tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9340112141963011932023-11-15T08:04:06.225-06:00KnitterpatedKnitting and, occaisionally, books and other stuff.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-41696088774496496452009-01-26T12:55:00.002-06:002009-01-26T12:55:59.842-06:00Not as nerdy as I thoughtSaw this at Samurai Knitter. It made me laugh.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nerdtests.com/ft_nt2.php"><br /><img src="http://www.nerdtests.com/images/badge/nt2/838189ecb5133e55.png" alt="NerdTests.com says I'm an Uber Cool Light-Weight Nerd. Click here to take the Nerd Test, get nerdy images and jokes, and talk to others on the nerd forum!"><br /></a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-29563070543714667212009-01-25T22:27:00.002-06:002009-01-25T23:01:47.869-06:002008: The Year of the SockThe big thing I did in 2008 was knit socks. I started off with something simple and plain:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2399416252/" title="first sock IP by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2399416252_fe75ceba48.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="first sock IP" /></a><br /><br />Then I moved on to something a little more involved but still suitable for a beginner:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2487422547/" title="monkey socks 2 by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2084/2487422547_6218d82cfe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="monkey socks 2" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, courtesy of my well-meaning mother, both pairs of socks went head to head with a washer and dryer. The washer and dryer won both times.<br /><br />After two pairs of adult socks, I moved on to baby-sized projects:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2488238552/" title="baby socks 1 by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2488238552_cb84795007.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="baby socks 1" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2605203268/" title="blue baby socks-Jelly Bean by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2605203268_5950e653b2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="blue baby socks-Jelly Bean" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2605203394/" title="pink baby socks-Peyton by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2605203394_aeb68e6964.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="pink baby socks-Peyton" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2845836937/" title="Basic Baby Socks by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2845836937_d8e699bce8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Basic Baby Socks" /></a><br /><br />Sprinkled among the baby socks were a pair of socks for a friend who did a great thing for me in the previous holiday season. These socks were done in a week thanks to doing two at a time on two sets of DPNs:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2846671922/" title="Diane's Socks 3 by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2403/2846671922_bbd0506ff5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Diane's Socks 3" /></a><br /><br />I made a pair of pedicure socks for my sister for Christmas, which she loved. She even requested a pair in pink.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/3139366109/" title="Pedicure socks by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3139366109_a94782c5b6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pedicure socks" /></a><br /><br />And the pair I stared in 2008 but didn't finish until 2009 when there wasn't pressure to compete gifts was knit with a great merino sock yarn that was my only purchase at the Shepherd's Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival in the summer. I love these socks:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2768085391/" title="Spring Forward by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2768085391_1d7363947d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Spring Forward" /></a><br /><br />So there it is, my Year of the Sock. I feel like I hit a stride last year with my knitting. Thanks to my wonderful knitting group, who are encouraging beyond measure, I feel like I can do anything I set my mind to provided I actually put effort into it. The dowside is that I use knitting for rest and relaxation. Applying myself and using my brain are things that fall by the wayside when I sit down with a couple pointy sticks and some pretty string.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-64109907783548224872008-11-17T17:22:00.000-06:002008-11-17T17:23:28.045-06:00Beware of Cat<a href="http://www.heyquiz.com/quiz/cat_kill"><img src="http://www.heyquiz.com/bimage/14_83.jpg" alt="Is your cat plotting to kill you?" /></a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-4893618896681468202008-11-10T11:24:00.003-06:002008-11-10T12:34:06.945-06:00Bingo!I figured out what to make for the little kids in my life for Christmas. A lovely word that I had previously not been all that interested in: amigurumi. According to Wiki, amigurumi is "the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures." <br /><br />Ravelry has tons of free crochet amigurumi patterns, all of which are little and therefore fast. Also, there's only so much difficulty that can be packed into a small toy hooked out of worsted weight yarn, so they're also very easy.<br /><br />I'm going to frog the hat I was making for Riley because I was in the Knitting Black Hole anyway and the yarn is perfect for the frosting on an amigurumi cupcake and maybe a little bird. Seriously, these things are cute and can be produced in mass quantities in a small amount of time. Why didn't I think of this sooner?<br /><br />Now all I have to do is decide what I'm going to do for my parents and in-laws.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-85199126946975382472008-11-07T17:16:00.000-06:002008-11-07T17:17:24.944-06:00A little funny<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><br /><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><br /><strong>Your Daddy Is Darth Vader</strong><br /></font></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whosyourdaddy/daddy12.jpg" height="100" width="100"></center><br /><font color="#000000"><br />What You Call Him: Daddy-o<br /><br /><br /><br />Why You Love Him: He's the Mack Daddy<br /></font></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whosyourdaddy/">Who's Your Daddy?</a></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-49489513748167223622008-10-22T14:50:00.002-06:002008-10-22T15:17:43.313-06:00Reacquaintance with a timeless favoriteI was sifting through my stash, wondering what I can knit for Christmas gifts, and my gaze landed on a skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease, worsted weight. Not the nicest yarn I've knit with, but a decent acrylic-wool blend that is machine washable and dryable. Ideal for gifting because it is very economical, easy to care for, and because it's worsted weight, thousands of free patterns can be had for every knittable/crochetable item.