Cable-iscious

March 25, 2022 / underdutchskies / 1 Comment

I realized when I went to Ravelry to update this project that I had started it in DECEMBER. I thought I had started in January. No wonder it seems like a long work in progress. But now it’s done!

The pattern is “Sandstone Peak” by Irina Anikeeva. I knit it Cascade 220 Worsted Heathers, in color Galaxy. I knit is per the pattern EXCEPT, and this is a big exception, I knit it in pieces and seamed them together. This required a lot of notes and calculations to keep the sleeve/body decreases correct, but it all worked out.

I used 9 buttons. I hate a sweater that gapes open. When it came time to make the buttonholes I first made a test one by knitting the first row as written in the pattern, then knitting a few more stitches, turning the work and working back over the buttonhole, and turning to work over it again, just to see what it would look like and how it would fit with my buttons. I’m glad I did because the buttonholes were way too small and not very neat. I couldn’t remember how I made good ones in the past so I pulled out my trusty Vogue Knitting bible and looked up buttonholes. They explain how to knit 4 different kinds. I chose the 1 row buttonholes which I made over 4 stitches. They are perfect! Really happy with the results

I’m really happy with everything about this sweater – the fit, the cables, the buttons, even the high collar… EXCEPT – this yarn attracts my cats’ white hair like a MAGNET. I’m constantly picking which hairs off of it. I think I will wear it outside the house most of the time.

I really enjoyed knitting this sweater and highly recommend the pattern. Sorry it took me so long to finish it and write up a post about it. Next week will be a WIP post about my ONLY remaining project in process. Working and accordion playing has taken up a lot of my time and I don’t have as much left over for crafts. I’m feeling ok about that. My job is going well, I’m loving the accordion, and the weather is warming up so I’m also doing things in the garden. I’m cultivating a well rounded life. 😀

Time Out

March 11, 2022 / underdutchskies / 1 Comment

This week the cats are a stand in for me. I have been sick with a cold for a week. I felt like Jake here, like a real Ragdoll, not good for anything but hanging out on the couch. This will not be a post about knitting or spinning or any other crafts. Not much to tell. I’ve knit on my cabled cardigan, but that will be for next week.

And here’s Frank (Asinsinatra) hanging out on the stairs. I’m always afraid he’ll fall asleep and fall between the steps, but hey, survival of the fittest we say in our house.

The week started out so good. On Friday we walked from our house to Huis Duinen, along the dike, along the Waddezee, with a stop for hot chocolate above the beach.

This past week has been the sunniest week in March EVER, and instead of going out and enjoying it, I spent it inside, coughing, sneezing and feeling sorry for myself. Over the week I did 4 home COVID tests and 1 official PCR test at the GGD. All negative. I kept testing because I kept feeling worse and then couldn’t smell cat poop. Today, a week after that photo was taken, I think I’m getting back to normal. Cat poop and all.

So, sorry about the lack of a craft post and I hope to be back next week with a FINISHED OBJECT! Won’t that be exciting. And the start of a new project (or 2). I hope you are enjoying some hints of Spring. The latest news in the world is terrible and scary. The natural world is a good place to look for peace. A walk in the woods, or a city park, can do wonders for my spirits. You too?

Fashion Forward & Backward

March 1, 2022March 1, 2022 / underdutchskies / 1 Comment

Last Friday 2 friends and I went to the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) to see an exhibition of fashion by Dutch fashion designers. You can read more about it, and see better photos than mine, here.

The exhibition showed clothing from the 17th century up to the present time. It was really interesting and inspiring. I’ll put my best photos at the end of this post.

There was one exhibit that gave me ideas about what to do with the many pairs of jeans with holes in them that I’ve been saving.

The designer cut up old jeans, created a patchwork fabric, then sewed new jeans out of that fabric. I love this idea! This is what I will do with my old jeans collection and sew the fabric into a jumper or sleeveless A-line dress. I just hope that my sewing machine is up to all that heavy fabric. These pieces have been top stitched with the gold thread used on Levi’s jeans which I really like. Time to get a heavy duty sewing needle! I also really like the added stitching on some of the squares. I don’t think I’ll add the paint/bleach though. 😉

Here’s another view with the ”Amsterdammertje” under his butt.

If you’re local, or planning a visit between now and 3 April 22, I highly recommend you go see this exhibit. AND you get to see a church which was first built in 1409. It’s pretty impressive in its own right.

More photos from the exihibit…..

Bikes haven’t changed much over the years

From a Japanese internment camp during WWII

And now a few photos of the church. The lighting is very dim, but you get the idea.

There is information in English about the church on their website. Since 1979 it has been a place for exhibitions, official State events, concerts, etc. It sits right on Dam Square so if you are visiting it’s hard to miss! Well worth a visit no matter what is taking place at the time.