...there's always music in the air...

2008-06-04T15:55:00.001-05:00

I haven't blogged too much this year, but I haven't really knit that much either. My lovely husband gave me a set of sock needles from Knit Picks for Christmas and I immediately started a pair of socks for him with yarn that he picked out on our honeymoon. This week I finished the first sock. His feet are large, my hands and needles are tiny, so that explains that.

For the first few months of the year to distract myself, I mean, multi-task, I worked a good deal on my Mitered Square blanket from Mason Dixon Knitting. It's a really fun and inspiring project. My left wrist began to bother me something fierce, and consequently not so much knitting.

Here are my older projects that I've neglected to present until now.

Dishcloth Love

2008-06-04T15:43:00.004-05:00

I really like themed/holiday dishcloths. Ravelry has crazy good patterns.

Project: Love Dishcloth #2
Source: Knits by Rachel
Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in Red, .85 skein
Needles: US 7
Started: 1/9/08
Finished: 4/2/08
Comments: Lovely

Honeymoon Armwarmers

2008-06-04T15:29:00.004-05:00

I wanted to make my new hubby something special for Christmas to thank him for all of the lovely yarn we purchased on our honeymoon (and for hours driving around a strange city in search of yet another yarn shop without a complaint). So I picked a special yarn that I chose simply because it was local to Oregon. Ta-da! We have his & hers fingerless mitts!

Project: Honeymoon Armwarmers
Source: Dashing (Knitty)
Yarn: Imperial Stock Ranch 2ply wool in Heathered Teal, .75 skeins
Needles: US 6
Started: 12/7/07
Finished: 12/19/07
Comments: Good pattern; they fit perfectly and I didn't even swatch! I really liked this yarn and the color is so pretty (he didn't seem to mind the flecks of pink)!

Hat & Scarf

2008-06-04T13:52:00.006-05:00

Project: Squishy Hat
Source: Crazy Aunt Purl, "Brangelina Hat"
Yarn: Misti Alpaca Chunky in Chartreuse Melange/ 7238, 1 skein
Needles: US 11
Started: 9/4/07
Finished: 9/7/07
Comments: I had this yarn for about a year before I found the perfect pattern. I love Misti Alpaca and this hat is so soft and squishy, perfectly packable and matches a whole lot of my Fall & Winter clothes. Just perfect!

Project: Vintage Velvet
Source: Scarf Style
Yarn: Muench Touch Me, #3646, 5 skeins
Needles: US 8
Started: 9/6/07
Finished: 11/3/07
Comments: I was a little torn on whether or not to felt this scarf because it was already very soft and drapey, plus I had read horror stories about unraveling. Everyone knows this yarn is cost prohibitive and I wouldn't have been able to afford more if something had gone awry. FYI- I scored my five skeins at half price! I'm so glad I did felt it though. It softened up even more, if that's possible and really tightened the cables and made them pop (as you can see from the photos). The scarf is very chic and feels oh-so-luxurious, I would really love to use this yarn again. Some specs: the color is actually the one pictured in the post-felting photos, not the blue-purple color. Pre-felting dimensions: 5"w x 55"l, Post-felting: 4.75"w x 50"l

New Year, More Projects

2008-02-26T11:10:00.007-06:00

I've got to be better at this blogging thing, but Ravelry is so much fun and it just keeps getting better!

I wasn't going to knit anything for Christmas presents, because I'm not sure if the recipients will really use them or are to their taste, but I can't stop myself. These were fun and easy though.

Project: Mosaic Mitts
Source: Interweave Knits Holiday 2007
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Navy, Gray, & Plymouth Encore Worsted in Wine
Needles: US 4
Started: 11/7/07
Finished: 11/21/07
Comments: Easy, fun pattern. I used leftovers and plan to make some for myself out of leftover Malabrigo.

Project: Airy Scarf
Source: Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Lord/593 & Fondant/630
Needles: US 10
Started: 11/22/07, 12/3/07 & 12/27/07
Finished: 12/3/07, 12/7/07 & 1/2/08
Comments: Very fast & easy. You can get 2 scarves from one skein. I got this book specifically for this pattern and I think the book is going to be a great resource.

Happy Holidays!!!

2007-12-21T13:33:00.000-06:00

Big Daddy Needs New Yarn!

2007-11-27T14:36:00.000-06:00

Not anymore, to say the least. I picked up a few things at my LYS at their Thanksgiving sale, but check out the haul from my honeymoon! I had no idea I'd bought so much until I was taking the photos!

Portland has dozens upon dozens of yarn shops spread out all over, so we didn't even touch half of them. We did manage to make it to 5 stores, not too shabby (in 3 days!). Don't feel too bad for DH's patience, he's been known to knit occasionally and some of this yarn is his.

Of course I picked up some Kureyon, as well as yarn for 7 (!) pairs of socks, but I also tried to buy locally. In addition to Oregon wool, and specially dyed yarn, I bought some handspun that comes from a 90-year old woman!

I was extremely impressed with yarn stores in Portland. They average about 3 times the size of the ones here, are absolutely bursting with yarn and they carry enough varied things that you'd have to shop at 2 or 3. Plus, perfect LYS manners: ask you if they can help, then leave you alone and when you do need help, they were very friendly and down-to-earth. We even got free handmade glass stitch markers at one because it was our honeymoon! None of the snobbery that keeps me out of a lot of places.

These are the places we visited and I hardily recommend all of them. The ones with an * had a tad more variety in my opinion.

*Yarn Garden
Dublin Bay Knitting Co. (specializes in yarn from the British Isles, very fun!)
*Abundunt Yarn & Dyeworks
The Naked Sheep
*Close Knit

Finally, the months-overdue Harry Potter beret. Probably not worth all the build-up, but I did get my photo taken with Hagrid, Mad-Eye Moody and Snape (sigh) while wearing it!

Project: Harry Potter Beret
Source: Charmed Knits
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted in #999 & #1382 (maybe 1/2 skein of the red?)
Needles: US 6 & 7
Started: 5/6/07
Finished: 5/10/07
Comments: Easy Peasy!

Wedding Shawl

2007-11-14T10:22:00.000-06:00

So here are the details on my beautiful wedding shawl.

This was my first big lace project and I was plenty nervous. Miriam, the designer, was very helpful when I had questions and other knitters helped me through my first time blocking with wires and how to wash the delicate yarn. Thanks a lot!!

I think this pattern is perfect for a beginning lace knitter. It's pretty straight-forward and the charts are easy to read. The yarn is the softest thing I've ever touched and I wish I could drape myself in it all the time. When knitting the shawl, I often stopped for minutes at a time to pet the yarn! The yarn also seems much sturdier when knit up. I only had breakage once and that was when I was pulling from the first center ball I had wound. I do tend to wind too tightly.

This is definitely my most loved of all the things I've knit. I'm extremely proud of it too!

Now for lots more photos!

Project: Seraphim Wedding Shawl
Source: Mim Knits
Yarn: Lobster Pot Lace Weight Cashmere in Salt Rose, 1.5 skeins
Needles: US 6
Started: 8/1/07
Finished: 9/5/07
Comments: I left out one repeat because I'm so short and also because I was worried of running out of yarn. I had plenty of yarn left over and the shawl ended up being only slightly shorter than the one the pattern calls for. This shawl was knit in secret and my sweet husband ended up being very surprised (he's my #1 knitting fan)! I only hope I can figure out how to wear this often.

Woo-hoo!

2007-11-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

I just found about this yesterday and now there are photos! Kureyon Sock Yarn!

Between this and a new Joss Whedon show, well there's only so much a girl can take!
It's thanks to Ravelry for these juicy bits!

Back from Break

2007-10-31T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've mostly been on a knitting and blogging break for the past few months because I was planning my wedding. Now that the wedding and honeymoon has come and gone, I'm going to try to get back up to date. I have lots of new yarn to post, fun projects and plenty of knitting to do. In the meantime, enjoy this shot of my first big 'ol complicated lace project. Oh, my luxurious wedding shawl, how I do love thee so!

Yo, I Love Alpaca!

2007-09-24T15:51:00.000-05:00

Project: Yo, Drop It Scarf *modified*
Source: Stitch 'n Bitch Nation
Yarn: Misti Alpaca Chunky in #3681 (Hot Pinkish, hard to photograph)
Needles: US 13
Started: 8/11/07
Finished: 8/12/07
Comments: I changed the amount of wraps and the beginning and ends of the scarf. Nice, fast project.

I still have a few more projects to photograph, including the HP Beret, of course, and another alpaca project. Photos to come soon...

Summer Dishcloths

2007-09-24T15:30:00.000-05:00

Project: Ballband Dishcloths
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Sugar 'N Cream in Light Blue & Jewels; Red, Strawberries 'N Cream, & Patio Pinks
Needles: US 7
Started: 7/18/07 & 7/24/07
Finished: 7/23/07 & 7/26/07
Comments: It wouldn't be summer without more ballbands!

Project: Dragonfly Dishcloth
Source: It was from a blog called PurpleDuckie, but it appears to be missing now
Yarn: Sugar 'N Cream in Hot Purple
Needles: US 7
Started: 8/2/07
Finished: 8/4/07
Comments: Pretty!

Missing FOs

2007-09-24T14:26:00.000-05:00

Well, as I previously mentioned I've been a tad busier than usual and have not been knitting much, nor have I posted photos of most of my projects from the summer. So this post is more in the "get thee up-to-date" style.

New Baby Knits Group Shot

Hat

Project: Kids Swirl Ski Cap
Source: Knitting for Peace
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash in Dublin & Jade
Needles: US 7 & 8
Started: 7/26/07
Finished: 8/1/07
Comments: Easy hat to knit, it's flat, so there is some seaming to do. It really expanded when I blocked it.

Baby Sweater

Front

Back

Close-up of buttons

Project: Baby Baseball Tee
Source: Knit 2 Together
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash in Dublin & Jade
Needles: US 4 & 6
Started: 7/2/07
Finished: 7/25/07
Comments: I made a few modifications, namely leaving off the pocket & mittens and just knitting stripes randomly. I like how the stripes look and the difference in the front & back, but all of those stripes made for lots & lots of ends to weave in. Annoying, of course. Pretty easy, straight-forward pattern.

