Sunday, March 23, 2008
My love as deep"
I don't speak often about love on here, but I am surely filled with it.
Love for my blog buddies, love for my family, love for my very close friends, and most importantly love for GOD.
And my own Romeo is coming real soon, but I actually prefer to call him my Boaz (Ruth 2:1, 19)
In keeping in the spirit of my "Finished Object" I will give Romeo some love too as my Juliet is all done!! ;o)
She came hot off the needles yesterday and straight from my blocking towel for a great field trip (more to come about that too).
So I knew Juliet would be created from my needles one day!
Size: Hybrid - Yoke in Small and Peplum in XS
I really wish I did this entire knit in XS. Let the record show that I am not an XS!!
There is major negative ease in this pattern, that it is not even funny! This was the #1 complaint that all other knitters had voiced before me.
I took heed to their recommendations and decided on a small, but now that it is all done I would have been fine in the XS, but felt safe with the S.
This knit will be able to transcend into the winter as a great layering piece so I am fine with the extra room.
Time: Of course all of our knits wait on us and our time. So as you know it is what you make of it! ;o)
For me it took a little over a week, but swear my needles and desire was in overdrive! My little 'blogvacation' helped too! :o)
Needles: Harmonies US 10.5 and for binding off US 11
When I did my swatch (see below) I realized I would have loved my Addis on this knit instead! Oh well! I would have needed to switch out for my bind-off and Addis does not offer that very nice interchangeable option that I just love so much! ;o)
Speaking of interchangeable, I really don't like the fact that my Harmony Options does not have "cable connectors" where I can add on to try on my garment as it is a WIP...ugh!
Crochet hook: G
Yarn: You know that yarn I bought waaaaaaay back when I meant to make this garment! ;op (yeah back in October!!)
Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky, Color #21 Red Purple (all other pics are color of yarn)
Used 4 balls (even though I ordered the suggested 5 balls)
Special note about this yarn is that I love the stitch definition it produced and the economic factor it provided, but didn't realize it is made out of 15% angora...and better yet after I did my 1st spit splice that I was slightly allergic to it!
Every time I would knit with it I would get the "itches"...not sure if it was just in my head or not.
Funny thing is one of my favorite winter sweaters is out of angora....in fact I checked it, and it is 25%...but I am fine when I wear it, not sure if it is because it has already been washed and all.
I was also fine when I wore my Juliet all day on yesterday so I think everything will go smoothly. Especially once I soak it in some lavender solution, and wear it as a layering item.
Cost: $20 on the yarn, $3 for the button by Grandma Moses (an indie seller)
What I learned: I had a bumpy round after my 'set up' row with the lace repeats.
So much so that I had to rip back and try it again...only once though.
I was very frustrated, but remembered what Sheila said recently on her blog about if you are not going to take on the challenge now, then what will you do when the next challenge comes?? Well dang that made me sit up!! :o)
Juliet went in the naughty corner for about a day or so while I took a "break" from her LOL
We finally kissed and made up after I called in my extra special lifeline Robin!! :oD Thank you!!! Sometimes you just need that extra voice of confirmation, you know?
Realizing I misinterpreted....okay...ignored some of the instructions! Specifically, the last part in Row 3 & 5 "end last repeat with..."
Ooh!! And of course if I was off just one stitch in one row, as you all know it throws everything off!
So Robin reminded me about that thing called "swatching" LOL
Ummm yeah.....I never did that before! ;op So I definitely took her advice and for my sanity did it! Everything turned out just right, so it was smoooooth sailing from there!
Modifications: Okay going to give the run down real quick and easy.
I shortened the yoke area, made only 6 lace repeats, did 2 rows of plain garter after the sleeve split for stability, and did slip stitches on the 1st stitch in the lace portion for a "clean" edge look
Double stranded crochet button loop for durability. I also only did 2 rows of garter on the bottom edge.
So far I have only water spray towel blocked it....but have a feeling that it's going to be a mess to soak with that dang angora...Eww. Can you say purple sticky wool/hair everywhere! I also hear that the wool will make it "grow" too.
