Schrodinger's Kittie

Well, I am using a smaller yarn and a smaller needle than called for in the pattern, so I’m not certain why I’m surprised that I am coming in a bit under size on the Cobweb Crepe.

I am going to go get a size 2 (2.75mm) set of Addi Turbo Lace needles today (or tomorrow) and start over.  I do expect this to come out smaller than the 48″ that the original calls for because I am using a smaller yarn.  However, I don’t think it will be that much smaller.  Given my concern, though, I do believe I will up the number of stitches and rows in the centre pane to give me the size I need. 

I have 100m of the silk yarn, so running out is not really something I’m horribly concerned about.  I figure between uping the needle size to 2.75mm instead of the 2.25mm I am currently using and adding a few more stitches and rows, I should be able to get the size I’m aiming for without having to change yarns.

Why am I concerned about changing yarns?  Cost for one thing.  This silk is from my stash so costs me nothing out of pocket right now.  Also, I prefer to make newborn items out of cotton or silk or some other non-allergenic fibre.  At least until I know for sure that they aren’t allergic to animal fibres.  This way, I don’t spend a lot of time and love on a project – only to have it be unusable due to allergies…and the poor tot doesn’t wind up in hives over something I’ve given them.

OK, so maybe it’s not all I want…but, man I’d love to have the full set….

At only $10 each, I may start buying one per paycheck to get them. I mean…they are so awesome.  And imagine them on the tree along with these guys:

Honestly!  Each and every one of them are $10 and under.  I am sooooo being a good girl and not running out and spending money I don’t have to spend on them in one fell swoop.  But maybe, just maybe…one paycheck at a time…I can get an entire herd of sheep and all the Franklin ornaments.  Wouldn’t that be spectacular?

Yes, I’m a loon.  We knew this.  Carry on.  Move along.  Nothing to see here.

So, as I feared, my left hand is just not co-operating for thread crochet on a large scale.  So, I am changing things up a bit.  I will still try to do the squares as I get the ability.  However, this means that it will take quite some time to make the number of squares required for the coverlet.

I decided that I would start up on the Cobweb Crepe Shawl (which will actually wind up being an heirloom quality christening blanket).  I’m using the gossamer silk that I originally intended to use for my wedding ring shawl and size one Addi Turbo lace circulars.  I’m already in love with it and I just started.  Here’s hoping it works out. 

No, I am not posting photos of the whole six rows of center pane that I got started last night.  It isn’t worth the … oh, alright.  I’ll try to remember to take a photo when I get home.  But, seriously, it’s nothing to look at, right now.

The pattern is coming from Sharon Miller’s Heirloom Knitting book.  It just dawned on me that the piece I’m working is actually the one that is displayed on the cover.  I’m a little slow like that, sometimes.

Yes, I realize that making it out of gossamer silk is a little – insane.  But, I know J & C will respect, honor and love the piece and the time and effort that went in to making it.  It will be an heirloom piece that they will give to their child on the birth of their first grandkid, etc.  It’s worth it, to my mind.  Besides, it’s a fairly simple knit so far as shetland lace is concerned – and it gets me back into the swing of gossamer knitting.  Maybe enough that I’ll start on my wedding ring shawl again………maybe.