Today I took it easy. A few chores. I finally finished the next pair of mittens, for a total of 4 pairs in the last couple of months. I put the glove bag away as is, because I still want to make a few more pairs for myself. I set up the next project bag , which is a shawl that I want to finish. I worked on a new pattern tonight. Pick up and put away random things around the house. Even the rain took it easy at my house today, only 1/8 of an inch.
I am wishing everyone a good week ahead.
Today turn into a shopping and rest day. I let Shipit deliver the Target order. John and I went to Sprouts. I mainly picked out the fresh fruit and vegetables, while John zoomed around the store getting everything else on the list. Although I think I forgot to add bread to the shopping list.
I also managed to clean the kitchen up and not take a 2 hour nap after my shower, that is baby steps on the road to recovery. I would occasionally like to take a giant leap. That is not happening now.
Dinner was cooked together with John handling the vegetables while I made the omelette. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having breakfast for dinner on warm humid days.
I only knit about 2 inches on a broken rib pattern scarf.
Now it’s time to call it a day. TTFN
I have been busy finishing projects, but too tired to take pictures. The count for this week is 3 scarfs finished. 1 pair of Maxi Fingerless Gloves completed. Another pair a mini mittens started, the first one is almost done, and I think I have a better way to do them. Time for pencil and paper first. I personally prefer bottom up instead of top down. Also knitting on 2 knitting needles or one pair of circular needles is easier for beginners than juggling 5 double pointed knitting needles.
I restarted a Tunisian crochet scarf and am making quick progress. My purse project is 25% finished. My 3 pound cone scarf project is making great progress. No it’s just the odds and ends of the UFO’s that need to be finished. I just need to find a place out of the house either no distractions.
I have at least 1 new pattern to type up too.
I even found the time for a few 5 minute chores around the house today. Now it’s time to call it a day.
Today was another BBD. I managed to sleep most of the day. However I did get myself together enough to go out to Loving Spoonful’s for a lunch of tomato soup and a corn muffin. The great thing about a good vegan restaurant is that I can order anything without having to ask if there is milk in the dish.
After lunch was more napping. John took me out to Beyond Bread for 1/2 sandwiches for dinner. Followed by a trip to Safeway to get more fresh produce.
I started a new Tunisian crochet scarf. I just meandered my way through the first few inches. I also got a few rows of my purse project finished before dinner.
Both restaurants are locally owned and have good food. We like to support local businesses whenever we possibly can. If you are ever in Tucson, I can recommend both restaurants personally.
There are supposed to be standards in yarn sizes. When I first started knitting over 25 years ago we learned the names of the yarns. Lace, weight, fingering weight, sport, weight, double knit or DK, Worst weight, Aran weight, Bulky weight, super bulky weight.
Then when I started spinning, I found the code to those names and what they mean. It involves a tool called a wraps per inch tool. I wrapped the yarn around the tool and figure out how many wraps it takes to fill 1 inch. So the code gives me the size of the yarn. Lace weight yarn is 30 or more wraps per inch. Fingering/ sock weight yarn is 14 to 16 wraps per inch. Sport weight yarn is 12 wraps per inch. Double knit yarn or DK Yarn is 11 wraps per inch. Worsted weight yarn is 9 wraps per inch. Aran weight yarn is 8 wraps per inch. Bulky white yarn is 7 wraps per inch. Super bulky yarn is 5 to 6 wraps per inch. These numbers also determine the amount of yarn you will get per skein of yarn.
These are all mathematical formulas. The math is supposed to be precise, not subjective. These formulas are all standardized. They’re standardized to the point where they now have code numbers 0 which is lace weight yarn all the way through size 7, which is Super Bulky yarn.
With yarn sizes presented to makers and users of yarns, why in heaven‘s name am I getting mislabeled yarn from some dyers of yarn. Take my current project for example. The label clearly states that the yarn is a worsted weight Yarn. This would call for a US 7 to 9 knitting needle. My only question is why am I knitting “worsted weight” yarn With a US size 3 knitting needle. As you can see below, the stitches are perfectly fine with a size 3 knitting needle. If I were to use a US size 7 to 9 knitting needle, I would have a very lacy project at this point. For a size 3 knitting needle, the yarn is supposed to be a fingering or sock weight yarn. The yarn is at least four knitting needle sizes too small for the stated size.
As you can see from the two different measuring tools I used to measure the weight of the yarn. It is definitely a fingering weight yarn. The brown measuring tool comes from Katrinkles.com and the red wraps per inch tools are made by my husband and available only at Grandma’s Spinning Wheel.
