Monday, December 28, 2009

The War on UFOs


Apparently this is what we are currently experiencing. The green/brown Philosopher's wool sweater is done and yesterday I drug this out of the queue. The hold up was deciding what to do with the neck. The pattern is for a cardigan and while I had made a pullover into a cardigan I had never done it the other direction before. So 10 pattern rows from the neck shaping it got relegated to the end of the line while I figured it out. That was 3 years ago. Since then I have had a little more time to learn a few more tricks. (I think making more than one of the Philosopher's Wool sweaters where the neck shaping is all done after the knitting is finished helped me get over the fear - ALOT.) And gotten either more brave or shamed about how long this had been sitting there.

So yesterday I got brave, wrote out a plan and started knitting. This of course took longer than anticipated. But it's done. The steeks are secured and cut and I am ready to pick up the stitches for the sleeves and neck band. All very exciting.

Now my mind is turning to Beadwork. I'll have to find it, of course, and figure out where I left off. This might be a good time to find all the UFOs, and line them up.

Maybe January 1, 2010 would be a good day to line them up, post them and then see how many I get finished by the end of the decade. It could be quite a challenge.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

End of the year catch up

There was much knitting going on here this last month. I made several holiday gifts.

The green sweater is for my son. He isn't likely to come here so I can safely post this here. I hope he likes it.

The pattern is Tradition from Fair Isle Simplified. I used leftover yarn from other Philosopher's Wool sweaters I've made. I think it turned out quite beautifully.












Next is Bella Paquita. I had some issues with this pattern but I'm very pleased with the sweater. The yarn is Rowan Magpie I bought in a clearance sale most likely at the Sheepy Yarn Shop in White Bear Lake Minnesota.




Mother should stop reading now.

Is she gone?

She better be.

Okay -







I made her a scarf, very simple pattern using Sari Silk. As pretty as this is I am unlikely to EVER buy this yarn again. It was full of grass and other matter and several very thin spots that broke during knitting. The pattern is from Charmed Knits. Albus has very kindly assisted by holding the scarf for the pictures.


Since there were storms and work foo I didn't get to drive all the way to Minnesota and visit so I'll have to mail these things on Monday.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

No new knitting

Well - not so much true. There is new knitting, but it's holiday gift knitting and can't make an appearance here until after it's been seen by the recipient.

I have completed a pair of socks which could be shown - but I need to wash and block them.

I hope the presents are a hit. You never can tell.

Monday, November 09, 2009

Hello!

I've been gone so long I hope you haven't forgotten about me. But I have been knitting

I have finished Alamere Falls pullover.
The yarn is Plymouth Homestead. I can't find the label now, of course. So I'm not sure what color it is. I hate when I do that and I do it all the time. The pattern is from Simply Shetland 4: at Tomales Bay. I bought the book so I could make Venezia but I haven't done more than knit swatches for that.






and Honeycomb vest.

This pattern is from Knitty. The yarn is Elizabeth Lavold Silky Wool. I really like this yarn. It's a little rough to knit with but it sure knits up pretty.




They were very nice knits and I can't wait to wear them.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Swapping and Spinning



Here is the really cool Swap package I received from my Secret Swap 14 pal. Some great yarn, a sweet treat and some nice tea. You can't see the card - but it has some CUTE kittens on it. I think I'll make a hat with the yarn. And in the lower right corner - buttons:







Here is a close up - aren't the sheep perfect!













Today I finally finished spinning plying and skeining some yarn.

It's been in my stash for a long time! I really like the red yellow colors but the plying is not good. Very annoying and I'm not sure what the issue is. I plyed the blue skein last week and it went together perfectly. Otherwise I'd be concerned that I'd lost my touch.




Kelly also received her sweater. She has promised pictures and hopefully she will feel up to it soon. She had a horrible weekend last week and I wish I could give her a big hug.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Finished Object = OUT OF MY QUEUE

Here it is - the end of the cotton is at hand. Orangina is completed. Now I just need to mail it to the recipient.

