So it's been awhile since I've blogged. As per usual, I've been either too busy or just unwilling to spend the time doing regular updates.
Anyway, I've started of 2011 on the right note. I finished a pair of socks in near record time. The pattern was Pointelle by Cookie A from Knit.Sock.Love.
Then I was in a quandary. I didn't know what to knit. Wasn't sure if I should start more socks, don't want to have sock burnout and at the same time... wasn't sure what I wanted to make. So I worked on the sock blanket a bit and some other afghan squares from the BOM (which I'm horribly behind on).
So, I don't know what I started when, but I finally went into another sock. I had some yarn already caked from the "Butterfingers" sock mystery long ago. Liked the pattern, just didn't want to finish it. Anyway, ended up using that yarn and cast on Marilinda by Cookie A. The first section of the sock through the heel went pretty quickly, but then I hit a stopping point when it came to doing the gusset and decreases.
At which point, I decided to jump in the Hazel Knits Mystery Sock this month. It's a heavily cabled/rib pattern. I wasn't sure what yarn to use, so I finally broke out Belle. A color I have been savoring since I received it. So I started the first few clues and it's gone along pretty well, but in doing so, I realized, I must not really like cabled socks that well. I swear these things feel like they are taking FOREVER! They sure are pretty but, time consuming.
Between the 2 socks, I've steadily been making little blankie squares. I'm enjoying that project, but had been craving some new minis and wishing some of my swaps would be coming. So this past Friday, 4 of them, finally came through. So now I have new inspiration for the blankie.
Also, I've had a serious case of castonitis. I really want to partake in the Sunshine Kal on Ravelry. It's a colorwork KAL, but I need another color or 2 for my project because I am new to Sunshine. So, I decided since I've been very good at saving, I would have a little bitty splurge and ordered some yarn. I also re-upped by Hazel Knits sock club, so I will be getting a little stash enhancement through out the year. But I've also been very good about using the stash up, so I'm near to the point of having more stash out than in, which is a very good thing and the first time this has happened.
I still need a more firm plan of projects for the year so that I'm not rushed at the holidays. I have some gifts I'd like to make all the while keeping up with the sock knitting.
So for this week, I've stashbusted 5 yarns, 2 on new projects and 3 for mini skein swaps.
Showing posts with label socks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label socks. Show all posts
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Knitting: And the socks go on....
I've been a wild sock knitter of late. I've been challenging myself and setting little personal goals. For instance, a few weeks ago, I was knitting a pattern called Vorticity. It was published in one of this summer's issues of the Knitter (UK Mag). It was written by Alice Yu (friend of Cookie A) and I liked the LOOK of it. I had a few issues knitting it, but overall, I like my slightly modified finished product.
(my apologies if you've seen this and are bored already)
When that finished, I had already picked out my next project. It was going to be the Charybdis pattern (it's free on Rav). This idea was spawned in one of the socks that rock groups. The challenge for the month was to knit one of 2 patterns, Charybdis and another one, in some STR. Well, somehow, only the pattern stuck in my head and not the STR tie in, so there I go off and running with this GORGEOUS skein of Bugga in Blue Dragon Emperor, only to realize that part way through, I should have used an STR yarn. Oh well, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these socks. They are super soft and I adore the color. I also made them the absolute perfect size for my feet and my preference which is a shorter leg, than most folks knit. Anyway, the pattern was super fun and fast and the personal challenge for me, was to make a pair of socks in a week. And I DID IT! Matter of fact, it was 6 days start to finish.
I set this challenge because Iron Knitter 2 was going to be starting on 9/1. I want to be ready to knit as quick as I could. I accomplished it and here's the proof.
With those socks finished, I had a WHOLE weekend to get going on a new project. I opted NOT to cast on new socks because I didn't want to burn out before IK2 and I didn't want to use up any needles that I might need. So I went with the next best thing, started a Baby Surprise Jacket for a friend who is due in December and I'm using some Socks that Rock! The colorway is Stormy Weather, which I loved in the skein, but not so much in the cake or the sweater. I mean, it's ok, but I don't Love it. True to socks that rock fashion, though, it is super squishy and fantastic to work with. I really love the twist in this yarn.
(no photo at this time)
Well, enter 9/1. The IK2 clue was released around 4PM and my team and I took our hands at solving it. I could only play for about an hour because I was meeting Brandy for a movie (Vampires Suck - in case you are curious). By the time I had returned that evening, my team did solve the clue and the pattern was released to us. Though it was late, I just couldn't go to bed without at least casting on the toe. So I did that and made it up to the required 64 stitches. The rest of the week and throughout the weekend, I knitted them up. Everyone has really liked the finished project and I must say, they are quite warm. It's really interesting that though I used the same yarn as Charbydis, these definitely seem more of a tight knit and a bit rougher (although still insanely soft). The charybdis seem so much more loose and soft and flowy. It's weird. But whatever, they are a nice grey sock and though I'm a bit bored by them, they are ok. Don't know that I would have ever chosen a pattern like this, but they are done now and I will wear them with pride and happy thoughts. Oh yeah, and it took me 4 days to finish this first round and I posted #15 of 54 people, so quite happy with me for that.
Now I have a break before the next round of IK2. I think it starts on/around 9/17. I'm looking forward to it. It includes an additional color, I'm thinking something stripey, but I have no proof. I'll need to stash dive and find some good stuff. In the mean time, I'm back on the BSJ project, it's coming along nicely and once I get back into the groove of it, I should have it completed in no time. All this quick knitting has really helped me increase my stitch time. I hope I can continue the pace as I have so much yarn to get used up! And gifts to make.
I'm also a bit behind on the 52 Pair Plunge, so I'm considering getting out all those single socks and making mates to make up for some "lost" pairs. So much knitting, so little time!
(my apologies if you've seen this and are bored already)
When that finished, I had already picked out my next project. It was going to be the Charybdis pattern (it's free on Rav). This idea was spawned in one of the socks that rock groups. The challenge for the month was to knit one of 2 patterns, Charybdis and another one, in some STR. Well, somehow, only the pattern stuck in my head and not the STR tie in, so there I go off and running with this GORGEOUS skein of Bugga in Blue Dragon Emperor, only to realize that part way through, I should have used an STR yarn. Oh well, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these socks. They are super soft and I adore the color. I also made them the absolute perfect size for my feet and my preference which is a shorter leg, than most folks knit. Anyway, the pattern was super fun and fast and the personal challenge for me, was to make a pair of socks in a week. And I DID IT! Matter of fact, it was 6 days start to finish.
I set this challenge because Iron Knitter 2 was going to be starting on 9/1. I want to be ready to knit as quick as I could. I accomplished it and here's the proof.
With those socks finished, I had a WHOLE weekend to get going on a new project. I opted NOT to cast on new socks because I didn't want to burn out before IK2 and I didn't want to use up any needles that I might need. So I went with the next best thing, started a Baby Surprise Jacket for a friend who is due in December and I'm using some Socks that Rock! The colorway is Stormy Weather, which I loved in the skein, but not so much in the cake or the sweater. I mean, it's ok, but I don't Love it. True to socks that rock fashion, though, it is super squishy and fantastic to work with. I really love the twist in this yarn.
(no photo at this time)
Well, enter 9/1. The IK2 clue was released around 4PM and my team and I took our hands at solving it. I could only play for about an hour because I was meeting Brandy for a movie (Vampires Suck - in case you are curious). By the time I had returned that evening, my team did solve the clue and the pattern was released to us. Though it was late, I just couldn't go to bed without at least casting on the toe. So I did that and made it up to the required 64 stitches. The rest of the week and throughout the weekend, I knitted them up. Everyone has really liked the finished project and I must say, they are quite warm. It's really interesting that though I used the same yarn as Charbydis, these definitely seem more of a tight knit and a bit rougher (although still insanely soft). The charybdis seem so much more loose and soft and flowy. It's weird. But whatever, they are a nice grey sock and though I'm a bit bored by them, they are ok. Don't know that I would have ever chosen a pattern like this, but they are done now and I will wear them with pride and happy thoughts. Oh yeah, and it took me 4 days to finish this first round and I posted #15 of 54 people, so quite happy with me for that.
Now I have a break before the next round of IK2. I think it starts on/around 9/17. I'm looking forward to it. It includes an additional color, I'm thinking something stripey, but I have no proof. I'll need to stash dive and find some good stuff. In the mean time, I'm back on the BSJ project, it's coming along nicely and once I get back into the groove of it, I should have it completed in no time. All this quick knitting has really helped me increase my stitch time. I hope I can continue the pace as I have so much yarn to get used up! And gifts to make.
I'm also a bit behind on the 52 Pair Plunge, so I'm considering getting out all those single socks and making mates to make up for some "lost" pairs. So much knitting, so little time!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Knitting: Another finished pair
I'm quite proud. I finished another pair of socks. The feeling of a finished project is always a great thing and feels pretty good (most of the time) however there is something about socks that is more unique to me. And makes me feel infinitely better. Not only did I make them... but I made TWO items. See I think that is where I get snagged a lot of times. I'm the type of person that doesn't like to repeat a pattern. Once I've made it, it's likely that I will not make it again. Enter the sock... you HAVE to make 2. Unless you are a person with one foot or leg and don't need another... that's acceptable as well. I however have 2 feet and wish them both to be dressed accordingly and matchedly (not a word?!?)
So when I actually finish 2 of the same sock and have a complete pair, I'm overjoyed and want to shout it from the rooftops. This pair I had mixed feelings on early on. I enjoyed knitting the pattern for awhile. But then I got irritated. I really hated the finished toe on the first sock, so before completing the kitchener, I let it marinate. Then I started the 2nd sock and after completing about 2 inches, I went back to the first sock and ripped out about 4 inches! Again... this is something very new to me. In my previous knitting life, I would typically fudge something and make it work. No way was I going to unravel all those lovely little stitches... I would do what I could to MAKE IT WORK.
So maybe call it improving or growing up or whatnot, but now, I actually pause and think about knitting consequences. For instance, if I just "deal" with this toe and leave it... will I like it? Will I wear these socks, or better yet, will I actually make a 2nd sock. With those thoughts in mind, I decided the best thing to do would be rip. If I ripped and remade it, I knew it would fit better and feel better and ulitimately I would have a nice pair of socks.
So I finished the NEW toe on Friday and immediately went back to Sock #2. I would have finished it Saturday night, too except I was too exhausted and for fear of making errors, I put it down and went to bed. But I picked it back up on Sunday and got that foot and toe done and kitchenered both toes by 11AM!
Then I had a photo shoot. Have some others on my camera that need downloaded as well.
I then wound up some yarn for the next project I had planned, Charybdis. The pattern is named after a greek sea monster. It's basically a simple pattern that starts from the Toe and spirals up the leg.
