tencel blend called Spectrum I got from Springwater Fiber Workshop in DC. It’s handdyed by people who take classes there. I really like this yarn. It’s not fuzzy like wool but it has the memory of wool, know what I mean? I’d like to knit something in 100% Tencel and see how that goes.
More boring knitterly details can be found on the Ravelry project page.
I got gauge!
I dunno why everyone gets so mad that they gotta knit a gauge swatch. Believe it or not, in the almost 3 years I’ve been knitting, I’ve never once done a gauge swatch before, and from everyone’s whining, I assumed it was going to be some horrible ordeal. Like steeking. Or unknitting mohair.
What’s the big deal? You cast on for about the width of a scarf and you knit a few inches with yarn that you are excited about using anyway. If the gauge comes out wrong, rip it and try it on some different sized needles.
I am finally making my first sweater (no the orange cardigan monstrosity of 2005 does not count nor does it exist any longer). I did two swatches last night. The first gorgeous rainbow you see up there is Plymouth Royal Bamboo, and I’m going to be knitting the Bombshell sweater from Big Girl Knits (I wish the model would sit up straight in this photo). Don’t you just love the colors?
The other swatch I did was with South West Trading Company Soy Silk Pure. This stuff is so soft, it almost feels like cashmere. The colors are gorgeous and I think it will look fantastic in the slipped honeycomb stitch pattern that’s in the Stacy Pullover from the same book.
I just ordered the rest of my yarn from Webs and I can’t wait for it to get here! Yay!
The Craft Room
So busy this weekend! Got some knitting done, some cleaning done, and tons of organization in the warzone that was the craft room.
**Click on any of the pictures in this post to go over to Flickr and see notes of what those things are and where I got em.**
At some point I had a video on my camera showing the wasteland that used to be the craft room, but it seems to have disappeared. Probably for the best, I don’t want y’all thinking I live in filth all the time (only half the time). First thing I had to do was clean up all the garbage left in the wake of me frantically preparing for Pile of Craft. After doing that and ironing about a mile of wrinkly fabric that needed to be put away, I got to hanging and prettying it up. I got these two little shelves on sale a while back from West Elm.
Here’s the section of the room that makes me feel all yummy inside, the stash corner. The white bookshelf is from IKEA, and you can buy the shelf inserts separately to make the compartments. I thought it would be perfect for my somewhat pathetic yarn stash, although it does cut the depth of the shelf about in half.
I also have ribbons, notions, buttons, glue, brushes and other stuff on these shelves. My straight knitting needles are all in a roll that sits on top of the shelf, and the circulars are in a basket until I can come up with something better.
Here are the curtains I made, just a really simple half-curtain (I do not know the technical terminology for curtains so that’s probably a word I made up just now). The fabric is from Reprodepot and it’s expensive but I knew I wanted it for this and got it 25% off. Yay. Those paper lantern string lights have flamingos on them and were in the $1 section at Target.
Here’s my sewing area. The table and chair are from IKEA. The lamp was getting thrown away at my work so I rescued it. I love it cause it swivels to the left so I can have a light above my cutting table as well. The sewing machine is a Bernette 60 I got off Craigslist. The cute vintage paper lanterns on the ceiling were a gift from Amanda.
I got this mirror in a craft swap a long time ago, I just love it and I’m so glad it finally has a place.
These “artlines” are something I had in my head for a long time, but on my last shopping trip to IKEA, finally became a reality. These are actually curtain wires (DEKA) and I thought they’d be perfect to hang snapshots, postcards and rotating artwork that I don’t want to frame but that I do want displayed. I’d like to grab three or four more of these and take them all the way up the wall.
Just love the way these look.
Here’s my cutting table, which is actually a regular old drafting table that I put at maximum height and flattened out. The huge cutting mat was being thrown away at my work as well. It’s got a few gouges but is more than good enough for me! That hanging thing holds a tealight candle.
I also have a closet in the room for storage, which is where I keep my bins of fabric, lip balm making stuff, packaging stuff, and miscellaneous supplies.
I’m so glad I finally got everything organized. Just walking in the craft room now makes me smile, and I can’t wait to get in there and create something!
Elf Cap
What, doesn’t everyone wear a wool hat with their bathing suit? Finished the Elf Cap the other day, it’s such a quick knit it’s not even funny.
The only modification I made to the pattern is that when the decreases started, I decreased every row instead of every other row because I was short on yarn. I think the hat is the perfect length too so I’m glad I did it that way.
Love love love this yarn, love the colors, the way it felt, everything about it. Can’t wait to wear the hat for real.
