Handmade by Kate

Flaw

2011-03-16T02:02:00.000-07:00

I'm currently knitting a man's sleeveless vest, in a lovely 4ply Shetland wool that I was given at Knitting for Brisbane's Needy. I'm using one of Grandma's old patterns, and I've just started shaping the first front shoulder.

However, I've just noticed this flaw, about 10cm down. I know that it's hard to see, but it's definitely there, and I feel it's quite noticeable. But I really don't fancy undoing it and trying to pick up about 100 tiny stitches.

On the other hand, I want to produce as good a garment as I can, so although I'm complaining about it now, I will go and "frog it" back to the flaw and re-knit it. I always do, even though I always sigh and pout and whinge about it!

We use the term "frog it" or "frogging" to mean taking it off the needle and pulling back the rows; it's also known as "ripping" or "to rip it" (or "ribbit!"). (On the other hand, "tinking" or "to tink" refers to undoing stitches one at a time: it's "knit" backwards.)

Coping with a cable needle.

2011-03-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

I'm knitting a cute little baby jacket for a friend's soon-to-arrive grandson, in a sweet baby blue bamboo. It's got a very simple cable pattern - candy twists - which isn't causing me any trouble, except for the usual problems I have when using a cable needle.

There are different types of cable needle, with ones that look like mouse-sized double-pointed needles (dpns), ones with a kink in the middle, so it doesn't fall out of the held stitches, and ones like that I'm currently using, with grooves along the length of the needle, again to stop slippage. It does work to stop the needle falling out, but it also catches on the yarn, and this bamboo is very soft and delicate, and snags really easily.

I've had - and lost - all of them, and that's my main problem. They're small, and they're not needed all the time (currently only every 4th row), and I keep forgetting where I put it, or I stand up suddenly when it's on my lap and it flies off and rolls somewhere, or it falls to the bottom of my knitting bag, or down beside the cushion of my chair. This current one is the only one I can find in the right gauge!

I expect there are a few under my couch, or in forgotten corners of other knitting bags, and it's the one knitting item that I have to keep buying. I wish I could have it on a string, but it needs to be able to be used at either end.

It's the main reason why I don't do as much cable work as I'd like. I like the challenge of bending the stitches around to make new patterns and textures, but I need to find a better way of controlling the cable needle when I'm not using it. Sigh.

Knitting Olympics: Training

2010-02-12T01:24:00.000-08:00

We're not allowed to start our Knitting Olympics project until the beginning of the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Games, but we are allowed to "train", as in knit up our tension swatches.

I was pleased to find I had enough of the DK yarn I wanted to use, Australian-made Carnival acrylic in a lovely Star Trekky teal colour. It's going to be a hoodie for my nephew, who is -unbelievably - one at the end of March, so acrylic is perfect, as it's hardwearing and machine-washable.

I'm knitting the cable and rib hoodie from Debbie Bliss's The Baby Book, that I just bought with my christmas gift card from Steve and Karen. It's cool to be able to using it so soon! This event has given me permission to start a new project that I might not have allowed myself otherwise.

I'm looking forward to seeing if I can get it finished in the allotted 17 days. I think I should, as it's not as complicated as I first thought, although the all-over cable pattern will slow things down a bit.

It should be fun!

One pair of socks

2010-01-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished the pair of socks I have been knitting for K4BN. The group had a box of sock yarn donated to it last year, and I have several ball of it to turn into socks. I should be able to turn out another three pairs, at least, and then knit up tiny baby hats and socks with the remainder.

Sock yarn is good to work with, as it's quite a firm fibre, and the self-patterning aspect gives a fun end result. They look much more clever than they really are, especially as I'd never undertake such a complex colour pattern otherwise! I can't remember what inspired me to start knitting socks several years ago, but I really enjoy it, and have made socks for many members of my family.

This pair, and the others I do for the group, will go to a homeless person that needs them, and will hopefully make someone's day, and give them a bit of comfort. We get lots of lovely feedback from the agencies that distribute our handknits (and crocheted and sewn items), and I have been told of reactions that recipients have had to things I have made. It's the best, warmest, fuzziest feeling, and makes me wish I had more than one pair of hands, and that I could just knit continuously in order to provide more items for people who need them.

People often question our activities, wondering why we would sit and knit a beanie, perhaps with yarn we have purchased (although we now receive a fair amount of donated yarn) when we could simply buy some from the shop. Of course, anyone that knits a jumper, or socks (socks?!) is just crazy. But the time and effort that we put into making these items is part of the gift. Someone gets a warm jumper when all she has left is the nightie she was wearing when she escaped from domestic violence, and part of its warmth is the work that went into it.

