Constructing Santa

If you follow my Twitter feed (@silverlotus152 or posted in my sidebar), you’ll know that I’ve been working on Baby Man’s Christmas stocking.  I’ve made fair progress on it so far, aided by the fact that Dimensions likes to use a lot of half stitches in their designs.  Yes, I’m doing a Dimensions kit.  They do tend to drive me crazy with their use of all full stitches, but I’m soldiering on this time and not worrying about trying to adjust them like I usually do.  I want to make sure I get it done in time for Christmas this year.

stocking-july5,2009

It is Dimensions’  Naughty or Nice Stocking, but I have changed the fabric to a 28ct lugana.  I’m not sure what I will do with the Aida the kit came with.  I so rarely use it any more–mainly when I want sturdy fabric, like for Lynne Nicoletti’s fortune tellers or for simple kits that are mainly done to pass the time.  I might, though, use Aida to do the Wheel of the Year pillow that is in the new Joan Elliot book since I want that to be sturdy too.  But I digress.

I’ve also mentioned on my Twitter feed that I’ve been knitting Elizabeth Zimmermann’s iconic Baby Surprise Jacket.  Here’s my progress so far, done in Mary Maxim’s Baby’s Best in colour Mint.

bsj-july5,2009

Yes, it really that will be a baby jacket.  Amazing, eh?  Elizabeth Zimmermann was a genius.  (To those who know the pattern, I added an eyelet row just to jazz it up.  I might add another one on the back 90 stitching.)

I did finally get that first pink sock bound off.  I went up two needle sizes to a 3.25mm to do it, and truthfully, it is still a bit of a squeeze to get it over my heel.  Maybe toe-up socks aren’t for me.  I’ve never run into this sort of problem with top-down.  I’ve cast on the second sock and made a bit of headway with it.  I really want to get these done so I can get started on these Lily of the Valley Socks.

toeup-july5,2009

For those who don’t remember, the pattern is Toe-up Socks with a Difference by Wendy Knits in Mary Maxim Bamboo Soft Stripes in colourway Hibiscus.  The colour is just a little bit off, but they are very pink.

And, to go back to stitching, I have made a little bit of progress on Part 3 of Castles in the Air.  I might work on it more this week, since I feel that I have good progress with the stocking.  Ultimately, it depends how the spirit moves me.

cita-july5,2009

And a couple pieces of news.  First, it looks like Lynne Nicoletti is feeling better and designing again!  Her new Baby Booties design is adorable!  I can’t wait to see her next paper doll.

Also, check out this post by Stitch Bitch: Crafta-tista-liscious-ness.  While I would love to see more young people stitching, I have to agree with what she is saying.  Those “hipsters” who have turned to stitching aren’t really all that hip and are just a little annoying.  Yeah, I can be a bit hypocritical sometimes.  I don’t only want people to stitch the things I like, but I do want people to take the time to learn the craft and have respect for it.  And it would be nice if they released that nekkid people have been done to death.  They aren’t shocking and cool. 😛

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