Bernie's Knit Blog

I dishcloth

2008-08-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

Gosh!! how boring is this...and I still liked knitting it :)

This is called the idiot's dishcloth and i just made it to warm up my knitting fingers for something more adventurous. Going to start a 4x4 neck warmer and the Noro CTH2 sursa shawl. Missing some needles, tho. I have a connection to the Arnold knit shop, Ewephoric Yarns, that recently closed. Might be able to pick up some yarn/needles.

Long, long time

2008-08-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

I've moved to a new location in the Big Trees area, Avery, CA near Arnold. Been working on our house for forever and it's dusty and I would not dare dirty up any of my nice yarns. I'm going to start knitting again.... any day now....

103 rows

2005-08-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

I finally took some more time to start working on this shawl from Joslyn's Fiber Farm shawl club. This is 103 rows if you can believe that! Still only big enuf to fit around part of an arm I'm on chart 3 with 5 more charts (I think) to go !! Weeeeee....

It will be a beauty when it is done.

103 rows

Clapotis Done !!

2005-07-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

My Clapotis is finished! I love this pattern. I love this garment. It is so versatile. I made mine out of a beaded rayon which knit up just beautifully and drapes perfectly. I'd like to make another out of a wool, silk blend next for warmth. This particular clapotis will be perfect for spring and autumn. Clapotis makes me happy !

Clapotis as scarf

Clapotis as wrap

Clapotis wrap

Ess Oh See Kay Ess

2005-07-20T15:47:00.001-07:00

I *never* thought I would be interested in knitting socks! NEVER... but I went to K2 Knit Yarn Salon in Tracy, CA and visited with the LYSO Kathy Kindred and she was very excited about the fact that she found the way to knit socks on two circulars. She read the pattern in the book, A Good Yarn. I read the book, too but did not feel all of that. But, her enthusiasm was infectious and she was holding a "sock hop" at her store that Friday evening. I happened to be available and attended. I had a great time and started these socks.

my first sock

first sock almost done ...

Chunky Tank

2005-07-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is a tank from Vogue Knitting Chunky Knits. I used Lana Grossa Multicot Print. Nice color. Easy yarn to knit with. Love when that happens.

t. durham tank

t. durham tank

Clapotis !!

2005-07-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

I am working on Clapotis by Kate Gilbert. This is an enjoyable project, yet long. I am hoping that I don't run out of yarn before I finish. There are some mistakes in this clapotis, but hopefully they won't show too much. Using Blue Heron beaded rayon. Soft yarn, easy to work with. Seems to like being made into Clapotis. The colors are very similar to the clapotis at the Knitty web site - this was not done intentionally.

mon clapotis in progress

clapotis - ran out of yarn

The latest picture. I DID run out of yarn during second repeat of section 4. A dear ebay seller that I've bought yarn from before has some spare that she is sending to me. Very nice. And I cannot wait to finish this fun project.

Viva Poncho

2005-06-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

This is a poncho that I HAD to make whilst I was STILL making the humongous shawl that I will probably never finish. I got this pattern from the book Viva Poncho that was written by the person that owns Articlepract in Oakland. Great unique poncho patterns!

poncho viva

68 Rows

2005-06-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Ha Ha Ha Ha. Haaaaaaaa. I will never finish this gosh darn shawl at this rate. I think 68 rows is alot of rows, but do you think this shawl is anywhere CLOSE to being done. It could be a shawl for the back of my hand right now.

This is 68 freaking rows.

Twenty-two rows to hell

2005-06-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

The worst day knitting is better than the best day working.

Even when I am making a shawl from Joslyn's Fiber Farm Shawl Club. This is the March 2005 selection and I am just starting it. I restarted this about 10 times! I got smart and put in a safety line so that I don't have to rip all the way back when I make a mistake. At this rate I will finish by my 50th birthday. Stay tuned...

22 rows

Cleo

2005-05-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Another FO. This is Cleo from Knitty. I used Schaefer Laurel (I think this is my fav yarn right now). The color is great. Too bad the model is not. I still need to put in the elastic so it will fit better at the high waist. I really like this pattern. I think I will defo make it again but with a little more coverage over my sagging you-know-whats :)

This is Cleo

Fabulous Shrug

2005-05-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

This is a really simple shrug that both Lani and I made out of Waikiki. Another project that I did while I was trying to figure out what to do next. I don't have any big projects planned right now, but I have some gorgeous yarn coming in the mail - {must get to mailbox before husband}. This shrug feels so light and airy. The pics do not do it justice. It is hella cute.

