annbuddknits

A New Look

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:51:00 +0000

In the next day or so, my website will get a facelift. The calendar will be updated regularly with my teaching schedule and classes, and patterns will be available for download. I'm starting out small, but I hope to add two or three designs a year.
The prospect has be a little overwhelmed, but I can't contain my excitement.

Inserting a Zipper

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:49:00 +0000

The zipper I ordered from Zipper Source arrived and I hurried to sew it into my Glory Days jacket so that I might be able to wear it before the summer heat hits.
I ordered a #5 Molded Plastic But-To-Length 18" zipper, medium length with an open end and autolock tab in Bordeaux.

I took photos as I inserted the zipper (I apologize for their poor quality) to demonstrate how easy it is to add a zipper to handknits.
First, pin the zipper in place. I pinned it so that the I-cord edging met along the zipper teeth.

Next, use a contrasting yarn to baste each side, removing pins as you go. The turquoise thread I used looks white in this photo.

Here's how the basted zipper looks from the wrong size.

Next, use small stitches with coordinating thread to sew the edges of the zipper tape to the wrong side of the garment.

Finally, work backstitches with coordinating thread to sew the right side of the garment close to the zipper teeth. You can hardly see the needle in this photo. I'm following a column of stitches along the garment side of the I-cord edging.

Remove the basting and you're done! My backstitches didn't follow a very straight line, but they hold the zipper firmly in place.

I'll soaked the jacket again to block the collar and set the zipper stitches, and it will be ready to wear!

Meet Me in Rhinebeck

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sun, 12 May 2013 18:17:00 +0000

It's official -- Not only will I be attending, but I'll be teaching this fall at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY, Thursday, October 17 through Sunday, October 20.

Here's what I'll be teaching:
Thursday 9am to 4pm: Top-Down Socks with Round Heel and Wedge Toe
Friday 9am to 4pm: Cast-On and Bind-Off Techniques
Saturday 9am to 12pm: Socks At Any Gauge
Saturday 1:30pm to 4:30pm: Conquering Kitchener Stitch
Sunday 9am to 12pm: Conquering Kitchener Stitch
Sunday 1:30pm to 4:30pm: Socks at Any Gauge

For more information on all the classes, go to http://www.sheepandwool.com/workshops.

I hope to see you there!

Weekday Raglan: Choosing a Size

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:53:00 +0000

After my washed, blocked, and dried swatch hung with weights for a day, the gauge measures 27 stitches and 39 rounds = 4".

That translates to 6.75 stitches and 9.75 rounds = 1".

The gauge for the sweater is listed at 6 sts/inch (page 93 of The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters). I like the density of my swatch and wouldn't want to change to larger needles (and a looser fabric) to match that in the pattern. Instead, I want to see if I can follow the instructions for a larger size and end up with the size I want.

I'd like a bust circumference of 40", which means I need 40" x 6.75 sts/in = 270 stitches just below the armhole. The total number of body stitches are given on page 96, at the end of the heading "Divide for Body and Sleeves. The largest size has 276 stitches, which would translate to a bust circumference of 40.9" at my gauge. The second-to-largest size has 252 stitches, which would translate to a bust circumference of 37.3". Neither of these is exactly what I want, but the largest size is closest.

I've decided to follow the instructions for the largest size for all stitch counts, but because I'd rather err on the smaller size, I think I'll omit the last raglan increase so that I'll end up with 268 stitches for the body. That will give a bust circumference of 39.7".

I'll count rows rather than simply measure vertical distances to make sure that the lengths will reflect the after-hanging row gauge.

It's time to cast on!

Weekday Raglan

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:36:00 +0000

During the recent snow, I consoled myself by knitting a swatch for the Weekday Raglan (page 92 of The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters) that I plan to knit for myself. The sample sweater for the book is much too small for me so I'll be following instructions for a larger size.

