What Are You Kniting From?

I was just wondering what books your current projects are from or what books inspired them.

I'm doing the Icarus Shawl from Summer IK as well as the Anna socks from the new Rowan. The only thing I have on sticks from a book right now is the Hot Head hat from Stitch 'N Bitch. It's for my Dad.

What about you?

Naturally Noro is where my current B-AWIP is from; my small projects are from Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Books (Sweaters and Patterns). And then I'm knitting scarves and bags out of my own head. :-)

Staramber, I was planning to start the Icarus shawl tonight! I have some variegated laceweight yarn from Knitpicks that just hasn't looked right to me in other patterns, but I saw a picture of an Icarus online today in the same colorway and decided to give it a try.

How's the knitting on it going? It looked manageable to me, but I don't have much experience with lace.

I just (today) started the Rose of England from the Kinzel's Second book of Modern Lace Knitting. The book has been aging gracefully in my book stash for years, it is time to actually start! Of course, when this one is done, I want to start Balmoral from the same book. On the needles is also a pair of socks that I designed, and a sweater I'm knitting again in different yarn for DD -- it was her high school graduation sweater that we designed together, she wants it brought up to date and in wool this time. We used a lot of the cable patterns from Barbara G. Walker's Third Treasury of Knitting, and I'm using SweaterWizard to crunch numbers for me.

I've been knitting a lot of felted bags from Lopi yarn. I make up my own color patterns based on the changing colors of the roadside wildflowers in my neck of the woods.

Some have rounded bottoms (I adapted from a Monmouth hat pattern that I knitted for some colonial re-enactors), some have straight bottoms.

I have about six on hand. I give them to friends. They're sized to fit books. Of course.

Ipsographic, Icarus is my first proper lace so it's going slowly but it's easy enough. It didn't take long for me to learn to read it. Which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

I am knitting a pair of socks from "Creative Knitting" - July, I think. I am also working on a blanket.

I'm working on a pair of toe-up socks from a pattern on the internet, and I'm starting some flower washcloths from Melanie Falick's Weekend Knitting. They were a big hit as Christmas gifts last year, and I'm making some more this year as well as knitted ornaments. I'm also making some fingerless mitts from the Weekend Knitting book for my kids friends for Christmas. They go quickly, and my sons have even knit a pair for themselves!

I broke a small bone in my right hand last summer, and do you know that thing still hurts? It has slowed down my knitting tremendously. Usually by now, I have started a sweater for one of my kids.

My first pair of socks (in garter rib) came out of Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks and so is my second pair (cabled, with moss stitch).

I'm also swatching and charting a stole pattern using advice and stitch charts from Sharon Miller's Heirloom Knitting.

I'm doing a pair of socks for my husband from the The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns (which I'm pretty much always using for something...) and the Brioche Scarf from Weekend Knitting. I'm also planning to do Ene's Scarf from Scarf Style, but need to get either new yarn or new needles first.

Kids' hats from Knitting Rules!

Also, baby sweaters from The Sweater Workshop

I'm probably going to make my sisters shrugs for Christmas, but haven't chosen a pattern yet.

Wrist warmers from Favorite Mittens: Best Traditional Patterns from Fox & Geese & Fences and Flying Geese & Partridge Feet.

I want to make some of her other mittens, too.

thumbs scare me

Is it the concept, or working with the needles?

They are indeed fiddly, but it helps (a lot!) to see someone else do one in real life. Books tend to skip the counter-intuitive parts, picture-wise, for some reason I don't understand.

It's the concept - I have no trouble using DPN when knitting things like caps or sleeves.

I definitely do better seeing things than reading how to do them - so I just need to sit with my knitting coach and practice with her showing me.

Everytime I'm at the yarn store I think about saying it out loud - I know folks would jump to help.

Once you do a thumb, you'll marvel at how easy it is. And fun! It knits up so fast, because it's small, and because they are last, you know the mitten will be done in a jiffy.

I knit the Icarus shawl over the summer, but in a heavier-weight mohair and larger needles, so it ended up being much larger & cuddlier. It went great, but wasn't my first lace project--but the lace pattern is quite logical & goes quickly once you pick up on the rhythm. Good luck--it's a gorgeous shawl!

Right now I'm knitting a shetland stole from Eunny Jang's blog "See Eunny Knit" (although I changed the pattern a little bit), and finishing some cabled hand-warmers for my cousin out of Stitch n' Bitch Nation.

Emily_morine, your Icarus sounds beautiful. Are you knitting Eunny Jang's Print of the Wave stole? I love that pattern -- just waiting to build up some more lace-knitting experience before I try it. What did you change about it? Let us know how it turns out!

