No-Guilt Knitting

I don't know if it's a product of my upbringing, or just a weird personality thing, but I feel guilty if I'm not doing something that feels worthwhile during the day on weekends or time off. Like I should be using that time for something IMPORTANT (like what, I have no idea). "Just knitting" doesn't cut it mentally. (Though, oddly, sewing seems to be okay. Brain? weird.) "Just knitting" feels like being lazy. I've been struggling with this a lot while on my forced time off (otherwise known as being unemployed).

I made myself a schedule of sorts, so I could feel like I've accomplished something every day. I spend an hour or two scanning job boards & applying for anything that looks interesting (or, in the absence of "interesting" I apply for anything I'm qualified for). I made a list of chores to do, the things I need to do but keep putting off and try to get at least one of those done a day or work towards one being completed. I do at least 30 - 40 minutes of exercise every day. I make sure the kitchen is tidy & dishes are done. I put away whatever I had out in the living room. I put away my clothes.

After I've done everything I possibly could consider "work" my brain will allow me to knit in peace.

This past weekend I spent about 20 minutes searching for my US7 16" circulars. I knew they were probably involved in some abandoned project, but didn't know where. "Organize WIPs" was on my chores list so I decided to take that task on. I made myself a list as I went and sorted and organized what I had on the needles that I still wanted to finish (in the case of 2 modular blankets "on the needles" isn't accurate but I counted them).

I had 14 projects in active knitting status. FOURTEEN. ONE-FOUR. 14.

(In my defence, at least 3 of those are Christmas presents.)

At this point my brain made a sudden screeching change of direction. It has now allowed me to knit as "work" because completing these projects is important in a cleaning-house sort of way. Also, as several projects are Christmas presents, this is a worthwhile endeavour. Organizing the projects and making a list seemed to kick start a finishing mindset. I already checked 2 items off the list on Saturday and I'm about to bind off a third.

So, I'm working away on WIPs. I'm making every effort to finish what I'm working on before starting something new. The only exceptions to the "no starting anything" rule will be Christmas presents.

No-Guilt Knitting is kind of awesome.

Pieced Duvet Cover

2 days in a row! Wha?! I know!!

I bought this pack of precut 10x10 squares with a gift certificate from a local quilting store. It's Tonga Treat from Timeless Treasures in the "Coffee Cake" colorway (i think. I lost the label. oops)





I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to do with it. I didn't want to waste any of the fabric. I knew I wanted to do a duvet cover or something that would get a lot of use. I finally had a flash of inspiration one morning when I woke up (does that happen to other people?) and decided to do strips of pieced fabric alternating with strips of a solid.

I cut each 10x10 piece into thirds and grouped the fabrics by lights & darks. I sewed these into strips, alternating light & dark. At first I planned to piece these on the seams but realized the individual cuts weren't all exactly the same length so, to save my sanity, I ended up offsetting the seams.





The solid is a sheet from Ikea (hence the matching pillow cases! woo!) and the back is made from another sheet. I really should have taken pictures of the process. I don't have much floor space in my apartment and sewing something this size is quite an operation. I needed to move my couch, plants, desk all as far out of the way as I could. My ironing board was in my kitchen, so that presented a challenge when my sewing time overlapped my need-to-eat something time.





Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. I like the fact it's a departure from my usual color palette (but it still has my beloved blues represented). Nice to check this one off my to-make list.

Designer Appreciation - Veera Välimäki

If you knit and read blogs, chances are you are familiar with Veera Välimäki's designs. Her blog 100% Rain showcases her designs, which are modern, cozy and wearable.

(Note: It could be construed that the timing of this post is suspect. I was planning this salute to Veera's designs when I decided to get back into my blog. It is pure, happy coincidence that I happened to win a draw on her blog yesterday!)

Like many blog & Ravelry lurkers I initially succumbed to the call of the gorgeous garter striped shawl: Stripe Study.

Pattern: Stripe Study - Veera Välimäki
Yarn: Araucania Ranco Multy & Sandnes Garn Sisu (green/teal)
Date: May - June 2011 (yikes I'm behind on finished project posts!)








Almost immediately after Stripe Study (in fact, according to my Ravelry notes, it was at the same time as the Stripe Study) I started Different Lines. I think this shawl/scarf has gotten more consistent use than anything I've knit in the past few years. The shape makes it a great neck warmer for cold Canada winters and the yarn is so soft.

Pattern: Different Lines - Veera Välimäki
Yarn: Sandnes Garn Sisu
Date: May 2011







The short-rows give it this shark fin shape which is really interesting.