Fabulous Shrug 2

Here is a close up of the waikiki knitted in garter stitch on 10.5's. It's hard to see here, but I love the little nubbies in it and the colors are all the rage, don't ya know.

waikiki up close

Fabulous Shrug

Ouch !

2005-05-19T19:10:00.001-07:00

I regret to inform myself that I need to stop knitting so much - NEVER !!! I am getting severe shoulder and neck pain and I think it's from knitting. Ohhhh, the horror of it all. Doc appointment tomorrow to get this all straightened out - uh huh.

This is a pic of a crazy poncho that I crocheted up while trying to decide what to make next. No, no, no I can't rest. I have to knit even when I don't know what to make next.

The crazy ribbon is some crap that I cannot even pronounce - Gerifil Filati Fantasia. It is wild! But should be cute with jeans and a tank. What isn't cute with jeans and a tank??

Crazy Poncho

Love, Peace, Flowers

2005-05-14T06:50:00.001-07:00

I have not posted in over a week as I was in a class all last week and did not have full access to the internet and all. I was in a Linux Troubleshooting class. Does anyone know what that is ??? Does anyone give a flying freak of the week ?? Anyways, I finished this sweater from Knit 1 mag. It was made of Schaefer Laurel yarn that I got from Adela's in Castro Valley. I LOVE that yarn. It has great consistency and comes in beatiful colors.

Susan in Knit One sweater

And my beautiful SIL to be is wearing it and and *HAD* to have it so it was given to her. She looked great in it and I was happy that someone liked one of my creations. It's the same feeling as when a good cook gets compliments on a meal. Uh huh, same thang! I REALLY want to make another few of these, but I have soooo many other things that I also want to make. What's a knitter to do ....???

I crocheted this little flower to put on the lapel of the sweater or in the hair or wherever... It'nt it cute ?? LOVE LOVE those colors

Crocheted flower

The pattern is from the Berocco book...

The Affliction

2005-05-03T19:39:00.001-07:00

This is a pic of a crocheted shrug that I made last week. I really like it. I know I need a new model, but it does the job for me in that it hides the MANY flaws that afflict my body. No, I am not really fat, but the wicked witch of the south keeps tugging on me to join her ranks. I have to beat her down !

front of shrug

In this pic I actually pulled my pants down below my ass so that I would not have lumps and bumps. HA HA Oh me ...

back of shrug

Tonight I am also working on a tie front shrug (#3) from Knit 1 magazine. Looks really easy. I have some pretty Schaefer cotton yarn. I LOVE that yarn!! I am neglecting finishing the last panel of the HPL shrug. I am also neglecting a tank top (knit) and a belt (crochet). They will magically appear one day is what I'm thinking ...

How Pretty, Love

2005-05-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got a chance to work on the hairpin lace shrug from the Berocco catalog. It is really beautiful (in the catalog) - don't know what mine will turn out to be... Each panel has 186 loops per side and three loops hooked to each panel. It is wonderful watching this THING come together. I love the HPL look.

Here are the first five panels crocheted together. I think it might turn out to be quiet beautimous after all. I have only one more panel to go before I can finish it up and be done. What the hell am I waiting for ??

Five panels on my first hairpin lace shrug

Here is the finished product. I have actually worn it and washed it and THEN took this picture. It washed well. I don't normally like to wash my projects - I know dumb, but I get scared! But I partied like it was 1999 in this shrug last Friday and it it got a little dirty - from what, I don't freaking know. But it shrunk a little and I actually like the fit better now. I love this pattern. It is beautiful !!!

Arm of hairpinlace shrug

close-up of arm of hairpin lace shrug

The monstrosity is alive!

2005-04-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

I finished what I thought was going to be a monstrosity. It was way too big on the bottom so I cinched it in the back. I knit a swatch, but it still came out wrong. I'm saying that the yarn content is the culprit. Anyway, it might not look that great, but it feels really nice on.

uh, wrong bra and what is with the bulges ?? yikes !!

the back of the monstrosity

The monstrosity, HPL and lace

2005-04-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I was working and working and working on the blue blog tank that has turned into my own monstrous creation.

chili red monstrosity

It is getting close to sleeve time. I worked on the tank and Matt worked on Phil's sailboat (pics to come).

