Knitting a hat of Eriko Aoki's pattern

Hi knitters,

A few months ago, I've been knitting a hat, on and off, from a pattern of Eriko Aoki.  (Yeah, on and off, as I was quite busy changing my life. ) Eriko Aoki is a famous Japanese designer who has been contributing her patterns to many Japanese publications.   The pattern is from a book called House Knit, Outside Knit. 

 And I used knitting needles US #6 instead of the suggested on.  The the hat is smaller and suits children of 6 to 9 year-old.

Knitting this hat is a good exercise of cable knitting and learning Japanese knitting symbols.  I found that the advanced you want to go, the more you need to learn. And my reference book wasn't informative enough. 

Therefore, I sought help from YouTube again.

Here is one I recommend.  It is a YouTube channel called Keiko no Puppy, and it is official of the Japanese Yarn Brand Puppy.   You can find some instructions on how to knit and crochet.  The good thing about this series of YouTube tutorials is that you don't need to know Japanese at all.  The demonstration is in clear and done in slow pace.  You'll see Japanese subtitles at the bottom of the screen.  But you don't quite need that.    

And you can just look at the right top corner of the video and see the symbols.  

Here is a demonstration of k2tog.




Although this is a great help.  There are still so many symbols that I couldn't find.  I guess I need to find another reference book that contains information for rare symbols if I want to keep advancing.  I DO NEED THAT!  Please let me know if you have any recommendation.  Thank you!

So at the mean time, I finished another hat from a pattern of Japanese designers.  Will tell you more about it next time. 



Happy knitting!

My heart will go on with knitting: Review on Tulip's stitch markers in HEART SHAPE

Hi Knitters,

Recently I had a few trips to Asia.  It was great to explore the world and found out what knitters from the other side of the earth are up to.

When I went back to my home city Hong Kong, I went to a local yarn store in called Cheer Wool Co. Ltd in Wan Chai and got this:

Yes! Jumbo stitch markers in heart shape!!!!!!!!

Are they just lovely?  There are totally 6 of these stitch markers in the package.  They are made by Tulip, a celebrated Japanese brand that is famous for it's crochet hooks and other knitting accessories.  Elastic.  Made of polyethylene as indicated on the package.

I used two of the markers to finished a hood that was originally designed by me as a snood.  That's Op. 24.  Opus twenty-four.  

The snood was knitted with US #10 needles.  The usage of the markers were actually optional.  It was just easier to distinguish the borders on both sides and the subtle heart shape pattern in the center of the rows with the help of the markers. It was not especially easily or difficult to use the markers.  Nothing special about it except the appearance.  Yeah, you don't have to own them.  But I bet when you see them you'll just go crazy like me.  

These markers are pretty big.  You shouldn't have problem using them on needles even in US size 15 (10.0mm).  (I tested it)  Anyhow, details and pattern of Op. 24 will be blogged.  Stay tuned.  

Happy knitting!

Shopping in Piedmont Yarn & Apparel and Getting 7 balls of yarn

Hello knitters,

Today I went to Piedmont to visit a local store.  It's called Piedmont Yarn and Apparel.  It was a local store with sufficient supply of yarn.

In the front of the store, there were some seats for knitters to try things out.  Then there were display area for the yarn selection and knitting supplies.  The yarn needles were well organized by sizes and located in some basket.  On top of each shelf, there're display that demonstrate the beauty of yarn the the craftsmanship of the staff.  

In the back, there is a small room where a knitting class was being held while I was shopping.  I really don't like to be rushed while I am shopping.  I was pleased that no one disturbed me while I was craving and touching the yarn.  The two sale representatives were both very polite and helpful.  

The prices of the yarn are reasonable, I got 5 balls of Schachenmayr's Leana (in 2 colorways) and 2 balls of Suri Brushed by Frog Tree for a total of $61.30. .   Not bad at all.  It is my first time purchasing these brands of yarn.  Will tell you more about them later.  In sum, Piedmont Yarn and Apparel is a lovely store. If I ever go to Piedmont, I will certainly go to this store again.  It's a matter of transportation.  Piedmont locals, go go go!!!

I tried to upload a "what's in my shopping bag video" and failed.  If interested, you can go to my Instagram account and take a preview.

