bmore crafty.

BMORE CRAFTY IS MOVING!

2011-04-14T17:46:00.005-04:00

Friends, there's some news! I've been busy knitting a few projects, but haven't had much time to share my progress, and this is why:

I've been debating this for some time now, and I finally bit the bullet. I'm changing blogging platforms, therefore your current subscription to bmore crafty won't be working for much longer. At first, I was just planning to self-host under blogger, but after considering a bunch of factors, I've moved to Wordpress. I will likely delete this version of the blog in a few months, so please update your RSS feed!

You'll find my blog (with all the old posts intact) at http://bmore-crafty.com. I'm still working on the formatting and such, but please stop by and say hello.

Happy knitting!!

#64 - WIP WEDNESDAY: THE PEACH BANDIT

2011-04-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

If you followed my posts at all for Knit & Crochet Blog Week, you may have read the anecdote that my mother has so kindly taken my Springtime Bandit shawlette off of my hands. In an effort to get said knitted garment back in my posession, I just cast on another one for her on Monday after finishing my Effortless Cardigan. Yay! I'll be sharing some photos of it later this week.

The Peach Bandit in progress -
and note @mizelissa's awesome highlighted charts in the background

I've only spent a few evenings on The Bandit, but I'm already into my third repeat of the body chart. Of course, the rows are still rather short at this point, but I'm definitely enjoying the process. This pattern is the perfect type of lace for me - complicated enough to keep me interested, but simple enough that I'm not losing my mind. It's also a nice way to practice "reading" my knitting as I go.

I got the chance to work on this a bit yesterday over a long breakfast/lunch meet-up with my Twitter Knitter pal @mizelissa. So, please note that I was knitting lace and having a conversation at the same time. Shocking! I did tuck The Bandit neatly into my bag once we ordered "brunch" cocktails, though. I'm no fool.

To see more yarny folks for WIP Wednesday, visit Tami's Amis to see all of this week's participating blogs.

Happy knitting!
xx

#63 - 2KCBWDAY7: WHEN I KNIT

2011-04-03T18:35:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that the second Knit & Crochet Blog Week is already at an end. It has been great to discover lots of new blogs this time around, and I hope you continue to stop by and share your thoughts and feedback with me. For today's final post, we're talking about crafting routines:

Write about your typical crafting time. When it is that you are likely to craft – alone or in more social environments, when watching TV or whilst taking bus journeys. What items do you like to surround yourself with whilst you twirl your hook like a majorette’s baton or work those needles like a skilled set of samurai swords. Do you always have snacks to hand, or are you a strictly ‘no crumbs near my yarn!’ kind of knitter.

Usually, I can be found cozy in an armchair every evening with my knitting at hand and an audiobook or podcasts playing... and I'm most productive when listening to something that's knitting-related. I could play Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off on repeat for the rest of my knitting life and probably be a happy camper. I think she resonates with me, along with so many others, by making crafters feel less alone in the utter joy, the occasional obsession, and the hours of pleasure we gain from simply spending time with needles or hooks and yarn. She makes me feel a little less crazy about my overgrown stash, my confusion over knitting black holes (you know, when you knit and knit and knit but your knitting doesn't get any bigger), and the sheer excitement I feel when walking into a new yarn shop for the first time. At a time when I wasn't hanging out with many (read: any) knitters, she made me feel less alone.

But there are also loads of podcasts that I listen to on a regular basis while I'm getting my knit on. Some of my favorites include (in no particular order): It's a Purl, Man; The Knitmore Girls; Electric Sheep; Subway Knits; Yarngasm; Knit Knit Cafe; The Knit Wits; and The Knitajourney Podcast. What podcasts are you into? I'm always on the hunt for something new.

Sure, I knit while listening to other podcasts or music, watching syndicated sitcoms, on the metro, at friend's houses, in cafes, at the breakfast table... the list goes on. But my favorite crafting time allows me to be all-consumed by my knitterly thoughts. You're most likely to find me smiling and giggling quietly at a moment like this, when I'm being a pure yarnophile and feeling most like myself. And that's why I knit in the first place.

#62 - 2KCBWDAY6: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

2011-04-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Today's Knit and Crochet Blog Week post is all about my knitting aspirations:

Is there a pattern or skill that you don’t yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don’t even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make but can admire the result of those that have.

When I first started knitting, I never even considered the notion of making a sweater. The process seemed too daunting, too expensive, and too overwhelmingly time consuming to be necessary. I could make piles of scarves and hats and gloves to wear with simple coats and that would be it. Little cozy things that require a few skeins of yarn or less and there you go. Then, I got on Ravelry. Not only were there gorgeous cardigans, pullovers, jackets, and tank tops all over the place... but I wanted to wear them. And even worse, I got the urge to knit them.

Future sweater knitting - Solstice Cardigan and Larch Cardigan

Once I fell down the rabbit hole, there was no turning back. So really, I have to say that if there's one knitting skill I dream of having in the future, it's the understanding of garment construction. Sure, I can knit a sweater, but can I make it fit well? How do I know if a raglan suits my body/the garment better than a set-in sleeve? What's the best way to attach a buttonband? What about short row shaping? How should I take drape into consideration? And how in the hell do I actually create negative ease?

