just.sew.crafty

new year . . . new blog

2006-01-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

I love blogger, but it has it's limitations. I have decided to move my main blog over to WordPress.com. WordPress has categories, I want categories, I need categories, with categories I can combine 3 blogs into one and you all can look at what you are interested in by choosing the category . . . sewing, knitting, those cute kids, etc. Please come and visit me here:

http://justsewcrafty.wordpress.com/

i found them

2006-01-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

After searching and searching . . . I finally found them; the illusive Sewing Blogs. Ok, actually I found one and that one had a link to a small sewing web ring. Woohoo, now I can waste more time online. lol

i'm in love!

2006-01-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

I have spent a large a large portion of the day (and a few hours yesterday evening) cleaning and de-cluttering the sewing/craft/computer room while listening to various (bad) TV shows. While taking a break I hopped over to The Blue Blog where Alison was extolling the virtues of her new iPod and talking of these wonderful new fangled things called pod casts. Holey Moley, where have I been?!?! I have spent most of the evening continuing to de-clutter while listening to Cast-on, I am hooked. I took a look thru the skins on my media player and found a cute one that made me laugh. (note what's playing)

sewing blogs?

2006-01-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

Since I have been contemplating starting to do some sewing again, the kids keep growing (darn them), I thought I would take a look at some sewing blogs to see what people were sewing these days. Ummm, one problem, no sewing blogs. Ok, that's not true, I found a handful, but in the knitting world there are thousands of them out there. Am I just looking in the wrong places or have blogs just not taken off in the sewing world like they have in the knitting world?

Reflections in Yarn 05

2006-01-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

1. List your finished objects, or just list your favorite FO: I have listed my FOs for '05 here. As for a favorite that is a hard one, but I think I really enjoyed making the Kitty Pi the most, I think it's more the idea of it. 2. List your works in progress: still on the needles: button, button baby sweater & socks for hubby, Esther Williams for Aunt Pris off the needles, but need finishing: KPS cardigan for Son that still needs a zipper and to have the ends woven in Though it doesn't look like much in progress, I am sad to say I have lots of zipper bags, yarn and pattern contained within, just waiting to be started. 3. What skeletons are in your knitting basket? I don't think I have been knitting long enough for real skeletons, maybe next year. 4. What's your favorite project? This year's favorite project was prolly these baby booties. I knit them up as a break from a pair of socks I had reknit 3 times, they went together perfectly and were just the thing I needed to regain my sanity and finish the socks. 5. What project(s) will you never knit again? I didn't finish too many projects this year, but I don't think there are any I would totally write off. Unless the experience was so excruciating that I have totally blocked it from my memory. 6. What was your major knitting accomplishment for the last year? Sock, socks, and more socks . . . . 7. What's your favorite yarn from the last year? Debbie Bliss Cashmerino . . . it's crack. 8. What's your favorite yarn overall? Cascade 220, you just can't beat it for the value. 9. What new knitting techniques have you learned? i-cord bind-off, felting, 3 needle bind-off, knitting from a chart, stripes in the round 10. What are your knitting goals for 2006?

Knit a sweater for me.
Work with a sock pattern until I can get it to fit my wide feet, high instep, and thick ankles.
Finish at least one project a month.
Not buy more yarn. When I started buying yarn I intended to keep my stash to a specific size, I want it to get back down to that size again. I have enough projects waiting for me I should be able to get quite a bit accomplished before needing to purchase any more yarn. Let's try for 6 months.
Knit a shawl, or many shawls for holiday gifts next year if all goes well.

sewing goals

2005-12-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

Since it looks like I have sewing on the horizon, and I have been thinking about my knitting goals for 2006, I figured I should make some sewing goals for 2006 also.

Sewing Goals for 2006

Clean/organize my sewing room so I can actually sew in there. *gasp*
Reduce my fabric stash by half. (sew it or sell it)
Sew one thing for me each month.
Use my embroidery machine (lots) or sell it.

That's all for now, but I may be adding more later. Looks like 2006 is going to be the "use it or lose it year".

2005-12-30T15:14:00.000-08:00

The Great Fabric Purge 2005/2006 has begun. I will be listing fabric, and possibily other craft supplies, here. I have started by listing a bundle of quilting flannel, 24 co-ordinating fat halves, have a look.

2005-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

I started going thru my fabric yesterday. I almost gave myself a panic attack, little bit of crazy leaking out. Guess I'm worse off, about this fabric hoarding thing, than I thought. I had shortness of breath, my heart was beating fast, my hands were tingling and I had this need to run away from the situation. I took some Rescue Remedy and I'm feeling much better now. I'm starting with the flannel, all that flannel for diapers I never made, ended up just buying CPFs. I probably have 3 large storage bins worth of flannel and I am aiming to get it down to 1 bin of larger cuts for pajamas for the kids. I forgot how cute some of these prints are, man, I should have gotten my act together and sewn up those diapers or made some baby quilts! I was talking to J on the phone while I was sorting and I found almost 7 yds of white birdseye, she offered to buy it, so Hubby is dropping it of at her place on his way home from work tonight. The Great Fabric Purging 2005/2006 is up 7 2/3yds ( I found a one+ yard piece of slinky in her colors I threw in).

2005-12-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

The Winter Vogue Knitting preview is up, here. I like this sweater and this sweater, so far. I'll have to really look at the whole issue before I decide to buy it or not.

oh, I get it

2005-12-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

I have seen these row counters and had no idea how they were supposed to work with 6 links and counting "upto 12 rows", but now I get it thanks to String or Nothing. I'm sure everyone else got it a lot earlier, but I never said I was a brain trust. Guess I just need to make a couple of these now, and put them to use.

2005-12-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Chanukah!

2005-12-23T16:36:00.000-08:00

Over at Knit Once, Purl Forever we are being encouraged to reflect on the past year . . . in yarn. I will post mine on Jan 1st, gotta have some time to contemplate.

house vs. home

2005-12-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

I’ve been looking around my house, and I say house because lately it is not feeling like a home, and all I see is clutter and wasted money. Things are tight right now, they always are at this time of year, as Hubby has no overtime right now, and I always seem to block this fact out of my mind until December rolls around again and I’m left juggling. Things being tight make it worse to see all the waste. I am going to go thru my fabric stash and see if I can get rid of some of it, I’m not sure how though; e-bay, etsy, on the blog, garage sale . . . who knows. I just need to cull some of the craft supplies. I am a bit of a craft-a-holic . . . crochet, scrapbooking, sewing, tatting, knitting . . . what's next? The biggest problem right now is the fabric stash . . . heck, let's call it what it is . . . hording, I have to get rid of at least 1/2 of my fabric, now.

it's over

2005-12-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of the Esther William Syncronized Knitting. I was able to finish one hat during the official KAL and start another. I will finish the second hat this weekend so I can send it out on Monday to DH's aunt in NY.

