You've gotta pick a pocket or two

Hi there! This Pumpkin Ale Sweater is getting so close to completion, I can taste it! I've been keeping you in the loop about every single adventure along the way in this sweater, so I hope you aren't bored to tears seeing photos of this orange object!

I believe it is my most involved-not largest, but most tricky-knitting project thus far, and I feel incredibly slow at it, even though I've been putting in hours a day. But it's worth it.

You'll have to excuse the inconsistent color of the sweater in the next photos because I took them at different times of the day (it gets so dark so quickly now!), but I'm convinced that orange, even heathered, is non-photogenic under most lighting conditions. My colorway is almost exactly the same as Ysolda's.

I am just about at the second cuff, so let's get talking about the pockets!

I made sure that I did not confuse the ends of my provisional cast-on by making several extra crochet chains and securing it with a knot. This helped me find the end that unziped all of those live stitches.

Oh, by the way. I was a little rebellious. Nothing too serious, but in the pattern, the pockets were the last thing to complete, and I decided to get a head-start on the more fussy things so that I have less work by the end. I also decided to make the knitted portion of the pocket a little bit longer, in hopes that the liner will sit further down, making it more hidden. Rebel. Mwa ha ha.

A long while back, I bought these circular needle stitch holders on clearance from Hobby Lobby, and I am finally using them. I do have every variety of stitch holders known to man, but who can help themselves with a 75% off knitting notion? I had no idea what the little white contraption at the end was for until I got a closer look at it. It locks the needle and the end together. Cool.

Anyways, this is what the knitted potion of the pocket looks like. You don't knit the full pocket. You start knitting a couple of inches, and then bind off. You sew yourself a liner and attach it to the bind-off area of the pocket in the end. Ysolda instructs you to make a faux-seam of purling a stitch on the sides. I think the reason was for it to match the edge seams in the liner easier.

Next, I picked out my liner. I had this leftover from a purse liner from the Fake-a-gamo purse many years back. Just in case you are curious, the second purse is my cute modified clutch version.

Now here's when things went a little sour. My sewing machine decided last night that it would rather eat fabric than sew. I took that thing apart as far as I was comfortable with, but couldn't find the problem. I found lint (which I removed), but couldn't find out why it would work fine without fabric, but once you but feed the cloth through, the needle would tangle inside with the thread underneath and chew through the fabric. I re-threaded many times, re-adjusted the needle, the footer, the bobbin, etc. I'm not a seamstress, so I haven't a clue.

So, I also got to use this portable Singer sewing machine for the first time. Now, let's be real. Sewing actually scares the crud out of me. I have nightmares about my finger getting in the way of the needle. Now, this machine is like that nightmare on crack. Once you bring the needle up, you have to physically lift the metal footer up to slide the fabric under... and quick frankly, I almost ran my finger over with the needle a couple of times in the process. The sewer would turn on if I bumped/pushed down slightly on the red top portion which lifting the footer. Yikes. The sewing isn't as neat as the real machine, and I couldn't zig-zag to have a nice border, but it did the job. I went over it 2-3 times just in case. Sorry, I'm not hand-sewing the whole thing:

"Ain't nobody got time for that."

After my sewing fiasco, I was further disappointed that I had no idea on how to attach this thing. Like I said, I don't sew. I can do basic, basic things and this knowledge does not come naturally.

So, if you are in the same boat, let me gift you with my discoveries to save you some time and frustration! In the photo above, notice how I pinned the knit pocket fabric. I only folded the side that is closest to the garter border. 

First, do your necessary sewing for the liner's edging. Do yourself a favor and iron the top where you are going to pin (unlike me) and then pin the fabric to the knitting as such, right at the bind-off edge of the knit pocket.

Now listen up! You want a nice, clean, invisible sewing job, right? Make sure you do a sneaky-sneaky "slip-stitch" job around the fabric. Youtube it, if you've never done the stitch (that's what I did). Trust me, you don't want to see a visible sewing job because the top portion of the liner is visible to the public. Like in the photo, do your slip-stitching just behind (but not too far behind) the edge of the liner and then do your sewing into the knit fabric right around the same area and it should HIDE all that sewing. Neat, huh?

You'll probably want to sew behind where the fold in the knit pocket was, but I haven't finished this yet. Don't judge my liner's edging...remember, my sewing machine was broken and I couldn't zig-zag it!

The result? A beautiful and well-invisible sewing job.

