Spring Cleaning

Gosh, it has been a while since I last updated; end of February to be exact.  Obviously I never completed my new year’s resolution or you would have definitely heard about it!  To be honest 2010 projects are not necessarily on my immediate to-do list anymore- I am allowing myself to squeak in a 2010 project here and there. Today, however, I did some spring cleaning and re organized my entire yarn wall, my yarn trunk, and my yarn projects.   I put all my “2010” projects in one small bag to be completed sooner-than-later (I’ll feel better once they are done), I put my “for sure 2011” projects in single bags.  And I put my “already started 2011 projects in more bags…there are only one or two- seriously.  This year I have actually been really good in finishing 2011 projects right away!

This year I purchased a book called Knit Your Own Dog: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 25 Pedigree Pooches by Sally Muir & Joanne Osborn which I think is absolutely hilarious and surprisingly accurate in doggy details!  So my first dog was a blue pug.  He is knit with Blue Sky Alpaca Mélange and Sport Weight.  I used 2.5mm needles even though the book recommends 3mm.  I prefer a tighter knit softie.

I was feeling inventive in April and designed a magazine holder for a friend of mine.  I saw one in this nice rounded shape made of wood and thought a knit/felted one would be a good idea.  I basically knit a large square with super bulky Cascade Magnum yarn, held 2 strands together and used 15mm needles.  I then felted it as tight as I could and then to give it support I bought a sheet of tin and my husband drilled holes around the entire piece and I sewed it into place.  I then placed a button on top purely for decoration.  I have to say it turned out just how I imagined and I think would make any room a bit more clutter free while looking stylish!

 OK, so we have all been following Kate and Williams Royal wedding and a few weeks before Urban Yarns got their paws on the book Knit your Own Royal Wedding by Fiona Goble .  This has got to be the most entertaining book ever and I have to say the detail is phenomenal. It took 5 gals, one week and a few all nighters to complete the wedding party! I knit the Queen (of course) , Camilla and added/embroidered the details to most of the party. And, to top it off Urban Yarns is hosting a contest “Knit or Crochet Kate’s Wedding Dress.”  The best designer walks away with a $50.00 gift certificate, High Tea for 2 at the Tea Room and the Knit your Own Royal Wedding book!  Submission deadline is May 16^th 2011.

If knitting the Royal wedding wasn’t enough I just had to knit the infamous engagement ring.  I used Eskimo in white for the diamonds and grey for the white gold and accents.  I used Malabrigo Worsted Weight double stranded for the Sapphire and 6mm needles.  This was a fun knit!  And it is 9″ x 8″ x 10″ it’s big….

Last month I designed a bag for one of my star students!  She had some super bulky 6 strand wool to use up so I thought a bag might be a good idea.  I designed the Canadian Tote which was inspired by the popular Cowichan sweaters we all love.  It is knit with 8mm needles and Blue Sky Alpaca Bulky yarn.  My student is 8 and she is totally knitting this. WOW!

You can purchase this pattern for $4.95 CAD

leave-it-to-the-last-minute

I am definitely a leave-it-to-the-last-minute kind of girl.  And to be frank, I have always been this way.  Maybe it is the pressure that motivates me to finish and creates some sort of excitement.  In any case with this New Year’s Resolution I have taken it too far and left a lot the last minute.  Although it isn’t like I have been lazy with my knitting- just not disciplined; with the amount of stuff I have knit that was not on my list I most likely could have finished.  Isn’t it good I get so excited over projects that I just can’t wait to cast on and everything that was a “distraction” from the list actually got completed!

As promised here is a photo of the loopy vest, Nestle from Rowan’s Winter Drift book (#1 on the list):

I decided to frog Crush (one of the bolero’s that was on my list #3).  Last night I was all set to tackle this project but I realized I had done the increase wrong and was so over the colour- Not into it, wasn’t enjoying it, didn’t feel like tinking out the wrong portion and spending the time to fix it especially with this particular colour.  I do love this pattern and I will knit this up one day soon but in a colour I have been eyeing for some time now and wishing I had originally chosen it!