Shortly after finishing Different Lines I, um... I knit another one. I have no defence other than to say it's a great pattern and I was smitten by the colors in the yarn I found. The Briggs & Little Sport is more "rustic" and is just the right amount of wooly-feeling for a slightly heavier version of this shawl. It's great for -30C mornings when it's windy & snowing. (It also matches my bedding)(and my down jacket)(I realize I have a color rut)

Pattern: Different Lines - Veera Välimäki
Yarn: Briggs & Little Sport
Date: June - July 2011





Note: I'm probably not done with Veera's striped shawls. I have Color Affection (just looking for the right yarn/color combination) and I wouldn't be surprised to find myself knitting another Different Lines at some point. Likely soon. In fact... *makes note to scan stash for potential Christmas gift yarns*

Veera doesn't just design addictive striped shawls, oh no. I fell HARD for her Water and Stone cardigan last winter. It took me probably 1.25 minutes after seeing it on her blog to ordering the pdf and then the yarn. This cardigan was worn at least twice a week (had to pace myself so I didn't wear it out) from the time it was finished until it was too warm to wear wool. I would definitely knit this one again.

Pattern: Water and Stone - Veera Välimäki
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport - Ash
Date: December 2011 - February 2012









I have a few other Veera Välimäki patterns on my to-knit list but I should probably finish up some other in-progress knits first.

Peg People

I thought I'd start off my "what I made" posts with one of my favorite things I've made in a really long time. As is my tradition I start off with a seemingly unrelated story.

This spring, my younger brother & his family made the decision to take a position with his company in Houston, Texas. They would be driving down when it came time to move and I offered to go with them to share the driving and spend time with them (and have a bit of a vacation). (We drove from Okotoks, just south of Calgary, Alberta to Houston in 5 days. It was awesome. And a bit tiring.) Because I am me, I had to make something for my nephews & niece before the trip.

I'm not exactly sure how I settled on Peg People, but I probably saw something on a blog that inspired the obsession idea. I found a couple of small packages of pegs at Michaels and started painting. (I ended up buying a bulk bag of pegs from an online supplier out of Ontario: Stockade)

Armed with Google Image searches I sketched a quick outline of what I wanted on the peg in pencil and then painted with craft acrylics. Each peg person got 2 coats of varnish to finish off.

It started with Spider Man. (One of my twin nephews has been OBSESSED with Spider Man since he was about 2 (possibly earlier). If you sit still long enough you will hear a long treatise on various aspects of the Spider Man world and the right and wrong of his actions etc.) From there I ended up making some more of the Avengers (the boys had just seen and loved the movie) and Black Spider Man (AKA Venom).



For my princess obsessed niece I had to make princesses. This is where I ended up getting a little carried away. I decided to make a set each for my friends' daughters and then another set each for a coworker's daughters. It was a little spooky when they were all done.



For my friends' daughters I did a Mulan and for my niece & coworker's girls I did Jasmine.


(just realized I have Cinderella in the mosaic twice but imma leave it.)





Rapunzel's hair wraps around her body and Ariel has a tail.



After I finished the super guys & princesses I decided to make a Boba Fett for The Boy's birthday. He is a Star Wars fan to say the least and is always looking for Boba Fett items. I like how this guy turned out and The Boy loved it. (for those new here The Boy is not my son)(I don't have kids)(or cats)(or, sadly, a dog).



My friend Wen Shu's birthday is 2 days after The Boy's and she is a HUGE Mad Men fan (as am I). I decided to make her the Sterling Draper Cooper Price people (and Betty) for her birthday.



I love how they turned out. Joan has her gold pen and several of them are smoking (for SHAME).

I have more of these pegs and keep thinking of other ideas. I think next up will be some zombies (OHHHH are any of you Walking Dead fans?! I need to make sure I'm not knitting while I watch that show. or eating.)

I just remembered something about blogging. I never know how to end posts. Do I just stop talking? (This is also a problem in face to face interactions. I'm not so good at parties or other social situations) Imma just stop talking, er writing.

Thanks for stopping by & for all the welcoming comments yesterday. I missed you guys!

oh hey, whaddya know? I did figure out how to end it after all. Aaaaaand now I've messed that up.

tap tap tap... is this thing on?

uh, Hi. anyone out there?

Due to some changes in my life (*cough*ilostmyjob*cough*) I have some extra time on my hands. I thought I'd give this blog another go. I'll need to re-learn how to do everything (and figure out the changes Blogger may have made) and get back into the swing of things here.

