Amything Can Happen

Finished Object

Project:  Monica Tank from Knitty

Yarn:  1824 Cotton

Date Started:  June 24

Date Finished:  June 26

Modifications:  The pattern originally called for Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece of which I had none and my LYS doesn't carry in stock, only special orders.  So, I picked 1824 Cotton even though I knew it's a heavier weight yarn.  Brown Sheep calls Cotton Fleece a worsted weight but it is truly more of a dk weight yarn.  The gauge for the pattern was 5 st./in. and with the 1824 Cotton, my gauge was 4 st/in.  They called for size 6 needles, I used size 7 because it gave a prettier and much less stiff fabric.  When I swatched the 1824 Cotton on smaller needles, it was difficult to pull the stitches through and it hurt my hands, so I was much happier with the larger needles and looser gauge, but that also meant that I had to adjust for the differences in the pattern.  I also modified the pattern to work in the round instead of flat.  This meant only four rounds of purling in the whole top which made the knitting go much faster.  There was of course no seaming because it was in the round.

I made the top with a 25 inch circumference, but I will make it bigger for the next one.  Yes, I said next because I have been literally begged to make another one, ten as a matter of fact.  I told her I'd make one more and then we'll see.  So, the NEXT will be just a little bigger and also longer. 

The final modification was to knit the straps in one piece.  The pattern called for two straps that were to be seamed together.  I knit the straps in one piece then did a three-needle bind off to join them together.  The 3NBO blended perfectly with the garter stitch border and strap. 

Savannah loves her new top and she won't take it off.  I'm glad I thought to steam block it and sew in the ends before I let her try it on!  I may have never gotten it back otherwise.  She's already asked me if she could sleep in it and also if I would not only make 10 for her but could I also make one for Junie and Marki, her Build-a-Bear Bunny and Kitty friends.  She said she just has to have matching tops for them too.  It looks like I may have quite a lot of Monica Tanks to knit to keep up with the demand of a four-year-old princess in training!

Hey Swatch Where You're Going!

I've joined Mystery Stole 3 along with about half of the knitting world!  It's my first big lace project with laceweight yarn.  I chose to use the elann.com Peruvian Baby Lace Merino in an off-white color called Parchment.  Here's my swatch done on size 5 needles.  Too loose? Not loose enough?  Hmmmm.....tell me what you think.

Ripple What?

I had every good intention of making a ripple with the blue/brown/linen yarn.  I did!  I've tried 6 different patterns, and each with a different color sequence.  I finally had decided on doing a plain double crochet ripple.  Nothing special, just simple and pretty.  I had swatched.  I never swatch.  Here's the sample on the right.  The husband says it's "fugly" but I thought it looked ok.  The swatch is an idea of a full color repeat, he says that a) the colors don't go to together, and b) it just looks weird.  What do y'all think?  Do I need to scrap this project and give up on my idea of a blue/chocolate blanket?  Do I need to find a new pattern?  Do I need to find a new color pattern? 

Sidewinder Socks

Ok, first let me say that I love this pattern.  I intend to make myself a pair for the sheer novelty of the construction.  They look so interesting.  Grumperina showed us her pair today and they look so fun and most of all DIFFERENT!  Sometimes different is good!  However, when I saw this:

I immediately thought of this:

Does anybody else even remember Slim Goodbody?  When I was searching for an image of him, I learned that he is STILL AROUND!  My goodness!

Anyway, back to the pattern!  I think this may be pure knitting genius!  I can't wait to make a pair, although I think I will forgo the Socks that Rock and perhaps choose a more solid colored sock yarn.

Ripple to the Left....Ripple to the Right!

Ok, so I cannot resist.  CANNOT!  I am going to do a ripple.  I picked the new Lion Brand Vanna's Choice acrylic yarn in Linen, Dusty Blue, and Taupe.  The "Dusty Blue" is much more of a teal color than blue I think.  All of the colors are "dusty" but not at all heathered.  I love them!  The yarn is very soft and I hope that it will work up as pretty as it is in the skein.

Now I'm left to find the perfect ripple pattern.  I had been leaning toward doing a round ripple, but I'm not sure it would be the right pattern for these colors.  Any suggestions?