I decided something nice and soft was in order and that I REALLY should use some of my ridiculous stash and also use something I've not knit with before... so bugga it is! Something I've heard a lot about, but have never knit with. Although it's very similar to one of my fave yarns, Casbah by Handmaiden. The color is Blue Emperor Dragonfly and reminds me very much of water and whirlpools, like Charybdis.
Here's the toe.
The goal for this one is to be finished with the pair by 8/29. Better get knitting!
So when I actually finish 2 of the same sock and have a complete pair, I'm overjoyed and want to shout it from the rooftops. This pair I had mixed feelings on early on. I enjoyed knitting the pattern for awhile. But then I got irritated. I really hated the finished toe on the first sock, so before completing the kitchener, I let it marinate. Then I started the 2nd sock and after completing about 2 inches, I went back to the first sock and ripped out about 4 inches! Again... this is something very new to me. In my previous knitting life, I would typically fudge something and make it work. No way was I going to unravel all those lovely little stitches... I would do what I could to MAKE IT WORK.
So maybe call it improving or growing up or whatnot, but now, I actually pause and think about knitting consequences. For instance, if I just "deal" with this toe and leave it... will I like it? Will I wear these socks, or better yet, will I actually make a 2nd sock. With those thoughts in mind, I decided the best thing to do would be rip. If I ripped and remade it, I knew it would fit better and feel better and ulitimately I would have a nice pair of socks.
So I finished the NEW toe on Friday and immediately went back to Sock #2. I would have finished it Saturday night, too except I was too exhausted and for fear of making errors, I put it down and went to bed. But I picked it back up on Sunday and got that foot and toe done and kitchenered both toes by 11AM!
Then I had a photo shoot. Have some others on my camera that need downloaded as well.
I then wound up some yarn for the next project I had planned, Charybdis. The pattern is named after a greek sea monster. It's basically a simple pattern that starts from the Toe and spirals up the leg.
I decided something nice and soft was in order and that I REALLY should use some of my ridiculous stash and also use something I've not knit with before... so bugga it is! Something I've heard a lot about, but have never knit with. Although it's very similar to one of my fave yarns, Casbah by Handmaiden. The color is Blue Emperor Dragonfly and reminds me very much of water and whirlpools, like Charybdis.
Here's the toe.
The goal for this one is to be finished with the pair by 8/29. Better get knitting!
Monday, August 9, 2010
All there is to do in a weekend...
Sometimes it seems like a whirl!
After work on Friday I headed over to Scot's to take a tasty dip in the pool! It was perfect weather, for lying in a chair in the sun and cooling off in the water. It was the perfect temp, cool, but not cold. No SHOCK at getting in the water, just refreshing. We also made plans for Saturday.
Up and at 'em early on Saturday, headed back to Scot's. We left there and stopped by Target to get more sunscreen and a hat for me and off to the fair we went. It was a lot of fun. We walked around and looked at the crafts building. I saw some hand knit stuff that I wasn't overly impressed with, thinking, I REALLY need to get my shit together and enter next year! I also saw some hand spun yarns. Some really impressive lace weights!
Then we checked out the quilts... oh my, all kinds of gorgeous. Most of them were VERY impressive. I would love to meet them women that made them. Awesome!
We looked around at other stands and such along the way. We went to see the Sheeps and Cows and Horses. Watched some of the judging, it was nice to rest the feet a bit. We ate fair food, I had ribs and cheese on a stick. We bought French Waffles and Kennel Corn on our way out. All in all a fun day.... how we spent 4 hours there, I'll never know, but it was good all the same.
And there were babies!!
There were also some goat babies that were super cute, but I couldn't get a good pic.
After the fair, I went home and showered the sweat and grime off, it was wonderful to do!
Then I knit, and knit and knit... So by Sunday, I was able to finish this sock.
I'm not crazy about how it looks when it's off my foot (very pointy) and it's a little snug on the toes, it should be about 4 rounds longer. I'm contemplating ripping back and re-doing, but still unsure.
We also headed back to Scot's on Sunday to swim again. What a great day for it again, it was such a beautiful weekend!
And in the meantime I still haven't knit anymore on my BSJ for the new niece that came as schedule last Friday 8/6. Her name is McKenzie (not sure on the spelling) and here she is with her big sister, Addison. Can't wait to see them!
After work on Friday I headed over to Scot's to take a tasty dip in the pool! It was perfect weather, for lying in a chair in the sun and cooling off in the water. It was the perfect temp, cool, but not cold. No SHOCK at getting in the water, just refreshing. We also made plans for Saturday.
Up and at 'em early on Saturday, headed back to Scot's. We left there and stopped by Target to get more sunscreen and a hat for me and off to the fair we went. It was a lot of fun. We walked around and looked at the crafts building. I saw some hand knit stuff that I wasn't overly impressed with, thinking, I REALLY need to get my shit together and enter next year! I also saw some hand spun yarns. Some really impressive lace weights!
Then we checked out the quilts... oh my, all kinds of gorgeous. Most of them were VERY impressive. I would love to meet them women that made them. Awesome!
We looked around at other stands and such along the way. We went to see the Sheeps and Cows and Horses. Watched some of the judging, it was nice to rest the feet a bit. We ate fair food, I had ribs and cheese on a stick. We bought French Waffles and Kennel Corn on our way out. All in all a fun day.... how we spent 4 hours there, I'll never know, but it was good all the same.
And there were babies!!
There were also some goat babies that were super cute, but I couldn't get a good pic.
After the fair, I went home and showered the sweat and grime off, it was wonderful to do!
Then I knit, and knit and knit... So by Sunday, I was able to finish this sock.
I'm not crazy about how it looks when it's off my foot (very pointy) and it's a little snug on the toes, it should be about 4 rounds longer. I'm contemplating ripping back and re-doing, but still unsure.
We also headed back to Scot's on Sunday to swim again. What a great day for it again, it was such a beautiful weekend!
And in the meantime I still haven't knit anymore on my BSJ for the new niece that came as schedule last Friday 8/6. Her name is McKenzie (not sure on the spelling) and here she is with her big sister, Addison. Can't wait to see them!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Knitting: Baby style and sock fail...
I'll start with the fail, best to get it over with. I was chugging away on Vortex... and it was looking really great. I did all those increases for the gusset and stuff (it's toe-up) and then I started the back and forth of the standard slip stitch heel and then... wait for it....
Tried it on... holy slipper sock batman. Seriously! It fit fine up until then. The regular part of the foot fit well, a tad on the loose side, but not too bad overall. The increases for the gusset area seemed on target.... and the little heel cup was exactly in the right spot, from toe to heel, this looked great!
Then I started on that flap and NOW it's this blob of a slipper sock, way too loose and crazy looking. Well not crazy looking, it looks like a sock, but just for someone with 15 inch wide feet. I'm in a quandary now, should I rip it back and try and SAVE the sock, do I forge on and just have really biggish socks that will slip and slide around. The lazy part of me wants the latter. I just want to keep going and finish and be done with it... but in my heart, I really know that isn't the right thing. Here is what I wonder... If maybe perhaps, I started the gusset increases too soon because I have a medium-ish arch, not super tall, that maybe there are just too many stitches there. I also wondered if I shouldn't just rip back and do a different heel... and even if I do that, I will be taking out a LOT of knitting. For instance, this particular heel started at about 3 inches from the toe. The pattern said start the decreaes 4 1/2 inches from the total length. And I was thinking... that is really far, but I decided to trust the pattern. I do still trust the pattern, I just can't figure out how it was a perfect fit, to NOT being perfect at all. It's very weird.
So... took a break from that catastrophe and started the Baby Surprise Jacket with the Picnic colorway of Felici from Knit Picks. I had originally wanted this yarn for myself for socks, but it's a little TOO pastel for me, so it's great for a baby sweater which will hopefully get done quickly and given to the new addition to our family. Step-Sister Erin is scheduled for a c-sect on Fri 8/6. She's having a girl but I don't know what name they've picked yet. Since I'll be up in the area the following weekend, I'm hoping to have this sweater done. Thing is, it's one of those projects that SEEMS easy and mindless and it is mostly... but the counting... oh the counting. It's garter stitch, hence the easy part. But you really have to keep track of things like counting and such because you almost always have to do double decreases and then you have to do multiple increases. Anyway... I started it on Saturday and did some yesterday, but lo and behold it doesn't look like I have that much done at all. I'm using a US5 and am now thinking I should have used a 6 or 7. Ah well, it's all good.
And after this one, I have to make 2 more for a friend's twins and if I'm really feeling the BSJ love maybe even a 3rd for someone else. We'll see.
Tried it on... holy slipper sock batman. Seriously! It fit fine up until then. The regular part of the foot fit well, a tad on the loose side, but not too bad overall. The increases for the gusset area seemed on target.... and the little heel cup was exactly in the right spot, from toe to heel, this looked great!
Then I started on that flap and NOW it's this blob of a slipper sock, way too loose and crazy looking. Well not crazy looking, it looks like a sock, but just for someone with 15 inch wide feet. I'm in a quandary now, should I rip it back and try and SAVE the sock, do I forge on and just have really biggish socks that will slip and slide around. The lazy part of me wants the latter. I just want to keep going and finish and be done with it... but in my heart, I really know that isn't the right thing. Here is what I wonder... If maybe perhaps, I started the gusset increases too soon because I have a medium-ish arch, not super tall, that maybe there are just too many stitches there. I also wondered if I shouldn't just rip back and do a different heel... and even if I do that, I will be taking out a LOT of knitting. For instance, this particular heel started at about 3 inches from the toe. The pattern said start the decreaes 4 1/2 inches from the total length. And I was thinking... that is really far, but I decided to trust the pattern. I do still trust the pattern, I just can't figure out how it was a perfect fit, to NOT being perfect at all. It's very weird.
So... took a break from that catastrophe and started the Baby Surprise Jacket with the Picnic colorway of Felici from Knit Picks. I had originally wanted this yarn for myself for socks, but it's a little TOO pastel for me, so it's great for a baby sweater which will hopefully get done quickly and given to the new addition to our family. Step-Sister Erin is scheduled for a c-sect on Fri 8/6. She's having a girl but I don't know what name they've picked yet. Since I'll be up in the area the following weekend, I'm hoping to have this sweater done. Thing is, it's one of those projects that SEEMS easy and mindless and it is mostly... but the counting... oh the counting. It's garter stitch, hence the easy part. But you really have to keep track of things like counting and such because you almost always have to do double decreases and then you have to do multiple increases. Anyway... I started it on Saturday and did some yesterday, but lo and behold it doesn't look like I have that much done at all. I'm using a US5 and am now thinking I should have used a 6 or 7. Ah well, it's all good.
And after this one, I have to make 2 more for a friend's twins and if I'm really feeling the BSJ love maybe even a 3rd for someone else. We'll see.
Monday, July 26, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Knitting: A new shawl in the works
I'm amongst a myriad of projects right now. As per my usual, I have several things going on at once. Usually this is quite haphazard, I just cast on something new because to be working on one thing is mind-numbing and oh look shiny....