Here it is modeled by my very thin daughter. I hope it fits Kelly better. Maybe she will post pictures for us. We can only hope.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Stagnation!

I am still knitting Orangina. It feels like forever! It's only been a couple weeks though. Having that information on Ravelry certainly is useful. I am about 1 inch from joining the front to the back and knitting the ribbing on the bottom.

I am going to participate in a Harry Potter knitting competition, based loosely on the Tri-wizard Tournament. I'm quite excited to see how it will work. It starts September 5.

There is also a dishcloth swap I joined that starts soon (I hope). It's a great concept. 12 of us knit 1 dishcloth a month and then each month one of us receives a dishcloth from the other 11 knitters. I imagine I will knit all 12 using the same pattern. I really like it. I've already knit 20 or 30 of them and I'm still not tired of the pattern yet.

Ravelry certainly has made my knitting life busy. I love how easy it is to find new patterns and yarns there. No matter what I'm thinking about doing there is someone else who has made it or is thinking about it. I can look at the item knit in different colors and different yarns. Some people put great notes up on their 'project' page, which can be really helpful. I wish I was better about putting notes up.

I made more bread today. This time I made a medium rye and english muffin. The rye needs to be darker but the recipe is tasty. The english muffin is really cheater bread - it was made in the bread machine. It is also quite tasty. Both recipes came from King Arthur Flour.

I found another dark rye recipe, that I plan to try next week, on another site. I've had good and bad luck with that site. So next week, if the test bake is a success I'll post a link to that.

And with any luck at all I'll have a new project to talk about.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

And we have -

Bread, beautiful bread:
This bread recipe was developed to celebrate the North Dakota Centennial. It's quite tasty and I haven't made if for several years.

My Secret Swap 14 package:
Should have put up these pictures a long time ago - but life got busy. This yarn is lovely and I just can't decide what to make with it. There was also some really great chocolate but it didn't make it to picture time. We ate it long before there were pictures.

And new yarn:
This is the yarn I bought to make the Tempest Sweater. This is my incentive to focus on finishing Kelly's Orangina.

Now you'll have to excuse me while I go eat some of the bread - it smells delicious!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

A long quiet week.

Last week's bread baking was full of fail. I'm going to give it another go tomorrow.

I have done some knitting this week, but nothing has been finished. I did finish the lace portion of the back of Kelly's Orangina and started the front. I have about 2 inches of the front started.

I also found another baby sock pattern to try. So far I just haven't been happy with the ones in my library and new patterns are ALWAYS a good option.

Cross your fingers that tomorrow's bread baking turns out a wee bit better than last week.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Today - not knitting

Today I am doing something not knitting - baking bread.

I threw together a sponge, opened the grain grinder, ground the grain (the mill works great - with a lot less dust flying out of it then the old one - best declutter I ever took off someone's hands) and now I'm waiting for this to raise:


I hope it turns out well. I haven't got my recipes here so I had to scour the intertubes. This is not a terribly pleasing experience - except for this - King Arthur Flour.

This site has a lovely recipe section. I know the catalog is fraught with peril but the website is worse! Totally delightful but give the bank card to the spouse (or someone else you trust) and send them out for about 6 hours, while you browse. I have about 6 recipes I'd like to try but we don't really need 18 loaves of bread in the house.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Lopi Love


Here is another sweater. I finished this one in the car (except for tucking the ends) in the car on the way to and from camping.




It's design 36 from Lopi 18. The yarn is Alafoss Lopi. It should be nice and warm this winter.

I found the pattern and the yarn for Kelly's Orangina and I cast that on this morning. I've finished three pattern sets (it's a four row pattern repeated for 15 inches). So far so good! With any luck she will get it sometime this fall - just in time to put it in the closet for NEXT summer.

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Camping and knitting

It could happen.