Blanket

Close-up of Rightside Pattern

Close-up of Reverse Pattern

Project: Baby Lydia's Blanket
Source: My Design with Fancy Diamond Pattern from Harmony Guides Vol. 2
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash in Dublin, 8 1/2 skeins
Needles: US 7
Started: 5/8/07
Finished: 6/15/07
Comments: I really like the yarn, easy to care for, has great stitch definition and is soft & warm. My only problem with Knit Picks is that most of their skeins really should have more yardage. I really liked this stitch pattern also, it's textured without being bumpy. Oh, and the Swish blocked very well.

Baby has been born and is doing well, hopefully she's enjoying her snuggly blanket. Now I kind of wish no one I know gets pregnant next year, that would be a first, but I spend every spring & summer slogging through bibs and blankets!

New Craft

2007-09-04T14:41:00.000-05:00

Well, August has been busy & scorching. I've taken a slight break from knitting after all of the baby items, but I plan to start again soon.

I have tons of other projects to post, but in the meantime I have to share my new hobby. I finally broke out the Stitch It Kit I received for my birthday and whipped up a embroidered tea towel yesterday. I've always wanted to know how to embroider after seeing all of my Grandmother's lovely inherited doilies and hankies. I have to agree with everyone else, it is addictive! I can't wait to do more, obviously hoping my stitches will improve in consistency.

2007-08-21T11:43:00.001-05:00

Socks for Dobby

2007-08-01T14:16:00.000-05:00

Okay, so how good was that book? Obviously the best of the series, rightly so.

I can finally post my second pair of socks!

It's really hard to photograph this yarn. You can't really see the stitch pattern, even in the close ups. What's really funny is how the yarn seems to stripe in the photos, which isn't evident at all in person. Luckily I got to make these socks much longer than the last pair because I had 2 skeins and wasn't worried about running out of yarn. Let me show just how much I had left when I finished.

Only about 1 yard! Now I have a whole other skein to contemplate. These socks didn't really take as long as it seems because I took several months off between them to knit baby things. Each sock only took about 2 weeks. Here are the stats:

Project: Alternating 2x2 Rib Socks
Source: Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Mountain Colors 4/8s in Wildflower (this is worsted)
Needles: US 4
Started: 3/14/07
Finished: 7/22/07
Comments: I didn't really have any problems with these. I still can't believe how straightforward sock knitting really is, especially with this book to help figure it out. Perhaps now I can contemplate some of those popular fancy patterns floating around out there. Lord knows I've bookmarked a ton from Knitty.

Buttonhole Bag

2007-07-24T08:39:00.000-05:00

The Interweave Fall preview is up. I really like all of the warm, cozy projects. I think it looks better than the last few issues. Eunny's cardigan is gorgeous and why in the world is everything Norah Gaughan creates so damn cool looking?

In other news, you may know I have a penchant for entrelac, so I was delighted to combine it with my love of dishcloths in the garterlac cloth. However, this cloth has caused me nothing but trouble. I found it very hard to simply knit into the stitches themselves for one thing. The pattern is fairly straightforward and I do not fault the designer at all. I brought it on myself by apparently knitting too tightly and wanting to use 3 different colorways of yarn, thereby creating hundreds of ends to weave in later. Needless to say, the cloth made the forlorn yet inevitable trip to the frog pond last night. Adios amigo, may we meet again in better circumstances.

Here's a bag I'm not sure how much I will use, but I needed a quick, fun project to work on while watching Live Earth. The colors will just not photograph well with or without a flash, so this is kind of an approximation.

Before Felting:

After Felting:
Project: The Buttonhole Bag
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky in Periwinkle, Fuchsia, & Turquoise
Needles: US 15
Started: 7/7/07
Finished: 7/8/07
Comments: Easy peasy, fun

I will be on vacation (in seclusion) for the rest of the week to savor reading Harry Potter. I shall return afresh next week with Harry hat photos & sock photos!

101 in 1001

2007-07-19T13:35:00.000-05:00

Meshell mentioned this about a month ago and I wasted no time in compiling a list of my very own. I've always loved making lists and loathed not completing most things. However, I think this project could be very focusing and perhaps life-changing. Without further ado, I present the details from Triplux regarding my 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days Project:

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focused. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

So I think this project could be really good for me. I can never motivate myself enough to change things that I really want to and I'm hoping this will help. There is a good mix of fun stuff and heavy stuff in my list and I'm really looking forward to starting. Some of the tasks I've done before or used to do regularly and some are completely new, so I'm hoping that a lot of these goals will become habits if I do them consistently. I'll link this post in the sidebar and update my progress in it, plus I'm sure I'll talk about it in other posts. Some stuff is just too personal to put online so I've got some secrets! Here's my list broken into categories.

101 Things to Do in 1001 Days
Start: 7/19/07
Finish: 4/15/2010

* This symbol means I've already started on the task!
Items in Bold are completed

Creative/Crafty
1) Crochet 5 Granny Squares (0/5)- Easy for some, but crochet is a killer for me
2) Write consistently on novel
3) Create a mosaic piece
4) *Finish first subversive cross stitch
5) Learn to sew & sew a DPN case
6) Make 5 photo collages & frame them (0/5)
7) Compete in Knitting Olympics- Assuming there will be another one
8) Do the finishing up of WIPs before I cast on a new one five time in a row (0/5)
9) Make soap & bubblebath (0/2)
10) Build something myself out of wood
11) Submit photo to photography contest
12) Seek out new & interesting things to photograph

Food & Drink
13) Bake 10 kinds of bread by hand (0/10)
14) Bake 5 kinds of pie by hand (0/5)
15) Cook 10 never tried vegetables (0/10)
16) Try 10 never tried fruits (0/10)
17) Eat in 5 new restaurants (0/5)
18) Make fresh pasta 5 times (0/5)
19) Eat raw for a week (0/7)
20) Give up alcohol for one month
21) Give up refined sugar & flour for a month
22) Limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks per night for a month
23) No junk food/ bad snacks for a month
24) Eat no Mexican dishes for a month
25) Go vegan for at least 2 weeks (0/14)- I'm already vegetarian

Healthy Mind & Body
26) Go on a hike
27) Get teeth fixed
28) Go to dermatologist to have mole removed
29) Go to dentist regularly
30) Go to doctor for complete check-up
31) Go to gyno
32) Go to bed no later than 11 every night for a week (0/7)
33) *Lose at least 20 pounds (5/20)
34) Follow skin regime everyday for 2 weeks (0/14)
35) Stop biting nails
36) Go to eye doctor
37) *Personal
38) Personal
39) *Do yoga at least 6 days a week for one month
40) Detox once a month for 6 months (0/6)
41) Pluck eyebrows regularly for a month
42) Get a professional massage
43) Get professionally fitted for a bra
44) Drink 2 cups of hot tea everyday for a month

Cultural
45) Read passages from the different religious texts (list forthcoming)
46) Go to a jazz club
47) *Watch all Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes (20/178)
48) Go to a classical music concert
49) Watch The Wizard of Oz synched with Dark Side of the Moon
50) Read at least 10 banned books (0/10)
51) Read 10 books from my bookshelf that I haven't read & have had for more than 1 year (0/10)
52) Spend an afternoon walking around downtown

Financial
53) Start selling crafts (knits, patterns, photos, cards)
54) Personal
55) Buy no new books for myself for 3 months & see how much money I save
56) Sell stuff on eBay
57) Buy only necessities for one month

Goodwill
58) Participate in a charity run/walk
59) *Knit at least 20 items for charity (0/20)
60) Donate blood
61) Sign up to be an organ donor
62) *Plant trees in the names of my family (10/110)
63) Donate to the ACS or MD Anderson in Mickey's memory

Sustainable Living/De-clutter/Eco-friendly
64) *Rate all iTunes songs (12405/18252)
65) Recycle all old magazines
66) Get rid of old, broken electronics responsibly
67) Do something about china cabinet
68) Organize printed photos
69) Knit produce bags & start bringing to the grocery
70) Buy a fireproof safe & store documents
71) Put rest of loose recipes in binder
72) Catalog & photograph household inventory including serial numbers
73) Sign up for Greendimes

Better my Environment
74) Find a place to live & move
75) Research new cities to live in & how to go about moving
76) Don't use a computer for 72 hours
77) Don't watch tv for one weekend, 4 times (0/4)
78) Get something to hold LPs
79) Vacuum once a week for 3 months straight
80) Have front door fixed

Happiness
81) Dye my hair pink
82) Get hair cut professionally
83) Go on a romantic picnic
84) Learn to ride a bike
85) Play tennis
86) Visit at least 1 new state
87) Buy vinyl, old-school Mary Janes
88) Rollerskate
89) Buy a DSLR camera
90) Go on a weekend getaway to a cabin
91) Buy a dress that looks fabulous on me
92) Personal
93) Dance everyday for 2 weeks (0/14)
94) Spend at least 30 mins. "chill time" outdoors everyday for a month
95) Play in the rain
96) Send at least 5 notes/cards to Gram (0/5)
97) Forgive myself
98) Brush all cats once a week for month
99) Write down one thing I'm thankful for everyday for 1 month
100) Film videos of Amelie playing (digging in bowl, jumping, kickin' it)
101) Start a new 101 list no later than 1 month after finishing this one (catch-22)

Whew, I'd better get started! Tell me what you think of my list and if you're thinking of starting your own!

In knitting news, I'm almost done knitting up my second sock. Stay tuned for Harry photos!!

Go Go Federer!

2007-07-11T16:29:00.000-05:00

Here's my recently completed Swiss Pride Hat that I designed exclusively to wear while watching Roger Federer win Wimbledon for the 5th straight time. He's an amazing athlete, watching him at his best is like ballet. I'm very proud of this hat because it turned out exactly as I envisioned it (it's the Swiss Flag by the way) and I conquered scary intarsia by just plunging right in. I also hear that the Mad Hatter is planning on making the same hat!

