Petit Tricotage

Anemone Mittens

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Making the tendrils for Cat Bordhi's Anemone Hat was so much fun that I decided to make some mittens that featured them.

I used the same yarn but slightly smaller needles and cast on 32 stitches after doing some gauge calculations. The pattern is a simple, gusset-thumb, cuffed mitten but with tendrils all over the back of the hand.

Big Boy likes them and so do his classmates, petting them at every opportunity.

Anemone Hat

2012-01-03T00:00:00.002-08:00

This was easy and fun to knit once I stopped thinking too much about the mechanics of a moebius brim.

The two best things about making it were learning to:
• make those wormy tendrils, and
• execute Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off

Cat Bordhi's Anemone Hat

Blocking

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Blocking Rods/Wires:
At Lacis

Alternatives to blocking rods/wires:
String blocking at Knitting on Circular Needles.
At a welding supplier, ask for stainless steel "tig" rods (approx. 30 or so, each 3' long in a plastic tube for about $16)

Blocking Boards:
DIY board using homosote and gingham at Yarn Maven.
Flexible Interlocking Blocking Tiles by Coco Knits and at KnitPicks.
EZ Blocking Boards,
Large Bi-fold Format.
Wondermat, a thrifty alternative

Other uses of blocking:
Add a zipper with blocking wires photo-tutorial at Split Yarn

Yarn Stores

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Rohrspatz & Wollmeise
Andreas Wellmann
Schulstr. 10
85276 Pfaffenhofen/Ilm
http://www.wollmeise-yarnshop.de/

Artfibers - They are back in the city on Sutter near Grant!
266 Sutter St., third floor (elevator)
San Francisco CA 94108
Phone: 415.956.6319
Toll Free: (888) 326-1112
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday: 11-6 closed Monday
http://www.artfibers.com

Jimmy Beans Wool - excellent online service; Panda Silk available
5000 Smithridge Drive #A11, Reno NV 89502
Phone (775)827-YARN (9276)
Toll Free (877) JBW-KNIT (529-5648)
http://www.jimmybeanswool.com

Atelier Yarns
1945 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94115-2518
(415) 771-1550
http://www.atelieryarns.com/

Imagiknit - massive selection
3897 18th St. (at Sanchez)
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-6642
Monday-Saturday 11-6:30, Sunday 11-4
http://www.imagiknit.com/

PURL
137 Sullivan Street
New York, NY 10012
phone: (212)420-8796
(212) 420-8798
Monday through Friday 12-7;
Saturday and Sunday 12-6
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl

Claire-Anne O'Brien

2011-07-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

At the complete opposite end of the scale from Petit Tricotage, we have Claire-Anne O'Brien's jumbo knits:

Knit Stools
British Wool Chair

From her website:

"... Her work plays with technique and scale creating playful and tactile fabrics for interiors. This sculptural approach to textiles brings fabrics to life in three dimensions through form exploration and furniture."

Turbans For The 1:6 Crowd

2011-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

I was packing up Kyori Fierce Subject last night, as she prepares to head off to her new home, and came across some turbans I had forgotten about that I had loaned to E. for a photoshoot.

Out came the camera for one last session.
Farewell and good luck to Kyori!

Prototype SwimSuit

2011-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

I would like to try this again in a purple/yellow combination. Maybe yellow with a purple ring?

This first version was on Etsy. I really should make one to keep for my EW!

Moof Turban

2011-06-08T00:00:00.001-07:00

Who knew that crocheting turbans would be so addictive. Una is the latest doll to get one.

She especially needed one since all of her hair fell out last week. It is not yet clear if it was because of stress or a terrible balding disease. I suspect some form of deterioration of her hair fibres. It almost looked moldy at the root. Has anyone else seen this phenomenon with a Moof?

In any case, her recent trip to Toronto with me found time for her to have her own turban made from Panda Silk (52% Bamboo, 43% Merino, 5% Silk) with a 2.1 mm hook. Upon our return home, her new hair was waiting for her: a lovely, fine heat-proof hair in light auburn. It is similar to her original hair but more ginger than orange and much, much softer and finer. I think that she is going to look very pretty.

Una Toppers

2011-06-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

This inspirational photo from 1963 Vogue was seen in Herecomesthesky's Flickr photostream.
I love the shape of these hats and wanted to try and recreate it. With some raffia still on hand and one Blythe boater under my belt, it seemed an easy enough task.

In retrospect, it might look more accurate if the raffia was finer, or the gauge tighter. But the profile is close enough. Una's version is a little more curved through the brim and the brim itself is bigger. Take two will have to address these issues and aim to be truer to the original but the general principles for shaping the hat have been established. Now Una can brave the fierce sun of the tropics!

Crochet: Raffia Hat(s)

2011-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mini Dolls shows how to construct a straw boater from Swiss hat braid.

Using my new stash of raffia, I plan to try to crochet a hat.

I am very interested in the double layer crochet technique at Craft Passion. Does it make the item stronger, more flexible, or just thicker?

Chainless Crochet Foundation

2011-05-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

My favourite way to start a crochet project!

Wonderful videos from The Art of Crochet by Teresa on:
Chainless Single Crochet Foundation
Chainless Half Double Crochet Foundation
Chainless Double Crochet Foundation

Crochet: Raffia

2011-05-09T15:11:00.001-07:00

Where it all started.

Fayme Harper's video tutorial - she also covers shaping and dyeing

Crochet Asylum's raffia

Christien Meinderstma

2011-05-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Remember those poufs that were cropping up everywhere? This is the lady behind them.

Enchanting Turbans

2011-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

The turbans are back. But this time sized for Emerald the Enchanting Witch.

Initially the plan was to just make one in Magnolia to match her skintone. I have a notion to make a monochromatic Emerald Witch custom and this colour seems to fit the brief. I ended up making a second one in this shade in case someone else's Emerald Witch needs one too.

But then curiousity killed the cat and I wondered how it would look in a classic Emerald Witch green. It was no suprise that the green looked nice since her make up and her hair are already green.

Thinking of how yellow often looks good with purple, I next tried Silky Oak. This one suprised me by having a nice affinity with her lip colour.

Lastly, I was reminded of Lily's use of red/pink for a reroot and knitmad's pink rerooted Emerald Witch, I decided to try Pointsettia. I would love to see how this one looks on an Emerald Witch with hair that was not green.

These are currently available at Etsy.

Yarn Bombing: projet nid de poule

2011-04-27T00:00:00.001-07:00

Juliana Santacruz Herrera's "interventions en the street of paris."
Her Flickr photoset here.

Stash Wishlist

2011-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Diamondokeito/Diakeito, DiaScenery/Diamusee Fine - more info at Moonstitches

~5ocm long colour repeats
100% wool
40g / 220m, fingering
gauge: 30-32 stitches x 42-44 rows
knit with 2.4 - 2.7 mm needle

Owlet

2011-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have not knit a pullover in a very, very long time but this very cute pattern, Owlet by Kate Davies, was a snap to follow and quick to take shape. I even knit huge sections of it in the dark, while the model was supposedly going to sleep for the night.
I made the kid size 2. It is not as bulky as some sweaters so a size larger might have been a better idea.
A combination of impatience and lack of free time led me to opt for the more familiar, wrapped short rows technique, despite my big plans to tackle the often praised Japanese short rows technique.

I even found a supplier of buttons that look an awful lot like those used in the prototype sweater.

NOTE(S):
Next time use Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off at the neck!

Plastic Yarn

2011-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Gooseflesh.

Cristen Crochet's plastic yarn tutorial.
Gooseflesh's plastic yarn tutorial.
About.com'strickier option.

