Sittin' Here Knittin' - Old one

Something in the air

2006-06-20T09:17:00.000-06:00

There must be something in the air. I also decided to move, though I'm sticking with Blogger. I can now be found over here. Hope to see you there!

Estes

2006-06-19T10:18:00.000-06:00

Whew. I survived. My pocket book even survived. The Estes Park Wool Festival has to be one of the more enjoyable events of my year. I love it not only because it's a great excuse to hang out with friends

but also because festival itself is a great place to find those fibers you don't see on a regular basis.

And since I don't keep any of these guys in my backyard it's nice to see and appreciate where it all starts...

I was really proud of myself this year. Not only did I stay in budget, but I had enough left over to buy lunch with what I'd allocated. I know. It's almost weird. I did pick up some lovely things while there though.

Just kidding!! This is all of our yarn. After lunch we decided a "haul" picture was in order. I believe this conglomeration belongs to me, Stacey, Cynthia, Jeni, and Wanda. Nachele was going to add hers but was afraid it would break the bit of plastic we had loaded up.

I did bring home these though.

Brooks Farm Yarn Harmony (a wool/silk blend) that is destined for something lacy. Maybe.

A cashmere, merino, manmade (that's what the tag says. I wonder what "manmade" actually is...) blend lace weight that is destined to wait in the stash until I'm a bit more comfortable with the teeny tiny yarns. And a sport weight skein from Plain and Fancy. So pretty.

Interlacements got me again. I picked up some silk roving to make some more of that silk paper. I really enjoyed that and think it'd be really neat on the wall in the living room. I also picked up two skeins of tiny toes. So pretty...

P

2006-06-18T11:57:00.000-06:00

Here's one I haven't seen yet. I came across it on Stephanies site and have to say it was more challenging than I thought it might be.

10 Things that start with the letter P

1.
Peaunt Butter. I love this stuff but not nearly as much as my DH does. We go through creamy peanut butter (his) twice as fast as the super extra crunchy (mine).

2.
Puddy Tat. Isn't she a cute one?

3.
Patty P. Pig. When I was a kid I loved pigs. I think it started with Charlottes Web if I remember correctly. I'm still quite fond of them actually. This little hand puppet was carried with me nearly everywhere and was part of our little family. It was the comedy relief on long trips and I'd entertain my little sister with it nearly every day. Interesting really, how movement can make something more real.

4.
Pickle. I actually prefer the sweet variety to the dill. Particularly with hot dogs.

5.
Penguin

6. Purple

7. PBS. Sesame Street, Electric Company, Reading Rainbow... Man I loved that channel...

8. Paper. Probably my second favorite medium (fiber would be the first if you were wondering... but you wouln't have any doubt of that I'm sure). I never really got into scrapbooking but I've always enjoyed drawing, note cards, and for some odd reason love to collect journals (though I rarely write in them for that purpose).

9. Pink

10.
Punkin - Me. My nickname since I can remember has been Punkin.

Wanna play?? Pick a letter and have fun!

Blockin'

2006-06-16T08:24:00.000-06:00

I got a bit more blocking done the other day than just the lace samples. I also managed to get Ameile blocked. Unfortunately for Ameile it'll have to be ripped out. At least the back will. I knew my gauge was a little bit off but this is ridiculous.

Especially when the front has a fabric this dense

So I think I'll make the next size up and it should block out perfectly to the size I want it to be. I made the fronts one size up and really like how they turned out. Thankfully the sleeves (which I've already gotten a couple of inches into) should be fine.

Lacen'

2006-06-15T11:30:00.000-06:00

As Cyn mentioned the other day, she, Wanda, Joanne (she's got some great pictures of some of the lace samples in her post from the 10th. Go check it out. I'll wait here.), and I were in a lace class this past weekend taught by none other than Nancy Bush. She was a delightful teacher and I'd jump at the chance to take another class from her any day. I particularly enjoyed all the history we got about Estonia. Fitting for an Estonian lace class, no?

Since it's been covered so well already I thought I'd wait until I could show off the sampler in full blocking action. I'll have to apologize now. While having a checkered pattern on my blocking board is exceptionally useful for blocking purposes, it makes for less than ideal lace blocking pictures. But here you have it anyway. Tah-dah. (Sorry, Cyn, yours is blocking but the picture really didn't come out).

Click for big

Another very entertaining part of class came from these little guys that kept peeking their heads around any of the closed mini blinds.

The Kit Has Arrived

2006-06-13T08:14:00.000-06:00

Hooray!! I finally got my Interlacements Afghan kit the other day. I say finally only because I was dying to see how the dying went. Heehee. I'm so pleased with the colorways that we made. First let me show you the picture of the finished afghan that came with the pattern. Sooo pretty...

See it at flickr

Most of that beautiful red is a boucle yarn and the bright blue is a ribbon yarn very similar to Trendsetter Segue. The ribbon is knit in a crisscross pattern giving large patches of x that really give some interest to the design. Lots of texture and beautiful colors. Fun!

And here are the colors my afghan will be (one day). I think this may be the next afghan on the list though. It's fairly large when it is finished. A few of the yarns are held together (like the cotton ribbon - the only one with pink - and one of the mohairs).

Reading the picture clockwise we have a thick and thin wool, boucle, cotton, mohair, mohair, and ribbon. The afghan should end up primarily the colors of the ribbon and the boucle - not that any of my colorways are all that different.

There are four different colorways above. I love how differently the colorway can look just based on the yarn it's dyed into. The ribbon and boucle are the same colorway but look quite different just based on how the yarn took the dye. The thick and thin and mohair in the bottom right corner are also the same colorway. They seem a little more apparent to me though.

Judy, one of the Interlacement owners, was talking about a class she teaches about color where she has her students pick two (if I remember correctly) skeins of yarn they like the colors of and two they don't like. During the class she has them knitting with all four and inevitably by the end of class the students discover they like the colorways they originally didn't like. It sounds like a neat class and a fun way to play with color and color combinations.

Crawling around in Ft. Collins

2006-06-11T16:02:00.000-06:00

Cynthia needed to head up to Ft. Collins/Loveland to Interweave Press to pick up a couple of books she had ordered. So (of course) she needed company. And (naturally) if we were going up there we were going to stop by a couple of the yarn shops in the area. So I took Wednesday off from work and went on a yarn crawl up north. Aside from the interesting driving situation (we got lost before each and every shop - figure we could have found one based on Yahoo directions, but no...) it was a great day. I love the area up there and I almost never get to go.

I've notice many knitters, particularly some friends of mine, that always buy a skein of yarn or a bag when out of town at a yarn shop. I've decided I collect enough yarn without going out of town and don't really need another excuse to buy more yarn but I'd like something to remember a shop by, particularly if I don't think I'll make it back. So I've settled on buttons. I love buttons, and each shop seems to carry at least one I've never seen elsewhere. It works.

The first place we stopped was Lambspun. We would have found it right off the bat, but Cyn and I were concentrating on where we needed to turn and not on the fact that Lambspun was on the corner of where we were turning and we ended up on a little tour of Ft. Collins. It's a beautiful shop and I'd highly recommend it to anyone in the area. Every time I thought I saw everything I noticed there was another room full of more stuff.

See it at flickr

The bamboo above is from my stash and will be what is leftover after the Lotus tank is done. I loved the scribble shawl and never thought to use ribbon instead of some bulky yarn until I saw the Mason Dixon book. So the Trendsetter Segue will go with my bamboo for a lovely shawl. I also picked up two buttons that you can see a bit better in the picture below.

Next up was My Sister Knits. A brand new shop and one we had a tough time finding, mostly because Sister was the only part of the name I was sure of. Very cute place though a bit odd because it's in a carriage house behind a regular house. We almost walked in the front door of the regular house before we notice the sign around the side. Oops. Still. Lovely people and beautiful yarn. And a cute button of course.

Next up was Woolen Treasures. We discovered that Loveland (a very lovely town) has multiple fourth streets. The one we found first lead us out to a very rural area and nearly dirt road. Wrong one. Sigh. We found it eventually of course.

The teal button give the appearance of wood with bark along the outside. They have quite a few different colors and I had a terrible time deciding which to get. The lime green, orange, and cranberry ones really called to me as well but I didn't want to get carried away. And my favorite find of the day is that horseshoe shawl pin made from copper and sitting there on top of some new needles. A local fellow makes them and they are simply beautiful. The pin goes through the shawl then slides in between the small slit he's created, then you twist the body of the pin around so that it stays in place. Just lovely.

And the last stop of the day was one of our LYS that I never seem to make it to. It's the Lamb Shoppe (another new one - in downtown Denver). This stop was more for my benefit so I didn't have to battle rush hour traffic home. I know. It's a semi-lame excuse. But it worked for me.

See it at flickr

I couldn't walk away from this skein of Cherry Tree Hill (what is it about this stuff??) and I decided to get a few more skeins of Nashua Jane as I like a cardigan pattern better than the tank top pattern I originally bought the yarn for.

Not too shabby for one day's work wouldn't you say?

Sittin' Here Knittin'

2006-06-09T08:32:00.000-06:00

Before I really shame myself fessing up about recent yarn acquisitions I thought it might be best to brag about the actual knitting I've been getting done.

This would be the Tank Girl Tank that I recently restarted. I had started it last summer but we hit a cold snap and I just didn't manage to keep it going.

See it at flickr

It's a really quick knit and I think it'll be really cute when it's finished so I hope to get to that point very soon.

You've seen this recently.

See it at flickr

Remember how I said I had to finish one of these before I'd let myself start something else. Well, I've never been all that good about keeping commitments like that so I'm sure this won't surprise you.

See it at flickr

Sorry for the fuzz there folks. This pretty thing will one day grow up to be the Knitting Tote from Berroco. I fell in love with this colorway of the Suede Tri-color (they call it Agave Cactus) and determined that I must make this bag from it. I'm so thrilled at how it is striping. I get just about two full rounds of each color before it changes. Just enough I think, and so much easier than trying to create the stripes myself.

Here's one you haven't seen in a while. It's the Ruffle Lace Cardigan from Adrienne Vittadini. I really hope that significant stripe I can see is part of the pattern. Keep your fingers crossed for me that I didn't start on the wrong row when I picked this back up from the WIP pile.

See it at flickr

And finally we have Big and Cozy updates.

See it at flickr

FINALLY on met the halfway mark. Hooray!! It's been too hot lately to even think about knitting on this puppy but every time we dip down into the 70s I get going on it again, even if it's just a couple of rows. I really really want to finish this kinda soon. I am starting to feel overwhelmed with the knitting-for-others I've committed myself to.

Hope everyone has a happy knitterly weekend. Don't forget Saturday is Knit In Public day. Get out there with those sticks and show 'em all how it's done!

Fessing Up

2006-06-08T17:40:00.000-06:00

I know you guys know me too well now to believe I went *all* the way down to Colorado Springs and returned home with just some silk paper... So I'll fess up.