My plan is to put up some gallery type posts over the next week instead of trying to do individual posts for things I've made. I don't have start/finish dates for anything I made so I plan to do groups of types of FOs/UFOs and go from there.

So for now, Hi. Welcome (back).

Lori

note: I did "lose my job" but I had already started the process of looking for a new job when it happened. It's really a good thing, so don't worry! I desperately needed to take time off and needed to be FORCED to do so (I had a lot of banked vacation time). I'm trying to figure out how to just relax & not feel obligated to fill my time with busy work.

New Coat 2.0

Oh wow, I love this coat.



Pattern: Simplicity 2508 ("Inspired by Project Runway"). View C (I think), collar C
Outer Fabric: Cotton corduroy. It's a bit stiff but so soft & cozy at the same time. It will relax with wear and I'm sure I'll be wearing this a lot this winter.
Lining fabric: I made my own quilted lining with a polyester lining fabric and a wool batting from the quilting store. I thought this would add enough warmth that I can wear the coat in the winter without adding too much extra bulk. I'm quite happy with it but haven't tested it in the real cold yet.
Mods: None that I can remember. Oh, I moved the back tab thing (name?) down about 2-3 inches and added about 3 inches to the sleeve length. I may have overcompensated on the sleeves but they're definitely nice & long now.



I'm really glad I made the other version first because that really made this version go much smoother. I started cutting the pieces last Sunday and finished sewing Saturday afternoon.



I haven't ever had a coat that has the closure off to the side but I really like the look. It's very warm with a double layer in the front. I made the welt pockets on seam again for this version. I tend to walk with my hands in my pockets so this style is more practical for me.



(I think i was just standing funny. I don't think the coat bunches up like that normally)

The only real "d'oh" moment I had was when I went to sew together the first pieces, after cutting all the outer fabric. I was being so careful with the pattern pieces to make sure they were all situated on the corduroy the same way so i wouldn't have the nap going different directions. I was pretty impressed with my efforts until I realized I had placed (and cut) them all so the nap was upside down. It's not something anyone would notice unless they were petting my arm (or other area which we are NOT encouraging), but I notice and it's definitely a "d'oh".





Now back to Christmas Present knitting and Christmas baking. I'd love to hear what other people are making for the holidays. I haven't fully decided on my baking list and I have to come up with gifts for another couple of people.

DPN Roll

A couple of weekends ago I wanted to make a pair of mittens so I had to go through my cup of unsorted (gasp) DPNs (double pointed needles for any non-knitters) to find the needles I needed. I thought "I really should make a needle holder for these" which is what I thought every single time I needed anything out of that cup.

So I finally just got off my butt and made one.



The outer fabric was leftover pieced scraps from a previous project and the inner fabrics were an assortment from stash.



I consulted a variety of tutorials but in the end just winged it based on the measurements of the outer fabric and the number of sets I had.



I feel so much better now, having all the DPNs in their homes, sorted and ready to be used.

Jacket

Another muslin that turned out wearable! And, oh boy did I ever learn a lot making this one.

I don't remember what put the idea in my head to make myself a winter coat but once it was there it wasn't budging. I searched online for coat patterns and came across Simplicity 2508 ("inspired by Project Runway"). I started to fixate on a mid-thigh length coat in corduroy, but I knew I'd be making a muslin first. I've never made anything this complicated before and there was no way I was going to risk ruining that much fabric.

The issues (or "interesting" complications) I had with this pattern were numerous and started from the moment I had the pattern envelope in my hand.

In order to make you feel like a "designer" the pattern envelope doesn't tell you how much fabric you need for each of the views. Instead it has the fabric requirement for each component of each view listed separately. Oh, and the pictures aren't labelled "A, B, C" etc but the parts listed under the fabric requirements are labelled this way, so there was a fair bit of "I think this is the right one..." going on. So, to my math-addled brain this was already a nightmare. For jacket with front "A" you need 1 7/8 yard. Then for collar A you need 3/8 yard. Then for the long sleeve you need 1 yard, the pockets are another 1/2 yard etc. Here, in the comfort of my home (with a calculator and spreadsheet) I can figure that out no problem. In the crowded fabric store when I was hungry it was like every horrible school nightmare you've ever had rolled into one.

In the end I just got what I thought was right and ignored the pattern envelope altogether. The fabric I used for the muslin was "unknown fiber" from the clearance section. There was only 3 1/2 meters left on the bolt so I was hoping I'd have enough for the jacket. After I laid everything out I ended up only needing about 2 1/2 meters.