Pattern is Raspberry Lemonade by Adrienne Fong, in Regia 4-fach (a grey and a multi). This was a great camping knit. The pattern was easy to remember and knit so the pattern could stay safe and dry.

Now we are home doing laundry. That could take the entire weekend.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Mid year review

Yes folks - it's time for a little progress checking. I believe I am a bit of a slacker (gasp).

I am four pairs of socks behind for the 52 Pair Plunge.

Last night I did graft the toe of a sock and contemplate starting it's mate. It's too bad the contemplation of knitting doesn't get the socks done. I wouldn't have nearly as much stash and I'd have many more pairs of socks.

I am three sweaters behind on the Sweater a month challenge.

I have about 6 inches on a sweater before I join the sleeves and knit the yoke. If I can find the pattern I have found the yarn for the Oragina I am going to make for a friend. I also have yarn for the Honeycomb Vest and I could start those at any time. That would get me all caught up and then one behind (Assuming I get those done in August)

I am on the final shaping rounds on the kitty pi for the new kitten. When we felt that we can also felt the mice we made. The new kitten will have many new toys and a snuggly bed.

I also need to knit a Pudorosa for my daughter. I will make sure to get it done before Labor Day! That way she can wear it to school.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Another sweater

Here is Steve's sweater - all finished. Lovely cables and it fits, which is the best news EVER!

We are both glad it's finished and ready for fall hunting season.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

SSSP - Revealed!

For your viewing pleasure - my two favorite girls in their new sweaters!

Since I had to go to St. Paul to see my father I decided to bring my SSSP for the recipients - my mother and my daughter, both of whom really like horses. I saw someone wearing this sweater many years ago at the Minneapolis Horse Expo. After a great deal of searching I finally found it - thanks to the power of Ravelry. I bought the kit at Camilla Valley Farm. They have great prices and excellent service.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

And now for something totally different

Last night I picked up stitches for the last sleeve on Steve's sweater. Since I have to make a sojourne to St. Paul I might as well finish the sleeve and deliver the sweater while I'm there.

I started a new sweater last Saturday. I'll put up pictures later. I have one sleeve done, ready to join and will start the second sleeve soon.

For commute knitting I've been making washclothes. I have finished one ginormous skein of cotton yarn and started another. This might be a nice holiday present sort of thing to have around. They are handy, quick and a painless knit. I bought the yarn (worsted weight cotton) on sale (clearance I believe) for $1 a skein (1 lb) so this is cheap and stash busting. I also have some left over from a rug I crocheted years ago that will also become washclothes.

Photos later - promise!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Some things done

I finished the SSSP.

Turned out very nicely if I do say so myself.

I think I will make a couple pair of socks this week - just like that. In truth - I have a couple pairs started that need finishing.

No pictures today - since the only finished thing is the SSSP and showing it off will ruin the secret.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Socks - two new pair

I finished two more pairs of socks. Both of which sat in the UFO pile for months and needed only the second sock to be finished. The pattern is just a basic sock, I used no real pattern.



The first pair was made using Opal in the Draco Malfoy colorway from the Harry Potter collection. My daughter bought the yarn herself and I made her the socks. She is very patient waiting for them to get finished.









The second pair is Kaffe Fasset collection in Mirage colorway. I meant to order Pool but somehow requested the wrong number. Still nice yarn though and a great pair of socks. I meant to use this yarn to learn a new heel but forgot to grab the directions on the day I reached the heel so I just used a standard heel and gusset. Since waiting to get home and find the pattern was out of the question.





