Finished Object Fix

A finished object!!!! Whoot!!!! I love it when I get to take a pic and wash a finished object. Here are the Blushing Violet soaker/shorties for a pin momma. I just finished them up a few minutes ago. I hope she likes 'em!

Knitting and Crocheting in Cabo!!!!!

OK, so DH and I just returned late last night from 5 days and 4 nights at the Dreams Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. DH won a trip through work, so we couldn't turn down a free vacation, even though I was sceptical about leaving the girls for such a period of time. But, my worries went unproved and the girls did great with grandma and a couple of their aunties! And, DH and I had a WONDERFUL WONDERFUL time relaxing in the sun!

And as weird as a non-knitter or non-crocheter might think that it was, I of course had to take some projects along with me to work on during the flight to and from, as well as a bit lounging on the beach! ;-)

I was not totally well prepared, as I forgot to take a few needed tools with me, so I was unable to COMPLETE any project, but I got a good chunk done on several projects!

1st.... Blushing Violet Soaker for Nicole (a pinmomma)
I got everything but the picot edging and weaving in the ends done. I forgot my instructions for picot edging at home as well as a tapestry needle for end weaving! So, I'll hopefully get those things done today so I can wash and get in the mail by Wednesday or Thursday.

Next... Volgassipi Blue longies for Dawn (a pinmomma)
Only got the waist band done for a couple of reasons... I didn't feel comfortable risking the confiscation of knitting needles, so only took crochet on the plane... and then there was also my slight mishap in not taking a tightening key with me for my Options needles... so, I couldn't change from size 5 to size 7 as needed to continue with the body. I will be on my way though!!!

And finally... Lion Wool longies for Cece's sweet Maria!
The purple are done except for aonther 1/2" of waist and the drawstring, as well as weving in the ends... and the pink are started.


I almost wish I'd been working on projects for my girls as they'd be good momentos/souveniers of my trip, but I guess this way, several mommas can have a piece of my great vacation, and I'll at least have the memories and a couple of pictures!

Haven't posted in a week or so... a couple of finished items

OK, so I FINALLY finished a hat that I've been working on since before Thanksgiving for Ella. I used the Canadian Winter Hat out of the book "The Purl Stitch" from the Knitting Experience series. I used KnitPicks Merino Style yarn doublestranded in Chestnut and Red. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Although I kind of wish that I'd used Chestnut and Pink, but that's OK. The hat is toasty warm and Ella likes it. I'd just been picking it up and doing a row ever now and again, and decided it was time to finish it... I'm so glad I did.

The next thing I finished just last night. Ella's Blushing Violet Longies! I am SO PLEASED with how they turned out. I used the Perfection Pants pattern from Wooly Wonder. The things I like learning in this pattern were the Channel Island Cast on, and zig-zag short rows. Also, I used 2 circs for both legs at once. Worked AWESOME!

Can't wait for Ella to wear them tomorrow!

Now, the next dilemma... what to do with the leftover yarn. I HONESTLY think I have enough left to make a M soaker. So, I might just have to, as the yarn is SO YUMMY!

Soft Ribbed Longies... prelim pattern

OK, so I know I should figure out how to publish this to a different site/area and then link to it, but I'm not that patient to figure out how. So... here goes...

I need to measure longies, and guage, but I used a size F (4.00) crochet hook and worsted weight yarn (Knit Picks Wool of the Andes) I will modify this as more kinks are worked out.

