Change of Pace

I took some time away from the blog for some summer revelry and relaxation. And then I decided to try something new! I’m designing. For dolls. At least for now. The dolls are one size, my kids can get involved, and the projects are quick enough that I can knit a couple samples.

My first pattern, Ribbed Doll Sweater, is live on Ravelry!

 

 

I’m using knitonepugtwo designs for my shop name. I realize doll sweaters have a limited audience, but they’re a great intro to sweaters and a learning experience on construction.

This pattern was only tested by me. But I’ve got another in the works with a tester. And I’m hoping to release two at the beginning of September! And I’m working on something for both a child and their doll!

I’m also trying to add helpful tips to my designs, things a beginning knitter might not think about. Like using VERY different types of markers when knitting lace.

I’m also using links in the pattern, should you download it as a pdf, so it’s easy to understand terms like “back join.”

Let me know if you’ve taken a look at my pattern or are interested in test knitting!

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Been Awhile…

It’s been awhile since I mentioned our classic 1965 Field and Stream Travel Trailer since we finished the work and have used it a few times, some of the shine has gone off. But thanks to my husband lurking around on some vintage trailer forums, and our 3d printer, I got to add a bit to both our memorabilia and my hobbies.

Apparently there’s a fad with classic motel keychains. And so while he was working one up for an acquaintance with a Shasta, I designed a few for our Field and Stream.

In my huntings I found an eBay listing for a sales brochure, wish I’d found it before it sold! But it’s cool to add more details to the history. It’s a model 15 and apparently was designed to be rented out for weekend adventures.

Grumble

Soldotna Continued

That neck, though. Just too many short rows. I put needles in to pick up stitches. Snipped, ripped, and re-knit. I only went with one set of back and forth. I’d probably consider maybe one more set for the next one to get the neck better. I also think a slightly larger neck might in order. I like to be warm but not strangled.

Finished it

I finished my Soldotna! It’s a little shorter than I expected, ran out of the peacock blue. And it’s WAY wider than planned. I think my second one will be a medium and I’ll use the yarn to extend the length.

Pulling it in a bit.

Soldotna

In a crazy turn of events, I’ve gone monogamous.

I’m knitting the Soldotna (not so) crop from Boyland Knitworks.

The yoke took a weekend. I was just enjoying it so much. I started the flea stitch. But I think I just petered out on colorwork. So after a nod, I switched to my comforting stockinette in the round. Hopefully I’ll have this finished by the end of summer.

Oh, and totally not going to be nearly as cropped as intended. I’m long bodied and mostly a wearer of jeans.

To be clear – I stand with Ravelry

 

Popular fiber crafting website Ravelry released a statement in June 2019 stating that they were “banning support of Donald Trump and his administration on Ravelry.” Additionally, “We cannot provide a space that is inclusive of all and also allow support for open white supremacy. Support of the Trump administration is undeniably support for white supremacy.”

I do understand how this stance is difficult for some, particularly those Trump supporters who do not view themselves as in support of white supremacy. They support some of his policies, but not all. An understandable position that most of us face when selecting political figures and parties. Trumps negativity and support, or at least tolerance, of hate groups, does not allow for support of any of his more “reasonable” policies. (BTW, how any working class American can support a gold tower living billionaire who has lost millions and shafted small business left and right is beyond me.)

I, myself, have never been a fan of Trump as a politician. I hold the, apparently odd, belief that my politicians, those people making decisions over rules and laws of our country, should be better than I am. I want them smarter, more ethical, more understanding. Trump is none of those things. And even barring everything and anything he did pre-running for the presidency, my breaking point came when he mocked a disabled reporter.  His policies, his boastful and ignorant tweets, his continued actions, to my view, show he has not grown into his position nor learned from any mistakes.

So while Ravelry could have been more moderate in their stance, banning only hate speech or banning all negative commentary, including anti-Trump language, it is their house their rules.

And to speak to a comment I saw on a YouTube video in support of the “wave” of people leaving Rav about a Ravelry rep saying “I knew you used acrylic,” that comment was from a yarn snob not affiliated with Raverly. Besides, plenty of people who prefer natural fibers and nice yarn can and do acknowledge that acrylic has its place both in the use category and in the socio-economic category.