One week into the new Year and I am full of enthusiasm about my list. Enthusiasm which has translated into some real progress.
I've been working on two of the items on my list this week. First up, I started a shawl using my Stash Addict Dark Arts Sparkle.
I chose to use this one to join in the Crafts From the Cwtch Pick a Boo KAL, to knit the free Dragonfly Wings pattern by Boo Knits.
I'm 27 rows in and have just reached the third garter stitch ridge. I'm enjoying this so far, the yarn is great to knit with although the stellina is taking some getting used to. I'm also struggling to keep my increases in the centre neat, but I am ever hopeful that a good blocking will sort out my dodgy stitches once I'm done!
The other item on the list that I've dug out is the project of doom. I knew I'd seen the charts I'd already drawn up for the Game of Thrones blanket design when we moved in, so I went on the hunt to see how much work I'd already done.
As it turns out, I'd done all ten of the charts I need for the house sigils, so this week I have been mostly transferring them to the computer and rendering them in colour, to see just how they will look. The next job is to actually make one, and see if my charts do translate properly into actual crocheting and knitting. I'm going to test both crafts, as I'd love to write this up as a pattern for both.
I need to order some yarn first though, as I don't have the right colours in my stash. I've matched up colours to the Stylecraft colour range, so at some point I will place an order with Deramores to get everything I need. I'm in two minds about whether to try and learn proper intarsia, or to just decide to back the whole thing with fabric so I don't have to worry about carrying my colour changes behind the work!
Why yes, you're a rockstar...why do you ask?
ReplyDeleteAre you using knitting graph paper? Knitting graph pair has rectangular squares to reflect the shape of knitted stitches. If you design something on square graph paper when you knit up your design it will stretch out vertically. I can't remember the site where you can print it out from, but if you search for knitting graph paper you should find it easily. Don't make the same mistake I did!
ReplyDeleteGame of Thrones blanket?! How AWESOME :D
ReplyDeleteIt's normal graph paper, so squares are square. But I now have each chart in Excel so I can play around endlessly with the shape of the stitches. I'm not too concerned about the motifs, as most of them were inspired by knitting charts so should work just fine!
ReplyDeleteLove how the shawl is starting to take shape and the yarn is gorgeous. In love with even just the look of the charts, never mind having the actual pattern !! Huge huge Game of Thrones fan and I'm so glad the project of doom has come out already !
ReplyDeleteExcellent, just thought I'd warn you as my fair isle looked strange after designing on square graph paper.
ReplyDeleteTesting!
ReplyDeleteTesting comment here. Love the 2nd shawl the colors are awesome! Like Arnold, I'm Back Do you find doing a KAL difficult without knowing what something is suppose to look like?
ReplyDeleteYay! You got it to work!
ReplyDeleteI've never been inclined to do a mystery KAL for that reason, but this is no different really to me just knitting the shawl on my own, I just get to see lots of other people doing it at the same time as me.
I figured it was going to take forever, so I'd better get a start on it now. Have already ordered the yarn, will share it next week!
ReplyDeleteLove the sparkles in the shawl yarn! I'm curious to see how your Game of Thrones blanket works out. Makes me think it'd be a good idea for HP Hogwarts Houses too!
ReplyDeleteI'm here: http://mindingmyownstitches.blogspot.ca/2013/07/year-of-projects-3-totally-vanilla-01.html
Oh I do like that yarn and the sparkles are lovely. I'm doing Dragonfly wings as well and also struggling with the increases - have decided to make it part of the pattern and start the lace early!
ReplyDeleteThe shawl looks great in that yarn, I love the sparkles! Now I'm considering making a shawl with my sparkly yarn. And I'm very interested in the Game of Thrones Blanket, your designs look incredible so far!
ReplyDeleteYou gals have the most beautiful yarns! I need to get out more and shop. Your shawl is coming along great and you're getting a lot done...fast! You designed all those charts? Amazing! What talented people in this group. I also want to thank you for being moderator and hosting this group as I truly enjoyed it last year and I'm not sure I would have stuck with learning to knit and socks if it hadn't been for all the encouragement I got from all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your friendships have meant the world to me as I live alone and rarely see anyone or talk to anyone so your comments and encouragement keep me sane...I think! LOL! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThis shawl will be fantastic with that yarn. How do you transfer the graph paper designs into your computer? Scanning? What program do you use?
ReplyDeleteLove the shawl--perfect for that pattern which seems to be a popular one with the KAL. I have had nothing but bad joo joo with my shawl up to now, but I think I have finally gotten everything straightened out! Oh, and your blanket design? Epic!!!!
ReplyDelete*smiles and thanks for hanging in there with our group last year*
I love the colour of the yarn! The shawl is beautiful! I'm looking forward to seeing it when it's finished. The Game of Thrones-blanket is going to be amazing!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I feel twitchy about Martin's lack of progress on his Game of Thrones books, I do love the heraldry of it! Those look amazing!
ReplyDelete