Knitting: Forging ahead

So, I've been plunging ahead on my knitting projects. Last week, I managed to FINISH a couple of things even!

First up the Travelling Woman shawlette. Had I known how much yarn this project actually took, I would have made it larger and with more repeats. I now have a decent sized ball left, still to be weighed, but I might eke out a pair of anklets, kid socks, or just save for future color work projects.

I don't have much notes on this project, except that it's quite a simple and easy lace piece. It was quick to knit and I didn't have too many problems, except a dropped stitch towards the end. All in all, not too bad.



Next I finished the first sock of the SKA Mystery Sock challenge for July. I was going to immediately cast on the 2nd sock, but I needed a little break.



So for the "break" I started another sock with some reclaimed yarn. The pattern is VORTEX by Chrissy Gardner. It's a heavily cabled pattern that I am really enjoying. The yarn was originally being used in the Dude Abides, however this colorway had a bit of green that matched too well with the MC green and the colorwork didn't POP as nicely as I wanted. I had a fair amount of that foot done, too, so it was hard to pull out, but.... I did it. I am happy with my choice and made a lot of progress on it this weekend (though the photo doesn't show how much more I really knit).



I'm considering casting on the 2nd sock as soon as I finish the gusset increases. I'm thinking, doing them side by side might help me to finish quicker? Or else REALLY tire of the cable pattern, we'll see.

And on Sunday while working on the Vortex, I had a couple of rough spots, so after like the 3rd one, I decided it was going in time out. I had my other yarn with me of course, so I cast on the 2nd sock for the Ska Mystery sock. I'm more than half way through the toe increases and hope to start the colorwork part of the pattern this evening.

Progress all around and... I've been really turned on by some Janel Laidman patterns. I bought her 2nd book a couple of months ago on a trip to Bargain Yarns. It's called the Enchanted Sole. The patterns are all pretty intricate... but wow oh wow are they cool. Also on the horizon is a pattern from the latest issue of Knitscene. It was some very pretty all over cable work that would be quite pretty on some of my solid yarns. BUT first... the projects at hand.

August is an "off" month for the Ska Challenges, so I'll have a bit of a break. I should be getting the Blue Moon Sock club installment within the next couple of weeks so that might be a new project for me AND I have some baby projects that need started as well as Christmas knitting. I'm starting early people, I need to space this stuff out, there never seems to be enough time!

Knitting : The sound and fury

So, not really sound... kind of silent really. And who likes William Faulkner (not I)! Anyway... this weekend I did several KNIT type of things.

Thursday was knit knite... where I had some issues with what I was working on, so I stalled out and didn't have another project handy so I just chatted, laughed, etc. Enjoyable time as always.

Next up... Friday, I spent the early hours fixing the Thursday mistake which was slipper #1 or was it 2? Anyway, I ended up making slipper #2, as well. Then I decided it would be a good time for felting, so Friday evening, I felted the slippers and Entrelac gift bag. The bag only took about 5 minutes or so and looks quite snazzy (see below).



The slippers however, took FOREVER! I'm not crazy about the shape of them either and they didn't felt down to the correct size. So i'm not sure about them.

After all this knitting and felting, I decided, darn it, I'm going to WARP that loom!!! It was kind of a killer process. My back was certainly sore after doing it. Here's why, it's a lot of reaching and bending and such for the small space I'm working in. I think the next warp will be done in the kitchen. Anyway, I decided to start simple and grabbed a skein of Kureyon Sock yarn. I think I did 30 or 40 (can't recall now). Then I rolled it up and used old christmas paper because it was sitting there on the table and was really convenient. Next I wrapped the shuttle and then I started the weaving.

Enter in a few problems. Not sure if I rolled the right way because I was having some tension difficulties. The reed kept popping off in the low spot and a few times in the HIGH spot. So all in all a little frustrating. At some point, I became unravelled a bit, well, not me, but the weave and SO, I had to cut it short. So my "Scarflette" is only about 2 feet long and has about 7 inches of fringe on each side. It looks really nice and the Noro colors are stunning of course. So for the first try, I'm pretty happy with what I have. I have some of the warp left, so I might try and do something with it, maybe make a table runner or something. I don't think I have enough for a full on scarf.

Here are a few pics of the process:


So that took me late into Friday evening/Saturday Morning.

Then ON Saturday, I did a bit more Shopping. Met up with Scot for 5 Guys burgers, then home. Back out to meet up with Scot & Joe at Mac's for apps and pints. Had a ton of fun.

Sunday, met up with Cath and Jimmy at Panera for breakfast and knitting. Then we headed to the Merc and I FINALLY got yarn for the White Witch Mitts (rav link) that I have been DYING to make ever since I saw the pattern... which was like 2-3 years ago! So I bought that yarn and am really excited to start those, but I am holding off until I finish ONE more hat!

