So I think I joined another KAL. *L* Still waiting to hear back from the organizers to see if I'm too late or not. If so, then I'm just playing along on my own. ;^)
Either way I am loving stranded knitting so much. Last night I completed my first actual pattern for a stranded project. If you recall I made up my own pattern for my first stranded project a few weeks ago. I love this type of knitting. I'm so excited about my next project already! Although there is a Duckie Hat that needs some lovin' first.
This was the first time, if I'm thinking clearly, that I've used a full out complete pattern from a book and not just an online source. Odd considering how many books I have now. I admit openly that I like the idea of creating something on my own much more than recreating something another designer has made. The cool thing about knitting though is that your personal touch will always be on it no matter what.
So without further adieu here is my "All-Over Two-Color Patterned Watch Cap".
I swear that's what it's really called. I just call it Hatty though. Life's too short to be saying long ass names like that all the time. *L*
Here is George Modeling Hatty:
Pattern: All-Over Two-Color Patterned Watch Cap From the ultra cool book, Hats On! By Charlene Schurch.
Note: There is a flaw in this pattern. One I did not catch until I was done. I've seen the same flaw in another completed "Hatty". Before I start a pattern from a book should I be looking for corrections someplace?
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool in the colors Too Teal and Winter White. Less than one skein of each.
Yardage: Just a guess, but I'd say 260 yards or so. I used most of the blue and about a fourth of the white. The one by one ribbing in the blue used a ton of yarn.
Yarn Source: Stash Yarn that I'm sure I purchased at a Micheal's.
Needles: Clover Takumi US size 3 / 3.25mm 16" Circular & DPN's
Gauge: 7.5 per inch
Notes: I started this hat on December 26, 2006 and completed it on January 3, 2007. (I even took a few days off from knitting in there to knit on that scarf and the Duckie Hat. Wheee!) I would knit this again, after I write out the charted pattern correction that is. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be to follow a chart and still knit while I watch TV or do other things.
The ribbing took the longest and was to be honest a little mind numbing. I started the stranded knitting portion of the hat on Dec 31, around 10:00 PM. I knit on it all during a Knit Together on January 1st and took a bit of a break from it on Tuesday the 2nd due to brain deadness. I really love this hat though. I cannot wait to do more knitting like this. :D In fact I have my next project all lined up. Just waiting for the yarn to arrive. I'll be doing Eunny's Anemoi Mittens. It will be done in pale pink and cream or a deep oceany blue and pale beige. Or maybe blue and cream and pink and beige... I couldn't decide so I got all four colors. Plus seeing it in person will be much better. Not like I can't use the extra yarn to make something else or another pair. ;) I'm so excited!
I washed and blocked it this morning so it's still kinda damp in the pictures. My office smells like a wet sheep if you really wanna know. *L*
In a book on Fair Isle Knitting I was reading yesterday it said that the way I hold my yarn is not the most common way. That's funny to me since it's the only way I could ever imagine holding it. I hold both strands in my left hand just like I normally knit. I think doubling knitting first got me used to having tension in both strands. I really don't knit any differently than I would normally knit other than the fact I'm using two strands at once. A lady asked me to teach this to her and seemed kind of offended when I said it was really nothing and to just give it a try. She's been knitting a lot longer than I have and I think she has some of that built in fear. If something looks fun though I just try it. Love this muchly. I think stranded knitting would be great for my Dulaan stuff as it makes a really warm fabric. Plus that crazy k1,p1 ribbing. Super squishy and warm! *L*
And now to the pictures! :D Clickety Biggety!
Hatty Side View: You can see where the pattern has a glitch in the mini white diamonds here. I may Duplicate stitch over them. Likely will. I wish that wasn't like that. *sigh*
Hatty Top View:
Hatty Inside View: You can see how long the ribbing really is here.
Hatty Top View of Insides:
I can't wait to start Anemoi now. :D
But first up I gotta get my Duckie Hat finished and write up the pattern for it. *L*
Wheeeeeeeee!