Verdict: My 1st completed ;op Zephyr pattern! YAH!! I am glad I did it, but won't knit it again. You know the whole "been there done that" type of thing.
Despite how much I really liked the yarn I used, more than likely I will never use this yarn again as well, since the whole 'cootie' factor may become a bigger problem and I don't want to find that out!
I would recommend this pattern to others with the modifications and warning of the serious negative ease! Great knit on thick yarn!Now I can add my F.O. to the 3,237,961 other Juliets out there! LOL ;op
BTW...............
If you read this far then you are in for a treat!
Happy Blog Anniversary to me!! :o)
There is a contest of course!!
As I mentioned earlier I have love for my blog buddies!! Even more so my faithful readers, commenters, and lurkers!! ;op
First, let me tell you about The Goodies!
Since this is Malabrigo March and I started my blog in March....well the winner will get Malabrigo of course!! :o) Y'all already know how much I just love love love this yarn.
Three skeins of Malabrigo! Two will be selected by the winner based on their own preference, and one by Ms. CrimsonPurl herself ;o)If you want the goodies you only have to Tell Me 2 Things!
Since this is a FO post and all...
1. What is one of your favorite 'finished objects' that CrimsonPurl has made (Hint: Click on the "Finished Objects" link to help you out!)
Also, this is only my 1st year of blogging! So I would also like to know...
2. How long have you been reading CrimsonPurl ;op (rough guesstimate is fine!)
To Get Entered you will need to:
1. Respond with BOTH of your answers in this thread only!
2. Please be sure I know how to contact you.
I will do a random electronic generator for the winner and all entries must be in by Friday, March 28th.
Lastly, this came from that beautiful bush that was behind me in my photos!
Reading about 8 months now I guess, and LIZZIE Is the work of art that sticks out the most in my mind - all that effort and the lessons learned, and (need I even say it?) it's NORO.
Happy blogiversary my friend!
My favorite project of yours is your ballet t - the color and the fit are perfect! I think I've been reading for 8 months or so? Certainly since you commented on my blog, since I make a point to start reading after that!
I can't stop thinking about our field trip either. It was really enjoyable for both me and Z.
I think I started reading your blog maybe 4 or 5 months ago. . . Time has gotten all wonky since the end of my pregnancy with /Z. It may have been a tad longer.
I have 2 favorites, Lizzie and the Ballet t-shirt. Since they aren't similar or even both garments I believe I can have two!
S, you've done an awesome job with your blogging, your knitting group, and with your projects! keep up the great work girl, and yes Boaz is being prepared just for you!
Happy Blogiversary!
First of all, Juliet is adorable. If Juliet had been wearing that in the tomb, maybe she wouldn't have stabbed herself (who wants to ruin a good knit) and Romeo would have shown up on time.
My favorite FO of yours is Lizze. It's amazing and beautiful and still on my "to do" list.
I also loved the Bucket Hat (as in if she wasn't looking and I could sneak something out of her closet what would I grab?)
I've been reading your blog for...hmm about 6 months now. (I remember because you like red and I like red and, with a name like Crimson Purl, how could I not read it!?)
Juliet looks great (and I am so very jealous of how bright and sunny it appears to be there).
One of my favourite projects of yours is the Garter-Cuff Gloves - gloves seem like such a finicky project to me, but you did a great job. I've been reading off and on for a few months. I rarely manage to keep up with blogs very well, because even though I'd rather read blogs than do homework I can't imagine that's a good long-term strategy and because half the time I'm on dial-up internet.
My favorite FO is the Malabrigo Loafers. Those have made me want to make myself some slippers. I just have to save up for them.
I have been reading your blog since July or August. I think I might have found you via Knittycent.
Length of time reading your blog: about 6 months + or -.
Your Juliet turned out beautifully, in your fave colour, of course! I hope that you'll be done with the 'itchies' once you wash it :)
I didn't have to look at your FOs to know which was my fave because it's definitely the Lizard Ridge Afghan. And I guess I've been reading your blog almost a year now, after you finally came out of lurking on mine!!! lol.
Happy Easter to you, too!
I envy your warm weather...we had temps around 40 yesterday with snow! My parents are in NC and they have had nice weather as well.