See it at flickr

This is a beaded scarf kit. I wish I had a picture of the finished item to share but I didn't think to take one. It's a beautiful scarf and I just fell in love with this colorway so I decided what the hey.

I finally got around to taking a picture of the silk paper I made so I could show you a finished one. I love love love it.

See it at flickr

Almost Knitting

2006-06-06T09:17:00.000-06:00

So what was that almost knitting thing I mentioned yesterday? One of the LYS here in town made arrangements for a group of us to go down to Interlacements and dye afghan kits. Exceptionally cool. Er, hot actually. But very neat either way. Judy and Clay, the owners, walked us through the process and then supervised while we created havoc, and pretty yarn.

I got to play the mad scientist type and mix the dyes. Mwahhhahahaha.

See it at flickr

I'm seriously excited about how this will turn out. We dyed 6 different colorways and 4 different types of wool (ribbon, mohair, thick and thin, and boucle). Clay will be dying the skeins of cotton that goes into the kit. The afghan itself reminds me quite a bit of the Abfab kits by Colinette. Beautiful colors and soooo fun. We managed to get all the wool dyed before we left but some of it was still cooking and none of it was dry so I'll get to see the whole kit later this week. Here are two of the colorways drying.

See it at flickr

The skein at the middle bottom of the picture is one that gets put on the bottom of the pot while the rest of it dyes. It doesn't match any of the colorways but was beautiful anyway. I'm hoping to come across it at Estes next week.

We were a large group (16 total) and so Judy showed one group how to make silk paper while we were dying yarn with Clay. Then in the afternoon we swapped out. This silk paper stuff was totally cool!

See it at flickr

That's Carol in the photo there. She is very artistic and was so much fun to meet. The two "papers" are at the bottom of the photo are ready to be set. It's so simple. Just a bit of tulle, three layers of silk roving, some sort of fun novelty, and another bit of tulle. Then you soak it in wallpaper glue. And ta dah! Gooey, sticky, mess that dries into a beautiful paper (and then you peel the tulle off). Anybody else interested in making some? I totally want more! BTW, mines the third one back on the front row.

See it at flickr

Lotus Bloom

2006-06-05T08:43:00.000-06:00

What a most excellent weekend! It had much knitting and even something a little something knitting related but off by *this* much...

First the direct knitting.
I got to spend Friday evening with my knitting pals. I love that knitting group. It's such a great group of ladies and the place we meet is so tolerable of our noisy joviality (even though it's a book store).

I spent the evening getting through the lace part of the Lotus Blossom Tank. I love how this bamboo is knitting up. If you've ever had the chance to knit with this but passed on it I highly encourage you to reconsider. Beautiful stuff. The fabric drapes so nicely. The solid colors are gorgeous too if you aren't into variegated yarns. Here's a nice close up of the lace pattern (please ignore any mistakes you may spot... I'm denying their existence anyway).

See it at flickr

And the progress to date. As might be expected the stockinette is going much slower than the lace pattern was. It makes good knit group knitting now though.

See it at flickr

I just wish it was done as I'm still obsessing over starting a few new projects. Imagine that.

What's Next

2006-06-02T12:41:00.000-06:00

So, I've finished two things and haven't cast on anything new yet? What is going on??! Actually, I really want to finish up the Lotus Blossom Tank before I start anything else. And I've restarted the Tank Girl Tank I decided to make last year. But believe you me, as soon as I get done with the Lotus Blossom I'm starting this beauty.

It's the ever so lovely Cherry by the talented Amelia Raitte. I couldn't pass up on this little top. I even have the yarn in my stash already that I plan to use to make it. It'll be perfect at work. Can you tell I'm a bit excited about this?

Pink and Feathered

2006-06-01T11:52:00.000-06:00

I also managed to get the Pink Flamingo all finished this past weekend. It was a really fun knit but it was more fun seeing it finished.

Isn't she a cutie?

See it at flickr

Stockinette is your Friend

2006-05-30T16:45:00.000-06:00

Wow... I wrote this last week and forgot to publish it...

So I'm not just working on the Lotus Blossom Tank (like I've ever just worked on one thing... ha). I'm also plugging away at the Waterlily Tank. This one is from the Spring issue of Interweave Knits. I noticed it when that issue came out but it didn't catch my eye until I saw a finished one. Too cute. I'm using the Colinette Giotto that the pattern calls for but my colorway is Sea Breeze. I'm really looking forward to it being finished. It's a super easy knit - read: big needles and stockinette - what could be better! I have a great little blue jean skirt that never gets worn and will look great with this little top. Gotta get it done...

See it at flickr

And today's update would be that I finished this little bugger this weekend. Talk about a quick knit. It was a bit boring at times but that is what stockinette is for right?

See it at flickr

And the back

See it at flickr

Love it! I'm hoping it warms up later this week to wear it.

Starting Rumors

2006-05-24T08:35:00.000-06:00

Ok. I'm not really starting a rumor per se. I'm passing one I heard along... Apparently Opal has decided to discontinue the Peticoat line of colors. If your LYS has some, they won't be updating that line any more because there isn't any more. So, upon hearing this we all (of course) went over to the LYS to buy some.

See it at flickr

Bloom of Lotus

2006-05-22T11:24:00.000-06:00

Lotus' are in bloom at the Sittin' house

See this photo at flickr

I got through the third of four repeats of the lace pattern this past weekend. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration as the weekend started with one of the repeats already done. It's an easy enough knit but does require a bit of concentration and most of my knitting seems to be done in groups so it doesn't get a ton of attention. I hope to have even more to show you later this week though as I can't seem to make myself work on much else.

Flamingo

2006-05-19T11:41:00.000-06:00

The Flamingo is making nice progress. It's a really quick knit if you can focus on it long enough to not have to rip out every time you turn around. The pattern isn't hard per se. Think felted clogs type of challenge. Easy enough. You just have to pay attention. Sigh.

I've actually had a bunch of fun making it so far. It's so interesting to see it take shape. And it sounds so odd when you get to certain sections. Like "Turning the Neck". How often am I going to get to turn a neck? Really? ha.

On a side note, I've seem to come across a bunch of pink flamingo novelties since starting this pattern. Imagine that... Must have flamingos on the brain.
There are the standard yard variety, the string of lights variety, the actual birds, and my favorite has been this photo that came to me entitled "Bird Flu Hits Miami Trailer Park....from the Headlines"

Shopping

2006-05-17T11:33:00.000-06:00

I did manage to get a little shopping in while I was out of town. I love my family. They know how obsessed I've become. My dad even told our tour guide at the art place we stopped at that if there was any history around knitting, yarn, or even sheep that I'd be most interested in those items. Ha.

I found two shops while I was out there. The first shop I came across by accident. We arrived a few minutes early to the spa we were visiting to get our nails done. I was standing in the parking lot glancing around at the variety of stores in the strip mall when I noticed a sign with a sewing machine on it.

At first glance it doesn't appear to be a yarn shop at all, and in fact inside it was divided between baby fabrics, crochet threads, and yarn. They didn't have anything that screamed my name but did have some great purse accessories so I picked up a few of them.

I also managed to swing by the Black Sheep Wool Company when I had a couple of hours free one morning. What a cute shop! The ladies working there were very helpful and so sweet. They mostly carried yarns and brands that I've seen before. I hadn't seen this though and I loved the pattern book so I picked up enough to make a tank.

The yarn is 100% acrylic. I'm not sure how I feel about that. It feels a lot like cotton only a bit softer. I liked the way it was spun and it's not spongy like Red Heart or any of those kinds of yarn. The patterns are what really sold me though. The one on the cover says it all. Nearly everything in there was cute and something I'd actually wear. We'll give it a try and see how it goes.

New Projects

2006-05-16T15:18:00.000-06:00

Now that you've seen what I finished I bet you are wondering how many things I started...

I took two projects with me on this trip, though I didn't get very far in either. It is time for the summer projects to get going and what better than the beautiful tank on the cover of the latest Interweave. I have the bamboo in my stash. It seemed the perfect item.

Well, I should have used the bamboo in my stash but I liked this color better so I picked it up. I managed to snag this beautiful skein of Cherry Tree Hill while I was at it but it hasn't found a purpose just yet.

The other project I started to bring along is the Waterlily Top from the Spring Interweave.

Tami was hoping to be the third project but just couldn't fit in Tom's suitcase.

Finished

2006-05-15T13:10:00.000-06:00

Before I left on my little trip I insisted on finishing up my Noro shrug so I could wear it to the wedding in case I got chilled. It's something that happens to me very frequently and I wanted to wear something cute rather than my standard grey fleece. In fact, I took it shopping with me to buy the little "wedding outfit". I wonder if the guy at anthropoligie noticed the knitting needles were still in it when I stuffed it in the bag with the skirt I wore...

Well, I wore it, but apparently got no pictures of it and the cute outfit so you'll have to make due with the shrug and what I wore to work today. The shrug is mega-cute either way.

Love, love, love this bugger. The pattern is from Noro 18. The picture in the book is horrible and if some folks I know hadn't already made one I wouldn't have even noticed it. The pattern book even says that the pattern for this isn't in there but trust me, it's in there. I thought the pattern was well written and very simple. It's a great one to practice cabling without a cable needle if you feel like giving that a whirl.

Of course, since I finished something I had to cast on for a few new things... I'll tell you about those later though. Have a great one!

What a week!

2006-05-14T16:04:00.000-06:00

Wow, what a week last week was. For some reason Monday morning I realized that I was leaving town on Wednesday and had a huge list of items I needed to finish before I left. I've known for months that I was leaving but it just snuck up on me. Don't you hate it when that happens?

Right before I left I got my Webs order. Sometime this summer I'd like to make the stripy tshirt in the Vintage Knits book.

I'm still debating the colors to use. I have others in my stash that would sub out nicely.

I also picked up yarn to make the pink mamosa pattern out of the newest Interweave Knits. I was surprised how much it calls for but I loved it at first glance and just had to get it.

Amour

2006-05-08T11:14:00.000-06:00

I love love love this bag.

I didn't buy any of her patterns last season as I wasn't over the top about any of them but this one just calls to me. I got all the yarn for it on the same day. Yes. I get a little obsessive (or should I say I am a bit obsessive...).

She did much better this season with the patterns, or at least this one. It includes the pattern for the flower. The biggest complaint I heard last year was that the bag pattern and the flower pattern were separate. And considering the price tag associated with them, you could easily spend $15 to $20 for one purse pattern. Whoa!

No telling when I'll get started on this but it's sure on the list for near term. :D Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Charlotte's Resolution

2006-05-05T09:18:00.000-06:00

It appears the greens have it. Thanks everyone for your input on this. Blues and Greens actually tied but after playing around with the colors the greens won out in the end.

Stacey graciously let me borrow her Charlotte to display the final order. Now just to get started...

