Saturday, February 2, 2013

Knitting Update #1 - Rini

It's been bugging me a little lately that this blog is supposed to be about knitting, at least in part, but there has not been one knitting related post in.... a while. So let's fix this, shall we?

In the past year Rini has received four knitted objects from my needles. These are as follows:

Cherry blossom viewing in Onomichi on April 10, 2012.
Pattern: OpArt by Melissa Dominguez 
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Chunky in Oceanos/240 and Citrus/91 colors, 3 skeins each
Needle: US 11
Final Size: ~ 41 inches across
If I remember correctly, I started this blanket maybe two or three days before Rini was born. At that time, I didn't know about this, and thought that surely I would have another week before any Cesarian, and would finish by then. Since that was not the case, it ended up being my hospital project to work on, while she slept. I think it took me about three weeks to finish this, making me consider this a really quick project.
I've always loved Malabrigo for it's colors and softness, but this yarn went above and beyond! It's absolutely luscious and spongy, and great to knit with! It does fuzz a bit with wear, but it's nice and warm. Since it's not meant to be washed every other day, I use it at home only when Rini sleeps to avoid making it dirty as much as possible.

Not pictures again!
Pattern: Betty Lou Lace Cardigan by Kristen Rengren
Needle: US 1.5/ 2.5mm
Size: 0-3 months old
This cardigan only resembles the pattern in name and starting number of stitches. Instead of garter on top I did stockinette, and instead of the lace pattern in the book, I used the one in EZ's February Baby Sweater. It took me about two and a half months to knit, but I didn't work on it every day or anything like that. Though I'm happy with it, it became too warm for Rini to wear it by the time I finished, so I hope it'll be good for baby #2. The yarn is really yummy, but it also looks really delicate, and not sure if I would really let my baby wear it for long, unless it's a special occasion. (>o<)

Pattern: Stella Pixie Hat by Kristen Rengren 
Yarn: 1/4 skein (110 meters) of Malabrigo Yarn Sock
Needle: US 0/ 2mm
Size: bit small for 7mo Rini 
Fun little pattern, but turned out a bit small, making it really easy for Rini to pull it off, like a hood. Once again, baby #2 will enjoy it.
As for yarn, I used what remained from making a baby cardigan for my cousin's baby last year. The colors are nice and neutral, and they didn't pool at all. I like the springiness of it, but it always surprises me just how thin it is. Still, it was a relatively quick project, taking about two weeks to make.

#4 - All Ears
Pattern: All Ears by Katt Walker
Needle: US 3/ 3.25mm
Size: 8 inches long
First I made a 9 inch long 3-stitch I-cord, then made ear flaps using seed stitch. When both were done, I cast on extra stitches, and knit the hat until the yarn almost ran out. It's slightly on the big side, so I think she'll be able to use it for at least a few years.
This yarn is the same one I used for my Ripley hat (where, the yarn was doubled up), so I knew it will be soft and warm. Finally something she can wear for a while!


There are also a few projects that I started but have not yet finished for various reasons.
These are:
* Bliss by Allegra Wermuth, is a current project. I made gauge swatch, did some calculations, cast on for 18mo size, and after finishing all of the cable section and getting used to knitting the skirt, .... I realized it was waaaaaay too small. So now I went up a needle size and cast on for 2T. I also want to add some button holes so that the straps can be somewhat adjustable. It'd be nice if Rini could use this as a little dress from spring to fall, then as a vest/skirt in winter and after. 
* Two Just A Little Undershirt by Robin Hansen, hibernating because I can't quite make the crocheted edges work.
* And one of Carina Spencer's baby cardigans, hibernating because my gauge is weird, and I should measure it against Rini, to make sure it'll fit. Plus, in truth, by this point, the size probably won't work any longer, with winter almost gone (especially by the time I'd be done).

So there you have it. All the Rini related projects. Next I'll show off something I made for my mom.

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