To me, understanding garment construction is the ultimate knitting goal - having the ability to design my own stuff would be amazing. I don't know if I'll ever be able to completely wrap my head around it, but I'm sure willing to try. In the meantime, I'm planning to knit a variety of sweaters that will teach me new techniques. Perhaps there's a master knitting class in my future, too.

My main yarny problem is that I want to knit ALL THE THINGS and can't seem to keep up with my crazy ideas or keep myself focused on a few projects at a time. I'm always lusting for the next thing. Such is life. The good news is that I've only been knitting for about three years now, and I don't expect to give up on my needles anytime soon (especially considering the massive amount of yarn in my possession)... so, I suspect that there's plenty of time to learn.

#61 - INSTANT GRATIFICATION

2011-04-01T17:00:00.001-04:00

I'm skipping the Knit & Crochet Blog Week post for today. Feels like I'm copping out, but to be perfectly honest, today's topic wasn't striking a chord with me for whatever reason. Nonetheless, I'll be stopping by to read many of your KCBW posts and see all of the creative things you came up with!

Simple Buttoned Baby Pullover and Swirl Baby Cap

Instead, I just wanted to write a quick post sharing the items I finished up this week. I've been in a knitting drought lately and not feeling the urge to knit. But when my sister-in-law requested that I make some baby knits for a friend of her's, I was back in action. Maybe I just needed a change of pace from sweater knitting, but there's something about baby knits that makes them so pleasurable - the instant gratification. With just a couple skeins of yarn and a few days time, you can crank out a few tiny little knits and feel impossibly clever without breaking a sweat. Not to mention, baby knitting is a perfect way to try out new techniques without feeling incredibly overwhelmed.

In less than a week's time, I had a cozy sweater and cap off the needles, and that kind of turn-around got me back in the groove. I suspect my Effortless Cardigan will be finished before I know it. About time, isn't it?

Happy knitting!!
xx

#60 - 2KCBWDAY4: WHAT EVER HAPPENED

2011-03-31T12:45:00.003-04:00

I have to say, I'm really enjoying blog week. This is such a great opportunity to meet new bloggers and learn about your experiences. I really enjoy your feedback, and as always, any ideas or critiques you might have are greatly appreciated. Might I also mention that in the time when I planned to write this blog post, I ended up perusing the Pierrot Yarns website... sale on merino fingering weight yarn!! Old habits die hard, y'all. Now, onto today's topic: knits from the past:

Whatever happened to your __________?

Write about the fate of a past knitting project. Whether it be something that you crocheted or knitted for yourself or to give to another person. An item that lives with you or something which you sent off to charity.

I love looking back on my first knits because, as I said in a previous post, I was really a fearless knitter at the start. I made 2 boring stocking stitch scarves before I dove in headfirst: cabled fingerless gloves and an entrelac headwrap were some of my earliest projects... followed by lace.

My Springtime Bandit, up-close and personal

I made my first yarn splurge with an order for The Fibre Company's Road to China in citrine. With said splurge, I decided to knit myself a Springtime Bandit. Now, I was new and not exactly the brightest of knitters, so I ended up buying too little of a discontinued color, and could only knit the edge portion once, but man oh man, I was so proud and so pleased when I finished that scarf.

Even though I feel like my Bandit illustrates a lot of my inexperience, it also shows my enthusiasm for trying new techniques on the fly. It made me feel impossibly clever when I was finished, and it now holds a special place in the canon of my knitted items. In fact, my mom recently pilfered it when I left it sitting on her dining room table... so I'll be knitting her a Springtime Bandit of her own in some fingering weight yarn in the coming weeks.

I don't have some touching story to share (unfortunately), but when I read this prompt, I immediately thought of my Bandit. It's precious to me, and it gives me a lot of joy to see my mom's love for it as well. She's probably my biggest knitty supporter, and I feel even warmer and fuzzier when she wears it.

#59 - 2KCBWDAY3: GETTING ORGANIZED

2011-03-30T16:00:00.002-04:00

We're trucking along and it's already day three of KCBW! Again, thanks to everyone for all the amazing feedback. I'm doing my best to get around to all the blog participants, but there are just too damn many of you! :D So today, we're talking about organizing your yarny stuffs:

How do you keep your yarn wrangling organised? It seems like an easy to answer question at first, but in fact organisation exists on many levels. Maybe you are truly not organised at all, in which case I am personally daring you to try and photograph your stash in whatever locations you can find the individual skeins. However, if you are organised, blog about an aspect of that organisation process, whether that be a particularly neat and tidy knitting bag, a decorative display of your crochet hooks, your organised stash or your project and stash pages on Ravelry.

I'm not afraid to admit that my stash isn't organized at all. Really, not in the slightest. I have plastic bins of yarn and a few errant baskets in designated areas around the house, but I know where specific skeins are located mainly by memory. However, I have made a big effort in the last year to better organize my individual patterns and project notes. It's a small start, but it has made a serious difference in my knitting habits.

