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First, the good news. I finally got a job interview! It's on Thursday morning, so tomorrow I'll be spending the day making sure I've got my interview clothes ready.
I watched the pilot episode of Dead Like Me this evening. It's very impressive and I'm looking forward to watching some more episodes. One of those shows that really makes you think.
In other news, I've about had it with the cat sweater. I keep casting on and ripping out, over and over and over and over and over and over... I have a headache.
I'm pretty sure my gauge is okay now, but I cannot seem to cast on the right number of stitches, no matter how many times I count and double-check. 136 stitches is divisible by 4, so I should be connecting on the round from two purls to two knits. No matter what I do, I'm connecting two knits to two knits. #!#&$@#$^!@*
Maybe tomorrow I'll give it another go and finally cast it on right. Tomorrow...
Untwisting, Unraveling, Unplying... Yarn Troubles
I ran into a new problem tonight. Yes, I know I'm a new knitter and everything is a new problem. I had a hell of a time finding a fix for this using my GoogleFu though, so maybe it isn't as common as I thought it would be.
After redoing all my math and measurements earlier today, I decided to cast on. The long tail cast on is the only one I know. It's also the one I'm using for the cat sweater. Well, the yarn and I had a disagreement. It started unwinding on me as I cast it on. It got to the point where I had over 160 stitches on and I had to rip it all out and start over because my yarn was so twisted.
I'm right-handed and learned to do the long tail cast on with the needle in my right hand and the yarn in my left. As I was casting on, I was untwisting the yarn coming off the ball.
I tried rewinding my yarn into a hand-wound ball (I had the yarn store ball it for me when I bought it). This did not help. Winding into another ball with the other end of the yarn loose didn't help either. I spent a long time trying to find a solution on Google and finally came across this explanation from True Blue Fiber Friends. (Thank you, True Blue Fiber Friends, for having the answer!)
The solution was to do the long tail cast on with the needle in my left hand and the yarn in my right. I'm still twisting the yarn, but not as badly and I'm twisting it in the right direction. So, if you happen to unwind your yarn while casting on, try switching hands!
Now, since I had so much trouble finding a solution with my GoogleFu, I'm going to list all the keywords I used so that hopefully, other confused knitters have an easier time finding an answer: How to fix untwisting yarn, how to fix unraveling yarn, fixing untwisting yarn, fixing unraveling yarn, casting on untwisting yarn, and casting on unraveling yarn.
After redoing all my math and measurements earlier today, I decided to cast on. The long tail cast on is the only one I know. It's also the one I'm using for the cat sweater. Well, the yarn and I had a disagreement. It started unwinding on me as I cast it on. It got to the point where I had over 160 stitches on and I had to rip it all out and start over because my yarn was so twisted.
I'm right-handed and learned to do the long tail cast on with the needle in my right hand and the yarn in my left. As I was casting on, I was untwisting the yarn coming off the ball.
I tried rewinding my yarn into a hand-wound ball (I had the yarn store ball it for me when I bought it). This did not help. Winding into another ball with the other end of the yarn loose didn't help either. I spent a long time trying to find a solution on Google and finally came across this explanation from True Blue Fiber Friends. (Thank you, True Blue Fiber Friends, for having the answer!)
The solution was to do the long tail cast on with the needle in my left hand and the yarn in my right. I'm still twisting the yarn, but not as badly and I'm twisting it in the right direction. So, if you happen to unwind your yarn while casting on, try switching hands!
Now, since I had so much trouble finding a solution with my GoogleFu, I'm going to list all the keywords I used so that hopefully, other confused knitters have an easier time finding an answer: How to fix untwisting yarn, how to fix unraveling yarn, fixing untwisting yarn, fixing unraveling yarn, casting on untwisting yarn, and casting on unraveling yarn.
The Cat Sweater: Post One
Original title. I'm skilled like that.
Technically, I started this cat sweater project about a week ago. Then I decided that I didn't have the knit on the round skills to actually begin it. Then came the coffee cozies and now I think I finally have the right idea and can attempt the sweater.
Here is the sweater pattern in its original habitat and here's the Ravelry link. Here's the link to my project on Ravelry as well, just for completion's sake.
This sweater is designed for my mom's cat, Lilo. She's an alley cat - American short hair with black and white fur. She's also a neurotic licker. My mom has been looking for an infant shirt for Lilo (veterinarian recommended), but hasn't found anything she likes. Hence the cat sweater.
I'm using Cascade 220 undyed yarn and size 7 needles. The trick was finding a yarn and needle combination that yielded stitches that were loose enough to not be stiffling but tight enough that the cat wouldn't get her claws stuck. Since I'm still working on my tension (my stitches tend to be so tight that my projects could double as water pails), I think this combination will meet those two criteria. Plus, I'm working on getting my knitting to loosen up a little.
