Knitwhitties: A Little Knitting Nothing

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:41:00.004-05:00

May everyone have a happy, healthy, New Year!!

Now, let's talk knitting. As is evident by the lack of activity on the blog, I haven't been knitting much. For about 2 years. About when I bought the house, house repair commenced, and knitting ended. I was very surprised when I logged into Ravelry, and saw that it had been that long. I haven't had time to miss it, per se. I do know I'm sick of working on the house, and resentful of its demands upon my time. Around the middle of November, I decided to finish Pretty Thing as a Christmas gift. Since it was half finished, that wasn't difficult. In fact, I had plenty of time to knit another gift. I decided to make a scarf for my girlfriend. It's Shaefer Esperanza, in the Mr. Funny colorway. It's seed stitch, and I cast on 24 stitches, and continued until I ran out of yarn, resulting in a scarf of sufficient length. I managed to finish that as well, and my girlfriend said she liked it, which surprised me, as those aren't really her colors.

Since then, I've cast on two Baby Love Diagonal Blankets (Lion Brand pattern), in Universal Yarns Worsted Tapestry forest colorway, and Ella Rae Amity Prints in the purple colorway. The forest one is for a blanket I've owed a friend, for, oh, um, three years now. Oops. And the purple is for a friends baby. I meant to send it for her baby shower. The baby is three months old.

I've also gone through my WIP's and UFO's. And I'm going through my books, magazines, and ravelry pattern search looking for patterns for yarns in my stash. Like, searching incessantly. I keep both blankets to hand, and do a row in between all of the other things I've been doing.

Guess I've been jonesin' for some knitting. You think?

Pretty Thing Indeed

2011-11-27T19:54:00.002-05:00

This is the Yarn Harlot's Pretty Thing. I used Elsebeth Lavold's Silk Cashmere in haze. It used nearly 4 skeins. I started this in December 2009. Obviously, there hasn't been a whole lot of knitting going on! I find lace patterns difficult. I blame it on my short term memory loss. Now that I've made it, I'm not sure what to do with it!

It's so nice to be knittin' again. Not sure what's up next, except it's going to be made with Schaefer Esperanza, in the Mr. Funny colorway. I really enjoy this yarn, it's a pity it's been discontinued.

Olympic Failure and Knitting Future

2010-06-23T18:39:00.002-04:00

I cast on the Yarn Harlot's Little Nothing. And that's as far as I've gotten. Yes, it's true. When I have a moment to sit down, I don't knit. I seem to stare into space blankly. But I am working on the house, and it's slowly coming along.

I received the Stitches East brochure, and considered signing up for a class, or at least, getting a room, and visiting the marketplace. But I decided that since I haven't been to Rhinebeck (you know, THE Rhinebeck. The New York Sheep and Wool Festival. Yeah. That Rhinebeck), I'd check that out, instead. I signed up for a class. And realized I'd need a hotel room. And as I searched for a hotel room, the best were booking up fast. As in, availibility was disappearing before my eyes. One of the few rooms left was at the Quality Inn, so I grabbed it before that, too, disappeared. If you too will be at Rhinebeck, hit me up, and hopefully we can meet.

The class I signed up for is An Introduction to Rug Hooking Basics: Rug hooking is the ultimate recycle craft. Although yarn, novelty items, and even old jeans can be used, we will be learning to hook using strips cut from wool cloth. Included will be instruction on how to select and prepare wool for hooking, how to hand cut wool and use a cutter, where supplies can be purchased, how to dye wool a super easy way, and tips for developing a color scheme. Also included will be some rug hooking history, and a demonstration on how to disassemble a garment and ready it for a hooking project.

Hopefully this will result in something better than the sunflower pillow I made when I was 10, from a kit.

Oh, good! Another hobby I don't have time for!

Knitting Olympics

2010-01-31T15:04:00.003-05:00

As most of you who have been a fan of the Yarn Harlot and then members of ravelry know, the knitting olympics are a time of challenging, frenetic knitting activity. This year, they begin during the opening ceremonies on February 12th, and then continue until February 28th. Yes, I've signed up on ravelry to participate. I joined Team Yarn Harlot, and I intend to conquer my WIP's. What am I going to finish during that two weeks? A Cardigan for Arwen, the Gryffindor scarf, and the Pretty Thing cowl. As past experience has proven, I'm not so convinced I'm going to finish what I actually intend to finish. In fact, I may not finish anything! And that's okay. I've learned to live with the fact that I'm an Olympic failure. Pish! you say? Don't have such a defeatist attitude? Well, on the Cardigan for Arwen I have two sleeves and the cabled band for the front that wraps around the neck. And all of the finishing. Gryffindor Scarf? Another 3 or 4 feet of very, very boring
1x1 rib. And the cowl? Well, I had managed to cast on. So I have all of the rest to do. Many of you would think that this could be done easily in that long span of time. Perhaps I should remind you, it takes me two weeks to make a little watchman's cap!! Wish me luck! And I'll keep you posted.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

2009-12-31T14:40:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year! I hope you rec'd all teh knitting gifts on your list, and were able to complete all the gifts you intended to. I actually knit an entire watch cap for my uncle's Christmas gift. I even finished it, and everything! The pattern was from a book by Charlene Schurch. The yarn is a navy blue Rowan Cashsoft. It came out great, and he was very happy with it.

May 2010 be the best year ever!

Stitches East 2009

2009-10-26T18:45:00.002-04:00

I had a lovely time in Hartford, CT this past weekend at Stitches East. I only had time for the weekend, but that was enough to give my knitting blahs a boost. I took a wonderful all day class with Gwen Bortner on modifying a pre-written pattern. Gwen is really knowledgeable, and able to explain the math bits in an understandable format. As I expected, the patterns I was leaning towards need so much modification that I really need to just write my own pattern. So I'm working on that. I had a lovely time in the market, creating a christmas list and just enjoying the wonderful knitting vibes. I saw some great samples, and am trying to track down those patterns. I made some new friends and ran into old. Seeing the knitwear sported everywhere was really inspiring. And so a great time was had by all. Or at least me!

I Have a House!

2009-08-08T06:25:00.002-04:00

And even the keys! It needs cleaning, and painting, and has a few leaks. Not to mention a ton of yard work. So, I've been busy, busy, busy, and it hasn't been with knitting!

And even the keys! It needs cleaning, and painting, and has a few leaks. Not to mention a ton of yard work. So, I've been busy, busy, busy, and it hasn't been with knitting!

Why Haven't I Been Blogging?

2009-06-15T21:56:00.002-04:00

I've been a little busy finding and buying this:

Well, almost buying. The closing is next week! But absolutely no time or thought for knitting.

Wow...

2009-05-06T09:17:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I've blogged. Things have been happening life-wise, but not so much knitting wise. And I realize that I missed the Maryland Wool and Sheep show. WTheck??? Where is my head? Oh, well, I don't need any more yarn to frog or not knit. 'Kay?

I start things, I don't like them, I rip them out. At least I've been starting them. It's sad that I can't figure out what I've done wrong, or what it is that I don't like, but I suppose that's typical for me.

My latest obsession is market bags. At a work thing, we're having going green suggestions, and I want to display some bags. I've looked at millions of patterns, and some I've liked and other's not so much. Some of the patterns must be beyond my skill level (evidently, judging from the now-frogged results), or I just don't get it. So I decided to kind of wing it. I did a long-tail cast-on on two circs, just as if you were going to make toe-up socks. Did a bunch of yarn-over increases to get to about 100 stitches. Knit a row, then a row of K2t,YO, and then knit a row, alternating the last two rows. I'm quite pleased with how it's coming out. Depending on how much yarn I have (I want a biggish bag), will determine what kind of handle or handles I choose. The yarn is nearly 2 skeins of Trendsetter's ScoubiDu, in the Ocean colorway. But just because I'm happy with it now doesn't mean it won't be frogged in the future!

Dragon-skin Wrap Minus the Dragon Skin

2009-04-06T07:54:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, I had a lovely dim sum lunch with friends. One of them asked me to fix the sweater I had made for her daughter. So I'm finally able to get a picture! See where the tie is coming off? I was afraid it was going to be difficult to fix. But this should be pretty easy. So, what do you think of my second sweater?

Impending Insanity, or Indecision Will Drive You Crazy

2009-03-22T10:38:00.005-04:00

I've been spending the last couple of weeks trying to decide which pattern to use for that gorgeous Tess Yarns silk/wool blend. And not making a decision. In the running are Debbie Bliss' Cabled Jacket, Twist and Shout by Robynn Weldon, Gaelic Mist by Lisa Lloyd, and Bell-Sleeved Jacket by Daniel Adamczyk.

Gaelic Mist

Bell-Sleeved Jacket

The Cabled Jacket would be an awful lot of cabling, and I'm not sure I have enough yarn for this project. Okay, I'm positive I'm about a 1000 yards short of the necessary amount. But I'm sure that I could make it work with only 1400 yards.

I like the Twist and Shout, but I'm not positive I want to have it, or use this yarn for it.

Gaelic Mist, if you look at pictures of those who have actually made it, doesn't seem to draw in around the waist and sleeves the way the sweater does in the book. And I'm not sure I like how the cables end. I'm not fond of reverse stockinette, either, although several people have said that this makes the sweater.

The Bell-Sleeved Jacket would be an ambitious undertaking at the best of times, and this pattern is evidently riddled with errors! I love the look, but I think I need a great deal experience before I tackle this one.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Swatching, Swatching, Here We Go Swatching Again

2009-03-01T16:21:00.003-05:00

This is the Cultivated Silk and wool from Tess Yarns that I picked up at Stitches East in Baltimore last fall. I finally began winding some of it, and cast on a small swatch to try to decide the best needle size.

The swatch with the 6's is a little too firm and stiff. The swatch with the 7's is nice, and has better drape, I think. The swatch with the 8's has even more drape, and makes a nice fabric. I'm not sure why I felt the need to try to swatch with 5's, but I did, and it's very similar to the 6. This yarn is wonderful to work with, the fabric feels amazing, the slight color shift is absolutely beautiful.

