Lara's Strickanfall

Christmas gifts

2011-12-21T05:29:00.000+01:00

reversible aprons for good friends, with quilting cottons that to me speak of these friends' personalities. Let's see what they say.

Of course, now that I look at the pics, it becomes obvious to me what's wrong with the pattern: empire waistline with ties that tie in front? Well, hello, that cannot possibly work. And as the pics show, it doesn't. Oh well, live and learn.

I modified the pattern to have only one long continues tie made from bias band: and included contrast bands at the side of the bodice, making a tunnel for the ties. That part worked quite well. AS to the empire waist: ah well, let that be for another time. By the time I have included all my modifications into this pattern, it's not a modified pattern but my own pattern all together. Never mind, I still think the aprons are neat, and pretty, and usable on both sides.

a child's version -- with no waist, and thus better-fitting. And knee-high socks for my son, as he loves these, and his last two pairs became too small more than a year ago.

Ten Things on Tuedays

2011-09-13T19:14:00.000+02:00

yes, I sometimes sew, I sometimes knit -- and I am posting today

This week: 10 things you buy every week! May or may not be groceries.

1. Fruit: organic and local is my favorite, often it's either or, and sometimes neither

2. Veggies: as above

3. Bread: lots of different kinds, we both love the variety, mostly whole grain

4. Eggs: don't really need them every week, they don't sell them in less than 12 here, even though there must be other two-person families out there, I'm sure!

5. Pasta: don't really buy it every week either, I prefer whole grain, and pasta that only has wheat (grano duro, if I can find it) and not three zillion additives. I find it really hard to shop for food in North America, really miss the strict food laws of the European Union.

6. Poultry or Fish: not every week. I usually prepare one meat dish a week, sometimes none. I try to find organic and ethically slaughtered meat: hard to find, have to go to a different store to find that. Again, I miss that high quality food is available at lots of stores, and not only at the special high-end organic shops. Well, trying to overcome my missing France.

7. Takeout meal: Pizza or Sushi. Again, not every week, I just like to keep it as an option for those days when everything just didn't go right ;)

8. not every week: gas --- what with my knee troubles right now, unfortunately, I drive more than I usually do, and actually ended up buying gas almost weekly. Yikes.

9. not every week: transit passes -- again, no real biking, so more transit passes needed right now

10. Babysitter services: yes, I need them every week, as I go to choir every week. Yeah! My one fun me-only activity (that is, if I don't count work, which is fun most of the time, too, lucky me).

Sewing in the New Land

2010-08-15T04:16:00.001+02:00

My first project in our new home, aside from the interminable repairing of J's pants, was such a complete wadder that I chucked it in the wastebasket without even taking a photo. It was a dress from a La Mia Boutique pattern. You can see a succesful version on Fehrtrade's blog here.
Suffice it to say that the dress is cut all wrong for my body, not flattering to my A-shape. So sorry, no photos, just a bit of frustration. Now on to more repair work on J's pants.

-- And I desperately need more summer dresses, and another pair of nice summer pants: as I wrecked one of my first succesful ones, that I wore a lot. Can't get rid of a stain, so they went.

Let's see, if I'm reasonable (find a pair of pants and a dress in a thrift or consignment shop -- and go on to sew a top from my stash) or follow my wish (order fabric and make some pants, and order some more fabric for a dress, in both cases using tnt patterns).

Catch-up blogging on pre-Christmas knittin

2010-03-04T09:50:00.000+01:00

This is a catch-up on knitting for Christmas presents... -- just and mainly because I'm sooo behind that I thought I'd restart the blogging thing the easy way.

Warm mittens in a fun color for a very dear friend:

Bookmark for a friends' kids, who've decided he's "Kasperl" -- and not Nikolaus, as the pattern (and I) had assumed.

Kid Sewing: year-round long-sleeve shirt

2009-12-06T13:16:00.001+01:00

Burda World of Fashion Magazine: 07-2009-138 (Kasack / Tunic)

Pattern Description:
Sportswear
The tie-dyed cossack-style shirt and shorts literally make a cool outfit! They'll be a favorite on hot summer days.

Pattern Sizing:
Children's sizes 110 to 134 cm. I used 110.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes, except the part where I messed up the underlap (?) under the front opening.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, except, again, the part where I messed up the piece that goes under the front opening.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that it is a pull-on shirt made out of woven fabric. (but I might have taken a softer, lighter fabric, really).

Fabric Used:
printed cotton.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
none. Except the above mentioned boo-boo for the opening.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, actually, I might get this out again next summer to make him another one, one size up.

Conclusion:
He loves it. (but he loves most things I make for him). And another learning experience: should have taken a lighter-weight fabric. Actually, I think this might also look nice made out of a shirting, for a lighter take on semi-formal wear for young boys.

More jersey: a dress

2009-12-02T15:44:00.001+01:00

Pattern: Ottobre Design Magazine: 02-2009-14 (Stream Dress)

Pattern Description:
(my description, because my Ottobre mag is in German)
cowl-neck dress with empire waistline, waist darts in front and back of bodice, 8-panel skirt, angel sleeves, length to mid-calf/below knee

Pattern Sizing:
34 to 52
I cut 38 on top, tapering to 46 at the hips.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes and no. Yes for general shape, and for the neckline.
No:
-for the sleeves (because I substituted the 3/4 sleeves from the top)
-and, for the waistline:
From the photo and from the line drawing, I didn't really notice, before looking at the actual pattern pieces, that the dress had and empire waistline. That's ok, and I think it looks ok -- but it makes it harder to wear a belt with the dress, because the belt has to go on top of the seamline, otherwise it would look very awkward.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, very.
I did use a tutorial from "Off the Cuff sewing" -- click here and scroll down! to fully understand how to attach the shoulders and the facings.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I chose it because of the interesting neckline, the A-line silhouette, and because it's very easy to sew.

I really like how well the pattern fit together, and I like the endproduct.

Fabric Used:
unidentified poly/rayon jersey.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
used 38-42-46 sizes, tapering from top to bottom. Also used the size 46 sleeve, and made the armhole bigger by cutting it out deeper.
- oh, and obviously, I took the sleeve from the top, the 3/4 sleeve, instead of the short angel sleeve.
-also, I shortened the skirt by something like 10 cm (I tissue-fitted, and put the seamline at my usual spot, just below the knee).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I think I will sew it again out of a warmer knit for winter wear. I just looove simple dresses for workwear.

Conclusion:
I really like the dress. It is suuuper wearable, for work -- and I could easily dress it up a bit for evening wear, too.

More success sewing with jersey

2009-11-27T22:16:00.001+01:00

I got very frustrated in the shirt sewing, I might just stick with jersey tops for the time being: this came together so easily, and the fabric does all the work.

Pattern: Ottobre 02-2009-2 (Wind Tunic)

Pattern Description:
(mine) Tunic with boatneck, 3/4 sleeves and flared hemline at slightly below hips length

Pattern Sizing:
34-52
I cut a 38 on top, tapering to 42 at the waist and 46 at the hips.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, very.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I chose the pattern because of the boatneck -- and I thought I could always change the hemline, if I ended up not liking the flare.
Turns out I loooove the flared hem. I got lots of compliments on the top when I wore it for the first time.

Fabric Used:
Fabric is three layers: white mesh on top, then loose white threads, and black jersey, all three stitched together with the swirly lines. -- I bought it at Stoffekontor in Leipzig (they do have an English version of the sitem, too), and I got lovely service from them -- NAYY.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Apart from tapering across different sizes, none.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't think I need another one of these, as the shape is quite distinctive. I highly recommend the top to others. Most of the knit tops and dresses of this Ottobre issue can be mixed and matched: different sleeve lengths, different neck openings, different hems. I'm sure to make at least one more top from one of these patterns. I looove the fit.

Conclusion:
I am very glad I tried the unusual shape, as it turns out it is supremely figure-flattering for my A-shape.

PJs for my son

2009-11-25T14:41:00.001+01:00

While I'm trying to find a solution for the blog formatting -- I can't even say how much I hate bugs like these -- here's another actual sewing blog post: With PJs for my son. He loves them. I made two pairs.

Pattern: Burda World of Fashion Magazine: 11-2009-134 (Pyjamas)

Pattern Sizing:
burda children's sizes 104 - 128
I cut a size 110 for my 116cm tall five-year-old boy - and the size is perfect!
It fits really well, with a tiny bit of growing room built in, so he can grow taller.

I made two pairs, the brown pair is actually more matchy-matchy with the ribbing matched to the solid-color jersey, and I like that less.

The fit is very large, also the neck opening is a bit larger than what I anticipated from the photo from the magazine, but it's ok.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, very.

Actually, as I cut, I prepared the pieces directly for sewing, pinned the seams together. So I came up with a slightly different order from the BWOF instructions, but used all the instructions from Burda. This is a method from the Palmer/Pletsch books (Painless Sewing and others), where you prepare all the seams you can, sew them all in one go, and then do all the pressing in one go, prepare the next batch of seams, and so on. Worked like a charm to speed up my sewing.

Of course, for this to work, I needed to read the whole instructions set beforehand, decide which ones I wanted to leave out (eyelets) -- and I actually wrote down the order I wanted to follow. I guess this is just another time where prep work really speeds up the process, even though it takes time to do.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like the wide pyjama legs: My son says they are just like his judo kimono pants, and he loves them.

I absolutely love the twin-needle top-stitching on the pyjama top: all the ribbing is first attached, and then top-stitched, also there is top-stitching at the sleeve-to-top-seam. And it makes for such a finished, RTW look. Love it. And it's sooooo easy to do.

No dislikes.

Fabric Used:
Cotton jersey, from Hilco, bought at Tipp-Tapp Stoffe in Germany. Love the quality of this fabric!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I left off the applique, and I used bright colors and stripes instead of the grey they used.
Oh, also, I left off the pretend drawstring with the metal eyelets at the front of the pants.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'm already sewing a second pair. And I think I will definitely continue to sew from this pattern, probably using a bigger size next time, once he's outgrown these two pairs.
Highly recommend the pattern to others: so easy and quick and you can have so much fun using color and prints.

Conclusion:
Love the pattern. My son loves his new pyjamas. Love all around.

Help? Housekeeping with blogger

2009-11-24T07:09:00.001+01:00

One of my new readers told me that in Internet Explorer the old posts have a tiny, tiny, completely unreadable font size (thank you!). I tried to change that -- to no avail. I even changed the template in blogger, thinking that should have taken care of it. No. The current post looks fine, but not the old ones. -- And of course, in firefox, everything looks fine, which is why I was unaware of the problem. -- Short of migrating the blog to a different host, I don't know what to do. Anyone have a simple solution?

Keine Ahnung warum, aber in Internet Explorer sehen meine alten Posts winzig klein aus. Nur die alten, nciht der aktuelle. Und nur in ie, nicht in Firefox. Ich habe gerade versucht, die alten posts zu veraendern: keine AEnderung. Ein neues Blogger Template zu nehmen, was normalerweise alle meine Verbrechen aus dem Template rausschmeisst: keine Aenderung. Bevor ich mich jetzt dran mache, nach Jahren zu einem anderen Bloghost zu wandern, hier die Frage: kennt jemand das Problem und hat eine einfache Loesung?

Desolee, je m'apercois tout juste maintenant, grace a une nouvelle lectrice (merci!) que mes anciens posts apparaissent tout minuscule sous Internet Explorer. Juste les anciens, pas l'actuel. Et juste sous ie, en firefox, tout a l'air bien. J'ai tente deux manips simples (editions des posts pour changer la taille de la police, changement de modele sous blogger qui normalement enleve toutes mes editions manuelles) -- cela n'a pas marche. Quelqu'un aurait une idee de quoi faire? Sinon, je pense que je vais devoir changer de host pour ce blog. Des recommendations? (faut que ce soit facile, je suis nulle en css).

Sewing with a Plan: Stage 1, edition 2

2009-11-17T19:06:00.001+01:00

I must say, I really like the process, here. Remember the great wardrobe sewing plan? I had completed the first edition of it last month.
Now, I'm proud to present the second edition, with six new items, replacing pieces that I wasn't entirely happy with. Because, really, what I am aiming for is a complete wardrobe of ten items that are suitable work wear. That don't look or feel homemade, that look elegant, and that I am not afraid to wear to a customer meeting. I'm not there yet, so you will continue to see further editions of this same stage of planned wardrobe sewing.

It is strangely satisfying to me to stay within this scope of planned coordination: I used to shop (and sew or knit) without a grand plan of having coordinating items and ended up with single pieces that I often had a hard time to put together into outfits.

Trying a different pants pattern

2009-11-10T07:42:00.006+01:00

A lot of alterations for fit -- and the result is a pair of pants in boucle. Not your first fabric choice for pants you say? Oh, really? Have to admit I don't remember what made me choose this fabric for pants. And I'm not entirely sure these will ever leave the house. Details of the zillion of alterations I made are on patternreview.
Now, on the upside, I'm happy with the fit, and I find that tissue-fitting and lots of looking up things in Pants for Real People helps.

More blouses from the Sew U pattern

2009-11-02T21:33:00.002+01:00

Two blouses I made from the Sew U shirt pattern. The solid pink shirt was first, then came the striped shirt. A number of alterations done on the pink one, a number of them taken out on the striped one. Not entirely satisfied with the fit of either. HOwever, I do wear both blouses, and like to wear them. I especially like the cheerfulness of the bold stripes.

A Silk Blouse with a Flounce: I love this!

2009-10-26T19:58:00.003+01:00

Pattern Description:
Burda World of Fashion Magazine: 06-2009-119 (Sleeveless Blouse) -
Lovely BWOF-speak: You'll simply float through the day when wearing this sleeveless blouse with concealed button fastening/closure .... It looks fabulously feminine thanks to the generous flounces and a waist drawstring.

Pattern Sizing:
36-44
I cut a size 38 at the top, tapering to 42 at the waist, tapering to 46 (or larger than what the pattern comes in) at the hips. Perfect.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were good, no errors. I had a bit of trouble visualizing the construction of the hidden button band. But I tried with pins, retried, and finally it clicked, and it went fine. Not the fault of the instructions, just the first time I ever made a hidden button band.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Gotta love the flounce. I liked the flounce plus the very structured look with collar, collar band, and hidden button band.
I initially did not care too much for the drawstrings, but the blouse really needs them to be wearable -- otherwise it's just a tent.
So really: like everything about it!

Fabric Used:
Silk Chiffon.
I used a 70 needle, and G760 Interfacing from Freudenberg, as recommended. The interfacing is fine for collar & band, but for the button band, it adds too much bulk, I think. (I interfaced the button band and the buttonhole band).

Also, I used Soluvlies (water soluble vlies) for the zigzagging on the flounce edge and the hem edge -- and for the button holes. With it, things came out really neat. Without it (luckily I tested on scraps), it was a real mess.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Alterations for fit:
Even though this is loose-fitting, I still had to do my usual alterations for fit. After tissue-fitting, I added 1.5 cm width as a broad back alteration over the whole length, and I took out about 2 cm length at the center back for swayback.

Design changes:
I left out the button and buttonhole in the collar, as I never wear my blouses buttoned there.
Also, I made the ties out of self fabric: cut on the grain, ironed with my Clover bias tape maker, and stitched. -- And after pulling in one of them, I thought that that was enough, and left it as is. So it's tied on one side, and I like it like that. I leave it tied to pull on and off, which fits my laziness.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I probably won't sew it again with the flounce. But maybe I will sew it without the flounce out of a cotton as a summer blouse?
I would definitely recommend it to others: it's a well-drafted pattern, and has a lot of drama.

Conclusion:
Love it. Love the fabric, it's so nice to wear. And I think it's totally wearable for work-- and got compliments for it.

Pants for young people are easier!