For my version, I've chosen Grignasco Champagne (75% extra fine merino, 25% mulberry silk; 165 meters/50 grams) in a soft periwinkle color (#375) knitted on size US 5 (3.75 mm) needles. Because I'll knit the sweater in rounds, I worked my gauge swatch like a giant I-cord, knitting across the stitches, then sliding them back to the needle tip, bringing the yarn loosely around the back, and knitting the stitches again. In this way, every stitch is knitted on every row, just as when knitting in rounds.

The back of the swatch is a bit of a mess:

But the front shows smooth stockinette in which every row is knitted:

My gauge on the unwashed swatch is 29 stitches and 38 rows = 4". (The 5 purl stitches near the bottom are there to remind me that I knitted this swatch on size 5 needles.)

After washing and blocking, my gauge changed to 26 stitches and 38 rows = 4". Don't ask me how the stitch gauge can vary while the row gauge stays the same.

Because this yarn contains silk, there's a good chance that it will stretch with wear. Therefore, I'm hanging the swatch and weighting the bottom with binder clips to simulate what might happen after the full-size sweater has been worn a while:

I'll measure the stitch and row gauge tomorrow to see if there is what's called a "hang gauge" that might affect the finished size of the sweater.

The Big Melt

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:17:00 +0000

My fingers are crossed, but I think the snow here is melting for good.
Here's what my backyard looked like when I got up yesterday morning after the latest storm that dropped another foot:

Here's the same view today, following a full day of bright sunshine:

Just look at all that lovely green!
We normally face water restrictions during the summers due to our arid climate. But we've gotten nearly 10.5 feet of snow this winter (and 5 feet in the past 4 weeks!), so it looks as though there'll be no restrictions this year.
But better yet, the wildfire danger is minimal as we approach the one-year anniversary of the worst wildfire season on record. What a relief!

May Day

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:31:00 +0000

We had the snowiest April on record -- four feet of the cold white stuff in fewer than four weeks. The temps finally became seasonal over the weekend and I thought that we were done with winter for good. Imagine my surprise when I looked out the window this morning.

That's another 6" of snow, and it keeps coming down! Thankfully, the forecast is for sunny skies and temps into the 40s and 50s for the rest of the week. Still, I don't suppose it's safe to put away my heavy sweaters just yet.

So Close

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:15:00 +0000

Here's my Glory Days saddle-shoulder cardigan, following the general instructions in The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters. I added a foldover collar, which I finished with an I-cord bind-off to match the body.

I was at a photo shoot and snapped a shot on a mannequin when everyone wasn't looking. All that's left is the zipper. I ordered one from Zipper Source but it will be a couple of weeks before it ships. I thought about ordering it earlier but I'm glad I didn't -- the I-cord edging tightened up the front opening and I would have ordered a zipper that was too long.

A Completed Body

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:58:00 +0000

I finally finished knitting the body of my sweater from Briar Rose Glory Days yarn. I worked I-cord bind-offs on the sleeves and lower body, which gives a nice, unobtrusive edge. I also picked up stitches along the center front selvedges and worked I-cord bind-offs there as well. All that's left is to finish the neck. I still think I'll work a fold-over collar, but I may change my mind once I have the stitches picked up -- maybe a simple I-cord bind-off would be nice, too.

Another Top-Down Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:36:00 +0000

In the past weeks, I've taught several classes on knitting sweaters from the top down with a focus on circular yoke and raglan constructions from The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters. I've taken a few garments from the book along for inspiration.
I guess it worked, because when I was teaching at Wild Purls in Billings, Montana, I found myself purchasing yarn to make a version of the Weekday Raglan (page 92) for myself. The sample sweater was knitted in a skimpy size 34", which is fine for models who are paid to pass on chocolate, but which makes me look like a badly stuffed sausage.
I chose Grignasco Champagne (75% extra fine merino, 25% mulberry silk; 165 meters/50 grams) in a soft periwinkle color (#375). I really shouldn't start swatching this until I finish the saddle-shoulder top-down cardigan, but I probably won't be able to resist.