Also, I've been told by a couple of people that my page has been making their IE crash when they come visit. I think I've fixed it (fingers crossed) so if it keeps happening please let me know. Or better yet, if it used to happen to you and has stopped let me know. Thanks and have a great weekend!!

In the Pink

2006-05-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

I didn't want to get down to too few items on the WIP list (I've actually gotten it down to 11 for the first time in I can't remember) so I cast on for a pink flamingo. It's the cutest! Bright pink yarn with a bit of novelty for fun. I didn't get eyelash so it won't stick out but it'll add some extra color in the "wing" area. I wish I could find a picture of the pattern to share with you. Here is one that someone else has made just to give you an idea.

And here is what mine looks like for now. You start at the bum and work your way up so I'm halfway done with the back end and should be turning the neck soon. My, doesn't that sound odd...

3 down

2006-05-02T09:05:00.000-06:00

Only four more left...

New Slips

2006-05-01T09:50:00.000-06:00

I've been a bit under the weather lately (isn't that a funny saying) and missed quite a bit of work last week as a result. Well, I wouldn't say I missed it but I wasn't there. I had the perfect illness. One that required me to be at home but one that didn't leave me devoid of the will to do anything, like knit.

DH has been requesting a new pair of slippers for a little while. I thought he just wanted attention until he showed me all the affection he's used up on his existing pair of slippers, illustrated by my ability to stick my finger through the bottom of these guys. He's completely worn a hole in them! There are a couple of spots that are nearly worn through but they should last another week or so. He was so sad I couldn't just fix them (and make him a new pair too...).

He likes the new pair that I managed to whip out last week due to the abundance of time I had to knit. He's so sweet to entertain my obsession with this shade of green. I'm sure you will begin to see the trend this month as green is the Project Spectrum color this month (HOORAY!!)

I haven't gotten around to felting them yet as we decided right before I got sick to make some improvements to our laundry room and the washer and dryer are still sitting in the hallway waiting for us to get finished already. Part of the improvements included painting the walls green. Imagine that.

Charlotte's Dilemma

2006-04-27T09:45:00.000-06:00

So, like I said yesterday I need your help figuring out which colorway to use for my Charlotte's Web. I've got three options I like.

There's the blue and pink version

There's the greens version (I call it that because all of the skeins have streaks of olive green in each)

And the blues version

Argh. I like em all. What do you think? See the Poll on the sidebar...

Koigu Temptations

2006-04-26T13:57:00.000-06:00

Ok. For the record. This is totally Stacey's fault. DH would say it has more to do with willpower but as this is my story we'll be placing blame elsewhere. Stacey's post yesterday about the beautiful and now very prettily organized selection of Koigu at one of our LYS prompted me to visit over my lunch break today. I think my Koigu stash tripled...

My initial thought with these was a Charlotte but once I got home and played with some combinations I'm torn over which combo to use. I will need your help with that gentle reader.

These sweet ones were picked up because they are purty. And orange. Well, two of them are at any rate.

We can let Stacey off the hook for this last one. I believe it shares blame between Cyn, Wanda, and Kim who have both talked incessantly about this yarn and this particular colorway that I had to snag one when I saw it. It's so pretty knit up. Check it out.

Free Stuff

2006-04-25T09:58:00.000-06:00

How does one person get so lucky with the free stuff. I mean really? My friend from work's wife decided to do a little more house cleaning. Hooray!! I got a garbage bag full of yarn. Some of which will end up as a Green Gable (isn't that such a cute pattern - and the timing couldn't have been better). There are quite a few bright ones between this batch and the last. I'm thinking a Rambling Rows afghan for another future kiddo.

More wool for felting. I love how much black she's given.

And a bunch of random yarns. Most feel cotton. They Kroy feels nice and I've always heard good things about it. And two balls of trekking. Looks like DH might be getting some socks (or mittens or a hat - I mean, let's be realistic).

Weekend Long Satchel

2006-04-24T15:32:00.000-06:00

Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in strands of thread or yarn using a needle (from Wikipedia). I think I'll stick to knitting from here on out. Though it turned out nice I think.

For giggles I made a slideshow of the different stages of the embroidery. Hope you enjoy it!
(LOVE those Flickr Toys!)

The ABCs of Me

2006-04-21T09:02:00.000-06:00

A is for Age: I like my wine older than my cheese and my hubby younger than me.
B is for Booze: I love a good red wine and wheat beers but that's about the extent of it.
C is for Career: Computer geek, security geek, marketing
D is for Dad's Name: James but, like all his brothers, he goes by his middle name of Frank.
E is for Essential Item to Bring to a Party: Food (I love the tradition of bringing flowers -something I picked up when I lived in Germany but am not very good about it)
F is for Favorite Song at the Moment: Fly by Adrina Thorpe
G is for Goof-off Thing to Do: Sit at the LYS and knit when I should be cleaning or working
H is for Hometown: I moved around too much to pick just one. There's Milton, Florida where my folks live. Or there is Aurora, Colorado where I live now.
I is for Instrument You Play: Um, this should be "played" but I used to be pretty good at the piano. I played the violin briefly but, while I love to listen to them, I never got the knack of playing one.
J is for Jam or Jelly you Like: Strawberry (just about any brand)
K is for Kids: Nope though I'm hoping for a bunch of nieces and nephews one day (NO RUSH ladies!)
L is for Living Arrangement: House that I love until it's time to clean it. Then I think a smaller space would be good...
M is for Mom's Name: Lorna, just like the cookies
N is for Names of Good Friends: Gretchen, Heather, and all my knitting grrls
O is for Overnight Hospital Stays: None thankfully
P is for Pets: One Tamiflague (a.k.a. cat)
Q is for Quotes you Like: We must not allow other people's limited perceptions define us
R is for Relationship That Lasted Longest: Current DH
S is for Siblings: One most wonderful sister. I've also inherited three lovely sisters in law and a brother in law. Wow.
T is for Texas: Not too fond of the Texas. I think I saw too much of it when I lived in New Mexico and had to drive 13 hours of the 23 hour drive home through Texas. I always seem to get a speeding ticket when I drove through there. I did live in San Antonio twice though.
U is for Unique Trait: Lived in Berlin Germany when the Wall was still up. I think it gave me a unique perspective on freedom (compared with the general population anyway)
V is for Vegetables You Love: Tie between green beans and asparagus
W is for Worst Traits: Can come across as a know-it-all or stuck up when I first meet people
X is for X-Rays you've Had: Everything except my head and legs. (I'm sure head will be scanned soon if they see my stash post...)
Y is for Yummy Food You Make: Stuffed bell peppers, scones, dump cake
Z is for Zodiac Sign: Libra

Big & Cozy

2006-04-18T14:25:00.000-06:00

Still going....

I have to say that even though I'm only just now catching up to where I already was I'm very happy about my decision to frog and restart this puppy. I should be able to finished up the second column tonight and start the third. It's so much easier to work on like this and more addicting. I'm usually to get through at least half of a square every night and if I don't work on anything else I can crank through a whole one and into another. Thanks, Amy, for the suggestion. It's making my life easier for certain.

They call me mellow yellow

2006-04-18T14:10:00.000-06:00

Though from the lack of yellow I could find around the house I don't know if it's appropriate.

Not a new craft

2006-04-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

I love it that knitting is not a new craft. While I was down south I got to spend some time with DH grandmother. It's a thrill to me to be able to spend time with any grandparents as I have none left (I was 17 when my last grandparent left this world). DH grandmother, a.k.a. GMH for Grand Ma H *isn't that cute*, was sweet enough to bring me some old patterns that belonged to a friend of hers. She knew I love to knit and her friend can no longer knit and wanted someone that would enjoy them to have them.

Many of the patterns are crochet but there were some really cute pattern, particularly in the book below.

I love the jacket on this page, though all the poses the models in the book use really make me laugh. I think one of my favorite things about vintage patterns is it really brings into focus the differences in the time. Models from this timeframe always make me think of classy women and generic barbie dolls (I know, it's a very weird combination).

And both of these sweaters are cute. I would even make the orange one (though I doubt I'd use orange to do it).

Don't get me wrong, not everything was cute. Some was downright funny. I was double dared me to make this argyle for DH but it would ever happen. Have you ever heard Franklin's essay on Knitting for Love? I think I'd reserve this baby for something to knit dislike into.

Circle of Trust

2006-04-13T09:41:00.000-06:00

I don't remember where I read this or I'd send you over there but for all folks wanting to make that gorgeous Sunrise Circle jacket in the latest Interweave Knits, the designer recommends a heavier weight of yarn (Aran or heavy worsted) even though the gauge would lead you to believe that a DK weight would work. The reason for this was that you want the fabric to be stiff so that it will hold it's shape. If you use a lighter yarn you'll end up with a floppy front edge and won't get the same effect.

Thankfully I saw this note before I saw that Jimmy Beans Wool had some lovely silk/wool blend yarn on sale. Hooray for sales. I bought a bag that is a beautiful tweedy teal.

Good ol' Jimmy also had some Katia Jamaica on sale and I've been coveting that boatneck t-shirt Wendy made last year since I saw hers so I got some of that as well. It's quite a bit brighter than I thought it would be but I'll give it a shot. If I hate it I'll have to figure out how to overdye it it or wash it out. I like playing with that stuff anyway.

Little bit of Knittin'

2006-04-12T09:25:00.000-06:00

For the first, and probably only, time I was able to be realistic about how much knitting I would get done on my recent family visit. I only brought one project, though I did bring all the yarn for it like somehow I'd manage to finish the whole thing in between all the running errands and decorating and other good-bridesmaid activities I'd be doing.
I decided that this event called for a new project. Not that I really need an excuse to cast on or anything...
I started the ever-so-lovely Noro Shrug during the knitting retreat which has been the project of choice lately in my little corner of the Mile High city. I've actually gotten quite far on it as it's fairly mindless and sooo pretty. This was the yarn that tempted me away from the stash-along so I'm very pleased that I still like it as much as I do. Guilt tends to make me less fond of things but it hasn't dampened my adoration at all.

I love this photo even though you can't see how far I've gotten. It really shows off the colors. Yummy!

Weekend Madness

2006-04-11T09:11:00.000-06:00

Yet another crazy eventful weekend. This past one was spent in Auburn, Alabama for my SILs wedding. She was a lovely bride and I sincerly hope she and her new hubby are having a great honeymoon and will love being married.
I also had the pleasure of meeting my new niece and nephew. Another SIL got married last year and her hubby had a couple of adorable and very energy filled youngsters. They were a treat, though it did bring to my attention how little time I spend amongst little people. How do they have so much energy anyway??

S gave the pirate hat a good test drive. She was a bit disappointed it wasn't for her though. Her big brother watched from the sidelines.

He did get quite excited when it was time for him to be the ring bearer though. Aren't they all so handsome?