The massive binder of all things knitty.

Before, I'd often print off my downloaded patterns, fold them up and toss them into my knitting bag, where they'd find a certain demise after a few short weeks. Wasteful and pretty irritating. Now, just by simply putting all of my patterns into plastic sleeves, they hold up much better. And by keeping all of said patterns in a binder with labeled dividers, I can always find what I'm looking for, which is great when I want to revisit a pattern.

Also, I realized over the past few years that I did a terrible job of documenting the knitting process while working on my various projects. It would become especially frustrating when I'd misplace the little sheets of paper that I wrote modifications on. Several months ago, I got a moleskine notebook for sketching and note-keeping, so I have a really detailed account of my progress on each garment. It has revolutionized my crafting. I take note of dates, mods, thoughts on the pattern, design ideas, etc. It's especially useful because I can, in turn, share these notes online via Ravelry or my blog. Finally! A system that works for me.

It's funny how this prompt has made me realize that despite my love for and interest in technology, the best way for me to keep organized is in an analog format. I prefer having hard copies of my patterns rather than glancing at the PDF file on my laptop or my phone, and I'd rather pull out a pen and stop knitting for a minute to jot down notes than log into Ravelry and document it there. In this next year, it seems like a good idea for me to focus on better storage for my yarn and notions. All in due time, right?

#58 - 2KCBWDAY2: MAD SKILLS

2011-03-29T16:42:00.006-04:00

I must start out by saying thanks to all of the knit & crochet bloggers out there who have paid me a visit so far for Knit & Crochet Blog Week! I was really excited to see the responses to my Day 1 post, and hopefully it promoted a feeling of inclusiveness. Now onto, Day 2's prompt, which is all about my mad knitting skills:

Look back over your last year of projects and compare where you are in terms of skill and knowledge of your craft to this time last year. Have you learned any new skills or forms of knitting/crochet (can you crochet cable stitches now where you didn’t even know such things existed last year? Have you recently put a foot in the tiled world of entrelac? Had you even picked up a pair of needles or crochet hook this time last year?

In general, I'd like to think of myself as a rather fearless knitter. I'm willing to try new techniques and see how it goes. Really, my flaw is a lack of time management skills. Last year, I promised myself I'd try stranded knitting. And although I have a much better idea of what I'm doing technique-wise and the projects I'd like to tackle, I still haven't done it AN ENTIRE A YEAR LATER.

Slouchy Brambles, Fenimore, and Brambles No. 1

However, I have tried out a few new skills this year. First off, my cables have improved leaps and bounds, by paying greater attention to how tightly I hold the yarn and switching needle gauge when necessary. In the last year, I've done a handful of cabled hats using both a cable needle and without, and I think they look pretty amazing if I do say so myself.

Also, I dared to try socks this year for the first time ever. I was certain that I was morally allergic to sock knitting and it never really appealed to me, despite the bizarre amount of sock yarn lurking in my stash. But I gave it a shot, and after several months (yeah, I know), I had a finished pair of socks. And I actually sort-of enjoyed it. I did a standard heel flap for my first pair, and I'm going to try an eye of partridge heel for the second.

Baby Placket Pullover

Finally, I've been exploring garment construction and am consistently excited about sweaters. I have four (yes, count 'em) sweaters on the needles at the moment, all in different stages of completion. I'm trying one knit in pieces, two top-down raglans, and one modified to be knit in the round. I even knitted a tiny baby sweater the other day that's a bottom-up raglan.

So there's a lot happening at the moment. I'm not completely pushing myself into new techniques, but it something that comes up in a pattern, I'll try it - kitchener stitch, i-cord edging, Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, picking up and knitting stitches, cable cast-on - count me in. I don't cower in the face of new techniques. And really, why should I? If it doesn't work out, I can always unravel and start again.

#57 - 2KCBWDAY1: DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE.

2011-03-28T15:44:00.007-04:00

My knitting (and blogging) mojo has been missing for a majority of the season, but I'm making the effort to get back in action with the second annual Knit and Crochet Blog Week. However, in typical fashion, I have the feeling I might cause a bit of a ruckus amongst my knitterly compatriots with my response to today's prompt, which is all about yarn:

Part of any fibre enthusiast’s hobby is an appreciation of yarn. Choose two yarns that you have either used, are in your stash or which you yearn after and capture what it is you love or loathe about them.

So, I'm already having trouble. I will not bash yarn here. Even when I don't particularly enjoy using a certain yarn, I generally assume that I am the root of the problem for one reason or another - I chose the wrong yarn for the project, I'm knitting too tightly / too loosely / etc, I didn't take x-factor into consideration... Whatever it is, I don't like to go postal about a yarn unless something completely unacceptable happens - for example, a skein with multiple knots in it. But still, rather than write a ranting post here or an angry tweet, I like to contact the manufacturer and see what can be done. Of course I might complain with my knitting group, but I'm not going to publish a diatribe against a yarn company.

