What's Next?

紫紅色半圓背心已經鉤好了，現在正在定型中，該準備下一個 project 啦！

I finished the Purple Crochet Bolero Vest, it is now drying on the blocking board. So, what am I going to work on next?



本來想按照清單開始打這件想了很久的斜線麻花背心，把準備好的線拿出來試打織片，可是這線太細了，打起來織片太ㄌㄤ，換小一號針的話織圖針目就要重算 (實在有點懶的算...) 當初買這個線就是打算拿來織這件背心，線是50% 美麗諾羊毛，50% 麻，摸起來是有點硬 (一般麻料的線都是有點硬，不太好織，不過織好下水過後會好很多)，顏色我好喜歡呢，覺得很適合這件背心說... 看來還是要換線，這個用 DK weight (密度約 22針 = 10cm) 的線應該會比較剛好，我想用美麗諾羊毛和棉或絲(或竹纖維)混紡的線來織，純棉的樣子容易"走鐘"，可是我庫存裡大部分 DK weight 的都是純棉的... (那沒事純棉的線買那麼多幹什麼啊？...)

I thought maybe I should stick to my queue and start this Diagonal Cable Sleeveless Top that I have had my eyes on for a long long time. I was planning to use Louet Sales MerLin (50% merino and 50% linen) for it. As it turned out, the yarn is too fine, the stitches on the gauge swatch (I didn't even want to finish the swatch) were too loose. Well, I could use a smaller size needle, but then I'll have to recalculate all the stitch count. With all those cables, I just don't feel like doing it. So, I guess I'll need to switch yarn. That's too bad, I bought this MerLin specifically with this top in mind, and I love this color! It is perfect for this design. I guess a DK weight yarn would be more suitable, in a merino blend with either cotton or silk (or bamboo would be nice too.) Pure cotton tends to lose its shape after a while, but somehow most of the DK weight yarns in my stash are cotton... (then why did I buy so many cotton yarns?...)



既然想不到適合的線，那就先擺著吧。往下看我的清單裡，再來已經有線的就是 Rusted Root 啦！昨晚試了一下織片，下了水現在還在等它乾，不過看起來應該可以，希望晚上就能開打啦！

Well, since I couldn't think of anything suitable for the cable top, I'd move on to the next one in my queue, which is Rusted Root. The yarn has been sitting in my stash for a long time. I finished the gauge swatch last night, it is still drying on the blocking board, but it looks promising. Hopefully I can cast on tonight!

嗯，還有 Joey 那邊還欠著一件鳳梨花對稱上衣，在想去跟柳屋訂原織圖用的線，這樣我就不用傷腦筋找線啦！

Hmmm... there's also the Crochet Pineapple Boatneck Top (#2) from Joey's August Crochet-Along projects... I have been thinking maybe I'll try ordering the yarn called for in the pattern from Yanagiya, then I won't have to worry if my yarn choices won't work!

Seascape Stole Progress 海景披肩進度報告

耶！終於織到一半了。照片裡是剛織完圖B第三次重複，雖然皺皺的，但是可以清楚看出花樣。

Yeah! Finally I am at the half point mark. I just finished 3rd repeats of chart B. It's a bit wrinkly, but you can clearly see the patterns.



用線是Rowan Kidsilk Night，其實大約兩年前就買了這個顏色，那時只買了一球，想拿來打 Branching Out，後來一直讓別的 projects 插隊，結果就放到現在。當初一看到海景時，就想用 Kidsilk Haze 來做，去了店裡看，偏偏我想要的顏色不是沒有就是不夠。在店裡還看到銀灰色的 Kidsilk Night，也好喜歡，可惜只剩下一球，也不夠。於是想到我庫存裡的紫色，可是已經買了兩年，還能補到同缸號的嗎？心裡想覺得不可能，但是還是找了時間去當初買線的那家店。嘻嘻，還真的有，而且就剩兩球，這是冥冥之中註定的嗎？

I am knitting with Rowan Kidsilk Night. I bought this lovely lavender color about two years ago, intended to make Branching Out scarf so I only bought 1 ball. Then other projects happened, and this has been sitting in my stash since. When I first saw Seascape, I wanted to use Kidsilk Haze. I went to the stores, and they either didn't have the colors I wanted or didn't have enough. I also saw a gorgeous silver gray Kidsilk Night (totally my color), but there's only one ball left. And then I remembered this lavender ball in my stash. Totally thought that it was impossible to get more of the same dye lot, I made a trip anyway to the store where I bought the original ball. And to my luck, they still had it, and only two balls left. Is this meant to be all along?