So a whirlwind weekend it was. Didn't get as much knitting done as I wanted, but, I did get some stuff done, so that is what counts. I still need to wrap a lot of presents and get my car packed up, so I can get on the road hopefully Wednesday.

I'm heading north to see my family. Will stay at Dad's for the evenings, however Christmas dinner will be at Joy's this year. So excited to see everyone!

Knitting: to knit a gift or not

I've been thinking a lot about this lately... knitting gifts for those that knit.

There seems to be a larger percentage of knitters out there that don't knit gifts for other knitters. "They can just make it themselves" they say. And while this is a true statement, some of use don't really want to make certain things.

For instance I hate making scarves. REALLY hate them. I LOVE them, but don't want to make them. I get too bored. So a few years ago, I was in need of a scarf and my friend Audra was in need of a xmas gift for her mom. We swapped, she make me a lovely long WARM luscious scarf and I made a Pieced Pointsetta quilt type wall hanging. We each did something we were good at and exchanged.

So take this year for instance... there are things I've been toying with making for people because I think they might like them. They are from the heart and made by my own two hands. I think it would be great to get a knitted gift from someone because I DO knit and I would KNOW what went into that. The time and sincerity that goes with something hand made, to me, that's just nice.

Of course with all things, I always wait until the last minute and who knows what and when I'll get anything done. And if I start stuff now, it might be done by people's birthdays. LOL.

So here's the list of yet to be made for Christmas. I think in 2010, I will start the list in January. Maybe do a project a month and keep on target.

1. Finish sweater vest for dad (back is done, just need a front)
2. Finish 1 slipper for Sarah (1 is done)
3. Finish 1 slipper for Mom (1 is done)
4. Mittens for the boys (this is a maybe)
5. Something for Addison, maybe a little hat/mitten set
6. Hat for Brian
7. Hat for Scot
8. Hat for a friend
9. Hat for a friend
10. Slippers for a friend
11. Something for my boss (am thinking a felted bowl)
12. Aunt Lisa's purple Hedgie (needs stuffed, felted, sewed)

And I guess that is it. That is a lot to do in 23 days. Good thing most of those items will only take me 5-8 hours.

good grief, I am a little nuts!

Knitting: Taking a break

Because I can't attend my weekly knitting with friends right now... I have decided to try and keep the world updated via blog. I miss my knitting gals, but due to work schedule changes and husbands work schedules, knit night is not do-able for a bit.

Although in a way, this isn't a bad thing because I have seriously LOST my knitting mojo. Think about this for the last 2-3 years I have knit almost constantly, every single day. I mean now and again there were a few days I didn't, but mostly, I did try at least a few stitches, rows, or rounds every day. Be it at work during lunch hour or at home... or my weekly knitting with friends. Anyway, the last month has been a difficult one for me. Actually we'll call it 2 months.

I've been in that quandary with a lot of unfinished projects hanging around, it does bug me yes. And being tired of them and not wanting to work on them and not wanting to start yet another thing... I do the opposite and do nothing.

Add to this being pulled in other crafty directions. I really want to sew again. I really want to work on quilts and blankets and WARM things. I want to weave (I now have a loom), I want to get my scrapbooks put back together, I have pictures EVERYWHERE. I want to clean and get organized. I have actually been yearning to crochet... and for anyone that knows me, that should be a surprise. I hate crochet! Well, sort of. It has it's use, is applicable in certain things like edgings, etc. But for the most part crocheted fabric, is kind of gross (to me anyway). HOWEVER... that being said, I think in my head the term crochet often goes with crappy acrylic yarn. There is a reason for this. I learned to crochet when I was really young, say 6 or 7. What was I given, a bunch of hand me down magazines, some hooks and really cheap yarn. Fast forward a few years, my crochet was never great, my hands always hurt and well, it wasn't "cool".

So I quit crochet. Jump forward a billion years and I decided to learn to knit. But knitting to me is fabulous yarns and beautiful fabrics etc and so on.

Anyway, Cath got me started on this crochet bug because she posted about this cute crocheted gingerbread house. I promptly went and bought that magazine like 2 days later and have been looking for the right yarn ever since. I really want to make a blanket, so I figured crocheted squares is the way to go, they are mostly quick and I can trot them around with me. Easy-peasy. I buy a book of like 90 or 99 different squares... I work on a few, I'm bored. :)

Then... I'm browsing more magazines and buy another crochet one because there is this unbelievable blanket in it that I'm dying to make. So anyway, I'm pulled in different directions. I have a million things to finish and yet no desire to do so.

Argh!

However, this weekend, I may put a plan into place that will give me more crafting room/space. I have a spare bedroom, I've been wanting to convert for awhile now. There is a bed in it, that I will move out. There is much cleaning and organizing that needs to happen in there as well. But I think if I get my arse in gear, I could do it this weekend.

