I have been MIA in the blogging space for the past two weeks and I have missed my happy, crafty little world.
What have I been doing?
- knitting - see below
- working - things pile up when you are gone on holiday for over 2 weeks
- updating holiday photos
- catching up on missed posts from all of my favorites
- catching up on things recorded on the V+ box
- watching the goings on during the US presidential debate with mouth agog*
- wondering if I will have any retirement money
- trying to teach myself to crochet (so far so messy! - but getting there slowly)
* I always said that I would make no political comment on my blog, but I have to say that I am breaking that self-vow. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT ANYONE WOULD VOTE FOR THAT WOMAN AND PUT HER NEXT IN LINE TO LEAD A NATION WHICH HAS MAJOR IMPACT WORLD-WIDE. I think that makes me an Obama-mama. A seriously agitated Obama-mama. However, being Canadian and not 'Merican, I can but watch. Come on big bro to the south - get it together!
So - having got that off my chest, let's get on to the knitting! I decided I would like to knit a scarf - it's for my daughter and I wanted it to be like her: warm, but not heavy/thick. And I wanted it to be quick to knit and so I discounted several pretty, but intricate and time-consuming lace patterns. Also, I like scarfs with no "wrong side". So I made up my own pattern. This does knit up very quickly - it's kind of lacy, it's reversible, and it's beginner-easy.
Here's how:
Yarn - 200 g of DK (about 295 yards/ 300 metres)- mine is Stylecraft Special which knits with 4mm/US6 needles to about 30 stitches and 22 rows to 10cm (4 in), but near enough will do.
Needles - 4mm/US 6
Cast on 45 stitches (or your choice, just make the number of stitches divisible by 3.
First 4 rows: knit.
Row 5: K3, purl to last 3 stitches, K3.
Row 6: K3, *K1, YO, Slip 1 knit-wise, K1, PSSO. Repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K3.
Row 7, 9 and 11 : K3, purl to last 3 stitches, K3.
Row 8, 10 and 12: Knit.
Row 13 : Knit (this reverses the pattern so the knit rows are on the "back" side - this will happen every time you come to a "Row 13" and is what makes the scarf have no wrong side).
Repeat rows 5 through 13 until the scarf is as long as you want - I am making mine about 6 feet. Just remember to leave enough yarn to knit 4 last rows and cast off knit-wise.
Also made this weekend:
2 kids bags and 1 Easy-Peasy Bag for the upcoming craft table
And finally -
my lovely, but sleepy, Dylan!
What a cute cat. I'm a sucker for a cute cat.
I completely agree with you about Palin - a terrifically scary prospect. I love Tina Fey's impressions of her, even though I think they're probably closer to the real Palin than is comfortable.
Nice to see you back in blogland!
Posted by: Jo | October 13, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Oh, I feel your pain...The whole McCain/Palin ticket is soooo scary *shudder*...Obama must win! :o) Your Dylan is a cutie...And love the knitting, the subtle eyelet pattern is very pretty. :o)
Posted by: Tracy | October 14, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Those bags are lovely. You do have a way with matching up colours and prints and getting the best out of both. If Dylan ever needs a second home ..... and well cats do sometimes .... think of me... He's too cute for his own good.
Posted by: Julia | October 14, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Such pretty things!
Posted by: Kathi D | October 15, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Hi Katie's Mum (Mom, that is)
Your creations are beautiful and I think you should sell them somewhere. Consignment is the easiest way, as you can gauge popularity and not have pressure to achieve certain sales targets.
There are a lot of beautiful boutiques in Hampstead, Kensington, and Notting Hill that I think you should investigate.
I don't know anything about sewing/knitting etc, but I have a good eye for style. Many of your items would not be astray in House & Garden or Vogue (or similar).
Anyway, congratulations and... consider it.
Posted by: Chris | October 15, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Hello and hello sleepy Dylan! Cats are increasingly becoming very sleepy now that the weather is colder.. Nice stitches! I also prefer knitting stitches with no wrong side. You have done a lot of crafting! We are also glued onto the US political issues. It is crazy isn't it?? Well we can only sit and wait what happens in November...
Posted by: Kyoko | October 15, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Hi! Your scarve is very pretty, thanks for the tutorial. I also like your bags!
Mary
Posted by: Mary | October 16, 2008 at 10:55 PM