My favorite knit of yours is your Lizard Ridge - Gorgeous! I have been reading your blog for about 8 months. I think one of my first reads had to be a post with Lizard Ridge.
Happy Easter to you too!
Easter Blessings!
:) Very cute on you.
Happy Easter!
I think I would go to hell if I didn't say that my favorite FO of yours was your Lizard Ridge Afghan. That blanket is breathtaking. You'd be a fool not to appreciate the time and effort you put in to making that. And you know I've been reading you from the beginning. Happy Anniversary, Stacey!
Congrats on your blogoversary! Lets see I think your Malibrigo loafers are my favorite (you know me and those velvet grapes) I actually went and bought the pattern right away. I've been reading your blog for probably 8 months or so now!
Happy Easter, have a wonderful day.
Happy Blogiversary!
I'd say that my favorite FO is the Bobbilicious (although in the notes is says you technically finished it in 12/06) I love the bold color and the banging bobbles!
I've been reading the last few months.
;)
My favorite project you have completed this year is the Lizard Ridge and I have been reading your blog for about 9-10 months!
Take care and Happy Easter!
Hmm I think Lizard Ridge is my favorite FO and I've been reading your blog..for maybe 8 or 9 months? I've no idea! :D But I do know I've always enjoyed reading what you've been up to!
Happy Blogiversary and Happy Easter! I have been following you for about 6 or so months.. can't remember,.. But I have enjoyed it all. thanks
Ok, answers to the contest questions:
1. Passin the Dress Code aka: Ms. L.ittle (N.aughty) R.ed R.iding H.ood is my fav, but I also really like all the great neckwarmers you've made!
2. I've been reading your blog since last fall and loving every minute of it!!
Here's to another great year!! ;)
I've only been reading your blog for a few weeks (found it while reading someone else's). You've knit so many pretty things, but currently, I'm drooling over that Malabrigo bucket hat. I think I need one too. There, how's that for a selfish way to have a favorite? Because I want to knit it. But it's true -- I do.
Happy Blogiversary!
Wow, my memory is so bad. Hm...I think I started reading you around October-ish since I remember talking about Norovemeber!
I think that my fave of your FOs is a toss-up between the baby kimono (because it's so stinking cute) and the Ballet Tee (it was hot off your needles when we met :D)
I've been reading you blog since we met in October (?) whatever day you entry in the State Fair was being judged while we were enjoying chocolate at Ganache!!! I love your blog and you inspired me to start mine.
Later, chica!!
Des
The favorites that come to mind are your most recent - I love the bucket hat (those colors were just great together!) and all those neck warmers were yummy, too. Sorry, I can't pick just one (Lizzie, anyone?)!
I guess I've been reading for about 6 months? A year?? I honestly have no idea....
Have a great Easter!
I have been reading you for about two or three months. I think the blog post which got me started was: the post where you showed the inside of your purse and car. I was thinking to myself, "This is a clean woman." LOL.
My favorite post: the grilled cheese sandwiches where the melt cheese looked SO GOOD.
LMAO!
Happy Blogiversary! I like either Juliet or Ms. Little Red Riding Hood best out of your FOs, and I think I've been reading your blog since the beginning! You don't need to enter me in the contest, though - give it to someone else who uses single skeins, because all they do is sit unused in my stash!
Happy Easter!
Anyhoo - so glad to have "found" you!
Fav FO *drum rolll* LIZZIE
(as if I'd have said anything else!)
xx,
WMK
ps: happy b-versie, happy julie, Happy Easter! Blessings upon you : )
I think I've been reading for about 3 months. I have 2 favorite projects (does that yield me 2 entries?! Yes, I'm greedy.) Love the bucket hat and the baby bolero. Actually, I really like your Juliet. Just like the bucket hat, I've seen lots and I wasn't going to make it, but now, I don't know...tee hee! I am trying to stash bust and I do have lots of 5 ball bags.
My favorite knit might just be your first pair of socks. I think that you were working on them just about the time you found me during the Red Color Swap. The photo you took of your legs while you were knitting claiming that knitting is sexy caught my attention and I began looking at my knitting in a different light. I loved that attitude.