I am far from finished knitting hats from this pattern. My daughter has requested one, in purple, for herself and one of my knitting friends has requested one for her b'day in February. Yes, I know, she should knit it herself, but she is afraid of anthing other than knit and purl. I have told her it is easy to knit up but I don't think she's buying it. "Easy for you or easy for me?" she asked . . . sigh. I will prolly end up making her one for her b'day, I have some pretty Mountian Colors Mountian Goat in pretty pastels and I will see how it looks.

tell me Tondo, Tondo, Tondo

2005-12-15T23:36:00.000-08:00

I am now officially down to 1 item on my knitting list. Tonight I finished 2 neck warmers for Daughter's bus drivers, tomorrow is the last day of school before the winter break, just in time. pattern: Neckwarmer at the blue blog yarn: On-line Linie 60 - Tondo (100% wool) needles: US17 bright pink plastic Susan Bates notes: I used the neckwarmer pattern for the basis of my neckwarmers, but adjusted for the polar (or close to it) weight yarn I was using. On the bottom neckwarmer I actually sewed on 3 buttons so it could be worn 3 different ways.

monday update - holiday edition

2005-12-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

7 of 10 done . . . unless more get added to the list. to be shipped out of town: 1 felted bags(done) 1 felted bag (done) 1 Esther Williams hat (ew KAL) 1 set of 4 dish cloths (done) NEW 1 set of 4 dish cloths (done) NEW local delivery: 1 felted bag for Mom (done) 1 Esther Williams hat (ew KAL) (done) 1 ~~Cherry Garcia cabled neck tube~~ neckwarmer (done 12/15) 1 ~~Cherry Garcia cabled neck tube~~ neckwarmer (done 12/15) 1 Kitty Pi for nephew's new kitten (done) and 2 felted catnip mice (done) Ok, the dish cloths are kind of a cheat . . . I knit up a bunch this summer and had put them away and forgot about them, until I was going thru some of my stash and there they were . . . instant holiday gifts.

esther williams - FO

2005-12-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

I finished Esther Williams! I love this pattern! I will be casting on another one tonight, this time in the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. pattern: Esther Williams yarn: Lamb's Pride Worsted - Victorian Pink needles: Clover Bamboo & size 3.75 crochet hook started: Dec 10 finished: Dec 12 modifications: none, except I couldn't find my E crochet hook so I used a F (3.75mm), turned out fine. I still need to lightly steam block it, but it's done in my book.

esther williams

2005-12-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

I finally got my yarn so I could start EW. Yes, I said earlier that I already had my yarn, but then I got paranoid because is wasn't lamb's pride and I got it into my head it wasn't going to work. So, I had to get new yarn. I got it yesterday. Yesterday, I went out to get said EW yarn, and came home with Lamb's Pride in Victorian Pink and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran #300202 (light blue). Both for making EW Hats. Yes, I know I just got done saying how I was freaking out about other yarns not working correctly, call me complicated. I came home after getting yarn and set out to cast on, couldn't find my US8 - 16" circ. Nowhere to be found; not with the other needles, not in any of my various knitting bags, not in the kids toy box. I searched all over and finally found them in a project I had abandoned months ago when I was simply unable to count, it was a top down cardigan and I just could not get the numbers to come out right, no matter how hard I tried. I ripped the needle out of the UFO and cast on. (Hey, now I have one less UFO but more stash yarn . . . hehehe.) This morning I got right to work and knitted away while watching football (Go Seahawks!) and was able to get quite a bit done today. As soon as I am finished here I will be getting back to work (and Survivor). I do have to say that I LOVE this pattern; it is so pretty, but does not give up anything in warmth; it is so complex looking, but so simple to actually knit. Thank you, Laura, you have designed a great pattern.

2 more finished

2005-12-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

pattern: My Little Companion needles: Clover US11 modifications: cast on 5 additional stitches and knit 3 less garter ridges in base yarn: Noro Kureyon #88 and Cascade 22o #1564, #9463 yarn: Noro Kureyon #150 and Cascade 22o #4002, #8400, #8401

kitty pi v3.0

2005-12-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

pattern: Wendy's Kitty Pi yarn: Cascade 220 - used up lots of partial balls in blue/grey/black needles: Clover US11 modifications: I used a double strand of yarn and did an i-cord bindoff instead of fur since this kitty bed is for an 18yo boy's new kitten. Blocked on a plastic chip and dip container I bought at JoAnn last summer or the summer before. I seem to knit things 3 times before I can be happy with them. This project was no exception. The first time I just picked colors randomly and knit it stripes . . . ripped it out right before the last increase. The second time I started with the dark colors and started knittting from dark to light . . . go to row 20 (or so) after the last increase and didn't like it and ripped it out. For the final version I lined up the blues from light to dark and did the same with the black/greys and paired the lightest of one with the darkest of the other and added yarn in reverse order (clear as mud?) and that's the one I kept. I think I overthink these things, I mean it's just a cat bed, lol.

knitting and felting and blocking . . . oh my

2005-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I felted one of the purses and blocked it. Woohoo, a FO! or maybe not. I pulled it off the blocking and it's still a bit flacid . . . one more trip thru the washer I think. Last night while watching the football game (Go, Seahawks!) I got quite a bit done on the Kitty Pi v. 3.0. Then I stayed up until I finished it, only 1 am or so.

This morning I threw the Kitty Pi and the other purse into the washer and decided to add a teapot full off boiling water . . . wow, that sped things up. I have a front loader so sometimes it takes longer to get things to felt up the way I like. They are both blocked and drying in the bathroom with the heater on. I'm excited to see how the Kitty Pi turns out.

winter '05 knitty

2005-12-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

The new knitty is up . . . I'm going to check it out . . . . . . ok, I'm back. I think I must be getting old, or I'm just not hip enough . . . The Toasty Pocket Creatures are adorable and I think Daughter would love them. Bamboozelle would make a nice gift filled with potpourri or something. Namaste has a very interesting all over pattern, but I have no use for a yoga mat bag, could be made shorter and used a s a small drawstring bag instead. Forecast is interesting, but would look beyond horrible on me. Though I'm not sure I like all that garterstitch. When I saw the name Tubey, I was afraid to look. My worst trailer park nightmares came to mind, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really like the construction on this sweater, it would look like drek on me, but I think I have to find someone to knit it for . . . like my SIL . . . she is tall and slim and I think it would look nice on her. Bristow is a very nice classic cardigan. I like this one. Bobblicious . . . umm . . . hell no. I like my cables to be less random, but I could see using the all over cable pattern from Namaste on Chaos. Pomatomus and Thuja . . . cool socks, what more is there to say? Marley's Ghost . . . umm . . . no. A Real Stocking Cap, ok, I get the joke, ha ha, but I just don't see people really wearing it. The designer said she was on "good drugs" after surgery when she thought of it . . . I believe her. I love Mrs. Beeton, so pretty. I must make these. Although I like several of the patterns in this knitty, I don't know that I will knit more than one or two of them.

another monday update

2005-12-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

I know it seems like I haven't been knitting, but I have . . . really. . . I just haven't FOs to show for it. to be shipped out of town: 2 felted bags (done 12/7) ~~1 hat (have yarn and pattern)~~ 4 dish cloths (done) local delivery: 1 felted bag for Mom (done) 1 Esther Williams hat (ew KAL) 2 Cherry Garcia cabled neck tubes 1 Kitty Pi for nephew's new kitten (done 12/7)

winter knitty

2005-12-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else checking the knitty site several times a day waiting for the new knitty? I'm usually not like this . . . I want my knitty fix.

2005-12-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

Oh. My. Goodness. I LOVE Elann.com! I have read the raves about them, but had never ordered. They take PayPal, love that since I just sold some stuff on e-bay and I have that PayPal balance just sitting, so I ordered yarn from them late Tuesday night . . . and it arrived TODAY!! I am used to KnitPicks; love the yarn, love the prices . . . not the 14 days to get it. Off to knit 2 more holiday gifts with the yarn I just received.