Magic Loop

2011-03-30T00:00:00.001-07:00

No douple pointed needles on hand? Make do with your circular needles using the Magic Loop technique!

Knitting Daily's photo-tutorial.

(Japanese) Short Rows

2011-03-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I have been doing short rows for years (e.g., shaping heels, shoulders, bustiers) without realizing it. Here is a linked list of tutorials, I want to revisit to check up on my technique ... especially the Nonaknits trifecta experiment!

Nonaknits test drives three methods:
• the wrap stitch short row,
• the yarn over short row, and
• the Japanese short row

Key things to remember about Japanese Short Rows:
• the loop should be correctly mounted, right leg in front (knit- or purlwise)
• Purlwise, slip the first stitch on the right needle back to the left needle

Purl Encroachment (a.k.a., Japanese Short Rows) at Hipknitism

Adorabubble's Photo Tutorial - short rows in the round

TSJ

2011-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Proof of Life for the Toddler Suprise Jacket!

It took forever to complete the finishing. And finding the correct horn buttons and attaching them was another epic unto itself.

Overall, it was a fun pattern to knit: easy and exciting to see the striped design as it came off the needles and then transform as the jacket was folded into shape at the end.

Another thrill was to learn and implement the Elizabeth Zimmerman i-cord bind off. It gives an exagerated, 3D seam or edge but really adds to the look of the jacket. I am eager to use this detail again soon.

In hindsight, I would probably make the collar a bit smaller. As it is, it lends the jacket a Russian Commissar vibe.

15.iii.11 UPDATE: We made the cut for Made by Rae's photo roundup of knitting and crochet! How fun.

Sonny Angel Sweater

2011-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Using some leftovers from Big Boy's BSJ, I decided to make poor Sonny Angel a sweater. Plus, I was itching to try some cabling again after a long hiatus. Speaking of itching, it was good news for Sonny that the leftovers were some of the loveliest, softest yarn I have used in a long time: Malabrigo's Twisted, a Bulky Weight 100% Baby Merino wool. The colour is Indeicita.

I was on a biggity, "I knit only fine gauges" kick. But already I would like to revisit this sweater with a different cable. And the bulky yarn does look snuggly and warm on old Sonny. It also helps prevent Big Boy from pulling off his head so easily.

Celebrate the Boy

2011-02-11T09:02:00.001-08:00

It's coming!

BLUE BELL HAT Crochet Pattern No 036

2011-01-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

Pattern from JT Easy Crochet's Etsy Shop.

This was a really well written pattern that was easy to follow and a fun, quick project to make. Unless, like me, you have never done an RDC or RSC before and end up crocheting it almost three times before realizing that further research and learning is in order! Ah, hubris.

I looked around online and discovered that for both an RDC (ridged or raised double crochet) or an RSC (raised or ridged single crochet) it is permissible to put your hook not just through the loops of the ridged stitch on the previous row but around the entire post of that stitch:

1. Yarn over hook,
2. insert hook from front to back through the gap in the crochet to the right of the previous RDC/RSC,
3. pass the hook behind the post (i.e., the entire stitch),
4. then poke the hook back through the crochet towards you through the gap to the left of the post/stitch, and
5. complete as for a DC.

This differs from the pattern slightly but it did eliminate the ruching effect that I created by passing the hook only behind the loops. And I did find directions for ridged crochet that suggested the same technique. My inexperience with crochet and lifelong battle with tension are to blame, not the pattern directions. I would love to hear from someone who uses the "behind the loops" method as opposed to my "behind the post" technique for RDC/RSC. I would like to revisit both this pattern and the ridged crochet stitch.

This pattern is definately going into my crocheted gift repertoire.

14.ii.11 UPDATE: This makes up small or else my tension is really unbredictable. I ended up making this twice more. The first time, I increased the crown by one more stitch in each of the twelve segments (i.e., 72 stitches total). This did not look much bigger so I did it again, increasing to seven (i.e., 84 stitches total). This was much bigger and better. I also crocheted ten rows rather than the recommended nine, exclusive of the two extra increase rows. In retrospect, I would crochet a few more.
This is still a favourite pattern and one I would make again. I might use a softer wool but the pattern is repetitive enough and enjoyable enough to allow for some play in with the colour or texture of the yarn.

M1

2011-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love Elizabeth Zimmerman's method for increasing, or making, stitches (M1). But I always get mixed up about the orientation of the right needle. Should I be poking it through the knitting (under the yarn between the two stitches on my left and right needles) from the front or from the back of the knitting?

I came up with a rhyme and have never had the problem again!

I left the front but I'll be right back.

Get it?
A left-leaning M1 requires the needle to be inserted from the front.
A right-leaning M1 requires the needle to be inserted from the back.

Lettuces Dress #2

2010-12-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

I had a request for another Lettuces Dress.
There was only ever going to be the first one but through a mix-up on my part, a second needed to be made. The new owner had a marvelous idea for a colourway that was inspired by a Marc Jacobs dress. I always welcome suggestions for colours. They always suprise and delight me since they are inevitably not something that would have occurred to me.

Blythe Physical Challenge #17

2010-12-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

This BPC photo gets a post because one of the skull beanies made a cameo. And, although we did not intend it to, it matched the Salvation Army logo quit well. Serendipity!

Elizabeth Zimmerman's I-Cord Cast Off

2010-12-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

Whe I started prepping for making Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Suprise Jacket, I was soon interested in finishing it with the oft mentioned but rarely explained i-cord cast off.
Zigzag Stitch's toddlerization of the BSJ was what convinced me to commit. But finding an explanation without turning to page fifty-four of EZ's The Opinionated Knitter proved trickier than I had imagined. A few Google searches later and I found some very helpful videos of versions of the technique on Youtube:

Judy's four-stitch bind off version
Stell66's two- (actually three-) stitch version

And there are many more available.

There are a few versions (i.e., three-stitch vs. four-stitch) kicking around out there on the internet but it seems to boil down to a sort of decreasing shuffle:

Cable cast on three stitches,
Knit one or two,
Knit the next two stitches together through the back of the loops,
Return all stitches to the left needle.
Repeat.

When I knit it, I have the weirdest sense of déja vu. Could it be a derivation of something?

Vietnamese Rice Baskets

2010-12-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

Image from Lantern Moon
Inspired by Soule Mama's photo on her blog of her Ghanaian market basket, I was determined to get a proper knitting basket.

While looking for such a basket, I stumbled upon Lantern Moon's even lovelier, to my eyes anyway, rice baskets from Vietnam. I decided to give the smallest one a try and, continuing the cautious streak, ordered a plain one.

It has since arrived and been in constant use. It is lightweight but strong and despite being the smallest one holds quite a lot: one almost complete TSJ (i.e., Toddler Suprise Jacket), two balls of yarn, the pattern, three magazines, and occasionally an ipod or even some toys. It is very pliable but keeps a nice, deep upright shape so your goods do not spill out and roll away.

Another perk is that, like a Transformer, the upper portion with the handles can tuck down into the bottom half so that it can be stored stacked, or filled like a bowl. This made me love it even more. I am trying to justify a second one!

I am sure they would be great for holding so many other things!

McGyver Knitting Kit

2010-11-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

Image by Clover
I need to finesse this post but in the meantime, here is my placeholder/inspiration at Not Martha
My post:

Re: The Knit Kit
You caught my attention. Knit Kits are a huge part of my life whether riding in a taxi, car, bus or airplane. I always have one handy!
I was excited to read about the one you had found. It is definately a step up from my current model: a Ziploc bag!
I had a few issues.
I travel for work so I meet a lot of airport security officers. They almost always hesitate is scissors are involved. Even approved models. But they never even notice my stealthy pendant cutter.
You have definately inspired me. I am working on my McGyver Style Knit Kit as we speak! Plenty of tested on the skys, on the roads , and on the rails tools and techniques.
Here's one to tide you over: hide your precious steel lace knitting pins in the coin pocket of your hinged wallet. Works like a dream!

