Seattle Yogini

Basket Yoke Pullover, a Gift for Myself!

I'm not much for "women's" magazines. As much as I like the concept of personal style, I don't much care about fashion. My magazine genre of preference is the knitting magazine. Not only do the patterns and articles give me artistic inspiration, they are often educational and motivating.

When I saw the premiere edition of knit.wear magazine, I earmarked a few different patterns for future reference. That's always my first step: I use those little self-sticking flags (like miniature post-it notes) to mark the patterns that catch my eye. Then I go through and read more about each to see if it's a pattern I actually want to follow. Then I consider the yarn suggestion, and peruse ravelry to see how it looks on various bodies, in various yarns, and with a multitude of modifications.

This is how I decided that I wanted to make the Basket Yoke Pullover, in the suggested yarn and with just two personalized modifications. The first thing I noticed about this sweater is the luscious, slightly fuzzy yarn. It's Berroco Ultra Alpaca, a 100% alpaca worsted-weight yarn. That means it'll knit up relatively quickly (thanks to being worsted weight), be super-cozy but also very light-weight (thanks to the alpaca).

The next thing that I noticed about the sweater was that it was the work of a designer whom I admire, Wendy Bernard. She designs curve-hugging, flattering (for my shape, anyway) sweaters and is generous in her advice about how to personalize a project. Just check out her book, Custom Knits, to learn more. This sweater is knit from the top down, which makes it theoretically easy to try on as you knit. I say "theoretically" because of course the sweater will look and fit very differently once the whole thing is done. That said, at least you are alerted to disasters - such as a too small neck hole, or that you can't get your arms through the arm holes - before the whole body of the sweater is knit.

What I knew I would want to change was the neck line. I like boat neck tops, and they flatter my strong shoulders. I have been burned, however, by the boat neck-turned-flash dance sweater, so I didn't want to take any chances with this one. I decided to modify the neck band so that it would be just a little narrower without sacrificing the overall look or intention of the design.

The alpaca yarn grew a lot in length after I soaked and blocked the finished sweater, but I was very happy with the body's resulting length. The waist shaping even hit me in the right spot! The sleeves, however, ended up about two inches too long and I realized that I didn't care for the bell shape. So, after the sweater was dry and I'd sewn in all of the body ends, I ripped out the last five inches of a sleeve, reknit without the bell shaping and making it shorter, and tried it on again. Success! I did the same change to sleeve 2 and ended up with a sweater that I love.

I ended up only needing 4 of the 5 hanks of yarn that I purchased. Thankfully, Fiber Gallery let me return the unused hank for a store credit. If you'd like to read the knitterly details of this project, as well as more information on my modifications, check out my ravelry page.

A note about choosing your sweater size based on bust measurements:

If, like me, you are overall petite with but with a full bust (in sewing terms, that's a C cup or larger), you may prefer to take a "high bust" measurement rather than a regular bust measurement when trying to decide which sweater size to make. The larger the bust measurement, the larger the whole sweater will be. If you are small with a full bust, you may end up with an oversized sweater. By using your high-bust measurement you are more likely to end up with a well-fitting sweater, though you may have to make some accommodations for the bustline (i.e. more increases, using darts, etc).

I know, for example, that if I make the 36" sweater (since I have a 36" bust measurement) I will end up with a too-big-for-me sweater. My high-bust measurement (that's just above the swell of your bustline, rather than at its largest part) is 34". The Basket Yoke Pullover pattern had a size option for a 34", which means that if my gauge matches the designer's perfectly, the finished sweater will have a bust measurement of 34". That would be 2" of negative ease, which sounds excessive but since I knew the sweater would be fairly stretchy and I wanted it to be curve-hugging, I decided to use my high-bust measurement so that the overall sweater fit would be to my liking. I knew that I could always add some room at the bust if necessary, and even do bust darts if absolutely necessary. With a stretchy fabric, though, I didn't find either of those fixes necessary. The sweater stretches across my bust in a way that I like without looking pulled-too-tight across my bustline.

My Honeybee Cardigan, and Haircut Reveal!

Behold, the awesomeness of my new haircut, and my new me-made cardigan!

Now that school's out for the summer, I've been able to direct more attention to my knitting.  Well, technically, the knitting never really stopped, but the *finishing* was non-existent.  I can knit and knit and knit, but if I never bother to sew the pieces together, choose buttons, or make a button band, those knitted pieces serve no purpose!

Look at that sweet little bee pattern in the lace!

I had three different sweaters (one for fall, two for summer) completed but not "finished".  While I've still been knitting during my usual knitting time, I have also made the time to sit down, spread out my work, and put the pieces together in ways that make them into sweaters.  As indicated above, this is an essential part of securing a wearable end product.  :-)

Sweater the first:  Honeybee Cropped Cardigan

I used Hazel Knits hand-painted fingering-weight yarn.  The colorway is "Hoppy Blonde".