Except for working into chain, I am working into the back loop only of each stitch

CH 42, turn
SC in first 9 CH, HDC in remaining CH (9 SC, 33 HDC - total of 42), CH2, turn
HDC in all stitches, CH1, turn
SC in first 9, HDC in remaining, CH 2, turn
HDC in all, CH 1, turn
SC in first 9, HDC 33, CH 30, turn
DC in 3 CH from hook, HDC in remaining CH and stitches (70 stitches total), CH 1 turn
*SC 9, HDC 59, DC 2, CH 2, turn
DC 1, HDC 69, CH 1, turn*
Repeat * 5 times
SC 9, HDC 10, HDC Decrease, HDC 5, HDC Decrease, HDC 40, DC 2(68 stitches), CH 2, turn
DC 1, HDC 67, CH 1, Turn
SC 9, HDC 10, HDC Decrease, HDC 5, HDC Decrease, HDC 38, DC 2(66 stitches), CH 2, turn
DC 1, HDC 65, CH 1, Turn
**SC 9, HDC 55, DC 2, CH 2, turn
DC 1, HDC 65, CH 1, turn**
Repeat ** 5 times
SC 9, HDC 29, CH 2, turn
HDC 38, CH 1, turn
SC 9, HDC 29, CH 2, turn
HDC 38, CH 1, turn
SC 9, HDC 29, CH 30, turn
DC in 3rd CH from hook, HDC remaining (66 total), CH 1 turn
** 4 times
SC 9, HDC 10, HDC Increase, HDC 5, HDC Increase, HDC 38, DC 2 (68 stitches), CH 2, turn
DC 1, HDC 67, CH 1, turn
SC 9, HDC 10, HDC Increase, HDC 5, HDC Increase, HDC 40, DC 2 (70 stitches), CH 2, turn
DC 1, HDC 69, CH 1, turn
* 6 times
SC 9, HDC 33, CH 2, turn
HDC 42, CH 1 turn
SC 9, HDC 33, CH 2, turn
HDC 42

Slip Stitch back body seam (inside loops)
SC Crotch seam (rear has extra rows to the front)
Slip Stitch legs
Add drawstring

Firecracker Red, SoftRib Longies are done

OK, so my longies are done. I'm pretty please with how they turn out, and am anxious for nap time to get over so I can actually try them on Jackie, and maybe Ella too! I'll have to get them washed right up to see how the wool behaves, as this is the first time I've used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. If I like how they fit, I think I'll make another pair with a handpainted yarn to see how the colors work up since these are knit back and forth vertically instead of horizontally. Oh, and I'll make them a bit longer with more of a flare at the bottom too.

Seaming was not super fun, but not as bad as I thought it would be.

YIPPEE, I feel so clever!

Creating a longie pattern of my own, and then Froggin' away!

OK, so when I made the longie's and hat for my girlfriend, I just loved the fabric made with this this pattern! So I decided to try to make a pattern for longies out of it. I'm working flat from back center to back center and then will seam. The pic is of the first few rows.

They'll be crop pants/capris for Jackie an if I like them I'll make some more in longies length.

Anyhow, I was feeling all clever and proud of myself for attempting to make something without a pattern to follow. And although I had sketched out where I was going... disaster still struck! I blame it on staying up too late working on them Friday night, as that is when the fatal error occured.

So, last night I was going to try to finish them, I only had 1/2 of the last leg and seaming left to do. When, all of a sudden, I realized something was amiss! I had forgotten about the decreases I'd done in the front in order to create the longer rise in the back when I split for my crotch and 2nd leg. So, the center of my front was too long and the inside edge of my first leg was too short!

Every part of me tried to figure out some way to avoid it, but there was just just no way... so Rip I went! 1/4 of the longies!

I've resplit for the crotch but haven't started the second leg yet. So, while I may have been finished today, now I'm looking at tonight or tomorrow!

I guess the moral of the story is not to work on something without a pattern into the wee hours of the morning!

YAY Friday

OK, so no pictures today, unless I add one later. But, I wanted to talk more about knitting 2 legs on 2 circulars. You can find basic circular knitting on 2 circulars instructions here . Then, the concept is taken further by doing both legs at once. Here's a thread I started on the Wooly Wonder forum to clarify some things for me in doing both legs at once. The concept is like knitting 2 socks on 2 circulars. Which if you google that, you can find other info on the web about it.

