Baby coat dress

I've made great progress on my baby coat dress. The alpaca is a beautiful pruney color. It's sheddy as alpaca is wont to be, but I think the softness and color make up for that. I need to sew on the arms and buttons and then wash and block the thing.

P.S. I decided to move all my blogs over to free blogspot hosting. So I have layers of broken links everywhere. bear with me please.

HOOT!

Isn't my owl sweater so cute? I'm making a second one now in green. You too can make your own owl sweater!

Naeng Myun

Yummy cold Korean soup noodles. Side dishes of kimchi, pickled ginger, and fried mushrooms. My first from-scratch attempt at this dish

Knit frenzy!

I finished the Ripple Scarf a while ago. It is lovely and soft and just a tiny bit sheddy because of the alpaca. I am tempted to make another lacy scarf or smoke ring soon with qiviut (muskox down). But I am not sure I need to fork over $90 for a skein at this moment.


Today I finished the baby sweater. The model of this sweater is not the designated recipient of this sweater, but I think he has soulful eyes. This was a pattern from Elizabeth Zimmerman's A Knitter's Almanac. It is an easy lacy pattern with only two sleeve seams to deal with. I tried to make a nice neat edge by slipping the beginning of each row, but it got wonky with the stripes. But the chain stitch edging covers up any weirdness. The buttons were thrift store finds, so only two of them match.


Here's what the sweater looks like flat. (The bear has poor posture, and it is hard to see all the details.)

Cooking (A Soliloquy)

I feel exhilarated from today's cooking efforts. I had a strong urge to cook, so I made:

• Madhur Jaffrey's Chinese-style egg flower soup. This recipe is an old favorite of mine.
  
• Also her "Delicious Stock" recipe with dried black mushrooms, carrot, lettuce, and bean sprouts. I anticipate making nyaeng myun with it.
• Mulled red wine. Last time I used merlot, pomegranate juice, dried cherries, sliced satsuma, sugar, and mulling spices. This time I used cabernet sauvignon, orange juice, sliced satsuma, sugar, and a more orangey mix of mulling spices. This version is less tart.
• Kimchi mandu filling. I used firm tofu, mild kimchi, some oyster mushroom, enoki mushroom, green onion, garlic, salt, pepper, sesame oil, and raw egg. I plan to stuff my dumplings tomorrow. I didn't have the energy to do it today.

I looked at a Vietnamese cookbook today. "Banh chung" is a special dish for Tet (Lunar New Year), just around the corner. It is basically a rice and meat "cake": a layer of rice, a layer of mung beans, a layer of pork, a layer of mung beans, and a layer of rice. The whole thing is parceled up in a rectangle--traditionally in banana leaves--but in this modern cookbook, foil and cling wrap. The packet is then simmered in a pot of water for 4 hours. The last step seems really intriguing to me: what is happening in that packet as it is being simmered? The ingredients are already cooked before they are assembled... do they get even more delicious?

Ripple Scarf

I started working on a scarf during the holidays with some stashed Classic Elite Inca Alpaca. As part of the new money-saving economy, I am going to dig through my extensive stash for my projects. I gave away a big paper bag of yarn for some homeless knitting ventures and still have a ton left.

This particular pattern is from Jean Moss' Couture Knits. I forget the name of the pattern (some lady's name), but I am calling it "Ripple Scarf" because of the dropped yarn over stitches.

Free knitting patterns

I wrote these patterns to help me remember my designs. You are welcome to them for your personal use. All patterns are copyright Carolyn Wei, all rights reserved, for non-commercial use. Thanks and enjoy!

Digital Camera Pouch

Fingerless mittens

Laptop Case

Twist Hat

Wrist Warmers - Flashdance version

Wrist Warmers - short version

Wrist Warmers pattern - short version

On the left: wrist warmers as described in pattern below.
On the right: all ribbed version of the wrist warmers.

Nashua Handknits Painted Forest version of this pattern.

After making the "Flashdance" version of the wrist warmers, I decided they were too loose for wearing while doing active stuff. I designed these shorter, tighter wrist warmers to accommodate more active behaviors such as knitting or wrapping presents. This pattern is for Lamb's Pride Bulky, but it can be modified for other yarns such as the Nashua Handknits Painted Forest. I also changed the pattern to make an all ribbed version. Completed December 2005.

Yarn Brand: Lamb's Pride Bulky in M-181 Prairie Fire (85% wool, 15% mohair)

Quantity: 1 skein. 2 skeins will yield 3 pairs of wrist warmers.

Needles: Size 8 double-pointed needles

Gauge: 14 st = 4" stocking stitch

Finished Dimensions: 3.5" across wrist, 8" long.

Pattern

Copyright © 2005 by Carolyn Wei. All rights reserved. For non-commercial use only.