2005-11-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

Another chorus of "please, release me" was sung yesterday afternoon as I took my AccuCut die cut machine to Daughter's school. They kinda looked at me strangely when I brought it in (I did call first). It was the "why would you have this in the first place and then why would you give it to us, for free" look. Oh well, it is out of my house and will be put to good use.

not gonna do this

2005-11-28T14:58:00.000-08:00

I decided to give this one up. I did tried the 1 sock on 2 circs and hated it, why would I think I would like this way any better?

See more progress on: learn to knit 2 socks on 2 circular needles

monday update

2005-11-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

the list keeps changing . . . to be shipped out of town:

2 felted bags (1 done, 1 knit, 1 90% knit - yes, I know - 3)
1 hat (have yarn and pattern)

local delivery:

1 felted bag for Mom (done)
1 Esther Williams hat (ew KAL)
2 Cherry Garcia cabled neck tubes
1 Kitty Pi for nephew's new kitten

after the holiday:

6 pairs of socks for Daughter's 6th b'day (Jan 5th, have yarn for at least 3pr, need to stash dive for the rest) (solid sock KAL)
1 pair socks for Hubby (started) (moved to anniv in Feb, maybe)

other knitting on the horizon:

I made Hubby a knit hat last year, it is huge, I need to rip (done) & reknit
Hermione Hat & Mittens for me (another weasley KAL)
1 pair mittens for daughter (1 finished) (warm hands KAL)
1 bulky hot pink sweater for Daughter's
1 neck down striped pullover for Daughter
Slytherin PoA scarf for Hubby (may change to Seahawk colors, if I think I can finish it by the end of the season)
Samus for me (have the yarn, just not the time right now)
socks for Dad's b'day in March

Knitters in the Wild

2005-11-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

Take photos of "Knitters in the Wild", win fabulous prizes!

Post your picture of "Knitters in the Wild" on your blog
e-mail me (or leave a comment here)
I will add you to the side bar with a link back to your picture
January 1st a selection committee* will select the top 5 (or so) photos for a public vote
a poll will be placed here and all may vote at that time for their favorite (who knows there may even be more than one category to vote in)
prizes** will be awarded

* committee will consist of myself and prolly my hubby ** as yet to be determined . . . but will be knitting related . . .

ron sweaters

2005-11-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

Over at The Blue Blog they have been discussing the knitting options presented by the new HP movie: Goblet of Fire. I have yet to see the new movie but I have been re-watching the first three movies and have decided my favorite Ron sweater is the one he is wearing at the end (actually, almost the last half) of PoA. It is very casual and I was thinking of making one similar to it from the KP&S Tunic pattern, either for kids(232) or women(244). Ok, I know the KP&S pattern is raglan and this isn't but, I'm ok with that. Unless I go thru the Anne Budd books and find variations for this, I'll prolly just stick with the KP&S pattern. hmmm . . . now for the yarn . . .

national geographic . . knitting

2005-11-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

I was flipping thru the new National Geographic that came in the mail yesterday and here is what happened: . . . flip, flip, flip, flip, yarn, flip, flip . . . hold on . . . back flip, back flip, back flip . . . ok, I know I saw yarn, where is it . . . flip to index . . . nothing . . . ok . . . fine . . . lay magazine down, turn page, turn page, turn page . . . here it is . . . knitting . . . yarn . . . in National Geographic . . . hey, that's the French Market bag from Knitty . . . they could've at least told people where to find the pattern . . . There is a one page blurb/article about the global aspects of knitting, neat little article. I guess you've really arrived when National Geographic talks about you.

black friday

2005-11-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

Friday is Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping day's of the year (it used to be #1 but not anymore), but it is also International Buy Nothing Day. Hubby and I have decided to join in and buy nothing on Friday. The lure of the sales is great, but we will spend the day together. I'll knit, hubby says he'll pressure wash the deck, and the kids (hopefully) won't learn about the ugly side of retail and the formerly religious holiday that has been hijacked by rabid consumerism.

mitten monday update

2005-11-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

The mittens have been moved to the back burner until I can finish more of my "out of town" Holiday knitting . . . gotta prioritize here. for Turkey day: A wool hat for my Uncle Tom. He lives in AK and I will see him on Thanksgiving. I started it last night; many, many, many times actually. I’m thinking of making a few felted pot holders as a hostess gift for Thanksgiving, too. I'll dive into the Cascade 220 stash of leftovers and see what I have. to be shipped out of town: 2 felted bags (1 felting, one half knit) 1 hat (have yarn and pattern) local delivery: 1 felted bag for Mom (done) 1 pair socks for Hubby (started) (solid sock KAL) after the holiday: 6 pairs of socks for Daughter's 6th b'day (Jan 5th, have yarn for at least 3pr, need to stash dive for the rest) (solid sock KAL) other knitting on the horizon: I made Hubby a knit hat last year, it is huge, I need to rip & reknit. Hermione Hat & Mittens for me. (another weasley KAL) Mittens for daughter (warm hands KAL) Esther Williams hat, possibily as a gift for daughter's teacher. (ew KAL) I have already started doing a bit of pre-planning for next year, I’m thinking of making a shawls for the women, socks for the men, I don’t know . . . I just wanna have most of it done earlier, like by September . . . a girl can dream can’t she.

stash busting

2005-11-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

I have been going thru all my craft supplies, trying to simplify. A few things are going to Daughter's school and I am putting the rest up on e-bay. I already sold off a bunch of outgrown never used sewing patterns, feels good to let this stuff go. I am trying to go thru the sewing stuff first, then the scrapbooking and knitting, unless I get sidetracked. Holey moley, I have a lot of craft stuff If you want to take a look click here.

Fiber Gallery

2005-11-10T23:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was reading on Mason-Dixon Knitting about the Perfect Sweater Project and how Jessica had gotten her bosses at The Fiber Gallery to discount the Cascade 220 for the Perfect Sweater, then I realized that The Fiber Gallery is in Seattle. So, today, I hopped onto I-5, dropped the kiddos off at Grammy and Grampy's house and headed on over. It is a very nice shop, when you walk in is smells of . . . potpourri(?) which I came to find was from the locally made soaps they sell (I bought a lavender soap, mmmm), the woman who was working was very friendly and said that quite a few people had come in in the last week after reading about the shop on Mason-Dixon. They stocked quite a few yarns I had never seen (or don't remember seeing) before, but I was there on a mission . . . Cascade 220 for felted bags. After the last felting episode, I decided to go back to what I know and use the Cascade 220 with the Noro I already have, like Mom's bag. I picked up 4 skeins of Cascade 220 and a card of sock reinforcing yarn (along with soap mentioned above). I took a browse thru the patterns, they had a 'plus size' folder, and found a pattern company I had never seen before, online or in real life, Vermont Fiber Designs. Where have they been all my life? They size most of their patterns from XS to 6X! I picked up The Cable and Rib Cardigan #129 and The Cable and Rib Turtleneck #119. While surfing their site tonight I also found several more I want but didn't see at the shop. I will have to wait until I finish my holiday knitting to start either of these . . . but . . . oh boy! As I was checking out the woman asked if I would like for her to wind the skeins, I said no, that I has a swift and ball winder at home and I would just do it later. She smiled and said that I seemed like the type but she thought she would ask anyway. What does this mean? This is the second time this has happened recently . . . do I have OCK* tattooed on my forehead? This makes me laugh and worry at the same time, am I totally out of control? Nah, that couldn't be it. *obsessive compulsive knitter

winter preview

2005-11-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jessica for posting the link to the Interweave Knits Winter preview. Of course there was a knitted tie . . . sigh . . . but, there were a few things I think I will end up putting on the "to be knit" list. The Mowat Mukluks by Jennifer L. Appleby are interesting, but I'll have to get a better look at them. I really like the Faire Isle 101 Pullover by Mary Jane Mucklestone, but I'm a sucker for the U-neckline. Pearl Buck Swing Jacket by Kate Gilbert is another one I'll have to take a closer look at. Embossed Leaves Socks by Mona Schmidt, cute socks, nuf said. Love, love, love the earflap hats!! I see myself making many, many hats.