Like I said, I haven't knit the garter border yet, but when I do the pockets, the liner will be fully hidden, and I will sew the liner edge to the border so it doesn't "flop" around. :) Almost done, people! Yay!

Bell bottoms should stay in the 70's.

I spent the better part of today working the right shoulder and cuff. I was so proud to have finished the right side until I bound off and got a closer look at the cuff fit.

Bell bottoms. Yuck.

(This is going to be a little bit of a vent, and I apologize if this offends anyone. To each their own, right?)

Now, in the 90's, I have to admit that bell bottoms were a staple in my wardrobe, but after entering the 21st century and the world of straights and skinny jeans, I believe that nothing, nothing should flare out in places that are normally skinny. (Now there may be a few exceptions like skirts and such, but I mean ankles and forearms, people.)

Bell bottoms can just stay in the 70's where it belongs for all I'm concerned, and that is why I-with some tears in my eyes-frogged out a couple hours worth of work of my precious crafting time during my boys preschool and nap time so that I don't defile this wonderful sweater.

This is a decade of form-fitting clothing, so it's a re-do on needles two sizes smaller for this fella.

Meet ya back here between the last shoulder and garter border, or...err...carpel tunnel?

Did you know that I post on my Facebook group page "Knitting Up A Storm, the blog" updates on projects between posts, polls, random give-aways (if you are the first to see a give-away on that group page, comment below that post (on Facebook) and you WIN the pattern prize automatically for being so awesome for checking up on me!) and knitting parties? Since it's a group page, feel free to post your own knitting photos as well! I'd love it to be a communal thing!

Let's just say it's cheaper than therapy

I've been dealing with a lot of stress lately from various things in life and I've been trying to pour my energies into this Pumpkin Ale Sweater to redirect my spirits. Usually, knitting doesn't soothe me as much as some knitters, but after a real bad day Thursday, it was really helping to distract me from my woes and worries. And I appreciate that. This sweater will mean all that more to me when it's finished.


And let's just say, knitting away depression is much cheaper than therapy!

When we last talked, I was under the impression that I wouldn't be able to get this sweater done in time for Thanksgiving, but I think I can safely safe that I will! I am half way through the second front side.

I'm so excited to see how the pockets pan out. It's my first pocket project. :)

 I've gotten a lot done since Monday. I love seeing aerial views on how it's growing.

Project Posts:

Sweater Post 1     Sweater Post 2

Catch you back right here somewhere between sleeves and pockets!

Sideways and Onward!

The back paneling of my Pumpkin Ale Sweater has finally been completed! Yay! On to faster-paced knits. I am now approaching the pockets on the front right panel as we speak, but let me show you some progress from yesterday and today:

I have been making mistakes left and right, and I don't know if I should chalk it up to being tired or being too utterly distracted while knitting. I'm sure it's mostly the latter, but most definitely a combination. I'm talking rookie mistakes people. If you look closely in person, you might spot a few already. It can almost be like one of those magazine games..."how many differences from this original picture?"

I-cords on sweater edgings are a MUST. They just look so clean.

I was a little apprehensive starting the front paneling of the sweater because I knew there were a few new techniques that I would have to learn on the go. One of them is wrap-less short rows. I've done short rows, but hardly, and not the wrap-less kind. I watched Ysolda's video tutorial on it, and it just made so much sense that I don't see why people even choose to do the wrapped version. This wrap-less technique is actually pretty simple and virtually INVISIBLE. All it involves is a spare bit of waste yarn to save a stitch that you will use to close up the gap.

This last photo really shows the shaping that the short rows take on for the waist in the pattern. At this particular point, the sweater looks off, almost unattractive until the rest of the paneling is completed. When worn, this should sit nicely and figure-friendly (slimming, with the combination of the waist decreases on the back panel with the increases on the front panel) at the hips/waist. Her design is actually very clever.

Fun Halloween knitting party.

I enjoyed some knitter time with a few other folks at the Knitting Halloween Party yesterday evening. We even chatted past the ending time! It was a small group, but we had fun posting pinterest holiday drinks and outfit photos, our knitting wishlist projects, our current projects and more!

Congrats to these gals for winning 1 or more KUAS patterns! I handed out 6 patterns!:

Sarah B.

Jenna D.

Kathleen W.

I haven't podcasted in a while, so here's something that I uploaded to the party:

Post by Anna Maliszewski.