I also like to think that there is a ripple effect with what we do. Some "passing forward" of the comfort and warmth that we provide with our knitting. Perhaps some restoration of faith in people, for those who have suffered at the hands of others. Perhaps changing someone's day from hopeless to hopeful.

I've only made one pair of socks so far, but whoever gets them, will have warm and dry feet and legs this winter, and be able to walk around in a little bit of human kindness. And in style!

Another completed UFO!

2009-09-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm really pleased that I've finally finished my aboriginal flag hoodie (size approx 7 - 9 years). I started it quite a few months ago, but put it down when I got stuck on the first sleeve. I was trying to add a sun on the elbow, but it wasn't working properly with the increases. When I went back to it recently I decided that it wouldn't work at all, so just did the sleeves in black and red. I think it would have been easier if I'd been knitting with 4mm needles, as the fabric would have been more dense, and taken colour changes a bit better. With 5mm needles it was all a bit loose, especially with the increases. The main sun on the front would have been a bit tidier, too, but I think its roughness has a sort of rustic charm, which goes with the patchwork of red yarns - all 8ply, but the difference in weight varied remarkably between the different yarns.

I did the red side of the hood all in one red, so that the shape wouldn't be compromised. The hood string is plaited lengths of the three colours, and I made it so tight that it's quite firm. I got a bit stuck looking for something to thread it through the hem of the hood, and ended up using a stitch holder. It got a bit hooked up once or twice, but worked well.

In all, I'm happy with how it turned out. It's my first attempt at a colour pattern, and one that I've designed myself. I don't know that I'll get into it in a big way, but I'd like to make jumpers for my nephews with their names on the back, footy jumper-style.

This one is going to K4BN, and if it's received well, I could see myself doing another one. First I would adapt the pattern to work with 4mm needles; that kind of adaption would also be a first for me, but I think I can do it. I have a few other UFOs to get through first, though!

I won't let a sore finger slow me down!

2009-09-07T14:34:00.001-07:00

I have a tiny cut on my right index finger, but it's causing big problems! As well as stinging like crazy when I was cutting onions yesterday, it's bothering me when I knit!

I use that finger to push my left hand needle back out of the stitch, every 2nd or 3rd row, and I keep hitting the sore spot. It's even in the way when I'm sewing up, instead, when I push the sewing needle through... I do have thimbles, but I've never mastered the technique of keeping it on my finger while I'm sewing, and it makes me feel awkward.

An obvious solution is to not do anything to aggravate it while it heals, but it's so hard to go without making something! I won't know what to do with myself when I'm watching telly! So I'm going to continue knitting, but just try to remember to use a different part of my finger, until this little, tiny cut heals itself.

I did finish this beanie last night, and sewed it up this morning. It's following on from the aboriginal flag hoodie that I'm now sewing up. Just a mini-project for when I don't want to have to look at what I'm doing.

My next knitting project is Mum's second sock. Once the hoodie is finished, it will be time to select yet another UFO!

Recently completed

2009-08-29T00:45:00.001-07:00

Having had a couple of sleepless nights earlier in the week, I had some extra time in which to work on my projects.

Firstly, I finished Mum's first sock. I'm pleased with how it came out, although it took me a few stitches to get back into the grafting groove. I don't think it's noticeable, though.

I was worried that it was a bit short, but Mum told me that mid-calf is good for her, so it's turned out to be the perfect length. All I have to do now is make the other one the same size!!

It's very comfortable, too. I had to try it on to see how it fit, and it's nice and stretchy, and nice to wear. I think Mum's going to like them.

After that, I finished sewing up the peaches and cream jumper. It's not as hideous as I thought it might be, although I'm still not totally sold on it for its looks. But it's gorgeously soft and stretchy, and I'm especially pleased with how soft and stretchy the neck is.

It's given me a boost in my neckband confidence, so I think I'll be more inclined to re-do (again) the neck on the grey jumper.

I'm not sure if Karen wants to have this one, but I did make it with her in mind. But if not, I'll take it to the market. If no-one wants it, I'll wear it myself. It will be nice for around the house in winter.

Besides, it's liberally sprinkled with Fred hairs, so it probably shouldn't go to anyone with a cat allergy!

I always feel good after I've fully completed something, and can tick something off my UFO list.