2005-11-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

aakkk!!! I over felted! I put bag #2 in the washer with a pair of jeans, washed on hot, checked as the 1st agitation was finishing . . . hmmm . . . looks good . . . needs a little more, started the second agitation halfway thru on the dial, checked the bag as it was rinsing . . . OH NO . . . grabbed it out and finished rinsing in the tub and spent the last 10-20 min trying to block it out a bit larger. The bag is now blocked and sitting in the bathroom drying. Oh, did I mention, I can only find 7 of the 8 holes the handles are supposed to go thru . . . arggggggg! My last bag took 3 trips thru the washer, it was Cascade 220 and Noro, this one is Lamb's Pride and Manos.

warm hands update

2005-11-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

The first @#$%^! mitten is done! I will call this the "3rd time's a charm (sort of) mitten". I knitted the thumb gusset . . . you guessed it . . . 3 times; the first time I just plain lost where I was, the second ended up wrong because of what I consider to be ambiguously written instructions and the third was correct. I finished the hand of the mitten only to have it be too short when Daughter tried it on . . . frogged back, added a few rows for lengthe and then decided to do a more toe-like mitten top and reknit it. Daughter tried it on, and again, too short. The toe used less rows to finish so it ended up being the same length as the first time. I frogged back, knitted a few more rows for length and reknit the hand a THIRD time. This time it fit. Knit the thumb and the stinking mitten was finished . . . woohoo now I get to knit a second one . . . aren't I lucky. While at my daughter's soccer game on Saturday morning I was really wishing I had a pair of my own mittens. So after the game I went and bought some purple Cascade 220 so I can start on the Hermione Mittens (and Hat). Yes, I know they are supposed to be red, but my name isn't Hermione and I like purple. I also picked up the yarn to make Hubby a Slytherin PoA Scarf, not that I think he would be in Slytherin, the colors just suit him better. I went to Great Yarn because I know they carry the Encore that is recommended in the pattern, only they don't. They carry the Encore DK and Chunky, not the worsted, they carry Patons Decor. So, I bought Patons Decor, same fibre content and the colors are close enough for gu'ment wurk. ;)

another sorting

2005-11-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

be sorted @ nimbo.net

sorting hat

2005-11-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about making a PoA scarf so I headed over to the Sorting Hat to see what house I would be sorted into.

GRYFFINDOR! You scored 8% Slytherin, 36% Ravenclaw, 60% Gryffindor, and 20% Hufflepuff!

You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart, Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart.

Gryffindors are known for their courage, audacity, and devotion to what is good and honest.

This doesn't mean I will be using the Gryffindor colors for my scarf, or any 'official' house colors for that matter, it was just something fun to do. Hmmm, maybe I'll whip out the knitting machine and see if I can figure out how it works, and whip up a couple of scarves for hubby and me.

smitten

2005-11-03T22:36:00.000-08:00

I am getting obsessed with this whole mitten thing. I went to three different yarn shops looking for mitten books this week and was turned away from the first two, finally, at the third one I hit the jack pot, six different titles! I came home with two basic books, Knit Mittens! and the Vogue knitting on the go Mittens & Gloves. I was very tempted by Latvian Mittens, Magnificent Mittens and Folk Mittens; I decided the more basic books were the way to start and if I'm totally hooked go back for the others.

evolution

2005-11-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

You appear to be a Knitting Purist. You are an accomplished knitter producing beautiful pieces with a classic feel. You sometimes lament losing half of your local yarn shop to garish novelty yarns. Perhaps you consider fun fur scarves the bane of knitting society and prefer to steer new knitters towards the wool and cotton blends. Some might call you a bit of an elitist but you know that you've been doing this craft long enough to respect the history behind it and honor it with beautiful piece that can last a lifetime. http://marniemaclean.com/ What Kind of Knitter Are You? brought to you by Quizilla

I took this quiz a year ago and I was a "Knitting Adventurer" so I thought I would take it again to see if I would get a different result. I guess a full year of knitting can make a difference in your knitting outlook. I don't think I'm a pure purist (lol) I think those novelty yarns have their place, but I don't use them very often anymore. I have gone from loving the selfstriping sock yarns to being more drawn to solid yarns with more complicated sock patterns, still use the selfstriping but not as much of it my stash these days.

felting

2005-11-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

I felted up Mom's bag yesterday. Two agitation cycles plus one full cycle in my front loader with a pair of jeans, perfect. I knit up this bag with a double strand of Cascade 220 or Cascade 220 and Noro. I am worried about how my next bags will turn out. I had planned on using a single strand of Cascade Pastaza and Noro, or Lamb's Pride worsted and Manos. I started the next bag with the Lamb's Pride worsted and it seems so loose and open. I am worried that it will end up too small when it is felted. I know . . . I know . . . do a swatch . . . sigh.

Socktoberfest!

2005-10-31T09:12:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of Socktoberfest! I enjoyed it so much, thank you Lolly, I can't wait for next year. I was hoping to finish Hubby's b'day socks, but that didn't happen. That's ok, I have to have something to knit for the Solid Sock KAL. *vbg*

solid socks

2005-10-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

A new sock knit along, horay! I enjoyed Socktoberfest so much, I just have to join this one, too.

2005-10-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

I went out on Saturday morning to get coffee, (hubby almost died, we were out, gasp) but since Costco wasn't open yet I went to Great Yarns! to kill some time. I am so glad I did! I made some great finds.

2 skeins Burly Spun for daughter's sweater, I had been searching for the perfect yarn and I guess 3rd time's the charm.
US11 Brittany DPNs, I have been looking for size 11s for a week, everyone has been out of stock
1 skein Noro and 1 skein Cascade Pastaza in fall colors for a felted bag, may need another skein of the Cascade.

(I also found that they carry Kroy Sock. I have wanted to try it and now I don't have to order it online.)

Later, I ran up to Pacific Fabrics to pick up Knit Mittens!, I ened up not getting the book but did pick up :

1 skein Noro and 1 skein Cascade Pastaza in pale blue/greens for a felted bag, may need another skein of the Cascade.
Vogue Knitting Holiday 2005

This is yarn for 3 hoiday gifts, time to get knitting!

that's my bag, man

2005-10-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

I found hubby's socks that I started last year and discovered that for some strange reason I had cast on way too few stitches and I need to restart them . . . sigh. I got about 2" of 4x2 ribbing done and put them down. I think I am socked out, for now. Saturday I went to Acorn Street, once again looking for the perfect yarn for daughter's sweater. No luck on that front, but I did manage to come home with yarn for a hat for hubby's aunt and a felted bag pattern. The shop had a sample knitted up and it was so cute, had to have the pattern, this will be my 'holiday gift' pattern this year. Since my mom does a lot of red/black/gray I decided that would be what I would do the bag in, I have a TON of Cascade 220 in varied shades of gray, black, and red in my stash so I wanted to pick up a varigated red/black/gray. I stopped at Village Yarn to see if I could find said varigated yarn . . . nothing in all that beautiful Manos . . . hmmm . . . nothing . . . nope not here . . . not over here either. Darn. One of the wonderful employees said she had used a Noro like that for a project she had done. We looked all thru the Noro, no luck, but she offered to go and look in the back room. Success! The laaaaaast skein. (think Ice Age)

So that night I started the bag, I knit the bottom and on Sunday started up the sides. I decided to use a double strand of the Cascade 220 since it is a lt weight Worsted and that is what the pattern suggested. I dropped one of the strands of the black 220, added the Noro and knitted away blissfully while hubby and I watched SG1: season 1 on DVD (love Netflix). That is until I got here: Well, this isn't the look I was going for . . . shoot . . . ripit . . . ripit . . . ripit . . . Decided this time I would drop both strands of the black 220 and pair the Noro with a strand of red 220:

ah . . . much better. By the end of the evening I was almost done with the body of the bag. Woohoo, gotta love those quick knits.

