Month: January 2011

Marsan Watch Cap

This is, by far, a favorite pattern of mine.  Designed by StacyJoy Elkin, you can find it here.  It is not a typical watch cap pattern, but has an interesting construction, as well as a long evolutionary history – StacyJoy has modified and improved it over the years.  I’ve made it a number of times, and the recipients have really enjoyed getting it, wearing it, and having it forever.  The knit-in-back construction seems to make it particularly strong – certainly, the stitch doesn’t get lost after numerous washings.  So, if you need a hat for a special guy (or gal, I wear one, too!), this is one worth doing more than once!

Josh’s Cardigan, i

This cold is still hanging around, and I have no energy.  Perfect time to listen to audiobooks and work on Josh’s sweater!

The design process is in place.  This will be an incredibly dull sweater, at least at this point.  It could change, but I rather doubt it.  The yarn is just not one which lends itself to texture, even cables.  Color patterns would be fine – I have a lot of natural colored fleeces which I have had spun up.  Varied colors, however, are not an option for this sweater!

Here is what I have done so far:

Gauge: 4 sts / inch on US size 9 needles – sorta!

Cast on: Using stretchy cast on, cast on 144 stitches onto US size 7 needles.  K1, p1, k1, p1, k1, pm, *p2, k2* until last 7 sts on needle, end p2, pm, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1.

Repeat these rows, knitting and purling back and forth as the stitches present themselves, until ribbing reaches 2.75 – 3 inches in length.  End ready to begin right side row.

Body: Follow first five stitches.  K2, M1, k6; continue to second marker.  There should be an increase of 20 stitches.  End with last five stitches as presented on needles.

Pockets: Continue until ____ from bottom – time to begin the pockets!

This sweater will have pockets – but the question is – where?  at what level will I make the slashes?  How many inches up, how many inches into the sweater from side seam area???  I think a 4 inch square pocket would not be unreasonable, maybe even 5 inches wide.  They will be slash pockets with knit-in linings.  Everything about this sweater will be minimal sewing, as well as a crocheted edging for the buttonholes.

Fever and Ague

Also known as the flu.  Or maybe malaria.  I feel like crap.

Ague: A fever (such as from malaria) that is marked by paroxysms of chills, fever, and sweating recurring regular intervals. Also a fit of shivering, a chill. Hence, ague can refer to both chills and fevers.

Pronounced ‘A-(“)gyu with the accent solidly on the “A”, the word “ague” is an example of how medical terminology changes with time. Not only are new terms introduced (with great speed these days) but old terms such as “ague” may decline in usage (become archaic) and eventually may be dropped entirely (be obsolete).

“Aigue” entered English usage in the 14th century, having crossed the channel from the Middle French “aguë”. The word share the same origin as “acute.” It descends from the Latin “acutus” meaning “sharp or pointed”. A “fievre aigue” in French was a sharp or pointed (or acute) fever.

Where’s Mary Poppins and her spoonful of sugar when I need her?

Tommy’s New Year’s Hat

We last saw our friends Jerry and Raka over a year ago when they came in from Japan for a post-wedding reception in the U.S.  Raka was about five months pregnant at the time, and in December 2009, their son, Tommy, was born.  For the Christmas season, they all flew in to spend the end of the year with family and friends, many of whom only got to meet Tommy for the first time.  Within a few days of arriving here stateside, Tommy got the chicken pox – kids don’t get that vaccination until they are a year old.  When we saw them, Tommy was pretty much recovered, but still all spotty.  Poor kid!

In Japan, red and white are colors of good fortune for the New Year.  And, I happened to have some red and white Wool Ease in my stash, so it seemed to be a perfect color combination, not only for welcoming 2011, but also for the Christmas season as well.  So this pattern is dedicated not just to the now-recovering Tommy, but to our friends Jerry and Raka, and to a happy, prosperous 2011 to family and friends, one and all.