Working on getting stuff done - including my pattern!

Just last month, I posted about talking myself into some bravery and submitting my mitten pattern to Knit picks for the independent designer program (IDP). Well I did it, and heard back incredibly quickly with an acceptance. So exciting!

I am still finishing up on knitting the sample for pattern photography, but once I got my yarn support from KP I almost immediately cast on for the sample pair. The yarn was so gorgeous, I couldn't help it.

 

So now I have one and a half mittens in the original yarn, and a thumb shy of a full mitten in the new yarn. Since I can't resist showing off a little bit, here is a quick peek at the back of the mitten -

(Just pretend the lighting caught the colors as nicely as the pic above, please - it was the best I could do with the weather today!)

 

 

Right now the pattern itself is going through testing with some helpful knitter friends, and I'm pretty excited to see how it looks with the different yarn choices.

As scary as it is to 'put myself out there' the process is pretty fun too. I'm glad that, after holding on to this idea for over year, I'm finally doing it.

 

Other things I'm finally getting to? That big list of WIPs of course!

The washcloth is done -

Nice and big, I think this will be a repeated pattern.

 

The cotton double knit trivet didn't fair as well though. After a year if letting it sit in the basket, I decided to frog it. It was going to be too small anyway and I wasn't liking the design much either.

 

My Sherlock blanket is coming along nicely, and has three new squares.

Two of them are inspired by the latest season's first episode

An underground square, using a chart from Jennie Claver

 

And a bonfire square, which was a pattern I wrote up (and added to the other ones I had already posted here)

 

The other is more book-related (although there's been a bee reference thrown in the bbc series too) it's the bee square from Rav user ambrrr modified from the Apis Dorsata pattern

 

With all the squares I still want to knit (plus the ones I'm sure will be designed by others in the future) I'm thinking this blanket may be king sized before I'm ready to call it done!

 

For a while though, I'm going to be pretty busy with the mitten knitting. Between them and the cowl I'm starting for the Rav games tomorrow, there probably be much progress in the other WIPs until next month.

 

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Any post is better than no post, right?

And the winner for most inconsistent and unreliable posting schedule goes to ... Drumroll please ... Me!

Probably.

If procrastination earned you a trophy, I'm pretty sure I'd have a cabinet full of them. Then again, maybe not. I'd have to get my act together and pick them up from procrastination headquarters, and when would I ever find the time with all my bouts of ... not really doing anything?

 

 

Instead of giving a project by project accounting of all I've been doing in the past four months - Has it been that long? Really self?? Really??? - I decided to go with a quick stat rundown of projects since my last post

Existing WIPs finished - ummmmm ... none. And I had been doing so well!

BUT

Existing WIPs worked on (which is half the battle!) - 4 - most happy that my Sherlock blanket has one new square and I'm halfway through a pattern I worked up for another.

WIPs frogged - 1 - one of the secret bag projects. It was a sock with a really cool looking beaded pattern, but when I finished knitting the first one I realized it was just Not Comfortable. I may adapt the pattern for a hat band or something though.

New projects started AND finished - 5 - it really helped that Christmas fell during my blog silence. Even with only knitting for a handful of special people, it did give me a firm deadline for those projects.

New projects started and then wandered off from - 1 - and I don't reeeeally count it. It's just a washcloth, and I needed something to grab and work on while sitting around waiting. It'll be there next time I need to sit around and wait to. Washcloths are good that way, they don't judge.

New hobbies picked up - 1 - got a pin loom for Christmas (to me, from me, with all the love in the world - me) I wanted to play at weaving and make some placemats/coasters whatever, but not get as serious as Actual Weaving with the giant loom and all. It's pretty fun, and like those washcloths is easy to pick up and put down so that's always nice to have waiting for you.

 

 

And that's basically it. I'm afraid I haven't been all that exciting lately, which made updating here easier and easier to push off. In keeping with the whole procrastination deal, I have made a couple craft related resolutions. A couple weeks late, of course.

First - to update here at least once a month. Even if no one is reading, it helps keep me on track. Plus, how hard can it be to find a little time once a month, right?

