My First Major Lace Project

Who knew I would fall madly in love with an isosceles triangle?

yarn: Patons Kroy Sock, 75% wool 25% nylon, 2 skeins each of Flax (light brown) and Hickory (dark brown)
needles: 4.5 mm/US 7
pattern: Nancy Wiseman’s Lavender Linen Shawl
comments: The pattern suggested eleven repeats. I only made ten because I ran out of yarn. I almost went out and bought one more ball, but decided not to. Good thing, too, because it doubled in size upon blocking. I was pleasantly surprised.

I did not plan for this to be a two-color shawl, but the color I’d begun with was discontinued, so I went on with a second color. At first I was worried that it would look odd, but I showed it to a few friends and they especially liked the two-color feature.

This project was challenging, satisfying and it helped me become better at reading my knitting. It also changed the way I purl (I was a combination knitter). I enjoyed every bit of it. Even near the end when the rows got really long. The absolute best part was when I blocked it after soaking it. Pure magic. Once it dried I danced around, tried it on with a few dresses, then danced around some more. Can’t wait to make another one!

Whiskers was there when I bound off the last stitch. She tried it on so I could see how it looked and was a great encourager and cheerleader. I’m telling you, she was almost as excited as I was. It’s so important to have friends who understand and support our fiber madness. Thank you, Whiskers!

Meausrements: The base of the triangle = 90 in/228 cm. The height of the triangle = 43 in/109 cm.

[photo 1: the beginning, photo 2: shawl drying, photo 3: close-up of colors, photo4: finished, but unblocked]

Finished Objects

Apparently this morning I woke up in a finishing mood because I finished the sweaters you see below. I don’t know what bit me, but I’m glad it did because it brings me a couple steps closer to fulfilling knitting resolution 6.













cotton baby sweaters
yarn: Mandarin Soft 100% cotton
needles: 3.5 mm/US 4
pattern: mine
comments: These were knit in 2005, but didn’t get ends woven in and the buttons added until today. It should fit an average five-month-old. These weren’t made for any specific baby, but that’s okay, because all I have to do is wait five minutes before I get a call from (yet another) one of my friends saying that she’s pregnant.

Although the yarn has an English-sounding name, the whole label is in Norwegian. I got it at a yarn swap where everyone brought in yarn that they didn’t want and put it on tables and then went “shopping” for yarn that others had brought. It was great fun. This cotton makes a very nice garment, but it can be a pain in the neck to knit with because it’s very splitty (the yarn is made up of 15 individual little threads). Notice that the white/blue sweater has seed stitch where the pink/blue sweater has ribbing. The hat was made from the leftovers.


striped baby sweater
yarn: worsted weight acrylic
needles: 4.5 mm/US 7
pattern: mine
comments: In 2005 I was in a baby sweater knitting frenzy and it was all about the process, not the product, so I only just got around to sewing the pieces together, weaving in the ends and attaching the buttons. This one is going to RJ’s baby brother, who will soon be turning six months.

She’s a maniac, maniac...

maniac legwarmers
yarn: Red Heart worsted weight Fabulend 60% acrylic, 40% wool, two skeins, 3.5 oz/99.2 g each
needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 circulars
pattern: 1x1 ribbing
comments: I knit these about four winters ago when I was wearing mostly dresses and skirts to work and needed to protect my legs from the wind and cold. At the time, I was the only one wearing legwarmers, so I like to think that I brought them back into style, but probably not. I wear them folded down indoors and pull them all the way up outdoors.

This is old yarn, I mean, like, older than me. The label actually said “60% virgin orlon acrylic.” It always cracks me up when I read yarn labels from the 1960s that say that the yarn contains “virgin acrylic.” What’s that supposed to mean? Was there a black market of recycled acrylic yarn from which they wanted to disassociate themselves? Did they think that by adding the word ‘virgin’ it would somehow make people more likely to purchase such yarn? Were they trying to convince crafters that this was more than just plastic fiber made from petroleum?

I like the fact that the name of this yarn is Fabulend, because I do feel quite fabu when I’m walking around school in my legwarmers and some of the girls exclaim, “Ooo, Miss! Where’d you get those?”* Hee-hee. It’s not often the students think I’m stylish and hip.


*(the rest of the conversation)

“I made them.”

“Whaaat?? Could you make me some?”

“No, but I’d be glad to teach you how to knit after school.”

“That’s awight. It ain’t that serious.”

To date or not to date?