I have also done a lot of work on my SSSP. I may even finish that this week. That will be so very very exciting for me.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Secret Pal 14 Questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I prefer basic yarns; Cascade, J&S, Louet gems, natural fibers are the bomb unless we are talking about cotton.
I don't like acrylics and novelty yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have many different things, my Options are in the binder, but other needles are in fabric cases or totes

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting since I was a child. My mother taught me when I was 4 or 5, but she says I wasn't serious about knitting until I was 7. There isn't a technique or pattern I haven't been able to manage or that I wasn't ready willing and able to take on.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I do - Amazon is ndeplazes

5. What's your favorite scent?

amber and vanilla

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Not really, but I like dark dark chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I haven't met a craft I didn't like. I have a wheel and many, many spindles.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like a lot of different music. I have an iPod where I keep my music.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like purple best but all other colors are good too.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Two kids (one 23 and one 17) and no pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves, hats and mittens but no ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks and sweaters

13. What are you knitting right now?

Socks and sweaters

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circulars and dpns. I like all kinds of materials but I don't care for Pony plastic needles.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

yes - both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

years and years, let's not talk about it, shall we.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

Swiss Independence. My family is Swiss.

At my house we refer to the winter holidays as the National Retailer's Cash Cow Holiday. The standard ones are really all too commercialized.


19. Is there anything that you collect?

Pocket Dragons

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Not at this moment (there are a couple of Alice Starmore books I'd like to have - but I'm not willing to spend that kind of money on a book - ever!). Interweave Knits, Cast On and Verena Knits

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

not at the moment

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

I love knitting socks. My feet are square - 9 inches around and 9 inches long

23. When is your birthday?

January 7

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

I am knitknot

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

July - Already?

I can't believe that it is July already.

Nothing new on the knitting front. There is progress on many fronts but nothing is finished yet.

But after the weekend there should be socks and maybe, just maybe, a new sweater.

Monday, June 29, 2009

And another one done

Well it is finished, washed, blocked and drying.

After I took the pic I had to repin the points. I looked for buttons today but I couldn't find what I wanted. What a bummer.

Perhaps I'll try another store later this week.

This was a nice quick and fun knit!
Yarn is Jo Sharp Silkroad DK in Boheme on a size 3.25mm needle.

Otherwise nothing is new here. It's been a lovely Monday, if Mondays can actually be lovely.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

WOW - a double header!

This morning I put my knitting aside, got in my car and drove north a LONG way. My father's family (his mother's family) was having a reunion. So I figured - heck why not - I've never met any of them before, but it could be fun.

The drive was beautiful. Alas I couldn't find the farm. I saw two farms that looked promising - one had 6 cars in the yard (it seemed odd - I thought the family was larger - but okay) however there were only two people in the yard standing about talking. Hmm - I didn't see the promised sign, in fact the only sign was a No Trespassing sign on the gate. Best drive on! The next farm look more likely - there were about 60 people in the yard, children ran about everywhere. Only one problem. They were all Amish. I believe my mother would have mentioned when she suggested I attend the reunion.

I drove up and down the stretch mentioned in the directions for about 45 minutes and then gave up the ghost and headed for home. I tried to salvage the trip with a stop at yarn store on the way home. This was not to be. Apparently all the yarn stores in Indiana are closed on Sunday.

Oh well - At least it was a lovely day for a lovely drive.

Maybe I'll have better luck next time!

Two forward, one back

The Honeycomb vest is no more. I wasn't going to have enough yarn and I wasn't happy with it anyway. If I have to buy more yarn I'm going to try to find what I wanted in the first place. So instead I ripped back and started Pudorosa. So far a very calming knit. I have the first one almost done. The FIRST ONE you many very well ask. Why yes.

Everyone, being all interested in what I was knitting, asked; I sent the link. They liked. They said they wanted one too - please!? Now they are all knitters and COULD make their own. But, I have 4 balls of this yarn.

If I had my library from home I could make these but I don't (and I could buy the pattern, but I already have it - in MN). So why not. It's a pleasant knit, I have the yarn and the time. (lots of time) And they are all knitters and will appreciate the gift. Two birds, one stone. (Well three but who, besides me, is counting.)

Saturday, June 27, 2009

And for our next adventure!