Cast on 28 stitches. Divide evenly over three dpns.

Knit ribbed cuff:
Rounds 1-15: *k3, p1, repeat from *. The piece is now about 3" long.
Round 16: Knit.
Start decreasing for the wrist.
Round 17: k1, k2tog, k until last three stitches, ssk, k1. 26 stitches remain.
Rounds 18: Knit.
Repeat Rounds 17-18. 24 stitches remain.
Round 21-23: Knit.

Start increasing for width of the hand:
Round 24: k1, m1, k until last stitch, m1, k1. 26 stitches.
Rounds 25: Knit.
Repeat Rounds 24-25 one more time. 28 stitches. The piece is now about 5" long.

Now divide for thumb hole. Turn work, and knitting flat (i.e., do not knit in rounds for the next few rows).
First row: Purl.
Second row: Knit.
Repeat these two rows twice more or until the thumb hole is about 2" long. Now rejoin into rounds.

Knit 6 rounds, or until there is about 1" above the thumb hole. Cast off.
Make two wrist warmers.

Wrist Warmers pattern - Flashdance version

A nice, thick wrist warmer. This is good for working at the computer or for reading. This wrist warmer is rather loose but comfy so it's good for not so active behavior. I call it "Flashdance" because it fits a little like a legwarmer. Completed December 2005.

Yarn Brand: Nashua Handknits Painted Forest in 208 Embers

Quantity: 2 skeins. Each skein is 50 grams, 55 yds.

Needles: Size 8 double-pointed needles

Gauge: 13.5 st = 4" stocking stitch

Finished Dimensions: 4" across wrist, 10" long.

Pattern

Copyright © 2005 by Carolyn Wei. All rights reserved. For non-commercial use only.

Cast on 28 stitches. Divide evenly over three dpns.

Knit ribbed cuff:
Rounds 1-16: *k3, p1, repeat from *. The piece is now about 3" long.
Round 17: Knit.
Start decreasing for the wrist.
Round 18: k1, k2tog, k until last three stitches, ssk, k1. 26 stitches remain.
Rounds 19-21: Knit.
Repeat Rounds 18-21. 24 stitches remain.

Start increasing for width of the hand:
Round 26: k1, m1, k until last stitch, m1, k1. 26 stitches.
Rounds 27-29: Knit.
Repeat Rounds 26-29 one more time, and then repeat Round 26 one more time. 30 stitches.
Round 38: Knit. The piece is now about 7" long.

Now divide for thumb hole. Turn work, and knitting flat (i.e., do not knit in rounds for the next few rows).
First row: Purl.
Second row: Knit.
Repeat these two rows once more. The thumb hole is about 1.25" long. Now rejoin into rounds.

Knit two rounds.
Next round: k1, k2tog, k until last three stitches, ssk, k1. 28 stitches remain
Next round: Knit.
Repeat these two rounds once more. 26 stitches. Cast off.

Make two wrist warmers.

Twist hat pattern

This hat I made up. It was an experiment, the result of trying to do a hat in Bavarian Twisted Stitch. The diamond pattern and the divider knits/purls are made of twisted knit stitches. The spiral rib is a flat knit. I would knit this next time in a worsted weight yarn to get in some more diamond repeats. This is a very loose fitting hat. Completed May 2005.

Yarn Brand: Rowan Cork 035 Plush (95% merino, 5% nylon)

Quantity: 2 skeins. Each skein is 50 grams, approx. 120 yds.

Needles: Size 10.5 circular needles.

Gauge: 15 st = 4" stocking stitch

Finished Dimensions: 20" around the brim, and 8.5" tall with brim folded up.

Pattern

Copyright © 2005 by Carolyn Wei. All rights reserved. For non-commercial use only.

The diamond and spiral rib patterns were modified from Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments. I have modified them to be knit in the round and also corrected some typos in the diamond pattern.

1 X 1 Woven Diamond Pattern converted for the round knit over 14 stitches

Rounds 1, 3, 5: [p1, k1b] 2 times, p2, k2tog then before taking the stitch off the left needle, knit the first st again through back loop, p2, [k1b, p1] 2 times
Rounds 2, 4, 6, 18: K1b the knits, p1 the purls
Round 7: p1, k1b, p1, [1/1LCP, 1/1RCP] 2 times, p1, k1b, p1
Round 8: p1, k1b, p2, [1/1LC, p2] 2 times, k1b, p1
Rounds 9 and 13: p1, [1/1LCP, 1/1RCP] 3 times, p1
Rounds 10 and 14: [p2, 1/1RC] 3 times, p2
Rounds 11 and 15: p1, [1/1RCP, 1/1LCP] 3 times, p1
Rounds 12 and 16: p1, k1b, [p2, 1/1LC] 2 times, p2, k1b, p1
Round 17: p1, k1b, p1, [1/1RCP, 1/1LCP] 2 times, p1, k1b, p1
where LC = left cross (left leaning twisted knit over right leaning twisted knit), LCP = left cross over purl (left leaning twisted knit over right leaning purl), RC = right cross (right leaning twisted knit over left leaning twisted knit), RCP = right cross over purl (right leaning twisted knit over left leaning purl)

Spiral Rib panel converted for the round knit over 14 stitches.

