Monday, October 08, 2007

Nocturne and Tulips

There wasn't much time to knit during the weekend. The few moments I had, I kept knitting Nocturne since she seems to be the easiest to pick up when there is just a moment here and there. That is the best thing about stockinette, you never need to figure out what you have been doing... Even though I have picked her up many times I still haven't finished the body. I hope I can accomplish that soon and then the sleeves should go quicker. And I'm drawn to smaller projects now. I have been eyeing EZ's mitered mittens in her book "Knitter's Almanac" and my merino yarn stash for making another baby jacket.

Tulips baby cardigan is a kit, I did not pick up the colours myself. I have not seen this colourway in online sources. This kit was a gift to me from a dear friend so I don't know the source. The yarn is lovely to handle, it is worsted superwash merino called "Classy" and I have been knitting the main part with size 4 mm needles.

I have made a couple of changes to the pattern. They are not big and are not making the pattern any better, this is just a matter of taste. Instead of making an i-cord to the edges I knit stockinette for three rows and then cast off. And I made my increases in a way that I have found in EZ's book. I don't remember which one of the books but when increasing, I did not knit into the front and back of the stitch but made the increase with yarnover that I twisted to avoid a hole.
I hope I can fit lots of knitting time for the coming week. I should be able to since the work outside is done for this fall. One of the weather forecast maps has predicted snow for Wednesday which is always good for the knitting.

I have been blogging for a little more than two years now, thank you all for reading!

26 comments:

  1. Happy two year blogiversary!
    Nocturne is looking great! I find that twisted yarn over increase to be very handy too.

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  2. So in that top photo, the baby cardi's edges AREN'T i-cord, they are three rows in stockinette and bound off (purl-wise or knit-wise?)? Sure looks like i-cord; I like it! I use both increases; I do think EZ's method leaves a tiny gap, though.

    Someday when I have lots of time I'll have to start at the beginning of your blog and get the "whole story," as I just found you recently. Happy anniversary!

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  3. Anonymous23:34

    Congratulations! I found your blog this summer and have enjoyed your beautiful photography and knitting. I look forward to reading more about your country and your knitting projects. :)

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  4. Thank you for blogging! I'm getting very inspired, seeing what you are doing.

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  5. I love reading your blog.

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  6. How pretty! OK, what's the yo twist trick? I don't mind a small hole/gap. Thank you!

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  7. I like the colourway of your Tulips better than the pink/yellow colourway. I also really like the way that EZ does increases. I have used it on lots of projects since learning the technique.
    Thank you for blogging - I am one of your fans!

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  8. Love the colors in the tulip! I find ez's sewn cast off very unobtrusive, if you used the german twisted cast on it is hard to tell where you started or ended.I enjoy your beautiful knitting and photography

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  9. Anonymous01:14

    I really like that particular pattern, and those colors are amazing - nice and autumnal and not typical baby pastels.

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  10. Anonymous03:59

    This is the most gorgeous tulip sweater I've ever seen! The colors - wow!

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  11. Thank you for writing! Beautiful sweater. I love EZ as well.

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  12. Anonymous04:30

    The sweater will be absolutely gorgeous....very lovely and yummy!!
    Congrats on 2 years of blogging...lots of fun and you have a refreshing and friendly blog!
    Thank you..vonnie in us

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  13. Anonymous05:49

    Congratulations on two years!

    EZ has another increase that I recently discovered, where you knit a new stitch from the stitch on the row below the next stitch. That's a poor description, but I think it's from Knitting Without Tears.

    I really love reading your blog, and I hope you continue through your third year!

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  14. Anonymous07:41

    Nocturne is looking warm and cuddly.

    Thanks for sharing about the changes you made to the pattern; edging and increases. I'm always learning by reading how others approach things.

    Two years aleady! It doesn't seem that long ago that you included Finnish lessons, bird drawings and embroidery. Your blog flows like a sparkling river full of interesting discoveries.

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  15. Anonymous08:29

    lene, I am behind in my reading! You have another post! I am enjoying reading your blog so much.Yes, I know I am repeating myself! But, I really am!!! I have read your archives.....and am looking forward to sharing the winter with you through your blog. Tulip is lovely and very eye-catching. As another commentor said about the colorway, I like it too. Meanwhile, Nocturne is waiting in the midnight shadows!! Only the best to you and yours. Jeanie

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  16. I adore that baby jacket - it is so cuddly. I agree on EZ - I keep her Workshop book by the bed and check in it when I need commonsense and encouragement to work things out myself instead of relying on patterns.

    Let's have another Finnish lesson soon, OK? With the drawings. Pretty please?

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  17. I love the colours of your baby sweater. Much more subdued and "classy" than the technicolour version I knit (though I love that one too...)

    And happy blog anniversary. I've enjoyed reading your posts so much!

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  18. Anonymous14:49

    I have that Tulip pattern too, I can't wait to get started on it. I do love the colors in your version, so perfect for fall!

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  19. Anonymous17:29

    Those who read the Canadian Yarn Harlot blog will recognise the Tulip colours as a baby cardi kit assembled by a yarn shop in Toronto called Lettuce Knit. Probably others are doing it as well, but I'm sure Lettuce Knit (they have website) would be happy to answer queries. I've just mail-ordered 2 kits from them.

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  20. Anonymous19:01

    Happy "blogiversary"!

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  21. Thankyou for knitting, thinking and writing as you do - all of it a delight!

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  22. Congratulations on hitting the two year mark of writing and sharing your creativity.

    The baby Tulip cardigan colors are wonderful. I have seen others with the kit but have been unable to locate a "kit"...just the pattern. Got any clues? Don't really want to purchase the multiple skeins separately to create my own "kit".

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  23. Anonymous23:26

    I enjoy reading your blog and hearing about life in your remote part of the world. Keep the entries coming.

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  24. Anonymous03:31

    Congratulations on your blog anniversary! I can't remember when I started reading your blog, but it's been awhile. And I have enjoyed every post. It's great to know what someone in a faraway country is knitting, and thinking, and sometimes baking! And somehow, through your posts, Finland doesn't seem that far away after all.

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  25. snow! wow . . it has been in the 90s here(although it cooled down to the 70s today).

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  26. Anonymous06:55

    Lene, I like "Tulip" the sweater!
    The colors are so pleasing. Now that you have had a break from Nocturne, do you feel more decisive about the forthcoming decisions to be made concerning the sweater (e.g. sleeves)? I look forward to your next posting. Jeanie

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