A mix of high-end and less expensive yarns in my handknits, all with lovely results

But the major disconnect I'm experiencing is that I don't really have a favorite yarn. I truly enjoy every thing I work with, and I always look for the good qualities in fibre. I have a serious distaste for the yarn snobbery that I see in yarn shops and on the interweb. I believe in the notion that 'it might not be your taste, but that doesn't make it bad.'

In actuality, I am an Equal Opportunity Yarnie, as coined by Maria of the Subway Knits podcast. I love the colors of MadelineTosh as much as I enjoy the springy bounce of Paton's 100% Wool. Rowan Felted Tweed has those amazing little flecks of gorgeousness, but so does KnitPicks City Tweed. I nearly die over Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton, especially when I can buy it with a coupon. But the same thing happens to my brain with a lovely locally sourced yarn, Angel's Kiss Alpaca-Merino Worsted.

I like to think that I don't discriminate too much, but I typically prefer natural fibres over synthetics. My favorite yarns are usually straight-up undyed wool, but if you're telling me you don't use superwash or wool blends for socks, I personally think you're out of your mind. At the end of the day, I think it's all about making knitting accessible to everyone - so use your alpaca or your acrylic with pride. And don't be surprised to see me knitting with anything that strikes my fancy and fits my budget.

#56 - STASH ENHANCEMENT

2011-03-06T22:25:00.001-05:00

Yeah, it happened.

I didn't mean to do it. Really, I swear.

I've been on point for the last three months - no new yarn. (Well, aside from the 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces I won from Karin's blog, but that doesn't really count... right?) Plus, I've been knitting lots of big projects to help bust some of the stash that has grown so large I truly, honestly have no where else to keep it. I'd even go online and ogle sale yarns, filling my virtual shopping cart with armfuls of merino alpaca blends and Malabrigo and sock yarns, but never acting on those impulses. One day, I even spent several hours at a coffee shop directly across the street from Lovelyarns, but I didn't walk in. I've been surprised by my self control.

Then, my mom said, "Can you knit me a lacy spring scarf?" Damn her. We paid a visit to Black Sheep Yarn Shop, an LYS I had never visited before, and I was screwed from the start. The store is huge. They have a wall of Noro. Beautiful samples hanging all over. And a major selection of pattern booklets, books, and magazines. So long, yarn diet. It was fun while it lasted.

It wasn't all that bad, though. I ended up getting several skeins of Claudia's Hand Paints fingering weight yarn in a peach and yellow variegated colorway for mom's lace shawlette. I'm making another Springtime Bandit by Kate Gagnon Osbourne, which I'm really excited to get on the needles. I was a novice knitter when I made my first one, and while it looks so pretty, I can see a few beginner's issues: I think the yarn I used, Fibre Company's Road to China, was too bulky for the piece. It also didn't help that I bought far too little yarn and had to omit the last lace repeat. I wear it only occasionally, as compare to my other handknits. Nonetheless, it's super pretty hanging from a hook in the hallway.

I also bought several balls of Ella Rae Worsted Merino in an oatmeal shade for a future sweater project, completely ignoring the THREE sweaters I have on the needles at this moment. Planning ahead, that's all. I glimpsed the Hollyhock sweater from Cecily Glowik Macdonald and fell in love. It has all sorts of qualities I love - an oversized cowl neck with lace edging, short sleeves perfect for layering, mindless stocking stitch body with nice waist shaping, and knit in one piece. You had me at hello. In the meantime, I've avoided startitis and finished the sleeves on my Effortless Cardi, so now I'm onto the trim and collar. I'll share some more updates on my WIPs later in the week.

Happy knitting!!
xx

#55 - WIP WEDNESDAY: SOCKS AND SWEATERS AND KNITTING OVERLOAD

2011-02-23T17:35:00.003-05:00

It always happens this way. I was hoping (dare I say, expecting) to be finished with something by now, but no. Then again, a few things have come up in the past weeks, including an inflamed shoulder that required a bit of a knitting vacation and a serious massage, and a little fluffy rabbit named Ganache that I'm adopting from the House Rabbit Society.

My very exasperated bun, Ganache

Needless to say, the knitting progress has suffered. Nonetheless, here's what's been on my needles as of late:

Ravel it!

First up is the Effortless Cardigan designed by Hannah Fettig, that I'm knitting with the Tumblr gals. Basically, I'm a sucker for MadelineTosh yarns so it's definitely been a pleasure to knit. I'm past the subtle waist shaping and now finishing the length of the cardi body. And this sweater truly is a breeze, ignoring the fact that I hate purling these long rows. Seriously, I've taken against purling. Moving on.

Ravel it!

The other WIP is Hermione's Everyday Socks designed by Dreams in Fiber, that I'm knitting in the most gorgeous sock yarn ever: Neighborhood Fiber Company's studio sock yarn in the Bloomingdale colorway. Basically, this plummy-peachy colorway is perfection, and the fact that it's lovingly dyed in DC makes my heart even warmer. The only problem with these socks is that they're distracting me from sweater knitting. The typical complaints, of course.