I haven't found the perfect pattern for it, yet. I'm hoping that swatching will help me to decide.

Isn't this gorgeous???

Something To Look Forward To!

2009-02-23T09:42:00.003-05:00

I registered for a couple of knitting classes at the local adult school. Let's see if this gives me the kick I need to start and actually finish something. And finish it well. I am really looking forward to both of them.

Knitting 102
This class is designed for those of you who had Knitting 101 and want to go further or for those who feel that their skills are more advanced than an introductory course. We will learn more advanced techniques such as knitting in the round, making garments from the neck down, socks many ways such as toe up and on circular needles. We will be able to make a sampler using intricate cables and a variety of special stitches. Special attention will be paid to reading patterns and finishing projects so that they look like an artisan made them instead of homemade. You will need to bring your current or desired projects,knitting worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles to class.

KNITTING 103: FINISHING TECHNIQUES
If you have knitted garments that you have put away because you do not know how to put them together, bind them off, add edgings, this class is intended to let you get those garments out to finish and use. We will cover all those problems and include seaming, picking up stitches for neckbands and sleeves, blocking, buttonholes and any other technique needed for you to have a finished garment. Reading charts, duplicate stitching, I cord borders will also be included as appropriate. Since this class will not teach knitting,you need to know how and have some garments you need help on, however,please bring size 8 needles, straight or circular and smooth knitting worsted to class as well.

Now, doesn't that sound like fun?

The Liesel Scarf

2009-02-09T17:55:00.002-05:00

Since I obviously don't want to work on Arwen, and the Harry Potter scarf is good for a take-along project, I wanted to start something a little more difficult to work on at home. I have some beautiful Louisa Harding Grace, in a gorgeous green, that I thought would make a wonderful leaf-themed scarf. After searching Ravelry (gotta love Ravelry!) for hours and hours and days and years, I finally found a pattern I thought would do - and it's even free! It's the Liesel scarf, and it's not too hard. Famous last words. After working nearly an entire skein, I realized that about 5 inches back I had started working the wrong side as the right side (and vice versa). Sigh... So I ripped it out, and re-started. I have managed one pattern repeat. I think this is going to be another long-unfinished project. No pictures of the disaster, out of respect for the deceased.

Happy Imbolc!

2009-02-01T16:37:00.004-05:00

Imbolc ("IM-bulk")is an ancient festival generally celebrated on January 31, February 1, or February 2. It is also known as Candlemas, Brighid ("breed"), and Oimelc ("EE-mulk") which means ewe's milk. Imbolc is a Greater Sabbat in the Wiccan year.

The celebration signals the middle of the season of long nights and anticipates the upcoming season of light. Celebrants make Corn Maidens from corn and wheat. The Maidens are dressed up and placed in a cradle known as a "Bride's Bed". A wand, usually tipped with an acorn or other large seed, is placed in the bed with the Maiden. The Maidens are generally kept year round as a symbol of fertility.

Other interrelated interpretations of the festival center around the Irish Goddess Brighid, known for her healing, smithcraft, and poetry gifts. Additional interpretations revolve around the birth of lambs and the lactation of the ewes. Still others celebrate Imbolc as the recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God.

Imbolc Chant
Now I banish winter.
Now I welcome spring:
Say farewell to what is dead
And greet each living thing.
Now I banish winter.
Now I welcome spring.
BLESSED BE!

And this poem always gave me hope that spring would return:
"Summer is a-coming in,
Loud sing cuckoo;
Groweth seed and bloweth mead,
And springeth the wood new,
Sing cuckoo!

Ewe bleateth after lamb,
Loweth after calf the cow;
Bullock starteth, buck verteth,*
Merry sing cuckoo.

Cuckoo, cuckoo, well singeth thou cuckoo,
Thou art never silent now.
Sing cuckoo, now, sing cuckoo,
Sing cuckoo, sing cuckoo, now!"

I'm in the Knitting Doldrums

2009-01-27T20:25:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure what the problem is, really. I have two WIP's. Although, I'm not sure you can call Arwen a WIP, since I mostly refuse to look at it. So I'm really only working on the Gryffindor scarf. And I have other projects to start. I really do. But... But. I don't really want to. It's not that I don't have yarn! Lord knows, I have plenty of yarn! Lovely, luscious, pettable, lay-down-and-roll-in-it, can't-stop-touching-it yarn. Then I look at patterns on Ravelry, in magazines, in books, in my giant pattern notebook, and nothing really says "knit me!". Oh, some of them sort of capture my interest, but then I'd want to modify. And I don't think modify is really part of my skill set right now. So I look at patterns on Ravelry, in magazines, in books, in my giant pattern notebook, and, well, nothing. There's a niggling thought in the back of my mind that perhaps my knitting obsession is over. And while it was longer-lived than most of my obsessions, I really don't want that to be the case. I guess what I'd like to know is: Has this ever happened to you? And what on earth did you do about it? HELP!!

With the New Year, It's Time For a Change

2009-01-23T16:39:00.002-05:00

As you can see, I've gotten a new look for the blog. It's still a blogger template, so it's not terribly unique or different. But I felt it was time for something new, a clean sweep.

Happy Year of the Ox! Don't forget to celebrate!

Bitterly Cold

2009-01-17T13:23:00.003-05:00

You'd think with all this cold, there'd be a lot of knitting going on. Nope! But here's a pic of the lagoon iced over.

STASH

2009-01-11T14:48:00.003-05:00

I took some pictures of my stash (heh heh), in the hopes that I would feel compelled to knit something other than a scarf. Or just to start knitting and use some of it. I have some pretty stuff, right? Notice how so much of it is green. Weird, huh?

Here it all is, covering my bed.

The green yarn on the left is Tess Yarns silk. The greyish silver in the back is Karabella's silk for the wyvern wrap. That dark red is Elann Alpaca in Oxblood. There are 3500 yds of it!

That greenish-blue yarn is from Maple Creek Farms; it's a silk/wool blend and the softest thing you've ever touched. There's some Tilli Tomas silk in the Ruby colorway.

I didn't have a sudden burst of inspiration, but I sure enjoyed fondling my yarn. What patterns do you think I should consider?

New Year's Knitting

2009-01-04T15:36:00.002-05:00

While I did knit, you can't say everything I planned on knitting was done. In fact, not a whole lot of knitting was done. This is the Harry Potter scarf for the Boy, the first of what I hope will only be two scarves. But it's coming along, and the boy likes it a lot. You can also see my new knitting needles in the pictures, a Christmas gift from my uncle. These are signature needles, with the middy points, and the teardrop top. I do love them, and they make a nice, even product.

Knitting Plans, Or the Best-Laid Plans of Mice and Men Gang Aft Agley

2008-12-28T20:33:00.005-05:00

Or something like that... You could look it up, if you really care. At the moment I don't, particularly.

The Boy and I are getting ready to visit relatives. The car is mostly packed up. I have a small bag of clothes for myself, and one for The Boy. There is a small Christmas bag of presents (cash doesn't take up a lot of room, and the kids love cash). There is a much larger bag of Christmas tasties and other food. An insulated bag is waiting to be packed, with ice, to remain cold for the duration of the ride. The alcoholic beverages will be in that bag.

But the largest packing conumdrum consists of knitting. There are four large bags of knitting projects, and two smaller bags of possible knitting projects. I'm trying to stuff all of these into a larger bag, so I only have to carry one bag. If I do bring everything, it is obvious that I am completely insane, or vastly over-rate my knitting speed. I intend to finish Arwen. I want to knit, in it's entirety, a sweater of Sheep Shop 2 yarn. I'm bringing some cottons so I can finally make some market bags. I'm bringing two skeins of Lang Tosca to make an I-Don't-Know what. But something, I'm sure. Five skeins of Elsebeth Lavolde's cashmere to make Fiona Ellis' Leaf Tank. 10 skeins of Cascade 220 to make two or three Gryffindor scarves. A little Manos to make mittens to match the hat and scarf previously made for the boy. The patterns to make these things. I keep going through my stash to see what else I can bring, along with its pattern, in case I run out of something to knit. Socks? I have socks I need to make. Lace? I have lace I need to make. The 3500 yds of oxblood alpaca? I should do something with that. I have every knitting needle I own, including the Signatures I just got for Christmas (thanks, Uncle!), every pair of scissors, every single small bag for knitting notions, several larger bags to hold these projects, and the large overnight bag I'm hoping to stuff all of this into.

Even if I stay awake 24/7, doing absolutely nothing except knit, I won't finish any one of those projects, never mind all of them.

Yeah, I'm certifiable.

Happy New Year!! And may your knitting be filled with FO's!

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!!!

2008-12-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

2008-12-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

Another UFO!

2008-12-15T17:24:00.003-05:00

Well, almost. It's drying as we speak, and then I'll weave in the ends.

Don't Look Now - It's a UFO!

2008-12-06T21:14:00.004-05:00

Finally! I finished Odessa. That hat nearly killed me. I just couldn't seem to understand the pattern. It's blocking, now, so pictures will be forthcoming after it's dry. But wow! I finished something! I finally finished something!

Pretty Pictures of the Noro Striped Scarf

2008-12-03T12:16:00.002-05:00

Not quite halfway through:

By Jove! I Think She's Got It!

2008-11-29T12:03:00.002-05:00

I've ripped the Noro half a dozen times, looking for an edging I like that works. It is similar to BrooklynTweeds. Knit the first and last stitch of the 1st row, and slip the first and last stitch, purlwise, wyif, of the 2nd row of that color. I am getting a slight tightness on the edge that is carrying the colors, so I'm making a conscious effort to loosen the slipped stitch a lot. The stitches are so loose that the needles tend to slide out. But looking pretty good, eh? Now, the colors. I think the colors I've chosen are both having a strong tendency towards being very dark or dull. But they are playing off of each other beautifully. Perhaps a man scarf? I'm not making it for anything or anyone in particular, I just wanted to play with the colors and see what I could do. So, what do you think?

