Score!!

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.

FO Report: Cosima

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

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!!!

Christmas 2008

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....

FO Report: Vulcan Azure socks

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

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

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!

FO Report: Felted Bucket Hat

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?

FO Report: Cotton Candy socks

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.

FO Report: Camo Galaxy socks

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.

FO Report: Business Socks

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.

New WIPs

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

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!

FO Report: Jupiter Red Socks

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!

FO Report: Mega Boot Stretch socks

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: Tiny Soxx

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!

Stash Enhancement

I figured out a long time ago that I was a stress shopper, and for the most part, I keep it under control. However, I've made three purchases in just over a week. Up first, shopping at The Loopy Ewe (no, I missed out on the Wollmeise - however, I still have a skein in my stash from my SP11, Purple Jen - Hi Jen!!!). I ended up with a skein of sock yarn from Perchance to Knit in the November colorway. See those tiny little beads? Every skein of sock yarn from XXX comes with a matching beaded stitch marker. I also ordered a small red tote bag, just the right size for a sock project. Actually it's large enough for your project, plus a wallet, cell phone, and keys, which I love!

Next up - Two balls of Soxx Appeal in the Purple Dusk colorway. Every time I go out of town, I buy a souvenir from a yarn or quilt shop. BHE and I recently made a quick, impromptu trip to Wichita and visited Twist. None of my LYSs have Soxx Appeal, as far as I know, so that's what I chose! I've already cast on for a pair of socks!

Finally, one of my LYSs, Stitches, just celebrated their 1st anniversary with a sale! I bought Regia Galaxy in Jupiter Anthracite Coal for BHE, and Regia Nordic Color for me. Although, I really like the Regia Galaxy, and may either claim that yarn as mine, or go buy some more . Edited to add: I went back and bought more.

You know, I don't think vacation yarn and sale yarn count as stress shopping, do you? And you can't really count one skein and a bag from the Loopy Ewe as stress shopping.... I think I'm still in control! We'll see in this weekend - Another LYS, Stitchworks, is having a Super Bowl Sale!

FO Report: Juliet

Pattern: Juliet by ZephyrStyle, knit in the longer style

Yarn: KnitPicks Swish Superwash, Fired Brick
Needles: KnitPicks Options, US Size 8
Started: October 16, 2007
Finished: November 6, 2007

Modifications: I knit this in single stranded worsted weight yarn rather than the bulky weight or double stranded worsted called for. I recalculated the pattern based on the gauge I got in my test swatch. I started off knitting the large size (with my adjusted number of stitches), and knit as far as binding off the sleeves and joining the body. I thought the sleeves were way too loose, and the body had a little too much room too. I checked the pattern and found the medium size started off with the same number of stitches as the large, so I ripped back a couple of inches, cast off a little tighter for the sleeves, joined the body again, and then the fit was perfect!

I also opted to have a single clasp where the garter stitch meets the lace, rather than the buttons across the chest. I thought this was a more flattering look for me. I hand stitched some grosgrain ribbon to the wrong side around this point of the sweater to give it some stability. Actually I measured around myself at this point, added an inch of ease, and added another inch to allow for both ended of the ribbon to be turned under. I then sewed it on by hand, and washed and blocked the sweater after that.

I can't seem to get a decent modeled shot to save my live, so this one will have to do for now :)

Thanks Again, Secret Pal!

Today is October 15th, and I get to open another package from my Secret Pal!

Check it out - this is 100% wool roving, loosely plied with a strand of cotton. The colors are absolutely gorgeous, and I can't wait to see what it becomes! The photo is pretty accurate, burgundies, berries, a little orange and brown, and a nice bit of teal. It just speaks of autumn! My roving stash is really starting to grow, I'm going to have to get busy! SP11, I love the colors! Did you dye it yourself?

Also, look at the package I received last week! Actually these are the contents of the package. I am being incredibly patient, and not opening the packages I was instructed to wait until specific dates to open - in my opinion, that's part of the fun! I did open the undated packages, and found an activity folder for the kids (I'm saving it for a day when we really need a cool surprise!), some packets of shampoo and a facial mask, chocolates and biscuits, a great journal with a dragonfly on the cover, and some cool postcard sized monthly calendars with sheep on the front! The still-wrapped packages are labeled surprises #7, 8, and 9, and are dated on when I can open them. They did arrive before surprises #5 and 6. (I hope I haven't lost count - its late, I'm tired, and it's getting a little confusing! There was one dated October 15, but I'm not sure if I should open it now, or wait for packets 5 and 6 to show up....SP11, what should I do?

Thanks Secret Pal!

Remember the packages I got from my Secret Pal a few weeks ago? Well, I've been eyeing them every day, watching the calender, waiting for October 1st to get here. Lo and behold, October arrived and I didn't even think of the packages until my SP emailed me to see how I liked them. (I have a good reason for forgetting - my family and I were rear-ended Sunday afternoon :( Everyone is fine, there were no injuries other than a little soreness & stiffness. Our car however, did not fair so well. The damage to the back end was pretty significant, and we are waiting to see what the insurance company does. We halfway expect them to total it out.)

Anyway, back to business! My secret pal sent me a wonderful skein of yarn, in gorgeous medium and dark teals, with the tiniest bit of deep plum thrown in. It just happens to match a skirt and blouse I wore yesterday! The yarn is Colinette JitterBug, and the colorway is Jay. She also sent a Lucy Neatby sock pattern called Fiesta Feet, which calls for a variegated yarn and a solid yarn. I think I have just the yarn in my stash for it! But wait, there's more! She also sent a pattern for Entrelac Socks from MenKnit e-zine! (Scroll down to page 16.) It calls for six different colors of sock yarns, so it will be great for using up all my leftovers! Plus, I can finally learn Entrelac!

Thank you Secret Pal, you're fantastic, and I love them all!