Should I do a Christmas or New Year one? It was fun with 3 or 4 people, but I think we can do a lot better :)

KUAS Pattern: Lovely Cords

Good news! The I-Cord necklace has a name: Lovely Cords!

I  was able to scrounge up enough time to add it to the KUAS Designs Ravelry shop. It's a quick and easy project, so it's only listed for $1.99!

Lovely Cords is a fusion of knitting and beading. The hardware that is put at the back of the necklace really makes the project pop and gives it a more professional, finished look. Don’t be surprised if people ask you were you bought this necklace.

Materials:

Yarn: Approx. 40-45 yds of Louisa Harding’s Thalia (or any ribbon yarn in a semi-bulky weight with a recommended needle size of US11) Pattern seen in “Eggplant.”

Wonder knitter tool:  with a 3-pin dial piece.

(You can knit the I-cord using double-pointed needles [dpns])

Optional: two size US 10.5dpns

Jewelry Hardware & Tools:

Two flat-nose pliers,  two 6’’ lengths of  7-strand beading wire (.45mm), 2 large cone beads (the bigger the better), 2 bead spacers, 4 bead crimps, three jump rings,  two 4.5’’ lengths of metal jewelry chain, 1 clasp, and a decorative flower with a twist-tie glued onto the back.

Try to get all of the beading materials in the same metallic shade.

 

Will you be one of people who will win a KUAS pattern tonight at the online  Halloween Knitting PARTY at7pm (CT)? 

Reminder: Halloween Knitting Party on Facebook THIS MONDAY!

Have you RSVP'd yet? Say "YES" here and join us for a great cyber party.

 There will be GIVEAWAYS all hour long, so you better get over there quick and vote on your top 5 patterns!

Bring some photos of your work and some drinks/food that you are "bringing" (or pretending to bring) to the party.

I'll see ya later! I've got a Halloween group piano lesson to give, and then I see Theresa Caputo Live tonight! Squee!!

FO: I-Cord Necklace

I'm just going to spend a couple of minutes chatting about this necklace before taking off again. I've got a very busy weekend to get ready for.

I finished the Wonder Knitter I-Cord necklace that I spoke of the other day. It's a fusion of knitware and hardware (beading materials in the back).

I just have one problem: I don't know what to name it. I can't just leave it generic. If you'd like to help me out, write a comment of a fitting name for this and you could win the pattern.

You could use plain old dpns to knit up the I-cord, but I chose to use a fancy "Wonder Knitter" tool that helps make I-cord knit up faster. I used bead crimps, bead cones, bead spacers, wire and chain to complete the back. I plan on doing some photo tutorials for the hardware part in the pattern.

I used this beautiful Louisa Harding Thalia yarn in Eggplant that I've saving for a couple of years. I love, love the added texture that the yarn gives to the I-cord. I only really used about 40 yards or less.

I would have loved to pose for you, but I only was able to get these shots during good light, but when it's on a human, the scarf hangs a little lower and the hardware starts about at the shoulder. I'll take some new shots when I publish the pattern.

But for now, what shall we name her?

WIP: I-Cord Necklace

You don't mind me posting again today, do you? I don't want to give anyone a cardiac arrest or something from the shock.

I've casted on for the offical I-cord necklace project that I have in mind. I'm so excited to see how this is "knitting" up. Yes, I'm one of those knitters who feel the need to quote "knitting" when it comes to "loom knitting." 

This yarn is wonderful. Like I said in the previous post, I've been saving this $12.50 skein of yarn (don't worry, bought it on sale!) for a rainy day. There are only 98 yards to the skein, so it was meant to be a small project. For me.

It's an interesting sort of fiber blend:
52% polyamide, 24% acrylic, 12% mohair, 6% wool.

Yarn: Louisa Harding's Thalia in Eggplant
 Suggested needles: US11
Store: Loopy Yarns in Chicago

I have taken the liberty of posting a parade of photos of this yarn because it's so photogenic. It's gorgeous. I love how the natural fibers poke out of the knit yarn. It even shimmers. :)

This one is so interesting. I love seeing how you can see how the loose fibers are sew together to create this texture.

Sorry, are you "hungry" now? :)

Don't forget to RSVP to  the Halloween Knitting Party on Facebook 10/27!

New Knitting Toy: a Wonder Knitter

This is a Wonder Knitter. It is a fancy I-cord maker that is relative to loom knitting. I've had this toy for several months now, but this is my first time using it.