I did get a bit on knitting done and some great vintage pattern books but I'll show you those tomorrow. Happy Knitting all!

Retreat

2006-04-04T10:24:00.000-06:00

This past weekend was fabulous. I highly recommend that if you ever get the opportunity to attend a knitting retreat (or even just a weekend out with the grrls to knit and veg) that you take it. As Cyn and Stacey already mentioned, we went prepared.
I still can't get over the view from the B&B. It was such a beautiful place. I'm very tempted to run out and open a B&B of my own if I get a view like this. I'll have to open a yarn store in the basement and cater to knitting retreats. This all sounds like a great plan to me. Now, to work on the DH... :D

From the front porch

And from the back porch

Great people. Great view. Tons of knitting. And of course some yarn aquisitions. Can't forget to mention those can I? BTW, we determined that the stash will always be there as we are all collectors. Before yarn it was books. At least yarn isn't as heavy right?

Starting in the top left there is some Shelridge Farm yarn that I got when we did the "grab bag of prizes". It's tough to pick out the "yarn shaped" presents but I managed. *grin*. Then we have Karabella Aurora 8 in a dark olive to make that AWESOME sweater the Yarn Harlot just blogged about from Inspired Cable Knits (the one with the drawstrings). She has some great photos on her blog. There is a bag behind the Karabella (one of those clear plastic ones with three different sizes - a gift from the retreat). The next bag contains the kit we bought to make the Blue Jeans Purse from Black Water Abbey (very cute small purse and one of the classes we had at the retreat- I also ordered the kit for the Knitted Fair Isle Tote Bag) in a colorway I put together. It was alot of fun to play with the different color options. Next up are four skeins of Frog Tree for a scarf of some sort. Hidden under those is a skein of Opal sock yarn in the same color as the Frog Tree. I'm starting to see a trend with the greens. Knitting on the Road - GREAT sock book. There are also some very cute cards with sheep on them. Oh, there's a candle I couldn't pass up. It smells wonderful. Um, that should be it. All said and done it was a most wonderful weekend. This post is getting too long so I'll show you all the knitting I got done in the next post. Have a great one!

Stash Flashin'

2006-04-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

This is the small plastic bin I've been keeping "overflow" in. Now it houses my WIPs in the top bin, my non-feltable leftovers in the middle bin, and my feltable leftovers in the bottom bin.

This is a mid-sized shelf. I've got wools on the right, wool cottons in the middle, cottons toward the left, and nylon/acrylic/whatever on the far left.

This is all wool baby. It started with just Cascade 220 and Lambs Pride but grew into much much more. I love sitting in my loft now.

Cute container to keep straights together.

Leftover baby yarns. There's also some tweed on a cone and a kit for the Tapestry Garden caplet in Wrap Style. Yummy! You can see my knitting library directly underneath it.

Latest Aquisitions

APRIL FOOLS!!!

And the PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE - Yarn Porn

Spring Pirate

2006-03-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

I've been spending most of my lunch breaks enjoying the wonderful spring weather by sitting at a park near my office listening to audiobooks and knitting. Aaahh. Spring. Not too hot. Not too cold.

The pirate hat is progressing nicely and at the correct gauge. I had DH try it on the other night to confirm it doesn't cut off circulation this time.

The audio book I've been listening to most recently is the one being posted by Librivox as their podcast. Is it ironic that it's Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson?

If you enjoy audiobooks I strongly encourage you to visit Librivox. It's a group of volunteers that are reading books that are in the public domain and publishing them for free. You can either download them at their website or subscribe to their podcast. The podcast will publish a section every day or so as well as a weekly poetry reading. Lovely stuff.

Two Years Already

2006-03-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's hard to believe I've been at this for two years now. What a wonderful extension this has added to my life. I've met some of the greatest people out there, confirmed to my spouse that I am not alone in my fiber obsessions, and had a place to vent/cry/laugh/and otherwise share in my joys with a bunch of great people. Thanks!

Afghan Revisited

2006-03-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

So aside from the rick-a-frackin' pirate hat I worked on over the weekend, I also picked up the afghan I'm making my DS over this past weekend. I decided to change the way I was knitting it. Not only did I not want to work on it because it's hot to sit under (especially now that Spring is upon us) but also because it's darn heavy. And if it's this darn heavy when I've only finished two rows of the blocks I wouldn't finish it in this lifetime. So we started over. Yes. I'm a bit sad about that part. But it's for the best.

It's so portable and I actually feel like I make progress when I work on it. I love that I can work a few rows and put it down without it being a few hours later too. So... column 1 is about halfway done. Whoo hoo.

I joined this cute group yesterday. If you haven't checked it out yet go take a peek.

Aargh, Matie!

2006-03-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

I decided to make We Call Them Pirates hat for DH dad. Since Pirates of the Caribbean came out all things pirate have been the family's running joke. Our dear brother in law visited not that long ago and I realized how far gone their dad had gone when I was shown a picture of the living room. He's got a Jolly Roger flag hanging on the wall. That's it, I thought. He must have this hat.

I started on it the very next day. It was a very fast knit (took only two days actually), but unfortunately for him I didn't verify my gauge on the colorwork section.

If I wiggle my eyebrows it pops off the top of my head. Stacey, thankfully, ran into the same issue so we decided a fun pose was in order. I'm so grateful to have friends that run into the same problems I do.

Later that night, Cyn helped me frog the old hat. I seriously debated gifting the tiny one to someone with a tiny head. How cute would a baby be in that? But DH really wants a hat that matches his dads so a frogging I did go. I started a new one last night on needles two sizes larger than last time. I checked. I have gauge this time. Yeah!

Oh yeah, I'm using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. On the too-small version it took less than half a ball of each color. I expect this version to take a little more. Awesome stuff for a hat. I'd highly recommend using it. Just check your gauge. *grin*

You Want the Good News or the Bad News?

2006-03-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

Since there's a bit of both I'll start with the good, move on to bad, and then find a positive spin. Sounds like a plan to me...

So the good news. I've finished both sleeves for Rogue. It took less than one skein of the new yarn to get them both finished up (I have about half a skein left of it - plus the two extra I bought because I was so freaked out about running out).

There isn't any evidence of striping that I can tell but I bet if I stare hard enough in daylight conditions I could imagine some pretty well. The cabling was simple and the sleeves very easy to knit. Thank heaven for that, since I knit them twice each.

The bad news? When I blocked it I realized they are HUGE. I made a size or two up from what I normally would because I wanted it to be loose and baggy. This will swamp me. The arm width is over an inch wider than the pattern recommends. I'm pretty sure it grew when I got it wet which gives me pause about the body because I haven't dunked it yet and it's already 40".

Blocking in style. Even though it's huge...

So... the positive spin? DH likes it. Once I get it all seamed up it looks like the brown colorspeckled Rogue is destined to be his. I refuse to knit this again (at least in this yarn). Looks like one day I'll knit it up again for me. Maybe I'll use Cascade. Maybe a pretty blue or green. I love how Kim's is turning out...

Flasher

2006-03-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Wedding Gift

2006-03-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

I had quite a bit of fun running around the house the other day searching for reds and pinks. It became a bit nostalgic after a little while. One of the "reds" I found was this quilt. My great aunt made this quilt for my mother as a wedding gift. When I finally settled down with a house of my own my mother gave it to me.

I love this quilt. Mom would always wrap me up in it when I was feeling sick. The red flowery rectangles and the backing is made from flannel. It's so soft and cozy. The squares are all corduroy and lend quite a bit of weight and durability to the blanket. I still drag it out any time I don't feel well so I can snuggle up underneath and remember being little.

What's that noise?

2006-03-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

As I was sitting at my desk checking emails and reading blogs I kept hearing this small squeaking noise. I went around the house to investigate. Tami has found a mouse or two before and I like to ensure that I'm not hearing a new one.

I couldn't find anything. Finally I noticed it sounded very close. I turned my head to where Tami has stolen my chair and discovered...

She snores.

Reds and Pinks

2006-03-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Round the house. I thought I'd have more really. I love red.

If you haven't seen this cool toy yet you should go check it out. I love flickr!

Project Spectrum

2006-03-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late on this bandwagon but I did finally manage to make it over to Lolly's blog to sign up for this fun little project. For some reason her blog is blocked to me from work. Bums.

I decided that because it's so late in March already I'd combine my March and April project into one. I also have a distinct lack of orange or yellow in my stash. Odd, since I happen to like those colors for the most part.

This wonderful stuff has been taunting me from the stash for quite some time. I bought it to make the Unbiased bag in one of the older Knitty issues. There is quite a bit of red and orange in the yarn and I'm very eager to get started on it. I want to finish up a couple of things first though.

I wish I could remember where I got it from. I do remember that they were selling it for a fabulous price. If I happen across the site again I'll be certain to post about it. I remember liking quite a few things they had for sale. It might be a good thing I lost that URL...

Weekend Work

2006-03-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Working on the Weekend Satchel that is. I thought of something the other day. I pack light. This thig should be renamed to the Week-Long Satchel.

The handles shrunk nicely during the felting. They took twice as long as the bag itself when I felted them. I hope that isn't a bad omen or something. They are seriously fuzzy (click on the photo for a close up) and will require a close shave before I consider walking around with them. I can handle cat hair on my clothes but this stuff will be everywhere!

The back, bottom, and sides are drying in the tub. They take up the whole bottom. They didn't felt quite as nicely as I'd hoped but they did do well. I'm very pleased that they are still as squared as I wanted. I'm sure it won't matter as much once I start sewing this big boy up.

And here is the front. I still haven't managed to get started on the embroidery. It definatly makes the bag though so there is no skimping on that part. That's probably why I haven't plucked up the nerve yet to get started on it. Maybe I'll get to it this weekend. It's a pretty funny looking bag until the detail is worked into it. I just can't wait until it's finished up. I want to use it already.

Still here

2006-03-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

I swear I'm still around. I'm even knitting some. I'm apparently seriously slacking with the photos though.

We'll do some picturless updates today. Your imagination will make prettier objects than I can crank off my needles anyway.

I got up to the sleeve cap shaping on one of the sleeves of Rogue using the two-rows-of-old-yarn-and-two-rows-of-new-yarn method but it's definately darker than the body. I noticed I had quite a bit of yarn from my original skein left after finishing (looks like almost half a skein is still left) so I put the dark one onto scrap yarn and cast on for the second sleeve. I worked the inside of the hem in the new yarn (since it get turned under anyway) and am trying to finish up the outside of the sleeve with a single skein. I'm hoping there will be enough but it will certainly be close. I'll have to show it off soon (if I can ever get home before dark so you can actually see the differences in the sleeves).

Ameile is coming along nicely. I get more work done on her than any other project since I've started knitting on my lunch break again. I should be finished with the back this week. Whoo Hoo.

Weekend satchel front is knitted up but I need to do the embroidery. Very fun (I hope). I felted the back, bottom, sides, and handles the other day. Boy do they need a shave! I'm going to have to do a before and after of those bad boys.