<br /><br />Deciding on a men's hat, I went to Ravelry in search of a pattern. I found <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/turn-a-square">Turn a Square</a> (Ravelry link), a wonderfully easy and free pattern. It calls for striping, but I decided to skip that. It's your basic stockinette hat with a ribbed hem, but it has four sets of raglan-like decreases to shape the crown that are simple enough to be mindless but aren't boring. next time I knit this hat, I'll include the stripes.<br /><br />Hats are wonderful things to knit. They can be as easy or as difficult as the knitter wishes. This was a very simple pattern for my skill level, which meant it was a great "get out of the no-knitting rut" project. It was also very quick, going from cast-on to weave-in in less than 24 hours, knitted during Peanut's naps and while she was playing at Giggle Factory this morning. And because it's 80% acrylic, blocking is not necessary, just a quick trip through the wash.<br /><br />I think I'll use the rest of the skein for a gift for one of my nephews. Now all I gotta do is get Peanut to hold still long enough for me to get some measurements from her hand so I can knit mittens that will fit the nephew for the whole winter.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-72520388374601359312008-10-15T13:36:00.002-06:002008-10-15T13:45:52.808-06:00No will to knitIt's true. I have no will to knit lately. And that just bites. It's fall, for goodness' sake! Time for knitting scarves and hats and mittens and Christmas presents. But combining early pregnancy fatigue with a new job and chasing around a toddler makes for very little energy to do anything in my free time that doesn't involve plopping my laptop on my lap and reading an ebook.<br /><br />Plus I want to participate in <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> in November, which would basically suck up any free time at all. I probably shouldn't plan on finishing a book, but knowing I'm only one of thousands handling a busy real life in addition to writing will be nice.<br /><br />So it looks like November and December will be very busy months for both knitting and writing. Should be fun. Crazy, but fun.<br /><br />Now all I need to do is ferret out my will to knit.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-51792294372504593302008-09-26T20:05:00.002-06:002008-09-26T20:38:05.518-06:00Hold My Sock<a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a> started it, knitters everywhere continue it. Having someone significant hold your sock for a picture is something that seems odd, but when you're a knitter, including your projects in such a way raises the importance of both the sock and the subject of the picture. At least, that's what I think.<br /><br />Last weekend, <a href="http://chasinginspiration.blogspot.com/">Naomi</a> and I drove down to West Virginia (talk about a long road trip) for Lora Leigh's Reader Appreciation Weekend, known as RAW. There, I got to hang with many people I see online all the time and with authors of such wonderful talent and imagination. I brought along stuff to finally begin the second sock to match this:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2768085391/" title="Spring Forward by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2768085391_1d7363947d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Spring Forward" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTspringforward.html">Spring Forward</a> at Knitty. I finished the first one over a month ago. Second Sock Syndrome hits me hard. I'm working on that, though.<br /><br />Anyway, I cast on the second sock while I was at RAW's Friday night slumber party. Everyone (okay, most) wore pyjamas and we ate pizza and danced to the tunes of a very enthusiastic DJ. The next day, there was a private booksigning just for RAW attendees and a Masquerade Ball that evening. I got pictures of said sock along with people I know and love. Most took it in stride when I said "hold my sock," but the funniest was Lora Leigh, who looked at me suspiciously and asked "Is it contagious?", which is the exact thing she said when I told her earlier in the evening that I was pregnant. LOL<br /><br />Naomi (left) and Kimberly, who was being cheeky and used her cleavage as a shelf.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2884771807/" title="Sock, Naomi, and Kimberly by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2884771807_6fd2977240_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sock, Naomi, and Kimberly" /></a><br /><br />Danita, who had the coolest "mask" at the ball.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2885606796/" title="Sock and Danita by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2885606796_db07ac1cc5_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sock and Danita" /></a><br /><br />Diane, who is one of the finest examples of all that is good about human beings.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2885606870/" title="Sock and Diane by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2885606870_8225ea3ac3_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sock and Diane" /></a><br /><br />Jill, who somehow withstands the blazing oven-like heat of Arizona every summer.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2884771227/" title="Sock and Jill by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2884771227_a87f1dd8ca_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sock and Jill" /></a><br /><br />Author <a href="http://www.loraleigh.com/">Lora Leigh</a>, who came up with the idea of RAW originally and who also writes excellent books. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2884771307/" title="Sock and Lora by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2884771307_7ec2cd564f_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Sock and Lora" /></a><br /><br />Mel, who liked the sock so much she didn't even look away from it while holding it.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2885607176/" title="Sock and Turquoise by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2885607176_14315a8b2a_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sock and Turquoise" /></a><br /><br />Me and <a href="http://www.nalinisingh.com/">Nalini Singh</a>, one of my favorite authors and an utter sweetheart. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2885607276/" title="Sock, Courtney, and Nalini by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2885607276_3e44f4ee07_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sock, Courtney, and Nalini" /></a><br /><br />Me and <a href="http://www.jrward.com/">JR Ward</a>, an incredibly lovely and gracious woman who writes books I kind of have a thing for.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2884771689/" title="Sock, JR, and Courtney by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2884771689_ed39745b6b_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Sock, JR, and Courtney" /></a><br /><br />It was a great weekend. A lot of driving to get there and back, but totally worth it. I likely won't be going next year because, assuming all goes well, I will have a four month old baby in addition to Peanut and traveling that much for so little time there seems pretty crazy.