Bigger and Badder (Blankets)

And now for the opposite of cholera and political unrest... babies and knitting!  I recently finished my fourth variation on a the Big Bad Baby Blanket (BBBB as its called in the blogsphere).  I originally tried my hand at the pattern back in college, when I was looking through my trusty Stitch 'n Bitch* book and decided that I wanted to try something harder than a scarf.  That first BBBB came out well, but unfortunately it fell prey to mice while it awaited a baby recipient.  Nonetheless, I was hooked on that pattern - it produces a big sturdy blanket (usually around 3x3) that is double knit and durable.  If you use different colored yarns knit together it produces beautiful patterns. 

My second attempt at the BBBB ended up as a baptism present for Kyle, the son of my friends Sara and Aron.  This time I used a sturdy baby yarn in blue and green.  It was machine washable of course, because I do not believe in giving new parents hand-wash only baby creations.  This project ended up being an exercise in letting go of my need for perfection, because I ran out of yarn and couldn't get more in time - so it ended up being rectangular and asymmetrical.  I was pretty happy with the results. The green and blue looked pretty together and it was still a pretty good sized blanket.  

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Knitting Update

I finally finished my mom's socks over Thanksgiving. I knit them on double-pointed needles instead of circular this time, which was an enjoyable experience. Using the circulars is less scary in that there is less fear of losing a needle (and its easier to store), but it is easier to follow conventional sock patterns with double-pointed. It also feels more authentic and looks more impressive with double-pointed. I used an Encore worsted-weight yarn that is really pretty, and machine washable.

While I was working on the socks, I was also doing squares for the blanket I made my brother for Christmas. He mentioned months ago that he liked the blanket the Chapel Hill Knitters made for the Camp Quilt Auction, and asked if I would make him one. So I did. I used the same kind of yarn as for the socks, but obviously in different colors. This one is considerably bigger. The squares were 9x11 inches, but I didn't measure it once it was put together and blocked. The nice thing about knitted blankets is that they are super stretchy, which is good since my brother is pretty tall.

I was particularly happy with the "U" square I made. The first colors I chose for the quilt were the Miami orange and green, and I used leftover yarn for the logo square. I made the pattern for the Miami U Logo myself on graphing paper, and then made up the gym-sock inspired stripes as I went. It is also a pocket for keeping remotes or cell phones or whatever. When I finished knitting the square I picked up stitches along the bottom and just kept knitting until the back of the pocket was done; then I sewed up the sides. I have to admit that I'm amazed at how well it turned out, with the exception of the stitches at the bottom of the U being a little funky.

Now I'm working on a sweater - my most ambitious project to date. I have this great superfine undyed Alpaca that I got for fairly cheap at the yarn shop. The back is almost finished and so far it looks ok. I also still have a baby blanket half-done, but there's not really a rush on that one.

Visions of Wool

Now that I temporarily unemployed, I have fallen in love with knitting again. To me, knitting is a little bit like magic. When you look closely, it seems crazy - waving around a couple of sticks and tangling them up with some string and all of the sudden fabric appears. It feels a little bit like conjuring garments out of thin air (although in reality it is somewhat more labor-intensive and expensive than that). I never cease to be fascinated to see that I can actually create decent looking projects this way!

I recently finished my scarf in Bo Manor colors, which I began when Kieron made the varsity football team (he is now a junior in college). At least I have one more football season to wear it at Kellan's games. I currently have several projects on needles - socks for my mom, a baby blanket, and a knitted quilt. The socks should be done Thanksgiving week, the quilt by Christmas, and the blankie when I get to it. I was in my LYS yesterday with Jen, Rich and Bryna, and we were talking BBBBs (Big Bad Baby Blankets). Jen just finished one for a child who is now 2 and is starting another for someone who isn't even pregnant yet. The owner of the store told us that a lot of people our age just always have baby projects going, to be prepared for the next pregnant friend or relative. There's something so satisfying about making things, and I absolutely love making gifts for people. And what's better than knitting for babies.

Now that I'm becoming a fairly proficient knitter, I'm thinking about branching out to more difficult projects. Most of the sweaters I own are at least three years old so they are starting to wear out, and I'm thinking about trying to make one when I get past the Christmas knitting rush. I would need to start simple so I'm thinking about trying a beginners pattern with some chunky superwash merino wool. In addition to knitting I made a needle case for Megan G's birthday, and it got me thinking about taking up sewing again. I have often thought about making some of my own clothes, that is a sort of scary endeavor. Where will I find time for this crafting lifestyle? That I haven't figured out yet, but at least knitting travels well and can be picked up whenever you have a spare minute.