Not this time though. While I have this multiple thing going on, it's done in a very constructive way. It has an almost linear feel to it.
Tour De Fleece - on going spinning challenge. I've spun nearly every day except maybe 2. One for sure (yesterday) which was a rest day, but I think over the weekend, there may have been a day I didn't spin, can't recall now. Anyway, no matter, I'm still committed to it and shall spin some more this evening.
I bought 3 bags of this roving in May at the Wooster Fiber Fest. Each bag contains a pound. I think this will be enough for a sweater. My first thought is to dye it blue, I don't know why, but that is really calling out to me. In fact, Kristin from GK2 had to place an emergency yarn order from KP, so I tagged on and ordered some dye. They have an indigo kit which I almost got, but then opted to just get a few of the different blues.
The next 2 projects, sort of go together. They are both for the July SKA challenge of fair isle socks. One is the mystery sock by Chrissy Gardiner and the 2nd is also by Chrissy from her Toe-up Sock book. As only one clue is sent weekly, I can't continuously work on sock #1. And because it's color work and I opted to use a striping Noro, I can't do 2AAT socks. I could cast on the toe of the 2nd sock since that is in the MC, but that would just waste a needle until I'm ready for it. Although it would mean I was ahead when it came time to do the 2nd sock of the pair. So sock #2 is slow going. I think I'm stalling out because my 2 yarns are pretty close and I'm not getting the great contrast like I wanted. I've made it through the first repeat and am very close to the heel and am on the fence about continuing on, or ripping back to the beginning of the color chart and switching yarns. I will wear these socks regardless of how the pattern looks because I love the colors of both yarns and who cares if it looks like hodge podge, I know they will be soft and comfortable and that is really all the matters, so I will probably forge on. However, they are a slow knit for me for some reason.
And lastly... this past Sunday I decided to get involved in yet another challenge... a shawl one. It's for the Hazel Knuts group on Rav. Using a hazelknits yarn, make a triangular shaped shawl and you have the months of July/August to do so. I received my sock yarn for the club in June and one of the colors was really not jumping at me to be socks. In fact I wasn't in LOVE with the color as I normally would be with GREEN.
I was considering doing the Knitty Annis shawl, but after glancing over the pattern, it just didn't call to me. Yet something did... the Travelling Woman.. it kept calling and yelling at me to make it. I first saw this shawl a few weeks back while taking a class. A girl named Kate was making it for Karida from Neighborhood dyeworks (I think). She needed it for a display for Knitters Connection. The color she used was absolutly STUNNING... this rich electric, turquoisey, mystic blue type of color. It was pure magic. Then a couple of the gals from GK2 knit it as well. I looked at the pattern and it seemed very straightforward and almost easy. I needed that.
I picked up that LEAF colorway and cast on for the shawl. I worked on it all day Sunday and I can't believe how much I was able to accomplish. I made it through the whole main beginning part, I don't know how many rows of stockinette. Then I was in to chart A and finished I think about 5 or 6 rows. So in a nutshell... continuing on with this shawl, I could be finished in the next week or so. It sure is fun to knit, but I'm not going to kill myself to get it done. I do have that spinning to do, too.
And the next sock clue gets released on Thursday. So see, a linear type of flow, working here and there....
LEAF was meant to be a shawl because now... I LOVE this color green!
The beginning:
Slightly blurry halfway home:
Not this time though. While I have this multiple thing going on, it's done in a very constructive way. It has an almost linear feel to it.
Tour De Fleece - on going spinning challenge. I've spun nearly every day except maybe 2. One for sure (yesterday) which was a rest day, but I think over the weekend, there may have been a day I didn't spin, can't recall now. Anyway, no matter, I'm still committed to it and shall spin some more this evening.
I bought 3 bags of this roving in May at the Wooster Fiber Fest. Each bag contains a pound. I think this will be enough for a sweater. My first thought is to dye it blue, I don't know why, but that is really calling out to me. In fact, Kristin from GK2 had to place an emergency yarn order from KP, so I tagged on and ordered some dye. They have an indigo kit which I almost got, but then opted to just get a few of the different blues.
The next 2 projects, sort of go together. They are both for the July SKA challenge of fair isle socks. One is the mystery sock by Chrissy Gardiner and the 2nd is also by Chrissy from her Toe-up Sock book. As only one clue is sent weekly, I can't continuously work on sock #1. And because it's color work and I opted to use a striping Noro, I can't do 2AAT socks. I could cast on the toe of the 2nd sock since that is in the MC, but that would just waste a needle until I'm ready for it. Although it would mean I was ahead when it came time to do the 2nd sock of the pair. So sock #2 is slow going. I think I'm stalling out because my 2 yarns are pretty close and I'm not getting the great contrast like I wanted. I've made it through the first repeat and am very close to the heel and am on the fence about continuing on, or ripping back to the beginning of the color chart and switching yarns. I will wear these socks regardless of how the pattern looks because I love the colors of both yarns and who cares if it looks like hodge podge, I know they will be soft and comfortable and that is really all the matters, so I will probably forge on. However, they are a slow knit for me for some reason.
And lastly... this past Sunday I decided to get involved in yet another challenge... a shawl one. It's for the Hazel Knuts group on Rav. Using a hazelknits yarn, make a triangular shaped shawl and you have the months of July/August to do so. I received my sock yarn for the club in June and one of the colors was really not jumping at me to be socks. In fact I wasn't in LOVE with the color as I normally would be with GREEN.
I was considering doing the Knitty Annis shawl, but after glancing over the pattern, it just didn't call to me. Yet something did... the Travelling Woman.. it kept calling and yelling at me to make it. I first saw this shawl a few weeks back while taking a class. A girl named Kate was making it for Karida from Neighborhood dyeworks (I think). She needed it for a display for Knitters Connection. The color she used was absolutly STUNNING... this rich electric, turquoisey, mystic blue type of color. It was pure magic. Then a couple of the gals from GK2 knit it as well. I looked at the pattern and it seemed very straightforward and almost easy. I needed that.
I picked up that LEAF colorway and cast on for the shawl. I worked on it all day Sunday and I can't believe how much I was able to accomplish. I made it through the whole main beginning part, I don't know how many rows of stockinette. Then I was in to chart A and finished I think about 5 or 6 rows. So in a nutshell... continuing on with this shawl, I could be finished in the next week or so. It sure is fun to knit, but I'm not going to kill myself to get it done. I do have that spinning to do, too.
And the next sock clue gets released on Thursday. So see, a linear type of flow, working here and there....
LEAF was meant to be a shawl because now... I LOVE this color green!
The beginning:
Slightly blurry halfway home:
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Knitting: The Long Holiday Weekend
Typically July 4th is celebrated with my family. I am 38 and for my life I just realized I really screwed up a big tradition. I've only missed like 2, maybe 3 Firework displays in my hometown.
One when I was 15, and my gram took Joy and I to DC, so we watched the wonderful display on the commons with the monuments all over. It was pituresque and amazing. Though I did miss the whole fam and the annual cookout.
Then last year, B and I headed to Boston over the week of the 4th. I thought it would be fantastic being in Boston for the celebration of our Independence. Since it was kinda born there and all. Anyway, it had it's ups and downs and again, I missed my small hometown and my family a bit.
Enter this year... I really didn't want to go. WILD horses could not have drug me there, seriously. I just wanted to stay home! And overall, I'm glad I did. I did miss some family visiting from Chicago. I did miss the small town fireworks (that are still awesome as hell!). But mostly, I'm not bothered by it. I needed the downtime and to rest and relax and to knit. And I DID!
I'm onto socks again after a break in June. I entered the Sock Knitters' Anon. mystery sock challenge. It's designed by Chrissy Gardiner (who I like a lot) and is stranded color work, which I LOVE! So clue one came out on the 1st, but I had so much going on I didn't cast on until the 2nd. Then I had a booboo and frogged and cast on again twice on the 3rd! Finally try #3 was a go. So clue #1 was finished easily enough. I'm using SOXX APPEAL for the tan color and Noro Kureyon for the "colored" bits. So far, am in love with this sock. The designer is using 4 contrast colors with the main color, but I opted to raid the stash (I'm very proud of that) and use a colorful striping yarn instead of multiple balls. So I DID NOT BUY NEW YARN!!!!
Then on the 2nd, Tour De Fleece - a spinning challenge - started and I forgot. But I remembered in time for day 2 and I started spinning up a storm. I purchased some fantastic Pencil Roving at Knitter's Connection a few weeks ago.
Here are the stages: Bag, to predrafted ball, to bobbin to skein
When I was done with that, I had some Lincoln in natural that I purchased in May at the Great Lakes Fiber Fest in Wooster and that was spun up on 2 bobbins, but not plied. So I plied it.
Then on Monday, I finished up spinning the Blue Fiber Optic onto 2 bobbins, it still needs to be plied. I broke into my Sock Summit stash and got out Wine and Roses by Miss Babs and made some predraft balls. I split the hank into 2 equal parts (2oz each) and set to work on the first 2 oz. I'm almost complete with that, didn't get the bobbin photo yet and then I finished up plying the lincoln into a smaller skein than the first (pic above).
I am really enjoying this spinning thing. It's quite a bit different and feels really "organic" for lack of a better word. I mean creating something from proverbially nothing is a great feeling. Kind of like taking wood or clay and making beautiful things. It's art. And I guess it's really cool to say, THIS thing, right here came from an animal somewhere in the world, it was cleaned and combed and possibly dyed and now it's this... yarn a functional item that will be made more functional once it is knit up into something.
It's all so astounding to me and makes me feel awesome. I MADE THIS. So in the end, I will have a project that I not only knit into "something" but actually MADE the yarn to do it. THAT makes me happy.
Oh and in the meantime, I cast on another sock project to tide me over between the weekly mystery clues. It is also Color stranded work and is also by Chrissy Gardiner. It's called The Dude Abides and I'm making it out of these yarns below. Didn't take a photo yet, but I currently have the toe and first repeat almost done. I'm using some Cherry Tree Hill Solid sock in Green and Prism Merino Mia in a variagated Blue/green colorway.
One when I was 15, and my gram took Joy and I to DC, so we watched the wonderful display on the commons with the monuments all over. It was pituresque and amazing. Though I did miss the whole fam and the annual cookout.
Then last year, B and I headed to Boston over the week of the 4th. I thought it would be fantastic being in Boston for the celebration of our Independence. Since it was kinda born there and all. Anyway, it had it's ups and downs and again, I missed my small hometown and my family a bit.
Enter this year... I really didn't want to go. WILD horses could not have drug me there, seriously. I just wanted to stay home! And overall, I'm glad I did. I did miss some family visiting from Chicago. I did miss the small town fireworks (that are still awesome as hell!). But mostly, I'm not bothered by it. I needed the downtime and to rest and relax and to knit. And I DID!
