Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Thank goodness for test knitting

Well I've finished up test knitting my Stargate dishcloth, and I'm really glad that I did before posting the pattern. It is so not a square dishcloth. The way I wrote the pattern originally it came out shorter than expected. I've found a couple of spots where adding a couple of extra rows will help to make the cloth closer to square and to add more definition to the symbol itself.

When I haven't been knitting I've been researching reasonably priced yarns to make striped scarves (a-la Harry Potter) featuring the school colors of local schools. I'm trying to offer the scarves in a variety of yarn types (wool, cotton, acrylic, etc.) to accommodate preferences, temperatures, and allergies. All while keeping the end product affordable. Which is why I will be getting a circular knitting machine (most likely a NSI Innovations) when my husband and I receive our tax refund.

Though, my attention is currently taken with working on my cosplay costumes for ACen 2008 in May. I'm really hoping I get the days off of work, though if it comes down to it I might just beg my manager.

Monday, February 25, 2008

New design!

I've wanted to try my hand at designing for awhile, but I've been afraid of trying and failing. I tend to do that. I have a deep seated fear of failure. But enough emoness - on to design goodness!

I have been in love with Stargate SG-1 since 2002, shortly after I met my best friend Amelia. For my graduation party I had a pillow case for people to sign messages for me, and Amelia wrote "Never forget how to Dial Home" and drew the Point of Origin symbol for Earth from Stargate. While you actually need the six symbol address for Earth and a different planet's Point of Origin to dial Earth, it was the thought and the idea that touched me.

For her new apartment gift I knit the Stargate Pillow in my Ravelry projects page for her. And I designed this new dishcloth as an extension of that idea.

I am in the process of test knitting it to make certain that it looks right. Keep an eye out for the finished product and possibly the free instructions.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

New Blog

I've decided to start this new blog with a new host because my other blog tends to be more rants about work or neighbors or general blah-ness. My hope with this new blog is that I can post new designs for my knitting business as well as the occasional free pattern. Today is my second day off this week, which means knitting and designing time! (with a brief visit from my younger brother).