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-1375966431711156282008-09-10T13:54:00.003-06:002008-09-10T14:24:56.011-06:00Basic Baby SocksI've become a fan of making my own sock patterns. As an experienced knitter, it's fun and relatively easy. To the beginner, though, having a pattern is important. Even better is a basic pattern, which is often a blank canvas on which a knitter imposes his or her own creativity. Baby socks are good for that. They can also be an instant-gratification project, a way to use up leftover yarn, or a way to take a new yarn for a test drive.<br /><br />It is because of the latter that these socks came about. I had seen <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/sr-kertzer-on-your-toes-bamboo">On Your Toes Bamboo</a> (Ravelry link) at my LYS months ago, but whenever I stopped in after that they were sold out. I don't like special ordering yarn (for some reason I feel like premeditated spending is worse than impulse buys--I have no idea why), so I just kept an eye out. Last week while I get getting some Cascade 220 for a sweater, I noticed that they had it in. It's a pretty salmon pink, plenty girly without being run-of-the-mill pastel. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2845836937/" title="Basic Baby Socks by courtney.urman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2845836937_d8e699bce8_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Basic Baby Socks" /></a><br /><br />The gauge on the ball band calls for US 3 (3.25mm) needles, so that's what I used. I like the fabric it produced despite the fact that many Ravelers used US 1 or 2 needles. Also, it went faster. At this gauge, they should fit babies up to about 12 months old or so. Changing yarn may change either stitch or row gauge and will therefore affect the size of the finished sock.<br /><br />So here's the pattern. As always, get creative. Longer cuffs, ribbing down the foot, it's all good. :) Unlike my Little Feet pattern, this has been written for the begging sock knitter with detailed instructions for the turned heel, gusset, and wedge toe. Grafting/Kitchener instructions for the toe can be found in a multitude of places, so you're on your own there. Happy knitting!<br /><br />*************<br />Yarn: On Your Toes Bamboo, 75% Bamboo 25% Nylon<br />Needles: US size 3<br />Gauge: 7.5 sts/in<br /><br />CO 32<br /><br />Knit 10 rows of 2x2 ribbing<br /><br />After completing the tenth round, knit 16 stitches onto one needle for the heel flap. Work 12 rows in total (including the first knit row) for the heel flap, ending with a purl row.<br /><br />Turn Heel: <br />Row 1: sl 1, k 9, ssk, k 1, turn<br />Row 2: sl 1, p5, p2tog, p 1, turn<br />Row 3: sl 1, k 6, ssk, k 1, turn<br />Row 4: sl 1, p 7, p2tog, p 1, turn<br />Row 5: sl 1, k 8, ssk, turn<br />Row 6: sl 1, p 9, p2tog, turn. 10 sts remain<br /><br />Gusset:<br />Knit 5 of the heel stitches onto one needle and the second five onto another needle, now Needle 1. With Needle 1, pick up 8 stitches along the side of the heel flap. Knit across the top of the sock to the other side of the flap (needles 2 and 3). Pick up 8 stitches with a new needle (needle 4) and knit the five remaining heel stitches. Needles 1 and 4 each have 14 stitches. Needles 2 and 3 each have 8. The center of the heel is the new beginning of the round.<br /><br />Row 1: Knit even.<br />Row 2: Knit to the last three stitches of needle 1, k2tog, k1. Knit even across needles 2 and 3. When you get to needle 4, k1, ssk, knit to end.<br /><br />Repeat rows 1 and 2 until all needles have 8 stitches.<br /><br />Foot:<br />Work 12 rows even<br /><br />Toe:<br />Row 1: Knit to last 3 sts of needle 1, k2tog. K1, ssk at the beginning of needle 2. Knit to last 3 sts of needle 3, k2tog. K1, ssk at the beginning of needle 4. Knit to end of round.<br />Row 2: knit even<br /><br />Repeat rows 1 and 2 until each needle has 4 stitches. Graft two sets of 8 and weave in ends.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-77702367649321295892008-09-08T20:50:00.003-06:002008-09-08T21:23:28.929-06:00Knitting, knitting, knitting...I have been pretty productive over the last month or so. Among other things, I've been turning out dishcloths and lace bookmarks like nuts. Thanks, <a href="http://quicklyunravel.blogspot.com/">Liz</a>, for all those wonderful sock yarn scraps for the bookmarks. <br /><br />I knit a pair of socks in one week by working them at the same time on two sets of DPNs. It was great. Now I just hope they fit the intended recipient, but that's the risk you take when you make socks for feet you don't have access to.<br /><br />I started a pair of baby socks for my favorite author's best friend's baby girl. A little weird, I know, but I wanted to test drive this new <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/sr-kertzer-on-your-toes-bamboo">sock yarn</a> (Ravelry link) I got and get a really accurate gauge and baby socks seemed like a good idea. Plus I have baby fever and I'm hoping to ingratiate myself with this particular author to that perhaps she will send me books early or something. Pathetic, yes. But I've made peace with that. :)<br /><br />I've been plowing through my kitchen cotton. In fact, even my husband noticed that my giant yarn box (what he calls my stash) was getting lighter. Maybe if I fill it up again with lighter fibers like wool, he won't notice that it took a lot more yarn to do it. LOL<br /><br />I've put my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/incredible-custom-fit-raglan">raglan</a> (Ravelry link) on hold until the drive to West Virginia. I need to swatch it a lot better; there won't be much ease in this thing, so I want to really avoid making it too small. I need to figure out what cable I want to put down the sleeves and swatch that as well. Also, I think I will knit it in the round and steek it for a zipper. <br /><br />The idea of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steek">steeking</a> is daunting, scary, and thrilling. It's a big risk, cutting your knitted fabric. One of the things I like about knitting is that it's very forgiving: if you don't like it or have made a mistake, you can rip it out. We've all done it. I've frogged an entire sweater before. Steeking, on the other hand, is an irreversible committment. <br /><br />But hey--what is knitting if not an opportunity to constantly challenge myself? I keep telling beginning knitters that knitting is not hard, it's just a bunch of small building blocks. Steeking will be yet another block added to Courtney's House of Knitting Skills. The time has come to leave my comfort zone. I did it with socks. I can do it with steeking.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-28772498045943056202008-09-02T11:20:00.002-06:002008-09-02T11:31:09.389-06:00Aaah, SeptemberI'm a fan of September. I loved school and by the time September rolled around, I was so ready to go back. Now, I have something else to look forward to.