Project: Swiss Pride Hat
Source: My Design
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted in #9601 & #208
Needles: US 7
Started: 6/29/07
Finished: 6/30/07
Comments: Intarsia, smarsia. I was nervous about attempting this colorwork without practicing, but it was a complete snap with no problems whatsoever. I thought I might have to do some duplicate stitching at the corners of the cross, but once the ends were woven in, it was fine. I did block the hat with a sample of Soak, which I really liked. The yarn is mostly acrylic, so it didn't do too much, but it does smell good! Poster Boy here I come!

I also blocked my Cotlin hand towel and the Soak worked wonders for it. The stitches are nice and even and it doesn't stretch out horribly like before. It feels a little softer and will probably increase with use. I can't say much for the slight pilling which will probably increase as I use it and toss it in the laundry, but I'll probably use the yarn again.

Lizzy, I would recommend Mason Dixon. It has a lot of things for the home, which I like, but if you want to look at lots of examples, check out the archives of the KAL.

Stay tuned for a very long list of things to do coming soon!

File under Finished

2007-06-27T14:47:00.000-05:00

So here's my finished hand towel. I wanted to try out KnitPicks' new Cotlin yarn and this was the perfect pattern to use. It took me awhile because I stopped to finish the blanket and had forays into mitered squares.

Project: Moss Grid Hand Towel
Source: Mason Dixon Knitting
Yarn: KnitPicks Cotlin in Fiesta Pink, almost 2 full skeins
Needles: US 5
Started: 5/12/07
Finished: 6/26/07
Comments: This yarn is pretty good. It's a blend of cotton and linen and I'm interested to see if it will soften with washing. The colors are very vivid, which I like, but I disliked having to pull out bits of straw(?), hay(?) at regular intervals. I'm pretty sure I was going to run out of yarn, so I left out one repeat. Before blocking the towel measures 18.75"L x 12.25"W. The finished product is a little stretchy even when dry, so I probably could have stood to go down another needle size, but the fabric does have a nice squish to it. All in all, I'd probably use this yarn again (ok, I'm already picturing bright purple & pink chevron stripes), but not for a garment. The cast on edge seems to be pilling a little already just from carrying the project around.

2007-06-25T07:57:00.001-05:00

2007-06-23T18:29:00.000-05:00

M&Ms

2007-06-22T15:01:00.001-05:00

2007-06-21T14:13:00.001-05:00

2007-06-20T13:15:00.000-05:00

2007-06-19T14:28:00.001-05:00

Mourning

2007-06-15T08:37:00.000-05:00

2007-06-14T08:36:00.001-05:00

Photo Daze

2007-06-13T15:47:00.000-05:00

So I've been trying to organize my digital photos a little better and have been agonizing over my miles & miles of printed photos (should I scan them, box them, chuck them?), wondering why on earth I have so much of everything. In the tradition of better bloggers before me, I propose to post a photo each day I don't blog about knitting (which is most days really).

I haven't come up with a clever title or anything and I probably won't say much of anything about said photo, but do expect to see lots of flowers and cats. If you don't like it, don't look.

Therefore, I present: Missing October

Recent FOs

2007-06-11T14:34:00.001-05:00

More baby knits to share. I don't know where I'd be without my standard baby patterns.

Project: Umbilical Cord Baby Hat & Baby Bib 'O Love
Source: Stitch 'n Bitch & Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Bernat Cotton Tots in Jelly Belly & Sugar 'n Cream in Pastel Delights
Needles: US 7 & US 6
Started: 5/5/07 & 4/24/07
Finished: 5/6/07 & 5/4/07
Comments: Wonderful standby patterns. I wish I could get some feedback from the moms who used them. I'm never sure if the hat will fit or if they will use the bib when they have so many that are store bought.

On another note, I'm *this* close to finishing the baby blanket. Hooray!!

And while I've had this blog for over a year and my heading promises other crafty things besides knitting, I never seem to have time for other pursuits. That dry spell seems to be over... hopefully. Just take a look at the jewelry I made for my sister-in-law's birthday.

Pretty standard stuff really, but I'm pretty proud of the dainty, swingy earrings. They're the first pair I've made!

The Weird Turn Pro

2007-06-07T09:32:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the absence of the last month. There have been a lot of parties, get-togethers and some vacation recently, anyway it's been hectic.

I got a lot of yarn with birthday money, but I don't think I'm going to post it all. I will show you this tantalizing mountain of Kureyon for my blanket.

Yay for yale sales and generous employees!

I do have my finished Harry Potter Beret to show off soon and I'm currently in a semi-frantic mode to finish the baby blanket by the end of the French Open this weekend. The due date is not until September, but I want to be done with it so I can be involved in other things.

I did go crazy and start another blanket. Maybe. I picked up some Tahki Cotton Classic to try out a few mitered squares from the Mason Dixon book. I didn't like the mitered squares in the Ninepatch Dishcloth, but they weren't very straight and looked awful. Of course, they did not lie and mitered squares are addictive. For now I'm just playing around with colors and having a good time. I like having a tiny little project that's instantly gratifying. I'll think about putting it all together into a blanket in the years to come.

Okay, so I got my first tag from kathymarie for the Seven Weird Things About Me meme. I think pretty much everything about me is weird, but my mind goes blank when I try to narrow it down. Let's see what I can come up with:

1) I don't drive. Technically I know how and plan to someday, but I've never wanted to drive in this city. The people in this city are crazy. This has caused undue stress and annoyance to others and major embarrassment to myself over the years, but I've stuck firm. It makes me feel like I'm 85 and I long for the day when I live in a smaller, safer city. Or better yet, somewhere with excellent public transportation. I can't say I really understand how families can afford 2 & 3 cars either.

2) I snap my fingers constantly while listening to music. Some people clap, some have the sense to avoid making their own sounds, while I am compelled to snap. I have a very firm, loud snap, equally so with both fingers. This can be somewhat embarrassing as well, but I can't help myself. I have both good (strong) & bad (weak) snap days.

3) I love all my books so much. It's a lot of fun to organize them into their different genres, by height, or alphabetically. Sometimes I like to just relax and look at them. It's reassuring to know they are on the shelves if I need them.

4) I try to be as organized as I can when it comes to knitting. I'm an extremely messy & lazy person, so this can be hard, but so far it's going along pretty well. All new yarn & needles go into an extensive database. Any leftover yarn from a project goes in as well, after being weighed. All yarn goes into plastic bags that are manually vacuumed sealed and then into a storage bin or trunk.

5) I have a very sensitive gag reflex. Sometimes a smell or sight can trigger it very quickly and I keep gagging and retching until I calm myself down. The smell of eggs and mayonnaise leave me very susceptible to this.

6) I'm deathly scared of a home invasion and have been since I was like seven. I used to stay up until 3 in the morning reading Archie digests because I thought someone was going to come in my bedroom window & knife me to death. It's gotten a little better, only a little, and consequently I always have to sleep on the side of the bed furthest from the door so I have time to roll off and escape. I can drive Greg a little crazy with hearing sounds and checking to make sure doors are locked, but he usually goes right to sleep. There's hardly a night that goes by that I don't picture it all happening. I really believe I was raped and murdered in my home in a past life.

7) In the past people have always thought I'm a good listener because I'm somewhat quiet and let them go on & on about their problems. For some reason, people that are a little off have always been attracted to me. While they always said I was nice & patient, I really have never liked people very much. They really annoy the hell out of me. It's much better to read what people have say on blogs than be face to face with them.

Okay, I tag Sarah, Anna, Greg, & Lizzy.

Rainy Day

2007-05-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

Update: I've finished my baby bib & think I will start some quick booties today. I've finished the back & left front of Kenobi & am steadily working on the right front. My blanket yarn should be arriving soon, so I'll probably jump right into that. I constantly feel slightly overwhelmed by my list of upcoming projects, yet any time I have nothing scheduled I go a little crazy and feel like I've forgotten something. It's a very strange dichotomy.

Anyway, Spring has sprung, although it feels more like the beginning of Summer here, so my blog has a fresh new look. I'm using a new browser and will soon have new email. Things are changing, huh? Let's hope so. My old browser was never very compatible with Blogger and I had to type out a lot of HTML myself so this is going to be much more fun & efficient. Thanks to phydeaux3 for helping me sort out my label cloud. By the way, I make no apologies to anyone who doesn't like pink!

Look at the yummy sock yarn that Greg gave me for my birthday. They're so bright and squishy. The colors are Girls Just Want to Have Fun & Crush Me. The yarn is from Crash Into Ewe.

And of course another skein of Kureyon!

I also received quite a lot of crafty books: Hollywood Knits Style, More Sensational Knitted Socks, Knitters Book of Finished Techniques, Lace Style, Folk Shawls, Died in the Wool, Simple Sewing with a French Twist, & the Stitch-It Kit by Jenny Hart. Yay! Now if only I had the room for them. I even ordered a couple others from Amazon the other day! Knit 2 Together is something like $9 and I ordered Charmed Knits because I need to get seriously busy on my HP knitting before July!

Hope you enjoy the new blog!

Decisions...

2007-04-30T15:17:00.000-05:00

After much debate within my skull over yarn choices and many different stitch patterns swatched, I have finally decided on the yarn & pattern to use for my next baby blanket. This baby is #1 for my brother in-law and they have decided not to learn the sex of the baby beforehand. In addition, he had no clue on the colors in the nursery. So armed with that plethora of information, I decided on green again. Green is classic and timeless and has a certain understated elegance. I read many, many reviews of yarns for baby blankets and the result was quite mixed results. I'm opting to go with Knit Picks Swish Superwash because it's inexpensive, is supposed to soften up after washing (it does), machine washable (a must), wool=warm (they're in NJ), and the color choices are good. Plus, I have a bunch in my stash that I could swatch with. This is leftover from my ill-forgotten First Sweater. I am hereby passing that title to the cardigan I'm working on. I still can't find a suitable pattern for all of my Swish. Anyway, I like a stitch in a blanket that's unique, lies flat, has no lace for little fingers to snag on, looks good on the wrong side, and is neither too complicated (changes crazily from row to row), too boring (miles & miles of endless stockinette) or insane (K1, P1). The answer: what the Harmony Guide Vol. 2 calls something something Diamonds, I really cannot remember right now. Ta-da! Look at the pretty little swatch!

