Stasia's Place Of Grace

Wednesday, October 02, 2002

 

Progress

Today I am grateful for making a little progress on a couple of things. I keep telling myself, "Just one step at a time..." I need to learn patience, and to be more involved in the Process of things.

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I fell in love with some Red Heart acrylic yarn in the "Artist Print" colorway because of the jeweltone colors. I got some on a whim to knit a scarf for my sister for Christmas.

I thought about making something for myself out of it as well (even if it is acrylic!), but knitting another sweater was out of the question - my hands just couldn't manage it.

So I decided to try to weave myself a little ruana-type, shawl-ish garment out of it instead.

I tested the weave on my Fast Sam (thanks for reminding me to "swatch", Linda!):

"Artist Print" sample weave, 7 ppi.

Then I got out the "Weaver's Companion" book from Interweave Press and used it to make all the warp and weft calculations - using a calculator, of course, as I'm severely math-impaired.

I based the design of the garment on the "Urban Wrap" knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarns. It will involve weaving one long piece, then cutting it in half, then sewing the two halves together up the middle to the halfway point, leaving two "flaps" free to drape over the shoulders and hang in front. (I have a feeling, though, that once it is made up, I will wish I had made it longer... it will only be about 32" from the shoulders.)

So I went back to Wal-Mart to get the rest of the yarn. Luckily they had enough of the dye lot left - but just barely! Phew!

I spent yesterday measuring the warp and dressing the loom. I have to wait to weave as my body is temporarily Out Of Order after doing the warp, but it's nice to know the project is there, waiting for me, and that all that's left is the "fun part" of weaving. (I hate the process of doing the calculations and measuring the warp and dressing the loom. It seems to me that it would only appeal to someone who likes to iron sheets. I don't find it fun at all - just hard work. That's probably why I have only woven three things so far!)

Here's the warp, all set to go:

Rainbow Ruana warp on Ashford 4-shaft loom.

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The third attempt at the neck of the gray cable sweater, using a K1, P1 rib on the back section, was not a success; it came out wider than doing it in the original pattern. I was so frustrated I almost cried. Jeff kept his mouth shut, thank goodness!

So I ended up ripping it out and staying up into the wee sma's last night to do it right, once and for all. I went down another needle size as Jeff had previously suggested (which meant I had to knit it on four metal dpns, using an odd-sized bamboo as a fifth - yuk!) and finally the collar is acceptable and I'm ready to seam the sweater!

Gray cable sweater neck, version four - finished!

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Today I am grateful that the chickadees are starting to hang around the birdfeeder regularly. I love the perky sounds they make. They are fearless birds, and often let me get within a few feet of them. I think I like Chickadees, Juncos, and Bluejays best... maybe because they stick around all year long. Of course it is always a thrill to see the crimson flash of the Cardinals, especially on snowy days.

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The weather here is cool and rainy today. The wild grape leaves have all become a brilliant yellow, that shows up vividly against the gray, cloudy sky. The grapes themselves are almost ready to be picked. Our Jerusalem Artichokes are blooming a vivid yellow, too, and I think one is at least 15 feet tall!

I had to go out in the icky weather to a doctor appointment today, but wouldn't you know they messed it up and the doctor was at another clinic! Drat! So I'll have to go back tomorrow.

I intend to make up for the discomfort by making the rest of the afternoon comfy, with tea, a heating pad to keep away the chill, some sock knitting, and a rented "Fiddler On The Roof" video. If I can only keep Chester (The Wild Dog Of Borneo) from singing along (maybe I'll watch with headphones?) it'll be a good afternoon. He loves Handel's "Messiah", Russian bass singers, and, apparently, "Fiddler On The Roof" because he will NOT stop singing along!

I hope you will have a cozy and/or productive day, too! Remember to refresh and replenish after productivity... we can't give 100%, 100% of the time, and be healthy! You know, I felt awful today before updating this Blog, but now that I've had to come up with some things to be grateful for, I feel much better. There's something in that...

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