I've had intentions of making different objects out of an I-cord, primarily a type of necklace or two, but I have to admit that there's also a wee-bit of interest in seeing if this device is any faster than making an I-cord the old fashioned way (two dpns).

You can find a YouTube tutorial on how to cast-on this loom (it's a little confusing the first round), but the rest is the same technique. I've been experimenting with turning the dial using my left hand thumb while "knitting" simultaneously to make things fun faster.

This is the dial with the three pins. The set comes with two dials (3 pins and 6 pins). I do not care for the dial with three pins for the sport yarn weight that I chose. The dial with 6 pins have pins spaced a smidgen closer, so maybe that will be a better choice if you choose to go light on yarn weight.

I have a infinity necklace/scarf project in mind for this Wonder Knitter with another type of yarn that I've been saving for a rainy day, although unfortunately while looking for a tutorial on how to cast-on for this loom I found that the necklace idea is not unique. :(  I'll try to jazz it up differently. Stay tuned.

The Woolies emerge

It's that time again: the cozy woolies emerge from a long hibernation during the warm months.

It's a cold reminder of how freezing last winter was, and how much I should have been knitting new woolies during the past few months knowing that this winter could be just as bad. Or worse.

Remember that entire winter last year (and I'm not talking about YOU, southern states and countries... lucky ducks), walking outside and cursing under your breath because it felt inhaling daggers down your throat? You know, the winter that kept the snow on the ground the entire three months and was nearly -25 degrees F the whole time? The one that was bad enough that we had to drip water so that the pipes wouldn't freeze and burst? Yeah, repressed that a bit, didn't you?

Well, fall is in full bloom, but winter is coming, and my knitter's instinct is kicking in: "Crap! Hurry up, I'm late to the winter-knitting game!"

Meanwhile, I'm still enjoying strutting around in my fox thermal shirt while wearing my "Frozen River Slouch" and "Double Looped Scarf" while trying to forget that the temperature may drop so low tonight that my tomato garden might not recover tomorrow.

What's your favorite go-to knit that you have made in the past?

Halloween Knitting Party!

One of my favorite authors hosts cyber book parties on Facebook every time she releases a new book, and they are big hits. You post photos of what you are "wearing" to the party, what you are "bringing" or "drinking" (and these are in quotes because a lot of people post things from Pinterest because they are photogenic!), and she will give away books every so many minutes while people chat. It's fun! 

I'm not really releasing anything (although possibly the Baby Monster Hat from the last post), but I thought it would be fun to throw a knitter's Halloween party in the same fashion! I plan to give away 5 patterns at random (that you actually can vote on right now in the event page)! So join the KUAS group and RSVP to the event HERE and let's celebrate! 

Event: Spooktacular Knitting Party (on Facebook)

Date: Mon, Oct. 27th 

Time: 7pm-8pm (Central Time)

What to bring: photos and things to chat about!

Itty Bitty Monster Hat

I have a friend who just gave birth to her second son. In the spirit of the Halloween season, I wanted to make her baby a wee monster hat.

(I think it came out a little kookier than I anticipated.)

It started off conservative. I improvised a basic hat shape that began with a crochet edge method for a nice clean look. I planned from the beginning that I wanted monster eyes. So I learned (or re-learned) how to crochet in a circle. I decided to do double crochet.

Then, honestly, things got a little carried away. First there was the crazy and whimsical i-cord mouth, then the silly teeth, and then a ball full of hair on top.

It's mighty silly. I wonder if it's a little over-the-top for a newborn to sport.  Even around Halloween? It might be a little more toddler-oriented. What do you think? Should I make another and dial it back?

5 Halloween Piano Solos (to please any Ghoul)

I am running a GIVEAWAY contest for you late-elementary to intermediate level pianists out there! I am publishing this e-book that will be released in the middle of this month. Meanwhile, on Facebook, if you write about you favorite Halloween memory as a child, you can be chosen to win this book! Spooktacular!

Enter here: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMaliszewskiPublishing

Contest deadline: October 10th at midnight (CT)

Contest winner chosen on entry page: October 11th.

If you don't play yourself, enter to win for a friend, family member, or music teacher. :)

Pieces include:

1. The Goblin Trot

2. Halloween Moons

3. Haunted Mansion (#1 seller)

4. Ghostly Chills

5. Spooky Town (#2 seller)