Friday, September 12, 2008

Kanoko Pants and Tank Top





















Since beginning my newest projects, I realized that I hadn't posted pics of two recent FOs: Kanoko Pants and a DROPS tank top (see my Ravelry projects for pattern specifics, if interested). Let's begin with the tank... I really enjoyed knitting with the yarn I used (Knit Picks Comfy, a cotton/acrylic blend) and I was pleased with how it turned out. But, I am NOT happy with how it wears! Unfortunately, due to the weight of the yarn combined with the style of tank, it sags big time. Both the garter stitch on the top half and the long, loose flowing bottom half stretch considerably. I have always preferred mercerized cotton for my summer cotton projects, but now I know that I should ALWAYS use mercerized cotton on next-to-the-skin, borderline-revealing summer tops. I could see using it for a more modest top, just not tank tops or low-cut tops. I might frog this because I don't plan on wearing it :-(

Now, the Kanoko Pants turned out GREAT, as you can see in the pics :-) I made the 9-18 month size, which would've turned out too small for my big boy if I hadn't made some mods. I added 2 sets of short rows to the butt (could've added a few more!), added about 4 inches to the legs, and left the waistband unfolded to add length to the rise. My previous experience with Cotton-Ease was not positive. But, I broke down and decided to use it for these pants, and I'm happy with the yarn this time 'round. The color is really pretty, no?

BTW: Oh, yes... I've decided that I will be frogging Blaze unless I can find a way to re-do the entire yoke. Even though I'm ten pounds heavier than when I made it, it's still too big. I'm also trying to decide if I should frog my Rio de la Plata Clapotis. The yarn wasn't even close to being right for Clapotis. Problem is though, the yarn slightly felted while knitting and therefore made the ladders a little tricky to drop. Frogging this project might cause the average knitter a migraine, so I'm not sure if I want to go through with it. I'm only considering it because the yarn is beautiful and I paid a lot for it (which is rare for me).
Non-knitting news? Hmm, I'm a little apprehensive of tomorrow night's OSU vs. USC game. I hope my Buckeyes look better than last week! I went to last week's game against OU, and it was scary to watch.
Oh gosh, I don't think I've mentioned that my 3.5-year-old fell down the playground stairs back in August and had to have 10 stitches (plus 2 inside ones) near her hairline on her forehead. She did amazingly well and didn't cry or move when the EMTs or the hospital personnel worked on her. The aftermath requires her wearing suncreen during the day and vitamin E oil at night for the next two years. I have a feeling that this isn't going to be the only injury for her since she plays full throttle. It's funny, she plays like a boy but loves every bit of princess stuff, too!

Currents WIPs






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Here are my three current WIPs: My So Called Scarf (Classic Elite Miracle), Central Park Hoodie (Knit Picks WOTA), and Los Monos Locos - The Crazy Monkeys (Kraemer Saucon Sock).

I've had the Miracle yarn for two years and have cast on numerous scarves that just didn't work. Finally, I decided to choose a pattern with more structure -- that's been working!

The CPH is exciting for me because I've never made a hoodie cardigan for myself. I plan to wear it outdoors when taking the kids to the park and such. I'm hoping that the Kookaburra I recently bought softens this up a tad!

And finally... my toe-up monkeys, an adapted pattern I found on Ravelry. A lot of firsts here: first toe-up socks, first magic loop socks (I've done sleeves w/ML, but those are easy), first two-at-a-time socks, and first time using Judy Becker's Magic Cast-On (Cat Bordhi style: Cat wraps the same direction for both needles on her You Tube video -- looked different than the original, but I could be wrong.).