Wednesday, May 30, 2012

WIP Wednesday #3; Bit by Bit

Happy Wednesday! I have been eagerly awaiting this day because I want to show off all the amazing projects I have going right now. I have not one, not two, but THREE WIP knitting projects, plus a slowly progressing spindle project. Each one is coming along at it's own pace, bit by bit and row by row.

First on my list for you is the Amari Shawl, which is for a KAL I am doing with Evelyn and a bunch of others. I told myself way back in January I wouldn't buy any new yarn this year, but sadly that plan has come to a halt. I wanted to do this shawl so bad, but I didn't have enough of any worsted yarn in my stash. In the end I caved and purchased Plymouth Yarn Jeannee, in several shades of blue to make the shawl striped. I am still not sure how much I like this project yet, probably because of the yarn, which is half cotton, half acrylic (I did get it in the 'baby' section of the LYS), which doesn't give much drape. I wanted something suitable for summer though, so I think it will be ok. If you get the chance, hop over to the Ravelry KAL and see what everyone is up too, they are all amazing.  For me, this project is going slow, even though it's a fast knit, because it is my knit night only project. It's simply the kind of thing I can take there and not worry about getting distracted during.


I finally casted on  my lacy summer top last weekend, and then ripped it out 3 rows later because it was twisted. Seriously, 260 stitches with yarn that thin is really hard to get right the first time. And man, this thing knits slow. I feel like I've knitted forever, and I'm not even past the first inch of edging! I know in the end I will love it, but right now it's just a pain, and I think it's hurting my eyes to work on too because of how small the yarn is. Lace weight yarn, after this project, is no longer my friend. 


My final WIP for the week is my Pink Spiral Scarf (or is it a shawl?) which has been on the needles for awhile but barely been worked on. For the most part, it has been my between projects project, but I've decided to try and make it my before bed project, since it requires less concentration and eye strain to work on and I can listen to my audio book during it. 



Speaking of audio books, I decided to try one for the first time last week. I was at the library and they had a book I have been needing to read anyway, Crossed by Ally Condie,which is the sequel to the popular book Matchd, and decided to give it a try. It's definitely a different experience that's for sure. It's taking some getting used to the voices and also having to remember what 'chapter' I left off on. But overall, it's an ok experience. I prefer actual books more, but this is ok too.


So now I want to share you something I am REALLY proud of! I have been working on spinning up some lovely Merino/ Tussah Silk blend yarn and I originally was going to divide it into threes and triple ply it, but the first 1/3 came out kinda thick, like everything else I have always spun, and I decided I wanted something different. So for the second 1/3 I took a shot at making it much thinner, and found success! I am so excited! I have never spun anything this spin, or consistent, on my spindle before. It's going much slower, but the progress is so refreshing that it's worth it. Thanks again Ivy for the amazing gift!


 I am 2 days away from finishing up my figure class. I can't wait to share my drawings with you guys, I know you will all love as much as I do (I can't believe I'm even saying that about the figure!). For now, I am leaving you with a picture of Muffin, who thought my spindle was a toy last weekend. Have a good one everyone!


~Lisa

If you want to participate in WIP Wedneday or see more, visit Tami's Amis :)

13 comments:

  1. nice singles!

    my cats mostly ignore the spindle... but the ball winder is another story entirely.

    How do you ply? I've been struggling with super tangled singles of late and losing yardage as a result...

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    1. plying for me is winding the singles into 2 balls and putting them under a box or something to cover with holes for the yarn to come through. I then tie the ends together to get myself started and keep a decent tension while I spin the opposite way I spun the singls. I hope that helps, I don't really do anything special with it.

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  2. Wow, so much goodness in this post!! Your knitting WIPs are looking great, and I really admire you for tackling a lacy summer top in laceweight yarn. It's going to be so beautiful when you're finished! And your latest spinning project is absolutely lovely: such fine, even spinning, and gorgeous color, too. Can't wait to see the finished skein! :) If you don't mind my asking, what kind of spindle are you using? I love the striped wood!

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    1. Darn, I don't know specifically. It's one I got here: http://www.wickedstitchyarn.com/, and it was made in Kansas, I think by a friend of the owner. I believe she called it a 'shepherd spindle' at one time. I love it though! It's the perfect weight. I have a lighter one,but I don't use it much.

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  3. Well of course the spindle is a cat attractant! Muffin is so adorable! I have always put off working on a lace weight project for the exact reasons you have listed, you are so brave for giving it a try and I know it will pay off in the end. Ah, all of your projects are looking so fantastic!

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  4. Love the yarn you are using for your spiral scarf! :)

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  5. Loving your Amari - and your stitch markers!
    I am hoping to find time to have a go with my spindle really soon - fingers crossed. You and Pumpkin have got me all inspired :)

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    1. The stitchmarkers were a gift, and thanks, I feel good knowing we inspired you :)

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  6. Your spindle spinning looks great! And I always seem to get the most knitting done when I have a really great audiobook going.

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  7. Everything looks great! I love your singles:) Your kitty assistant is mighty cute too.

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  8. Great projects! I have a hard time not twisting any knitting... especially if I'm using circular needles. Ha!

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  9. i just finished my Wingspan and i love it! great yarn choice for yours. i took over a month to knit mine but now that it's done i love it much more than i expected to.

    quick suggestion for avoiding twisting a big cast on. i always knit a few rows flat and then join. the additional rows make it just substantial enough to more easily see if it's twisting. then when i'm done i use the tail to sew up that half inch of flat knitting.

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    1. Thank you! That is a genius idea!! And the yarn for my Wingspan is being used simply because I don't like it for socks, but I am really glad I'm using it, as it's so pretty!

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