Penny Lane

Recession Swap Final Package!

2009-12-07T01:10:00.005-06:00

I received the final package from my Recession swap partner! My upstream pal was Elise or catwoman429 on Ravelry :) Elise sent me an awesome scarf crocheted out off Noro Kureyon Sock yarn, in the style of Lizard Ridge! I love it, I've worn it twice already and have gotten compliments both times :) Elise also sent me some yummy goodies, none of which I have shared with anyone... yet... I'm still debating as to whether I will or not.

Elise, thank you so, so much for this package and the other two!!! I love everything you crocheted for me, and the yarn and other goodies too!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:07:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends, and Happy Thursday to everyone else! I wish you all a wonderful day :)

Wow, Really?

2009-11-09T13:15:00.003-06:00

No posts at all October? Where was I? Oh yes, I work full time, I'm a mom, and I'm studying my a$$ off to pass the rest of the CPA exam.

Why in the world I didn't do this right out of school, or before kids, I'll never know. Actually, I think I remember saying I would never go into public accounting, and therefore didn't need to be certified. Well, I am in public accounting, and regardless of that, I do need to be certified.

On the knitting front - I need to look back and see what I've started since the last time I blogged knitting, and see what I've finished. I know there are at least a couple of projects. I also need to blog about the packages I've received from my secret pal (wonderful!) and the prizes I received from being matched with the girl who won Big Brother in the Ravelry BB11 group. I'll explain that one better when I blog about it.

Anyway, I just wanted to say I am still alive. Pardon my attitude, I'm a little tired :)

FO Report: Pleat Neck Top

2009-09-29T17:27:00.000-05:00

Pattern: #06 Pleat Neck Top by Coralie Messlin from the Spring/Summer 2009 Knit Simple

Yarn: Queensland Collection Bebe Cotsoy

Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm

Started: May 2, 2009

Finished: May 31, 2009

Modifications: The only thing I did was add about an inch to each of the sleeves! I love this, and have gotten lots of complements on it. I haven't worn it much this summer since it gets so hot here, but now that the weather's cooling down it may go back into regular rotation again. I've washed it once, and it pilled quite a bit, but they were easy to pick off. Hopefully that will minimize with each washing :) Other than the pilling I really like the yarn. It's very soft and drapey :)

Recession Swap Question #2

2009-09-24T12:19:00.003-05:00

Time for the second question for the swap I'm participating in!

Are you attending any Fiber Festivals this autumn? If so, which ones and why?

Unfortunately, no. As far as I know, there is only one fiber festival held in my area, the last weekend in July. This past July was the third year for the festival, and I've never been able to go, due to previously planned trips out of town! I'd love to go to Rhinebeck someday, or Estes Park, since it is closer to me. Until I finish all four parts of the CPA exam (goal: within the next 5 months!), I don't have the time to be away for more than a day or so for fun stuff :( However, it will all be worth it when it's over :)

In related news, I am a member of CJ Kopec's fiber club on Ravelry. September's fiber was actually five different colors of wool, and each member could choose what colors / quantity they wanted. I ordered 4 of the colors, 6 ounces total, but have been mulling over how I would spin it up for the last couple of weeks. I finally made a decision (3 ply for stripey socks), and divided up all the fiber last night. Now I have six little balls of fiber, wound in color order, and I'm going to start spinning tonight when I need a study break. I wish I lived close enough that I could go home at lunch, but I don't really. My plan is to spin up 3 of the fibery balls, and ply them together to have one skein, for one sock, by next Wednesday.

Tubular Cast on and Bind Off for 2x2 Ribbing

2009-09-16T11:15:00.003-05:00

I've had a few questions on Ravelry about my cast on and bind off for Cosima. I had to modify the instructions I found to work with this project, so rather than directing you all to links that don't really work for this application, I thought I'd write down what I did!

First of all, I usually use these instructions at Jigsaw Knits when I'm knitting socks top down. I really like the look it gives the cast on edge, so I wanted to use it on my Cosima. The problem with using these instructions is that my Cosima has a K2P2 rib, and is knit flat rather than in the round.

So here we go with the Cast On:

Using a contrasting waste yarn, cast on half the number of stitches, plus 1. So if your pattern calls for 100 stitches, you would cast on 51.
Row 1: Now with your project yarn, *knit 1, yarn over* Repeat from * until 1 stitch remains, knit 1.
Row 2: *Yarn in front, slip the purl stitch. Yarn in back, knit the yarn over* Repeat from * until one stitch remains, purl 1.
Row 3: * Yarn at back, knit 1. Yarn in front, slip purl stitch purlwise. * Repeat from * until one stitch remains, knit 1.
Row 4: *Yarn in front, slip the purl stitch. Yarn in back, knit 1. * Repeat from * until one stitch remains, purl 1.
Row 5: *Knit 1, slip next stitch onto a cable needle, hold in back. Knit 1. Purl stitch from cable needle, purl 1. * Repeat from * until three stitches remain. Depending on how many stitches you cast on, your last 2 stitches should either be knits or purls. If they should be knit, k2tog, knit 1. If they should be purl, p2tog, purl 1.
Continue on with your k2p2 ribbing as the pattern calls for. The waste yarn can now be removed at any time.

Now for the Kitchener Bind off. The original instructions I modified for Cosima are here and here - I combined the two.

About 3 rows before you are ready to bind off, prepare as follows:

Row 1 (Right Side): *Knit 1, slip next knit stitch to cable needle and hold in front. Purl 1, Knit 1 from cable needle, purl 1.* Repeat across.
Row 2: Knit the knit stitches, and slip the purl stitches with the yarn in front.
Row 3: Repeat row 2.
Cut the yarn, leaving a length 3-4 times the width of the project to bind off with. Take two smaller needles and transfer the knit stitches onto own needle and the purl stitches onto the other. Thread a tapestry needle onto the yarn.
Hold the needles in your left hand with the purl stitches on the back needle and the knit stitches on the front needle. The working yarn should be coming from the purl stitches.

Insert the tapestry needle into the first knit stitch on the front knitting needle as if to purl and pull the yarn through. Leave the stitch on the knitting needle.
Put your tapestry needle through the first purl stitch on the back knitting needle as if to knit, pull the yarn through, and leave the stitch on the knitting needle.
Put the tapestry needle through the first knit stitch on the front needle as if to knit, and drop the stitch off the knitting needle. Pull the tapestry needle through the next stitch on the front needle as if to purl, leaving the stitch on the needle.
Pull the tapestry needle through the first purl stitch on the back needle as if to purl, and drop the stitch off the knitting needle. Pull the tapestry needle through the next stitch on the back knitting needle as if to knit, leaving the stitch on the knitting needle

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until no stitches remain, and take care to keep an even tension on the yarn as you graft the knits and purls together. This bind off is a little tedious, but the end result is so worth it, in my opinion. And for what its worth, I didn't use a cable needle for the cast on or bind off. I'd say it all depends on how well your yarn clings to itself, and your confidence in your abilities :) Hopefully these instruction make sense. Please feel free to ask questions, and I'll do my best to answer them :)

Recession Swap Question #1

2009-09-12T23:16:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned a while back, I'm doing the Recession Swap on Ravelry. There will be bi-weekly blog questions, and here is the first one:

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?"

Ok, who hasn't already answered this a million times in their head? Of course, it would depend on how much, but just for fun, lets say it was a huge jackpot!

Invest the bulk of it for our retirement, kid's college, and their future nest eggs.
Give a chunk to charity
Pay off our house (which we love, not selling), and buy some lakefront property with a great view of the sunsets and lots of trees. Someplace within easy driving distance of Tulsa, roughly an hour. Far enough to get away, but not so far that we couldn't come and go easily.
Build a lake house, complete with a large crafting room for me, and an extra large garage for BHE. He'd probably stock with with a few cars too. The house would be large enough to entertain family and friends, but still have a cozy feel. The craft room would really be set up for sewing and probably have a long arm quilting machine. I'd do my knitting where ever the rest of the family was :D
Help out family and close friends.
Take a few extended vacations, all over the world.
I'd probably keep working, at least part time. One, because I love what I do, and two, because I want to set a good example for my kids. Strong work ethic and all that, yada, yada, yada.
Oh! I'd definitely hire a professional organizer to deal with the mess that used to be my sewing room. I am in dire need of organization for my books, magazines, fabric, yarn, and all sorts of works in progress. It is also my home office, so there's all sorts of paper in there.
I also need a scanner to deal with the paper, and a temp to scan everything ;)

What would you do?

FO Report: Huron Huskies Socks

2009-09-11T23:03:00.002-05:00

Pattern: My own

Yarn: KnitPicks Sock Blank, received in Dyed Sock Blank Swap #3

Needles: US size 1 1/2 / 2/5 mm

Started: May 23, 2009

Finished: June 30, 2009

These socks were received in a Ravelry swap on the Dyed Sock Blank Swap. The theme of this round was "Where I'm from" My upstream partner was Carol from Kitchner, Ontario (mullub on Ravelry). Carol based her sock blank on the school her husband where her husband works, and where they spend a lot of their time. The school is Huron Heights, and their team is the Huskies (hence the name of the sock). The blank was dyed in the school colors, which I love :).

These socks were knit in my usual toe-up fashion with a Eye of Partridge heel. I was inspired by the stitch pattern I used on the Trekking 159 socks to do this pattern variation, but it turns out it was already a stitch pattern in More Sensational Knitted Socks! (I believe it is the Baby Cable Rib pattern.) I can't wait for colder weather so I can wear there more - I have the a top that is a near perfect match for the eggplant purple :)

FO Report: Trekking 159 Socks

2009-09-09T22:52:00.003-05:00

Pattern: My own, plus the Alternating 2x2 Rib (I think) stitch pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks

Yarn: Trekking XXL, color 159

Needles: US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm

Started: April 4, 2009

Finished: May 9, 2009

I've knit so many dark colored socks, and am usually drawn to the darker colors, but the Spring inspired me to knit some lighter colors, so I pulled this from my stash. These were also toe-up, slip stitch heel, with a stitch pattern on the leg from the Sensational Knitted Socks book. I think its the Alternating 2x2 Rib, but I have misplaced my book and can't look it up. When I find it, if the name of the stitch pattern is wrong, I'll edit this for the correct name. Likewise with Ravelry.

FO Report: Summer Socks

2009-09-07T23:48:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Mine

Yarn: Cascade Fixation Sprayed Dyed

Needles: US Size 3 / 3.25 mm

Started: April 1, 2009

Finished: April 18, 2009

These were quick to knit little anklets I knit, toe up with short row heels. I think I've only worn them once or twice because they won't stay up - they keep working down my heel. I guess its all the elastic. I have a ton of yarn left over, and I thought about going back and making them longer in hopes that would help, but I haven't been motivated enough to do that yet :)

Here we go!

2009-09-04T09:29:00.003-05:00

September is here, with cooler weather! It's been very nice here all week, and actually chilly in my office, so today I'm wearing my Cosima sweater, some wool socks, and my new Dansko Mary Janes! I think its supposed to get into the 70s today, I couldn't wait one more day to pull out the wool!

I'm going to get pictures this weekend of all my FOs that I haven't posted about yet. Stay tuned!

Recession Swap Q&A

2009-08-19T11:54:00.003-05:00

As I said in my last post, I joined a new swap on Ravelry, the Recession Special Swap. I've participated in two other swaps with this moderator, and she runs a tight ship! Signups are open until August 30th, but are limited to 50 participants, so if you think you might be interested check it out!

Here is my Q&A:

Do you knit or crochet, or both? How long have you been at the craft? I know how to do both, but mostly just knit. I learned how to knit and crochet as a child, so I guess I've been knitting for 30 years? Yikes!

Do you spin? Yes! I've had a wheel for since March 2008, and have spun off and on, but have just recently started spinning on a regular basis.

What yarns/fibers are your favorites? I prefer natural fibers, wool, cotton (blended with acrylic to give it some softness), etc. I guess I don't really dislike anything except maybe Fun Fur :) I do prefer superwash for socks, I don't have time to handwash socks all the time, plus my husband does most of the laundry, and I wouldn't rely on him to remember which are washable and which are not.

What yarns/fibers do you not like? Fun Fur :)

What yarns/fibers would you like to try but haven’t? Hmm, I'm really open to anything here. Maybe alpaca? I haven't knit with any alpaca yet. I've also been wanting to try the Louet Gems sock yarn.

What are your favorite colors? Colors that you don’t like? I love a deep true red, and am always drawn to cool ocean-y colors: blues, greens, purples. I don't like a lot of bright yellow and orange, but do like the more muted colors. Like a fall harvest colorway? Love it :)

What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? Socks, cardigans, and lacy shawls.

What are you currently working on? An Ariann Cardigan, a Tuscany Shawl, a couple of pairs of socks, and have just returned to a hibernating fair isle cardigan for my daughter.

What is your favorite FO? (Please post a picture if you have one.) Currently, it's Cosima.

Are there any techniques that you want to learn? Entrelac. I've stashed enough Noro for the Lady Elenor stole, but haven't got to it yet :) I'd also like to get into pattern design and writing.

Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes, I have both!

How do you store your needles/hooks? Options, in their case, all the others that I don't use are stored in a plastic tub.

Do you collect anything? Dragonflies. Oh, and also yarn and fiber ;)

Do you like sweets? Yes, especially chocolate :D

What are your favorite scents? Most favorite is Orange and Vanilla, after that, other fruity, spicy scents. I'm not big into florals, except I like Jasmine.

Are you having a birthday during this swap? Nope.

Do you have any online wish lists? (Amazon, Loopy Ewe, etc.) Please include a link for your pal. Loopy Ewe wishlist and Amazon wishlist.

What is your living situation (Are you married? Do you have kids, pets, or both?) Married, with a 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter, and 8 year old dog :)

Are you allergic to anything? Nope.

Is there anything else that you would like your pal to know? Have fun!

Back on Track?

