Crafting before 2025 kicks off!

After making it through the yoke and starting the short row shaping on my Melrose (check out the pattern, it's available now:  Ravelry: Melrose pattern by Sophie Lucente) test knit, I can experiment a bit this weekend.

It takes me about 21 minutes to complete a row of the Yuletide Blanket. I'll recalculate the number of rows needed as of the start of 2025. I've made a bit of progress and if I can get a couple of rows every few days, I think there is hope to get it done by next Christmas. Since there isn't any assembly and the finishing should be very simple, I'm not as concerned with the progress during the first half of the year. I'm using a 5 mm hook per the pattern and using my rainbow Furls hook.

With the Battenberg blanket, I have the first five days of the 2023 Advent Calendar from Jessie of Yarn Over New York. Can you guess the theme? It was a space theme and the colors are so fun! I'm using a 3.5 mm hook from my plastic interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook set.

Ok, here is the breakdown of time and counts.

• It took a little less than 5 minutes to wind the 10g mini skein
• 30 minutes to crochet one square with 5 rows
• 2 squares from each mini skein
• The squares measure 4" x 4" making the 12 x 15 squares a 4ft by 5ft blanket excluding any edging

I looked at my available yarn aside from the 24 advent and I also have the ten 20g skeins for the count down to 2024 from Jessie too! These will look pretty with this as well. So...to the math!

That means that I'm getting one square out of about 5g and I'll have 450g of the multicolor yarn, which would give me 92 multicolor squares and I'd need 92 of the solid squares with 70g for the edging. This would make a total of 186 squares. This doesn't divide super easily, but if I think of it as 12 x 15 (or 180 squares) as my starting point.

Next, I made the first of the 24 squares for the Yorkshire blanket. I was hoping to get one square out of 10g, but it looks like the first one took 12g. I'll need to use larger scraps than my 10g mini skeins. I have a couple of beautiful green hand dyed skeins that I was thinking of using as a backup too. There is a calendar with the pattern that shows how timeline worked from July to November of last year. I'd like to get the 24 squares completed in the first 4 months of the year and give myself lots of wiggle room for the assembly. Also, if I can make a few more before the start of the year, I'll be sitting well with the overall timing.

Kicking this off...again!

It's the day after Christmas, and what does a knitter/crocheter think about...what to make next year?!?!!

Ignoring my family/work/personal obligations, here is what I hope to craft for 2025:

• Three blankets (one for each of my kids)
• Finish my current test knit (short-sleeved Melrose Tee)
• Hooded scarves for my family (14 in total)
• Amigurumi Advent
• Table runner
• 4 seat covers
• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of mittens
• 2 hats
• 2 large dog sweaters

Aspirational list if there is time:

• Candy cane blanket for my sister-in-law
• Work through the patterns in the Close Knits by Laerke Bagger

What are your thoughts on the list above? Whether you know me personally or not, this list is super long. This won't be a light year in other respects, so I'll need to prioritize. The three blankets are for each of my kiddos and I have a nice start on one. All three blankets are crocheted. I have the patterns picked out and most of the yarn determined. Which is your favorite?

Yuletide Mosaic Blanket (this is the one that I started)

Ravelry: Yuletide Mosaic Blanket pattern by Hannah Cross

Yorkshire Crochet Along Blanket

Ravelry: Yorkshire Crochet Along Blanket pattern by Meema Makes

Battenberg Blanket

Ravelry: Battenberg Blanket pattern by Sandra Paul

The big question is how much I can make each week and then the time to do any assembly/finishing. The first blanket only has some knots on the sides for the fringe. There is a different optional edging, but I love the side fringe. The second blanket has final assembly and edging. The third blanket is join as you go with the solid color and edging.

Would you work on one blanket, or several at a time? I generally have a few projects going at a time. Given that each of these projects have their own quirks, I'll likely work all of them throughout the week. If I want to finish the blankets by the end of the year...how much do I need to complete.

Blanket 1:  180 rows (only 155 rows left) and finishing

Blanket 2:  24 squares, assembly, edging, and finishing

Blanket 3:  ??? ---> I need to see how much of a square that I get out of 10g of fingering weight yarn. I have 500g of solid yarn to combine the blanket. 

Blanket 1:  5 rows a week - with about 155 rows left - 31 weeks. This would take about 7 months. I'll time a few rows this week to see how much time this will really take.