I have cast on for the Honeycomb Vest not that I have finished anything to justify starting something new. I have about 1/2 the back completed. So far it is an interesting knit. I'm looking forward to wearing it.

I am also nearly finished with a pair of socks. I have only half the foot of a second sock to finish. This is a pair that had been suffering from second sock syndrome since last fall. The 52 Pair Plunge and commute knitting have really been useful for getting projects off the UFO pile.

After I finish the vest I will have to get back to the Anniversary Mystery Shawl. I think two more weeks of steady work would finish that.

And then the second sleeve on Steve's sweater. Can sweaters suffer from second sleeve syndrome? I believe mine do.

Looks like an agenda to me!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Another week bites the dust

Sunday was a mixed blessing. Saturday we got new internet, which was win, but that meant that Saturday's agenda got pushed back to Sunday and Sunday's agenda got round filed.

There was knitting, where I discovered that I must have snagged the needles from a sock UFO for something else and put a different set in to hold the stitches. Of course I didn't notice this for 5 inches of sock leg. (rip rip rip)

Drove to West Chester (OH) to the IKEA, bought a bed and mattress. Yay for bed! Four hours driving and two hours shopping. Had fun, and saved about $800 over anything I saw in Indy (and that was just the mattress!). I think that covers gas.

So now we start a new week.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Lace, Socks and Sweaters, Oh My!

The internet has been out - but there has been knitting!

Finally finished Clue 3:




I think it's turning out pretty well. The pattern requires attention but is not to difficult. A really lovely knit.


And two pairs of socks for the 52 Pair Plunge:


What I've been calling my Raspberry Swirl sock are finally finished. I started these a LONG time ago and then more than once.






Baby socks knit in sets of three. Why? Who knows but mother's who have them like it.







And there is progress on Steve's sweater - One sleeve down and one to go!


Thursday, June 18, 2009

WOOHOO!

Internet access should reappear on Saturday! I just scheduled a new provider to come and do the install.

And boy to I have some knitting to show you! I have socks and lace and sweaters (oh my!)

I hope you all are as excited as I am (both of you!)

Monday, June 15, 2009

Still no internet at the house. Really annoying. And makes it very hard to do my paying job. VERY HARD, like as in nearly impossible.

1/2 of SSSP is complete. Rather nicely too, if you ask me.

Also finished a pair of baby socks. Cute with a capital Q.

Must make phone calls to internet providers today. TDS is full of fail. They will call us in 24 - 48 hours if they fix it, and we should be home during those times in case they stop by and need to come in, cause we don't work - right? Apparently this means they will call Saturday afternoon on the house phone, to ask us to do more 'troubleshooting' even though they were given cell numbers since we wouldn't be home. UHM WTF!? More trouble shooting? We have been doing that for weeks. This does not give me warm fuzzies.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Perhaps a little demented?!

Is it a little off center that I am thinking I should learn to knit in German? Maybe, but I think I have to have this book so I can make these socks. Or even these.

I learned to knit in French so I could use patterns from Phildar, because not so long ago (okay 15 years ago) you couldn't get all the cool patterns in English.

This is one of those days when I really question my sanity.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

SSSP* - update!

The SSSP has moved along quite fabulously. I am now at the interesting part. WOOT!

I have let it take knitting time away from the Anniversary Mystery Shawl. This will put me even further behind, but I'm too excited to care.

There is also future project planning - I gave my Rogue sweater to my daughter so I think I will make another one for me.

I also really like the Honeycomb Vest from Spring 2008 Knitty.

First I have Steve's sweater and the SSSP to finish though.

* sooper sekret skirrel projekt

Sunday, June 07, 2009

And - Pictures!

I finally finished Clue 2 of the Anniversary Mystery Shawl.
The side panel:

The center panel:I planned to have this much done yesterday - but the fridge was out in the morning which resulted in trips for ice, packing of coolers, waiting for the service guy, getting the new (used) fridge and emergency cooking. Still have to make jelly with the strawberries that were in the freezer.

