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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.