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ezticker.com/"><br /><img border="0" src="http://www.ezticker.com/ticker/388/1032/20080918/Leaving+for+RAW+2008/ticker.png"></a><br /><br />This year's Reader Appreciation Weekend is at the Pullman Plaza in Huntington, West Virginia. Naomi and I are driving down and rooming together. Sadly, Maggie will not be there, but I get to see a bunch of other friends, including Lami and Kat. I can't wait.<br /><br />I have been knitting for this event for months. Mostly washcloths, but a few really nice things, too. JR is getting something decadent that didn't even cost that much. I'm knitting a pair of socks for someone who singlehandedly saved my holiday. My favorite sheep-chasing Kiwi author is getting something with a sheep on it. <br /><br />The other authors I've read are getting pretty lace bookmarks, assuming I can get them done. I may have to knit them on the way and block them when we get there. We'll see.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-21762718724473909962008-08-26T12:53:00.002-06:002008-08-26T14:03:45.122-06:00Hostage SituationsKnitting is only my second love. My first is romance novels. It's unfortunate that I have chosen two hobbies so misunderstood by society, but the reward I get from both outweighs the occaisional negative feedback.<br /><br />Next week, there's a book releasing that I've been chomping at the bit for. Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series is one of the best new paranormal series out there right now. She's taken basic shapeshifter lore and the possibility of psychic ability and combined them in an alternate near-future reality. The fifth book, <a href="http://www.nalinisingh.com/hostage">Hostage to Pleasure</a>, will be landing in stores in seven days. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2800033967/" title="Hostage_to_Pleasure_-_Small by angelic_one_82, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2800033967_2bfa5ac445_m.jpg" width="148" height="240" alt="Hostage_to_Pleasure_-_Small" /></a> <br /><br />In this book we will get to know Dorian better, a leopard changeling who was born a latent--he's a leopard in every way except he doesn't have the ability to shift. Everyone I've talked to who has already read this book has loved it--not that I'd expect anything less than that from one of my favorite new writers.<br /><br />Nalini Singh is not only a great author, but an utter sweetheart. I get to meet her in a few weeks. She's getting a sheep-related knitted gift to honor her Kiwi-ness. LOL She's running a <a href="http://www.nalinisingh.blogspot.com/">contest on her blog</a> that sounds fun because it gives us readers an excuse to ruminate on all the delicious men we encounter in the land of romance fiction. The question involves hostages, both having one and being one.<br /><br />Which fictional hero would I like to hold hostage? It's a tie between Baran Arvid from Angela Knight's <a href="http://www.angelasknights.com/books/Warlord.html">Jane's Warlord</a> and Judd Lauren from Nalini's books. Baran Arvid is a genetically engineered warrior from about three hundred years in the future. He has super strength, a tattoo on his face, and uses a restraint cable quite creatively. Judd Lauren was featured in <a href="http://courtneyleeknits.blogspot.com/2007/08/nalini-singhs-caressed-by-ice.html">Caressed by Ice</a>, the third Psy-Changeling book I was lucky enough to win an ARC of a couple months before it's official release.<br /><br />Who would I want to hold me hostage? Also a tie. I don't think <a href="http://www.jrward.com/index-books.html#loverawakened">Zsadist</a> could hold anyone against their will given his past, but I'd love for him to make that particular bit of personal growth with me. I'd also want Roarke from <a href="http://noraroberts.com/jdrobbbooks.htm">JD Robb's In Death</a> series. Rich Irish bad boy with a well-hidden soft side? Sign me up. Roarke may be my favorite fictional hero of all time.<br /><br />Nalini's last question is which fictional world would I want to be held hostage in. Assuming I'd get a change to explore it, I'd have to say the world she created with the Psy, Changelings, and humans living semiharmoniously together. Aside from the fascinating people, there's a lot of fun technology to explore. I'd want to be a changeling, though. Or a Psy after they break Silence. Unless I'd be a Psy who got a changeling male's assistance in breaking out of that pesky emotionless automaton thing....but I digress.<br /><br />If you like paranormal romance and haven't gotten to this series yet, you should get out from under that rock and start <a href="http://www.nalinisingh.com/slave.html">Slave to Sensation</a>. Nalini's style and imagination is fresh and brilliant and you will enjoy it.<br /><br />We now go back to our irregularly scheduled knitting blog. :)Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-84493030615363362692008-06-26T11:27:00.003-06:002008-07-08T13:12:35.072-06:00Little Feet Baby SocksMy first original sock pattern! As socks are not exactly rocket science, it may not be a very impressive feat, but something so simple and lovely has got to be magical, so I am very proud of myself. So, without further ado, here's how you can make your own Little Feet:<br /><br />**********<br />Little Feet Baby Socks<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2605203268/" title="blue baby socks-Jelly Bean by angelic_one_82, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2605203268_5950e653b2_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="blue baby socks-Jelly Bean" /></a><br /><br />I love the k2p1 ribbing. It gives a close fit without distorting the smoothness of the fabric like k2p2 can do. This pattern is written for someone who is familiar with the basic construction of a top-down sock and knows how to turn a heel, decrease a gusset, and decrease a wedge toe.<br /><br />Size:<br />0-3 months (by working more instep rows, you can knit these socks to fit up to 6 months or so)<br /><br />Materials: <br />Fingering weight sock yarn (leftovers from adult socks knit from 100g of yarn will be plenty)<br />US Size 1 (2.25 mm) DPNs, set of 5<br />Tapestry needle<br /><br />Gauge:<br />9 sts per inch in stockinette stitch<br />**This is a little flexible. For baby socks, err on the side of caution and keep in mind that a little bigger is always better than too small.**<br /><br />Pattern:<br /><br />CO 36 sts, 9 on each needle<br /><br />Work k2, p1 ribbing for 10 rows (or however long you want the cuff to be)<br /><br />Heel Flap<br />After the end of the tenth/last round, k18 and turn to purl back for a plain stockinette flap. Work fourteen rows in total, ending with a purl row.<br /><br />Turn Heel<br />Row 1: k11, ssk, k1, turn<br />Row 2: sl1, p7, p2tog, p1, turn<br />Row 3: sl1, knit to 1 st before gap, ssk over gap, k1, turn<br />Row 4: sl1, purl to 1 st before gap, p2tog over gap, p1, turn<br />Continue in this fashion until all heel stitches have been worked. 12 sts remain.<br /><br />Gusset<br />Knit across all heel sts, then pick up 9 sts along heel flap for gusset. Work ribbing across instep. Pick up 9 sts along flap and knit 6 sts from the heel to place the center of the heel between needles. Knit the first round even, then alternate decrease and even rows until all needles have 9 sts. <br /><br />Instep and Toe<br />Work 12 rounds even, then alternate decrease and even rows for toe until 16 sts remain. Graft two sets of 8 and weave in ends.