Quidditch Ghillies

Pattern: Twinkletoes by Chloe Sparkle. Published in Knitty Winter 2006🔗 (link is directly to the pattern page on Knitty.com) with modifications by me to make ghillies 

Started: June 11, 2021

Finished: first finished June 21, 2021 (qualified for Quidditch entry), 

Made for: Síle aka Me/ Quidditch/Wampus House

Yarn(s): Bernat Satin (100% acrylic; 200yds = 100g) 

• starting with: ??skeins/?g of "Black" = ?? yds
• used: ??skeins/?g of "Black" = ?? yds

Needle size(s): 4.0mm/ US 6

Gauge:

Notes & photos:

June 9: I have been pondering this and pondering this. Our challenge for this match is Engorgio/Reducio; we're to craft something that can be made in various sizes. If that something is normally found in pairs, we have to complete one at minimum. Problem being I have nothing coming to mind for a project! Many times I've used my test swatches for Quidditch matches (broom cloths; very important to keep one's broom clean during a match ;) ) but this round is stumping me. sigh I really don't know what to do this time. Sistwerp doesn't need mitts or a hat; neither do I, having acquired a new one thanks to the intended recipient of my last one proven unknitworthy. Or at least not as a gift...

What to do? What to do? What to do?

June 11: I'm wondering if it would fit the prompt to do a "broom cloth" using variations of the motif I want to use for my latest design idea. If I pared it back and started in basic 2 color double-knitting, and then sort of a midway motif started in 2 colors and then maybe switching it up to 3 colors, and then finishing with the chart I have done for a swatch. I don't think so because I think they're wanting a finished item(s) out of this match. Hmm, I wonder if I could alter my "broom cloth" into something? Or maybe I need to focus on something else. Maybe something for Keira to go with her sweater? 

What to make? What to make? What to make?

later: OMgs. I may have found the best option for this round, as long as I have enough black yarn. I forgot that there was a pair of ballet style slippers published in Knitty a bunch of years ago. With the addition of some looped tabs, I could make myself a pair of ghillie slippers! These would actually be slippers I'd wear too. They come in adult and child size. (Possibly I could make a pair for Keira as a test? The other ghillie slipper pattern I have goes up to age 2ish and she'll be 3 when she gets the sweater/package) I'm pretty sure I have a ball of Bernat Satin* in black (*I don't care what the label and R*velry listing says, Bernat Satin is not an Aran weight yarn. At best, it's a DK weight; I've successfully knitted it in DK weight patterns many many times. It flattens out and doesn't maintain its qualities as an Aran or even a worsted weight yarn. I love it but it's not an Aran or worsted weight!)

Ok, so later on I need to find that yarn and check how much is there (it might be a partial ball, in which case I'd be better off making them for Keira). But I have a plan!

later: And there will be modifications, starting with those weird ties; none of that for this dancer! I need to work out how I'll make the tab/loops for the laces and then figure out what will be thin enough to fit through. I may wind up making two long braids for ties. We shall see!

June 16: Whew! 18 rows from completing the first slipper, as per the instructions. Modifications: I used M1L and M1R for the inc's at the heel rather than the lifted inc's used in the pattern. I figure with black yarn, no one will notice for one thing, and for another the instructions for the lifted inc's given in the pattern aren't very clearly written. I still have to figure out how I'm going to add the loops for the "shoelace". Here's two in progress photos, taken just a moment ago:

June 21: So close! I have the first slipper done! It just needs its lace. Here's a modelled pic:

So it doesn't look bad but not exactly stellar either. Right off I want to make the lace loops bigger. I think my spacing wasn't bad. Ok, so I'm going to make the lace and thread it through the loops and see if that doesn't make them look more prominent.

later: And done! In case anyone needs an easy way to thread a braid through loops that are just big enough to fit it, use a lightbulb shaped safety pin style stitch marker! Works like a charm! 

So here's my photos of the first slipper all done:

My loops aren't big enough and the spacing is a bit wonky, but I think they're close enough. Ideally I'd make the toe area not quite as deep and fit another loop on each side. But I have one done in time for a Quidditch score!