Well I haven’t posted anything in about three months but here I am. I have been knitting this whole time I just didn’t post.
So now here I am, knitting and hopefully a couple of times a week I’ll be sharing with you all. I’m thinking that I try to post multiple times a week about what I’m working on and what new projects I would love to try.
This past week I’ve been making pairs of finger less gloves in multiple colors. These are for the Craft Bazaars that I participate in. I’m starting much earlier than I did last year but now I know what to expect and know what better to prepare for.
It’s mostly done but I just need to finish the thumb.
I also realized that I’ve had this blog for a year so that’s exciting. Hopefully within this next year I’ll have more posts than the last.
Well its done . . . finally. It took me some time but I finished Yarnspirations Mystery KAL/CAL. This was the first Knit-Along that I did. Well my mom and I did it together.
I will say that it was fun to work on but its getting warm so it won’t be used until later in the year.
The last clue was to add an attached I-cord border to the edge of the blanket.
Beginning
around the corner
Basically the I-cord is attached by first casting on 3 stitches on a set of double pointed needles. Next pick up a stitch on the edge of the blanket and then slide sts to the end of needle, K2 and then k2tog. Repeat this over and over again to get the I-cord all the way around. Its slow going at first but once you get the hang of it it becomes easy.
You’ll want to pick up each bump around the edges so that there is no bunching or stretching. It is easy because all the outside pieces are a garter st so its easy to pick up the sts that are needed. Especially around the corners so it does not curl.
I did like the applied I-cord it really flattened out the sides so it looks nice.
The only criticism I have is that the video that they provided was not the best because it was just on a random square nothing that had to do with the KAL and it didn’t show how to go around the corner.
You can see how the edge looks nice flattened out. Overall the blanket is wonderful. Its warm and cozy and won’t really be used for a while because as I said earlier its getting warm here which is a good thing.
I did like doing a KAL/CAL but I don’t know if we’ll do a Mystery one again. It was nice to have a project that my mom and I did together and did what we were good at a learn new stitches.
I am a little upset because I have 10 skeins of yarn left over. Which is too much, they definitely had us buy too much. Its being added to the stash so we’ll find something for it.
The Afghan measures 48 in by 48 in. If you did this KAL/CAL let me know how you did and share your pictures.
I know, I know its been weeks since the clue was released but a lot has happened since then so it took a while to get it done. My mom seamed all of the squares together and it took some time especially because she needed a good source of light to do it.
First we laid them all out in the order that they were going to be stitched together.
I took pictures of the whole process and how she stitched them together. On the Yarnspirations Facebook page they said that you should start at the center square and work your way outwards but that’s not how she did it.
The videos that they posted weren’t that great because what they showed weren’t even squares that we’ve been knitting and on less bulky yarn. Overall not so good but my mom stitched them together the way she usually does.
the bottom edge
with the next row
the middle added
She started on each edge and stitching them together. Then she added the next row. Next she added the squares around the middle square and then put them all together. Last she stitched the long panels along the edge.
We did rotate some of the squares and changed them for what the instructions and the diagram said but I think it looks great.
My brother’s head peeking out behind the afghan.
Here it is all stitched together. Thanks to my brother for helping me out and holding it up.
I’ll have Week 10 done soon and post it for my readers.
Thanks for reading and let me know how your KAL/CAL went.
This week was the Whirly Square. It’s much bigger than any of the others we have knit at 22 in and luckily we only needed to make one. I apologize that it took me a week to post but my mom got this done at 11 pm last night.
My mom knitting the square.
My mom knit this one but we had some struggles reading the pattern and following through. I also found that many people were having similar issues by reading Facebook comments. It was a bit of a disappointment that it was written poorly and that the video they put up this week was not good in helping to understand what needs to be done. It was surprising as the past seven clues were written well and the videos were helpful if I didn’t understand the pattern.
The first thing that needs to be done is the Center Square, knit 30 rows in contrast A (garter st). Then to change to 5 dpn’s and knit one more row in contrast A and then change to contrast B and knit 1 row. This is different than what the instructions say but bear with me. Then take the second needle and pick up and k 15 sts across the left side edge. Next with the third needle pick up and k 15 sts along the bottom edge and then with the fourth needle pick up and k 15 sts along the right side. 60 sts total, 15 sts on each needle. Then purl one round.