I want to talk about practicalities, what has worked for me, innovations, bare bones packing, and sneaky security tricks (if you are pressed).

Knitter's Bug Out Bag
Clover Pendant Cutter
Tape Measure
Safety Pins or Stitch Markers or Sajou Epingles de Surete Boule orsomething avian
Large, blunt needle
Paper
Pen or pencil
Needles
Hooks - like these Double-ended Raku Raku ones at Super Buzzy.
Pattern (optional)

Plying

2010-11-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

I forgot that if you spin yarn, you need to ply it too.
Crikey.

Margaritarosa tells me that for two-ply yarn, there is Andean Plying, explained nicely by The Art of Megan.

Rosemary Knits talks about a great variation of Navajo Plying by Tammy Rizzo that gives you a three-ply yarn and which does not require a spinning wheel but does involve more calisthenics.

Blue Moon Fibers has some useful close-ups.

Turkish Spindle

2010-11-09T21:07:00.000-08:00

Wanda Jenkins of Jenkins Woodworking shows to wrap a Turkish Spindle.
Wanda also shows how to make a leader.

Beautiful but expensive Turkish Spindles at Jenkins Woodworking.
Plenty more on Etsy.
Threads Thru Time is where I found mine.

Blythe Physical Challenge #14

2010-10-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

This was cooked up for the Blythe Physical Challenge #14.

It was murder to figure out the perfect size and placement of the eyeholes. So, for once, I took notes as I crocheted it. I had intended to make a Dia de los Muertos version of a skull too but ran out of time. And like white shoes after Labour Day, I could not bring myself to work on it after the holiday.

By the way, she is supposed to be a Black Cat, not a Mexican wrestler.

Knitting Circles/Meet-Ups/Clubs/Ktl.

2010-10-08T21:01:00.001-07:00

Bucking the current trend, I have always known knitting/crochet to be a solitary pursuit. You do it while relaxing, commuting, attending movies or meetings, walking, or while doing ten other things such as cooking, talking on the telephone. Not in sociable settings that involve snacks. It sounds nice but it is so foreign. I might try it ... once.

For the first time, I have found a knitting club that does not repel. I could talk about it but check out the the Badass Women’s Yarn Club! yourself ... beautiful swag and a good cause. I am adding this to the wish list! And it keeps knitting/crochet in its proper solitary place.

P.U.

2010-10-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to finding an online source for Clea's Crochet Thread at Paraguay Threads. I bought a stash when I was in Cape Breton in 2008 and somehow failed to not buy orange. Paraguay Threads solved that problem and it arrived last night.

Oddly, it smelled very "fragrant."
Was this the exotic and tropical natural perfume of Paraguay?

Unfortunately, I realized that it was swathed in USPS plastic printed with an apologetic text about damage incurred to my package during delivery. The original paper wrapping was stained with an oil that smelled, sickeningly, of lavender or some synthetic cousin. All that can be definitively said is that whatever it is, it reeks and needs twenty handwashings to almost remove it. The yarn was wrapped in plastic but it has the smell on one end of the skein. I immediately removed it to the balcony and sealed the stinky packaging in a ziplock bag. But the odor still lingered in the kitchen!

The next problem is how to get the stink off of the yarn. Ravelry members have plenty of suggestions for musty yarn (e.g., charcoal, kitty litter, coffee beans) but not so many for perfumed yarn. The best suggestion, without too much scientific data to back it up, seems to be a vinegar steam or vinegar bath. I will give this a try STAT!

UPDATE: The vinegar steaming worked! I thought I had traded one bad smell for another since it reeked of vinegar afterward. A few days of airing in the outdoors cured that and now it is definately unscented. However, the whole episode made me miss the Hallowe'en season on Etsy. And now I have orange yarn, when I really need green and red.

Lettuces Dress on Blythe

2010-09-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Lettuces Dress makes a reappearance on Blythe after returning from a visit with Ernesto. Ironically, it will be returning to Ernesto permanently in a few days.

There is also a plan afoot to recreate it in a different colourway. So lettuce season is not over just yet.

Elsie Svennås

2010-09-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

A peek inside one of her books at Mad Samplar Books

Very inspirational.

BSJ WIP

2010-08-19T21:56:00.001-07:00

Finally, I am getting around to doing the knitter's prerequisite project: The Baby Suprise Jacket by Her Holiness Elizabeth Zimmerman (and I type that without any sarcasm ... really!).

The colours of Manos del Uruguay, Wool Clasica won me over immediately as the best in the shop but they were a bit wooly/scratchy and I was afraid I would end up with the most beautiful BSJ ever but that The Baby would refuse to wear it regardless. I had seen Malabrigo mentioned online in connection with the BSJ so I was pleasantly suprisd to find it at Imagiknit this afternoon. It had nothing on Manos when it came to colour but for feel, it was a winner: 100% wool but silky smooth. Just the thing to slip onto a picky toddler!

I always love brown + blue (like that perfect skein of Manos I saw) but I found something somewhat similar in Malabrigo's lineup. First pick was Indiecita, as a nod to my Manos First Love. For the second colour, I chose Paris Night. While I like Manos's colours better, I have to give Malabrigo points ,not only for their soft hand feel, but also for their dramatic, Crayola-like names.

BSJ Reference Materials:
The pattern pamphlet from Schoolhouse Press
Ravelry's BSJ (support) group
BSJ Wiki at Ravelry
Placement of stripes photo essay by KnitWiki and Nancepance
Toddlerization at Zigzag Stitch
How to do an I-Cord Cast Off at About.com

Embroidery

2010-08-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Sam's School has declared that law requires thorough labeling of all personal effects!
What a great excuse to get cracking on practicing some of the embroidery I have been reading about for months in Jacqueline Enthoven's wonderful book, The Stitches of Creative Embroidery.
Embroidery has been an Achilles Heel. But, then, so was crochet. I just needed the right explanation. This book combines very clear direction with illustrations, logical grouping and sequencing of stitches, and a passionate tone that will get you itching to embroider something around the house.
From someone who has always sucked at embroidery and still does somewhat, I cannot recommend this book enough for motivation and instruction.
Next, I think I will mend/embellish some dish towels!

Turban Preoccupied

2010-07-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

I thought the prototype for a 1:6 turban was settled. But on a flight to Missouri (that is four solid hours of knitting, one way!) but I made one more iteration of it and now I can say that it is perfect! I even took notes this time.

I had flubbed the green prototype, making the wrapped portion too short so that it had to be repurposed as a cockade. I decided to redo it properly. But this time, on the final round of increases, I only increased three rather than six times. The band was twisted twice instead of only once before joining its ends. And I used slip stitch rather than sewing to join it. Have I mentioned already how much I dislike sewing in ends, ktl.? But that wasn't the end. I then did a final round of single crochet around the bottom of the turban, joining the band to the cap, except under the twist, so that the turban would be permanently styled and easier to put on and remove. I must say that I am a little proud of myself now.

The only problem?
I made it on a 1.75mm hook instead of a 1.50mm hook. It came out a bit larger but this may be good news for Mlle. M.

Turban Hindsighting

2010-07-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

I finished the turban prototypes ... all six of them and took some photos of them yesterday.
The idea had been brewing for a while. And suddenly, I seemed to be seeing turbans everywhere. (Which reminds me, Ernesto has a post with some lovely images of turbans on his Dolldom blog.)