2009-08-19T10:18:00.004-05:00

OK, I'm seriously going to try to get back on track here. I'm joining a Ravelry Swap, and one of the main reasons I decided to join was that it required at least every-other-week blog posts! Hopefully, if I have a goal I have to meet, I'll get back into the blogging routine.

Knitting: I've been knitting lots actually, although no pictures to show of it, at least not right now. On the needles (ignore that outdated list in the sidebar):

I have a Tuscany shawl for a co-worker who decided she didn't have the time to knit it. It's nearly finished, but I need to block it and see if it's large enough as is, since she has a very small frame.

An Ariann cardigan (my second, after the first had a tragic washing machine accident). I finished the second sleeve last night and am ready to join both sleeves to the body and continue knitting.

A couple of socks, one for me, and one for BHE. Nothing exciting.

I've picked up Marihone again. Actually I finally pulled it out of hibernation so I could reinforce the armhole steeks while I had my sewing machine out (altering Sweetpea's school jumpers). Unfortunately, I think the body isn't as long as it needs to be. I don't know if I mis-measured when I put it aside, or what happened. I've got to finish this one though before she outgrows it! Once I add an inch or two more to the body, I'll knit the sleeves, and then be ready for the front bands and neckband or collar (haven't decided yet which it will be). I also can't find the upsized notes I made out, since it's been nearly a year since I worked on it. I can visualize them, but not their location :) I do have an Excel file on my computer with a lot of notes, but I also penciled in a few notes while I was knitting the body. I think I'll be able to figure out what I did and was planning to do.

Spinning: Oh yes there has been spinning!

I re-spun some yarn I spun at Yarn School to add more twist. I think I ended up with almost 600 yards out of 8 ounces of roving. I need to check the WPI.

I bought 3 balls of unmarked roving from someone at Yarn School and decided to spin them one after another, and then Navajo ply it. After I spun the singles, I decided I didn't really want such bold stripe changes, so started looking through my fiber stash and thinking about what I could do. I ended up ordering 4 ounces of dark blackish brown Jacob fiber from an Etsy seller to spin and then ply with my multicolored singles. The seller is supposed to ship today. Hopefully the fibers will be compatible. I really don't know what it was I bought at Yarn School, but it's definitely not a soft fiber. I don't know my fibers that well, I can probably identify 5 or 6 different types of wool. Anyway it will be good outwear fiber :)

I promise, I'll give more details on the knitting and spinning later, complete with photos! One big goal of mine is to finally get all my stash listed on Ravelry. The thought of it is a little intimidating, but I need to do it so I can have a complete idea of what I have!

I'm also still studying for the CPA exam, and hope to be completely finished with all parts by mid January. I had hoped to be finished with it all by Thanksgiving, but I didn't do much with it the first part of this year due to my firm's merger. Now that I'm back on it, it's too much to cram into too few weeks.

In other news, Sweetpea just turned four years old! Here she is with her new Polly Pocket Shopping Mall :) The pieces are tiny, but she loves dressing the little dolls. I bought her a couple of storage containers, and she's doing a great job of keeping it picked up and organized.

As you can see up top, We also started back to school, and now both are in the same school! Monkeyboy loves his new teacher and class, and can't wait to go to school everyday. Sweetpea has had a rougher transition, but everyday is a little bit better. Her biggest complaint is that "they don't let you sleep for a long time," so we are gradually moving bedtime up a little every night so they are getting enough sleep.

Score!!

2009-07-21T18:48:00.000-05:00

Woo Hoo!! I just happened to check go to the Loopy Ewe site today to see what was new, and what should pop up on the first page, but Wollmeise!! I finally made my first ever update score! I only bought one skein, because, really, how much do I need? But it's Pfefferminz Prinz, a luscious colorway I've been lusting after since the first time I saw a picture of it :)

I'm having a really good day.

Easing back

2009-07-20T18:21:00.000-05:00

Has it really been more than 2 months since I last blogged? I've really missed it, and I always have this little tinge of guilt over not being a more diligent blogger. Especially when I cast on and bind off project after project, without posting pictures, let alone taking them. My Rav projects are the same way, so I've got to get back on track.

I'll ease back into this with a sadly pictureless post. Right now, I'm working on my second Ariann, since BHE accidently shrunk and slightly felted the first. I also started a pair of socks for said BHE, but only work on them during CPA lectures. I'm doing some secret knitting that I think I can talk about after a publishing date (I'll have to read the fine print for sure). I'm itching to cast on a Little Bubbles cardi for Sweetpea, but as she is nearly 4 years old, I have to do some math to recalcuate the sizing. Oh, and I also want to dye some yarn and cast on for the Colourflow Wrap

Last night I added some twist to 8 ounces of 2 ply that I spun at Yarn School. It was a little too loosely plied, so hopefully I remedied that last night. I don't think I ever blogged about the original spinning, but I will give more details (with pictures) soon, I promise :)

WIP Wednesday

2009-05-06T17:54:00.000-05:00

I might as well call this WIP May, since I seem to be posting so infrequently these days. I'm still alive, and kicking. I'm still wwwwaaaaaaaay behind in my blog reading, although I have made the decision that I'm going to just catch up on my very favorite blogs. A few Internet friends who I really enjoy reading like Laura and Minnie and a handful others, plus more famous blogs like the Harlot and Pioneer Woman. Then I'm going to wipe my Bloglines clean and start over.

As for my knitting - I've finished Hey, Teach with the exception of buttons. It took me, oh 3 weeks to find some buttons I liked with it, but I have yet to sew them on. I also have no photos of it. I hope to remedy that tomorrow.

I'm working on yet another pair of Trekking Socks, nearly finished. I also cast on last weekend for the Pleat Neck Top from the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Knit Simple. I'm using Bebe Cotsoy, and I love it!

Those are my two active projects right now. I have several hibernating, and I need to just bite the bullet and finish them up.

I did pull out my spinning wheel last weekend, and I spun a lot Monday night, and plan to some more tonight. I am leaving for Yarn School tomorrow, and can't wait! Tonight I'm going to figure out what fiber I want to take with me, although I know they'll give us tons there. I'm taking my camera, so when I get back I'll post lots of pics!

Conversation overheard:

2009-04-15T03:42:00.003-05:00

Between Monkeyboy (6 yrs)& Sweetpea (3 yrs), after Sweetpea's first overnight visit to Grandma's new house:

Mommy - S, where did you sleep at Grandma's?
Sweetpea - Well, I slept in my bedroom!
Mommy - Your bedroom? You weren't at home, you were at Grandma's!
S - Well, I slept in my bedroom at Gramma's!
Monkeyboy - You have a bedroom at Gramma's?
S - Well, yes! I have a bed and K's [cousin] bed is next to mine, and your bed is next to the window so you can see when it's wake up time!
M - What window?
S - Well, the window that is by your bed!!
M - Wait. S. What. Exactly. Are-you-talking-about??

They crack me up.

Time Flies...

2009-04-13T23:14:00.003-05:00

...And all that. I was just wishing today I could figure out how to clone myself. If there were more of me, I would have one clone work and provide income. Another would cook, clean house, and take care of the flower beds. A third would study for the CPA exams (a full time job in itself), and I would knit, quilt, design, hang out with family and friends, blog, and occasionally cook and garden. Oh, and I would probably bake sourdough bread a lot.

Anyway, I just realized it's been about 3 weeks since I last blogged. I'm very busy at work and home now, plus I've been sucked into MafiaWars on Facebook. I've lost track of how long I've been playing it (3-4 weeks maybe?), and I'm an Enforcer at Level 38. I have several friends who are at level 100 and above. If you are on facebook and play, let me know - I'll join your family if you join mine ;)

I've been spending a lot of time on facebook lately because my 20 year high school reunion is coming up, and that seems to be the place where everyone is reconnecting. The people I'm "friending" seem to all be from elementary and high school. It's fun catching up with some of them after all these years. I didn't stay in touch with hardly any people I went to school with, and I'm starting to look forward to this reunion more than dread it :) Facebook has become a big time-suck for me, almost as much as Ravelry. I'm also on Twitter and Plurk, but I rarely login. The un-read blog posts in my Bloglines list is through the roof - but I can't wipe them out b/c I might miss something really really important, LOL!

On the knitting front, I have finished my Hey Teach! I looked all over Tulsa Saturday, and cannot find buttons I like with it. I'm reluctant to order any online, since color and fit are important factors here. The yarn is really a strange color. I used Lion Brand Cotton Ease, in Taupe, although its really more of a mushroom color. The only buttons I semi-liked with it were at Hancocks, and were the wrong size. I think I'll wait a couple of weeks, and see if they get them in a different size. If not, I'll start considering other options.

I've also finished (a long time ago) a Yorick for BHE. Well, finished except for felting it. I have 2 pair of socks in progress, one in Cascade Fixation, and the other in Trekking. The ladybug cardigan and the black cropped cardigan have been on hold forever.

I've also been trying to get my yarn stash in Ravelry, but so far have just entered a few, and not taken photos at all. I'm waiting for a good-light day on a weekend. So far, I've barely touched the tip of the iceberg.

OK, enough rambling for now. I really will try to blog more often, but it may be more life related and not 100% knitting. Ravelry has stolen a lot of my blogging mojo, but I do want to keep this one up.

FO Report: Cosima

2009-03-24T19:55:00.002-05:00

Pattern: Cosima from Berroco Booklet #281

Yarn: Elann Superwash Chunky, Merlot (can't find the yarn on Elann's website to link, so this link is to Ravelry)

Needles: US size 7 / 4.5 mm & US size 9 / 5.5 mm

Started: December 27, 2008

Finished: March 6, 2008

Modifications: The only things I really did differently were the cast on and bind off. I really like the Kitchener cast on and bind off. I think they give a really professional look to the garment. I did a little bit of work swapping knit and purl stitch positions to switch from 2x2 rib to 1x1. If any one wants detailed instructions on that, I'd be happy to oblige. The bind off did take quite a bit longer than a normal bind off, because basically you are Kitchenering 168 stitches to each other. In the end I think it was well worth the extra time and effort.

The yarn was a little splitty to work with, but I didn't have any problems since my needle tips are so sharp. It really didn't take that long to knit, but I procrastinated on the seaming. I typically do sweaters in the round that require very little seaming, but am becoming a big fan of Norah Gaughan's work (I'm not sure if this is her design or not), so I followed the pattern, with the exception of the cast on and bind off.

Also, washing and blocking really improved my love for this one. I washed it on delicate with Eucalan, and laid it out flat to dry. It dried quickly, and the fiber really relaxed. I was afraid it would be a little too tight, but after washing and blocking, it fits perfectly!

FO Report: Trekking 52 socks

2009-03-24T00:07:00.000-05:00

Pattern: my own basic toe up sock pattern that I use over and over and over again

Yarn: Trekking XXL, color 52

Needles: US size 1 1/2, 2.5mm

Started: February 9, 2009

Finished: March 14, 2009

Modifications: How do I modify my own pattern? Seriously? Ok, the only thing I did semi-differently this time was use and Eye of Partridge heel (which I love on these socks!!), and I tried a Kitchener bind off for the cuff. Once it's on and stretched out, it doesn't really look and different or feel any stretchier than any other bind off I've tried. I might like the looks of it better in a solid yarn, or near solid, so I'm not going to rule it out completely. I did use it on the neckline of my Cosima (FO post to follow in a couple of days), and I LOVE it on the Cosima!!!

WIP Wednesday

2009-03-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the pictureless post, but if I keep putting this off until I take the pictures, it may be weeks before it gets posted.

What am I working on? I cast on last week for Hey Teach, and have finished the back and half of the left front. I'm using Cotton-Ease in taupe, but someone I work with referred to it as mushroom, and I think that is really a better name for the color.

Last week I finished Cosima - I don't think I ever posted anything about starting it.... Anyway, I love it so much I've worn it three times since finishing it, but I have yet to get a photo of it :)

I also finished a pair of socks last week in Trekking. Pictures of those to follow as well as a proper FO report.

The ladybug sweater and the little cropped cardi I'm designing on the fly are in serious hibernation. I need to break out my sewing machine so I can reinforce the steeks before I cut into Marihone. The yarn is superwash, so doesn't cling to itself as much as regular wool, so I will not be cutting it until it is reinforced. The cropped cardi is on hold while I figure out how I want to do the sleeves. They will be set in, from the top down. The body is finished, and I've picked out buttons, so I only need to do the sleeves, buttonbands and collar, and it will be finished.

BHE recently built me a light box (as per Lolly's instructions), so my stash will be documented and entered into Ravelry as I can find the time.

OH! I'm going to a book signing tomorrow night for Sally Melville and Caddy Melville Ledbetter's book Mother-Daughter Knits, and then to a mini-workshop with them the next day! I flipped through the book briefly yesterday, and can't wait to spend some serious time with it! I'm also reading The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil. I'll post reviews on them both when I'm finished :)

Sock Blank Swap

2009-03-05T12:17:00.003-06:00

Check it out! I participated in another swap in the Ravelry Sock Blank Swap group. I received my package from my upstream pal, and she turned out to be my downstream pal in the last swap!!

Our swap theme this time was "Where I'f from." Carol based her theme on her local school! I love the colors, eggplant purple is one of my very favorite colors! Carol (mullub on Ravelry) also sent a magnet with a photo of an Ontario lake, a pen (I love pens!), a lanyard from the school, and the cutest, softest little stuffed huskie keychain! This is really cool, because after I moved out on my own I had a dog who was part huskie, and the keychain looks just like her!

Another cool fact? Carol lives in Kitchener, Ontario! How cool would it be to live in a town with the same name as a knitting techniqe!?! Thank you Carol, I love everything!!

FO Report: Princess' Sweater

2009-03-02T12:42:00.002-06:00

Pattern: February Baby Sweater by EZ (Ravelry link)

Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Sport, Hydrangea

Needles: US 5 / 3.75mm

Started: January 10, 2009

Completed: January 26, 2009

Modifications: How many times have I made this one now? As always, I knit it on circular needles. When I got to the sleeves, I put the rest of the body on hold, and knit one sleeve at a time, in the round, Magic Loop style. Once the sleeves were finished, I continued on with the body of the sweater. Another thing I did differently, as have a lot of knitters, is put the buttonholes in the yoke portion only, rather than continuing them on down.

