My knitting group has moved from sweaters and blankets to smaller, more easily portable projects. The weather with its high temperatures is probably the main reason. How about you? Whether it’s smaller or larger projects, what are your current or future knitting or crochet plans?
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August already!?
Smaller projects in the warmer weather was my plan too but my small cotton sleeve turned into a full size sweater and, before I knew it, that too was too warm and bulky to bother with on the warm days (and is on the frog list).
I’ve been swatching wrist warmers or sleeve cuffs. Originally it was going to be rib, then brioche and after a lot faffing about I switched a Drops pattern with stockinette and reverse stockinette stripes. My version is shortened and might be sewn on to my sweater sleeve, or left to be worn as a seperate layer with the sweater.
One done, one to go.
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We’ve definitely shifted toward smaller projects lately too, especially during the warmer months. Socks, hats, dishcloths, and lightweight shawls are much easier to carry around and work on when it’s hot outside. I also have a crochet tote bag on my list since it’s both practical and a fun summer project.
That said, I’m already collecting ideas for cooler weather. Once temperatures drop, I’ll probably return to larger projects like sweaters and cozy blankets. It’s nice to have a mix of quick, portable projects now while planning something bigger for autumn and winter.
I’m making the dot top ( hard to photograph!) where the pattern is only visible on an angle! (Shadow knitting). Very portable but you have to concentrate! Only knits and purls, but lots of counting!!
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Fantastic, it looks really good!
My shadow knitting looked rubbish and frogged, I’ll try again one day.
Nice to see you by the way.
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Thanks! I find it looks better at a tighter gauge.
I frequently check in but often have little further to add to the already excellent advice given!
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I’m working on Grid Gambit. I bought the yarn, Malabrigo and urth, at the Wine Country Yarn Hop. Both yarns are worsted and the temperature today is 101. This worsted project falls in the category “What was I thinking?”
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Lovely! Earlier today I read about Urth yarns bleeding and ruining completed projects. Have you tested it to see if it bleeds? You might want to do so sooner rather than later.
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Oh no! Too late for that. I’ll just have to soak it in cold water and watch it the whole time or steam block it. I never dreamed that it might bleed.
I did a little research and I’m so glad you warned me of the bleeding. Have you ever used a splash of white vinegar in the cold water soak? That was suggested. Also suggested was a brief soak. I’ll have to be very careful. Thank you again.
Gosh that’s a beautiful combinatiin of colour and stitch pattern.
I hope it doesn’t bleed, what a horrible thought!
I think some dyes do well with salt to fix them.
I’ve heard the colour catcher sheets can help.
Maybe try 3 or 4 small swatches in steam, vinegar, salt and a catcher sheet and see which turns out the best before blocking your lovely shawl?
Good to know about the possibility of the yarn bleeding. Even easier to test on a strand of yarn. Treat one strand as you normally would wash and treat several others in the various methods suggests. Then rinse and lay out on a paper towel. You’ll be able to see if the yarn will indeed bleed and which treatment works to stop that.
Good luck with the trial and let us know the result please.
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I got so fussed up about bleeding yarn last night that I didn’t even think about testing a strand of each yarn. I’ll do that today. I don’t have the color catcher sheets yet but I can try the other treatments.
Thank you for the suggestion.
The pattern says to swatch and undo to use the yarn for the cowl since I’ll use all the Malabrigo, so I can’t really make several small swatches. I can use strands. Thank you for your suggestion.
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I’ve finished the pair
I rather like them. The sweater has a raw rolled edge at the neck and sleeves and these wrist warms go well, with it. You don’t see much of them once the sleeve is over the top, just a sort of second layer for the cuff. They feel lovely, they definitely add a cosy layer and stop the draft getting up the sleeve, the reverse stockinette stripes feel extra cosy and squishy rather than plain stockinette.
I think i might have to do more of these for other sweaters!
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I’ve tried salt, vinegar, and salt and vinegar in water to stop bleeding. IME none of them made a difference. Others swear they work. The excess dye has to go somewhere is how I see it. I’ve used color catcher sheets in the washer and they work great. Someone told me they didn’t work in a soak. I think agitation to keep water circulating might be required and that could ruin a lot of yarns. I saw your lovely colorwork and thought doing all the work to make a beautiful item and find out it bleeds would be heartbreaking so piped up. I’d rather be the bearer of bad news before you’re all done. I’d rather know sooner than later myself. I’ve tested strands of yarn as suggested. I hate being the bearer of bad news but have yarn that I made into socks and found out the colors bleed and ruin the all colors – not fun.
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I’m grateful that you gave me the bad news.