昨天受不了了，跑去敗了 Addi Turbo Lace Needles 回來。哇！真的好用，原先用 Regular Addi Turbo 來織，遇到 S2KP, M1L, M1R 時，就要左拉右扯把針目弄大一點，還要戳好幾次才能把針頭戳進去，織的很慢，弄得我快抓狂。現在用 lace needles 只要一次就完成，快多了。

Yesterday, I gave in and bought the Addi Turbo Lace Needles. And WOW! What a difference! With the regular Addi, I had to tug at the adjacent stitches and yarn strands to insert the needle when I need to make a S2KP, M1L, or M1R. And it would take several tries before I could successfully insert the needle. Now with the lace needle, I can insert the needle at the first attempt. I still need to tug at the stitches at some tight spots, but much much less frequently, and so I am making progress a bit faster too.

左邊金黃色的是 Addi Lace, 右邊銀色的是 regular Addi。 Lace 針頭比較尖。

On the left is the yellow Addi Lace, on the right is the regular Addi. The Lace is bit pointier.

No Wool in July

After struggling for a few weeks, I gave up. It was just too hot to be working with wool. So, as much as I would like to finish the Silver Belle Cardigan, I decided to put it on hold for a while. And I was so close to the finish line too. Just a few more straight lines of cables and button panels, and I will be done. But I just couldn't take it any more. Working with wool in 90 degrees weather, with no air conditioning, is just inhumane.

和 Silver Belle Cardigan 努力了幾星期後，還是決定暫停一下。天氣實在是太熱，在這種天氣下織羊毛線簡直是虐待。我已經快織完了說... 再幾條麻花、前襟釦洞，就好了呢。可是我受不了啦，編織應該是休閒調劑身心的，織到這麼受罪就不值得了。

Pictured below is the "skirt" of the cardigan, and one of the sleeves and body. The other sleeve is also done. I plan to pick it up again when the weather cooperates.

照片裡左邊的是衣身下半部像“裙子”的部分，右邊的是袖子和衣身的一部分。另一隻袖子也織好了。打算天氣稍涼一點再來繼續進行。



This is what I have been working on this past week. A long, lacy vest, with a wide v-neck and lacy ruffles. It is going well, and I should be able to finish it in the next couple days.

這一個星期來都在玩鉤針，這個是一件長(也沒有很長啦)背心，洞洞很大也很多，前面開大V領，V領和下擺有波浪花邊。進行的蠻順利地，應該再兩天可以完成。

Just Being Lazy

It's been almost two weeks since my last post, and I have to still bring myself to write this one. I must have caught the thing called "laziness", or the warmer weather is just making me want to lay back and do nothing at all. Other than a short trip to San Diego (Sea World and San Diego Zoo) over the Memorial weekend, which Connor enjoyed tremendously, nothing much is happening. Knitting is going slowly. I haven't reduced my WIP pile, and I managed to add another one. I have been working on Bonsai Tunic, from IK spring issue, for a few days now. The back piece is finished, and I have just cast on for the front piece. It's easy knitting so far, although the yarn is a bit annoying. It's very twisty, and keeps tangling up all by themselves.

已經快兩個星期沒發文了, 今天這篇居然還是覺得有點懶得寫. 我一定是得了懶病, 要不就是這天氣令人覺得懶洋洋地, 什麼都不想做. 上星期的四天週末假日帶兒子去了聖地牙哥(海洋世界和聖地牙哥動物園), 卡比玩的很開心, 我們可是累慘了. 其他也沒做什麼... 懶嘛! 手邊已有三個未成品, 嘻嘻... 我又開始了另一個project - 是Interweave Knits春季版裡的一件背心. 後片已經織好, 今天剛開始打前片. 蠻簡單的, 只是這線有點討厭, 捲曲的很厲害.