Yes, I Admit It, I'm Fickle

2008-11-22T15:12:00.003-05:00

It's not like I don't have the Arwen to finish. Or the Odessa. Or all of the other things on my queue, like the bloody pirate, or two different socks, or the wyvern. Things I've swatched for, things in their own little bags waiting to be started. But I am working on any of that? No. What did I start?

I know you recognize this. Remember the Noro Silk Garden I had bought? I love how the colors are coming together. But see how badly my slipped stitch edges look? So I ripped it. After doing a great deal of research on how to do slipped stitch edges (with little success, I might add), I'm going to try again. I'm also going to try to get away with making 2 scarves out of the 4 skeins. We shall see!

The Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month

2008-11-11T15:46:00.005-05:00

Stand for two minutes of silence. Of course that was supposed to happen at 11 a.m., but hey.

It's been exactly one month since I posted. I'm still knitting Odessa, and I've started on Arwen again. The sleeves are coming along nicely.

I attended my first Stitches East this past weekend. Wow! I've been to conventions before, but I'd forgotten how overwhelming they can be. There's always so much going on! I did hit the market (of course! More yarn for my collection so that I can pretend to knit!), and there will be eye candy later in the post. But the highlight was the CSI: Cable Stitch Investigation with Fiona Ellis, complete with evidence bags. She's so friendly, charming, and funny. Amazingly creative, and a patient teacher, too. I think I actually have a chance of conquering that cable in Arwen. And I shouldn't have too much trouble (famous last words) charting the cable for that sweater I want to create.

One thing I kept seeing in the market, that I didn't get or try, were felted scarves (or things). But you don't knit and then felt the item, you somehow layer fibers and then felt it. That piqued my interest, and I think I'll be looking into that in my future.

Here's all of my loot, booty, plunder, treasure, preciousssssss in a beautiful pile:

My first stop upon stampeding into the market was, coincidentally and not at all on purpose, Tess Yarns. I looked, and fondled and stroked, and looked some more, but didn't purchase until Saturday.

My first purchase was at Creative Designs Unlimited. Mmmmm, look! Aren't the shell buttons the coolest? And they are reversible! I intend to use them for the Sheep Shop Sweater. And how could I pass up the dragon shawl pin? The detail is amazing, and I love the ebony twisted shaft.

What was it that I couldn't stop fondling at Tess Yarns, and had to return to buy? This 50% cultivated silk and 50% merino in a sage sort of green. I managed to grab enough of it for the celtic knot sweater (remember that? Thought I'd given up on it, hadn't you? Nope!), but now I'm not sure if that's what this wants to be. I will be swatching for sure.

My next had-to-have purchase was from Maple Creek Farms. This is also a 50/50 silk and wool blend, but this one is more of a fingering weight. It's also green, but a watery bluish-green, and it is as soft as the softest thing you can imagine (cloud? baby's bottom? name your poison!)!

My next purchase was from Brooks Yarn, four skeins of the Acero, and 2 of the mohair. I have no plans for either, but I'm sure they will speak to me. I really loved all of their yarns, and had such a hard time making my decision.

I have to say, all of the vendors had such wonderful things, it was really hard sticking to my budget. I appreciated the incredible variety, from books, to notions, to needles, to roving, to bag handles and slipper soles, and of course all of the yarn, yarn, yarn-y good yarn! And I must add, if Sanguine Gryphon had had enough of any one of her silks to make a sweater, it would have been going home with me. I dodged a bullet there!

And yes, I'm already planning to attend next years Stitches East in Hartford, Ct.

Knitting News

2008-10-11T10:07:00.005-04:00

I'm sorry for the long delay in posting. My great-aunt died on September 11th, and I haven't felt up to it.

Well, no pictures, but I did finish the baby sweater. No time to take pictures, because the girl I made it for was leaving for her maternity leave, and I wanted to get it to her. It wasn't exactly the dragon skin, because I couldn't manage the pattern. So let's call it a dragon skin-less wrap. It came out okay, but I wasn't thrilled with it. My skill, not the fault of the pattern! But I did learn a few things that should help when I'm ready to tackle Wyvern.

For that beautiful Sheep Shop 2, colorway G093, I found this pattern,the Drops 103-1, and started it. I modified it quite a bit. I didn't want seams, so I did in one long piece on circs. The gauge is off; the pattern calls for 11 stitches to 4 inches, I get 12. So I tried to decrease to make up for it, and it was too small. Also, I wanted seed stitch instead of the edging the pattern called for. After finishing the body, I decided to rip. The size wasn't right, it didn't look right, I just wasn't happy with it. The yarn is gorgeous, and the seed stitch looks awesome. So I'll be starting it over.

Here it is, being ripped. Don't mind my messy bed. Maybe I should put it aside for a while, and oh, I don't know. Finish Arwen???

MORE New Yarn

2008-09-03T13:31:00.003-04:00

While shopping somewhere, I saw a beautiful seed stitch jacket. But I didn't want to pay $200 for it, so I decided of course I could make it myself. After questing for - and failing to find - the perfect soft, chunky yarn in cream and bits of light blue, I finally found something that will certainly do - and perhaps be even MORE beautiful. It's Sheep Shop Yarn Company's sheep number two in the 6093 colorway. What do you think?

Birthday Yarn For Me

2008-08-30T10:57:00.001-04:00

And this is one of the beautiful things I received for my birthday from a favorite uncle. It's Woolen Rabbit's Laceweight Merino in the Tupelo Honey colorway. I think a finely knit sweater is in order. What do you think?

There Is Actual Knitting!

2008-08-21T11:28:00.003-04:00

So to bring us up to date... I RAN OUT OF YARN FOR THE BLANKET!!! Yes. I did. With 10 ever-shortening rows to go. OKAY?!?! Fortunately, Personal Threads was able to come to the rescue. In less than 48 hours from ordering, I had two more skeins of the Trendsetter Scoubidou in my hands. How is THAT for service?!?! Kudos to Personal Threads, and I can finish the blanket. We won't mention or even think about dye lots. Alrighty then!

I gave up trying to make the dragon skin wrap - even I know when I've been beaten. I am making the wrap, it just won't have any dragon skin. That's going much better. I have the ties and right front finished. The left front is making nice progress, and I see a finish by Monday as certainly possible. Haha, famous last words.

Not another

2008-08-15T19:01:00.002-04:00

2 weeks have gone by!! I'm nearly finished with the baby blanket - which is a good thing - I'm so ready to be done with it!

And I've started - and frogged - the Dragon Skin Wrap six times. So that is going so well. Not sure how to fix the troubles I'm having, except to perhaps chart it out entirely row by row, and if I'm going to complete it in time for the Ravelympics2008, I don't have time to do that. So that's kind of where things stand. Very frustrating - as usual!

Finished Manos Scarf

2008-08-03T14:00:00.002-04:00

I think I mentioned that I actually finished something! I've been getting very discourage. maybe this is the boost I need. Anyway, here's a pic of the finished scarf. Sorry, I didn't realize it's not much of a close-up.

Baby Blanket!

2008-07-30T13:25:00.004-04:00

I'm finally using that Trendsetter Scoubidu for a baby blanket. It's a very simple pattern from Lion Brand, called the Diagonal Baby Blanket. What do you think?

The colors look a little darker here, and the lighter green is much more interesting in person, and it actually looks like the play of light on ocean water.

Wool Garden's Sock Yarn

2008-07-11T20:06:00.002-04:00

You Know...

2008-07-11T10:48:00.005-04:00

your life has spiralled out of control into crazy town when you haven't blogged in a shamefully long time! Eeeeeeeek!

But there hasn't really been any knitting to blog about. I haven't finished Arwen. And when I took a sleeve out to work on it, some stitches had come off the needles and unravelled, and I'm so not ready to tackle that.

I'm working on the manos scarf for my son, but haven't managed to finish it. That could be because that skein of yarn is the never-ending skein! I knit and I knit and I knit, and, magically, the skein never diminishes. I have no explanation for this. Leprauchans? Gnomes? I'm not sure, but I would like to finish it someday in the not-too-distant future!

I did pick up some great yarn at the Kutztown Festival, by The Wool Garden. Pictures and details of the home-sheered, spun, dyed sock yarn to follow. I also snagged some of their handmade area rugs.

If anyone has any inspiration for smaller, quickly completed projects to kick-start the slow slump, please get in touch!

Too Much Yarn, Not Enough Knitting

2008-05-09T11:54:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure what's wrong with me. Really. I'm not supposed to buy any more yarn, until I finish the WIP's (heh heh I said WIP's) and the Queue.

WIP: A Cardigan for Arwen, and the Manos Ribbed Scarf.
Queue: Odessa, Bloody Pirate, a baby blanket, Wyvern Wrap, Vinnland, Paperback Rider, Elodea, Shapely Tee, Yoga Wrap. Not too mention the yarn I already have, that I'm not sure what to do with. Like the White Willow clover laceweight. Okay????

So what have I been doing? Buying yarn for more projects that I can't possibly cast on for! I bought some Cascade 220 for not one, but TWO, Gryffindor scarves. Some gorgeous Noro Silk Garden (see the previous post) for what was supposed to the Noro scarf, but might become Clapotis, or some other thing. I stopped in my LYS for some needles to work on Arwen, and picked up five skeins of Misti Cotton in the gorgeous eucalyptus colorway. And for someone who's favorite color is blue, what is UP with all the green yarn?!?! And I have no idea what the Misti Cotton might become!

Someone, save me from myself!! Or at least, you know, c'mon over and help me knit!

Stash Pictures

2008-04-29T20:09:00.003-04:00

I said stash, heh heh.

Oh, yeah. And the colors are more vibrant in person. I had thought of the Noro scarf. But now, hmmmm, maybe something else. Any suggestions? Meanwhile, I'll be off petting and stroking and fondling my new yarn.