And The Snow Keeps Falling

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

It's springtime here in the Rockies, which means anything goes as far as the weather is concerned. We're accustomed to schizophrenic jumps from snow to dry sunshine in April, but this year is much heavier on the snow side of things. Living in an arid climate that's had more years of drought than not in the past decade, I'm grateful for any moisture.
But I do wish I could see the daffodils and tulips that started blooming a couple of weeks ago. Instead, this is what my backyard looked like a few days and 10" of snow ago. And there's another storm in the forecast.

Good thing I have my knitting to keep me busy!

I'm speechless

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:27:00 +0000

I was going to publish another post but, given the tragedy in Boston, I think I'll observe a day of silence instead.
Wishing you all peace and safety.
Ann

Another Winner

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:13:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone who responded to the 200,000-hit raffle.

The random-number generator chose Needleworker, who, on

April 9, 2013 at 2:16 AM

wrote:
I am a late reader of your blog (very enjoyable) as are your books. I am a new knitter & am looking forward to Knitting numerious things your books seem so sensible giving me the the tools to be creative :) I have a lot of your books all the sock ones as well as the patterns & sweater books :)So I would really like (if I am lucky)

Knitted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make and Give Thanks you Ann for Joy re blog & books long may you continue

Congratulations Needleworker! Send me your mailing address (click on the link at the upper right corner of my blog page) and I'll get the book in the mail to you.

Approaching 200,000!

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:21:00 +0000

Check out the meter at the bottom of this blog page -- it will hit the 200,000 mark today! Either a lot of people have been reading this blog or a few people are visiting the site an astronomical number of times. I prefer to believe the former.
Those of you who have been following for a while know what this kind of milestone brings -- another raffle for the print copy of one of my books.
Respond to this post and tell me which book you'd like (sorry, the upcoming Scarf Style 2 is not eligible -- it won't be available until this summer) and why (it helps me know what appeals to readers). I'll use a random number generator to draw a winner Wednesday morning. I'll then post the winner on a separate post. If I don't hear back from the winner within three days, I'll draw another winner, and so on.
Good luck!

Inching Toward the Hem

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:23:00 +0000

I've been knitting on and off on my top-down saddle shoulder sweater and was certain that I must be at the hem. But when I stretched out the stitches on a piece of string, I found that I still have 3" to go on the body and a few inches for each sleeve.

I'm so close that this will become a priority so I might be able to wear it before the weather gets too warm. Once the body and sleeves are done, I'll decide about the collar and send away for a perfectly matched zipper. Stay tuned.

Another Pair of Socks!

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 21:16:00 +0000

When I was traveling last week I finished my Seeded Rib socks out of Wacky Windmill yarn. The pattern is from Getting Started Knitting Socks (page 88, but I worked 1" of k3, p2 rib at the cuffs and I held the yarn in front of the slipped stitches of the heel flaps); the yarn colorway is Found A Penny. I debated whether I should save these as a gift, but I decided to put them on right after I snapped the photo (before I even wove in the ends). They're perfect!

Ready for PreOrder!

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:47:00 +0000

As usual, I've had to be mum about my next book and could only show you an artistic image of the projects.

But I can now divulge that Scarf Style 2 is heading to printer soon and is ready for pre-order from Amazon (it doesn't seem to be available directly from Interweave yet).

Like the original Scarf Style by Pam Allen (published by Interweave in 2004), Scarf Style 2 is a collection of innovative neck coverings from a couple dozen diverse designers. From the traditional to the unexpected, there's something for every taste in neckwear, including textured stitch patterns, lace, cables, and colorwork that run the gamut from very simple to challenging, casual to dressy, and demure to flamboyant.
I sure hope you'll love it as much as I do!

Closing in on the Hem

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 19:12:00 +0000

After a few evenings of concentrated knitting, I am finally approaching the hem of my Briar Rose Glory Days cardigan.

Right now, the body measures close to 10". I think I want the total body length to be about 13", but I'll have to check a sweater that has a similar fit to be sure. In any case, I need to decide if there will be a bit a regular rib (k3, p1) at the end and whether or not I'll go ahead with an I-cord bind-off.
A nip of a strong beverage may help me decide.

