Uh Oh, Who's that, um, guy?

Hey, who's that messing with my center-pulls? :(

Legwarmers and Charts

Well, I am planning on doing the legwarmers from Handknit Holidays. But, I wanted to modify the chart to be less "Christmas-y" and more anytime. Here is what I have come up with. The ribbing at the top and bottom will be done in the brown color.







I also think I am going to try this in knitpicks Merino Style DK weight. So in order to make sure the colors look OK I have constructed this image of the chart using the pictures of the yarn from the site. What do you all think?

FO!

Tonight I finished my fingerless gloves.

Pattern is from: Holiday Knits.
Yarn: Trekking XXL
Needles: size 3 dpns (set of five) and one size 0
yes thats right six needles...
















Ok, I was using two as stitch holders...but still, thats alot of pointy sticks!

Colorwork Challenge

I have joined the Stranded: Colorwork Challenge!




What are your projects for this knitalong?

My first project is going to be:
Eunny's awesome Endpaper mitts

After that I plan to move onto various projects from Handknit Holidays but with my own pattern designs. Particular projects that interested me are the cute gift bags and the leg warmers.

My dream colorwork project is the deep scoop neck sweater from the fall 06 Vogue knitting magazine. One day I will get to it :)

Is this your first colorwork project? If it isn't, what was your first, and has it survived the test of time?

This will be my first colorwork project, but definitely not my last!

Socks Socks Socks

Here are my finished Jaywalkers!








In addition to finally finishing that second one, I have started the second of the Seal Rock socks. The first of the pair are already on the cuff, and awaiting simultaneous knitting till the end of the yarn.









The other object I am working on: a vest from RYC Classic booklet. The entire booklet is using wool/silk, but I had all this Debbie Bliss Cash Cotton, so I thought I would try it out. It is going really fast for a 2x2 rib.

Long time...

...no write! It really does seem like a long time since I have posted. Thanksgiving was OK, not much really going on. For work, I got off Thursday, but Friday I ended up working from home. Usually I am more productive at home, so this was not a problem. Hubby and I went to my sister's house for Turkey Day. She is the BEST cook! Dinner was simply awesome...a true feast.

As for knitting news -- some ups and downs. I finished the purple tri-fold bowl, but messed my next one up. I started out fine...made my moebius, thought it was going well...then I notice...it looks much smaller than the others...It ends up only about 2/3rds as large as the other rims...but just as thick! So...hubby suggested, I just make a smaller version...but I think it is not going to end up well. I finished, but am almost afraid to felt it. I could only pick up 10 instead of 22 stitches along the sides, so the base of the bowl itself is small. Then when working the increases, the bottom ended up kinda wonky because of the weird number of stitches. -Sigh-

The good news is...I am about to turn the heel on my second Jaywalker sock, and started another pair for my sister-in-law. The second pair I started at Tuesday's knit night, and am on the cuff area now! Almost finished. I think though, I am going to finish the Jaywalkers, then use that set of needles to do the second of the new pair...then at the end I can just work both cuffs till I run out of yarn...and hopefully they end up to be the same length too. These pair are plain stockinette until the leg where I am doing a 3x1 ribbing. Then the cuff I will switch to a 2x2 rib for better elasticity. The Queen Kahuna cast of worked so well on my Jaywalker, I can see me using that exclusively for all of my toe up socks.

Maybe one day I will write up the little formula I use to do socks now. With every sock I have learned new techniques, but I think I finally have it down to a science. Oh! I almost forgot -- in other good and bad news: the color pooling (Scorponia colorway from Socks That Rock) in the second Jaywalker is ending up exactly like the first one...of course this is both good and bad, but I think I have finally come to peace with it. The second pair of socks (Seal Rock colorway from Socks That Rock) have many more colors, shorter repeats, and no pooling!

In summary, I guess you could say it has been a very sock filled weekend! (The Lorna's socks are still -almost- completed. I just can't bring myself to finish them up!)

Christmas Knitting

First up -- My husband got a little upset at me for not posting for a while. He has finished another square...but this time it's big enough to be used as a washcloth! It really did turn out well. This time he also did everything from casting on to binding off. Now his needles are freed up and I have procured his services for Christmas knitting!