With 4 dpn’s
Next you k the four triangles separately.
The special st in this pattern is wrap and turn (W&T) – Bring yarn to front of work. Slip next stitch purlwise. Bring yarn to back of work. Slip stitch back onto left-hand needle. Turn work. Then take working yarn to the back.
Row 1 (RS) – k2, W&T
Row 2 (WS) -and all even rows – k
Row 3 – k3, W&T
all odd rows work as established.
Row 26 – k, break yarn and leave sts on needle or st holder
Repeat this pattern for the 3 remaining sides of the Center Square.
First triangle
First set of triangles
After this you knit the second set of triangles. This part of the pattern was written well so we followed it as is, but it did take the longest time to do.
Second set of triangles
Finally the border, sorry I don’t have pictures of the process.
You change back to contrast A on circular needles and have all 212 sts on the needles, 53 sts between each st marker. The border is done in seed st and the first part is written correctly because it is done over an odd number of sts so you knit the first st in every row.
The second and third side are written wrong because it is done over an even number so you k the first st in the one row and then the next row you purl the first st. Make sure you just follow in seed st and follow the pattern. Many people also commented on this on the Yarnspirations Facebook page.
The last border is written correctly so you knit the first st of every row.
This pattern was not written well and it was a little disapointing that it took us the entire week to knit one square so hopefully this week is better.
Thanks everyone for reading and the comments, if you have any questions I’ll try to answer them.
The Log Cabin square was very easy to do, it’s all knit in the garter stitch (knit every row) all I needed to do was pick up stitches along the edges.
A lot easier than it sounds. While I have done this before on my own it was nice to watch a video explaination. I am a very visual learner. And the illustration of the square was very helpful to know which color contrast was next.
The illustration explains how the squares are added, I added the contrast letter so it would be easier for me to follow.
This week we were to make 4 squares and we used all 5 colors, Seagreen, Emerald, Natural, Grey Heather, and Grass.
I’ve been taking my time knitting the squares but I can’t wait until tomorrow for week 8.
If you’re doing this KAL/CAL let me know how you’re doing.
I know that it took me an entire week to post about week 6 but last week was busy so I’m sorry.
This week was the Tweed Stitch and we finally used color C. I enjoyed making it but changing colors every two rows was a lot, a least the yarn was carried up the side.
This week we were to make 2 so again my mom and I each made one. Mine is on the left hers is on the right. You can see that are gauge is different so they are a little different in size. We’ll make it work.
When I’m done typing this I’ll get working on week 7 and have a new post for you all soon.
Now we’re halfway through the Yarnspirations Mystery Afghan KAL/CAL and I’m enjoying it.
Every Tuesday I can’t wait to start on the clue and see what new pattern or stitch I can learn.
Week 1: Mitered Square
Week 1 was the Mitered Square. So far it has been the easiest one. The colors used were Emerald, Grey Heather, and Grass. The first week the instructions said to make 4 and I got them done on the first day.
Week 2: Eyelet Cable Square
Week 2 was the Eyelet Cable Square. Now I don’t like cables so my mom made them. She got them done pretty quickly, this week needed 4 squares also. The color used was Grey Heather.
Week 3: Corner to Corner Square
Week 3 was to make 8 of the Corner to Corner Square. This was a little more difficult because of the striping. There are a lot of ends that need to be weaved in that I haven’t done yet. The colors used were Seagreen, Grey Heather, and Grass.
Week 4: Daisy Stitch
Week 4 was the Daisy Stitch. This has been by far my favorite. I like the way the pattern looks especially in the color Emerald. This week also needed 8 squares. The video was necessary to understand how to do this stitch.
Week 5: Cam Cable
Week 5 was the Cam Cable. Not a square but a rectangle and we only needed to make 2. So my mom and I each knit one at the same time. It took three days for us to finish. The cable was difficult for me but I’m glad that I did it and I feel so accomplished. The color used for this one was Seagreen. I am glad it was a lighter color because it was easier to see the cable.