Hope all is well out there in blogland. Pictures soon. I promise.

Ameile

2006-03-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

So last week on Thursday I had the opportunity to head to the yarn shop for lunch. This used to be something I enjoyed doing 3 to 4 times per week but it's dwindled to once every couple of weeks. Over the stash-along it was not-at-all because I knew I couldn't handle it.

I also realized on Thursday that I had taken my knitting out of the car. I used to keep the Fair Isle Jazz in the car but now that I'm on the cable section it's too unwieldy for car knitting. So I had no knitting. So I did what any normal obsessive knitter would do . I went ahead and bought yarn, a pattern, and needles so I could knit on my lunch break. I searched for a while and then came upon this very lovely design.

I've opted to do the body in white with the contrast sections in that awesome green. I'm using Rowan Calmer. Mmmmm. Calmer. The pattern actually called for a mercanized cotton but I'm not a huge fan of the gassed stuff and I only needed 4 skeins of the MC if I used Calmer. I swear it's my favorite cotton. Great yardage. And awesome to knit with. So awesome in fact that I'm nearly finished with the back of this lovely thing.

I'm really happy with the pattern as well. It's very well written. I've admired this designer for quite some time but have yet to make anything she's designed. I'm a bit nervous about the crochet sections (all the ruffles are crochet) but I love the overall effect and know I'll love the finished item so I'll brave it. Now to find a cute summer dress to wear this over...

That was fast...

2006-03-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

I ordered three more skiens of Peace Fleece on Thursday of last week to finish my Rouge with (hopefully!) and got them in the mail yesterday. At least the suspense is over...

It's really hard to tell from the photo but there are some marked differences in the two dye lots. The new yarn doesn't have as many color flecks as the older one (and not such a variety of colors). Also, the base color is much more blue than my original (which has quite a bit of rust in it). I went ahead and cast on for a sleeve last night and am working two rows in the old and two in the new. I hope they are close enough to not stand out from the body. Keep your fingers crossed for me...

Satchel or Blanket?

2006-03-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

This bugger is HUGE. I finished up the intarsia last night but I'm not finished with the front. I measured it and I have 10 more inches to go. 10. inches!!! Holy crikey!

I'm looking forward to all of the embroidery that needs to be done before it's felted. There's quite a bit but it really makes the bag look so nice. I'm glad it's embroidery instead of needle felting. I've done the needle felting before and think it's great. But only for small areas. I can't imagine how long it would take to try to needle felt all the vines, flower and leaf detail or the rest of it. I still need to order the hardware for this too. I haven't found the perfect buckles yet. Anyone that's done this know of a great place to find them?

I haven't gotten around to felting the back, bottom, sides, or handles yet. Here's the pile of that stuff. Those handles are 8 feet 2 inches long. Each. The designer of this bag doesn't do anything small does she...

Sock Sock Sock

2006-03-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Sock progress is screaming along (at least relative to my sock knitting history). The first pattern stitch was a simple broken rib. I'm working on the heel now and should have it turned soon. I tried a few new things this time. Like switching to a smaller needle for the heel and bottom. I hope it helps improve the feel of the sock.

The yarn is that Austerman Step yarn with Aloe and Jojoba Oil. I love this stuff. I got a few questions about it when I posted that I'd be using it and now that I have for a little while I can answer them.

It's not oily at all, just very soft. It's a strong yarn (I don't think I could snap it in two, scissors required). The striping is fun and I love the color combinations they use in the yarn. It is a touch pricier than a standard wool but I think that is to be expected. The label claims that the Aloe and Jojoba will last through 40 washings. I think that's a pretty strong claim. I wonder after it wears out if I'll even notice? I'd expect the socks to be "worn in" by then. I'm already looking forward to the next skein I have of it that's in shades of blue.

Trouble in the Hood

2006-03-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

So, in an effort to avoid casting on for anything new I picked up Rogue again.

She's so pretty. I finished up the hood a couple of nights ago. But now I have a serious dilemma. It's called two sleeves and only two skeins of wool left. I went ahead and cast on a sleeve to see how far I could get so I could better judge how much I'd need to finish the two sleeves.

That's only about 5" of the sleeve including the hem that gets turned under. AARGH. I'm guessing I'm going to need three skeins per sleeve (anybody else care to take a guess?) which means I need to order four more skeins of yarn to get two sleeves. I plan on doing one row in the old skein and two with the new because I know the dye lot is going to be off. I just hope it's not off by a lot.

Gettin' Organized

2006-02-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to move my stash out of the dresser in the guest room that it's been in. I wanted it somewhere where I can look at it. Out-of-sight is out-of-mind right? So Saturday morning it finally happened. I have a built-in bookshelf in the loft area (one of my favorite features to the house) and I had gotten a few shelves cleaned off. I was looking at these shelves and thinking I wonder if I could build little cubbies for these shelves and just use them instead of buying or making additional shelving for my yarn. Then I thought some more. I wonder if my yarn will just fit in these shelves. The answer? Barely.

This is the small plastic bin I've been keeping "overflow" in. Now it houses my WIPs in the top bin, my non-feltable leftovers in the middle bin, and my feltable leftovers in the bottom bin.

This is a mid-sized shelf. I've got wools on the right, wool cottons in the middle, cottons toward the left, and nylon/acrylic/whatever on the far left.

This is all wool baby. It started with just Cascade 220 and Lambs Pride but grew into much much more. I love sitting in my loft now. The chair is right next to this beauty.

Cute container to keep straights together.

Leftover baby yarns. I really have to get these knitted up. They are from the Rock-A-Bye blankie I made last year. I really really overestimated how much yarn I needed for that. There's also some tweed on a cone and a kit for the Tapestry Garden caplet in Wrap Style. Yummy! You can see my knitting library directly underneath it.

Such joy from something so small. Um. Moving the stash I mean, not the stash itself. DH was a bit shocked but I think he liked that I have it out and visible now. Or maybe he likes that I can't hide it in the cubbies anymore...

Jazzy Satchel

2006-02-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any progress picks of my Weekend Satchel or my Fair Isle Jazz for a while so I thought I'd catch those up with where I'm at. Sadly, all the work I've been doing to get some of these WIPs finished means I haven't been working on the afghan. You didn't actually want that on your wedding day did you, DS?

The weekend satchel is HUGE.

I got my toes in there for scale. Whoa dang. This is just the back.

No, this isn't some weird bikini for a giant, its the bottom and two sides. Toes included for scale again.

Right now I'm working on the two straps and then I'll start the front (a.k.a. the fun part). It is supposed to be larger than the back so I'm a little concerned about how big that puppy is going to turn out. I plan to felt the back, bottom, and sides soon. The straps are felted separately to ensure they stay a vibrant beautiful red.

I've also been putting in a little time with the fair isle jazz. I had a lot more fun with the fair isle part than I'm having with the cabled section. I finished one cabled repeat now though and we have decent bobbles this time around.

Non-flacid bobbles = happy me

I tend to work on this only when I'm waiting in the car for something. It isn't the easiest knit while hanging out in the car though and now that I have a new pair of socks on the needles its location may be changed. I've also been trucking along on Rouge. I'll take a photo of her once I'm done with the hood. I really want to get her, Evergreen, and the Jazz done. What was I thinking having so many cable projects going at once... I love em though and know I'll enjoy wearing them so I can't really complain. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Happy Knitting!

Sweet Surprise

2006-02-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

I got such a sweet surprise yesterday when I checked the mail. This luscious scarf from my ISE pal!

DH drew you a heart because I love this scarf

It's so beautiful. I love the colors, pattern, and fiber (mmmmm.... alpaca...). Sarah included a ball band from the yarn so I got to see what it was. Unfortunately I left it at home this morning (though I wore the scarf to work).

Please ignore the goofy expression. I was mid sentence... Click for a close up of the scarf.

I think the pattern is a Diagonal Rib Scarf. It's so lovely in this yarn. I almost made this same pattern not that long ago. One less scarf I need to make now. It's awesome. Thank you, Sarah!

Reading Meme

2006-02-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

I found a meme I've never seen over at Chris' place. Thought I'd give it a try.

I was kind of surprised by how many of these I've read. Have at it if you'd like.

Meme instructions : Look at the list of books below. Bold the ones you've read, italicize the ones you might read, cross out the ones you won't, underline the ones on your book shelf, and place parentheses around the ones you've never even heard of.

The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy - Douglas Adams
The Great Gatsby - F.Scott Fitzgerald
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
(His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman )
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J. K. Rowling
Life of Pi - Yann Martel
Animal Farm: A Fairy Story - George Orwell
Catch-22 - Joseph Heller
The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
Lord of the Flies - William Golding
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
1984 - George Orwell
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J. K. Rowling
(One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
(Slaughterhouse 5 - Kurt Vonnegut)
Angels and Demons - Dan Brown
Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk
Neuromancer - William Gibson
Cryptonomicon - Neal Stephenson
(The Secret History - Donna Tartt)
~~A Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess~~
Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
(Brave New World - Aldous Huxley)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - C. S. Lewis
Middlesex - Jeffrey Eugenides
(Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell)
The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien
Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
(Good Omens - Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman)
(Atonement - Ian McEwan)
(The Shadow Of The Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon)
The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway
(The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood)
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
Dune - Frank Herbert

Socks again

2006-02-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't taken any photos but I decided to knit another pair of socks. I'm going for seriously easy this time. I'm using that great Austerman's sock yarn I picked up on the legitimate yarn buying day. It has Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil in the yarn (supposed to last through 40 washings even) though I'm only counting on it to soften my hands a bit while I knit with it. It's super soft and such a pretty colorway (I'm using the green one).

I've decided to make every sock in the Sensational Knitted Socks book. It sounds ambitious but I didn't say how long it's going to take. The first one is first up. It doesn't have a great name so I'll be referring to it as Sensational Sock #1. I always wanted some sensational socks so it works for me.

Fourth Time is the Charm

2006-02-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

It seems that in my case it's the fourth time that is the charm. It's been a while since I mentioned my Must Have (and just over a year since I started it). Last time I recall talking about it I was a bit upset about the sleeve caps as written by Pattons.

I finally decided last week that enough was enough and I was going to figure out how to make these sleeves fit. I found this wonderful article on Knitty, printed out my knitting graph paper and gave it a whirl.

The original sleeve is on the right and my second attempt on the left. As you can see there isn't a huge difference in the two. Neither of them worked. I figured out my gauge as it worked in the moss stitch but didn't take into account the actual number of stitches I was working with. So I tried again...

Whoa. Definitely a noticeable change this time. I had my doubts though and didn't want to expend the time or energy in seaming this puppy up only to figure out then that what appears to be an obviously too-skinny sleeve cap wasn't going to work.

It's not easy to tell in the photo, but it wasn't going to work out. It was very tight across my shoulder and if I picked up my arm at all I got these great shoulder peaks that would be fine if this were still the 80's.