I’m trying to decide whether to include start and finish dates in the specs of my completed objects. You see, I have the terrible habit of knitting quite conscientiously and sometimes obsessively on a project, almost finishing it, then setting it aside and starting a new, exciting project. That means that I would end up writing stuff like: Purple Sweater: started February 2004 – finished February 2008. It’ll prompt people to wonder if I was knitting it with my toes…

Case in point: there’s one sweater I started when I was a beginner and used to knit twisted. If I were to go back and finish the sleeves, they would look different from the body because I have since corrected my knitting and don’t remember how to knit twisted. And I don’t really feel like re-knitting the body, so it sits patiently in my closet doomed to live forever in UFO-land.

What do you think? Should I include start and finish dates or not?

basketweave scarf
yarn: 1.5 balls of loden Woolease 80% acrylic, 20% wool
needles: 4 mm/US 6
pattern: basket weave with seed stitch edging comments: This scarf was originally meant for Novio, but considering his aversion to wool, I may keep it for myself or give it as a gift. I’m pleased with the result. Might make a matching hat with the remaining yarn.

Old Finished Projects

crocheted scarf
yarn: Peaches & Creme 100% cotton (two balls)
hook: 3 ¾ mm/US F
pattern: nine rows of double crochet
comments: When I first moved to the DC area my only scarf was a red, yellow and green one I had crocheted in honor of my Guinean dance instructor. African men on buses and trains would see me wearing it and use it as a point of conversation. Most African men I have come across tend to be very persistent and won’t take no for an answer (huge turn-off), so, to avoid unwanted attention, I bought yarn and a hook and crocheted this scarf and retired the old one.

I was an intermittent crocheter. I’d have a few months of frenzied activity followed by several months, or even a couple years, of inactivity. Making this scarf was the beginning of a new period of crocheting activity during which I learned how to knit. Now that I have two crafts to choose from, I can switch off between the two and haven’t had any more periods of craft inactivity.



first (second, third, fourth) hat
yarn: 100% hand-painted wool
needles: 5 mm/US 8
pattern: 2x2 rib in the round, crocheted tassels
comments: This is the first hat I ever knit. It’s beginning to look a bit worn out, but I still wear it. I knit it without a pattern and without making a swatch, therefore had to pull it out and re-knit it three times (too small, then too wide, then too pointy). This explains why I never wove in the end at the bottom. I wasn’t sure if I was going to have to re-knit the fourth attempt, so I just let it hang.

From this experience I learned the importance of swatching. I still rarely follow a pattern, though.

What I Did During My Winter Vacation

1. Flew to Michigan. I used to LOVE flying. I used to get happy just going to drop someone off at the airport. Homeland Security has totally ruined the experience. There is no joy or excitement about it. I just grit my teeth and wait for it to be over: surly TSA workers (most of whom seem to be a hybrid between automatons and a trained monkeys), the three-ounce rule, taking off your shoes, half a dozen checkpoints before boarding the plane, the mentality that every passenger is a potential terrorist, et cetera. Travel used to be a complete experience comprised of the journey as well as the experiences at the destination, not anymore.

2. Dealt with pressure. I have mixed feelings about visiting Novio because about 90% of his friends are married and have children. When I visit him we spend time with his friends, who are nice people, but I feel this (usually) unspoken pressure to hurry up and join their club, which I will do when I’m good and ready, not because they’re in a rush to see us hitched and procreating. Novio is of no help either. He wants it so badly, he can taste it (he tries valiantly to seem nonchalant about it, but it’s too obvious to ignore). Furthermore, some time ago I had made friends with the possibility that I may never marry or give birth to a child. I was cool with that because, as they say back home, “Mejor sola que mal acompañada.”

3. Did some knitting. At the last minute I decided to make a hat for Novio because the machine-made ones he wears are so…let’s just say they insult my eyes. Then I worked on a cardigan. Yes, I know I had promised not to embark on any new significant projects until I had halved the UFO pile, but I really do need a black cardigan.














4. Gawked at random strangers. I spotted an interesting scarf on an airport escalator. The man wearing it thought I was checking him out and got all happy. A few minutes later I caught myself trying to figure out the zigzag design on another man’s hat. Had to look away before he too thought I was checking him out.

5. Met up with an old acquaintance. It just so happens that Fola was going to be spending a few days in Indiana--about 35 minute’s drive from where I was in Michigan, so we met up. It was very nice to see her. She has developed quite a British accent, which I don’t remember her having ten years ago. It’s cute. As I left she said, “I hope it won’t be another ten years before we see each other again!” I promised that it wouldn’t. And what do you know? I kept my promise sooner than expected because I’d left my cell phone behind, so the next day she came by to drop it off (yay!). While separated from my phone, Em-hijabi, whom I haven’t spoken to in months called (boo!) from England. I hope she calls back soon.