This sweater was commissioned by one of my quilting friends for her yet to be born granddaughter, although I think she is scheduled to be induced later this week. They haven't decided on a name yet, so Pam is calling the baby "The Princess" for the time being.

She didn't have buttons picked out when I finished it, but she later told me she chose some antique grey pearl buttons. When she sends me a picture I will update here !

Christmas 2008

2009-03-02T12:33:00.001-06:00

I think I mentioned a while back that I got some knitting goodies for Christmas - and then I didn't blog for a month. Well, I'm slowly trying to catchup...

I have a wonderful husband, who despite my huge stash of yarn, fiber, fabric, and books, isn't opposed to buying me more ;)*

The yarn and fiber, left to right are: Farmhouse Yarns, Fannie's Fingering Weight in Caribbean; Cascade Heritage Sock Solid, in Royal; and Mountain Colors Targhee Roving in Northern Lights. I think the photo of the books is self explanatory :) All the yarn and the two patterns can be found at the Loopy Ewe. When I say what BHE had bought, I said "You have an account at the Loopy Ewe now!" He acknowledged that he did, and I plan to remind him of that every time the occasion arises :)

*Although I've put a hold on the buying of stuff until the job situation blogged about yesterday is resolved....

Desperate

2009-03-01T22:12:00.004-06:00

I'm desperate to start the Whisper cardigan in latest KNITS....researching yarns, checking my stash, and I really want to use Malabrigo Lace. Then I find out Loops, which is withing walking distance of my office, carries Malabrigo Lace. The problem is, I gave up yarn buying for Lent, because my husband gave up his job for Lent.

All joking aside, he did lose his job last week, so please send some good thoughts our way. Oh, and any leads on graphic design jobs or freelance work!

FO Report: Pam's Socks

2009-02-09T19:26:00.001-06:00

Pattern: My own
Yarn: Knitpicks Felici, Martinique
Needles: Knitpicks Options US 1 1/2, 2.5mm
Started: December 8, 2008
Finished: January 21, 2008

I made these at my quilting friend Pam's request. I used my basic pattern, but had 60 stitches around instead of my usual 64.

I made her model them for me the last time we met to sew - that's a whole other post altogether!

FO Report: Vulcan Azure socks

2009-02-09T18:55:00.001-06:00

Pattern: Azure by Deb Barnhill

Yarn: Austermann Step in Vulcan

Needles: US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm

Started: November 17, 2008

Finished: January 4, 2009

Modifications: I started these in size Medium, and once the heel was completed, I increased to a size Large for the leg. I also did my usual EZ's stretchy sewn cast off.

I started these because I lost the second ball of Regia Galaxy yarn for BHE's socks at the Coldplay concert. I needed something to knit while I was waiting for the replacement skein to arrive, and was definitely ready for something a little more involved that plain stockinette. The pattern gets a little lost in photos because of the stripes, but up close and personal, they look great!

FO Report: Regia Galaxy Anthracite socks

2009-02-09T18:50:00.001-06:00

Pattern: my own

Yarn: Regia Galaxy in Anthracite colorway

Needles: US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm

Started: November 9, 2008

Finished: December 8, 2008

These are BHE's, and were a Christmas gift. He told me how much he likes the last pair of socks I knit him, so he gets more! Standard Turkish toe cast on with 18 wraps, increased to 68 stitches for the foot and leg, and did a short row heel and finished with 2 x 2 ribbing and EZ's stretchy sewn cast off.

It took me forever to finish these because I actually lost the second ball of yarn somewhere in OKC, either at the Coldplay concert, or at the restaurant we ate at before hand. I'm pretty sure it was at the concert, and assume it was lost forever, or if not lost, then too dirty and disgusting to be worth the hassle. I checked the LYS where I bought it originally and of course they were out - and this series is discontinued. Fortunately, Woodland Woolworks had some in stock, on sale, and with free shipping for orders over $45! Of course, the yarn didn't cost $45, so I ordered some extra bobbins for my spinning wheel to meet the free shipping requirement :) I had wanted some extra bobbins anyway, so this turned out to be a good thing!

FO Report: Regia Galaxy Indian Socks

2009-02-09T18:45:00.001-06:00

Bear with me here folks, I'm trying to get caught up on the FO reports!

Pattern: my own
Yarn: Regia Galaxy in Indian colorway
Needles: US 1 1/2 / 2.5mm
Started: October 27, 2008
Finished: November 8, 2008

I'm trying to use up some stash yarn, and needed a simple mindless project to knit while I was viewing lectures. I used my basic Turkish cast on for the toe, short row heel, and finished of with some 2 x 2 ribbing and EZ's stretchy sewn cast off.

Next up, Galaxy socks for BHE!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T16:46:00.003-06:00

I missed making a Christmas post, and do have yarny gifts to show off, but I wanted to get a quick post in to say I am still alive. We just got back from a vacation in Austin Texas, which I loved. I made it to 2 yarn shops and 2 quilt shops. (lots of pictures to come in the next few days).

Now we are off to my Dad's 75th (wow, really?) birthday party. I just finished making his favorite cake, German Chocolate. Gotta go!

December 19th?

2008-12-19T00:12:00.003-06:00

Really?

Where has the time gone, the month, the whole year? I'm swamped everywhere I turn, work, home, etc. At least I'm not studying right now.* We are hosting the in-laws family Christmas party at our house this weekend, which means house cleaning, baking, last minute shopping and wrapping. Also, my company Christmas party is this weekend. Year-end stuff at work, crammed into too few days. I'm planning on taking off from Christmas Eve through New Years, so I'm trying to get it all done ASAP. Client work, new insurance and payroll forms for every type of insurance. Oh, and I have some potential new clients, so there are meetings with them to establish what services they need.

I'm not knitting nearly enough to sooth my stress, plus I have one gift knit barely started, and it will need to be felted. I've decided not to join the RSC next year, I haven't had time to start the last two sock club shipments, and I got into the Wollmeise sock club (I've received two shipments / four skeins, and haven't cast on for those either). I'm aching to spin, and quilt, but can't find the time. Maybe after Christmas, I hope :)

* I found out yesterday I passed the most recent section I sat for, so I have two parts to go! I won't be able to start studying for the next part until February, so I probably won't schedule the test until April.

Edited to add - I guess it's really the 20th now - but at least it's Friday!!!

FO Report: Ella O's Cardigan

2008-12-03T21:36:00.002-06:00

Pattern: February Baby Sweater by EZ
Yarn: Knitpicks Swish DK in Amethyst Heather
Needles: US 6 / 4.0 mm
Started: October 13, 2008
Finished: October 26, 2008
Modifications: None

This is the third sweater I've knit from EZ's pattern, and I will knit more. I have a non-knitting friend who asked me to make one for her granddaughter, Sweetpea wants one in her size, and I have the FlintKnits adult version bookmarked (I think I'll dye my own yarn for it!). This one was another quick knit, and is for the baby of one of my best friends.

FO Report: Tree's Cardigan

2008-12-02T12:28:00.001-06:00

Pattern: February Baby Sweater by EZ (from Knitter's Almanac)
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Sport in Silver Sage

Needles: US 6/ 4.0 mm

Started: October 4, 2008

Finished: October 13, 2008

Modifications: None

This turned out really cute, although the color in the picture isn't great. The Shine Sport has really good drape. I intended to block it before the picture, but that didn't happen. I gifted it over Thanksgiving to the baby and parents, and they really liked it!

Sidenote: The baby's name really isn't Tree, but her name is a mouthful, and when she was born, my then 2 year old Sweetpea had trouble pronouncing it. Long story short, our abbreviation x her pronunciation = "tree"

Fall Yarn Swap Package #3

2008-11-30T01:21:00.002-06:00

Third and final package---- I couldn't have dreamed of being more spoiled by someone! My spoiler revealed herself to me in this final package: Ravelry ID - Hulaknitter, and she blogs here. I don't know if I've ever mentioned here the BHE and I are fans of SHAG, and you all may not even know who he is. Actually, we are fans of his art, and have several items in our tiki bar. None of his originals, and I think one print, but ton of other items, like drink coasters, tiki glasses, a calendar, etc.

Anyway it's late, and I'm tired, so I'll cut to the chase:

As shown in the picture, Donna sent me the following:

The Cashmere Collection by Debbie Bliss
the Millicent Sock Pattern by Cookie A.
a bar of Lindt Intense Orange dark chocolate - yum
a jar of Raspberry & Cream bark - yum again!
a cranberry - orange scented candle
Snowflake cookie cutters
two Christmas-y notepads
a Loopy Ewe notions bag, clear so you can see what's inside!
a pickle Christmas tree ornament - this is an old German tradition
a teensy little sweater on a key ring - too cute!!!
And the yarn!!!
Cascade Heritage sock yarn
Ty-Dy sock yarn - love the green and purples combo!
and two balls of Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in a luscious purple!

Donna, Thank you so much for everything, not just in this package, but the other two as well! I count you as one of my cyberspace friend now :)

I'm alive....

2008-11-22T21:22:00.000-06:00

and still kicking. Thanksgiving today with the in-laws, - at our house no less - I cooked a 20+ pound turkey! Now down to the real business of last minute prep for the another portion of the CPA exam this Tuesday.

Oh, and FO reports to come when find my camera....

Fall Yarn Swap Question #7

2008-11-15T22:53:00.002-06:00

I know, I know, I just answered one of these yesterday - I'm trying to get caught up, okay?

"What foods do you like to bake this time of year? Are there any that are traditional to you?"

Well, I'm going to answer this as though it's regarding the whole Holiday season, and not just Thanksgiving. Actually, I can answer it both ways. For Thanksgiving, I like to bake some kind of Sweet Potato dish. My mom used to always make Candied Sweet Potatoes, but I haven't been able to find the recipe she used, or one even close. The last few years I've made Sweet Potato Souffle, which is really just mashed sweet potatoes, yummy stuff mixed in, then spread in a baking dish and covered with this brown sugar, butter, walnut mixture.

After Christmas, the real baking begins! I love to bake cookies for the holidays, and fudge, and sometimes I do some candy if I have the energy left. I always make Mexican Wedding Cookies, we had those every year growing up. Then there's got to be some sort of chocolate cookie, maybe some Magic Cookie Bars, chewy oatmeal cookies, oh, and banana bread! One year a long time ago I made gingerbread cookies. I think I'd like to do that again now that the kids are getting old enough to help. Hmm, maybe I should have taken off the week before Christmas instead of the week after.....

Ok, I've got to stop, I'm making myself hungry!

Fall Yarn Swap Question #6

2008-11-14T22:43:00.002-06:00

I'm way behind on this one....

"What seasonal knitting projects are you looking forward to?"

I don't really know how to answer this one - I don't really knit seasonal projects, like snowmen, etc., if that's what the question is referring to. I do plan to make some appliqued and quilted Christmas stockings for the whole family this year. I'm not really doing any gift knitting this year either, except possibly for a pair or socks or a scarf.

Right now I'm just ready for my CPA test to be over (11 days and counting for the next section), and then I'm looking forward to some quality sleep time, then sleep and knitting in front of the TV, in that order :) Plus I plan to really enjoy the holidays this year. I do enjoy them every year, but I want to try and minimize the stress I put myself under with the decorating and baking and trying to make everything perfect - we'll see how that goes once I start the stockings ;)

Have a great weekend! I'll be hitting the books, until Sunday night when we're going to a Coldplay concert!

Fall Yarn Swap Package #2

2008-11-07T11:21:00.002-06:00

Check out the second package from my Fall Yarn Swap spoiler!

She sent me lots of Halloween goodies, lots of chocolates, Pumpkin Spice coffee (I can't wait to try this!), and two hanks of Malibrigo!! The colorway is Sweet Grape, and I love it! I haven't decided yet what to do with it - I'm trying to decide between either a hat and/or scarf, or a shrug. I found a couple of shrugs on Ravelry that had been knitted with 2 hanks of Malibrigo, and I think I have both books the patterns are in. I just need to pull them out and make sure there is enough yardage. If not, I might still make a shrug and trim it in black Malibrigo. I was in my LYS yesterday, and they had several hanks of black in stock.

I really love everything she sent, and can't wait to find out who she is!

Meanwhile, I am so brain dead.... I have been studying every spare second I have, and have scheduled the next section of my CPA exam for Nov 25th. I forgot my brother's birthday for nearly two weeks, and I see him almost everyday. The only thing I can knit when I have a second is stockinette stitch socks*. I have two finished baby sweaters that only need buttons sewn on, and two other sweaters are on hold because I don't have the time or brain power to get past the current problems I have with them, which aren't really problems, they just need some math. Anyway, I'm just trying to survive the next two and a half weeks, and then enjoy the holidays and my family. And boy, do I ever have knitting & crafting plans for the 5-6 weeks I'm taking off!

* I'm not starting the socks from the Sock Blank I got in the Winter Sock Blank Swap until after my test, because I love the blank, and want to really enjoy knitting it, not just knitknitknit because I'm so stressed I can't see straight. Come on, Thanksgiving!

Loopy Sale!!

2008-10-31T11:40:00.001-05:00

FYI - the Loopy Ewe is having a sale through Saturday night! 20% off all bags, and several yarn lines. The details are on their home page. I just placed a large order, including some yarn for my Fall Yarn Swap pal! Yay for stash enhancement! Pictures will follow when my order arrives :)

Time Flies...

2008-10-30T10:20:00.004-05:00

Wow - 10 days since my last post! When I haven't been working or doing family stuff, I've been totally immersed in tax and business law and ethics - all in preparation for the next section of CPA exam I'm sitting for in November. I'm actually enjoying this, it makes me think I must miss tax...