Just keep knitting
Anyone else find themselves knitting more just because they want to be able to post stuff on Ravelry? Oh, maybe that’s just me. I have been itching to make something with this gorgeous yarn since I got it in the mail. I just love the colors and I’m a sucker for thick and thin bulky handspun. I bought this from The Red Button Tree on Etsy and it’s every bit as delicious as it looks. The colorway is called Leah and it’s 100% handspun merino wool. I’m making it into an Elf Cap from Handknit Holidays.
For the conscientious, vegan or otherwise curious knitter, all fiber from The Red Button Tree comes from Homestead Wool and Gift Farm, an animal sanctuary for rescued sheep and other farm animals. Some other little bits she spins come from local farms where she has visited the sheep and bunnies, who are family members at those farms, not just fiber producers. So you can feel good about knitting with any of her yarn. I also bought one of her adorable illustration prints, an owl. I can’t wait to hang it in my house.
Making slow-ish progress on the Charade Socks. I got about this far, then had to rip back to the beginning of the pattern because I messed something up and was oblivious for many rows, apparently. It’s a pretty quick knit though, so no worries.
29 June, 2007Etsy Shop Update!
Hey everyone, head over to the My Aim Is True Etsy shop to get a load of the stuff I just put up for sale! New wristlets, pen pal cards, flair pins, earrings, hair clips and lip balm! Goodies for all!
27 June, 2007A Spring Charade
Well technically I guess it’s a summer charade now but the color is all spring to me. I haven’t knitted in a hot minute and ever since I’ve been on Ravelry, I’ve had the itch. BAD.
Last night I cast on for the Charade socks that everyone seems to be knitting. I noticed there wasn’t a knitalong on Ravelry for it yet, so I started one. You can find it here. Also there’s a Flickr group for Charade Socks, even if you aren’t on Ravelry, so check it out.
The Charade sock pattern is available for free right here. I’m deviating from it a bit and knitting two at a time, toe up, on a 40” circular needle. I’ll probably also do a short row heel instead of the one in the pattern because I hate picking up stitches. If you’re knitting these socks, please join the knitalong!
I’ll also be adding a Charade Along button to the sidebar so you can add it to your blog if you so desire. One more little knitting thing, I made a little sock for my camera the other day, it was getting beat up pretty bad. My cell phone is modeling it here for obvious reasons.
THE PILE
Frantically getting myself organized and making yummy new goodies for Pile of Craft, which is rapidly approaching.
You should see me and my little checklist and schedule, which dictates that I have something to do every single day up until next Friday. I’m pretty excited and it sort of blows my mind that I’m in the same craft show as awesome people like My Paper Crane. Haha, I’m so not worthy.
I’m going to a wedding tomorrow and dressing up in a red polka dot dress. It should be hot. There may be pictures. Also to be posted soon, my tattoo, finished and healed, finally.
Have a great weekend, y’all!
Etsy shop update!
Brand new items are up in my etsy shop today! This will be the last of the gardening gloves and mini cupcake totes. I also have a lovely hand embroidered Kurt Halsey baby shirt in the shop! Please check it out!
23 April, 2007Etsy Shop Update!
Tons of new items are up in my etsy shop including one-of-a-kind vintage woodland creatures button sets, felt applique gardening gloves for adults and kids, mini cupcake totes and new flavors of lip balm! Please go shopping!
19 April, 2007Buttons, buttons everywhere!
New items up in my etsy shop! Buy cute 1” button sets or get some custom pinback buttons made up for your indie business or for yourself!
13 April, 2007Simple Sewing
So last night I made my first tote bag. Why in the world have I put this off for so long, thinking it was a difficult task? It was just about the easiest thing ever.
The sewing bug has gotten into me via my newest craft book purchase, Lotta Jansdotter’s great little book called Simple Sewing. The patterns are really simple yet unique, the photography is adorable and the book is spiral bound, which I think should be a requirement for all craft books.
I managed to sew mostly straight lines and only made one mistake on the bag (hey, for me, that’s saying a lot). I sewed the handles on the wrong way. Instead of one handle on each side like a normal tote bag, somehow I sewed them so each handle connects the two sides of the bag. Haha it works though. Lotta has made a request on her site that people submit pictures of projects they’ve made from her book. I sent in the bag as well as the placemats with chopstick holders. Anyone else a fan of this book?
10 April, 2007Etsy shop update! 04 April, 2007
Acid Green Ribbed Scarf
Another finished knitting project! I present to you the Acid Green Ribbed Scarf. This scarf is extra special to me because it’s the first scarf I’ve ever made that I’m keeping for myself. Acid green (chartreuse, whatever) is my favorite color and when I saw this yarn, I knew I had to make something for ME. The yarn is Rio de la Plata, which is handspun in Uruguay. Of course it’s 100% wool, and this colorway is called honey mustard. I would compare it to Malabrigo, or maybe Manos. It has some pretty big thick and thin variations in places, so if you don’t like that sort of thing, you might not want to knit with this yarn. I used two skeins.