This problem is not limited to Indy Dyers or large multinational yarn companies. I know it can be quite difficult to get exact specifications from some mills. But all yarn must meet the standardized sizes. If ordered the quantity of yarn that I needed for a sweater in a worst of weight yarn and a fingering weight yarn was substituted, I would have multiple problems. First off I would not have enough yarn to complete the sweater. Secondly my gauge would be off by at least 25%. And if I use the proper size needle called for worsted weight Yarn, I would not have a sturdy sweater, but a lacy sweater. The size would most definitely not fit right. The desired pattern would be useless to a newer knitter. A more experience, knitter would first curse out the producer of the yarn for mislabeling the yarn. Then would have to decide after making a swatch in each of the desired patterns if it is worth rewriting the pattern to use the yarn or pick a different project. If they really wanted to make the sweater, they would have to re-order the yarn possibly from a different vendor.
I know it can be quite pricey to have to reprint labels. My humble suggestion would be to determine the actual size of the yarn before printing the labels for the yarn. By all means, please measure the yarn before you label it. I am lucky, I am only making a scarf so the needle size doesn’t matter. However, I did order a worsted weight yarn and got a fingering weight yarn, which makes me very unhappy. This has happened with several different Yarn companies to me this year. With the price of yarn drifting ever upwards we expect better from everyone. We expect the yarn to be properly labeled. We don’t want to buy a worsted weight Yarn and get a DK or fingering weight yarn when we order a worsted weight yarn. We really want a worsted weight Yarn. Otherwise, we would’ve ordered a different size yarn.
Inflation does not shrink the width of the yarn. However, spinning the yarn to the wrong standards will shrink the size of the Yarn. Please don’t think your customers are fools. We demand the best from you.
Yesterday afternoon in an effort to make my purse lighter, I changed the projects in my purse out. My current project was was almost 400 grams or 14 ounces and growing. Think making a shawl. I changed it out for 10 ounces which will shrink once I finish the scarf. The scarf pattern will be finished soon, once I have the energy. This is the third time that I am making this pattern. I really love the ease and look.
The next change is dealing with health matters in a reasonable way. I have been dealing with the same health issues for 17 months. With 17 more months of treatment currently planned. I do have a hard time walking long distances without resting. So I have applied for a new license plate for my car. With the personal caveat that on good body days, I will park near the back of the parking lot and on bad body days will use it to park in the front of the lot. This way I can gain back a little more independence. Hopefully this will allow me to look and feel a little less haggered after doing just a few errands.
Of course I am spending a few minutes each day organizing y knitting room. I can get a lot done in 5 or 10. I utes of work. This way things don’t feel so overwhelming.
To day was all about getting paperwork done and packages out the door. I packed the boxes and John went to the post office. I was reminded again to pack the books separately because the postage is less that way. I must say that I took a few minutes to swoon over the Golding Fiber Company Spinning Wheels. The only one in my budget range is a small traveling spinning wheel. Not to say if budget was not a problem there were one or 2 spinning wheels that I might consider.
Then it was on to the paperwork. I am not surprised that the durable medical equipment company who refused to take my insurance also failed to provide their company tax identification number on the paperwork they sent me for the insurance claim. I will be going to another more reputable company for the on going supplies.
I even managed to get some paperwork out for a nonprofit out 2 months early. I still have 2 on line forms to fill out. I really hope that they are quick forms and the pages are not to long.
On the fiber front. I unravel 3 rows of Tunisian crochet due to a dropped stitch. I also worked on the Doodling Shawl for 40 minutes and knit a little over an inch.
Well it’s time to call it a day.
Today’s progress was made on another one of my favorite designs. My Doodling Shawl by Sheri Karobonik , this time using Perth by Queensland Yarn in the color Bay of Fires. Using US 10.5 circular knitting needles. The pattern can be found on Ravelry.com under Sheri Karobonik. The shawl is very easy to knit. It is a perfect beginner pattern or a break from lace knitting.
No projects got finished today
I am making a good amount of progress in knitting and Tunisian crochet projects today. Except for weaving in the ends they are basically finished. So today’s knitting and crochet count is one of each. I do wish I had a bigger Soak Wash tub to hold the projects that need seaming or weaving in the ends. The basket includes one pair of Maxi Fingerless Gloves to seam in the Della Q snap bag and 3 scarfs that need the ends woven in. Maybe it is a good thing that this is the small wash tub. I am sure I could get 3 times the amount of projects in the bigger wash tub. I like to weave in the end in natural light. I also tend to have more energy earlier in the day.
Currently I am on a finishing binge on the project front. My body seems to require more rest right now. So the best thing besides napping that I can do is listen to a book and knit. Also winter is coming, so I need to knit faster. I say this tongue in cheek, because today was yet another day over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There has not been enough rain this summer. So the summer seems longer than normal. A good afternoon rain storm just makes the day more pleasant. Because of the long-term drought in the desert Southwest, we haven’t seen regular afternoon rain showers for a long time.