2009-10-24T09:56:00.000+02:00

J's pants are always dwindling in numbers: as he manages to decorate them with more holes at the knees and I patch them up, they survive a little longer than their natural lifespan of two weeks. But after more abuse and more patching, usually after two months or so, the pants are so thin they can only be made into shorts. So I thought I needed to go out and buy some, when I remembered I had enough fabric left over from my khaki pants to make him some. Ottobre had a pattern I wanted to try, and J chose to have black topstitching on it (I would have chosen red or turquoise).

J Hosenschublade wird immer wieder gefaehrlich leer -- und jetzt im Winter kann ich ihm ja dann nicht einfach Shorts anziehen, wenn keine saubere Hose da ist. Die Hosen leben ca. zwei Wochen bis sie dringend einen neuen Flicken brauchen. Und nach ungefaehr dreimal flicken, da ist dann ncihts mehr zu wollen, weil einfach kein Stoff mehr da ist, wo man einen Flciken draufsetzen koennte. Also wollte ich schon fast Hosen kaufen gehen, als mir einfiel, dass ich noch genug Stoff ueber hatte von meiner khakifarbenen Hose, um einen Ottobre Schnitt auszuprobieren. Und J hat beschlossen, dass die Ziersteppnaehte schwarz sein sollten -- ich wollte eher rot oder tuerkis. Gestern hab ich dann noch eine zu enge Laufhose von mir zu einer langen Hose fuer ihn umgenaeht. Zwei neue Hosen, und eine Hose gerade wieder in den Muell gewandert. Netto plus eins.

J a constamment besoin de nouveaux pantalons -- vivement le prochain ete pour la saison des shorts. Je prefere largement soigner les bobos aux genoux a repriser les pantalons! -- Un pantalon vit a peu pres deux semaines ici, a quel moment il a besoin d'etre repriser. Mais bon, apres trois fois, ce cycle s'arrete, parce qu'il n'y a plus assez de tissus pour faire autre chose qu'un short -- chose qui doit attendre l'ete... Heureusement que j'avais assez de tissus d'un de mes derniers pantalons pour lui en faire un. Plus un. Hier soir, fallait jeter un pantalon devenu trop de trous, pas assez de tissus. Moins un. Hier aussi, j'ai fait un pantalon pour lui a partir d'un pantalon de jogging qui m'etait devenu trop serre. Plus un.

Pattern: Ottobre Design Magazine 04-2009-20 (Cocoa Check Pants)

Pattern Sizing: 104-128

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes, like the line drawing.
I used a solid color fabric, so the checkered pants from the photo look very different.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, very.
Except for the zipper: I tried following the instructions -- and ended up with the zipper right at the edge of the fly, not hidden behind it. It's wearable, but it's definitely not great. Should have used the method from my "Sew U" book, that works perfectly. And really, I should memorize that method, so I don't have to look it up every time. Maybe at my 50th pair of pants (this is only the 7th pair of pants I make this year, and two of those did not have zippers but were pull-on)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Love the cool cargo style. And, as always with Ottobre: the details that make it look so cool and so RTW. And so unlike the homesewn look of the clothes my mom made for us. (sorry Mom).

Fabric Used:
Cotton Twill, left over from my own pants.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
(1) I cut a size 116, because that's how tall he is. I shortened the pants by about 8 cm, and added (2) buttonhole elastic in the back waist. I guess I could have cut a 110 right away, and it would have been a good fit. Ah, next time. But then, next time, he will be taller....
(3) added patches at the knees -- so they will last longer than a week. Maybe two?

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I think, yes, I will sew it again. The best is that he loves it, and that the other moms were all very impressed. It's so nice to have an easy project like this, that does not involve any fitting issues, in between sewing for me. And all those details really make the garment, and they are so fun to get right.

Conclusion:
Love it. He loves it --and he decided on the embellishments with the appliques. Sewed those on by hand after the fact. He's wearing them right now and is not ready to take them off.

Second Pants Pattern, Take Three

2009-10-16T08:02:00.001+02:00

I'm amazed at how much stamina I have to get these better and better -- but the next pair of pants will be a different pattern, I already have the fabric: a wool/poly boucle, quite soft and flowing, so will need a wide-legged pattern, not this jean-style cut.
But back on topic:

Pattern: Sew U Pants from Wendy Mullin's "Sew U" book
jean-style pants

Pattern Sizing:
XS, S, M, L

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes
Front View
Back View

Were the instructions easy to follow?
well --
it's all there somewhere in the book, just not on the instructions page for the pants (belt loops, patch pockets, interfacing, stay stitching all are absent from the pants instructions page)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the versatility, and how Wendy explains how to turn a basic pattern into a host of different styles.

Fabric Used:
wool blend suiting.
Unfortunately, this stretches out quite a bit during wear. While I love the fit when the pants are straight out of the wash, freshly ironed, I really need a belt to hold them up for the second half of the day...

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
This is my third try of this pattern.
first try, stitched as is unaltered with last-minute tweaking to make them wearable
take 2
This time, I started anew, enlarging the pattern to size 14 (it only comes in sizes up to 12). I compared the pattern piece to the altered size 12 piece from take 2, and decided that I still needed one alteration: I lengthened the back crotch by 3 cm.
Then I cut -- and I pin-fit the fabric before stitching the inseams and the side seams. At that stage, I noticed that I needed lots more room -- and added as much as I could, but what I added (about 1 cm, reducing the seam allowance from 1.5cm to 5mm) was not quite enough. Making for a wearable, really tight fit, and definitely not enough room in the inseam/hips.
I guess next time, there will be tissue-fitting before actually cutting the fabric. And then, I just might cut with larger seam allowances, just in case...

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I really love the style of these, and the versatility. And I will probably sew it again, after altering the pattern yet again. Yes, definitely recommend to others.

Conclusion:
The quest for the well-fitting pant has only just started, even though this is the fourth pair I make this year. It's also the pair that fits best, up to now, which is encouraging, as I am making progress.

Result of the Great Wardrobe Sewing Plan

2009-10-10T08:56:00.001+02:00

The result of the great wardrobe sewing plan: I stuck to the plan, made four tops, one cardigan, two skirts and one pair of pants.

What I really like about this is that it made me think about how items of my closet work with each other. It made me plan my sewing, which is good -- and not just buy any fabric that I liked (and that, often, would have been a print). I have also learned a lot in sewing techniques, even if the whole fitting-thing is only just at the beginning. I learned how to use tissue paper when sewing with slippery silks, how to use bias-binding in a very clean way, flipped to the inside, learned how different skirt seam lengths really make or break the whole garment, and I'm on my way to discovering how different fabrics drape differently.

Overally, I'm happy with the process, and sooo glad for the internet, and for discovering SWAP.

-- And I'm already on my way to replace some of the items here, because I'm not entirely satisfied. So the process is on-going, even if the original plan has been completed.

Tissue-fitting: pictures of a process

2009-09-27T14:08:00.001+02:00

I try to accomplish near-perfect fit in a traditional shirt pattern before actually cutting my fabric. After having made a sleeveless blouse without the waist-shaping darts from the Sew U Shirt, I now use tissue-fitting (cut out the pattern, pin and look for areas needing adjustments) to get nearer to perfect.

As is, I'm at my third try, and I think I now found my starting point (sic!). So, in order to achieve the perfect fit I'm striving for, still a lot more photos and trying on tissue, and alterations, and trying on tissue, and maybe some more alterations. Before I will then get to actually cutting out fabric, and of course, do some pin-fitting as I go, instead of just stitching it up.

Sewing was easier, when I still thought that patterns were meant to be cut and stitched as printed.

Sewing Books: the ones I used to get me started again this year

2009-09-26T09:16:00.001+02:00

These are the books I had (Burda) and quickly bought when I decided to get back into sewing this year. My impressions of each one:

1. Burda Naehen leicht gemacht
This is very complete, but can be slightly intimidating for the beginner. English and French versions exist, and I think the cover might be orange by now. Every time I don't understand a step in a pattern, this is my go-to book before starting a google search.

2. Sew U by Wendy Mullin
Hm. I have mixed feelings about this one. While I love how Wendy explains the steps to take a basic pattern (skirt, pants, shirt) and make it into a host of different styles with slight pattern variations and style details, I find the lack of detailed instructions disconcerting. So, even though the book is geared towards the sewing novice, it is not sufficient, in my opinion, for a beginner. Unless, of course, you don't really mind that your pieces come out crooked, because the reference to staystitching is a couple of tens of pages away from the actual instructions of how to sew your skirt etc. Also, the book does not mention altering patterns for fit at all.
I still really like the book, and find it very freeing, getting me from following pattern instructions word by word, to wanting to venture into minor style variations.

3. Sew U Home Stretch by Wendy Mullin
This book is a sequel to the previous one, and explains all about working with knit fabrics. Two different T-Shirt patterns and a dress pattern, with lots of variations. I have not actually tried a pattern from here yet, but plan to, soon. And again, I love how Wendy explains how to take a basic pattern and alter for sooo many different styles.

4. Painless Sewing by Palmer Pletsch
This is a small book, packed full with sewing tips. From how to organize your sewing space, to altering for fit, to stitching several seams continuously to not have to cut thread: loads of tips. It is not a beginners' how to learn to sew book. But I really love it, and like reading through it and apply some of their tips.

5. More Fabric Savvy by Sandra Betzina
I am really disappointed with this one. Lots of pretty pictures. And some basic fabric descriptions. But honestly: I don't think I learned a single thing in this book. Now that might be, because I grew up in a household where I chose the fabrics for my own clothes, to be sewn by my mother from an early age. Let's just say the book does not correspond to my level of knowledge about fabric. And I really don't know thaaat much about fabric. If anyone has a recommendation on a "more advanced" fabric book, I would be really interested.

Sew by You Skirt, after tissuy fitting

2009-09-23T18:25:00.000+02:00

Happy with this!

Pattern Description:
A-line skirt with lots of variations.

side view

Pattern Sizing:
I cut a 14 for my hips (or rather, I cut one size larger than exists in the pattern) and tapered to a ten for my waist.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes. It's an easy A-line skirt, what can I say?
- However, Wendy suggests to omit the facings when lining the skirt. With this very thin soft wool blend, I think it might have been wiser (this is after the deed), to use the facings and the lining.
Also, she never mentions interfacing nor staystitching in the instructions for the skirt, while she mentions it elsewhere in her book.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the many ideas for variations, it is very encouraging, and makes it all seem very simple.
I dislike that more detailed techniques like stay-stitching are mentioned somewhere in the book, but are not part of the instructions page.

Fabric Used:
I used a wool blend suiting, in dark grey with light grey stripes. This is the second garment I make from the fabric, after a pair of pants. Unfortunately, the fabric wrinkles really badly, and stretches a lot during wear, at least in the pants. I hope the skirt will hold up better.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I am a proud new owner of Fit for Real People from Palmer/Pletsch, so I set to work to tissue-fit. And discovered, that even for such a simple pattern, tissue-fitting is not without pitfalls.
I noticed after the fact, that I had adjusted for the edge of the pattern piece in the back, but as the pattern includes seam allowances, that's not the center back. (so, note to self: mark center front and center back on pattern pieces before tissue-fitting).
Anyway, tissue-fitting:
I eliminated front and back darts. I pulled the center back up a lot, and the center front a bit, and pinned the side seams to my form (even more tapered). Then marked the new waistline at the bottom of the elastic. (chopping off a good 3-6 cm on top of the pattern). I then lengthened the skirt at the bottom.
And the pin-fitting in fabric resulted in the waist being taken in a bit more on both side seams, however, I was very happy with the waistline and the length as found after tissue-fitting.

Construction-wise:
I interfaced the skirt top (as deep as the facings would have been), and stay-stitched only the fashion fabric, not the lining. I also understitched the lining to the seam allowance after stitching lining and skirt tops together.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I am certain to sew it again -- Simple A-line skirt, can be quickly made, and in so many variations. I absolutely need at least one more skirt for fall/winter.

Conclusion:
Easy pattern, lots of variations. Love.
Also love the tissue-fitting.

Proof that I really love the BSJ: an ASJ

2009-09-22T23:32:00.001+02:00

more details on Raverly
in his favorite colors -- very useful, when I need to spot him in a crowd.

well…
happy with the colors
happy with the look

not so wise yarn choice: heavy cotton in garter stitch will stretch like crazy, not hold its shape, and probably not hold up to schoolyard abuse as well as wool might have done. (but the Hanne Falkenberg Shetland wool doesn’t hold up to schoolyard abuse either).

Second Pants Pattern, Take Two

2009-09-14T19:45:00.001+02:00

after Take One, I made a couple of alterations to the pattern, and the fit is indeed improved. I am already planning Take Three, though, with hopefully an even better fit.

der zweite Versuch mit den "Sew U" Hosen. Sitzt besser als beim ersten Mal, aber ich habe auch schon geplant, was ich dann beim dritten Mal wieder anders machen werde.

Et numero deux du pantalon "Sew U" -- ca me va mieux que la premiere fois, mais la troisieme fois je vais encore faire differemment.

Pattern Description:
Pants pattern from "Sew U" book. Pants are jeans-style, with a shaped back yoke and waistband.

This is my second try with these, after the first wearable muslin

Pattern Sizing:
s,m,l,xl. I cut the biggest size, 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
there is no photo, there are only line drawings, and I guess, yes.
back view

Front view

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Second time around was much easier. The book does give detailed instructions, but leaves out crucial information every now and then. For example, pocket placement is not given on the pattern pieces, and you kind of have to figure out where to put them -- but the authoer does give you hints on how pocket placement can change the look of a pair of pants.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that I can play around with the pattern, and the many variations possible.

Fabric Used:
Cotton linen blend.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
These are the second pants I made from the pattern, and I did a couple of alterations on the pattern after the first try:
I've put in more width for my behind, and added length to the back crotch using Sandra Betzina's tutorial.

-added 1 cm to back inseam
-added 2*3cm to back crotch length

and these alterations at the final assembly stage:
-some tucks at the back yoke and back waistband center
-tucks at the side seams (upper part of pants and waistband)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend it to others --
Yes, I will use it again --

Conclusion:
Love the pattern.
Again, I'm not entirely happy with fit. For next time, I cut the pattern one size larger -- one size larger than it comes in -- at the hips and legs, tapering to a 10 in the waist. Plus, I took out wedges out of both the back yoke and the back waistband, to make it fit better. I'll see, how those will fit.
I must say that I am happier with the fit of these than my first try. Making progress to a real TNT pant pattern.

And a bigger BSJ

2009-09-07T13:10:00.002+02:00

more details on Raverly
this time because I just finished the previous BSJ when on vacation, didn't want to select any new pattern, and just had to try it with bigger needles and new yarn -- that I had to buy. But hey, that's what vacation is for, new yarn? -- And I'm proud to report that it fits the intended recipient, a two-year old darling girl.

Und noch eines: weil ich halt gerade mit dem vorhergehenden Jaeckchen fertig war, im Urlaub, und einfach nur das gleiche nochmal stricken wollte, mit groesseren Nadeln und dickerem Garn -- zum Glueck gibt's auch im Urlaub Wollaeden... Und es passt der zweijaehrigen Empfaengerin.

Encore un: avec un fil achete en vacances, un peu plus gros -- et ca taille en 2 ans.

Baby Things for my newest nephew

2009-09-06T22:58:00.002+02:00

I just love the BSJ, and the recipients adore the set -- success!

Ich bin einfach immer wieder fasziniert davon, wie schnell ich diese Jaeckchen stricke. Auch uni echt nett, und die stolzen Eltern sind ganz hin und weg.

Ce gilet est vraiment genial, je l'adore, et je certainement en faire encore... Les parents de mon dernier petit neveu l'adorent.

Sewing tips

2009-09-05T08:58:00.001+02:00

As I am taking up sewing again after a long hiatus, I am always on the lookout for tips to enhance my sewing skills. The photo is of one from one of the books: it's simple. Keep a swatch of every fabric you use, and sew it onto a swatch chain. That way, when shopping for notions or for more fabric, you can plan on coordinating clothes.
Stoffreste zusammennaehen: beim Stoffeinkaufen dann einfach rausholen, und ueberpruefen, dass der neue Stoff auch wirklich zum Rest passt. Oben die komplette Kette, unten die von meiner Grundgarberobe.