I've started and finished two February baby sweaters. Well, finished except for buttons and photo shoots. And, one of them still needs to be blocked. The Ladybug sweater is stalled out, waiting for me to reinforce the sleeve steeks before I cut. What else - Oh, new sweater I started at the beginning of the month is also stalled because I need to figure out the sleeves. I am making this one without a pattern (dare I say, designing in!), and I envision the sleeves being a little poufy, so I have to figure out the sleeve cap numbers.

I also started a new sock out of Regia galaxy, just a plain toe up stockinette. I think I started it Monday night? Maybe Sunday? I'm just past the heel on the first sock now.

So, anyone figured out that more hours in the day thing yet?

Sock Blank Swap

2008-10-20T21:25:00.003-05:00

Remember the Sock Blank Swap I did on Ravelry awhile back? Well, we are in the midst of round two! There will be a swap every quarter, and this time we had the option of Fall or Holiday themed colors, or no preference. I didn't have a preference (honestly, I just couldn't make up my mind).

Anyway, I received my blank this weekend, and check it out!

My partner was Nicolana111 (Ravelry ID), and she blogs at Glittercat. She chose to do a Christmas theme, and wrapped everything up in Christmas paper, and even sent a Santa card! I love this blank! I think the little dots look like Christmas tree lights, and can't wait to see how they knit up!

She also sent an assortment of teas and hot chocolate, and some cool Christmas themed stitch markers. They are pewter, and the loop at the top is closed (not a split ring), so it won't snag the knitting! The markers came from RJCharms, and she has some other cute stitch markers, as well as bookmarks, necklaces etc.

I love it all, and can't wait to start knitting! Especially by the by the light of the Christmas tree, or maybe the fireplace, with a warm mug of something by my side..... Mmmm, I love the holidays :)

Fall Yarn Swap Question #5

2008-10-16T15:49:00.003-05:00

Question of the Week: Do you like football? Who is your favorite team?

Eh, I'm not really a football fan - we do usually have a Superbowl party, but most everyone is there for the food and the commercials. My ex-husband was a Dallas Cowboys fanatic, and back in the day, I had a huge crush on Troy Aikman, but now the Cowboys just conjure up bad memories, even 14 years later. (Betcha y'all didn't know I was married before did you? It was relatively brief, and despite all the turmoil and drama, I don't regret it, as it made me the person I am today, and that's all I'll say about that for now.)

I do like to watch college basketball, and was shocked to find out my current workplace doesn't get as wrapped up in March madness as my last one! I also like to watch most sports in person, even football, but especially hockey.

Locally, Tulsa has a minor league baseball team, the Tulsa Drillers, an arena football team, the Tulsa Talons, and a CHL hockey team, the Tulsa Oilers. We also have two universities, Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa, both of which have basketball teams. TU also has a football team, and ORU has a baseball team. Both schools obviously have other sports teams, but these are the teams that usually make the news.

FO Report: Wicked Cardigan

2008-10-13T16:50:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Wicked by Zephyr Style

Yarn: Dream in Color Classy, Dusky Aurora

Needles: US 8, 5.0mm

Started: May 8, 2008

Finished: May 29, 2008

Modifications: I used FlintKnits instructions to cardiganize my Wicked, and actually her post and pictures were what inspired me to knit it to start with. I also knit 3/4 length sleeves, and finished the sleeves with the same ribbing as on the neckline. I forgot to take into account my narrow, slope-y shoulders, and the neckline tended to slip off my shoulders. Since I want to wear this to work, I had to fix it! I ended up sewing some clear elastic around the inside where the ribbing meets the stockinette, and crocheting semi-tightly around the edge of the neckline - Problem fixed!

I knit this for the Loopy Ewe's Dream in Color Sweater KAL, and did finish it in time. I used a shawl pin for the photo since I couldn't find any buttons right way that I liked for it. I finally found them, but it took forever to get them sewn on, all the way until the end of September! I love this yarn - it's soft, washable, and the colors are to die for! Honestly, I couldn't do it justice in pictures, but this colorway almost glows in the sunlight.

Fall Yarn Swap Question #4

2008-10-08T22:40:00.003-05:00

Question of the Week: What do you plan on dressing up as for Halloween? If you are not dressing up, what will your kids be?

I don't usually dress up anymore, but I do wear a Halloween themed t-shirt or sweatshirt. This year, Monkeyboy tells me he wants to be Darth Vader (and we already have that costume), and Sweetpea wants to be Mickey Mouse - NOT Minnie Mouse!

Last year they were Luke Skywalker and Minnie Mouse, respectively. I made both costumes, and was up very late finishing Sweetpea's . If she keeps telling me Mickey Mouse for the next few days, I'll put together a costume for her. Mickey should be a lot easier than Minnie, although not nearly as cute!

Fall Yarn Swap Package #1

2008-10-01T15:52:00.005-05:00

I got the first package from my Fall Yarn Swap partner! She did a fantastic job!

She sent me Color Sense from my Amazon wish list, which I will use for inspiration when dying sock yarn. I think it will also come in handy for a couple of fair isle projects I have in mind, but I don't want to use the colors used in the patterns.

She also sent me some Trekking XXL from my Loopy Ewe wish list! Seriously, I probably have 8 or 10 skeins of Trekking on my wish list, along with 20-25 other yarns, but this is the yarn I wanted the most! It is color #189, in case you wanted to know, and is a beautiful combination of red, blue, green, and purple, with a touch of gold. Click on the link to the Loopy Ewe, their picture is much easier to see than mine.

Also in the package were some size 1 DPNs, some locking stitch markers, point protectors, and some green apple mints in a cool little tin with a knitting girl on the lid! I've been meaning to pick up a little pill box to keep in my purse since I have to take decongestants, antihistamines, and ibuprofen almost every day now, and I think this would be perfect once I use all the mints! And much cuter than some generic looking pill box! OOHHH - or maybe a stitch marker box!!

Thank you Swap pal!

Fall Yarn Swap Question #3

2008-10-01T15:46:00.002-05:00

I forgot to answer last week's question!

What meals or foods mean "Fall" to you?

I have two answers for this question:

Anything you can find at the fair, but mainly corn dogs, caramel apple slices, and chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick.
Sweet potatoes, either Candied Sweet Potatoes (I keep trying but I can't find a recipe like my mom used to make) or a Sweet Potato Souffle recipe with a brown sugar and walnut topping. YUM!

Double FO Report: Sock Blank Socks

2008-09-24T09:23:00.003-05:00

Pattern: My own
Yarn: KnitPicks Sock Blank
Needles: US 1 1/2 / 2.5mm
Started: August 8, 2008
Finished: September 21, 2008

These socks are all knit from the sock blank I received from Melanie in the Ravelry Dyed Swap Blank Swap Group. Here is the post about the swap, and the picture of the blank as I received it. I loved how it knitted up! I think I've said it here before, but it reminds me of Impressionism.

I started my socks (toe up of course), and knitted them as tall as I wanted. When I looked at how much sock blank there was left, I thought I could probably knit a pair of socks for Sweetpea with it. Both pair were knit Magic Loop style, two at a time, toe up with a Turkish cast on, Eye of Partridge heel, 3 x 1 ribbing at the top, and EZ's Stretchy Sewn Bind Off.

I sort of guessed on the sock size for Sweetpea, as she was asleep when I started them. They fit, but barely. I'm sure she'll outgrow them before winter is over, and possibly before it even gets here.

FO Report: Felted Bucket Hat

2008-09-22T12:59:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Felted Bucket Hat by ChicKnits

Yarn: Cascade 220, Red (I can't find the band for the color #)

Needles: US 10/6.0 mm and US 10 1/2 / 6.5mm

Started: July 6, 2008

Completed: July 24, 2008

Modifications- none! It took me two nights to knit this, and then a couple of weeks before I got around to felting it. I followed the pattern instructions, and it felted in about 12 minutes. I only had a bit of yarn left over, maybe 2-3 yards. This has been done forever, but I couldn't get a decent self-portrait, so I ended up having Sweetpea model it this weekend.

I'm thinking about adding a ribbon around it, or maybe embroidering a simple leaf vine - maybe in ivory pearl cotton?

Fall Yarn Swap Question #2

2008-09-18T10:12:00.002-05:00

Question of the Week #2:

What 'cold weather' project are you looking forward to making the most this autumn?

That's a really hard question - I've been thinking about it for a few days, and I'm stumped. I'm being bitten by the sweater bug, hard, and it's not like I really lost the knitting mojo over the summer. I've hard the yarn in my stash for a cardiganized Rogue for a couple of years now, and I also want to knit a second Ariann - I have the yarn for that one too. I also have yarn for a Tilted Duster in a beautiful deep teal color... I need a new black cardigan for work, and stashed the yarn for that a few months ago. And just last night, I started thinking about knitting a Central Park Hoodie, and a February Lady Sweater! I probably have yarn in my stash for those - honestly, you wouldn't believe how much yarn I have stashed for cardigans and pullovers. There is a reason why I haven't put it up on Ravelry yet, because I don't have the time or space to pull it out and take pictures of it all.

I think as soon as I finish Marihone for Sweetpea, your going to be a seeing a lot of sweaters for me - now the question is, which one will be first?

What project are you looking forward to knitting this season?

Fall Yarn Swap Question #1

2008-09-11T17:22:00.002-05:00

I think I mentioned already I joined the Falling for Ewe Fall Yarn Swap on Ravelry - I've been buying stuff for my downstream pal, but one of the items I wanted to send with her first package is back ordered, grrrrrr! I have until the end of September to send the first package, but I was hoping to send it before then.

Anyway, the question of the week for this week is "what is your favorite thing about autumn?"

I love the colors of the changing trees, but we don't typically get too much of that in Oklahoma. Usually our summers are so hot and dry, the leaves die and fall off the trees before our first cold snap. So, I have two alternate favorites:

The feel of Fall in the air - the crisp snap when I walk out my door first thing in the morning, the feeling that it's "sweater weather"...

The smell of the State Fair - all the deep fried foods you could imagine, mingled together with cotton candy, the hay from the animal barns (not the barnyard smells though), that same crispness in the air, and the lights and sounds from the midway.

What's you're favorite thing about Autumn?

Sweater Weather

2008-09-04T11:04:00.003-05:00

Ok, well not exactly, but standing outside my building this morning waiting for a drive-by drop off from a client, the sweater bug bit! When I got back inside my computer showed it was 66 degrees, but it certainly felt cooler than that. We do have a wind tunnel effect outside of my office building, and we've had high winds the last couple of days from Tropical Storm Gustav which ran into a cool front from the north.

Anyway, standing outside in the cold(ish) wind, I wished I had grabbed a sweater this morning. I'm now motivated to sew the buttons on my Wicked Cardigan tonight when I get home - lets see if the motivation holds up through dinner and bedtime for the kiddos!

I'm also trying to reorganize and declutter my sewing / craft room and am thinking about knitting up some of the worsted- and heavier-weight yarns I have stashed for sweaters. The bigger they are, the faster they knit, right? And the faster I knit the bigger stash items, the more space I clear, right? I know I'm a reasonably fast sock knitter, but a skein of sock yarn just doesn't take up that much room. The only problem is, how do I organize and declutter the non-knitting items when I'm busy knitting?

WIP Wednesday

2008-09-03T13:07:00.000-05:00

A post on my two current projects is long overdue, but even though we still have lots of daylight hours, I can never seem to get the camera out while the light is still decent.

Both of these were supposed to be Ravelympics projects, but overcommitments, an allergy ridden family, and a monster infection in Monkeyboy's right ear sidelined these two projects.

First up are my sock blank swap socks. I love how they are have turned out, and in fact, I'm about to start the ribbing. They remind me of an Impressionist painting. I think I should have enough left over for a pair of socks for Sweetpea.

They aren't really flipped on the needles; I did that for the photo to show the front and back. I'm not following the Two at Once Toe Up socks pattern, I'm just knitting them with the different elements I've picked up from patterns here and there. I did do an Eye of Partridge heel on this pair, which I really like :)

Next is the Marihone cardigan for Sweetpea. I'm about 2/3 of the way through the body, and then I will knit the sleeves. I haven't decided yet what to do with the neckline. Since the pattern was for a pullover for a baby, one shoulder was not seamed but had a placket and buttons. The collar was turned and hemmed. I am making this into a cardigan, to be more suitable to our Oklahoma weather. I prefer collars on my cardigans, but that isn't really done on fair isles as far as I can tell. And if I did a cardigan how would I do it? Ribbed? Garter stitch? I may just turn it under and hem it - maybe with a picot edge?

Opinions are welcome and encouraged :)

FO Report: Ella B's Baby Sweater

2008-08-26T12:09:00.000-05:00

Pattern: February Baby Sweater from Knitter's Almanac by EZ

Yarn: Berroco Comfort DK, teaberry

Needles: US 6.0 / 4.0mm

Started: July 30, 2008

Finished: August 8, 2008

Modifications: Well, my stitch and row gauge were both off, so I had to recalculate the pattern to fit. The pattern called for 5 stitches per inch, and I got 6, so I multiplied all the stitch counts by 1.2. So the 50 stitch cast on became 60 stitches, etc.

I love how soft this yarn is, and that it is machine washable and dryable. If I had anything to complain about, it would be how splitty the yarn is. Sweetpea insists on having a sweater just like this one, and when I took her to the LYS this yarn came from, she mulled over several colors, but ended up choosing the same one because it matched the shirt she was wearing the same day. I did steer her towards the worsted weight yarn though, so it won't take me forever to knit it. I may end up picking a different lace pattern too, just so I'm not bored to tears by round three of Gull Stitch - I have another February Baby Sweater to knit before hers, baby sized, along with a few other projects.

FO Report: Baby C's Cardigan

2008-08-24T23:55:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Inspired by Rocketry

Yarn: Knit Picks Superwash Merino Bare

Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm and US 5 / 3.75 mm

Started: August 10, 2008

Finished: August 16, 2008

Modifications: I wanted to dye my own yarn for this cardigan, but could only come up with three colors to use. I used Jacquard acid dyes and came up with a medium brown, pale blue and pale green. My row and stitch gauge were off from the pattern, so I had to recalculate the pattern to fit. I did use the braid stitch from the Rocketry pattern, and think it makes it. I finished it just a couple of hours before the baby shower, so I steam blocked it rather than my usual wet blocking. I think it turned out really cute, and the yarn is incredibly soft. Baby C isn't due until October, so I'll have to wait awhile for a modelled shot.