However, I was a bit naughty and made a beanie from the leftover wool, rather than start the 2nd sock straightaway, or pull out another UFO. But that's now finished (sewing up pending), and I've pulled out the aboriginal flag hoodie to work on again.

I hope to report some more completed items soon!

Mum's socks, progress report

2009-08-20T01:48:00.001-07:00

This is one evening and one morning's work on Mum's socks. I love how the colours are striping like that! The white fuzzy streak is the knitting-in elastic. This wool incorporates it much better than the Patonyle, and you can barely see it. I think that if you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't notice.

I should be able to get to the leg shaping this evening. I have no plans other than watching telly and knitting, as I am brewing a cold and don't feel like doing anything else. Besides, Thursday night is my favourite night for TV :)

I'm also having a 3-day weekend. I need to do a heap of housework, but I plan to at least finish sewing up the peaches and cream jumper, and keep working on these socks.

Fun times!

O, the horror!

2009-08-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

I thought things were going badly when I found a dropped stitch (!) while sewing up the jumper. It was at the armhole shaping, and I'd dropped the last stitch of the last row before the cast off stitches. After I got over my shock at a dropped stitch (!!) I realised that it would be a simple matter of sewing the stitch into the seam, and all would be well (except that I'd always know that there was a dropped stitch there.

So I continued sewing on the sleeve, without further drama. But on the 2nd sleeve (or it could have been the 1st sleeve, I suppose) I found ANOTHER DROPPED STITCH!!! It was just hanging there, on the sleeve, again at the edge (phew) of the shoulder shaping.

In each case, I can't fathom how I dropped a stitch and didn't notice. My only thoughts are that a) I wasn't paying enough attention, although I can't see how I managed it with the armhole shaping, and b) that knitting with 8ply on 5mm needles increases the chances of things falling off, as it's such a loose tension (for me, anyway).

It was especially difficult when trying to cast off super-loosely at the neck, and the needles just kept falling out altogether.

Apart from that, it's sewing up fine. But I'm always going to remember these dropped stitches.

Peaches and Cream

2009-08-18T05:14:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a "peaches and cream" jumper for a few weeks now (on and off, as I do). It's pure Australian wool, and I put those two colours together as I didn't have enough of either for a whole jumper. It sort of works, I suppose, but it's not my favourite thing ever. I also made the first sleeve way too long, so after I'd done the 2nd sleeve correctly, pulled back the first one and re-did the top shaping. They are now the same length!!

Last night I picked up the stitches for the neckband, and tonight I finished it, and have sewn up the other shoulder. I decided to leave the rest of the sewing up for tomorrow. At least the neck is very stretchy - I have to work hard to make my necks loose enough. It's a roll neck, as well, which should be very cosy. The whole thing is nice and soft and stretchy, so should be very comfy to wear.

I have decided that I will start Mum's socks next. Followed by the brown vest....

Mum's socks

2009-08-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

Mum asked me for a pair of socks for her last birthday (her birthday was in October; the request came a fair bit earlier than that). It's now almost a year later, and I only have half a sock done. And that's been sitting idle on the needle for a couple of months now.

The trouble is, I've decided that these socks aren't right for Mum. I'm using cream Patonyle, with a pretty grey-blue for the top band, heel and toes, and they're soft and lovely. However, Mum is now living on a boat, and I feel she needs something more robust. Mum is also more fun than cream and grey.

I have some great red/multicoloured wool (not Australian, though) that would make excellent socks, and I have heaps of it, so I can make them nice a long, maybe even with a top turnover, for better staying power.

My dilemma is that I now have a substantial pile of UFOs, and a baby nephew that I haven't made anything for. On the other hand, Mum and Dave will set sail off around the world some time in the near future, so I have to make sure that I get them to her before then!

I always find that as soon as I've told myself I'm not starting anything new until I finish my UFOs, something "urgent" comes up.....

Perhaps if I get this current jumper finished - the one with the probably-too-long sleeve - I can justify starting Mum's socks.

Maybe alternating is the way to go. UFO, new project, UFO, new project - so long as none of the new projects become future UFOs!!

And if I start soon, I could get them to her by THIS birthday!

Building stock

2009-08-17T00:54:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I need to do a heap of smaller, accessory-type items to go with the larger items I'm going to try to sell. So I've started with some basic beanies - following on from the pile I did for K4BN. I'm getting a little tired of them, but they are soooo easy to do.

I want to have beanies, gloves, balaclavas, hoods, socks, legwarmers and mittens available. Smaller, less expensive items that people might be more likely to buy. Maybe!!