I knitted this from a modified version of the Misti Chunky Ribs & Ruffles Scarf, which is a free pattern at the Misti Alpaca website. Basically I made mine wider. I used US size 10.5 needles.
I was sweating when Jimmy took this photo yesterday. My only regret about this scarf is that I finished it far too late to wear it for this year. It’s in the 70s most days now! But it’s hanging in my front closet with my coat and will definitely be making an appearance this fall!
29 December, 2006My art on the cheap
Just popping in to let everyone know that right now everything in my etsy shop is on sale! Some of the prices have been cut as much as $20 so go check it out!
19 December, 2006
DIY Cosmetics!
What I did last night, my recovery therapy from my NYC trip and a day of shopping in Virginia Beach (oh god why did I wait til the last minute???). DIY lip balm, sugar body scrub and bath bombs (not pictured). I think I got the bath bomb mixture too wet because they turned into huge, flat tumor blobs. I’ll probably just use them myself and may try to make another batch tonight. The lip balm and sugar scrub came out great. I’m packaging this up for my sisters and my girlfriends.
If you want to make your own, I got most of my information on how to make these things from not martha.
05 December, 2006Beginnings
Hints of Christmas are popping up at my house. I got my Christmas tree yesterday and after hours of putting it together, fluffing branches and getting poked and scratched up, it’s so worth it. It’s huge and really magical.
I made a few of these “yarnaments” which were inspired by Caro’s. Finally a use for that hideous novelty yarn (I can’t believe how expensive that awful stuff is). But it looks great on the tree. If anyone finds some sparkly aqua colored yarn (like Tiffany blue) I want it.
Unfortunately, this is all you get to see of the tree for now. These are two of my yard sale ornaments, and the only ones that had hooks! Apparently hooks aren’t included with any ornaments. Bogus. I hope to finish the tree by this weekend.
Here’s something else I’ve been working on. Felt stockings. These started out as wool sweaters from the thrift store, which I felted and cut up. They were inspired by Alicia’s wonderful sweater stockings and are really a poor imitation, but I still like them. God, I hate this photo.
The little one is for the beast dog, but the other two are as yet unclaimed by Jimmy and me. I like them both.
These are an easy couch project while you’re watching a movie. The only other things you need are a few scraps of felt and some embroidery floss. I also am making some dog and cat toys out of the smaller pieces of sweater.
I started a few other little decoration projects last night as well. I’m excited to finish them and show you guys.
28 November, 2006I told you there would be knitting.
Well I finally finished up three pairs of the Fetching gloves from Knitty. With those stubby fingers, I was born to be a hand model, don’t you think?
All three pairs are knitted with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. I recommend knitting with that yarn if you get the chance. I found some online for $5 a ball, and while I didn’t get the exact colors I would have liked, I was stoked to get three luxurious finished projects for under $20.
Also, the amazing Caro sent me a stitch marker of my very own since I plugged her stitch marker sets in my holiday gift guide. Thank you Caro!
I also got my sock knitting bag from Misocrafty. I totally love it and a girl at my work spotted it and said, “That bag is so cute! It’s way better than Vera (Bradley).” The socks in progress are my own pattern with Yarn Pirate sock yarn in the “Cannon Beach” colorway.
I’m on track with my holiday knitting, and last night I started on some Christmas crafts. I’m making stockings for Jimmy, Kyla and myself out of recycled felted sweaters. I’m also making some dog and cat toys. Tomorrow night I’m shopping for Christmas decorations, and I ordered a new Christmas tree. I’m soooo excited about it.
Anyone else doing Christmas/holiday crafting?
Peek inside my knitting bag
Go to the Flickr photo page to see little notes of what’s what, or you can just try to guess.
Pictured here:
- Jaywalker socks - Socks That Rock "Dutch Canyon" colorway
- Chunky Ruffles & Ribs Scarf (thanks PretendingSanity for the pattern!) with Rio de la Plata handspun, kettle-dyed yarn from Uruguay. And yes, this stuff is as amazing as it looks. Sooooo soft.
- Knitty’s Fetching gloves - had to rip back to the thumb and redo (I have three gloves that I messed up this way. Good times). Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran.
- More Debbie Bliss Cashmerino for another pair of Fetching gloves (I plan on making at least four pairs).
Zinnia Socks
Well, here’s my big contribution to Socktoberfest. I’m calling these Zinnia socks.
These are my own pattern. Turkish cast-on. Toe up, magic loop, 2 socks at once. K2P1 ribbing all the way up. Short row heel. Stretchy bind off (BO 1, M1* to end).
The short row heels came out awesome thanks to the tutorial from Misocrafty.