FO Report: Cotton Candy socks

2008-08-19T09:51:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Arch-Shaped Socks by Jen Showalter

Yarn: OnLine Supersocke 100 Cotton Summer from my stash

Needles: US 1 1/2 / 2.5mm

Started: July 19, 2008

Finished: August 8, 2008

Modifications: I used the tubular cast-on and k2 p2 ribbing, and then increased one stitch to match the pattern instructions . I also did a different toe, but sort of did it on the fly. I really had to study the first sock when I got to that point on the second one! I do love them, and will probably do the pattern again, but will add some sort of ribbing or other pattern to keep it interesting.

Falling for Ewe Questionnaire

2008-08-15T12:11:00.008-05:00

I joined the Falling for Ewe Autumn Yarn swap on Ravelry - Here's my questionnaire!

Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft?

I know how to do both, but it's been years since I crocheted. I've been knitting since I was about 7 years old, so 30 years - ouch, that really hurt to type that!

Do you spin? What type of spinning do you do?

I just learned to spin this year, or rather, I am still learning. I have a drop spindle, and a Fricke double treadle. Right now I'm staying away from superwash fibers.

Are there any other crafts that you participate in?

I used to be passionate about quilting, and hope to get back to several projects someday soon.

What are your favorite yarns/fibers?

Anything soft? I'm a natural fiber girl - I do prefer superwash yarn for socks - for obvious reasons. As far as spinning goes, right now I'm very much a beginner, so I'm sticking to the easier to spin fibers like BFL, Corriedale, Wensleydale, etc.

What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers?

I don't care for 100% acrylics, or anything that feels too crunchy.

Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance?

I've been curious about the Silk Garden sock yarn, but is it soft enough for socks? I haven't seen any in person to feel of it yet. I thought I heard the Kuryeon was scratchy, but that Silk Garden would be softer. I have a few skeins of sock yarn that I really love, so much that am waiting for that pattern that is worthy of using the yarn! Maybe if I had more that one skein, I'd be more likely to use it! I have one skein each of Wollmeise and Fleece Artist.

What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet?

I like socks because they are easy to take anywhere, but I really love cardigans, because I get the most use out of them. My office is cold.

What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to start this autumn?

I'm working on a pair of socks from a sock blank, a baby cardigan for a baby due in September, and a fair isle cardigan for my daughter. I always have socks in the queue to start, and I'd also like to start a Tilted Duster this fall. I already have the yarn and a swatch and everything!

What is your favorite FO? (Please, post a picture if you would like.)

Probably my Peace Fleece cardigan, because I didn't have a pattern, I used Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top. There's nothing complicated about it, but it's my own design, and it fits :)

What is your oldest UFO?

Right now, it's probably my Wicked Cardigan. I only have to sew the buttons on it and maybe hand sew some invisible elastic in it to fix a too-big neckline.

Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn?

I would like to learn how to create more hours in the day so I can knit more ;)

Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes I am - I wear a size 9M shoe. My foot circumference is about 9", and length is about 10".

Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift?

Yes to both.

Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks?

I mostly use KnitPicks Options, so they are in their case, and I bought extra pockets for the fixed circulars. My DPNs are in a plastic pencil box right now.

Do you collect anything?

Not really, although I am fond of dragonflies and ladybugs.

What is your favorite type of music? Are you MP3 ready?

I like just about any kind of music except rap and heavy metal. My iTunes has everything from the Beatles to Beethoven, including lots of Sting and Ben Folds. I am MP3 ready.

Do you like sweets? What are your favorites?

Now that's a silly question - of course I like sweets, all kinds! My favorites are dark chocolates :)

What is your living situation like? Any pets? Children?

Married with a five year old son and three year old daughter, and seven year old dog.

Are you allergic to anything?

Nope :)

Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Please include links for your swap pal. Amazon, Loopy Ewe

Are you having a birthday during this swap?

No.

What is your Ravelry ID?

PennyLane.

WIP Wednesday

2008-08-14T09:38:00.001-05:00

I started this post yesterday, and intended to take photos and post last night, but Sweetpea got sick - so two of the photos were taken in my parking garage this morning, and the last one was already on my camera :D (Oh, and Sweetpea has fully recovered.)

I have a ton of WIPs now! I narrowed it down to five projects to knit for the Ravelympics, which now seems laughable, one of them specifically. I also finished a few WIPs before the Olympics began, and will be posting about those in the coming days.

OK, now for the good stuff! The project that started it all, my Sock Blank Swap Socks from Melanie. I am on the Sock Blank Swappers team, and cast on for these Saturday night. Incidentally, there is talk on this group of a seasonal swap, so join the group if you think you might be interested. Rumor is the next swap may happen in late September / early October.

Next up is a baby cardigan for some friends who are expecting a boy in September. The shower is this Saturday, so I have to finish this really soon. I was initially going to make Rocketry, but dying my own yarn. I could only decide on the three colors - honestly, the baby registry influenced my color choices. My row and stitch gauge are off from the pattern so I'm recalculating as I go, and changing up some of the details as well. I've picked up stitches all the way around for the ribbing and button bands, so you are looking at the back. When the ribbing is complete, I'll go back and knit the sleeves.

The now-laughable project is Marihone - this has been in my queue long before Ravelry even existed. I think I've had the yarn maybe 2 years? Anyway, I also cast on for it Saturday night. I'm knitting it in sort of a 3T size, but the pattern sizing only goes up to 24 months. My cast on was 252 stitches on size 2.0mm needles - US 0. After a few rows of that the rest of the body is knit on size 2.5 mm / US 1/2. Oh, and I added 10 stitches for a steek because it will be a cardigan instead of a pullover.

Besides those, I also pledged to knit another February baby sweater for our new niece. She is nearly 3 months old (yikes! time is flying), and we will be hosting a baby shower at some point if we can ever get our schedule to match up with the new parents. This cardi will be one of her gifts from us. Really it will be more of a meet the baby party - the parents live out of town, and we offered to host a party for all of there friends who still live here.

Finally, I really thought I could possible finish all four of those projects before the Olympics were over, including the 262 stitch fair isle, so I threw in a final project of more socks from another sock blank I dyed.

WIP Wednesday

2008-08-06T10:48:00.002-05:00

On my needles: I'm still working on the Online Supersocke Summer socks (I'm calling them Cotton Candy socks because that's what the colors remind me of). The first sock is finished, and the second sock is past the heel. I need to finish these really soon, because I'm starting KPs Two at Once, Toe Up socks from my sock blank for the Ravelympics. I'm not posting a picture of the sock in progress because you saw the first one here, and really, how much difference is there between sock one and sock two?

I realized yesterday that I have been paying far too much knitting attention to socks lately! If you look at my Ravelry "about me" page, everything in my Featured Finished Objects is socks! I love knitting socks, but I also love knitting other things too! On that note, I'm about to start a baby sweater binge - we have four couple friends who have just had or are about to have babies. Three girls and one boy, and just to pique your curiousity, I've been ordering yarn and dyes for some pint sized gifts.

Last week I started a February Baby Sweater from Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Almanac. I'm using Berroco Comfort DK. I love how soft and cushy the yarn is, and the fact that it is machine washable and dryable. It is pretty splitty yarn. I did the sleeves magic loop and now I'm onto the body. I just started my second skein, and I'm pretty sure it won't take all of it. I am knitting this for the almost-4-week-old daughter of some good friends :)

FO Report: Cleopatra's Stockings

2008-08-05T11:53:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Cleopatra's Stockings by Yarnissima (Ravelry link)

Yarn: BMFA Socks that Rock lightweight, The Incredible Shrinking Violet

Needles: US 1/2.25 mm and US 2/2.75 mm

Started: July 6, 2008

Finished: August 4, 2008

Modifications: The only think I changed on these socks was the bind off. I followed crankygrrrrrl's tutorial for a k1 p1 invisible bind off. Her instructions are very clear, and the pictures are wonderful!

I'm glad these are finished! I really struggled with the first sock, but I think the majority of my problems were due sleep deprived knitting, and attempting to cross stitches while also watching lecture videos. The second sock went much smoother. The pattern was incredible, with 11 pages of instructions! I will definitely use one of Yarnissima's patterns again!

I have more FO posts to follow this week, and hopefully a WIP post as well! I'm trying to get geared up for the Ravelympics along with everything else on my to do list - there just aren't enough hours in the day, but I think everyone has that problem.

More Sock Blanks!

2008-07-29T17:50:00.000-05:00

Here are the pictures and details on the sock blanks I dyed Sunday night! I love them all and I can't decide on a favorite!

You get a shot of all three, and then individuals, because of color differences in the photography! There was no more daylight by the time I was able to take the photos, so these pictures are by chandelier light :)

The sock blanks are from Knitpicks, and are knit from two strands (held together) of Superwash Merino. By having two strands knit together, it insures that your socks will match. You can either unravel the blank and wind into two separate balls of single strand yarn, or knit two socks at a time, unravelling as you go. This is the method I will try. The Ravelry Sock Blank Swap group has a KAL starting August 10th for our first round of swapping, and we also started a Ravelympics team for knitting our sock blanks.

I soaked all three blanks in a vinegar and water mixture for about 30 minutes before dying. The eggplant blank was first, and I followed one of KnitPicks examples of having a zig zag stripe of black through the whole blank, and then filled in the triangles with two shades of purple. (I made my purple by mixing 3 parts blue with 1 part red. If you need to know, I can look up the exact names of the dyes. I used Jacquard acid dyes from Dharma Trading.) After all the dye was applied, and worked in by latex-gloved hands, I wrapped and rolled them up in saran wrap and microwaved on high for 2 minutes, let them cool for a few minutes, and then nuked for 2 minutes more.

While the purple blank was steaming in the microwave, I painted the diagonally striped one. I used leftover purple, blue, and green (green was 3 parts blue and 1 part yellow). I did exactly what it looks like, squirting diagonal lines of the three colors. I left a little bit of undyed fabric in between each stripe, and then worked the colors towards each other. The blending really happened in this one when it was rolled up, and the extra dyes ran together, creating another shade of purple. The end on the right side of the photo showing the truer blue was at the outside end of the "cinnamon roll", so less dye was squished through this part. The other end is where all the unplanned blending happened.

The last blank was the blue and green one. I had something else planned, but I don't remember what. I started squirting on the black dye, window pane style, and then filled in alternating sections with blue and green from the previous blanks. They sort of blended together too, but not to the extent the dyes on the diagonally striped blank did.

I was sort of iffy on these when I was painting them. I have a pretty limited range of dyes, just red, blue, yellow, black, and brown, and didn't have a very scientific method of mixing the colors. The real magic happened when they were steamed in the microwave. I could see the transformation before I even got them unwrapped. Besides the color blending, the colors deepened and became more intense. Another good surprise, the dyed blanks all ran clear on the first rinse!

FO Report: Camo Galaxy socks

2008-07-28T21:36:00.000-05:00

Pattern: My own

Yarn: Regia Galaxy, Camoflauge

Needles: US 1 1/2, 2.5mm

Started: June 3, 2008

Finished: July 5, 2008

I knit these for the BHE from some stash yarn. I have more of this in two different colorways, but I think they'll both be for me! I just love watching the rings form.

Details - knit toe-up with a short row toe and heel. I started the toe with a Turkish cast on, with 20 wraps and increased up to 68 stitches for the foot and leg. I finished it off with a 2 x 2 ribbing for about 2 1/2", and then EZ's stretchy sewn bind off.

WIP Monday

2008-07-28T13:30:00.003-05:00

I intended to do this post last week, but have been busy catching up on all sorts of things that were put off while I was studying for the test I took last Wednesday.

On my needles: Cleopatra's Stockings - from the Rockin' Sock Club's May kit. This is the first sock. It just about kicked my rear end, but I attribute that to late night knitting on too little sleep, and knttting while I was trying to also pay attention to lectures. I cast on for the second sock last Thursday, and knit most of it Saturday. It is going a lot faster and smoother than the first one ;)

This is the Arch-Shaped sock by Jen Showalter. I'm using stash yarn, which I love more than I thought I would. This is ONline Supersocke 100 Cotton Summer. I've had it in my stash for three or four years, and I'm sure the colorway is discontinued now. I've finished the first sock now, and am ready to start the heel flap on the second. My only modification is using a tubular cast-on instead of the long tail method.

This is the Felted Bucket Hat from Chic Knits, pre-felting. I actually felted it last night, and hopefully it will be dry soon so I can do a photo shoot!

Also in progress - I dyed three sock yarn blanks last night, and love, love, love how they all came out! They are also drying, and I will take photos of those as soon as they are dried!

I have a whole slew of things to do before I start studying for the next section of the CPA exam. The knitting related items include knitting Marihone for Sweetpea, three February Baby Sweaters for new little babies in my life, dying yarn and knitting four Tulip sweaters for new babies (I'm doing different colors). Plus I want to completely empty my craft room, and start over completely organized, and along the way take photos of my stash for Ravelry. There may be a stash sale involved as well, so stay tuned in the next few weeks!

Sock Blank swap

2008-07-20T22:36:00.003-05:00

Check it out! I joined a Ravelry group to swap Knit Picks sock blanks, and the moderator was my upstream partner! Melanie sent me this blank she hand painted, and she must have done some snooping* on my blog, because she also sent me 2 different kinds of dark chocolates! Thank you, Melanie!!!

I have my blanks (I ordered 3), but am waiting until after the test to paint them. I have until August 3rd to send one to my downstream pal, but hopefully will do it this weekend or early next week :)

Check out the group if you're so inclined. There will be a KAL to knit up the sock blank you received, plus there's talk of doing seasonal / quarterly swaps!