So for the fourth and final time I tried to get these caps done. Once it occurred to me I had to do a mental head slap. It was so simple a solution. I followed the pattern as written for the first part of the decreases, then worked a straight section (no decreases) until it was as tall as I wanted it and then followed the final decreases. Whoa.

The original is on the left and final version on the right.

And Voila! It worked great. Finally. I even made myself weave in all the ends, sew on the buttons, and finish all seaming before I took pictures. Huuraaaay.

Well worth the wait and energy. I love this sweater.

If anyone out there is stuck with their sleeves I'll post what I did to make it work here. Hope it helps!

Fallen from Grace

2006-02-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

I finally got the camera out to show you what I bought on our "day off" from the stash-a-long.

Some gorgeous Araucania Nature Wool in a worsted weight (perfect for a Cozy)

Two skeins of sock yarn (really, what is my deal with sock yarn?), a really cute orange poppy button, and black purse handles.

Had I stopped there I'd be ok but no. I got my annual bonus from work on Friday. Bonus money. Meaning, not-budgeted-for-anything-else-money. Still could have been ok but I stopped into one of the LYS before a knit group and found a bag of Noro Kureon that was screaming at me. I hugged it for a while and walked around with it. I decided to be strong and walk away. The problem really came in when I went back to the LYS the next day and bought it. I'm weak. What else can I say? I did decide that if I was getting kicked off the stash-along I was going with a bang so I got a few more things. We'll start with the Noro as it's the main culprit.

Isn't it pretty!?

This is a new yarn I hadn't seen before but looks like a great deal of fun. It's Nashua Wooly Stripe (100% wool) and I think it'll look great as the scarf Leisel just made for the ISE.

Some yarn for my soon-to-be brother-in-law for a hat. It's Cascade 220 Superwash. Hooray for superwash.

And finally some Cascade 220 to make a bag out of this new book. The poppy button goes perfectly with the orange yarn. I don't know that I'll actually use the orange but I picked some up just in case I wanted to do some detail work on the bag to tie in the button.

I stash-along no more but I'll still be cheering for those that are. Good luck!

Onto Something

2006-02-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Warm clothes straight from the dryer. Coffee. I think she may be onto something here.

What else?

2006-02-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

I'm still not done telling you about the weekend. I'm loving this...

So, on Friday I finally managed to get my Ribby cardi seamed up. On Saturday morning she looked a lot like this.

I was very pleased with the fit (except the sleeves were too short for my taste) and I just needed to pick a collar I wanted. For anyone that hasn't made this yet (is there anyone that hasn't made this yet?) the pattern comes with three different options for a collar. I thought that was very cool. I finally decided on a mock-turtleneck collar.

I also needed to figure out how to extend those sleeves without ripping them out completely. I decided to pick up stitches around the cuff and knit in the opposite direction. Since I knew that would leave an obvious line I opted to use the grey. Now she looks like this.

Now just to get her over to one of our LYS that will be able to sew in the zipper I picked up on Sunday. I thought about doing it myself but I really don't want to hate my cardi (which tends to happen when I get frustrated with what I'm doing). Nearly there!

Reminiscing on Friday past

2006-02-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Friday was a good day. It all started with yarn (is there a better way to start?)...

A few days back a friend that works upstairs stopped by my desk. His wife knits and he knows that I do as well. He told me that his wife had some yarn she didn't want anymore. He said she had become a "yarn snob" and didn't like this yarn anymore. Now, I admit I'm a bit of a yarn snob myself. I told him this and he assured me it wasn't Red Heart or anything from Michaels. He tells me she went on a trip to someplace, like a factory, and bought all this stuff. I'm having this whole internal dialogue as he's talking.

Hope: Could he really be talking about Brown Sheep? That's near here and would be a factory to visit...
Realism: No. Couldn't be. Nobody dislikes Brown Sheep.
Hope: Oh well. What can it hurt. It's not Red Heart.

So I tell him I'd be happy to take it off his hands. I know other people that collect yarn for schools and such so if I couldn't use it I could get it to people that could. So imagine my complete.and.total.very.happy.surprise Friday morning when I find a grocery bag FULL of yarn on my chair. And it was full of... Brown Sheep. Sorry schools and little kids. I'll find something else for you. I'm keeping this!

Any more yarn snobs out there? I'll take this "junk" off your hands!!! I couldn't be more thrilled that she decided she didn't like this anymore. Gets my wheels turning. Especially when I consider this...

Friday also ended with yarn. Our regular knitting group moved on over the our Sheepy friends home to get going on the Knitting Olympics. While I'm not participating in the Olympics myself I thought it was a great opportunity to cast on for something new. Who am I to walk past an opportunity like that. So River has begun. Right now I think it only qualifies as a creek though...

Here's my lovely lacey poo (that I know will look better once finished and blocked). It's a beautiful wrap from the Winter 2005 Rowan and is an incredibly simple pattern.

There may be some out there that wonder if, since I just received such a lovely gift of yarn, will I refrain from buying yarn today (the exception day for the stash-along). I'd keep you suspense but Realism keeps yelling in my ear. Yeah Right. I'll show you what I get tomorrow. Have a great day!

So much to say

2006-02-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

I actually have a bunch to tell you. It seems like it's been forever since I had anything to say about anything. First, I was naughty this weekend and probably only got three rows done on the Afghan For Sister (AFS). I did manage to finish these babies though

so I'm feeling quite justified in my lack of attention to the AFS. They turned out nicely. I don't care for how they fit me though. It turns out on the first sock I was a bit impatient to be finished and could have made them about a half-inch longer. Have you ever done that? Wanted to be done so badly that you might stretch them a bit more than is realistic to make sure you are done? Sigh. Don't feel too bad though. I'm so sick of these puppies I'll be quite happy to see them off to a good home. My mom has tiny little feet with huge arches so she wears nearly the same sock size as me. With her tiny feet they should fit perfectly.

What else kept me from the AFS? Ribby, Must Have, and something new. It's been so long since I've had so much to say I'm dragging this out for all it's worth. I'll tell you more tomorrow.

Big & Cozy Update

2006-02-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

I've been plugging away at the Big and Cozy afghan. I must say it's getting pretty Big and Cozy to knit on too. It's large enough to cover my lap while I knit (a serious bonus on day's like today - the high's only in the 20's - brrrr). Here's a progress shot with the second set of blocks completed. I started the third already but there isn't enough to bother with a photo.

Just on the second set of blocks there are two of these:

Two of these

And one of these

It's pretty fun to get to the next set of blocks to see how it will all come together. One big complaint I've heard about this pattern book is that there is no good picture of the whole afghan. I'm starting to see why. This bugger's going to be too big to get a good shot of. I'll do my best though.

Everyone ready for the Olympics to begin tonight? I've had a great deal of fun reading all the posts out there about plans for the knitting Olympics. Though I'm not joining the fun, I'll really enjoy seeing how it all turns out. Good luck to everyone!

Slipping quietly into the night

2006-02-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

I promise it wasn't a painful death. I made it quick. Thank HEAVEN for ballwinders.

Hot Lava went cold for me.

I bought yarn

2006-02-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Before everyone starts yelling, I was good. I used that gift card my boss got me last month. I had been saving it to buy the new Rowan magazine but who was I kidding. I mean really. I can buy a book.

I'd love for my wedding colors to match that lovely (and funky) shade called "Jelly" of Rowan Kidsilk Haze so I decided I'd buy a couple of skiens so I could make the wrap called River in the Winter Rowan magazine. I don't know if I'll knit the beaded tie to go with it but I love the wrap and wouldn't it be awesome at the reception? We'll see if I can pull it off. I have to un-bury myself from the afghan for my sister first. I'll tell you more about that tomorrow though.

Slow Trek

2006-01-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Cozy Afghan is creeping along. I'm about 10 rows behind on my schedule to get this done on time. Afghan blocks Row#2 is looking ok though.

It looks alot like this: (only horizontially instead of vertically - but I bet you knew that. Oh, and yes, I totally stole some of the pictures from Afghan blocks Row#1 instead of taking new ones.)

Hard to see but there are bobbles in this one

Monday Morning

2006-01-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you

2006-01-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Many, many thanks to everyone that left me a note. I didn't even know that many people read my blog. Thanks for some of the great advice you've already given too. Feel free to keep it up. I have a feeling I'll be needing it as the months progress.

As I have a complete lack of anything knitting related to post about I'm joining the meme bandwagon.

4 jobs you have had:
Computer security administator
Receptionist/Front Desk Administration
Revenue Assurance at a Hospice
Checker at Kmart

4 movies you could watch over and over:
All three Lord of the Rings
All three Indiana Jones
Mulan
Tombstone

4 TV shows you love to watch:
I don't really watch TV, but we are Netflixing Alias right now. CSI is on the list too.

4 places you have been on vacation:
Venice, Italy
Pensacola, Florida
All over Germany
Knoxville, Tennessee

4 websites you visit daily:
Bloglines
theKnot.com
CNN.com
iTunes (for my podcasts - NPR, Democracy Now, Slate, Gartner Voice, Cast On, Knitcast, and Chub Creek to name a few)

4 of your favorite foods:
Popcorn
Macaroni and Cheese (Kraft with the fake power cheese - YUM)
Sorbet (raspberry and lemon are my favorite)
Peanutbutter M&Ms

4 places you would rather be right now:
Knitting with a glass of wine on a hill overlooking a vineyard (California or Italy, either would be fine at the moment)
Knitting with a daquri by a pool or at the beach
Knitting with just about any drink as long as the view is fabulous
Knitting at Borders with my friend (which I'm going to be late for if I don't stop here for now...)

4 bloggers you are tagging:
Want it? Go for it!

Big News

2006-01-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

No - I didn't buy yarn. *GRIN*

While I often refer to my DH as a DH on this blog, we have never officially tied the knot. We have been together for over seven years now and Colorado law views us as husband and wife but we've not been in any hurry to "finalize" things. Until last week. We have (our family would insert the word "finally" here) picked a date to be wed. Things may get a little quiet over here for the next few months as I'm already starting to lose my mind over the arrangements. Plus work. Plus other family weddings this year. I do have to admit I'm terribly excited about the whole thing though.

Sooo... the big day is August 27th on the sunny beaches of Florida. Anybody want to recommend some good wedding planner types of books?

On Target

2006-01-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

We are on track and on target for Operation Big & Cozy. This bugger is going to be HUGE. I finished up the first row of 7 squares on the 15th of this month.

Four of them look like this (you can see a bit of a DVD for a size reference)

Two look like this

And the one in the middle looks like this bad boy

The biggest problem with doing all seven of these squares (thus far) has been the giant knot I end up with as I progress. Thankfully I showed this gnarled mess to a pure genius and she helped me wind the two colors I'm using together into a single ball. Something so obvious I'm still blushing that I didn't think of it. It's helped dramatically. The next challenge... how to deal with the weight of this bugger. It's ok for now but it's pretty heavy for only having one set of squares done. It's going to get pretty bad by the time I finish.

