Over the Edge

Approaching 56 assembled granny squares, I was able to see the size of the finished product.

A bit of the border on the left side of the foto.

Yikes!  It's not as big as I hoped.

And I know you're thinking "It's her gauge."  Nope.  It's just desigend to be a lapghan.  I sure wish I'd noticed that fact.  What is it about my excitement at new projects that creates such barriers to the fine print?  One of my many human weaknesses . . .

It's too small.
I do NOT wanna make any more granny squares than I have already.
Implications?  Gotta create a border, and not just the several rows of sc called for as a finishing edge.

This implication and its many possible solutions sent me right over the edge.  Even kept me awake!  And certainly sent me to several resources to discover others' ideas.  (I like Ravelry for this purpose, as well as images on Google that show up attached to a search.)

I settled on the simplest of all solutions, relying again on Occam's Razor which says something about the simple answer usually being the best one.  The border will be one row of beige sc to set a good foundation; then rows/rounds of granny 3-somes, with each row in one of the many colors used in the squares.  I can use this method to expand the size of the afghan and may even intersperse a row or two more of the beige/oatmeal.

Remember that excitement I mentioned above?  Yup, I needed to see the idea as a reality and right now!  Never mind there are 10-12 squares left to finish.  Nope, gonna skip right over that (even if temporarily) and proceed to the border.

Here you can see that I'm adding squares around
the outside edge.  I can insert the others after I
get a few rows of the border completed.

I really like this pattern.  It's a granny but with a bit of a twist.  You can find the pattern at Red Heart -- Versatile Afghan.  My yarn was actually intended for another project -- but it surely won't surprise you that I grabbed it for this project.  All of the yarn is Bernat, Super Value.

Here's a few pix that will show you how the granny square is turned so that the corners are re-located 90 degrees to the right.

• The yellow center has one round of 'normal' granny corners.
• Then the purple round is begun, not in the green corner, but in the 1ch space between the corners.
• Double trebles are used to create a new corner, with ch3 between, passing over the green corner.
• The first of 2 final rounds uses the new corner.  When it's time for a 3-some of DC to get to the next corner, you reach down to the green corner and capture it with the ch3 purple. 

Lots of yarn, lots of color changes, lots of ends to weave.  Organization is essential.  If you've done a granny (or any project with lots of colors) you know how important it is to keep things organized.

All the yarn in a box that delivered the K-Cups.
Six skeins fit perfectly!

Nice sturdy shoe box for the zip bags
that hold each of the 10 different blocks.
I did say lots of combinations, didn't I?

I set forth some 'rules' for myself, knowing that weaving in ends is not something I anticipate with excitement at the end of a project.

• I crocheted centers and next round of each block and stored these in a bag.  
• I added one round three and added it to the bag for that numbered block.  (The last 2 rounds are oatmeal, with the second of those 2 rounds a connecting round.)
• I wove in all ends for each block as I added it to the lapghan.  
• I trimmed all the ends and brought a small plastic container next to my chair so I could deposit orts there.
• I didn't follow any particular order for assembly, sometimes across a row, sometimes up a column, sometimes adding diagonally.

I have 2 more blocks to complete the outer edge and then I will be "over the edge" with rounds and rounds of border granny.  I am fairly sure that after row 3 or 4 I will be pining for work on a square.  It's a good thing I planned some empty space to fill with the granny squares.

If not I'd really be over the edge.

Baby Stitching

 Always fun, always rewarding, always satisfying -- Baby Stitching.  Our extended family is expecting 2 more little ones this year.  Maryland PA granddaughter and State Patrol husband will deliver their #3 tomorrow.  Rhode Island granddaughter (retired USN) and Navy husband will deliver their 1st in July.

The clown quilt is basted and ready for machine quilting.  The printed top includes quilting marks which I will use to begin.  Then I hope to repeat those shapes and do some shadow quilting, filling in as needed.