At the shop we are all going cowl crazy!  Friday Feb 25^th Urban Yarns hosted a wine & cheese trunk show event for the book Cowlgirls by Cathy Carron.  All month we all have been making cowls from the book to display side-by-side with the originals.  I made Mohair is Better using Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri and I also knit up the Snood which I used 1 Mega Skein from Tilli Thomas, 2 skeins of Qina from Marisol held together with one strand of Alchemy Sock.  This was a very fun project, each row was a unique surprise.  I am super happy with the outcome- the Mega Skein’s are mega cool!

For a baby shower gift I made the Little Owl, one of 3 which 2 other friends made to complete the set!  The pattern is only available in the Holiday 2010 issue of Knit Simple magazine.   I used Blue Sky Alpacas organic worsted cotton. 

And Remember that cabled trapper hat on the front page of the most recent Vogue Knitting Magazine I was distracted by…well I just finished that one today! I used 4 skeins of Akapana by Marisol in Winter White.

So, back the “list.”  Let’s be realistic here people.  I won’t get everything done by March 01 since I only have a day left.  If I can just finish the Feather Sweater (#7 on the list) by March 08 I will be elated!

Distractions

 

It isn’t quite spring yet but everywhere I look the signs are there.  This is my favorite time of year.  The buds are starting to show themselves on the bushes and trees, the crocuses are peaking out of the ground to remind us all of the colour forgotten between the grey winter days Vancouver is famous for.

I have been knitting a lot but really “distraction knitting” It is hard to stay on task and focused on my resolution.  I finished the Nestle Bolero from Rowan’s Winter Drift book (#1).  The day after I finished it I brought it to the shop and the next day it was with one of the owners in New York.  Next best thing- if I can’t go to Vogue’s Knitting Live in New York at least my knitted garments can!  I still don’t have a photo of it.  Oh and by the way I basically knit this bolero twice (I realized after knitting the back, 1.5 sides I had knit it wrong…ooops)

After knitting Nestle I got distracted and knit another pattern from the Winter Drift book called Tender.  This sweater is boxy and short so I knit it long and added stripes.  It is great with a belt and a pair of leggings!

I did “frog” or I like to say “Tink” one other bolero’s I was knitting from Rowan Studio 17.  I have a strong vision of what I am looking for and after “tinking” 2 times I figure perhaps I need to design this one instead.  So, conveniently that one got off my resolution list.

And then I knit another CID Hanscom Design Kit: Harry Rabbit again.  I made this wee one for my sister who has also gotten the CiD bug and has been knitting some creatures of her own!  SO COOL.  I used Blue Sky Alpac’s Alpaca Silk.  It doesnt split as much as the Sport or Melange; I was happy with this one.

Oh ya and it is Valentine’s Day soon so what better time to design a heart hat! It made out of Pear Tree Supersoft 10ply and I swear it is the softest Merino I have ever felt!

$4.95

Although I seem to get distracted at every new pattern, every new yarn I still have hope in my goal to finish what I started in 2010 by March 01 2012. 

A Quick Update

When I made my New Year Resolution I was too afraid to actually assess the situation so I sort of made it blindly.  Today I took a deep breath and dove into (literally) my new leather storage bench and fished out all the bags of unfinished projects.  Not bad…not bad.  I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was slightly achievable.  I have 2 complex projects, 3 boleros (weird) and a few softies to complete and a scarf.  The complex projects include the Vogue Knitting Feather Sweater (which I really want to finish before the warm months start kicking in) and the other complex one is the stranded colour work felted bag. #’s 2 & 7

The boleros will be a snap to finish- they are like 1/3 of a sweater…right?  #’s 1 & 3 (the 3^rd bolero not shown is almost done really…it was in a project bag in another room.  I think it is safe to say there is a knitting project in every room – well maybe not the bathrooms.

I am really 1/3 they way to finishing the Kushu Kushu Scarf – it is small knitting though #6.  And then the 2 softies are maybe 1/2 way to completion #’s 4 & 5.