The socks are a product of serious startitis, and I'm realizing that my eyes are bigger than my knitting needles, lately. There's so much I want to knit and so much yarn I'd like to buy, that I simply give up, hide underneath a blanket on the sofa watching Pride and Prejudice on repeat, and forget knitting altogether. What do you do when knitting fatigue sets in?

And psst, check out Tami's Amis for even more Work in Progress Wednesday action!

Happy knitting!
xx

#54 - FINISHED OBJECT FRIDAY: FENIMORE AND MORE

2011-01-28T14:43:00.004-05:00

Fenimore Hat - Ravel it!

Last week, I excitedly bound off my Fenimore Hat and I've shared this already with the yarnies on Twitter and Ravelry, but I am completely in love. It's no surprise that Jared Flood has done it again with an entrancing and engaging pattern. The cables intertwine in a basketweave fashion that leads into pretty little star patterns at the crown. The cables are much less challenging to execute than they appear, and the texture shows off the subtle tonal variegation in the yarn. I'm in love and can see myself knitting more of these in the future.

Crazy Vanilla Sock - Ravel it!

And last night, I finished something that I've had much less love for - my first sock. I can't explain it. I can't blame the pattern, and I did feel like a bit of a magician when I turned my first heel. I think the yarn and I aren't getting along too well - it has no spring and tends to be a little splitty for me, as I'm a pretty tight knitter. Nonetheless, my sock ennui vanished when I realized I had to simply close the toe to bind off this vanilla sock. Let's hope I'm inspired to knit the second one, so my poor mother will finally have the pair of socks I promised her months ago.

The loveliness that is Madelinetosh yarn

Now, I'm fighting a tiny bout of startitis so I can make more progress on two sweaters on the needles. And I'll be starting a third in a few day with this gorgeous Madelinetosh yarn, which unfortunately is photographing more purple than blue in the skein.

Have you finished any new crafty projects this week? Don't forget to check out more yarny bloggers participating in FO Friday.

Happy knitting!!
xx

#53 - WORK IN PROGRESS WEDNESDAY: CABLED ADDICTION

2011-01-19T00:39:00.005-05:00

Beatnik in progress...Ravel it!

Okay, I'm a cabling fiend at the moment. The Fenimore is perfect for knitting on the go, since the cables are much less complicated than they appear. My newest knit on the needles isn't quite so simple though... and I'm loving it.

I cast on the Beatnik last week with the Sweatshop of Love Selfish Knitting Sweater KAL. It's fulfilling every desire I want from a knitting project at the moment. A sweater that I plan to keep all for myself? Check. Crazy, complex charts that are engaging and challenging? Check. Loads of texture? Check. I cannot complain one bit.

Charts, post-its, and tallies... you know, all the good stuff.

I'm knitting the sweater in the round to eliminate as much seaming as possible, which took a bit of work to wrap my mind around it, but now I'm feeling in the swing of things. I'm using the KnitPicks Wool of the Andes yarn for the first time and I think it will suit the pattern well - the yarn is lofty and light, but will certainly be cozy. And it's stash yarn, to boot! I'm just about to begin the waist shaping now, so I suspect a good bit of progress to be made in the coming weeks.

So... what are you crafting, reading, cooking, sewing, and making this week?

Happy knitting!
xx

#52 - WORK IN PROGRESS WEDNESDAY (UNDER THE WIRE)

2011-01-12T23:42:00.003-05:00

Fenimore Hat - Ravel it!

I wanted to sneak in a WIP Wednesday post since I've been busily knitting on so many projects this week. The one that's furthest along thus far is my Fenimore beret, another incredible pattern by Jared Flood, aka Brooklyn Tweed.

What I most love about his patterns is that he constantly plays with texture and cables, which are the most appealing aspects of knitting, to me anyway. This hat is a pretty addictive pattern, I must admit. These are the most challenging cables I've attempted to date, but the charts are clear and directions are well-written, so I've had no major problems... yet.

And I should note that this is yet another Stash Bust Army project, keeping to my word (thus far!) to knit from the stash. I am completely obsessed with this yarn. I'm using Angel's Kiss Alpaca-Merino Worsted, which couples the softness of alpaca with the sturdy, springiness of merino. Basically the best of both worlds, for me! The yarn is kettle dyed which creates a really subtle and lovely tonal variegation.

What crafty works-in-progress do you have going on this week?

Happy knitting!!
xx

#51 - NEW YEAR, NEW KNITS

2011-01-10T15:33:00.003-05:00

Finishing Christmas knitting is so relieving and exciting for me. What to knit next? After very little contemplation, it has been decided - 2011 is the YEAR OF SELFISH KNITTING. It's less about knitting solely for myself (although that's definitely on the horizon), and more about knitting whatever I want, whenever I want. No deadlines, no obligations, just enjoyment. Who's joining me?

Ravel it!

I've started the year off on the right foot. My brother and sister-in-law got me some gorgeous yarn for the holidays, including Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk aran in a hunter green shade. It is soft and squishy and lovely, so I knitted myself a hat with it. I am a self-proclaimed hat junkie, and this one is a simple, slouchy, all-around hat that has been my go-to lately.