6. Did something green. I finally bought rechargeable batteries for the greedy little digital camera. I’m pleased to discover that I can charge my new NiMH batteries in my older NiCd charger. The downside is that it’ll take 63.6 hours to charge.

7. Smiled. Brief comic relief was provided by a flight attendant who was a chubbier, effeminate version of Philippe Noiret. Also, another flight attendant cracked me up when she said, "If you are sitting in an exit row you may be asked to insist the crew." Insist?

8. Felt grateful and hopeful. A year ago I was miserable, stressed out, sleep-deprived, frustrated, irritable and just plain unhappy. All because of the incompetent, inexperienced, manipulative administrators at my job. I made more money than I ever had before, but that did not do anything to make me want to stay there. I feel sorry for those who are so deep in dept or are living such a life style that forces them to stay. Live within your means people! Not making much money now, but thank God I no longer work there. My life has improved markedly. Here’s hoping that 2008 is all the more better. I wish the same for you.

Scarves for Charity

Here are some scarves I made for Food and Friends, a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers healthy meals to more than 1,300 people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses throughout Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. Every winter they deliver a hand-knit scarf to each of their clients. Area knitters make the scarves from donated yarn. I started out as a volunteer (in their kitchen), then ended up knitting for them.

reddish ribbed scarf with black & tan flecks
yarn: Phildar Dundee 75% acrylic, 15% wool, 10% mohair (two balls)
needles: 4 mm/US 6
pattern: 3x3 rib
comments: Very soft. Nice stash-reducing project.

mustard yellow & grey flannel ribbed scarf
yarn: Britania Shetland-type 100% wool (two balls)
needles: 4 mm/US 6
pattern: 3x3 rib
comments: These two colors were hideous individually, but the combination of the two is quite nice. Nice stash-reducing project.

Another Blanket

This is RJ, son of my friend Lorraine. I credit him with helping me improve my beginner knitting skills considerably. When he was in utero I decided to make him a sweater. At that point, I was too intimidated by knitting patterns, so I found a very easy crochet pattern and modified it for knitting. The sweater you see him wearing was my first attempt. That little project gave me the courage to try making sweaters for myself. Also the first blanket and booties* I ever made were for him. Of course, looking back at it now I spot things like the curled edges (which I now prevent with seed stitch or ribbing), nonetheless, I hold a special affection for this, my first sweater. [That thumb belongs to his great-grandmother, who's around 95 years old and has hair that resembles snowy roving.]

Lorraine hated that yarn, so she gave it to me. After I began working, or rather, wrestling with it, I hated it too. It was an acrylic imitation of mohair. I was able to tolerate it just long enough to finish RJ’s projects and dutifully returned the twelve balls that were left over to her. This massive purchase of horrid yarn was the result of bad advice given by a surly clerk at Smiley’s whom we suspect doesn’t even knit or crochet. I’m not telling you not to shop there, just don’t take the advice of the shrews who work there (especially since they have a no refunds-no returns policy). Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh. The purchase was made a few years ago. Here’s hoping that they have hired more pleasant and knowledgeable clerks.

RJ is now a big boy. In fact, as of this summer, he is no longer an only child. This blanket is for his baby brother. By the way, Lorraine is an excellent crocheter (Isn’t it nice to make something for a fellow crafter? Then you know they will appreciate it.). I hope to feature some of her creations in the future.

You must be thinking, “Guaria seems to have a really fertile bunch of friends!” The fact is that most of them are in their 30s, which for professional women of Generation X means baby-making time. What I think is odd is that they have all given birth to boys, even the one who was just dying to have a girl.




*Thanks to a pattern from Clare of the Teaism knitting group. I tell you, knitters are some of the most unselfish, giving people around.

JJ's Blanket

I knitted it this summer, but didn't weave in the ends until yesterday. It’s for JJ, son of Chrysolite. I'm not a fan of pastel colors for babies, so these colors (and their combination) really pleased me.

yarn: 100% worsted weight acrylic (15 ounces/140 grams)
needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 circulars
pattern: Plymouth Yarn Company
comments: When I was a beginner knitter I attended a knitting gathering at Union Station where I mentioned that one of my best friends was pregnant and I was trying to figure out what to make for her. Robalee, one the attendees, mentioned that she had a free pattern for a blanket that was easy and would make a great gift. She took my address and a few days later I received a photocopy of said pattern in the mail. I was not only grateful, but also awed by such a kind gesture from someone who was practically a stranger. The pattern was, indeed, easy. I ended up altering it because I was using yarn different from what was specified. Also, I added wide stripes of color. I was really pleased and surprised by the results. I have since made five blankets based on this pattern, but they all look different because of the yarn and colors used.