Voici comment s'organiser pour acheter des tissus qui vraiment iront ensemble: coudre une chaine avec des bouts de tissus deja utilises.

Vogue Dress shortenend

2009-09-04T12:16:00.001+02:00

Thanks everyone for your suggestions: I am now happy with the length.

Sew by You Shirt: wearable muslin

2009-08-28T09:29:00.001+02:00

I was not too happy with the white top I made from the Vogue-5-piece-pattern (V2976), a bit too low cut for my taste, plus the breast dart is not placed entirely right.
So here is my wearable muslin for the Shirt from Sew You, made in the same white poly/cotton poplin. I'm really happy with this top.

Pattern Description:
from Wendy Mullin's "Sew U" book, the basic shirt pattern. The first one I made is this: no sleeves, no collar, no vertical darts, added a self-belt, one belt-loop on each side, neck and arm holes bound with self-bias tape.

Pattern Sizing:
S, M, L, XL - I think I used size XL.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
there were only technical drawings in the book for this variation, so it's hard to say.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the many ways you can vary this pattern into different styles.

Fabric Used:
white poly/cotton poplin. It looks and feels rather utilitarian, and is, I think, the wrong choice of fabric for the style I chose.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
no alterations. Left off the sleeves, the collar, and the vertical darts.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am definitely going to sew this again. And I would highly recommend both the pattern and the book to any other beginning self-taught sewer.
-- caveat: the book has most instructions needed to assemble the projects. For the shirt, it was ok, though. The one thing the book does not tell you, is how to make beltloops. It just says to add belt loops. Anyway, so I just used my trusted Burda book.

Conclusion:
I'm not soo happy with how this came out. The combination of the rather stiff poly/cotton poplin and the clean lines make this look very much like a hospital work garment. I plan on adding something frilly looking white to the top, between the neck opening and the shoulder (maybe around the neck opening). Let's see what they have at the haberdashery.
-- ok, so I settled for two add-ons:
1) added elastic to both shoulders: sewed it stretched under the shoulder seams, so they are gathered by about an inch
2) added two iron-on roses, white

With both these added, I am really happy with the finished product.

Sewing on Command: BWOF 07-2009-142

2009-08-25T21:29:00.001+02:00

J asked me to sew him these pants. I thought: na, not really: those are so impractical (he can't put them on by himself, so definitely not for school or for camp). But he loves them. They were very easy and quick to sew. One happy child. And I must say, I love watching him play with them: and I realize that boy clothes are just not as nice to fiddle with as girl clothes. So I'm happy he's got an item of clothing that he can fiddle with. (more details on patternreview).

J wollte sofort die Wickelhose, als er die Burda angeguckt hatte. -- Und ich dachte bloss, dass das super unpraktisch ist, zum An- und Ausziehen, weil er das halt nicht alleine hinkriegt. Nun denn, es war einfach und schnell zu naehen, passt super, und ist genial zum Spielen. Und zum Angeguckt werden in Paris: er faellt total auf damit, was er anfangs cool fand, und gegen Ende des Tages wurde es ihm dann etwas viel. Jedenfalls ein toller Schnitt fuer Jungs (und Maedels) fuer eine voll bewegungstaugliche Hose, die einfach Spass macht. Aber halt nicht fuer Schule/Kindergarten oder Ferienbetreuung geeignet ist...

J'etais pas specialement enchantee quand J s'est mis en tete qu'il voulait ce pantalon a nouer -- je ne trouvais pas ca pratique. Et ben, maintenant je suis super contente, car il l'adore son pantalon. Il s'amuse avec. Le patron: super simple, super rapide, je recommande. Evidemment, il ne sait pas le mettre tout seul, donc mettable uniquement les weekends, pas pour le centre de loisirs ni pour l'ecole. Mais bon. Un vetement pour le fun.

Knitting for the Wardrobe Plan: a plain white cotton cardi

2009-08-22T18:34:00.002+02:00

Even though the grand wardrobe plan consisted mainly of sewing, it also had one knitted item. Hm. I picked a pattern, I ordered yarn. I received the yarn really fast, and I noticed that it was the wrong yarn for the pattern. My fault. Picked new pattern, realized I didn't have enough yarn. Started knitting, ordered more yarn. The whole thing went really quickly, stockinette, on 5mm. I really like it, but it's so hot at the moment, that I haven't yet worn it.

Zum grossen Plan gehoerte auch eine STrickjacke. Das Stricken selbst ging schnell und einfach. Aber ich hab mich wie der letzte Depp angestellt bei der Vorbereitung: das falsche Garn bestellt, dann beschlossen, dass ich es doch verwende, und eine neue Anleitung rausgesucht -- weil ich zu faul war zum selber rechnen. Dann festgestellt, dass ich nicht genug Wolle hab fuer die neue Anleitung (eigentlich logisch, von dickerem Garn braucht man mehr Gewicht pro einfachem Pulli). Ich mag die Jacke gern, sie passt richtig gut. Und ich freu mich schon drauf, wenn's kuehler wird, und ich sie auch ab und zu anziehen kann, bevor's dann schon wieder Winter wird...

On a une boutique VPC pour de la laine Drops en France maintenant: Kalidou. Super rapide, super efficace, tres gentil. Je recommande vivement. Surtout que la livraison par Colissimo est quand meme mieux que les livraison foireuses super cheres d'Allemagne... -- Enfin: gilet simple, pour mon grand plan de pieces a coordonner. Tres contente du modele, c'est un modele Drops.

Knitting: wrap cardi

2009-08-21T07:24:00.001+02:00

Yes, yes, sometimes I still knit -- this is a pattern from Phildar: Gilet #436-T5-172 A. The fit is so so, but it's nice and warm -- this got finished in June, so as for now, I can't really say anything about how often I am going to wear it. The yarn (Variations) from Phildar is slightly scratchy, and I wouldn't really recommend it. It was one of my earliest yarn purchases, and now I would go for something higher quality. More details on Ravelr y.

Second Pants Pattern

2009-08-18T10:18:00.003+02:00

After the first pants I sewed this year came out on the border of unwearable -- even though that might be mainly due to my using unsuitable fabric--, I decided to start from basics. I used the pants pattern in Wendy Mullin's book "Sew U":a basic, jeans-type pattern. She gives loads of suggestions of how to alter the look of them by using different pockets, belt loops, or alter the shape of the legs. So off I went to sew the pattern as given, as a try-out and basis for later pattern alterations. The outcome is wearable, but I had to alter as I went, to get there: I added a "second back yoke", becaus the back crotch length as given was about 6 cm too short. And after that, the waistband fit funny and flared out at both sides, so I sewed darts into the finished pair of pants, because I just didn't have it in me to take them apart.

Lessons learned:
-it is possible to make pants that fit and look as expected, it just takes time and alterations to get there.

Pattern Description:
Pants pattern from "Sew U" book. Pants are jeans-style, with a shaped back yoke and waistband.

Pattern Sizing:
s,m,l,xl. I cut the biggest size, 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
there is no photo, there are only line drawings, and I guess, yes.
more photos on my flickr:

Were the instructions easy to follow?
When there were instructions, they were easy to follow. For example, the zipper insertion was easy to follow, and turned out great. Instructions mssing for: how much seam allowance is on what seam; how to sew belt loops. Instructions somewhere else in the book for:
The book also does not give any instructions to alter fit.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that they almost fit me. And I like the style. I hope that after some alterations, these will become my tried and tested pant pattern, that I can use to make different sorts of pants, as suggested by Wendy in her book.

Fabric Used:
Cotton twill. Oh, and some scraps of Amy Butler fabric for the waistband facings, and below the mock pocket flaps on the back.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
These are the first pants I made from the pattern, and I only tried them on, once I had the pants finished, before attaching the waistband. I then noticed that a bit more width for my behind would have been nice, and that there was a large gap between the upper back end of the pants and the waistband. I didn't do anything about the lacking width (too late), but inserted a second yoke piece to make the back rise higher.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend it to others -- I love how Wendy explains how to adapt one well-fitting pattern and use it as a base for making many different looking pants. Yes, I will use it again -- I've put in more width for my behind, and added length to the back crotch using Sandra Betzina's tutorial.

Conclusion:
Love the pattern. Love that I could save them and that I will be able to wear them, even though they were just try-out pants.
I'm not sure about the alteration I made (and I put in the pattern in preparation for the next try): when considering a good fit is one with horizontal lines, I guess I didn't need all that length on the back rise, probably just a dart in both the back yoke and in the back waistband.

Opinions & Suggestions on making the next try fit better are highly welcome!!

The coordinates from the Grand Plan

2009-08-17T12:18:00.000+02:00

I will try your suggestions and shorten the hem of the red linen dress. Thanks. And I will show you the photo of the new version.
Right now: photos of the outcome of the use of Vogue 2976 Pattern for coordinates for the grand plan. It's not the fault of the pattern, but this just did not work as planned. All pieces are wearable, for the pants I'm not sure I will keep them. However, they are not really wearable as coordinates. Which is mainly the fault of my fabric selection. Hmpf. And also the fault of pattern selection: what was I thinking selecting a sun top for work wear? Continue to sew and learn.

Lessons learned:
-when selecting fabrics that should work together: use swatches. (duh, as a knitter, that just seems obvious)
-when selecting a pattern, think about my body shape, and how I will probably wear the items
-learned how to insert an invisible zipper.
-learned how to move a dart

Pattern Description:

MISSES'/MISSES' PETITE JACKET, TOP, DRESS, SKIRT AND PANTS-
I made 2 skirts, 2 tops and 1 pant.

Photos from all the pieces are on my flickr account, here.

Pattern Sizing:
16-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I guess so. Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very detailed instructions, easy to follow, yes. Very nice topstitching finishing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that it is a very easy pattern, and I like the complete instructions.

Fabric Used:
cotton/poly poplin.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
Top: I moved the neckline up, as it was too low, and I shortened the shoulder straps. I move the breast dart up by 1.5 inches. I lengthened it slightly, and tapered the hemline outwards.

Skirt: none.

Pants: moved the front waistline down by about 2 inches.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Recommend it to others: yes, sure.

Sew it again: hm. Let's say that I chose this pattern, because it was rated easy, and because I was looking for a complete outfit, to make in coordinating fabrics. Turned out that the fabrics I selected don't coordinate -- which is obviously not the fault of the pattern. The other thing I hadn't realized when chosing the pattern is that the top is not very dressy. As I mostly don't wear jackets to work, the complete look just isn't dressy enough. And: the fabric did not work for the pants, it's too stiff, and the pants look awful.

So:
the top, I will probably not sew again.
the pants: I might try again out of a more suitable (heavier, more drape) fabric
the skirt: I might use this pattern again, it's nice.

Conclusion:
It's a well-drafted pattern, and the instructions are great. I just don't think that the style of these coordinates is good for me. Especially because I did not make the jacket, which somehow leaves it looking boring.

Sewing before the big plan: a dress

2009-08-16T08:56:00.003+02:00

I selected this pattern, because it looked cute on the envelope, and it said "easy". And I selected the fabric, because it, too, looked cute. I now think that the two don't work well together, and, what's more, that neither does a good job at making me look good.

Pattern Description: Vogue Patterns: 8469 (MISSES' DRESS)
Semi-fitted dresses have lined bodice, midriffs, back zipper closures and topstitching details. A: mid-knee length and cap sleeves with elastic casing. B: 6" above ankle length, sleeveless.
I made B: long, sleeveless.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I guess so. I'm not happy with how this looks on me -- but that is due to my own inexperience with selecting patterns for my bodyshape.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, very detailed instructions for very neat finishing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Fabric Used:
Linen. Probably a bit stiff for the pattern

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I had a hard time making the bodice fit. Ended up taking in a lot on the sides, and then it didn't fit with the skirt. The skirt is quite full, so can easily fit a larger size bottom half without cutting it in a larger size.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
no, won't sew it again. I think that with my longer bottom half of body, this dress only emphasizes that my upper body is short. I look very short and awkward in it.
yes, definitely recommend it to others: it's a cute dress, just not for me.

Conclusion:

Well, you live and learn -- so now I'm on to sewing and learning. It was my first dress, and the next one will hopefully be a better choice for my body type.

Still knitting: Socks for J

2009-07-01T14:10:00.001+02:00

I am still knitting, sometimes. The proof: socks for J.

When he selected these two yarns for his next pair, I really wasn't sure. I should have trusted him: I love the outcome.

My first wardrobe plan item: top

2009-06-19T08:09:00.001+02:00

It worked out: now everything fits together, after correcting the center pleat on the front. It's just a tad bit tight, which makes me think that I should probably choose a size larger than indicated for my bust measurement and than make a small bust adjustment (reverse process of the FBA). -- so many things to learn. Right now I'm off to battle with my next project: pants, but more about that later.

Vogue pattern 8495 - Review:
Pattern Description:
Pullover tops have self-faced yokes, topstitching details and center front pleats. I made view A: cap sleeves extending from yoke.

Pattern Sizing:
AA(6-8-10-12), EE(14-16-18-20)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, very complete, detailed instructions (this was my second Vogue patterns, I grew up with Burda, so am used to very scant instructions)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked how easy this pattern is. It makes a semifitted garment, and no buttonholes, out of woven cloth. Not bad for a very easy pattern.

Fabric Used:
I used silk satin: and the slippery fabric meant that I had to do the front pleat twice, because I did it too large the first time around.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I added fusible interfacing to the yokes, and also to the armholes of front and back (the pattern says to staystitch the armholes). I like how the soft fabric gets a bit more stand from the interfacing.

Also, I tapered the fronts out a bit larger -- I'm a size 14 on top and size 20 at my hips, and cut a size 14. The top is very large at the bottom, but I found that I liked more than the 2 inches of ease I would have had as per size 14.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
No -- I don't think that the style is particularly flattering for me, actually. I'm on the hunt for a V-Neck woven cloth pattern that would be very easy now.
Yes, I would definitely recommend it to others: it's really very easy to make.

Conclusion:
I'm happy with my finished item, but I think I will use another pattern for the rest of my wardrobe building efforts this summer

Sewing: not as quick and easy as I would have hoped for

2009-06-14T10:02:00.001+02:00

and in the real fabric: it doesn't fit together
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

To start on my grand plan, I started out with the print silk top. The silk has been sitting in the back of my closet for about six years now: I once got 1.5m of silk fabric from a visiting customer delegation from China -- where usually they would go for tea. I really liked it, but couldn't decide what to make with it. So now, I settled on Vogue pattern 8495 -- I liked the cut, and went for View A. Never mind that the pattern suggested broadcloth, faille or brocade, and that I had silk satin.

I was afraid to ruin the fabric, so I made a muslin (yeah, I can't believe it myself: an extra step, and I'm not too lazy to take it). Anyway, the muslin fits nicely, everything ok -- the only modification for fit I decided: a bit more ease at my hips.

So, all confident, I went ahead and cut the silk (and put it on a wool blanket for cutting, which really helped with the slipping!). I decided it needed a bit more stability, so I added interfacing to the outer yoke (does one normally put the interfacing to the inner or the outer or both????, anyone?).
And now, front yoke and front body don't fit together. So I will need to go back and unpick the basted front pleat to make it fit. Note to self: invest into a felt marker pen for fabrics where tailor's chalk disappears as soon as you apply it. or mark with thread or something.

2009: taking up sewing again!

2009-06-08T01:41:00.002+02:00

This year, in addition to knitting, I've taken up sewing again. After a first skirt in a fab print, that I can only wear with white T-shirts -- and a second wonderful print (luckily I decided on a dress this time), I thought I'd better look at what I have in my closet, and make sure future projects match. And I googled (instead of "bing-ed" -- doesn-t do it for me, yet?), and stumbled on SWAP, basically coordinating your sewing, so that the outcome are interchangeable pieces that go together well.
The picture shows my plan, let's see how far I'll stick with it. The good news is: there are three pieces in my wardrobe that will work with this color scheme (no other color scheme would have included more existing pieces), and I guess the other good news is that I can sew lots, no?