Oh dang I just remembered I also have one more Kitty Mitt to knit (that will take me an evening- seriously) and literally I have 1/8 of the Olympic Prairie boot to finish that I started OVER a year ago. WOW

And on a good note – competed projects on my “resolution” list: Beaded necklace

And my newest design: The Jenny Wrap which is knit with one strand of Viking Alpaca 100% superfine Alpakka and one strand Alchemy Haiku.  Super soft!

Pattern: $4.95

And projects I am distracted by are: the newest pattern from Blue Sky Alpaca: Kaw Valley Wrap (think Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca…..droool) and the new Vogue Knitting Magazine Winter 2010/11 front cover hat! This is a good test of my resistance….

2010 in review

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Fresher than ever.

Crunchy numbers

A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 4,100 times in 2010. That’s about 10 full 747s.

In 2010, there were 31 new posts, not bad for the first year! There were 167 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 105mb. That’s about 3 pictures per week.

The busiest day of the year was December 27th with 65 views. The most popular post that day was Patterns for Sale.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were ravelry.com, facebook.com, urbanyarnsblog.com, watercolorsbymum.wordpress.com, and en.wordpress.com.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for baby beanie, amanda kaffka, knitted cake, свитер с оленями, and knitted headband with flower pattern.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1

Patterns for Sale March 2010
1 comment

2

About Amanda Kaffka + Blog March 2010
2 comments

3

Knit Trends for Spring/Summer 2010 April 2010

4

Audrey is done and currently on set…. September 2010
1 comment

5

Little Bit Baby Bootee March 2010
2 comments

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!  I am excited for 2011.  This year a MAJOR New Year resolution of mine is to finish ALL my projects I started in 2010 by March 01 2011.  This might mean a few late nights, maybe some high pressure knitting but I am determined.  There are SO many things I want to design and knit I need to keep focused and finish (I can’t really justify starting anything new just yet….)

Before the Christmas break I was rushing to finish a few holiday knits such as the cute-as-can-be Holi amis kits from my favorite CiD Hanscom Designs.

I think if anyone wants to tackle these small creatures for the first time it might be easier to tackle them big first!  Although I have already knit the deer once (small) I thought I should try him big as well; what a difference.  I knit this one out of Cascade’s Pastaza in 4mm needles and I couldn’t believe how much easier it was and how much faster I knit it up!

I made these little softies out of Blue Sky Alpaca which by now you must know is my preferred choice of yarn (they are coming out with new colours….exciting!).  I still need to finish the Angel and the Elf Girl.

I am intrigued by knitting food.  I have done very little of it but this holiday I knit some sushi!  I used small balls by knit picks.

This holiday I started and finished pretty quickly Simple Pleasures Hat by Purl Bee.  Last Friday two people came into the shop that were making it and totally inspired us!  I made mine out of the new Debbie Bliss Angel and Malabrigo Lace.  I picked a sea Foam which I quite like.

And I also made my Slouch hat out of Starry by Dream and Colour fingering weight.  I held 3 strands together.  It is less slouchy and not as soft as the hand dyes but the sparkles make up for it!

Back to my New Year resolution, another one I had was not to do any pressure knitting.  But, assuming I have about a dozen projects to complete by March 01 2011 that one might have to wait in order to plow through these projects.  Another resolution is to plan out projects better – mainly designing.  Starting fall/winter designs now and spring/summer designs in the winter.

Anyways let’s just start with New Year resolution #1.  Finish all projects I started in2010 by March 01 2011.  I will keep you updated!

Tis the Season

“Busy” is an understatement these days.  And I suppose you might be wondering what I have been so “busy” with since my last post?  Well, Snugglings has taken off and is now in 20 stores across Canada and counting…. And then I have been knitting; making patterns, knitting samples. 

Ever since September hit life seems to be a whirl wind of ideas and inspiration-new yarns come into the shop daily and we all go crazy over the colours the textures! 

My latest designs include The Top Down Trapper Hat, The Slouchy Hat and a few stockings for the holiday season and a dreidel!