Blanket 2:  2 squares per week, 4 weeks to assemble, and 2 weeks for edging and finishing - 18 weeks or 4 - 5 months

Blanket 3: More research needed! The sample in the photo has 1,020 squares (30 x 34 squares) with about 1600ish grams before the edging. I do plan to crochet larger squares and maybe I'll start with 48 - 96 squares.

Once I get more research completed, I'll be able to see how any other projects could fit in.

Happy crafting!!!

Did you partake in LYS Day?

Yesterday (4/30/22) marked Local Yarn Store (LYS) Day. I've happened upon this day accidentally a few times. It falls within a few weeks of my typical professional work deadline, and I'm always eager to treat myself after the long hours leading up to the deadline.

I didn't make it out this year, but I was able to tech edit a pattern that was released on LYS Day. In a small way I feel like I participated :). As many have shared on social media, if you didn't participate, it's not too late support small LYS or indie dyers. My April skein of Yarn Over New York's Yarn Explorer's Club is in the mail. The space theme is wonderful, and I am looking forward to knitting/crocheting up January and February. Notably, I missed March, which related to my busy season and my desire to give up crafty purchases during Lent. Hoping to treat myself to the May colorway. It sounds lovely!!!

I'm keeping this short, but there is more to come.

Happy crafting!

New Year New Outlook!!!

I haven't posted much over the last couple of years. There is plenty that I've wanted to say and do, but the motivation to post and share has waned. 

I've been crafting a ton and there are some fun developments that I'm excited to share.

Crafting goals for 2022 -

• Knit 12 pairs of socks (I've now completed two - I'm letting myself do shorties and DK weight socks during busy season)
• Make a square a week for an advent pattern (I have eight completed so far)
• Design a pattern and publish it on Raverly
• Tech edit at least one design for money
• Develop relationships with three designers/publications
• Use more of my stash than add to it

I'm in my day job busy season, but there is real hope of making these goals a reality. I'm taking a class from Tian Connaughton, check her classes out here. I'm thinking of joining her Pattern Partnership once I'm through the tech editing course. You can really hear and feel the coaching nature she has. I love that Tian wants you to get out there and see the value of what she brings.

I love the math of patterns and I've been test knitting for years. Bringing that together to support the creative community and to earn funds to support my family sounds amazing. My day job and professional career is nerdy, and math focused too. I've also been entrepreneurial in my career so selling my skills is not as scary as it would have been a few years ago. 

My new name is @bettyeditpdx on Instagram and I'm working on my website that will be bettyedit.com. In addition to the tech editing services, I want to share the pattens and yarn I love. My space is always one of love and inclusion. Featuring yarn and patterns from BIPOC makers is so easy with the amazing makers who are creating space and community.

More to come!

Where my stitches at?!?

It's been a long time and I definitely have drafted a few posts that I couldn't quite wrap up and post. 

Some FOs!!!

I'm excited to share some recent finished items. Most are related to getting ready for several baby arrivals. Can you tell I'm prepping for baby showers?

Throughlines Wrap from Remadebyhand (aka Erin Kurup). This was so fun to make. The yarn is far more colorful than what I like to cram into one project, but that made it even more fun. The yarn is Sprout Sock from the Fiber Seed. The colors are so lovely and saturated, and I enjoyed the springy feel of the yarn.

I made a Gnot Just Another Gnome for my sister-in-law...sh...it's a secret!!!

I'm trying to make each of the babies a bucket hat. This pattern is from Lisa Zingsheim and it was recommended by Safiyyah Talley of the Drunk Knitter fame. Have you checked out her new podcast that includes both true crime and knitting? She's focusing on less well known stories because the victims come from marginalized backgrounds. I do recommend listening. There are currently two episodes and more arrive weekly. The shrugs are from Mon Petit Violon and the blanket was crocheted by my crafting buddy Cathie (she has made so many lovely blankets during COVID).

I also hope to make some of Safiyyah's baby shawls that make great dribble bibs. I made three for my sister-in-law last year. Aren't they lovely!!! I love using Knitpicks Comfy Color Mist. The cotton is soft and the colors have this beautiful muted tunes. 

Celebrating Pride, Juneteenth, and Independence Day!

I was so excited to see that Knit the Rainbow, Inc. celebrated its first anniversary this last week. The organization is based out of NYC and they advocate for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in NYC. They also collect knitted items and yarn to help warm the homeless as well. They are always looking for mittens, gloves, and socks in addition to other knitted goodies.