There are two styles: a simpler Möbius twist and a more complicated Thief's Knot style of interlocked and twisted loops. The Thief's Knot version definately looks more turbanesque but I think I actually like the Möbius version best.
The turbans were designed to fit a flocked doll. They would fit on one with painted hair but might fit on one with rooted hair too.

Fashion Royalty's Kyori Fierce Subject has hair that is bobbed but her head is big. She can fit into both styles but the Möbius ones are slightly smaller and therefore tighter on her.

Mademoiselle M. did not fare as well. Only the Thief's Knot version would fit her but it was a snug fit over her piscine. I might try a bespoke version that fits more easily.

Some of these will be going into my Etsy shop soon but you can see more of them here in the meantime.

Turbans

2010-06-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

TURBANS

Your browser does not support iframes.

Guess what's on the hook/needles these days.

Elsa Schiaparelli

2010-06-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

Bow Knot Woman's Sweater by Elsa Schiaparelli in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Image by The Philadelphia Museum of Art

A less iconic version of her trompe-l'oeil knitwear.
Image by The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Download the pattern for free at Schoolhouse Press.
More Shiaparelli fabuluxness here.

Slinky I Cord

2010-05-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

I cords are so useful.
I recently made some for a sheath dress and came up with a method to make them a little softer and slinkier and more suitable for a 1:6 strap.

Cast on 2 stitches.
Slip first stitch, knit second stitch.
Turn work.
Slip first stitch purlwise, purl second stitch.
Turn work.
Repeat ad nauseum.

Back of the Quilt

2010-04-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

What should go on the back of Sam's quilt?
You can see the choices bigger here.

Clockwise from lower left ...
LL: Red Cars (Tana Lawn)
UL: Green Squares (Flannel)
TL: Blue Dots (Flannel)
TR: Blue Cars (Tana Lawn)
UR: Ships (Flannel)
LR: Brown Cars (Tana Lawn)

Clicking on "All Sizes" makes it much easier to view the fabrics.

Cat Lady Knits

2010-04-13T03:42:00.000-07:00

From Italian Vogue, May 2008
I need to work harder at looking like this when I knit.

WIP's

2010-03-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Waldorf Doll Kit
Circles Quilt
Biscornu (see "blackwork")
Blackwork (see "biscornu")
Mdvanii Dress

WIP - Quilt

2010-03-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

Remember the circle/square quilt technique?

Circles are 100% prepped.
Squares are >50% prepped.
Next: Layout.

WIP's

2010-03-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Cutest Baby Hat Ever!
Circles Quilt
Biscornu (see "blackwork")
Blackwork (see "biscornu")
Mdvanii Dress

Deconstructing the Doily & Painted Crochet

2010-03-15T09:49:00.001-07:00

With the deadline tomorrow and the competition entries safely delivered, it should be safe to talk about what I have been doing into the wee hours these past few weeks.

Crochet is still quite new thing for me. But because I was impatient to see what it would be like to crochet at a small scale, I cranked out a few rounds of a doily using a 0.05mm hook and some pretty, variegated cotton thread. Intriguing but painstaking. More thought, and a little more practice, was needed for this to work well.

Next, in order to better understand the technique of crocheting something circular and radiating, I tried a large scale, heavy gauge doily with cotton thread. This was ogled for a long time and finally coöpted by Baby. I think he digs the saturated colours. This project was my first stab at crochet in a doily format so I did each round in an alternate colour. This made it much easier to understand how each stitch (e.g., shells, bobbles, v-stitches) interlocked with the stitches of the previous round.

But the "doily" was going to have to be able to fit around the neck of a doll without removing her head so it had to be deconstructed. The easiest approach seemed to be to take a slice out of it, like a piece of pizza.

This one was left incomplete since I only had to prove the method sufficiently for the next attempt with some silver thread. However, I was having second thoughts about using the silver thread I had originally chosen. Would it be stiff enough to emulate one of Marina Bychkova's ornate and lovely metal collars? Or would it flop limply without being starched or sugared. To be safe, I placed an order for some fine sterling silver wire. I had read horror stories about how unforgiving wire can be when crocheted. Once hooked, it is permanently kinked and very difficult to adjust or undo.

The wire that arrived was much heavier in gauge than I had anticipated and even a bit dull. I was afraid that I might not have enough time to source something finer and have time to actually crochet it. So it was off to Britex to look for something metallic and readily available. The solution was Japanese button twist silk. It was a little thicker than I wanted but has a beautiful mettalic sheen and comes in rich colours. But there was no silver in stock that was bright enough. The gold thread they did have on hand was very beautiful so the silver colour scheme fell by the wayside.

With the collar done, it was time to think about the cape, tunic, robe, or whatever. Originally, I only had a vague notion about the form it would take but I did know that I wanted to try the technique known as painted crochet. This involves juggling three silk threads and gradually phasing in/out one thread at a time to achieve a very gradual colour graduation.

One of Marina's lovelier clothing pieces is actually one of the more concealing garments. She calls it Illumination. It reminds me of religious vestments and Tsarist robes (or what I imagine Tsarist robes might look like). I love how it hints at the lovely doll beneath, showing us only her lovely forearms and neck. It helps that the lovely, short-haired Edie models it too. Her short-haired dolls are my favourites.

But I have no experience with sublimation dying or metal casting so I wondered how I could create something in a similar mold with needlework. I decided to forego the heavy, concealing nature of the Illumination cloak. Not only was it out of line with my notions about the ensemble having a springlike, leafy or watery feel but something lighter seemed more feasible with the constraint of the approaching contest deadline.

So with vague ideas of new green foilage, watery rills, and even Rusalkas on my mind I began at the shoulders, letting the silky lace find its way off the hook and down the imaginary shoulders of an Enchanted Doll. I also liked the idea of making a mantle that both covered but allowed a view of the willowy doll underneath.

Another interesting twist was that as I cast on the foundation chain for the robe, I realized that my deconstructed doily technique would lend itself very well to the keyhole collar of a caftan. Landing the detail of the décolletage immediately suggested that the robe be in the style of a caftan. And a caftan would offer a nod to Marina's interest in Middle Eastern costume.

The collar itself was primarily half double crochet to provide a solidity that would emphasize its keyhole shape. The body of the robe was done in a trellis stitch that, I hoped, was evocative of growing tendrils, ivy, or moss. The colour at the neck was the darkest green and gradually transitioned, below the shoulders, to the brighter green and then, towards the edge of the caftan, to the lightest green.

Since hindsight is 20/20, what did I learn in making these? Button twist silk is not stiff enough to stand up like a metal collar. My poor golden collar, although very pretty when laying flat, was too limp and more of a capelet. Not even starch could overcome this. I would like to use this material again but perhaps for something other than a collar. It works up very well and comes in some beautiful colours. And the next time I try painted crochet, I must remember to choose colours that are very close to each other. I was pleased with the colours I used but the difference between the medium and lightest green was too great. As a result the gradient was not as subtle as it should have been and read more like a stripe.

One thing that I am still wondering about is the fit. I was using a scaled photograph of a nude Enchanted Doll. But a three-dimensional garment fits much differently on a three-dimensional doll than it does on a flatsie paper doll mock-up. Once ED HQ share their photographs, I will know better if the sleeves were long enough, ktl., ktl.

Winning and losing aside, it was great fun making this gift using the best materials I could source and the most intricate techniques I could muster. And it is also always enjoyable to make something for a new type of doll. I hope my measurements are close enough so that the caftan and/or the collar will fit on one of Marina's dolls. Perhaps she will even have some fun styling her dolls in them.

