HKAL Archives - engineeredcreations

April 17, 2014

Multiplicity

I finished my Multiplicity purse this afternoon, and I love it! The purse is knit using double knit, which I had been wanting to learn for some time. The technique is interesting because one creates a double sided fabric by knitting one stitch from one side then one stitch from the other. The stitches from both sides are alternating on one set of needles. In the case of this purse, the fabric was grey with yellow details on one side and yellow with grey details on the other. The purse features a large main pocket that folds over a smaller pocket. I purchased the leather strap from Homestead Heirlooms.

Difficulty: Moderate

Time Required: 12 Movies

Overall Experience: Excellent

March 29, 2014

Bombshell Shorts

I finally finished my Bombshell Shorts! It took me a while because I had several other projects in the works at the same time. They turned out adorable. I love love love them. The pattern was very customizable. My goal here is to share how I customized it and what I would do differently if I made them again.

The length of the shorts is customizable. The length that is suggested is longer than I would wear, but a short length suggestion isn’t given. I knitted the band at the bottom of the shorts and knit the first 8 rows of the first 16 row repeat before joining. I like the length of the front of the shorts, but my butt requires more material in the back. They are shorter than I would prefer in the back. I would knit 12-16 rows of the first 16 row repeat before joining if I were to make them again. Ideally, the back could be made longer. At least on me, the difference in length in the front and back is noticeable if you are really looking. I don’t think there is really any way to do that with this pattern.
The pattern suggests that the knitter can decrease for butt shaping if a gap starts to form, but doesn’t give any details on where to decrease. I didn’t have a noticeable gap until I reached Row 8 of my fourth 16 row repeat. I made a size medium and decreased as follows:
- Row 9: Pearl each stitch until two stitches before the first 4-Stitch Cable, pearl two together, follow established pattern until last 4-Stitch Cable is complete, pearl two together though back loops, pearl until end of row (following rows will have two fewer pear stitches in back panel)
- Row 10: Follow pattern until second 4-Stitch Cable is complete, pearl 1, pearl two together, Celtic Cable, pearl two together through back loops, follow pattern until sixth 4-Stitch Cable is complete, pearl 1, pearl two together, Celtic Cable, pearl two together through back loops, follow pattern until end of row (the following rows will have one fewer pearl stitch on each side of Celtic Cable)
- Row 11: Pearl each stitch until two stitches before the first 4-Stitch Cable, pearl two together, follow established pattern until last 4-Stitch Cable is complete, pearl two together though back loops, pearl until end of row (following rows will have two fewer pear stitches in back panel)
- Row 12: Follow established pattern
- Row 13: Pearl each stitch until two stitches before the first 4-Stitch Cable, pearl two together, follow established pattern until last 4-Stitch Cable is complete, pearl two together though back loops, pearl until end of row (following rows will have two fewer pear stitches in back panel)
- Row 14: Follow established pattern
- Row 15: Pearl each stitch until two stitches before the first 4-Stitch Cable, pearl two together, follow established pattern until last 4-Stitch Cable is complete, pearl two together though back loops, pearl until end of row (following rows will have two fewer pear stitches in back panel)
- Row 16: Follow established pattern
My shorts bunch a little bit in the front crotch area. If I were to make these again, I would try to work out some shaping in this area.

Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Time Required: 40 Movies

Overall Experience: Excellent

March 3, 2014

Bombshell Shorts Week 4

I did not get a lot of knitting accomplished over the last week. My parents came into town. Then my husband and I both caught my dad’s illness. Here’s a progress picture for the Bombshell Shorts. I’m still loving these cables!

February 16, 2014

Obsessed with Bombshell Shorts

None of my recent projects have featured cables, and I didn’t realize how much I missed them until I cast on Bombshell Shorts! I’ve been obsessed with these cables this week and basically neglecting my other projects. I also really like how the shorts are fitting thus far. Please ignore my spandex-clad booty.

February 9, 2014

KALs, KALs, KALs

I’ve knitted a ton this week and have nothing finished to show for it. Here is a progress picture of all three of my current knit-a-long (KAL) projects.

Socks with Sarah is still going steady. I’ve knit at least one row on the sock everyday that I’ve knitted since January 15. (I think there have only been two days that I haven’t knitted.) I don’t have much to show for it. Sock knitting has tons of tiny stitches and it hasn’t been my main focus.
Multiplicity is tons of fun! Learning to double knit was enjoyable, and I love the two sided fabric.
Of all knitting techniques, I think cables are still my favorites. Bombshell Shorts lets me cable to my heart’s content.

February 3, 2014

Etsy and KALs

Over the past few years, I’ve opened my Etsy store twice and never sold a single item. Over the last few months, a lot of my friends have requested me to knit or crochet something for them. They almost always ask if I have an Etsy store. I finally ran out of orders, and decided to try Etsy one more time. I gave my shop a facelift and uploaded pictures of all of my recent original projects that I could make quickly if ordered. Check out my new and improved store here.

In the mean time, I’m working on designing Alice in Wonderland inspired top hats for the Crochet Crowd’s challenge. My designs are top secret until after the competition is over. I’m also starting two additional knit-a-longs (KALs) in addition to Socks with Sarah. The KALs are hosted by Holla Knits, the same blog that hosted my last KAL. I’m making Multiplicity and Bombshell Shorts over the next three months. Cast on day is today. I’m excited!