Mondays my hubby works an early shift (4a to 12:30p) so when he got home he said he would watch the kids and I could go out. Didn't hve to tell me twice! I grabbed my knitting and ran out the door and drove straight to Village Yarn & Tea where I sat and knitted and drank some wonderful Green Pear tea. There I sat, knitted, drank tea and chatted with the gals who work there until they closed at 6pm. (with only occational breaks for yarn fondling) I was able to finish the body of the bag and do the I-cord bind off, I had never done this before and was a bit nervous about it, but it turned out fine.

I'm still working on the I-cords for the handles but here is what it looks like so far:

mitten monday

2005-10-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

I've got nothin'. I did look thru a copy of Knit Mittens! at the LYS, does that count for anything? Well, maybe next Monday I'll have an update for the Warm Hands KAL.

what's next

2005-10-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have been planning on casting-on the 6Sox mosaic socks as soon as I finished daughter's Halloween socks, now I'm not sure. I want to do some mosiac knitting, I have the yarn, etc, but while I was surfing yesterday I found these socks. Although they are not knit as a mosaics, it would be very easy to knit as a mosaic and I think they would show off my LL sock yarn better. I wouldn't go all the way down the foot with the pattern, just on the leg like the 6Sox mosaics. While I'm figuring that out I think I'll finish some socks I started for hubby last winter . . . basic 2x2 rib in Cascade 220 tweed . . . if I can find them.

mittens

2005-10-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Another knit-along? Sure! This time it's mittens at Warm Hands. I have been wanting to make some mittens for a while, so here is a good excuse.

halloween socks v2.0 - finished

2005-10-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Halloween Socks v2.0 are finally finished and my daughter grabed them and wore them to school today. She declared after I finished the Lacy Heart socks that she really liked the 'yarn socks' and wanted me to make more for her. pattern: Knitting Pure & Simple Basic Children's Socks, with french heel, stripes inspired by the beginnerSAM pattern yarn: Cascade 220 needles: US4 Takumi Bamboo started: 10/11 completed: 10/19 This is pair 3 for Socktoberfest! (4 if you count the booties)

eeeep!

2005-10-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

I decided to exchange the yarn for daughter's sweater. So, back down to Seattle I went. I entered the shop with the intention of only exchanging the yarn and looking at maybe picking up some US13 straight needles, that was it. Well, hmmm, so much for good intentions. I went straight to the yarn for daughter's sweater and picked up some bright pink Blizzard then headed to the straight needles and picked up the Brittanys. While heading to the register I saw the Silky Wool, in a beautiful dark purple, it jumped into my basket of its own accord, I had nothing to do with it. As I was passing some Dalegarn Falk in a nice medium gray-blue,I started thinking about the holidays and how I wanted to make some socks for my dad. It came home with me too. In my defense I do have to add that I resisted some Lorna's Laces shepherd Sock in Black Pearl (beautiful purple/grey/black) . . . it went in and out of my basket several times before finally staying on the shelf. So a quick run to the yarn shop that should have cost less than $15 ended up costing quite a bit more . . . sigh. But, on the other hand I have the yarn for daughter's sweater, and for dad's socks, and I may actually make Branching Out before the end of the year.

stash enhancement

2005-10-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

My dear friend J. asked me earlier in the week if I thought I could divest myself of the kiddos at some point in the near future as she needed to go yarn shopping and thought it would be fun if we could go together. So, yesterday after my daughter's soccer game, I ran away. I needed to make a few stops before I got there. I stopped at the drugstore and picked up a new can opener, my son disassembled my current one and I have been unable to put it back together. While I was at there I wandered over to the magazines and found the new Knit It! and Family Circle Easy Knitting Holiday issue. They both have some great patterns, especially with the Holidays coming up. Then I went to JoAnn to return some yarn I had buyers remorse about. After picking up J., and giving her a copy of the new Knit It!, for which she jumped up and down and clapped her hands while squealing, we headed out to Acorn Street for stash enhancement. I was looking for yarn for a specific project for my daughter, needed to be a wool blend in a girly color that would knit up to 2.5 sts=1". I found some beautiful soft pink GGH Aspen, it is a 50/50 blend of merino and acrylic, very soft, and lists as 10sts=10cm. Needless to say I bought it. J. did some holiday stash enhancement. After said SE we were weary with hunger so headed over to Top Pot Doughnuts for fortification and to browse thru our knitting magazines. Last night while watching SG1: season 8 from Netflix, I proceeded to cast on a sleeve with my new acquisition . . . size US13 needles, cast on 22 and knit . . . hmmmm . . . this is to gauge but the fabric is really loose . . . ok, rip out . . . size US11 needles, cast on 22 and knit . . . hmmm . . . nice fabric but gauge is off . . . shoot . . . darn . . . now what? I can monkey with the pattern and knit it at 3sts=1" or I can return the skeins I haven't used and get something else . . . darn it!

halloween socks v2.0

2005-10-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Halloween socks for my 5yo daughter . . . and a cat nose. My hubby didn't like them at first but now that I am past the heel he says he likes them now. I am using Cascade 220 in orange, purple and green. This is my first time doing stripes, other than self striping yarn, and I love it!

1st pair of Halloweeen socks

2005-10-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

I finished my son's Halloween socks. The Pink Heart socks from the beginnerSAM were my inspiration for these socks but I used the Knitting Pure & Simple kids sock patterns to knit them up. I used the medium size at 36sts but next time I would knit them between the medium and large . . . at 40sts. I used Cascade 220 in black for the 2x2 rib, french heel and toe, and orange for the body of the sock. The orange is more of a heathered pumpkin than I could show in the pictures . . . I tried all over to get get a good color, but to no avail. I also tried to get a picture of them on my 3yo, but the pics were just a blur. Now on to my daughter's Halloween socks.

2005-10-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

One down one to go.

Socktoberfest!

2005-10-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Over at Knit Once, Purl Forever October has been declared Socktober!! I am so excited. I have finished two pair of socks so far this month, who knows what I can do with all those wonderful KAL patterns out there this month. Ok, one pair I finished were baby bootees, but I say they count anyway. added 10/11: to join Soctoberfest, head over to Lolly's blog and pick up a button . . . thanks Lolly!

lacy hearts and 'martha moments'

2005-10-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the Lacy Hearts this morning. I took them to Knitters' Night at Village Yarn & Tea last night. I arrived there late as we had dinner my MIL and I couldn't duck out of that. I had fun, knitted and came home with only one additional skein of yarn, some green Opal. I almost feel asleep while working on them when I got home then finally finished them this morning before daughter's soccer game. I wrapped the booties so hubby could take them to work. I have to say I had a bit of a "Martha Moment". I wrapped them in poka-dot tissue in a pink chinese take-out box with a green and white gingham ribbon tied around it. I wish I had taken a picture . . . very Martha.

break's over

2005-10-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

After finishing the baby booties I went back to the Lacey Heart socks. I started by ripping out the foot and heel of the first sock directly onto my ball winder. Wow, I wish I had thought of this before, makes it so easy, no tangled yarn, faster than hand winding as you're ripping. I knit the heel flap in pink and returned to the purple for the gusset and as of this morning I am pretty much in the same place on the foot as before I ripped it out, just with a pink heel.