Weeks 1-5
I’m excited to see what the next five weeks bring and how the afghan comes together.
If you’re doing this Mystery Afghan KAL/CAL let me know how you’re doing in the comments.
This weeks clue was the Cam Cable for the YarnspirationsMystery Afghan. Less of a square and more of a rectangle as the approximate size will be 9 in by 34 in. This week we only need to make too.
If you’ve read any of my other posts you’ll know that I don’t like to knit cables. They are not my favorite. But this time I decided to make this one. So my mom and I are knitting them at the same time.
Action shotWorking on the cable
The pattern is 28 rows and is repeated 3 more times. As of right now we have completed the pattern 1 and a half times. Doing it once took us about an hour and a half. So it is a little time consuming which is why we only have that much done and its Friday. We better get working.
It isn’t very difficult to follow the pattern and the abbreviations are a big help. As someone who doesn’t really knit cables I really needed them and to work on it at the same time as my mom is really helpful. And since we’re doing it together we’ll both be done and we won’t have to knit another one.
Abbreviations:
3FC = Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. P1, then K2 from cable needle.
4FC = Slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. P1, then K3 from cable needle.
4KFC = Slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. K1, then K3 from cable needle.
BC = Slip next stitch onto cable needle and leave at back of work. K1, then P1 from cable needle
C5F = Slip next 4 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. P1, then K4 from cable needle.
C5Finc = Slip next 4 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. Kfb, then K4 from cable needle.
FC = Slip next stitch onto cable needle and leave at front of work. P1, then K1 from cable needle.
Kfb = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
M2P = Make 2 stitches by picking up horizontal loop lying before next stitch and purling into back and front of loop.
These are the abbreviations that are used for this weeks clue and they are really well explained. I’m getting it and the piece is starting to look good.
This is one repeat of the pattern. I’ll update this post or add another one of the finished Cam Cable.
If you’re doing this KAL/CAL let me know how you’re doing in the comments.
Also I recommend checking out Yarnspirations Facebook page. A lot of people share their progress, its great to see the different color combinations that people have chosen.
This weeks clue was the Daisy Stitch. It’s different than the last couple of weeks because of the four row repeat until you get to six inches. I do like this stitch but the video was necessary in understanding what to do and how to do it. Also the instructions just said to do the Daisy stitch without written instructions. Even the chart just says Daisy stitch.
Here’s a link to the video Yarnspirations posted
It definitely helped and now I’ve got it.
The thing about the Daisy Stitch is that the WS is where all the work is done. It’s really interesting because the RS and the WS are so distinct.
Right Side
Wrong Side
The pattern is a 4 row repeat. I repeated them 5 times and then row 1 and 2 to get to the six inches and then cast off. It’s really important to stay loose and keep an even tension through out. It sort of ends up a little rectangular but when I stretched it a bit it became more of a square.
I have to make 8 squares but I only have 4 done so I have to get working.
Update on last weeks clue, the instructions were to make 8 and I only had 4 done when this weeks clue was released. My mom has taken them over and she has two left to make.
If you’re doing this KAL/CAL let me know how you’re doing in the comments.
Last year after I finished my first sweater, I decided to start a second one. And it took a whole year to finish.
Well not really, I started on the sleeves and knit them both at the same time, then the back and the front was started and not finished. It was left on the needle for more than 8 months until I got it back out to finish it. Then I cast it off and it stayed in four pieces for about a month until my mom seamed up the sides for me. We also did the collar after it was seamed together and then the last thing added were the sleeves.
I don’t seam things up myself, my mom always does it for me and I’m grateful because she does an amazing job.
If you remember my first sweater it ended up being way to big and bulky and it was short and boxy on me. What I did to make this sweater better fit was to modify the first pattern I used to make this one. I put my first one on and pulled the sleeves and body to me and marked it and then subtracted the number of stitches and that worked.
I used the same yarn as the first one, Lion Brand’s Heartland in Olympic. I love this shade of blue and this sweater looks much better than the first. It may have taken a long while to finish but I’m grateful its done.
I love it so much that I’ve worn it two days in a row.
knitstringsblog 