You can see Chad Isley's much nicer photographs of my entries here.

WIP for Contest

2010-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

One part of the entry is 95% complete; I need to buy a few more meters of silk button twist thread (new favourite material!) today. And I was pleasantly suprised to learn that you can deconstruct a doily. This is a technique I would like to revisit after the contest.

I started on the second part this weekend. I am borrowing the needlework technique called "painting," creating a colour gradiant by switching one of three plys of silk thread as the project progresses. I was initially terrified since the silk threads are as fine as sewing thread. But having started, they are more manageable than I anticipated. And the effort is well worth it. The colour of the silk is very beautiful and has that lovely silky lustre.

Without a doll on hand for fittings, I am a little nervous about sizing. I am referencing the dimensions, being generous with the fit, and saying a little prayer. Enchanted Dolls are unlike any doll I've designed for before. They strike me as rather ethereal. I want my entry to have a similar feel.

In fact, as I developed the concept for the entry, I thought a lot about its "backstory." I won't spill the beans now, before the contest. Suffice it to say that colours, technique, forms are all influenced by the dolls, their maker, the time of year, folktales. Now, I just need to translate that from its current garbled state in my mind to one, brief, coherent paragraph to accompany the entry.

So what's with the beads? I found my stash of teeny, tiny, glassy beads. The golden ones may make an appearance in this project.

African Flower

2010-02-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

A beautiful take on the hexagon.

Image by MIA Inspiration.

Pattern by Elizabeth Cat.
1st Round: Chain 5 stitches and join with slip stitch to form a ring.
2nd Round: Chain 3 (count as first dc), 1 dc in ring, (1 chain stitch, 2 db** in ring) 5 times, 1 chain stitch, join with slip stitch to first dc (6 shells).
3rd Round: Join next colour and crochet in each of the 6 chain spaces: (2 dc, 1 chain stitch, 2dc). Join with slip stitch to first dc.
4th Round: Join next colour and crochet 7 dc in each of the 5 chain spaces. Join with slip stitch to first dc.
5th Round: Join next colour and crochet 1 sc in each of the next 7 dc, except between the 2 dc of the third row where you do a dc which you join to the 3rd round in order to form the petal - (7 sc and 1 dc) 6 times.
6th Round: Join next colour and crochet 1 dc in each sc, except for the middle of each petal where you crochet (1 dc,1 sc, 1dc) in each petal. Tie off.

* dc: double crochet, sc: single crochet
** My note: Db seems to indicate double crochet. Not sure why they did not use dc here.

Please note that mine has sc in 6th row! I made the cushion first and got the pattern later!:)

Waterworld

2010-02-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Image by Tea & Cookies

Wouldn't it be lovely to knit this?
I have a Gladys Amedro stitch in mind that might do the trick.

WIP for Contest

2010-01-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

Underway these days are some prototypes for a contest.
I am working through a concept that involves deconstructing crochet-in-the-round, painted doilies, and metallics.
Who knew that silk thread and <1mm crochet hooks could be so much fun?
I'll be blind as a bat by March though.

Mondrian YSL

2009-12-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

Is there a photo out there of the rear?

Seamless Intarsia

2009-12-29T08:05:00.001-08:00

From Let Me Explaiknit.

The other method makes the joins where two of the color blocks meet, and is done by linking one yarn around the other as with flat intarsia, but with some changes because the yarn to wrap around isn't on the correct side yet. It has the disadvantage of having a slightly higher potential for getting tangled up in your work, and the advantage of being quite seamless; I definitely prefer this method. We'll continue using our smiley-face hat example; we'll need one strand each of yellow and blue, because in a seamless hat, there is one section of each color. On the first row which contains the motif, you will work with the blue strand to the right edge of the motif, then twist the yarns as usual and work the motif with the yellow strand. Now, having reached the left edge of the motif, you need to wrap the yellow yarn and blue yarn together, but the blue yarn is still back over on the right edge. What you're going to do is bring the blue yarn all the way around counterclockwise in a very long strand, and lay it over the yellow yarn; don't worry about the length of this very long strand, because we're going to take care of it in a minute. Once you've laid the blue yarn over the yellow, work counterclockwise with the yellow until you're back on the right edge of the motif. Drop the yellow strand inside the loop of blue yarn that you created in the previous step, and then use that blue strand to continue working counterclockwise through the entire blue section; pull out slack from where the end of the strand is caught by the yellow as needed. When you've completed the blue section and are at the left edge of the yellow motif, pull the blue strand taut, so there's no more slack in it and it's snug up against the yellow section. At this point, the blue strand is at the left edge of the motif, and the yellow strand is at the right edge. Draw the yellow strand loosely across the back of the yellow section, and lay it over the blue strand, and then work clockwise with the blue strand until you're back to the right edge of the motif. Drop the blue strand through the loop of yellow, work the yellow stitches clockwise, and then pull the yellow strand taut. As you can see, you're essentially working flat, with the turning point at the left edge of the motif (a brief note: if you have more than one motif, as when you put a design on the front and another design on the back of an item, the join point will end up at the left edge of the last-worked motif), but the left edge of the motif and the right edge of the background section are being linked together in exactly the same way that the other edges are; this gives you an effectively seamless tube. At the top of the motif, if the last row of the motif was counterclockwise, the yellow yarn will be at the right edge; do not draw it across the back, but simply do a YO with the blue yarn and resume working clockwise in rounds, using SSK to work that YO together with the stitch before it on the next round. If the last row of the motif was clockwise, slip the motif stitches in the counterclockwise direction to get back to the right edge of the motif, and then simply pick up the blue strand and resume working clockwise in rounds.

Hexagon Ball

2009-12-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Seven months worth of hexagons! Hours of fun for Baby.

Quality Control

2009-09-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

I am working on a little crocheted hexagon something or other. Here we see Baby working it over ...
I guess he'll like the final product.

Kate Spade

2009-09-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Image by Kate Spade
Maybe it's the boldly coloured tights but I really like this picture in the latest Kate Spade ad campaign.
I'm wondering how I can make something like it for the doll crowd. I can imagine Momoko in this.
Again, it must be those Pressplayforme tights.

Pattern for Sale!

2009-08-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

A second knitting pattern for sale.
I have been appreciating the genius of baby leg warmers but the ones I bought are still much too long, even when scrunched up.

What is the genius of leg warmers for babies?
You can keep them warm without messing about with pants during the million or so diaper changes that take place throughout the day.

You can buy the pattern here.

Mairuru

2009-08-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Image by Mairuru

I started reading Mairuru's blog recently. She makes some very lovely things, all of which are completely handsewn!
This bag appeared on her blog in the last day or so and I was very taken with the fabric. It read that it was available in her Etsy shop so I rushed to buy it. Not only is the fabric really appealing but ever since I learned about Mai, I have been itching to see her work in person. I find it so hard to believe that someone can sew so much so nicely and, I repeat myself, completely by hand! I must hold it and see it!

She mentions that "Shingen-bukuro" is a drawstring bag for men usually."

Mai's Etsy Shop

Pattern for Sale!

2009-07-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

I just posted my first knitting pattern for sale. It is much simpler in construction than most of the designs I knit for dolls. But I am very pleased with how the skull and crossbones motif worked out; I want to use it again in a different garment.

And Baby made his modeling debut. Moonstitches has a wonderful approach to photographing her child that I tried to emulate.

You can buy the pattern here.

Crocheted Hexagons

2009-07-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

This is a sneak peak of something in the works.

Lately, I cannot look enough at the beautiful photographs of crocheted hexagons to be found at Moonstitches/Mangetsu's blog. The hexagons are particularly appealing but her entire site is very beautiful. She makes me want to crochet, sew, and photograph more. Her body of work has the most appealing tone to it.

