#and all the colourwork stuff

[akhuna]

I just ordered a kilo of uni-coloured sock yarn.

That's all.

[sudokufriend]

there is no universe where i would ever agree to knit something flat. if you want me to make a piece it’s gotta be in the round; flat knitting is for people who hate themselves. like even cardigans, if it’s gotta be a cardigan we’re knitting that bitch in the round and steeking it. gtfo with your shaping flat pieces.

[ranticore]

since harpies in ISOK can understand the concept of scarcity and luxury, i was wondering, beside rare colours, what else humans can make that harpies would walue? commodities of some sort? more sophisticated stuff like embroidery and jewelry? or maybe something more artistic? like would a painting impress them? also, are common cobs and pens allowed to have personal belongings? or is it only a king/tiercel privilege?

so when it comes to wealth, harpies measure theirs in terms of flock prosperity - the very existence of a tiercel is a display of wealth, for example, but among normal harpies they also can show off how they're flourishing by spending time on art and personal grooming - there is a big emphasis on appearances (if a bird's diet is bad or lacking, their feathers won't grow in right or they will have seize lines in them - so a clean and well-feathered appearance is vital to this display of Look How I Prosper). they always want to show off

that's where the human wealth comes in as well. they understand that human wealth is displayed differently, with physical luxuries and riches. if a human society values gold, then the harpies want gold too, but not because they intrinsically value gold. they value it because humans value it and this is a way to show off to humans (why limit your showing off to just harpies anyway? everyone should know how amazing you are)

because the human-derived wealth is made valuable only in its relationship with humans, it means that it's also culturally specific. gold's an easy one but let's say the human culture has certain dyes as markers of wealth. the harpies now want those dyes and colours. art, literature, even large amounts of crops and livestock - these will all be coveted by harpies who want to show the humans that they are wealthy.

would a painting impress them? if we say this is a human culture where a gorgeous painting in beautiful realistic oil paint style is something that a lord would commission for his great house, yes, that painting would be impressive. as impressive as a rock would be if that also hung on the wall of the great house, by the standards of Wealth. but harpies are artists too and would be able to appreciate a nice composition or good colourwork as much as any human might intrinsically enjoy a work of art even if it was monetarily worthless

any harpy can have personal belongings, there aren't any rules against that or anything. many flocks have no king (or tiercels) and harpies still wanna show off

all this works in reverse as well! a human falconer who wants to win the privilege of a harpy egg from a wild flock will need to show off their own wealth to the harpies. gold & fine art are all well and good, but sometimes a falconer has to speak the harpies' language, as it were, and come visiting with a "tiercel"(=any very beautiful person dressed in beautiful clothes) hanging off their arm.

[karalianne]

Accountability Post

I'm not going to do triplets today, at least not this morning. I'm just going to tell you what my plan is and probably do triplets when I sit down to try and get some writing done this afternoon. So here's the plan:

I am nearly finished my coffee, and I have had breakfast and done my devotions. I also did a bit of knitting and read a short story.

When I'm finished my coffee, I'm going to get my socks and shoes on and go for a walk. Then I'm going to finish turning the soil in my first garden bed.

Next up, I'll put away the clean dishes from the dishwasher, get some bread started, load the dishwasher, and get it going. Then I'll scoop the litter box and sweep.

After that, I will work on cleaning up and reorganizing the guinea pig room until about 11.30, at which point I will stop and make lunch.

After lunch I will go out to lay soaker hoses on my garden bed, after which I will lay mulch over top of the entire bed. My stretch goal is to actually get the first of my seedlings into the ground, but if I don't get that done today I'll do it tomorrow morning.

After the garden stuff is done, I will come in and settle in at the computer to do some writing. I want to work on Releve some more, see how much of the next ADHD mini e-book I can get done, try and finish the next musician's mob story, and maybe even start writing my next ADHD video. I'll also see if I can find my colourwork hat so I can film a knitting video tomorrow.

At 5.30 p.m. I will start supper. I'm making hamburger soup tonight, and it'll be easy because the meat is already cooked so I just have to put everything in the big pot and turn on the burner, then stir regularly so it doesn't stick to the bottom.

After supper I will water the garden--husband planted potatoes this weekend, so they need watering every evening--and do some knitting while it's light enough to be able to see what I'm doing, and watch YouTube. Once it gets dark, I'll switch to playing Sims (working on building more houses) and of course I'll chat with my mom as usual. When she leaves, I will shut down my game and finish whatever video is playing, and then I will go to bed.

This is my plan for every day this week, probably with minor changes here and there as we go. I will keep you posted on how it all is going, but I am really hopeful that this will pan out and help me accomplish All the Things.

