Crazy eh? Well, I've been knitting my fingers to the quick and they are a little sore. Today I did the crochet cast on for the FRONT piece of the cable sweater. I have 30-some rows done already. This works up so quick I can't believe I didn't finish it a long time ago. I'm so easily distracted.
Anyway, it's going along well and I hope to be finished and blocking it by Sunday. Of course that means no seaming until like tues or so once it dries. I still haven't decided on the neck either, but I do know I'm not making it as designed. I just don't think I will like all that bulk around my neck.
In other project news... I was really wanting my next project to be this cute cable/lace motif sweater called, Ode to Jackie O. It has a really cute boat neck and I even went so far as to buy the yarn for it. Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Jalapeno (green). Well, I've ready the pattern over and over for the past few weeks and I really am not liking the way it is written. I've been thinking about doing it top down, but I'm still not convinced I can pull it off like it should be because of the way the cable/lace pattern is set up. Call it, not enough confidence.
So, found another sweater in my queue that is aching to be knitted. Or is it me that is aching to knit it?! Anyway, its the Opulent Raglan by Wendy Bernard that I've wanted to make since that particular issue of knitscene came out. I bought all this gorgeous teal yarn for it, Arucania, but after I did this... I realized the sweater is knit in a heavier weight and the teal yarn is a dk weight. So, again, I could modify it and I was going to, but again I'm feeling a bit lazy on that end. So, I've decided on WOTA in the Amethyst Heather color. I really wanted to use one of the other purples, but they are all out of stock on those 2.
And while I was perusing the forums, I was reading on the Sipalu bag from Knit Picks. IT comes with the Palette samplers. I bought the Tranquil one back in December (I think). So after reading about it and such I really want to make it. My fingers are twitching to get back to color work. I really need to draft some more of my own designs and get stuff made as well.
Anyway, I am vowing NOT to cast on for that bag, until I finish one more project. It will either be a sock or the Verena cable sweater. And as far as color work, I have those gorgeous Entrelac socks to work on. They are my February sock project. I love the yarn for it. I played with the cast on the other day and did a couple of rows, but am considering frogging and starting over. I feel like they should be perfect. I'm not usually a perfectionist when it comes to these things, but I really think I can do it better, so I should I suppose.
I have about 4 inches done on Schooner Sock #2, so between that and the sweater front, I will hopefully have a productive weekend.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Knitting: It's all about the technique
So, I don't know if this was really a resolution of mine for 2009 (rhymer!), but I wanted to make some headway with techniques... and I do vaguely recall a post mentioning learning cast ons or something or other. Anyway... long story short (too late!), I did learn a new cast on the other day.
I meant to write about it then but was just too busy (i.e. shoveling the damn drive 4700 times cause it keeps snowing). So I want to make these socks
They are by the fabulous Eunny Jang and were also featured in Interweave, that photo is a copyright by them and the link goes to the page where you can purchase the PDF if you want it. Anyway, I happen to have that issue of IK, Spring 2007 and in it there is a little HOW TO on Entrelac (which I've already done), but it was an informative read, none the less.
So back to the cast on info... Eunny used what she called the Middle East Wrap Cast On. And when I decided to play, I only had the iphone on me, so YOUTUBE was easily accessed and the only video I could find that looked LIKE the pictures was called the Eastern Cast On. In it, the gal was using 2 yarns to cast on because she was using it for double knitting. Well I only needed one strand obviously, but at least watching her, I understood what needed to be done. I tried and tried going from the written direction, but it wasn't working for me. Anyway, after the video, it still took me about 4 times to GET IT RIGHT. The yarn ends kept slipping off. Anyway, it's a little awkward to hold, but once you GET IT, it's definitely an effective cast on. It is similar to the magic loop toe up type cast ons, but I have to say, having done those and this one, I think I'm liking this one more. I really like the look of the finished toe. It's seamless and "cute."
After finishing this new toe... I decided to play with the entrelac pattern a little, too... and wholly crap (yes that spelling was intentional), I LOVE it even more now that I can knit backwards... can I get an amen! It's sooo awesome and fun and you don't have to TURN, not that turning is bad, but it's just so cool that you don't have to. So yes, my knit geek came full out and I've been excited ever since. I can't wait to make these socks!
Must finish Schooner Sock #2 FAST!!! Of course, now it's total drudgery since it's just stockinette and the Entrelac bug is calling out to me very loudly! But I do want A finished pair of socks and that will be my quickest to get done. Oh and as an aside for the Entrelac socks... I do not now, nor have I ever worn knee socks (ok, maybe once in kindergarten), so mine will be normal sock size, not knee socks. Don't get me wrong knee socks are cute on some and work with other peoples legs, but not mine. I don't like the bindedness feel on my leg... drives me bananas... and the rubbing behind the knew... forget it. But in any case, I'm really looking forward to these socks.
Below is the yarn I'm using for the socks. I love the 2 together and have been wanting them for a 2 color project, but didn't know what... now I have the perfect one. The blue is called Caribean Blue and the other is called Terra Cotta. Oh and I got it at Temptations and it was 40% off... SCORE!
I meant to write about it then but was just too busy (i.e. shoveling the damn drive 4700 times cause it keeps snowing). So I want to make these socks
They are by the fabulous Eunny Jang and were also featured in Interweave, that photo is a copyright by them and the link goes to the page where you can purchase the PDF if you want it. Anyway, I happen to have that issue of IK, Spring 2007 and in it there is a little HOW TO on Entrelac (which I've already done), but it was an informative read, none the less.
So back to the cast on info... Eunny used what she called the Middle East Wrap Cast On. And when I decided to play, I only had the iphone on me, so YOUTUBE was easily accessed and the only video I could find that looked LIKE the pictures was called the Eastern Cast On. In it, the gal was using 2 yarns to cast on because she was using it for double knitting. Well I only needed one strand obviously, but at least watching her, I understood what needed to be done. I tried and tried going from the written direction, but it wasn't working for me. Anyway, after the video, it still took me about 4 times to GET IT RIGHT. The yarn ends kept slipping off. Anyway, it's a little awkward to hold, but once you GET IT, it's definitely an effective cast on. It is similar to the magic loop toe up type cast ons, but I have to say, having done those and this one, I think I'm liking this one more. I really like the look of the finished toe. It's seamless and "cute."
After finishing this new toe... I decided to play with the entrelac pattern a little, too... and wholly crap (yes that spelling was intentional), I LOVE it even more now that I can knit backwards... can I get an amen! It's sooo awesome and fun and you don't have to TURN, not that turning is bad, but it's just so cool that you don't have to. So yes, my knit geek came full out and I've been excited ever since. I can't wait to make these socks!
Must finish Schooner Sock #2 FAST!!! Of course, now it's total drudgery since it's just stockinette and the Entrelac bug is calling out to me very loudly! But I do want A finished pair of socks and that will be my quickest to get done. Oh and as an aside for the Entrelac socks... I do not now, nor have I ever worn knee socks (ok, maybe once in kindergarten), so mine will be normal sock size, not knee socks. Don't get me wrong knee socks are cute on some and work with other peoples legs, but not mine. I don't like the bindedness feel on my leg... drives me bananas... and the rubbing behind the knew... forget it. But in any case, I'm really looking forward to these socks.
Below is the yarn I'm using for the socks. I love the 2 together and have been wanting them for a 2 color project, but didn't know what... now I have the perfect one. The blue is called Caribean Blue and the other is called Terra Cotta. Oh and I got it at Temptations and it was 40% off... SCORE!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Knitting: The kitchener stitch (gasp)
So for years... I've heard of this kitchener stitch business. People HATE the kitchener stitch, they think it's a bother... the list goes on. Well never one to be intimidated, a gal named Lara showed me the technique, so at that time I used it on my next finished sock, which I believe was the Fade Away Mystery sock. Turned out great and I was HOOKED on it. It just looks so pretty and nicely finished. A great touch.
Well a few weeks ago, Olliesmomknits/AKA Brandy was one that mentioned Yarnholic Beth's mantra about knit, purl, purl, knit, etc.. or maybe that's backwards... but anyway, as I was finishing up the Schooner Sock (#1) I again decided on the kitchener. Of course as always, I had to look it up since I've not done it that often and anyway as I'm going along, it finally HIT me, the KPPK thingy... anyway, it's done now and looks lovely. So the kitchener is my new BFF. :) And I finally have it in my head so that I remember HOW to do it and won't have to look it up again in the future! YAY ME!