Here are the colors I chose for the tri-fold bowls I am doing. it! I am using Cascade 220 and LOVE It comes in so many wonderful colors, and really is soft enough to use in a sweater. I will definitely be buying more in the future. The outer ring is the base color, and matched up with the contrasting color in the inner ring.

For an example: Here is my first completed bowl. And here is my next one (my husband is hiding under it). This second one is in the washer now!

How have I been making it to work?!?

Today I had to take my car into the shop to get a diagnosis on its incredibly loud sounds. Seriously, my car sounded like one of those souped up motorcycles, the ones with the big non-muffling mufflers. I noticed it was getting a bit loud some time ago, but I just figured it was getting old. However, one day while stopped at a fast-food window I noticed that it was really embarrassingly loud. So I bit the bullet and took it in.

Turns out the connector thingy that goes from the engine to the exhaust system was slowly rusting away, and has completed come off now. Exhaust with no where to go but into my car...on a very long commute! Not a good thing. These last few weeks the carpool has been on hold, so I have had to drive every day...gassing myself...while driving...not good.

So to all those that know me, if I have been acting weird lately, I blame it completely on the lack of proper ventilation while driving! Today on the way home I should be able to enjoy a nice quiet ride, and fume free breathing!

Rain!

Getting to work today was quite the experience. First, the neighborhood was flooded. Next, when stopping for gas I had to wade across the parking lot to get to the store. At this point I consider turning back, and calling in to let work know that I would be working from home today. However, I decide to give it a go. On the highway it wasn't bad, but because it was raining, people feel the need to drive half the speed limit. It took me over an hour to get to work (usually it only takes me 45 mins) . I pull into work, sit down in my chair and realize that my feet are cold and wet and still soggy from my gas station adventure -- sigh, its going to be a long day.

Now for the good news! Last night my ball winder and swift arrived!!!!! I immediately began spinning all my Cascade 220 into neat center pull cakes. Later I will post a picture. I wound three right away, took a short break for dinner making, then continued to wind the other 12. These will soon be turned into five tri-fold bowls.

I also turned the toe on my second jaywalker sock, only to realize that the provisional cast on side was purl side out, and so, I had worked it inside out! Tonight I will have to rip out the toe on that one, and start...AGAIN. Wow with the jaywalkers, just wow. I am actually hoping that the color pools in the same way...It would be a shame if this one didn't pool and really didn't match the other one. Has anyone else had trouble with the Socks that Rock pooling on a jaywalker? Becky's look great! I am so jealous :(

Stitches East

I am so glad I attended! I didn't buy much, but it was a wonderful trip. The rides down and back were non-stop laughing, and the market was nothing short of overwhelming. I got to buy my black sheep tape measure.









Also I acquired some lovely size 3 Brittany needles.










On my way down I tried to work on my second mobius basket, but silly me, I did the last part first, and so had to start over again after arriving home. Here is the picture of my first, and second baskets...the second one still needs a trip into the washing machine.










This weekend was simply wonderful for finishing objects! I finished my first jaywalker sock, and also my sixth ball band washcloth.

I will not buy more yarn...

I will not buy more yarn, I will NOT buy more yarn...except for Christmas gifts. Ebay is much too easy to get addicted to, and my stash seems like it has suddenly grown overnight! I really have SOOOO much Christmas knitting to do, that I cant really justify buying any yarn for projects other than gifts. If I get done early, maybe I could treat myself to some of the yummy new color ways of Socks That Rock...oh my

...I will not buy more yarn...

Negative Progress?

Unfortunately my progress bars cannot display a negative status. Here is a picture of my jaywalkers...


In other sock news, I have completed the gusset increases for my Lornas Laces socks! So now I am ready to turn the heel. Maybe I will be able to complete them this weekend.


Also on the needles (or rather hook) is a bunch of granny squares for an afghan. Its really icky acrylic, but my Mom doesn't mind! Here is Mr. Sharky modeling for you.