My other knitting plans for the new year? My two overall goals are to KNIT THE STASH and START TRYING SWEATERS. I think sweaters will be a good platform to get me trying new techniques and learning about garment construction. As for the stash knitting? My stockpile of yarn is becoming an embarrassment, so I figure that's reason enough.

I'm on the ground running - cast on 2 sweaters with stash yarn (Whaaat?!) this week, and another hat for myself with stash as well. What's on your needles at the moment?

Happy knitting!
xx

#50 - CHRISTMAS KNITS (OR, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER)

2011-01-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

No, my Christmas knits were not late... but this post certainly is. Blogging was interrupted by knitting and holidaying and family and friends. I hope you all had a magnificent end to 2010 and are setting out plans for the year ahead. I have some big ones in mind, but in the meantime, here are the knits I've gotten off the needles since you heard from me last.

Dad's Christmas Hat: Impossibly simple and knitted in Paton's Classic Wool. I improvised a few stripes to match one of his winter jackets. Also must mention that this hat pattern, from Last Minute Knitted Gifts is best suited for gents with a big head (literally, not figuratively) - so it suits my papa perfectly. :)

Ravel it!

Best Friend Cowl: A knitted commission in Rowan Felted Tweed. I used some of my favorite vintage buttons on this to give the simple scarf pattern a fun twist. The lace pattern is easy to memorize and knits up quickly.

Ravel it!

Brother's Christmas Hat: Another easy, manly hat in Paton's Classic Wool. The Turn a Square pattern is a go-to for a deceptively impressive gift. Used solid colors this time around, but again, it matches his winter coat quite nicely.

Ravel it!

Mom's Lacy Christmas Cowl: A new #stashbustarmy project in one of my new favorite yarns, Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton. Impossibly soft and squishy, I held the yarn doubled to equal a bulky weight. The color is lovely and I added one of my favorite vintage buttons from my stash to top it off. Mom has worn it countless times already, so I know it was a winner.

Ravel it!

Now, I'm focused on a new year of knits with some yarny resolutions, a few knit-alongs in store, stashbusting, and a something already off the needles. Lots to share in the coming days, but what has been in your crafty sights lately? I want to hear all about it.

Happy knitting!
xx

#49 - OFF THE NEEDLES

2010-12-05T23:10:00.002-05:00

'Tis the season of gift knitting. Stressful, blasted gift knitting. I always make the fatal error of planning to knit far too many holiday gifts. Then, add a few commissions onto the pile and I'm in over my head. If I was wise, I'd start in August, but no, I wait until around Thanksgiving for the insanity to begin. Nonetheless, I'm attempting to pare down this year's list - small knits, in mostly chunky yarns, with very simple patterns. So unless you're willing to spend 80 hours on a gift for me and are patient enough to wait until February to receive your Christmas present, don't expect a lace shawl this year.

Ravel it!

But of course, I'm breaking my own ground rules straightaway. I knitted another Brambles, this time for a dear friend, in Cascade Eco Duo, which is an alpaca and merino blend. This time, I modified the beret by adding additional slouch and a faux buttonband.

It turned out cute and cozy, with a slight halo from the alpaca. I'm a tight knitter, so the loose twist on this yarn caused it to be a bit splitty for me, but the yarn is incredibly soft, so I'm willing to overlook it. I'm on a bit of a jag with this pattern, as I'm planning on knitting yet another one for myself with some extra slouch for the chilly months that are upon us.

Ravel it!

Luckily, I'm back on track with my plans - knitted up an Anthropologie-inspired scarflet for a family member's xmas present. This is done in Rowan Big Wool, and seriously, can Rowan just start producing awful, scratchy yarns? Maybe then I'd have a little more money in my bank account because this stuff was just a pleasure to knit. I really like the texture in this, and it was a fairly straightforward pattern. The scarflet still needs a little blocking to loosen up the stitches, but I think you get the idea with this photo. This will be super warm for the upcoming winter season.

Do you make gifts during the holiday season or just stick to shopping? If you do, what are your favorite gift patterns? I need some more ideas asap!

Until next time, happy knitting!!
xx

#48 - FRIDAY KNITSPIRATION

2010-11-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

I occasionally find myself poring over the interwebs late at night, going through Ravelry and knitwear designers and yarn shops and blogs to see what sorts of things are inspirational to me in my crafty process. This week, it has to be all of the gorgeous stuff going on at Quince and Company yarns. Founded by several self-proclaimed yarnophiles, Quince focuses on natural fibers and American sourced wool, in a variety of stunning colors.

On my holiday wish list this year? A few skeins of Quince Chickadee sport weight yarn in a moss green for their Kilkenny Cowl pattern. It's the perfect time of year for cozy cables and textured knits, and I love the ease of tucking a cowl into a jacket at this time of year without worrying about the extra bulk of a scarf.

As for next week on {bmore crafty}, expect to see some knitty progress on the next Brambles beret, a review of Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2010, and some handmade holiday ideas.

Happy knitting this weekend!
xx

I was in no way compensated for this post, and do not endorse products in exchange for money (or even copious amounts of yarn). Photos credited to the Quince and Company website.