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-31004198331078799822008-06-23T13:56:00.002-06:002008-06-23T14:01:48.206-06:00Baby Socks!I will be posting the pattern for these later because it's an original by me and I want to publish it and put it on Ravelry, but I just had to share:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2605203268/" title="blue baby socks-Jelly Bean by angelic_one_82, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2605203268_5950e653b2_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="blue baby socks-Jelly Bean" /></a><br /><br />I also finished the pink pair for my new niece:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2605203394/" title="pink baby socks-Peyton by angelic_one_82, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2605203394_aeb68e6964_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="pink baby socks-Peyton" /></a><br /><br />I love baby socks. They are fast, easy, and totally fun to give away.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-80197690251770412008-06-21T19:53:00.002-06:002008-06-21T21:01:16.908-06:00More Lolcats!I just can't get enough of these things. This time we have:<br /><br />Make like a human and stand<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/01/18/funny-pictures-you-walks-like-this-all-the-time-freak/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/01/funny-pictures-bipedal-cat-hates-you.jpg" alt="funny pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Vampire kitteh<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/01/20/funny-pictures-wickid-vampyr-skillz-i-has-dem/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/01/funny-pictures-vampire-cat-with-skills.jpg" alt="funny pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Existential kitteh<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/01/22/funny-pictures-sisyphus-cat-tries-again/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/01/funny-pictures-sisyphus-cat-watermelon-water.jpg" alt="funny pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Star Wars kitteh<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/01/24/funny-pictures-stay-on-target/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/01/funny-pictures-cat-pidgeons-star-wars.jpg" alt="funny pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />MC Kitteh<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/01/25/funny-pictures-stop-hammah-time/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/01/funny-pictures-mc-hammer-cat.jpg" alt="funny pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Death Star hamster<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/01/27/funny-pictures-and-operational-battlestation/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/01/funny-pictures-deathstar-hamster.jpg" alt="funny pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Romantic kittehs<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/01/28/funny-pictures-yeah-we-hooked-up/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/01/funny-pictures-cat-holding-tails.jpg" alt="funny pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />MLK kittehs<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/02/03/funny-pictures-a-dreem-i-has-one/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/02/funny-pictures-mlk-cats-eat.jpg" alt="Funny Pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Kittehs in space<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/02/13/funny-pictures-huston-we-haz-a-problem/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/02/funny-pictures-cat-moon.jpg" style="word-spacing:479821px;font-size:479821px;" alt="Humorous Pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Monty Python kitteh<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/02/26/funny-pictures-i-farts-in-yor-genral-direkshun/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/02/funny-pictures-farting-kitten.jpg" style="word-spacing:530025px;font-size:530025px;" alt="Humorous Pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Darth Kitteh<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/03/20/funny-pictures-bidding-my-master/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/03/funny-pictures-darth-vader-cat.jpg" style="word-spacing:727314px;font-size:727314px;" alt="Humorous Pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br />Soul-eating kitteh<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/06/19/funny-pictures-i-eets-them/"><img class="mine_1291936" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/06/funny-pictures-basement-cat-eats-souls.jpg" alt="cat" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> picturesCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-60277406745730133232008-05-31T01:48:00.003-06:002008-05-31T02:23:46.399-06:00LOLcatsBecause nothing makes me laugh harder than cute animals and fantastic captions.<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/28/funny-pictures-teknikcal-support-this-iz-snuggles/"><img class="mine_1095119" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-technical-support-cat.jpg" alt="cat" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/22/funny-pictures-dis-iz-not-a-good-time/"><img class="mine_1031829" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-kid-makes-offer-to-coitus-kangaroos.jpg" alt="kitty" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/21/funny-pictures-hugz-befo-u-go/"><img class="mine_1033262" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-kittens-hugs-before-you-go.jpg" alt="pet" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/20/funny-pictures-comin-back-rightright/"><img class="mine_1034783" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-sad-white-kitten-bambi-mom.jpg" alt="cat" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/15/funny-pictures-inter-species-division/"><img class="mine_1007763" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-cat-synchoronized-sleep-baby.jpg" alt="cat" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/13/funny-pictures-frm-teh-dingoz/"><img class="mine_1015076" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-cat-guards-baby-from-dingos.jpg" alt="kitty" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/08/funny-pictures-if-you-wore-pants-more-often/"><img class="mine_984298" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-pants-more-often.jpg" alt="kitty" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/02/funny-pictures-schrodinger-xperimint/"><img class="mine_949491" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-cat-kittens-fractal-schrodinger-back.jpg" alt="humorous pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/04/26/funny-pictures-reading-material-what-do-they-want/"><img class="mine_930190" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/04/funny-pictures-kitten-confused-gruel-newspaper.jpg" alt="humorous pictures" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> picturesCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-71484866604872140272008-05-24T15:43:00.005-06:002008-05-24T17:54:07.433-06:00What should you have in your notions bag?While I was yarn shopping with Naomi on Thursday and she asked me what she needed besides needles and yarn, it got me thinking: what are the truly essential items that should never leave your knitting bag? What is just nice to have? Are some notions a waste of money?