Kelley Petkun's Blog – October 2008 Archive (11)

Improvement on index card, lace knitting system

Sometimes I like to follow charts when I knit lace. But, when there are a lot of changes in the pattern, like what happens with circular shawls, I prefer to use my tried-and-true 3x5 index card system. Marianne Kinzel is a very considerate designer. She provides charts and written instructions. And, the instructions have a space between each round. That makes it easy to copy the… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 25, 2008 at 9:00am — 7 Comments

A surprising drop spindle

I've come to the realization that drop spindles are becoming my ideal chocolate truffles. No calories and the pleasure lasts MUCH longer! And, there is the challenge of finding the "perfect" spindle truffle. I have discovered some favorites that I will always enjoy but I do like the excitement of finding a new spindle artist.

Last week I could not focus on my To Do list so I went off to Etsy and typed in "drop spindle". Just like heading off to a Godiva Chocolate shop, Moonstruck… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 24, 2008 at 2:30pm — 2 Comments

Easy Lattice Shawl

My experience with my friend's Prayer Shawl seems to have started a shawl knitting frenzy. It was such an easy and quick knit that I couldn't resist using the same Lattice Pattern from The Prayer Shawl Companion to make the long-promised shawl for Xena's breeder.…

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Added by Kelley Petkun on October 24, 2008 at 10:57am — 4 Comments

Aran cardigan all finished!

My apologies! I completely forgot to show you photos of the cardigan with my corrected neckline. I decided to skip the buttonholes and use a stick as a closure. I love this sweater!!…

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Added by Kelley Petkun on October 22, 2008 at 3:40pm — 6 Comments

I've finished two bangles!!

Oh, the bangle inspiration from Vogue Knitting has taken over!! My bangles were actually more narrow than the ones used in the magazine. So, I choose two simple stitch patterns and cast on enough stitches to fit around the bangle. I knit a piece long enough to fit when stretched out a bit. I didn't want the fabric to be floppy on the bangle. I used a fishnet pattern for the larger bangle to allow the turqoise of the original surface to show… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 16, 2008 at 2:30pm — 2 Comments

A creative method for organizing your knit scarves

I know this scarf holder involves some sewing but the instructions are excellent and the work is actually very simple. You could make several and stack them up the back of your closet… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 16, 2008 at 10:16am — No Comments

Handy Altoid Tins

Last year we had a catalog with a short tutorial on using little items from around the house as handy knitting tools. Or course, several of us have already figured ou that empty Altoid tins are wonderful for keeping stitch markers in your knitting bag. But, I thought this article was fascinating. If nothing else, I think I would like to decorate a collection of Altoid tins rather… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 14, 2008 at 4:30pm — No Comments

Baby Blanket Recipients

As you know, I've been knitting baby blankets like crazy in a vain attempt to keep up with new arrivals in the family. My two youngest nieces had their little girls within just a couple of weeks of each other. Seana flew up from San Francisco with Parker last week so she could meet her cousin, Delila. I love this photo of Seana at the airport.

And, remember, this was Parker's Moderne… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 14, 2008 at 2:37pm — 1 Comment

Knit covered bangles featured in Vogue Holiday Issue

What a fantastic idea!! The hard part actually turned out to be finding bangles. I went to several places like Target and Kohls but the bangles were about $15.00 each. More than I wanted to pay! I finally hit pay-dirt at Pier One. Back in a corner I found a large basket of bangles on sale!! $2.00 - $3.00 each! Much better! I bought a set for myself and for Marci, who wants to make some covers. The key is that the bangles are going to be covered so… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 10, 2008 at 9:51am — 1 Comment

The winner is the Balmoral Thistle Shawl!

Thank you all so much for helping me narrow down my lace shawl choice. It was a win/win situation for me since I want to knit all three. Now, rather than being bogged down by indecision, I will be able to immediately get started on the Balmoral Thistle Shawl from the Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel.

Even… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 8, 2008 at 1:39pm — 2 Comments

Baby Surprise Sweater Extravaganza

I've always loved the concept of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Sweater (Jacket) but it wasn't until Meg Swansen, Elizabeth's daughter, made a video that I actually knit one. It is a classic example of Elizabeth's keen mathematical… Continue

Added by Kelley Petkun on October 2, 2008 at 12:53pm — 4 Comments