Alterations

(Note - these are all cell phone photos because my fancy camera died on me).

I hope that you are all having a great week.  Mine is going by fast yet steady - keeping busy but not too busy.  Stuff is getting done that's for sure!

This week I wanted to share with you a few things I have been working on that I unearthed from the past.   Maybe you know this story: You find the perfect pattern to go with your yarn, but the size options are either 2 inches to small or 2 inches too big, even with ease.  You decide to cast on anyway  with the larger size, remembering your gauge and constant weight change.  The result? Well lets just say you  probably could have gone down a size and still been good.

Sigh, this has happened to me twice with knitting tops, both times turning out too big and both times being tops I know I would wear more if they fit me properly.  Well last night I decided that I couldn't no longer take staring at them in my drawer while the sunny Texas weather yells for them to be worn.  Scrap yarn and needle in hand, I went to work.

The first is my Purple Opals, a project I did a little under a year ago with Cascade Ultra Pima.  I love this yarn and the pattern together, but the pattern is written huge. The result? A boxy, super drapy tee that is at least 5 inches too round.

original, photo from 2015

So how did I fix something with so many holes in it? Well it took me a bit to figure this out, but in the end I settled on side tucks, which were achieved by pinching two of the cables together to sew into one cable.  And since they are on the side, you can barely tell unless I stand still and you look.  I also did a couple tucks to the back collar.

You really can't tell! The right shows my HUGE tuck, which I may sew flat soon.

The second problem child was by "Blue Diamonds" knit in Tahki Ripple yarn.  This one was a bit easier to fix because the pattern won't show the tucks as easily.  And tucks is what I did again, this time less wide.  Another issue though was the neck hole, which was massive and ended below my breasts.  The solution? I knitted in a triangle to the back part so the top hits my neck closer.

Original, photo taken 2014

The almost invisible seam and the neck hole triangle

Finally, just for giggles, I added a pompom to my fluffy green hat this week. I wish it were even bigger, but I didn't have a jumbo maker and cardboard wasn't agreeing with me.

So, have you ever had any major knitting alterations you've had to make? I'd love to hear !

Until next time.

~Lisa 

On My Needles

Another week is flying by and I feel like I have been widely unproductive. Despite the fact that I really have gotten a lot done. Anyone ever feel that way?

On my needles this week I have three new projects.

"Untitled" knit in Blue Ridge Yarns Subtle Shades

Last week I talked about how I am designing all of my socks this year. The next pair has begun and I am really liking it. I settled on a mock cable pattern that I altered a bit to look like large "V's". basically giant knit stitches that have been knit. Clever right? Lately I have really liked putting the stitch motif on everything. From shoes to mugs to scarves. So why not put them IN my knitting too? I still need a name for this though, suggestions are welcomed.  :) 

"Purple Opals" knit in Cascade Ultra Pima

At this point, you are probably thinking I am having a love affair with purple. That's kind of true, although I started the above before my socks. The sock yarn was grabbed at random from my stash. And these are the only two purple yarns I own. Go figure.

But seriously, the above is a new tee, Fire Opal Tee, from an issue of Knitscene. What I like about this project is the way it allows the yarn to really shine. It may not look like much now, but once it's done you drop some stitches and the cables suddenly appear. I wish it knitted up faster though. 

"Gap-Tastic Blue" knit in Cascade Eco +

Finally I have the Gap-tastic cowl started also. This is my new "movie theater" knit. It has quite a few mistakes from my last go, but I guess that's what happens when you try seed stitch in the dark. Honestly, I don't mind. It keeps my hands busy and uses up old yarn. Win Win in my book.

Weekly Inspirations:

Knitting - I'm knitting a scrap yarn bra! Before you get any ideas, it's for a fundraiser. I hope it works out. I'll share pictures when it's done.

Art - I have a couple of pieces in the show "From Every Fiber" in College Station, TX. The whole show is amazing. Art ranges from a giant knitted portrait to homemade paper flowers to felted paintings.
Food - If you have a Trader Joe's near you, I highly recommend buying a jar of the Satay Peanut Sauce. I had some that I have been putting with veggies this week and it's been a real treat.
Life - It's been 60/70 here all week. The best weather for coffee shop patio knitting. This week's adventure took me to The Village Downtown and an amazing Sangria Sunrise (who said coffee shops had to include coffee?)

I hope that the rest of the week and the weekend brings you great joy. I am hoping for a relaxing one.

~Lisa