<br /><br />So I made a list and took a picture of what is in my notions bag, which has all my essentials plus a few nice-to-have items.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2518826361/" title="notions by angelic_one_82, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2518826361_a627173981_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="notions" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Essentials:</strong><br /><br /><em>Scissors</em>. Just because the phrase "break yarn" is common knitting jargon doesn't mean you have to actually break it. My scissors are small embroidery snippers. Anything that cuts yarn will do, from scissors of all sizes to pendants that have protected blades. Those are nice for getting thorugh airport security.<br /><em>Darning/tapestry needles</em> for weaving in ends. I recommend a variety of sizes to accomodate a variety of yarn weights. Clover has a nice <a href="http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=339/181.0">set</a> that comes with a screw-top case. Mine is tied to my scissors.<br /><em>Measuring tape</em>. A regular ribbon-style tape is fine, but having a little retractable one is better when you don't want a three foot long measuring tape uncoiled and causing chaos in your notions bag.<br /><br />You can get by on having just those, but I strongly recommend also having these:<br /><br /><em>Stitch markers</em>. These come in handy for lots of things. I carry both ring and split-ring markers. Even if you don't need to keep a marker on for a pattern, casting on lots (50+) of stitches usually means counting to see how many you've done so far. Put a marker after a certain number of stitches and you don't have to count as much. Plain plastic and fancy beaded will perform the same function, so getting fancy markers is purely a matter of personal preference.<br /><em>Pen/pencil</em>. Making notations on patterns is great. Writing down your gauge on a yarn's ball band is better. I also like to keep track of row counts/pattern repeats with hash marks. <br /><em>Crochet hook</em>. Even the most experienced knitters drop stitches now and again. You can technically do it with a knitting needle, but it's a pain in the rear, especially if the stitch has dropped several rows. Hooking up the ladder makes a frustrating process a little easier. <br /><br />I'd say those are the things you should really have. Now the extras.<br /><br /><strong>Nice to Have</strong>:<br /><br /><em>Stitch holders</em>. Many projects have times where you need to keep stitches live. You can have holders that are designed for this purpose or you can use a spare needle or other object that will work just fine. I like to use either holders or a double pointed need with point protectors at the ends.<br /><em>Cable needles</em>. Cables are fun. Like with stitch holders, you can use something other than a needle designed for this specific purpose, like a double pointed needle. You can also learn how to cable without using anything to hold those stitches.<br /><em>Point protectors</em>. You can stick some on the ends of dpns to use them as straight needles, cap your needles to keep your work from falling off, or cap both ends of a single dpn to use it as a stitch holder. The possibilites are vast.<br /><em>Safety pins</em>. Not only are these good to have all the time, they are extremely useful for knitting. They can be stitch or row markers, hold together edges of pieces for fitting or seaming, anything you can think of. If you can find them, get the ones with no coil because those can snag yarn. Come to think of it, safety pins could easily go under "essentials." <br /><em>Bobbins</em>. If you dabble in intarsia or other colorwork that requires you to work with several small amounts of yarn simultaneously, bobbins are nice. You can make little center-pull bundles that make bobbins unnecessary, but until one has mastered that, plastic or heavy cardboard bobbins are the ticket.<br /><em>Graph paper</em>. Sometimes you want to chart out written instructions or make your own design. Maybe you just want something to write on. Regular paper is fine for that, but because a knitted item is composed of a grid of stitches, graph paper is handy. <br /><br />In my opinion, everything else is optional. Sure, some people might not be able to live without their Norwegian knitting thimble, but I doubt the majority of us need one. Having a needle sizer, a metal/plastic plate with holes of specific sizes, is nice for some things, but most of us use one so infrequently that we just use a friend's. On top of notions that are optional, there are the fancy versions of the basics: stitch holders that look more like jewelry, decorative tip protectors, bags that have various pockets and zippered compartments. <br /><br />The sky is the limit when it comes to knitting accessories. Start with the basics, then start personalizing. A knitter's notions bag often reflects his or her personality. Practical but fun? Utilitarian and efficient? Colorful and pretty? As with all things knitting, the variety of notions available turns our art into expression and adds to the enjoyment we feel as we knit.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-70866091363477000802008-05-16T14:24:00.003-06:002008-05-16T15:48:50.866-06:00Cute baby sweater!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24560459@N03/2497979578/" title="little ribs 1 by angelic_one_82, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2401/2497979578_04eac0a49d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="little ribs 1" /></a><br /><br />Isn't it lovely? In terms of technique, I feel that this is one of my best projects. I established my gauge well and made stitch count alterations accordingly to a pattern I found on Lion Brand called <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60132A.html?noImages=0">Glamour-Baby's First Cardigan</a>. I chose this pattern because, due to the fact that it is composed of rectangles, it is very easy to alter the gauge. <br /><br />The original pattern was five rectangles knit separately in garter stitch and sewn together. UGH. Too much seaming, too much garter stitch, too much boring knitting. I changed the construction of the garment to be knit in basically one piece. I used stockinette with ribs on the botton, cuffs, where the shoulder seams would have been, and along the front edges. I picked up three stitches where I wanted the ties and made I-cords. I think the ribbon makes it look cheap girly. <br /><br />So I guess the only features of the pattern I kept were the overall dimensions, the tacked-down lapel, and the location of the ties. According to my knitting group, I have changed enough to consider it my own pattern and I should publish it. I'll have to go over my notes, but I think that may work. If you arrived at this blog entry from Ravelry or are otherwise knitterly inclined, please let me know in the comments if you'd like me to post my specific modifications and/or write a whole new pattern.