I’m pretty happy with the way these came out. Only two regrets. 1) They’re not superwash. 2) I hate the way the top looks all ruffly when I’m not wearing them. Next time I’m going to try the Elizabeth Zimmerman sewn bind off and see if that’s less ruffly-looking.
But hey, the beast approves. Or, more like tolerates. I think her look here says, “GET YOUR FOOT OFF ME, WOMAN!”
I also cast on for a pair of Jaywalkers using the amazing Socks That Rock yarn in the Dutch Canyon colorway. I think I’m the last person on earth to knit this pattern. I LOVE the yarn.
The colors are gorgeous, it’s like I’m knitting a little candy rainbow or something. Bad news is, I think these are gonna be WAY too big. I’m about 3 or 4 pattern repeats in, and they seem huge. I may have to go down a needle size, or a sock size. Not sure yet. Taking them to Stitch n Bitch tonight for advice.
24 October, 2006Knitting in progress
I told you I had a lot of knitting. I need to have a blocking party. And I need someone to help me with the thumb part of the Fetching gloves. So this stuff is all 99% finished.
16 October, 2006Virginia Beach Farmers Market
Saturday I went to the Virginia Beach Farmers Market for Knit Out & Crochet Day, hosted by the local knitting guild.
A decent amount of people came out, three of the knitting stores had swag there, various prizes were given away and awarded (I got nothing, sniffle). My friend Joanne got honorable mention in the scarf design contest (yaaay). I got to sit and knit in the sun with her and some other ladies.
Denise showed up, turns out she’s a knitter too. Hopefully I’ll be seeing her at Stitch n Bitch tonight (hint hint!). An old lady came up and talked to us and she was totally awesome. She could write backwards (seriously, like da Vinci could). She told us how when she got married to her first husband, she knit him 12 pairs of socks (12!) for a wedding gift (I said MARRYING the guy was enough of a present), and since her mother in law hated her, she snuck into their room while they were out and WASHED all the socks. Which of course felted them into tiny baby socks. She said her husband cried. Aww. She also told us dirty jokes. Well actually she didn’t tell them, she had them printed out on paper and let us READ them! Haha how cute is that? I loved meeting this lady.
The fall produce was GORGEOUS. I bought a ton.
I also visited the pumpkin patch and picked out a big one.
I think I’m going to carve a boston terrier into it. Maybe with fangs, haha for Halloween.
I just love that color orange. Man it’s gorgeous.
Here are all my goodies. The soap is made by local goat farmers and it smells delicious.
My mom’s garden is gorgeous right now. I didn’t do much else this weekend except watch movies and knit. I will probably do a knitting and yarn update soon. I have a ton of new, gorgeous, droolworthy yarn.
Yesterday Jimmy and I went shopping to get him some new clothes for work. He starts his new job today! Mom showed me how to hem pants properly and I hand-sewed hems on two of his new pants. They don’t look too bad. He looks amazing all spiffed up for work, but I don’t envy him having to wear a tie every day. Good luck with the new job baeba!
05 October, 2006My Sockstory
So everyone’s posting their sock history (err.. sockstory) for SOCKTOBERFEST. Here’s mine.
When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I started knitting my first socks in November ‘04. I bought a whole bunch of that horrid Lion Brand thick n quick (hey I was new, give me a break) and I found a pattern for slipper socks. Stacey from Stitch n Bitch taught me to knit (a scarf) and I taught myself everything else.
What was your first pair? How have they “held up” over time?
They were a pair of slipper socks out of the Lion Brand (eww, I know. Also with a free pattern from Lion Brand) for Jimmy. Christmas present. I knitted them on size 13 DPNs. Yes they do MAKE size 13 DPNs, and they’re as clunky as you are imagining.
Oh yeah they were black. With Xs on the feet haha. I wish I could tell you I did it with intarsia but no, it’s duplicate stitch. I didn’t have a digital camera, deal with the cameraphone pic from back in the day.
He will be wearing them for a third winter this year, or so I’m told!
What would you have done differently?
Nothing, really. I like those socks even though I can’t stand that yarn anymore.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
Lornas Laces was nice but I won’t be using it anymore after I found out about their illegal pricing practices. I like Koigu. I’ve ordered some handspun from Yarn Pirate as well as some Socks that Rock so I’m looking forward to working with those.
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
Started out on DPNs. Now I do magic loop on a 40” circular needle, 2 at a time, toe up. I will never go back.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Short row, short row, short row. I detest picking up stitches and I detest kitchener stitch.
How many pairs have you made?
Four completed pairs. Jimmy’s socks, ANOTHER pair with Lion Brand that were knee highs for his grandma, my orangey/bluey socks (first magic loop socks) and the hot pink/purple Badcaul socks I gave my mom.