I am also working on a shrug made of black Crystal Palace Waikiki. I don't know why I love that yarn, but have not made a darn good thing out of it yet.

Alsoo, just got something very scary in the mail. The yarn and pattern from Joslyn's Fiber Farm shawl club. This is the THINNEST yarn yet for me to knit with. Just went and got a size 3 32" addi turbo from Knitting Arts. Don't know when I'll get to start that.

Hank from Joslyn's Fiber Farm shawl club - scary !!

This was my first visit to Knitting Arts. The lady in the store was very helpful and that store has beautiful yarn. I am so glad this kind of world exists ....

Alsooo, am working on a hairpin lace shrug (I love shrugs, but do they love my body?? I'm not sure yet) Anyways, I am using a white soft ribbon yarn for that project that calls for 6 pieces of 186 loops each. How do I think I am going to do all of this stuff. I have defied my rule of one knit and one crochet project at a time - now I'm into hairpin lace. Good Lawd Have Mercy !!!

Lani

2005-04-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

I helped Lani complete a shrug made out of some yummy yarn that we got from K2 Knits in Tracy, CA. She was soooo happy that it is done. She loves it and it is very beautiful.

I started a tank top (for the umpteenth time) made of the red chili pepper yarn that I got really cheap from Frankfortave. Knitting on a size 10 circ. Loving doing it, but we'll see how it turns out...

Can't sleep

2005-04-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Finished the cardigan yesterday. It is a little small. but I learned so much knitting this sweater. I made it 3/4 length sleeves instead of full length - on purpose :) I am not afraid of most any pattern anymore after doing this. Having to set in sleeves, doing the mattress stitch, lots of increasing/decreasing and counting. I just don't like the looooong patterns (you know, knit2 purl 2 ribbing for 90 rows!!! that is crazy-ola!!) . This one was quite lengthy. But worth it. It is satisfying and it is not too small to wear, just coulda made more room for myself - HA! Will have to make is look fashionable -- somehow -- help from Kathy?

Hip To Knit Cardigan in Deco Ribbon

Started a tank top - the Spring Fling Tank at Blue Blog patterns. I am using some worsted weight yarn from Frankfortave (colorado river). It was very inexpensive. I bought 6 skeins. I have to make pattern adjustments as this tank is 34" around. I am more like 38, unfortunately. Broad shoulder, ya know :) Instead of casting on 68 stitches at 2.5st/inch like in the pattern, I am casting on 152 st at 4 st/inch to make for a 38" circomference. I hope this is right. I have frogged it a coupla times because I refuse to admit in my tiny little mind that I need 152 st. but I think I do. If not I can gift it, but I really want to make some cute tanks, tunics for spring.

I frogged the Apr 6 tank that I was knitting of my own design. I LOVE that yarn, but I am having a hard time figuring out what to make with that slippery-ass rayon .. I sorted thru all my yarn - again, took note of the needles that I have recently acquired and put on my needle tracker, cleaned out knitting bags from last week. I need a knitting room !!

Watched some tivo'd episodes of knit one/purl two yesterday evening. I really like that show. Has some stars on it and it is very casual. Learned about the feather and fan stitch - which I now LOVE!!

I dreamed about knitting last night. Could not sleep ...

Sailing away ...

2005-04-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Spent time on Matt's Dad's sailboat on Saturday evening and Sunday. Matt worked the deck and I knitted - yippee !! lots o knitting time. I am almost finished with my cardigan - thank goodness. picks to follow...

Oh, that''ll work

2005-04-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

I love knitting. I started working on a tank, my own design. I am using the expensive yarn that I got from Adela's in Castro Valley that I have frogged at least twice from other projects. Don't know how many more froggings it will take. Anyway, I like the way it feels...

Still with the frigging cardigan !

2005-04-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

I spent all day Apr 3, my birthday, knitting. Still working on the Hip To Knit cardigan. Have FO'd the left front and the back. It is looking pretty cute. I think I messed up a decrease stitch, tho but might be able to hide it later. Also, started the Martha poncho, but I dont think I like the chenille I am using so might start over with something else.