So Much For The Yarn Diet

2008-04-12T13:04:00.003-04:00

I think my trip to the yarn store in NYC got me jonesin' for some yarn. So much so that I wanted some yarn so bad I could taste it. Gotta get me some yarn, get me some yarn, get me some yarn, gotta get me some yarn, gotta, gotta, gotta... Well, I'm sure you all know the feeling. So I gave into temptation, and placed an order from Yarn Country. I ordered some Cascade 220 for a couple of Harry Potter scarves, in the Gryffindor colours, naturally. Miles worth of knitting to be done, eh? And I also ordered some of the Noro Silk Garden, in the 252, 264 and 268 colourways, originally for the striped scarf. But after looking through some of Ravelry's patterns, I'm also considering Argosy. Or something else that brings out the intriguing stripes. Except for a horizontally striped sweater. I don't think that would look terribly flattering. The yarn should be delivered on Thursday. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait, gotta get me some yarn, gotta, gotta, gotta!

Pictures to wave under under your nose, er, I mean, share with you, absolutely, share with you, to follow said delivery. I'm sure you're waiting as impatiently as I.

The Yarn Harlot Missed

2008-04-06T07:50:00.003-04:00

I went into NYC on Wednesday to see the Yarn Harlot, and snag my very own copy of her signed book. And to see her again, of course, because that's always a treat!

I got into the city, and had an early lunch here:

I have to say I was a little disappointed. The prices had gone up, and it wasn't as good as usual. Why on earth did they use a caraway rye instead of sourdough bread?

Undeterred, I made my way to a knitting store on 78th and Amsterdam. I forget the name of it, Knitty Something. I really liked the store, what a great selection. But since I'm on a yarn diet, let's just say I stuck to the diet. So that was kind of depressing. Okay, it sucked big time. But it wasn't the stores fault!

Then I made my way to the Borders at Columbus Circle. I wanted to see if I needed a bracelet, or whatever to get in later. I did not. In fact, the girl at the door had no idea what I was talking about, and sent me to the manager. I did buy a copy of the book, I thought that would save time later. I didn't see anywhere to sit, however. So I wondered the shops, looking for somewhere to sit. Nada. So I went back to the Borders, grabbed a cup of coffee, and went out to Columbus Circle. Sitting where the wind was blocked, I finally warmed up, and took these pictures:

I sat and read until the sun disappeared behind a building, and began to get quite cold. My ears began to ache, and my face was freezing. I started to wonder where I could go to warm up. I considered spending the next 4 hours in a bar, but decided that would leave me in no condition to make my way back to see Stephanie. Shop? No, I don't feel like shopping. So I gave up, and went home. I did read the book on my way home, so that was a plus. But I was there in spirit! All in all, the day was kind of a bust.

Bitter Tears

2008-03-30T13:28:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm weeping bitter tears of frustration (and rage). The instructions for Arwen clearly state to note the last cable row knitted, so you can commence from where you left off, when continuing the cable around the hood (or in my case, around the neck). I made a note of the note, and I did this. I swear I did this. When I commenced the cable, where I left off was not where I left off. I tinked EIGHT times, each time trying a different row. And each time it was clearly WRONG. I still don't know what happened. And while I don't mind minor mistakes, a huge clearly visible mistake in a clearly visible place is not acceptible. So I frogged the left front. All. Twenty-four. Inches. Of. It.

I am clearly far too stupid to knit. Next hobby: Sitting gibbering in the corner.

A Little Break From Knitting

2008-03-24T10:52:00.005-04:00

Actually, that isn't true. I haven't been doing much with Arwen, but I have been knitting my son's scarf, and working on the sweater design I think will be called "Bloody Pirate".

But once again, I've been dreaming of a house. And, like many, I've come to the sad reality that the style to which I should become accustomed far outweighs my purse.
Where I deserve to live:

Where I can afford to live:

So, who wants to come over for coffee?

Arwen Cuff Do-over

2008-03-16T18:02:00.004-04:00

There's no picture, because it's just too sad. I don't know WHAT I did, but there's no way that left cuff is cabled properly. I did the provisional cast-on beautifully, and even the beginning of the cabling was quite nice. But then... I dunno, the cables just sort of run like straight ropes. So I'll have to tink it and fix it, or just rip it all out and fix it. Sigh... There's no way Arwen will be finished in time for April 2nd. Maybe I'll content myself with working on the back. You know, straight stockinette. Even I can't mess that up. Famous last words.

Pride Goeth Before A Fall

2008-03-09T17:08:00.004-04:00

The last time we looked, the Arwen was coming along beautifully. Each cable lining up perfectly. The color, the feel, the knitting - perfect. We were head over heels in love with Arwen. Beautiful, exquisite, sexy.

Hubris.

At the last knitting group, instead of working on the 2x2 ribbed scarf, I decided to work on Arwen. Showing off. The praise, the exclamations; these were no more than my due. Naturally.

Now, what happens at a knitting group? Yes, of course, there is knitting. But there is also admiring, teaching, talking. And I know that I can't talk (or do anything else) while working cables (or follow any pattern). My short-term memory loss is prodigious.

Can you guess what happened? Oh, yes, the inevitable. Miss-crossed cables.

Now, this certainly wasn't Arwen's fault. It was my fault. Totally. Completely. My fault. But that didn't stop me from being mad at Arwen. Really mad at Arwen. So it sat in its bag until I felt like tinking the damage. You could say it was in time out, but it was really so I could calm down enough not to slap it. Which was about a week. Given that I do want to wear it, eventually.

Last night, I began to tink. It wasn't too hard. Although, there was a lot of head scratching and "why is it doing that?". When I reached the point that I could no longer see the mistake, I spent about 3 hours trying to figure out which row I needed to start on. And kind of finally narrowed it down to two of them, and just took a shot at it.

It's still wrong, but not as noticeable. I hope. What do you think? Do I need to frog it?

Toxicity

2008-03-02T16:53:00.005-05:00

I was going to ignore this issue, figuring least said, soonest mended. Then, of course, I changed my mind. Ignoring it is, in essence, condoning it. And I don't condone it, in any way, shape, or form.

A few people left nasty comments on the blog posts about the benefit for Savanna, and my solicitation of donations therefor. (Don't bother looking, I deleted them. Yes, it's censorship. Normally I don't condone censorship, however, to paraphrase Eddie Murphy, "This is MY house. If ya don't LIKE it, ya can get the
#&%@! OUT.")

First of all, since I figured maybe five people read the blog, I was really surprised. Especially since those five people are the nicest, kindest people you'll ever meet. Secondly, if you were offended by the links to the benefit, and what I said, ignore it. Click away, never to return, and forget about it. The venom expressed in those comments was completely and totally unnecessary. The links weren't even "in your face". It was a rather brief, and casual mention, on MY blog.

Why DID I post the banner and links? Why did I donate? Why did I suggest that you attend the benefit or donate, if you could?
Because...
1) I'm healthy, and thanks to the powers that be, my son is healthy. Anyone who has a seriously ill child is living my worst nightmare. That family has my sincerest sympathy for what they are going through.
2) I don't know what evil I perpetuated in my previous lives that I am suffering through this one, but maybe some good karma will keep the wolves from the door.
3) I did NOTHING to make anyone feel guilty if they could not attend, or donate. Hey, if you're in California, getting to New Jersey might be a little difficult. If you're worried about buying groceries this month, I understand. I've been there. But what would it cost to mention it to other people, or even to kindly say, "I wish I could help, but I can't". If you do feel guilty, you might want to examine your own thoughts or behaviors. It's certainly nothing I said, or did.

But what I do not need, and will not tolerate, is any more toxicity in my life. I'm surrounded by enough toxic people, most of them related to me. As my dear, departed Gramma used to say, "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't you say nothin'!" And that goes for my blog, too.

Oh, and you want to see "in your face" donation solicitations? Here ya go! Knit from your stash, take your yarn budget, and go donate. I don't care if you are a student whose entire yarn budget for the year is $1, or someone whose yarn budget is higher than my gross salary. Knit from your stash, and donate: Savanna Winnie. Tell 'em knittwhitties sent ya!

There will soon be knitting content, or, Pride Goeth Before a (Big) Fall.

WIP It Good

2008-02-26T18:54:00.004-05:00

While it's only been about five minutes per day, I HAVE been working on The Boy's rib-knit scarf.

But the real progress has been on the Cardigan for Arwen. I even wrote up the directions for the modifications. Mmmmmm. Isn't that so sexy? The 2nd picture is much truer to the actual color.

Arwen, Benefit, and Breakage, Oh My

2008-02-19T15:31:00.006-05:00

The Savanna Winnie benefit has, to date, earned over 16K and rising! That is fantastic news, and I'm so very happy that the benefit turned out so well!

I stopped working on the back of arwen, and started the left front. I haven't done the math for any of the modifications I want to make. So then I think I'll follow the pattern as written, although there are features I need to change. I re-read the pattern and decide that it's too hard, and will modify it, but don't do the math for the modifications... See the trend here? But look at that cable? Isn't it GORGEOUS? I absolutely love it.

In order to put the back on hold, I had to find some size 9 needles. I went through a box I had won on ebay, and did happen to find the right size. As I worked with them, I decided I really like them. I love those tips! And then, unbeknownst to me, one fell on the floor, and I stepped on it. Sigh... Of course, it had to happen to a pair of knitting needles I really LIKE.

Anyone know where I can find needles with tips like these?

Reminder about Savanna's Benefit

2008-02-13T09:49:00.003-05:00

Don't forget that this Saturday, Feb 16th,is the benefit for Savanna. It will be at High Velocity in Beachwood, NJ, from 1 p.m. until closing. It will be a family affair until 7 p.m., and then the adult entertainment will begin. There will be food, plenty of entertainment, and the chance to win some great prizes. Besides my own donations of the scarf and cape, there will be a diamond bracelet, gift certificates for tattoo parlors, restaurants and other services, as well as some great baskets, and lots more. The theme is Harlequin, similar to masquerade or Mardi Gras. C'mon on out for a great time! If you can't make it, you can also donate through Savanna's Myspace page. Thank you so much!