The pros of doing both legs at once-
* not having to start and finish another leg after the firs is done! Very big for me, as it seems like such a let down when the first leg is done, but the pants are STILL not done.
* not having to keep track of how many rows you're knitting. When you knit both legs at once, they're always going to have the same number of rows
* no DPN's, which I don't really like
* No chance of my guage changing from one leg to the other


Oh, and I went to my Sit and Knit at
String of Purls my LYS last night. It, as usual was a fun, relaxing time! I'm so glad that I found it!

2 legs on 2 circulars

Well.. I'm totally on my way with 2 legs at once on 2 circulars with these longies I'm making for Ella using Blushing Violet Blackberry Ridge Yarn from WWBN. I LOVE this technique!!! Won't do one leg at a time ever again, I don't think....

Creations for a friend

My dear friend had her first baby girl today! I am just SO SO SO thrilled for her! She is probably the best and most kind person I know, so I know she will be a wonderful momma! Her baby girl was born this afternoon via c-section at 6# 10oz, and I'm sure is as beautiful as her momma! I get to go see her tomorrow afternoon or evening and can't wait!DF is contimplating cloth diapers, but even if she ends up not using them, I figure that her DD would benefit from some longies anyway, as they'll be warm and cozy!

So, here's what I worked up.Ladybugz longies in Patons Merino in the Regency Colorway, and a little hat in Patons Merino Petal Pink.

I just washed them, so I don't know that they'll be dry enough for the trip to the hospital tomorrow or not.

I used my new Clover Bamboo Crochet Hook on the longies. It was DREAMY to work with.

I'm going to start on a matching sweater tonight using Russet Patons and trimming it in the Pink. I hope it will work up fast so I can deliver it by this weekend. The only thing missing is a matching long sleeved t-shirt. But, I'm sure my chances of finding one are slim!

Not pictured

OK... so now I'm all caught up except for things I didn't get pictures of:
2 dishcloths
3 Hot Pads
1 Potato Chip Scarf made from Suri Dream yarn from KnitPicks
1 Mistake Rib Scarf made from Lion Brand Thick and Quick and Lion Brand Eyelash yarn
An umbilicle Cord Hat and Easy Peasy Sweater made from Warm Ice 100purewool for a friend's son
Snowflake Christmas Ornaments made for my mom's co-workers

Whew... that was fun... now to keep up with things..... Let's see how I do

Pinwheel Sweater

Made with Swish Superwash... my guage was a bit off... but not too bad for a relative newbie still... I think I'm gaining speed and confidence with each passing project!

Piggle Hat

Ella will be getting one of these in a solid DK yarn (as per the pattern) but this one was made for a co-worker of my mom's daughter. Ella was just kind enough to model it for me. It was made using Lion Brand 100% Wool in the Autumn Sunset Color. Since the warn was worsted, I had to modify the pattern too.

Peace Fleece longies

I really need a better picture of these.... Aubrey Doodlepants Longies in several Peace Fleece Colors. ( I think these are the ones I used)

Moscow Magic Pink

Latvian Lavender

Mir-Atlantis Periwinkle

Violet Vyehchyeerom

Moldova Burgundy

My little Pumpkin

Jackie's Halloween costume... Ladybugz pumpkin longies (Lion Brand 100% Wool) and LTK Pumpkin Hat. Jackie still wears these. The hat is a bit small... but the longies are still going strong! On Halloween, I gor SO many compliments on her "costume" and it felt great to answer the question "Did someone make thar for you" with the reply of " yes, I made them" over and over again!

Baby Shower Gift

My dear friend is due any day now with her first little girl. Her baby shower was back in November. I made this little set for Malia. I sure hope she likes it, her momma seemed to! The knit Sleepy Soaker Sack is made with Big Blue BFL from Wooly Wonders by Nada in the Cupcake colorway. DF may or may not use cloth diapers, but hopefully this little sac can help to keep the new girlie warm either way! The Umbilical Cord hat and LTK Easy Peasy Cardigan were made with Swish Superwash from KnitPicks.