The Right Side:

The Wrong Side:

You'll probably have to click on the pics to enlarge them for stitch definition. This yarn was pretty nice to work with and definitely softened up after a little bath. I wasn't sure I could block superwash wool, but it stretched out nicely & the kinks disappeared. Speaking of blocking, I'll admit I've never liked to do it very much, it kinda scared me. Along comes another wonderful Eunny tutorial to rescue me. Now I love to block! I've blocked 3 swatches alone this month and I find it very exciting. By the way, did you hear about Eunny becoming the new editor of Interweave? I'm very excited to see what she's going to do with the magazine. She's completely brilliant as far as I'm concerned. So my blanket yarn has been ordered, along with a few other goodies like Cotlin to experiment with and more blocking pins for my newest obsession.

I treated myself to some lovely, long-lasting Carnations for my birthday, so here are a few lush, Spring pics for you. Don't they look tastily sparkling?

P.S.- Birthday yarny goodness pics to come soon!

The Stash is Overflowing

2007-04-24T09:55:00.000-05:00

I'm really running out of room for yarn. My rubbermaid tub has like a 2 1/2 foot high stack of yarn & WIPS & other layabouts on top. Anyway, I'm still pleased to add another skein of beloved Noro Kureyon!!! The color is 194 & it's a mixture of fushcia, green, red-orange & browns. This lone skein comes home to the stash courtesy of my squeeze, who stopped by the yarn store (!) on his way home from work to pick out the perfect colors for me & to see the delighted smile on my face. How thoughtful! He's a keeper (duh).

I finally got my act together & gathered all of my dishcloths to be put to use. I love them! I'm never going back to small, flimsy machine-made cloths again. Looks like I need to get cracking on summer cloths to fill up the basket spaces.

Spring Fever

2007-04-18T02:41:00.000-05:00

So a few months ago I finally dug out all of my projects that needed finishing and did just that, excepting of course those stupid Fuzzy Feet that I still haven't felted. I've been trying to be very good and really complete things instead of just starting a bunch of projects. Well Spring is upon us and I've been very bad lately. My yarn hiatus lasted only a month or so (!) and I've got so many projects lined up. I've developed a mild case of Viral SSS and a slightly more serious case of Startitis. This all has to do with socks and more yarn and not being able to decide exactly which project I'm going to obsess over for the longest period of time.

Here's a lovely picture of my Alternating 2x2 rib sock in progress (it, at the very least is complete):

I failed to have any self control and ordered some yarn from the HUGE sale at Knit Happens and then ordered some more from Red Needle's moving sale. Luckily (I guess), I did get into the Knit Happens sale until very late, so there were not dozens and dozens of skeins of Kureyon to tempt me (only 1).

Here's what I did score:

Left to right: Nashua Creative Focus Worsted in Syrah & Rust, Noro Kureyon #147 & Araucania Nature Wool in Violets.

The Creative Focus is already being turned into this:

While waiting for that yarn to arrive, I had to distract myself from continuing my second sock by starting on a Noro blanket in very many stitch patterns. I also ordered yarn for the Vintage Velvet scarf from Scarf Style. Isn't it pretty? It's so soft, I can't stop touching it and it is all I can do to stop myself from casting on.

So my knitting plate is most definitely full right now. I've got to finish these projects, plus block my capelet, embroider my Mother Bear (oh, the afghan squares are actually for Warm Up! America) & of course, felt my Fuzzy Feet. I need to make yet another baby bib ASAP, get yarn for a new baby blanket and I can't stop thinking about Isabella from Knitty and it's knit on such small needles! I really need to get busy.

Too Many?

2007-04-04T09:13:00.000-05:00

So I just finished reading the Yarn Harlot's newest book, Casts Off and I think it's her best yet. The idea of a travel guide to knitting is just brilliant! The only thing I really dislike about her books is how it takes absolutely no time to read them. I wish she could crank them out faster.

Last month I read Knitting for Peace, which is a gorgeous little book. It explains the history of knitting for charitable causes and includes descriptions of many present-day organizations and projects. It includes several patterns too. I found it very inspiring and have vowed to do more charity knitting from now on. I want to make something for every cause mentioned! I almost immediately cast on for a blanket square for afghans for Afghans and right after that started a cuddly little bear for Mother Bear Project. Sarah made a really cute one last year. I still have to embroider the face, but I plan on making more of them. I think I could probably complete an afghan square between every 1 or 2 projects and it would help to keep me sane and go to a good cause. I've been using up some stash yarn for these projects that are machine washable, leftover from the Jayne hat. I want to make more hats, but I'm thinking some rough Lopi would be better for the cowboys in space look.

Anywho, after making Two socks & Two mittens, I needed some quick no frills projects. Hence the blanket square, the bear, and the following.

Project: Leo's Lap Blanket
Source: Mason Dixon Knitting
Yarn: TLC Essentials in Cranberry, Butter & Persimmon, Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Brown
Needles: US 8
Started: 2/26/07
Finished: 3/1/07
Comments: This is for my elderly cat Leo. He is frequently cold, his claws are constantly out and he sits on my lap as soon as I sit down. The blanket is to protect my poor legs & clothes from anymore painful clawings, as well as to keep him warm when I'm not around. It's been in use for about a week and is already pretty ripped up itself. No matter, he likes it okay, as do the other cats. It's maybe 14" x 14", just big enough to cover my lap and fit most of their bodies. Crochet border to "finish the look".

So after that, I ask you how many dishcloths is too many? I ran from the blanket straight into a dishcloth jag (thank you Harlot for that phrase). I was having trouble sleeping and was churning out an average of a cloth a day. Except for the monstrosity that is the Flower Petal. Here goes:

Project: Flower Petal Washcloth
Source: Weekend Knitting
Yarn: Lion Chenille Thick & Quick in Violet
Needles: US 6
Started: 2/26/07
Finished: 2/28/07
Comments: I hate this yarn and I cannot understand how people can knit with it. It was the first yarn I ever bought (also in 2 other colors) and it made me want to give up knitting before I had barely started it. I've never made anything with it and it is going straight to the Salvation Army next weekend. The cloth only took 2 days but it felt a lot longer. It was sheer will that got me through this. I believe it may have turned out much bigger than was intended. It is pretty soft, but it's so solid & bulky that I'm doubtful it will even soak up water.

Project: Slip Stitch Dishcloth & Double Woven Stitch Cloth
Source: Blossom Knitwear & Knitting Knonsense
Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in Hot Pink & Red, SnC in Beach Ball Blue
Needles: US 7
Started: 3/9/07 & 3/11/07
Finished: 3/9/07 & 3/12/07
Comments: I love the Slip Stitch Cloth & will definitely use the pattern again.

Project: Eyelet Square & Swish with a Twist Cloth
Source: Knitting for Peace & Creative Knitting Magazine
Yarn: TLC Essentials in Butter & Snc in Cornflower Blue
Needles: US 7
Started: 3/2/07 & 3/8/07
Finished: 3/5/07 & 3/8/07
Comments: I love a cable dishcloth!

Project: Love & Shamrock Cloth
Source: Knitting Knonsense & Knitting Knonsense
Yarn: Snc in some kind of pink & emerald
Needles: US 7
Started: 3/7/07 & 3/10/07
Finished: 3/7/07 & 3/10/07
Comments: I like the idea of seasonal cloths. Now I need to find a bunny!

So five regular cloths & one giant one, that's enough for now...I think.

Just In Time

2007-03-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't mean to spend so much time away from the blog. I have been knitting some but lately I've been reading more often than knitting. Right after finishing my cozy little pair of socks, I casted on for some mmmmMalabrigo mittens that I had been wanting to do for awhile. My hands were freezing quite easily inside the house and since I've finished them I've worn them not at all, since it's been f@*%ing 80 degrees!

Anway, here they are. Very cute & cozy & super soft.

Project: Target Wave Mittens
Source: Interweave Knits Fall '06, also Knitting Nature
Yarn: Malabrigo in Cuarzo & Emerald
Needles: US 7 & 8
Started: 2/15/07
Finished: 2/25/07
Comments: The pattern was okay, they're knit flat so they have to be seamed, ugh! The sizes are children's and I made the largest for my tiny hands, but I did have to shorten the thumb way down. I look forward to wearing them some day. The best part is all of the leftover Malabrigo.

Socks!

2007-02-26T14:51:00.000-06:00

Ta-da! My very first pair of socks. I must say I feel very accomplished. This is definitely the one knitted project I am most proud of. I didn't really have any problems with the pattern, it was very straightforward. Of course, I had knit that one practice sock that took forever. The first sock of this pair was finished in under a week and the second one took twice as long at least. Yikes! I really want to knit them two at a time from now on. They are pretty short because I was worried I would run out of yarn and of course I have lots leftover. I'm not sure of any ways to lengthen an item from the cast-on edge. Any ideas? Hopefully my kitchener stitch will improve, but I'm pretty pleased with the results. I will tell you, you need to knit socks, or get someone to do it for you. They feel so fabulous and massagey. Now I know what everyone was talking about.

Project: Baby Cable Socks
Source: Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: All Things Heather Sportweight in Cornflower
Needles: US 3 DPNs
Started: 1/21/07
Finished: 2/13/07
Comments: I love them! While I was knitting them, thinking that I would have a pair of hand-knitted socks at the end was an unbelievable feeling!

No New Yarn?