But back to the sneak peak ...
If you poke around my Flickr account, you might be able to guess what it is. I will add that Italian linen and my very rudimentary sewing skills are involved. I'm excited to see if I can execute it as well as I imagine it.

On a final note, as I suspected, the changing table makes a great photography station: good indirect light, clean background.

Lettuces Dress, Preview

2009-07-07T16:10:00.001-07:00

This needs a better photo (I'm out of practice; a setting is obviously off).

This is a dress I started back in Spring/Summer. The inspiration was a dress with ruffled trim like young lettuces. Here it is midsummer and it's only just finished. Sigh.

Otherwise I am pleased with the effect. I might try it again but at a slightly larger gauge. This one has a gazillion stitches per inch and took forever to knit.

Knitting at Stalag 13

2009-07-07T02:21:00.001-07:00

My DH has been working his way through watching all of Hogan's Heroes.

Imagine my suprise when, in Season Two, Episode Twenty-nine, The Top Secret Overcoat, some knitting plays a role as a plot device. Colonel Hogan receives in the mail some knitted socks from his "auntie." He and the team use a goosed-up sewing box to unravel them and play a secret message.

Now there's a technique that's new to me.

12th Century Petit Tricotage

2009-06-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Of course, it's a terribly sad part of the film but I'm always delighted when I see this scene in Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven (00:12:23).

It's a nice touch on the part of the prop lady. I always assume that knitting is involved because of the balls of wool. But the gauge of that little jacket looks a bit too tight and fine; it could be woven.

Danish Babies

2009-06-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Remember that baby set I was working on?

Well, sometime last month I realized that it still needed it's ends sewm in, buttons attached, ktl., ktl. Fortunately I got it done before month's end because someone decided to make an appearance two weeks early.

As can be seen, it is still a bit big for the boy. It was knit using the newborn instructions and gauge but maybe Danish babies run a bit larger.

The pattern looks very pretty once done even though it does not involve anything more complicated that some intarsia bands at its yoke, crown, and ankles; for the most part it is just stockinette and moss stitch. The boy looked like he was going on a ski trip but it elicited plenty of praise from the neonatology nurses.

So far it the days are not too hospitable for knitting but I'm hoping some time opens up for it.

FS: Eero Aarnio Globe Chair, 1:12 scale

2009-05-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

Not knitting related but round, round like a ball of yarn!

Yeah, it is a bit of a stretch to compare. But all proceeds will probably get blown, at some point on yarn, needles, patterns, or other knitting paraphenalia.

It garnered a spot here on the blog, in part, because for a very long time I have been itching to see this in person. A small but important point for those of you not familiar with REAC Japan: these are tiny chairs that seem to be approximately 1:6 scale. They are smaller than those overpriced Vitra miniatures and very well detailed but definately plastic. You can find them all over E**y.

I was in San Francisco's Japantown yesterday and managed to score this in a blind box sales. Unheard of with my lack of luck!

It is very nice and everything I imagined but now that I have it in hand, I realize that I don't really have a use for it so I'm selling it.

More REAC:
REAC Japan
Eero Aarnio Ball Chair For Sale

Triage Knitting

2009-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Images by Dalegarn, and BEKAHKnits.
With time flying and a budding realization that I don't really seem to like knitting for babies, the need for triage has reared its ugly head.

Here's the plan today:
1. Finish baby set. If I don't get cracking on this, Baby's coming home in a paper bag. The sweater is done and just needs finishing and buttons; the hat's 95% percent. But the bootees need to be made and there are two of them! The second one is always harder ... mentally, anyway.

2. The biggest project (Gladys Amedro's shawl) is one I should probably have started as soon as possible ... even if I'll probably still be working at it years from now. Lace knitting is still fairly new and challenging for me. How old can a baby be and still fit in the christening font?

3. BEKAHKnits fun bootees can probably wait till last. Everything I've been reading indicates babies can make do with sacks and socks for a little while anyway. I am actually looking forward to making these. They have a such a fun, little-old-man-by-the-hearth aesthetic and I'm curious about the construction of the inset sock cuff.

4. There's also a small matter of sewing in some ends on some polkadotted socks for a gift. Maybe a bus ride or two can get that out of the way?

Baby knits that look interesting and that look interesting to make:
BEKAHKnits (check out her maryjanes!)
Dalegarn

Done Deal

2009-04-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

I've depleted the Paypal account and even gone so far as to speculate a bit on some yet-to-be-paid commissions. But I ordered a Mooqla!

I am really hoping that my banker does not check the bank balance until after all of my knitting proceeds transfer into the account. Otherwise, how am I going to explain such a big transfer to Russia?

Julia was the one I ordered. She was always my first pick although I was a bit intrigued by some of the others. Second choice was probably Victoria or Lisa. I decided to forego any customization. Polina Voloshina's original design for her suits me just fine. If anything, I might have changed her hair colour. So I asked them to not glue down her wig so that I could change it on my own. I can imagine her in something shorter and black.

What am I going to do with her once she arrives? A Mooqla might be the perfect model for something like this.

Better get practicing with that nasty crochet hook!

He Likes / She Likes

2009-03-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

Not exactly knitting related but a great deal of knitting gets done and will get done in this environment.

Some of this stuff we're stuck with:
• sleeper sofa (de rigeur in a not-really-a-one-bedroom flat) for guests
• underused gate-leg table (another space conscious piece)
• Fortuny Lamp (actually my pride and joy)
• Barbara Barry Bracelet table (another gem ... even if its finish is scratched to hell)

What's Needed:
• a crib (this one was not my choice!)
• a chair or rocking chair to replace our two beaten up, massive leather chairs
• a changing table/dresser (ugliest piece of furniture in existence ... maybe a dresser is fine?)

What can probably wait:
• rug (the colour debate may extend the delay on this)
• an ottoman or pouf (the squishy aesthetic isn't flying with my "roomate" ... I may need to improvise something with a store fixture and casters)
• curtains or blackout blinds (sigh ... window treatments depress me)

A bigger budget and no "client" would be so nice.

Bobble Hats, 1:6 Scale

2009-03-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

I had some inquiries about knitting the bobble hat to fit smaller dolls.

I had made one some time ago for Momoko so I knew it was possible. I had not written down the pattern though so it would have to be done from scratch. I decided to try recreating the Blythe-sized version but with much smaller needles (i.e., 1.75 mm). It worked out very well with a similar number of stitches and rows.

Momoko has a similarly sized head to both Fashion Royalty and Pukis which means the hats can be tried on any of these dolls. I have some lovely variegated silk yarn in my stash which seemed ripe to recreate the gauge of the first Momoko hat, which used a ribbon style yarn.

They turned out okay. There are very slightly differences between them since, with each one, I was tweaking the shaping of the bobbles, length of the ties, and even the shaping of the crown. And this time, I am writing it all down. I hate transcribing patterns but it is worth the bother.

1:6 Scale Skulls - Sexy or Cute!

2009-03-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

This is probably the last stab at the skull hat. I wanted to see just how small it could scale down.

Originally this was scaled down to fit Momokos. But if it fits her, it is bound to fit the Fashion Royalty ladies too.

And then it occurred to me that it might fit the Puki Puki too. And it did. I like it best on Momoko but it is fun to see how it shifts character depending upon who is wearing it.

More Bobble Hats

2009-03-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

More Bobble Hats in different colours!

These came out of a request from a previous customer. I always really like her colour suggestions. She asked for one in the lovely blue variegated yarn from Karabella as well as a combinationof variegated red with chocolate.

