Tag Archives: freeform

Garter Stitch Borealis Wrap

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I wanted something fun and easy and colorful to knit. I worked up this wrap using two strands of silk. I also did a few rows in Glace from Berrocco and then some novelty yarns that I had in my stash. Unfortunately the labels were lost long ago. The dark blue stripe(s) near the bottom were knit in a novelty yarn I bought in France in 1992. . . finally used up the last of it here.

I knit it from the top down using garter stitch.
The fronts are increased like EZ’s pi shawl and the back is increased along a center 10 stitches, similar to faroese shape.

This shawl definitely cured my itch.

Freeform Knit Vest

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Well, I’ve finally finished this vest. . . it was meant to be a jacket but I didn’t like how the sleeves looked on it. But it is really comfortable and fun as a vest.

The base yarn for this vest is knit in garter stitch swatches in yarn I bought in Ireland 6 years ago. I love how it feels, durable and warm. I think I have enough left to knit a “regular” sweater.

Champagne Vest
Hand knit freeform vest

I started this vest during the 2008 summer Olympics. . . yup. . . I started it that long ago but it is done! (Unless I add sleeves to it)

Freeform knit vest
Champagne vest button band

The buttons are from a box of buttons that my mom gave me. . .I think they are some kind of animal horn or wood. . . all I know is that they are not plastic.

Free form knit champagne vest
Collar view of vest

The button band and collar are knt in Lamb’s Pride yarn from Brown Sheep. I knit the sleeves out of that too but they didn’t turn out how I wanted. I tried to make champagne glass shaped color pattern for the sleeves. But they are too bulky.

Champagne Vest left front view
Free form knit Vest
Free form knit vest
Champagne Vest front right closeup
Free form knit vest
Finally - a view of the back!

I had so much fun crocheting the little circles. . .white in the center and pastel colors on the outside! Except one day I did too many and got a cramp  in my thumb!

Knit Free form vest
Bottom of back
free form knit vest in Donegal tweed wool
upper left shoulder of back

Freeform knit and crochet fans

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blueyarnsamples72

I’ve started to destash my fancy yarns and am selling it on Ebay

Check it out!!

There is a total of 390 yards of 39 different colors of yarns in 10 yard increments.

Yarns included are silk/mohair/cotton/wool/ribbon.

Save money and get some fun yarn to play with.

Right now all I’ve put together are blues – but stay tuned or more colors!

Oh my achin’ thumb!

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I haven’t been able to hand knit or crochet for almost a month.

I am about to lose my mind.

It’s amazing how clean my house has become since knitting hasn’t been distracting me.

I was part of Ravelympics on Ravelry and thought I could finish a freeform knit/crochet sweater in 2 weeks. Silly me! The sweater isn’t finished.

I fell in love with these little bobbles and crocheted circles. . . then spent 4 hours crocheting. My first mistake! I have knit for 4 hours with no physical repercussions other than a bit of a stiff neck (and numb bum). But my poor little thumbs and fingers aren’t used to such small crochet movements. After this round of crochet I woke up unable to stretch out my left thumb or turn my wrist.

Okay, fine I thought. I can still knit. Ignoring the twinging, I to knit for about 1 hour. Not a good idea.

I pulled out the ice and ace bandage and ibuprophen. I was very good for two days; no hand work.

Then I went to an outdoor music festival and played fiddle for 2 days in the cool weather. Also not a good idea! More ice, bandaging and drugs!

Finally, today, my thumb and wrist don’t hurt. . . but I’ve got a good idea! I’m still going to hold off on the hand work for another day. (even though things don’t hurt today, they are still a bit stiff).

Maybe I’ve finally learned to listen to my body! (after 49 years, its about time!)

Red wing freeform blanket

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What does one do with a sweater that you just don’t have enough yarn for!?!?

About 10 years ago someone gave me a half knit sweater. . . which I frogged and then reknit into a raglan cardigan. . . however, I was about 2 inches short of one sleeve top. Oh what to do?? I just loved the look of the natural colored bulky wool and the way it fit together and couldn’t bring myself to add different color rib or stripes or any of that fun stuff that would have “stretched” my yarn. So, the easy solution was to put it in the closet.

This sweater followed me as I moved 3 times, entered and left significant relationships, and became a better knitter. . . then. . . I found it again.

I also realized I had some great one ply bulky that matched the weight of the sweater. Great colors and fast to knit wool from South Dakota Natural Color Wool. I turned the sweater into a blanket. . .

Here are photos of the result

You can also see on the left hand side, which sleeve came up short of yarn.

If you would like to see this blanket in person come and see me at The Creative Drive Art Show. I will be at John Onkka’s place.

Happy Spring!!

Shawn