Anyhow, stay tuned.  I will tell you about my recent project (s)...

HAPPY KNITTING

P.S. Just found out on Ravelry that it's Suri Brushed has been discontinued.

Lazy lace ~ how well can lace knitting kill time

Hi knitters,

Finally I'm done with this pattern.  It was such a long process.... I have to admit that I'm not a fast knitter.  And it was not easy to knit with #3 needles.  I bought the yarns and started the project  2 years ago (if I recollect it correctly).  I started knitting this lace scarf and stopped...and back to the lace knitting again.  2 balls of Caracara was used.  The colorway is gorgeous.  And I consider that the costs of yarn fairly low.

And perhaps because it was the first time I knitted with mohair yarn, I needed to be extra careful not to drop any stitches.  I counted the number of stitch more often just to make sure I was on the right track.  Perhaps that's what made me dropped the projects several times.

Anyway, I got this pattern when from ABCs of Knitting.  And I cast 50 stitches on.  As you can see, I'm not too skillful and definitely need more practice on knitting with fine needles.  I really hope that I can squeeze some time next year to do another lace knitting with mohair yarn.

By the way, I was glad that I got addi needles for this project.  Seriously thinking of getting the lace interchangeable set for my future.  The addi sets are now on sale on Amazon..........

A new free hat pattern will be posted very soon.  Stay tuned, stay warm and 

Happy Knitting!

What do you do to kill back pain?

Hi knitters,

Recently I've been suffering from back pain.  It's not only owing to knitting.  My back pain is caused by playing badminton, studying, and improper sleeping posture...

Anyhow, I would like to share some of my solution:

1. EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulator).
My back is now as hard as a rock.  I often turn to high levels.  
Some people may not like the idea of having electricity running in your body.  Read the instructions before use.

2. Biofreeze.
Put on this cool ointment on the pain area.  Please do not rub it hard.  It's cool.  But don't over do it.  Always use when your body is clean.



3.  Heating pad.
My favourite.  It's very helpful.  But some people find it too hot. Make sure you don't wear anything metal as it's DANGEROUS.  The heat metal would burn your skin.

4.  Herbal heating pad.
Put it in microwave no more than 2 mins.  Put it on your shoulders while you knit.  It helps.  But don't place it on your body directly on your skin.  Always wear something.

5. Taking a shower.
It always help if you take a hot shower.  So refreshing.

Anyway, rest when you don't feel well.  

HAPPY KNITTING

2 Weeks After: Little Thoughts on Click Turbo

Hi knitters,

I've been using the Addi's Click Turbo set for two weeks.  So far so good. 
Here are some thoughts about it.

First of all, the needles are, as it is renowned for, super!!!!

I have no difficulties knitting at all.  I can't knit in a turbo speed as I am a slow knitter.  Therefore there's no mean to boast that I became a rocket knitter by since the day I started using this Turbo set.  But I notice that my knitting has been sped up a bit.  It's probably due to the well-polished body of the needles. That may also because the light weight of the needles.  It's not super light.  But it's not heavy at all.  I feel comfortable with them. 

It was with the US#8 needles and 32" cord that I tried out the set.  I had no trouble doing ssk and some k2tog at all, which pleased me.  The tips of the needles are not as sharp as the Lace set, but they are good enough for stitch decreasing. Well, I haven't tried k3tog, thus no comment on that.  By the way, I was making Op. 16 cowl which will be discussed in another blog.

My motto as a designer is simple: Nothing is perfect.  And so is not the Click Turbo set.  I had very high expectation on the click, which is the selling point of this product.  Well, the joints are secure.  So far no accidents happen.  The security of this set satisfy my need, which was the exact reason I bought it.  (oh my my....so expensive...yet so far no other product beat it)  However, something surprised me in an unpleasant way.  The process of 'clicking' is not a smooth one.  I never expect that as that's not what I saw in the advertisement.  I had found out this problem when I examined the set in the yarn store, but the sales representative told me it's 'normal', which means the product was manufactured like this.  Can't say I was 100% satisfied with the answer.  And I hesitated a minute before purchasing it.  I hope that once I have them used more often, the clicking will become easier.  I hope.