2005-10-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

I finished the baby booties. It feels nice to finish something without haveing to rip it out 3 or 4 times. pattern: Textured-cuff Booties from "50 Baby Booties To Knit" yarn: Superwash Cascade 220

taking a break

2005-10-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am taking a break from the Lacy Heart socks to knit a pair of baby booties. I need a break from these socks as I am getting a bit frustrated. It's not the pattern, it's my yarn, or lack there of. I started knitting the first sock got to the middle of the foot and realized I didn't have enough yarn. OK, no problem, I thought, I'll just rip back and do a contrast heel and toe for the socks, and, hey, while I'm at it I'll try an afterthought heel, I haven't done one of those before. So, instead of just ripping back I started the second sock, inserted the scrap yarn for the afterthought heel, knitted the foot, did the contrast round toe . . . and I hate this sock! I don't like the afterhought heel, I think it looks strange and it pulls at the corners because I didn't pick up the stitches correctly. The sock is finished and I am thinking of ripping it back and doing a constasting flap heel and reworking the round toe, I do like the round toe. So, I am taking a break and knitting a pair of baby booties from "50 Baby Booties To Knit" that I bought a couple of days ago at my LYS. They are the Textured-cuff Booties in bubblegum pink superwash Cascade 220.

sock pattern heaven

2005-10-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

The new pattern for SixSox is up this morning. I have already printed it out and been to the yarn shop to purchase yarn to knit it up (see yarn porn above). I will be useing the black Opal and the purple & green (Jungle Stripe) Lorna's Laces Shephard Sock for the Mosiac Socks. The orange and green Cascade 220 are to go with some black and purple Cascade 220 I have in my stash, I will be using these to knit up some Halloween, socks for the kiddos, for inspirationSAM over at SocknittersSAM. I am already on the foot of the first pair of socks for the beginnerSAM. I am useing some leftover Cascade 220 superwash from Basketcase and am knitting up a pair of Lacy Heart Socks from the Hearts & Stripes pattern. I ended up ripping it out twice because the pattern is written for a VERY small foot, something like a childs size 6. I ended up casting on 44sts on size US4 using Cascade 220, perfect for my daughter's size 1 feet. Oh, I also bought some Lavender Eucalan, cuz you gotta warsh dem sox.

2005-09-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

I broke down and grafted the toes of my Basketcase socks, not the best looking grafting, but it's done.

patterns are up

2005-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

The patterns for the SocknittersSAM are up! WooHoo . . . stash diving time has arrived! I will be doing the Beginner socks for sure, my daughter will love them. I don't know if I will do one of each or just decide on one of the patterns and knit a matching pair. I will try and do the Intermediate socks if I have time. I have never done a toe up sock and it would be good to learn. The Advanced socks are actually ones I suggested to the mods, but they had already been looking at it for this SAM. I will try these for sure. The Colorworks socks (the HP socks in the free patterns section) . . . holey cow! . . . no way am I ready for these . . . VERY cool, but I am so not ready. For the Inspiration Socks I think I will do a pair of Halloween socks for each of my kids using the Beginner pattern . . . maybe I will end up makeing all three pairs of the beginner socks, one for the BeginnerSAM and the other two for the InspirationSAM.

It's here. . . it's here!

2005-09-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

My yarn arrived today!! 18 beautiful skeins of KnitPicks WOA in Asparagus, I will be doing some swatching tonight! There is also 3 skeins each of the Merino Style in Pine and Fog . . . love them both . . . they will make some beautiful socks. Oh, and I love the color cards they are actually small knitted samples of the yarns, Sock Garden, Sock Landscape and Sock Memories. . . . and now for the Yarn Porn . . .

Basketcase

2005-09-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

I finished Basketcase, the interSAM sock for Aug/Sept, last night. Well, as finished as they are going to get until I go to Knit Night and someone there shows me how to do kitchener.

2005-09-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yarn

The mail carrier

continues on down the street.

A tear wells and falls.

another book and more yarn

2005-09-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

After a disasterous customer service (or lack there of) experience at Weaving Works, I went to Acorn Street and found the new Nancy Bush book, Knitting Vintage Socks, I bought it and 3 skeins of Falk that were on the clearance shelves.

Yarn Order

2005-09-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Since my color cards came in from KnitPicks yesterday I ordered my yarn for Samus. I decided to go with the Wool of the Andies in Asparagus instead of Hyacinth. I think the cables will pop better in the green than in the very dark purple, although I love the dark purple I am afraid the cables would blend into the background. I also ordered 2 more color cards and some Merino Style in Fog and Pine . . . well . . . I was placing an order anyway.

color cards are here!

2005-09-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

CIC Socks

2005-09-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Finally, here is a picture of the finished CIC socks. For once I finished a KAL by the deadline, shocking!

New Knitty is Up!!!

2005-09-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!! There are so many cute/beautiful designs! I have to knit Samus, it took my breath away with it's wonderful simplicity. Ok, I prolly won't knit it in orange, maybe a deep rich green or purple. I really like Cinxia, too. It seem like it would dress up jeans, or could be worn with a simple skirt. Love Blackberry. I think this would be a great gift sweater, I don't see myself wearing it, at least until I have lost some weight, seels like the shaping would just accentuate the negative . . . hmmm . . . maybe I could just wear it open. The socks, Falling Leaves, are very cute, too. I like the solid pair over the varigated, but that is just a personal preference, I think it shows off the pattern better. . . . and Bubby, who can resist an adorable knit teddy bear? There are, of course, more patterns, but these are the ones that spoke to me the most.

2005-09-08T21:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I printed out a pattern from WildThings for a new knitting bag. I need to sew up the one I already have cut out . . . hmmmm . . . how many knitting bags does one really need?

Speaking of knitting bags, I was at Trader Joe's today and they had those wonderful lined baskets again. I had to buy another one. This time it was a larger round one (the previous one was a small oval).

Do you ever buy something because the container it comes in would be wonderful for holding your knitting or knitting accessories? Case in point, the clear zip bag that the Bert's Bees sampler comes in. Love the bag, love the products, it's a win-win.

Last night I finished the CIC socks. They turned out really well, I think I'm gonna make a couple of pairs for my kids to wear around the house this winter as slippers . . . maybe even a pair for me, too. I took a couple of pics, but they came out blurry, I wiil have to try again later.

While I was surfing the CIC sites I found a pattern for the What's in My Pocket Vest for CIC. It is very cute and I will be saving all extra wool yarn so I can knit up a few, I won't have time to get them made for this winter but for next.

After I finished the CIC socks I started working on a baby sweater for one of my mom's co-workers. I am using the Knitting Pure & Simple Baby Cardigan pattern with some Plymouth Encore worsted.

first CIC sock

2005-09-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is the first sock of a pair for CIC. They are also the beginnerSAM sock for August/September, using this pattern. I used Lopi as suggested in the pattern and the only modification I made to the pattern was to use 2x2 rib and continue the ribbing down the instep. I knit up this sock last night in one sitting, they go together so quickly. I will try to finish the second sock tonight. When I finish the 2nd sock I will have my 3yo model them for you all to see. I am also planning on making a couple pair of these socks for my kids to wear around the house this winter, they would prefer go barefoot, but I think I can convince them to wear these cozy socks.