I'm onto socks again after a break in June. I entered the Sock Knitters' Anon. mystery sock challenge. It's designed by Chrissy Gardiner (who I like a lot) and is stranded color work, which I LOVE! So clue one came out on the 1st, but I had so much going on I didn't cast on until the 2nd. Then I had a booboo and frogged and cast on again twice on the 3rd! Finally try #3 was a go. So clue #1 was finished easily enough. I'm using SOXX APPEAL for the tan color and Noro Kureyon for the "colored" bits. So far, am in love with this sock. The designer is using 4 contrast colors with the main color, but I opted to raid the stash (I'm very proud of that) and use a colorful striping yarn instead of multiple balls. So I DID NOT BUY NEW YARN!!!!
Then on the 2nd, Tour De Fleece - a spinning challenge - started and I forgot. But I remembered in time for day 2 and I started spinning up a storm. I purchased some fantastic Pencil Roving at Knitter's Connection a few weeks ago.
Here are the stages: Bag, to predrafted ball, to bobbin to skein
When I was done with that, I had some Lincoln in natural that I purchased in May at the Great Lakes Fiber Fest in Wooster and that was spun up on 2 bobbins, but not plied. So I plied it.
Then on Monday, I finished up spinning the Blue Fiber Optic onto 2 bobbins, it still needs to be plied. I broke into my Sock Summit stash and got out Wine and Roses by Miss Babs and made some predraft balls. I split the hank into 2 equal parts (2oz each) and set to work on the first 2 oz. I'm almost complete with that, didn't get the bobbin photo yet and then I finished up plying the lincoln into a smaller skein than the first (pic above).
I am really enjoying this spinning thing. It's quite a bit different and feels really "organic" for lack of a better word. I mean creating something from proverbially nothing is a great feeling. Kind of like taking wood or clay and making beautiful things. It's art. And I guess it's really cool to say, THIS thing, right here came from an animal somewhere in the world, it was cleaned and combed and possibly dyed and now it's this... yarn a functional item that will be made more functional once it is knit up into something.
It's all so astounding to me and makes me feel awesome. I MADE THIS. So in the end, I will have a project that I not only knit into "something" but actually MADE the yarn to do it. THAT makes me happy.
Oh and in the meantime, I cast on another sock project to tide me over between the weekly mystery clues. It is also Color stranded work and is also by Chrissy Gardiner. It's called The Dude Abides and I'm making it out of these yarns below. Didn't take a photo yet, but I currently have the toe and first repeat almost done. I'm using some Cherry Tree Hill Solid sock in Green and Prism Merino Mia in a variagated Blue/green colorway.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Knitting: Still on the sock wagon
Sadly, not much in pictures to post today, but I'm trying to blog more consistently. I'm still on the sock wagon and enjoying it immensely. I committed myself to 3 challenges this month. One is half done - Slip Jig.
An uber largish photo because I'm so proud.
With that one done, I moved on to get underway with the Cookie A mystery sock again. The first c/o was not big enough 60 stitches. And the 80 does fit, but looks GIGANTIC! Anyway, I'm nearly finished with Clue #2 on one sock. Should be done tonight and then will start Clue #1 for the #2 sock. Once both clues are completed for both socks my plan is to jump back over to Kristi and finish the leg chart. I'm on like row 31 of 38 (I think).
The Cookie A Mystery is being made with the LAPIS colorway from Socks that Rock and is simply gorgeous! Probably not the best yarn for this pattern, but I don't care because the yarn is pretty! And for the first time, I've had blue fingers (from the dye) with this yarn. I haven't had dye issues before as some have, no worries, it washes out, I just thought it was funny.
And somewhere in there, I need to start the 2nd slip jig, but I know it can wait a bit as it moves pretty quickly.
I'm really liking switching between these projects, they are all varying levels of ease. None of the patterns are difficult, but due to intensive chart reading, Kristi is the most time consuming. My eyes are glued on that chart every stitch of the way. The pattern is great though and looks wonderful once knit. I wish I would have jumped up a needle size or made a few increases for fit though. Lesson learned and now have a new plan for future (AKA Bex - if I ever get around to making her).
I don't know that I'll have all of these completed by the end of May, but the challenge end date is actually the end of June. I am hoping to be done with at least 2 pair though so I can start fresh for June with a new challenge. I'm not looking ahead though, I'm just concentrating on the NOW.
An uber largish photo because I'm so proud.
With that one done, I moved on to get underway with the Cookie A mystery sock again. The first c/o was not big enough 60 stitches. And the 80 does fit, but looks GIGANTIC! Anyway, I'm nearly finished with Clue #2 on one sock. Should be done tonight and then will start Clue #1 for the #2 sock. Once both clues are completed for both socks my plan is to jump back over to Kristi and finish the leg chart. I'm on like row 31 of 38 (I think).
The Cookie A Mystery is being made with the LAPIS colorway from Socks that Rock and is simply gorgeous! Probably not the best yarn for this pattern, but I don't care because the yarn is pretty! And for the first time, I've had blue fingers (from the dye) with this yarn. I haven't had dye issues before as some have, no worries, it washes out, I just thought it was funny.
And somewhere in there, I need to start the 2nd slip jig, but I know it can wait a bit as it moves pretty quickly.
I'm really liking switching between these projects, they are all varying levels of ease. None of the patterns are difficult, but due to intensive chart reading, Kristi is the most time consuming. My eyes are glued on that chart every stitch of the way. The pattern is great though and looks wonderful once knit. I wish I would have jumped up a needle size or made a few increases for fit though. Lesson learned and now have a new plan for future (AKA Bex - if I ever get around to making her).
I don't know that I'll have all of these completed by the end of May, but the challenge end date is actually the end of June. I am hoping to be done with at least 2 pair though so I can start fresh for June with a new challenge. I'm not looking ahead though, I'm just concentrating on the NOW.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Kniting: Sometimes it just goes on... and on
SO I've been touched with this rabid case of castonitis.
I was working on Absinthe - snafu!
I started Kristi and the Cookie A mystery - little snafu
I then started Slip Jig (lovely).
And in the mean time, I've been designing a little anklet sock. It's cute.
I really want to start the bombshell, now that I have lovely yarn in which to make it, but I'm holding up some restraint here. Nevermind that I am behind on my Mystery Blocks. Still need to finish #3 and now I have #4 to do as well and be ready for #5 come June 7th?
Anyway, Absinthe was moving along at a nice clip and then I realized I had stitches out of place or was short or something. So I sort of tinked? Basically I unded 2 or 3 rows on the top needle, but not the bottom (sole stitches) and lo' and behold I can't figure out where the H I am! Shouldn't be that hard, right... I can read knitting like a book, but this does not make any sense. So it looks like I might have been OFF for sometime, but that doesn't make any sense because if I truly had been OFF, as it were, I wouldn't have continued on for so many rows. I'm tried of looking at this and might be calling it quits for now. Have also considered handing off to one of the knitting buddies to look at and assist. Volunteers????
Moving on.... Kristi, well, she's a lovely gal... I mean sock. :) Giong along nicely but the heavy cable intense pattern has me paying VERY serious attention which causes for a slow down in actualy progress. It's taking me several minutes to complete a round. So I'm on row 33 of the 38 repeat. You are supposed to then repeat rows 1-25 on the leg, but I think I am opting out of that because if I make it longer, it really won't fit me at all. It's quite stretched as it is. Had I known about the snug fit before getting this far, I would have added a few extra stitches to the 2-stitch columns of twisted stitches. But alas, it's much to late for that... and I am NOT starting over.
Then there's that darn Mystery..... It proves to be a great mystery... after all it's Cookie A! I started with my gorgeous Lapis Socks that Rock yarn. Did the 60 stitch cast on. I went UP a needle size and thought that would accommodate for my THICK ankles. No go! It's still pretty stretched when I try it on. So, I'm considering going up to the other size, which is an 80 stitch cast on, but before doing so, I want to see the 2nd clue so I know HOW this sock progresses. I love the yarn and I'm sure I'll love the pattern, but I just can't knit it blindly. I want socks that I can wear, I do NOT want to gift them. Call me selfish... yes I am!
Lastly Slip Jig is being knit with Boobie 1 Socks that Rock. It's a pretty great project even though I'm not crazy about the garter stitch cuff. It's moving along well and I hope to be very much progressed this weekend. Dare I say be to the heel or further?! I hope!
I was working on Absinthe - snafu!
I started Kristi and the Cookie A mystery - little snafu
I then started Slip Jig (lovely).
And in the mean time, I've been designing a little anklet sock. It's cute.
I really want to start the bombshell, now that I have lovely yarn in which to make it, but I'm holding up some restraint here. Nevermind that I am behind on my Mystery Blocks. Still need to finish #3 and now I have #4 to do as well and be ready for #5 come June 7th?
Anyway, Absinthe was moving along at a nice clip and then I realized I had stitches out of place or was short or something. So I sort of tinked? Basically I unded 2 or 3 rows on the top needle, but not the bottom (sole stitches) and lo' and behold I can't figure out where the H I am! Shouldn't be that hard, right... I can read knitting like a book, but this does not make any sense. So it looks like I might have been OFF for sometime, but that doesn't make any sense because if I truly had been OFF, as it were, I wouldn't have continued on for so many rows. I'm tried of looking at this and might be calling it quits for now. Have also considered handing off to one of the knitting buddies to look at and assist. Volunteers????
Moving on.... Kristi, well, she's a lovely gal... I mean sock. :) Giong along nicely but the heavy cable intense pattern has me paying VERY serious attention which causes for a slow down in actualy progress. It's taking me several minutes to complete a round. So I'm on row 33 of the 38 repeat. You are supposed to then repeat rows 1-25 on the leg, but I think I am opting out of that because if I make it longer, it really won't fit me at all. It's quite stretched as it is. Had I known about the snug fit before getting this far, I would have added a few extra stitches to the 2-stitch columns of twisted stitches. But alas, it's much to late for that... and I am NOT starting over.
Then there's that darn Mystery..... It proves to be a great mystery... after all it's Cookie A! I started with my gorgeous Lapis Socks that Rock yarn. Did the 60 stitch cast on. I went UP a needle size and thought that would accommodate for my THICK ankles. No go! It's still pretty stretched when I try it on. So, I'm considering going up to the other size, which is an 80 stitch cast on, but before doing so, I want to see the 2nd clue so I know HOW this sock progresses. I love the yarn and I'm sure I'll love the pattern, but I just can't knit it blindly. I want socks that I can wear, I do NOT want to gift them. Call me selfish... yes I am!
Lastly Slip Jig is being knit with Boobie 1 Socks that Rock. It's a pretty great project even though I'm not crazy about the garter stitch cuff. It's moving along well and I hope to be very much progressed this weekend. Dare I say be to the heel or further?! I hope!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Knitting: Socks, socks, socks!
So as most know I've been a sock knitting fiend lately! I don't know what bug bit me, but it's helping me finish some stuff!
