Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Knitting Monogamy. Your Opinion…

by

Whew! A whole day without internet; how did the pioneers survive? Most likely they started new projects. A lot of my knitting time is spent thinking about the next project, or the next yarn. Arguing wth myself over whether to start <another> new project or put the time into finishing the last one. And these arguments always end the same way. I make a final declaration to myself that no new projects will be started until the last one is done. With the exception of….. Yeah, that’s where it gets me. “The only project I have is very memory intensive and I need something to knit at the doctor’s office this afternoon”. It’s worth mentioning that NEVER do I have only one project going so the above statement is just a trap to fall in, which I usually do.
So my 12.31.08 resolution was to finish the slippers,(done, and shown above. Seriously, I HEART these slippers, warm, cozy, soft and waterproof!), Mossi Cardi (done, don’t like, at all!), and the Denim Sweater Jacket. 2 out of 3 ain’t bad eh?
And then, and only then would I cast on for another project. Except for my grandson’s birthday is coming up and I want to do an illusion scarf for him with U. of Mich colors, and I found the cutest frog dishcloth pattern for my granddaughter, and, and , and.

So, what do all of you do about project monogamy? Work on only one thing at a time? Or throw it all to the wind and cast on whenever startitis rears it’s head?

Well, you do what I do, and just cast on for yet another project, like this ULTRA COOL bag I found on Flickr. It’s called a Freeform Floral Bag. Perfect for spring!

So, tonight is Knit Nite again. I’ll take the Denim Sweater Jacket and I’ll take my wheel. Nothing else. No other ideas. No other needles. No patterns. Nothing, just the current project and my wheel. That’s all!

Next Pattern:

Comments

  1. I like to think that knitting monogomy keeps me accountable. And out of the LYS!

    If I am honest about my knitting, there’s one big project, then one oh-my-emergency-gift-or-distraction knitting.

Have you read?

Knit a Spiky Balaclava

Not too long ago my daughter and I had a discussion about what a chestnut really looks like. The nut itself is small and brown, of course, but on the tree they’re covered with this weird kind of spiky, kind of fuzzy shell. It’s a wonder anyone ever figured out they were edible.

If you didn’t know that, you might wonder why this project is call Chestnut balaclava, but now you know.

This fun design from Yevheniia Pyroh is covered with spikes just like a chestnut shell, and is even the same color, though of course you can make yours whatever color you like. It uses two strands of fingering weight yarn held together (which it says is fingering weight but you could try a light/DK yarn and see if you get gauge with it if you’d rather).

There are two different design options in the pattern. One is a more fitted balaclava style hat (it doesn’t cover the face but does go around the neck) and a looser fit hood.

It’s worked primarily in garter stitch, with shaping done by knitting and purling in the same stitch and through various decreases (including a knit 3 together).

The pattern is charted but also explained in words. It’s worked flat to the size you want, and then joined into a hood shape with ribbing at the neck. The opening for the face is finished with I-cord.

This hood/balaclava would definitely be a conversation starter and in different colors it might read more dinosaur than chestnut, which could also be fun. The sizing is totally custom so you can make it fit whatever head you’re stitching for.

If you want to try it for yourself (and I’d love to hear about it if you do!) you can download the free pattern from Ravelry.

[Photo: Yevheniia Pyroh]

Balaclava Knitting Patterns

Colorwork Balaclava Knitting Pattern [Knitting]