I have also managed to finish the collar on Phildar Swing Jacket. What's left to be knitted are the four pocket pieces, and then I still have to decide on what to do with the trim. I have made up my mind not to use the bias binding tape, and will probably either knit or crochet the border. But I haven't decided on exactly what to do. It has been very easy to get distracted from this project. Not sure why. I guess especially now I won't get to wear it until fall, there's less incentive to get it done right away. And handling wool in this summer weather is just not very enjoyable. But I am anxious to get it off the WIP status though, maybe I will work on it when we have the AC on. :D

另外, Phildar七分袖外套的領子也織好了. 再來就剩下四個口袋織片要織, 原圖樣毛織的部分就算完成了. 我還沒有決定那淺紫的邊要怎麼做. 已經確定的是, 不用原設計裡的bias binding tape, 我打算另用毛線用棒針或鉤針來做邊, 只是還沒想好要怎麼做. 做這個project很容易分心耶, 尤其現在天氣越來越熱, 這件外套就算做好也要等到秋天才會穿, 就不太想去動它哩. 這種天氣實在是不想碰羊毛線, 但又覺得這件拖了有夠久, 也許等天氣熱到非開冷氣不可時, 再來躲在冷氣房裡織, 哈! :D



And I want to thank you all for stopping by and for your kind compliments. They were always received with deep appreciations. I wish I have time to go around and chat, but the truth is I am getting less and less computer time these days, as my 2-year-old is already fighting with me over the computer. Well, not exactly "fighting", he just needs to pull at my shirt (hard!) and I will have to get off the computer and let him use it. And this happens whenever he sees me sitting down in front of the computer. He would tap at the keyboard and giggle when he saw those dots in the password box of the login screen. He has also figured out how to insert a DVD and the key sequences to start playing his favorite Teletubbies episodes on the laptop. Truly scary!

感謝大家有空過來逛逛, 留言, 和讚美(是大家不嫌棄啦!) 能在網路上遇到這麼多編織同好, 高手如雲, 實在是很令人開心. 我很希望能有更多時間也到大家的部落格看看串門子, 可惜現在用電腦時間越來越少. 卡比只要看到我坐在電腦前, 就會跑過來把我拉起來, 然後自己爬上椅子, 在鍵盤上東按按西敲敲. 他喜歡看登入時密碼格裡的黑豆豆, 一按出黑豆豆來他就笑的很高興. 他也知道如何將DVD拿出和放進電腦裡, 然後要按那些鍵來播放他最愛看的Teletubbies, 兩歲的小孩耶, 連話都還不會說... 實在是恐怖!

Dang! I Ran Out of Yarn...

I kept my fingers crossed, hoping that I would have enough... But, my worst fear happened, I ran out of yarn... Rowan is a popular brand, many yarn shops carry the lines. However, 4-ply cotton doesn't seem to be very popular. Out of a handful of LYS's in the area, there is only one that carries 4-ply cotton. I bought two balls from them, thinking that it would be enough. I remember that was still one ball left on the shelves. That was one week ago. When I went back there this week, that ball was gone! What are the odds that someone also wanted to buy the same yarn in the same color in the same week when the yarns have been sitting on the shelves for months, and especially there is only one ball left? Aaarrrggghhhh!!! I made calls to several LYS's this morning, none of them carries this yarn... sigh... I guess I'll just have to put this project aside until I find more yarn. Dang! I was hoping to wear it this weekend, I heard it may hit 80 degrees on Saturday.

鈎的時候就很擔心呢, 很怕線會不夠. 沒想到一開始的方眼編會用掉這麼多線. 果然, 圖二的模樣編只剩下最後一排還沒鈎完, 線就沒了. Rowan的線幾乎每家店都有賣, 可是他的4-ply cotton方圓百里內據我所知只有一家在賣. 一星期前就是跟他買的, 買了兩球, 看架子上還剩一球. 心想如果不夠再回來應該還可以吧. 結果, 就是有這麼巧的事, 這個禮拜再回去, 剩下的那一球賣掉了啦!! 今天早上打電話問了附近幾家店, 真的沒人有... 唉... 看來只好暫時把它收起來, 等買到線再繼續了. 本來想趕快鈎好這個週末可以穿的, 氣溫上升聽說會有80度(華氏)呢!