When I design I think of garments/accessories that I would love to own whether or not if they are knitwear or not.  Like the Top Down Trapper Hat- I have always loved the look.  I decided to knit one out of the super soft and fluffy Peter Rabbit yarn from Fleece Artist (a Canadian company) for the “fur” lining and use a more rugged yarn like Rowan’s Purelife British Sheep Breeds (I have seen the hat made in Cascade’s Pastaza and I think it looks fantastic) for the outer.

Secondly I was smitten with all the slouchy style hats this season.  It is sort of a shlubby style but I think I can make a hat that is Shlubby and sophisticated at the same time; so, I design The Slouchy Hat!  I originally designed it using Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted Hand Dyes which is truly perfect for the hat- it has a fantastic drape and makes the perfect “slouchy flop.” 

I did recreate this hat in Dream and Colour’s Starry which is super sparkly.  Because it is a sock weight I had to triple the yarn.  The hat turned out sparkly and I do love it however you can’t beat the drape of the Hand Dyes!

For the first night of Chanukah I designed a rather large felted Dreidel.  I realize that I am a little late in posting since Chanukah is now over however, I have learnt my lesson for the year and that is it is never too early to start early (meaning if you make this now for next year’s Chanukah you will be golden).

And I also designed 2 Christmas Stockings; one mini and one large.  The mini one is perfect for small gift-giving or holding a wine bottle (perfectly I might add) for a hostess gift!  The large one is fun for BIG gift-giving.  The stockings are super quick knits and then felted.  Both are whimsical takes on the traditional stocking!

I also finished Cinder, a pattern from Jared Flood.  I was very happy with the outcome of this scarf.  It big, long and so soft!   I used 6 balls of Classic Elite Ariosa yarn which is a blend of extrafine merino and cashmere!

Before the season is over I am sure I will be releasing a few more designs!  Seems like the ideas are flowing and the knitting needles are clicking (well clicking quietly now since I got the Addi Bamboo Interchangeable set…which I LOVE).

And I know you can’t believe I have gone this long since knitting any CiD Hanscom kits…well it is true- I have finished 2 more and working on 3 others so stay tuned- these are too cute to miss!

A Busy Knitter

You must think I have been on a hiatus from knitting with the blog posts being so sparse these days but the truth of the matter is I have been knitting like a mad woman.  September hit and I realized I had not designed a single “winter” pattern during my seemingly free summer months.  Silly silly as I am totally aware of the fashion world’s schedule: fall/winter collections out by spring – what was I thinking?  SO, now my days seem extra busy with Snugglings, with the yarn shop and knitwear designing…sleep is not on the agenda apparently!

First of all you might be pleased to know Audrey has come back from the movies and is finally on display at Urban Yarns! She looks stunning I might add.

Secondly, a funny story: Recently Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably came to Vancouver to talk about colour and their knitting!  Unfortunately I was unable to hear their talks but the week prior I frantically knit a cowl (with short row shaping) out of Kaffe’s new yarn Colourscape to help promote the event.  After I was done, it was obvious I had knit the short rows incorrectly because the cowl had holes all throughout.  Anyways, the owner of Urban Yarns decided to knit the same cowl out of the same yarn to give to Brandon but when Brandon Mably saw my holy cowl he decided he liked mine better and took it instead!  Although I will learn how to knit short rows properly, sometimes mistakes turn out for the best! I was unable to take a picture of my Cowl before Brandon took it so here is the other one sans holes!

During Thanksgiving this year I knit the Pasha Hat out of Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca, one of the softest yarns I have ever felt.  I knit it in Curry, which is one of my favorite colours this season.

And you all know how much I love love love CiD Hanscom Designs.  Well, I knit the two final animals in the series: Tadeus Crocker knit in Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran.  And of course I had to design him a golden crown!

CrocoDehlia knit in Rowan’s Lima which is also an Aran weight. 