2007-02-20T10:34:00.000-06:00

I'm not exactly going on a Yarn Diet, but I'm going to try to not buy any more yarn for awhile. I've already got loads and projects in mind for a lot of it. It kinda seems like yarn has been magnetically drawn to me lately. While mom was overseas picking out yarn for me, me & my boy hit two LYS in a span for a couple of hours! In addition I recently cashed in on a generous giftcard from my brother & SIL, thanks guys! Then this past weekend Greg presented me with some more yarn for Valentine's. I obviously have enough yarn for now, but by the time my birthday rolls around in a couple of months I could probably squeeze in a little more. So I present my recent lust-worthy acquisitions...

My most beloved Kureyon in various colors. I have an impulse to buy this whenever it flashes its multi-colored, hay-strewn eyes my way. I'm loosely thinking of starting a Lizard Ridge throw. I finally got my grubby little hands on my very own mmmMalabrigo in Emerald & Cuarzo, which I'm already using for mittens. Socks were swirling around my head when I spotted the new Tofutsies yarn from SWTC. It's the one with Chitin, a byproduct of the shellfish industry. I figure it's okay to use 'cause it's kinda like recycling.

For my giftcard I chose some Mountain Colors 4/8s Wool in Wildflower. They'll probably be used in the next socks I make. The magenta Colinette Parisienne will make some very luxurious sleeves for my arms.

This is the yarn from Greg. It's Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Pea Soup Mix for the Brea Bag. Thanks dear!

That's not a lot of yarn, right? Not compared to a lot of blogs. It's enough for me though, for now...

Purse & Scarf

2007-02-14T14:42:00.000-06:00

I have finished my very first pair of socks!! I will be posting them shortly, but until then here are a couple of other recent FOs.

Project: Mosaic Bag
Source: Spun Mag
Yarn: Noro Kureyon in #139, 3 skeins
Needles: US 4 & 5
Started: 10/12/06
Finished: 1/15/07
Comments: This colorwork gives the appearance of Fair Isle, but it's much easier. The knitting went pretty slowly on this. On such small needles a very tight fabric is created. The strap took forever because I made it twice as long as the pattern called for. Then there's the obvious procrastination with sewing the damn thing up! I still need to try & block the curling on the front. I really like the way the colors turned out, I think the back is purple & green, but overall I'm a bit disappointed.

Project: Yo, Drop It Scarf
Source: Stitch 'n Bitch Nation
Yarn: Colinette Giotto in Florentina
Needles: US 11
Started: 10/24/06
Finished: 10/26/06
Comments: I used my leftover Giotto from the Waterlily Tank. Easy peasy pattern.

Knitting Gifts

2007-02-08T15:23:00.000-06:00

Okay this is the very last time I mention Christmas for at least 6 months! I thought I'd share the haul donated by my generous family. Books include Folk Hats, The Harmony Guide Vol. 5 for cable inspiration & my mom bought me a couple of beret patterns I'm interested in and included a lot more patterns she found on the net. I also received a "Learn to Spin" kit from www.skeintilyclad.com I've been wanting for awhile, not that I really need another addiction. Not pictured: the Knit Picks Options interchangeable needle set. I love my bamboo, but I thought it was time to branch out, plus I need that metal to work with any more cotton. I'm hoping to learn Magic Loop on them this year.

My mom just returned from England & brought me a bag from John Lewis brimming with English yarns! I received the same treatment last year, however I wasn't the best in updating the blog...um, anyway I can't wait to whip something up with all these lovelies!

Top Row: Rowan Felted Tweed in a Dark Raspberry & Burnt Orange
Middle Row: Rowan Kid Classic in Dark Violet & Rowan 4 Ply Soft in Bubblegum Pink
Bottom Row: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Dk (!) in Goldenrod & RYC Cashsoft DK in springy Light Apple Green

Pretty nice for not having to leave the house, huh? Thanks mom!

Last Presents for A Bit

2007-02-07T18:07:00.000-06:00

This the the Zissou Hat I made for Greg for Christmas. It's based on the one Bill Murray wore in the movie Life Aquatic. It was supposed to stick up more on top and did on me, but I think it looks pretty good. Greg still hasn't decided if he wants me to add a Team Zissou patch to the band.

Project: Zissou Hat
Source: Craftster with modifications
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in Red Baron, approx. 1/2 skein
Needles: US 8 16" circ
Started: 12/4/06
Finished: 12/5/06
Comments: This was a pretty easy knit. I just knit a few extra inches at the top to form the tip. I thought my decreases looked a little strange, but it looks fine when it's on.

These are more baby knits, this time for my cousin's new girl.

Project: Baby Genius Burp Cloth & Baby Bib O' Love
Source: Mason Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Cloth: Sugar 'N Cream in Hot Green & Patio Pinks, Bib: SnC in Over the Rainbow
Needles: US 6
Started: 1/5/07 & 1/16/07
Finished: 1/16/07 & 1/18/07
Comments: I love the way the colors turned out on the Burp Cloth.

Winter Accessories

2007-01-23T15:20:00.000-06:00

It's usually a little too warm to wear many winter garments down here, but I keep making them and wearing them!

First up, my Fetching mittens. I think I'm going to make one more pair with a couple of more cable repeats. Please excuse the poor state of my fingernails.

Project: Fetching
Source: Knitty
Yarn: Misti Baby Alpaca in #2915/ Tangerine, one skein
Needles: US 5
Started: 12/14/06
Finished: 12/18/06
Comments: Such an easy, inexpensive project with great results.

Project: Ribbed Biggy Hat
Source: My Design
Yarn: Rowan Biggy Print in #259/ Sherbet Dip, 2 skeins
Needles: US 15
Started: 1/3/07
Finished: 1/3/07
Comments: I've wanted to work with this yarn ever since I started knitting and I took advantage when WEBS had it at a discontinued sale price. I love, love thick, roving-y yarns and this was such fun to work with. Boy, is this hat warm!

Project: Entrelac Scarf
Source: My Design
Yarn: Noro Kureyon in #126, 3 skeins
Needles: US 10 1/2
Started: 12/19/06
Finished: 1/2/07
Comments: I kind of stole this idea from someone on Craftster who posted her scarf with this very colorway. It looked so beautiful, I happened to have the exact amount in my stash, and I had been wanting to do more entrelac since Lady E. I love the way the colors worked up and you can wear absolutely anything with it!

Stay tuned for pics of my finished sock (!) and the beginning of my new one (!!)...

Ball Bands are Versatile!

2007-01-17T14:13:00.000-06:00

I keep getting so distracted by knitting, I forget to update the blog!

This is a pretty simple scarf I made my Mom for Christmas.

Project: Diagonal Rib Scarf
Source: I got the stitch pattern from last year's Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar
Yarn: Misti Chunky Alpaca #678, 1 hank
Needles: US 10 1/2
Started: 10/4/06
Finished: 10/22/06
Comments: I love the alpaca! The length is 46" including fringe.

These are a couple of band cuffs inspired by Mason Dixon Knitting that I made for my nieces. I want to knit that rockin' purse someone made as well.

Project: Band Cuffs
Source: Star
Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in Grape & Yellow with Patio Pinks
Needles: US 7
Started: 11/15/06
Finished: 11/16/06
Comments: These were a fun little project. They knit up fast & easy in under an hour.

I keep knitting on, waiting on yarn to complete my capelet. In the meantime, I was able to finally Finish(!) a couple of things completely. All that's hanging around now is that pesky sock!

Gift Knitting

2007-01-10T09:39:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday season and an inspiring start in the New Year. I've got a lot of goodies to show in the next few days and I'm going to start with some little presents I knit for Christmas.

First up, a few simple felted bowls. The first one I kept for myself. I've had a couple of questions regarding the contents of the first bowl. I put some beads into the bowl for the photo. I thought they matched really well!

Project: Felted Bowls
Source: One Skein
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky in RPM Pink, Bronze Patina & Sunburst Gold, Victorian Pink, Mulberry & Oregano, 1/2 skein each bowl
Needles: US 15 24" circ & DPNs
Started: Early August '06
Finished: Mid August '06
Comments: These are super easy to make, easily finished within a day. This was my first attempt at felting and it seemed to improve the more I did it.

Christmas Vacation

2006-12-21T16:12:00.000-06:00

I will be flying off to Wintry New Jersey tomorrow for extended family fun. Look again in a couple of weeks for loads more goodies I have made. There are a few presents I haven't posted, plus I've been knitting in a frenzy this week trying to crank out more stylish cold weather accessories for myself. Happy Holidays to everyone, may next year bring peace and a windfall of yarn!

Christmas Ball Bands

2006-12-21T16:06:00.000-06:00

These are a couple of Christmas-themed Ball Band Dishcloths I made for my bf's grandma. I wrapped them with some Vanilla Spice hand soap for a festive Winter treat! Hopefully she will actually use them.

Project: Christmas Ball Band Dishcloths
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Sugar 'N Cream
Needles: US 7
Started: 8/18/06
Finished: 11/15/06
Comments: Obviously I wasn't knitting on them exclusively! The Ball Band was starting to drag for me.

Bring On the Cold Weather, Please!

2006-12-18T11:15:00.000-06:00

Here's my Winter Clapotis. Hopefully it will be cold enough to wear it in New Jersey over Christmas. The second photo shows the colors more accurately, they are actually kind of muted.

Project: Clapotis
Source: Knitty
Yarn: Patons SWS in Natural Plum, 6 1/2 skeins
Needles: US 9
Started: 10/25/06
Finished: 11/13/06
Comments: Dimensions are approx. 63" x 18". I have been wanting to try this new yarn for awhile because it is a wool/soy blend. I have a skein and a half leftover, so I'm thinking of doing some sort of felted project. This is probably it for Clapotis, the pattern is easy but very tedious and I had to individually drop each stitch. It is worth the finished product though!

Early Gift

2006-12-18T10:58:00.000-06:00

I gave my SIL an early Christmas gift last night because I won't be able to see her until next year, ha-ha. While it may be 70 degrees here, she will be traveling to Colorado the day after Christmas and I wanted her to stay toasty warm.