Second - to actually finish the giant playmat that I had hoped to this year. It is soooo far from done. This might be a strain, but I really would like to have it done for my nieces before they are grown and have kids of their own

Third - and this is more me being brave and putting myself out there, than actually being difficult - remember the mittens I made for a swap over a year ago? This year I am going to actually finish writing up that pattern with the tweaks I still want to make, and submit it to the Knit picks IDP program. Washington's screwy sales tax laws make it confusing to try and sell a pattern on my own, but if I go through KP they deal with that bit. I don't know if they'll take it, but it can't hurt to try.

Forth and final - end the year with under a dozen WIPs. You'd think this would be easy for me. You'd be wrong. Yes a dozen is a lot, but I am almost always above that. Even now - with the fourteen I have going right now - there are still a handful of patterns I am having to work really hard to resist casting on immediately.

So there are my, hopefully attainable, resolutions for the year. Wish me luck!

 

 

And it feels weird to have a post with no pictures, so I'll share one of the Christmas presents. The one I. Was most happy with - the dinosaur picked out by BFs nephew (pattern from Huge and Hugable Mochimochi)

 

As you can see, I had a little fun playing around with and posing with this guy before gifting. Even made him that pretend library book to go along with his look of terror -

 

 

Don't worry, he doesn't always look that scared! When his tongue sticks out he looks positively silly, and he can even smile a little -

 

And look at his funny fat tail, cute as can be

 

The first picture has been uploaded to the designers flickr group, so with any luck I'll be back here linking and asking for votes in next year's photo contest. Hopefully - I think he's cute enough to have a chance!

 

 

 

 

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Too Many Projects!

 

This is the post where I haul them all out of their bags, boxes and cubbies and see the ridiculous number of knitting projects I have going. I did think about linking to all the patterns, but then I'd be here for hours and never get any knitting done! If you want to know any any though, just drop a comment and I'll link you. Otherwise I will just promise to link better as they get their celebratory "all done!!!" posts.

 

 

Starting at the top left and working clockwise -

 

Beekeeper's Quilt - This one is no rush, and it's a good thing. I am perfectly content with the thought this may continue forever, as I will be accumulating scraps for just as long.

 

Cria Sweater - a recentish start, and one I do regularly put a few rows into. Wanting to be able to wear it is all the motivation I need to keep at it, but I could keep at it a little more often and with some more speed.

 

Winter Twilight fingerless gloves - I really want to wear these too, so why do I never want to work on them?? It's a mystery. I have only most of one finished, hoping maybe once it gets cold again that will motivate me. Since I insist on keeping both my hands, I will need to get knitting on a second one eventually.

 

Blanket of Unusual Size - I go in spurts on this one, from lots of work to neglecting horribly. I don't think it helps that being a circular blanket that the rows keep getting longer. I also only work on it during cold weather, because a balled up blanket on the lap is just not pleasant in the heat! I expect this will make it's way back into rotation around November.

 

My poor first real embroidery project - I found it good for when helping Bfs nephew with homework, because I could put it down and not worry about my place. I just don't seem to touch it other than then. School has started back up though, so before long it might be called back into service!

 

The Sherlock Blanket - No real end in sight on this project, especially with a new season coming. I imagine there will be even more square ideas to join what I've done so far! I would like to have another few of the already designed ones done though, especially the "Beeeeees" one I started ages ago.

 

Two bags with two projects that I still can't talk about because of Secrets - They should be finished, but are only half done. Shame on me! One will for sure make it to fully complete, the other I'm just not quite sure aout practicality-wise. And that's all I can say about them, because Secrets.

 

Double knit trivet - Having a different design on both sides sounded incredibly cool. The reality of keeping it all straight in my head? Less cool. Saving this for when I have some seriously good focus!

 

Tiny Octopus - I forgot all about this guy. I don't even know when I started it, because I never even made a project page. He only has one tentacle, so it's barely a start as it is. Save him for my next bout of startitis?