Firstly I finished my Secret Garden socks. They are warm and squishy and fun to wear. I just wish the cuff was a tad tighter (but I'm not ripping it out).
Up 2nd was the Wanida pattern by Cookie A. It is in her Sock Innovation book. At the first several glances of this book, I really didn't care for this pattern at all! The pictures don't do it any justice at all. However, there were a bunch of people in the Sock Knitter's Anonymous group that were making this and it looked awesome. And it was SO fun to knit! I LOVED it.
I used my new Cabana Hazel knits from the April sock club shipment (so glad it came early in the month). I still have the other skein, Surf and I'm trying to think of something spectacular for that. Normally I'm not really a brown person either, but there was something about Cabana that I loved. And once it was knitted up, I fell that much harder.
Here are my happy toes...
The picture is a little tweaked, so those brighter areas really aren't that bright. It's really quite a deep brown.
And just hanging out:
So with Wanida finished, I had 2 days left in April. Enough time to YES, cast on for another April SKA challenge. I went to the stash and found all my bright greens. I've been wanting to make Absinthe from knitty since first glance. Now was the time. I selected the color Creme de Menthe from Yarn Love. I bought this yarn while visiting Yarn Cravin' up in Perrysburg sometime last year. Anyway, I had a great start to this and was going well and had a snafu. :( I'm not sure if I will continue on with this or not. It's on hold.
In the meantime, I started the SKA May Challenges. Kristi from Cookie A. It's being knit up in my reclaimed Bird of Paradise by Pagewood Farms. It was reclaimed from a mystery sock that I didn't finish last year. It's moving along nicely, however a bit slow.
And the other May challenge is a Mystery Sock by Cookie A. I started, but have to start over. Am using Socks that Rock lightweight in Lapis. I LOVE this colorway, tho the photo below does not do it justice.
Firstly I finished my Secret Garden socks. They are warm and squishy and fun to wear. I just wish the cuff was a tad tighter (but I'm not ripping it out).
Up 2nd was the Wanida pattern by Cookie A. It is in her Sock Innovation book. At the first several glances of this book, I really didn't care for this pattern at all! The pictures don't do it any justice at all. However, there were a bunch of people in the Sock Knitter's Anonymous group that were making this and it looked awesome. And it was SO fun to knit! I LOVED it.
I used my new Cabana Hazel knits from the April sock club shipment (so glad it came early in the month). I still have the other skein, Surf and I'm trying to think of something spectacular for that. Normally I'm not really a brown person either, but there was something about Cabana that I loved. And once it was knitted up, I fell that much harder.
Here are my happy toes...
The picture is a little tweaked, so those brighter areas really aren't that bright. It's really quite a deep brown.
And just hanging out:
So with Wanida finished, I had 2 days left in April. Enough time to YES, cast on for another April SKA challenge. I went to the stash and found all my bright greens. I've been wanting to make Absinthe from knitty since first glance. Now was the time. I selected the color Creme de Menthe from Yarn Love. I bought this yarn while visiting Yarn Cravin' up in Perrysburg sometime last year. Anyway, I had a great start to this and was going well and had a snafu. :( I'm not sure if I will continue on with this or not. It's on hold.
In the meantime, I started the SKA May Challenges. Kristi from Cookie A. It's being knit up in my reclaimed Bird of Paradise by Pagewood Farms. It was reclaimed from a mystery sock that I didn't finish last year. It's moving along nicely, however a bit slow.
And the other May challenge is a Mystery Sock by Cookie A. I started, but have to start over. Am using Socks that Rock lightweight in Lapis. I LOVE this colorway, tho the photo below does not do it justice.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Knitting: Accomplishment all the way around
This was a fantastic weekend to knit! On Friday, I had the day off and it was lovely. I sat out on the deck for a few hours while the dogs lolled around in the grass. I had my Iphone playing some Itunes and knitted away on Secret Garden. I finished the 2nd sock and then had a pair. And LOTS of smiles! Was so happy. The pattern was a lot of fun to knit. For the entire second sock I barely had to look at the pattern. It was such a memorable one and really easy to read your knitting, etc. The second sock is a far better knit than the first. I spread the first sock out over weeks, picking up/putting down, etc. But this 2nd one, I finished in under a week, so it's a much tighter, more consistently knit sock. I love these socks, they are so comfortable. I can't wait to make another pair with Socks that Rock. I knit these socks for a challenge. I've been in the ravelry group Sock Knitter's Anonymous for over a year I think, but I've never finished a challenge. I've tried a few times, but have always failed. So this was for March and you have to cast on in March and finish by end of following month. I DID IT! With a few days to spare!
So, I opted to enter the April challenge as well. Earlier Friday morning before finishing the sock, I cast on for the April challenge, which was to knit a sock from an online magazine, or a Cookie A design. My first thought was to knit Pomatomus. I picked my new hazelknits Cabana yarn and thought it would look amazing. But, for some reason I just wasn't into the pattern, so I ended up with Azure (from Knitty). It's a great pattern and I had several great yarns in my stash. I picked one and started. So I did my cast on, a toe up using Judy's Magic and I began the toe. Paused to finish Secret Garden and went back to the Toe Friday night. I did quite a bit of the pattern and still hadn't knit very much in inches. I kind of panicked a little. The yarn I was using was finer than I normally knit and it was 100% merino. I had some concerns about durability because of the lack of nylon as well as if I'd actually be able to finish 2 socks in time.
Then Saturday comes along and I changed my mind yet again! Many people in the SKA group had made Wanida by Cookie A from the Sock Innovation book. Now I must admit, looking at that pattern in the book, I never really cared for it. Not sure if it was the yarn chosen or the photos, but these folks on SKA... wow! Their socks were amazing and it was great fun seeing all the different yarns used. So I jumped on the bandwagon, took my hazelknits and started Wanida. Holy knitting frenzy, 6 hours later and very late Saturday evening, I had knit the sock all the way through the heel turn and was decreasing for the gussets! I couldn't believe how far I had gotten. This sock has been so much fun to knit though. I'm not entirely sure why, but it just is. THe pattern, while easy to remember and follow, still has me looking at the chart... but it's so easily read if you get lost, you can just look at your stitches and know where you are.
When I started the sock, I had hoped to get through the cuff and a bit through the leg... but now as Sunday evening closes in, I actually only have like one inch left to knit. Had I not gotten this cold and slept so much today and knitted more earlier, I probably could have finished. OH well, it will definitely be done tomorrow, perhaps during my work lunch hour. I'm so excited about these socks. I'm hoping to continue this sock momentum and hopefully not come crashing down.
Couple of things on the horizon, Cookie A is designing the Mystery Sock Challenge for the SKA Group's MAY challenge, so I plan on knitting that. And I might even try my hand at knitting another sock during the same time (we'll see, let's not get over zealous). The 2nd thing is there is a designer contest to come up with a sock pattern for free or sale and it was to be posted by 5/21... so I have some ideas rolling around in my head for that.
I have put my sweaters on hold for the moment, Tappen Zee and the BSJ. Need to ride this sock wave out until it's over.
Here's the last pic I took a few hours ago. Tomorrow I'll post the finished sock.
So, I opted to enter the April challenge as well. Earlier Friday morning before finishing the sock, I cast on for the April challenge, which was to knit a sock from an online magazine, or a Cookie A design. My first thought was to knit Pomatomus. I picked my new hazelknits Cabana yarn and thought it would look amazing. But, for some reason I just wasn't into the pattern, so I ended up with Azure (from Knitty). It's a great pattern and I had several great yarns in my stash. I picked one and started. So I did my cast on, a toe up using Judy's Magic and I began the toe. Paused to finish Secret Garden and went back to the Toe Friday night. I did quite a bit of the pattern and still hadn't knit very much in inches. I kind of panicked a little. The yarn I was using was finer than I normally knit and it was 100% merino. I had some concerns about durability because of the lack of nylon as well as if I'd actually be able to finish 2 socks in time.
Then Saturday comes along and I changed my mind yet again! Many people in the SKA group had made Wanida by Cookie A from the Sock Innovation book. Now I must admit, looking at that pattern in the book, I never really cared for it. Not sure if it was the yarn chosen or the photos, but these folks on SKA... wow! Their socks were amazing and it was great fun seeing all the different yarns used. So I jumped on the bandwagon, took my hazelknits and started Wanida. Holy knitting frenzy, 6 hours later and very late Saturday evening, I had knit the sock all the way through the heel turn and was decreasing for the gussets! I couldn't believe how far I had gotten. This sock has been so much fun to knit though. I'm not entirely sure why, but it just is. THe pattern, while easy to remember and follow, still has me looking at the chart... but it's so easily read if you get lost, you can just look at your stitches and know where you are.
When I started the sock, I had hoped to get through the cuff and a bit through the leg... but now as Sunday evening closes in, I actually only have like one inch left to knit. Had I not gotten this cold and slept so much today and knitted more earlier, I probably could have finished. OH well, it will definitely be done tomorrow, perhaps during my work lunch hour. I'm so excited about these socks. I'm hoping to continue this sock momentum and hopefully not come crashing down.
Couple of things on the horizon, Cookie A is designing the Mystery Sock Challenge for the SKA Group's MAY challenge, so I plan on knitting that. And I might even try my hand at knitting another sock during the same time (we'll see, let's not get over zealous). The 2nd thing is there is a designer contest to come up with a sock pattern for free or sale and it was to be posted by 5/21... so I have some ideas rolling around in my head for that.
I have put my sweaters on hold for the moment, Tappen Zee and the BSJ. Need to ride this sock wave out until it's over.
Here's the last pic I took a few hours ago. Tomorrow I'll post the finished sock.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Knitting: A reprieve
So while I talked about knitting all week last week, I never really did any.
Yes it's true, I took a little break my last stitch was on Saturday and my next stitch was the following Friday (I think). I mostly worked on my Sock Club socks, Secret Garden. In fact, I finished the first sock. Now my plan was to get through the heel, cast on the Sock #2 and catch it up to the next and finish the legs at the same time. But something happened... "just one more row" and before you know it, boom the leg! Crazy!
Anyway, I still have a desire to do sock #2 so I will cast that on. I should have done so yesterday, but thought it would be smart to take a week break and work on a gift.
DUMB MOVE! It occurred to me whilst I was trying to fall asleep last night that the Secret Garden socks are part of the Ravelry SKA March contest, which has to be finished before April's month end. That means roughly 12 days to start and finish socks #2. I honestly think this is still possible for me. I just have to start it!
Up next... Decided my in between would be a Baby Surprise Jacket for my new niece or nephew to come (my prediction is it will be another niece). I really wanted to make something girlie... but just what if it's a boy. So as I hadn't like what I previously cast on with my Hazel Knits : Its a Wrap colorway, I decided perfecto! I've been wanting to make a BSJ out of sock yarn as the last one I did was a DK/Light worsted weight yarn. Anyway, Brandy started one with STR and Kim is going to make one as well, so I jumped on that bandwagon. It's definitely much slower progress! Sheesh! I'm using sock yarn and US 3 needles.... and it seems like forever. It's okay though, it's mostly mindless and just goes row after row. That being said, I feel like I've knit forever and only have a bit over an inch done. eek!