Of course I may be lazy, so no promises, but we'll see. My plan for the room, which already houses 2 book cases, will be to get a sofabed in there. Possibly a small TV (cable is already wired) and a large long table to set up sewing machine and cutting area. I will also need bins and such to put tools in and so forth. This could be a good plan and could come together nicely. Of course this entails shopping for furniture. I definitely see a trip to Ikea in the near future, won't Brian be so excited, um no, probably not. :)

So even though I'm not really knitting. I'm working a what I think is a really neat hat. I haven't even photo'd it yet, so I'll just have to tantalize you with details. It's a fair isle type hat, pattern is a little boring, next one I'll design myself. But I love the yarns I'm using, Mochi Plus and Berroco Lustre. I can't wait to finish it and show it off. Not sure if I'll keep or gift, but that's what I'm working on lately.

Knitting: The Holidays

First, I'd like to say Merry Christmas Friends! I hope everyone is doing well and having a nice holiday season. For me it's been a little up and downish. And I say that because I mostly mean frustrating. But you know, life is like that most of the time.

this is probably going to sound like I'm whining... and that's not my intent... but it is how I feel, so here goes.

My largest disappointment of the Christmas season is A. not having my gram around and B. that my family celebrates together very early. I miss the days of celebrating christmas ON christmas. That was when Gram was alive and oddly enough she passed the same year Joy and John got married and I think that next year or around then was when they started heading to California for the holidays because his parents moved then too. So ever since, for like 10 years now, they've enjoyed the holidays in the warmish sun of Central California. Now of course I don't begrudge them this family time. I think it's wonderful that John's family can all get together and be together. Especially since his dad's birthday was the day after Christmas. So they got to celebrate doubly. It's nice. But it is disappointing that we usually get together about 2 ish weeks before christmas... except this year, our christmas was on the first weekend of December, the week after thanksgiving! That was just weird. I wasn't even in the Christmas mood yet. And since John lost his mother last year and his dad this past February, they've moved their family celebration to NYC/New Jersey area.

So, ever since December 3rd (?), I've felt like Christmas was over. I hadn't finished a bunch of stuff I had wanted to knit for folks (that's ok, I set unreasonable deadlines and start too many things... this we know). I didn't stress about it. They are all projects that will be finished sometime, some day. Anyway, Christmas with the in-laws was last night. And while I was dreading it, a little bit (ok a lot), it really wasn't too bad. I took my knitting. We watched Kung Fu Panda, we ate (sort of) and then exchanged gifts.

I'm definitely glad I had the knitting! I would have been so bored without it. Plus it helped keep me calm and relaxed and probably less annoyed over all. Knitting is GOOD! When we came home Brian gave me a gift, he'd been dying for me to open, it was the WII Fit, so we played with that a bit. It's fun. I like the skiing game, but I don't like the ski jump! I sucked big time at that. I also tried the yoga and it said I had an excellent center of balance! I got 3 out of 4 stars. So there are only like 4 or 5 yoga poses that are unlocked, but after you build up points, I guess you unlock more stuff. So I guess I'll have to do more exercise and open more games. Plus hopefully this will get me back into yoga! I love it and I love how I feel when I finish it, but darnit am I the laziest person ever!?!

I worked on my Cable sweater from the Winter 2008 issue of Verena. I love it so far. I think I've done about 5-6 inches. I should be further along, however, I tinked back about 10 or 15 rows yesterday. I realized I did line 17 (cable row) too early, like on line 13 or 14... and when I realized it I was on row 26, maybe. So yeah, tink, tink, tink. But it's ok. I wasn't sad or angry, I just ripped away. I considered leaving it and just correcting the rest of the way, but I thought later on the spacing would be too noticeable. So I made up those rows and then some. I plan to do more today. My goal is to finish the back by tomorrow. What an accomplishment that would be!

This all depends on our agenda today. We talked about going to a movie, The Spirit. It opens today. And while I really want to go... at the same time, I'm thinking wouldn't it be nice to stay in all day and do nothing but knit?! Yes, yes it would!

I also made breakfast. I planned on doing it at a more brunchy time, but I was STARVED! See for dinner last night, we had spaghetti. Only my father in law thought it would be brilliant to use HOT SPICY ITALIAN sausage in the sauce. Holy crap... was it ever HOT! I seriously took like 5 bites and didn't eat anymore. I felt bad and I thanked him for making dinner, but I just couldn't eat it. He offered to make something else, but I told him to sit and relax and enjoy his meal, I would eat more bread. So I got another piece and while that was sufficient for then, I was STARVING by the time we got home. And with little motivation, I didn't want to cook food. So I drank a yogurt smoothie which was good, but like I said, this morning... STARVING! So I made sausage gravy and biscuits. It was quite yummy and filling and now I am content. Well if I'm going to get that remaining 20 odd inches done, I better get to it.