Jazz it Up

2006-01-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

There are a few of us local girls that are all working on a Fair Isle Jazz scarf from Scarf Style. We decided it would be a hoot to hang out and work on it, particularly the fair isle bit as a few people had never tried that technique.

So Sunday we gathered. Everyone had finished the stripe section before they arrived. Quick aside: As a note to anyone wanting to make this scarf, there is a stripe section which you can't see anywhere in any picture in that book. It acts as a backing to your fair isle section. It's nice to know I neither have to sew in any ends or worry about the fair isle snagging on anything. Back to the gathering... Everyone got started on their fair isle, in fact I think Cyn was almost caught up with me by the time we un-gathered.

Click for big

I love how different the same scarf can look just by changing up some colors. They are all going to look just fab! Betcha can't guess who's is who's. Heehee.

I'll give you one clue. This one is mine. I wish I could claim that I knit so fast that I did all that yesterday. But I'd be struck by lightening for fibbing if I tried it though. I started my scarf ages ago. I'm on my third attempt with the cable section right now. Problems that are a cross of not paying enough attention and strange droopy bobble issues have hindered progress. Droopy bobbles are not a pretty sight folks.

SEX

2006-01-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

No, not today. We went on the 31st (since it was the last day we could) and I must say I was proud of myself for my restraint. That is, until we got to String - our last stop of the day.

I've become quite enamored with the Ene's Scarf that Cyn is working on (check it out if you haven't see it yet, just gorgeous work) so I caved in a bought some Helen's Lace in the Vera colorway to make one too.

And I got two skeins of Koigu for the Latifa scarf.

Considering my "record" I think I did quite well. And really, how could I pass on such lovely items when I knew starting the next day I would be cut off for quite a while.

Well, off to work on that afghan. Happy Knitting!

Hot Lava

2006-01-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

As opposed to cold lava...

My local girls have been asking me about Hot Lava a lot lately. Apparently I haven't been good about blogging about it at all and it's been on my list so long now I keep forgetting to share any news about it. The fact that I have no news to share is beside the point, right?

Since my progress has been so slow on it...

I thought I'd share some sightings in Blogland I've come across so you can see how fabulous it is going to be one day.

Dirty Purls finished hers the other day. I love the yarn she used.
GrrLeigh Knits finished a couple of months ago. Check out the luscious grape colorway on hers. Just gorgeous!
Bogie found a great funky button for hers.
And the first finished one I saw and inspiration for making one came from Superstarra-ville. Her's is just lovely.

I'm positive there are more finished ones out there. There is even a Hot Lava knit along. Now just to get it finished...

Out of the Blue

2006-01-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Quite a few people at work know I'm into knitting (but don't really get "why" - pity the poor non-knitters) and know I spend most of my free time knitting, talking about knitting, or hanging out with knitting friends. A week or two ago my boss asked me about the local knitting shops because a friend of his wife was interested in learning to knit. I told him about the many shops in this area and gave a couple of ideas for his friend. Little did I know he had ulterior motives.

Yesterday my boss handed me a congratulatory card for graduating last month. Inside the card was a gift certificate to one of my favorite LYS. How cool is that?!! No, I haven't spent it yet. ;D

Afghan

2006-01-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

I made some good progress on the afghan for my sister over this weekend. The rows are long but varied enough to keep my attention easily. I'm working all seven squares on the first row at the same time. There are advantages and disadvantages to this, of course but I'm pretty happy with the decision. Here are some almost decent pictures of the three different patterns in the first row. I'm just over halfway done with this row of squres.

We've got an FO down

2006-01-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

FO down over here.

Peacocks pride is finished and blocking. I'm very happy to report it turned out nicely. I'll be shuttling it off to the far reaches of the world (relativly speaking of course) shortly where I sincerely hope my Scarf Exchange Pal will adore it and wear it often.

And a nice closeup. I love the color varigation in this scarf.

LYS Tote

2006-01-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

I feel very fortunate to live in an area that has such a variety of LYS. There are three I used to shop at on a regular basis (only "used to" because of the stash-along thing) and at least six I can think of off the top of my head that are close to where I work or live. I personally feel it's a waste to live in an area like this and not take advantage of the variety and selection that each of the different shops has to offer. There are those that disagree and are almost violently loyal to a single shop. Their loss. Anyway...

That being said I also think it's rude to take a project into a store to knit on that is being made with materials that were bought at a competitors store. This is just a personal thing for me, I don't think most of the shop owners really give two hoots since I'm a regular customer anyway. While knitting with someone else's stuff is bad enough, I was thoroughly embarrassed the other day when I was asked to bring in one of my projects because the shop owner wanted to look at it and it was in a competitors store bag. Nobody mentioned it but I'm certain they noticed and I felt embarrassed by it. It's probably silly but that is beside the point.

So, the point for this whole story is that I went fabric shopping yesterday and made a tote to carry around my lunch project so that I won't have to deal with that again. And also because I joined the Tote-along and wanted to sew a new tote anyway.

I bought this book and some fabric and went to town with the sewing machine. I highly recommend this book. I find that if I'm given a pattern I want to follow it since someone (that should know more than me about what I'm doing) took the time to create it. This book is not a step by step kind of book. They provide general instruction for seven basic bag patterns, the examples show variations on the theme and cover what was done differently. It's inspiring to see how easily a bag can be created and how much easier it is to make it unique. It forces you to stretch your thinking instead of just creating a duplicate of someone else's work. Gushed enough? Ok.

The bag pattern I picked was the Tote. I decided to change the handles and the bottom (square instead of oval) and really like how it turned out. Sewing the bottom in was a bear since I had to turn 90 degree corners (I'm sure somebody out there has a hint that would make this easier next time... Someone? Anyone?).

My handles are a bit crooked but I'll figure that out some other time (or it'll become a "signature").

The lining is just some fabric I had in my stash (yes I have a stash of fabric too but it doesn't compare to the yarn - nor will I allow it to get anywhere near that big). The handles were also in my stash from a bag I made quite a while back and somehow ended up with two sets of handles for.

All in all I really like the bag. I may do a bit of tweaking here and there but it's the perfect size for my lunchtime knitting (which right now is my Fair Isle Jazz). With all this sewing going on I didn't manage to cast on for my Philosophers Wool sweater yet but it'll be ok. Maybe I'll get around to that tonight. Happy Knitting!

Playing Along

2006-01-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

I noticed this morning how darned many "Alongs" I belong to. It's getting a little nuts over there on the sidebar. I've decided to remove a couple of them as I either decided not to do the project that would have been part of the along (Fall is for Cables) or because I could be a member for the next few years (Scarf Style and Wrap Style Alongs). This leaves only the ones I'm activly working toward and posting on. Nice little clean up for the new year. Now just to finish the projects I'm working on for them. The Tote Along is actually finished but I'll have to share that with you tomorrow. For now, Happy Knitting!

Resolutions

2006-01-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year all!! I've made a few minor resolutions (and one major one) for this upcoming year and thought I'd share. Why, I'm not certain as it will only arm you with lots of ammunition in the upcoming year to tease me when I don't succeed with them. You'll keep me honest I'm sure.

*Make an afghan for my sister as a wedding gift. I already have the yarn due to the hugemongus order from Knit Picks which conveniently arrived yesterday so I can show you a picture of it now -

I cast on for this puppy this morning so I feel pretty confident I'll be able to finish by May.

*Make a fair isle sweater. I picked the philosophers wool Killum jacket and thanks to a couple of local KALs also feel fairly confident I'll get this finished this year. I intend on having the first sleeve done by the end of this month. I got the kit as a gift from my DH for Christmas

and spent most of the morning winding everything into balls. I intend on casting on this evening.

*Get my WIP list down to no duplicate projects (only one scarf, one sweater, one hat, etc). I don't care too much if it's long but I don't want three scarves going at once or anything.

*Start being more conscious of the knitting patterns I already own. I have a lot of yarn bought for a lot of projects. All of these are in pattern books I already own and I feel the need to make them. Also, I want to be more conscious of making at least one project from each of the knitting books I already own. This is more of an ongoing "change" than something I expect to finish this year.

*And the biggie - No buying yarn all year, with the exception of Estes Park Wool Festival purchases. I joined the Stash Along and think that working in three month intervals will make it easier, as will the fact that many of my local enablers are joining along too. After March there are only a couple of us that will still be abstaining. This one will be my toughest but I think the most worthwhile. I have finished the photo documentation of the full stash and hope to slowly start moving those photos out of that set as they become FOs.

Can't wait to see everyone's plans for this year. It's going to be a good one. I can tell already.

I think it may be an addiction

2005-12-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

OK. Apparently it's time for me to confess about the SEX going on around here lately. I was going to wait until my Knit Picks order arrived for the full effect of this insanity to be revealed but I guess it'll get its own post when the day arrives.

First stop was Knitty Cat for the only sale I ever remember them having. I was good (but I was also in a hurry because DH came along to pay the tab - gotta love that!)

Berroco Suede for that fab new free bag pattern they have out

and Lornas Laces Shepard Sport (DH needs a new SUPERWASH hat - he's lucky I like him so much).
Not too bad really considering how many wonderful things were on sale.

Next stop was String. Another lovely store with far too many yarns I want. I managed to escape with only the following.

Still doing ok. We have (from left to right) Koigu in red and green. I'd say Christmas socks but it'd be a lie. Next, Rowan Felted Tweed for Backyard leaves. Blue Sky Alpaca and Silk for those beautiful gloves in Handknit Holidays, and finally Rowan Kid Classic and Lurex Shimmer for the ruffle scarf also in Handknit Holidays.

Next stop - Colorful Yarns. Who can resist their sales? I mean really??
10 skeins of a gorgeous navy blue (on my screen these look purple but trust me on this one) Cascade 220 for the Not-So-Warm version of the Einstein coat for my Mom, some Cascade 220 for new slippers for DH, and some Southwest Trading Company bamboo for a clapotis for me. The ones in my stash already will be a clapotis for my sister so I had to replace them, right?

And the final journey was to the online temptress Knit Picks. While it wasn't the most expensive visit I made, it has definitely made the largest stash impact. I don't think I have any yarn in my jacket sleeves yet. This may be the time to test that storage technique....
These four constitute the bulk of my order. I had my sister pick out an afghan pattern she liked while she was visiting because I want to make her one as a wedding gift. She picked the Big and Cozy one from 100 More Afghan Squares to Knit (love this book by the way) so I ordered a total of 70 skeins of these four yarns to make the afghan with.
I have been searching for quite some time for the perfect sweater to make DH. While I know it is insane for me to associate love with knitting (referencing Franklin's essay in the last Cast On podcast, a must listen if you haven't already) I want to anyway. I finally found it in the Queensland Collection Book 2 and decided to use these three colors. It's a simple striped pullover.
Um. Matching socks for the DH sweater? Sure...