Right now working on the red/orange socks in my own pattern. I’m halfway through the foot. Want to finish those and at least one more pair before Socktoberfest is over. I’m ambitious. I’m thinking about whipping something up with the yarn pirate yarn. Hmmm. Pattern suggestions anyone?
02 October, 2006Socktoberfest!
Oh, y’all didn’t know it was Socktoberfest? Well it is. You should go sign up, especially if you’ve been wanting to delve into sock knitting but haven’t for some reason. Do it! There are a zillion people participating including me.
Up there, that’s my project. I’m determined to finish them before the month is up! The pattern is one I’m making up as I go along (thanks to misocrafty for the confidence to try doing a pattern on the fly). It’s basically this: two at a time, toe up. Turkish cast on. K2P1 ribbing. Short row heel. Maybe a different ribbing pattern at the cuff? Or maybe a picot edge or something fancy. Haven’t decided yet. The yarn is Knitpicks Sock Garden in “Zinnia.” It’s 100% merino wool and there are some gorgeous reds, yellows and oranges emerging as I knit.
I love all the teensy stockinette stitches. This yarn isn’t bad either, although I reckon I’ll always have to hand wash and dry these since they’re wool. Not sure if I’m gonna love that.
Socks are great. Anyone else participating?
28 September, 2006The Last Knit
Obsess much?
25 September, 2006Badcaul Socks
I finally finished those purple & orange socks. And they went to their intended recipient: my mom. Yes, I am sneaky for no one knew I was making them for her (when I saw the yarn—Lorna’s Laces in “Bittersweet”—I definitely thought of her), but purple & orange are definitely two of her best colors. The pattern is Badcaul in case anyone’s curious.
Anyhow they look cute on her. Here’s some stitch detail. Please don’t point out mistakes, there are many haha.
Toes & cables.
A Sneak Preview
Remember these? One finished, one more to bind off. I hope I’ll post these tomorrow.
16 August, 2006Another t-shirt
I guess I’m a sewing machine lately. Sewing machine, heh. But seriously, I made another t-shirt. This is some of the jersey fabric I had leftover from the Infinity Dress, and the same pattern as my other t-shirt, from Ottobre Magazine. I tried the v-neck version this time. I talked about my little cutting mishap the other night, but thanks to the suggestions of many people, I just sewed the cut-off part back on, and voila, it doesn’t look so bad. Almost looks like a waistband if anything. It doesn’t bother me in the least. Glad I didn’t throw it away.
10 August, 2006The Infinity Dress
This dress doesn’t have a pattern, and has gone by many names, “Infinity Dress,” “convertible dress,” etc. I learned about it via Dress A Day, and followed through to the tutorial on Rostitchery.
This dress is made up of four pieces — a full circle skirt that you step into, a waistband, and two very long straps. You just put them together at the waistband and voila! A one hour dress project. One seam. That’s it.
It really is THAT easy. I made some modifications from the original one-seam design because I wanted a wider waistband that covered the straps in the front, but in hindsight the first method probably would have been easier. I originally intended this dress for myself, but once I was done sewing it, the thread had taken all the stretch out of the waist area (which stayed up on its own due to the stretch) and it was no longer comfortable. I could get it on, but cotton jersey should be ultimate comfort and this wasn’t.
I was ready to rip it and start over when my sister Heidi came over. She’s a couple sizes smaller than me so I decided to try it on her and it fit her like a glove. So now she has a new dress. Isn’t she cute?
There are a million different ways to wrap this dress, we only took one picture because it was very late and she had to get home. Go visit the 48-page long thread at Craftster for many, many iterations of this great dress. I didn’t hem it or finish any edges, but I really don’t think it needs it, although it certainly wouldn’t be difficult to do this.
This was a really fun and easy project that took me literally an hour and about $15 worth of fabric. Comparable dresses are selling online from $100-400. Gotta love that.
07 August, 2006First shirt
You guys like my midnight glamour modeling shot? I did some more sewing again this weekend! My first shirt. The pattern is the basic t-shirt design from the February 06 issue of Ottobre Design magazine. I wrote a review of the pattern, which you can read right here.
This went pretty well, the shirt was surprisingly easy to sew. The only thing I had issues with was the neckline binding, which I did completely wrong the first time. It was puckering and looking all kinds of stupid, so I decided to rip it out and redo it. While I was ripping out the seam, I ripped a hole in the front of the shirt right next to the neck.
Good job, Amber. A couple people on PR.com gave me a tip on how to fix it with some interfacing, so I might be able to save it after all. I didn’t even plan on wearing this shirt, it was gonna be my muslin so I could work out fitting issues, etc. but it pretty much fit perfectly straight from the pattern. I wasn’t crazy about the color but now that it’s done I kind of like it.