I'm working on a wool afghan, using the Feather and Fan pattern from Jan Eaton's 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns. Eaton says this is a Shetland shawl lace pattern that she has adapted for heavier yarns. To my surprise, the pattern is much simpler than I expected.
For some time I've thought about trying to knit a lace shawl (and even bought some lace weight wool) but haven't much experience with fine gauge knitting or complicated patterns. Now that I've tried a version of Feather and Fan, I think I'll add a shawl to my ever-growing list of projects.

Ipsographic: Yep, that's the one! I'd been meaning to give Eunny Jang's stole a try, & then came across some beautiful teal lambswool laceweight that seemed to cry out for it. To my consternation, when I got home I realized that I'd bought WAY too much of it, so I decided to double the length (just do twice as many pattern repeats per side), which should make the adjustment to the edging quite simple to figure out. I'm also using size 1 needles rather than the size 4's she recommends for laceweight, so my finished product *may* end up looking more like a scarf than a shawl. I'm not sure, though, I haven't blocked any of it yet.

Not to do shameless self-promotion, but you can see pics of the Icarus adaptation here if you want. :) There are also in-progress pics of the print o' the wave stole, and other knitting projects if you poke around. Happy knitting times.

Emily, thanks for posting those links! Your Icarus shawl is lovely. I ended up frogging the one I referred to in an earlier post -- the yarn started doing some weird color pooling that I didn't like and couldn't control, even though I tried alternating skeins. I'll have to see if I can hunt up some mohair and try again. Loved to see the progress pics of the beautiful stole as well!

Does anyone know why some of our posts are flagged for abuse in this discussion?

Emily: Your shawl is absolutely gorgeous. I think the grey edge really sets off the lavender nicely.

I recently purchased some Feza (?) yarn in red. Its about 110 yards of various "fun" yarns hand tied together in 9/10 yard increments. Ladder, flag, mohair, ribbon, etc., and they repeat once. I'm working on a shawl with it.

I'm also working on a baby hats for a project called "Caps To The Capital" organized by Save the Children and Warm Up America. You can find the pertinent information at either of those organizations websites. I'm excited about it, because I also got 6 other knitters at my work to make caps and they are cranking them out like nobody's business.

Thanks guys! I'm now officially taking a break from the shetland stole to knit up quick scarves & hats out of my stash for Christmas presents.

Radian..., your hats project sounds so fun, and worthwhile too! I hope it keeps up at the same breakneck speed. :)

To specify: the yarn is by Feza the specific style is "Alp Dazzle". Its knitting up beautifully.

I am knitting the child's fair isle cardigan "Reef" from Alice Starmore's In the Hebrides; my nephew wanted the "fishie sweater."

I am also knitting a modified (increased size) Swallowtail Shawl from the Fall 2006 IK.

Hi, I'm new to LibraryThing and spotted the Knitting group and thought it would be cool to combine my two most regular pasttimes. Hope you're all well.

At the moment, I have several projects on the go (I get a bit bored with just one). I'm knitting a pale pink alphabet baby blanket for my god-daughter from The Baby Knits Book by Debbie Bliss - I've done the XYZ row and am half way through S-W. I'm also doing a halterneck top for a friend from Classic Holiday Book 3 from RYC and a tanktop for myself from a Jeagar book. Almost finished that one.

I also like to have lots of projects going. I'm working on a Harry Potter Scarf from atypically knit. I think it's similar or the same as the ones in Charmed Knits. I also have a pair of socks going and a knitted bag.

I'm having a little trouble with the lace shawl I was working on -- had to put it aside until I could determine just what happened, and then everything came off one of the needles on the way home. But I have another project to work on until I can re-assemble the shawl: the cardigan version of the "Elizabeth" sweater in A Season's Tale. Boy, was that cast-on a damn lot of stitches!

When my projects fall off the needles like that, I take it as a sign from God that I should make something else.

Something that does not require more than 100 cast-on stitches. I get nervous about those projects, especially if there's a fussy pattern involved, because it's easier to lose track of the pattern in a long row. Plus, you have to knit a looonnnggg time before you can see the pattern and catch mistakes more easily.

Just my personal problem, I'm sure.

Actually, most of the cast-on stitches are promptly reduced into a ruffle. Its a bitch (pardon my French) to cast on, but within three rows, I'm only knitting a quarter of those stitches. And this is for the back of a cardigan, so the other parts should be more manageable. As for the pattern, it looks straightforward enough. Tiny yarn, yes, but at least it should keep me from needing more yarn for a while. Doesn't mean I won't buy more, and I can probably use it to give those annoying Wall Street types their daily inferiority-complex boost.