Basketcase

2005-08-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is Basketcase, the InterSAM sock for Aug/Sep. I really like this pattern and will prolly make more than one pair of them. I am knitting it up with superwash Cascade 220 on US4 needles. Since I have thick ankles knitting them up in a thicker yarn makes it so they fit better, that way I don't have to fiddle with adding extra repeats. I messed up the pattern alignment a bit when going from the let to the instep. I was knitting the leg on 4 needles instead of 3 (like it says in the pattern) and I wasn't paying attention to the alignment and it is off. I didn't notice till I was done with the heel (yea, I know, I should have been paying better attention) and I am not going to rip out the heel and fix it. The socks are for me and I don't mind, and who is gonna be that close to my feet anyway? In the future I will pay better attention. I went over to Jennifer's and we knittted while watching a movie, I was able to finish the heel flap and start the gusset. I know some people don't like knitting the Eye of Partridge heel, but I really love the look of it and I think it will become my favorite heel. Ok, now I just have to finish this sock and knit the second one.

Wool Soaker

2005-08-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

pattern: Fern & Fairy free soaker pattern

yarn: Cascade 220 - I started to run out of the green I used so I dove into my leftovers and did the leg ribbing in blue with the small green stripe on the bottom. I love how the stripe turned out.

pattern changes: the only change I made to the pattern was to do a 3 needle bind-off instead of grafting the crotch seam. I tried, I failed, I did the 3 needle bind-off.

2005-07-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Finishing projects has taken a big blow this week. I started the sock for the Socknitters beginnerSAM and I didn’t like it so didn’t finish that (gonna rip it). Started the sock for the Socknitter interSAM but because I have thick ankles I made it with a #2 instead of a #1, but I don’t like the way the fabric is knitting up, finished the lace part and everything, now I’m gonna have to start over with #1 and add an extra repeat, sigh. I also started Branching Out, but I can only work on that when the kids are asleep, I have to be able to concentrate since I am new to lace knitting. I have signed up for too many KALs so I think I am going to drop a couple, I can always come back to them later when the pressure is off. I think I’m going to drop Kiri for now, I don’t have the yarn I want to use for it right now and I have too many other projects I want to get finished. The Mystery Stole Along is almost over so I will go ahead and drop it too, I do want to make it one day, just not now. So, that will leave on the needles:

Clapotis
Branching Out
Old Shale socks (interSAM)
KPS Easy Childrens Socks in Grey Woolease for my son.

. . . seems like something is missing . . .

I started the socks for my son because I was feeling down about not having any projects . . . shoot . . . my son just walked into the room with my knitting needles, the ones that are supposed to be IN HIS SOCKS!!

knitting and sewing, oh my!

2005-07-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday I finished DD's poncho. The pattern was a bit confusing at the end, as what you knit is different from the picture with the pattern. The pic shows the poncho in stockinette with fringe on the edge, but when you knit the pattern it has you knit several rows of garter stitch along the edge and then add the fringe. I thought the garter stitch edge made a nice finish by its self so I didn't add the fringe. I wonder if the pattern was meant to be written as an either/or, either the garter stitch edge or stockinette with the fringe. I started the scallop sock for the Socknitter's BeginnerSAM wednesday night after reading all the cautions posted at BeginnerSAM. I decided to keep the 40 stitch cast on but to make the socks for my daughter, the KPS basic kids sock is a 36 stitch cast on (I think) in her size. Last night I finished the leg of the sock, but as I was knitting it all I could think about was all those scallops getting caught on things. I messed up the heel flap, did sl1 k1 p1 instead of sl1 p1 k1, so when I picked up the stitches for the gusset the flap looks lopsided. I am half-way down the foot of the sock and I think I am just going to rip it out. I just don't like the sock. OK, maybe it's because I'm, knitting it on 2 cirs and this is the first time I've done that, and I seem to be knitting tighter on the circs than I do on the dpns so I kind of have to fight the stitches from one end of the circ to the other (kwim?). I am actually considering getting rid of my 2 circs book and the sock size circ needles . . . Maybe I'll try a plain sock on the 2 circs to see it that is any better, like a 2x2 or 3x2 rib. On the sewing front, I did sew up one if the sundresses, I had cut out for DD, yesterday morning. It fits her but I don't think I will be making up this pattern again, the neckline is too wide and it just doen't look right to me. I'll go pattern diving later today and find something else to make for her.

Knit-along Day

2005-06-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday is supposed to be knit-along day so I figured I should start updating my knit-alongs on Tuesdays like a good little blogger. *hehe* First let me say most of my KALs have been put on hold so I can finish my daughter's poncho, it's almost done and I will be able to get back to the KALs this week. First Sweater KAL: I finished 2 sweaters and the group was dieing so I dropped out. I felt kinda bad about it, but I was finished, noone was posting . . . I know 'get over it'. Branching Out: I have the yarn and I am planning on starting it this weekend. We will be driving to the other side of the state to see family so I will have plenty of time to knit in the car. Clapotis: Almost finished with the increases, kinda on the back burner for now. Marker Mania: Names for the swap will be handed out this week, this will be fun. I know, technically not knitting, but knitting related. Mystery Stole Along: I want to finish Branching Out before I start this one . . . heck everyone will be finished before I even start at this rate. *sigh* Kiri: Haven't even decided on a yarn. Thinking of maybe a sock or sport weight . . . not sure if I have anything in my stash . . . hmmmmm Felted Bag KAL: I did knit up and felt a variation of Sophie, but not having a working digital camera really sucks because I can't post pictures. I'm thinking of doing felted bags as holiday gifts this year. Sock it 2 Me: I have been really bad about this one. I have finished a pair of socks for my daughter but didn't post about it there because I don't have a working digital camera (thanks to my 3y0 son). I am also planning another pair of socks for my DD to match her poncho (ok, really it's just to use up that yarn, but who's counting). Guess that's all for now . . . I will try to keep my KAL's updated from know on.

sewing on the horizon

2005-06-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

I went thru my fabric and pattern stash and while hubby took the kids to NW Trek yesterday I cut out several dresses for DD and pants for DS. Since I have a few things cut out sewing can’t be far behind. ;-)

See more progress on: Sew up my fabric stash

It's here!

2005-06-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

My yarn finally arrived today, I was starting to get worried. One skein of Alpaca Cloud in "Mist", and six skeins of Shimmer in "Grape Hyacinth" from KnitPicks. Wow, this is thin yarn, makes me a little nervous. *eek* My plan is to use the Mist for Branching Out and originally I was going to use a double strand of Shimmer for Clapotis. I changed my mind about the Clapotis and am using Mountain Colors: Mountain Goat, so I will prolly use the shimmer for the Mystery Stole KAL and I bet I will have enough that I could use it for the Kiri Shawl KAL. I need to unearth a set of #8 needles before I can get started on Branching Out, seems they all have something on them. I have enough sets of 8's you wouldn't think it would be an issue.

Another UFO bites the dust

2005-06-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished a sock for my daughter . . . the same sock that has been sitting sans needles, since my (then) 2yo pulled them all out, for five months. I wrote about it and posted a pic in my blog here, then the next day my son pulled out the needles. I was so upset I threw it onto the hall table and there it sat.

Yesterday, I finllay picked it up, put it back onto the needles and finished it. Last night I started the 2nd sock and got half way thru the gusset. This morning I woke up an dfinished the 2nd sock! I am so thrilled, another project finished and another skein of yarn out of my stash!