And so last night when contemplating what to work on, I decided on Schooner Sock #2. And miracles being what they are... when I finished #1, I was at the beginning of the yellow stripe of yarn, which is where the c/o for #1 was, so my stripes (which I planned to match instead of taking the serendipitous course) will end up matching without me even trying. How awesome is that?! Very, I think. I did notice my tail for the cast on should have been a squee longer because I ended up with about a one inch tail, but oh well. Anyway, did a few rounds on #2 and it's going well. I hope to work on it more this evening and the rest of the week. I didn't do any lunchtime knitting today but maybe tomorrow.
And in other sock business... I just found out about Sock Summit '09 which I totally want to go to. I'm strongly considering saving for that instead of going to Knitter's Connection. Unless there is some amazing class or person that I just HAVE to see, maybe then KC will do, but as it is I've always wanted to go to Portland, so why not have a double motive for going, vacation and knitting... wahoo! Anyway, this is all contingent on money, logistics, etc... as things normally are, but it's something to work towards. I'm always better with a goal in mind you know.
And one more thing on socks... mollylouhoo was blogging about a year of socks or something awhile back and I thought... it would probably be possible.. but is that all I want to work on? Well... let me just say, I have 1 single sock done and am working on #2, I have another sock with the heel flap almost done and I have another set on the needles, but only have them about 2 inches progress (2 at a time). SO if I really got my rear in gear, I could have almost 2 pair completed by end of January. And I have plans for February, because I'm doing mystery sock again and it's a cable sock, so I'll probably enjoy it and could see finishing that pare, AND... I was looking at one of the rav groups for socks and they have monthly plans and the Feb sock challenge is to knit a Gigi Silva pattern (awesome) or Entrelac. And I love entrelec but haven't made socks with it, so that is kind of pulling me that way. PLUS, I bought this yarn, 2 diff colors for a sock like fade away, but didn't use them and as each isn't enough for a full pair, I need another 2 color sock idea, so kablam... Enter Entrelac. So I think that will be the big february project. I'll def cast on for those after these other 2 pair are done. And an aside, Eunny Jang (whom I <3) did a pair of 2 color Entrelac knee-highs in the Spring 07 or 08 issue of Interweave. (Its on rav if you are interested)
So as I'm moving towards finishing these socks and looking ahead at MORE socks... I realize, having 12 completed pair of socks by the end of 2009, might actually be doable for me. And why not, it's so easy to take socks out and about, they are small and enjoyable. Although I do like me some big needle knitting too, like my bulky sweater. Am hoping to plan on c/o for the front piece this weekend... hopefully I'll be done with SS #2. Ok, so that's all my crazy sock talk for now.
ps... i could have put links in this post, and I'm sorry I didn't... but frankly I don't have the energy right now. I'm at work and should actually BE working... but knitting is on my mind.... as it always is. Obsessed much? Me, no. :)
Well a few weeks ago, Olliesmomknits/AKA Brandy was one that mentioned Yarnholic Beth's mantra about knit, purl, purl, knit, etc.. or maybe that's backwards... but anyway, as I was finishing up the Schooner Sock (#1) I again decided on the kitchener. Of course as always, I had to look it up since I've not done it that often and anyway as I'm going along, it finally HIT me, the KPPK thingy... anyway, it's done now and looks lovely. So the kitchener is my new BFF. :) And I finally have it in my head so that I remember HOW to do it and won't have to look it up again in the future! YAY ME!
And so last night when contemplating what to work on, I decided on Schooner Sock #2. And miracles being what they are... when I finished #1, I was at the beginning of the yellow stripe of yarn, which is where the c/o for #1 was, so my stripes (which I planned to match instead of taking the serendipitous course) will end up matching without me even trying. How awesome is that?! Very, I think. I did notice my tail for the cast on should have been a squee longer because I ended up with about a one inch tail, but oh well. Anyway, did a few rounds on #2 and it's going well. I hope to work on it more this evening and the rest of the week. I didn't do any lunchtime knitting today but maybe tomorrow.
And in other sock business... I just found out about Sock Summit '09 which I totally want to go to. I'm strongly considering saving for that instead of going to Knitter's Connection. Unless there is some amazing class or person that I just HAVE to see, maybe then KC will do, but as it is I've always wanted to go to Portland, so why not have a double motive for going, vacation and knitting... wahoo! Anyway, this is all contingent on money, logistics, etc... as things normally are, but it's something to work towards. I'm always better with a goal in mind you know.
And one more thing on socks... mollylouhoo was blogging about a year of socks or something awhile back and I thought... it would probably be possible.. but is that all I want to work on? Well... let me just say, I have 1 single sock done and am working on #2, I have another sock with the heel flap almost done and I have another set on the needles, but only have them about 2 inches progress (2 at a time). SO if I really got my rear in gear, I could have almost 2 pair completed by end of January. And I have plans for February, because I'm doing mystery sock again and it's a cable sock, so I'll probably enjoy it and could see finishing that pare, AND... I was looking at one of the rav groups for socks and they have monthly plans and the Feb sock challenge is to knit a Gigi Silva pattern (awesome) or Entrelac. And I love entrelec but haven't made socks with it, so that is kind of pulling me that way. PLUS, I bought this yarn, 2 diff colors for a sock like fade away, but didn't use them and as each isn't enough for a full pair, I need another 2 color sock idea, so kablam... Enter Entrelac. So I think that will be the big february project. I'll def cast on for those after these other 2 pair are done. And an aside, Eunny Jang (whom I <3) did a pair of 2 color Entrelac knee-highs in the Spring 07 or 08 issue of Interweave. (Its on rav if you are interested)
So as I'm moving towards finishing these socks and looking ahead at MORE socks... I realize, having 12 completed pair of socks by the end of 2009, might actually be doable for me. And why not, it's so easy to take socks out and about, they are small and enjoyable. Although I do like me some big needle knitting too, like my bulky sweater. Am hoping to plan on c/o for the front piece this weekend... hopefully I'll be done with SS #2. Ok, so that's all my crazy sock talk for now.
ps... i could have put links in this post, and I'm sorry I didn't... but frankly I don't have the energy right now. I'm at work and should actually BE working... but knitting is on my mind.... as it always is. Obsessed much? Me, no. :)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Knitting: With a salad spinner?!
WHAT? you say. Well... let's step back a minute....
Friday night I worked on the Schooner sock, did the short row heel which I bungled a bit on one side, oh well, it's done and I didn't want to go backwards. I was exhausted Friday night, so I went to bed early. Well with early bed time, means early waking on Saturday morning... so I was up at 5 and knitting on the sock. Then I laid back down to "nap" and then Scot called and I decided to get off my arse and get out.
So we met up and went to the Scott Antique show at the fairgrounds. We had a blast, we made fun of so much junk and relived our youth with some of the old toys and dishes and THIGNS. After that we tripped over to the North Market where I bought some stuff from Pastaria for dinner and a few Petit Fours and a BIG HUGE PB cookie for Brian. Then I came home and from hours of walking, I decided to nap... 2 and a half hours later... I didn't feel like cooking, so we ordered Pizza and saved the Pastaria for dinner today and let me tell ya, it was YUM!
Anyway, I squandered like SEVEN whole hours of knitting... actually maybe a little more. I was mad at myself, so I picked up the needles and I busted out on that sock and finished it Sat. night. I just kept knitting and thought this is a good time to start the decreases and let me tell ya... it was amazing... I made it to the absolute perfect point! The sock fits my foot sooo perfectly and I LOVE IT! By the time that was done, I was pretty much nodding off, so I crashed out.
So this morning, I got out the big green cable sweater sleeves and went to work on those. We went to breakfast at Frisch's where Patrick and Steven and his son Mason came along as well. Mason was cracking me up. Last time I saw him, he was a newborn and he's like 3 now. Anyway back home to more knitting, knitting, knitting.
And the sleeves are DONE! YAY. So after dinner I decided to woolwash (in kookaburra of course) and last time with the sweater back I just squeezed and squeezed to get the water out... but today, I thought... HEY, SALAD SPINNER! Not just for salad! So I spun the heck out of it and WOW, amazing. IT worked so well and I couldn't believe how much water I actually got out of it. I guess there really was a reason for me buying the bigger salad spinner. I almost walked away with the small one and that would have never worked. Anyway, it's now drying on a towel over the dog crate. So I feel very accomplished.