Petite Stop Motion

2009-02-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

Not too worry. It was only a slight detour from some full-on knitting ...

Casting from Preiser
Props by Re-Ment

Petite Blythe Skull Hat Update

2009-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Image by Cupcakes.
Remember that project to knit a skull hat for Petite Blythe using measurements only but no fit model?

I heard back from the lady who had made the request and did the fieldwork of taking those tiny measurements for me: it fit! Hurrah! To the left is actually her photograph; it looks like a very good fit.

It was a great deal of fun, if a little scarey, to make something for a long distance dolly. But as I said to her, the collaboration was also a fun change since so often I am knitting stuff for an unknown doll. But this time, I had her photos of the dolly first and had her in mind as the hat took shape.

I do not have any of these in my shop right now but I am planning to make a couple in case there is any interest from other Petite Blythes.

And do not forget, that with Ernesto Padros-Campo's help we also know now that they fit the Drearys too!

Skull Hat For Viktor Dreary

2009-02-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

Image by Ernest Padro-Campos.

Remember the hat for Petite Blythe? Well, Ernesto Padro-Campos was interested in trying one for his Viktor Dreary. I jumped at the opportunity. Ernesto takes the most beautiful photographs of his carefully styled, soulful dolls.

The good news is that it fit! You can see the results in Ernesto's beautiful photo. I think it really suits him too. Viktor's grave expression rubs off some of the cuteness of the hat, giving it a more suitably dreary feel.

Thank you, Ernesto, for trying it out on your doll and for sharing your wonderful photos.

Recommended:
Ernest Padro-Campos for inspirational doll portraits

Petite Blythe Skull Hat

2009-01-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

Remember those skull hats?

Someone contacted me to ask if I could make them a hat to fit a Petite Blythe. I do not acually own one so they sent me their careful measurements (4.25" circumference, 3.25" over the top) and I made one to match these dimensions. The model is a flatsie version of the Blythe who will be receiving it.

It will be on its way to her tomorrow. I cannot wait to hear the verdict on how well it fits.

Thank Goodness For Dalegarn

2009-01-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

After two hours at the biggest local yarn store, all I can say is, "Thank goodness for Dalegarn!"

What a time of it to find a pattern. All of the newer books I looked at offered patterns that were simply to plain looking and dull to knit. Isn't anyone publishing patterns with a bit of a challenge to them? They had a promising stack of vintage patterns in the corner but then the second challenge presented itself: the dearth of 0 to 3 months sized patterns. The older books offered some. My mother laments the demise of the lacey baby sets for bringing baby home from the hospital. Folks just don't do that anymore. And today, I saw it in print.

But fortunately, I found some books form a Norwegian company, Dale of Norway, that had patterns for newborns and patterns that were interesting/pretty/patterned. The one pictured will be the one I will try first. This will be my concession to my Mum's love of homecoming sets. It's not especialy lacey but it has some detail to it. I think it will be fun to try. And if Dalegarn's pattern pans out to be all it promises, I'll probably try another. Stay tuned.

Safe

2009-01-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

Now that the last tests are done and, okay, it feels safe to start thinking about knitting some baby stuff. It isn't my favourite type of thing to make but I feel like I ought to make something for the poor little thing. Besides, I might learn a trick or two by working from a pattern for a change.

These were some patterns I found kicking around. The vintage ones crack me up: mostly for the names they give them and, dare I say it, some of the ghastly looking babies they use for models. The whole aesthetic is just so different from the patterns you find today for babies: daintier, more tailored, and probably more fun to make too.

The second from the left is a bit of a dark horse. It comes from a fairly recent book by Debbie Bliss. I made it once before for someone but hated the yarn I used. It was a bit too sleek, as I recall. If I make it again, I would opt for something a little more rustic or nubby.

More Skull Intarsia For Blythe

2009-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

More skull hats. These are really fun to knit, which explains their reappearance. Patterned knitting is always a bit of a suprise as it comes off the needles and these travel really well in my purse, when commuting.

Also, an aquaintance on Flickr suggested the black on gray combination, which I really like. It would never have occured to me otherwise although, in retrospect, I see it all the time on outfits I like very much.

Pretty Thing(s): Japanese Twist Cache Pot

2009-01-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

Should I buy one or keep looking for the pattern?

I think this is so clever and tidy.

I wonder if you could knit one?

Illustration by Velocity.

Pretty Thing(s)

2008-12-31T10:02:00.000-08:00

Paper-cut illustrations by Julia Brodskaya; originally seen on Craftzine.

Other pretty things:
Hairdos by Yatabazah
Felted acorns by Lil Fish Studios
Embroidery by Diem Chau
Anything Andy Goldsworthy
Spice-filled jewelry by Sarah Hood
Barbie jewelry by Margaux Lange
Oceanic crochet by Gooseflesh
Pleated frocks at Chocolat by Narelle

Holiday Skullcaps

2008-12-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

So skulls are not the the first thing to come to mind during the winter Holiday season but I really wanted to revisit the pattern I developed for a Hallowe'en hat. How would it look in other colourways? It seems to be a keeper and I look forward to knitting it regularly in new colourways.

Some other wintery hats and dresses were knit too; you can see them here.

Blythe Bobble Hat

2008-12-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

This is my favourite bobble hat design. I think it looks cuter on a Moof but I can imagine it working on some Blythes too. Mostly I was curious to try scaling it up for that Blythe-sized head! (We already know it scales down for Momoko.)
I really need to write this pattern down. There's nothing much to it but a written out pattern could cut out the number of fittings required.

Knitting Needles, Sewing Needles ...

2008-11-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

Image by Singer
I'm thinking about upgrading my sewing machine.

I have a very nice Simplicity SA2200 Creative Spirit Plus 45-Stitch which I bought a few years ago. It has a nice heavy metal frame (more important than you know to avoid a skittering machine when sewing) and all the stitches you really need, including a buttonhole function.

But I have my eye on the beauty pictured: Singer's CG-590. It is touted as a commercial grade machine although reviews I have read are chalking this up to marketing rather than fact. A few things about it appeal to me. It seems to be a bit more "mechanical" and by that I mean you can fuss abit more with things like needle position. Also, someone, whose designs and workmanship I really admire, uses one. Barring user error, it can only be a good thing to emulate her choice ... or so I am rationalizing it. And, I really dig its no nonsense machine aesthetic. No curvy, white plastic here!

This is going to require a blitz of financing though (i.e., knitting)!

UPDATE: I love it. It runs much more smoothly than the last one I had and has just enough adjustment and stitch variety.
I've been doing loads of machine appliqué with it and some sewing for Baby. I am very happy with it.

Finally, A Mooqla That Doesn't Scare Me ...

2008-11-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Polina Voloshina's Mooqlas don't really scare me but there is something really unique about them. They're not just plain pretty; they have an unsettling but compelling look that you don't see in many dolls: some look pensive, some edgy, some dreamy, some complicated. Mooqlas are expensive but they really do appear to be worth the investment.

Julia is on of the more recent ones. It may be her red hair, or her darker skin, or her decadently smudged eye make-up, or her Soviet fashion but she is really appealing.

Apart from the price, the only other thing that gives me pause is their size (40cm/16 inches). I really do love the smaller 1:6 dolls. I had a Tonner once and she didn't get much attention. I blamed it on her size but she was a Tonner. But there is no question that Mooqlas outshine Tonners when it comes to their sculpts and poseability. I'm already doing the knitting math: one Mooqla = 15(sweater) = 30(hat)

Other Interesting Mooqlas:
Victoria
Maria
Lisa
Diana

Beautiful Pictures of Mooqlas by their creator, Polina Voloshina

Another Short Stop Motion

2008-11-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Another bit o' dabbling in stop motion ...