I stayed up until after midnight trying to finish up but went to bed with two rows left. I thought that it would be better to call it a night rather than having to frog back mistakes in the morning.
After a bit of breakfast today I will start clue three. Maybe I will finish clue three before clue 5 is released.

I also need to knit a couple pair of socks this week.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Still knitting lace

I still have rows and rows to go before I finish the second clue.

It is turning out very well - but I am not dedicated enough to catch up.

I have too many things I NEED to work on and too little time.

Tomorrow I hope there will be pictures here. I can't guarantee knitting pictures - but some pictures.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Dinner with friends

Is fun.

I am very lucky - my coworker with whom I car pool doesn't mind driving so I get to knit on the way to and from work. I get quite a bit of boring knitting done. All this leads to -

Today on the way home I reached a happy place in my sooper sekret skirrel projekt (SSSP). I'm very pleased with it. Soon I will be at the interesting part of this project.

There will be no pictures of the SSSP here though - since that sort of defeats the purpose. I am taking pictures and I will put them up just as soon as the secret is broken. Something to look forward to, and perhaps to keep you coming back?!

Once I get the SSSP to the not boring part I will start knitting socks on my commute. Socks for the 52 Pair Plunge. There shall be much knitting.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

More Lace - well - not so much

Knitting should be happening right now - instead I give you - PIE!


It was a decent trade off for knitting - the smell is lovely and I'm sure it will taste delish!

I'm still waiting to hear if I get to be one of the 100 official 52 Pair Plunge participants. I am not patient, but heaven knows I'm trying.

So now - the pie is nearly done, the kitchen is clean and I am going to try to get a few rows done on my shawl. The only way I'm going to finish the second clue before the fourth clue is released is to stay up all night Friday night and anyone who knows me knows that is not going to happen.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Getting back in the groove

Starting to get back into the groove. Woohoo.

I need to get busy and finish some knitting. I am focusing on the Anniversary Shawl for now at least until I catch up. Then I have to pick up and knit the last sleeve on Steve's sweater. And socks - if I'm going to do the 52 Pair Plunge I'm going to have to get busy and finish some socks. I have many pair in progress. Hopefully I'll manage to focus and get some of these things done.

If I work really steadily tonight I could finish clue 2 of the shawl, maybe. And maybe I'm just delusional.

We shall see - Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of Adventures in Knitting!

Monday, June 01, 2009

Clue one - done!

Finally finished clue one for the Anniversary Mystery Shawl. I'm only two clues behind!
I have made progress on a couple of other projects and joined the 52 Pair Plunge. Unlikely I'll manage to do that, but I'm going to try.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Turn About is Fair Play

Setembrina, friend and knitting companion extraordinaire, talked me into a KAL. I have received my yarn and I'm trying to catch up. I am about 1/2 done with the first clue.
Not too bad, if I do say so myself. (This is after Row 20) Clue one is 64 Rows.

And I better get busy and get Clue One finished so I can start Clue Two. Because after that I need to get back to Steve's sweater. I have 8 rows of the hem left and then one sleeve to pick up and knit. Keep your fingers crossed - this sweater could (maybe) get finished in this lifetime!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Knitting ADD

I swear I have it! I unplied 172 yards of tapestry yarn so I could swatch the mystery KAL. And you may well ask - So, aren't you supposed to swatch? Yes, but with the yarn you intend to make the item with, not with stash yarn you purchased to do needlepoint. Then I ripped it back and put the ball back in the stash. I believe I'm nuts, but a good kind of nuts, maybe?

Today the patterns my mother found for me and mailed arrived. I am going to go and find the yarn just as soon as I finish the last 4 rows on Steve's sweater, and maybe the set up row for the hem.

My loom also came in the mail and I HAD to try it out. Didn't I!? Of course I did. It does help that I had warped a temporary loom over the weekend, so all I had to do was attach the weaving to the new loom. It appears to work well - but I've only used it for 15 minutes.