I'm getting OLD!

Carpooling is great for knitting! However...there is one guy that I ride with that insists on playing hiphop. Maybe I am just getting to that point in my life where only old music appeals to me, but I just cannot stand hiphop! By the time I get to work I feel all angsty and agitated. No wonder he drives like a maniac! 6am in the morning is just too early for those types of feelings, it really sets the mood for the rest of the day. It's also a shame that it is too dark in the morning to accomplish any knitting, so I can only sit and listen for the entire ride. Soon it will be dark when we leave work as well...Maybe I should look into getting those lighted needles.

Yesterday I was greeted with a package from Amazon! Two new books: A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting and One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet. I am really excited about making mobius baskets and bowls -- the trifold rimmed one is my favorite!! I will probably have to ask Karen for help though, just paging through, it looks very complicated. The One Skein book I got for quick gift ideas...I am still thinking about Christmas gifts, and have yet to figure anything out! I also picked up the Mason Dixon book. I have started reading their blog online, and wanted to see all these great patterns people keep talking about.

Too big?

So, I think my I have to rip my jaywalkers again. I took another look at the pattern, and after the toe, I am supposed to make it even bigger! So...Yeah, definately ripping...might even have to go down to a size 0 needle. I wanted to use the 1's because the yarn is a bit heavier than the usual sock yarn I have knitted with. But I guess it just makes my guage way too big. A good thing did come of this -- I learned how to do short row toes :)

Here is a picture of my treasures from The Mannings. Gotta love the clearance sale! I still don't have a project for it yet, but probably something small and lovely in these fall colors, I am thinking a scarf! It is Debbie Bliss wool/cotton blend and really has a nice clean look to it. I am still searching for small patterns since I didn't get enough for a big project.

Bonus picture...My hubby knitting! Isn't he cute? :)

Updates to come

I started the jaywalkers! I used Queen Kahuna's awesome invisible provisional cast on with a shortrow toe...however, after completing the two toes, they seem to be really just too big. So...I may have to start over again. Its really a shame becaues this is the second try with this pair.

The first time, I was trying to use one end from the inner pull ball, and one end from the outside of the ball...I thought it would be OK, maybe a bit more confusing than usual, but I was sure that I could handle it. Well, apparently I could not... I ended up with a HUGE messy knot. Not only that, but somehow the yarn got tangled between the two cables between the socks...it was pretty much impossible for me to fix until I finished both toes. SO! I ripped them out and promptly seperated the ball into two individual center pull balls.

Later I will post up pictures IF I decide that I dont need to rip them out. By Thursday's Stitch and Bitch I will definately have them started, hopefully into the pattern.

I also will put up pictures of my purchases from my trip to The Mannings!

Sexy Status Bars

Oh yes, I have, with Becky's help, added progress bars to the side panel! Now the trick will be to remember to update them :-)

Today I am going to the Open Barn! Because alpaca's produce such a wonderful fiber, and my friend from work owns a few. I really am interested in maybe partnering with this farm for fiber for the store...we will see.

Another perk of going all the way out there...it is very near to The Mannings. Which, hopefully, I will be stopping in and perhaps...BUYING SOME YARN! But who knows...If I do make any purchases, I will be sure to share them with you in the form of pictures!

Sock Yarn Reccomendations

As you know, I have been doing some research on sock yarns recently. Below I will list some information for your purusal.

Blue Moon Fiber Arts
pros:
- beautiful colorways
- superwash
- lots of yardage (1 hank = 1 pair)
- available in three different weights
- reasonably priced
- really soft
- pretty springy
- my favorite!
cons:
- not readily available other than main site

Schaefer Anne
pros:
- beautiful colorways
- superwash
- lots of yardage (1 hank = 1 pair)
- has some nylon content (good wearing)
- available here, check out other ebay stores for good prices
cons:
- has a vinegar smell

Lorna's Laces Shepard sock
pros:
- beautiful colorways
- superwash
- available here, here ,check out other ebay stores for good prices
- super soft
- good spring
cons:
- 2 hanks = 1 pair
- can be pricy (they do that stupid keystone pricing)