The next issue was in the less than complete instructions. If I had ever made a tailored jacket before it wouldn't have been a problem at all, but there were a number of things I had to figure out for myself (thank you internet). One problem I had was especially stupid/hilarious and would have been avoided by a note in the instructions:

When I had everything cut out and was starting to sew the front & side front I was horrified to find that the front pieces were about an inch & a half shorter than the side front pieces! I have made this kind of weird mistake before when cutting out pieces but I had been so careful! I finished sewing the outer jacket and decided I needed to just cut the other pieces to match the mis-cut short front pieces.

(If you've ever made a coat before you're probably cringing)

It wasn't until I had the lining sewn into the coat that I realized that I hadn't made a mistake with cutting and the front pieces were supposed to be shorter to allow for the hem. Say it with me: "D'OH"

Okay, enough going on about it. On to the pictures!

Pattern: Simplicity 2508 ("Inspired by Project Runway")
Fabric: clearance section unknown fiber herringbone tweed
Mods: unintentionally shortened the length. Oops.



I forgot to add length to the sleeves so I won't be reaching for anything while wearing this jacket.





The fabric is a tweed herringbone but I'm not sure what the fiber content is. It's a bit thin so I wanted a warmer lining. I didn't want to spend too much (*cough* anything *cough*) on this beyond the $18 for the outer fabric (score!) so I made my own quilted lining using a sateen sheet & a flannel sheet. It worked out pretty well actually.



I think I should have moved this back tab (what is the name for this thing?) down about 2 inches at least. It lands in the middle of my back which is a bit odd.

In keeping with my cheap/thrifty/"I can just make that" ways I ended up making buttons using polymer clay. I really like how they turned out. I'm not completely sure the square buttons were the best choice though. They may end up getting swapped out if I get too frustrated with them.



All together I really am pleased with the jacket and I will be able to wear the muslin.

Tunic top

I'm finally understanding the benefit of making a muslin when trying a new pattern. It helps me figure out what size to make, what changes to make to the pattern. It helps me catch issues or learn new techniques before cutting into the "real" fabric. If the muslin turns out to be wearable, well that's just gravy, as they say.

This top was technically a muslin in that I wasn't too attached to the fabric and I wasn't sure if this top would really work for me. When I bought the fabric a few years ago (? not sure when I obtained it) I really liked it and must have had some project in mind for it. Whatever that plan was the fabric sat un-cut for a couple of years. I couldn't ever find something I wanted to do with it.


(probably could have ironed before taking the pictures)

Pattern: Simplicity 2365 view A
Fabric: cotton stripe (unknown manufacturer)
Mods: none, technically. Originally I cut & sewed the long tunic length but, to be blunt, it looked like an old-timey nightshirt on me. I think it was the stripes. So I cut it off to shirt length and hemmed it and now I really like the shirt. It fits just right and is very comfortable.



This was my first time sewing pin tucks. I really like the subtle shaping and texture they give to the fabric. I wasn't sure how they would look with the stripe but I do like it. I feel kind of conspicuous in any pattern so I am open to opinion on the stripes. I don't wear stripes (or any pattern really) that often but this is growing on me.

I really do like when my muslin turns out to be wearable and I'll definitely be making another one (or more) of this top.

New Jeans

I was on vacation this past week. It was kind of sudden so I decided to just do things I normally would be daydreaming about at work. I went to the Glenbow Museum (post for another day - the coolest exhibition of period costumes from movies!), had a massage, got my hair cut and visited fabric stores and yarn stores. It was a really nice break. I hardly touched my computer (a vacation in itself as my entire job is on the computer at work), watched TV, read and cleaned & organized things in my apartment.

The one thing I had planned to do but was dreading was going to the mall. I don't know if I'm missing some girly gene but I really don't like trying on clothes and I hate going to the mall if I really need to buy clothes. (Oddly I love people watching at the mall but only if I don't have to buy anything). So I put it off and ended up not going.

However... As I mentioned, I did go to the fabric store, where they sell fabric (you see where this is going, right?)(also the title of the post probably gives it away).



I used the pants pattern from Sew U with my alterations from the last pair I made. The original pattern is quite flared at the hem so I redrew the pattern to make more of a boot-cut. I forgot to make the changes to the waist area I had wanted to make after the last pair so they could fit a bit better in that area but I'm really happy with them.