*I'll have to check my blog stats and see who my visitors have been lately - it always fascinates me to see where everyone is from. I know I have some lurkers, so leave me a message and say hi! I'll check out your blog and add you as a Ravelry friend if you're a member :)

Yarn Lust

2008-07-15T12:45:00.003-05:00

I have a serious case of yarn fever...... I stalked the Loopy Ewe all day yesterday, and while I was gone to guild, they put up the Wollmeise and sold all 300+ skeins in 4-5 minutes! So of course, I had to go to the Wollmeise herself, Claudia, and setup a shopping list on her site.

I'm also falling in love with about 15 different colorways of Trekking XXL and Dream in Color, and have loads of it on my Loopy Ewe wishlist. I also want to get my dyes out again. I have two cones of Ashford fingering weight waiting to be dyed, but I'd like to find a new sock yarn base. (Any suggestions?) I did just receive some sock yarn blanks from KnitPicks to play around with.

I think all them stems from being chained to my lecture CDs and books for the CPA exam. I sit for one section next week, and then I'm taking a 2 or 3 week break before I buckle down for the next section. In that break we'll celebrate Sweetpea's 3rd birthday, and get Monkeyboy in Kindergarden, which will change our whole morning routine.

Karatstix

2008-07-14T13:06:00.000-05:00

Check out these cute little accessories Karatstix custom made for me! I have a WIP tool with a loopy sheep on it. This will hang on my spinning wheel. (I'll get back to it someday, I swear.)

She also made me a little 2 inch ruler and a sock needle sizer - I just love them! The wood is bamboo, and is extremely lightweight. She finished them all with a polyurethane after they were decorated.

Thanks, Karen!

FO Report: Business Socks

2008-07-07T12:16:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Wendy's Toe-Up Socks with a Differnce, tweaked by me.

Yarn: Austermann Step, Hunter
Needles: US 1 1/2, 2.5mm
Started: June 8, 2008
Finished: July 1, 2008

Seriously, these really did take me nearly 4 weeks to knit, but I did knit another pair at the same time (next FO report), plus I'm very busy these days. These socks earned their name because I knit them mostly while studying for the Business portion of the CPA exam. Specifically, while veiwing lectures. Honestly, having something the keep my hands busy helps me focus on the boring topic better.

I mostly stuck to Wendy's pattern, but instead of plain stockinette, I threw in a pattern on the instep and leg. I think it is the mistake rib? I didn't get it from a specific book, I just *k3, p1*, on one round, knit the next. Easy-peasy, and it gave it a bit of interest.

Big Brother 10 contest

2008-07-02T15:04:00.002-05:00

Attention Big Brother fans! There is a new group on Ravelry - see the group details below:

Each Ravelry member will be paired with a contestant in the Big Brother House. Let’s see who can lie cheat and decieve their way through the summer and be the last houseguest standing.
The Ravelry member assigned to the Houseguest who wins will receive a prize from each member of the group valued at $15 - $20.
As in other pools, please note that by signing up for the pool, you commit to sending a prize to the winner. Those who don’t follow through by sending a prize as agreed will be considered bad swappers and will be reported as such.
Additional groups will be added if necessary to accomodate all BB- loving participants!
Signups will close as soon as contestants have been announced Only full groups at this time will be able to participate.

So far, there are 3 1/2 groups. They need 7 more people to sign up to round out the 4th group. If you interested, go sign up!

Dyeing swap!

2008-06-30T14:03:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the new sock yarn blanks from Knitpicks? I found a group on Ravelry for swapping dyed blanks! Sign-ups are still open for a couple of weeks, and then you have 3 weeks to dye a blank and send it to your buddy. I've been itching to get my acid dyes out again, so signing up for this was a no-brainer!

Back to Normal

2008-06-26T23:09:00.005-05:00

Whatever normal is...

We are all better now, back to normal life, post-allergies, post-vacation. I'll post pictures as soon as I figure out where the camera ended up....

Oh, I didn't know much, except for on the car ride. I have one Camo Galaxy sock finished, one Business sock finished, and the second one nearly ready for the gusset to begin. After these two pair are finished, I'm casting on for RSC May kit, Cleopatra's Stockings. And after those, I'm casting on for Marihone, if I can resist it that long. I'm in the process now of sizing the pattern up to a 3T size, as it only goes up to 24 month. I also need to find out if I can still get the same colors in Baby Ull. I don't think I'll need them, but if I do, I'm not too worried about any dye lot differences, since it's fair isle.

Sorry for the lack of linkage, it's late, I'm tired, and I still have work to do.

Good Medicine

2008-06-19T11:21:00.005-05:00

Forgive the quietness blanketing this blog - there seems to be a 24 hour virus sweeping through the household, although it seems to be lingering with me for several 24-hour periods. BHE seems to be getting over it faster than me, Sweetpea's trying to convince me she's still sick (cough, cough), because the medicine tastes that good, and Monkeyboy's trying to convince me he's just clearing his throat.

The knitting is slow going, only when I feel like it. There hasn't been much progress since last week, except for turning the entire heel on a sock in the drive through lane at Starbucks! Hopefully, we will all be well enough to go on our first family vacation, and I can finish some WIPs in the car :)

New WIPs

2008-06-10T23:35:00.000-05:00

Wicked is long finished, with the exception of buttons and maybe a bit of elastic. If I use some, I'll explain in the FO post.

Meanwhile, I've cast on for two new toe-up socks, unrelated. The first is from my Regia Galaxy stash. I cast on in the Camouflage colorway for BHE. I got stuck (far enough up the foot to start the heel, but no BHE around to try it on), so I put it aside and cast on with Austermann Step in the Hunter colorway, also from the stash.

Speaking of stash, I've been doing some major decluttering in my sewing room / home office. I took a huge bag of yarn to Monkeyboy's speech therapist, for her daughter who is learning to knit I haven't relegated any of the good stuff to the destash pile yet, but there will be some to come, and possibly even knitting books and / or patterns. Definitely some fabric, sewing patterns, and quilting books and patterns as well. I haven't been a serious quilter since Monkeyboy was born 5 years ago, but I do definitely want to get back to it. I think if I get rid of the stuff I don't like anymore and keep only the things I love, that will make it easier.

A (blogless) friend of mine has a theory that the energy in our body is stored in pods. All the dormant WIPS and UFOs lying around suck up energy pods, and each time you finish a project you get some of your pods back. I think if I can bear to part with as much as I hope to, you all will see a bright glow and distinct hum of energy emanating from my little corner of the world.

Stash Enhancement

2008-06-03T12:04:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd post some pictures of some yarn I've bought recently, because I love all of them so much, and can't wait to use them! Although, as with most yarns I love, I always put lesser favored yarns in the front of the queue - saving the best for last, if you will. But at the rate I buy yarn, I'll never get to the "last."

Anyway, BHE was out of town the Saturday before Mother's Day, and I decided I didn't want to sit at home with the kids. I gave them a choice of going bumper bowling, or going to the "knitting store." Lo, and behold, they chose the knitting store! One of my LYS, Loops, has a kicka$$ playroom and they love to go there! I think we were probably there about a couple of hours! I had plenty of time to browse, and even sat and knitted for awhile on my Wicked cardi :) I bought a hank of new sock yarn that had just come in. This is Yukon sock yarn by Pagewood Farms, and the color way is Prism. The yarn is Merino, Bamboo, and Nylon, and feel wonderful! It has 450 yards per hank, so I can probably squeeze a pair of socks for Sweetpea out of the leftovers.

My other acquisitions came from the Loopy Ewe. It had been awhile since I ordered from Sheri, and I was feeling the itch. I looked at the What's New link first, and found this yarn from Schaefer - it is Schaefer Anne, and the colorway is called Penny Lane! That was a no-brainer - how could I not buy yarn my blog shares a name with? I probably wouldn't normally have ordered this, solely because of the orange-y color in it, but I'm excited to see how it knits up. Plus I've never knit with Schaefer yarns before, and I've heard nothing but good about them.

Finally, every time I order yarn, I feel like i have to order more than just one skein to justify the shipping. Sheri's shipping is very reasonable, but I still feel like I'm getting my moneys worth if I can split the shipping between two or more skeins of yarn. I guess that's the accountant in me. Anyway, I looked around at the other yarns, and decided on a skein of Austermann Step in Vulcan. Honestly, I thought I was ordering Boysenberry - I remembered a sort of pink and grey mix, and when I went to find it (too quickly), I chose the light red/grey combo instead. I still like it - but I may end up ordering Boysenberry at some point. I think the pink and grey combo is very sweet, and maybe a little bit of '80's preppy nostalgia :) I have another skein of Step in my stash that I haven't used yet (more of that saving the best for last), so this will go right next to it. Hopefully I will like them as much as I think I will!

Sock Yarn Swap

2008-05-30T23:44:00.000-05:00

Check it out! I signed up for a Sock Yarn Stash swap in Ravelry (link to Ravelry Group). The premise is that you choose sock yarn from your stash, add a few other knitterly items & treats, and send it on. My upstream partner is DeusXMachina on Ravelry, and she lives in Vienna! How cool is that? She sent me two skeins of Socken Effekt Strickgarn in this cool red-gold-peachy combo that I can't wait to knit up. Also, some chocolates (partially consumed now), tea, mints (Orbit Professional Mints!), a Vanilla candle, Orange fragrance oil, because I love orange and vanilla together, sewing pins, and bubble bath!

My downstream partner is Stefanina from Switzerland. I sent her package out today, but sadly, forgot to take a picture before I sent it off. I won't post what I sent just in case she reads my blog - Hi Stefanina - I want you to be surprised! This is an ongoing swap, in fact sign ups for Round 3 started today. Each swap is limited to 50 participants, so you've got to move fast. I don't think I'm going to sign up again just yet - I love all the yarn in my stash too much!

I've decided not to participate in Secret Pal 11 this time. I've been waiting and waiting for months for it to start up again. Sign ups started a couple of weeks ago, and I've been reconsidering it. I've decided we've got so much going on this summer, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up with the packages I would want to send, as well as the posting and contact requirements. Between family stuff, house stuff, and work stuff, the rest of this year is going to fly by, I'm afraid.

WIP Wednesday

2008-05-21T14:39:00.002-05:00

Here it is - I'm finally knitting something besides socks! This is my cardiganized Wicked, ala FlintKnits. I'm using Dream in Color Classy in Dusky Aurora, and I hope to have it finished by June 1st for the Loopy Ewe's Dream in Color KAL.

I'm showing a close up because the subtleties of this colorway fascinate me. Still this picture doesn't do it justice. In the sunlight it almost sparkles or glows.

I am very close to being finished - hopefully it will be blocking by the weekend!

FO Report: Leafling

2008-05-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Leafling by JC Briar
Yarn: BMFA Socks That Rock Mediumweight
Needles: US 2, 2.75mm
Started: April 25, 2008
Finished: May 8, 2008
Modifications: I used the modified toe pattern by KnittingSuzanne (ravelry link)

This is the March sock kit from the 2008 Rockin' Sock Club. An alternate name for these socks could be The Third Pair of Green Socks I've Knit in a Row. Seriously, I really enjoyed knitting these, but I'm a little tired of all the green. I wanted to do the Stretchy Rib cast on I've used for the last couple of top down socks, but it sets you up for a 1 x 1 ribbing, and these needed a 2 x 2 ribbing to flow into the leaf pattern. I know these pictures don't show pattern well, but check out the other photos on Ravelry for some truly beautiful socks. I think I could have figured it out how to do the Stretch Cast on or something like it in a 2x2 rib, but I've been fairly brain dead by the time I am able to sit down with my knitting lately. And the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is sit in front of the computer any longer. Actually, the hand out we received at our last K.N.I.T. Guild meeting will help me with this I think. If I have time to sit down and figure it out for 2 x 2, I'll write it up and post it here, if anyone's interested.

The heel was really interesting too. It started out as a slipped stitch heel, but the slipped stitches continued down underneath the heel until all the gusset stitches were decreased. The creates a little padding under the heel, which is great on my hardwood floors!

It's time for the May sock club kits to ship, in fact I think they are shipping this week. In the meantime, I've cast on for a Wicked cardigan, and am nearly finished with it. Hopefully I can get another FO report up this week for that one! I have another cardi swirling around in my head that may need to be knit before I start anymore socks. Plus, I've got to get that ladybug cardi knit for Sweetpea....

FO Report: Paddy's Lucky Clover

2008-05-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Paddy's Lucky Clover socks by Angela Dominey
Yarn: Shelby B's Designs Superwash Merino
Needles: US size 1 1/2, 2.5 mm
Started: April 10, 2008
Finished: April 22, 2008
Modification: used Stretchy Rib cast-on and 1 x 1 ribbing instead of long tail cast on and 2 x 2 ribbing.

Was it really nearly a month ago that I finished these socks? Wow, I really am behind... Anyway, this was the March sock club kit from Robyn's Nest. She has a month to month sock club with a different indy dyer each month (I think) . It came with the yarn and pattern (of course), plus some beaded stitch markers, a St. Patrick's Day pencil and pin. I signed up for the March kit because Shelby was my downstream SP9 pal.

I really liked knitting these and the lacy pattern made them go really fast. I especially liked the heel. It is sort of like an Eye of Partridge heel, but the yarn is carried on the right side in front of the slipped stitches. It made for a really pretty heel, but I couldn't get a picture of it that does it justice.

That's the thing I like the most about sock clubs, is that you are presented with a pattern or technique or yarn color that you might not normally try. I've never been disappointed :)

One note on Robyn's Nest, I also ordered an ebony shawl stick from her (at a fantastic price!) and despite the good packaging, when it arrived it had been snapped in half. I emailed her, and she replaced it, no questions asked, and was very apologetic about it. So, I can doubly recommend her for the great products she carries, as well has her excellent customer service!

Pay it Forward

2008-05-16T11:04:00.002-05:00

I am horribly late in this post, but this is the package I received from my Pay It Forward upstream pal, Rachel. As you'll recall, you agree to send packages containing something handmade to up to three people.

