Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Blog Obsession


I was told this would happen. I would become obsessed with my blog, I would spend endless hours tweaking, reading, dreaming. On Saturday the narrative in my head played out like one endless blog post. I dreamed of blogger toolbars, and even photographed all my food, you never know what may be needed for future posts. I had to take a step back, focus. Even though I don't have a focus, I needed to take my mind out of blogtopia. I don't want to become one of those people who friends avoid, for fear of becoming part of my blog. Also, I have a family and that is priority number one.



So, I pushed back, tried to take a wee breather. But the problem with me is that sometimes out of sight really is out of mind. That and the procrastinator takes over. The blog has not been far from my mind, I just wasn't sure what to say. And even though I am not fully sure today, here I am. The old, jump and the net will appear. I am jumping. Where is my net?

I have been busy this past week, I feel the blogging is getting my creative juices flowing. I have been knitting and sculpting. And the children have been feeling the vibe also. Sofie and Jane went and did some needle felting and they even did some sculpting on their own. I love to see the creations they come home with. They are always so excited to share and the beauty comes through in their enthusiasm. It is always so special to have something you created with your own hands. And always special to have something made for you, or something you made for someone else.

This week in my knitting frenzy, I made a toque for Piper. I made one earlier in the week and was down to the last 3 rows when I realized it was a generous fit on my own head. So, I pulled it all apart and started again. It took me only one evening to finish it and you can pretty much watch a tv or have a conversation while you do it. The pattern is pretty simple. I use a soft cotton yarn from Knitwear Architects, but you could use what ever wool you like. I used a size 6mm (size 10) needle for a 3 year old head. If you use smaller needles you can make toques for smaller heads. Some experimentation may be necessary, but who doesn't know any little people who would love little hand made hat, if it winds up the wrong size.

So here is what I do.
Cast on 60 stitches on a circular needle.
You just work in knit for about 1.5 to 2 inches.
Then I just begin making a stripe pattern, a couple rows of one colour, one of the next, two of the original, etc. etc. I just go where the mood and colour takes me. I really don't think you can go wrong. I work 18 rows in the stripe pattern and then begin decreasing as follows.

Decrease Round 1: *k8, k2tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 2: *k7, k2tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 3: *k6, k2 tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 4: *k5, k2 tog, rep from *

At this point, you will likely need to transfer to double pointed needles.

Decrease Round 5: *k4, k2 tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 6: *k3, k2 tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 7: K2tog all the way around

Then run the wool through the remaining 6 stitches and tie off.

You could also make this toque in a solid colour if you don't feel comfortable with all the changing wool and having to make sure you are securing them as you knit so you don't wind up with a great gaping hole at the back.





2 comments:

  1. Hi, I had to laugh when you said you had photographed your food, WOW!!! I have a net to catch you, sounds like you are having fun with your children and that is the very best thing. Cheers Marie

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  2. Love the article. Nice beach pic.
    Great toque, but after reading the instructions, I think I'll just buy mine at the market (LOL).
    Joanne

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