#47 - FO: MAMA SUE'S READING MITTS

2010-11-13T00:17:00.004-05:00

Ravel it!

Mama Sue's Reading Mitts are off the needles!

I'll keep it brief, but I have to give my praise to both this yarn and this pattern. My illustrious mum picked the yarn, Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK in brown bluefaced leicester, and she has simply impeccable taste. The undyed yarn has a great neutral shade that will go with all of her winter coats and a really wonderful feel on the skin.

As for the pattern, it's simple enough to knit up in a few days, yet looks very clean and well made for the amount of time required to make them. As well, this pattern includes two features that set it ahead of many basic fingerless mitts patterns - a thumb gusset and a sewn edge. I hate fingerless gloves that don't include a thumb gusset, and although they're easy to add to a stockinette mitt, this is excellent for beginners and much more comfortable for the wearer in the long run. Since the edges of the mitts are folded under and sewn down, it gives them a much more professional look, which is perfect for holiday gifting.

I'm not much on knitting patterns more than once, but I can definitely see myself making up a pair or two of these for some last minute holiday gifts.

Up next - I just cast on another Brambles, this time with several mods - a wider brim with a buttonband and a slouchier body. Of course, I'll be sharing my progress soon. Happy knitting!

#46 - ON THE NEEDLES

2010-11-10T23:16:00.008-05:00

Just thought I'd share a quick post with what's on my needles at the moment, especially since I'm in a major bout of startitis. Between holiday knitting and commissions, I need to get my needles moving! In the meantime, I have a few little projects that I'm actively working on:

First off, Mama Sue's Reading Mitts, which I'm knitting for my brilliant mom. She picked the yarn, Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK in Bluefaced Leicester. And wow, that lady has good taste. I'm in love with this yarn. I'm finished with the thumb gusset increases for mitt #2, so these should be off the needles in no time.

Ravel it!

Next, the Crazy Vanilla Socks, formerly the Nutkin Socks, in Crazy Zauberball, which I frogged because the pattern was (for reasons unknown to me) boring me to death. Keeping these in my bag at all times.

Ravel it!

I recently frogged yet another WIP to cast on the Mara Shawl in LB Collection Superwash Merino. Super simple and I foresee great stitch definition on this one.

Ravel it!

And finally... I swatched for the Beatnik sweater! This is Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Dove Heather and it's going to be so lovely in cabled goodness. I can feel it already.

I've been knitting up a storm, so I suspect there will be much more to share quite soon. What crafty shenanigans have you been up to lately?

#45 - BRAMBLES

2010-11-01T21:05:00.001-04:00

Ravel it!

I knitted the Brambles beret from the deep fall 2010 issue of Knitty, and oh how I loved making it! First of all, I used Angel's Kiss Alpaca/Merino worsted weight yarn, which was a birthday gift from lovely A. This yarn is just incredibly. Soft and squishy and bouncy and I could go on and on. The kettle dyeing makes for some wonderful, subtle variegation in shade. And it feels wonderful in your hands while knitting away.

As for the pattern, the Knitmore Girls always refer to working cables as potato chip knitting. And they're right. I found myself wanting to turn just one more cable, or to get to the next round, or to the next chart. Before you know it, you're finished and stretching this little baby over a dinner plate.

This pattern has already been suggested, but is so perfect for all of you #stashbustarmy knitters looking to use up a single skein of worsted weight yarn. I am a bit tight on tension, and used less than my 220yd skein for the medium size. And because it's such a breeze to knit, you'll feel like an ace when it's complete and will get to watch the compliments roll in - just don't let your head get too big to fit into your new, cozy beret.

And ps, take a look at my owl-o-lantern! Hope you had some fun festivities on All Hallows Eve, too.

#44 - SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN

2010-10-25T23:55:00.000-04:00

Image via Laylock

At the moment, I feel like I'm stuck somewhere in-between startitis and can't finish a thing-itis. (Yes, I'm coining it as such; my command of language being what it is.) My mind is swirling. Maybe it's the season's change or life circumstance or general frustration or whatever else plagues my brain, but I am constantly poring over patterns and looking at new yarns and sketching ideas, but little comes to fruition. I know that I'm a process knitter, and have no trouble frogging a half-finished sweater because I've decided the yarn wants to be something else entirely, but even I feel confused as to how many projects I have on the needles and how many other ideas are running about in my brain. If it weren't for the few little commissioned knits I've had to work on, I'd be completely lost! But anyway, I'll share a few WIPs with you all, and keep your fingers crossed that I develop a little knitted discipline this week. This is not the way to enter the holiday knitting season. At all.

Brambles beret in Angel's Kiss Alpaca/Merino worsted yarn

Nutkin Socks in Crazy Zauberball - psst, I am loving this colorway.

Commissioned Toque in Lamb's Pride Bulky

Aaaand... I may have bought a few buttons today, too. Just keep that one between us.