One thing you guys may be curious to know: the color of the cord.  I was told that the blue cord is for the North American market.  Well, I can confirm it as I just bought one myself from a US yarn store.  The red cord, as you may have seen on eBay for sale, is actually for the Asian market, as I was told by some participants of knitting forums.  That means once you buy the set, you don't have lifetime warranty if you live in the US.  Well, there maybe no warranty at all.  I understand the cheaper cost is attempting.  However, please reconsider it before purchasing.  I once thought about that too.  There is also a set with golden cord.  Yes, GOLDEN.  Sounds nice.  I was told that it's exclusively for the market for European.  Well, the manufacturer is from Germany.  I can understand why the color for European region is more precious...a bit jealous.  Again,the information provided in this paragraph is from a forum discussion, not from any official resources.  

Anyhow that's the end of a little review.  To have it documented more precisely, I would like to note again that this review is done after two weeks of trying the Turbo Click.  Perhaps will do another one if I discover something 'frensh' that I didn't share here.

P.S. The knit shown in this blog is the coming-to-be Op.17 Beret.  Stay tuned.
HAPPY KNITTING

Among Incredible Knits: Trip to Nine Rubies in San Mateo Area

Hi Knitters,

It's now Fall.  And winter is coming.  Ready for buying yarn without limit?  Well, I just got a few balls of yarn.  Op. 16 is gonna be something in purple.  Stay tuned if you wanna see how it will turn out.

A few days ago, I called Nine Rubies in San Mateo and asked the receptionist if they do carry Addi Turbo set.  She said yes and we drove all the way down there.  It turned out they only carried the Long Lace set.  I was 'tricked'.  To be honest with you, I was a bit pissed that I wasted some gas and couldn't get the product I was promised.   Well, maybe the receptionist was too new (As I overheard).  Anyhow, I stayed there pondering if I should just have bought that set and took a few minutes browsing around.  

I won't say their selection was hug.   But everything was displayed in good order and there were a lot of goodies.   What made Nine Rubies unique was their beautiful samples.  They are all neatly made by skillful knitters.  The gauges were even, stitches were beautiful...perfect!!!! It just made me wonder the incredibility of the knitter!!! 

Also, the tidiness of Nine Rubies made it high class and comfy.  It was designed to be a studio instead of a store.  Well thought.  And there was even a rectangular table for people to sit around and knit.  

Oh! How clean! How bourgeois! I love the setup of this store!  

At the end, I got one ball of Noro yarn.  No needles.  While I was paying, I asked the receptionist for permission to take photos.  She kindly agreed.  Thank you. 

Will I come back to Nine Rubies?  Yes.  There are many good restaurants around B street.  Will just drop in and pick  up something nice.  

Anyway, hope you find a nice local yarns store and

HAPPY KNITTING

Acrylic Reigns: Review on Uptown Worsted Yarn in Neon Yellow

Hi Knitters,

I'm now done knitting Op. 13 and would like to share with you what I think of the yarn I picked.

A few weeks ago I went to a LYS.  I was looking for something acrylic.  It was ok whether it's 100% acrylic or mix with other material.  Just wannna to be a yarn explorer.  Acrylic yarn is certainly for people with  limited budget.  I then went to have happy hour since I saved some money from buying yarn.  Hurrah!!!

Universal Yarn's Uptown Worsted was one of my pick of that day.  I was debating: should I get the hot magenta or neon yellow (please note that there was bright yellow too)?  Since I had knitted quite a few pink items, neon yellow was my choice.  And then a genius idea just pop up: Neon Yellow is the perfect color for bike riders who don't install any flash light in their bike.  Then putting something on their heads will help people noticing them.   Ride safe!

Now you know I love the color.  How about the touch?  This yarn is called worsted yarn.  And yet it is quite soft to touch.  I would say compared to acrylic + wool, this 100% acrylic yarn somehow resembles the quality of baby yarn.  And the knit is not itchy at all.  This is a good news for wool-sensitive friends.  And the appearance of this yarn is a bit shiny, despite the fact that it is in such SHARP color.  