Wardrobe by Petit Tricotage
Shoes by Rosa Palomino
Props by REAC

Red State, Blue State

2008-11-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

The hats are back!
I found some of this beautiful yarn leftover in my stash over the weekend and decided to use it up making my favourite hat: the bobble hat for moofs. The blue yarn twines together shades of olive, dark kelly, and apple green with a sky blue. The red combines light and dark red with yellow and slate blue.

While there may be enough for only one blue hat, I think there is plenty for more than one red one. I might even try scaling it up for Blythe. I can imagine some Blythes pulling of the bobble-top look.

And don't forget to vote!

Man Doll Knits

2008-10-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

So a certain someone has been posting some more cataloguing photos of his gorgeous Mdvanii man doll. Some pictures of him in a new bathing costume reminded me of a pattern book I had bought a while ago and then forgotten and misplaced.

Interestingly this same person had suggested the book. All this has me wondering how well this doll would fit into some of the vintage boy doll patterns in the book. But there's only one way to find out.

The bulky pullover (pictured) with a nifty crossover collar is on the needles now. The pattern involves a top-down method which I haven't done a lot of but seems to make sense for this design. However, it calls for some sewing up of seams at the end which has me already scheming to find a work around. I'm thinking that instead of knitting the sleeves flat, it would be just as easy to knit them in the round before going back to complete the body of the sweater. And if the sleeves, why not the body of the sweater too?

Another beef I have is with the gauge.
Number 4 needles?!
5 1/2 stitches to the inch?!
7 1/2 rows to the inch?!
The poor fellow will look like he's wearing a sweater made out of hawsers!
This might require two reworkings: once with finer yarn, once with smaller needles. It will be fun to compare them. If they turn out okay, I might send them away for a fitting request. I don't own any man dolls so it would be fun to see if and how they fit on one.

Hallowe'en For Momoko

2008-10-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Poor Momoko has not had a moment of her own in a while. She has been shrugging into the Blythe cardigans that seem to be the only thing going these days but these don't really suit her skinny frame. It felt like it was time for a Momoko-centric outfit: a little too tight, a little too short.

It started out a little too loose - looser than I had anticipated. But the short hemline and dramatic sleeves offset this a bit. I'm still swimming in that yarn so it was the obvious choice considering the time of year. It's fun to knit for Momoko. I need to do it more often.

Hallowe'en Knits

2008-10-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

With Hallowe'en coming, it seemed like a good idea to do some thematic knitting. First, there was a shopping expedition to get some appropriately coloured yarn: black and a varigated orange, which might pass for gold.

Everything is black and gold,
Black and gold, tonight;
Yellow pumpkins, yellow moon,
Yellow candlelight;

Jet-black cat with golden eyes,
Shadows black as ink,
Firelight blinking in the dark
With a yellow blink.

Black and gold, black and gold,
Nothing in between -
When the world turns black and gold,
Then it's Halloween!
- Nancy Byrd Turner

The yarn is 52% Bamboo, 43% Merino, and 5% Silk. It has the warmth of wool with a very soft hand-feel. Blythe never complains about scratchy wool but I am sure this would knit up very nice for people-sized knits.

Then come out the good ol' tried and tested Blythe-sized cardigan pattern. But I wanted to also get back into doing some patterned knitting. It has been a while and I'm not sure that stripes really count. And with Hallowe'en being the theme, it was a great excuse to work some skulls around the hat. Sticking with the 00 (1.75mm) needles meant that it took forever to knit but it also allowed more skulls to be worked into the hat.

I also realized that if you knit a Blythe hat from the top down, you have more freedom in playing with pattern and design. You're not going to run out of hat the way you might if you were knitting form the bottom up.

And, to be fair, Puki Puki got her own minature version.

Last of the Teensy, Weensy Striped Cardigans?

2008-10-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

Really and truly, I believe that a pattern for a striped cardigan at this scale is fully worked out and ready to be filed!

I have two cardies to sell and one to keep for reference. I dabbled in making some hat styles to go with them: a massive tam o' shanter, a newsboy cap, and a beanie.
These little pieces were so much fun to make but at this point, I'm really itching to get back to knitting for Mlle. Mdvanii.

Yarn Clean-Up

2008-10-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Image From DWR

My official response is that I so need this to gather up any bits of yarn that fall from my needles/hooks.

But really, I would likely squirrel this away with my precious, overpriced Mdvanii. Nice to look at but don't dare touch
... Let alone, sweep!!

That makes a practical purchase ... right?

D(ang)WR

2008-10-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

I've always prided myself on a bit of reverse-snobbishness with regard to DWR.
Design Within Reach?
Really?! You'd never know from their pricing; a very good candidate for false advertising, from my point of view.

"Every time I try to get out, they suck me back in."
I think that Shelterrific's post might have been a precursor. But today's mail included a catologue of somewhat more believabley "Within Reach" beautiful items.
If I bought this, could I get more knitting done?
... Right.

Knitting Props

2008-10-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Image from Leaf Cutter Designs.

When I first read about this I thought, "Darling!" Next I thought/rationalized that a purchase could be used as a prop in photoshoots for handknits or, on a less mercenary note, as an anniversary gift.

But the more I look at her site, the more enamoured I am. A cootie catcher? I used to make these compulsively ... even as a dinner party favour once. They're so much fun!

She is in town this month. I really want to try and visit and see her in action. I wonder if she can write in Greek?

Stash Storage

2008-10-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Image from Takeshi Miyakawa Design

When I'm not knitting, I spend a lot of time justifying buying fun and beautiful things that could "support" my little cottage industry.

Wouldn't this be the be all and end all of stash storage ... yarn or otherwise? And, rationalization aside, what a wonderful, fun piece to have in the middle of a super-mod, loft-y space.
Hmmm. Can the purchase of a "super-mod, loft-y space" be rationalized as a critical purchase for a cottage industry?

Poppenhuis

2008-09-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Picture from the nga.gov/kids website)

I like to knit for dolls and dolls live in dollhouses, so I guess that this virtual one has a place in this blog. Check out the interactive Dutch Doll house on the National Gallery of Art's site for kids. Yeah, it's marketed for kids but everyone knows that dollhouses started out as pastimes for adults. So enjoy it righteously!

You can decorate and populate the house's 17th century Dutch interiors, moving things around, customizing, adjusting the lighting. And be sure to check every doorway. Click on the brick façade to enter and get started exploring the house and courtyard.

You will need Shockwave, to interact with it it but without, you can still admire the graphics.

VISIT:
Poppenhuis at the NGA

Crochet Revisited

2008-09-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

So I'm still on again, off again wrestling with crochet. You would think that one less stick would make it easier than knitting. For a long time, I got around it by doing a knitted mesh stitch. But, having tried crochet, I am determined to tackle it.

Despite having books on it, vintage monographs on it, links to websites on it, I still find them to be all a bit vague and contradictory.
My biggest question still remains: now, where exactly do you stick the hook?

Most of my references indicate and illustrate inserting the hook under only the top loop of the links formed on top of the last row. But I find this creates a straggly fabric with ridges on one side. Thank goodness for the Crochet Guild of America's website. Their instructions illustrate what I assumed must be required for a smooth, tighter fabric: insert the hook under both loops of the chain on top of the last row. This doesn't apply to the foundation row, of course. But I have a great trick for that first row that I found in a little technical book on knitting and crochet. It creates a lovely sturdy edge from the get-go. I'll have to post it here.

One more thing about the Crochet Guild of America - they even have instructions for lefthanders!

Visit:
Crochet Guild of America