I use a handy quilting gun to baste.  It shoots those pesky tag things, the ones you have to cut when removing tags from purchased clothing.  Each piece penetrates all layers and holds them together.  The messy part is when you have to carefully cut each one to remove it after the quilting is complete.  Makes a mess of plastic red bits, but I prefer the gun to thread basting or safety pins.

Maybe you can see the little red insertions.  There is one in
the lower part of the "A" and one near the line in the
middle of the "B".

Green flannel for the backing, with
multi-colored bit dots.  Hoping to use pale
green thread for quilting.

Receiving Blanket 

First step is basted narrow hem.  Then a row of
Single Crochet, at 6-8 per inch.  I am using size 10 thread
and a 1.8 (6) steel hook.

At this point I am adding Row 3.  Row 1 looks like a
blanket stitch (the sc/s) and row 2 and row 3 are nested
rows of DC Ch3 DC.

I am making #7 in the picture, with one more row to finish.

Another great find from AbeBooks -- a collection of
edgings by Terry Kimbrough, published 1994 by
Leisure Arts.

Time to face the sewing machine.  I also have jean patches to sew, patching the spots where the former patches have worn thru!

That Afghan #Completed

Finally, I can state affirmatively that the light at the end of this tunnel is not a train -- whoo hoo!  It's actually an afghan.

This afghan project was a good idea at the time but like a lot of projects took a right (or left) turn into a dead end street.  For me, a dead end knitting street includes addresses at

• 10 Boring Lane, 
• 26 Not Interesting Street, and 
• 43 Can't Bear to Pick it Up Blvd.
• With other addresses in between that mark the mindless and dull knitting.  (My fault entirely.  I joined a KAL for beginner knitters and didn't realize this until yarn was bot and paid for and Clue 1 arrived in the email.  Lesson:  read more carefully, Becky.)

During the now passed #AugustCompletionMarathon, I put my head down, got the birch needles clicking and turned up the creative juices while knitting YABS (Yet Another Boring Square).  Darliss wins for the comment of the century:  It looks like the dish cloths we knit to give as gifts.

Here's a collection of pix to show you what I finished and how I modified things to keep the target more interesting.

Library book:  Nicky Epstein's Crocheted Flowers, plus
a skein of Caron Soft in a variegated spring color scheme.
Fun to try each one and so I crocheted a flower garden.

Blossoms and buds

More blossoms

A border, crocheted so it would work up quickly.  One row of SC and then a row of shells.

Almost done.  There's no train, tho the light is shining brightly off of the new afghan for the end of my bed.  And just in time for the cooler temps when an extra bit of soft and cuddly is what the doctor ordered.

#Hashtags for #Knitters

#FinishedAnotherOne -- Yup, promised myself I'd finish some of the UFO's I posted in my homage to friend Darliss.  Here's one of the baby blankets.

Easy free pattern from Bernat Baby Softee -- but that center
part was #booooorrrring.  

It's crocheted, with a G hook.
Only 3 skeins (which I got on sale!)
#NotAStashBuster

#MakingProgressButSlow -- another afghan, this one from a vintage book (do the 1970's really qualify as 'vintage'?  #YikesIAmOlderThanIThought) 

Getting this color in a foto is really tough -- it's Patons
Astra Hot Lilac (but don't try to use with any other colors
cuz it turns really gray.)

About half way -- interesting collection of patterns and all
easy to do.  Not sure how much yarn since this project is
#DefinitelyAStashBuster

I have decided to set aside August to #ConvertUFOtoFinished and so far so good.  That lilac afghan, though, is #SlowGoing -- lots of stitches on the circular US8 and gotta knit to 36".  #Yikes.

#HaveAWonderfulAugust

LBD and new Beatrice Wrap

Saturday night event.  LBD.  New hand-crocheted wrap with a bit of sparkle.  Husband in tuxedo.  All the things a gal needs for a special date.

Red Heart Stardust, superwash wool, nylon and a bit of sparkle.  The pattern is free-- Beatrice Wrap.

I think I'll block it so the picot edging is a bit more stable.  Also, I want the Solomon's Knots not to be knotted.   Here's the detail.