The pattern itself calls for a lot of math. MATH. The word makes me shudder and crawl under the nearest table. I failed math in the second grade and never improved from there. I've spent my entire life pulling in straight Ds in every single math class I've ever taken. It's no wonder the word induces a nervous tic.
It might surprise you to learn that the math for this sweater is actually straight-forward and easy. Christine Landry laid everything out so even the most math-challenged could manage it, like yours truly.
This is the most challenging project I've taken on to date. I'm excited to learn something new and glad that it's something that doesn't have to look good. Cat sweaters are low pressure!
My math, for posterity (or, yarn forbid, I lose the pattern):
A = 195
B = 98
C = 40
D = 28
E = 14
F = 120
G = 75
H = 1
I = 84
Technically, I started this cat sweater project about a week ago. Then I decided that I didn't have the knit on the round skills to actually begin it. Then came the coffee cozies and now I think I finally have the right idea and can attempt the sweater.
Here is the sweater pattern in its original habitat and here's the Ravelry link. Here's the link to my project on Ravelry as well, just for completion's sake.
This sweater is designed for my mom's cat, Lilo. She's an alley cat - American short hair with black and white fur. She's also a neurotic licker. My mom has been looking for an infant shirt for Lilo (veterinarian recommended), but hasn't found anything she likes. Hence the cat sweater.
I'm using Cascade 220 undyed yarn and size 7 needles. The trick was finding a yarn and needle combination that yielded stitches that were loose enough to not be stiffling but tight enough that the cat wouldn't get her claws stuck. Since I'm still working on my tension (my stitches tend to be so tight that my projects could double as water pails), I think this combination will meet those two criteria. Plus, I'm working on getting my knitting to loosen up a little.
The pattern itself calls for a lot of math. MATH. The word makes me shudder and crawl under the nearest table. I failed math in the second grade and never improved from there. I've spent my entire life pulling in straight Ds in every single math class I've ever taken. It's no wonder the word induces a nervous tic.
It might surprise you to learn that the math for this sweater is actually straight-forward and easy. Christine Landry laid everything out so even the most math-challenged could manage it, like yours truly.
This is the most challenging project I've taken on to date. I'm excited to learn something new and glad that it's something that doesn't have to look good. Cat sweaters are low pressure!
My math, for posterity (or, yarn forbid, I lose the pattern):
A = 195
B = 98
C = 40
D = 28
E = 14
F = 120
G = 75
H = 1
I = 84
Striking a Balance
I am really beginning to understand knitting. The Stitch 'N Bitch Handbook has helped me through nearly every problem so far, save one. I feel like I should be knitting things much more complicated than I'm actually capable of handling at this point.
For example, I spent most of my evening trying to learn the dragon scale pattern (like this one). I'll get it eventually I'm sure, but it is beyond my skill level. I should be working on those coffee cozies and maybe getting a start on that cat sweater. But no, I try to learn a complicated new pattern so I can use it on my coffee cozies.
Oh well, it's a good way to learn...
In other news, a blog redesign is in the works. I switched my blog address to mangotangoknits because I changed my Ravelry username to mangotango. I have a good idea for a banner, but I need to purchase a mango first. Once I have the banner made, then I'll redesign the site around a mango-y theme!
For example, I spent most of my evening trying to learn the dragon scale pattern (like this one). I'll get it eventually I'm sure, but it is beyond my skill level. I should be working on those coffee cozies and maybe getting a start on that cat sweater. But no, I try to learn a complicated new pattern so I can use it on my coffee cozies.
Oh well, it's a good way to learn...
In other news, a blog redesign is in the works. I switched my blog address to mangotangoknits because I changed my Ravelry username to mangotango. I have a good idea for a banner, but I need to purchase a mango first. Once I have the banner made, then I'll redesign the site around a mango-y theme!
Coffee and Jelly Beans
The misfit jelly bean- colored yarn finally found a use - a coffee cozy!
We didn't have any tall cups available, so I snapped a photo of the coffee cozy on a medium cup. The gather at the bottom is because the cozy is too long for the cup.
Here's the Ravelry link if you're interested in the pattern.
Learning to knit on the round has been a battle lasting several days. This pattern was the breakthrough, so I'm kinda proud!
We didn't have any tall cups available, so I snapped a photo of the coffee cozy on a medium cup. The gather at the bottom is because the cozy is too long for the cup.Here's the Ravelry link if you're interested in the pattern.
Learning to knit on the round has been a battle lasting several days. This pattern was the breakthrough, so I'm kinda proud!
60 Monday
Today is my mother's 60th birthday. Shh, though! She doesn't want anyone to know.
My family made the trip to Winona, MN to visit my grandmother today. A two hour drive one way means lots of knitting time! I started and finished what was supposed to be a Mobius Cowl, except I forgot add the twist when I stitched it together. Therefore, I'm calling it my UnMobius Cowl.