Two Aran Cardigans for Babies

2009-03-29T10:59:00.001+02:00

DSCN0013
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Two Arans in the round -- recipe from EZ --, both originally for my newest nephew, only that the first was way too small for him at 6 months (red). I had fun upsizing my own "pattern" and making what I think is a 18month size, and it fits him perfectly at 10 months old.

Zwei Zopfjaeckchen, beide rund gestrickt, mit maschinengenaehtem Steek, Rezept frei nach Elizabeth Zimmermann. Die rote sollte ungefaehr 6-12 Monate Groesse haben, war aber dann meinem 6 Monate alten Neffen viel zu klein. Also hab ich sie einem Neugeborenen geschenkt, und mein Neffe bekam eine neue, gelbe, in ca. 18 Monate Groesse -- und sie passt ihm perfekt mit seinen 10 Monaten.

Deux fois Aran: deux essais pour mon neveu, le deuxieme est a sa taille (18-24 mois pour ses 10 mois), le premier va tres bien a un nouveau-ne (taille 6-12 mois, trop petit pour les 6 mois de mon neveu). Les deux etaient un pur plaisir a tricoter, et les recettes de Elizabeth Zimmermann sont un plaisir pour imaginer ses propres modeles.

Spring is in the air

2009-03-07T16:38:00.001+01:00

Spring is in the air
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Spring is soon to come, at least here at home -- and I thought it nice to knit a cozy for the daffodils, the idea is from Brenda Dayne's Cast On who mentioned it to be in a book (that I don't remember), so thank you, Brenda!

Blumen und ein bisschen Stricken, statt mich ums Aufraeumen zu kuemmern, wo ich mal einen freien Nachmittag habe. Manchmal brauch ich halt ein bisschen Durchschnaufzeit, auch wenn ich das meist erst eine Woche spaeter als noetig merke...

Des fleurs pour moi, et un cache-pot pour les fleurs, fait par moi -- c'est du "cocooning", je me fais du bien.

Sweater and Hat and my favorite colors

2009-01-12T14:45:00.002+01:00

J chose the sweater and hat for his Christmas gifts: and I couldn't have been happier to oblige. He chose the set because of two things: the square buttons and the three pompons on the hat. I think he likes the colors, too.
When the sweater was sitting on the couch as a wip, I noticed it had the exact same colors as my on-the-go knitting, socks for mom out of Drops Fabel sockyarn. I heartily recommend the Hanne Falkenberg Ludo: pleasantly easy and mindless knitting in great color and great yarn. And the Garnstudio sockyarn is amazingly soft, and has really nice colors (doh).
Happy New Year to all my readers!
J hat sich den Pulli und die Muetze ausgesucht, und ich habe sie natuerlich voll Begeisterung gestrickt. Und er hat den Pulli auch drei Wochen lang taeglich getragen -- jetzt ist er aber von irgendeiner Schulaktivitaet mit Knete voll, und die eine Aermelnaht hat wohl den Kaempfen im Schulhof nicht standgehalten. Genauso fehlt der Muetze schon einer der drei Pompons, die ganz wichtig waren bei der Auswahl genau dieses Modelles. Zum Glueck hatte mein Lieblingsknopfladen hier ums Eck auch quadratische Knoepfe, denn das war ja auch auf dem Modellfoto drauf, war aber nicht teil des Hanne Falkenberg kits.
Es handelt sich also um Ludo von Hanne Falkenberg, und ich habe lustigerweise Socken fuer meine Mutter aus einer Fabel von Drops gestrickt, die genau die gleichen Farben hat. Falkenberg ist echt klasse, ich bin Fan, auch wenn ich vor lauter Geschenkestricken nicht vorwaerts komme bei meiner Mermaid.
Frohes Neues Jahr Euch allen!
Ce qui parait une evidence me rejouit quand meme: J a choisi le modele, et par consequence, c'est son nouveau pull prefere qu'il a mis chaque jour pendant au moins deux semaines. Entre temps le pull et le chapeau sont victimes de leur succes, ou plutot victimes des bagarres d'un petit garcon dans la cours de recre: le chapeau a perdu un des trois ("Maman, mais tu n'oublies pas de faire trois pompons!") pompons, et le pull est couvert d'une substance que mon fils declare etre de la pate a modeler, et a une des coutures d'une manche de defaite. Rien de grave, j'espere pouvoir remedier aux maux.
J'ai ete surprise de voir que la laine FAbel de Drops que j'avais utilisee pour les chaussettes de maman avait exactement les memes couleurs que ce pull + chapeau de Falkenberg (Ludo). J'adore Hanne Falkenberg, et je me declare fan, apres un seul objet fini.
Bonne Annee 2009 a vous tous!

Sock knitting, more and less succesful

2008-11-17T12:36:00.001+01:00

Socks for gifts: one for retirement, and against cold feet in the hospital, and one pair each for my parents. First time I tried an argyle sock, and it really didn't work too well, not the fault of the pattern, just my fault for disliking intarsia, and for mixing two very different yarns: cotton, and wool/acrylic. Quite happy with the gentleman's socks from Nancy Bush's Vintage socks. And I looove the Kaffe Fasset yarn, and of course, like 6-ply for men's socks.
Verschenksocken: je ein paar fuer meine Eltern, und ein Paar Socken fuers Krankenhaus und fuers Zuhausesitzen im Ruhestand. Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit denm Strukturmustersocken aus Nancy Bush's Vintag Socks, und ich mag auch den Kaffe Fasset Socken total gerne. Die Karosocken dagegen: wie konnte ich nur auf dide Idee kommen, BW und Wolle zu mixen? Und dann auch noch in so zwei Farben, die so nahe beieinander sind? Warm geben tun sie ja trotzdem. Und ausserdem mag ich Intarsia einfach nicht...
Une paire pour maman, une paire pour papa, et puis une pour un collègue qui s'en va à la préretraite. Je suis très contente des deux chaussettes homme: le Nancy Bush Vintage Sock pour papa en bleu éléctrique et les Kaffe Fasset pour mon collègue. En revanche intarsia pour maman, que des mauvais choix de ma part, à commencer par la laine: on ne mélange pas du coton et de la laine pour l'intarsia!

Babygift Cardigan

2008-11-05T14:05:00.001+01:00

And another baby gift: the second Devan I knit, funnily enough out of leftover yarn from my first Devan. Details on Ravelry.
Ein Babyjäckchen, und zwar der zweite Devan, den ich gestrickt habe -- die Anleitung ist einfach gut. Aus vom ersten Devan übrigen Garn.
Mon deuxième Devan, fait avec des restes du premier. Mon fils portait le sien énormément, j'espère que le destinataire fera pareil.

Thank You Scarf

2008-10-27T14:56:00.001+01:00

This is knit from veeery thin yarn, a laceweight 2ply Merino. Filambulle came up with the pattern to say Thank You to Nancy Bush for her Workshop in Marseilles in spring 2008. She made the pattern available to workshop participants (thank you!), and plans to publish the pattern soon. The scarf uses the traditional lily of the valley motif which is also widely used in Estonian lace. Filambule added a border pattern (of which I omitted half, inadvertently) and a garter stitch middle (didn't like that, so I continued with the lily of the valley). Out comes a very delicate scarf, I think I like lace. I liked blocking this, and see it take shape. Also, wetblocking lace is so quick -- the yarn is so thin, it dries in no time at all. Ravelry details.
Das erste Mal, dass ich mit sooo dünner Wolle stricke: das Resultat ist ein sehr leichter, sehr zarter Schal, oder eher ein Halstuch. Filambulle hat die Anleitung nach einem Workshop im Frühjahr in Marseilles geschrieben, als Dankeschön an Nancy Bush, die uns dort unterrichtet hat. Als Kursteilnehmer durften wir teststricken (danke!), und sie hat vor, die Anleitung bald zu veroeffentlichen. Die Maiglöckchen waren teil des Kursprogrammes in estländischer Spitze, und Filambule hat eine Bordüre und einen kraus rechten Mittelteil hinzugefügt. Kraus rechts mochte ich nciht in dieser feinen Wolle, hab also weiter im Muster gestrickt, und die Hälfte von der Bordüre hab ich schlicht und einfach übersehen. Ich meine es ist eine gelungene Interpretation geworden. Das Spannen ging ganz fix, denn so duennes Garn ist in null komma nix trocken, und jetzt sieht der Schal echt edel aus. Details auf Ravelry.
Suite au workshop avec Nancy Bush à Marseilles ce printemps, Filambulle a écrit un patron pour cet écharpe basé sur le motif du muguet. Elle a partagé le patron avec les participants (merci!), et le publiera bientôt. Je l'ai modifié intentionellement (j'ai continué le muguet au milieu au lieu du point de mousse) et inadvertement (j'ai oublié la moitié de la bordure). En tout les cas, j'aime bien ce resultat tout délicat et leger, à peine 20 g, en lace weight. Plus sur ravelry.

Lace Hoodie

2008-10-20T13:48:00.001+02:00

I finished this just before summer vacation, and wore it all the time -- summer in Germany can require a sweater, especially if you are always chilly as I am. Details on Ravelry. I really like the Rowan Cashcotton (as per pattern recommendation), it is super soft next to the skin. (Thank you to Julia for the photos!)
Grad rechtzeitig zum Sommer fertig geworden, genaues auf Ravelry-- ich habe den Pulli fast nonstop getragen in den Ferien. Es war zwar meist schoen, aber doch oefters frisch im August in Sueddeutschland. Rowan Cashcotton ist ein tolles Sommergarn, traegt sich supergut. Danke an Julia fuer die Photos!
Fini avant l'été et mon compagnon pendant toute cette été en Allemagne: un pull dentelle avec capuche. Les détails comme d'hab sur Ravelry. J'aime le Cashcotton, je le lave à la machine, ça marche bien, et cela et très agréable à porter. Merci à Julia pour les photos.

Baby Gifts

2008-10-10T13:39:00.003+02:00

IMG_3020
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

A baby hat, the pattern is by Gro, and it can be found here. (I found it on ravelry). It's easy and fast and I think it has a great shape for a baby's head. I am really hungry for knitting more more more, mainly more baby gifts, office-wear sweaters for me, and I would love to dabble some more in color-knitting. Let's see how much I get done.

Eine Babymütze, nach einer Anleitung von Gro, die ich auf ravelry gefunden habe. Die ging schnell und ist einfach zu stricken, und ich find die Form einfach genial. Ich hab grad Lust, ganz viel zu stricken, "brauche" noch mehr Babygeschenke, "brauche" dringend warme arbeitstaugliche Pullis, und würde auch gerne mehr mit Farben stricken, nicht selbstmusternd... Schaumermal, was ich in den naechsten Wochen und Monaten hinkriege.

Un petit chapeau bébé, d'après un patron de Gro, trouvé, bien évidemment, sur ravelry. J'adore la forme! Et c'était rapide et facile, bien quoi. J'ai envie de tricoter beaucoup de pulls pour moi, de faire des cadeaux tricots, et d'expérimenter avec de la couleur. A voire ce à quoi j'arriverai dans les prochaines semaines.

Details on Raverly.

Fish

2008-06-25T16:26:00.002+02:00

IMG_3020
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Finally done, and proudly adopted by my son is the fish blanket. I added large garter stitch borders, because I had enough of knitting the fish, wanted a bigger blanket, and had tons of yarn left over. I used three-stitch attached i-cord all around, for a pretty, stable border. I blocked all the fish before seaming, and still they do not really lie flat, which I have decided is a design feature, makes it look almost alive.

Endlich fertig und auf dem Bett meines Sohnes -- auch wenn es dafuer jetzt eigentlich viel zu heiss ist. Ich habe einen breiten krauss rechts gestricketen RAnd gemacht, da ich keine Fische mehr stricken wollte, noch viel Wolle hatte und irgendwie auch eine groessere Decke wollte. Aussenrum hab ich ein i-cord angestrickt (und wie man das jetzt wieder auf deutsch sagt? Julia?). Nachdem ich die Fischlis alle einzeln gespannt hab vor dem Zusammennaehen, liegen sie nicht wirklich flach -- sie schwimmen halt vor sich hin, und das sieht man...

La couverture poissons terminee. Ouf. C'est du travail de les coudre, tous ces poissons -- et j'en avais marre. C'est pourquoi j'ai rajoute une bordure tres large en point mousse et du "i-cord" (francais?) autour pour de la stabilite. Et puis malgre mes efforts, les poissons font des vagues -- j'ai decide que c'est beau, et que je les laisse ainsi. On dirait que j'en ai assez de mes poissons? Heureusement que mon fils les adore, et il les utilisent, meme s'il fait un peu chaud en ce moment.

First swatch for Wedding Cardigan for my sis

2008-06-24T11:14:00.001+02:00

IMG_3053
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

This is the first swatch on my way to knitting a cardigan for my sister. I am not entirely sure about the colors, and will swatch a different combination. Of course, then it remains to be seen, whether my sis appreciates Shetland wool, or whether I am going to swatch in merino (was thinking of either Dale Babyull or Jorun 4ply Botany). During this longterm project my respect for all the designers and pattern writers just continues to grow.

Das ist also die erste Maschenprobe in meinem Projekt. Ich bin mir noch nicht ganz sicher über die Farben, werde also noch eine andere Kombination stricken. Der nächste Schritt ist dann natürlich, daß meine Schwester auch ihre Meinung zu Farbe, Muster und Wolle abgeben kann, ich werde ihr also die zwei Proben schicken... Wer weiss, vielleicht mag sie ja kein Shetland und hätte lieber Merino? Ich hab da auch schon zwei Garne im Auge, ich dachte an Dale Babyull oder Jorun 4ply Botany. -- Das Ganze wird ein langer Prozeß, und in der Zwischenzeit wächst mein Respekt für Designer und Anleitungsschreiber immer weiter.

Voici donc mon premier échantillon pour le gilet pour ma soeur. Je vais encore essayer une autre combinaison de couleurs. Et puis apres ça sera à ma soeur de choisir, et de dire si elle aime bien le patron et la laine Shetland. Puis, au cas contraire, je pourrais toujours prendre un mérino, genre la Dale Babyull ou la Jorun 4ply Botany... Je ne suis qu'au début d'un long processus, et mon admiration pour tous les designers et ceux qui écrivent les patrons s'agrandit tous les jours.

Photo meme

2008-06-16T15:58:00.002+02:00

1. What is your first name? 2. What is your favorite food? 3. What high school did you go to? 4. What is your favorite color? 5. Who is your celebrity crush? 6. Favorite drink? 7. Dream vacation? 8. Favorite dessert? 9. What you want to be when you grow up? 10. What do you love most in life? 11. One Word to describe you. 12. Your flickr name.
1. Was ist dein Vorname? 2. Was ist dein Lieblingsessen? 3. Auf welche Oberstufe bist du gegangen? 4. Was ist deine Lieblingsfarbe? 5. In welche Berühmtheit bist du 'verknallt'? 6. Was ist dein Lieblingsgetränk? 7. Was ist dein Traumurlaub? 8. Was ist dein Lieblings Nachtisch? 9. Was willst du werden, wenn du erwachsen bist? 10. Was magst du am liebsten im Leben? 11. Ein Wort, das dich beschreibt. 12. Dein Flickr Name.
(trop paresseuse de traduire).