Peace, Love and Happiness to everyone and your families!

Knitting: similar to baking

Baking, what you say?!

So today instead of knitting, I thought I would be crafty and bake some cookies. We are going to the in-laws for supper so I would make a variety and take some there. Great idea, right? Well, no wrong!

I found this tastey sounding recipe for chocolate cookies. Now for my whole life I've been looking for a good chocolate cookie recipe. If you've ever had the Archway chocolate cookies, this is what I'm talking about, similar to a sugar cookie, but chocolate instead. Anyway... I found this recipe to try. And the cookie taste is not quite what I wanted, but it's not bad. Here's the problem. My cookies alllllll oozed together. So basically I ended up with one big pan cookie, but you could see the round/square lines where the should have been separated. No biggie I tell myself, I'll just keep these and not give them away. Oh and PS, I put LESS on the next cookie sheet, some of them still managed to meet up and meld together.

Moving on, snickerdoodles, these will be fine, I make them all the time. Guess what... the all mushed together too!! SEriously.

Again, I put less on the next sheet, some were ok, others, not. WEIRD. So in my quest to make like 3 more cookie types, I decided to take a break. I have lots of knitting to keep me occupied!

So how is baking like knitting... well as I learned today, sometimes, things don't turn out how you would like them too. You could be knitting perfect little stitches or rolling beautiful little cookie balls in sugar, but when you get to the end something might go awry. It happens, it's life. No use crying about it, except we'll be eating more cookies here and giving less away, I suppose. :)

PS, sophie taste tested and she approves!

Knitting: All about the bags!

Well, most who know me, know I love bags and purses. I wonder if that is why I like knitting so much... it has it's own line of accessories and BAGS, BAGS, BAGS! Why do I like bags... who knows?! But I do. I have a massive collection of purses that I cycle through often. Although this past year, not so much. I've stayed with just a couple and not switched out as often. I also haven't purchased as many purses. I guess I've used my money on yarn instead... and that's ok, too.

For Christmas this year (which was had by my family a few weeks ago), my little sister Sarah got me a couple new bags! I kind of new I was getting them, but I wasn't sure of the color, so it was a great surprise to see the lime green theme! And funny thing I've gotten a lot of compliments on both of them... and not just by knitters.

Last week in the cafeteria at work, I had the clear bag with my Clapotis in it and some lady walks by and says, "cute purse!"

I was like, "Uh, thanks?" And I hesitated because I wasn't sure if I should tell her it wasn't a purse... it was KNITTING. Anyway, I refrained and went on with life.

So back to the bags, they are a line called Knitpickers. Michaels carries them. Sarah works at Michaels and gets a discount, even on clearanced stuff, which these were because they were bringing in the new colors. Very cool.

What I really like about the bigger bag is the handles. They are long enough to wear on the shoulder and they don't slip off, but they aren't so long that they are a bother-perfect! The smaller clear bag is good however it just has a small handle and I wish that was a bit bigger or had a strap so it wouldn't tie up your hand.

But they are both great and I recommend!

Accomplishments of the NON knitting variety.

So I've accomplished a couple of things the last 2 days.

1. I signed back up at the Gym. It's been way to long and I REALLY hate paying for the gym when I have access to one at work. The problem with going to the one at work is there is little motivation since I no longer work in the building it is housed in, so I have to DRIVE out of my way to go. I have noticed though that by going to a place a like, while I have to pay for it, I am more motivated to go and because I used to go, I know the circuit training WORKS. I saw and felt the results before and in a short amount of time, the point is I KNOW I will go and I better cause I'm paying for it in cash and in fat (so to speak). :)

2. I booked our reservations at the beach in NC over Thanksgiving. So very excited for that. And even better, I might be able to lose a bit of weight before we go, so I'll be even more fit for the beach, albeit most likely too cold for swimming outdoors, but they have an indoor pool and several jaccuzzis. I love the hotel and am so glad we are going back. It's the place we took our late honeymoon, same time of year too. :)

As for other accomplishments, just minor work stuff, nothing exciting there, I haven't finished the sleeve to the Greenjeans for Joy cardigan yet. I know it will be done soon, I guess at this point I'm just getting a little impatient with it. Of course it's my own fault, I don't totally dedicate enough time to it. I will definitely be glad when it is over. The next sweater I do, I hope to NOT drag out this long... and considering I have 2 more to do for Christmas gifts. And a scarf or 2 for the special olympics... I'll be plenty busy!

Oh and since we are going to NC, I'll have to check out Fiber in the area and see if there are any meetups going on and go meet some other ravellers. I need to put that on the TO DO list. :)