This was easy to knit up, and I didn't even bother blocking it because it's knit as one piece, I was happy with my even stitches (yes, I'm patting myself on the back just a little bit) as the fit was already great.  I simply needed to do the I-cord edging around the neckline, which was a great! new! skill!, and make the dreaded button band.  I say dreaded, because I often pick up the dozens of stitches and start knitting, only to end up with an edge that is too wide, and therefore ruffly, or one that is too tight, and therefore pulls the length of the sweater.  Then if I get it right, I have a hard time matching it on the other side.  Ugh!  This time, however, I picked up just the right number of stitches and ended up with lovely button bands!

I made a few adjustments, mainly just for personal fit preference.

1. I made the sleeves shorter than the pattern suggested.  I am petite, so it follows that my arms don't require as much yardage to cover them.
2. I made the button bands a little longer than suggested (which looks like wider, but whatever, it's a technical discrepancy) to make sure that I would have enough room in the bust without distorting the lace pattern.
3. I used 8 buttons, because I figured that more buttons would help rule out the possibility of unbecoming gappage between the buttons (said gappage would be due to, you know, having breasts).  I chose vintage German glass buttons, purchased at Nancy's Sewing Basket.

All of these adjustments worked out great in the end, and I am very pleased with my new, vintage-look cropped cardigan.  If you're interested in further details, click on the link above to see my Ravelry page.

Studying and Making Don't Mix

This fall was not as craftily productive as I would have liked.  Given the time suck that is school, however, and considering the other things we were dealing with from September through December, I'm thankful to have found bits of time here and there to make things.

Regular readers, friends and family will know that I knit.  I knit a lot.  I often knit in public.  I can't knit at school, though, because I wouldn't be able to take notes.  So knitting is relegated to an opportunistic past-time for now.  Still, a few rows at a time can really add up:

I don't remember the specifics on these socks, except that I used the Yarn Harlot's Plain Vanilla Sock pattern.  The yarn can only be explained by the fact that sometimes we don't understand our choices, we just know what we want.  I saw the self-striping goodness of rainbow colors at the yarn store, knowing it would be perfect for a no-brainer knit, and that was that.  I must say that I am quite delighted with the gawdy goodness!  Oh, and they're kitty-approved, so they also have that in their favor.

Since the New Year I made Rob a pair of Dashing Mitts.  His thumb gets really stiff, achy, and turns a startling shade of purple when it gets cold.  Though he doesn't usually wear gloves or mittens, I made these for him so that at the very least he could wear them to walk the dog.  I altered the thumb to include a gusset, which took a few attempts to get just right for my yarn choice.  We're both quite satisfied with the results.  For you knitters, I'll post a full re-cap of my thumb gusset next week.  I used Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran.  The mitts are luscious:

Here's another photo, just because.  Though, while you're looking, check out that thumb gusset!  Woohoo!  Also, if you're curious, it was his left thumb that required surgery.  Doesn't it look great now?

I also made a cardigan, but there's no photo because I haven't sewn in the ends or put the button on it.  That is mainly because I'm a little afraid that it won't fit, but also because I don't actually have any idea what I'll wear it with.  I'm working on that.

Last, but not least, I made a pair of toast.  I think that they're going to be a gift, though, so I can't show the picture until they've been gifted.  Just click on the link.

Oh, and there's also this dress that I'm sort of working on, except that I'm still tweaking the bodice muslin.  I'm doing a "full bust adjustment", so I'll give it its own post later, when more progress has been made.

What are you making?

The Fabulous Feather

For today's installment of "Friday Frivolity", I give you close-ups and a brief discussion of the fabulous feather doodad I wore in my hair at the wedding last weekend. 

Slight tangent:  Since the newlyweds support it, I will be happy to share the details of officiating the wedding.  I might get to writing it over the weekend.  Molly, do you have any photos of the three of us that you could share?

Back on track:  Okay, so here's where you can see that there's something poky on my head.  Look at the upper right side of my head (on the left of the photo).  See that little bit of green something?  That's the feather.  I secured my hair with a barrette, and then put in the clip to cover it.  There was no way that little bit of clip was going to hold my gigantaur hair in place!

These fun feathery hair clips have cropped up around Seattle for the last year.  I remembered seeing one in a little boutique in Ballard many months ago, so I swung by last week to see if they still had any.  I finally found one, just as I was walking out in disappointment.  It was on display in the window.  The perfect bits of green to compliment my dress.  A peacock feather, which brings good fortune.  A little smaller than I wanted, but it was workable (and on sale!).  Handmade by somebody in Seattle.

 

Here's the back:

It's very nicely done, there are no blobs of clue or scratchy bits.  I like the teeny bit of lace to cover where the clip is secured to the feather backing.

