the knitting buzz

changed changes

Krista — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:26:13 -0600

Not even sure where to begin.... the knitted lace shawl/wrap design project that I started just after the first of the year has had so many adaptations that its beginning to make my head spin or maybe just hurt.

So this is my story of RE....

Rethink, Ripout, Redo, Ripout, Rework, Ripout, Revise, Revamp, Rewrite, Reconstruct, Readapt, Restart

It started with the idea of a very lacey shell-like center panel wrap style shawl with a very wide heavy border to give it more stability. About 10" into the project, I decided I really didn't like it as much as I thought I would, so I ripped it out.

I decided I liked the idea of a wide border, but less heavy, so I incorporated a dense mesh stitch to replace the heavier border from before. It was looking good, but then after about 12" into the project, I felt the borders now were too wide and made the open lace work look insignificant.

So instead of ripping it out, I started with a different lace yarn to work on deconstructing the original idea and turning it into an entirely new idea. Sheer and Mesh tops and coverups are all over the runway for late spring/summer.....so why not.

With the new lace yarn I chose, I'm a little nervous about the yardage. Even though the yardage was a little over 1000 yards, I felt like I had to limit the width in order to get the length I desired out of the yarn (I really always need to buy at least 1200 to 1500+ yards, it makes things so much easier "down the road").

Even though I was now 18" into this new readapted pattern, I started wondering or rather second guessing myself that perhaps I should have used bigger needles. So since I had quite a bit knit, I decided to do a premature wet block while on the needles. I am liking the effect I'm getting and I think this pattern will look good in a solid or a multi-colored yarn because of its mesh-nature. Thru this little "blocking" exercise, it looks like I should be able to get the width I had hoped for without sacrificing too much on the length. Although, going up a needle size would work nicely too.

While I am waiting for the newer yarn to dry, I started swatching another pattern with some Wollmeise Lace that I have. The stitch pattern is looking good, BUT the yarn which looked like tones of purples and grays has way too many colors running thru it and is too distracting to the lace pattern. It just won't work. I also think I need to go down to a US#3 if I use Wollmeise for this pattern.

Then I got to thinking,....... always dangerous.....since I'm still waiting for the mesh pattern to dry.....I could restart my mesh design in the Wollmeise lace that knits more open and has beautiful color changes. This could be a win-win. Making a quick swatch now to validate my theory. More later.....

Now I haven't forgot about my original lacey shell pattern. But I will be ripping it out. While at TNNA, I found some yarns that will give my pattern more stability without the heavy border. Just waiting for the selections of yarns to arrive, then swatch, before beginning that pattern. I also think that instead of turning this into a wrap, it will be a pretty lacey summer scarf.

Even though my Knitting New Year seems to have taken a slow start, I'm still energized. And......

I have a plan!

Happy Knitting!

carlisle lace wrap and scarf

Krista — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:56:56 -0600

My first pattern for 2012 is now complete and ready to share. Carlisle Lace Wrap is the result of my Green Shoe Project and one that I couldn't be more thrilled that its ready to accessorize.

Carlisle Lace Wrap is available on Ravelry.com from Knitting Buzz Designs. Its knit with the beautiful Madelinetosh Tosh Lace, colorway Thyme.

This is the first time I had test knitters and it was a wonderful experience. I appreciated the feedback and seeing how different yarns knit in the pattern. Thank you Test Knitters.

Below is a picture of Marian's WIP Pink Carlisle. I think it exhibits beautifully how this pattern looks great without blocking.....BONUS!

On my quest of being intentional..... I would like to invite anyone who may be interested in test knitting one of my upcoming patterns please contact me on Ravelry.com, my user name is knittingbuzz

Happy Knitting!

easing into 2012

Krista — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:30:14 -0600

Easing into 2012 with a head full of ideas......

I've been planning, plotting and pining. Resting, relaxing and recharging. Knitting and crocheting, finishing up some older projects, getting close to finishing others, swatching some new patterns and my favorite, casting on and starting some new design projects. Definitely feeling like I have the mojo to see my plans into fruition and with intention.

My Green Shoe project, my Carlisle Lace Wrap and Scarf pattern is finished and on the blocking board.

The Green Shoe Project all started because last Fall, I bought a cute pair of green shoes and had NOTHING to go with them. Which started with a search for finding the "just right" shade of green yarn...... by the way, I now have three shawls worth of green yarn......oops....I may need to start looking for more green shoes.....its a "vicious" cycle.

Then it was the perfect pattern for the yarn I found....that took a little longer than I would have expected......but Carlisle was born and now blocking.....SWEET!

My Carlisle Wrap and my green shoes are ready for me to sport at TNNA in Phoenix. So if you see me, give me a nudge, I'd love to say "Hi!"

ohhh noooo...

Krista — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:55:00 -0600

I can't believe it...... I did it to myself...... a double whammy!

I was finishing up the Carlisle Lace Wrap and "talked myself" into making it shorter than I had originally planned.

Used the P2tog Bind Off method and it was looking perfect! But once all the stitches were bound off, I felt like the piece looked a little short. This is so typical me, but I decided to give it a hard block and convinced it would be fine. I think this could be a knitters version of ....."Buyers Remorse".

Just before getting it ready to be emmersed in a Eucalan bath, I happened to notice that a few of my stitches didn't get bound off correctly. I am so happy that I saw this before the piece got wet and before I started stretching it madly for blocking.

As bad as I feel about having to put it back on the needles, to attach the loose stitches..... I am totally relieved that I spied it before begining the blocking process.....it could have been so much worse.....a disaster.

Lesson learned......Some mistakes are just meant to happen. Stick with the plan. And since I am having to put it back on the needles, I am definitely going to make it longer. My hopes of blocking, photographing and publishing this pattern this week is dashed. But I am shooting to get it completed before leaving for TNNA in a couple of weeks.

Happy Knitting!

new year project updates

Krista — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:55:00 -0600

Anxious to get started on my Intentional Journey, I have updates and finishing up of some projects or.....some proverbial housekeeping to do.

Carlisle Lace Wrap Pattern (the one that will go with my green shoes) is nearly completed and should be ready to be published by the end of the week.

Retro Ripple Afghan (a told pic)....a tribute and fond memory of my Grandma, I love her so much..... is only 6 or so rows before my yarns runs out. I am really anxious to finish it because its so warm and cozy. If nothing else, motivated by the current temps that are in the teens and 20's. Brrrr..... Once I finish, I do have a portion of the blanket that I will need to weave in ends (because not being an avid crocheter, I just learned the "trick" about how to weave in ends as you go....love that trick!).

Longaberger Sock Pattern a fun basketweave pattern that I havn't decided if I will publish or not. If there is enough interest, I certainly will put it out there.

Next knitted lace wrap/shawl that I have swatched and hanging in the wings is Carly. Carly Lace Wrap is a knitting pattern that reminds me of the seashore. I am making it in a pretty tonal teal color in Winter Lace by Mountain Colors. Its when its cold and snow-y that my mind drifts to long walks on the seashore, sand between my toes and the warm glow of the sun. Let's go!

That' it for now.....

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!