Rachel send me a set of six coasters, some rose scented lip balm, and a set of glass bead stitch markers! I love them all, and don't know why it took me so long to post. I think it's probably because the items got separated almost immediately, the coasters next to my favorite chair, the stitch markers into one of my knitting bags, and the lip balm on my bedside table. I had to gather everything up for this picture, and then had several days of not being able to upload to Flickr. (When I finally got into it, the picture was there three times!) As Rachel can tell, the stitch markers are still on the piece of yarn she tied them together with. I don't know what it is, but I have a hard time using gifts people send to me, whether stitch markers, yarn, tea, or whatever (except for chocolate - I don't have a problem using chocolate.) It's like I have to find a project worthy enough of using the yarn or stitch markers, or whatever.

I posted my own PIF post in February, and to date have only one downstream pal. (Jen, I am working on something for you!) Feel free to comment on that post if you'd like one of the two remaining spots.

In other news, I'm slowing getting caught up on Bloglines, I'm down to about 350 posts to read. I'm also cranking out a new cardi, cast on (top down) just over a week ago, and I'm already working on the second sleeve. The body is to about the waist, and once the sleeve is finished, I'll complete the body.

Catching up

2008-05-09T12:39:00.001-05:00

Oh, my, I am so far behind! Has it really been nearly 2 weeks since I posted last? My bloglines has over 800 posts, I have two FO reports to do, plus I started a new cardi yesterday, but I haven't made the time to write about them. I haven't taken photos of the roving I dyed at Yarn School, I haven't told you about my new spinning wheel, or about the craptastic spinning I did earlier this week. I am, thankfully, up to date at work, and expect to be so finished with projects by the end of May that I will have time for some CPE.

The thing I feel most horrible about is that I received a package from my upstream Pay It Forward partner, and I never thanked her for it. Rachel, I am so sorry, hopefully you understand how family, work, and life can push everything else out of the way sometimes.

My very next post will be about Rachel's package, and following that will be proper posts of fiber and FOs, complete with pictures.

A New Era

2008-04-28T13:35:00.002-05:00

I went, I learned, I spun. I am a spinner! Yarn School was fantastic, and I highly recommend it, for beginners and experienced spinners. There were even a couple of husbands there! Nikol Lohr owns and runs Yarn School, and the teachers were Adrian Bizilia of Hello Yarn, Sarah Ivy Kinkaid of Maisy Day Handpun, and Jennifer Schermerhorn of Whirled Yarn. In addition to learning to spin, we learned to prep fiber, make batts and combed tops, and dye the fiber.

The first picture is of my very first handspun, two-ply.

Up next are some singles on my bobbin. These were spun from two batts I carded on a drum carder. They were a mixture of blue, greens, yellow, some black... I think that's all.

After I spun both batts, the bobbin was pretty much full. Then I learned how to Navajo ply.

Finally, Adrian offered up some singles she had spun if anyone wanted to learn how to thread ply. I jumped on it, and learned how to make beehives as well.

Pictures of the roving I dyed and the other batts I made to follow!

Heels, Muscles, and Punk Rock Girl

2008-04-21T13:56:00.003-05:00

Check out the heel on my current WIP! This is actually the second sock, so I hope to finish soon. This is Paddy's Lucky Clover Socks from Robyn's Nest March sock club kit. The yarn was dyed by Shelby B, who was my downstream pal in Secret Pal 9, and the pattern designer is Angela Dominey. This is the best picture I could get of the heel, under late night circumstances, but I think it's really pretty. It's basically an Eye of Partridge heel, but the yarn in held in front of the slipped stitches instead of the back. The photos on the pattern didn't really do it justice either, so I was really happy to see the way the color and texture popped as it was being formed :).

In other news, I joined a gym. Actually it's a very nice facility, one of the nicest in my town, and is affiliated with one of the hospitals. I won the membership at a charity auction a few months back, and finally bit the bullet last week. The gave me a stress, strength, and flexibility tests, an EKG, checked my cholesterol, etc. I met with my trainer (included in the membership!!) last week for the results, and for my first training session. It was brutal!! Actually, she probably could have been a lot rougher on my, but I am so out of shape it's not even funny. My endurance level is 30% below average for someone of my age. I scored good on the strength test - I was able to do 13 modified push ups before I said enough - that can be attributed to still lifting a 4o-something pound 5 year old once in a while, and a 29 pound 2 year old fairly often. Anyway, I am really committed to getting back in shape, and making this work. The facility is less than half a mile from my office, so I just have to block off the time before or after work to go. I'll see how far I can get during the membership period, and then decide if I want to continue. It's farily pricey, but I think it might be worth it.

And finally, speaking of the two-year-old in my house, she is nearly three, and is little Miss Independent these days. Case in point, she likes to pick out her own clothes. This weekend she chose the outfit as pictured, right down to the black boots. When BHE saw her, he grabbed the camera to get a picture of his "Punk Rock Girl." A few shots into it, he handed her his guitar, and no lie, this is how she posed, knee bent and everything. I'm a little partial to the almost-snarl :)

FO Report: Jupiter Red Socks

2008-04-14T22:54:00.002-05:00

Pattern: My own

Yarn: Regia Galaxy, Jupiter Red #1559

Needles: US size 1 1/2 / 2.5mm

Started: March 21, 2008

Finished: April 10, 2008

These turned out to be really long socks, but I just kept knitting so I could see the swirls! They were knit toe-up, with a Turkish cast-on, short row heel, and EZ's Stretchy Sewn Bind-Off after a couple of inches of 1 x 1 ribbing. I think I have enough yarn for 3 more pair of socks in this series of yarn - One black with swirls, one navy with swirls, and one khaki with swirls. I'm too lazy right now to go look up the colors, but I will be knitting them up relatively quickly. I washed this pair yesterday, and they came out of the washer a lot softer. Not that they weren't wearable before washing, because I did wear them for two days, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much softer they did feel :) (I'm also too lazy to link right now, but I've used the Turkish toe and the Stretchy Sewn bind off in my couple of pair of toe-up socks - if anyone needs help with them, feel free leave a comment or send an email.)

I've already cast on for my next pair, and am just at the heel on the first sock. Pictures soon!

My Personality Type

2008-04-14T12:34:00.001-05:00

This is actually pretty dead on:

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer

You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.
A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways.
In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.
You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.

In love, you express your emotions through actions.
Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well!

At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time.
You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.

How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's" Your Personality Type?

Leave me a comment or send me a link to your results!

2008-04-11T14:54:00.002-05:00

I'm doing much better now, thank you very much :) Sweetpea still says she doesn't feel good, and has run a low grade fever off and on. The nurse at the pediatricians' office said they want her to finish this second round of antibiotics and see how she does, unless her fever spikes or she has other symptoms. So well see.

I've finished the Jupiter Red socks (pictures soon, I promise), and cast on for Paddy's Lucky Clover socks. I was able to knit on the first sock for about 30 minutes today at lunch, yay!

Next up after those are the Rockin' Sock Club March kit, Leafling. After that, I just may cast on a for a summer cardi or two! The yarn is on order, and my office runs a little cool sometimes. I just checked by projects, and other than the Vogue Wrap cardi (which didn't work out), the last cardi I finished was the Debbie Bliss sailor collar cardi last November! I've done nine pairs of socks since then, plus a pair of Fetchings.

On a closing note, I was thinking this morning: I remember at one time saying I had no interest in knitting socks, and look at me now. I also remember saying at one time that I had no interest in spinning.....

Nothing new here

2008-04-09T22:54:00.002-05:00

Knitting has been waylaid the last few days by Sweetpea's ear infection (going on 2 weeks and second round of antibiotics), and my "acute tonsillitis." We both spent last weekend in bed for the most part. I'm doing better, and she is somewhat, but not as much as I would expect. I'm calling tomorrow for another doctor appointment because she started running a fever again today.

I didn't feel like knitting (that's how BHE knew I was really sick) for several days, but now I'm back on the Jupiter socks. I should have a FO Report tomorrow or the next day!

WIP Wednesday

2008-04-03T10:03:00.004-05:00

On my needles this week: my third, yes, third sock in Regia Galaxy Jupiter Red sock. I was so concerned about getting the yarn to actually pool the way it was meant to, to create the rings, that the first sock was knit very loosely. I actually started and frogged 5 or 6 times, trying different combinations of needle size and stitch count . When I finally found what I thought was correct, I continued on and knit the first sock (loosely). Then we took a road trip to Texas, and in the process of knitting the second sock, I went back to my normal gauge, and lo and behold, the stripy rings didn't go away, but the sock was nearly an inch smaller around, and fit much better. So I ripped the first one and started over with my normal gauge.

The green yarn is the March selection from Robyn's Nest sock club. I cast on and started the ribbing, but it seemed really small. Last night I started knitting in stockinette to check my gauge, and I'm getting 9 1/2 stitches per inch, instead of 8 as the pattern calls for! I was using 2.25 mm needles like the pattern calls for, as I can usually get gauge with whatever size is recommended. I'm going to check my gauge on 2.5 mm needles and see how it goes. I did like the fabric I was getting on the 2.25 mm needles, so if 2.5 doesn't work out, I may try to adjust the stitch count and use the smaller needles.

This is everything I received from Robyn's Nest. It is everything included in the March sock club kit, plus an ebony shawl stick I ordered to use with the Vogue Wrap Cardi. It didn't work out, but I'll definitely find another use for the shawl pin. Robyn was great - she initially sent my pin in February when I ordered it, but it was broken in half in the mail, despite the padded packaging she used. When I contacted her, she responded immediately and replaced it free of charge :) I just love great customer service!

FO Report: Arugula Jaywalkers

2008-03-26T13:32:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Jaywalkers by Grumperina

Yarn: Knitpicks Felici, Arugula

Needles: Options US size 1, 2.5mm

Started: March 10, 2008

Finished: March 20, 2008

Modifications: I knit these toe up, with a turkish toe. For the increases, instead of k1fb, I used a m1 increase. Short row heel because I like the way stripes look in a short row heel. Finally a picot edge hem.

I like these very much - the yarn is super soft, and I love the "Jaywalker" effect on the stripes. They do fit a little more snug than they seemed while knitting, but not too snug. And not so snug that I would change the stitch count next time around.

Dream in Color KAL

2008-03-26T13:17:00.002-05:00

Did you know the Loopy Ewe is having a Dream in Color KAL? You have to email Sheri that you want to participate, and include DC-KAL in your order notes. If you purchase enough Classy for a sweater, you get 20% off!

They added a new stock of Classy last night, and I ordered enough Dusky Aurora to make a Cardiganized Wicked! As of this posting, there are still 22 colorways remaining of Classy :)

Thank you all for the birthday wishes yesterday!!!

March 25

2008-03-25T00:13:00.002-05:00

On this day in history (and my birthday):

Events:

1634 - Lord Baltimore, his younger brother Leonard Calvert, and a group of Catholic settlers founded the English colony of Maryland.
1655 - Saturn's largest moon, Titan, is discovered by Christian Huygens.
1975 - Faisal of Saudi Arabia is shot and killed by a mentally ill nephew.

Births:

1911 - Jack Ruby
1918 - Howard Cosell
1938 - Hoyt Axton
1942 - Aretha Franklin
1947 - Elton John
1962 - Marcia Cross
1965 - Sarah Jessica Parker
1966 - Jeff Healey
1982 - Danica Patrick
1984 - Katherine McPhee

Holidays:

Greek Independance Day
Mother's Day in Slovenia

Ok, I'm too tired in the wee morning hours of my birthday to link all of this for you, so I'll provide you with just one : Wikipedia, where I found all of the above simply by searching for "March 25".

WIP Wednesday

2008-03-19T23:42:00.003-05:00

On my needles - My second pair of Jaywalkers, this time in KnitPicks Felici in Arugula. I'm working this pair toe up (of course) and I'm nearly finished with the second sock. I'm finishing the top edge with a picot hem, and I really like it compared to the ribbing I did on the first pair. I wanted to finish them in time for St. Patrick's Day, but no such luck. I'm sure they will get plenty of wear between now and next St. Patty's day, so it will be interesting to see how they hold up. On a side note, I noticed a lot of wear this morning on my Panda Cotton socks, after maybe five or six wearings. But that's another post for another time. I'll have to check the Ravelry reviews on that yarn.

Also on my needles - I signed up for the Mystic Light Mystery Shawl (starts next week). I saw a couple of people were using Drops Alpaca, and coincidentally, one of my LYSs, Loops, just started carrying Drops yarn. I picked up 4 skeins, and started swatching. I love the yarn, but I'm not crazy about the yarn and this pattern. I don't know if I'll do the shawl or not - I hardly ever wear the stoles I've made, and I doubt if I will wear a triangular shawl either. However, my mind has started spinning with new ideas. I sort of have a picture in my mind of what I want, and while I can't pinpoint it, I also can't find a Drops pattern for this yarn that is "the one." I've pulled out my stitch dictionaries, and will start swatching as soon as my second Jaywalker is finished (I know myself too well), and I just may end up with my first design, as opposed to a heavily modified version of someone else's design ;) Stay tuned, the progress will likely be slow. I'm more inclined to take my time with something like this, rather than rush through for the sake of a finished (non)wearable. So, patience, please :D

Spinning

2008-03-12T16:07:00.003-05:00

Okay, I'm just found out about this yesterday. I'm thinking about going to the Spring 2008 Yarn School in Harveyville, Kansas. This year's school is April 24-27. Is anyone going, or have you gone before?

I have some roving and batts, but have never spun before. I have a drop spindle, but have been afraid to try it - isn't that crazy? I know as soon as I start, I'm going to want a wheel. What is a good wheel for a beginner? They provide wheels for you to use, or you can bring your own. Part of me says go, and gather advice on what kind of wheel to buy, but the other part says buy one before so I can learn on it at the school. Help!

