Blue Blob Blunder

Kamati is showing you his tail, because this is the end of Unst.

Remember how many obstacles I faced throughout this project? and how I overcame them all and continued on? If I only stopped and asked myself, "WHY?!" I would have figured out that I bought lace weight instead of cobweb, therefore WHY I was having tension problems and ultimately ran out of yarn! I realized I was using lace weight after I completed the first edge corner and felt sick! I kept thinking I didn't have enough yarn and noticed there was no more for sale! Then I read 'lace weight' and thought, "WHAT? NO WAY!"

I kept going and told Wooly who was more upset than me until I used the term "horse blanket" because I held it up and it's huge. He laughed so hard he had a "flip back head", you know, like a PEZ! I wish I had taken a picture! Then I told my friend Tracy at work, who also laughed then said, "Hello! You're too big friend the horse is here! Give it to ME! Okay, then you have to show it to me!" She thinks it's really cool, but I'm not giving it to her since it's not perfect or finished.

I learned that weight matters. What bothers me the most is that I didn't listen to all the signs the universe was throwing at me! Usually, I'm very aware of feelings and signs. I think I was caught up in knitting something heirloom, therefore, very cool in my mind. I spent 8 weeks on this lesson, which was well learned!

There's no crying... lots of self loathing! but, no crying! I'll make a perfect one someday in cobweb! Now it's a challenge! Can I get those 8 weeks back?! ;)

Check the weight! Knit a swatch! Check your gauge! Knit on! :)

Cut + Unst Border #2

Cut and repeat.

Cutting the waste cast on rows and picking up 185 stitches wasn't as hard as I thought.

I went all the way to Africa, and the only thing I bought for myself was this Gemsbok!

He's great for modeling, listening to me ramble, and staring at me.



Then there were TWO!

I completed the second border (right side) and enjoyed watching those motifs appear again.

Here's a close up of my favorites... I like diamond shapes and think my tension might be getting better.
After finishing Border #1, I rewarded myself by buying the Bee Stole!
I have 2 skeins of the dark red Fino that I've been saving for something special. But I also like the Zephyr in chanel (fushia). I like the vertical lines of the stole. Not starting yet!

Now I'm off to work on Alpine for a while before starting the Unst's edging. Remember? Edging is like sleeves... not fun, easy to put off, but if you don't complete it, you can't wear it! :) and I can't start anything else. Now maybe I'll reward myself for finishing Border#2... there's another pattern I want!

Happy Knitting!

Unst Border #1

Yes, I'm back to reality, knitting away!

I present my Unst Border #1 (side view)



Here's a close up of the first half...

Here's the second half...
Now I have to CUT the cast on waste stitches and pick up 185 stitches...
so I can knit the 2nd border... not that I didn't enjoy making the first border... but, CUT??!
The only cutting I do is for steeks - and that was scary the first time! Bad things can happen!
Yes, I'm doing my version of avoidance... I think I need to... shop! ;)

Bye Gail B!

My knitting and quilting mentor Gail B retired, sold her house and moved to Pittsburg, PA.
We worked together for the last 10 years. She started the 'Knitting at Noon' gang every Friday, which was a joy. She gave me the best gift that keeps on giving - knitting and quilting!
I know you will miss Little Knits - but at least you can still shop there online. :)
Now you need to start blogging, so everyone can see what you're knitting!

Here's my 'proof of life' photo:
Me at my desk holding Alpine. I decided I need to work on Alpine during lunch, or she will never get done by Christmas.
Gail - you can image the stealth it took to get this photo taken without comments/questions from the peanut gallery! Thanks to Mike T for taking this photo, nobody knew it happened! ;)
Yes, I've got my website on my screen! See Gail! It's really me! Now start blogging!


Okay, enough fun! I'm off to start cutting... wait, what about the shopping?! :)

Happy Knitting everyone! Knit on!

Smitten

Unst update:

I'm smitten with this project now! Just completed 5 repeats and have 5 to go! When I get up extra early without the alarm to sneak down and work a few rows before I start my day, I know I'm really loving it! I even managed to get Yuki to model with it. Everyone else was rolling their eyes and I wasn't even asking them to help hold or wear anything. :)


Ever feel cursed?

I've been wanting to make the Alpine Knit Scarf from VLT page 36 for my SIL Poohla for Christmas. She likes lavendar and I had Zephyr all ready to go. Now, I love Zephyr - merino and silk, soft, little bit of shine, makes beautiful fabric - and used it for many shawls - including Leaf and Trellis. For some reason this one feels different and is not cooperating. I've started and restarted at least 3 times with no success. I've decided to use Cashwool instead. Hopefully the curse will be broken. :)

Double Lily

I don't know what it's real name is, but it finally bloomed! See how it's a lily in a lily? Mom gave me these and they're doing better at my house than hers. I love how vibrant and happy they look.

Thanks to everyone for believing Unst would get better! It's funny how everyone is more confident in my ability than I am! ;) At least I'm determined! And using a lifeline, counting, focused and smitten! :)

Have a good week! m :)

Lifeline... you saved me more than once!

Unst update:

This has been quite the journey.

1. Tried to cast on 'my way' and it didn't work. Followed instructions... and it worked! duhh!

2. What's that smell? The yarn. Ok, I'll put up with it now that the nose knows!

3. Black dots on chart? Re-read page 23. I'm reading it right... maybe not... no, I really am... Thanks to Lorri for clarifying.

4. Dropped 2 stitches, but caught them in time. Made it to row 20 when I realized one got away. Aaauugghhh! Took a 'break' to surf the web and saw Fleegle's post about lifelines are your friend - use them! Wishing I had a lifeline... while ripping out... and starting over. :(

5. Got my lifeline, focus now... count! Did you say something? It's not lining up! Rip back 5 rows to lifeline. :(

6. Shhh... everything's going too well. Breathe. Made it through one repeat! Hooray!

So here I am on row 13 of the 2nd repeat. See my friend the pink lifeline?
Never ever had this much drama!!

My hydrangea. Closest thing to a firework in my yard. We'll be on 'fire watch' like usual.

Happy Canada Day to my Canadian friends! Happy Independence Day to my American friends!

Let's make it safe and sane... USE A LIFELINE! m:)

Unst and Introductions

Hooray!

I got my airforce cashmere/merino 2/28 - from Colourmart today!

Boy was that fast - they shipped Wednesday and I got it Monday!

So, now I'm ready to start the Unst stole and put Flow away.

Yes, this is me - Miyamojo.

I joined the Heirloom Knitting Yahoo group and was asked what lace project I'm proud of.

Here it is: Leaf and Trellis shawl from Victorian Lace Today - pg. 54. Zephyr merino & silk - Aegean Blue. Knitpicks 2mm circular needles.

This is Wooly

This is the Aran I'm proud of: Shaughnessey from Clan Arans. Made from Jamieson Aran - Navy from Anne at She Ewe Knits. I changed the neck to a satin stitch roll because it seemed to fit the nautical theme.

Wooly bought the yarn and pattern. All I did was make it for him. :)

Thanks for visiting! I'm off to start Unst... wish me luck! m:)