Jacket, Dress, And Shawl

Three projects at the same time? And I still want to start new ones... hehe... ;) Although I always seem to have multiple projects going on at the same time, I do almost finish them all at the end. The keyword being "almost", there's a frustrating UFO in the pile for more than a year now. Not that I don't want to finish it, I just don't know how (and if) to go forward. That will be another post. For now, let me show you what I am working on:

同時進行三個projects? 而且還在想新的東西... 我是太閒了嗎? 心情可能有點閒, 手上可是沒停過唷! 我知道這樣三心二意, 反而需要更多時間來完成作品, 可是后, 現在想織的都是一些大作品咧, 每一件至少都要三個星期來完成, 不找些其他的東西來調劑一下, 會織不下去呢. 雖然三心二意, 可是我幾乎沒有半成品哦! 重點在"幾乎"... 有一件背心織了一年多了, 無法完成, 不是我不想完成它, 實在是不知如何繼續, 這個就以後再說吧. 先來現一下我目前的進度:

Phildar Swing Jacket is looking good. Both front pieces, the back, and one sleeve are done. The fronts and back have been blocked and measure perfectly. The sleeve has not been blocked. I will do a second batch of blocking once the second sleeve and the collar are done. Gotta start looking for yarn to do the pockets, and shopping for buttons!

拆了三次後, 第四次總算進行順利. Phildar外套這次看起來還不錯哩. 已經織好前片, 後片, 和一隻袖子. 前後片已經定型過, 尺寸剛好. 袖子尚未定型. 等第二隻袖子和領子織好, 再一起定型. 現在要開始找織口袋用的線和釦子!


I couldn't resist, the second day after I received my Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2007 issue in the mail, I went out to buy yarn for the cover dress. It is too adorable! After about 4 days, the top back is done. I bought enough yarn and do intend to make the entire dress, but I know myself, this is probably one of the largest projects I have ever taken on (the largest may be the baby blanket...) I decided to start with the top, then the second tier of the garment and the sleeves. And if I haven't got tired of it, then I will make the bottom tier of the skirt. If I run out of patience, then at least I can wear it as a top. I imagine this dress will take some time to make. No hurry, this will just be a "little" something to do on the side while I tackle the other projects. :D

收到Vogue Knitting 2007 春夏版太興奮了, 第二天就跑去買線來織封面那件洋裝. 實在是太口愛了! 織了約四天吧, 現在上身後片已經完成. 我是真的打算織整件洋裝喔! 線量買的也夠. 可是我自己沒信心, 這麼大的project, 怕沒有耐心去完成. 這在我織過的東西裡, 算很大件了 (最大的大概是這件baby睡毯...) 決定先從上身開始織, 然後腰身小腹那一節裙子, 再來織袖子. 如果還沒累垮或厭倦, 再來織最下面那節裙襬. 如果不想再織下去, 那就把它當上衣穿. 嘿嘿... 反正不急, 天氣還沒暖到適合穿洋裝, 這件慢慢來, 當調劑品就好... :D


And of course, TKA's project of the month - Kiri Shawl. I started a few days ago, wanted to make sure the yarn and the needle gauge work well for this lace pattern. This lace yarn is one of my acquisitions from Stitches West 2007. I am liking how it has turned out so far. Hopefully it will look as good after blocking.

當然還有TKA這個月的project - 琦麗蕾絲披肩. 幾天前試織了一下, 想確定線和針號還可以. 線是這次在Stitches West 2007買的蕾絲細線. 覺得效果還不錯哩, 就一天織一點, 現在織了這麼多. 希望定型後效果更好.


The yarn on the left is the one I am using for Kiri. I am contemplating using the one on the right for Print O'The Wave Stole. Maybe add on a 4th project? Nuh, it will be after the Kiri is done...

左邊那綑線是我現在織琦麗披肩用的. 我在考慮用右邊那綑來織Print O'The Wave Stole. 可能等琦麗完成後再來進行...

Phildar Swing Jacket Restarted - Again...

My first attempt on this jacket started back in December, after I finished swatching and finally received the pattern at the end of November. But I only got as far as the hem, which was too wide for some reasons. First of all, I couldn't get the suggested gauge (mine was 20 sts = 4"), so I had to re-calculate everything. And since I liked Clémence's suggestion for the hem, I used a smaller needle to knit the hem. Not sure if it is because the hem needs to be done in stockinette and my gauge swatch was done in half-woven stitches and different needles, it just seemed like it wasn't going to work. With the holidays approaching and other obligations, I put this jacket away.