Today was crafter's delight at my house.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Good intention

I am trying to finish things - I finished the sweater for my mother and now I'm working hard to finish the sweater for Steve. I have one sleeve done and I'm making the body longer, as requested. I have 6 pattern rows and then the hem. After that I have one sleeve left. So with any luck only 9 mos late. I think I'm glad he is too far away to try it on, otherwise I fear I'd end up starting it again. I don't think I could handle it!

Then I have socks to finish.

I have also joined another KAL. Setembrina talked me into this one. I won't have my yarn for a couple weeks yet so I've got that long to get some things finished. I'm trying to have fewer things on the needles then I have in my queue. I wonder if I'll ever manage that?

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

of knitting and knot

I have bowed out of Sock Madness. I made a conscious decision to stop. Don't get me wrong - I understand this is volunteer, the patterns are free and all of those other things, but if I can be disqualified to failing to knit the item exactly as the pattern says then the pattern really needs to be correct. I also understand stuff happens and people are not perfect. It was more that, in the interest of untwisting my panties I determined that a reality check was in order and I was getting WAY to worked up about it. As a dear friend of mine says (often) 'Those that need naps, TAKE THEM!' so I'm taking my nap and when I can come back and play like a big girl I will.

The patterns so far have been utterly beautiful. I will finish the ones I started and I can't wait to see the new patterns and knit them as well.

This week I'm in the delightful city of Montreal. I found some lovely acid green and lavender yarns and I will be making something with them - together. I also bought some very gorgeous lace weight. I have spent hours buzzing around the 'net looking for a pattern but so far no soap. Ariadne Knits is a beautiful knitting store. If you are ever in Montreal you should stop.

Last time I was here we went to La Tricoteuse de Laine (alas - no website). I need to go back there - they had a book I have decided I need. It was fabulous as well and there are 6 others that I'd like to try to see eventually. The problem is many of them close at 5 and since I work until 5 I'm rather SOL.

I have been knitting leaves for my Vintage socks. Great fun. I have also managed to finish one sock for about 6 pair. So I'm hoping to manage to focus just a little and finish some second socks soon. I'm also trying to finish a couple sweaters. What a ferret I am! It's a good thing I'm cute.

So back to leaves. That's one good thing about traveling for work, you can't take much with you so you have to work on what you brought. Now if I can just convince myself to bring the second sock for those 6 pair, I'll be all set!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Harry Potter Knitting

I wanted to make one of these for years. I finally found a reason - HSKS7.

It was a nice knit, only the finishing was troublesome - but I've never lined a bag before. The next one should be easier.
And, yes, there will be more. I think I need a Ravenclaw bag and I might try my hand at putting other designs on the front for a friend or two.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Sockmadness III Round 2


Sockmadness III Round 2
Originally uploaded by knitknot
Look! I finished my Tokena socks - second round of Socks Madness. It took forever for me to finish. I kept making rookie mistakes. I'm going to have to stop doing that.

The yarn is Gems Merino from Louet. Quite fabulous!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Sock Madness Round 1

Well - that was fun. Finished my first pair of Sock Madness socks
Pattern is Tropical Mer-tini by Ronni Smith. Mine were made with Lana Grossa Meilenweit on 2.5mm needles. This yarn was from a sock of the month kit. I didn't care for the pattern - but the yarn worked great for these!

Yay for cool new socks and yay for stash busting!

Monday, March 02, 2009

Sign that I am truly mad!

I have no time for blogging and little time for knitting - so what am I going to do? Sock Madness!

Just Plain Crazy!

I can hardly wait!

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

AHH!

The new job is eating my life. I'm really enjoying it but wow! Where does the time go?

There has been knitting. I made a hat for a friend and I'm knitting two pair of socks and two sweaters. I have admired a local yarn store.

Other than that - my life is consumed with work.