Fiche Tricot

How about some language lessons? A little langue francaise un jeudi matin?
 A little French language on a Thursday morning! Really! That's what I said...

I've been working on the en tricot afghan de project (knitted afghan project) and needed a way to organize the fiche tricot (knitting pattern)....somehow (insert snorting laughter)  I got off of that project and onto French lessons (rapid descent into space...) and really felt I should combine the two together! I really think I just needed an excuse to sit at the computer for another hour rather than getting work done, but... I'm learning something!
**The Cupcakes are busy working on a second language (home schooling at it's finest!) because Big is opting for a new assignment and the French language will be a big part Cupcake world here pretty soon!

Putting (the giggleometer) another part of my brain to the test.......

I needed a way to make my latest (I am so giggling putting these words together!) a little more portable without carrying an entire fiche tricot (knitting pattern) or even using my ordinateur portable (portable computer) so... I had to come up with a systeme d'exploitation (organizing system) to carry my fiche tricot!
Wow huh? I know, I know, what a tangent for a Thursday morning (un jeudi matin) !!

It all boils down to this.... systeme d'exploitation...
Make that big pattern into something portable so it fits into my cutesy-schmootzy tricot sac (knitting bag) and make it so I can spill stuff on it, drop it in the pool....
I printed out the pattern again, this time making sure that I printed only one one side of the paper. I then cut out each pattern for each square (un carre') and then laminated it! Each carre' is not exactly square, but it's close! A little paper punch action and a ring.... voila'.. lovely portable fiche tricot!
Off to the pool I go........... and yes. I'm still giggling and trying to fit langue francaise into my daily adventures... maybe I will be a francophone?!!

Portable Projects with a Cause Take 2

Here is the plan kids! Once a week I will post a pattern for one of the six squares for the afghan project!  I know, I know... it hasn't been quite a week since I posted the idea last Friday (yeah, yeah...) here is the LINK for block #1 AND at the bottom of this page is the pattern for block #2.
Once you have the pattern, knit it up in ANY washable worsted weight yarn you wish *do try to make it washable because it is a charity project and who knows where it will end up! **I have yarn we can share**
I think it's a great idea and I'm hoping you do too! It fills a lot of my summer knitting needs... it's small, a little challenging (to keep me interested) but not so challenging I won't do it (a sweater) and small enough to take wherever I go! Portable Knitting with the added benefit of doing something for someone else!  When we have all the squares completed, and it's stitched and bordered together, off it will go to a charity we all agree on!
I'm really trying to hold myself back and not just whip through the whole thing because so far, block #1 and #2 have been pretty simple!  AND I'm super excited about learning some of the techniques in the following blocks!  I am going to wait for you all  catch up and will only knit the square that I've posted for that week!  I WILL! I promise!   Patience... yeah... not one of the strongest parts of me!
Because I'm so anxious and we did (I did anyway) start last week,  I've made block one (twice) and block two once, BUT because I don't want to get too far ahead, I'm working on another block one!  I promised I wouldn't work ahead so I'm just going to make more of the blocks for the week!  I will be posting block #3 next Wednesday!!

Big Bamboo aka Block #1

This is my block #1, Big Bamboo. They look completely different sizes and shape, but with a little blocking these should measure out to the right size...
 I just reached into a bag of yarn that I have and pulled out a ball.... no thought at all went into the color choice!
 Block 2 ~below~ is made out of the same stuff and  would totally be better with a solid color. Sigh... I have a week to make it as many solid colors as I can...  I wanted to use up the ball that I had and now that I've used it up, it's  back to the bag of randomly placed yarn I go! Woohoo!!

Block #2 aka Horseshoe Cable

Honest! I didn't choose any of the colors that went into the bag! It was a bag that was given to me by a friend of a friend (Thanks DB!)  and although I did make sure it was all worsted weight... I DID NOT plan the color scheme!

Block #2 is the Horseshoe Cable. I did mine in a worsted weight, verigated yarn using size 8 needles. Next one is going to be done in a solid color so I can actually see all the work I put into the cables!