I am currently designing 2 new knitting patterns. The good news is that the elements for one pattern have come together. I will begin to type up the relevant information and instructions. Taking pictures in 100 degrees Fahrenheit is not ideal for this pattern. So I’m going to have to come up with an alternative that’s indoors.
The Bad news is that the second pattern on the third section will have to be tinked. I can say at this point having two out of three sections done is helpful. However, the last section is the largest section. Tinking will take place soon.
I have finished the Maxi Fingerless Gloves for my daughter. All I can say is that The yarn is scrumptious. It is an alpaca, silk blend from the Yarn Dragon in Seattle, Washington. It even came in a worsted weight which was needed for the pattern. He has a beautiful on line shop. It is a luxurious fiber that I’m sure my daughter will love. And hopefully there won’t be any allergies involved. On gloves looks larger then the other because I just had to try them on. I might have to get a skein of this yarn for a pair of gloves for me.
As you probably guessed I gave up looking for my lost gloves. I am trying something different this time. I am using my Maxi Fingerless Gloves pattern, but am doing stocking stitch in the garter stitch section. I am really liking how it’s turning out. I’ll have to see what they’re like when they’re seemed up, and I tried them on. Although, as with most patterns, I had a small difference of opinion with a designer on one section and I think I’m going to leave it there just because it’s a cute addition to the design. If I like it, you’ll see a new pattern soon. If you’re adventurous and have the skill set, go ahead and order the maxi fingerless glove pattern off of ravelry. You will find it under Sheri Karobonik designs.
I think I have had a hiccup on the road to recovery. I personally think the stress of my mom being in hospice and dying shortly after has set my bodies systems off kilter. I kept my to do list to five activities today. It took me till 9 o’clock at night, but I did finish everything.
I spent a good part of the day resting. Which everybody who knows me, knows it’s not a good thing. I am not a person who’s meant to sit still. I did finish a book today, My Korean Grocery Store. A book that I highly recommend. It was hard to put down. Then I started another book. Then I spent some time on untangling some yarn. I also spent some time working on an oak knitting project for me. There will be no pattern written. I am just doodling with yarn and color. An oak knitting project is a one of a kind knitting project, not to be duplicated ever.
I finally figured out a very good solution for the 3 pound cone of fluffy fingering weight yarn. I combined it with a double knit. I then used a U.S. size 13 knitting needle. The first’s scarf came in at just over 50 inches long. The colors are terra cotta and a variegated blue. It looks and feels wonderful. I am sure a teenager will love it.
I also spent a little time organizing yarn stuff again today. The priority projects to finish are on the fireplace. Teaching bags were emptied and sorted. Some patterns went to the giveaway pile. I also found time for a lot of rest too.
I still have not found the missing fingerless gloves. I really hope that they show up They just can’t walk off inside a silver Della Q bag, can they?
As in 3 loads of laundry finished, now we are not counting folding the laundry. That is because “No laundry shall be folded before it’s time.” 1 bag of trash and 2 bags of recycling out which equals 3. And most importantly 3 chores finished around the house. Alas, that did not include my knitting. I did not complete any knitting projects today. I can say that I am almost finished with another scarf.
The day also hit an interesting note. The grocery store up the hill from us has decided to do an upscale makeover. Really does anyone really need an upscale bohemian grocery store when they are looking for their Orville Redenbacher popcorn? I looked all over the store for it. Turns out the country’s best selling popcorn is no longer good enough for them. I also got the you aren’t the right fit for our grocery store look. All they had was some upscale $15.00 a bag popcorn from back east. They have also gotten rid of most of the made in Tucson or Arizona products. It’s a-shame because most of the hotels drop their guests off at the mall to do some shopping. In my humble opinion people flying in from the east coast don’t want to buy, what they can get at home cheaper to give as gifts. Something made in Tucson or Arizona would sell faster.
They also did something that I have never seen before at any meat or fish counter. They weighed my purchase, but did not print the tag. Then they wrapped up my purchase in a lot of butcher paper, more than they use to use. Weighed my purchase again and then proceeded to print the tag. So what ever the meat or fish cost per pound, I was paying the same price for the paper per pound. Most stores figure in the cost of the paper into overhead, which is fair. That really has me tempted to look up the state law on that. Maybe even proceed with it.
My usual summer sundress with an oversized cover up and silly socks was not appropriate wear by the looks that I got from the staff. It’s summer in Tucson, we do not get dressed to the 9’s to go grocery shopping. Come to think about it, we never get dressed to the 9’s to shop in the winter either. Are they going to be disappointed if they expect us to dress up to shop.