A Lot of Little Sweaters

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:42:00 +0000

I am on my way to Billings, Montana, to teach sweater construction at Wild Purls Yarns, an adorable yarn shop in what's left of the Wild West. I will teach classes in working sweaters both from the bottom up in pieces that get seamed and from the top-down in a single seamless piece. In both classes, we'll knit adorable little sweaters. Here are my class samples (in various degrees of completion).

The three sweaters on the left are for the bottom-up class. In this two-day class (with homework), students get to choose between drop shoulder, modified-drop shoulder, and set-in sleeve construction with round or V-necks. By the end of the class, everyone is able to sew perfect (or nearly perfect) seams and pick up stitches evenly and beautifully.
The two sweaters on the right are for the top-down class. This class is only one day because there are no seams, but I don't expect anyone to get beyond the point where the body and sleeves are divided at the end of the day (their homework will be to finish the body and sleeves on their own). For this class, the students will choose between seamless yoke and raglan construction; those who choose the raglan will also get to choose between round and V-necks.
Assuming that everything goes well, I'll have images of student samples, which usually show a nice array of colors and patterns.

Second-Sock Syndrome?

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:26:00 +0000

In most cases, I cast on and start the second sock as soon as the first is completed. In the case of the socks I'm knitting from Wacky Windmill yarn, I got distracted with other projects. And that's a shame because I really love the yarn (my photo does not do justice to the rich coppery colorway) as well as the pattern (I'm following the stitch pattern for Seeded Rib Socks on page 88 of Getting Started Knitting Socks -- but at 8 stitches/inch instead of 6 stitches/inch). But I'm back on track now and have knitted about half of the leg.

The first sock is for reference -- I always count rows to make sure the second sock matches the first. The markers are placed every 20 rounds along the foot, with the last one placed on the row before I begin the toe shaping. I find psychological comfort in placing markers as I go so I can see my progress.

Inching Along

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:04:00 +0000

It seems that I'm on a knitting treadmill--I knit and knit but don't see any apparent progress on the body of my Briar Rose Glory Days sweater.

But this is giving me lots of time to think about the edgings. I still think I'd like a standard fold-over collar at the neck and a zipper closure. But now I'm wondering if it wouldn't be cool to trim it all with I-cord. I can use the I-cord bind-off on the sleeves and lower body. For the fronts, I can pick up stitches along the selvedges, then work the I-cord bind off to make a nice edging against the zipper. But I haven't quite gotten my head around how the collar will fit it. Should I work an I-cord edging on the collar as well, or would that be too much?
At lease, at this rate, I won't have to make a decision for a while.

Signs of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:53:00 +0000

We've had a bit of cold and snow lately (great knitting weather), and just when I was thinking that spring would never arrive, look what I saw peeking out of the snow!

It won't be long before that turns into a bright red tulip -- happy harbingers of spring to you all!

Just Can't Stop

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:21:00 +0000

I'm charging along on my Briar Rose sweater! It didn't seem to take any time to knit the sleeves --decreases will do that. I haven't bound off the cuffs yet because I want to try on the finished sweater to fine-tune their length. Because there is no shaping in the body, this I've been able to work on it while watching movies or knitting with friends. At this rate, it won't be long before I get to the hem.

Surging Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 02:11:00 +0000

Not only have I reached the point where I was before ripping out, I've successfully worked the upper part of one sleeve. The sleeve is worked by picking up stitches around the armhole (including the held saddle stitches), then working short-rows to fill in the cap. The advantage of working sleeves this way is that you don't have to sew any seams. Just look at that beautiful transition between body and sleeve!

Backtracking

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:03:00 +0000

I've gone back to my Briar Rose sweater and am almost back to where I had to rip out. This time you'll notice that the live stitches of both shoulder straps are facing the armholes as they should. I'm so proud.

I haven't minded retracing my steps on this one because I enjoy the combination of yarn and stitch pattern. I'm also motivated to get it finished before I have to put all my sweaters away for the summer.