It's a bit more advanced... it has cables but really it isn't that bad! *If you don't have a cable needle, just use another needle of the same/similiar size.... a dpn will work great!

HORSESHOE CABLE

Multiple of 18 sts +6

*Special Sts*    6-st RC (3 over 3 right cross) Slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold in back, k3 then k3 from cable needle

6-st LC (3 over 3 left cross) Slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold in front, k3 then k3 from cable needle.

*************

Cast on 42 stitches

Knit 2 rows

Row 1 (RS): P6, *k12, p6; repeat from * across.

Row 2: k6,  *p12, k6; repeat from * across

Row 3: p6, *6-st RC, 6-st LC, p6; repeat from * across

Row 4: k6, *p12, k6; repeat from * across

Row 5-8: Repeat Rows 1 and 2 twice

Repeat Rows 1-8 until piece measures 10"/25.5cm from beginning, end with a WS row

Knit 2 rows.

Bind off.

This is going to be a great way for all of us to work together on a project for a good cause and learn some new stuff along the way! There is some intarsia, color-work and even an eyelet lace coming up!

(HERE is link for the block from last week!)

 ~HAPPY KNITTING ~

Portable Projects with a Cause!

It's been so hot and humid here that it feels like we are in mid August and not June.  We've had temps in the high 90's and triple digits, with humidity percentages climbing right up there too! That means we are miserable.  Hot, sweaty, miserable. Ugh.   Helloooo Mother Nature!?  Did someone forget to set their clock?  Summer has just started and already it's icky and drippy!   It's even been too hot to knit.
Yeah. You heard me right.  It's been too hot to work on my current project, stupid big wad of yarn  the Wallaby sweater for Boy Wonder.  I'm still working on it, but I can't take it outside, I can't take it anywhere!  It's too hot!
I've been racking my brain since I posted  'Trip Knitting' way back in May and I think I've finally came up with something that not only will keep me interested, BUT it should help my friends and I do a project together! How about a portable project?  A portable project for a cause? Sounds like fun right?   I needed something small, not feltable (for poolside of course) and just enough of a challenge to keep even me interested? AND something that would be useful to someone at the end. Yeah.. that's a tough order to fill I know, but I think I found it!
I found a pattern on the  Knit and Crochet Now website.  *it was a public television program that doesn't seem to be on anymore*.  It's an afghan made up of  12 squares, 2 different patterns (2 of each pattern)that is approximately 30x40" when it's completed. Perfect for a baby.   Each square is knit individually *where my friends come in* and then seamed together and finished with an I-cord border! Peaking your interest yet?  Don't worry crochet friends..... you can make some 10inch squares in your favorite worsted weight yarn too!
It's made with #4 yarn (worsted weight) *thanks to my friend V  I've even got some extra worsted weight yarn if you're interested...........
This little afghan could of course be made by one person but what's the fun in that? I've got a group of friends in mind who I'm hoping can be convinced to make one little square (c'mon it's 10 inches!) and together we can knit it up and give it to a local charity. How about one of the many local crisis pregnancy centers? We'll see.... for now... let's get moving!
I'm totally assuming you are interested......... The afghan was part of a square of the week program.  Each week a different pattern would be demonstrated all the way up until it was time for the I-cord edging.  It looks pretty simple, but also has some patterns that require just a bit of extra effort... cables, some color work and a lace.
How about it folks?  Anyone up for a challenge?  A small, easily portable project that we can all pitch in and work together?  I've got a particular charity in mind, but am open to taking suggestions!
Like I said before... I've even got some yarn you can use....
Here is the first pattern..........
Size 8 needles
Worsted Weight (4) yarn
Gauge 16 1/2 sts =4inches/10cm over patterns
*each square may vary slightly but that's okay!
BIG BAMBOO
multiple of 12 sts + 4
Cast on 40 sts
Row 1 (right side) : K2, *P2, K4; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2
Row 2: K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2
Rows 3 & 4: Repeat Rows 1 and 2
Row 5:  K2, *K8, P4; repeat from *to last 2 sts, K2
Row 6: K2, *P4, K8; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2
Row 7-10: Repeat Rows 1-4
Row 11: K2, P2, K4, *P8, k4; repeat from * to last 8 sts, P6, K2
Row 12: K8, P4, *K8, P4, repeat from last 4 sts, K4.
Repeat Rows 1-12 until piece measures 10inches (25.5 cm) from beginning, bind off