<br /><br />Next up: a matching pair of pants, then matching booties and maybe a matching hat.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-66207567941659792692008-05-13T11:12:00.002-06:002008-05-13T11:24:19.928-06:00A Simple BlanketI designed a blanket for a friend based on one I saw at a local yarn shop. It's easy enough for a beginner but isn't boring garter stitch. All you need to know to make this blanket are the basics: cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. It also requires making a swatch to determine gauge, which is a good habit to foster with beginning knitters. I know a few experienced folks who should swatch more. *raises hand guiltily*<br /><br />Anyway, here it is.<br /><br />************<br /><br /><strong>Ribbed Blanket</strong><br /><br />This blanket can be made in any size: baby, lap, throw, etc. Any yarn can be used, but the pattern was written with a bulky yarn in mind so that the blanket does not take forever to knit. Because gauge determines the number of stitches to cast on, knit a swatch as follows:<br /><br />CO 24<br />Row 1: *k4, p4**, repeat from * to ** twice more<br />Repeat Row 1 until swatch measures 3” long<br />Bind off in pattern<br /><br />Block swatch as the finished blanket will be blocked. Measure across and divide 24 by that number. This is your number of stitches per inch.<br /><br />Determine how wide you want the blanket to be in inches, then multiply that by your gauge to get your total number of stitches to get that length. Round this number down to the nearest multiple of 8. <br /><br />Blanket pattern:<br /><br />CO predetermined number of stitches (multiple of 8)<br /><br />Rows 1-5: knit<br /><br />Row 6: k4, *k4, p4**, repeat from * to ** until four stitches remain, k4<br /><br />Repeat row 6 until blanket measures five rows shorter than desired.<br /><br />Last 5 rows: knit<br /><br />Bind of loosely and block.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-72306804955474558442008-05-12T13:20:00.002-06:002008-05-12T13:28:40.828-06:00I love knitting baby clothesYesterday morning I found the pattern I wanted for a baby sweater and made some changes to it: gauge, stitch pattern, things like that. I cast it on when Peanut went down for her nap an hour or two after I did the math for the new gauge.<br /><br />Today, about 24 hours later, I am working on the second sleeve. This sweater will be done completely fewer than 48 hours after it was started. The only reason it will take that long is because I decided to block it flat before sewing the seams so I'll have to let it dry overnight. But tomorrow morning I will have a cute blue baby sweater and I'll blog all about it with pictures. <br /><br />Baby clothes: perfect for knitters with a need for instant gratification!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-49302520339248359072008-05-09T22:27:00.004-06:002008-05-09T23:36:42.575-06:00Why can't you block acrylic?I actually didn't think of the answer to this question for months, which is enough to disgrace my biochemistry professor, really. The reason is so simple, so beautiful, that it really should have popped into my head long ago. Alas, it did not. But yesterday it finally did, so on the off chance you want to know why you can't block synthetics, keep reading. I don't get really technical. <br /><br />First, a bare-bones lesson on proteins. Proteins are long chains of amino acids curled up on themselves. The the twenty-plus amino acids all have different things attatched to them. Some of those things can be very attracted to each other, which makes them stick together and affect the shape of the protein depending on where amino acids are on the chain. That's important because, from human hair to merino wool to fuzzy angora, fur is just a bunch of proteins strung together. <br /><br />Now, a little about synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers are polymers, or long chains of molecules. Like proteins, actually, and many other things both natural and manmade. Chemically, they are both organic, or carbon-based. To look at the molecular structures or even just their molecular formula, there isn't much difference between some proteins and certain ploymers. That's why acrylic is so widespread in garment making: it resembles wool on a very tiny level. <br /><br />The differences that are there, though, have a large impact on blocking. The molecules hanging on a protein can bond to each other in a couple different ways. These ways can be affected easily by heat and water. Ever curled your hair? If you've done it without resorting to getting it wrapped painfully on uncomfortable plastic rollers and doused in smelly chemicals, you probably used a curling iron or rolled it when it was wet and let it dry like that. Both methods temporarily alter the chemical bonds along the protein strings of your hair, which then alters their shape.<br /><br />The same happens when you block natural fibers. Wet blocking and steam blocking do the exact same thing to the fur your item is made of that it would do to your hair: it forces the temporary rearrngement of bonds. Acrylic, on the other hand, no matter how much it feels like wool, does not have the specific chemical structure to form bonds with itself along the polymer string. It just slides.<br /><br />So that's why you can't block acrylic. And why you have to reblock things after they get wet. Now here's the question I have: has anyone ever tried to give a wool garment a perm to set the blocking for all time? If they did, I bet it was <em>really</em> smelly. Wet wool + perming chemicals = <em>YUCK!</em>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-2293859528821328822008-05-05T19:48:00.002-06:002008-05-05T19:54:35.018-06:00Knitting ADDI have decided that I have knitting ADD. I see a project or yarn that interests me and I take steps to start something. In April, I did lots of washcloths, socks, scarves, and cotton scrubbies. I have five projects on needles right now: two pairs of socks, two lace scarves, and a shrug. <br /><br />Projects I am planning to start soon are more baby socks, baby pants, a baby blanket, a pair of wrist warmers, and the gifts for people at RAW. That doesn't even count the things I'd like to make for myself: another pair of socks and a mini Clapotis. I want to start all of them at one time! Alas, knitting ADD.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-26177788531915527672008-04-18T22:52:00.003-06:002008-04-19T00:23:05.248-06:00Easy to learn, difficult to masterKnitting is many things, but the title of this post is probably going to become my response to the question "Is that hard?" that I am inevitably asked when I knit in public alone. I found this little gem of a description in an article in the Summer 2005 issue of Knitty called <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/FEATspr08KLM.html">Knit Like a Man</a> by David Demchuk. He has an article in the Spring 2008 issue, too, about what males a male knitter hardcore. (In case you are wondering, it's knitting baby clothes in public.)