Julane thinks I should cast on for the 2nd sock to get it done... but I'm feeling a strong pull to finish my other sock, the friendship one. But then I think the Schooner sock really only took me THREE days to do from c/o to finish, so then I think... wow in the time it takes me to finish the friendship sock, I could have a 2nd sock done and be WEARING them! :) Wow what a feat (no pun intended)!
Anyway, this finishing stuff is kind of addicting.... I want to bust out all the old stuff and get it done. Of course this could owe to the fact that I'm not really inspired by much lately. I mean I look at stuff and think, eh... but nothing is really pulling me to knit THAT thing. HOWEVER... I do have scrumptious yarn to knit up and that is pulling me. Mostly it is sock yarn, so I guess I better keep busting on these socks. And I do have some lovely malabrigo lace that wants to be knit, too, but I'm just not ready to go there quite yet. Plus I HAVE got to finish these socks and the sweater before I cast on for anything else.
Oh and I have baby stuff to make too... good grief, I need a game plan. :)
And I have pics of this stuff... but if you are reading this and not seeing them it's because I haven't uploaded them yet, so check back if you want to see 'em!
EDIT:photos added
Friday night I worked on the Schooner sock, did the short row heel which I bungled a bit on one side, oh well, it's done and I didn't want to go backwards. I was exhausted Friday night, so I went to bed early. Well with early bed time, means early waking on Saturday morning... so I was up at 5 and knitting on the sock. Then I laid back down to "nap" and then Scot called and I decided to get off my arse and get out.
So we met up and went to the Scott Antique show at the fairgrounds. We had a blast, we made fun of so much junk and relived our youth with some of the old toys and dishes and THIGNS. After that we tripped over to the North Market where I bought some stuff from Pastaria for dinner and a few Petit Fours and a BIG HUGE PB cookie for Brian. Then I came home and from hours of walking, I decided to nap... 2 and a half hours later... I didn't feel like cooking, so we ordered Pizza and saved the Pastaria for dinner today and let me tell ya, it was YUM!
Anyway, I squandered like SEVEN whole hours of knitting... actually maybe a little more. I was mad at myself, so I picked up the needles and I busted out on that sock and finished it Sat. night. I just kept knitting and thought this is a good time to start the decreases and let me tell ya... it was amazing... I made it to the absolute perfect point! The sock fits my foot sooo perfectly and I LOVE IT! By the time that was done, I was pretty much nodding off, so I crashed out.
So this morning, I got out the big green cable sweater sleeves and went to work on those. We went to breakfast at Frisch's where Patrick and Steven and his son Mason came along as well. Mason was cracking me up. Last time I saw him, he was a newborn and he's like 3 now. Anyway back home to more knitting, knitting, knitting.
And the sleeves are DONE! YAY. So after dinner I decided to woolwash (in kookaburra of course) and last time with the sweater back I just squeezed and squeezed to get the water out... but today, I thought... HEY, SALAD SPINNER! Not just for salad! So I spun the heck out of it and WOW, amazing. IT worked so well and I couldn't believe how much water I actually got out of it. I guess there really was a reason for me buying the bigger salad spinner. I almost walked away with the small one and that would have never worked. Anyway, it's now drying on a towel over the dog crate. So I feel very accomplished.
Julane thinks I should cast on for the 2nd sock to get it done... but I'm feeling a strong pull to finish my other sock, the friendship one. But then I think the Schooner sock really only took me THREE days to do from c/o to finish, so then I think... wow in the time it takes me to finish the friendship sock, I could have a 2nd sock done and be WEARING them! :) Wow what a feat (no pun intended)!
Anyway, this finishing stuff is kind of addicting.... I want to bust out all the old stuff and get it done. Of course this could owe to the fact that I'm not really inspired by much lately. I mean I look at stuff and think, eh... but nothing is really pulling me to knit THAT thing. HOWEVER... I do have scrumptious yarn to knit up and that is pulling me. Mostly it is sock yarn, so I guess I better keep busting on these socks. And I do have some lovely malabrigo lace that wants to be knit, too, but I'm just not ready to go there quite yet. Plus I HAVE got to finish these socks and the sweater before I cast on for anything else.
Oh and I have baby stuff to make too... good grief, I need a game plan. :)
And I have pics of this stuff... but if you are reading this and not seeing them it's because I haven't uploaded them yet, so check back if you want to see 'em!
EDIT:photos added
Friday, January 23, 2009
Knitting: It's a bloggy world
So there for a bit, I was doing well at updating progress on "things" etc. And lately, I DO have a strong desire to blog/post about this stuff, albeit mundane... but then I think about actually DOING it and I really have no desire to do so. And then I think that is odd because I feel like I have so much to talk about. I'm just lazy I guess. And it is weird considering I do like to write, although I do so infrequently.
But I do like reading blogs... it's most of my FIRL (friends in real life) that I read although, I've been trying to read the yarn harlot and knitting daily stuff, too. There really is so much out there I'd like to read/listen to podcasts etc. But since I'm so visually oriented, I would rather watch TV and knit together. I like listening in the car, but I don't have an ipod hook up to my car stereo. Someday perhaps, but right now... not a big thing... there's always more yarn to buy. :)
I'd much rather be consumed with KNITTING. I'm in a socky mood right now. And here's my BIG problemo with the socks... the effing HEEL flap. Like, I LIKE heel flaps and everything, but OMG they take so much time with the back and forth, back and forth... the monotony KILLS me. Makes me lose interest, etc.
That being said... onto my brand new schooner sock:
I am at a point where I could STOP knitting and start the heel flap, or I could keep going. I have PLENTY of yarn left, so am not worried about running out, or anything like that... but that's just it, when do I stop? AND... if I do stop, what heel do I use? For instance, most socks I've completed (again the singlets, not whole pairs people), I've used the Eye of Partridge heel. Why? Because I like it. It has a nice LOOK to it, it feels great, it's not difficult, the list goes on. I did attempt my frist short row heel on the fade away sock and while I don't like the LOOK of it on a flat sock just laying about... it doesn't feel bad on the foot and works rather nicely. So, I'm considering a short row heel for the Schooner sock (seen above).
Now about the Schooner sock (I like to say Schooner), I was REALLY not going to cast on until the Friendship sock was done. I did so say this the other day... however, then I had a couple of "bad" days where I wasn't feeling up to par so to speak, not physically, mostly emotionally, just feeling kind of worn out. SO, I needed MINDLESS knitting... just rounds and rounds of stockinette... so the Schooner sock was born. The colorway is actually called Schooner, it was SOOO last season (ha!) from knit picks and in fact you couldn't get it a couple of months ago because they didn't have any left. I believe it's because they packaged a bunch with the BEACHES sock sampler, so I ordered the whole darn sampler to get that color, that is how much I love it. And I do love it. I really enjoy these colors. And again it's quite a plain sock, no pattern or anything, but the stripes are nice and we don't want to mess with them. And speaking of stripes, I'm really enjoying all of the new KP Felici sock colors and I may end up with many stripey socks someday.
So, I am making a vow... this is going to be another full on knitting weekend for me. By the end of it, I predict I will have something done... it may be the Schooner sock, or the friendship sock or my sleeves for the Verena cable sweater... but yes friends... SOMETHING will get done!
But I do like reading blogs... it's most of my FIRL (friends in real life) that I read although, I've been trying to read the yarn harlot and knitting daily stuff, too. There really is so much out there I'd like to read/listen to podcasts etc. But since I'm so visually oriented, I would rather watch TV and knit together. I like listening in the car, but I don't have an ipod hook up to my car stereo. Someday perhaps, but right now... not a big thing... there's always more yarn to buy. :)
I'd much rather be consumed with KNITTING. I'm in a socky mood right now. And here's my BIG problemo with the socks... the effing HEEL flap. Like, I LIKE heel flaps and everything, but OMG they take so much time with the back and forth, back and forth... the monotony KILLS me. Makes me lose interest, etc.
That being said... onto my brand new schooner sock:
I am at a point where I could STOP knitting and start the heel flap, or I could keep going. I have PLENTY of yarn left, so am not worried about running out, or anything like that... but that's just it, when do I stop? AND... if I do stop, what heel do I use? For instance, most socks I've completed (again the singlets, not whole pairs people), I've used the Eye of Partridge heel. Why? Because I like it. It has a nice LOOK to it, it feels great, it's not difficult, the list goes on. I did attempt my frist short row heel on the fade away sock and while I don't like the LOOK of it on a flat sock just laying about... it doesn't feel bad on the foot and works rather nicely. So, I'm considering a short row heel for the Schooner sock (seen above).