1. Johanne with plum, 2. Und es duftet nach Kartoffelsuppe, 3. Class room, 4. Main Garden, 5. autographe Daniel AUTEUIL, 6. Dhalia(My 41th Explore), 7. A Golden Moment, 8. Traditional Cherry Clafoutis, 9. 20070519 - The hours that make us happy make us wise., 10. Why did the chicken cross the road?, 11. the red makes it, 12. cropped cardigan with leaf ties

Cardigan for my sister -- a Project

2008-05-14T12:13:00.002+02:00

Sorry about being very absent from my blog -- I am not absent from knitting. I am thinking about adapting a cardigan to suit the taste of my sister. Do you guys know Oleana? A Norwegian knitwear company (machine knit) where Solveig Hisdal is the designer. Well, anyway, so my sister likes Oleana sweaters -- and I like a challenge, so I am going to come up with a sweater that she likes and knit it for her. I would like to document my progress here. So, I picked a colorway that my sister likes, and a design by Solveig Hisdal that I have in her book Poetry in Stitches (out of print in English, so this links to a site selling kits plus patterns), the wedding cardigan. I will add waist shaping and set in sleeves, just because. And I will order yarn for swatching now. I will go with Jamieson & Smith 2ply jumperweight for a first try.
Ich hab meiner Schwester versprochen, zu versuchen sie mit einer Oleana-aehnlichen Strickjacke zu begluecken. Schaumermal, was das wird -- ich werde jetzt mal Wolle bestellen, und einen grossen Swatch zum Ausprobieren stricken, und ihn ihr wahrscheinlich zur Begutachtung per Post schicken. Ich dachte Muster inkl. Kontrastborduere und eckigem Aermelausschnitt von der Hochzeitsjacke aus "Poetry in Stitches" (oder besser gesagt Dikt i Masker, da ich die norwegische Ausgabe habe), das GAnze dann mit Taille versehen und mit Armkugel, und wahrscheinlich auch laenger, und aus 2ply Jamieson & Smith jumperweight. Ich habe vor, Euch weiter ueber dieses Projekt zu informieren.
Voici un projet qui commence: je vais commander les fils pour faire un premier echantillon. Au terme sera un gilet qui plaiera a ma soeur, car elle aime les pulls Oleana. Je vais utiliser de la Jamieson & Smith, des verts un marrons. La base sera le "wedding cardigan", mais je vais le faire plus longue, et avec des emmanchures ronds, et avec des diminuitions pour marquer la taille. Je vais documenter mon progres ici.

Saartje's Bootjes

2008-04-07T11:59:00.001+02:00

Saartje's Bootjes
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

One more pair of baby booties, adopted by my son for his doll. This is still part of the on-going knitting-from-stash exercise I am imposing on myself. My current rules are: I can buy yarn for my next project up, but only once the last project with bought yarn is done. In between (because I use mail order mostly to buy yarn), I knit from stash.
Noch ein Paar Schuehchen, die mein Sohn sofort fuer seine Puppe reklamiert hat. Meine REgeln fuers Aufbrauchen vorhandener Wolle sind gerade, dass ich neue Wolle immer nur fuer das naechste Strickstueck kaufe, und das auch erst, wenn ich das letzte mit "neu gekauftem" Garn fertig habe. Waehrend ich aufs Paeckchen mit Wolle warte, stricke ich mit Resten und vorhandenem.
Encore des chaussons bebe, euh pardon, des chaussons poupee, puisque mon filston les a adoptes pour sa poupee (ca doit etre la premiere fois qu'il s'y interesse). Fait a partir de bout de fils que j'avais la: puisque pour l'instant j'achete uniquement du nouveau fil une fois que j'ai termine le dernier projet avec du "nouvemment achete"...

more detail on Ravelry...
patterns: Saartje's Bootjes

Baby Bootees

2008-03-22T10:48:00.002+01:00

frog bootees (angora)
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Two pair of baby bootees -- an engineering colleague of mine just had her third child (congratulations, A!), and she was really excited to learn that I knitted and ordered bootees. They are different, and hope both are useful. J calls the green ones frog feet.
Zwei Paar Babyschuehchen, weil die ja besser anbleiben als alles andere ... und weil meine Ingenieurskollegin gerade ihr drittes Kind bekommen hat (nochmal herzlichen Glueckwunsch A!), und ganz happy war, als sie erfuhr, dass ich stricke. J hat die gruenen Froschfuesse getauft. Zwei ganz verschiedene, ich hoffe, dass beide nuetzlich sind!
Deux paires de chausson pour bébé: pour une collègue qui vient d'accoucher de son troisième enfant (felicitations encore, A!) et qui venait d'apprendre que je fais du tricot. J trouve que les verts ressemble a des pates de grenouille. Deux paires differentes, j'espere qu'ils vont bien en pointure et qu'ils s'averont pratiques.

more detail on Ravelry...
patterns: Angora bootees in Last Minute Knitted Gifts and Christine's stay on bootees (found on ravelry)

Garterlac dishcloth

2008-02-14T15:34:00.001+01:00

Garterlac dishcloth
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I've been wanting to try entrelac forever, and, big surprise, it isn't even hard!

Ich wollte schon immer mal diese schraegen Quadrate stricken (Hilfe, wie heisst denn entrelac auf deutsch?) -- und ich muss sagen: irgendwie macht das Spass und ist gar nciht so schwer!

Ca fait un moment que je voulais tester la technique entrelac -- resultat: c'est rapide et rigolo.

Garterlac Dishcloth
Yarns: leftovers from Anchor Magicline and some unknown Phildar yarn
Needles: 4.5mm
cast on to finish: 2jan08-4jan08
pattern: http://criminyjickets.blogspot.com/2006/07/garterlac-dishcloth.html
mods: --
fun: quick and fun

Baby bootikin

2008-01-31T16:41:00.001+01:00

Baby bootikin
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Cute! Another nice Nancy Bush pattern.

Obersuesse Babysoeckchen. Gut geschriebene Anleitung von Nancy Bush.

Mimi comme tout. Patron bien ecrit par Nancy Bush.

Baby Bootikins
Yarn: leftovers from Regia Silk (grey) and Regia Canadian Calgary
Needles: 2.0mm DPNs
cast on to finish: 8jan08-13jan08
pattern: Baby Bootikin by Nancy Bush in Knitting Vintage Socks
mods: --
fun: quick and fun

Executive funk in pink

2008-01-28T10:37:00.001+01:00

IMG_2814
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

This was more or less an item made to order. Well, not really -- I don't take orders. I happened upon the pattern on ravelry, I think, even though I had seen it before. A friend had mentioned that she could probably use something "similar" on seeing my Mrs Beeton's, but with longer cuffs. So I looked at my stash of fingering weight yarn, and asked her, whether she would like these in any of the colors I had available. And it was a lot of fun to make them, it was quick, and she was really happy about them when I gave them to her yesterday. -- Funnily enough, when someone I don't really know well asks me to make something for me, and is willing to pay, I really don't want to anymore. It gets my mojo down. No, seriously, I don't understand what it is, but I can't get myself to do that. Even if it is for something I would finish in 2 hours...

Das war fast eine Auftragsarbeit, aber nicht wirklich. Und vielleicht genau wegen des "nicht wirklcih", hat es mir Spass gemacht. Eine Freundin fand meine Mrs Beeton's schoen, sagte, wenn sie sowas haette, muessten sie laenger sein. Und dann bin ich, mal wieder, ueber diese Anleitung gestolpert, vermutlich in ravelry, wo sonst. Ich dachte an sie, hab sie gefragt, ob ihr was aus meinem Sockenwollvorrat gefaellt, und hab sie gestrickt, natuerlich mit laengerem Buendchen. Sie ist happy, mir hat's Spass gemacht. Wenn mich aber andererseits jemand direkt fragt, ob ich was fuer ihn stricken will, zumal wenn's jemand ist, den ich kaum kenne, der mich aber bezahlen will, dann hab ich ueberhaupt keine Lust. Auch dann nciht, wenn es nur was ganz kleines ist, was nur ein oder zwei Stunden braeuchte. Komisch, oder?

C'etait un plaisier de tricoter ces petites manchettes, meme si c'etait presque une commande. C'est probablement justement parce que cela n'en etait pas "vraiment" une commande, que j'ai pris plaisir a les faire. Je m'explique. Quand j'ai fait mes Mrs Beeton's, une copine m'a dit qu'elle les adore (ca fait toujours plaisir!), et que si elle avait un truc dans le genre, il faudra que ca soit plus long. D'accord. Et puis, j'ai redecouvert ce patron sur ravelry, je lui ai propose de choisir dans mon stock de laine de chaussettes, et je les ai fait. Elle en est contente, moi ca m'a fait plaisir, c'est rapide, ca fait de l'effet, et c'est un ajour assez plaisant. -- En revanche, quand quelqu'un me demande de lui tricoter quelque chose, me propose un prix, je ne suis pas du tout motivee, je decline gentilment. Meme si c'est pour quelque chose de tout petit a un prix correct. Bizarre, non?

Pink Executive Funk
Yarn: Lang Jawoll, bought at LesLaines.com
Needles: 2.75mm and 3.75mm bamboo DPNs
cast on to finish: 11jan08-13jan08
pattern: Executive Funk by Marnie MacLean from Spun Magazine
mods: --
fun: quick and fun

Drops Panta Headband

2008-01-25T10:50:00.001+01:00

Drops Panta Headband
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I'm not angry, just trying to take a photo of myself -- fun quick knit! It goes really well under my bike helmet, and is equally wearable on my way to work. -- and I made a second one for a friend, and gave it to her before taking a picture.

Schnell zu stricken, und gut zu tragen, geht sowohl unterm FAhrradhelm, als auch mit "schick" zur Arbeit. -- und ich schau so angestrengt, weil es halt schwer ist, sich selbst zu fotografieren... (und ich hab ein zweites fuer eine Freundin gemacht, es aber ganz schnell vor dem Fotografieren verschenkt)

C'etait rapide et bien rigolo a tricoter. Et c'est chaud et pratique a porter, et sous mon casque velo et pour arriver au travail... (entre temps j'en ai fait un deuxieme pour une amie, mais je n'ai pas de photo)

Panta Headband
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran
Needles: 4mm Inox circs
cast on to finish: 4jan08-4jan08 (and 5jan08-8jan08 for no. 2)
pattern: 86-10 Headband in Alaska by DROPS design
mods: yarn sub
fun: quick and fun

Hexed

2008-01-15T14:39:00.001+01:00

Hexed
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Actually, this started out as a hat for me. I thought I could just modify gauge and still get a wearable hat for me. Well, anyway: my 3-year-old son said he wanted it, while I was knitting it, and he was really happy to discover that the hat turned out way too small for mommy and is now his.

Die Muetze sollte eigentlich fuer mich sein, was ich auch wiederholte Male meinem dreijaehrigen Sohn erklaert habe, beim STricken -- er wollte sie gerne haben. Nun, er hat sich dann sehr gefreut, dass sie ihm passt, und deshalb jetzt ihm gehoert statt mir.

Ca aurait du etre pour moi, mon fils de trois ans le voulait -- et il s'est avere que ce chapeau faisait plutot sa taille que la mienne... (mauvaise adaptation a un echantillon different...). Voila, il est content.

Hexed Hat
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden
Needles: 5mm DPNs
cast on to finish: 6jan08-8jan08
pattern: found on knitty, but really appreciated because of this version
mods: yarn sub and color, gauge (which did not work out... as mentioned), lined with Angora (Adriafil Carezza)
fun: quick and fun, and my son loves it and shows it off to anyone who cares to listen and tells them that mommy has knit it for him.

light blue city gloves

2008-01-14T10:39:00.001+01:00

light blue gloves
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

A lot less daunting than I thought it would be: gloves! with nice long cuffs, so no wind gets to any gap between gloves and coat.

Fingerhandschuhe, eigentlich ganz einfach und sehr warm. Besonders gut die extra langen Manschetten, so dass kein bisschen kalte Luft zwischen Handschuh und Mantel kommt.

Des gants, plus simples que cela ne paraisse. Et avec des bordures extra longues, pour pas que j'ai froid entre manteau et gants...

Light blue city gloves
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, gifted to me by Dana
Needles: 3.5mm bamboo DPNs
cast on to finish: 3dec07-9dec07
pattern: recipe according to Malabrigo gloves
mods: yarn sub and color, ah, and added the garter stitch cuff on 40 stitches, then reduced to the 30 stitches from the pattern
fun: quick and fun and easy, and really nice to wear!

Zokni for my niece M

2008-01-10T11:05:00.001+01:00

Zokni for my niece M
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Two of my nieces are really enthusiastic and full of compliments about my knitting and when one of them visited in Paris -- she said that she would like a pair of socks. So her size 36 foot motivated me to finish these socks (soooo stretchy, they will fit any foot!). And she is really pleased with them, and is sooo happy about knitting that she even took up knitting again herself.

Als meine Nichte in Paris war, fand sie, sie brauche auch handgestrickte Socken. Und das gab mir dann genug Motivation, endlich diese Socken fertig zu machen, die dank super elastischem Spitzenmuster auch an ihre Groesse 36 Fuesse passen. (und ich war schneller fertig). Sie ist total happy damit!

Ma niece m'a demandee des chaussettes, ce qui m'a enfin donne la motivation manquante pour terminer celles-ci. Elle les adore, et j'etais contente de pouvoir terminer plus tot (taille 36!).

Zokni
Yarn: Regia Silk 4ply in grey
Needles: 2.5mm DPNs
cast on to finish: 5mar07-1dec07
pattern: by mintyfresh here
fun: I never managed to memorize the pattern, through two socks, so this was kind of tedious, had to look at the chart all the time knitting. I really like the finished look, though.

Mrs Beeton's: fun to wear!

2008-01-09T17:06:00.001+01:00

Mrs Beeton's
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I really wear these -- I would never have thought so (much too frilly). Fun!

die sind echt tragbar, find ich , und waermen ausserdem -- haette ich nu echt nicht gedacht!

meme si c'est froufrou, j'adore les mettre!

Mrs Beeton's
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK and Rowan Kidsilk Spray
Needles: 4mm and 4.5mm
cast on to finish: 1jan08-6jan08
pattern: Mrs Beeton's, knitty, by Brenda Dayne

Mata Hari Socks for Mom

2008-01-07T21:45:00.001+01:00

Mata Hari Socks for Mom
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I have an enormous backlog of finished items, not yet blogged, will try to do some catching up.

mit der ganzen Weihnachtsstrickerei habe ich jetzt endlich etwas weniger Wolle, dafuer aber eine ganze Menge fertige Sachen, die noch nciht auf dem Blog sind.

ca y est, je vous montre petit a petit tout ce que j'ai pu finir avant Noel.

Mata Hari Socks for Mom
Yarn: Wolle Roedel
Needles: 2.5 mm
cast on to finish: 23nov07-29nov07
pattern Mata Hari by Craftoholic

happy crowns for happy little kings and princesses

2008-01-02T17:03:00.001+01:00

more make believe crowns
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

have had some feedback on these: were loved very much by recipient. This time round I made six: quick knitting, but I don't like the embellishing part.

dieses Mal hab ich sechs Kronen gestrickt, und habe von vier von sechs Empfaengern positives feedback. Das Stricken geht schnell und macht Spass, aber ich bin immer wieder erstaunt, wie lange das Besticken geht.

j'en ai fait six cette fois, et j'ai eu du retour positive de la part de quatre destinataires (en attendant le retour de M et A). Ca se tricote tres rapidement, mais la broderie prend toujours plus de temps que je ne pense.

Make Believe Crowns
Yarn: posh yarn henrietta, yellow
Needles: 3.5 mm
no mods
fun and quick
cast on to finish: 17aug07-13dec07
pattern by Nicholette Hoyer online at Interweave.

May the next year bring many stars to you

2007-12-31T11:05:00.001+01:00

august fiddle faddle
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

May the new year bring stars to you and the energy and courage to enjoy and behold them.

Ich wünsch Euch allen viele Sterne im neuen Jahr und den dazugehörigen Mut und die Energie, um diese Sterne wahrnehmen und genießen zu können.