Now, let's talk about WIPS (WIP it good. Yeah, I crack myself up. That's right up there with stash. Heh heh). I'm working on the back of the Cardigan for Arwen. Still. Even though I know I should stop, and start on the fronts. But I'm not. And I probably won't. You see the disaster looming ahead, don't you? Yeah, so do I. No picture because it's raining and dark. Look at the picture below and add eight inches of stockinette. And since I still don't know if I'm going to follow the pattern as written or convert to a modified drop, I'm playing with pattern writing for that.

The 2x2 ribbed scarf from the olive Manos for The Boy, to match his hat. I have about 5 rows of that done. It's not going quickly. That could be because I need to actually pick it up and work on it! Things don't knit themselves when they are in the project bag? Well, darn!

I'm trying to write a pattern for the Elann Alpaca. I hate math. And I keep changing my mind about certain elements that I want it to have. And I'm not sure if I've written the neck bit properly. And why the hell does he have gargantuan shoulders?!?! And how to adjust the pattern for that. But we can still consider a WIP, because I'm thinking about it.

And I want to cast on again for the Odessa. So we can consider that a WIP also, because that's in the back of my mind. And so is the Wyvern in the Karabella Empire silk. And the yarn I need to get to make the scarf I have in mind for the Lang Tosca. So many WIP's, so little time! (heh heh).

A Cardigan for Arwen

2008-02-08T20:27:00.000-05:00

I cast on for A Cardigan for Arwen on Sunday. I started on the back before i realized that it would have been smarter to start on the front. Hmmm.

I'm really enjoying the color, and working with this yarn. I hope it comes out as I envision it.

Flame Wave, A Fait Accomplis

2008-02-02T16:17:00.000-05:00

And here is the scarf in all of it's glory! A big thank you to Timmy for modeling! If you'd like a chance to win it, you'll have to attend the benefit for Savanna Winnie, on Feb 16th, at 1 pm - closing at High Velocity in Beachwood, NJ. Come on out! It's for a great cause, and you can win all kinds of amazing goodies! There will also be free food from 2 pm -9 pm.

You can also try to win the cape! I'm donating both. Check out the buttons, and the topaz colorway is exquisite!

Waves of Flame, Update

2008-01-30T12:19:00.000-05:00

I single crocheted the beads to the edges. Now it's blocking.

Waves of Flame, Nearly Complete

2008-01-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

Do you guys feel like this is an impossibly slow serial? Akin to The Perils of Pauline, where you waited with baited breath to see the rescue of the heroine? Only here, you're waiting with baited breath to see how far I've come with the scarf? Well here's some pictures to make the wait worthwhile. But, um, it's still not finished. Technically.

Savanna's Waves of Flame Update

2008-01-20T15:33:00.000-05:00

There's not a whole lot to blog about here. Seriously. I'm working on Savanna's Scarf, nearly finished the first skein. Yes, I said first skein. What, you missed that I bought a second skein because I was worried it would be too short? Well, ok, yes I did. Then I worried about the curling edges, so I went and bought some beads, and I plan to crochet the beads on the edges to stop that curling up thing that's going on. See a trend? I worry a lot. What? You want pictures? You're the demanding sort, aren't you? Well, I certainly won't disappoint you. Here ya go:

The colors in this post are much truer to the real colors. And see the curling edges? I should have known, it is stockinette, after all. But those beads (ooooo, pretty shiny) should take care of that. And of course, I'm wondering how long it should be. It's more decorative than for warmth, but maybe longer would be better.

Savanna's Fund

2008-01-12T21:30:00.001-05:00

Six year old Savanna Winnie has leukemia. Besides having to deal with the horrible medical situation, her family also have to deal with astronomical medical bills. There will be a benefit held on Feb. 16th at High Velocity in Beachwood, NJ. You can also donate through paypal, available at Savanna's Myspace page. Thank you.

I'm knitting this flame wave scarf out of Tilli Tomas Pure and Simple Ruby Wine for the benefit. The pattern is from Barbara Walker's 4th Treasury, pg. 182.

Let's Start 2008 on the Right Foot

2008-01-11T20:35:00.001-05:00

Lake Superior State University 2008 List of Banished Words

PERFECT STORM – "Hands off book titles as cheap descriptors!" – David Hollis, Hamilton, New York.

WEBINAR – "Yet another non-word trying to worm its way into the English language due to the Internet. It belongs in the same school of non-thought that brought us e-anything and i-anything." – Scott Lassiter, Houston, Texas.

WATERBOARDING – "Let's banish 'waterboarding' to the beach, where it belongs with boogie boards and surfboards." – Patrick K. Egan, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

ORGANIC – Overused and misused to describe not only food, but computer products or human behavior, and often used when describing something as "natural," says Crystal Giordano of Brooklyn, New York. Another advertising gimmick to make things sound better than they really are, according to Rick DeVan of Willoughby, Ohio, who said he has heard claims such as "My business is organic," and computers having "organic software."

WORDSMITH/WORDSMITHING – "I've never read anything created by a wordsmith - or via wordsmithing - that was pleasant to read." – Emily Kissane, St. Paul, Minnesota.

AUTHOR/AUTHORED – "In one of former TV commentator Edwin Newman's books, he wonders if it would be correct to say that someone 'paintered' a picture?" – Dorothy Betzweiser, Cincinnati, Ohio.

POST 9/11 – "'Our post-9/11 world,' is used now, and probably used more, than AD, BC, or Y2K, time references. You'd think the United States didn't have jet fighters, nuclear bombs, and secret agents, let alone electricity, 'pre-9/11.'" – Chazz Miner, Midland, Michigan.

SURGE – "'Surge' has become a reference to a military build-up. Give me the old days, when it referenced storms and electrical power." – Michael F. Raczko, Swanton, Ohio.

GIVE BACK – "This oleaginous phrase is an emergency submission to the 2008 list. The notion has arisen that as one's life progresses, one accumulates a sort of deficit balance with society which must be neutralized by charitable works or financial outlays. Are one's daily transactions throughout life a form of theft?" – Richard Ong, Carthage, Missouri.

'BLANK' is the new 'BLANK' or 'X' is the new 'Y' – In spite of statements to the contrary, 'Cold is (NOT) the new hot,' nor is '70 the new 50.' The idea behind such comparisons was originally good, but we've all watched them spiral out of reasonable uses into ludicrous ones and it's now time to banish them from use. Or, to phrase it another way, 'Originally clever advertising is now the new absurdity!'" – Lawrence Mickel, Coventry, Connecticut.

BLACK FRIDAY – "The day after Thanksgiving that retailers use to keep themselves out of the 'red' for the year. (And then followed by "Cyber-Monday.") This is counter to the start of the Great Depression's use of the term 'Black Tuesday,' which signaled the crash of the stock market that sent the economy into a tailspin. – Carl Marschner, Melvindale, Michigan.

BACK IN THE DAY – "Back in the day, we used 'back-in-the-day' to mean something really historical. Now you hear ridiculous statements such as 'Back in the day, people used Blackberries without Blue Tooth.'" – Liz Jameson, Tallahassee, Florida.

RANDOM – Popular with teenagers in many places.
"Over-used and usually out of context, i.e. 'You are so random!' Really? Random is supposed to mean 'by chance.' So what I said was by chance, and not by choice?" – Gabriel Brandel, Farmington Hills, Michigan.

SWEET – "Too many sweets will make you sick. It became popular with the advent of the television show 'South Park' and by rights should have died of natural causes, but the term continues to cling to life. It is annoying when young children use it and have no idea why, but it really sounds stupid coming from the mouths of adults. Please kill this particular use of an otherwise fine word." – Wayne Braver, Manistique, Michigan

DECIMATE – "I nominate 'decimate' as it applies to Man's and Nature's destructive fury and the outcome of sporting contests. Decimate simply means a 10% reduction – no more, no less. It may have derived notoriety because the ancient Romans used decimation as a technique for prisoner of war population reduction or an incentive for under-performing battle units. A group of 10 would be assembled and lots drawn. The nine losers would win and the winner would die at the hands of the losers – a variation on the instant lottery game. Perhaps 'creamed' or 'emulsified' should be substituted. – Mark Dobias, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

EMOTIONAL – "Reporters, short on vocabulary, often describe a scene as 'emotional.' Well sure, but which emotion? For a radio reporter to gravely announce, 'There was an emotional send off to Joe Blow' tells me nothing, other than the reporter perceived that the participants acted in an emotional way. For instance: I had an emotional day today. I started out feeling tired and a bit grumpy until I had my coffee. I was distraught over a cat killing a bird on the other side of the street. I was bemused by my reaction to the way nature works. I was intrigued this evening to add a word or two to your suggestions. I was happy to see the words that others had posted. Gosh, this has been an emotional day for me." – Brendan Kennedy, Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada.

POP – "On every single one of the 45,000 decorating shows on cable TV (of which I watch many) there is at LEAST one obligatory use of a phrase such as ... 'the addition of the red really makes it POP.' You know when it's coming ... you mouth it along with the decorator. There must be some other way of describing the addition of an interesting detail." – Barbara, Arlington, Texas.

IT IS WHAT IT IS – "It means absolutely nothing and is mostly a cop out or a way to avoid answering a question in a way that might require genuine thought or insight. Listen to an interview with some coach or athlete in big-time sports and you'll inevitably hear it." – Doug Compo, Brimley, Michigan.

UNDER THE BUS – "For overuse. I frequently hear this in the cliché-filled sports world, where it's used to describe misplaced blame – i.e. 'After Sunday's loss, the fans threw T.O. under the bus." – Mark R. Hinkston, Racine, Wisconsin.

And I'd like to add my own personal pet-peeves of over-used words to this list.

PLETHORA - "For instance, I see the word "plethora" used all the time. "A plethora of choices!" exclaims a press release. The writer chose "plethora" because she thought it meant "an abundance of" and, perhaps, that it would make her sound smart. But "plethora" doesn't solely mean "an abundance of," it means, according to these dictionaries, too freakin' many..." - Wordwise.typepad.com.