I've now done up my tag, and just need to find a good receptacle for storing all this stuff until the market in September, and then for carrying it to and fro. I also want to make a cover for the table (protect the table AND provide some friction for the items on it, so they're less likely to slide off).

I'm determined to now working on UFOs for a while, and get some of those knocked over, but I'm also itching to start Dad's jumper and Mum's socks!!

Tonight I want to finish the 2nd sleeve of the peaches and cream jumper. I should pin the 1st sleeve onto the body and see just how much too long it is, and how much I need to pull it back before redoing the shaping.... my secret hope is that it will turn out to be fine, and I won't have to change anything.

Mittens

2009-08-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'm currently knitting up some multicoloured acrylic that I found in an op shop (I'm pretty sure it's Carnival), making kids' mittens and beanies. I have to redo the very first one I did, as I realised - when doing the left hand - that I'd made a mistake. The 2nd set is working out better. I don't know how I managed to mess it up, as they're easier to do than gloves. I was probably just too involved in whatever telly I was watching!

My plan is to have some knits to sell at the flea market I'm planning in September. I'm torn, though, between this, my many other UFOs, and dropping everything to make things for baby Alex.

I shouldn't be making these mittens, as I have so many other things on the go, but I wanted something relatively simple to make. I'd just made 10 beanies for K4BN, so the beanie was something I barely had to think about. Then I decided that some mittens would be cute with it.

After this, I really need to finish some of the UFOs I'm making to sell, and redo the neckband on the grey jumer. I also need to remember to take photos! I forgot to take a photo of the pile of beanies I made for the group.

I still have lots of K4BN yarns, so I will keep making things for them as well, but I need to think about my own situation first. Gotta pay the rent, service the car, pay for Dexter's operation, buy cat food, etc etc.

Commission

2008-06-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a commission at the moment. When I was at the Homeless Connect Day for K4BN, I was approached by a lady who wanted someone to knit her a vest in some yarn she had. I agreed to do it - she's giving me a pot plant in payment! - and am now half way through.

However, I've had to change some of the yarn, as it just wasn't going to go with the rest. The front is done in 20-row stripes of a purplish fake fur, with a pink-red fluffy yarn. I didn't think it was going to work, but it really does. I then had a pile of yellow/green feathers yarn for the back, but it just didn't gel. So I've swapped it for some blue and green feathers from the pile of novelty yarns Aunty Ann gave me. It will make a much better garment, and I just hope she doesn't mind.

I'll post a photo when it's done.

It's great to have a commission of any sort. The only other one I've done was a jumper for my physio, in lieu of a couple of payments. Here's hpoing there are many more to come!

Going into business?

2008-06-01T01:39:00.000-07:00

Having recently finished up my work contract, and only having one paid day a week for the moment, I am now considering whether I could actually knit for a living - or for at least part of a living. A couple of people have mentioned that it's possible, but I'm still trying to find out how to find people to pay me to knit!

I've just given away all my finished item to Knitting for Brisbane's Needy, my knitting group, so I have to start putting together a new collection of items, if I'm thinking about selling things! I have quite a stash of yarn, the majority of it being my own. Some of it belongs to K4BN, so anything I knit from that automatically goes to them.

I'm thinking that my line will be on the retro side, as I have a very large collection of old knitting patterns, that are, importantly, out of copyright, so I don't have that to worry about. I also really enjoy making those classic items, and I have a long list of men's 50s and 60s jumpers and jackets I really want to make. Plus the beautiful jumpers, jackets and accessories for women I have patterns for. I also love making old-fashioned baby layettes, and hope that there are people out there that feel the same way. I'm sure there are.

I would also want to try to have most of my yarns Australian made. I am knitting a man's vest out of lovely Australian grown and spun wool, that I picked up on sale at K-Mart or somewhere, for just $2.50 a ball! If it takes all 10 balls to make it, the cost price is just $25 (not including labour), which allows for a reasonable mark-up without it being ridiculously expensive....

So Australian materials, knitter and a retro feel. Surely I can't go wrong?!

And with my newly-acquired MYOB skills, I can even do my own bookkeeping. Just need to find some undemanding temp work to keep body and soul together while I a) keep working at Canine Helpers as much as possible, and b) knit up a heap of stuff to sell. I will still knit for K4BN of course, as it's a cause very close to my heart. Maybe 1 in every 3 items is for them?!?

Anyway, so far it's all ideas and possibilities. But I really can imagine being able to do something real with this.