Round 1: [k1b, p1] 2 times, [k2tog then before taking the stitch off the left needle knit the first st again] 3 times, [p1, k1b] 2 times
Rounds 2, 4: [k1b, p1] 2 times, k6, [p1, k1b] 2 times
Round 3: [k1b, p1] 2 times, k1, [k2tog then before taking the stitch off the left needle knit the first st again] 2 times, k1, [p1, k1b] 2 times

CO 84 st and join together into a round. Use a ring to mark the start of the round. Now *p2, k1b, repeat from *. Repeat this round about 10 times or until work is about 2" long. Knit 1 round -- this creates the crease for the brim fold.

Now work the diamond and spiral rib patterns. Alternate diamond and spiral rib so you knit three of each. Use rings to mark off each pattern. Knit equivalent to two diamond repeats or about 6".

Now start decreasing 1 stitch at the end of each diamond/spiral rib pattern panel while continuing the pattern stitches. (I chose not to do the diamonds anymore at this point and just repeated the diamond's rounds 1 & 2.) Decrease these 6 stitches every other round. When 42 stitches remain on the needle, decrease these 6 stitches every round until 6 stitches remain. Cut yarn short and then run the end of the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches. Tuck in loose threads. Block hat.

You can alter this pattern by knitting with smaller needles for a tighter fit. You can also experiment with different lengths before you start the decreases.

Hat schematic: A = brim, B = main body pattern, C = decreasing patterns

Laptop case pattern

A laptop case of my own design. It looks a bit like a pillow. Completed February 2003. Update: As of January 13, 2009, I am still using this laptop case and get compliments on it. I had to mend a hole in the corner which may have been a moth bite or wear.

Yarn Brand: Lion Brand Yarn Fisherman's Wool
Quantity: 1 skein
Needles: Size 6 circular needles
Gauge: 5 st = 1" over stocking stitch. 14 st = 2" over woven diamond
Finished Dimensions: about 25" circumference and 10.75" high.

Pattern

Copyright © 2005 by Carolyn Wei. All rights reserved. For non-commercial use only.

The diamond pattern was modified from Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments. I have modified it to be knit in the round and also corrected some typos.

1 X 1 Woven Diamond Pattern converted for the round knit over 14 stitches

Rounds 1, 3, 5: [p1, k1b] 2 times, p2, k2tog then before taking the stitch off the left needle, knit the first st again through back loop, p2, [k1b, p1] 2 times
Rounds 2, 4, 6, 18: K1b the knits, p1 the purls
Round 7: p1, k1b, p1, [1/1LCP, 1/1RCP] 2 times, p1, k1b, p1
Round 8: p1, k1b, p2, [1/1LC, p2] 2 times, k1b, p1
Rounds 9 and 13: p1, [1/1LCP, 1/1RCP] 3 times, p1
Rounds 10 and 14: [p2, 1/1RC] 3 times, p2
Rounds 11 and 15: p1, [1/1RCP, 1/1LCP] 3 times, p1
Rounds 12 and 16: p1, k1b, [p2, 1/1LC] 2 times, p2, k1b, p1
Round 17: p1, k1b, p1, [1/1RCP, 1/1LCP] 2 times, p1, k1b, p1
where LC = left cross (left leaning twisted knit over right leaning twisted knit), LCP = left cross over purl (left leaning twisted knit over right leaning purl), RC = right cross (right leaning twisted knit over left leaning twisted knit), RCP = right cross over purl (right leaning twisted knit over left leaning purl)

CO 135 stitches and join together into a round. Use a ring to mark the start of the round. Now knit one round. Knit remaining rounds like so: k5, p1, [k5, round 1 of diamond pattern] 3 times, [k5, p1] 12 times. Repeat this round until the laptop case reaches the desired length minus 0.5". Now knit the border: *k2, p1, repeat from * until the case reaches the desired length. Close off the bottom seam with a crochet chain. Tuck in loose ends.

You can alter this pattern depending on the size of your laptop. Measure the circumference of your laptop and calculate against your gauge. You may need to add or decrease a rib or two. You may also need to adjust the width of your ribs (perhaps reducing to 4 X 1 or 3 X 1) to get a snug fit.