Project: Stacked Triangle Scarf
Source: My Own Design with simple knit and purl pattern from somewhere I cannot remember
Yarn: Misti Baby Alpaca Chunky in #M678, Forest Green Melange, 1 skein
Needles: US 10 1/2
Started: Mid Nov. '06
Finished: 12/17/06
Comments: Dimensions are approx. 51" x 2 1/2". This isn't a very good photo and the triangle pattern wouldn't show up very well because the yarn is so dark. The pattern also made three columns that overlapped and stacked on top of each other. It's sort of hard to explain, but the finished product looked pretty cool.

Fetching Fingerless Gloves

2006-12-07T09:28:00.000-06:00

I haven't been posting, but I have been knitting. I finished my Winter Clapotis a few weeks ago, but I do have several more stitches to drop and just haven't gotten around to it. I also completed a couple more Christmas present which I will post after the new year. I can finally post the Fetching Mitts I knit for my mom. I thought they were going to be for Christmas as well, but I changed my mind and she got them early for her birthday. Now I can get to work on my own, which I've been itching to do for awhile.

Project: Fetching Mitts
Source: Knitty
Yarn: Misti Baby Alpaca in #2105/light grey, one skein
Needles: US 7 DPNs
Started: 1st- 10/2/06, 2nd- 10/5/06
Finished: 1st- 10/3/06, 2nd- 10/6/06
Comments: This was my first time using alpaca and I really liked the yarn. It's very fuzzy and soft, but it wasn't too slippery. Of course this pattern was easy and fun, as every knitter knows!

Clapotis Mania

2006-10-31T09:12:00.000-06:00

With all the new clapotis floating around, it seems like the pattern is more popular than ever before. Sarah has just completed one and the thread on Craftster is very hot right now. I haven't posted my Spring Clap before, so it seems like the perfect time.

I just started one last week that's heavier and warmer than the first one. I've finished the increase sections and hopefully this will be the last time I make one of these. The finished product is well worth the time, but I do admit to finding the pattern increasingly tedious and irritating!

Project: Clapotis
Source: Knitty
Yarn: Southwest Trading Company Bamboo in Bougainvillea
Needles: US Size 9
Started: 10/10/05
Finished: 4/12/06
Comments: Needless to say, I put this one away for a long time for other projects. Once I finally picked it back up again, I finished it very quickly. It's a great light wrap, perfect for chilly movie theaters. I used 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 skeins. The finished measurements are approx. 20" x 76".

Lady Eleanor

2006-10-24T00:59:00.000-05:00

I have also completed my most beloved Lady E. I still have to trim the ends of the fringe a bit, but I could not resist taking it out for photos on a crisp Autumn day.

In other knitting news, the sweater is on hold momentarily for gauge issues. I'm coming right along with my secret holiday presents and I've had another brain blip and decided I need a Winter companion for my Spring Clapotis.

I went a little crazy with the photos, so be prepared!

Project: Lady Eleanor Stole
Source: Scarf Style
Yarn: Noro Kureyon in #124, 9 skeins for the body, 1/2 skein for the fringe
Needles: US 10 1/2, 32" circular
Started: 8/9/06
Finished: 9/27/06, Blocked: 10/2/06, Fringed: 10/22/06
Comments: I can really see myself making this again even though I probably do not need two of them. I may knit this stole a little wider so I can make myself a throw. I think this was the most fun knitting I've ever had. I really enjoyed the quick pieces of knitting that comprise entrelac. I learned to how to knit backwards so I wouldn't have to keep turning my work, but it seemed to strain my wrist so I used both. I'm pretty short, so I only did 5 knots on the fringe instead of 7. Finished measurements: 68" long without fringe, around 90" with fringe and 21 1/2" wide.

Candle Flame Photos!

2006-10-24T00:38:00.000-05:00

So I've finally completed my shawl and my stole. What exactly are the differences between the two, I really don't know. I did not rip back my shawl and I left the mistake in and bound off. You really can't tell at all. Onto the photos!!

Project: Candle Flame Shawl
Source: The pattern I used was originally posted on the Knit List a while back, but the link is now broken. I do know that there is a PDF file floating around out there somewhere.
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay in Agate, around 5 skeins
Needles: US 10
Started: 10/4/05
Finished: 9/30/06(!), Blocked: 10/7/06
Comments: This shawl was the bane of my existence when I first started it. It was by far the most complicated thing I had attempted and it tried really hard to kick my ass. Technically I guess it's a lace pattern because of the three yarnovers at the bottom of each flame that you can't really see, but obviously it's not nearly as complicated as most lacy & delicate shawls. I did learn to love this shawl though and it turned into a very relaxing and comforting project. I did not like how it loved to gobble up my yarn and leave me scrambling to find more. I definitely will not be knitting another triangle shawl for awhile, for while the first rows fly so quickly past, by the end it was taking hours to get a few rows done. Finished measurements are 31 1/2" from band to tip and 54" wide. I do believe this could stand to be bigger, but my mind and budget would not allow it. I'll probably search for a elegant vintage brooch to help keep it closed. I'm proud to have accomplished this and do so love the Autumnal subtle colors. The End!

Progress!

2006-09-28T14:59:00.000-05:00

I'm actually taking charge of my WIPs! I completed the main knitting of Lady Eleanor the other day and I immediately wove in the ends! There were only 2, but still that's a lot of progress for me. I wish I knew about the splicing method when I was joining skeins on the Candleflame Shawl, it has too many ends to think about and they easily could have been absorbed into the shawl had I known better. I'm going to block the stole this weekend and then add the fringe. Must use crochet hook, never a strong point with me, ahh!

Here’s a photo of Lady Eleanor:

In other WIPs, I actually did take a look at the shawl yesterday and still couldn't really figure out what I'd done wrong. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to bind off the stitches and leave the mistake in or rip back the 5 inches to the lifeline and re-knit. It doesn't sound like many inches, but with 500+ stitches, it's many, many more hours of knitting that I'd be redoing. I'm just going to have to figure out if the mistake will bother me enough if I leave it in. In all honesty I'd probably be the only one who saw it anyway and what with closing in on a YEAR of knitting this, I'm pretty ready to finish.

I finally felted my bowl and it is currently drying, photo to come soon. I finished another Christmas gift and will soon be starting another. I even have knit a little more on my sock, even though it's still boring! I'm doing pretty well this week I think. I'm going to try to keep my WIPS in order from now on, I wonder how long it will last. Perhaps keeping no more than 2 or 3 projects ongoing is the best idea.

I did have a mini brain glitch yesterday and decided that I must knit a sweater right away! I'm going to NJ for Christmas to visit the in-laws and it occurred to me that none of them would consider me a serious knitter if I wasn't sporting a hand knit sweater. It’s probably not true and it certainly doesn’t matter, but there it is. My next big project will be my first sweater. I’ve picked one out of Interweave’s latest issue and will be ordering my yarn from Knit Picks soon.

Think Pink

2006-09-26T14:01:00.000-05:00

So here's the scarf I knitted last week. It's for the Think Pink Challenge that I just found out about. I mixed several yarns and knit it sideways, so it didn't take any time at all. It's going to be a teensy bit hard to part with it, if only because it's so Pink! I have a ton of the fringe left over though, so I'm going to add it to something else or wear it in my hair.

Project: Think Pink Scarf
Source: My Design
Yarn: TLC Wiggles, Plymouth Fantasy Naturale, Cascade 220 & Yarn Bee Party Girl
Needles: US 13
Started: 9/19/06
Finished: 9/20/06
Comments: I love this scarf and want to do this in all colors of the rainbow. This is also great for stash-busting. Just cast on as many stitches as you want the length to be and knit as many rows as the width you want. Super-easy! This is the first fringe I've made and it was kind of fun too.

Scarf Stuff

2006-09-22T14:45:00.000-05:00

I'm still working diligently on my stole. I really completed a lot while watching dozens of hours of tennis during the U.S. Open. I just started my last skein for the knitting part and then I will use one more for the knotted fringe.

I did just complete a last-minute scarf that I'll explain in more detail next week. I need to take photos of it over the weekend.

Since a post without photos is never any fun, I'm going to post some older things that I like and were made before this blog.
First off, is the Irish Hiking Scarf. I made this for my boyfriend Greg for Christmas.

Project: Irish Hiking Scarf
Source: Hello Yarn
Yarn: Noro Kureyon #52
Needles: ??
Started: 10/13/05
Finished: 12/21/05
Comments: Xmas present for Greg, knit in secret. My first cabling project, very fun. I used 3 skeins.

And this is a pretty cool photo that I took at my Grandparents a few weeks ago. Have a good weekend.

Holding Pattern

2006-09-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

Well, iMac Jr. is in for surgery and probably won't be back for at least a week or more. Please send him your best wishes for a speedy recovery and no memory loss. Right now I'm using his momma, iMac Sr., and while she is a hardy and formidable computer, she tends to make everything look kind of wonky. She's very dependable, but lacks the sleek stylings of her offspring...at least she is purple.

Anyway I digress, I seem to be in a stalemate with my knitting. I've been steadily increasing the inches on my Lady Eleanor. She's a very fun and relaxing companion. I can totally see knitting another one, or maybe an entrelac scarf or pillow cover. I still have not felted my slippers and bowl. I need to weave in all the ends on the disappointing Dishcloth and I have not mustered up the courage to confront the Shawl. I did manage to get in a few rounds of my sock while waiting to speak with Mac's doctor, but so far it just isn't very inspiring at all. I don't feel bothered about any of it though, because of the joy of Eleanor.

Sadly, no photos on this post because the little upload tool isn't showing up, but maybe things will look bright again when Jr. returns. Ciao.