Whirlwind Weekend

The weekend was super-busy. Papi (my father) flew in from Connecticut to hear me sing in Handel’s The Messiah. Let me tell you that that was a major coup, because in the five years I’ve lived in this area, this is the first time he has come. It’s not that he doesn’t love me or want to see me. It’s that he’s a workaholic and thinks that the world will stop turning if he takes a couple of days off. Anyway, I was thrilled to have him here. We talked and laughed and surfed the web(!) together. I hope he comes again soon.

Also, Novio (my boyfriend) flew* in from the Midwest to hear me sing. This has been the busiest Christmas season I have ever had in terms of singing. I’ve had three performances of The Messiah in three different churches (Capitol Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in DC, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland and Northeastern Presbyterian Church in DC). The second and third performances took place this weekend. I’m relieved that I don’t have to attend any more extra rehearsals! Although I sing all year, I like Christmas time because it is one of the few times we sing with a full orchestra (instead of just organ or piano), which is quite thrilling.

Lest you begin to think that I have this fabulous coloratura voice, let me set you straight. I have an average voice and I did not sing any of the oratorio’s solos. With that out of the way, I must say that Georg Friedrich Händel was some kind of genius. So talented, so inspired. His music is both fun and challenging. It would be difficult to tire of his music. I look forward to singing some more of his work.

*On long distance affairs: they’re not my preference. In fact, my two previous relationships were long distance. And no, I did not meet any of them via the internet. The last one lasted three years off and on. It dragged out that long because of the distance. Had we been in the same state or, say, time zone, it would have been easier to see what was what and it would have ended much sooner. Because of that, I’d decided not to get involved in any more of those. Fast forward five years. The only serious contender worthy of my time turns out to be someone who is over 1000 kilometers away. And that’s how I’m back in a situation I had tried to avoid.

Speaking of Novio, he proudly wore the scarf I had made for him last month. I already dislike it and want to replace it. The grey yarn is already pilling. And when his stubble rubs on it it comes off on his chin. He doesn’t mind, but I do. Didn’t get a photo of him wearing it, but here's one I took before I sent it to him.

ribbed scarf in green & grey stripes
yarn: 100% worsted weight acrylic
needles: 4 mm/US 6
pattern: 3x3 rib
comments: This scarf (and its colors) was requested by Novio. He reiterated several times that it must not be wool—he’s allergic. Nice stash-reducing project.

navy & celeste diagonal rib scarf
yarn: 100% worsted weight acrylic
needles: 4 mm/US 6
pattern: mine
comments: This scarf is for Novio’s roommate, who’s Cape Verdian and spending his very first winter in midwestern US. Brr! Wasn’t sure if he too had a wool allergy, so I erred on the safe side.

Good & Bad News on the Bus

BAD On the way to choir rehearsal I left my handmade mittens on the bus. They were the second pair I’d ever crocheted and were made of this awful, awful acrylic bouclé yarn which I loathe, but they were mine and they kept my hands relatively warm. Let us now pause for a moment of silence in remembrance of my wonky grey mittens.

GOOD Last week, on the way from choir practice I finished Em-hijabi’s blanket. The one I worked on on the road to nowhere . That I finished it is no great feat. The impressive part is that when I got home I wove in all the ends. I have only once in my life ever woven in ends on the same day I finished knitting a project. Part of the reason I have so many UFOs is because I don’t get around to that last chore: weaving in the ends. Don’t know what possessed me to do it, but I’m thrilled. Maybe this will be the start of a new trend.

As for the blanket, it was made of variegated worsted weight acrylic yarn. Em-hijabi, a friend and colleague, had started learning how to crochet a year or so ago, but it didn’t stick. When she fell in love and decided to move to the UK she gave me her bag of yarn. Lovely color, but since I’m trying to reduce the stash, I promised her a baby blanket. I doubt she’s pregnant now, but considering that all her friends seem to be chasing after toddlers, she’ll probably soon join that club. This is an advance gift for that as-yet-unconceived baby.

The specs for this project can be found here.