First Knit Longies

After all of my crocheting, I had to try a pair of knit longies. I made these using the Aubrey Doodlepants pattern, along with Lion Brand 100% Wool in the Autumn Sunset Color. I think these are probaby Jackie's most worn pair of longies. And, my first attempt at the kitchener stitch was so-so at best. But, I did go back through a month or 2 later and do a duplicate stitch over it. Now, the seam seems goog as gold... no holes and going strong after many more wears. What a handy little trick that was to come across!

Success!

These were my first successful pair of longies using the Ladybugz Pattern. They're made with burgandy Paton's Classic Merino. Jackie still sports these. And, whilet they were successful, I did learn I needed to make a few more modifications after this pair, as it did not include an extension for the crotch. So, it was on to the next pair....

My first knitting project, a hat.

My first knitting project after that first potholder, was this hat. It was a free pattern off of LTK, and I used 100purewool in the Festival Colorway. I ran out of steam and did not make it long enough, plus the ribbing was a little tight, so it got passed on to my 10 year old neice. From what I hear, she really likes to wear it.

Purewool... matching set for the girls...

Jackie's pair was the second pair I made and Ella's the 3rd pair, if memory serves me correctly. At this point, I was beginning to get a feel for how to crochet, and my confidence was slowly building. They are 100purewool in the Happy Winter colorway, and Jackie's are using the Dandelion Dreamers pattern and Ella's pair started out to be the Ladybugz pattern, but I messed up, so they are a hybrid Ladybugz/Dandelion/Freckle creation.

My first pair of longies....

These were the first pair of longies that I made. Jackie still wears them. While they were not perfect, they are functional. I made them with a combination of Lion Brand Fisherman Wool and Paton's Merino in the That's Pink Color.

Pants for Pin Mommas

Here are a few pair of Longies I've made for some Pin Momma's.





The Blue/Orange Pair was made in trade for Toni's new little bean before we knew if it would be a boy or a girl. I hope to see a pic of them on him soon! They are made from the Warm Ice Colorway from 100purewool.



The brown and pink pair was made for Cece's Maria. I got to see them on her in person, and thought they were pretty cute.



The multi-color pink pair was made for little Rosie! I just thought she HAD to have them. They're a mix of Patons and Lion Wool.

And so it begins...

OK, so I've been wanting a place to keep track of all of my completed knit and crochet projects. Hopefully this will be a good way to start. I know I have pictures of some of my first projects, so my first task is going to be digging those up and getting those put up with some of my reflections.... after that, I'm thinking it will just be a maintenance place.

Gallery

Finished Objects:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7146185@N06/sets/72157594582643869/
(more pics soon)

Finished Objects in action:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7146185@N06/sets/72157594582646517/
more coming soon

On-hand Yarn:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7146185@N06/sets/72157600018301541/
more pics coming soon
(Purewool, Wool of the Andes, Lion Wool, Patons Classic Merino, Peace Fleece, WWBN, LTK Handpainted)

Custom Order Status

CLOSED FOR CUSTOM ORDERS! Will reopen for customs mid to late May. Email me for details.


As of 5/15/07 9:40pm cst



Kim - Shipped 5/11/07


Sarah B - Berry Splash shorties should ship Thursday.

Nicole - Deposit received. Water Ice 3ply LTK Farm Yarn crocheted soaker/shorties. Emailed for final measurements and payment. Am ready to start.

Kate - Will start Max'x shorties soon.

Sara R - Will be planning on a crocheted pair of YYMH shorties for Phin end of May/first of June.

Sizes and Pricing

AS OF 5/8/07, pricing will be adjusted slightly and all custom orders will be taken through my store on Hyena Cart. Please refer to this site for new custom pricing information.
http://hyenacart.com/FYFSoakers/index.php?c=14&p=4


ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING TO US.

Sizing based on rise, hip, and inseam
Small: Up to 15" rise, 18" hip, and 7" inseam
Medium: Up to 17" rise, 20" hip, and 9" inseam
Large: Up to 19" rise, 22" hip, and 11" inseam
X-Large: Up to 21" rise, 24" hip, and 13" inseam

Thigh and waist measurements will be made to fit also, but are not included in the equation of figuring the size.