On the Juneteenth front, I'd only learned about this historic date with in the last 12 months. It was shocking to learn so much of our history that seems so critical for our national understanding. I still struggle with the idea that this wasn't taught to us in school. One way that I celebrated the holiday this year, I was so excited to order Lady Dye Yarn's Juneteenth yarn kit. Here are some picks. I really love the colors and am so excited to finish it. The knit version of the pattern is the Birthright Shawl by Dr. Charlie Untangled. 

It's been a more troubling time to celebrate Independence Day for so many reasons. I love this country and I believe we can continue to improve. However, the fractured nature of our society and fundamental inequities are intolerable. I will continue to seek freedom and equality for all.

In working on Monique Melton's Pursue Black Liberation Challenge, I've been doing more of the work and I encourage more to check it out. The outlay was only $32 for a helpful workbook and if you follow Monique on Instagram (@moemotivate), you can get additional insight. Her Shine Brighter Together podcast is also fantastic. 

Love you all and happy crafting!

Modest Progress and Looking Forward

From my pictures last week, I've completed a sleeve of the Knitorious RBG, added some inches to my Juncture sweater, and I'm halfway through the ribbing on another hat for my colleagues. I'm hoping to get through a hat a week and plan to make time for it on the weekends as a priority. That means I could make about 11 hats before the end of the year! 

I also made progress on the Even Moss Hat from Desamour Designs too. Make sure you check out the #BIPCMAL2020.

Balancing my kids' school, housework, and a day job with overtime has been rough the past six months. Staying grateful is critical and tricky. I've had minimal downtime due to the virus. I feel like those of us who've maintained employment have had more work to do during the pandemic. I don't say that to complain. Staying busy has been a blessing.

The new treat I'm claiming for myself is to get back to my knitting group. We meet over Google Hangouts and I really wanted to attend the last couple of weekends. I signed on a few times last weekend, but wasn't successful in doing more than saying goodbye to a couple of attendees and having one on one time with a fabulous crafter in my group.

I've taken steps to get things kick started in our group again. It would be so nice to see everyone in person. Making a plan for an in person event is now tricky with the weather. We'll see what comes.

Jessi Ksanznak of Yarn Over New York is having a mystery sock knitalong starting on Monday. I just remembered that I signed up for it today...what yarn should I use? The fabulous mini-skein sets are amzing. I'm on a real yarn hold...not buying yarn to add to the stash. Maybe I can get new yarn next year!

I'm still excited to cast on Monday :). Maybe I'll use one color, but use something fun and festive. A special skein...maybe :). Winding yarn should begin soon.

My first Instagram giveaway is online and thanks to it I now have over 100 followers. That probably sounds small, but it's exciting for me. I want to continue to support yarn shops, dyers, designers, and the community, so I'll keep the giveaways going for a period of time. Spreading a little hope to the crafty folks, free marketing for shops, and purchasing gift cards/yarns is what I hope to do until I can't. This will go on each quarter or as frequent as I feel like it :).

Spreading hope is fun!

Ok, this is meant to be a quick post in between the things I need to get done. Have a great week and happy crafting!

2021 Goals!

Ok, it's only October 3, 2020. There is still time for 2020 goals, but from a crafting perspective, I'm already thinking about next year.

Here's what I still hope to accomplish before the end of the year:

• Knit 10+ hats for my colleagues (fall/winter project)
• Knitorious RBG sweater by election day
• Start quarterly giveaways on Instagram (I have one going on until October 12, 2020...check me out at @lizziehutch3)
• Working on the Juncture sweater for the #intafriendskal2020
• Working on matching hats from @desamourdesigns for the #bipocmal (starting that today)
• Get some awesome pictures of a test knit I've finished up

Here are some WIP pics related to the above goals.

Start of a sleeve for the Knitorious RBG sweater

Trying on my Juncture Sweater

Now for 2021! I want to ready lots of traditional and intricate crafts for the Multnomah County Fair. I was inspired by Kristy Glass' vlaog about entering several of her knits in her local fair and I'd love to try to aim for the cool best in show or other special awards in the needle craft segment. 

This assumes that there will be a county fair in 2021, but if not, I can create a stockpile of beautiful finished projects. I'll share some of the ideas and WIPs as I sort through new ideas.

I'm also hoping to be inspired by KnitStars 5.0. I purchased it during the early bird special and ordered some of the special skeins for projects. The yarn is set to arrive this week, which will be fun to share.

Are you going to participate in this? My post deadline time off  will be about a week after the initial sessions are posted. It will be hard to wait!

Hope you're staying safe and sane! Happy crafting!