Mes meilleurs voeux pour une nouvelle annee pleine d'etoiles -- et que vous ayez egalement le courage et la perspicacite de les trouver et les prendre dans votre coeur.

August Fiddle Faddle
Yarn: posh yarn henrietta, yellow
Needles: 3.5 mm

Vous voulez rencontrer Nancy Bush?

2007-12-21T16:14:00.000+01:00

Vous voulez tricoter avec Nancy Bush? Oui, oui, cette Nancy Bush! C'est Fannie qui essaie de nous organiser, nous les tricoteuses francophone en France, une journee de workshop avec elle , a priori en Mai 2008 en Provence. Faites un tour sur son blog pour les details et pour dire que vous etes interesses!

Dublin Bay Socks
Yarn: Wolle Roedel
Needles: 2.5 mm
Pattern: Dublin Bay
Knitting time: 29nov07-15dec07
Mods: CO 56 st, 14 rds of k2p2, lace panels on side as per pattern, standard heel, and standard sock recipe for the rest.
Knitting fun: quick and I am happy with combination of yarn/pattern.
Techniques learned: --

Russian Hat II

2007-12-09T10:14:00.001+01:00

Russian Hat II
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

A really warm hat. I am really pleased with look and feel and hope the recipient will be, too.

Die ist warm, mit Angora gefuettert. Sie gefaellt mir echt gut, und ich hoffe der Empfaengerin auch. Jetzt faengt dann das Verschicken an.

Un chapeau bien chaud, double en angora. Il me plait bient et j'espere egalement au destinataire.

Russian Hat II
Yarn: Malabrigo, ggh Tibet and Adriafil Carezza
Needles: 5 mm
Pattern: Nubbles and Iceland Hat
Knitting time: 2dec07-6dec07
Mods: adjusted to gauge CO 80
Knitting fun: quick and so cuddly.
Techniques learned: --

Socks for Dad

2007-11-27T11:10:00.001+01:00

Socks for Dad
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Xmas socks for Dad.

Weihnachtssocken fuer meinen Papa.

Des chaussettes pour Noel pour mon papa.

Xmas socks for dad
Yarn: Zwerger Opal Hundertwasser
Needles: 2.5mm
Pattern: my standard sock recipe from Froehlich Blauband...
Knitting time: 8nov07-23nov07
Knitting fun: quick.
Techniques learned: --

Latvian Mittens

2007-11-23T10:40:00.001+01:00

Latvian Mittens
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I had fun imagining these, ripping, cutting, kitchenering a new cuff. Changing my mind from i-cord edge to picot edge. I am really pleased with how they turned out. They are large, have very long cuffs, and I like the different colors but same pattern in the two mittens, I also like the picot edge. The are based on a chart from Joyce Williams' Latvian Dreams and the basic Norwegian Mitten recipe from EZ. -- I had somehow thought, I could finish these within two evenings. Well: not.

Die haben Spass gemacht: einen Handschuh fertig, dann hab ich die Manschette abgeschnitten, eine neue gestrickt, und drangenaeht. Dann hatte ich kein hellblau mehr fuer den zeiten, also hab ich hellgruen genommen. Ich bin sehr zufrieden damit, sie sind schoen weit und ich mag dieses ueberlange Buendchen sehr. Kann man die Jackenaermel reinstecken. Ich habe eine Strickschrift aus Latvian Dreams von Joyce Williams benutzt, und die Maschenzahl etc nach Elizabeth Zimmermanns Grundrezept gestrickt. Irgendwie hab ich mir eingebildete, ich koennte die innerhalb von zwei Abenden fertig haben. Nun ja. Selbstueberschaetzung pur.

Ca m'a fait plaisir d'imager et de re-inventer ces moufles. J'ai commence d'une facon, apres j'ai change d'avis sur la bordure. J'ai coupe, et tricote, et re-cousu une autre. Maintenant je suis tres contente, ils sont larges, confortables, et j'aime bien la bourdure tres large. On peut les mettres au-dessus des manches d'un manteau, tout comme les moufles de montagnard (escalade sur glace, meme si j'en fait plus..). J'ai utilise un graph de Joyce Williams de Latvian Dreams et la recette de base pour moufles de Elizabeth Zimmermann (Knitting Almanac). Et puis, je ne les ai pas finis en deux soirees comme j'avais pense...

Latvian Mittens
Yarn: Dale Heilo
Needles: 3.5mm
Pattern: my own, chart from Latvian Dreams (Joyce Williams), mitten recipe from Knitting Almanac (EZ)
Knitting time: 12nov07-22nov07
Knitting fun: fun changing my mind and trying out things on a small project.
Techniques learned: --

Hourglass with neckline redone

2007-11-16T13:52:00.001+01:00

Hourglass with neckline redone
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

First time finish in December 06. Second time finish (added 2 inches to neckline, because it had grown in such a way to be not wearable in public any more) in September this year. I do love the softness of the Cash Iroha and the shimmer of it.

Zweimal fertig: das erste Mal vor einem Jahr, jetzt im September noch mal, mit ca 5 cm zusatzlich am Halsausschnitt. Der Ausschnitt war so sehr ausgeleiert (nee, der ganze Pulli!), dass ich ihn nicht mehr in der Oeffentlichkeit anziehen konnte. Ich mag ihn aber trotzdem sehr gerne, das Cash Iroha Garn ist schoen weich, und die Farbe wirkt durch Kaschmir/Seide echt schoen.

JLa deuxieme fois termine: mon hourglass est a nouveau mettable en public. En fait, depuis decembre 2006, quand je l'avais termine la premiere fois, il s'etait detendu au point de me couvrir a peine les epaules, donc j'ai rajoute 5 cm. J'adore le fil, Cash Iroha, qui est tres tres doux a porter.

Hourglass Sweater
Yarn: Noro Cash Iroha
Needles: 5mm
Pattern: Hourglass Sweater by Joelle Hoverson in Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Knitting time: sep06-dec06; sep07
Modifications: added EZ fake seams
Knitting fun: quick, fun, if monotone (but the big gauge makes it go very quickly!)
Techniques learned: --

Finished fliptop mittens

2007-11-15T17:25:00.001+01:00

finished fliptop mittens
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I can't believe I finally managed to finish these! I started them sometime in 1995 I think, and then they just sat in my boxes and have moved house with me. They come in really handy today for biking in chilly Paris.

Endlich, endlich fertig. Ich hab sie irgendwann ca 1995 angefangen, und seither waren sie bis auf ein paar Reihen Rippen fast fertig und sind immer brav mit mir umgezogen. Jetzt sind sie jedenfalls sehr praktisch zum Fahrradfahren durch das winterlich kalte Paris.

J'y crois pas moi-meme: ils sont finis! Je les ai commences en 1995 je pense, ils etaient presque termines, manquaient que quelques rangs. En tous les cas, ils sont tres tres utiles pour faire du velo dans Paris maintenant qu'il fait froid.

Flip top mittens
Yarn: some German sock yarn (lost the labels)
Needles: 2.55mm DPNs
Pattern: a very old (80s?) Burda pattern that I modified to have the fliptops and flipthumbs
Knitting time: 1995-7nov07
Modifications: added the fliptops and the flipthumbs (actually not sure that the flipthumbs are all that useful)
Knitting fun: I don't remember. It sure felt like a huge accomplishment to actually finish them, finally.
Techniques learned: --

Grrr! Lion Washcloth

2007-11-09T17:15:00.001+01:00

Lion Washcloth
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

He said the lion needed feet. I added the tail as well. And then he ordered a monkey, a dog, a cat, a giraffe, and so on... washcloths.

Der Loewe brauchte Fuesse. Und einen Schwanz hat er auch bekommen. Und jetzt braucht der junge Mann noch einen Affenwaschlappen, einen Hundewaschlappen, einen Giraffenwaschlappen usw.

Mais il n'a pas de pieds! Eh beh oui, maintenant il en a. Il a egalement une queue. Et Monsieur a passe commande pour des gants giraffe, singe, chat, chien...

grrrr
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cotton DK
Needles: 3.75mm DPNs
Pattern: grrr on knitty by Alice Bell
Knitting time: 2 nights
Modifications: --
Knitting fun: fun and quick.
Techniques learned: --

The reason he likes that sweater so much!

2007-11-08T14:20:00.001+01:00

Buttons Placket Sweater
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

We tried fish, a sailboat, plain round -- and found these. He loves them!

Erst haben wir ein Segelboot ausprobiert, dann Fische, dann normale runde, und haben schliesslich diese gefunden. Und er findet sie genial, hat mir aber erklaert, der Pulli braeuche noch mehr, drei wuerden nciht reichen.

On a commence avec un bateau a voile, puis des poissons, des petits ronds -- et a la fin on a trouve ceux-ci. Il les adore!

Orange Placket Sweater for J

2007-11-07T18:46:00.001+01:00

J's Xmas sweater. He loves it. He hasn't taken it off. It was a fun quick knit, even though the cotton was a bit hard on my hands -- he claims, wool is scratchy.

J's Weihnachtspulli, er gefaellt, er hat ihn naemlich immer noch an. Das ging schnell und hat Spass gemacht, auch wenn Baumwolle echt anstrenged zum Stricken ist, aber wenn der Herr sagt, dass Wolle kratzt, bitteschoen.

Le pull de Noel pour J. Il adore, il l'a pas enleve depuis la seance photo. C'etait rapide et j'ai bien aime le tricoter, meme si je prefer de la laine -- mais Monsieur dit que la laine "ca gratte, maman".

Child Placket Sweater
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cotton DK
Needles: 3.75mm Addi Turbo circs
Pattern: Child Placket Sweater by Joelle Hoverson in Last Minute Knitted Gifts (the original pattern was full of errors, so they republished the entire pattern online)
Knitting time: used a bit more than 6 balls,
knitting time: 3nov07-7nov07
size: 2-4 years
Modifications: lengthened the body by an inch, added fake seams a la EZ with a crochet hook, only that I hooked every row, and on the wrong side, so that now I have a purl stitch for a folding line (don't remember where I read that, but I quite like it)
Knitting fun: fun and quick.
Techniques learned: --
Blogged with Flock

Cardigan for L (1 1/2 years old)

2007-11-05T11:59:00.001+01:00

Haiku for L
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I had planned to make it entirely out of the blue Regia Silk (love the softness and durability, yeah for sock yarn!), but notice that I was running short. So I rummaged through my stash and found the light green that knits up at the exact same gauge. I really like the finished look, not least for the cutesy buttons. I love going to the corner shop for buttons, the owner is a fellow exiled German here in Paris, and she keeps a box of toys, so my son is happy there, too.

Eigentlich wollte ich das Jaeckchen ganz in blau stricken -- die dicke Regia Silk ist echt superweich und haelt gut, Sockengarn ist einfach toll!. Aber als dann die Knaeuel schneller als gedacht aufgebraucht wurden, hab ich das hellgruen dazugetan, genau gleiche Maschenprobe - und das Resultat gefaellt mir echt gut, auch weil die Knoepfe echt perfekt dazu passen. Meine deutsche Kurzwarenhaendlerin hier ums Eck ist echt eine gute Beraterin -- und mein Sohn ist happy mit der Spielzeugkiste und geht da auch gerne hin.

J'avais pense le tricoter tout en bleu, mais finalement ai rajoute le vert claire, parce que cela allait pas se faire en trois pelotes du Regia Silk 6ply. J'adore le resultat, et particulierement les boutons en coeurs. La proprietaire allemande de la mercerie du quartier est vraiment de bon conseil -- et puisqu'elle a un coffre a jouets mon fils egalement se regale quand on y va.

Haiku for L
Yarn: Regia Silk 6ply (light blue) and Plymouth Dreambaby DK (light green)
Needles: 3.5mm Addi Turbo circs
Pattern: Haiku on knitty by Kristi Porter
Knitting time: 25oct07-3nov07
Modifications: --
Knitting fun: fun and quick.
Techniques learned: --

My first Jaywalkers

2007-11-03T16:49:00.001+01:00

Jaywalker
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

My first Jaywalkers. They are a bit wide, I took the bigger (84) stitchcount with 2.25mm DPNs, they will go to a friend.

Etwas weit sind sie geworden meine ersten Jaywalkers, und meine einzige Freundin mit groesseren Fuessen als ich steht eigentlich nicht so auf wilde Farben -- mal sehen, ob sie sie trotzdem mag. Ich hab 84 Maschen und 2.25 mm Nadeln genommen.

Mes premiers Jaywalkers. Elles sont un peu larges pour moi, donc iront chez une copine. J'ai pris 84 mailles et des aiguilles 2.25mm.

Jaywalkers
Yarn: Lana Grossa Meilenweit
Needles: 2.25 mm DPNs
Pattern: Jaywalker on Magknits by Grumperina
Knitting time: 27jul07-30oct07
Modifications: --
Knitting fun: let's say they were a teeny bit more interesting to knit than plain stockinette socks... But they are knit entirely on-the-go, on the commuter train, at the post office etc., so that's good.
Techniques learned: --

Finished: Fairisle U-neck sweater

2007-11-02T11:11:00.001+01:00

Fairisle U-neck sweater
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

So, here it is: finished. It is the first steeked garment I made for myself -- before only for my son J, and it was a big moment, when I tried on the body after the cutting. It fits, but fit could be better at the shoulders (too narrow), and at the hip (too wide). The other fit issue: it is a bit too short, I have no excuse for, as I could have noticed that even with the steeks. So: I am satisfied but not blown away with it. I do love the colors, the pattern, the feel of the wool, the overall look. A friend said that it goes really well with my style, so that was a great compliment. And: it does look good with dress pants and skirts, just not with jeans.

Fertig, und fotografiert. Passt super zu Roecken und Buegelfaltenhosen, ist aber zu kurz fuer Jeans. Ich bin zufrieden damit aber nicht 150% begeistert... An den Schultern etwas zu eng, an der Huefte etwas zu weit -- aber das weiss man halt (schlechte Entschuldigung) nicht, bevor man die Steeks aufgeschnitten hat. Ich mag aber Farben, Schnitt, Muster echt gerne -- und ein guter Freund meinte, man wuerde den Pulli gar nicht wahrnehmen, so gut wuerde er zu mir passen -- ein etwas seltsames, aber sehr nettes Kompliment.

Fini et fotografie. Il va bien avec une jupe ou des pantalons habilles -- pas trop avec des jeans, puisque assez court. Et puis, comme je l'ai modifie pour tricoter avec des steeks, j'ai pas pu juger de la taille exacte pendant le tricot-- et suis moyennement satisfaite avec les epaules (trop etroites) et la hanche (trop large)... Ceci dit, je suis satisfaite avec le tout, suis satisfaite avec couleurs, motifs, la laine. (et avec ma nouvelle machine a laver qui lave "main" et fait pas de bruit. yeah!).

Fairisle U-Neck Sweater
Yarn: Dale of Norway Heilo
Needles: 3.0 and 3.5 mm
Pattern: Fairisle U-neck Sweater from Vogue Knitting Fall 2006 by Mari Lynn Patrick
Knitting time: 3sep07-27oct07
Modifications: modified to knit all in the round, thus steeks at neck opening, armholes and sleevetops.
Knitting fun: fun!
Techniques learned: I tacked down the steeks on the inside.

Mailed off to new recipient: VK - The International Knitting Magazine Holiday 2007

2007-10-26T10:10:00.000+02:00

I don't know by what miracle two of these found their way into my mailbox, within two days of each other. If you want one, please tell me, I'll mail it to you. The Vogue Knitting website is down, and has been for a couple of months, but you can check a bit of the contents on the kpixie site.

Wer will noch mal, wer hat noch nicht? Ich habe aus irgendeinem unerfindlichen Grund meine Vogue Knitting Holiday 2007 Ausgabe zweimal bekommen, mit zwei Tagen Abstand. Bitte sagt Bescheid, ich schick's Euch dann. Da die VK website seit Monaten down ist, koennt ihr bei kpixie eine kleine Vorschau angucken.