這件外套從12月就開打了. 本來11月就興沖沖地申請參加這個群編, 連織片都織好了, pattern書卻11月底才寄到... 織完下襬後卻不得不停手, 因為實在是太大啦! 我試了很多次, 密度就是無法和書上一樣. 那只好自己算尺寸針數囉... 看到 Clémence 提出這個不須縫合的下襬織法, 決定來試試看. 自己也沒先想到下襬和其他部分針法和用針尺寸都不同, 密度也會不一樣, 沒再重新算過就開打的結果就是, 拆!

I finally restarted this jacket last week. I took gauge from the to-be-ripped hem and the gauge from my November swatches, made adjustments, re-calculated, and cast on again. This time it looked promising until I went almost half way through the back, and again realizing that it may be too small! I think it may be okay for a fitted sweater, but it is definitely too small for a flare jacket.

上禮拜終於又重新開打. 這次重新算過啦, 還自做聰明的把整個外套尺寸稍微縮小(覺得34-36有點大哩...) 織啊織滴, 後背快織過半了才驚覺, 好像會太小哦... 如果是織合身的毛衣, 這個大小就還可以. 外套就太小啦! 尤其這件的特色就在下襬要寬寬的斜出去才好看.


One thing that surprised me was, my gauge now is 21 sts = 4"! Go figure! Could the way I knit change during these months? Somehow I am pulling the yarn tighter now... Anyway. I decided to restart, yet again. But before I rip this out, just want to save some photos for reference...

還有一點沒想到的是, 我現在織的密度和三個月前織的不一樣! 這三個月會變這麼多嗎? 我現在好像越織線拉越緊... 唉... 又要再重新開始... 決定先留幾張照片作參考...

The right (public) side:
正面:


The wrong side:
反面:


The "no-sew" hem on the inside:
下襬反面:

Waiting and Trying

The Top-Down Raglan Cardi has been drying on the blocking board for two days now, and it is still damp. Although there have been some light showers, the weather really isn't too wet. I guess I didn't squeeze out enough moisture before I put it on the board.

拉克蘭外套已經下過水躺在定型板上兩天了, 剛剛去摸卻還有濕氣. 這幾天是下了一些毛毛雨, 可是不覺得濕氣有太重啊... 還覺得皮膚好乾燥... 我想大概是我用大毛巾把它包起來吸水時吸的還不夠, 下次要記得了.


While waiting, I started the next TKA project - "Reading-in-Bed Shrug" from IK Spring 2007. Knowing this project was coming, I picked up two balls of Lang Venezia when LYS Creative Hands had a sale a few weeks ago. The gauge was exactly the same as the suggested yarn GGH Soft Kid, and I love the color. Blue and purple is one of my favorite color combinations.

外套沒乾, 沒辦法縫釦子, 就來準備TKA的下個project - 蕾絲小外套. 幾個禮拜前碰上毛線店特價打折時, 就買了兩球Lang Venezia. 密度和圖樣建議毛線GGH Soft Kid是一模一樣, 而且是我最喜愛的藍紫色.


I am not sure if it's due to the higher acrylic content (50% acrylic and 50% mohair), the swatch felt a bit stiff. The stitches were uneven, and the color variation just seems to interfere with the lace pattern. I just did not like how it turned out. Well, off I went to another LYS to see if I can find GGH Soft Kid.

不知道是不是因為這線壓克力成份過高(50%壓克力 50%毛海), 試織的織片感覺有點硬. 針目不均勻, 漸層的顏色看起來花花的, 蕾絲的花樣都看不清楚了. 只好再跑另一家店看看能不能找到GGH Soft Kid (講得好像很委屈, 其實是很愛去啦... :D)


Aaahhh, now that's better. Soft and feminine, and yet you can still see the stitch patterns.

嗯... 看起來好多了. 很柔軟的感覺, 蕾絲花樣還是看的很清楚哦!

Sahara Progress II

I just finished the 2nd Inc Round for the Hip Increases. So far so good. And it seems to fit well, although I am a bit worried about the wide opening of the neckline. Before I tried it on, I used scrap yarns to hold the two front sides closer as they just wanted to curl inward and it was difficult to see how wide they are. But I guess the front will look more proper as the neckline portion gets done. Keeping fingers crossed...

剛織完腰身到下擺的第二次加針, 想來試穿一下. 穿起來好像還合身, 只是有點擔心這領口看起來好大. 試穿前用別線把兩襟稍微拉近一點, 因為織片捲捲的, 很不容易看出尺寸是否剛好. 希望領口織好後, 看起來會比較"正常"一點...