So there you have it.  This is a wonderful pattern.  It's labeled "Experienced" and I'll admit to needing some help with those Solomon's Knots.  Check out Crochet Geek on YouTube for help -- you can see what I learned.  Crochet Geek -- video link at the top of the home page.

I hope they serve a fine champagne at the event on Saturday night.  This sparkly wrap deserves a dress-up  beverage, don't ya know!

Solomon's Knot

Wonderful new shawl which I hope to wear on Saturday night.  Do you think I'll make it?

Crochet is usually a bit faster than knitting, but the Solomon's Knot in this one requires a bit of delicate loop-making.

This was a new stitch for me, so I went searching for help and found a wonderful site. Here's a great story about Teresa Richardson, a self-proclaimed Crochet Geek.  Richardson in Forbes Article.  I first found Teresa on YouTube -- duh!  In her wonderful videos I learned about the Solomon's Knot.  The angles are good, the contrast is great, the yarn and hook are a size you can see, her voice is wonderful -- great place to learn a new stitch (or begin your crochet life.)  

Crochet Geek

Here's a detail shot.

Yarn is Red Heart Stardust using their free pattern Beatrice Wrap.  The link will get you to pattern and yarn.

Many thanks to Teresa Richardson, who also answered my email.  She may be a crocheter but she's good at knitting together the community.  

Project Details

Beatrice Wrap
Yarn:  Red Heart Stardust, superwash wool, nylon, and sparkle

Manufacturer:  Red Heart
Pattern:  Free from Red Heart
Bot the yarn online.  I will admit to price shopping.

Harry Potter Sox
Yarn:  Heritage Superwash, superwash wool and nylon

Manufacturer:  Cascade Yarns
Pattern:  from a library book, Charmed Knits for Harry Potter Fans
Needles:  size US1, dpn
Bot the yarn at Yellow House Yarns.

Bernat KAL Afghan

Yarn:  Waverly for Bernat

Manufacturer:  Bernat
Pattern:  Afghan Knit-along, 2012 Mystery Afghan
Needles:  US8 (5.00 mm)
Bot the yarn online from Bernat.  It was on sale with free shipping when they announced the afghan KAL.

Cream Comfy Shawl

Yarn: Paton's Shetland Chunky, 75% acrylic, 25% wool

Manufacturer: Paton's

Pattern: From The Prayer Shawl Companion by Bristow and Cole-Galo

Needles: US 13(9.0mm)

Don't remember where or when I bot the yarn, but patting myself on the back for using stash.

My Blue Sweater
Yarn:  100% washable wool
Manufacturer:  Cascade 220 washable wool and Cascade 220 Paints
Pattern:  New England Knits (it's on the cover, but I modified it)
Needles:  US8 (5.00 mm)
Bot the yarn:  Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood, WA and Yellow House Yarns in Puyallup, WA

Prayer Shawl
Yarn:  Red Heart Eco-Ways
Manufacturer:  Red Heart Yarns
Pattern:  Joyce Fassbender's Deja Vu Scarf/shawl from Knitpicks
Needles:  US10 (6.00mm)

Strolling Mitts

Yarn: Cascade 200, 100% wool

Manufacturer: Cascade Yarns

Pattern: Strolling Mitts from Stitch Nation

Needles: US6 (4.00 mm)

Bot the yarn for the TKGA Level I Master Knitter submission package of swatches and a hat.

White Lace Shawl

Yarn: Comfy Fingering, 75% pima cotton, 25% acrylic

Manufacturer: Knit Picks

Pattern: Spider half hexagon from Victorian Lace, by Jane Sowerby

Needles: US 6, 7, 8, and 9

Bot the yarn: online from KP, which has great customer service.

Mosaic Cowl

Yarn: Mosaic, 100% Acrylic

Manufacturer: Bernat

Pattern: Mosaic Cowl -- Knit, free from Bernat

Needles: US9

Bot the yarn: don't remember. I liked the colors.