As for the last project spitting a needle, it's probably a sign that, at most, I shouldn't be knitting lace on the IRT. I got the first half most of the way done, and was just getting the second half done enough to do the third (middle) half. It sounds more complicated than it is -- I just let a small problem turn into a big one.

Is anyone working from Charmed Knits for fans of Harry Potter? I'm trying to organize a knit-along (in Shillington, PA if anyone is nearby) perhaps I scheduled it too close to the release date of Book 7!

I'm currently working on a mitered square scarf from the knitters bible knitted accessories in a ball of on sale Noro and am looking forward to trying some patterns posted on the Victoria and Albert museum website.

I'm an anglophile hooked on WWII Britain and think I'd enjoy working classic patterns. Perhaps reenactors need traditional pattern garments?!

I just bought Charmed Knits last week and I'm excited to start some of the projects, but I'm afraid I'm too far away to join the knit-along...

No need to catch a portkey to Shillington! Here's the official online link ... I wish I'd found it earlier.

http://charmedknits.blogspot.com/

I've knit a modified pattern of Snitch/Broom socks in Gryffindor for a co-worker and Ravenclaw for me.

Haha, I don't have the book, but I'm knitting myself a pair of Eunny Jang's entrelac knee socks in blue and bronze for Ravenclaw, to wear to the book release party. It occurred to me that woolen knee socks are maybe not the ideal piece of clothing to wear to a July 20 event, but hey - it will be at night, right? :-)

A friend just gave me Charmed Knits for my birthday but I have to many things on the needles to start anything new just yet. It is full of fun projects.

However after the Order of the Phoenix release I am wishing they had some of Luna Lovegood's excentric knits in there. I'll just have to freeze the DVD when it is out and start designing. . . Speaking of which as anyone done little knit balls like that as buttons. The looked solid with a knit cover like they were done over a spherical base of some sort I am willing to try and figure it out but I wonder what one would use as the base.

After reading this group I was MUCH more aware of the knitting patterns in Order of the Phoenix! I was impressed, too, so if you ever write your OotP patterns down...!

One Charmed Knit beanie down and a beret on the needles. Of course I also found a 50-cent Goodwill dress with incredible frog closures on it that need to be sewn onto my cloak prior to the Deathly Hallows book party, and there's duplicate stitch work to be finished on my co-worker's snitch & broom socks, and five 50-cent Goodwill sweaters baking in the car trunk prior to being unraveled, recycled angora sweater yarn to be experimented on with Kool-Aid... what am I doing on the computer?!

I am finishing the rainbow shawl from the spring/summer 2007 Vogue Knitting. It's in the final stage, hemming the edge down. Then it will be taken to work to keep me warm in our cold office.

If you've seen this issue--no, I did not use the recommended yarn! It's a large shawl, and they made it up in cashmere. I've used 100% wool Cascade 220, because it comes in so many great colors. And I could afford it.

#38 Alas after rewatching the movie a numbe of Luna's sweaters are crocheted. Her last sweater is knit though and the Weasleys always have good knits.

I don't know if I'll wear woolens to the release party but I intend to get good reuse-value out of my Master's Degree Gown . . .

There are still photos of Luna at imdb.com, which would be a lot less painful than seeing this movie.

I found myself focusing more on the knitwear as a way to lessen the horror over the incredible hack job the editors did on this movie. The worst entry (I hope) among the films made so far.

I made black beanies with red lightning duplicate stitch "scars" on them for my son and his buds for the book party. I feel this fully qualifies me to retire to the Burrow in my old age and spend it knitting and listening to Celestina Warbuck with Mrs. Weasley.

We will, of course, have reformed Lucious, I mean, Lucius Malfoy, and, out of sincere regard for our knitting and rehabilitation skills, he will drop in frequently to read to us aloud and make us coffee. Ummmm.

You have all enlightened me! I'm a Harry Potter fan and I have completely missed the knitting connection! Thanks for the links!
I just started knitting again after a 25 year lull and am working back slowly into the craft. I have two scarves in the works and am about to start some four needle mittens but I cannot find my pattern. Any suggestions for a great mitten book?

#42 I am glad you are back to knitting. Robin Hansen, who wrote Charmed Knits, also has a book called Favorite Mittens ISBN 089272627X I remember my mom had the book (or an earlier verison of it)and I think a lot of our very traditional childhood mittens came from it.