Sweet Dreams

2005-12-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Pocket Dreams is done. I "blocked" her the other day. I say "blocked" because I don't try all that hard with acrylic yarns. Wool, yes. Wool is a whole two day experience around here (I prefer to dunk my wools so it takes a day or so to dry) but acrylic just gets pinned out and steamed.

She's all folded up with the cute little bear in the pocket. Now she's packed away in the closet waiting on one of my sisters to get preggers.

The bear pattern is ok. I've seen better but it looks cute enough. I didn't like how much the yarn spread out when I was filling it. Maybe I overstuffed it or maybe it was the yarn (personally, I'm blaming the yarn).

I'll get that WIP list down to under 10 yet. Ha.

Everything

2005-12-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting like crazy trying to get that WIP list down to something a bit more reasonable. Or at least to get some of the things that have been languishing off the needles so they quit nagging me. And husbands complain about how much their wives nag. They should hear what an unfinished sock has to say...

Speaking of socks. I did work on Amble a bit. In fact, I've finally finished the cuff and started the heel flap last night.

Peacocks Pride scarf for the ISE is coming along nicely. I'd have to guess that I'm about halfway finished at this point though it's hard to tell in this photo.

And Hot Lava is making marginal progress. Apparently I've never blogged about this one before, as my dear friends brought to my attention the other evening.

Podcast news - The NPR:Story of the Day today was about crafters. It was kinda neat.

Stash Busters

2005-12-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've seen this one yet but I'm definitely in on this one.

I've done more than my share of stash enhancement over the last few years (even more since I talked to Kim about doing something like this - see rule #2). I currently have what could be considered a ridiculous amount of stash. Most of this stash has an actual purpose that it was purchased for. Off the top of my head there are at least 5 sweaters/cardigans, 2 afghans, 2-3 baby blankets, 1 billion socks (ok, not that many).

It's really sad that I can open drawers full of yarn and say "Oh yeah! I forgot I bought that!" so some documentation is in order. Plus the guilt of writing down all the stuff I have should be quite motivational. I was thinking of posting updates from time to time, but I don't read very long posts and don't expect anyone else to. So I'm thinking a flickr grouping like this one might be where it's at.

Anyone else in? Stop by Kim's place and sign up.

Pi

2005-12-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Tammy was trying to figure out what she was getting for Christmas the other day

so I figured I'd better get busy finishing up her present.

Hope she likes it. I think for now it'll just sit on top of the heating pad till I get fabric I like for the "hot pocket".

I think he likes it

2005-12-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

While the family was in town we went ahead and had our Christmas gift exchange. Dad seems to really like the scarf I made him. Yeah!

They are back in warm sunny Florida again. It's so nice to see them. We got to visit twice this year (a record since I moved away). Hope everyone enjoys a safe and happy Christmas, Hanukka, Kwanzaa, or Festivus (whichever you enjoy :D).

Oh What A Relief It Is

2005-12-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

Is it bad that I think a weekend of finishing all my WIPs is about the only thing that could top this?

Peas in a Pod

2005-12-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

I know I've mentioned this once before but I wanted to reiterate how highly I recommend the Cast On podcast. The most recent edition has a wonderful essay written and read by one of our favorite knitter/cartoonist/funny man Franklin (a.k.a. Panopticon). Need some laugh out loud humor this morning? Check it out. You don't need an ipod to listen, just something that can listen to mp3s.

I presented the bowl last night in class. It went over very well. I'm not usually the kind of person that is concious about being outnumbered in any situation. I think it's from being in the military and in the technical industry. I'm always outnumbered. But in this class, it's been almost painfully obvious to me that I'm the only girl. Especially when my presentations are very often about knitting or other crafty, traditionally "womanly" things. Everyone was very nice about these presentations but looking out on a classroom full of men and trying to explain how cool it would be to own a yarn shop or why going to a pottery shop to paint a bowl to hold yarn in is a pretty tough sell. I made it through though. Whew.

The journal container also went over very well. The teacher seemed to get a real kick out of it. Sweet.

Saturday night I finished up the kitty pi for Tami. I still need to felt it but I really like how it turned out (and how much leftover stash it used up).

The stripes at the top don't match because I started running out of yarn but that is ok. Since that was the point I won't hold it against the pi. Besides, I really don't think Tami will care. I think I'll sew a fabric bottom on once it's felted so I can tuck in the heating pad.

Thanks for all the great recommendations for the tree issue. I started with just the aluminum foil in the tree base and she seems to have stopped. Thanks to the holidays, I'm writing it off as "decoration" for now. :D

Weekend News

2005-12-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was filled with so much goodness and fun I'm going to have to cover each day individually or the post will get too long.

Friday I ditched work a little early to get the Christmas shopping done before my folks come into town. Living in Denver has the added advantage of the Denver Mint Gift Shop where I know I can find something for my coin collecting Dad. We went through a tour of the mint one year when they came out to visit. It's pretty neat to see how money is made. It would have been better if they provided a "sample" as a thank you gift, but what can you do... The building is really old and had a lot of historical points of interest, not to mention they were making money in the other room. My kind of place.

After the mint I went over to Ceramics in the City, where Cyn and I went a week ago to paint a couple of bowls. I needed the bowl for class last Tuesday for a Creative Piece presentation (which thankfully my professor gave me an extension on since the bowl wasn't actually ready until Friday, so I'll be presenting tonight). It's a cute little store and I had fun trying something new. And on top of it all, I have this fab new bowl to display yarn in now.

Click here if you'd like to see more pictures of the new bowl.

Following the bowl gathering I met up with some of the local girls for Cynthia and Cathi's combo birthday party. Much coffee and laughing were had by all. Comparison of chibi sizes (size does matter as you know), debates over the value of the color pink, and the latest tote/hand bag that Stacey found were main topics of discussion. We all tuckered out fairly early (relative statement...) but it was bunches of fun.

Come on, vogue

2005-12-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

I conned DH into modeling my Daddy's Girl scarf

I love how it turned out. The scarf is light and warm. The stitch pattern is awesome and it knit up relatively quick.

It's all wrapped up and under the tree. Think he'll figure out what it is?

Birthday Girl Too

2005-12-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

To another of my most fabulous friends. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!

Pi and P

2005-12-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Daddy's scarf is finished. Yeah!! I think it turned out quite nice. One note though, was that when I went to block it, it decided it wanted to be a skinny scarf instead of a wide one. It blocked out just fine but the weight of the scarf when it was wet pulled in the wrong direction. The yarn is so light when it's dry I'm confident it will stay wide once it's dried out.

I decided a little while ago that I needed to use some of my "felting" stash. And that Tami really needs a kitty pi. So last night, after I cast off and blocked dad's scarf, I started a kitty pi for my sweet kitty. I mean look at her. Doesn't she looks like she just *needs* something like that?

Over the last few days, with the weather being so friggen cold, she's taken to sitting around on a heating pad we leave on the floor for her. I may have to figure out how to put a pocked on the pi to stick the heating pad into in the winter time.

Tami is a pretty funny cat. We let her play outside most of the time. She jumped out of the backyard only once. Unfortunately for her, the yard she jumped into has a medium sized, active dog. The dog didn't hurt her, in fact he wouldn't get very close to her, but it scared her badly enough that she's never left the yard since. She is usually quite active when she's outside, chasing bugs, butterflies, and trying to trick birds into thinking she's a chirping statue. It's nice for us because we know we don't have to worry about her getting lazy and fat with all the prowling and predatorising she does out there.

I now have a dilema due to all this free roaming though. Apparently she got quite used to haveing a giant litterbox outside (we have a 20' x 30' area that is just dirt until I get around to planting some flowers in it) and now that it's cold out she's reduced to using her litterbox. The problem is that she's decided she likes the tree in the front room too. The really odd part of it is that she is using the litterbox AND the tree. At least this shows she's not afraid of her box (I hope). The tree is suffering from the added moisture it's getting, the smell in the front room isn't all that great, and DH isn't handling the whole situation very well. I though about getting some of that spray they sell for furnature but I worry it will hurt the tree too. Anyone have any ideas on how we can get her to stop?

Birthday Girl

2005-12-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

Just want to say CHEERS

to a glorious friend.

I hope you have a marvelous birthday!

Daddy's Girl

2005-12-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Dad's scarf is coming along nicely. If I can keep up the pace it'll be done before he gets here, which will be nice. I prefer to surprise him with it.

It's working much faster now that I've got better control of the tension. The herringbone stitch is really simple in concept but if you knit it too tightly it's a serious pain in the... hands. ;D

If you are interested, the scarf pattern is seriously simple.

Daddy's Girl Scarf
Using a DK weight yarn and size 13 needles.
Cast on 33 sts.
1: K2tog through back loop (tbl), slip only one st off the needle, *k2tog tbl(this will include one st that was in your previous k2tog tbl), slip one st off the needle, rep from * until there is 1 st left on your needle, k tbl.
2: p2tog, slip only one st off the needle, *p2tog (this will include one st that was in your previous p2tog), slip one st off the needle, rep from * until there is 1 st left on your needle, p.

You've Got Mail

2005-12-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

My mailbox is finished!! It turned out pretty cute. Even DH had some great ideas that I used to get her done. I couldn't figure out how to get it to keep it's shape so he built me a frame out of metal. I crocheted around it and then attached it to the front. The flag was made out of plastic canvas. Glad it's done!

Here's a close up of the front

I wish the "US Mail" showed up a bit better but I know it's there.

Breaking the rules

2005-12-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

My Dad's birthday is on Christmas eve and we always worried as kids that he never really got to have a real birthday because Christmas really seems to overshadow the whole month, nevermind the week or day before. We celebrated his birthday randomly for a while (it usually ended up being in September) so he got to really have a birthday. We were talking about this one evening and he told me how much that meant to him. It was his first real birthday. I think he was in his mid-30s when we started doing this for him. We've let it slide over the years, especially after we moved away from home. I think I'll have to send him an un-birthday present this coming year.

What prompted this reverie? I was talking to my Dad earlier this week and I ask him what he'd like for Christmas and his birthday. And he says "Aren't you knitting me something?" in that tone of voice that says he'll be awfully disappointed if I'm not. So much for not knitting any Christmas gifts. How can I let my Dad down?

This of course meant I needed to find just the right thing for him. Low-and-behold I'm sitting at the yarn store over my lunch break and I spot this lovely stuff

Rowan kid classic in the color "bear". Seriously yummy stuff. I also saw a neat herringbone stitch the other day so the light above my head went off, smoke started pouring out of my ears and I knew it was meant to be. So. Dad will be getting a lovely scarf for Christmas. Hopefully. I have put all other projects aside to get this one finished in time. Wish me luck!