Blocking procrastinator

Wow, it's been over a month since I've last posted. I've been meaning to post but I've been busy with my store Knittherapy.ca... I'm so glad it's up and running. There's still stuff to finish up but it is open for business =) I have been knitting in the meantime, it really is my therapy/meditation from stuff going on around me... so I do have updates and pictures to share.

First off, I completed this one a while back:

Pattern: Gretel by Ysolda Teague

Source: Ysolda Store
Materials: Berroco Ultra Alpaca
Needles: 8 US/ 5 mm Denise needles
Completed: February 2008

I finished this one for my co-worker friend that was leaving the company for bigger and better things. It was sad to see her go but we'll hopefully not lose touch.

It took me a weekend to complete. I tried using the tubular cast-on technique that Ysolda Teague shows in a Youtube link from her site. It's very useful and looks less of a hassle than using a scrap piece of yarn in other examples, although I've never tried this. This one works just fine so I'm quite happy with sticking to it. I also tried, for the very first time, working cables without a cable needle. The very thought of doing this intriqued me since I'm very much an airplane knitter. (I've never had a situation where they've taken my knitting away although I am sure to always bring my plastic Denise needles) It's also less hassle to not have a cable needle. I've come close to dropping stitches but never had a situation where I've screwed up royally and had a trip to the frog pond. *knock on wood*

I couldn't for the life of me find a tapestry needle around the house so I tried using the actual Denise needle... and it worked! So yes a weekend it took. I'd definitely knit this one up again.


Second thing to report is that I've finally finished my Equestrian Blazer. It's literally been in a plastic bag, all knitted pieces finished, since early February. I felt the need to start new projects, hopefully designing new pieces so last weekend I aimed to complete it.. and completed it, I did.

Pattern: Equestrian Blazer by Kate Gilbert
Source: Interweave Knits Winter 2006
Materials: Rowan Scottish Tweed Aran in Rust
Needles: 6 US/ 4 mm Denise needles
Completed: April 2008

I'm really happy with this one. No modifications to report and it was really easy to do. Lots of short rows but it made for great shaping in this blazer pattern. I think I'll need to try to press the bottom bit of it. The right edge somewhat flaps up.

I might not have binded off loosely enough as I only had this much yarn after all the pieces are knitted.

I know they always say, "Make sure you buy enough yarn". I bought the yarn online so I figured, well I'm buying the yarn that the pattern calls for. If it says 5 is enough, I'm going to buy 5. I've never run into this problem before. I even bought DMC floss to seam the pieces together. I was able to do the trim on the collar and the body but the cuffs were left undone.. although it isn't too noticeable.

I'm happy to be starting a new project. I've swatched for the Patti Cardigan with the yarn I bought on my honeymoon from this wonderful store called Alterknits. I'm hoping to be done this one pretty quick though I've got other projects on my mind.

I'm planning to finally block the star stitch scarf. I've had it completely knitted but I hadn't yet blocked it (yes.. I'm a blocking procrastinator) and just when the warm weather is starting to come out. It'll be good to wear since there are cold nights here still but I'll at least have it for next winter. I've been wearing it the past couple months unblocked.. which might have been why there was no motivation to finally block it.

I've also worked on another project that I need to write up the pattern for. It'll be the first pattern I post on my store site. I'll put more detail about it when it's finally up.

Now, it's late but I need me some knit therapy.