Just a quick WIP post today. I think I mentioned I'm a little tired of knitting mittens so I've decided to switch to slippers because Knitwits needs them big time. We usually have a couple hundred pairs of slippers done by this time of year but we are way down this year.
Now, I admit, I own lots of slipper patterns, and have knit many of them over the years. But this time I had a specific design in mind, and I didn't own a copy of it, nor can I remember the original name. As usual, I went to my go-to place for pattern research. I got on Ravelry and looked at slipper patterns. The design in mind has been around forever and I figured that would be the best place to find it. I was right.
I found several different versions of the pattern (none of them the original) so I needed to narrow them down. I printed out 3 of my favorites. I decided I want the slippers to be a bit bulky, so I went with the 2 versions that use 2 strands of worsted (or 1 strand of bulky). Between those two versions, I chose the bottom up one rather than the top down. (I've had the thought "there are too many choices" run through my mind since then. Heh heh.)
I finished the first slipper last night.
Of course, even with a pattern this simple, I found myself modifying it because I didn't like the way the decreases were done (the author apparently does not know about left and right slanting). I also went with fur on the cuff. Half a pair of slippers already, and I just started looking that morning. Not bad. These knit up nice and quick. Now, on to making it's mate. And a bunch of brothers and sisters.
Star Trek Into Darkness came out on DVD yesterday? I preordered it from Amazon. It arrived yesterday morning. Suuuuuweet! We watched it last night. I love Star Trek!
If you're interested in participating in WIP Wednesday, please join us.
Now, I admit, I own lots of slipper patterns, and have knit many of them over the years. But this time I had a specific design in mind, and I didn't own a copy of it, nor can I remember the original name. As usual, I went to my go-to place for pattern research. I got on Ravelry and looked at slipper patterns. The design in mind has been around forever and I figured that would be the best place to find it. I was right.
I found several different versions of the pattern (none of them the original) so I needed to narrow them down. I printed out 3 of my favorites. I decided I want the slippers to be a bit bulky, so I went with the 2 versions that use 2 strands of worsted (or 1 strand of bulky). Between those two versions, I chose the bottom up one rather than the top down. (I've had the thought "there are too many choices" run through my mind since then. Heh heh.)
I finished the first slipper last night.
Of course, even with a pattern this simple, I found myself modifying it because I didn't like the way the decreases were done (the author apparently does not know about left and right slanting). I also went with fur on the cuff. Half a pair of slippers already, and I just started looking that morning. Not bad. These knit up nice and quick. Now, on to making it's mate. And a bunch of brothers and sisters.
Star Trek Into Darkness came out on DVD yesterday? I preordered it from Amazon. It arrived yesterday morning. Suuuuuweet! We watched it last night. I love Star Trek!
If you're interested in participating in WIP Wednesday, please join us.
Live long and prosper. \\//
What a fab slipper, I love the cuff especially lol
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI was just reading your blog post concerning blocking acrylic after being directed there by Susan of the Rainey Sisters (her post of August 10, 2013). You also advocate steam blocking rather than wet blocking for wool.
After knitting most of a top-down cardigan in Reynolds Lopi-Light, I have determined that it is a bit too large in the bust and raglan-sleeve area. I was planning on trying to shrink it by a soak in hot water, spinning the water out, and then blocking to the size that I want. I was going to try to reduce the width by about 2 inches but the length is okay.
My question is whether you think that steaming it would shrink it and by the amount which I want to reduce it.
Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Millie
Hi Millie,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your sweater is not the size you wish it were after all that work.
No, steaming will not shrink it. Shrinking/fulling/felting wool requires both heat and agitation. Just heat won't do it.
I would never try to reduce the size of a wool knit garment the way you're planning. It is my opinion that you will ruin your garment. When wool is felted, it shrinks both in length as well as width, no matter what you do. The fabric also changes, becoming stiffer and thicker.
It would be better for you to either start over, or plan on doing some sewing to take in the width (cutting off the excess in the seams). Personally, I would start over.
Beadknitter