And with that, I have now downed the last of my coffee and I must put on my socks and shoes so I can go for a walk. I will reblog with an update at lunch time, since my goal is to stay off the computer until I'm eating.

Wish me luck on my morning plan!

[somedaytakethetime]

And back on another note, let's get to part 2 (of lord knows how many) of my quest to re-write myself into a new person. Still on inspiration images...

I went through all my crap stuff today! Sorted out all of my accessories, sorted my fix pile and donated all the clothes that I'll never wear so there's no point in taking them in to fit me. I'm pretty sure that I'm still going to get rid of more clothes in the upcoming months as I go through the things I have and what I'll realistically wear but I feel much better having cleaned up even more things now!

But that's not the point, the point is that today I'm going to sort through the rest of the knit items. So... let's get the move on 😩

Starting with colourwork sweaters! I didn't save a ton of those, because realistically... I love knitting colourwork. Small colourwork projects that is, sweaters? Meh.. not a huge fan. BUT.. I like the look of them and I would like a few little things that say 'themed holiday' 🥺

Let's start with things that can look normal:

(links: image 1, image 2, image 3, image 4, image 5, image 6, image 7)

All of these can look perfectly fine for daily wear if they're knit in very subdued shades, I think. Granted that umber 7 is definitely very much 'gingerbread biscuit' but if winter isn't the time to dress like a cookie then when is the right time?? 😤

Now... let's look at something else...

(links: image 8, image 9, image 10)

I'm honestly convinced it's the blonde lady's fault that I have so many things saved.. I'm not sure if I actually want the sweaters or if I want to smooch her 😶 BUT ANYWAY LET'S FOCUS! Do I want a Valentine's sweater? Yes. Do I need one? Probably not. And tulips? SHEEP?? DO I NEED A SHEEP SWEATER?? MY BRAIN WOULD SCREAM IMMEDIATELY 'YES' BUT THE ANSWER IS PROBABLY NO! These are adorable in my eyes, but would I actually wear them? Only the hearts one and probably not in red..

Now let's look at something totally different. Skirts and dresses! Never made them in knit, but they sure look cute

(links: image 11, image 12, image 13, image 14, image 15, image 16, image 17)

So here's the dilemma: I think these are really cute (I'd make things in neutrals again, nothing bright or super colourful. Except skirt 14, it reminds me of folk skirts from several places in Europe and I love it so much) but a) would I wear them? Also.. would I like the way I look in a knit dress or mini skirt? Spoiler alert and sort of trigger warning I guess: I don't really love the way I look all that much, if anything, I sort of hate how I look and I feel stumpy, ugly and pudgy.. my legs, being as short and stubby as they are, are likely my least favourite thing along with the massive size of my hips and derriere (Hi, I'm pear shaped! I have a set of child-bearing hips that's... atrocious to me..). So, I do love the look of these but.. I'm not the level of slender and tall most of these women seem to be, so I would look rather different in these clothes... it's on the table, but also very much up for pondering. Unless I can stop hating myself? Probably not going to happen..

Now let's move on to happier pastures. Scarves!

(links: image 18, image 19, image 20, image 21, image 22)

I'm a huge fan of a silly little scarf. And a neck warmer. And just a big ole scarf in an interesting patter. I have a choking kink, I guess, I like something choking me out during the winter.. plus, neck warmers? Perfect for the scoop neck and lower necklines that I have! These are just a sample of what I have saved up, I have a small big obsession with neckwear and I don't know why.. probably the choking kink

And finally last category for the knits? Mittens, beanies and socks!

(links: image 23, image 24)

I'd change that condomhead look of number 24, not a huge fan of that vibe, but all in all I don't need a ton of these. I also have a balaclava and a few kerchiefs saved but I'm not sure if I'll make those. Maybe just one balaclava? For the construction of it. Also because I do get that cold even if my country isn't super cold at all..

(links: image 25, image 26)

Simple and all I need: one or two pairs of convertible mittens/gloves and some fingerless mittens. Don't need more than this. I have many fancy designs ones, but those, if I were to make them, it would be because I REALLY love the design and I'm in a world of LOTS of patience..

(links: image 27, image 28, image 29, image 30)

Now socks? Socks I'll need to make some decent amount of them. I wear socks year-round, so I would need a few pairs of them to go through. I've rounded up a few different heel constructions, toes I think they're all the same for the exception of number 28 where you can pick a choose (I can't remember the rest honestly, I don't remember the descriptions). I want to learn a few different methods for sock making, I'm really interested in a toe up sock. I've made socks before but they were cuff down, I don't have beef with sock making, I just enjoy learning new techniques.