Loop-D-Loop

2005-03-29T05:47:00.000-08:00

Don't know why I have been afraid to start this cardigan. Maybe because it will be one of my longer term projects. So, I just picked up the needles and started casting on. Did that hurt me?? not a bit. Liked it even. I am using Deco Ribbon in a red/brown/orangy shade. Kinda fall-ish, but it might not be done til then :) The ribbon knits up pretty stretchy. I have the gauge ok . I just hope it fits me ok. Am working the back first. I might have to follow different measurements for the sleeves.

I received the rest of the yarn needed to make the fringe on the Floral Mini Poncho and some of the same yarn in it's virgin state (whitish) that I might use to crochet one of the loop-d-loop ponchos.

Loop-d-loop poncho. A Teva Durham creation

Ain't no sunshine

2005-03-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I got a new recruit, Lani. I am SUPER-EXCITED about teaching her to knit. She is very excited to to knit the shawl pattern that I got from K2 Yarn Salon in Tracy, CA made of Berrocco Suede. She chose a tan color. Mine is lavender.

Lavender Berocco Suede shawl

Tan Berocco Suede shawl

Did not get to knit much on Sunday. A day without knitting is like a day without sunshine...

Take a hike and shrug it off

2005-03-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

I finished the shrug last night and got a lot of compliments on it at Kathy's PR function at Baird's Landing. That was a fun event. Ignore the ugly mug. That chest in the background is full of yarn !! hee hee ....

Kinda cute shrug

Also, finished the Floral Mini Poncho. It needs blocking and fringe. Waiting for more yarn...

Floral Mini Poncho (sans fringe)

Am going to start on the Irish Hiking Scarf. Very excited about that. Lots o cabling ...

The Irish hiking scarf... will I ever finish ??

Mar 24

2005-03-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

I stopped crocheting the StitchDiva Floral Mini Poncho with the 100% rayon *expensive* yarn - so mad at myself! It just was not working out. I restarted the poncho with some heavy worsted weight yarn that I got from ebay. THAT yarn is great. and it is making up the poncho just beautfiully. A little bright, but the pattern stitches are showing up nicely. I love crocheting this poncho. Lots of ttc's and the petals are looking good to me !!! I will post pics later.

I would like to crochet this up in a tan - like the picture

Need to find some nice heavy wool or cotton to do that.

Need to find a good knitting project... There is a sweater in Hip To Knit. That i think I might start on... we'll see.

Mar 23

2005-03-23T07:01:00.000-08:00

So, here is the picture of the shrug I've been working on. Finished it last night. Also took pics of all of the projects that I have not given away :) for prosterity.

Will try to finish up the Stitch Diva Floral Mini Poncho today. I have frogged this once because I thought I was making it incorrectly. It is turning out smaller than I thought - even after restarting. I think that I will try this with a less slippery yarn next time. I paid alot for this yarn, damnit! and it's beautiful (Great Adirondack Yarn Co.), but it twists and is very slippery. A cotton I think would be better for this pattern.

Mar 22

2005-03-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

Last night I worked on my shrug. I am about 4 balls into it. It's a bulky weight yarn (name?), but I am only about 4 inches from completion.

I just found this fabulous poncho on michaels.com. The lacy rose poncho, but the reviews of if say that there are alot of mistakes. Dare I attempt?? I have too many things I want to make and not enuf time. I want to finish both my shrug and the StitchDiva poncho by Saturday. The StitchDiva poncho, I think might turn out a little small, though. arghh!!!! Needs pattern size adjustments.... oh me..... Might see if she'll send them to me.

I have to return the Stich N Bitch book to the library today. Not sure if I want to buy it yet... Have the Urban Knitter waiting for me there. Anxious to check it out ...

Mar 21

2005-03-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of my blog. I quit smoking on Oct. 11, 2004. I am 162 days quit and I started knitting to serve the needs of my busy hands. I actually knit and crochet, but only since 10/11/2004. I have done tons of scarfs and ponchos and hate myself for not taking pics of all of them for the blog. And I have given alot away so I may never get pics of those. I will start though. I am currently working on a shrug (knit) and a poncho (crochet) from a pattern that I purchased from Stich Diva.

Mar 20

2005-03-20T13:28:00.000-08:00

Berrocco Tank

This poncho is much more beautiful in person. Made of Colinette Peaches and Cream mohair and Zanziba. This poncho cost too much money to make really :) Put I liked knitting it and it is pretty in person

Close up of Colinette Mohair and Zanziba (Peaches and cream)