If you ARE interested, I have the whole pattern and will copy it for you! You can go to the website link above and check it all out too!  I also have that extra yarn I'm willing to share!  Once you make one (or two, or several) squares you can send them to me!
Look out Fort Belvoir Knitting and Crochet Club because I'm hitting you all up next!

Swearing Frog

 I like this frog picture over here on the left... it looks like the frog is flipping a peace out sign.
The one on the right.... well.... that's more like how I feel right now.  Sigh.
Aaaack!  What?
I gotta rip out some stuff?  Holy crap.  Froggin' it I will have to go.  Damn.
I hate ripping stuff out (rip it rip it).  It's part of the process that I DO NOT like. Not one bit.  Not with a box, some socks, a fox on a train and in or out of the rain.  Unfortunately for me, the more I try this ripping out stuff.... the less I like it.
I try really hard not to make mistakes, but with the way I knit and my apparent lack of focus.... mistakes do happen.  Ha!  Mistakes frequently happen!  Often I can fudge them in..........
I'm happily knitting away on Boy's newest sweater and wondering why my stitch count isn't matching up to the pattern directions and why? Why oh why is the pouch looking like it is almost completely around the front of the sweater? Um.. it's supposed to be a pouch/pocket on the front. On. The. Front.  What the heck?  Someone made a huge mistake about 20 rows behind where she is now.  Yep.  That  would be me.  That would also be me swearing like a pirate as I ripit.  Ripit out. 
I did save myself a bit. I added a life line! I'm so smart!! I learned this little trick a long time ago when I was knitting my first baby sweater. A long time ago.  The sweater wasn't all in one piece like the Wallaby, but one of those dreaded sweaters that I have to *insert shudder* seam.  I'm not good at that so I tend to stay away from seaming. *insert more shudders*.   Anyway.... my Aunt G showed me that if I run a different colored yarn through my knitting every few inches (depends on how big the sweater is) and I make a mistake..... I only have to go back to the 'life line' when I have to rip it out!   AND if you do it just right... it won't let you rip stitches out beyond that life line!  The 'life line' becomes a stitch holder! Yay!   I think that Aunt G just knows me so well that she knew I would just get frustrated and rip the whole thing out and then not (probably) start it over.  Ha!  I can blame this whole knitting obsession on her!

See the little red line - that's my 'life line' in this instance. It's a little bit different than actually knitting it in so it acts as a stitch holder of sorts, but in this case, it is totally saving my X#$!  I know where to pick up stitches to start this crazy pouch/pocket ALL OVER again. Sigh.......
So that's what I'm doing today on this cool, sort of drizzly Monday ~the first day of summer vacation..... ripping crap out, starting over (and yes... I'm swearing while I do it....) bring on the pirate!
Oh wait... I don't need pirates.... the frogs are swearing enough! Sounds like this in my house this morning... "ripit ,grrr, aaargh, S*&%T "  ~said of course in my best sing-songy, frog pirate voice ever!

More Wallaby Fun (Madness)



