updates

Well, since Ravelry came along, I haven't posted, because what's the point? All I want is already there. But here's a little update on my projects.

Montego Bay Scarf - picked this up again, about 40% done, and I love it now. I am looking forward to getting to wear it.

Log Cabin Blanket for Kari - this is all garter stitch so it is my current go-to project for kid-watching. No thought required.

Daisy Hats and Dishcloths for waiting to pick K up from preschool.

Bonsai Tunic for when I have focused knitting time. I've started the front and am only one pattern repeat in, but it's going faster this time because I don't really have to look at the chart anymore. I just have to make sure I put the decreases in the same places.

MUST. NOT. CAST. ON. ANYTHING. ELSE!

(but DANG is that Tilted Duster calling my name!)

Back o'the Bonsai

IMG_5321
Originally uploaded by Selzhanik

Here's the back of the Bonsai Tunic, so far so good...still some guesswork measuring the armholes. Per the schematic, I assume it is measured from the top of the shoulder to the row that the armhole begins. So you are not actually measuring the circumference of the armhole itself. It looks right. Anyways, I have to move on to some other projects for a while, but I am looking forward to doing the front. Here's hoping it matches up with the back ok!

WIP update!

So I have been able to squeeze a row or two in between various child-rearing and housework duties. And it adds up. I am switching easily between my two big projects, the Bonsai tunic:
and the Montego Bay scarf:

It is gratifying to see some progress on each. The scarf is just sort of an ongoing project, I think. The tunic, well, I'd really like to have that done by the end of August. That probably sounds ridiculous to a lot of you knitters out there who whip the thing out in a weekend, but hey, that's a reasonable goal for me. Most of the time my hands are occupied wiping something or someone.

Bonsai Tunic swatch

IMG_5135
Originally uploaded by Selzhanik

This picture is pretty dark, but here's my swatch for the Bonsai Tunic. I got stitch gauge (using the recommended size 8's) but not row gauge, but I don't think that matters much since it says "work until piece measures x inches" and stuff like that. The fabric is really cool and makes up for a temperamental yarn. I didn't have trouble with it splitting like I have heard from some people - perhaps because I'm using bamboo needles with relatively dull points. I think using bamboo needles really helps control this slippery yarn.

So far I am only a couple of rows into the actual project, since I need focused knitting time to do it. I forgot to take my stitch markers with me to Oklahoma so I made some with cut up drinking straws (a tip I saw on Knitty Gritty once). This actually is a big help because I used different color markers to denote the different sections of the lace repeats. This will help me keep track of what I'm doing, and I ALWAYS need help with that.

Enough blogging, time to knit.