#43 - STASH BUST ARMY

2010-10-07T07:00:00.002-04:00

I've been knitting a lot of small projects as of late, trying to bust some of my impossibly growing stash (Yes, it's taking over the living room), along with lots of lovely Twitter knitters in the StashBustArmy. You may have already heard about it from @Voolenvine on the Yarngasm podcast or the Electric Sheep podcast from @hoxtonhandmade - we simply knit from yarn we already own and share projects and inspiration for busting stash! Nonetheless, I highly recommend that you search for #stashbustarmy on Twitter to see some brilliant knitters and crocheters using up some of that languishing yarn.

First off, I have a few balls of Noro Silk Garden Sock, despite the fact that I'm not typically a sock knitter (I really can't help myself around such lovely colors), so I knitted one up into a Lacy Baktus with the intention of keeping it for myself. But as my mom began to ogle it, I set my selfish tendencies aside and realized the colors look amazing on her - so look who got to keep it!

ps, Isn't my mom just gorgeous? She hates having her photograph taken, but my silliness behind the camera brought out some real smiles.

I also knit up a pair of Toasty fingerless mitts for myself after seeing the pair done up in Malabrigo by Nitters on Ravelry. I have a few balls of Amy Butler for Rowan Belle Organic in dk weight, and oh my goodness, I cannot recommend this yarn enough.

So soft and squishy, perfect for gloves or scarves that will be right against your skin. My only complaint is that the yarn can be a bit splitty, but I have a tendency to use tight gauge, so that is a likely culprit.

I knit these extra long above the thumb gusset to keep my fingers warmer than regular gauntlets. They're so cozy that I never want to take them off.

Now, I'm working intermittently on some sweaters, a lacey scarf, my first ever pair of socks, and the Peak's Island Hood from Ysolda Teague. Startitis got me. At least I'm busting some more of my stash along the way, right? :)

#42 - MISSING IN ACTION

2010-09-30T23:00:00.000-04:00

bmore crafty.

BMORE CRAFTY IS MOVING!

#64 - WIP WEDNESDAY: THE PEACH BANDIT

#63 - 2KCBWDAY7: WHEN I KNIT

#62 - 2KCBWDAY6: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

#61 - INSTANT GRATIFICATION

#60 - 2KCBWDAY4: WHAT EVER HAPPENED

#59 - 2KCBWDAY3: GETTING ORGANIZED

#58 - 2KCBWDAY2: MAD SKILLS

#57 - 2KCBWDAY1: DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE.

#56 - STASH ENHANCEMENT

#55 - WIP WEDNESDAY: SOCKS AND SWEATERS AND KNITTING OVERLOAD

#54 - FINISHED OBJECT FRIDAY: FENIMORE AND MORE

#53 - WORK IN PROGRESS WEDNESDAY: CABLED ADDICTION

#52 - WORK IN PROGRESS WEDNESDAY (UNDER THE WIRE)

#51 - NEW YEAR, NEW KNITS

#50 - CHRISTMAS KNITS (OR, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER)

#49 - OFF THE NEEDLES

#48 - FRIDAY KNITSPIRATION

#47 - FO: MAMA SUE'S READING MITTS

#46 - ON THE NEEDLES

#45 - BRAMBLES

#44 - SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN

#43 - STASH BUST ARMY

#42 - MISSING IN ACTION

#41 - SUNSHINE AND BEAUTY

#40 - TAG, I'M IT!

#39 - THINGS ARE HAPPENING.

#38 - THE START OF SOMETHING

#37 - THIS & THAT

#36 - MDSW FESTIVAL

#35 - KNITCROBLOWEEK, DAY 5: WHEREVER I MAY FIND HER

#34 - KNITCROBLOWEEK, DAY 4: MORE TO LEARN

#33 - KNITCROBLOWEEK, DAY 3: ONE GREAT KNITTER

#32 - KNITCROBLOWEEK, DAY 2: AN INSPIRATIONAL PATTERN

#31 - KNITCROBLOWEEK, DAY 1: STARTING OUT

#30 - KNIT & CROCHET BLOG WEEK

#29: I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED

#28: THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY.

#27 - QUICK KNIT, QUICK POST

#26 - BLOG THERAPY: MY ANTISOCIAL TENDENCIES

#25 - BLOG THERAPY: TRYING SOMETHING NEW

#24 - A CONSTANT

#23 - DRUMROLL PLEASE

#22 - LET THEM EAT CUPCAKES

#21 - BLOG PARTY SECRET STASH GIVEAWAY

#20 - LET THE PARTY BEGIN

#19 - THE PARTY'S CRASHING US

#18 - MORE GIFTS TO MYSELF (FROM OTHERS!)

#17 - A GIFT FOR MYSELF (FOR ONCE)

#16 - WARMTH

#15 - MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME

#14 - HOLIDAY INSPIRATION

#13 - KNITTING IN SLOW MOTION

#12 - ETSY LUSTING

#11 - MAKING PROGRESS

#10 - LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY BOAT.

#9 - OH, BABY

#8 - SUGARLOAF CRAFTS

#7 - STASH

#6 - PLUM TUCKERED

#5 - APOLOGIES

#4 - CATCHING UP

#3 - THE LEARNING CURVE

#2 - SEEKING INSPIRATION.

#1 - BEGIN.