 

Towel - Larger version of the granny's fav dishcloth, to go with the two of those I finished. They were going to be a gift, but I thought better of it. Now they sit waiting for a new intended home and then I'll finish. Probably.

 

Hoodie vest - You'd think a sleeveless sweater with bulky yarn would be a no-time-flat project. You would be wrong.

 

Lace scarf - Just knitting till I'm out of yarn on this one, almost there. A few good days of knitting, and I'll be done. Then will come the magic of blocking.

 

Baby booties - For BFs great niece - he hates when I call her that, because it makes him feel old - Surprise gift that won't fit her until closer to winter like the sweater I gave her. I don't need to put a rush on it, but since I'm so close I will. Plus that baby's mom has shown herself quite knitworthy (so many times she and Bfs nephew have brought up that sweater and thanked me!) and I want to see how much she likes them :D

 

Blue day sock KAL - except mine are Green Day Socks (heee!) - I had started these last year, and through no fault of their own they got derailed by those secret bags. Picked them back up, and apparently my feet shrunk a little (IDEK it's weird) soooo I'm starting over with the support of a group knit along.

 

The last three projects currently have top priority. Some of the others are back to hang out in the time-out-hamper and a couple are in line for next-of-importance.

 

The only queue jumpers I'm anticipating are the two hats that a coworker commissioned me to make. The deadline isn't until Christmas, but I have no intention of putting them off and ending up stressed and rushed at the last minute. I do enough of that as it is! As soon as the yarn arrives, I'll be casting on the first of them.

 

OH! And while they, like the embroidery, are not technically knitting I also have those two playmates going still. Can't forget about them (no matter how hard I sometimes try. They almost didn't make this post!)

Mine to keep is STILL missing the pond and a couple fields. The giant one for gifting is missing ... Just about everything. Eek! The chances of a Christmas finish there are NOT looking good. Not for the mat, and definitely not for all the buildings/people/animals that go with it. I miiiiiight have gotten in over my head in this one.

 

Now that I've totally freaked myself out over how much I have in the works, I'm off to actually accomplish something. Or at least try!

 

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Mrs Hudson's Not Wearing Cerise

Another square on the Sherlock blanket done, and in record time - GO ME!

Confession - I have no idea what the record time actually is for me finishing a blanket square, but since it was months and months (and months) between the two before this I figured only taking a week(ish) was cause for celebration

 

This square was Mrs Hudson themed, Not Cerise designed by Rav User Ffefryn

Mrs. Hudson "I should never wear cerise, apparently. Drains me."

 

The most amazing part about me finishing this square so quickly is that I did it even with top notch distractions. Major, big time, seriously exciting distractions.

BF managed to get his hands on a (slightly in need of TLC) vintage spinning wheel for me!! I am sooooo excited!!! He's going to do a little clearing up help for the person that was storing it for the previous owner in exchange for it. Somehow I am the one coming out ahead in the whole deal, but you won't hear me complaining!

It's already gotten some love since this picture was taken (most importantly a drive band and some cleaning) but this is what it looked like when he brought it home. I'll have another post soon with some more pictures of it, but right now I want to get back to actually using it again.

SO EXCITED YOU GUYS!

 

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"Why did Bluebell have to die, Dr. Stapleton?"

In case the post title up there didn't give it away, I'm back to working on my Sherlock blanket like I said I would (finally!)

From the Hounds of Baskerville episode of the show, this square was for the Bluebell and the lab where a little genetics tinkering made him glow.

 

I used the same grey here that I did for the background on the wallpaper square, and I think it worked well. In the light there is almost a stainless steel work table look to it. I really wish I had been able to find some glow in the dark yarn for the cables, but other than that I think the square is perfect.

I love how almost all the members of the group have stepped up designed squares, and that people keep throwing ideas out. This one was designed by Rav member Sadbhyl back in October - I am so behind, that isn't even the earliest one I'm missing! There are now so many great patterns now that my blanket would probably triple in size if I made them all.

