This is ridiculous, right? I mean I do actually have a life, two jobs, friends and family – but I double checked the numbers and they are correct. Thanks to Knitmeter.com I have mathematical proof that I have knit 2.53 miles/ 4451 yards/ 4070 meters. Yowzer boss.
Here is the most recent collection of things I have knit since 2014 began.
My Favorite Beanie
I decided to knit something I had already knitted once before, the Orchids and Fairy Lights beanie by Tiny Owl Knits. I bought this pattern ages ago (if you’ve read my blog before, this is the beanie that got me to quit complaining about my silly hand and start knitting again.) I know the pattern is for sale through Tiny Owl Knits, but I don’t think that it is in Stephanie Dosen’s book Woodland Knits – if I am wrong please correct me – although the book is equally amazing! I used Lions Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere (which I found at the infamous garage sale last year). I added another repeat this time to give it more stretch and frankly I am still in love with it.
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Another Design
Since I have been knitting leg warmers almost non-stop since the whole Polar Vortex shenanigans started, I thought my head was going to explode from looking at Red Heart Super Saver. So when I got an order for legwarmers and fingerless mitts I was itching to turn the cowl I “designed” into fingerless mittens. I took a design I didn’t like from 60 Quick Knits: 20 Hats*20 Scarves*20 Mittens in Cascade 220™ (60 Quick Knits Collection) and reworked it till it suited my needs – as well as my fancy-shamancy design aesthetic. 😉
I’ve read over and over that you only have to modify an original pattern by 25% for it to be called your own – since all I took from the original pattern was the mock cable I am calling it mine. As soon as I get to it – or when my main job allows outside internet access again – I will be putting it up for free on Ravelry. Side note: I kinda love it.
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Sock Yarn Beanie for the Loving, Patient, Wonderful, Supportive, Handsome Hubby 😉
This is my first sock yarn beanie, and I am in love! I knitted this is a white heat during the Polar Vortex/Level Two Snow Emergency that left me trapped at work. I used, of course, Patons Kroy Sock Yarn in Gray, Brown, Red Marl as well as Patons pattern. Sock yarn, even on a larger needle, is becoming the thing that my arthritic hand is falling in love with. I am not sure if it is the weight or less motion involved in the actual knitting, but I can knit almost with pain – which is wicked awesome. I love this beanie, and lets face it – the hubby needed another hat!
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And legwarmers 🙂
30″ of 1980’s goodness! 😉
So that catches me up on what I’ve been making since my last post. I have started several super awesome projects, things that I am really excited about and cannot wait to share. I actually finished three projects in one day, which meant the next day I casted on five more projects just to keep up – this makes sense right? Either way, I cannot wait to get far enough along in these that I can share them with a community of yarn lovers that I respect so much!
I will leave you with one question if you will allow me that friends and neighbors – if you had the money for the pattern, the yarn, the needles yada yada yada – what would it be?
All Night Knits 
I want to make this SO MUCH. http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Infinity_Cardi__D51069220.html I have the pattern, but not the yarn. Plus it would take me probably the rest of my life to do it. But I love it so much.
Oh this pattern is lovely – I love the ruffle-y ness around the edges. I am sure you could do it, when you love something your knitting it goes much faster.
Q – Unless the copyright laws have changed since teaching Graphic Arts two years ago, the copyright laws do not state a specific amount which a pattern, book, music, etc must be changed in order to call the new item yours. It does state, in my loose terminology, that the item must be change significantly enough that the original is not recognized in it. The changes must be “substantial and creative.” In other words, if you put your item and the item you copied side-by-side would anybody be able to tell yours was a “derivative” of the original? If the answer is yes, the person holding the copyright can claim the modifications as a derivative of their design. If the cables you are using are in the Public Domain and you are designing your own hat pattern, then you’re good to go. Hope this helps.
And wow! That’s a lot of mileage. I’m going to check out that site.
Thank you for that. The mock cable is featured in one stitch dictionary I own (thank goodness for hoarding stitch dictionaries!) so I feel pretty comfortable about the modifications.
I would knit Beatnik by Nora Gaughan, in Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label in Seabreeze. Tanis did a beautiful modified version of this on her blog with these amazing smocked cables, and I want that exact sweater. Her colors are amazing, but nice yarn is just crazy expensive 😦 I’m saving up for that one though.
Isn’t that always the way! We find a project we love and then have to figure a way to buy the yarn? We will get there lovey!
I love how you’re not letting your arthritis slow you down. You make the most wonderful stuff.
Thank you! It doesn’t slow me down much, but I sure do like to complain about it 😉
lol
I love that there’s a way for you to keep track of your mileage! That’s just got to add to the fun–your projects look great!
I highly suggest knit meter – its just so much fun to play with!
I love your beanie. I totally understand the arthritis pain. I am going through that right now. Glad you found something you can knit.
I hope you find things that make you, and your hands, happy. It takes time but it’ll be so worth it in the end.
I would knit my way through Hunter hammersen’s books with string theory caper sock yarn.
That sounds amazing!!
That sock yarn beanie is pretty sweet – I pretty much live the red marl socks I knitted.