Now about the Schooner sock (I like to say Schooner), I was REALLY not going to cast on until the Friendship sock was done. I did so say this the other day... however, then I had a couple of "bad" days where I wasn't feeling up to par so to speak, not physically, mostly emotionally, just feeling kind of worn out. SO, I needed MINDLESS knitting... just rounds and rounds of stockinette... so the Schooner sock was born. The colorway is actually called Schooner, it was SOOO last season (ha!) from knit picks and in fact you couldn't get it a couple of months ago because they didn't have any left. I believe it's because they packaged a bunch with the BEACHES sock sampler, so I ordered the whole darn sampler to get that color, that is how much I love it. And I do love it. I really enjoy these colors. And again it's quite a plain sock, no pattern or anything, but the stripes are nice and we don't want to mess with them. And speaking of stripes, I'm really enjoying all of the new KP Felici sock colors and I may end up with many stripey socks someday.
So, I am making a vow... this is going to be another full on knitting weekend for me. By the end of it, I predict I will have something done... it may be the Schooner sock, or the friendship sock or my sleeves for the Verena cable sweater... but yes friends... SOMETHING will get done!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Knitting: Project 365 and more sock talk
So, yeah, I've been doing it this year. I think so far I've only missed one day... and maybe not really any, I just have to double check both cameras and the phone. I may surprise myself and really have a photo a day. Now... most of these photos are the suck... but really I don't care. When I have time to be creative, I will... but until then, you get what you get, really. And when I get off my lazy butt to get them all loaded up, I'll update my 365 set.
I've been pouring most of my creative outlet energy into knitting. Yes I have been doing a little bit every day. I'm really trying to get a pair of socks done... not just one, but BOTH. I am working the heel flap and it is slow going, but... of all things, I have now learned to knit BACKWARDS. Yes people, I thought it would be an arduous process, but not so much. The first step is doing. And once you do it and see it, it's like, DUH, why didn't I think of that before. I'm not quite too quick with it yet. I'm still changing how I hold the yarn and "throw" it. It's a small adjustment, but I have noticed, I'm getting through the row faster than I can purl a row, but I have also noticed my stitches are much tighter and not as loose as my knit.
My normal knit stitch isn't too loose, it's typically JUST right, but this backwards knit is definitely tighter, so I'll have to figure out the best method to loosen that up. On my eye of partridge heel, it's not that big of a deal, you won't notice a "row-out" but if I attempt this on something larger, say a sweater, it might be visible. But I'm also wondering with a larger weight yarn if it won't be as tight because right now, I'm on this fingering weight and giving it the death grip, where if it was worsted, I might not be so inclined to do so.
This backwards thing is something I will definitely continue to be doing. Especially for entrelac. I've been working this bag for like 2 years (maybe longer?) and it's been on the sidelines for awhile because there are so many more things that need done (i.e. the socks). But now that I have this new technique, maybe I'll pick it up and get through it faster. Of course this will definitely be after the sweater and socks that I'm currently doing. Again, it's the finishing year people! And this bag is something I've wanted for a long, long time. But already I'm in my head thinking of the NEXT sock project I want to work on.
I have this wonderful stripey yarn, it's the Knit Picks Schooner color and great for a spring-summer sock, so I'm considering maybe just a straight up knit around and around kind of sock. I'm dying to use that yarn up.
Speaking of yarns... I was a little less than pleased with the Knit Picks Imagination, Gingerbread House colorway. It's this tan with these bright red, blue and yellow streaks in it. For some reason it BOTHERS me. So I was considering giftin it to someone. BUT this morning, I had an epiphany. My friend just found out she's having a girl (yesterday) and I thought I could make the EZ Baby Surprise Jacket for her. And I should have enough yarn left over for some booties as well. Using the fingering/dk weight yarn (not sure what it's considered) and smaller needles will result in a smaller jacket for a newish born babe, depending on how big le baby is. So I'm excited once again and this yarn will no longer make ugly socks for me, but a cute jacket for baby. YAY!
And this really pays off well too because I've seen Ash's nursery colors and this jacket will definitely be in the same scheme. So it's doubly cool.
I've been pouring most of my creative outlet energy into knitting. Yes I have been doing a little bit every day. I'm really trying to get a pair of socks done... not just one, but BOTH. I am working the heel flap and it is slow going, but... of all things, I have now learned to knit BACKWARDS. Yes people, I thought it would be an arduous process, but not so much. The first step is doing. And once you do it and see it, it's like, DUH, why didn't I think of that before. I'm not quite too quick with it yet. I'm still changing how I hold the yarn and "throw" it. It's a small adjustment, but I have noticed, I'm getting through the row faster than I can purl a row, but I have also noticed my stitches are much tighter and not as loose as my knit.
My normal knit stitch isn't too loose, it's typically JUST right, but this backwards knit is definitely tighter, so I'll have to figure out the best method to loosen that up. On my eye of partridge heel, it's not that big of a deal, you won't notice a "row-out" but if I attempt this on something larger, say a sweater, it might be visible. But I'm also wondering with a larger weight yarn if it won't be as tight because right now, I'm on this fingering weight and giving it the death grip, where if it was worsted, I might not be so inclined to do so.
This backwards thing is something I will definitely continue to be doing. Especially for entrelac. I've been working this bag for like 2 years (maybe longer?) and it's been on the sidelines for awhile because there are so many more things that need done (i.e. the socks). But now that I have this new technique, maybe I'll pick it up and get through it faster. Of course this will definitely be after the sweater and socks that I'm currently doing. Again, it's the finishing year people! And this bag is something I've wanted for a long, long time. But already I'm in my head thinking of the NEXT sock project I want to work on.
I have this wonderful stripey yarn, it's the Knit Picks Schooner color and great for a spring-summer sock, so I'm considering maybe just a straight up knit around and around kind of sock. I'm dying to use that yarn up.
Speaking of yarns... I was a little less than pleased with the Knit Picks Imagination, Gingerbread House colorway. It's this tan with these bright red, blue and yellow streaks in it. For some reason it BOTHERS me. So I was considering giftin it to someone. BUT this morning, I had an epiphany. My friend just found out she's having a girl (yesterday) and I thought I could make the EZ Baby Surprise Jacket for her. And I should have enough yarn left over for some booties as well. Using the fingering/dk weight yarn (not sure what it's considered) and smaller needles will result in a smaller jacket for a newish born babe, depending on how big le baby is. So I'm excited once again and this yarn will no longer make ugly socks for me, but a cute jacket for baby. YAY!
And this really pays off well too because I've seen Ash's nursery colors and this jacket will definitely be in the same scheme. So it's doubly cool.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Knitting: Mystery Socks
So, I've been going to Temptations at least once a month for the past few months to attend the Mystery Sock "class". Not really a class, but sort of. One you don't have to pay for, so BONUS on that part. Anyway, it's a fun group. You go and learn new techniques, sometimes or just a new way to do an old thing. There are 2 socks that I have done really well with, the first was called Fade Away and the 2nd is called Friendship sock. Both are color strand work which is why I think I've done well at finishing them. Well, the first sock anyway. Still need to do the 2nd to fade away and I need to finish the rest of the friendship one. Which I hope to do this week.
Now typically I've noticed, smaller weight yarn, dk/fingering socks on zero and 1 size needles do take FOREVER for me to finish, it's just round and round of monotony sort of. But with the color work for some reason, I fly on those?! I haven't quite figured on the gyst of it because you'd think it would slow me down, being there are 2 pieces of yarn, etc. And most people do go slower because they don't knit 2 handed. Luckily I've kind of taught myself to either carry 2 colors in my left as I knit or what has become even quicker for me is to knit with both hands. Main color on my left and Contrast on my right. I am in fact a continental knitter which makes this "easier" I think. For some reason out of most people I've spoken with. Those that have learned the English/Throwing way to knit, have much more difficulty then switching to continental. Again, I don't know this first hand, but this is what I've heard.
Which also brings me around to... knitting backwards... i've heard of this and I know people do it, but I've never seen it. So I am quite curious on that and am wondering if this is a technique I might be able to get ahold of and master. Anyway, that is definitely another thing to look into this year.