See more progress on: finish more knitting projects

Clapotis love

2005-06-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is a great blog page with poems about and pictures of Clapotis.

http://dogsstealyarn.com/archives/000291.html

See more progress on: knit a clapotis

hmmmmmmmmm

2005-06-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

I pulled the Quatro Clapotis off the needles and then I went ahead and dropped the stitches, 7 of them, and blocked it a bit. I love the way it looked, the color is very nice and it has some nice drape to it (from what I can tell).

I was reading through The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook and I may not have needed to rip it out after all. It says turning your work clockwise instead of counter clockwise, which I do, minimizes the yarn twisting back onto its self. Shoot, who knew?

Looks like after I finish the Mountain Goat Clapotis I may have to start working on the Quatro one again.

See more progress on: knit a clapotis

Finished knitting the zip cardigan

2005-06-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Thursday night I finished knitting up the KPS Neckdown Cardigan. I blocked the front edges yesterday so I could figure out what size zipper to put into it and today I will go buy a zipper, weave in the ends and sew in the zipper. woohoo! Another project almost done. =)

See more progress on: finish more knitting projects

Ripping good time

2005-06-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

. . . well, not really. After working on the Clapotis the last two days I am ripping it all out. I did the set-up and several increases, and I love how the yarn looks knitted up, but the yarn keeps kinking up as it comes off the ball and I keep having to stop and unwind it. I am not going to keep doing this for another 60”. One of the LYS is having a sidewalk sale today and I went. I did find some lovely yarn I think I’m going to try for the Clapotis. The yarn is Mountain Colors Mountain Goat (55% Mohair,45% Wool) in Silberbow. Two of the women who work there commented on how nice it is to work with, and hey, it was 1/2 off.

While I was at the LYS I also picked up 3 balls of novelty eyelash, one skein of Cascade 220 (that was supposed to coordinate with one of the eyelash but when I got home the color was not what I thought it was at the shop), and I also bought A Good Yarn: Knit Along With Debbie Macomber.

See more progress on: knit a clapotis

Finally a decision

2005-06-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

I went to my LYS today to pick up yet another set of circular needles, this time size 1. While I was there I picked up some yarn so I can start my Clapotis, Cascade Quatro #9440. I’m planning on casting on as soon as the kiddos go to bed tonight.

See more progress on: knit a clapotis

grrrrrrrrrr

2005-06-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've been messing around with my blog setup and now I have lost the archives and previous posts on the pages . . . grrrrrr . . . I hate sorting thru html trying to figure out what I did wrong.

First Sweater Finished!

2005-06-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

I finished my son’s pullover last night, wove in the ends and everything ;). This is my first sweater and I am so glad I finished it. pattern: Knitting Pure & Simple Children's Neck Down Pullover #9730 yarn: Cascade 220, I don't think I will use it again for this pattern as it is a very light weight worsted (update 9/9/05: I was finally able to get a picture of my son in his sweater, without too much screaming and crying. Yes, the sleeves are actually even, he just insists on pushing one of them up.)

Now on to the next UFO, son’s zip cardigan.

See more progress on: finish my current knitting projects

Branching Out

2005-06-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

I think before I knit the Kiri Shawl I will knit up a smaller lace project, like Branching Out. There is a KAL for this pattern also. Don’t know if I will join or not (prolly will) but I think the smaller project would be better for getting my feet wet with lace knitting.

See more progress on: knit a lace shawl

Finished!

2005-06-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

I finished felting and blocked my daughter’s hat yesterday and todya I finished my son’s pullover sweater! I’m on a roll.

See more progress on: finish my current knitting projects

lace shawl

2005-06-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

I would love to knit a lace shawl, don’t know that I would wear it but I think it would be great to knit one, maybe as a gift. I found a beautiful pattern on-line called the Kiri Shawl that I may try and do, there is also a knit-a-long for the pattern over at Yahoo!

See more progress on: knit a lace shawl

UFO's

2005-06-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have several UFO’s sitting, waiting to be finished. I finally picked up my DS’s sweater this week and started working on it again, I think the last time I worked on it was around Thanksgiving. Right now I have a hat felting in the washing machine that I finished this morning. The only thing that it needed was to bind off eight stitches and trim off some ends. The hat has been sitting, waiting for me to finish it since the end of December, it was supposed to be a gift for my daughter’s birthday in January.

This goal is part of my stop procrastinating, knit or sew everyday and knit up my yarn stash goals

See more progress on: finish my current knitting projects

Found it!

2005-06-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

I found the knitting project I thought I had lost (or the kids had hidden). It was in the sewing/computer room, also known as the “just stick it in there” room. I seem to remember asking DD to put it in the sewing room, someone apparently threw some other things on top of it and I found it today while I was cleaning.

DS's blue pullover

2005-06-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

I did some knitting last night while watching Dr. Who. I knited one sleeve and about 1/2” on the rolled neck of DS’s blue pullover.

See more progress on: knit or sew every day

Trip to the LYS

2005-06-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

In an effort to knit up my yarn stash I took a trip to my local yarn shop. I know, sounds like a bad idea, all that yarn just begging to come home with me, all the beautiful colors, all the fibers calling your name. I was strong, I had a skein of Opal self-stripping in my hand at the register and I put it back. I PUT IT BACK, I say!!

I did buy some patterns, for the yarn I have at home: Knitting Pure & Simple Children’s Neckdown Pullover, so I can finish DS’s pullover that I started at Thanksgiving; KP&S Children’s Poncho, for a poncho for DD to wear at the beach in the evenings when it gets chilly; Minnowknits Button, Button…, I thought this would be a nice sweater to give as baby gifts; and the book the knitter’s handy book of sweater patterns by Ann Budd, I had been looking for a pattern for a child’s seamless yoke faire isle cardigan, could I find one anywhere, no, it’s in this book, after looking for six months it was in this book all along. well, at least I have it now.

I also bought two addi Natura circular needles, size 2, 24” and 32”, so I can kit up some socks using the book “Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles” by Cat Bordhi. I bought them in 2 different lengths because I hate the idea of have two sets of the exact same needles, crazy I know, but there you have it. I also have instructions for knitting both socks at the same time on two circulars that I found on-line here that I want to try next.

See more progress on: Knit up my yarn stash

grrrr . . . kids!

2005-06-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

I was going to do some knitting on DS’s sweater, but it has disappeared! I remember taking the project to DD’s swimming lessons and working on it there, and I am sure I brought it home, but now it is nowhere to be seen. I called the pool and noone has turned it in to Lost & Found, I’m hoping DS (3yo) just hid it somewhere and I will find it soon. sigh

See more progress on: knit or sew every day

It's curtains

2005-06-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

I already have curtains cut out for the kids’ room, they have been cut out for at least 6 months. I also want to sew curtains for the livingroom (I saw some I really like and want to reproduce), a valance for the kitchen and curtains for my bedroom. . . guess I should start with the kids’ room.

See more progress on: sew curtains for my house

Pattern Release

2005-06-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

While I was going thru my stash of patterns to plan DD's Summer SWAP I found a bunch of patterns that will no longer fit her so I listed them as a lot of 15 patterns on e-bay. I am really enjoying clearing out the house . . . sing along with me . . . pleeeeeeeeese release me, let me goooooooo.

Next Project

2005-05-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Went thru yarn stash and got yarn and patterns together for next projects. Yoke cardigan for DD in 2 greens and ivory and zip cardigan for DS in variegated superwash wool.