Big & Boy Sportin' their Wallaby's 2011

So much for trip-knitting. So much for making life easy in the summer and just knitting small things that are completely portable, easy and fast! I've been sitting around not knitting much lately ~ thinking about it, but not actually doing it! I've thought
about what types of projects I could easily take on the metro, in the car, to the pool.... everywhere.  So..... why I decided to another big project is beyond me.  Not exactly portable.  Not exactly helpful for keeping cool in the 90+ degree and 90++ humidity we have here, but....
I'm knitting another sweater for Boy Wonder!
Go me.
Um yeah.
I've made some small things lately too, but... just how many washcloths will my family be happy to receive at Christmas?  I've made a cute birthday present for an adorable little girl who turns one next week (Butter's Birthday Sweater) but I can't come up with much else.  Even the lovely yarn that I bought for my fingerless gloves is sitting dejected in the knitting bag... it keeps winking at me to finish it.... but the pattern drives me insane.  I do have a few (don't laugh) projects started, but....one in particular I refuse to think about ! (Thanks V!)  So.... in order to keep my fingers flexible and mostly to protect the family.... I'm knitting a sweater!
*If I'm feeling crabby I knit.... thus protecting the family...*
Another Wonderful Wallaby Sweater is on the needles!  Once again Boy Wonder will be the recipient of a fabulous hand knitted sweater made with love (swearing too) by Mommy!! 
I plan on giving it to him for Christmas, so if I start now, I think I should have it done in time!  The first one I made only took several months~ almost a year. Only.  The second was just a couple of months and the third (for Big) was an even shorter length of time so I'm hopeful that this sweater will just have to sit in a box somewhere FINISHED for Christmas! Keeping my fingers crossed for that!

The Wonderful Wallaby - 'A Hooded Sweater for all ages', is a sweater pattern I bought a few years ago.... it's original copyright is from 1984... yeah... it's been around a while! 

BFF's hubby telling her how he would like it to be!

While it is a fairly simple pattern, it's not necessarily a beginner project, but if you can knit in the round you can totally make this sweater. 
Last year a BFF & I did the Wallaby as a knit-along! She added stripes to hers and I see it on her hubby all the time! He loves it! *I've been working on my friend Ruth (who is a hat machine!) to work on sweaters & this is something she could totally do!

Hopping along to the Wallaby.... (ha! Pun definitely intended)  I started last week and raced through the ribbing for the bottom (yep! In the round- starting at the bottom!) and quickly knitted up for 6 inches. Now it's time to start working on adding the pouch! It's not hard, it's just kind of a pain. I added a red thread through the second row of stitching after the ribbing - this is where I start fusing the pocket on. I thought it might be helpful to do it when I was knitting that area rather than going back to it later ~ jury is still out. I'll let you know. Now I'm picking up stitches with a crochet hook (pulling yarn through from the back) and once that's done I will be able to knit the pocket/pouch!
I'm using Cascade 220 Super wash in a nice tweed(y) color. My kid looks awesome in earthy colors!

It's kind of hard to see in the picture....
but I have to pick up 82 stitches across the front. I'm using a crochet hook to pick them up and then placing them on another set of needles. Once that's done I knit the pouch to meet the 6 inches of the sweater already done, fuse it together and then knit up to the neck!
Stay tuned for more Wallaby fun ~madness?

It's been a while.....

It's been awhile since I've posted and believe it or not.... I can't think of anything to say.
What?!  Who me? Yeah.
I'm sure I'll make up for it later.....

I haven't knitted much since the little sweater I just finished. I've been puttering around working on some little things, but it doesn't feel (or appear) that anything is getting finished! I'm getting frustrated with a pattern for fingerless mitts that I bought. Paid for. That's part of the frustration lol. I really liked it when I saw it, but I'm wondering if next time I will read a little more of the pattern before I shell out some cash. I'm in love with the yarn though, so it's still a work in progress.  It's hand painted & yes... it's as lovely as it looks!

My mom & I did a small (verrrry) small yarn shop-hop while she was here this week.  We were gone for about 7 hours and only made our way into 2 shops.  It would have been more, but my GPS has this thing about taking the scenic route and an even bigger thing about roads that may or may not (ever) have been there.  Sigh.  Just meant I got to spend more time with my mom.  In my car.  Time. Yeah...
It was fun though. Really. Nobody was hurt.

I have a list of things to accomplish (must do's) and a list of things I want to try, but honestly... not much is getting done. Must be the thought of summer and being outside that is getting in my way.
We shall see...
My goal for next week is to at least get something on needles ~maybe finish those fingerless mitts?
I might even make another Wallaby for a certain boy. Just because it's summer of course and I really want to make an entire sweater while sitting at the pool. Hm.... better rethink that one huh?