Prices will depend on the largest measurement. For example, a 16" rise and 21" hip would be considered a Large.




Pricing is based on basic, instock yarns such as Peace Fleece, Patons Classic Merino, Lion 100 % Wool, or Wool of the Andes from Knit Picks. For Patons, Lion Wool, or Wool of the Andes, I can usually use any of the colors, instock or not, as I can order if needed.

Premium Yarns such as Wooly Wonders By Nada yarns or other hand dyed yarns will add to the price. Depending on the item, yarn, and size, the addition could be anywhere from $7.00-$20.00.


If you send me YOUR yarn to work up, please deduct $7.50 from the price of soakers or shorties and $10.00 from the price of capris or longies.


Prices for Crocheted* Custom Orders are as follows: Turn around time 1-2 weeks
LONGIES/CAPRIS
Sm $30, Md $35, LG $40, XL $45

SHORTIES/SOAKERS (up to 3" inseam)
Sm $20, MD $25, LG $30, XL $35



Prices for Knitted** Custom Orders are as follows: Turn around time is 2-3 weeks
LONGIES/CAPRIS/SKIRTIES
Sm $45, MD $50, LG $55, XL $60

SHORTIES/SOAKERS (up to 3" inseam)
Sm $35, MD $40, LG $45, XL $50




Crochet items include a basic picot edging if requested.
Knit items (including a skirtie) include rolled, ribbed or seed stitch cuffs/edging.

Basic Embellishements Pricing:
Stripes - $5.00 per color
Rugby stripes (up to 4 colors) - $20.00
Ruffles - $8.00 soakers/shorties/longies, $13 skirties
Flares - $15.00


Please email me for more information at freckle432@gmail.com.



*Crocheted longies can choose from a pin-stripe type rib pattern, or will be created under a special cottage industry license granted by Ladybugz Farms. (From Ladybugz Farms: Patterns reuire a license and written permission from the copyright owner. We thank you for your support of our licensed contractors. While we know that our licensed contractors do their very best to provide you with a quality product, Ladybugz Farms does not assume responsibility or any form of liaility for the quality of the item made from their pattern by the licensee. The Designer and Licensed contractor who contructed the item disclaim all liability for any losses or inquires due to the use or misuse of the item. Please use good judment and always put safety first.)

** Knitted items will be created using the patterns from Belladona Designs and Aubrey Doodlepants.

SG Longies Co-op Mommas Additional Yarn Info July 30th 07

Paton's Yarns Available for larger discount*:
*indicates only 1 skein or less is available, so newborn/small longies may be all that's available, please email me for details
Good Earth, Rosewood, Paprika*, Sage*, Bright Red*, That's Purple, That's Red, Russet*, Rich Red*, Old Gold*, Harvest, Black*, Petal Pink*, Burgandy*, Rose*

Peace Fleece Colors not listed in Yarn Gallery that are also available for larger discount:
Zariah Fog, Soyez-Apollo Teal, Ancient Fern, Sakhalin, Salmon, Lena's Meadow, Muldova Burgandy, Tundra

Additional Premium Yarns available for regular discount that are not listed on my gallery that you will have first shot at. Please not that yarn upcharges are before discount.
Zenstring Bliss Aran Sedona (N +$13.50, S +$20.25, M-XL +$27)
Zenstring Nirvana Worsted Dryad (N +$16.50, S +$24.75, M-XL +$33)
3IG Elsbeth on Peregrine (N +$10, S +$15, M-XL +$20)
3IG Donegan on Galenas (N +$10, S +$15, M-XL +$20)
3IG Tierny on Galenas (N +$10, S +$15, M-XL +$20)
3IG Currant on Galenas (N +$10, S +$15, M-XL +$20)
3IG O'Mara on Peregrine (N +$10, S +$15, M-XL +$20)
3IG Quinn on Elenya (N +$10, S +$15, M-XL +$20)
3IG Florry on Lindon (N +$10, S +$15, M-XL +$20)