Je ne sais par quel miracle ou erreur j'ai recu deux fois mon Vogue Knitting Holiday 2007 -- qui la veut? Je vous l'envoi. Pour regarder un peu ce qu'il y a dedans, kpixie (le site web de VK est en travaux depuis des mois).

Slow progress on Fairisle U-neck sweater from Vogue Knitting

2007-10-25T17:35:00.001+02:00

IMG_2309
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.
Progress on this is slow, so much life happening in other than knitting.
24sep07: body is done, one sleeve up almost half.
12oct07: up 1/4 on the second sleeve....
23oct07: two sleeves and body done, now crocheting the steeks and waeving in ends.
24oct07: sleeves are blocked, all steeks are cut, now weaving in ends on body, then blocking that. (and everything fits so far!!! yeah!!!)

Langsam ernaehrt sich das Eichhoernchen: Stricken geht sehr sehr langsam vorwaerts, soviel anderes gerade.
24sep07: Rumpfteil fertig, ein Viertel des ersten Aermels
12oct07: 1/4 des zweiten Aermels
23oct07: Strickteile fertig, jetzt werden die Steeks gehaekelt und Faeden vernaehen
24oct07: die Aermel sind schon trocken vom Spannen, die Steeks sind alle aufgeschnitten (und es passt, yippieh!) -- jetzt also noch Faeden vernaehen und spannen vom Rumpfteil, dann Aermel einsetzen, und dann Halsausschnittblende stricken...

Le progres en tricot est lent: une rentree qui en finit pas, toujours des choses a regler. ARgh.
24sep07: dos/devant termine, 1/4 de la premiere manche
12oct07: 1/4 de la deuxieme manche
23oct07: fini le tricot, maintenant le crochet des Steeks et rentrer les fils
24oct07: les manches sont deja bloquees, tous les steeks sont coupes (et cela me va, comme par miracle) -- faut juste rentrer les fils et bloquer le dos/devant, ensuite monter les manches, et tricoter des cotes autour du cou... (j'y suis presque)

Tag des psychisch kranken Menschen

2007-10-10T15:52:00.000+02:00

When I took up knitting again after a 15 years hiatus, it was mainly, because I am always looking at ways to lead a psychologically healthy life and to do anything I can to prevent from falling back into severe depression. I happened upon an article saying how knitting and other handicrafts was good for patients with depression. So I thought: hey, why not dig through my closet to find my knitting needles.

This was in the beginning of 2006 -- and I haven't stopped knitting since. On top of the actual knitting, I have taken up blogging and participating to the forum on knitty's coffeeshop.

When I picked up knitting again, I was free from depression for about two years. Before, I had three severe depressions, always during winter (and I do recommend using a light therapy lamp), that lasted several months each. I try to talk about it openly, even though I do fear negative consequences at the workplace. I have had both psychotherapy and medication to help me walk through and out of depression.

I would like to encourage anyone wondering about whether they suffer from depression to go see a mental health professional.

(today is world mental health day, and this blog post is my way of partcipating in de-stigmatizing mental health issues)

Heute ist der Tag des psychisch kranken Menschen.

Ich bin heute psychisch gesund, aber war auch schon psychisch krank.

Dass ich nach 15 Jahren Pause wieder mit dem STricken angefangen habe, liegt daran, dass ich Anfang 2006 in einem Artikel gelesen habe, dass Stricken gut gegen Depression sei. Ich war zwar schon seit zwei Jahren depressionsfrei, ohne Medikamente, aber ich dachte mir: alles ist gut, was ich tun kann zur Vorbeugung einer erneuten Erkrankung. Die Stricknadeln waren irgendwo ganz hinten im Schrank, ich hab sie rausgesucht, angefangen und seither nicht mehr aufgehoert. Der Blog und das Lesen von Blogs, die Teilnahme auf knitty's coffeeshop und seit neuestem Ravelry kamen dazu.

Ich hatte dreimal eine schwere Depression, jedesmal im Winter (und ich benutze auch eine Lampe). Mir haben sowohl Psychotherapie als auch Medikamente geholfen, da durch- und wieder rauszukommen.

Allen, die sich fragen, ob sie Depressionen haben, kann ich nur dringend ans Herz legen, zu einem ausgebildeten Psychiater oder Psychotherapeuten fuer eine Diagnose zu gehen.

Heute am Tag des psychisch Kranken, ist dieser Blogpost mein Beitrag dazu, dass etwas von dem Stigma der psychischen Krankheit wegfaellt. Ich versuche auch im Alltag offen damit umzugehen, auch wenn cih am Arbeitsplatz etwas bedeckter damit umgehe.

Lustigerweise ist das Thema dieses Jahr "Transkulturelle psychische Gesundheit" -- und es geht vor allen Dingen darum, was fuer zusaetzliche Schwierigkeiten Migranten haben. In meinem Leben habe ich diese zusaetzlichen Schwierigkeiten oft erfahren, bei meinen wiederholten Aufenthalten und Neuanfaengen in verschiedenen Laendern. Gleichzeitig denke ich, dass fuer mich persoenlich auch die raeumliche Entfernung zu den Orten meiner Kindheit eine Gesundung bedeutet.

Aujourd'hui c'est la journee mondiale de la sante mentale. Pour moi personellement, c'est lie a mon tricot: ma volonte de faire tout ce que je peux pour ne pas "retomber" en depression, m'a laisse retrouver mes aiguilles apres 15 ans de pause. C'etait en debut de 2006, depuis je tricote, je blog et j'ecris sur le forum de knitty's coffeeshop.
A l'epoque ca faisait deja 2 ans que j'etais en assez bonne sante mentale pour pouvoir vivre sans medicaments et sans psychotherapie.
Aujourd'hui encore je suis en bonne sante mentale.
Ceci dit, j'ai traverse une depression severe trois fois, trois annees de suite, pendant plusieurs mois l'hiver a chaque fois. J'ai aussi, d'ailleurs, achete une lampe de therapie que j'utilise l'hiver.

Pour sortir de mes depressions, je me suis fais aider par une psychiatre et un psychotherapeute, et donc d'antidepresseurs et de psychotherapie dans la tradition de Freud.

J'encourage toute personne ayant un doute sur etre en depression ou non, d'aller voir un medecin pour pouvoir faire un diagnostic. Le gouvernement francais a lance une campagne anti-depression, qu'a premiere vue me parait pas mal (informations factuelles) -- meme s'ils continuent a rembourser que les medicaments et pas la psychotherapie (et que toutes les etudes montrent que c'est l'association des deux qui fait le meilleur effet long-terme).

Voici ma contribution pour sortir du tabou qui entoure la sante mentale. (et ce n'est pas entierement hors sujet tricot, puisque lie pour moi).

Mal wieder eine Dienstagsfrage

2007-10-02T11:49:00.000+02:00

Das Wollschaf fragt: Was sind deine fünf Lieblingsstrickblogs und warum?

Das ist eine schwierige Frage: ich hab sooo viele blogs in google reader, und ich freu mich bei allen, einen neuen Eintrag zu lesen. Das schoene an dieser Frage ist fuer mich, dass ich in den Antworten neue Blogs entdecken kann.

Ich mag Jujus Blog, weil sie schoene Sachen strickt, weil sie mich auf die Idee mit dem dreisprachigen Bloggen gebracht hat, weil sie auch hier im Raum Paris lebt. (ach und das Layout ist auch prima sauber).

Ich mag B r o o k l y n t w e e d -- weil er tolle Fotos von schoenen, klassischen Stricksachen macht.

Danas click-clack mag ich sehr gern: cleanes Layout, super Fotos, tolles Gestrick, und auch mal ein bisschen nicht-strickiger Inhalt, das mag ich gern. (und ausserdem hat sie mir Wolle geschenkt, und das ist natuerlich ein dicker Pluspunkt!).

Und Annettes Wollsocke mag ich wegen der tollen Worte: oft findet sich da ein Gebet, das gerade richtig gut passt fuer mich -- und stricken tut sie auch schoen.

Skinnyrabbit's fluffa mag ich, weil sie oft kleine Details von ihren Naeh- und Strickprojekten erklaert -- und weil sie toll strickt.

Bei all denen, deren Blog ich jetzt nciht in den fuenfen erwaehne, entschuldige ich mich. Ich les Euch alle gern!

Rue Diagonale

2007-10-01T11:19:00.001+02:00

Rue Diagonale
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Finally finished: A bag for a friend, who lives also here in Paris. I particularly like the wild lining fabric (Ikea), that I found for its rather demure exterior.

Und dann wurde sie doch fertig: die Handtasche fuer eine Freundin. Jetzt mit wildem, afrikanisch anmutendem schwedischen Futterstoff (aus dem grossen blauen Laden...).

Apres avoir ete tricote assez rapidement, voici enfin le petit sac tout fini. La doublure vient de chez Ikea...

Rue Diagonale
Yarn: ggh Scarlett, pink and brown
Needles: 4mm
Pattern: Via Diagonale on Knitty by Wendy Wonnacott
Knitting time 16aug07-30sep07
Modifications: I cord cast-on. Handles out of two i-cords instead of out of one thick one. I think that's all.
Knitting fun: fun!
Techniques learned: --

Swatch Hat

2007-09-07T15:14:00.001+02:00

Swatch Hat
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

A swatch hat, following EZ's recipe for don't-make-a-swatch-make-a-hat. I really like to feel "real" non-superwash wool. And I really like the fair-isle bands. And gauge is dead on. Happy.

Eine Muetze statt Maschenprobe, frei nach Elizabeth Zimmermann. Und ich entdecke, wieder mal, dass ich "echte" Wolle sehr gerne habe beim Stricken, lieber als die glatte Superwash Wolle. (aber ich werde trotzdem nciht anfangen, Kindersachen draus zu stricken...)

Un chapeau au lieu d'un essai, d'apres Elizabeth Zimmermann. Et je redecouvre le plaisir du tricot avec de la "vraie" laine, pas de la superwash.

Swatch Hat
Yarn: Dalegarn Heilo bought at Ribbels
Color: natural, blue, heather brown, acqua
Needle: 3.5 mm DPNs
gauge: 23st/4 inches
Pattern: well, based on the Fair-isle U-Neck by Mari Lynn Patrick in Vogueknitting Fall06
Cast-on to Finish: 24aug07-25aug07
Modifications: --
Knitting fun: fun!
Techniques learned: --

Leftover mittens

2007-08-28T10:09:00.001+02:00

Leftover mittens
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Leftover mittens for J. (they are the same size, no really!). The thumbs are a bit big, see photo below, as the gauge of the red acrylic that had to stand in for the cashsoft as that was finished was a bit off. J likes them anyway (I love three year olds for their love of their mommy!!!), they are a bit big though, so I will need to make another pair for this winter.

Restehandschuhe fuer J -- sie sind ganz bestimmt gleich gross. Allerdings sind die Daumen etwas ueberdimensional dick, da das rote Acrylzeugs, das ich nahm als das Cashsoft alle war, nicht wirklich die gleiche Dicke hatte. J mag sie trotzdem, aber er braucht ein Paar fuer diesen Winter, denn die hier passen wahrscheinlich erst in ein oder zwei Jahren.

Des moufles, cette fois-ci pour J, avec les restes des autres. Malheureusement les pouces sont un peu grands, parce que le fil acrylique, que j'ai utilise une fois le Cashsoft termine, n'avait pas tout a fait la meme epaisseur. J les aime quand meme -- ils sont un peu grands, en tout, donc je vais certainement en faire encore une paire a etre utilise cet hiver.

Leftover Mittens for J
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft Aran bought at Jannette's Rare Yarns and a bit of red acrylic held double for the thumbs (the leftovers were enough for the mittens, not for the thumbs)
Color: green, red, grey
Needle: 4.5 mm DPNs
gauge: 24st/4 inches
Pattern: Mitered Mittens by Elizabeth Zimmermann from Knitters' Almanac
Cast-on to Finish: 23aug07-25aug07
Modifications: --
Knitting fun: quick, easy pattern
Techniques learned: --

Norwegian Mittens for N

2007-08-27T18:16:00.001+02:00

Norwegian Mittens for N
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Norwegian Mittens, well kinda, following (well more or less) EZ's recipe. Colorwork is from Joyce Williams' Latvian Dreams. first time try for me for this EZ recipe. CO 40
color pattern from Joyce Williams Latvian Dreams. i-cord in green-- because EZ said to go wild with color, and that's what I did (not sure I like it).

Norwegische Handschuhe fuer N, nach EZ's Rezept aus dem Knitters Almanac. Das Farbmuster ist nach Handschuhen aus Joyce Williams' Latvian dreams. Elizabeth sagt, man soll ruhig wilde Farbkombinationen machen, das hab ich auch mit dem gruenen Rand. Ich bin nicht 100%ig ueberzeugt davon.

Des moufles pour N, d'apres les moufles norvegien d'Elizabeth Zimmermann (Knitters Almanac). Et le dessin en couleur est d'apres Latvian Dreams de Joyce Williams. Elizabeth dit d'etre un peu folle pour les combinaisons de couleurs: c'est chose faite avec la bordure en vert, mais je ne suis pas convaincue que j'aime.

Norwegian Mittens for N
Yarn: 70g total of Rowan Cashsoft Aran bought at Jannette's Rare Yarns
Color: green, red, grey
Needle: 4.5 mm DPNs
gauge: 24st/4 inches
Pattern: Norwegian Mittens by Elizabeth Zimmermann from Knitters' Almanac
Cast-on to Finish: 20aug07-23aug07
Modifications: I had not understood (had not read properly) that one was supposed to decrease after the cuff, in order to start the palm with less stitches than the outside... and then, after thumb increases, end up with the same number of stitches on both sides. Ah well, so mine have more on the inside of the hand, trying to block it outta them...
Knitting fun: quick, easy pattern -- I'm sure next time will be even more fun, seen as I now understand the instructions. ;)
Techniques learned: --

Via Diagonale in Progress

2007-08-24T13:24:00.001+02:00

Via Diagonale
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

After only posting FOs in the last posts, here is a WIP: the first item I bought yarn for after an eight month long yarn diet. I am still sort of yarn dieting: must use up newly bought yarn before buying again. And if I use up bits and pieces from stash, too, that's just great. Oh: and must use up sock yarn stash before buying any more sock yarn.

But enough of that: here is the glorious Via Diagonale in progress. It's hard to imagine how this shapeless blob is going to turn into a useable, shapely purse. I have great faith in my ability to find something suitable to line it with, and something else to give it stability -- at least at the moment, I haven't really started to run to the fabric stores yet, and am, for the time being, counting on Ikea.

The knitting was really quick, even though it took me more than one vertical pattern repeat to finally get the logic of the pattern -- and then it went even faster. And the yarn (ggH Scarlett) is really wonderfully smooth and did not cut into my left hand fingers at all.

Endlich mal wieder ein Bericht von der Entstehung. Dies ist das erste Werk, wofuer ich nach acht Monate langem Durchhalten wieder neues GArn gekauft habe. Ich habe gute Vorsaetze fuer weiteres Diaet Halten, mal sehen, was draus wird: kein neues Garn, solange ich nciht das grade gekaufte aufgebraucht habe, ein bisschen was von den vorhandenen Resten aufbrauchen, und erst dann neues Sockengarn kaufen, wenn alles vorhandene weg ist.

Aber wieder zur Handtasche: das wird die Via Diagonale. Im Moment kann ich mir schwer vorstellen, wie dieses formlose ETwas in eine brauchbare Handtasche mutieren soll -- aber ich find bestimmt passenden Futterstoff und noch irgendwas anderes, so dass sie Form und Halt bekommt. Einen Reissverschluss stell ich mir auch praktisch vor. Ich war allerdings noch nicht auf SToffsuche, und stelle mir vor, dass ich bei Ikea fuendig werde.