I really need to figure out how to make books touchstones.

#41 Stills from the film is a good idea. I am considering using my blonde hair as an advantage and dressing as Luna for the book release but I don't think I'll be able to knit any sweaters in time. If could find a ravenclaw tie though. I didn't mind the movie- they will never be the books so I don't hope for that- and I don't think anyone has had the cinematography of Alfonso Cuaron but it does whet the appetite for the last book . . .

Lucius Malfoy is an interesting character crush but then again my crush is on Lupin.

I've just finished 2 book scarves from Charmed Knits (Gryffindor for me and Ravenclaw for my husband) in time for the last book - so far I love this knitting book - the patterns are great (I'm not nearly good enough to create my own from movie stills yet!) and the directions are very clear and easy to follow (again, a necessary element for me and my humble abilities). I'm also working on an afghan for my brother for Christmas (I have to start very early on these things) from The Little Box of Knitted Throws. It's a School Spirit design (diagonal stripes in two colors of your choice) and he's a big Indiana Pacers fan, so it's bright blue and yellow, which I know sounds not too terribly appealing, but is turning out surprisingly nice.

#43: I also have a crush on Lupin (and Snape, and Sirius...)

43/44: Lupin would be a pretty high-maintenance boyfriend, what with making potions, stocking raw meat, not to mention the shedding all over the couch.

And you couldn't just tie him out back or take him for walks when he had to "go" because he might eat the neighbor kids (not that some don't deserve to be eaten).

I expect you'd also have to carry a crushing amount of personal and property liability insurance.

So, unless he were a really good snogger (I mean REALLY good), I don't think Lupin would be worth the trouble.

Anyway, 44, I'll look up my scarf pattern and post it later today. Super EZ!

OK, scarf. 2 skeins, worsted weight, one in each of the house colors), 16 in dpn needle, size recommended on skein label.

Knit in the round (so no need to alternate knit/purl rows). Double thickness, and no right/wrong side.

CO 60 st. in first color on 16 in. circular needle. Place marker at the beg of the row.

Knit 12 rows in first color, 12 rows in second color. Knit until you have 22 bands of color, total. (You can make this longer for an adult).

Sew top and bottom of scarf shut.

Make 8 "hanks" of fringe in each color. Each hank should be approx. 12 inches long, 12 strands to a hank. (I wind yarn around a paperback book the long way to measure the hanks.)

Alternate first and second color hanks evenly along the edge of each end of the scarf, 8 hanks per end.

Trim the ends of the hanks so they are of uniform length and look neat and tidy.

#21--------------------> emily_morine:

I REALLY want to make the Icarus Shawl now, after looking at your picture. Where can I find this "Summer IK" that was referred to from the original post so that I can make my own adaption and find the pattern for it??? Is it from a book or a magazine??

*excited gasp* your version is SO beautiful! I love the colours and the lace trim! :)

#41 nohrt4me

Love your Lucious line! We had the PERFECT Lucius at the Wyomissing, PA Borders Book Party (unfortunately very lame this year) shall try to summon a photo in the next few days.

Meanwhile, I'm forwarding your line to the other women who were momentarily tongue-tied!

Awww, thanks, PandorasRequiem! I think that Interweave Knits is actually having a back-issue sale right now:

http://www.interweave.com

It's a magazine, and the Icarus is in the Summer 2006 issue (of Knits, not Interweave Crochet or Beading, etc.). It's a really fun pattern to make - stays interesting and grows in a very satisfying way. Good luck with your own adaptations & thanks again for your compliments about mine!

I'm knitting the Mrs. Weasley bag from Charmed Knits, but most of the patterns I end up working on come from Knitty or MagKnits. I'm also making the Stargazer top from the most recent MagKnits -- what a cute pattern.

meerka, photo-schmoto. Send me his home phone number.

Just kidding, of course. Really, I think any man could benefit from a ponytail and a black cape.

#49 emily_morine, I just went back and found the links to your finished project. It is lovely.

#51 nohrt4me did you see him as the father/Hook in the Peter Pan movie or does he need the blonde wig, ponytail, and black cape?

#52, Yes, I did see "Hook," and found old Lucious more funny than sexy.

I think there's something about what Isaacs calls his "Paris Hilton wig" that lends the element of aloofness and danger.

I will admit to seeing both Antonio Banderas "Zorro" movies, even though I knew going in they would be perfectly dreadful.

For others with black-caped men interests, I recommend Isabel Allende's Zorro. Might be on tape for those who want to knit while they listen.