It's all good, have a few months before baby is here.... but I really need to get that sock done. Tonight I will be casting that on! No TV until it's done!
ETA: Since I didn't post this the day it was written (Monday). I did actually cast on sock #2 last night as planned and worked the whole toe and into the foot about an inch! About another 4 and it's heel time! Hopefully tonight will progress as nicely!
Yes it's true, I took a little break my last stitch was on Saturday and my next stitch was the following Friday (I think). I mostly worked on my Sock Club socks, Secret Garden. In fact, I finished the first sock. Now my plan was to get through the heel, cast on the Sock #2 and catch it up to the next and finish the legs at the same time. But something happened... "just one more row" and before you know it, boom the leg! Crazy!
Anyway, I still have a desire to do sock #2 so I will cast that on. I should have done so yesterday, but thought it would be smart to take a week break and work on a gift.
DUMB MOVE! It occurred to me whilst I was trying to fall asleep last night that the Secret Garden socks are part of the Ravelry SKA March contest, which has to be finished before April's month end. That means roughly 12 days to start and finish socks #2. I honestly think this is still possible for me. I just have to start it!
Up next... Decided my in between would be a Baby Surprise Jacket for my new niece or nephew to come (my prediction is it will be another niece). I really wanted to make something girlie... but just what if it's a boy. So as I hadn't like what I previously cast on with my Hazel Knits : Its a Wrap colorway, I decided perfecto! I've been wanting to make a BSJ out of sock yarn as the last one I did was a DK/Light worsted weight yarn. Anyway, Brandy started one with STR and Kim is going to make one as well, so I jumped on that bandwagon. It's definitely much slower progress! Sheesh! I'm using sock yarn and US 3 needles.... and it seems like forever. It's okay though, it's mostly mindless and just goes row after row. That being said, I feel like I've knit forever and only have a bit over an inch done. eek!
It's all good, have a few months before baby is here.... but I really need to get that sock done. Tonight I will be casting that on! No TV until it's done!
ETA: Since I didn't post this the day it was written (Monday). I did actually cast on sock #2 last night as planned and worked the whole toe and into the foot about an inch! About another 4 and it's heel time! Hopefully tonight will progress as nicely!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Knitting: Really, just thinking about it
So the entire past week, I have NOT knit a stitch.
I know I said I was going to, but I truly have not. I think I last played with some stitches last Saturday! No kidding. While I have desired to knit a bit, I was not really feeling inspired or motivated to do so. Soooo... I didn't.
Anyway, it's okay, I've been keeping my mind occupied with knitting and designing and knitting some more. I have a whole list of things to make, mainly socks and the desire for some sweaters/tops. I tend to be a warm person, so making sweaters for me is typically not something I have done/completed. I need short sleeves and lightweight. I work in an office that is rarely cool, so I'm constantly overheating, especially in the summer. I'm not one of those people that need a cover up... EVER!
So, Cath has made a few of the Bombshell pattern, and it's a great looking sweater that really shows off your curves in a pleasing way. I've wanted to make this pattern ever since I saw the book. However, something has always stopped me. Well, it's breathing down my neck now and I really want to cast on. Problem is, I'm unsure what yarn to use. It is something that will require a swatch and I will be good and proper and actually do one. But first I have to pick a yarn.
Ok... so my other thought is SOCKS... socks, socks, socks. I want to make all kinds of socks. I want to be able to wear multiple pairs this fall when the weather gets cool again. I want to have a variety to choose from. It's mid April, how many socks can I make by October? And not just socks, but how many PAIRS of socks. Oh darn 2nd sock syndrome! However to get me there, getting some good stuff from Blue Moon. I ordered an array/plethora of colors as well as the Sheep to Shoe kits, so I can practice spinning some sock yarn.
Ok, so again, I should probably get to knitting instead of blogging.
In music news, I won tickets to see Blue October tomorrow evening. I'm pretty excited as I've not been to a show in awhile, so that should be fun.... more news on that to come.
I know I said I was going to, but I truly have not. I think I last played with some stitches last Saturday! No kidding. While I have desired to knit a bit, I was not really feeling inspired or motivated to do so. Soooo... I didn't.
Anyway, it's okay, I've been keeping my mind occupied with knitting and designing and knitting some more. I have a whole list of things to make, mainly socks and the desire for some sweaters/tops. I tend to be a warm person, so making sweaters for me is typically not something I have done/completed. I need short sleeves and lightweight. I work in an office that is rarely cool, so I'm constantly overheating, especially in the summer. I'm not one of those people that need a cover up... EVER!
So, Cath has made a few of the Bombshell pattern, and it's a great looking sweater that really shows off your curves in a pleasing way. I've wanted to make this pattern ever since I saw the book. However, something has always stopped me. Well, it's breathing down my neck now and I really want to cast on. Problem is, I'm unsure what yarn to use. It is something that will require a swatch and I will be good and proper and actually do one. But first I have to pick a yarn.
Ok... so my other thought is SOCKS... socks, socks, socks. I want to make all kinds of socks. I want to be able to wear multiple pairs this fall when the weather gets cool again. I want to have a variety to choose from. It's mid April, how many socks can I make by October? And not just socks, but how many PAIRS of socks. Oh darn 2nd sock syndrome! However to get me there, getting some good stuff from Blue Moon. I ordered an array/plethora of colors as well as the Sheep to Shoe kits, so I can practice spinning some sock yarn.
Ok, so again, I should probably get to knitting instead of blogging.
In music news, I won tickets to see Blue October tomorrow evening. I'm pretty excited as I've not been to a show in awhile, so that should be fun.... more news on that to come.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Knitting: The Sockqueen's video tips
So BOM square #2 is officially done. I called it done the other day, but still had the bind off today. Michelle uses Grandma's Favorite Bind Off. It's a bind off I hadn't ever heard of, but Michelle likes it because it gives a nice stretchy even edge. And, I tried it, A. It's easy and B. the edge looks awesome!
The basics of the b/o are to P2TOG, put loop back on LH needles and repeat. Super simple and like I said, nice looking edge.
For those that don't know Michelle, she works at Temptations in Dublin, her rav name is Sockqueen and she has designed a LOT of socks! Her website which is linked above has tons of tips and different videos to check out.
Speaking of socks, Cath and I were going to do a KAL but that was put on hold. I did start a sock, but have decided to wait since I really want to make Secret Garden. So yesterday, I casted on for Secret Garden and this morning I ripped it out because I didn't like the way the toe looked. I'll start over again sometime today.
The basics of the b/o are to P2TOG, put loop back on LH needles and repeat. Super simple and like I said, nice looking edge.
For those that don't know Michelle, she works at Temptations in Dublin, her rav name is Sockqueen and she has designed a LOT of socks! Her website which is linked above has tons of tips and different videos to check out.
Speaking of socks, Cath and I were going to do a KAL but that was put on hold. I did start a sock, but have decided to wait since I really want to make Secret Garden. So yesterday, I casted on for Secret Garden and this morning I ripped it out because I didn't like the way the toe looked. I'll start over again sometime today.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Yarn: BMFA Sock club #2
So I peeked!
I couldn't take it anymore, I had really hoped to have had my shipment on Saturday, but alas it didn't come. So yesterday before I left work, I jumped on the site really quick and checked the spoilers for a photo.
It was a little shocking at first. I wasn't sure about it.
Got home... had a package!
Of course I ripped it open and my first thoughts were... hmmm.....
But the more I looked at it and the more I felt it, the more I liked it. Now of course this isn't to say I didn't like it at first site, I did like it, but I just wasn't in love with it. Not like Happy Go Lucky, I fell hard there!
Anyway, the variation and color changes in this yarn are remarkable. I wanted to wind it up right there, but I didn't. Not just yet. I want to hold and fondle it and just stare at it lovingly.
But tonight... I shall take a walk through the Secret Garden. It's one of the patterns sent and is by Janel Laidman. As soon as I saw the name I KNEW I would knit this sock. I like the other pattern as well, it's called Slip Jig, but I LOVE the secret garden pattern. It's toe-up, what I've mostly been working these days, so it fits right in.
For now.... take a look at the lovely, it's called Wild Irishgirlie by the way.
I couldn't take it anymore, I had really hoped to have had my shipment on Saturday, but alas it didn't come. So yesterday before I left work, I jumped on the site really quick and checked the spoilers for a photo.
It was a little shocking at first. I wasn't sure about it.
Got home... had a package!
Of course I ripped it open and my first thoughts were... hmmm.....
But the more I looked at it and the more I felt it, the more I liked it. Now of course this isn't to say I didn't like it at first site, I did like it, but I just wasn't in love with it. Not like Happy Go Lucky, I fell hard there!
Anyway, the variation and color changes in this yarn are remarkable. I wanted to wind it up right there, but I didn't. Not just yet. I want to hold and fondle it and just stare at it lovingly.
But tonight... I shall take a walk through the Secret Garden. It's one of the patterns sent and is by Janel Laidman. As soon as I saw the name I KNEW I would knit this sock. I like the other pattern as well, it's called Slip Jig, but I LOVE the secret garden pattern. It's toe-up, what I've mostly been working these days, so it fits right in.
For now.... take a look at the lovely, it's called Wild Irishgirlie by the way.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Knitting: A day without it?
You know awhile back it was pretty rare for me to have a day that I didn't knit. I would typically knit a few stitches at least every day. And it's mostly because I do love it so much. Well around last fall some changes were made. Mostly with work and that put the knitting on the back burner a bit. I mostly saved the knitting for the weekends because I couldn't fit it into my normal day.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to get at, is the presence of knitting in my daily life. And it's a constant presence. I sort of lose myself in it sometimes. For instance today, Audra and I headed downtown to Travonna Coffee house and we did talk, but there were moments there that I just got lost in my knitting. I was in my own world and just kind of zoned out with the stitches.
And after that, I kind of just wasted the day away. It was a good waste, though. I had fun and I looked at a ton of knitting books, found a few cardigans I really love... checked out some really great yarns... and I napped.
So about that discovery sock... good grief. I'm struggling with it. At first, I picked this one pattern, it caused me to double the stitches, so I was cabling over 96 effing stitches... it sucked and I did it for rows and rows. I even bound it off and tried it on.
Today, I ripped it out. That felt good, but then I was back at the drawing board so to speak. I started over wit a new pattern from the book and I for sure don't love it but at this point I just really want to be done with these socks.
Which leads me into my next point, I really want lots of socks. I have a shit-ton of sock yarn and I really need to get it knit up. My entire stash needs revamped and organized. I'm at the point of having an overwhelming amount of yarn and haven't a clue what to do with it.