Officially? The plethora of the word plethora has become a plethora of epic plethoras. Let's not do that anymore.

THE GIRLS - Used as a euphemism for breasts. I have
breasts, bosoms, tits, titties, boobs, boobies (okay, I can't really see myself saying I have boobies), knockers, etc. What I do NOT have are "the girls", as though they were a seperate entity. Where are the girls? Oh, the girls are a little down today. Gee, I hope the girls can make it. DO NOT EVER DO THIS!

OWN IT - Own what? If I did something, well, then, yup, I did it. If I felt something, then yes, those were my emotions. I own a car, clothes, way too many other possessions, and, arguably, my son. I don't need, or want, to "own" my emotions. If it's a corruption of "own up to", why then, let's confess. Yes, I cheated on you with your best friend, and hey! you know what? He's a way better lay than you, so I'm going to keep fornicating with him. Get over it. Yeah. Own this.

EASY-PEASY - We are not five. We don't need our words to rhyme. Easy will suffice. As in, yes, that was easy. Or simple. Or quick. Or even, for the sarcasm quotient, could that have been any easier? But never, ever easy-peasy. We are not living a nursery rhyme. 'kay?

And It's A New Year

2008-01-04T17:51:00.000-05:00

So. On the knitting front. I frogged Odessa. Again. I want to start some toe-up socks, 3 sweaters, the Odessa (again), a scarf, and... Well, you get the picture. I cast on for the scarf - a simple k2p2 rib for The Boy - but I'm not happy with it, so I think I'll be frogging that as well. I am swatching the elann alpaca and the karabella aurora 8 for two of the sweaters. But a whole lot of nothin' going on. I did manage to snag this at The Knitting Room in Medford:

Isn't this stunning? It's a little more purple in the picture, and more red/burgundy in real life. I'm looking for a flame/candle tip lace pattern. Any suggestions?

Oh, My!

2007-12-27T15:46:00.000-05:00

I see it's been over 3 weeks since I last blogged. Oops. Between being ill, and getting ready for Christmas, there wasn't a lot of knitting going on. There still isn't, actually, but I have finished a sock! Woo hooo! There's no excuse for not having finished a pair of socks, because all I have left to do is graft, but I'm so caught up in the euphoria of having finally, after endless months, finished a sock that I haven't finished the second sock. Also, I think I grafted incorrectly, because that toe is sure as heck funny looking.

But from the side, it looks fine:

I had a lovely Christmas, and hope all of you did as well. And my uncle gave me some awesome knitting presents. A swift, from here , and a ball winder, and the Bond ULTIMATE DELUXE sweater machine. Can't wait to play with them. Altho, I suppose in my case, that would be figure out how they work.

I Know You're All Going To Be Jealous

2007-12-07T22:17:00.000-05:00

I recieved my final surprise and reveal from my SP11. You can find her over at her totally cool blog. And look at the wonderful goodies in this present. Mmmm hmmm. The enchanting Argosy scarf pattern from knitty. Three skeins of Louisa Harding yarn in a beautiful honey brown colorway. I'm not familiar with that yarn, but it's so soft and sweet I can't wait to try it. She really has excellent taste in yarn - each set has been just scrumptious, in breathtaking colors. Some deliciously different sweets to take the edge off that knitting frustration. Mmmmm. And just wonderful for the holiday season. A very cool Horse Cavalry soldier pen for The Boy, who was absolutely thrilled that something in the package for him! And a bottle of linen/room scent in Sensual Jasmine that is just captivating.

I can't thank you enough, and have been well and truly spoiled!

Look how beautifully wrapped!

The first item unwrapped!

See the card to put you in the holiday mood? The snowman is wearing handknits! Look at the gorgeous colors in that yarn. And can't you just see how soft it is? The pattern is just peaking out underneath. And look at those tasty treats! I love me some shortbread with a nice cup of tea.

Now, didn't I tell you you'd be jealous??

And Some Pictures of FO's

2007-11-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

The cape isn't QUITE finished. I need to find a way to close it, and I'm not finding a clasp I like. And there are still a few ends to weave in.

But the sweater is all done! Only took 6 weeks. What do you think?

A Lot of News, No Pictures

2007-11-19T09:32:00.000-05:00

I managed to get the beads on the yarn for the Odessa hat, which is an amazing project from my amazing SP. I wound up using a needle threader. Yes, it took a while. I cast-on, messed up the ribbing, frogged. Four times! I'll be bringing that to the class tonight to try to figure out what I'm doing wrong.

I've been knitting - interminably - on First Sweater's sleeves. I now realize why the sleeves are usually knit first, and then attached. Working them already attached to the sweater is voluminous, bulky, annoying, and slow. I've also decided that it needs an afterthought pocket, a la Zimmerman. So I'll be bringing that with me to the class tonight.

I've been playing with creating charts using KnitPro. So I want to bring one of the charts and colored yarn to the class next week, and learn colorwork. I've also been playing with charts using one color of yarn, and texture to show the pattern. That's slow going, also, because I keep putting the project down to work on something else.

And I've been playing with sweater design. I think perhaps a sweater design software is in my future. I want to be able to create patterns for the sweaters I want to make, as well as change patterns to add or remove features. For instance, I like Cardigan for Arwen, but I don't want the hood, I do want it longer, and of course! it needs pockets.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2007-11-11T14:48:00.000-05:00

There's a beautiful book, a skein of Jamie Possum yarn, beads, an odessa hat pattern, and some lovely chocolates, all from my special secret pal. Isn't she awesome?

Thank you!!

1st Sweater Update

2007-11-03T16:31:00.000-04:00

So, what do you think? I'm not happy with the neckline, but not sure what I should I have done.

Gratuitous photo's of the Boy as model extra!

A Surprise From My Secret Pal

2007-10-26T18:47:00.000-04:00

And wasn't this a beautiful little treat to come home to?

It's okay. You can be jealous.

The Yarn Harlot Touched My Monkeys

2007-10-19T22:36:00.000-04:00

Some months there's just a lot of knitting news! I drove out to the Borders in Marlton to see the Yarn Harlot. And she was just as wonderful as at FIT. But in a smaller gathering, I actually got to talk to her, and hold THE SOCK!, while she held my monkeys. LOL. What a great night. I'm posting the picture, because she had made a derogatory comment about her appearance. Steph looks GORGEOUS. As always. And, I'm ashamed to admit, I coveted her sweater. Deeply and seriously.

Yarn Overdose

2007-10-17T18:45:00.000-04:00

Whilst in NYC this weekend, I had to venture to the School Products Yarn Company. We won't mention how I walked past it three times before I figured it out. Ahem. But once inside I was in yarn heaven!

And I managed to accumulate myself a nice bunch of yarn. And had it shipped home, because I couldn't carry it all.

But I got some gorgeous Karabella Empire Silk - 100% Italian Silk, 1.75oz/ 50g ball, 90 yds/ 83m, Worsted, 4.5 sts/inch, Needle Size: #6 US/ 4mm.

I want to use this to make the celtic knot sweater

And some lovely Karabella Aurora 8 - Extrafine Merino Wool, 1.75oz/ 50g ball, 98 yds/ 90m,Worsted, 4.5 sts/inch, Needle Size: #7-8 US/ 4.5-5mm. I'm thinking about making the Cardigan for Arwen by Kate Gilbert, IK, winter 2006.

Slacking

2007-10-11T12:22:00.000-04:00

Well, as far as blogging goes, yes, I have been slacking. But I HAVE been knitting. Still working away on the socks (how come the foot is taking twice as long as the rest of the sock put together?).

I just found out that the intermediate knitting class I signed up for ISN'T going to be cancelled, for a change! So I've also been looking for a sweater pattern for the alpaca. The Banff isn't quite right, the Big Sack from SnB isn't quite right. In fact, like Goldilocks, none of them are quite right! I'm just going to wing it. I also want to make a million miles of I-cord to trim the Manos cape. What else should I focus on, to try to learn?

First Socks: Around the Horn. Er, heel

2007-09-30T14:40:00.000-04:00

Ha! I conquered heels!

On a sad note, my mother's year-old dog died of congenital heart failure this morning. She and The Boy are inconsolable.

First Socks: And There Was Cuff

2007-09-22T09:12:00.000-04:00

Well, there are still three rows to go before the cuff is finished. But, eh, close enough. Then I will turn the heel and begin the gussets. Woohoooo!

A Little News

2007-09-15T08:14:00.000-04:00

On the knitting front, I'm still working on the socks. I'm into the 3rd repeat of the lace pattern. I love the yarn, I love the pattern, and I love the socks. Love them!

I'm wondering if I have enough yarn to add a couple of pattern repeats to make them higher. And I figured out that if I had done them toe-up, I could have reversed the chart! Interesting...

But a lot of my interest and focus has been on this: the Van Morrison concert at the United Palace Theater in NYC, Oct 12-14. Oh, yes, I have tickets. And oh yes, I AM going. I am so psyched!

First Socks: In the Beginning

2007-09-07T08:20:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my Secret Pal from SP10, I am attempting my first socks. They are cuff down, on two circs, in Cookie's Monkey Socks pattern. The book I am attempting to learn from is the Crazy Toes and Heels. It's been tough-going, but then most of my knitting is!
But here is the cuff, and nearly one entire pattern repeat. What do you think so far? And I really need to run a lifeline. Really.

2nd Hat

2007-09-01T17:38:00.000-04:00

Same pattern - classic watch hat. Manos del Uruguay - colorway 55 (olive). Love the color, not so enamored of the thick/thin anymore.

On the knitting front, I cast-on 3 times today for socks. To say it's not going well is an understatement. However, I, being the stubborn person I am, shall persevere. I'm sure I have time tonight to try another 3 or 4 cast-ons.

Happy Birthday, Oliver!!!

2007-08-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

Oliver and I share a birthday, albeit many, many years apart. You can learn more about Oliver here: http://emma.prettyposies.com/

I'm A Slacker Blogger

2007-08-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

Or perhaps that should be, slacking blogger. Either way...