After I first saw these, I bought a feather so that I could make a clip myself.  Then I remembered that I don't have a glue gun.  Oh, well, I know plenty of people who do, so I'll just see if I can borrow one.  Here's my feather:

As you can see, this one will be significantly bigger than the sweet green peacock one.  My only teeny-tiny concern is that I might resemble this guy:

"Hawk" from a favorite childhood TV series, "Buck Rogers"!

Whirlwind!

Hello!  It has been a very busy couple of weeks chez Yogini.  Last time I wrote, I told you about my decision to pursue midwifery.  Well, that clearly entails going back to school...which I did, on June 28.  I am enrolled in two classes - Nutrition and Introduction to Medical Vocabulary (an on-line course).  I am enjoying both classes immensely.  I must say, however, that I look forward to only having to be a student (once the studio sells or closes at the end of the month).  It is a lot to juggle right now.

Speaking of juggling, during the same two-week period I decided to make my own dress to wear to our friends' wedding, a wedding which I officiated!!!  So, there was a ceremony to create, write, get approved, at the same time that I went back to school, had two tests, and made a dress.  Whew!  I believe that constitutes a whirlwind!

So, here are the dress specifics, because I know at least one of my three readers will be interested.  :D

I turned this:

dark green cloth is a sheer cotton, chartreuse (a.k.a. "lettuce green") is a rayon lining

Into this:

The chartreuse lining lightened the overall shade of the shell, and created an almost iridescent-look to it.  I accessorized with a peacock feather hair clip, my bee necklace and simple gold earrings.

This dress held many firsts for me:  my first Colette Patterns piece (I really like that indie pattern company!), my first dress with a lining, and my first invisible zipper.  I started cutting it out on Friday, July 2, constructed it all weekend (when I wasn't studying or writing vows), put the zipper in on Thursday and hemmed it up Thursday evening.  It's a pattern I'd definitely use again, and I'm already thinking of making it with a wiggle skirt rather than the full, twirly skirt.

It was comfortable, a good color for me, very twirly (so fun on the dance floor!) and flattering.  I got a lot of "Where'd you get that dress?" inquiries, and was so pleased to say "I made it!"

I wore my new pair of Re-Mix Vintage Inspired Shoes, which the saleslady mentioned a lot of dancers wear, and I can see why.  Having danced a bit of Swing, these shoes are fabulous dancing shoes - comfy, slidey sole, secure straps:

I felt pretty, "feminine", and vintage, which is just what I was going for.  Success!

This Shawl & Surrendering "The Plan"

This is a photo of the new lace shawl that I am working on...intended as an August 15 gift for my teacher, Mirra.  That yarn is just a teeny bit heftier than thread.  My plan is to knit at least two pattern repeats per day.  That's 6 rows per pattern repeat, and each row is progressively longer.  Right now it takes me about 30 minutes to do an entire 6 rows, but it will take progressively longer to meet my goal as the shawl grows.

This newest "knitting under deadline" project comes at an interesting time.  For the last two weeks or so I have been focused - in my meditation, my prayer, and in daily living - on surrendering attachment to my plans, time lines, goals and generally having things my way.

I harbor resentment for plans I laid many years ago that are not working out the way that I wanted.  This resentment is getting in the way.

When I can let go of the plan - and the residual resentment for what appears unfulfilled - I have clarity for the beautiful plan of the Divine.  I can see that there is a path for me that is much more beautiful than what I tried to create on my own.  I don't always understand the path or the plan, but I have faith that as I learn to surrender my plans, I will feel the inner guidance toward greater plans and loftier goals.

My plans were created by my mind, not by my heart.

I want to live from my heart.  In order to better do that, I must continually practice stilling and silencing my mind, my ego, those inner voices that lay out plans, goals and time lines that are self-serving rather than Self/God/Creation-serving.

I don't know if I will be able to complete this shawl in the amount of time I believe that I have.  I do know, however, that I will finish it.  It will be gifted in its time.  Along the way I will continue to practice letting go of that plan.  Each opportunity to practice helps in the bigger struggle of releasing bigger attachments.

And if it's late?  Well, I know that Mirra will understand.

Caricia Shawl, Revealed

Say hello to the Caricia Shawl (pattern by Anne Hanson at knitspot.com).  This represents about one month of knitting and 2.5 skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn.  All the details are on my ravelry page (look for seattleyogini).

 

I made this shawl for my mother-in-law's sixtieth birthday.  I didn't blog about it because she occasionally visits the blog and I didn't want to ruin the surprise.  These are her favorite colors, which is why I used this particular yarn.  I know that it makes for a fairly busy lace piece, but she is thrilled with it so we are all happy.  :-)

This was the first time that I worked on a single project since I became a fluent knitter.  Usually I have at least two things going at a time, but I didn't want any distractions from this (and didn't need a travel project - for once!) as I was knitting under self-imposed deadline.  I learned a lot from knitting monogamously:

1. It isn't as boring as I thought it would be (that's surprising)
2. It does not offer short-term gratification (that's...frustrating)
3. It didn't take as long as I feared (that's good)
4. It took long enough that I had a good sense of accomplishment...once it was (finally) done (that's great!)