Trip Knitting

Picture this...
I'm riding in a crowded airplane trying to knit. The big (BIG) dude next to me is trying to fall asleep and in between snuggling his head on my shoulder and twitching....... I'm trying to knit!
Those twitches of his made me jump practically out of my seat and I kept dropping stuff!  I seriously thought about jabbing him with my dpn's, but decided (safe decision) that I shouldn't. *He was over 250lbs and his head practically touched the bulkhead even when slumped over!*   It was only an hour flight, I can last, right?  He should make it to Nashville with both of his eyeballs intact.
Well.....
He did. He survived. I didn't knit, but the dude survived. Wonder who won that one? 
Sigh.  I had pre-planned the flight! I pre-planned my entire trip! ~bet you wouldn't have thought that huh? 
I started thinking about what kind of knitting I would be taking about five minutes after I booked.  I knew the length of my flights and tried to pack (knitting) accordingly.  I didn't want  to have a brand new project just starting and/or a huge sweater. I wanted to travel light. Sigh. Obviously the guy next to me didn't plan as well. C'mon! He should have napped BEFORE getting into that seat. 
I really thought hard about what stuff I could do while sitting in a cramped seat knowing that there would be someone next to me that might be uncomfortable if my knitting needles jabbed them.
 Damn! Now that I think about it more.... I should have totally poked him. "Oops!" I would say ~with a totally innocent face~ "I'm sorry, did I poke you? " Then I would have to climb over him to get to the restroom because I would be laughing so hard I would need to go! aah... If only I were that brave.
Pre-planning for a trip is hard! No matter where I'm going, I have to take something to do. If I'm in a car I have to take knitting. Have to. I can't read because I get woozy. I can knit though, weird huh? I don't like being crowded on an airplane so I can't really read then either... more woozy and I always feel like the people next to me are trying to read over my shoulder, so I knit! Ha! Now I know they are looking at me, but it's different.
 I try to only take one or two things that don't take up a lot of space. Each individual project has to be pretty compact; meaning that it can't use over one or two skeins of yarn and/or use a bunch of needles. * Another thing I've discovered when flying... dpn's aren't fun on a plane. Not at all. Especially if the dude next to you thinks he paid for your seat as well as his!*
We take a lot of car trips as a family. A day trip here or there and seem to spend a lot of time driving.  Makes it a whole lot easier for 'trip knitting'.   have the entire back of the car to pack full pack the extra yarn and needles for a project and it's easy to  pull into a yarn shop and get something new what I need to finish.  * shh don't tell Big, but I have EVERY yarn shop mapped out around where we live and the route we take to go to Michigan and Tennessee!*
So let's pre-plan a little family trip. Shall we? A car trip about 9 hours and I don't have to drive much of it.  See how that works?  Hubby thinks he's the big strong man by driving and I've suddenly got time on my hands! Smart huh? He's not going to need the map anyway (snort!) so I don't even have to do that part!  Let's knit!
What to bring? Something small and compact.  I need to bring something that doesn't need a lot of yarn and that can be easily finished in a few hours.  Scarves. Yeah. That's an option. Kind of a boring one right?  How about socks?  If I'm not in a plane dpn's will probably be okay and there is enough space between me and my chauffeur to avoid (accidentally) poking him, and should only take one ball of yarn. Sounds like a viable option. Any other ideas?
Baby stuff. Maybe. Most baby stuff is small and only takes a few skeins of yarn ~but... I have the whole back of the car remember? Big doesn't need all the junk stuff he's taking right? Or the kid? Do we have to take the kid? Okay, okay... I'll think smaller. Less yarn, less stuff!
I've got a whole Christmas list of things I need to knit before then.... fingerless mitts for Gabby, teddy bear for Jax....... the list goes on. Maybe some of that stuff.  It's hard to decide on just one thing. It's really hard to pre-plan my entertainment for a road trip! Help!?
I need some more ideas here guys... we will no doubt be heading out somewhere in the next few weeks and I will need to be knitting something on the way! My family will need me to be doing something so I'm not bugging them!  Help me make sure my family is safe!!! Send me some ideas won't you please!