While I know I need to knit, I get so overwhelmed I kind of shut down and don't know where to go or how to start. And that is why I have all of these projects all over. And probably in another week, my next sock club shipment will arrive from Blue Moon and I'll be in love all over again with something new.
In the meantime though, I've been mostly monogamous. I've only been working on the Discovery Socks and the Cabled Mitts. The first mitt is nearly done, but I do need to make some design changes. Kinks to work out so to speak. I'm being especially critical of these because this might be the first pattern I post out for sale.
Anyway, these two projects are going well and are coming to a close. Perhaps by next week the socks will be done, just in time, too because I decided to head to Mystery Sock on Tuesday night. It's a stranded 2-color project, so I'm anxious to get that started, too. I think I might opt to do both socks at the same time, so as to get finished earlier than later and not fall to SSS (second sock syndrome).
So I just might accomplish that dream of having multiple pairs of hand knit socks to choose from this year. Now... about that sweater................
Anyway, the point I'm trying to get at, is the presence of knitting in my daily life. And it's a constant presence. I sort of lose myself in it sometimes. For instance today, Audra and I headed downtown to Travonna Coffee house and we did talk, but there were moments there that I just got lost in my knitting. I was in my own world and just kind of zoned out with the stitches.
And after that, I kind of just wasted the day away. It was a good waste, though. I had fun and I looked at a ton of knitting books, found a few cardigans I really love... checked out some really great yarns... and I napped.
So about that discovery sock... good grief. I'm struggling with it. At first, I picked this one pattern, it caused me to double the stitches, so I was cabling over 96 effing stitches... it sucked and I did it for rows and rows. I even bound it off and tried it on.
Today, I ripped it out. That felt good, but then I was back at the drawing board so to speak. I started over wit a new pattern from the book and I for sure don't love it but at this point I just really want to be done with these socks.
Which leads me into my next point, I really want lots of socks. I have a shit-ton of sock yarn and I really need to get it knit up. My entire stash needs revamped and organized. I'm at the point of having an overwhelming amount of yarn and haven't a clue what to do with it.
While I know I need to knit, I get so overwhelmed I kind of shut down and don't know where to go or how to start. And that is why I have all of these projects all over. And probably in another week, my next sock club shipment will arrive from Blue Moon and I'll be in love all over again with something new.
In the meantime though, I've been mostly monogamous. I've only been working on the Discovery Socks and the Cabled Mitts. The first mitt is nearly done, but I do need to make some design changes. Kinks to work out so to speak. I'm being especially critical of these because this might be the first pattern I post out for sale.
Anyway, these two projects are going well and are coming to a close. Perhaps by next week the socks will be done, just in time, too because I decided to head to Mystery Sock on Tuesday night. It's a stranded 2-color project, so I'm anxious to get that started, too. I think I might opt to do both socks at the same time, so as to get finished earlier than later and not fall to SSS (second sock syndrome).
So I just might accomplish that dream of having multiple pairs of hand knit socks to choose from this year. Now... about that sweater................
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Knitting: Continued DISCOVERY sock progress
I'm still knitting away on the discovery sock. As I finished the pod last week, I opted to start the 2nd pod instead of finishing the leg on sock #1. It's going well, although I haven't committed to it this weekend. I haven't felt the knitting bug much however I did have some fiber adventures.
I went to Dublin on Saturday to pick up my "new" macbook. Purchased from Cath since she upgraded to pro. And since I was in Dublin, I stopped off to visit Temptations. I chatted with Karen a bit. Picked up month #2 for the BOM Afghan and purchased a skein of Malabrigo Twist in Grape. It's super pretty.
I now have 3 skeins of the twist in different colors. GK2 pal, Brandy made really super pretty and squishy cabled fingerless mitts. I decided these would be great gifts for my non-knitting but supportive friends. So I know have 3 colors that I believe they will each like, Olive, Rust/Olive and the Purple. I searched Ravelry last week for a pattern, but didn't see anything that jumped out at me, so I'm designing my own. I'm writing as I go. It's turning out really nice. The yarn is fantastic to use and I love the cabled diamond I chose for the central motif. Not sure if I will make these identical or, swap the cables out as I go. Providing on the feedback, I may go ahead and list on Ravelry.
Great thing is, with my new macbook, I can design anywhere. I'm not restricted to being home on my IMac. I have some great software and am so amped to get some of these ideas out, anywhere I go!
So the mitts are in progress. The Discovery sock is in progress... and I'm being very good to not pick up any other projects, nor cast on any additional projects until I'm done with the first pair of mitts and/or these discovery socks. I hoped to have the green socks done in time for St. Pats, but it won't happen. No biggie, they should be done before end of the month.
So I should have knit on Friday but didn't. Didn't knit most of Saturday, but had a lovely catch up time with Cath at Starbucks on Sat. night. I did knit a few rounds on the sock while there. I've finished all the increases and just need to knit to the leg lines and put the lifelines in and finish up the heel. Not much further at all.
Have the sock class tomorrow and will cut open for the leg and start a pattern. I'm going away from my original thought of designing a cable, due to lack of time. But I will definitely do it sometime in the future.
Not ready to start another work week, but we do what we must. Here comes Monday... bring it on!
I went to Dublin on Saturday to pick up my "new" macbook. Purchased from Cath since she upgraded to pro. And since I was in Dublin, I stopped off to visit Temptations. I chatted with Karen a bit. Picked up month #2 for the BOM Afghan and purchased a skein of Malabrigo Twist in Grape. It's super pretty.
I now have 3 skeins of the twist in different colors. GK2 pal, Brandy made really super pretty and squishy cabled fingerless mitts. I decided these would be great gifts for my non-knitting but supportive friends. So I know have 3 colors that I believe they will each like, Olive, Rust/Olive and the Purple. I searched Ravelry last week for a pattern, but didn't see anything that jumped out at me, so I'm designing my own. I'm writing as I go. It's turning out really nice. The yarn is fantastic to use and I love the cabled diamond I chose for the central motif. Not sure if I will make these identical or, swap the cables out as I go. Providing on the feedback, I may go ahead and list on Ravelry.
Great thing is, with my new macbook, I can design anywhere. I'm not restricted to being home on my IMac. I have some great software and am so amped to get some of these ideas out, anywhere I go!
So the mitts are in progress. The Discovery sock is in progress... and I'm being very good to not pick up any other projects, nor cast on any additional projects until I'm done with the first pair of mitts and/or these discovery socks. I hoped to have the green socks done in time for St. Pats, but it won't happen. No biggie, they should be done before end of the month.
So I should have knit on Friday but didn't. Didn't knit most of Saturday, but had a lovely catch up time with Cath at Starbucks on Sat. night. I did knit a few rounds on the sock while there. I've finished all the increases and just need to knit to the leg lines and put the lifelines in and finish up the heel. Not much further at all.
Have the sock class tomorrow and will cut open for the leg and start a pattern. I'm going away from my original thought of designing a cable, due to lack of time. But I will definitely do it sometime in the future.
Not ready to start another work week, but we do what we must. Here comes Monday... bring it on!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Knitting: What?!
So, I've been meaning to write for days and days... but been too lazy to do so. That being said... I felt like I had a lot to say and now sitting here typing, I can't recall a darn thing. And I have no photo updates either.
So, let the random purge begin.
I read a good book a week ago... it is still sticking with me and I can't get it out of my head. I even took the time to go back and read some of the chapters. In the end, the book is basically about a woman that ends up "finding" herself and healing old wounds when she moves to Ireland to research and write a book about KNITTING. So, not sure why it has stuck with me so much except, it was a pretty good story and had a happy ending and all that, so maybe that is what I'm looking for or yearning for? Who knows... what this book has also done is made my feelings for a fisherman gansey resurface with a vengeance.
I've done research all over the place... 2 of the most notable books (from every website I surfed) happen to be in my Library. I've been pouring over patterns and cables and ropes and moss stitches and more. There is no real "pattern" that I am using, it's kind of make it up and go.
I had planned to be a good knitter and swatch out all the pattern motifs I was planning, but then on Sunday... I grew restless and silly and c/o 264 stitches to start this sweater in the round from the bottom up. I'm using EZ's almanac instructions, but with different panels. I really liked my chosen stitches, but after doing 1 1/2 rounds, I realized one of the panels was NOT for me. So mid-round, I stopped knitting. I grabbed my 2 books, Gladys Thompson and Shelaugh H(something) and looked for another pattern with a count of 20 stitches. I couldnt' find one! Then, I pulled out a couple of BW stitch dictionaries and of course, after looking at several possible motifs, I chose one. It's a pretzel braid and will fit in nicely I think. So I finished round 2 with that stitch by dropping that section back to the edge and going forth.
Another thing I decided on was to do a provisional cast on using the crochet method. I did this for several reasons. Mainly because I am impatient, but 2ndly because I wasn't sure how these patterns would actually fit together and also because I don't know how long this will be. So, I figured I could get it where I want and after having done a significant amount of knitting, I can go back, pick up that edge and do some ribbing. My other reason, is I definitely want to do it in a size smaller needle and I have no idear where the 7 is right now.
Moving on... Details: Using Cascade Eco Wool in the natural colorway on a US8. I'm getting 3.77 stitches per inch. This sweater will def be huge, but I'm modeling it after a fave sweater of mine that is big and baggy and one that I love the fit of.
I have no idea what will happen when I get up to the chest area and I need to start thinking about sleeves and stuff. This will definitely be a practice in patience, skill and learning new things. I think I am a good knitter, but I rarely WING it to this extent, so we shall see.
In other knitting news, I'm taking a class at the merc and learning about Cat Bordhi's "new" technique of toe-up sock making. It's called Peronal Footprint. And basically you are making notes as you go, trying on as you go and making a patter of your foot, as you go along knitting. It's pretty interesting and I'm enjoying the progression so far.
I did have a bit of a set back though. As this is a learning sock and you have to be able to READ your knitting, the yarn I picked was the IMPULSE colorway from the February Hazel Knits sock club and not really a good idea for this venture. So, around Saturday, I decided to switch over to a lovely green yarn that was newly acquired. I can definitely "read" my increases much better and it didn't take me long to get back to where I was with the Impulse as well as continue on. I'm not sure of what the leg of the sock will be yet and if it will be plain or if we make something from the book, but if we can pick our "own" thing, I'm definitely planning on making some shamrocks or celtic rings on these socks... it's THAT green.
Maybe I need to take a trip to Ireland, soon!
So, let the random purge begin.
I read a good book a week ago... it is still sticking with me and I can't get it out of my head. I even took the time to go back and read some of the chapters. In the end, the book is basically about a woman that ends up "finding" herself and healing old wounds when she moves to Ireland to research and write a book about KNITTING. So, not sure why it has stuck with me so much except, it was a pretty good story and had a happy ending and all that, so maybe that is what I'm looking for or yearning for? Who knows... what this book has also done is made my feelings for a fisherman gansey resurface with a vengeance.