I am already off the knitting monogamy wagon, however, as I am currently working on a new gift shawl as well as sleeves for last year's summer sweater.  This time, I feel it is absolutely necessary because I'm using Habu Bamboo laceweight and, frankly, I can only do it for about thirty minutes or so at a time before my hands ache a bit.  So I alternate as needed.  It's working well so far.

This Week's Knitting Roundup

Hemlock Ring Doily, knitted as a gift for my teachers.  I had trouble deciding on a yarn (it had to be something other than wool) and found this cotton 4-ply in my stash.  It was just barely short of the amount needed to complete the pattern as written, so I bound-off after row 46.  I'm very pleased with it...particularly the fact that it only took two days to knit!

Rob's Blue Dragonhawk Socks  These took me a little while to complete (3 months, to be precise) not because they are difficult, but because they are big...and plain (a.k.a. boring).  They were my travel project for quite awhile, which also slows down the production rate.  He loves them, and I'm happy to make things to warm his feet.

Details for both projects can be reviewed on my ravelry.com page.  Look for Seattle Yogini!

My February Lady Sweater - and then some!

I started this fun, simple cardigan in March, hoping it would be an "April Lady Sweater"...that didn't quite work out.  Not to worry, however!  I live in Seattle, after all, where it's been in the fifties and rainy all week - fantastic weather for a lacy wool cardigan!

I'm hoping to get some "action shots" this weekend while we're with family in Milwaukee.  I couldn't fit them in on Wednesday (after sewing on the buttons) before packing it.

I'm almost done with Rob's second sock:

He's very pleased with them and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that #2 fits as well as #1...

This week I started a miniature Hemlock Ring Blanket.  It's a secret gift so I can't share the details here, but I do have a fun photo:

I love this funny jellyfish stage!

I decided to bring it with me for our long weekend away.  It needs to be blocked and ready for the gifting on Memorial Day weekend, so I want to get the knitting completed as soon as possible.  I also brought a new pair of summertime socks for me and - after much waffling - a new shawl project.  I don't know that I'll get to do much knitting aside from on the plane ride to Chicago...but at least I'll get the blanket/doily done and something else underway.

Have a great weekend!

P.s.  I promised a post on inflammation this week, but preparing for the trip got the better of me.  I'll get to it first thing upon my return.

One for the Knitters

As long-time readers may have noticed, I have shifted my focus from "bits of this and that (plus knitting)" to more yoga, more of the time.  Having written for a little over two years now, I decided that perhaps I should organize the blog a little better and try to zero-in on my list of topics.  I'd certainly welcome your feedback - whether you've been following for awhile or are a new visitor to Seattle Yogini.

 
"Just Enough Ruffles", Blue Moon Fiber Arts scrumptiousness.  A total copycat of the one that the Yarn Harlot made, because I knew it would be the perfect February birthday gift for my best friend, C.

I always wanted the blog to be a forum for de-mystifying my role of "yoga teacher" while inspiring readers to choose joy and mindfulness in their daily lives.  I found that it could also be a way to share my knitting and connect with other knitters.  For a while, most of my content was knitting and/or crafty, and I wasn't sure where the yoga writing could or should fit in (aside from the "This is my life, this is my yoga" kind of writing that I've always shared).  Then Ravelry came along and I realized that I could use that as a much more succinct tool for sharing and tracking my knitting and redirect the blog back toward a yoga focus.  It took me a little while, however, to gather myself (and the time) to tend to the blog's need for a pick-me-up.  I feel that I have it well in hand now, though.

"Uptown Boot Socks" from Favorite Socks.  Made for me in a Blue Moon Fiber Arts "Socks That Rock" medium-weight yarn - colorway (totally the reason I bought the yarn) is "Little Bunny Foo Foo".

Rest assured, there is still knitting going on around here!  Not in the quantities I would like, but it is underway.  I keep track of my projects on Ravelry (I'm Seattleyogini there, as well), but am excited to say that I will continue to post knitting (and other domestic goddess endeavors) on the weekends.  Hopefully this will also keep me motivated to make some headway during the week so that I have some semblance of progress to share on the weekend.

Gluten-free Chocolate & Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, from the Gluten Free Girl's website.  They were tasty, but her's looked better - much more gooey.  Yum!

I've peppered this post with photos of my most recent projects.  The details are on ravelry (or, will be...once I get the photos uploaded via my flikr account) for those that are interested.  That last picture..well, it was just for fun.

Have a great weekend everyone!