something else I finished

Here's something else I finished but didn't blog about.

I have always wanted a Faroe Isle shawl. The shape makes so much more sense than a regular triangle or stole type.  They have shoulders knitted in so they stay on better.  There are two types one that is beautiful lace and a solid one similar to the one I knitted (cause I was cold).  So I got busy on Ravelry and found this pattern Top Down Faroese Shawl with Garter Rib Variation by Cate Leonard.  I knitted it using US#8 needles.  The yarn is Red Hearts Heather in Teal using a little over 3 skeins.

This shawl unblocked but washed and dried in a dryer measures 24 inches down center back, 53 inches along top edge and 102 inches across the bottom edge.  My ribbing was 5 and half inches deep.

I started this as the directions called for; got to the ribbing and did not like the body of the shawl.  Ripped it out and started over.  The band is garter stitch (cast-on 7 stitches).  The body of the shawl was done in stockinette and I think it looks so much more polished to me.  I slipped the first stitch on each row.

All increases in the body were, make one front and back, with yarn overs for the increase at the band and back panel.  My increases in the ribbing were done on rows 3 and 4; they were knit in the front and back of the first stitch to eliminate the hole.  I figured out how many increase per section and used stitch markers to keep track of where I was on the increases and to make sure I did not forget any.  There are 9 increases in section one, 12 increases in next RS row and 2 in back panel.  Section two has 14 increases, 17 increases in the next RS row and 2 in back panel.  Section three has 17 increases, 24 increases in the next RS row and 2 in the back panel.

I used a Russian join for adding in the next skein.

I added a short row of garter stitch in the band every ten ridges as per Techknitter’s instruction on how to keep the garter stitch bands from curling with stockinette.  Thank-you Techknitter it works like a charm!

I used Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off.  Man I love this bind off!

I made this shawl pretty much per the directions because I couldn't figure out how to up-size it for me.  If I were to make one for me I think I would increase the size of the back center panel at the neck.  Then I would add a few more increases in the body of the shawl and make the body a little bit longer as I am considerable rounder than Sister Suzy and I would like it a few inches longer. 

I doubt, however, I will ever make another shawl especially for myself because the backs of my arms get cold not my shoulders. Draping a sweater around my shoulders doesn't help my cold arms.  I have to put my arms in the sleeves for them to warm up.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Judy

 

 

the scarf that didn't get a post

The scarf that I forgot to photograph and post about.  What's with that?

According to my notes this scarf was #7 of my knitting frenzy from back in April of 2012.  Wonder what got me sidetracked from finishing the project? (documenting the process) 

The pattern was The Unicorn Pegasus Rainbow Scarf by Huan-Hua Chye.  I used partial skeins of Mainstays 4 ply Worsted Multi and Vanna's Choice Rose.   I knitted the scarf on US#8s.  The scarf is 6 1/2" wide and 48" long.  A great little garter stitch project.  It is unbelievably soft.

I didn't bother with blocking.  I ran it through the washer and dryer. If crisp corners are important go for it.

Have a good day!

Judy

well duh

I got to thinking about how hot steering wheels get here in Phoenix in the summertime so I went on to Ravelry and starting looking for a steering wheel cover I could knit.  I came up with this one: Diagonal Garter Stitch Steering Wheel Cover by Garilynn.

I just could not visualize the cast-on and first few rows.  So I got out my instruction for a diagonal scarf I have knitted but have not posted about (What's with that?) and knitted for about a foot until the light bulb went off.  DUH!  After the light bulb went off, I ripped it all out and started over using Helen Griffin of Golden Apples Blog you tube video on a crochet cast-on for a provisional cast-on and followed the directions in Garilynn's pattern.  By the way, Helen has posted some really nice videos on different knitting techniques go check her out.

I wanted to make the steering wheel cover out of cotton.  I had three choices, a blue or white in Lion Brand Cupcake (Which after I had knitted the cover discovered it is not cotton but acrylic.)  And a pale lime green from Bernat Cottontots.  I decided on the blue Cupcake called Blueberry and the green Cottontots called Sweet Green.  I knitted it with US#6 needles.  I only cast on 21 stitches to get the 4" width I needed to go around the steering wheel.  While researching patterns I came across notes on one pattern that recommended knitting the length at 60% of the outside circumference of the steering wheel.  I knitted mine at 70%.  My steering wheel is about 46" around.  31" stretched to about 46".  I used the Kitchener Stitch to graft the two ends together and stitch the sides together after placing the cover on the steering wheel.

I did not use any non-slip material under the cover as recommended in the pattern.  If Hubby thinks it needs to really grip the steering wheel then I will put some non-slip stuff I used on our slippers on the inside of the cover.

I hope everyone is having a good day!

Judy

UPDATE:  With use the cover has gotten looser.  The next one I make will only be 3 inches wide and 3 or 4 inches shorter in hopes of it staying tighter on the steering wheel.