Chris had a good idea for a mitten design, and proceeded to turn the whole notion of “mitten” on its head (literally!). We discussed the design at length and Chris decided on these important points: it is to be knit from the fingers down (so that the knit “arrows” point out to the fingertips), it should have a more subtle pattern than traditional Norwegian knits while still being two colors, the right hand has a separate index finger, and the index and thumb on the right hand are tipless. These last features makes this the perfect mittens for operating a camera in cold weather.

Katy(posted 1 week ago)

I pieced the quilt, but the process of handquilting it took suprisingly long. It hurt my hands, too, so I didn’t work on it for very long at one time. C helped me, though!

Katy(posted 2 weeks ago)

Last year, at the beginning of my Knitter’s Almanac project, my first finished item was this aran sweater. I planned it as a pregnancy sweater, and it served me well for the time. Since then, I steeked it into a cardigan to wear it around the baby sling (unfortunately no action shots…) A staple of my wardrobe!

Katy(posted 2 weeks ago)

Not having very much experience with handquilting, I asked Kim to come over with her quilting frame and give me a lesson. Alicia and Lola came over to help, too. It was great to have so many hands to work on the quilt… not only because this was a communal gift, but because quilting is hard on my thumbs!

Katy(posted on Feb 10, 2010 at 8:29 am)

I had a big knitting project going (Dr. Who scarf for Ben’s Billion Seconds). It was a lot of knitting! I took every free moment I could to work on it… even some only ½-free moments.

Katy(posted on Feb 9, 2010 at 5:43 pm)

Grandma Susie made these dresses for the girls for Christmas. We had a funny little photoshoot at Opera after the Juletrefest (end-of-season Christmas party). The dresses were of the same material, and fully lined in matching pink. Apl’s is sleeveless, but Ruby’s has sleeves. Ruby’s also has an off-center bow with long tails. It’s very cute! They are not wearing the matching sweaters Grandma bought because it was warm at the party.

Katy(posted on Feb 5, 2010 at 8:23 pm)

After buying about 15 hanks of yarn in Sacramento, I decided I should probably get a swift. This model was recommended because it folds away small and is relatively durable (according to the shop lady). It does feel somewhat like a cheap umbrella, but it held my hank open while I made a center-pull ball by hand. I was able to ball it in less than 10 minutes, whereas before this activity took about an hour or more. So, yay!

Katy(posted on Feb 3, 2010 at 8:31 am)

These crowns have been pretty popular and local fairs and handcrafts markets, and Ruby’s been pretty interested in getting one. I’ve been putting it off because they cost between $15 and $30, and I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one knowing that it’s one skein of yarn for about $5 and about 3 hours of knitting.

This yarn is Rauma Vamsegarn and took be about one night to knit, and then felted it a little bit. I sewed on some rhinestoney buttons for a little bling, though Ruby tells me now she really wanted the version that’s sprinkled with seed beads. Maybe another winter…

Katy(posted on Jan 31, 2010 at 3:22 pm)

This is an absolutely irresistable ball of German sock yarn, that promised to make two socks, and even though I am not in the habit of knitting socks I bought it. I don’t get the opportunity to buy exotic yarns that often! I’m sure I’ll find something to do with it.

Katy(posted on Jan 27, 2010 at 11:36 pm)

The second purchase at Rumpelstiltskin had an actual intended use: a new hat to go with Apl’s new fancy coat.

Katy(posted on Jan 27, 2010 at 11:38 pm)