Wrap-up and craft
Last weekend was our first decently-temperatured weekend so far this year, lots of sunshine and activity. In the cold of winter, I had actually forgotten that we have this neighbor who loves to open up all their windows and blast R&B all day long. It cracks me up.
Last weekend also marked the completion of my first knitting project. I have several unfinished projects, but no motivation to make scarves, etc. This quick project was a french press cozy, knit from Debbie Bliss cashmerino with some vintage buttons to hold it together.
There are a few other craft projects I wanted to start last weekend, but I needed some supplies. I found this great little discount fabric store in East Cambridge, so I hopped on my filthy winter bike and rode over. This place was crazy with fabrics – they were just stacked on top of each other in these long rows – miles of fabric. So I waded through for a bit, lots of ugly stuff, but a few gems as well. The best part of the visit was this antique heating grate in the floor, to which many buttons had fallen victim.
One of the things I love about New England – so many beautiful old things go unnoticed in daily life. One of the things I dislike – all the real craft supply stores are 10+ miles out of the city. So I left the discount fabrics store empty handed, no more weekend crafting, but I do have a full shopping cart of supplies to be ordered asap.
April 21st, 2008 07:57
I can see the possibility for practicality in a french press cozy but unless you take a very long time to knock back all the goodness, its purpose serves nothing more than decoration. Was your intention for practicality?
April 21st, 2008 12:28
I must admit, my motivations were not solely for practicality – actually, not for practicality at all. I thought it was adorable, and needed a simple knitting project – mission accomplished. Oh – in case anyone else wants to make this crazy awesome cozy here are some instructions:
1. Using size 5 needles, cast on 60 stitches.
2. Knit in k2, p2 rib for 4 rows.
3. Knit in stockinette stitch for 36 more rows.
4. Knit in k2, p2 rib for 4 rows.
5. Cast off stitches.
6. Attach 3 buttons to left edge of rectangle.
7. Using the tails of yarn remaining from your first and last rows, make 2 loops for the top and bottom buttons and attach a third loop in the middle of the right edge of your rectangle. Tuck in all loose ends with your yarn darning needle.
8. Button up your french press and enjoy a hot cup of joe!
May 2nd, 2008 08:43
Hey Gwen! How’s it going? I stumbled onto your site, just saying hi. I left the Boston area a couple years back and actually found my way back to Florida. Hope you’re doing well! Congrats on marriage. Sorry to hear you have to live in New England.
As a newbie knitter, I’d need to know the type of yarn you’re using! Otherwise it’d be all wrong-sized when I was done… my knitting is always wrong-sized and weirdly stretched anyway, though…
May 3rd, 2008 07:05
Eric! So glad you found me. I’m actually in Florida right now for Jennifer’s graduation, and we’re going out to dinner with grandma tonight. Are you living in Orlando? Email me if you have time to get together before I leave Monday – gheimburg at gmail.
The yarn I used for this is Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino.
May 11th, 2008 10:37
Sorry… I came back too slowly
May 11th, 2008 10:37
But yeah, I am living in Orlando… next time you’re in town drop me an email! I’m eheimburg at gmail.