A peek at Tilli Tomas Rock Star in Atmosphere. This is for the bottom hem, sleeve hem, and the neckline. Isn't it beautiful just to look at?

這個Tilli Tomas Rock Star的線是要用來織下擺, 袖口, 和領/胸口的部分. 覺得這線這樣看就很美了, 有點捨不得拆開來用... (神經哦! 線不拿來用要幹什麼?...)


My dog got bored watching me taking pictures of myself...

我們家寶貝老狗看我照相看到快睡著...

The Work Has Just Begun...

I started this Little Star Sweater back in November, and had to put it aside several times to finish my Christmas gifts and for our Maui trip. Last Friday and Saturday, I finally picked it up again and finished all the knitting. I had hoped to complete all the finishing work by Monday, then I can focus on Sahara and Phildar Swing Jacket (which has also been put aside due to the busy December schedule) But then... when I looked down and saw all those loose ends staring back at me... SIGH (a very BIG SIGH...) How much longer is this sweater going to take?... I feel like the real work has just begun...

這件小星星毛衣從十一月就開打了, 中途為了準備聖誕禮物和出門旅行而擱在一旁. 上禮拜五, 六終於把織的部分拼完了, 本打算到禮拜一完成縫合, 想這樣子我就可以專心織Sahara和同樣被我擱下的Phildar Swing Jacket. 真正開始要縫了, 仔細一看, 不禁唉聲嘆氣... 我的天啊! 這線頭實在是有夠多! 織的時候就想到這件織好後接縫的工不少, 只是真正面對了, 還是有點不能接受... 唉... 這件還要做多久? 好累...

Sahara Progress I

Per my KAL partner's (my dear sis) request, I'll share with you my progress on Sahara. I am knitting a size S in the long-sleeve version. Now I am approaching the 2nd Dec Row for Waist Shaping, a bit faster than I thought after 4 days of work (no complaints!) I am using the same yarn as the pattern suggested - Tilli Tomas Pure & Simple and Rock Star in Atmosphere. My stitch gauge is spot on, so I didn't have to make any adjustments. However, the row gauge was a bit short on my gauge swatch. I am the type who likes to follow row-count when it is given (I guess I am not that free-spirited...) So, when I started knitting the garment, I kept reminding myself to knit a bit loosely. Per pattern, unplied silk stretches with wear. And silk drapes too. I am just a bit worried about "how much" it is going to stretch and drape? With my progress so far, if I lay it flat and measure it stretched, I can get the same measurements as the pattern. If I don't stretch it, then it is a bit short. I am hoping with the weight of the entire garment and the beads along the bottom hem, that it will stretch and drape to the perfect size for me after the whole thing is done... Haha.... I might be dreaming...

應讀者(嗯哼... 我姐)要求, 上來報告一下Sahara的進度. 我織的是長袖S小號, 目前快織到腰部第二個減針的地方, 比我想像中的快. 用的線和pattern推薦線一樣, 密度也很接近, 所以織起來很順利. 唯一有點擔心的是, 據pattern上寫的, 這純絲線很能撐, 織片看起來可能有點小, 可是穿在身上後會撐大... 可是它能撐多大呢? 還有, 絲線會墜. 我的織片段數密度其實比pattern少一點點, 可是針數一樣, 所以真正開始織時, 一直提醒自己線不要拉太緊, 希望這樣密度會比較接近. 織到現在, 如果我把它放平拉一拉後再量, 尺寸就和pattern上寫的一樣. 如果沒拉, 就會比較短一點點. 希望織好後, 衣服和下擺珠珠的重量會把它拉長到剛剛好... ;D 哈哈... 有這麼好康的事嗎?!

Illusions Cable Scarf Progress TKA夢幻麻花圍巾進度 II

Thought I should report the progress on my Illusions Cable Scarf. I am about half way done. I bought 4 balls of Rowan Cashsoft DK, I just started the 3rd ball last night. So far so good. I still couldn't memorize the pattern, and had to put it in front of me as I knit (I guess I am getting old, memory power is not as good...) But a quick glance is all I need to start the next row.