I think with that I've rounded all the knitwear. Well, for the most part. There's still things that I didn't mention like my interest in making knit bras just because. I think they would probably be really comfortable for me, I'm an A cup so I don't need any support at all and I have a fierce hatred of The Brassiere™.. I still need to plan out really well what I want to make and which colours I want to use. I want to create sort of a minimal wardrobe type of thing, I'm just old and tired of owning a lot of stuff and feeling suffocated in piles and hoards..

Up next, I'll actually round up outfit inspiration images. Just for a visual of which style I actually gravitate towards, plus what would actually look good on my stumpy, lumpy, wee self. If I learn how to hate myself and how I look less, that would be major help too for all of this 😂 I need to make a proper narrowed list of basic things I truly need, everything else will be add-ons just because.. but that requires severe planning first so... yeah.. 😩

[darkfinch]

I keep meaning to ask how your Very Important ugly sock project went!! please take this as an opportunity to talk about it or show off if you want to, otherwise no worries. (also I just found some deeply sweet knitting patterns for small stuffed birds that made me think of you, if you want 'em.)

WELL dsjhflkjshlf i. am unfortunately, as some perceivers of this blog may have perceived, a perfectionist so i have not even yet ATTEMPTED an ugly sock. i also already have approximately 54 pairs of warm socks in my possession and am unsure if i can Truly justify making yet another pair. so as a result i now own 1.5 new very cozy shawls (2 learn 2 knit & practice it) and no new socks

(i......would love 2 see the birds PLEASE share the birds :'0 <3)

[beesmakesthings]

Crafting Frustration!!

(or: you are not as stupid as you are made to feel!) I’m making a gift for a friend for Christmas (I know, I know, but I won’t see them until Thursday and I didn’t get the idea until 23/12 so....bite me) and after downloading the pattern (from the most excellent Hello Treacle Store on that Etsy) I hopped out into town yesterday to buy canvas and needles. I haven’t done any cross stitch for years. It became too small and painful for my hands to do and I stopped. But this was a fairly small project and I reckoned I could manage it. Plus I really care about the person it’s for so I figured it was worth the effort. 

Aida, which you do cross stitch on, comes in numbered counts which indicate how many holes there are per inch. This pattern called for 14count. So I went out to the store and purchased X amount of 14 count in cream. Marked up my fabric, set off stitching. It was so hard, my hands have been aching so much I’ve been wearing compression gloves (I normally wear these for long spells of knitting). It’s ages since I did this so wasn’t entirely surprised. Carry on. Couple of places the count seems to be off, pull out and begin a couple of bits again. Presume my lack of recent experience is the issue. Again, nothing that feels too surprising. 

Finish the colourwork, thread up to do the outlining....................it starts to be very very off. Not just a little, a lot. Count out to figure out where I’ve gone wrong.  I HAVE NOT GONE WRONG!! The shop sold me the wrong bloody fabric. They sold me 16 count (and I KNOW i asked for 14, I took a picture of the “ingredients” before I went out and I showed it to them). So everything is off by two. So not only IS it tiny (I thought I was imagining it) but it’s now completely WRONG. I thought I could fix the middle part of the lettering to compensate but I’ve just realised that a piece at the bottom is wrong as well. It’s so tiny I can’t unpick it without wrecking the fabric. As soon as I got the ruler out it was obvious - each hole hit a 1/16 mark on it. Unless the shop is open Monday (which I highly doubt because it’s a small local place) I can’t give my friend the gift because I don’t have time/hands to sew it all over again. I also have a bunch of 16 count aida I’m not going to use (I can give that away). So I’m out £12 and my hands hurt like hell. No wonder I was finding it so difficult.

I really, REALLY hate being made to feel like I’m incompetent. It’s not like my confidence in my own abilities is that brilliant lately (or honestly, at any time much) but this is such a kick in the ass. I feel like an idiot for rushing into something and not checking but damn, it’s their job to check. I used to have aida in stash but not any more - I checked before I went out. My OH is here saying “it’s not that bad, you could explain?” No no no no no.....this is a gift. You don’t half ass gifts, you get it fucking right.  I am so angry. I am in pain. (I can’t believe he suggested it would be ok.) I feel like I’ve been made an utter idiot of and I have literally just thrown the thing across the room. All I want to do is make my friends nice things and this is what happens. There’s a voice in my head still saying I should have checked the fabric myself. I’m going to bed to have a cry and see what I can do tomorrow. 

I could do it over on this stuff, but it would require a very unorthodox way of working I suspect. And honestly it would be a bit of a bodge, which is as bad as “explaining” at the moment. 

This would have been so much easier with 14 count. Honestly, this is a time when size matters. 

