Decisions...

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

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

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?

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

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!

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.