Rick Rack Scarf
Yarn:  100% wool
Manufacturer:  Rowan
Pattern:  Rick Rack Scarf from Purl Bee
Needles:  US10.5
Bot the yarn:   online, this scarf made from last skeins left over from a cable sweater.

Burgundy Lace Crochet

Yarn: 100% wool, lace weight

Manufacturer: Knit Picks

Pattern: Emerald Scarf by Tracy St. John, Interweave

Needle: a crochet hook, USB, a little tiny one

Bot the yarn: as part of a shawl kit and stole this color for a special friend.

Mohair Gossamer Lace Scarf

Yarn: 37% acrylic, 33% mohair, 30% wool

Manufacturer: Nashua Handknits, Gelologie, 142 yds, Italy

Pattern: Gossamer Lace Shell, One Skein Wonders, pg 55

Needles: 10 1/2 US, wooden, Clover probably.

Bot the yarn: part of a scarf-of-the-month club from Patternworks in NH.

Swatches and Hat for Master Knitter Level I

Yarn: 100% wool, Cascade 220

Manufacturer: Cascade Yarns

Patterns: all instructions from Level I, TKGA

Needles: swatches and hat use 7US, ribbing on hat uses 5US

Bot the yarn: Yellow House Yarns and Shibori Dragon, in Lakewood, WA.

Hat -- resubmit for Level I, TKGA
Yarn:  100% wool, worsted weight
Manufacturer:  Shetland  Wools
Pattern:  Hat, Level I, TKGA
Needles:  US5 and US7
Bot the yarn:  Yellow House Yarns, Puyallup.

Blue Lace Shawl

Yarn: 85% cotton / 15% silk (Lyndon Hill)

Manufacturer: Bristol Yarn Gallery, Plymouth Yarn Co, spun in Peru

Pattern: from Victorian Lace Today, Jane Sowerby

Final measurements: will update when I finally finish it!

Needles: Size 6 US

Where I got the yarn: Webs (www.yarn.com), a favorite site for yarn and patterns and other supplies.

Crochet Interlude

Yarn: Silky Alpaca Lace, 70% baby alpaca, 30% silk

Manufacturer: Classic Elite Yarns

Pattern: Shawl from LionBrand free patterns

Hook: size US G

Where I got the yarn: Special gift from Fiona Pearce

Special notes: Decided to take the advice of wonderful owner at Yellow House Yarns in Puyallup. We were being knitting snobs and making derogatory comments about crochet. She then commented positively about the work of a friend who took a very light weight, lacy yarn and a very large crochet hook, creating a final fabric that was soft with a nice drape.

There you have it.

Crochet Interlude #2

Yarn: 100% acrylic

Manufacturer: Bernat Super Value acrylic

Pattern: from one of Bernat's afghan books

Hook: size US I

I bot the yarn online at Yarn and Thread by Lisa, outside of Lincoln, NE.

Shawl in the Sun

Yarn: Cotton, Silk, Wool, Nylon

Manufacturer: Noro "the world of nature"

Pattern: Joyce Fassbender, Deja Vu Shawl from Knitpicks IDP

Needles: probably a 10 US, but I don't remember

I bot the yarn at Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood, WA

The Train

I think I have discovered the mythical tunnel with the light at the end.  Yes, it's a train.

Yet another mistake on the white shawl.  Just about finished with the final pattern and ready to bind off.  I wanted to show myself that I could do just one more row.  And wouldn't you know, about half way into this final row (not counting the purl row to get back to the beginning), I discover a mistake.

Yikes.  The light IS a train and it's heading straight for me.  Several choices at this point -- too boring to describe and too traumatic to re-live -- so I decide to repeat the solution from the earlier mistake.  I decide to rip back by removing the stitches from the needle.

It's encouraging to realize I have actually learned
from my mistakes.  This time I use, not a needle and fine
crochet thread, but Hark, Batman, another needle.
It's a tiny one, a US2, and you can see it peeking out
just to the left of the (seemingly) large teal tip of the
circular needle.