But as a progress report on my FINISHING of things this year I have finished one thing so far, Brian's sock, the 1st of the pair. And hoping this friendship sock, the first of its' pair will be done around this weekend (am hoping). And the sleeves for the BIG green cable sweater are coming along. I made good progress on them last week. So yes... we are starting off on the RIGHT foot. And I've been good and haven't casted on much. Except socks. I'm hot on the socks trail right now. I want to finish a pair!!! Really, really I do.
So here's the friendship sock... and if I haven't explained already, it's called a friendship sock because we were to bring 6 balls of colored yarn to class and we exchanged with one another for 6 different pieces from our "friends" and then those are used for the striping. The colors in the pic aren't quite TRUE to real life, but anyway, it gives an idea.
Now typically I've noticed, smaller weight yarn, dk/fingering socks on zero and 1 size needles do take FOREVER for me to finish, it's just round and round of monotony sort of. But with the color work for some reason, I fly on those?! I haven't quite figured on the gyst of it because you'd think it would slow me down, being there are 2 pieces of yarn, etc. And most people do go slower because they don't knit 2 handed. Luckily I've kind of taught myself to either carry 2 colors in my left as I knit or what has become even quicker for me is to knit with both hands. Main color on my left and Contrast on my right. I am in fact a continental knitter which makes this "easier" I think. For some reason out of most people I've spoken with. Those that have learned the English/Throwing way to knit, have much more difficulty then switching to continental. Again, I don't know this first hand, but this is what I've heard.
Which also brings me around to... knitting backwards... i've heard of this and I know people do it, but I've never seen it. So I am quite curious on that and am wondering if this is a technique I might be able to get ahold of and master. Anyway, that is definitely another thing to look into this year.
But as a progress report on my FINISHING of things this year I have finished one thing so far, Brian's sock, the 1st of the pair. And hoping this friendship sock, the first of its' pair will be done around this weekend (am hoping). And the sleeves for the BIG green cable sweater are coming along. I made good progress on them last week. So yes... we are starting off on the RIGHT foot. And I've been good and haven't casted on much. Except socks. I'm hot on the socks trail right now. I want to finish a pair!!! Really, really I do.
So here's the friendship sock... and if I haven't explained already, it's called a friendship sock because we were to bring 6 balls of colored yarn to class and we exchanged with one another for 6 different pieces from our "friends" and then those are used for the striping. The colors in the pic aren't quite TRUE to real life, but anyway, it gives an idea.
Knitting: So much to update on...
Here are the THINGS I need to talk about.
1. Weekend knitting/hocking hills
2. Mystery sock, half way there!
3. Upcoming knit camp
4. MLK
5. Big Cable sweater
6. Desire for lace?
7. the NEED for more stranded color work
8. Knit night recap (last Thursday)
9. Sock patterns running around my head
And there's probably other things, but right now that is all I can think of and I don't have time to get it all out
1. Weekend knitting/hocking hills
2. Mystery sock, half way there!
3. Upcoming knit camp
4. MLK
5. Big Cable sweater
6. Desire for lace?
7. the NEED for more stranded color work
8. Knit night recap (last Thursday)
9. Sock patterns running around my head
And there's probably other things, but right now that is all I can think of and I don't have time to get it all out
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Knitting: Little successs feed the frenzy!
So I now have ONE finished sock. YEP, most of you that read this have seen it. Brian's socks are halfway to completion. YAY! And while I SHOULD get to work on the second one like STAT... I'm not going to. LOL
I have a gorgeous pair already in progress, so I'm going to work on those. HEre is what I have decided about them. Since I have only the cuff and one pattern repeat finished on the sock. I'm going to take the skein, split it and start the 2nd sock. Once I've completed the first repeat, I'm throwing both on a circ and going to town on 2 at once. I figure this is the only way I'm going to get anything finished. I have desire to finish and I love the color of these socks and I love the yarn. But it's TINY weight and I'm working on 1's. MIght even switch to the zero circ once I'm there, but we'll see. I like the pattern as well, so hopefully those will be my NEXT finished accomplishment. Pics to come... but oh the dread ribbing................
But for your viewing pleasure... the first sock for Brian.
On my foot:
And on the blockers (which are too small)
I have a gorgeous pair already in progress, so I'm going to work on those. HEre is what I have decided about them. Since I have only the cuff and one pattern repeat finished on the sock. I'm going to take the skein, split it and start the 2nd sock. Once I've completed the first repeat, I'm throwing both on a circ and going to town on 2 at once. I figure this is the only way I'm going to get anything finished. I have desire to finish and I love the color of these socks and I love the yarn. But it's TINY weight and I'm working on 1's. MIght even switch to the zero circ once I'm there, but we'll see. I like the pattern as well, so hopefully those will be my NEXT finished accomplishment. Pics to come... but oh the dread ribbing................
But for your viewing pleasure... the first sock for Brian.
On my foot:
And on the blockers (which are too small)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Knitting: To steek or not to steek
So I'm going to cast on for Addi's sweater today. It's a fair isle cardigan pattern, written as a flat knit, but rather than do that, I'm considering adopting Elizabeth Zimmerman's preference to knit in the round and steek it. I have another project that will be steeked which is the Aguona laptop bag kit from Knit Picks, but that will be some time as I've set it in hibernation for a bit. Just too many other things going on, but I haven't lost my love for it, nor am I mad at it, but it is in timeout all the same. :)
So steeking, it what's in! Just kidding, but I happened to run across an old interweave with a steeking article, of course I have all of EZ's references about it and the recent knit picks catalog has a section on it. SO I have plenty of resources to get me started. Well, I better go so I can get this casted on and get going. It should be an interesting learning experience.
So steeking, it what's in! Just kidding, but I happened to run across an old interweave with a steeking article, of course I have all of EZ's references about it and the recent knit picks catalog has a section on it. SO I have plenty of resources to get me started. Well, I better go so I can get this casted on and get going. It should be an interesting learning experience.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Knitting: Ravelry is the coolest it's what everyone is saying
Ok, I don't know why I titled it that way, but it seemed funny at the time. Don't hate.
Anyway, yesterday some folks commented on the progress bars posted on the blog here (which I think are way fab!). I believe I had first seen them on Mollyloohoo's, oh and she's doing this flower project for her thesis so if you have some extra time and want to help a gal out, go here and read all about it (how's that for a pimp-yo!), and Cath's blogs. So I said, "Hey, where'd you get that neat code stuff?"
Well I didn't really say that, but I did ask, Cath then led me to the wiki link on RAVELRY itself. Which does shock and amaze me because... really, who thinks up this shit?! I mean, I think of a lot of random crap, like wouldn't it be nice to have xxx but then to actually CODE it and make it a reality. My brain just doesn't work in those patterns. I mean I really feel like code IS an art. It's not my style of art, but it truly is amazing to me. I guess I take for granted that the programs I use daily are all just code, but we've gotten so used to the mundane and then Ravelry came along and swept us away with the awesomeness.
At least a couple of times a week, I notice these little gidgets are out there, like extra clicky things that do some piece of awesomeness. This all goes on and on and on, always with these updates. And then sometimes I get scared... what if some evil monster tries to take Ravelry away. What will we all do. Or what if Casey just says, "Heck no, I'm tired." And is done. EEK!? I will pray that THAT day never happens or is way too far off in the future for me to conceptualize.
Anyway, since you have all been so patient, that work in progress wiki is here. I hope those that have asked and that want can make the most of it. Enjoy!
And PS, since I am a little of an awesome coder... you will now notice all my links will open EXTERNAL windows so that you don't even have to leave my blog! GO ME! :)
Anyway, yesterday some folks commented on the progress bars posted on the blog here (which I think are way fab!). I believe I had first seen them on Mollyloohoo's, oh and she's doing this flower project for her thesis so if you have some extra time and want to help a gal out, go here and read all about it (how's that for a pimp-yo!), and Cath's blogs. So I said, "Hey, where'd you get that neat code stuff?"
Well I didn't really say that, but I did ask, Cath then led me to the wiki link on RAVELRY itself. Which does shock and amaze me because... really, who thinks up this shit?! I mean, I think of a lot of random crap, like wouldn't it be nice to have xxx but then to actually CODE it and make it a reality. My brain just doesn't work in those patterns. I mean I really feel like code IS an art. It's not my style of art, but it truly is amazing to me. I guess I take for granted that the programs I use daily are all just code, but we've gotten so used to the mundane and then Ravelry came along and swept us away with the awesomeness.