嗯... 該來報告一下我的夢幻麻花圍巾進度. 現在已經過半長. 準備了四球線, 昨晚剛開始用第三球. 織來還算順利. 織了這麼長, 圖樣還是記不太住. 老是沒有信心, 怕自己記錯, 每織一段還是看一下圖樣再進行(覺得自己越來越老了, 記憶力變得好差...) 不過只要喵一下也就可以啦!

A bit too much flash in this picture, shows too much blue.

這張照片裡閃光燈太強, 太過偏藍.


This picture is closer to the true color - a very soft lavender.

這張比較接近原色 - 很柔的淡紫色.

Oh, and thank you for your suggestions on possibly using double strands of Ultramerino 4 to knit this scarf. I pondered over it for a while, but decided that it may break the bank (you see, I already bought 4 skeins to make the scarf. If I am to get another 4 skeins (at $11 per skein), this will be a very expensive scarf! So I decided to switch. Plus, this gives me the perfect opportunity to use the lovely Ultramerino 4 for my very first pair of socks!

哦, 還有謝謝大家的建議. 我也考慮了一下用雙線織(妳們沒提, 我還沒想到呢! 腦筋實在是不太靈活...) 最後還是決定換線. 因為那粉橘的細線實在是蠻貴的. 本來預計要用四綑. 如用雙線的話, 可能還要再買四綑. 每綑美金11元... 哇! 破產啦! 不過實在是很喜歡那組細線, 哈! 現在就有機會來試試看織襪子嘍!

台灣恆春大地震, 希望台灣的朋友們一切安好.

Maybe It Was a Bad Idea... TKA 夢幻麻花圍巾進度

I finished about 7" of Illusions Cable Scarf (one of the TKA projects, designed by Black Dog), kind of thinking about aborting it... The stitch pattern is beautiful, the yarn is a pleasure to knit with, but... it is too fine! I wanted three cables when I first saw the pattern, but I didn't want a wide scarf, thus I picked a light-weight yarn. So light weight, that it is "sock" weight - Artyarns Ultramerino 4. The color is beautiful. But the knitted fabric is a bit too light for a scarf, I came to realize. It doesn't have the "warmth" that a scarf is supposed to have, although it is 100% merino... Anyways. I am debating if I should switch... Maybe it was a bad idea to use sock yarns for a scarf...

How about Rowan RYC Cashsoft DK? You think it'll work?

夢幻麻花圍巾織了七吋長了, 卻有一點點想放棄... 不是花樣不美, 也不是線不好, 而是這線實在是太細啦! 當初想織三條麻花, 又不想要太寬的圍巾, 所以就挑了細線. 這個Ultramerino的線織起來感覺真的不錯, 顏色染的也很漂亮. 可是用來織圍巾好像太單薄了, 沒有圍巾應有溫暖的感覺. 雖然這線是100%美麗諾, 但是我現在這個織片摸起來感覺就是不夠暖. 那個麻花也沒有TKA裡大家織好的麻花那麼"有營養" - 我這個看起來瘦巴巴的... 有點想換線...

你們覺得Rowan RYC Cashsoft DK 看起來如何?

TKA Tiger Eye Scarf Progress 虎眼圍巾進度

I started the Tiger Eye Scarf last Friday. I almost forgot how good it feels to work with cashmere blend yarn. So soft, light, and warm. I just want to wrap it around my fingers...

虎眼圍巾開打囉! 上禮拜五開始打. 這個毛線有混cashmere, 摸起來好柔軟好舒服! 織得我都不想放下了...

This lace pattern is not difficult, but I do have to stay focused on where I am at. Made a few mistakes along the way, but luckily I realized early enough and was able to unravel and fix them within 1-2 rows. The truth is, the number of stitches changes from row to row. If I made a mistake in row 8, most likely I'd realize it by row 10 cause the number of stitches wouldn't match with the pattern. It is looking good so far. I've got 17 inches right now. The plan is to make it 60". Hoping to finish it by end of this week.

這個蕾絲花樣並不難, 只是要很專心. 有幾次有打錯, 還好都很快就發現, 馬上就改過來. 其實是, 有錯的話會打不下去. 因為不是每段針數都一樣, 如果那裡少打了一個掛針, 大概過一兩段就會發現, 針數錯了, 打不下去啦! 現在已經有43 cm了, 打算打到150 cm. 希望到這個禮拜天可以打好.

Ribwarmer - Should I Re-do the Right Shoulder?