The one year anniversary of this blog was August 3rd. I've been blogging for a year? A whole year? An entire year? And I don't believe I've managed to say much, either!

Notice that my photography skills have improved drastically. And it's interesting to have a diary of sorts of the knitting year. Let's review, shall we:
Diamusee Booga Bag
Booga Bag
Paton's red & black Booga Bag
Paton's blues Booga Bag
Svale Scarf
Vintage Velvet Scarf
Wizard Hat
Manos Cape
Rib-Knit Hat, and the nearly finished
Ribbed Scarf
I might be slow, but I did manage to complete some projects!

Only one U.F.O:
Bias-Knit Mohair Scarf,
Well, technically, two, since I need to edge the cape.

Lots of stash (hehe) enhancement, but far short of S.A.B.L.E.

Three Secret Pal Swaps: SP9, SP10, and the just started SP11.

And of course, the highlight of the knitting year:

The Yarn Harlot at FIT in March.

Summertime, And The Livin' Is Easy

2007-08-15T15:02:00.000-04:00

Or so it seems. Not a whole heck of a lot to report on the knitting front. Yes, I'm still working on the scarf. Sort of. Very slowly. A row here, a row there. And it needs to be finished by Saturday.

But there's been a heck of a lot of ripe tomato eating, corn on the cob dripping with butter consumption, swimming, and boardwalk-walking. Which, during this time of year? is what we're MEANT to be doing.

SP11 Questionnaire

2007-08-06T19:22:00.000-04:00

Here are is the questionnaire for SP11. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages you'll want to have it posted to your blog no later than August 15th.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
So far, I haven't found a fiber I don't like. Dale of Norway's Svale is difficult to knit with, but it produces a beautiful product. I love Nashua Wooly Stripe, Frog Tree Marino, Muench Touch Me, Patons Classic Wool.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A beautiful, hand-made case I found on ebay. Check out ehwa_apron on ebay. Truly outstanding work.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned how to knit, but not purl, when I was 8. After making a few doll blankets, I promptly gave up. In January 2006 I decided I wanted to knit again. I consider myself a beginner.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Amazon and Froogle: moonspinner7@yahoo.com

5. What's your favorite scent?
Rose/roses, I really dislike patchouli or musk.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Anything chocolate, really.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I will sew for necessity. But I'm not terribly crafty. No, I don't spin. I haven't tried dying my own wool; I'm not sure I want to.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I enjoy classic rock, older country, folk music, celtic music, alternative rock. Yes, both my computer and my stereo will play MP3's.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love blues, greens, earth tones. I hate red, purple, pinks.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Single parent; no pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes. Well, maybe not poncho’s.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I enjoyed making the rib knit hat.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A rib knit scarf, to match the hat.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Who doesn’t?!?!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I prefer circs, but straights work, too, or even dpn’s. Depends on the project. I like metal or wood, and hate plastic.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Not yet.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Nearly a year.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Bags, boxes, and baskets. Anything that you can put something inside - stuff that holds your stuff.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave Knits. I've managed to acquire quite a few books; I can't think of anything else I need, offhand.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
More stitch patterns, socks.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I hope to be, soon. Size 8.

23. When is your birthday?
Aug 28th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
No.

New Interweave Knits

2007-08-02T20:44:00.000-04:00

I received my new Interweave knits issue. I haven't found anything I'd like to knit in an issue lately, but I do enjoy the articles, and the information on new yarns, needles, and patterns. And I love curling up with it, and being re-enthused about knitting. A couple of the patterns did catch my eye. Cute, eh?

Let's Talk About Stash...

2007-07-25T13:33:00.000-04:00

Heh heh, I said stash. Will I ever grow up enough that I don't do that every time I say stash? Probably not. Okay, I have a warped sense of humor.

It started, not so much as thinking about the rather large stash that I have, but about the projects I'd like to do. And I came to the realization that I have a LOT of projects I want to make. Which means, naturally, that I have a LOT of yarn to make those projects.

Remember the Malabrigo? Yeah, I've got the Malabrigo. In two colors. And probably not enough of either color to make anything substantial, like a sweater. But more than enough for a scarf or two. Sadly, I'm kind of over scarves. For now.

And the Manos del Uruguay? I have to finish the edging on the cape. And I have enough of the green for the Irish Hiking Scarf. Or two.

And Schaefer Esperanza, yep I've got a few skeins of that. That's a nice yarn.

Oh, and remember the Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande? I do have enough of that for a sweater, and Kate A. had recommended the Banff . And of course there's always S&B's Big Sack.

And there was the Trendsetter's Scoubidu. I've got eight skeins of that. I found a tank pattern from Summer 2006 Knitter’s magazine I think I'll try, but of course I want to turn it into something with sleeves.

Six or eight skeins of the Cashmere Aran in navy blue. I had originally gotten that to make the hat and scarf for my uncle, but I wasn't feeling the love, so it'll have to become something else.

Four skeins of Nashua Wooly Stripe in the cognac colorway. And four skeins of Nashua Wooly Stripe in the Ocean Colorway. I haven't decided what they will become.

The Red Cross sock kit, which will, of course, become socks someday.

And remember that sock yarn from my SP10, that is dying to become the Monkey Socks from Knitty?

So, no more yarn for me until some of these projects are complete. She said, sternly, to herself.

My First Hat!

2007-07-18T09:45:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure when I started it - the middle or end of June, I think. And I finished it on July 3rd? Not bad for ripping out and starting over 17 times, eh? I hope my uncle likes it. I'm still working on the scarf.

My SP Does It Again!

2007-07-07T09:52:00.001-04:00

So The Boy and I get home from vacation late last night, and look at what was waiting for me! That secret pal is too cool, and full of surprises!

On a knitting note, I FINISHED THE HAT!!!! Pictures to be posted after I dig it out from the bottom of my luggage. And I'm working furiously on the scarf. They may both be finished in time. Cross your fingers for me.

Secret Pal 11

2007-07-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

And the sign-ups have begun! SP11

And Pictures of Knitting...

2007-07-01T07:02:00.000-04:00

The boy and I are heading off on vacation, and I thought to tide you over, I'd show you pictures of the unfinished hat and scarf. They are coming along, though!

The hat is on an eleven-inch circular #8's by Balene; I love those needles. Cast-on 120, in a single rib. The scarf is on Lantern Moon's, #6. Cast-on 38, in a double rib.

No knitting news...

2007-06-25T17:48:00.000-04:00

Well, really, unless you want to see pics of unfinished scarves or hats. But I'm working on them, and they are coming along. I just wish I were a much faster knitter.

But to give everyone some eye candy, I allowed The Boy to use my digital camera to take pictures of roses at a local restaurant, The Shady Rest. Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

Secret Pal Revealed, Part Deux

2007-06-17T10:33:00.000-04:00

Since I have finally revealed myself to my spoilee, and she now knows who I am, I am free to tell the world! Her name is Ruth, and she can be found here . She loved her surprises. I'm so pleased!

Secret Pal Revealed

2007-06-11T09:23:00.000-04:00

My brilliant, and kind, Secret Pal has revealed herself. Actually, she gave me a hint, and I ran with it, and found her. Ha! You can check out the wonderful Lynda's blog for yourself. I can't thank her enough for all of her wonderful gifts, and most of all for her encouragement that I CAN knit socks (so far this has proven to be a false faith, but I am nothing if not persistent. The cuff down on two circs isn't going so well either. But I do cast on beautifully.).

Thank you, Lynda!

Check These Goodies Out!

2007-06-08T06:48:00.001-04:00

There was a package waiting on the doorstep when The Boy and I got home. We tore into it, and found this:

There were all kinds of great goodies stuffed inside this cool knitting bag. There was even a pocket of goodies for The Boy, who got very excited!

I can't list everything, because look at it ALL! but there are cool sheep stitch markers from Hide and Sheep, beautiful soaps from The Alchemic Dragon, organic chocolate, mints, lotion, yarn, patterns, a yarn cutter pendant and other little notions.

Is my Secret Pal the greatest, or what? You covet all of this, don't you? I know you do!

An Important Tip

2007-06-04T11:25:00.000-04:00

One can NOT perform a three-needle bind-off using circular needles. Go ahead, ask me how I know.

I finished the body of the cape, hood and all. Whew! Finally! Now I just have to edge it. Shall I do the saxon braid edging? A different cabled edging? Some other edging completely? I-cord? I'm not sure. But now I can set that aside for a bit, and concentrate on the secret pal socks. I'm going to attempt cuff-down on 2 circs; perhaps that shall be a bit more successful!

Show and Tell, and 100 Posts

2007-05-30T07:25:00.000-04:00

I haven't shown you any pictures in a while, so here goes.

Here's the nearly finished body of the cape. I only have about 30 rows of the hood to go. Hurray!

Can you see the mistakes in the neck ribbing?

And here's a picture of my uncle's scarf. It is safe to show the picture because he doesn't read my blog

Can you see the mistake here?

And the Secret Pal Socks, which have now been frogged, oh 5 or 6 times

Obsessions

2007-05-26T21:19:00.000-04:00

Those of you who know me well, and those of you who are coming to know me, realize that I am prey to temporary obsessions. I initially thought that knitting would be one of these obsessions, but it's a year and a half later, and I am still, well, obsessed. I'm not sure if it's knitting I'm obsessed with, or if I have a love affair with yarn. Mmmmm, yarn. And what I do with yarn behind closed doors must be illegal in all 50 states. But we won't discuss that.