At least a couple of times a week, I notice these little gidgets are out there, like extra clicky things that do some piece of awesomeness. This all goes on and on and on, always with these updates. And then sometimes I get scared... what if some evil monster tries to take Ravelry away. What will we all do. Or what if Casey just says, "Heck no, I'm tired." And is done. EEK!? I will pray that THAT day never happens or is way too far off in the future for me to conceptualize.
Anyway, since you have all been so patient, that work in progress wiki is here. I hope those that have asked and that want can make the most of it. Enjoy!
And PS, since I am a little of an awesome coder... you will now notice all my links will open EXTERNAL windows so that you don't even have to leave my blog! GO ME! :)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Knitting: The Husband sock progresses
Due in large part to lunchtime knitting yesterday, I had a good start done on the heel flap. I then worked on it with the Wednesday gals at Choc Cafe. I would have gotten into the heel turn last night, but ended up leaving early due to problems with my eye ball. It felt as if there was something there, on the surface or under my lid that was causing severe discomfort. So I left knitting early and headed over to CVS for eye drops... which by the way didn't entirely work. By the time I got home, my eye was REALLY red, itchy and ouchy. I took some benedryl to take down the swelling. And after trying to flush whatever it was out, I went to bed early.
This morning, the irritation is back. I'm wondering if I maybe have a bump or something on my eye lid which is causing the annoyance. I'm considering calling the doc and maybe heading over there today to have it checked.
Anyway, off of that tangeant and back to socks. The heel flap is now down, so today at lunch or this evening at knitting I will be turning the heel. Then I'll be down the home stretch and dare I say I might get done with this sock by the weekend, or sometime during the weekend?! Won't that be marvelous?! And if I can do that... then I can cast on and start the 2nd sock. This is the most pull I've ever had to do a 2nd sock. Usually by the time I'm done with the first I just don't want to look at the pattern anymore. This is why 2 socks at a time has such appeal, but darnit I cannot make it work in my favor cause I hate the magic loop. But I think I just really need to get over that annoyance and do it. Cause let me just tell you I have enough sock yarn for ... well, for a lot of damn socks, so I need to do something to get them done.
And speaking of sock yarn... what the H is knit picks trying to do? Bankrupt me?! Seriously has anyone seen the new Felici stripes? OMG... I like practically ALL of them and I really want them. Oh and after seeing Liz's Patina striped socks... you can see the gorgeousness here. I'm seriously craving that color as well and it's on clearance. So ya seeeee.. when the H am I going to do all these socks?
I do have one advantage though... a wonderful book, More Sensational Knitted Socks(also on sale now at knit picks 40%), basically it lets you create your own patterned socks, so that is definitely incentive to make stuff. It allows you to put stuff together and create your own design, which for me makes knitting fun and interesting. Now... to master that 2 at a time thing....
So much knitting, so little time.
This morning, the irritation is back. I'm wondering if I maybe have a bump or something on my eye lid which is causing the annoyance. I'm considering calling the doc and maybe heading over there today to have it checked.
Anyway, off of that tangeant and back to socks. The heel flap is now down, so today at lunch or this evening at knitting I will be turning the heel. Then I'll be down the home stretch and dare I say I might get done with this sock by the weekend, or sometime during the weekend?! Won't that be marvelous?! And if I can do that... then I can cast on and start the 2nd sock. This is the most pull I've ever had to do a 2nd sock. Usually by the time I'm done with the first I just don't want to look at the pattern anymore. This is why 2 socks at a time has such appeal, but darnit I cannot make it work in my favor cause I hate the magic loop. But I think I just really need to get over that annoyance and do it. Cause let me just tell you I have enough sock yarn for ... well, for a lot of damn socks, so I need to do something to get them done.
And speaking of sock yarn... what the H is knit picks trying to do? Bankrupt me?! Seriously has anyone seen the new Felici stripes? OMG... I like practically ALL of them and I really want them. Oh and after seeing Liz's Patina striped socks... you can see the gorgeousness here. I'm seriously craving that color as well and it's on clearance. So ya seeeee.. when the H am I going to do all these socks?
I do have one advantage though... a wonderful book, More Sensational Knitted Socks(also on sale now at knit picks 40%), basically it lets you create your own patterned socks, so that is definitely incentive to make stuff. It allows you to put stuff together and create your own design, which for me makes knitting fun and interesting. Now... to master that 2 at a time thing....
So much knitting, so little time.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Knitting: A Page a Day by the Yarn Harlot
So shortly before Christmas, I picked up the Yarn Harlot's page a day calendar. I was waiting with baited breath for the new year to start so I could read funny anecdotes and tips for the new year.
Well, I brought aforementioned calendar to work to sit on my desk, which is where I am for a GIANT chunk of the day and because of my eye surgery and subsequent vacation days, today was the first day I got to read it. And so I had SEVEN days to catch up on.
My fave of course was for today! I feel like Stephanie was talking TO me, ABOUT me. As most of my friends know, I rarely finish things. Although this year I am making a concentrated effort to do just that. I have been dilligently working on Brian's socks and made quite a bit of progress yesterday. I tried them on him, he like the length where it currently is and I will be starting the heel flap today. I'm planning an eye of partridge flap because it looks nice and I feel it's pretty durable. So I get my lunch hour to knit today because my friends are all booked, so just me and my knitting and probably some soup or a grilled cheese. YAY for lunch knitting. And YAY to a possible light at the end of the sock tunnel.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Knitting: not much going on around here.
So I've completely wasted the day away... darn that facebook! Shew, sucked me in. It's kind of cool, I keep finding more and more people every day that I've lost touch with over the years. Weirder still the majority of them have children now as well. I sometimes wonder if it's in the cards for Brian and I. Oh well, when the time is right it'll happen... or it won't and that's ok, too. Just take it as it comes.
In the meantime, though, I do have 3 babies to knit for. My niece addison, who'll be 1 in feb. Have a cute little colorful cardigan to make for her. And then friend Ashley is due in June with a ????. Am probably going to make booties and hat/sweater set for him/her. Her grandma is a knitter/crocheter as well and will probably make an afghan, so I opted not to do a blankie. And then SIL Kelly is due in July and I picked out a pattern and yarn today to make a blanket for her. So much knitting to do this year...sheesh!
In other news, I've got 3 socks going along. Brian's is the furthest so far, but his is also worsted weight. I haven't taken any pictures of any of them lately. Been lazy on the photo front recently. I have been doing my project 365 photos but that is about it. Although, bonus stars for me, I did photograph my new knit picks yarns this morning. I have yet to upload them. Maybe tomorrow at work or something. I mean who actually works at work... lol, just kidding!
So, dare I say it, I went shopping again?!! Good grief. I needed some needles, ended up with those AND yarn! I'm making an aran afghan with blocks, so I bought yarn for that (Cascade) and got my needles. I also purchased some of those sock needle tubes. Was going to get them at Knit picks, but they had them for a bit cheaper at the yarn shop. So I got those too. Maybe this will help keep Sophia from chewing the sticks right out of the sock. Anyway, that was all, oh and I did swing by Joanns to grab a few more SugarNCreams--on sale $1.99! YAY!
so, yeah, I'm really done now. yarn stash is fully enhanced and I need to turn into a knitting fool. FINISH, FINISH, FINISH!
In the meantime, though, I do have 3 babies to knit for. My niece addison, who'll be 1 in feb. Have a cute little colorful cardigan to make for her. And then friend Ashley is due in June with a ????. Am probably going to make booties and hat/sweater set for him/her. Her grandma is a knitter/crocheter as well and will probably make an afghan, so I opted not to do a blankie. And then SIL Kelly is due in July and I picked out a pattern and yarn today to make a blanket for her. So much knitting to do this year...sheesh!
In other news, I've got 3 socks going along. Brian's is the furthest so far, but his is also worsted weight. I haven't taken any pictures of any of them lately. Been lazy on the photo front recently. I have been doing my project 365 photos but that is about it. Although, bonus stars for me, I did photograph my new knit picks yarns this morning. I have yet to upload them. Maybe tomorrow at work or something. I mean who actually works at work... lol, just kidding!
