I guess I've been busy?

Huh, I guess it's been a while since I've attempted to blog, but for the life of me I can't think of what I've made lately, although it feels like I've been finishing a butt load of projects, or maybe it's just because I've re written my "To Knit List"....

Lets see....  I did attempt (and fail) and (then) succeed in making a cabled slouchy (or hipster) hat.  I actually made 2 (because I had so much bloody fun with the first one).

Number 1 (we shall refer to as Mr. Green):   Apparently, I cabled completely wrong and I was just getting some weird twist instead of an "actual" cable.  I was pretty damn pleased with myself at the time, and was proudly showing off my new skill at knitting club when the knitting snob of  knitting club pointed out that I was doing it "all wrong".    

Now, let's be clear, I do use the term "snob" in the most loving way possible, she's just always after me to do things the proper way.  You know, to check my gauge, read through the whole pattern before I start it, use the proper size yarn/ needles, and "follow directions", but as you know that's just not my style.  I digress....

That night after knitting club I went home and basically (cried and then) frogged the majority of it and then started again.  Thus, Mr. Green took me about 2 weeks of actual work, (that would mean working on it in the evenings and in my "spare time", not just at knitting club)  Also, it turned out way to big for me, but that could have more to do with the fact that my head is toddler sized than the fact that I did the cables wrong.   All in all, I'd say Mr. Green turned out better than expected seeing as I was basically shitting myself at the thought of learning cables.....

Cabling attempt number 2 (Mr. Brown) actually did work out a little better.   As far as I can tell the cables are done correctly and the hat is a bit smaller due to that fact.... it's still too big for me and my freakishly tiny head of course, but still I think the improvement is noticeable.  Also, it only took me 4 days to finish.   I could (potentially) blame the sizing thing and the fact that the cables aren't right on the fact that it's a Stitch 'N Bitch pattern, meaning it was probably garbage to begin with and it was not likely tested before it was published.... DAMN DEBBIE STOLLER!  But in this case I'm fairly happy with the results so I'm willing to take the blame here.

In addition to completing my super rad hipster hats, I whipped up a light 'urple sweater for Muriel.  Being the good mom I am, (ha ha ha!!)  I was concerned that she didn't have any sweaters for winter so I made one.....which is actually too big for her, and she cries every time I come near her with it, so the chances of her wearing it are quite slim.  But whatever,  I fucking tried!  Maybe she'll learn to love it?   

I used the same pattern that I used to make the lamb sweater seen in an earlier post.  But I didn't include the lambs cause I didn't want her to have the same clothes as her cousin.  (But looking back, that sweater was probably cuter.  Dammit.)  Again I ran out of yarn, (SURPRISE!) but only a little bit and I was going to use white the collar anyways so I just substituted white for a few rows instead of freaking out and trying to find the same yarn again.  It almost looks like I did it on purpose, at least that's what I'm telling myself.  Besides, it'll probably never leave the house.

Also, new this week, my fascination with making Muriel carry around her own shit when we go out!  (Oh no, not like her own poop, I mean like snacks and extra panties..... gross, what kind of person do you think I am!?)   I made a Muriel sized backpack!  It's completed measurements are 5" X 7"  (translation:   Really small)  and it's super cute!   ALSO, SHE LIKES IT!  (Winning!)    Unfortunately it doesn't actually fit a change of clothes and a snack, as I had anticipated., but I suppose I'm still willing to carry some stuff....

Front of backpack, yes the detail stitching is supposed to look like that.... Thank you.

I made the backpack using linen stitch which is a real pain in the ass, cause it takes so damn long, but it doesn't stretch out like regular stockinette stitch does and there are no holes in it for little things to escape..... Unfortunately once I was finished the pack part and was re-reading the pattern to make the straps I realised that the pack was actually supposed to be knit in stockinette (therefore it was supposed to be stretchy) and only the straps were supposed to be in linen stitch.  (DAMMIT!)  I believe we have already discussed reading the entire pattern before hand..... I can be such a moron.

So it took longer than it SHOULD HAVE and I bet if it did stretch, like it SHOULD HAVE, I could put all the stuff in it I wanted.  So again DAMMIT.  At least it's cute.   

Well it would appear that I actually have been busy, I'm just a moron that can't seem remember things from one minute to the next.  Oh well!