I made inset pockets (not sure if that's the right term) and lined them with some blue plaid from stash. The original pattern only had patch pockets so I figured these out for the last pair I made. (not sure why they look black in the close ups but the denim is a really dark blue).



Much easier than trying on 20 pairs at the mall and finding nothing (or overpaying for something I don't really like that much)



The fabric is still a bit stiff and my hands were blue when I finished so I'll wash them another time before I wear them. The denim has 2% Spandex so they're very comfortable.

I bought some cotton canvas to make another pair of pants, but that can wait for another day. For now my knitting and the couch are calling my name. It's definitely fall now and I have a lot of wool to make my way through.

Crispy Microwave Potato Chips

I'm a snacker. I snack. I snack too much, to be completely honest. My favorite snacks are salty: chips, popcorn, pretzels. This isn't good for many reasons, not least of which is the oil & other stuff in potato chips (snack of the champions).

I'm sure many of you have seen the recipe(s) for microwave potato chips. I've seen it a few different places over the past year or two. When I saw it the first time I was skeptical, but decided to give it a try. The recipe I followed was simple enough: slice the potato very thin (with a mandoline/slicer if possible), blot, spray with cooking spray or oil, arrange on a glass plate or on parchment paper, microwave for 3 minutes, turn the chips over & microwave again. It produced chips, but they were not quite "right" (to my discerning snack palate --ha!). They were crunchy but not crispy, you know? And sometimes they didn't cook evenly so there would be a limp bit in the middle of crunchy.

Fast forward to 2 days ago. I suddenly wanted to try making them again. I get these bizarre brain jumps in the middle of my work day and then spend the rest of the day mulling it over, problem solving or designing a plan while I work (and sometimes it leads me to wasting time online but we'll keep that our little secret). So Wednesday, I wanted to try microwave potato chips again, so I googled it because I couldn't remember all the instructions. This time I came across this plastic ring with slots cut into it. It was a microwave chip maker! This (of course) led me into a google sink hole where I spent (mumble) minutes looking for a place where I could get one in Canada.

Normally I have really excellent Google-Fu but this time I just couldn't find anywhere to get one locally (or on this side of the border). So I sadfaced and carried on with my work.

This is when the brain jump kicked in in earnest. Suddenly I realized I could hack the chip maker at home! Using recycled cardboard! (this is the point where anyone I've told about this starts laughing. So go ahead, I'll wait).

Of course, the minute I got home I had the scissors out and was constructing my chip maker. I tried a small batch, microwaved for 2 1/2 minutes, checked the chips, then another 2 1/2 minutes. When I took the chips out, they looked like "real" potato chips. I tested one and promptly wished someone was there with me so I could brag/gush about my experiment. The chip was crispy!!! Not crunchy, not slightly stiffened, crispy. Success!! I tweaked the process slightly (and made a second chip rack) and proceeded to make a fairly significant amount of chips in a short time. No oil! No additives! Just potatoes and salt.

Here's what I did. If you try this please let me know what you think! Or if you have any suggestions to improve it.

**Of course, please use caution when cutting the potatoes, when using the microwave etc. Don't walk away and leave it running for an hour or something. I think short bursts is probably the best way to go with timing the microwave.



Cut a kleenex box or other piece of cardboard to the size you want. I used the length of the box and the height and then cut down the bottom to match the height. It's approximately 9"x6". You may need to measure inside your microwave to see what will fit.



For the first rack I carefully measured 1/4" spacing and cut on the lines. My cutting was a touch wonky as you can see. The second one I just eyeballed and they both work just as good. One suggestion would be to not get too close to the long edge when cutting as this will make the slot too wide. I had potato slices fall out.

When you have your slits cut, cut away every other flap to create spaces for your potato slices.



I ended up adding a piece to each end on the bottom to hold the shape and to stabilize it. Depending on how well your piece stands on its own you may want to cut these as well.



Slice your potato as thin as possible. Blot on paper towels. I added salt before cooking--just sprinkled it on while they were blotting. Load your chip rack and carefully transfer to the microwave. (I had to reload at least 3 times out of the 6 or so batches I made)



After 5 minutes in total. Mmmm. Chips.

I found that some of them were quicker than others but the most it took was about 6 1/2 minutes. My microwave isn't the most powerful one around so you may have different results.



I'm not usually a fan of flavored chips (prefer plain) but I was thinking you could probably try those popcorn seasonings if you wanted to make flavored chips. Or just herbs or spices. I'd be interested in any seasoning ideas anyone has. I'm sure I'll be making the next batch tonight!