Congratulations on a year of blogging and lushious knitting!!!
I would have to say my favorite FO is actually a tie between your loafer slippers and your Lizard Ridge afghan.
thanks so much for all of your support the past few months. it definitely helps to know that you've got great people in your corner! *hugs*
=)
Wow a blogiversary!! Happy Happy Joy Joy!
So my answers are
1) Lizzie is my fave project for sure-it is beyond Beautiful!!!!
2) haha i have no clue maybe about 6 months.
My favourite FO is the Teva Durham Ballet T Coco. I love the colour and I think that it looks great on you. This top is in my Ravelry queue (I also own the book), but I was afraid that it might look too bulky. Seeing it on you has convinced me that it is safe to go ahead and knit it. Thanks for the great photos and sharing. I started reading you blog during the Christmas break (2007/2008) when I started exploring Ravelry.
Juliet looks lovely! And what a beautiful flower :)
I hope you had a nice Easter!
1. my favorite FO would be the 'brigo buckethead. It's a fly hat because of it's simplicity and it can be rocked with just about anything.
2. I started reading your blog around Thanksgiving 2007.
I've been reading your blog since February 2007, I think. I found it after joining Ebony Elite. I love checking in with you. My absolute favorite FO so far is still your Lizard Ridge blanket.
2ndly - CONGRATS on the blog. I would have thought you had blogged a lot longer - you are so good at it. Your blog is one of the few I make sure I don't miss.
3rd - Contest answers, can pass up a chance for MMMMMmmmalabrigo.
1. Lizzy of course!
2. Probably 8 months or so.
I hope you had a great Easter.
Of all your FOs, Lizzie will always be my favourite (it makes me feel so close to you) ;)
I've been reading your blog since July, 2007.
And here's to another many years!
I've been reading your blog since I met you and that was back in May 07 I think?
My favorite FO of your's would be Kaiju with Lizzie being a close second! Of course!
Happy Easter, and congratulations on both the blogiversary AND the lovely completed Juliet! I frogged my completed Juliet (made from Cascade 128 Tweed). The FO was very heavy, and too big. The yarn then became a Fitted Knits short-sleeved cardigan. I'm going to take all of your mods to heart and try her again, but with a loftier yarn (and definitely go down a size!).
And my answers, so I can try for a shot at some Malabrigo (I've never used it-I'm a Malabrigo "v"!):
1. I've been reading your blog since October 2007, so about 6 months.
2. My favorite of your FOs would have to be this Juliet. If it was still winter, I'd be picking one of your neckwarmers or scarves!
Email: shandalperry@yahoo.com
One last thing-would you mind if I added you as a friend on Ravelry?
Happy blogoversary to you
Happy blogoversary to you ooooooo
Happy blogoversary toooooo you!!!
Congrats, too,on finishing Juliet, she looks fantastic!
Lizzie is my MOST favourite of your FOs, but I love lots of others as well, especially velvety valentines!
I came across your amazing blog last summer, so I guess that makes me a visitor to your place for about 11 months, and I love coming here!!
Hope you had a great Easter! We had snow, so 70 degrees sounds tropical to me! Wishing you many more years of happy blogging and knitting up beauties!!
Juliet turned out great. I do like that color on you. It suits you well.
Great tip about the negative ease..I think all of there patterns tend to be that way.
I must say my favorite CrimsonPurl FO is none other than Lizzie! It was such an accomplishment project with lots of lessons for you. Its absolutely beautiful and will make a wonderful heirloom piece for your FUTURE Family. Lets just speak that into existence!! Amen somebody! I've truly enjoyed reading your blog since the beginning. Every since the day you told me that you started up your blog, I hoped on the next day. Its just a blessing to see how much it has blossomed in such a short period of time. Keep of the wonderful blogging!!
Your blog is fantasticn and always a good read! Keep it up!
happy blogiversary!
I truly am so glad you read my blog! Hope you keep coming back! :o)
Ok... let's see. I've been reading you for only a few months now... and my fav. fo is your sets of neckwarmers. I love how you make something so simple completely beautiful. Congrats on the blogiversary!
Jane P