New Projects

2006-08-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

Out of the blue, I decided to start on my first sock last week. I was in between projects for about a day, so it seemed like a good idea at the time. I've finished knitting my Fuzzy Feet and they just need to be felted and they were pretty much like knitting giant socks so I figured I could handle a real one. I've had some Bernat Sox in my stash for quite some time so I pulled it out and decided to follow the pattern on the label (which you almost need a magnifying glass to read). The size is a Child's, but my feet are pretty small and even if they don't fit I can frame them or something. I think the colors are very pretty, all stripy and such, but do I hope this sock knitting thing grows on me. Knitters go on and on about knitting socks and some rarely knit anything else, but so far I don't find it quite as enthralling. First of all, I don't especially like dpns, I tend to really slow down when I'm using them and I have trouble with ladders, no matter how tightly I pull the yarn. I guess I can try the 2 circular thing, but somehow I don't think I'll care for that either. Secondly, I'm using size 3 needles and it seems to take forever to get an inch. Anyway I digress, it actually is progressing pretty well seeing as how I've finished turning the heel on the sock and I only left a small hole on one side. The photo is out of focus, but you get the idea.

I swore that I was going to finish the Candle Flame shawl before I started on Lady Eleanor and I intended to do just that. At this point the only thing I need to knit is the border, then I can block it and it will be finished. I put all 300+ stitches on a lifeline (checking several times to make sure I did have all of the stitches), pulled it off the needles and held it up to get a sense of how big it is going to be. I started putting the stitches back on the needle the next day, when lo and behold, I discover 2 or 3 dropped stitches! I've gotten much, much better at correcting mistakes in the past year, even in complicated patterns, and I wasn't afraid to play around with the dropped stitches. I tried different ways to re-incorporate them, but it wasn't working. I decided to look at it again in a few days and in the meantime my Kureyon arrived and I couldn't stop myself from casting on yet again.

Lady E looked a mess after the backward loop cast on and the first few rows, but she's maturing rapidly and has completely stolen my heart. There were a couple of mistakes in the first row that I'm too lazy to correct, but I figure most people won't see them anyway and I like to think a few imperfections make her more "real". In the photo she looks more like a purse, but that's just because of the circular needles. I might do an entrelac bag in the future though. I went with color 124 because there were limited choices in the WEBS closeout. Several other knit bloggers have used this color and it is mighty pretty. When I am sitting in my house this Winter all wrapped up in my jewel-encrusted Lady E, I will envision myself strolling the drafty stone corridors of a walled castle city. Can you tell I'm enchanted? This is after one skein (I have 10 in all), isn't she lovely?

New Arrivals

2006-08-14T15:44:00.000-05:00

Say hello to my new nephew Simon. He arrived Friday night healthy & curious. His nose matches those of his sisters when they were born and he has a very sweet disposition. Of the 2+ hours I spent with him yesterday, he only let out one little cry which quickly passed.

My favorite thing about brand new babies? Little tiny feet of course!

So the million ends of the baby blanket were finally worked in and the kimono finally sewn. Hopefully Simon will find some comfort in these items because I have definitely had him on my mind for most months of this year.

Project: Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in Key Lime Pie, 1 1/4 skeins
Needles: US 6
Started: 6/16/06
Finished: 8/7/06
Comments: The pattern is easy, though not very exciting. I became pretty over this when I ran out of yarn and had to eventually go to 3 different stores to find it. I did find the same dye lot though! It does look pretty sweet all sewn together and be-ribboned though.

Project: Simon's Baby Blanket
Source: My Design (Diamond Brocade taken from The Harmony Guide 450 Knitting Stitches Volume Two) with 3" Seed Stitch Border
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Green Apple, 12 skeins
Needles: US 8
Started: 4/24/06
Finished: 6/15/06
Comments: Dimensions are approx. 22" x 50". This yarn is so soft & very stretchy, I love the feel of the seed stitch. I do wish the skeins had more yardage, as each skein only got me a few inches, hence all of the ends to weave in. I did notice after washing & drying the yarn already seemed to pill a little as well. The previous baby blanket I made was way too small so I cast on a whopping 193 stitches for this, perhaps I overcompensated? I think it will be nice to wrap the baby up nice and snug in this extra long blanket and hope that Simon will use it for years to come. It can double as a wrap for the weary momma!

Stash Enhancement

2006-08-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

Ok, now I really have to stop buying yarn. My rubbermaid box thing has almost reached capacity & I really don't have the room or the want to have a stash spilling out of every corner of my home. I just ordered some Noro Kureyon from WEBS for my Lady Eleanor because they are having a great sale, which I've been waiting for. My goal is to finish my Candleflame Shawl first and then have Lady E completed by Christmas. That sounds easy enough, especially since I've started some of my Christmas knitting this week and am moving swiftly along.

I did pick up some Baby Alpaca Worsted & Chunky this weekend courtesy of my LYS:

I think I'm going to make a squishy hat with the chunky green to match the first scarf I made and I'm not sure what for the orange. This is my first alpaca and boy was I missing out! This is the softest stuff imaginable and I love these colors.

In other news I've been pretty successful with my small projects this week. I've finished knitting a bowl, I just need to felt it this weekend. I've also knit one slipper and am working on the heel flap of the second one. Those will also need felting. I've also finished my first christmas present. I'm trying to get a good head start so I won't be knitting like crazy on Christmas Eve like the Harlot. The Ninepatch Dishcloth is almost finished, for me it's a lot slower going than the Ball Band. I think I finally understand when I hear people complain that cotton hurts their hands. All for now...

Waterlily Makes Her Debut

2006-08-01T08:50:00.000-05:00

Finally, Waterlily from Interweave Knits Spring '06 issue. I've been lusting over this since Feb. or something. From the first cast-on to the final blocking, with a few days of doing nothing, this only took me 11 days! I knew it would be quick, but this really surprised me because I'm a somewhat slow knitter. I made the largest measurement because I was worried about fitting the bust. The bust size came out perfectly but the rest is a little loose, of course the lower half is knit on larger needles so that makes sense. I think it really looks better than these photos show. I don't have to wear a top under it, it really doesn't come down that low, but you can't see the eyelets as well without a background. All in all, I think I did pretty good for my first garment and I'll probably wear this from time to time. Now I can move on with my life and don't have to continue pining away after this yarn. I do still get distracted by all the pretty garden colors when I'm wearing it though.

Project: Waterlily Top
Source: Interweave Knits Spring '06
Yarn: 3 1/2 skeins of Colinette Giotto in Florentina. I found a much cheaper source in London, Loop
Needles: US size 10 1/2, 11, & 13 24" circs
Started: 7/18/06
Finished: 7/29/06
Comments: Things I learned while knitting this top- 1) Provisional Cast-On, 2) Shaping a garment, 3) Three Needle Bind-Off (the pattern didn't call for it, but I didn't want any bulky seams!), 4) Steam Blocking. There were no mistakes in the pattern and it was very straightforward.

More Baby Knits

2006-08-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

More knits for nephew Simon, who will be arriving in 2 1/2 weeks! The One-Hour Booties from Stitch 'n Bitch Nation are made with Bernat Cotton Tots in Jelly Belly. I held it doubled & used US size 8s. The Baby Hat is from One Skein, and it also used Cotton Tots (different dye lot, that's why it's brighter) and US size 7 DPNs. Both were relatively easy knits, I just hope Simon has a petite head and feet.

Mason-Dixon Knitting

2006-08-01T08:25:00.000-05:00

I'll start today with 3 Ball Band Dishcloths I made while I was completing the blanket. These are addictive, as I'm sure every knitter knows. From left to right: Sugar 'N Cream in Hot Purple & Patio Pinks, Grape & Beach Ball Blue, Playtime & Hot Blue. US size 7 needles.

Next up: Baby Genius Burp Cloth & Baby Bib O' Love. I didn't make these in matching colors because I just used what I had in the stash, but I like the different colors. The burp cloth is SnC Early American Ombre & the bib is Country Brown Ombre, both using US 6 needles.

FOmania!

2006-07-31T14:10:00.000-05:00

Almost everything is completely finished: knitted, woven, blocked, photographed and given away. I'm still steadily working on my shawl, a few rows here & there. I expect it will be finished soon. I've been working on it for so long now, it's become kind of a comfort thing. I've grown much more proficient since I began the shawl and now it's a breeze to work the pattern. It's going to be very strange when I finally complete it.

I'm still searching for another ball of Sugar 'N Cream to complete the last couple of inches on the Baby Kimono and then will have to sew it up. About half the ends are woven in on the Baby Blanket now. I was hoping to finish it by this weekend, but I had to finish Waterlily. That will teach me to leave UFOs lying around for a month!

Ok, I can't get my photos uploaded right now, so I guess I'll have to try again tomorrow!

Almost There

2006-07-28T08:55:00.000-05:00

I have finished knitting Waterlily! There was some confusion when it came time to undoing my provisional cast-on but everything worked out. It fits too! Now there comes the monumental task of weaving in millions of ends which fills me with dread. I have started, but it is very slow going as the ribbon yarn does not like to pull through stitches, plus I'm a little concerned with the looseness of the stitches. I don't want to be wearing an unraveling top. I will finish it by Sunday, I swear! Until then here's a pic of pretty flowers from my Grandmother's garden.

Waterlily Update

2006-07-25T16:20:00.000-05:00

I finished the shaping of both fronts of my top and I'm working on the middle back. Tonight I'll start on the straps of the back and should have the top finished by the end of the week. I'm surprised at how fast a knit it is, but it does call for rather large needles (13, 11, & 10.5). It's a very easy & straight-forward pattern and I think it was a good choice for my first garment. Of course, I did manage to fudge something along the way & decrease some stitches or something. I'm not really sure what I did wrong, other than not counting the stitches on every row (!), however after inspection, everything is going smoothly again and all looks good. I just hope it fits okay and is somewhat flattering. Hopefully I will be wearing it at my family's birthday/ pool party this weekend.

I have some Lamb's Pride on the way from Kyarns 'cause it's on sale, apparently prices are going up on August 1st. It will be used to make some Xmas pressies and some Fuzzy Feet for me. I think it would be good to make the slippers before I make socks.

Until I finish my top and post some photos, here's one of my kitty Amelie. She loves to show off her shaved belly.

First Time!