When knitting, this Uptown Worsted yarn was a bit slippery.  If you are a beginner knitter, I don't recommend knitting with steel or aluminum needles.  Using bamboo needles would be a wiser choice.  When I unfortunately undid some of the stitches, the anti-pilling feature of this yarn helped keep the yarn in shape: you won't need to worry that the needles will frequently insert into the yarn by mistake.  I do love this quality.  To conclude, I am satisfied with Uptown Worsted and I highly recommend this yarn to beginner knitters.  Next time I may pick a mellower color way since there are more than 40 options.  

Here is a peek for the project Op. 13.  You may wonder: What the hey is EatingLemon doing with needles in 2 different sizes?  Stay tuned and your curiosity will be fulfilled. 

HAPPY KNITTING

P.S. Here the link to my fb page.  https://www.facebook.com/Eatinglemonknitknitknitpage
Spread the words!

Magic~ First try on Magic Loop / Comply Sample Set Review Part 2

Once upon a time, there is a magic spell called Magic Loop.  Who ever tried on challenging the Magic Loop would never be able to knit with double pointed needles or regular circular needles again.  There was no return...........

Do you believe in this myth?

Due to my slow learning pace and lack of courage, it took me quite a while to get the idea and try on knitting the Magic Loop.  The official inventor is Sarah Hauschka.

However, it was said the idea of Magic Loop is actually derived from knitting with 2 circular needles.   And please forgive me, I forgot the name of the the smart lady.

Anyhow, the basic concept of knitting in Magic Loop "style" is to separate the total number of stitches into two and keep these two sections apart on circular needles with long cords.  The cord is suggested to be at least 40 inches long.  It is not difficult as it seems.  I used a few stitch markers to help me.  Long cord worked much better.  This time I only did one hat.  We can actually knit two items all at once.  Hmm..I will try it next time.

I Will talk Magic Loop more profoundly once I master it.  

This time I knit with the Knitter's Pride Interchangeable needles with US #7 and #8 needles.  And I was very happy with the Cubics.  The actual size of Cubics, which is US#7 in this set, is smaller than regular needles of the same size.  And in my opinion, the stitches results in smaller than regular.  Well, that may due to my inexperience of using it and my inconsistent gauge.  Or it is as the official description of the Cubics :  they are very good for knitting uniform stitch.  Hmm.. that means they are very good for Fair Isle.  Good news!  If you want to have a regular #7 gauge, try one size up.  

Not 100% sure.  But do I find it comfortable holding the needles for the 'The cuboid shape in square cross-section"?  Yes I do.  They are not difficult to handle as I assumed once I got used to them. The needles are made of rosewood.  Pretty light in weight. Not as light as Nova though.

The quality of the cords is best tested with Magic Loop.  Now is the time.  The cords available in this sets are 24" and 40".  They are very very flexible.  Very easy to pull.  There is no information on what material the cord is made of.  My guess is plastic.  Again, they are very good for Magic Loop.  I'm glad I tried them.  

Some updates on the joints of this set of IC.  I find that YOU HAVE TO USE THE KEY PIN.
If not, the joint will break, which leads to dropping of stitches.  It happened to me twice.  But once you lock them tight, they are ok.

To conclude, I do like this set of Comply Sample of IC.  It's a really good deal.  And I just discovered some fun way to knit which can only be done with interchangeable needles.  Will blog about this later.

Now I'm having fun knitting Irish Cables and in Magic Loop style.  Wanna know what I am making?  Stay tuned and 

HAPPY KNITTING 

Wolffy knitting idea for this Fall: VOGUEknitting Early Fall 2013 Review

Hi Knitters,

Happpy Summer!  Though it's summer, it's not too late to prepare and choose a big knitting project for this fall.  I do have some ideas.  And I got them from VOGUEknitting Early Fall.

Last weekend I went to Safeway for grocery.  When I was looking at the jam shelf, something next to it  caught my attention.  It was a  National Geographical Kids Special with ANGRY BIRDS.  And next to it, VOGUEknitting Early Fall 2013.  I ended up getting both of them.  WEE.....

The majority of the patterns of this issue of VOGUEkniting is for sweater.   My favorite is a pullover with a vivid wolf pattern in front and a wide boatneck.  And the color is pretty cool and match my skin color.  I am considering knitting a small size of this pattern for myself.  Well, I haven't knitted anything for myself for a long..long...time.  Let's see if I can squeeze something for that.  I wish....