Cherry Tree Hill
pros:
- beautiful colorways
- superwash
- available here, here, see below listing of sites, plus check ebay
- good yardage (1 hank = 1 pair)
cons:
- I dont have much information on this yarn because my hank has not yet arrived

Other brands:
good sock yarn sites here, here, here, here, here

-Regia
-Opal
-Trekking XXL
-Austerman Step
-Mountain Colors Bearfoot
-many others

These other ones, I don't know...I really just fell so madly in love with the top 3...
There are other brands that carry sock yarn, but is not superwash...these are fine as long as you are fine with handwashing socks!

Also if you are doing the Jaywalker pattern, or other textured sock patterns, a self stripe sock yarn may not be desired...

Any of these will do, be sure to check the yardage...you want to get about 300+ yds per pair I think. Most brands you have to buy two skeins to make a pair.

The hubby knits!

Here are some more fun pictures! First up, my skein of Schaefer Anne yarn...for, you guessed it, SOCKS! It is hard to see all the wonderful colors, but they are all sorts of green and blue shades. It reminds me a lot of a peacock colors.

Second is a quick update on my huge hubby blanket. The pattern is found in fall's Interweave Knits. The cables are working out so lovely! I guess its sort of hard to get an idea for some of the bigger patterns, but after I get a bit more finished I will post another update. The whole thing is a whopping 257~ stitches so one row takes a LONG time...


Third, here are some washcloths I knit in the car over the weekend trip to the in-laws. I really like the colors on the right one, but the left didn't turn out the way I would have hoped. They are both knit in Sugar n' Cream.

Last but not least! --Some of you know I have taught my husband how to knit. Here are the three "projects" he has completed so far. From the left to right: Garter stitch swatch, Stockenit(sp? --yeah I'm too lazy to look it up) swatch, and a swatch with a stitch pattern all his own... I think they are just lovely, and am currently trying to encourage him to try something a bit bigger but still simple...like a scarf! Then I can convince him to let me buy more yarn!!!

Projects and new yarn

This is my current project. A pair of toe up socks on two circulars, done two at a time! They are being worked in my lucious new Lorna's Laces. I think they will be a gift for my sister's birthday.

I like doing them two at a time, but I made the mistake of getting two different length needles, a 16" and a 24". I thought that getting the two different sizes would help me keep them straight for the first pair. However, the 16" needles have a smaller needle part. So as I am working, the work falls off faster and its hard to grip. Next time I order from Knitpicks, I will grab another 24"...another excuse to buy more yarn!!

Speaking of more yarn...I got my "Socks that Rock" yarn from Blue Moon FiberArts. GORGEOUS!!! I LOVE this yarn!! The colors are just so beautiful and vibrant. Over the weekend I ended up rolling these into some nice center pull balls. The right-most one is for my sister-in law. I told her I would make her a pair of socks, and her birthday is coming up, so I suppose I can part with one of these hanks.

Finally, here is a picture of my finished sweater, blocking on the floor. I wore it this weekend a few times, but really I think it ended up just too short and too wide. The blocking didn't quite keep the ribbing from rolling, and the sleeves were very long.

At the in-laws this weekend, my aunt fell in love with it, and so I gave it to her. I figure I would rather have someone enjoy wearing it instead of me just throwing it into a drawer somewhere.

First Post

Ok, this space is going to be my blog for my knitting projects.

Currently I only have a few completed projects to tell you about. My very first sweater was completed a few weeks ago. For some weird reason I have been putting off the blocking…not necessarily dreading it, but not finding motivation to just get it done. So last night I sucked it up and blocked it out. It is currently drying on my living room carpet.

Other completed projects include a few scarves, which have been given as gifts, a washcloth, a couple pairs of socks, a hat, and one ruined-by-over-felting tote bag.

On the needles now: a HUGE blanket for my hubby (he’s 6’2” and wants a throw that covers all of him), some beautiful socks, another scarf, and a swatch for another try at the tote bag.

Hopefully I will be posting pretty regularly with pictures and I am sure, funny stories about my knitting adventures.