So, dare I say it, I went shopping again?!! Good grief. I needed some needles, ended up with those AND yarn! I'm making an aran afghan with blocks, so I bought yarn for that (Cascade) and got my needles. I also purchased some of those sock needle tubes. Was going to get them at Knit picks, but they had them for a bit cheaper at the yarn shop. So I got those too. Maybe this will help keep Sophia from chewing the sticks right out of the sock. Anyway, that was all, oh and I did swing by Joanns to grab a few more SugarNCreams--on sale $1.99! YAY!
so, yeah, I'm really done now. yarn stash is fully enhanced and I need to turn into a knitting fool. FINISH, FINISH, FINISH!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Knitting: Serious lack of progress
I knew having lasik/prk would inhibit my knitting for a little bit, but I guess I didn't realize how much. I thought maybe a day or so and then I'd be back to "normal." But, not so much. Could it be that the projects I'm choosing to knit on are small? For instance socks on fingering weight yarn with size one needles? Yes, I think it's quite a strain on the peepers.
So after attempting to work on my blue butterfingers yesterday, I gave up and started working on the husband socks.
Here is a progress shot of those:
This is not the best detail of course, but it will have to do for now.
I made much more progress with Brian's socks, of course it's worsted weight/aran yarn on size six needles... so of course the rounds LOOK bigger. But they are coming along nicely now. I am doing the double fleck pattern which is fairly easy to remember and it's only a 6 stitch x 4 row repeat, so I'll be good until I get to the heel. I'm still not quite sure how long to make the leg. The yarn was pretty pricey and I don't want to run out, nor do I want a lot left over, sooo... I have to judge it right on. Perhaps I can do some research to see how much yarn it has taken from pt to pt and then I can properly guage how much I'll need for finishing. Or perhaps, I can take the other skein of yarn and start a toe up sock at the same time and see how that turns out. I should have done them toe up to begin with. I don't know why I didn't. Oh well, too late now, I'm not undoing the progress I've made. Although, it is still in the infant stages so the time to frog would be now... hmmm... dilemma, indeed.
Anyway, today has been spent working from home. And other than this blog update, I have actually done quite a bit of actual work. Granted, I'd rather be knitting, but who wouldn't right?! I don't know how I'm going to adjust to normal life tomorrow being back to work and all. It's been a somewhat glorious time off with lots of sleep and healing of course. Didn't do as much knitting as I'd hoped, but I also didn't think I'd be qo knocked out from the eyes. Oh well, I have plenty to keep my evenings busy!
So after attempting to work on my blue butterfingers yesterday, I gave up and started working on the husband socks.
Here is a progress shot of those:
This is not the best detail of course, but it will have to do for now.
I made much more progress with Brian's socks, of course it's worsted weight/aran yarn on size six needles... so of course the rounds LOOK bigger. But they are coming along nicely now. I am doing the double fleck pattern which is fairly easy to remember and it's only a 6 stitch x 4 row repeat, so I'll be good until I get to the heel. I'm still not quite sure how long to make the leg. The yarn was pretty pricey and I don't want to run out, nor do I want a lot left over, sooo... I have to judge it right on. Perhaps I can do some research to see how much yarn it has taken from pt to pt and then I can properly guage how much I'll need for finishing. Or perhaps, I can take the other skein of yarn and start a toe up sock at the same time and see how that turns out. I should have done them toe up to begin with. I don't know why I didn't. Oh well, too late now, I'm not undoing the progress I've made. Although, it is still in the infant stages so the time to frog would be now... hmmm... dilemma, indeed.
Anyway, today has been spent working from home. And other than this blog update, I have actually done quite a bit of actual work. Granted, I'd rather be knitting, but who wouldn't right?! I don't know how I'm going to adjust to normal life tomorrow being back to work and all. It's been a somewhat glorious time off with lots of sleep and healing of course. Didn't do as much knitting as I'd hoped, but I also didn't think I'd be qo knocked out from the eyes. Oh well, I have plenty to keep my evenings busy!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Knitting: 365
So I'm wondering if I can knit every day in 2009? Maybe I should do 2 project 365s. One for every day I knit and one for just random photos. HA! Pace yourself, Kristie.
Anyway, took a trip to Heavenly Creations yesterday. Met Lindsey there. She didn't buy anything, but I sure did. It's an obsession. Seriously though, that is IT. I'm cutting myself off. Cold Turkey!!! REALLY I can stop anytime!
I specifically went in for these elcheapo little short 5 inch bamboo sock needles. Needed to replace my zeros and ones. But they didn't have anymore. While there I saw the 9" circs by Chia Goo or whatever the name is. My sister and I saw them at Yarn Cravin in Perrysburg a few months ago. Of course a week or so later, she asked me to get her some if I saw them. So I called and she said she still wanted them, so I got those for her. Although I am very tempted to open the pack and try them out on the socks I'm currently working on!
I also picked up the super cute Fiber Trends pattern called Felt Flock. It's cute little sheep. I'm kind of wanting the alpacas, too. But let's face it, what the H am I going to do with them. Ah well, they are all super cute anyway. I also got another pattern for felt fishies. Again, not sure what I'm going to do with them. But maybe if I ever have a kid, these things will come in handy. I could see doing a fish tank type baby room. That'd be up my alley. Oh and of course I bought some yarn too.
Malabrigo lace... YOMYOMYOM! OMG, this stuff is so amazing. And at 8.95 for 470 yards, that is the cheapest I've seen it. So I bought this variagated blues color. It's for the waves and dolphin lace motifs I put together for a scarf. I drew up the pattern several months ago before becoming frustrated with lace. Well, now that I have soft gorgeous malabrigo, maybe I'll try lace again this year. BUT, I WILL NOT CAST ON UNTIL I FINISH AT LEAST TWO PROJECTS! I promise. I think lace is really one of those things you just have to keep going on. It's easy to lose your spot and with all the Y/O's things can get tense. So, as I said... finishing some stuff first, for sure!
Speaking of fnishing. Lindsey and I worked on our socks yesterday. She worked on the 2nd sock from the November Mystery Sock-Butterfingers. I worked on my Sophie Socks that I started the other night. It's a 6 stitch pattern from the More Sensational Socks book called Crosshatch Lace. It's coming along well, but SOOOOOO slow! OMG! I've only finished like 4 repeats so far. Then I was having a bit of trouble seeing and stuff cause my eyes were hurting. I thought it might be the color of the yarn contributing, so I picked up my Butterfingers sock and worked a couple of rows before realizing my eyes were just plain exhausted. I could barely keep them open. So I came to bed (6:30) and ZONKED OUT! I first woke up around 9, then crashed back out. Woke up around 10, got up, put eye drops in, took some more pills and back to bed I went. So of course at 4AM, WIDE AWAKE! But that's ok. Brian will be gone all day which means I can get a bit of cleaning done and then nap.
Oh and I'll be doing some knitting as well.
So my plans for the week are to work more on the sleeves of the green sweater and the socks. Lindsey and I discussed yesterday how many people are going to try and do a pair of socks each month and she thought if she did nothing else she could do socks, but then she wouldn't be able to work on anything else. And I was thinking depending on yarn weight it would obviously be faster do to worsted weight socks... but who wants that, right?! SO of course we like the delicate fine yarns for socks which in turn take for freaking ever. But I did more thinking on it in the wee hours of the morn today and I thought having a goal of getting at least ONE sock of a pair done would be doable. Especially for me considering I work on a multitude of things at the same time. SO, if I did at least ONE sock per month for the rest of the year, I should end up with 6 finished pair. That's a good goal I think.
And since I don't have an updated picture of my current sock WIPS, I leave you with a shot of the ever adorable Sophia!
Anyway, took a trip to Heavenly Creations yesterday. Met Lindsey there. She didn't buy anything, but I sure did. It's an obsession. Seriously though, that is IT. I'm cutting myself off. Cold Turkey!!! REALLY I can stop anytime!
I specifically went in for these elcheapo little short 5 inch bamboo sock needles. Needed to replace my zeros and ones. But they didn't have anymore. While there I saw the 9" circs by Chia Goo or whatever the name is. My sister and I saw them at Yarn Cravin in Perrysburg a few months ago. Of course a week or so later, she asked me to get her some if I saw them. So I called and she said she still wanted them, so I got those for her. Although I am very tempted to open the pack and try them out on the socks I'm currently working on!
I also picked up the super cute Fiber Trends pattern called Felt Flock. It's cute little sheep. I'm kind of wanting the alpacas, too. But let's face it, what the H am I going to do with them. Ah well, they are all super cute anyway. I also got another pattern for felt fishies. Again, not sure what I'm going to do with them. But maybe if I ever have a kid, these things will come in handy. I could see doing a fish tank type baby room. That'd be up my alley. Oh and of course I bought some yarn too.