I made this up in a cotton interlock (I think) which is kind of stiff for a t-shirt in my opinion. Next one I sew will be a fabric with more stretch and give. I bought a bunch of cotton jersey in a gorgeous deep teal color to make up the infinity dress, and I’ll probably have enough to make a t-shirt as well. I’ll post that soon. Maybe I’ll make it up this week.
02 August, 2006One skirt closer to being on Project Runway Season 18
Forced smile, I was actually melting in this shot. Apparently Satan has come to reside in Norfolk. God, it’s hot. Also my hair looks big. I blame the devil for that as well.
By the way I hate having a huge picture of myself as the first thing on my site. I need to post something else immediately.
Remember when I was cutting out pieces for the new skirt? Well, it’s finished! This pattern is from the May 2006 issue of Burda World of Fashion magazine. I did a review of it for PatternReview.com, which you can read right here.
Here are a few details. The waist was too big (this is a usual problem for me due to my big hips) so I had to tighten up the elastic more than I’d planned. I also decided to only put in one elastic casing instead of the two the pattern called for, so it would be easy to take in later when I lose weight (yeah someday my waist will go down, I’ve heard. So far it’s just the boobs.).
The pattern called for an invisible side zip but I just used a regular zipper. Also note the two different altitudes of the waistband. Not intentional. My cutting skills SUCK even though I tried to be extremely precise.
The pattern also didn’t call for a lining in the skirt but I wanted to put one in because A) seeing people’s legs through skirts is not cute and B) this is the wearable “muslin” to try out this pattern, and I knew that I wanted the final skirt (which will be acid green linen) to be lined. So I wanted to make sure I could do it. Apparently I can. What I cannot do is cut a straight edge. Someone take those shears away from me.
Anyway like I said on the review, I figure most experienced sewers could make this up in about an hour or so, it took me about 4 hours and 20 minutes to put it together last night. But I did line the skirt and I was watching Shark Week while I was doing it, and My TV Boyfriend Mike Rowe had his shirt off, so that may have taken some time away from the project. I’m just guessing.
New episode of Project Runway tonight! Someone’s getting kicked off and I can’t wait to see Tim Gunn admonish them. I think disappointing Tim Gunn would almost be as bad as disappointing my mother.
24 July, 2006New skirt
I’ll try to post pictures from the 5K race later today, for now you get to see what else I did this weekend. I started another skirt. This is the “muslin” I’m making for the skirt, 133A from the May 2006 Burda World of Fashion magazine. The final iteration will be in a muted chartreuse linen. I’m not doing the embroidery thing that’s shown in the picture.
I’m hoping the construction is as easy as it looks because I’ll make a bunch of these to wear to work. I got the cotton print (above) on sale for like $3/yard. I think this skirt took like 1.5 yards. Not a bad deal. I have all the pieces cut out, I need to iron interfacing onto the waistbands and then I’m ready to start sewing. I need to figure out at what point to put in the lining (cause the pattern doesn’t call for that) but I put a thread up on the PatternReview boards so hopefully someone can help me with that.
The sewing shouldn’t be a problem, I’ve never done an elastic casing thing before though, so we will see how that goes. The Burda instructions are always kind of cryptic, especially for a total novice like me. Maybe I’ll finish this tonight.
11 April, 2006Sock progress
As you can see they’re moving right along. I love the cable pattern. A few rows back I discovered I was leaving out a row repeat (the row repeats 3 times, I was doing it only twice). Discerning knitters will notice the one pattern repeat I did correctly. I’m not ripping back all those rows so my socks will just have different lower feet than the rest of the sock. It’s not that noticeable anyway.
Jimmy and I will be going to Fernandina Beach next weekend (hey we wanted Miami but this was the only flight we could get with our free tickets). Looking forward to getting some sun.
That’s all for now.
03 April, 2006New socks
Yesterday I cast on for my next sock project. I’m knitting Badcaul using some hot hot Lornas Laces yarn. The cast on for this was a Turkish cast on, which I’d never done, and turned out to be super easy, thanks to a great tutorial from Misocrafty. Click here for the Turkish cast on tutorial (with great pics).
The weather is supposed to be crap crap crappy tonight, so I’m not going to Stitch n Bitch, but maybe I’ll take advantage of a rainy night to rip out my other sock toe and regraft.
30 March, 2006Socks finished, finally!
They look pretty decent, don’t they? They pretty much ARE, except for a huge embarrassing mistake, which is going to make me the laughing stock of the knitterati.