<br /><br />Today, I taught a friend how to knit. I talk about knitting all the time and apparently the joy I get from it comes through because <a href="http://chasinginspiration.blogspot.com/">Naomi</a> expressed interest. We went to <a href="http://www.heartknits.com/">Knit'n</a> and I told her all about fibers and yarn weights and we had much fun fondling yarn. She even mentioned afterward that she wanted to go back in the store just to feel everything again. Oh yeah. I SO converted her.<br /><br />Then we went to Panera across the parking lot (they have free wifi) to have coffee, pastry, and knitting. Naomi picked up both knitting and purling very quickly, much quicker than anyone else I've taught. It's probably because she learned how to knit a long time ago and her muscle memory kicked in. But that is really the easy part, you know? Making stitches is quite simple; even most techniques seen as "advanced" are simple in practice. Using double pointed needles, increases and decreases other than yarnover and knit two together, cabling, reading a chart, and seaming are all straightforward and uncomplicated.<br /><br />But what I told Naomi was this: basics like casting on, knitting, purling, and binding off are the foundation. Increases and decreases add on, and finishing techniques add on. It all adds up to a whole house. <br /><br />What really separates knitters from people who know how to knit is how built-up that house is. Some people are happy sitting on the foundation and knitting squares and rectangles in the form of scarves, blankets, and dishcloths. Others build up a bit more and make hats and maybe a sweater. Then you get into gloves and mittens, socks, and colorwork like stranding and intarsia. Have you ever cut a steek on a <a href="http://quicklyunravel.blogspot.com/2007/11/sweater-made-by-un-godmother-g.html">traditionally knit Fair Isle toddler sweater</a>? If you have, you are the little pig who built a brick house and no amount of breath blown by non-knitters will bring your abode crashing down.<br /><br />I wonder if anyone really masters knitting. I could name several designers and even friends who are very experienced and know a helluva lot more than I do about knitting. But then I can't help but wonder if they know more than I do or have they simply had more time to apply their knowledge? As I took Naomi around my LYS, I realized that I had a great deal of knitting/fiber knowledge in my own head. How using different fibers affects the drape, elasticity, softness, and tension. The importance of tension and how that can impact everything from fit to durability.<br /><br />Why different stitch patterns are appropriate to certain projects and not to others. Little tricks like avoiding ladders while using DPNs and making nice edge stitches. Why skipping a gauge swatch is not a good idea and how basic math is your friend. I can cable, pick up stitches, cast on in a variety of ways, knit three dimensional objects, and have designed a purse, blankets, and scarves. The list goes on.<br /><br />But have I mastered knitting? That would be a resounding NO. I doubt that I ever will, but I'll have a great time trying. There will always be things that I haven't done yet or have only done a few times. It was very easy to learn how to knit and I've pretty much got it down by now, but I'll always have a ways to go to master the art of knitting.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-37337041189896759972008-04-12T18:56:00.003-06:002008-04-12T19:21:04.559-06:00From Lisa's BlogMy knitting buddy <a href="http://lisaradunz.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a> has this on her blog and it looked cool. <br /><br />Empire Magazine has revealed its list of the "50 Greatest TV Shows" ever. <br />Below is the list and here be the rules:<br /><br />1. Bold the shows you've watched every episode of <br />2. Italic the shows you've seen at least one episode of<br />3. Post your answers<br /><br /><br />50. Quantum Leap<br />49. Prison Break<br />48. Veronica Mars<br /><em>47. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine</em><br />46. Sex & The City<br /><strong>45. Farscape</strong><br />44. Cracker<br /><strong>43. Star Trek</strong><br />42. Only Fools and Horses<br /><em>41. Band of Brothers</em><br /><br />40. Life on Mars<br />39. Monty Python's Flying Circus<br />38. Curb Your Enthusiasm<br /><strong>37. Star Trek: The Next Generation</strong><br />36. Father Ted<br />35. Alias<br /><em>34. Frasier</em><br /><em>33. CSI: Las Vegas</em><br /><strong>32. Babylon 5</strong><br />31. Deadwood<br /><br />30. Dexter<br />29. ER<br />28. Fawlty Towers<br />27. Six Feet Under<br />26. Red Dwarf <br />25. Futurama<br />24. Twin Peaks<br />23. The Office UK<br />22. The Shield<br /><em>21. Angel</em><br /><br />20. Blackadder<br /><em>19. Scrubs</em><br />18. Arrested Development<br /><em>17. South Park</em><br />16. Doctor Who<br />15. Heroes<br /><strong>14. Firefly</strong><br /><em>13. Battlestar Galactica</em><br /><em>12. Family Guy</em><br /><em>11. Seinfeld</em><br /><br />10. Spaced<br /><em>09. The X-Files</em><br />08. The Wire<br /><em>07. Friends</em><br /><em>06. 24</em><br />05. Lost<br />04. The West Wing<br />03. The Sopranos<br /><em>02. Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em><br /><em>01. The Simpsons</em><br /><br /><br />Most of the shows I had heard of but not seen and a couple of the shows I'm not sure I've even heard of. Combine that with the fact that the only shows I emboldened are scifi and this blog entry tells you that I am a geek and I actively avoid watching the "hot" shows that "everyone" talks about. Maybe I should branch out, ut I'm not going to. Why not? Because this is what I envision when I go to heaven:<br /><br />1. The complete DVD sets of all seasons of Star Trek, Farscape, Babylon 5, and Firefly along with the entire broadcast history of Jeopardy.<br />2. Any yarn I want in any fiber, weight, and colorway.<br />3. Any knitting needle I want in any material and length.<br />4. Every romance novel in existence, written or to-be-written.<br /><br />An eternity of knitting, excellent TV, and my reading genre of choice? Utter perfection! Except for the fact that I'd be dead. But I'm mortal, so that's okay.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934011214196301193.post-58620189266947113912008-04-06T22:07:00.002-06:002008-04-06T22:09:17.155-06:00I need to borrow a Zombie Survival Guide, please<a href="http://www.justsayhi.com/bb/zombie" style="color: #fff; text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 385px; height: 209px; padding-top: 35px; background: url(http://assets.justsayhi.com/badges/371/767/zombie.663nnfbjj3.jpg) no-repeat; font-family: Times New Roman, sans-serif; font-size: 60px; text-align: center;"><span style="display: block;">36%</span></a><p></p><br /><br />Things to do to up my score: get a gun and learn how to use it, detatch myself from loved ones when they become zombies so I can shoot them without hesitation, and stock up on non-perishable food.Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02228697483955460913noreply@blogger.com1