I've done research all over the place... 2 of the most notable books (from every website I surfed) happen to be in my Library. I've been pouring over patterns and cables and ropes and moss stitches and more. There is no real "pattern" that I am using, it's kind of make it up and go.
I had planned to be a good knitter and swatch out all the pattern motifs I was planning, but then on Sunday... I grew restless and silly and c/o 264 stitches to start this sweater in the round from the bottom up. I'm using EZ's almanac instructions, but with different panels. I really liked my chosen stitches, but after doing 1 1/2 rounds, I realized one of the panels was NOT for me. So mid-round, I stopped knitting. I grabbed my 2 books, Gladys Thompson and Shelaugh H(something) and looked for another pattern with a count of 20 stitches. I couldnt' find one! Then, I pulled out a couple of BW stitch dictionaries and of course, after looking at several possible motifs, I chose one. It's a pretzel braid and will fit in nicely I think. So I finished round 2 with that stitch by dropping that section back to the edge and going forth.
Another thing I decided on was to do a provisional cast on using the crochet method. I did this for several reasons. Mainly because I am impatient, but 2ndly because I wasn't sure how these patterns would actually fit together and also because I don't know how long this will be. So, I figured I could get it where I want and after having done a significant amount of knitting, I can go back, pick up that edge and do some ribbing. My other reason, is I definitely want to do it in a size smaller needle and I have no idear where the 7 is right now.
Moving on... Details: Using Cascade Eco Wool in the natural colorway on a US8. I'm getting 3.77 stitches per inch. This sweater will def be huge, but I'm modeling it after a fave sweater of mine that is big and baggy and one that I love the fit of.
I have no idea what will happen when I get up to the chest area and I need to start thinking about sleeves and stuff. This will definitely be a practice in patience, skill and learning new things. I think I am a good knitter, but I rarely WING it to this extent, so we shall see.
In other knitting news, I'm taking a class at the merc and learning about Cat Bordhi's "new" technique of toe-up sock making. It's called Peronal Footprint. And basically you are making notes as you go, trying on as you go and making a patter of your foot, as you go along knitting. It's pretty interesting and I'm enjoying the progression so far.
I did have a bit of a set back though. As this is a learning sock and you have to be able to READ your knitting, the yarn I picked was the IMPULSE colorway from the February Hazel Knits sock club and not really a good idea for this venture. So, around Saturday, I decided to switch over to a lovely green yarn that was newly acquired. I can definitely "read" my increases much better and it didn't take me long to get back to where I was with the Impulse as well as continue on. I'm not sure of what the leg of the sock will be yet and if it will be plain or if we make something from the book, but if we can pick our "own" thing, I'm definitely planning on making some shamrocks or celtic rings on these socks... it's THAT green.
Maybe I need to take a trip to Ireland, soon!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Knitting: Sometimes organization is bad
Mostly it is good though.
Case in point... I had the brill idea to make a pattern/project binder for 2010. Sort of like the ravelry queue. And while ravelry is still a genius and I am its slave... I need tangible. I need something that I can carry around with me and touch and feel. I know this is weird because with the Iphone I can actually carry ravelry around with me. But anyway... binder it is.
So I started planning. I had 2 projects in the binder. The lovely Welig Gloves and The every way wrap. Both started around beginning of January/end of December? Anyway, I was a good girl and soley worked on these 2 projects. I finished the gloves. And decided to start a simple sock project to go along with the wrap. I cast on Spring Forward. It took it's place in the magic binder.
Then I did a dumb thing and went to knitters mercantile. I bought this fantastic self striping/patterning yarn by Regia. I went to a friends to watch movies, needed something even more simple, so I cast on for another sock! That has no pattern though, so no insert into the binder. I will write it up though for prosperity, and to OH yeah, make the 2nd sock match the first. har,har, har.
The pic is of the in progress, but the 1st sock is actully complete.
Then, I went on Ravelry forums and started reading the January challenge for SKA and I cast on another sock! It's a made up pattern from BW stitch dictionary... and I haven't gotten far on it. The sock yarn is alpaca and is super slippery and fine to knit, so these may get frogged or take forever, not sure.
THEN... if all of this wasn't bad enough... my first shipment for the Rockin' Sock club came on Friday. Holy crap, do I love this yarn. It''s this gorgeous red/pink with a bit of bluey/silver, some orange and pinks and it is way too fabulous! I was actually leaving the house on Friday, pulled my car over in front of the mailbox because I saw a package. I sat there on the wrong side of the street facing the wrong way and opened the amazing. I was in love right there. It was like this was the most perfect yarn in the prettiest of colors and I felt like it was made just for me. I checked the patterns quick too and they were stunning as well.
Instead of running back into the house to immediately wind and cast on (which was truly a thought), I went about my errands. I didn't even cast on for a whole day! But then I just had too. It was staring me in the face and I knew I couldn't knit on anything else.
So, I cast on Flabella. I read through the pattern multiple times and on I went. Until the 1st freaking row. Yes, this pattern has bobbles, which normally I don't like, but they look so pretty in the pattern, I knew I had to knit them and would be pleased at the end. Well, I had problems, after about the 4th bobble, I decided to give up. I plan to potentially still knit this pattern someday, but in the mean time, I decided to cast on the other pattern that came with it, Cascadia.
It's a toe-up so not my fave method, but I did it. And for all of you that know me and know my relationshp with Judy's Magic Cast on... I actually did it. First time ever it actually came out fairly well. I just have one little hole to fix up instead of the usually craziness that happens when I do it. So, I felt better about that... then onto the pattern. It's just awesome. It's pretty and easy to memorize, the directions are written very well and the charts are awesome. So I'm half way through the foot (I think). And the yarn as knitted is still amazing and lovely.
Oh yeah, back to the binder... so on my lazy Sunday morning, I notieced I had patterns skattered about and thought I really needed to wrangle them in. So I put some random patterns in another binder. And I started putting the "I REALLY WANT TO MAKE THAT!" in the 2010 binder and lo and behold it has grown!
I think it is mostly due to ravelympics. If I get on a crazy knitting roll during this time, I want to be sure to have enough projects in my "queue". So I've picked a couple to knit, since Vivian is going to be knit another time. I have the twilight mitts to knit with Jackie and Karen. I thought maybe another sock pattern to go with the SKA Feb. challenge. And then I forgot about this cowl I want to make AND there's a blue moon team too and the criteria there is just to use Blue moon yarn, so enter in another project! Of course I could merge the Blue moon and ska into one thing and have my blue moon entry and the ska challenge be the same pattern.
Anyway... at this point in time... the binder has gotten out of control. I'm pretty confident I can finish the twilight mitts during ravelympics. I MIGHT be able to squeeze the cowl in, too... but much more than that is probably hopeless. I need to slow down and concentrate on one thing at a time, not sure if that will ever be possible, though.
Oh well, at least I enjoy what I do!
Case in point... I had the brill idea to make a pattern/project binder for 2010. Sort of like the ravelry queue. And while ravelry is still a genius and I am its slave... I need tangible. I need something that I can carry around with me and touch and feel. I know this is weird because with the Iphone I can actually carry ravelry around with me. But anyway... binder it is.
So I started planning. I had 2 projects in the binder. The lovely Welig Gloves and The every way wrap. Both started around beginning of January/end of December? Anyway, I was a good girl and soley worked on these 2 projects. I finished the gloves. And decided to start a simple sock project to go along with the wrap. I cast on Spring Forward. It took it's place in the magic binder.
Then I did a dumb thing and went to knitters mercantile. I bought this fantastic self striping/patterning yarn by Regia. I went to a friends to watch movies, needed something even more simple, so I cast on for another sock! That has no pattern though, so no insert into the binder. I will write it up though for prosperity, and to OH yeah, make the 2nd sock match the first. har,har, har.
The pic is of the in progress, but the 1st sock is actully complete.
Then, I went on Ravelry forums and started reading the January challenge for SKA and I cast on another sock! It's a made up pattern from BW stitch dictionary... and I haven't gotten far on it. The sock yarn is alpaca and is super slippery and fine to knit, so these may get frogged or take forever, not sure.
THEN... if all of this wasn't bad enough... my first shipment for the Rockin' Sock club came on Friday. Holy crap, do I love this yarn. It''s this gorgeous red/pink with a bit of bluey/silver, some orange and pinks and it is way too fabulous! I was actually leaving the house on Friday, pulled my car over in front of the mailbox because I saw a package. I sat there on the wrong side of the street facing the wrong way and opened the amazing. I was in love right there. It was like this was the most perfect yarn in the prettiest of colors and I felt like it was made just for me. I checked the patterns quick too and they were stunning as well.
Instead of running back into the house to immediately wind and cast on (which was truly a thought), I went about my errands. I didn't even cast on for a whole day! But then I just had too. It was staring me in the face and I knew I couldn't knit on anything else.
So, I cast on Flabella. I read through the pattern multiple times and on I went. Until the 1st freaking row. Yes, this pattern has bobbles, which normally I don't like, but they look so pretty in the pattern, I knew I had to knit them and would be pleased at the end. Well, I had problems, after about the 4th bobble, I decided to give up. I plan to potentially still knit this pattern someday, but in the mean time, I decided to cast on the other pattern that came with it, Cascadia.
It's a toe-up so not my fave method, but I did it. And for all of you that know me and know my relationshp with Judy's Magic Cast on... I actually did it. First time ever it actually came out fairly well. I just have one little hole to fix up instead of the usually craziness that happens when I do it. So, I felt better about that... then onto the pattern. It's just awesome. It's pretty and easy to memorize, the directions are written very well and the charts are awesome. So I'm half way through the foot (I think). And the yarn as knitted is still amazing and lovely.
Oh yeah, back to the binder... so on my lazy Sunday morning, I notieced I had patterns skattered about and thought I really needed to wrangle them in. So I put some random patterns in another binder. And I started putting the "I REALLY WANT TO MAKE THAT!" in the 2010 binder and lo and behold it has grown!
I think it is mostly due to ravelympics. If I get on a crazy knitting roll during this time, I want to be sure to have enough projects in my "queue". So I've picked a couple to knit, since Vivian is going to be knit another time. I have the twilight mitts to knit with Jackie and Karen. I thought maybe another sock pattern to go with the SKA Feb. challenge. And then I forgot about this cowl I want to make AND there's a blue moon team too and the criteria there is just to use Blue moon yarn, so enter in another project! Of course I could merge the Blue moon and ska into one thing and have my blue moon entry and the ska challenge be the same pattern.
Anyway... at this point in time... the binder has gotten out of control. I'm pretty confident I can finish the twilight mitts during ravelympics. I MIGHT be able to squeeze the cowl in, too... but much more than that is probably hopeless. I need to slow down and concentrate on one thing at a time, not sure if that will ever be possible, though.
Oh well, at least I enjoy what I do!
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