The popcorn solution was to make an online order at Walmart to be delivered tomorrow. It’s worth paying the delivery fee not to leave the house and get some extra rest. I might have over done it today.
TTFN
I tinked another scarf today. I did not like how it was turning out. So I combined the original terracotta yarn with a variegated blue yarn which was slightly thicker. It has a distinct southwestern flair. Then I went from a U.S. size 9 knitting needle to a 13. I started another Broken Rib scarf. I am past the point in the terracotta yarn, when I decide to tink it out.
I am so glad that I made the decision midway through the project to change it. Even if I have to say so myself. It looks so much better. The combination of the yarn and the stitch pattern adds so much depth to the scarf. Even better is that I have 3 more skeins of the blue yarn. That will be 4 scarfs in total for this color combination. Since the terracotta is on a 3 pound cone I will have to look for more coordinating yard. I am beginning to wonder just how many scarfs that I will get out of 3 pounds of fingering weight yarn.
Below is a picture of today’s progress after tinking. Just in case you were wondering, the scarf is currently 31 inches long.
That is not all I accomplished today. I actually got some deep cleaning done too. I did not quite fill a full recycling bag, however John felt it was a good start. I still have not found my purse gloves. The decision has been made to start a copy of both pairs. Maybe then I will find them.
I finally had time today to take some pictures of my finished projects. These are my favorite 3 out of the 6 completed projects. The silk scarf and wool mittens are for me. The woolen mittens did shrink, but not felt after a hot bath followed by hanging in a very hot garage. Who am I kidding, it’s summer in Tucson the garage is always hot this time of year. Yes, I actually make things for myself very occasionally. The cotton scarf is for charity, it going to my favorite children’s clothing bank.
I do admit that I am knitting a project out of my normal wheelhouse. I am currently knitting Knitmas in July designed by Becky Beagell with a kit by Nomadic Knits and yarn by Emma’s Yarn. In fingering weight yarn. Yes, you read this right, fingering weight yarn on U.S. size 6 / 4mm knitting needles, no less.
I started this project 11 days late. Yes, it has been one of those months. It’s only July 12th and I am ready for August. Although I still hope to have the shawl finished by the end of the month. I made better progress yesterday. Today I only accomplished 5 rows. If you want a challenge this is it. The first several rows convinced me that I had an easy pattern to make. Then I got to the second column of directions. I have not done today’s twist stitch in over 20 years. I had to watch the tutorial to get it right. I also had to tink back a difficult row because I forgot to pay attention to the color change. I did get it to look okay. I am taking notes and keeping track with moveable tape.
There are a lot of color changes. Oh, the ends to weave in. I am sure if Dr. Seuss were a knitter he would have written a book about this pattern. I also can’t be tired when I knit this one. Wish me luck.
With as hectic as this month has been, I forgot that I have a Christmas in July knit along. I started today after lunch and got through the set up rows and 40 other rows. Now Let’s see if I can get it done by the end of the month. Wish me luck. It’s fingering weight Yarn on US size 6 needles. By the way, It seems to be a two row pattern. The first color change is coming up. No pictures yet. The yarn feels yummy too.
This project will be tinked because I am not liking the way it is turning out. See where the double pointed knitting needle is, you can see areas where both strands of yarn were not caught in the stitch. The project consists of 2 strands of lace weight yarn, one is mohair/ silk and the other is wool. Then I am going to spin it into 1 a two ply yarn.
I am going to try my new plying tool called iPLY from i spin in the United Kingdom. This should make it easier to ply on bad hand days. This part may not happen today. All three of my spinning wheels are currently on other projects. Then I will start the project over because I like the overall design of the shawl.
It’s been one of those days. I am a lot on the tired side. So spinning did not happen. A little Tunisian crochet project saw a little action on an oak* shawl, I am working on the center panel right now. I also found time to work on a pounder scarf in progress, just because I needed some left handed knitting time. I find alternating between knitting right and left handed takes pressure off my right hand.
Because I have finished, but sadly not photographed them all yet. I have found space to move some knitting projects from the sewing room to the knitting/ spinning room. I even found a few UFO’s. Imagine that, me having multiple UFO’s. I think I will take the basket off the shelf and just stack the projects on the shelf and use the basket elsewhere. The basket just uses up to much shelf space.
Some time in the far future my plan is to separate the sewing room from all yarn. Wish me luck on that one.
*oak is a one of a kind project that I will be making for myself. This is usually because the yarn is no longer available or the yarn is too expensive for most knitters. I like to keep the price of yarn down on most of my patterns. Fiber arts can tend to get expensive, thus seem too exclusive for many. Also the more expensive the yarn in a pattern is, the less likely the pattern will sell.