2006-07-19T09:45:00.000-05:00

Now that I'm *this close* to finishing the baby items, I can start my Waterlily Top. It will be my first proper garment. I cast on yesterday and have knit a few inches already...so far, so good. I managed to successfully cast on using the provisional method, so that's the first new trick I've learned knitting this project. I've already switched to the second needle size and I'm hoping to stay focused on this so I can complete it in a couple of weeks. I LOVE these colors, it's nice to watch them fade into one another.

Kool-Aid Pithy Hat

2006-07-17T14:35:00.000-05:00

Ok, so my hat is done. Next time, I have to be more careful when choosing which colors to wear near my face. I wanted to make this pattern and I had the right amount of yarn, more in fact, but I really neglected the fact that bright green & blue would contrast highly with my fair skin and red hair. Ah well, maybe if I let my hair go back to its original color someday, the hat will look better.

Anyway, the knitting got a lot easier a few rows into it. The knit 2 tog tbl could be tricky though. The pattern is from Little Turtle Knits. I think the purse stitch is very pretty and shows off the gradual changes in color very well. I used US size 9 16" bamboo circs for all but the first few rows.

It's a little uncomfortable modeling a wool hat when it's 100 degrees outside! I'm glad to be done with this impulse project and get on with other things.

In other knitting news, I was so close to finishing my Baby Kimono yesterday when I ran out of yarn! Eeek, I hate that! So now I have to trek all the way out to Hobby Lobby to get another skein of Sugar 'n Cream that probably won't match my dye lot just so I can knit a lousy 2 or 3 inches. How annoying!

New Yarn!!

2006-07-17T14:27:00.000-05:00

I finally used my birthday gift certificate for kpixie and bought some sock yarn. I'd better actually start knitting socks before I succumb to any more sock yarn! The yarn by All Things Heather is hand painted in the softest, most beautiful colors. This one's called Cornflower.

Finally Some 100% Finished Objects!

2006-07-12T16:21:00.000-05:00

It's about time. I really seem to burn right through projects, knitting like crazy then binding off and forgetting about them. I suppose I should be happy with myself that I at least finish the knitting part. I just need to get into a new frame of mind and remind myself that "finishing" is just that- completing the project entirely. Anyway, a few are finished now and my Kool-Aid dyed hat is just about to come flying off the needles, and I promise to weave in the ends right away. Hats are easy anyway, only 2 little strands to worry about...Photos to come soon, soon.

Dyeing Day

2006-07-05T11:33:00.000-05:00

So I finally devoted time to Kool-Aid Dying over this long weekend. I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in Natural and followed

Knitty's tutorial

For my first skein,I wanted it to be variegated with Lime Green and Bright Purple, but found that grape Kool-Aid does not look very purple, so I stocked up on various blues and pinks to experiment with in the future to find a good purple. I went with blue & green instead.

First, I soaked the yarn in mild soap (Method dishwashing liquid) and mixed my colors: 5 packets each Blue Moon Berry & Lemon-Lime, along with 12 Tbsp of water each.

Next, I spread the yarn on a plastic garbage bag and began diligently squirting Kool-Aid onto the yarn with a turkey baster.

Then I popped it into the microwave and alternated zapping & waiting until the water was almost clear. It looks like I didn't miss any white spots.

Now it was time for more soaking, another soap bath and a few more rinses.

Finally hung up to dry overnight and then wound into a skein.

Easy-peasy! I've never washed yarn before, but I think I did ok. Everything went smoothly and I think my yarn looks smashing! The hardest part is waiting for the yarn to dry. I immediately started knitting a horrendously finger-hurting pattern that I will hopefully stick with because the finished products are so cute. My next skein will be 4 or 5 different shades of pinks and reds.

I have a stack of FOs that have been completed in the past few weeks, but still need the ends woven in. Uggh, how I hate doing that! I wish I could be one of those people who love finishing as much as knitting, but alas as soon as the last stitch is bound off I am casting on again in a matter of minutes. Luckily my sweet Greg does a lot of weaving for me and he is excellent at it. I hope to post all these projects soon.

Shiny, Pretty Yarn!!!

2006-06-12T14:22:00.000-05:00

Just a quick pic of yarn porn so I can get back to my knitting. My lovely, lovely Colinette Giotto arrived a few weeks ago from across the pond. I'm so excited about this yarn it's crazy! It took awhile for me to choose which colourway I liked best, Colinette has so many to choose from! This one's called Florentina and I think it's perfect. I can't wait to start the Waterlily Top, I just need to practice the provisional cast-on for awhile first. The ribbon is so soft and shiny, it looks like velvet. Wish me luck in winding the yarn into balls without creating a huge tangled mess.

I'm bearing down on the end of the baby blanket. Only 3 skeins left now, with 1 reserved exclusively for the border. I tried to work on it for several hours each day last week, and after waiting in the ER for 9 hours with my mother and her broken ankle on Friday, I'm proud to say I accomplished a lot. The end is in sight! In other knitting news, there is another Ball-Band Dishcloth finished and another one about to fly sizzling off the needles.

A Dishcloth!

2006-06-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

This is my first Ball Band Dishcloth from

Mason-Dixon Knitting

I took a much needed break from the *HUGE* baby blanket to whip up something fast & easy. I had plenty of Sugar 'n Creme left over from my marathon Christmas dishcloth/doily knitting, so it was fun to mix and match colors. I wanted the blue to be the slipped stitches, but of course I didn't read the pattern before I started, so there ya go. I really like the effect it created though, kind of like stained glass. This was really fun and I will certainly be making more of them. I just need to weave in the ends to start using it! The colors of Sugar 'n Creme are Delft Blue and Jewels. Knit on size 7s.

Baby Hat!

2006-06-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

Here's the Umbilical Cord Hat from Stitch 'n Bitch. This is the second one I've made and they're a breeze to knit. I used Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Reef and US size 7 bamboo circs.

Baby Mitts!

2006-06-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

I recently completed these mittens for my nephew-to-be. I don't want him to scratch his face with sharp little fingernails, (although if he's anything like me, my brother, or my niece, he will be biting those nails very soon) so I made these to protect his soft skin. I was pretty petrified to use size 1 and 2 double points, but it was really no problem save for the casting on and first couple of rows, but I always have a little trouble with that. So knitting the mittens was easy, but man is i-cord a pain! I really dislike it. I made the cord about 30 inches long 'cause I read somewhere that someone else did and I had no clue. I thought they turned out pretty precious. The pattern is from the Knitting Page-a-Day Calendar, which for the most part has really fugly projects. The yarn is Knit Picks Simple Stripes Sock Yarn in Storm.

I Want This Hat!

2006-05-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

I want Ben Harper's hat he wore on Carson Daly. I like the bucket shape and intricate designs. I think I might change the colors though, I'm not too big on red. After I get into intarsia & fair isle I'm gonna try this, man I loves me a man who wears hats! Women too :)

In other knitting news, I recently completed 4 Candy Wrapper sachets from the book

One Skein

I used Knit Picks Palette and I can't remember which size needles, maybe US 3? They were pretty quick to knit up, but it was somewhat difficult to get the oval shape needed. I think my tea bags were too big. They smell good & look pretty though, I guess that's all that matters.

Updating

2006-05-12T15:23:00.000-05:00

Well, gee, I guess I haven't been keep up with the blog at all. Seein' as how I am now linked on someone else's blog, possibly to be viewed by others, I guess I should get crackin'.

To start with, I'm going to show all of the awesome knitting loot I scored for my birthday last month. The first two are oh-so-pretty Koigu PPPM from the "in-laws". I'm hoping to learn socks in the next month or so. I'm thinking of using a different yarn for my first pair because they will probably be kind of wonky, but this yarn is so yummy-looking, I want to dive right into it.

The solid pink is Lobster Pot 100% Cashmere received from my brother & sis-in-law. Isn't it luscious? I can't get over how ridiculously expensive it is. I'm going to have to find a really special pattern to use it. I'm thinking lacy gloves or something.

From my momma I got some Wool of the Andes in Natural. I'm so excited to try Kool-Aid dying. It's going to be fun to pick out colors.

Next up are the gorgeous skeins from the KnitPicks Palette sampler that my dear Greg got me. 30 colors, ahhh! You can tell I love taking photos of my yarn, I usually take 3 or 4 shots of each to get the perfect picture. I've already delved into these to make the Candywrapper Sachets from One Skein for Mother's Day.

He also got me the Debbie Bliss yarn I've been eyeing for the vintage capelet from spunmag.com

This birthday was just so much fun with all of the knitting goodness. In addition to all of the yarn I received, I got some money, which has already been used to order some Colinette Giotto for the Waterlily top in IK's Spring issue. I was going to buy it from cucumberpatch on eBay, but she only had 2 skeins. Luckily for me, loop in London has just opened an online store: http://www.loopshop.gb.com/ I bought the yarn for less than half of what it costs over here. Yippee!! Knitting books received include: One Skein- which I'm already using, Knitting Rules!- I read it right away, Scarf Style- I can't wait to try Lady Eleanor of course, Sensational Knitted Socks- I will be using it shortly & Modular Knits- I love the color combos. My mom also got me a book on updated hippie crafts.

Ok, I think this is a good start to actually keeping up with my blog. I'll try to figure out how to make the format look better. I'll post some recent FOs and WIPS soon.

My First Projects for 2006

2006-01-19T16:11:00.000-06:00

I recently finished the Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers from Stitch 'N Bitch Nation. It was my first time using a chart and making a gusset (!) and overall things went really well. Actually, the left armwarmer is a few rows too long and the thumb is somewhat wonky seeing as how I knit the gusset on the wrong side so it does not match the left. I'm not too concerned. I am going to look into ripping back a few rows from the top though. Those extra rows that hide my pinky are irritating. I really love the bright, fun colors in the Noro Kureyon though.

This is just a simple ribbed hat based on HotHead from SnB made with the leftover Noro yarn. It's a little short, but it will be ok. I think it complements the armwarmers pretty well.

1st Post

2006-01-18T14:50:00.000-06:00

This site is to maintain photos and notes on my crafty journey. Plus, whatever else I'm thinking. Maybe I can get some good tips from other knitters. Anyway, lots of photos and past projects to come forthwith.