Ladybugs and Dragonflies

2008-03-11T22:47:00.002-05:00

Lookie, lookie! I won a blog contest from Jennifer at CraftyLilly! She was celebrating her third blogiversiary and I correctly guessed that cross stitch embroidery was the craft she's done the longest. It was sort of an educated guess - My mom taught me to embroidery when I was about 4 or 5, and I took off into all sorts of other crafts from there. I think a lot of girls of my generation were introduced to embroidery first. I'm sorry to say this thank you post is way overdue - Monkeyboy turned 5 last week, plus Sweetpea started serious potty training, so I was heavily distracted with party preparations and every-20-minute potty breaks!

Anyway, Jennifer gave me a choice of sock yarn or a stitch marker bookmark as my prize. Since I've been on a bit of a sock yarn binge* since the beginning of the year, I chose the stitch marker bookmark. Isn't it the cutest? I didn't really give her a very good idea of my favorite color, since I usually bounce around from red to blue to purple to green to chocolate... Anyway, she couldn't have made a more appropriate bookmark for me! BTW, she sells her creations on Etsy, if you are interested!

Years ago when I was prego with Monkeyboy, but didn't know what he was, I started a quilt with pink flowers and red ladybugs all over it. I know it sounds like a horrible clash, but trust me, it's cute. Anyway I started getting the feeling he was a boy, so it got sidelined. (Still not finished.) I knew the ladybugs could fly (no pun intended) for a boy, but not pink flowers. In the meantime, BHE painted a mural all around the nursery with ladybugs, dragonflies, bumblebees, a great big tree in one corner and a big happy sun on another wall. Suddenly we had ladybugs cropping up all over the place. I had already been partial to dragonflies, so I had a few of those already. We have a ladybug suitcase, backpack, ink stamps, board books, etc. So, very appropriate. Thanks Jennifer!

Next, check out what my friend Rori gave me - a dragonfly stitch marker! It fits right in with the buggy theme, and I love it! I have a few dragonfly stitch markers and row markers I've made, but none as pretty as this one. Thank you Rori!!

*You all think I knit fast? Let me tell you, I can shop way faster than I can knit.

Chloe

2008-03-10T10:01:00.003-05:00

This is our puppy-dog Chloe, although at seven years old (in human years) she isn't a puppy anymore. She is part Jack Russel, part Pointer, part Beagle. She does "point" and patrols our back yard for any intruders, mainly of the squirrel variety. They do torment her, pelting her with acorns from the trees above. And I swear, they do throw them at her, because the hit the ground harder than if they were just falling! When one dares to come out of the tree and down to the ground she stalks it, with every muscle in her body quivering.

This morning as I was getting ready to leave the house, I noticed her trotting around the yard with something in her mouth. At first glance it looked like a bunch of dead leaves, but I knew that wasn't right. I looked again, and it looked like a rat, which she has caught and killed before in our back yard - GROSS!

I went out to make her drop it before she made herself sick, and on closer inspection found it wasn't a rat, but a small squirrel. Not a baby, but not a full grown one either. More of a teenage squirrel. It made me a little sad because they are so cute, but happy for her because she finally caught one.

Actually I think this might be her second, or even her third. I remember my husband catching her a couple of years ago tossing one up in the air like a rag doll. Hope I haven't grossed anyone out this morning. I did save you from having to view a picture ;)

Update: I called BHE to tell him about the squirrel, and he went by the house at lunch. Apparently, the squirrel was either just pretending to be dead or made a speedy recovery, or it's little squirrel friends had a quick funeral. BHE wasn't surprised, he said Chloe's caught things before and just carried them around in her mouth. I had forgotten about the time she brought a live baby bird in the house (through her pet door). We heard the most horrific screeching from the mother bird outside. BHE got some paper towels and put the baby bird outside and then blocked the pet door. Within a few hours the little bird had learned to fly and escaped from our yard. I just hope she doesn't try to bring a squirrel inside the house.

FO Report: Serendipity Socks

2008-03-09T22:44:00.004-05:00

Pattern: Serendipity by Adrienne Fong, size medium

Yarn: Socks that Rock lightweight, Dragon Dance

Needles: US size 1, 2.25mm

Started: February 29, 2008

Finished: March 9, 2008

Modifications: The first thing I did differently was a super stretchy cast on I found at jigsawknits. Love the cast on, and I'll definitely use it again on my next top down socks! Because of the cast on, I did a k1 p1 rib instead of k2 p2. The only other thing I did different was I left 11 stitches unwrapped in the heel instead of 9. I love these socks!

This is the first shipment from the 2008 Rockin' Sock Club (Did I post that I signed up last fall?), and even though a ton of people have finished theirs, I feel a little reluctant to post my finished picture, for "spoiler" reasons. Click here to see my finished pair!

Now - I have nothing in my needles! I'm not sure what I want to do next. the KNIT guild meeting is tomorrow night, and I have to have something. I can't sit at a knitting guild meeting for 2 hours and not knit! I bought a skein of Malabrigo today, but I can't decide which of two hat patterns to cast on for. I've also been trolling Ravelry for the last couple of hours looking at sock patterns. I have some Felici in Arugula (greens), and am leaning towards it for my next sock yarn, since St. Patricks day is around the corner. I don't want to do another plain stockinette just yet. I see a lot of people using this yarn for Jaywalkers, so I'm thing about another pair of those. I also am intrigued by the Sidewinders, but I think the Jitterbug in my stash might look better for those.

FO Report: Mega Boot Stretch socks

2008-03-05T08:38:00.001-06:00

Pattern: My own.

Yarn: Lana Grossa Meilenweit Mega Boots Stretch, color 704

Needles: US size 1, 2.5 mm

Started: February 11, 2008

Finished: February 27, 2008

Not much to say about these, I made the pattern up as I went along. I did start over a couple of times to get the right fit and feel, if you know what I mean. They are toe up, with a Turkish cast-on, 60 stitch foot and leg, slip stitch short row heel with a gusset, and k4 x p2 ribbing on the leg. I knit the leg as long as I could stand it, and then did a stretchy Sewn bind off. These are the longest socks I have knitted, and I still have quite a bit of yarn left over, probably enough for socks for Sweetpea. I love how the color changes in these socks, and they kept my toes toasty warm last night after our cool front moved through! The yarn has been in my stash for awhile, but I do remember it came from Webs, although I don't find it on their site right now. I picked it out to knit while waiting on 2.25mm needles to arrive from Knitpicks. Up next - Serendipity socks from the 2008 Rockin' Sock Club!

FO Report: Vogue Wrap Cardigan

2008-03-02T23:22:00.000-06:00

Pattern: Vogue Wrap Cardigan #18 by Margaret O'Leary, from Vogue Knitting, Holiday 2006
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Chunky, Chocolate Truffle
Needles: KnitPicks Options, U.S. sizes 10 and 11
Started: October 5, 2007
Finished: February 22, 2007

Modifications: Several - Fist of all, I knit the back one size smaller than the front, to help with the out-of-proportion-ness of my shoulders vs. boobage. Turns out, I probably could have knit the whole cardigan a size or two smaller and still would have been fine. To accommodate the difference in width, I decreased the fronts by four stitches on each side between the armhole shaping and the shoulder bind offs.

Next, the pattern called for casting on and knitting stockinette. I knew I wouldn't care for the rolling edges that would ensue, so I cash on and knit 5 or 6 rows stockinette, then a turning row, and then continued on with the pattern instructions. After the sides were seamed, I went back and hemmed the hems.

What else - oh, instead of casting off for the back, I kept the stitches on stitchholders. Once the fronts were finished, I did a three needle bind off for the shoulder seams. The pattern called for the center front sections to continue to be knitted for 2 1/2" more on either side, bound off, then seamed to the back neck, and finally seamed together, making a shawl collar. Instead, I knit one live stitch from the back neck together with the first stitch or last stitch on each row of the collar. When both sides were worked to the center back and all the back neck stitches were worked, I joined the two sections together with the Kitchener stitch.

No mods on the sleeves other than hemming them as I did the front and back sections.

See how long those sleeves are? See how far down the "set-in sleeves" drop? This cardigan is huge, and I've thought long and hard about what to do with it. I won't wear it the way it is. I thought about taking it apart, ripping back the sleeves to make them a little shorter, and reknitting the entire back to make it narrower, then ripping the fronts to the armhole shaping, and then decreasing from there to the shoulders to match the width of the back. However, the collar will keep rolling. For some reason, although I knew not having any kind of edging would cause the edges to roll, I didn't think it would roll quite as much as it does. Blocking did not help. It's like wearing a sausage around my neck.

Long story short, I'm almost positive I'm going to rip the entire project. I'm thinking of knitting Jared's Hemlock Ring Blanket. Or maybe I'll just design something a lot more fitted. I still want a dark brown wrap cardi, so maybe I'll come up with something. Any suggestions?

2008-02-27T20:47:00.000-06:00

I finished the Vogue Wrap Cardigan and blocked it last weekend. It wasn't dry until Sunday night, and I can't get a decent shot inside. Hopefully this weekend we will have nice enough weather to do a photo shoot outside. I think I'm going to do something with this cardi that I haven't done in a very long time, and I'm starting to get excited about it. More about it in my FO report.

Are you tingling with anticipation?

Update

2008-02-20T00:08:00.002-06:00

Catchy title, no? No. Well, I'm too tired write now to think creatively - Work has been taxing my brain lately, and Monkeyboy has been up 2 times so far tonight with leg cramps. I had stitch group tonight, and I finished the first sleeve of my Vogue wrap cardigan and cast on for the second. I expect to be blocking by Thursday or Friday night, and seaming this weekend. We'll see.

As far as the Mega Boot Stretch socks, I'm a couple of inches up the leg on the first one. After I finished the heel, I started a K4 P2 rib and am trying to knit until about half of the skein is used. I think that should take me 8-10 inches up the leg. However, it's creeping along now. I measured today and I'm getting 12 rows per inch, so that was really encouraging. (Not.)

I'm also too tired to take pictures tonight too. I'm sure you noticed. I'm going to bed so hopefully I'll be in a perkier mood tomorrow :D

Note to self: Must take photos of new handknit sock-friendly shoes from Target.

WIP Update

2008-02-15T08:34:00.003-06:00

I don't have any FO on the horizon to report, so I thought I'd post a WIP update. Currently I'm working on a pair of socks in Lana Grossa Meilenweit Mega Boots Stretch color #704 (is the name of this yarn really that long?). I just finished the heel on the first sock. Obviously, this picture was taken before I got that far. Actually, this is the third go at this sock. First I cast on for a 64 stitch foot with US size 2 1/2 (3.omm) - too loose and too big. Rip out, start over with a 60 stitch foot, US size 0 (2.0mm). This sock was so tightly knit, it could have stood on its own. Finally, I'm working now with 60 stitches again, on US size 1 1/2 (2.5mm), and it seems to be fine. It looks too big to look at, but it fits fine. this is the first time I've worked with this yarn. It doesn't seem to have a lot of stretch, but I do like it, especially the color changes.

In between all those cast-ons and do-overs, I also cast on for the Rockin' Sock Club sock for January, Serendipity. I couldn't get gauge with (what I thought was) the recommended needle, size 1. Turns out I have size 1 1/2 (2.5mm), and I have actualy size 1's (2.25mm) on order as I type.

Also in progress (after a long unnecessary time out) is the Wrap Cardigan by Margaret O'Leary from the Holiday 2006 Vogue Knitting. I can't get a decent picture of this to save my life, so you'll just have to visualize. (Here is my Ravelry link to it.) I've knitted the back, both fronts, and am working on the collar. This is interesting in that the outer half of the fronts is knitted with one strand with size 10 needles, and the center half double stranded with size 11s. Can you picture that? So about halfway across the row, I had to switch needle sizes and pick up or drop a second strand of yarn. Now. Once you reach the shoulders, the single stranded portions are cast off, and you continue knitting the double stranded part for 2-3 inches more before binding off. These sections will be sewn together in the back and form the shawl collar. Now you know how I have to change it up. I left the back stitches live, and when the time came, did a three needle bind off for the shoulder seams. Then as I continue knitting the 2 stranded collar portion, I am picking up the live stitches from the back neck, one at a time, and knitting them together with the collar. (I'm halfway across this part now, hence the present tense.) When I get both collar portions worked to the center back, I'll Kitchner stitch them together. Then onto the sleeves!

Oh, I do still need to do FO post for BHE's Apple Socks, I just have to get him to model them for me!

FO Report: Tiny Soxx

2008-02-10T11:53:00.000-06:00

Pattern: My own
Yarn: Soxx Appeal in Purple Dusk, Knitpicks Risata in Navy
Needles: US Size 2.0
Started: January 27, 2008
Finished: Febuary 8, 2008

Details: Toe up, Turkish cast on, 36 stitches on the foot and leg. Short row heel and 1 x 1 ribbing on the cuff. This is yarn left over from the Soxx Appeal socks I just finished (as if you didn't know that already, lol). After I finished my first sock, I had about 10 grams left over, so I decided to cast on and see if I could get a sock for Sweetpea out of it. As I was working the heel, there wasn't very much yarn left at all, so I ripped it out. I went digging through my stash for some black fingering weight that wasn't already spoken for, and came up with this super dark navy Risata from KnitPicks instead. I'm not big on the mother-daughter matchy-matchy look, but apparently that is outweighed by the Depression era scrimping and saving ancestral blood in me ;)

Both yarns are machine washable (important when they are on the feet of a 2 1/2 year old), and both have a bit of elastic. I think the Soxx Appeal knits up a bit cushier, but really, there isn't enough difference for a 2 1/2 year old to notice.

Although Sweetpea had no interest in sitting still for photo shoot, she loves her new socks! She wore them all day long yesterday, which is an acomplishment for a little fashion plate who wants to change her clothes everytime you turn around!

FO Report: Soxx Appeal Socks

2008-02-06T21:21:00.000-06:00

Pattern: My own, cobbled together from my favorite techniques

Yarn: Soxx Appeal in Purple Dusk

Needles: KnitPicks US 2.0

Started: January 20, 2008

Completed: February 6, 2008

Details: Toe-up, with a Turkish cast-on, 56 stitch foot and leg, Eye of Partridge heel with gusset, and a picot hem at the top. Stay tuned for the mini version for Sweetpea!