Malabrigo lace... YOMYOMYOM! OMG, this stuff is so amazing. And at 8.95 for 470 yards, that is the cheapest I've seen it. So I bought this variagated blues color. It's for the waves and dolphin lace motifs I put together for a scarf. I drew up the pattern several months ago before becoming frustrated with lace. Well, now that I have soft gorgeous malabrigo, maybe I'll try lace again this year. BUT, I WILL NOT CAST ON UNTIL I FINISH AT LEAST TWO PROJECTS! I promise. I think lace is really one of those things you just have to keep going on. It's easy to lose your spot and with all the Y/O's things can get tense. So, as I said... finishing some stuff first, for sure!
Speaking of fnishing. Lindsey and I worked on our socks yesterday. She worked on the 2nd sock from the November Mystery Sock-Butterfingers. I worked on my Sophie Socks that I started the other night. It's a 6 stitch pattern from the More Sensational Socks book called Crosshatch Lace. It's coming along well, but SOOOOOO slow! OMG! I've only finished like 4 repeats so far. Then I was having a bit of trouble seeing and stuff cause my eyes were hurting. I thought it might be the color of the yarn contributing, so I picked up my Butterfingers sock and worked a couple of rows before realizing my eyes were just plain exhausted. I could barely keep them open. So I came to bed (6:30) and ZONKED OUT! I first woke up around 9, then crashed back out. Woke up around 10, got up, put eye drops in, took some more pills and back to bed I went. So of course at 4AM, WIDE AWAKE! But that's ok. Brian will be gone all day which means I can get a bit of cleaning done and then nap.
Oh and I'll be doing some knitting as well.
So my plans for the week are to work more on the sleeves of the green sweater and the socks. Lindsey and I discussed yesterday how many people are going to try and do a pair of socks each month and she thought if she did nothing else she could do socks, but then she wouldn't be able to work on anything else. And I was thinking depending on yarn weight it would obviously be faster do to worsted weight socks... but who wants that, right?! SO of course we like the delicate fine yarns for socks which in turn take for freaking ever. But I did more thinking on it in the wee hours of the morn today and I thought having a goal of getting at least ONE sock of a pair done would be doable. Especially for me considering I work on a multitude of things at the same time. SO, if I did at least ONE sock per month for the rest of the year, I should end up with 6 finished pair. That's a good goal I think.
And since I don't have an updated picture of my current sock WIPS, I leave you with a shot of the ever adorable Sophia!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Welcome to 2009
SO I guess I need to start 2009 off a day or so late, but eh... no biggie.
We rang in the New Year with Andyman and the Prodigals at the LC. It was a fun time. I expected a lot more people, but it was a good crowd anyway.
For dinner on the first, we had Pork and Kraut, the obligatory first meal of the new year to bring luck or something. Where this tradition started, I have no clue. But it was something we did growing up, so I carry that with me. And Brian loves sauerkraut, too. I also made a brie-something. Can't remember the name, but basically it was brie wrapped in pastry with pecans and honey. Had it a few weeks ago and it was one of the best ways I've ever had Brie. Unfortunately, my pastry shell leaked and the brie rolled out into the dish all creamy and melty and mixed with the honey. It was still good though.
Today, was my appointment for eye surgery. I had lasek done in my left eye. And in my very bad right eye, he performed and AST/PRK surgery. I was pretty nervous while having it done. I think I may have stopped breathing a bit. I was trying to concentrate on that, but I've noticed that to concentrate on breathing it works better if I close my eyes, and I couldn't really do that.
The experience overall was quite weird. There is really no describing it, it's one of those things no one will understand unless they have it done. Basically, he peeled back my lids and did the business. I had to stare at this blinking green light and there was the buzz of the laser, me holding my breath, the nurse in the back saying 25% done, 50% done, 75% done, Kristie your left eye is complete. Then basically the same thing for the right, except it hurt a lot more. I can't tell you WHAT was different exactly, but it totally was and it was ouchy. I would have cried if I could. And then it was done, too. I couldn't really see that well out of the left eye at first, but I could see out of my right eye (and that was the BAD one).
Then they tape these plastic things over your eyes and you are done. Presto-magic-like. I have to wear the plastic to bed (not totally comfortable), but it's to ensure the flap doesn't move on the left eye and on the right I have a "contact bandage" to heal. I'll probably have the contact removed when I go back on Tuesday for my checkup. I have one tomorrow morning as well.
I took the pre-surgery valium, so the drive home I was getting fairly drowsy. Plus the LIGHT... OMG the light... killing me.
So I got home, got in bed and tried to sleep. I dozed a bit, not as long as I would have liked and when I woke up, I put the sunglasses back on and tried to put eye drops in. It was ridiculous. I actually went into my bedroom closet and closed the door. It was pitch black in there and I could finally open my eyes without pain. So I put one of the numbing drops in and it started to feel better. Sunglasses back on and back to bed. I just sat against the pillows with my eyes closed. It wasn't until my 2nd nap, that I feel so much better. There is still a twinge of pain in the right eye, but the left feels pretty good. And the light isn't bothersome anymore.
Now for the bad news... as the right eye heals, my vision will actually probably get cloudy and blurry over the next few days. BOO! But then... it will all be better.
And the good... I CAN SEE!!! Unaided with glasses, contacts, etc... it's definitely freeing and amazing and I'm so happy, even over the pain, I'm happier to not be a slave to the ritual anymore.
I didn't get any knitting done today, obviously, but that should be back on track tomorrow.
As part of my Project 365 for 2009, I give you ME in my glasses, for what will hopefully be the last time for a very long time.
We rang in the New Year with Andyman and the Prodigals at the LC. It was a fun time. I expected a lot more people, but it was a good crowd anyway.
For dinner on the first, we had Pork and Kraut, the obligatory first meal of the new year to bring luck or something. Where this tradition started, I have no clue. But it was something we did growing up, so I carry that with me. And Brian loves sauerkraut, too. I also made a brie-something. Can't remember the name, but basically it was brie wrapped in pastry with pecans and honey. Had it a few weeks ago and it was one of the best ways I've ever had Brie. Unfortunately, my pastry shell leaked and the brie rolled out into the dish all creamy and melty and mixed with the honey. It was still good though.
Today, was my appointment for eye surgery. I had lasek done in my left eye. And in my very bad right eye, he performed and AST/PRK surgery. I was pretty nervous while having it done. I think I may have stopped breathing a bit. I was trying to concentrate on that, but I've noticed that to concentrate on breathing it works better if I close my eyes, and I couldn't really do that.
The experience overall was quite weird. There is really no describing it, it's one of those things no one will understand unless they have it done. Basically, he peeled back my lids and did the business. I had to stare at this blinking green light and there was the buzz of the laser, me holding my breath, the nurse in the back saying 25% done, 50% done, 75% done, Kristie your left eye is complete. Then basically the same thing for the right, except it hurt a lot more. I can't tell you WHAT was different exactly, but it totally was and it was ouchy. I would have cried if I could. And then it was done, too. I couldn't really see that well out of the left eye at first, but I could see out of my right eye (and that was the BAD one).
Then they tape these plastic things over your eyes and you are done. Presto-magic-like. I have to wear the plastic to bed (not totally comfortable), but it's to ensure the flap doesn't move on the left eye and on the right I have a "contact bandage" to heal. I'll probably have the contact removed when I go back on Tuesday for my checkup. I have one tomorrow morning as well.
I took the pre-surgery valium, so the drive home I was getting fairly drowsy. Plus the LIGHT... OMG the light... killing me.
So I got home, got in bed and tried to sleep. I dozed a bit, not as long as I would have liked and when I woke up, I put the sunglasses back on and tried to put eye drops in. It was ridiculous. I actually went into my bedroom closet and closed the door. It was pitch black in there and I could finally open my eyes without pain. So I put one of the numbing drops in and it started to feel better. Sunglasses back on and back to bed. I just sat against the pillows with my eyes closed. It wasn't until my 2nd nap, that I feel so much better. There is still a twinge of pain in the right eye, but the left feels pretty good. And the light isn't bothersome anymore.
Now for the bad news... as the right eye heals, my vision will actually probably get cloudy and blurry over the next few days. BOO! But then... it will all be better.
And the good... I CAN SEE!!! Unaided with glasses, contacts, etc... it's definitely freeing and amazing and I'm so happy, even over the pain, I'm happier to not be a slave to the ritual anymore.
I didn't get any knitting done today, obviously, but that should be back on track tomorrow.
As part of my Project 365 for 2009, I give you ME in my glasses, for what will hopefully be the last time for a very long time.
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