Calder & Company

Woolen crows and waistcoats...

~I must have purple and green wool on my mind because two of my recent projects have been in that color scheme...

~Here is the "Oh No Crow" primitive rug hooking that I am hoping to finish up soon.  I may have changed a few of the colors since I took this photo...sometimes I just look at it for a few days and decide if I like the color placement (usually I put it in the family room--so I walk by it 100 times a day!). 

 

~I recently finished a waistcoat from Jenny Watson Designs.  The waistcoat pattern is from the Noro collection:  Book 3. 

 

 

~The original pattern is for a cropped waistcoat.  In order to lengthen the waistcoat---I added nine rows to the bottom 1x1 rib pattern.  I must explain that I am on a quest for the perfect vest or waistcoat pattern.  I wear a ton of vests during the winter--not to mention I loathe  knitting sleeves...I have about 3 more patterns that I am hoping to try.  I have visited many knitting stores in hopes of uncovering the vest pattern of my dreams that I can make every year.  Yes, I know I should just design one myself---which is already in the works.  After making several vests now, I am getting closer.

~I did add one buttonhole--since I lengthened the garment.  (That darn second button likes to come unfastened all the time).  I had such high hopes for this waistcoat design---and yet, I don't find my self pulling this garment out to wear all the time.  I need to think more about it---maybe it is the colorway that makes me hesitate (though Noro in general is an enchanting yarn to use--with all the color changes).  Perhaps it is the silhouette...still thinking about this project...

Baktus Scarf...

~Living in temperatures that range from 10-12 degrees during the winter requires using oodles of scarves.  I wear scarves every day...and usually can be found creating a new scarf or two every season.  I started the baktus scarf last year and it was my go to project for sporting events, waiting rooms, and travel.  Easy to take along, and mindless knitting.

~This scarf did seem to take forever to knit up, but I am overjoyed with the final product.  This is one of those knitting projects, that as soon as I wore it--I wanted to acquire new yarn in different colorways to start another one...CraZy, I know!

(This is the first day wearing the scarf, after trotting the kiddos off to school--17 degrees--ugg)

It is made with Schoppel Wolle from Germany in crazy Zauberball.  I adore this wool.  The project was made on a size 4 circular needle.  I used two colors and alternated every two rows.

~The pattern is on ravelry and is basically a giant triangle.  You can equate knitting this to climbing a mountain--once you are at the top or widest point--the decreases are more enjoyable, and it is downhill from there on...

~Now I can start that sublime vest that I have queued up and can finally finish my marathon trouser sewing session for the boys...just sewing the pockets on now...

Jersey Classic Cafe.

~I have been having a rough patch with sewing lately.  I was trying a new skirt pattern, and the fit was working but the drape was all wrong.  I hate it when I figure that out too late in the game.  So naturally, I turn away from sewing for a while and focus on knitting (well, already today, I am cutting out a new skirt pattern--didn't last long huh?)  I sew many more things than I actually share here, I just don't have the time to photograph everything.  After I have sewn a garment, it is usually worn immediately and mixed in with the day-to-day garments.

The weather over the weekend turned a bit cool, so I thought to share one of my knitted projects.  This is a rowan sweater that was knit from the Rowan Classic Cafe:  Book one. 

I used Rowan RYC Cashsoft which is composed of 57% extra fine merino, 33% microfiber, and 10% cashmere.  I can not stand itchy or uncomfortable yarn, so this was a perfect fit.  Very durable and soft.  I used a size 3 and size 6 needle.

~I really adore stripes and I like how this pattern lines up the stripes from the sleeves to the body of the garment.  Overall, it makes a better presentation.  I did comment (on ravelry) how the sleeve caps ended up too large and thus making the set-in sleeves a challenge.  Still lovely on a chilly day!

Woolen Mittens.

~I can be found knitting all year round, but when the cold, windy, rigid part of winter rolls around, I am ready for warm wool on my fingers (and needles).  What better than a nice pair of thick, woolen mittens?

~I decided (on a whim) to make some mittens this year.  I have never made mittens before.  It can't be that difficult?  This pattern was acquired from my local yarn store, and seemed straight forward.  I made the above pair and keep them in my car ALL the time.  They are perfect for when I need an instant warmth, and they never seem cold, even after being in the car at subzero levels.  Perfect.

~The mittens are made using a mohair and chunky wool yarn held together (size 13 dpns).  When two yarns are held together, it is hard to predict exactly what the final result will yield.  Unpredictability is good (and interesting).  Two of these pair were holiday gifts and I have two more pair yet to make and give away for Valentines Day (must get to that task...).

Perfect for frozen winter days or long subway rides, just what the weatherman ordered.

Freezing mornings, grey skies and crunchy earth.

Arg!  Winter is definitely showing us everything lately.  I truly try to get outside and embrace the snow and ice.  Really?

It is all a matter of perspective.  Z. and I read a book recently about adjusting our perspectives on life--I guess it has rubbed off on me.  We try to connect with nature everyday (no matter how much I would rather be inside).  Once we are outside, we always find thought-provoking stuff.  Icicles, animal tracks, and frozen pod heads to name a few.

Here are the going-ons at our place.

Waiting patiently while dad saws down the tree...

Finally, the Sublime Big Wave Scarf that I started knitting last year.  It always feels good to have projects 'completed'.  No more loose ends (literally).