I blame my latest obsession on the Yarn Harlot. Did you see her post on her trusty steed? Mmmm hmmmmm. Admittedly, I have been obsessing about a bicycle for several years, off and on. What I really want is the bicycle I had when I was about 12. It was a Columbia coaster bike, and it was blue, and I loved it. Yes, the 10 speed that replaced it was pretty cool, but that bike was special. I did find a cheap bike on E-bay a few years back, but it was old (really, really old), which made it very cool. Unfortunately, the chain didn't revolve smoothly, which made riding it like trying to haul 75 pounds of dead weight up the side of Mt. Everest. Not that I've ever done that, but you get the idea. So, naturally, there was very little riding of it happening, until finally I put it out to the side of the road, where I knew some enterprising person would snag it, fix it, and put it to good use. Which is what happened. But since reading Stephanie's post, I've been thinking (yes! alright! obsessing!) about a bicycle again. I envision myself riding it to work, stopping to pick up flowers and french bread on my way home. No, I don't live in France, and there is nowhere to stop for these things on my way home. (Why, yes, I DO have a rich and varied fantasy life, thank you!) But that is a mere bagatelle. With the proper bike, this fantasy can be mine. I'm kind of leaning towards a Schwinn. Because, you know, it's blue.

My other recent obsession involves a tattoo. It's not the first time I've obsessed over a tattoo. At the end of the first obsession, I abandoned the idea as not terribly practical in my life at the time. After, of course, drawing it meticulously, and coloring it. At some point in my delusional obsession that I am organized and practical (hahahahahahahahahahahaha, yes I do crack myself up), I disposed of the picture. So in my recent incarnation of the tattoo obsession, I won't be using that picture (especially since I can't seem to draw it again. What is up with that??). But it's just as well, since I've had an entirely different idea this time. I can't seem to draw that either. The renderings look like something produced by a two year old (no offense, Eli, but the results are not something I want permanently upon my body). It has occured to me to explain what I want to the tattoo ARTIST and allow them to draw it, which would be far more satisfactory all the way 'round. I've even found an artist whose portfolio indicates that they can do this sort of work - because naturally I don't want anything simple. No, no, I want an involved Celtic Knot. Of course, I do. So I just have to hie myself thither, and voila, I will have the tattoo of my dreams. We also won't discuss my phobia of needles. Did I mention that rich and varied (and delusional) fantasy life?

On the knitting front, the scarf is slowly coming along; the cape is driving me insane, but I have started the neck; and I have started my Secret Pal socks (that's what I'm calling them), and ripped them out, three times. But I get better with the cast-on each time. It's a good thing I'm stubborn, er, I mean persistent, as well as obsessed.

UFO's

2007-05-19T06:18:00.000-04:00

My wonderful secret pal sent me that beautiful yarn, needles, and a sock-knitting how-to book. I thought I would start the socks last Monday. So I read the book, and on Monday wound 1 skein into a ball. On Tuesday, I wound the second skein into a ball. I don't know how to wind it into center-pull balls, so I just wound it into regular balls. On Wednesday, I read the book again, along with a lot of head scratching. On Thursday, I read the book yet again.

I came to the realization that the socks would not, could not, be my carry-along project. (No, I still haven't cast on for the socks). I decided I needed an easy carry-along project, and went looking through my stash (heh-heh, I said stash. I always chuckle when I say stash). And I found some yarn I had forgotten I had - Oh! I remember you! I don't know what I'm going to DO with you, but I remember you! One of the yarns was the Frog Tree Merino I had gotten to make my Uncle a rib-knit scarf & hat. The first time I tried to make the rib-knit scarf, there was a lot of frustration and ripping out because I just couldn't get the hang of the pattern. When I saw the yarn in my stash, I thought AHA! his birthday is coming up in 3 months. And perhaps now I have enough experience to manage the rib knit. So I grabbed the yarn, some Lantern Moon needles (size 6, instead of the size 9's, when the pattern calls for size 8. I'm not sure why), looked up the rib knit stitch in my handy-dandy how-to-knit book, wrote down how many stitches to cast on, a paper, and a pen, and stuffed it all into my felted knitting carry-along project bag. When I cast on, I decided that 30 stitches was too few, and tried 34. And decided that those were too few, as well, and added 4 more. I was happy with 38. So I knit, and knit, and knit on my lunch, and on my breaks, and have about an inch done. Wow! and not nearly as much frustration as the last time I tried it, altho I do have a tendency to purl the knits and knit the purls, and have to fix that. I'm going to try stitch markers in the hopes that that helps. But all in all, I'm quite happy. And I absolutely love this yarn. It's so soft, and fluffy, that yes, I just want to roll around in it.

So at some point this busy, busy, busy weekend, I also need to cast-on the socks. I'll once again have 4 UFO's.

It's Magic!

2007-05-14T19:22:00.000-04:00

Finally, an F.O.! My son loves it, and now he can wear it as part of his Harry Potter costume. It's kind of oddly lumpy looking, but really pretty cool. I wonder if we can get away with using that for Halloween?

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-13T12:01:00.000-04:00

My SP to the Rescue Again!

2007-05-07T19:02:00.000-04:00

I knew I need to blog again today, but wasn't really looking forward to it. After all, I have no completed projects to show off. How many times can I show pictures of the unfinished Manos cape? Yes, I've gotten more done, but it still looks a lot like it did last week. And yes, I've been working on the wizard hat, in fact I have less than 50 rows to go and since the rows have fewer and fewer stitches, it's going quickly. But still,it's an unfinished project. So I was dreading the whole what-am-I-going- to-say-on-the-blog thing. And then I got home from work, and found a completely unexpected, totally amazing surprise, from my SP. Which gave me an excuse to blog, and some cool pictures to post along with it. Take a gander at this:

What a cheerful package to come home to!

And this was inside the package. Aren't those colors FANTASTIC?!

And when I opened the plastic bag, I found these. Worsted sock yarn, (so soft, so smooth, so touchable), what a beautiful card, and 2 sets of circs. I think I've been challenged! Uh-oh.

Thank you, SP, this is totally astounding!

My SP Comes Thru Again

2007-04-30T20:15:00.000-04:00

I got home from work & picking up The Boy to find this wonderful treasure in the mailbox:

I believe that my Secret Pal intends that I SHALL learn to knit socks. Indubitably! And with this handy, dandy guide, how could I not?? Thanks so much, SP, you incredibly thoughtful! Thank you.

MoA KAL Progress

2007-04-28T09:29:00.000-04:00

I have about 12 inches done so far. This pattern is worked from the bottom up, so you start with about 420 stitches. I've done 3 decreses, but it's still a lot of stitches. I guess as I get closer to the top, it'll start going a lot faster. Whew! I love the variegated color, and the rustic effect of the thick/thin yarn. When I've finished the body of the cape proper, I'll make a Saxon Braid trim to go around the entire cape. That should be interesting, to say the least. I can't wait to finish and get to wear it. Sometime this decade, I suppose.

Heavenly Blue

2007-04-23T19:30:00.000-04:00

Let's see, knitting news. The mohair bias stitch scarf; One slow row at a time. The wizard hat; moving along at a fair clip. The Manos cape; knitting feverishly. It's never going to be finished by April 28th. Not in this lifetime. But neither is the bias stitch scarf. I'm a KAL failure. I should be getting used to this - I was a knitting olympics failure, too.

But to console myself, this soft, gorgeous stuff was waiting in a big box when I got home, along with the Manos del Uruguay I'll need to finish the cape.

Yeah. Yarn porn. Ya gotta love it.

To Paraphrase William Hogan

2007-04-18T19:31:00.000-04:00

The Great Equalizer had always enjoyed April. It was in April that he caused Hans Christian Andersen to be born, and Washington Irving, and Lenin, and Wilbur Wright. In April he took the life from William Shakespeare and Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and Lord Byron, Samuel Clemens and Franklin Roosevelt, Bruno Hauptmann and Jesse James, and Baron von Richthofen, Adolph Hitler and Alfred Hitchcock. He founded Rome in April, and let Brazil be discovered, and started the American Revolution. And in April the Great Equalizer started and ended the United States’ Civil War. In April, the United States entered World War I. He organized the Salvation Army in April, and founded the Mormon Church, and liberated Buchenwald.

In April, he gave birth to Thomas Jefferson and U.S. Grant and James Buchanan and James Monroe, Presidents of the United States, and to Hirohito, emperor of Japan.

He made April sacred to the Jews for Passover, and to Christians for the death and rising of Jesus, and to Muslims for the Prophet’s birth.

And on Friday, April 20th, in 1962, on the Quartzsite Trip, during the dawn after the night of the first full moon after the vernal equinox, the Great Equalizer sent a flash flood to take away the life of P.J. Cooper. The Great Equalizer knew why he did it.

And in 1962, on Friday, April 20th, at the United States Embassy in Moscow, an ex-marine named Lee Harvey Oswald, who had previously dissolved his American citizenship, obtained a loan of 483.07 and a visa to return to America with his Russian wife, Marina, and their two month-old daughter.

The Great Equalizer had always enjoyed April.

In April the Great Earthquake struck San Francisco, killing over 500 people. And it was in April the WPA was approved, and the League of Nations disassembled. In April, 80 people died at Waco, and the Federal Building in Oklahoma City was blown up, killing 168. The Columbine shooting occurred in April. So did the Virginia Tech shooting.

And in April, the US Library of Congress was created, and Spain declared war on the US, and the Irish Easter Rebellion began, and the Vietnam War ended.

Yes, the Great Equalizer had always enjoyed April.

Some knitting and a Little Weather

2007-04-16T22:25:00.000-04:00

I'm knitting on the Wizard Hat, the Manos Cape, and the Mohair Scarf. I wish there were pics; maybe tomorrow.

The big news is the weather. This storm is wicked. The wind is intense; the power has been out & I wont' be surprised if it goes out again. A lot of roads are detoured, and the waters are 5 ft high and risin' (joke). But the water is high, and the flooding in certain areas is horrific and of biblical proportion. Be safe, everyone!

Knitting Group

2007-04-10T17:53:00.000-04:00

The knitting group met at the local library again on Saturday - and this time 8 people showed up! Wow, we're getting quite the following, lol. And a very interesting mix of people it is!

I'm still knitting on the bias-stitch scarf, the Manos cape, and the wizard hat. Whew. I will be needing size 10.5 dpn's for the wizards hat, and my local craft store doesn't carry that size. Any suggestions? And I'm waiting to hear from the store that ordered the extra Manos I'll need. Wait, wait, wait. Not that I'm impatient or anything. Nope. Not at all.