Disclaimer: this is my first pair of socks. This is also my first time grafting a toe or doing kitchener stitch. So when the pattern didn’t tell me to rearrange my stitches (I was still in position from knitting the gusset), I ended up grafting the toe vertically instead of horizontally. Yes, I have a vertical toe seam, seen here:
Of course I didn’t realize this until I’d grafted the toes and woven in my ends. Now the seam is poking the underside of my big toe. How awful. I guess I can try to rip it out and re-graft the toe, but what a pain in the butt.
Oh well, at least now that I’m finished with these, I can cast on for my next pair. I’m going to be knitting Badcaul, using an awesome hot pink Lornas Laces colorway.
So, knitters, the stupid toe seam poking my toe pretty much makes me not want to wear the socks. Anyone have advice on the best way to fix this? Should I just try to rip it back and re-graft it? Might be a little difficult since I’ve already cut the yarn, and I think making a join so close to the toe might be obvious. Help.
20 March, 2006Project skirt: finished!
Here’s my finished skirt! I finished this up Thursday night but didn’t get a chance to post til now. It only took me a couple hours to do the actual sewing once I got all the pieces ready and sat down to do it.
The only modifications I made to the pattern was taking 2” off the length. You can’t see it in the pic, but the skirt is about an inch shorter than I wanted it (it comes right above the knee). I plan on making this pattern again so next time I will only take it up an inch.
I didn’t make any other alterations to the pattern, but next time I make it I’m going to take in the darts more (it’s a few inches too big in the waist) and lengthen the back a bit (the hem seems tilted because of my big butt).
The pattern I used was Burda 8280. I also have added a review of the pattern to the excellent Patternreview.com which has been really helpful to me so far.
Overall I’m really happy with this. I plan on making several of these in linen to wear for the spring and summer. I’m pretty hooked now and can’t wait to use my sewing machine more. It’s easier than I thought it would be.
By the way, I haven’t done a Weight Watchers update in a while. Weigh in on Saturday went well. I lost 3.8 lbs last week, for a total of 13.8. Not too shabby. This week I’m going to take all my measurements (partly for sewing information, partly out of curiosity) and see how many total inches I’ve lost. We shall see.
14 March, 2006Spring crafts.
Went to Stitch n Bitch last night. Joanne helped me untangle my brain re: the socks. Who knows how I did it, but I picked up my gusset stitches with the WRONG NEEDLE, which would explain why I was stuck in the middle of a sock. Anyway now things are untangled and sailing along. I’m doing the decrease rows to make the gusset now.
Here’s the sock yarn I was telling you about. The awesome hot pink colorway is Lorna’s Laces and the chartreuse is Koigu. I can’t wait to make something out of these. Feel free to recommend patterns, fellow sock knitters. I am thinking something with cables or maybe like Falling Leaves for the Koigu, since that color will show off a cable or lace pattern nicely. We’ll see.
Here are my pattern pieces for the skirt, all cut out and ready to be sewn. Last night I ironed on the interfacing to the three facing pieces. I was going to start sewing but I couldn’t find the manual to my machine to remind me how to thread it, so I gave up around 11pm and just knitted some more.
Looking forward to setting up my furniture tonight and maybe getting my new TV? I wish my paycheck would come, they’re two days late. Grrr.
10 March, 2006Skirt progress.
Please excuse the horrendous photography, I was late for work.
I went to Fabric Hut last night and picked out the fabric for the skirt I’m making for the Sew? I Knit! challenge. As you may remember, I’m making the Burda 8280 skirt, the short version (pictured here). After much deliberation and discussion at the fabric store, I picked this really gorgeous turquoise blue print. It’s 100% linen, which I know will wrinkle, but I want something cool and light I can wear for spring and summer.
I washed, dried and pressed it last night, and cut out the paper pieces. Tonight I’m going to pin and cut. Wish me luck, this is the first thing I’ve ever sewn, period. I’m just jumping in feet first!
23 February, 2006Get crafty crafty.
So I got some done on the heels of the socks last night (after much aggravating unknitting). Apparently this is called an “eye of partridge” heel. It involves a row of knit one slip one, then a row of purling. It’s supposed to me more cushiony and last longer. Whatever, I’m just following the pattern.
Also, I received my first sewing pattern in the mail. This is the skirt I will be knitting for the Sew? I Knit! challenge. I’m making the short version. I’ll be going fabric shopping tonight. I think I’m going to try a cotton-linen blend.
Also, I was really stoked to receive my swap of the month kitchen-themed swap package in the mail. Let me explain. There’s this cool messageboard I go to called Glitter. It’s a community of crafty, DIY type people, and they have a spinoff LJ community called Swap of the Month. Every month there’s a theme, you sign up, post your likes & dislikes, and get a package. You in turn send one. I got some amazing stuff. I LOVE the recipe box especially.
Next month is a hobby-themed swap so I am looking forward to getting some cool knitting stuff (and also sending some since my partner is a knitter too).