[the-fibre-stuff]

I'm still super new to knitting and I was wondering, if I were going to knit a hat, like a beanie, what kind of yarn would be good to use for that? If it were just for me, I wouldn't worry so much. But, the final product once I'm confident enough to start it will be a gift for someone and I don't want to give them something made out of acrylic. Plus, I'm still fairly uneducated about different types of yarns, like sock or fingering, etc. I hope you don't mind this random question!

I love random questions like this! However, I’m not going to recommend specific brands, because I don’t know what you have where you live. Let me know if you want more detail, or there’s specific details that are relevant to you that I skipped.

The first thing to remember is that yarn selection is always an optimization problem. There is no such thing as a “best” yarn, there’s a best balance of properties. So sometimes acrylic (even for a gift) is the best choice. (Less so for outer-wear, but if you don’t have sensitive skin, and need a washable hat, that doesn’t need to be super-warm, and are looking for a bunch of specific colours that are affordable, acrylic is probably the best choice, especially since hats don’t see a lot of wear.) And how it feels to you when you’re knitting it is a factor in this. Don’t knit with mohair if the fine fuzz drives you crazy. Don’t knit with acrylic if you have sensitive skin. Don’t knit with wool if you’re allergic. (Disclaimer: I have sensitive skin and knit with acrylic all the time. I still think that this is a bad idea, but I do it anyhow. I do, however avoid the really nasty acrylic - the cheap stuff they sell at Michaels, and anything labelled “soft”.)

I tend to select what kind of yarn based pretty much on what works with the pattern (does it need to be fuzzy? Smooth to show details? Come in colours?) and how warm it needs to be. For toques I’ve worked in yarns from my standby 25% wool/75% acrylic blends (I find that’s enough wool that I don’t get rashy from it, and it breathes way better than 100% acrylic does. It also doesn’t pill as badly as straight wool, or get as ratty as straight acrylic.) I’ve also used 100% wool (never for the kids) and even buffalo wool (this was for a friend who gets very cold very easily.)

Things to remember: if it’s being worn by itself, wind will generally blow through it. So if you’re designing for cold (whatever your recipient considers cold), remember that it will be layered. If you’re giving this to someone who lives in a climate where cold is “we might actually get frost tonight!”, I recommend against buffalo wool. I highly recommend a blend. If you’re making it for someone who lives in a “it’s so warm that the snow’s not squeaking” climate, something warm and bulky is good, but remember that it will definitely be layered.

Things that make patterns warmer: stranded colourwork (even aside from the tension change), cables, anything else that adds either an extra layer or a small extra air-gap, working in a tension that is tight for the yarn (e.g. working a bulky yarn at the tension of a worsted weight.)

Things that make yarns warmer: being thicker, being fluffier (this is somewhat cancelled if you’re working it tightly, as the air gaps get rather squeezed out, or if you’re worried about wind), having a higher wool content, having a warmer wool content (such as buffalo instead of sheep), being really loose and having a lot of space around the head that’s hard

Things that make patterns cooler: eyelets or lace, being knit at a loose tension (with holes for the heat to escape/wind to blow through)

Things that make a yarn cooler: being plant-based, being thin.

Acrylic isn’t really on either the warmer or cooler list because it’s both and neither. It doesn’t keep you warm, but it gets too warm really easily.

[yarnings]

One thing to bear in mind is that not all synthetics are alike. I specifically hate acrylic. It’s common in yarn, because it’s the fake wool (as opposed to fake silk or fake cotton). But when you say “I hate acrylic” people assume you mean “I hate synthetics”. I once had someone use “but there’s nylon - a synthetic- in sock yarn” as an “gotcha” to my stated dislike of acrylic. Polyester/nylon yarns are often way nicer. (I generally still can’t use them, but that’s as much because of my rough skin - due to the fact that I don’t baby my sensitive skin enough - as anything else. Although I think there’s some sensory issues in there with a lot of them too.

As much as I love the Patons 25% wool blends (although the Berroco 50% is amazing), wool is great for outerwear if you’re somewhere cold. (We aren’t. Schools close at windchill of -35. I’ve only seen it happen once. -20 is the annual “gee, that’s really cold” temperature). Part of why my husband always uses the 25% wool is that he finds higher percentages to be too warm. But aside from outerwear, the main reason that I can think of for using wool is because it sticks together. Even if you’re not felting it. Some of the washable stuff sticks better than acrylic blends do, and it’s useful for stranded colourwork. For most sweaters, unless the wool is just as cheap, stick with the blend. (Assuming that you’re going to be responsible and wash the sweater regularly.)

Some of y'all judge acrylic yarn way too hard