Besides the wolf pattern, there are also tiger, fox, bird, cat, and reindeer patterns...Wow...  That is included in the Urban Jungle section.

There is also a series of baseball jackets available in this issue of VOGUEknitting.  Cool.  

I really dislike instructions that are squeezed in a few pages.  Luckily, the editors of  VOGUEknitting did a very good job for the layout.  Knitting instructions are well typed in the last pages of the magazine.  There are enough space between lines of text and it makes them easy to read.  Thank you!

VOGUEknitting does not only contain knitting patterns.  There are also tons of advertisement and some articles about some technique issue on knitting as well as on dying.  Seven books reviewed in this issue by Leslie Petrovski.   A book called "The Knitter's Palette" me a lot.   I may get this book soon....It seems useful for designers.

Anyway, the copy of VOGUEknitting Early Fall 2013 I got is International edition.  It costs $6.99 US dollars.  Price reasonable.  Patterns beautiful and they are aimed for intermediate and advanced knitters.  I guess that's the end of this magazine review.

HAPPY KNITTING

Knitting for Save the Children

Hi Knitters,

Today I'm gonna chat about Save the Children in Korean.  Why?  Because they made knitting such a beautiful thing.  

First of all, what does Save the Children do? Save the Children in Korean, Hong Kong, and Australia encourage citizens to knit baby hat for babies in developing countries like Napel. According to Save the Children Hong Kong,

"Newborn babies suffering from heat loss due to lack of warmth on the heads are likely to be more susceptible to infecting pneumonia."

Basically what we need to do is to KNIT. Isn't that exactly what we live for? These organizations do not collect hat until winter.  So, if we start knitting for them today, we will probably have a few.  

In fact, the yarn we need for knitting a baby hat is not that much.  Leftover will always be enough.  So I would say, you really need to pay for anything if you are already a knitter.

Though I am a big big fan of Brown Eyed Girls, I know nothing about Korean the language.  But the above video is quite easy to understand by just watching it carefully.  Of course you can replay and replay...And I'm sorry.  I don't know lots of Korean drama.  Anybody know about the star in this video?  His name is Yoochun.  This campaign is back in 2012.  Winter is coming.  I wonder who is the star representative for 2013.  

The method used in this video is not circular knitting.  Just knit straight with knitting needles with long cord.  Then connect the two sides by sewing.  I've never done this before.  Will try it someday.  

I'm not sure if Save the Children in U.S. have a knitting campaign like this.  Usually I will just collect them and bring them to Hong Kong when I go back home.  Yes. I'm from HK.  But surely there are lots of charity that needs help from knitters in the U.S.  Please feel free to provide info in our comment section.  Thank you.  

HAPPY KNITTING

Op. 12 Free Hat Pattern

Hi guys,

Happy Sunday.  Although it's not that sunny today, I do want to bright you some light and hope by offering a free knitting pattern today: Op. 12 Hat Knitting Pattern.  Hurrah!  I am quite pleased by the quality of the Mochi Plus yarn.  And besides this rainbow yarn, the other colorways are also very attractive and stunning.

Knitting Op. 12 is very easy.  Skills you need are the basics: circular knitting, cast on, knit, purl, P2tog and bind off by sewing.  The knit stitches I did for this pattern are rather loosely done.  The effect will be different if I have the knit stitches too tightened up.

*********************************************************************************

Material:  Mochi Plus Colorway 551 One Ball

Tools:      US #6 (4.0mm) Double-pointed needles
               US #7 (4.5mm) Double-pointed needles

Size:        Fits head of 44-52cm circumstances

Gauge:     20 stitches X 26 rows = 10cm X 10cm

*********************************************************************************

Abbreviations:

K           =  Knit
P           =  Purl
K5          =  Knit 5 stitches
P3          =  Purl 3 stitches
X10        =  Repeat 10 times
P2tog     =  Purl 2 stitches together

*********************************************************************************

Instruction:

Cast On 96 stitches with US#6 double-pointed needles.
____________________________________________________________________________

Ribbing:   <K2, P2> X 24

Repeat for 8 rows.