Fingerless Mittens pattern

They are handy to wear in moderately cold weather because they allow you to dig around in your purse for keys or bus pass without having to remove your gloves. You can even dial on the mobile phone while wearing them! The Tencel Wool is very soft and warm. Completed February 2003.

Yarn Brand: Cleckheaton's Tencel Wool in light blue

Quantity: 2 skeins (2 skeins are just enough for fingerless mittens. A third skein would be needed if whole mittens or gloves were wanted.)

Needles: Size 8 double-pointed needles

Gauge: 4.5 st = 1" over stocking stitch

Finished Dimensions: about 7.75" long.

Pattern

Copyright © 2005 by Carolyn Wei. All rights reserved. For non-commercial use only.

My own design. Hold two strands of wool together throughout. Fits small ladies hands, particularly small wrists. To accommodate larger wrists, cast on 32 stitches and omit the increases. For larger wrists and larger hands, cast on 32 stitches and include the increases.

For the right hand
Cast on 28 stitches. Divide stitches evenly onto double-pointed needles. Join the stitches into a round.

Start knitting the wrist:
Rounds 1-10: *k2, p2, repeat from *. After Round 10, should be about 1.75" from beginning.
Rounds 11-21: Knit. After Round 21, should be about 3.25" from beginning.
Now increase number of stitches to accommodate the width of the hand.
Round 22: k1, m1, k12, m1, k2, m1, k12, m1, k1. There are now 32 st.
Rounds 23-30: Knit. After Round 30, should be about 5" from beginning.

Prepare the thumb hole:
Round 31: k1. Slip 6 st onto stitch holder. CO 6 st, join, and knit rest of round.
Knit the rest of the hand:
Rounds 32-40: Knit. After Round 39, should be about 6.5" from beginning.
Rounds 41-45: *k2, p2, repeat from *. Cast off in rib, should be about 7.75" from beginning.

For the thumb
Pick up 9 st around thumb opening. Divide those sts plus the 6 sts that are on the stitch holder onto the needles. Knit 8 rounds and cast off. (Tip: when picking up the stitches from the top of the thumb hole, pick up between the sts that were knit in the body of the mitten. That way the thumb looks seamless.)
Tuck in ends.

For the left hand
Everything the same as the right except for Round 31:
Round 31: k9. Slip 6 st onto stitch holder. CO 6 st, join, and knit rest of round.

Digital Camera Pouch pattern

Front

Back with belt loop

Turned inside out to show battery pack pocket and to highlight closure
strap

This is a digital camera pouch with belt loop and internal pocket for extra battery pack. It is my own design. The 2 X 1 rib makes the pouch a snug fit. The monogram is just for fun. Completed September 2005.

Yarn Brand: Main body made from worsted wool (which I got from a big jumble bag, so no brand). Light blue trim is Dale of Norway Svale,a cotton/viscose/silk blend.

Quantity: Scraps

Needles: Size 8 double-pointed needles

Optional items: G crochet hook, button

Gauge: 4 st = 1" stocking stitch

Finished Dimensions: 3" X 4" overall. Closure strap: 1" X 1.75" including button loop. Belt loop: 1.5" X 2.5". Extra battery pack pocket: 2" X 2"

Pattern

Copyright © 2005 by Carolyn Wei. All rights reserved. For non-commercial use only.

The main pouch is knit in the round as a tube and then sewn at the bottom. The belt loop, battery pack, and closure strap are optional: they are knit separately and attached.

2 X 1 rib pattern: *k2, p1, repeat from *.

Main pouch
CO 30 stitches. Distribute evenly over 3 dpn, and join together in a round. If you have a different gauge or wish to make the pouch bigger or smaller, you can adjust the number of stitches you cast on by multiples of 3. Knit in 2 X 1 rib pattern. Knit in rounds until the pouch is 4" tall. For cast off round, attach contrast color yarn, and cast off. Sew the bottom of the tube shut for the main pouch.

Options

Closure strap
CO 5 st.

Row 1: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1.

Row 2: p1, k1, p1, k1, p1.

Repeat these two rows until strap is 1.5" long. Cast off, but don't cut off the tail. Pull the tail out as a "slip stitch," and with the crochet hook, chain 3 stitches. Cast off and attach the end of the chain to the other end of the strap to make a button closure loop. Attach strap to the top center of the back of the pouch. Sew a button to the front of the pouch.

Belt loop
CO 11 st.

Row 1: k2, *p1, k2, *repeat from *.

Row 2: p2, *k1, p2, *repeat from *.

Repeat these two rows until belt loop is 2.75" long. Cast off, and attach to back of camera pouch.

Extra battery pack pocket
CO 9 sts.

Knit in stocking stitch until 2" long. Cast off, and attach to back of the pouch on the inside. Attach on three sides to make a pocket.

Monogram
Use daisy chain stitch to embroider an initial on the front with contrast color yarn.