I don't have too much to show this week, as I'm more into completing projects lately, or working on things like the Ice Cream blanket that is slow going. I finished the hat, almost finished the corgi and hope to share both Friday, as well as my current WIP I'm sharing today. Isn't it nice to change items from in progress to complete on Ravelry?
Being aware that I haven't really gotten through very much yarn so far and the first month of the yarn diet is almost over, I decided to make something with the cotton I had remaining from my mom's market bag. I didn't have much left over, which is amazing since it was a 710 yard skein, so I knew I could only make something small. Since Valentine's day is just around the corner, I decided to make a cute little heart washcloth. It looks like I'll have just enough yarn, and will be able to cross off another skein in my yarn skein count. Total win situation! What I'm most amazed about with this project, is how DIFFERENT the yarn looks knitted in a line, instead of crocheted in the round. It looks like a completely different yarn, wouldn't you agree?
Okay, this may be cheating, but I am currently in the middle of untangling this mess. It is the remaining skein of the Fisherman's wool I used for my first two dye jobs (this one and this one). Trust me, this might be one of the hardest WIPs I've taken on lately. It got into this mess because I had to un-skekin it before I had a real ball winder and swift, and then the skein was WAY too big for my crock-pot the way I un-skeined it. What a mess. I've tucked it away for awhile now, and thought I'd give it a chance again. Anyone have any tips on trying to get this back to usable faster? Yeah, I didn't think so. LOLFor those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!
I'm sorry to say that I don't have any untangling advice. I have been there though, and desperately wished for a yarn detangler that I could spray and magically have a managable skein of yarn. =)
ReplyDeleteIf you have to give up there is an untangling group on Ravelry. Not sure what the rules are though.
ReplyDeleteThe washcloth is looking good, your knitting is great
I do not envy the untangling. I normally thrust it upon somebody who has more patience than I have, or hide it away at the back of the yarn cupboard in the hope that the Knot Fairies will magically unravel it for me!
ReplyDeleteDetangling a mess like that sometimes takes me days. When I was dealing with the cotton yarn back in the fall, I ended up just breaking it at times and then splicing it as I worked with it. It's only yarn, and your sanity is more important.
ReplyDeleteHalfpint's right, there is an untangling group on Ravelry -- you send them your mess, they send you wound yarn. Rumor has it, they enjoy the process. I can't remember what they're called though. I'll have a look and see if I can find them later today. Happy Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I once untangled a skein for two days, took me about 9 hours. It was yarn that I dyed. I think if I had bought it I would have given up! I listed to music while I am doing it and take breaks often ... that's all the advice I have :)
ReplyDeleteooh i love the heart... it must be quite hard to do. OMG i could not untangle that yarn - it's too much!!! LOL. have a great day xx
ReplyDeleteOkay, I found that group. It's called Knot A Problem (heh). Here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ravelry.com/groups/knot-a-problem
Good luck!
Ugh, I've spent hours detangling yarn-- wish I had some advice to make it easier. Maybe ask someone with a PhD in string theory?
ReplyDeleteUgh. I loathe detangling - and yet, just last week I fought and fought and fought with a skein till I won.
ReplyDeleteJoycers, a spray would be perfect! ;)
ReplyDeleteHalfpint, thank you! It looks like Paula found the link in the comments below yours! I'll have to see just how desperate I am.
Countess, exactly what I did. It's been in this condition since about October (or maybe a little before?) and I took it out and it still looks the same! Maybe the fairies are on strike?
Liz, I'm thinking of doing that, but it's already been broken up into two little parts before this. My yarn scale I ordered should be arriving today, so at least I'll be able to tell just how much I have here.
Paula, thanks for the link! I'll have to check them out to see how desperate I am. I can't believe people actually LIKE to untangle! How sadistic.
Delusional Knitter, dear god, NINE hours. That scares me. Obviously, this is bought, but I'd love to dye it.
Vicki, thanks! The heart is very easy! It's just following the pattern between knit and purl. Unless you were talking about the untangling being too hard, because yes, it is. LOL
Aimee, let me know if you happen to run into someone with a PhD in string theory! ;)
So Very Domestic, at least you won! I'm hoping to come out on top with this guy.
ReplyDeleteThe heart washcloth is really cute and a great way to use up the stash. I am probably the worst yarn detangler ever. I usually end up making more of a mess. Luckily, my hubby is extra talented when it comes to untangling and actually enjoys the process. It's the only time he shows any interest in yarn.
ReplyDeleteI like to spread out my tangles on the dining table and go after it. If it is non-superwash wool I've been known to cut it when I had gotten as far as i thought I could and then spit splice the ends together afterwards.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
autumngeisha, seriously, I think I've put MORE knots in it. You're lucky your husband likes it. My husband's reaction? "Whoa, what is that?"
ReplyDeleteMiriam, it's non-superwash. We'll see how far I get before giving up. It's kind of like a challenge in patience.
Your tangle has my sympathy, especially since we made a huge knotted mess the last time we dyed Fishermen's Wool here too. I work on untangling things just for a few minutes at a time. I think the F.W. skeins are just too big to work with easily unless you break them into two smaller skeins first (I tell you that now, right? LOL). Your dishcloth is going to be so sweet - look at all the knitting you're doing these days!
ReplyDeleteMarushka, thanks for the warning. ;) I feel better that I'm not the only one that ended up with a tangled mess. LOL Thanks about the knitting! I love it!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, isn't that crazy!? The yarn looks SO different. Thanks for the good luck on the untangle. It will be a project, that's for sure.
I remember your ice cream blanket. That untangling reminds of the silk lace I have it time out.
ReplyDeleteJust have to plow through on the untangling.
Denise, very true. If I think about it too much, I'll never get through the skein of mess.
ReplyDeleteI do love working with variegated yarn to see what it looks like knit in different ways. That washcloth will be very nice.
ReplyDeleteHaving patience for the tangles is all I can suggest! I've dealt with similar stuff and I learned the hard way that trying to hurry through it just makes it worse. Do you have a willing helper? Many hands make light work! : )
That is quite the yarf! I can't wait to see a photo of it after you get it sorted out. Maybe untangling while watching Tv or a movie would be less tedious?
ReplyDeleteShannon, I love working with variegated yarn too! It's so fun to see what comes up next! I don't have a helper, so it will just be me. :)
ReplyDeletenursenikkiknits, it is, isn't it?! I'll be sure to post a pic of it when it's skeined!
Not sure you remember me, Tami, but... Wow. I haven't done WIPW (or blogged at all, for that matter) since it first got started! Sorry 'bout that, haha. Got really busy.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see it kicked off so well. (:
Oh wow! I almost didn't get it done today. Blogger is acting up and wouldn't let me upload photos or save my blog entry. Arrgh! There are days when I just wanna toss the computer of a high cliff.
ReplyDeleteUntangling a skein is definitely work. And half untangled skeins are WIPs.
Rachilla, welcome back to WIPW! I hope you can join us more regularly. It sure has grown since you last participated. :)
ReplyDeleteBeadknitter, glad that Blogger stopped acting up long enough for you to post!