____________________________________________________________________________

Body Section: Switch to US#7 double-pointed needles

Row 1-6:     P2, <K1, P5> X15 , K1, P3

Row 7-12:   <P5, K1> X16

Repeat Row1-12 three times for totally 36 rows.
____________________________________________________________________________

Last Row:    P2tog X48

It results in leaving 48 stitches on the needles.
Sew all the stitches with the yarn to bind off.

Copyright 2013 by  eatinglemonknitknitknit.blogspot.com

*********************************************************************************

Op. 12 Hat Pattern is an easy and fun knitting pattern.  All it needs is 1 ball of Mochi Plus.  It's good for beginner to practice on the basic skills.  P2tog is an easy way to stitch decreasing.  I will blog about this very soon.  

Anyway, I will go enjoy my last hours of this weekend.  Questions regarding this pattern? Feel free to contact me.  

HAPPY KNITTING

P.S.  My fb page is now up.  Come by for the latest update and feel free to comment.

Unbeatable Great Deal~ Combly Sampler Set Review Part 1

Hi knitters,

I'm so impressed by the fast delivery of my Combly Sampler Set.  I ordered it on July 4th and I could test the needles yesterday the 8th.  Don't forget that it was holiday....

The whole package came with two layers of cover and very well protected.  Impressed again.  

The package come with:

A plastic bag with a few pockets for the set
Symfonie Dreamz IC US #6 (4.0mm)   (IC stands for Interchangeable Cord)
Cubics IC US #7 (4.5mm)
Nova IC US #8 (5.0mm)
2 Cords : 24"(60cm) & 40"(100cm)
4 End Caps
2 Cord Keys

This package costs less than $25 US dollars.  Now you know why I call it a great deal.  The bag is made of thick plastic with one button; OK, I don't fancy a nice hard cover.

And now, let's take a look at the Nova IC in US #8 (5.0mm)  And here is a petit swatch I did with them.

I'm surprised by the light weight of the needles.  Exceptionally light.  And it is because they are made with hallow brass and plated with nickel.  I feel quite comfortable with that as the bigger the size go up, the heavier they are supposed to be.  They are size #8 and weight like #4.  Nice. The tips are quite sharp and made like lace needles.  I always prefer sharp tips as I do a lot of k2tog and picking.  

The surfaces of this set of Nova are quite well polished.  But somehow they got scratched easily and look like they can be worn out soon.  As long as they perform well, I am fine. And I believe they are good for fast knitting as the stitches do glide smoothly.  Will see how they endure: daughter of time will show up. 

Next, we will take a look at the Interchangeable cords.  Let's split it into two sections: joint and the cord.  

By twisting, the needle joins the cord.  It works quite well and quite smooth for the knitting stitches to go thru. It proves that the technology of interchangeable needles are advancing in fast pace. Good thing to know how science works for knitting.  

One thing I do worry about the joint:   Twisting the joints frequently will loosen them up. I guess that's why we need a cord key, which is eventually a thin needle.  What you do with the key is to insert the key into the hole while you twist, then you can get the joints tightened up.  Thanks for being considerate Knitter's Pride.

About the cord, I would like to discuss it later as I would like to have it tested while I can have the cord function in full: to have some stitches lay on them.  Thinking of do an experiment with knitting a cowl.  

Well, for now, let's talk about something unpleasant.

As the picture shows, the Ear Cap is not well manufactured.  I don't like it.  But I've tested them.  They do function well.  So, at this price $,  I will let it pass.  If you need the needles to work on another project, you can have the stitches lay on the cord, and replace the needles with the Ear Caps.  Yes, again by twisting, you will have the End Caps protect the stitches from dropping from the cord.

Sorry folks, let's end Part 1 of the review here.  I would like to have Op. 12 done first.  It's almost done.  Part 2 of the review will cover mainly on the Cubics IC.  I'm excited too.  Stay tuned and 

HAPPY KNITTING.

************************************************************************************************************

P.S.  The joint broke twice yesterday when I knitted a try-out of Op. 13.  Well, I didn't tightened it up with the key.  So I guess I will give it a third chance.  07/14/13