Recently I have been in support of bringing awareness to the Period of PURPLE Crying Program.  Knit a purple newborn hat and drop it off before November 05 at any Urban Yarns location and they will donate it to the BC Children’s Hospital.  Here is a free pattern I designed for the cause.

Free Purple Newborn Hat download

Ode to HiyaHiya

I recently discovered HiyaHiya mini circular knitting needles.  They come in a range from 2mm to 4mm with a 9” cord.  Before I discover these mini circulars I always used double points for knitting socks….well to be honest I have only knit one pair of socks in my life.  These ones are knit with the ever-so-cool crazy Zauberball yarn.

I am pretty sure I can officially blame DPN’s for my lack of sock knitting and I can also blame them for slowing me down finishing my long opera gloves…which I am happy to announce are completed!  They are knit in the luxury Blue Sky Alpaca Royal and for the dark grey/beaded accent I used Tilli Tomas 100% silk beaded lace- such a pleasure to work with these mediums.

  I will post the pattern in the next couple of weeks!

Anyways, back to the HiyaHiya’s.  In all the excitement of this fabulous discovery I decided to make a pair of legwarmers.  It was a no-brainer: a new line of sock weight, Staccato in a merino & silk blend from ShiBui Knits, arrived and I happen to have a pair of 2.25mm HiyaHiya’s.  And, because it seems like I have a few too many complicated projects on the go these legwarmers knit in the round seemed like a good idea to start; truly an ultimately relaxing project to knit! 

Also, I couldn’t resist knitting another CiD Hanscom Design softie.  They came out with a Christmas line which I regrettably am not too excited about however, the reindeer was irresistible so I knit him up real quick! He is knit in the Blue Sky Alpaca Sport and Melange weight.  I used 2.0mm needles (0.25mm smaller than called for but I seemed to have miss-placed my 2.25mm DPN’s).

Last but not least I finished the Paris Lights Necklace; a knitted necklace and bracelet combo that is super fun to knit and the beading options are endless!  It is knit in 100% Silken Straw from Alchemy Yarns of Transformation and ton sparkly or stone beads.

Pattern: $4.95 CAD

Audrey is done and currently on set….

A few projects have gone on far too long thus my hiatus from the blog- I had to knit.  During my “finish knitting projects break” I finally completed the long awaited Audrey Coat.  As you know I have been knitting that monster since April- although with many distractions in-between.  To finally finish was quite a milestone.  I would have to say Audrey has been my biggest knitting project to date and one I took very seriously; I spent a lot of time finishing and sewing the seams just right.

After all this talk I am sure you want a photo?  Well, the thing is I delivered Audrey to Urban Yarns to be a part of the “Paris” window display last Tuesday and then on Wednesday the movie people came to the shop to rent knitted outfits and of course they had to have  Audrey, so out the door she went.  And I never had a chance to take her photo before she left.  But I will be getting her back in a week or so and will post again with pictures!  I promise.

Another project that has gone on ridiculously too long is the pink sweater!  I started knitting that in March and it always seemed to be the one project that always took the back burner over anything that was slightly softer, cuter or a store sample.  The pink sweater was also chosen for the movies but luckily enough I was able to snap a photo before it left!

Currently I have 2 projects on the go which seem to be crazy to be done at the same time- both are intarsia/fair isle and they look like a total mess.  I am not sure how long I waited in anticipation for the new fall 2010 Vogue Knitting Magazine to arrive- but when it did I purchased it and the yarn (Blue Sky Alpaca’s Brushed Suri) and casted on that day!  I had been ogling over the Feather Jacket by Project Runway season 06 winner Irina Shabayeva. 

Mine looks like a mess right now but I assure you it will look fabulous when it is done!

The other messy project I have started is the Medallion Travel Bag.  It is big and I will be felting it.  I have been in the market for a big bag I can use as a purse and a knitting project bag simultaneously.  I think this will be the perfect bag for that!  For the colour scheme I was inspired by the Offhand Deigns Gatsby Bag in cream, mustard and chocolate!

I am knitting it in Cascade 220- which is one of the best yarns to felt!