So now all the stitches I want to rip back are sitting securely on the tiny US2 and all I have to do is

1. Gently pull the yarn out and then
2. Replace the stitches onto the larger needle.

Here's what it looks like when all the stitches are on the tiny needle and I'm ready to replace them to the larger needle.

Left to right:  Tip of larger needle US9 which I have removed
from the cord.  Next is the cord with a purple cap to prevent
the stitches from escaping.  The skinny gray needle is lying
across the other end of the circular needle.

I am ready to crochet now.  Instead of closing off the knitting by a usual method which makes a firm and finished edge, capturing all stitches one within the next, I will be crocheting some fringe as I seal off the stitches of the shawl.

Left to right again:  Knitting stitches on teal US9.  Then the
size H crochet hook inserted into a stitch, ready to chain
the fringe.  Above and to the right is the beginning
of the fringe.

The next time you hear from me this shawl will be completed and on the floor for blocking.  It's huge and I will need every bit of empty floor space available.  I'm thinking of folding into its respective thirds (remember it's 3 0f 6 sections, or half, of a hexagon) and blocking them one on top of the other.  Unorthodox, for sure.

Lacey fringe to match the delicacy of the shawl.

If I'm not able to make a go of it to the end, you'll find me riding on a train.  A kind soul will have wrapped my shoulders and head with a partially completed white shawl.  And you'll notice -- fashion folks that you are -- that the white shawl matches the long armed jacket I'm wearing.  Another kind soul will have tied the longs arms of my jacket around to the back.  There will be a light at the end but I might not see it thru the mesh of the shawl.

Embellishing the Hat

Remember when I said the hat was a done deal?  Well . . . it wasn't, not exactly.

Lots of finishing 'chores' to do --

• Weave in all the loose ends on the back side
• Finish a top-knot thingy for the crown of the cap
• Add reverse crochet to the edge of the hat

The top-knot thingy is made of I-cord.  Check YouTube for instructions here.  I decided to make several bits of cord and then loop them in and out of one another as I attached each cord to the top of the hat.  And of course I had to use all three colors that appear in the stripes.

Three different cords, using either one or two colors per cord.

The I-cords look like this.  The solid pink one is already attached to the hat.  The other two have loose threads at each end which I will weave from front right side of the hat to the back to attach the cords to the cap.  (Of course, this process also adds to the number of loose ends that must be woven into the backside to anchor and hide all the threads.)  At the same time I will interlace the cords so the top-knot thingy is interesting and unique.

I-Cord, using DPN and 3 stitches.  Check Nancie Wiseman's
book of Finishing Techniques.  Great book.

I didn't like the bottom edge of the cap.  Just the edge of pink ribbing and it seemed boring.  So I got out Nancie's book and looked up "reverse crochet."  It's a weird stitch because you work it around the edge sort of behind yourself.  Check it out on YouTube where someone will have all the details.  Here's a link to Reverse Single Crochet.

Needs to be steamed a bit but I like the look.

I can now say, truthfully, that the hat really is a done deal.  I have the pile of orts to show for it.  Nancie's book is indispensable, with clear pictures.  Each technique has a list of pros and cons which can help you decide if that technique will work for your item.  Exceptional book, perhaps one of the very best I've ever added to my resource shelf.

My scissors, darning needle, and pile of thread ends
after completing all the weaving in.

The scissors in the pocket are in the cover photo.
My scissors, from Germany, are almost buried in the
pile of thread ends.

Sure am glad this one's finally really over.  It's cure and colorful, but that last bit of work -- weaving in and embellishing -- is just plain tedious.  Nancie even suggests a glass of wine to help the chore seem less a chore.  You gotta do this part or you'll never have a finished item.  But it's my least favorite part of the process.  I think most knitters will agree.

This bit of tedium is right up there with scrubbing grout in the shower -- nothing much fun about it except for the anticipation of a finished, hand-knit item and/or a very clean shower.  Good things come to those who can outlast the tedium.