Die Tasche ist fertig gestrickt, jetzt fehlt eben nur das Naehen und Fuettern etc. Das Stricken ging schnell, obwohl ich etwas lange gebraucht hab, bis ich die Logik des Musters erkannt habe, und nciht mehr stur abzaehlen musste. Und das Garn, ggH Scarlett, ist ein wunderbar glattes GArn (merzerisierte BW), das ueberhaupt nicht in meine linke Hand schneidet beim STricken, echt gut.

Et apres tout ces objets finis, voici un en-cours: Le sac "Via Diagonale". C'est pour celui-la que j'ai enfin rompu mon regime d'achat de laine apres huit mois! Je reste quand meme avec des bonnes resolutions pour la continuer un peu, genre: pas acheter de la laine, si je n'ai pas encore utilise le dernier achat. Et utiliser un peu de mes restes entre temps...

Maintenant que c'est fini en tricot, faut que je trouve le bon tissu pour le doubler (je songe a Ikea, faute de me motiver d'aller a Montmatre) et pour essayer de lui infuser un peu de structure. C'etait vite tricote, particulierement une fois que j'avais compris la logique du point fantaisie (vraiment pas complique, mais je ne suis pas douee...). Et puis, j'adore le fil, ggh Scarlett, qui est tres tres lisse, et ne me coupe pas la circulation dans l'index de la main gauche (beh oui, je tricote a l'allemande....).

Edgar Scarf

2007-08-23T14:52:00.001+02:00

IMG_2194
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

A nice scarf. Still have some Silk Garden left from my Rosedale Cardigan, thinking about Hexed or EZ Mitered Mittens (example in Silk Garden by MrsR) or a purled beret or... By the way: Hexed is another one of those patterns I never noticed in the original publication, and that have become interesting to me only after seeing a finished object from another knitter. In this case, on Ravelry, I spotted Ezzle's version.

Ein netter Schal aus ca. einem Knaeuel Noro Silk GArden. Ich hab immer noch etwas uebrig von der Silk GARden (von meiner Rosedale Jacke), und kann mich nicht entscheiden zwischen Hexed oder EZ's Mitered Mittens (Beispiel in Silk Garden von MrsR) oder einer links gestrickte Baskenmuetze. Hexed ist wieder so eine Anleitung, die mich zunaechst ueberhaupt nicht interessiert hat, als ich sie in der knitty gesehen habe -- aber jetzt hab ich in RAvelry Ezzle's Muetze gesehen, und find sie einfach nur klasse.

Une belle petite echarpe. J'en ai encore du Silk GArden de mon gilet Rosedale, et je songe a Hexed ou EZ's Mitered Mittens (voici un exemple de MrsR en Silk Garden) ou un beret a l'envers. Hexed, c'est encore un de ces patrons qui ne m'ont pas du tout interessee quand je les ai vu pour la premiere fois sur knitty, mais voila la version de Ezzle (trouve sur Ravelry) a change cela.

Edgar
Yarn: 1 skein Noro Silk GArden
Color: 232 (purple, blue, turquoise, green, brown and some pink)
Needle: 5 mm DPNs
Pattern: Edgar by Silke Hupka from Knitty, Fall 2005
Cast-on to Finish: 2aug07-3aug07
Modifications: --
Knitting fun: quick, easy pattern, fun to knit!!!!
Techniques learned: --

Round Dishcloth

2007-08-22T12:18:00.001+02:00

Round Dishcloth
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Knitted dishcloths -- more to come from stash cotton, for me and friends.

Haett ja nicht gedacht, dass ich gestrickte Kuechenlappen produziere und sinnvoll finde, aber ich bin jetzt ueberzeugt, und Freunde fangen auch an, danach zu fragen. Sind halt echt praktisch.

Qui aurait cru? Me voila en train de tricoter des chiffons pour la cuisine...

Round dishcloth
Yarn: Anchor Magicline and Phildar
Color: blues
Needle: 4 mm DPNs
Pattern: Round Dishcloth by Amy Carpenter from Dishcloth Boutique
Cast-on to Finish: one evening, can't remember when (June?)
Modifications: --
Knitting fun: too much thinking
Techniques learned: --

Russian looking hat

2007-08-21T10:14:00.001+02:00

Russian looking hat
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

More midnight knitting for Christmas: a gift for a dear friend who lives in the mountains and needs her hats to be warm -- it is lined entirely with microfiber. I found this pattern on Ravelry, and it is just the right thing for two of those ggh Tibet yarn balls (one for this hat, and there will be a second one in red) I have sitting around. Now, what to do with the rest?

Noch mehr naechtliches Stricken von Weihnachtsgeschenken: fuer eine liebe Freundin, die in den Bergen lebt und die eine ganz gefuetterte Muetze brauchen kann. Die Anleitung hab ich beim Surfen auf Ravelry gefunden, und es ist eine echt gute Art dieses "fun" Garn ggh Tibet aufzubrauchen, ich werd noch einen zweiten in rot machen. Was mach ich bloss mit dem Rest von dem Garn?

Pour Noel, pour une amie qui vit en montagne. Chapeau entierement double, donc chaud. J'ai trouve le patron sur Ravelry -- et c'etait juste ce qu'il fallait pour ces pelotes de ggh Tibet, fil "fantaisie", que j'ai en stock. J'en ferai un deuxieme en rouge. Mais qu'est-ce que je vais faire du reste de ces stocks???

Russian looking Hat
Yarn: ggh Tibet (1 whole ball) and Bergere de France Magic (almost a ball) and Austermann Malu (almost a ball)
Color: blues
Needle: 5 mm DPNs
Pattern: Nubbles + Iceland Wool Hat by Yuke Hong from Crystal Palace Yarns
Cast-on to Finish: 10aug07-12aug07
Modifications: I modified for my gauge, casting on 80, left off the i-cord stub, and lined it entirely, anchoring the lining following Kent's tutorial. Oh, and instead of purling for the fun yarn, I just turned it inside out and knitted the other way around, and turned again for the top.
Knitting fun: fun and quick.
Techniques learned: anchoring the lining.

Jester Hat

2007-08-20T10:57:00.001+02:00

Jester Hat
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I hinted at not being in great form lately -- somehow cranking out finished objects one after the other helps a bit. Christmas knitting: a fun hat for a small boy.

Wie schon angedeutet geht's mir gerade nicht so gut, und es hilft irgendwie, wie verrueckt zu stricken, moeglichst viele kleine Sachen, die schnell fertig sind. Hier also eine Muetze fuer einen kleinen Jungen, fuer Weihnachten (seine Schwestern sollen Kronen kriegen, die sind noch in der Mache).

Comme je n'ai pas vraiment le morale, j'essaie de terminer un truc en tricot tous les quelques jours, et cela semble aider un peu. Voici donc un chapeu "fun" pour 'tit mec.

Jester Hat for L
Yarn: sock yarn doubled up (Opal for the yellow, and Online for the green)
Color: yellow and green
Needle: 3.75 mm DPNs
Pattern: Jester Hat by Elizabeth Morrison from The Garter Belt
Cast-on to Finish: 14aug07-15aug07
Modifications: I modified for my gauge, used k2p2 ribbing. 24 months size with 86 stitches around.
Knitting fun: it's a fun pattern, I hope L is gonna like it!
Techniques learned: first time knitting a ball!

mini clap

2007-08-17T10:15:00.001+02:00

mini clap
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

A fun scarf for a friend.

Ein Aufmunterungsschal fuer eine Freundin.

Pour une copine pour lui remonter le moral.

Drop Stitch Scarf
Yarn: mercerized cotton bought at Les Laines
Color: "perroquet" (multiple)
Needle: 4 mm circs
Pattern: Drop Scarf by Melissa "Missa" Hills from kpixie / Midnight Knitter
based on Clapotis by Kate Gilbert on knitty
Cast-on to Finish: 15aug07-15aug07
Modifications: as I was using thinner yarn and needles, I added a couple repeats in the straight section (came out with 1m/40inches length). Ah, and I purled the stitches to be dropped, instead of using markers -- which is something I read over at knitty's coffeeshop, very useful.
Knitting fun: I love the yarn -- the pattern is too easy to be "interesting knitting" and too involved to be completely half-asleep knitting, but it is still fun to make my first Clapotis, even if a small one.
Techniques learned: --

Watch Cap and Neckwarmer

2007-08-16T10:38:00.001+02:00

Watch Cap and Neckwarmer
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

Made these in November last year, never got around to taking a photo, and wore them all winter. Love them. The hat has so much stretch that it fits over my hair when I put it up, which, of course, looks really silly, but is immensely useful and warm.

Die hab ich im November gemacht, sie den ganzen Winter ueber fleissig getragen, und bin nie dazu gekommen, ein Photo zu machen. Ich mag beide echt sehr gerne. Die Muetze ist so dehnbar, dass auch saemtliche Hochsteckfrisuren drunterpassen, was zwar dann unmoeglich beulig aussieht, aber sehr praktisch und warm ist.

Je les avait termines en novembre de l'annee derniere, et je les ai portes tout l'hiver. Meme avec mes cheveux attaches, le chapeu peut etre mis -- evidemment me donnant l'air un peu (beaucoup) ridicule. M'enfin, c'est tres pratique, et chuis allemande, non?

Watch Cap and Neckwarmer in Brioche Stitch
Yarn: almost 2 skeins of Malabrigo Merinos
Color: "vermillion" (reds)
Needle: 5 mm circs
Pattern Hat: A Watchcap by Elizabeth Zimmermann from Knitting Without Tears
Pattern Neckwarmer: Brioche Stitch Neckwarmer from Weekend Knitting
Cast-on to Finish: 2nov06 to 6nov06 and 18nov06 bis 19nov06
Modifications: modified cast-on number to different gauge. Also used the k1p1 ribbing on top of the hat, as described in IWK.
Knitting fun: love the yarn -- even though it pilled a bit during wear.
Techniques learned: tubular cast-on and bind-off

Warm Woolies Vest

2007-08-14T14:38:00.001+02:00

Warm Woolies Vest
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

I don't know what it is with me and this yarn: wanted to make a kid's vest for a five-year-old. Anyway, it has found a new home with my friend N, who was very happy to receive it.

Ich wollte mal wieder was fuer eine Fuenfjaehrige machen, und es ist ein Damenpullunder draus geworden. N hat sich drueber gefreut. Immerhin was.

En fait, comme la derniere fois avec ce fil, ca aurait du etre un petit pull pour une fille de 5 ans -- c'est devenu un petit pull pour femme, et N en est tres contente.

Warm Vest
Yarn: 3 skeins of Bergere de France Teddy, 100% acrylics
Color: "jasmin" (turquoise)
Needle: 6.5 mm circs
Pattern: Warm Woolies West
Cast-on to Finish: 6aug07-10aug07
Modifications: none
Knitting fun: I hate working with this yarn. I will not buy any more "fun" yarn!!!! It cuts into my fingers, just using up stash here.

Red Eve

2007-08-10T11:06:00.001+02:00

Red Eve
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

From the start, when I saw the Eve pattern on magknits, I knew, I wanted to make it. So here is my version: a seamless raglan summer sweater, but I took the directions for sleeves and body pattern from the pattern.

Gleich als ich diese Anleitung auf magknits sah, wusste ich, dass ich gerne so einen PUlli machen wuerde. Meine Version ist ein Sommerpulli, rund gestrickt als Raglan, nach Elizabeth Zimmermann.

Quand j'ai vu ce patron sur magknits, je savais tout de suite que je voulais le tricoter. Ma version est un raglan, tricoter en rond, apres Elizabeth Zimmermann.

Red Eve
Yarn: almost 8 skeins (90 m) of Junghans Malina , 80% cotton, 20% nylon
Color: red
Needle: 4 mm circs
Pattern: Eve by Vladimira Cmorejova from MagKnits, March 2006
Cast-on to Finish: 10apr07-27may07
Modifications: modified for gauge, substituted yarn, knitted in the round as a seamless raglan
Knitting fun: thinking it out was a lot of fun, and it's a great sweater to wear!

Three-cornered Hat for Mom

2007-08-09T11:03:00.001+02:00

Three-cornered Hat
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

And because Mom wore a brown/orange hat with her Purl Scarf and Fetchings last winter, I made her a matching hat from the leftover yarn. J is modeling, but I assure you it fits me.

Meine Mutter brauchte eine passende Muetze zu ihrem Purl Scarf und den Fetchings von letztem Jahr -- sie trug eine braun-orange Muetze dazu. Und sie ist genau die Art Frau, die sowas "uebertriebenes" gut tragen kann.

Pour ma mere, pour aller avec son Purl Scarf et ses Fetchings de l'annee derniere pour l'empecher de les porter avec un chapeau marron-orange.

Three cornered Hat from EZ's Knitted Almanac
Yarn: Leftovers of Rowan Kid Classic in battle (dark green), Jaeger Shetland Aran (light yellow), and Rowan Kidsilk Haze (gold), held double throughout
Color: yellow-green
Needle: 10 mm circ for magic looping, and 7mm DPNs (because I don't have thicker ones) to finish it off
Pattern: Three-cornered Hat by Elizabeth Zimmermann in the Knitter's Almanac
Cast-on to Finish: 8aug07-9aug07
Modifications: --
Knitting fun: quick and fun, instant satisfaction.

Dienstagsfrage

2007-08-08T10:20:00.000+02:00

Das Wollschaf fragt: Wie vernäht ihr eure Fäden am Strick- bzw. Häkelstück so sicher, dass sie auch vernäht bleiben?

Wenn es filzbare Wolle ist, dann verdrehe/-filze ich die zwei Enden beim Ansetzen eines neuen FAdens, so dass ich nix vernaehen muss hinterher.

Bei anderer Wolle (und fuer meine ganzen Baby- und Kindersachen nehm ich ja aus Prinzip nur maschinenwaschbare Wolle, und dann gibt's ja noch Baumwolle...), strick ich meist drei bis fuenf Maschen mit beiden FAeden. Bei mancher Wolle (Bergere de France Teddy z.B.) reicht es dann, einfach die runterhaengenden Enden abzuschneiden, weil sie so schoen "hakt".

Ansonsten, und bei Streifen -- von denen ich fuer dieses Jahr erst Mal genug hab im uebrigen, fahre ich auf der linken Seite einfach die Maschen nach. Der Vorteil davon ist, dass es super haelt, und dass man es sogar bei Schals und Wendemuetzen und so machen kann, wo ja beide Seiten "rechts" sind, ist fast unsichtbar.

Ach, und bei meinem ersten Teil mit Steeks hab ich die Enden der geschnittenen Maschen einfach haengen lassen, das scheint bisher auch kein Problem zu sein, muss aber noch den langfristigen Test ueberstehen.

Meine Technik funktioniert nur bei glatter Baumwolle und Baendchen und so nciht so recht, da bin ich gespannt, was ich in den anderen Antworten als Tipps finden werde. Bei mir wuseln sich die Enden da oft auf die Aussenseite durch.

Gewinnspiel auf Wollke7

2007-08-06T14:04:00.000+02:00
Schon gesehen?

Man kann bei Wollke7 das Marianne Isager Buch "Inka" gewinnen. Das passt ja super zum Motto Sommerloch! Ich bin grad voll auf dem Mehrfabig-Strick-Trip, das kaeme jetzt wirklich grade recht -- und Marianne Isager's Designs gefallen mir gut.

W top

2007-08-06T07:56:00.001+02:00

W top
Originally uploaded by Strickanfall.

A nice, quick summer top -- and nice to wear, too.

Schoen und schnell, und und gut zu tragen.

Rapide et bien, et se porte bien.

W Top
Yarn: grey ribbon with 50% cotton, from Junghans
Color: two greys
Needle: 6.5 mm circ
Pattern:W by Kristi Porter from Knitty, Spring 2005
Cast-on to Finish: 25jun07-2jul07
Modifications: knit in one piece, did a sewn bind-off a la EZ at the bottom (after it bunched up on me with a standard bind-off), a row of single crochet around the neckline.
Knitting fun: quick and fun, interesting construction.