As if all those werent enough to keep me busy, I still have a few square ideas in my head. I'm trying to work on catching up before I actually plan/write them out though. I think the current TV series is being pretty well covered, and there is at least one pattern in progress for the Granada series (yay!) but I would still like some more book related squares. Possibly add a couple of stereotypical Sherlock symbols like a pipe or magnifying glass too.

For now though, it's back to the existing patterns - next on the needles is a Mrs. Hudson inspired lace square.

 

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So much for WIP only...

So I had the best of intentions when it came to my plans on going WIP only for my knitting until the end of August...No really! I did! Unfortunately I didn't quite make it. While I made some progress on them (even finished a couple) I couldn't stick with it. The procrastination bug has bit me, and HARD. More evidence is the fact I'm making this post well I to September instead of the first.

The first little hiccup was my tiny gnome. Just one little project, done almost as quickly as it was started. Cute too (if I do say so myself, and this being my blog why shouldn't I?)

 

I'm not sure if he really counts as cheating, because he is part of my KaFS scene. That is a WIP, and a major one. He was a gateway project to more cheating though.

 

Before I knew it I was thinking about all the Christmas knitting I hadn't started yet. With the nieces' big present being for their birthdays instead, that does cut down on what I'm making but I still have a list. In theory it will be a quickish list with most of the projects being smaller BUT ... Well look how good I am at plans! Even small projects take time when you have a bunch of them. The thought of putting them off longer started to stress me out, so...

First present up - the bear for Rochelle. It's her current favorite animal, and so she's getting this toy along with a bear themed book or two.

I've finished knitting the main body/head piece, finished the face, stuffed it and added the ears all within a few days.

 

The legs are knit, but not stuffed and attached. I just started knitting the arms. Once I've finished I'll take a better picture to post.

 

Next will either be a Tangram puzzle (two people are getting those) or maybe doll clothes for Sharee (she's getting doll things - a knit outfit along with some sneakers I bought)

I know I should have stuck with my WIPs a little longer, but I have to admit just making the list did make me feel a little better. I figure if I stick to one present at a time, and still plug away at the the other projects I'll eventually catch up.

---

I have managed to resist the biggest temptation of all - pretty shiny new lace yarn. Courtesy of one of the awesome members of the Sherlocked Team on Rav who sponsored the prize and picked me. THIS I'm dying to use. I really want a floaty bright lace scarf.

I'm holding strong for now, but I can't promise how long I'll be able to hold out!

 

 

Now for a few things I did get done-

Two more squares on the Sherlock Blanket

First up was the Black Lotus Square. Really fun lace square, looks much better in person

With its inspiration

Inspiration pic = gratuitous reposting of series images

 

Inspiration pic = gratuitous reporting of series images

And then the square for (yet another, because I love them so) John Watson jumper. This pattern was actually from the very first month, but at the time I was missing black yarn. It's nice to have finally taken the time to catch up and knit it. I still need to weave in the ends for all those stripes, but I'm saving that for when I need something mindless to work on (like when at peewee football games for BF's nephew)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've done a couple other things, but since they are mostly small (and this post has waited long enough!) I figure I can always update on them later.

 

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KAL updates

The Shlanket has another square - The shock blanket square.


I'm in shock. Look I've got a blanket!

My square is not actually orange like it should be, but gold instead. Partly to coordinate with the numbers and knocker on my door square and partly because I’m not a fan of orange.



I love the texture of this square, it’s really “sproingy” (don’t ask for a definition, just go with it)


Sproing sproing


As for my mystery toy KAL, I've finished the arms and legs and started on the head. The limbs aren't sewn on yet (because I'm not sure of exact placement) but they're pinned so you can get the general idea. I'm still hoping teddy bear, but it seems less likely...Not that I have any clue what it is though.


Pretty chill for a guy who's lost his head

I've got until Monday before the next clue comes out, and hopefully I'll have the head done (or near to) by then.

The Shlanket Project

My last post ended with this teaser pic of the Sherlock blanket I’m working on, now I’m here to show off the bunches of photos and share the links that go along with it. All the links (like most of my knitting links) go back to Ravelry.