This was my first attempt at trying increases and decreases. It went fairly well, considering. I had one major screw up on my third pattern row which I was able to tink successfully and re-knit. The UnMobius Cowl has some issues, but they aren't obvious. Hopefully someone will want to wear it!
I used the raspberry Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick I wrote about early. Here's the Ravelry link to the project (and the pattern) if you're curious.
The two scarves I've been working on are finished as well. The first one looks very cool, but isn't that great. The second one made from the Claret Lion Brand yarn I mentioned in the previous post is really nice. It looks pretty good with my Patagonia vest too!
I got lots of compliments on it, so I'm rather proud. It's huge but very snuggly and warm!
Knitting club met last Saturday and it was so much fun. It's great to sit around, drinking coffee/tea, and chat with other women for a few hours. It's also fun to attract attention from passersby and have random conversations with cool, interesting people.
While we were knitting, an eldery Irish gentleman dropped by the coffee shop. Upon seeing us knitting, he told us this lovely story in his great Irish brogue. Imagine the accent while reading his paraphrased story (I wish I had a recording!):
"When I was a kid in Ireland, my mum used to knit sweaters for us all the time. One winter, she stepped outside to use the loo and I went over to her knitting and pulled some of it out. When mum came back, she had no idea who did it, but she was MAD. She figured it out though and got her revenge. She made me wear the thing when she finished! Had uneven sleeves and looked terrible!"
Hanging out in random coffee shops is a great way to meet interesting people, and is one of the best things about my knitting group!
My family made the trip to Winona, MN to visit my grandmother today. A two hour drive one way means lots of knitting time! I started and finished what was supposed to be a Mobius Cowl, except I forgot add the twist when I stitched it together. Therefore, I'm calling it my UnMobius Cowl.
This was my first attempt at trying increases and decreases. It went fairly well, considering. I had one major screw up on my third pattern row which I was able to tink successfully and re-knit. The UnMobius Cowl has some issues, but they aren't obvious. Hopefully someone will want to wear it!
I used the raspberry Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick I wrote about early. Here's the Ravelry link to the project (and the pattern) if you're curious.
The two scarves I've been working on are finished as well. The first one looks very cool, but isn't that great. The second one made from the Claret Lion Brand yarn I mentioned in the previous post is really nice. It looks pretty good with my Patagonia vest too!I got lots of compliments on it, so I'm rather proud. It's huge but very snuggly and warm!
Knitting club met last Saturday and it was so much fun. It's great to sit around, drinking coffee/tea, and chat with other women for a few hours. It's also fun to attract attention from passersby and have random conversations with cool, interesting people.
While we were knitting, an eldery Irish gentleman dropped by the coffee shop. Upon seeing us knitting, he told us this lovely story in his great Irish brogue. Imagine the accent while reading his paraphrased story (I wish I had a recording!):
"When I was a kid in Ireland, my mum used to knit sweaters for us all the time. One winter, she stepped outside to use the loo and I went over to her knitting and pulled some of it out. When mum came back, she had no idea who did it, but she was MAD. She figured it out though and got her revenge. She made me wear the thing when she finished! Had uneven sleeves and looked terrible!"
Hanging out in random coffee shops is a great way to meet interesting people, and is one of the best things about my knitting group!
Claret for Cool People
Knitting club doesn't meet until tomorrow, so I've been trying to find a new project to occupy my time. I have a whole list of things I want to make, but since I'm so new to this knitting thing I'm really hesitant to just dive in without someone showing me the ropes.
As a result, I've started on another scarf! I wrote about the raspberry Lion Brand yarn I got earlier... Well, I adore that yarn. It's so soft and squishy! My mom and I went to Joann Fabrics the other day and I decided to pick up two skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (what a name) in Claret. The shade looks amazing with my Patagonia down vest, so this scarf is all for me when it's done.
I'm using a standard seed stitch, which really looks good with this yarn. The picture I took just doesn't do it justice, so you'll have to take my word for it. I'm also using enormous needles - US size 17, so it's quite loose.
Since I only have one skein of the raspberry Thick & Quick, I'm thinking of trying this pattern, the Calorimetry. Other projects I'd like to start on soon:
As a result, I've started on another scarf! I wrote about the raspberry Lion Brand yarn I got earlier... Well, I adore that yarn. It's so soft and squishy! My mom and I went to Joann Fabrics the other day and I decided to pick up two skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (what a name) in Claret. The shade looks amazing with my Patagonia down vest, so this scarf is all for me when it's done.
I'm using a standard seed stitch, which really looks good with this yarn. The picture I took just doesn't do it justice, so you'll have to take my word for it. I'm also using enormous needles - US size 17, so it's quite loose.
Since I only have one skein of the raspberry Thick & Quick, I'm thinking of trying this pattern, the Calorimetry. Other projects I'd like to start on soon:
- Cat Sweater for my mom's cat, Lilo
- Cat Toys
- Baby hat for my friend Amy
- Hat for my dad
- Wrist warmers for me
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