Okay, I’ve got work to do. Tell me about what crafty things or DIY projects you guys are working on! Post pictures if you want!
22 February, 2006Progress
Remember my socks for the Knitting Olympics? They grew!
I think I’m about done with the leg. Now comes the scary part: turning the heel. I brought them to work with me today so I can work on them during lunch. I have til Sunday to finish these. I wonder if I can make it.
I also need to get another project lined up to take with me on the work-related trip I’m going on March 1-4. It’s to a hunting plantation in the middle of the South Carolina woodlands and since I don’t plan on shooting a bunch of pre-stocked animals that have no chance for survival, I have a feeling I’ll end up taking lots of long walks and doing a lot of knitting. It sounds silly but I don’t want to leave my doggie for three days. I am going to miss her so much!
13 February, 2006Two socks at the saaaame tiiiime.
In spite of being late signing up and being a whole day late casting on, I did join the Knitting Olympics. Basically you pick a challenging project, cast on when the Olympic flame is lit, and bind off before the flame goes out. If you finish, you get a gold medal. If you don’t, I guess you just hang your head in shame. Last count there are something like 5,000 people participating. Pretty cool.
Saturday Jimmy boldly went where very few men have gone before; to Ewe Knit Kits with me so I could get the needles I needed (40” size 2 Addi Turbos) to cast on for the Knitting Olympics project. I ended up buying a pair of 2s and 3s, and this sock yarn, which was on sale (2 skeins for $7.50). I like the colorway. The orange is a bit brighter than this typically awful photo shows.
I do believe that I’ve succumbed to peer pressure in that they’ve talked me into doing a one-day stint at Knittapalooza this year. I will probably go on Saturday and take the side-to-side sweater class and the sock class. It looks pretty fun and maybe I’ll end up meeting some people that I’d like to call friends (I’m trying to expand my circle of crafty people I hang out with).
Anyway, my project for the Knitting Olympics is knitting two socks at once (hence the long circular needles). I am doing this simple pattern since it’s my first attempt at magic loop, first attempt at socks (the slipper socks on size 13 needles don’t really count in my mind), and my first attempt at doing two socks at once. I struggled for a few weeks trying to bring myself to do toe-up socks but the cast ons all look so complicated, I just decided to do cuff-down. This picture was about mid-day yesterday. I’ve made some progress since then, and I’m almost done with the ribbing for the cuff.
It’s very instant-gratification-y, in that they knit up pretty fast for such teensy tiny yarn, and it seems like a very complex thing to do (my family marveled) but once you get started, it’s an extremely simple process. I’m going to Stitch n Bitch tonight to show off and see who else is doing the knitting olympics.
Another non-related knitting thing: I took a picture of this girl’s sweater at work. I love these cables and if I ever get into designing any kind of sweater for myself, I wouldn’t mind using them. I think these would also be cute on armwarmers, if I wore such a thing.
In other weekend update news, Saturday Jimmy and I did YARDWORK before it rained, which is my FAVORITE activity (sike). We brought Kyla outside with us and let her run around on the long line, thinking she’d gleefully jump in leaf piles and be a real dog, but really she just shivered and looked at me mournfully like I was torturing her. So I took her pansy dog butt back inside where it wasn’t 35 degrees.
Dog class was cancelled AGAIN due to rain. Ugh. Sunday we went to the park and she mostly ate grass instead of running around, so I ended up taking her on lots of short little walks throughout the day. Went to moms, knitted most of the day. Last night watched the AKC dog agility championships. Was stoked on a girl that looks a lot like me winning. Ha. Kyla seemed interested. Did I mention that I am volunteering to be a leash runner or part of the ring crew in the Tails Up Agility Trials on the 25-26th? Should be fun.
05 October, 2005Domesticated
This is the entry where I show off my 1950s housewife skills. I’m like, totally marketable!
I can cook from scratch.
Vintage knitting book (thanks mom!) I am working a pattern from, and also the pattern page from the book. Doing the patchwork pillow, but not in hideous 1970s shades of Red Heart acrylic.
Progress on the left panel, and all the colors I am using. The one that looks black is actually dark brown. This will go on my bed when finished. It’s hard to see, but the bottom square has cables. Ooooh.
Shawl (pattern is “Cozy” from Knitty.com), yarn is 100% alpaca I picked up in Kansas City. You can’t see the stitches here but there are lots of lacey yarn overs and junk. It will look nice when it’s done.
Stuff I got from my secret pal a while back: knitpicks stripey yarn that I am going to use for socks, and green wool (also Knitpicks) that I might make Glampyre’s One-Skein Wonder with. I am just trying to decide if that would look okay on me or not. If not that yarn might become socks too.
I need to start planning out Christmas gifts. There’s much knitting to do.
