Two finished projects: hat, bag

nobody@vox.com(Kim) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 12:57:38 -0800

It always bothered me that the hat I made never fit quite right. This was one of the first things I made with my KK set. It was too short and a little tight, so this morning I frogged it and made a new one. I wanted to do a knitted pattern for a long time, and this was my chance. I used a single strand of Lion Thick & Quick on the green loom and created this spiral-ribbed hat. I used the non-loopy cast-on method, and then made a ribbed brim by alternating K2, P2 for four rows. I then started the spiral ribbing. This is super easy to do. The green loom has an even number of pegs, so I chose an odd number in my pattern so that it wouldn't end and start at the same spot each time around. I did K3, P2 for about 25 rows. I cast off a little differently, too, because I'm not fond of the lumpy top that results in gathering 36 loops into one bunch. The final row of knitting consisted of pulling the loops from the odd numbered-pegs, and putting them on the even-numbered pegs. Then, knit off the loops. At this point there's just one loop on each even-numbered peg, and you simply use the same removal method that's in the KK directions. (Thread each loop through the tail of the yarn and pull tightly.) It's still a little bunchy on the top, but it's better than before.

I like the look of this hat, plus it fits! And with -20 degree windchills today, I'm happy to have it.

Purse

This week, I also finished my bag. Alas, I fear I'll never actually make the bag I set out to make, but I do like it. It's more like a purse, and it's got a retro-1970's feel. To make this, I used the green loom and three strands of yarn (yes, three!). I chose three different weights and colors. One strand was Lion Brand Jiffy (I think) in an olive green color, the second was a flecked beige from Red Heart, and the final was Cotton Twist in a metallic orange. I made a flat bottom (Crystal describes how to do this in her blog). After I finished the bottom, I knitted around until it reached the right height. (I can't remember how many rows--maybe 40?) I wanted the top to curl over like a brim so I didn't do any special stitches. I then made a strap by knitting three pegs into an i-cord with two of the colors. I also braided three strands of the green yarn, and wove it in and out near the top to make a pull string. I had some wooden beads, so I tied them on all the ends for a final, groovy touch.

Purse2

I wasn't happy with this bag for many days and I almost frogged it, but at some point I realized I liked it. I'm not sure why. Maybe I just got used to the idea I hadn't made a bag--I made a purse, although I think it's big enough to carry around the blue KK and some yarn. So there's a little lesson--don't frog something right away, because it just may grow on you. I would still like to put a fabric lining in this little purse. I think it'd make a good gift for a girl who's into wearing bell bottoms.

Modadeayarn

I've been a little bit proud of the fact that I don't really have a yarn stash. When I want to make something, I head out and buy the yarn for the project, only giving into temptation once in awhile. So, what happened to me last night? My head is still swimming. I ventured into Goodwill, wondering if I could find a sweater I could salvage, when I happened to notice this Moda-Dea yarn for $1 each. I have no idea what came over me, but I walked out of the store ten minutes later with nine skeins! Okay, it's only nine dollars, but still... What am I going to do with all this?

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Project Two: Hat & Headband!

nobody@vox.com(Kim) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 12:43:45 -0800

I love this thing! Knitting with the KK looms is really, really fast. I decided to make a hat this weekend, so I bought a skein of Lion Brand Thick and Quick yarn and in record time made this hat--and I had enough left over for a headband.

Hatheadband1

I've learned yarn thickness is really important with the KKs. Thick yarn is best, or two strands of regular worsted weight. I've become fond of the Thick and Quick yarn, and I like this "natural" color. I used the green loom and followed the instructions that came with the looms. I cast on and e-wrapped ten rows, brought the bottom row up and made the brim, and then knit approx. 20 rows before drawing the yarn through to pull into the top of the hat. Quick! I then made the headband by knitting about 30 rows and casting off with a crochet hook. I'm new to this and crocheted too tight, but it makes the headband fit like a charm--nice and snug on top.

What to make next? I'm interested in wool and B is asking for a French Press cozy. A French Press is basically a glass beaker, and coffee gets cold fast, especially in the winter. I have NO idea how to make one, so we'll see...

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A Knifty Knitter's Journal

Two finished projects: hat, bag

Project Two: Hat & Headband!