Well, I started sewing up the Ribwarmer. And the one thing that I worried about the most, happened. There is a distinct color difference at the connection of the right shoulder and the right back/front part - you can see it in the second picture below near the top right corner. When I was knitting that part, I had thought about cutting a section of yarn with closer color variations and re-do the right shoulder. Then the lazy part of me said - well, maybe it is "on" the shoulder, you know, as a rectangle that may just look like a shoulder pad. And I would be okay with that.

But as I tried it on (with lots of pins holding it together, I almost poked myself...), that line created by the color changes is right next to my neck - very visible. Sorry about the photo qualities, I tried to take pictures of myself in a mirror, and it is hard! I know that if I don't re-do it, I would be so conscious everytime I wear it. But fixing it is not exactly a piece of cake. I will probably need to graft the new piece onto the main body. I hate grafting, but it's only 16 stitches... Should I re-do it or not?

Dayflower Scarf - Test Knit

Last week, I finished one pattern repeat of the Dayflower Scarf. And I realized, you know, I don't really like the way it looks. I mean, it's a pretty lace pattern, but I am bothered by the wavy edges it creates. I know it is one of the characteristics of this pattern. But, people who are not familiar with knitting are going to think that I either did a poor job knitting it or I skimped on blocking. I think it will look beautiful with more repeats in a larger panel, as a shawl or a stole. Since this is going to be a gift, I decided to switch patterns.

I will probably switch to Tiger Eye Scarf. I really love this lace pattern, but I thought the scarf may be too wide with this yarn gauge (20sts=4"). It may knit up to be 7-8" wide. I'll try and see how it goes.
BTW, I learned of both scarves from TKA. Hmmm... maybe I should join them...

Blocking Ribwarmer

I finished the main body of the ribwarmer last night, and put it on the blocking board - well, it was too long for my self-made blocking board so I had to borrow my son's playmats. I used all of my T-pins, plus some small ball-point pins. This is the first time I tried to block a real cable pattern (the last time was a one-stitch cable which was easy), and I had to really stretch out the fabric to get the measurement. As of now (15 hours later), it is still a bit damp. Hopefully I can take it off the blocking board tonight, and start sewing it up. And then just the outer band and the armhole bands, it'll be done!

This ribwarmer (really a cropped vest) has very unique construction. I didn't quite understand how to put it all together when I first started reading the pattern. Now that it is taking shape, I think it will be interesting to sew it up and see what it will look like.

This is the right back (the bottom rectangle) and the right shoulder (the small rectangle on the top.)
This is the left back and the left shoulder.
This is just me playing with different camera angle...

Ribwarmer Progress

You know, I am liking this project. The surface area is small. Heavier yarn. Larger needles. I have only spent a few hours, and now it's already about 35% done. If I get to put in another 2 hours before bed tonight, it may be 60% done. After taking on several (comparatively) larger projects - which took forever, this feels pretty cool.

As I knit more with SWTC Karaoke, I am a bit annoyed by this yarn. It is "twisty". It kept getting tangled between my fingers. The color variation does knit up beautifully though, I think.

VK Fall 06 Ribwarmer Started

I finished the gauge swatch for the ribwarmer this past Sunday in the car to/back-from San Francisco Zoo. It was cold, but we all had a great time. Connor loved the ducks so much, he almost decided to join them.

I casted on the ribwarmer late last night. I am liking the feel of SWTC Karaoke in my hands. It feels warm and not as coarse (as I first thought that it would be.) Maybe it's because the weather is cold, handling a wool-blend yarn just warms my hands.

In case you are wondering, I am benching Tempting II right now. I am making it sit in the corner of my closet, thinking about what it has done...

Orangina Making Progress

Not wanting to work on Tempting II any more, I re-focus my energy on Orangina. It has made good progress. I have only got about another 1 1/4 inches of ribbing to do before bind-off. And then seaming and blocking. I am hoping to finish it by tomorrow. This is probably the last warm weekend of the year. The forecast is a comfy 78 degrees for tomorrow, and then goes downhill from there. I want to be able to wear my Orangina this weekend, before the cold weather comes.

I also joined my first KAL yesterday - Phildar Swing Jacket. It is such a cute jacket, and the shape of the season. I am really looking forward to this. I was going to order the pattern and yarn yesterday, but got busy with Orangina. I will definitely place an order this weekend, right after I get to wear my Orangina!