Socks...again

Yes, another posting about socks...but there's other stuff too I promise!!

First, I finished the Tapestry scarf. I am still meh about the yarn -- I like the silky feeling, but I still hate the hairy-ness. If it could only be silky without the hair. I will probably gift this, not sure yet to whom. Because after complaining about the hair, how can I push it off on some poor unsuspecting recipient?

In the spirit of recent-stitch-marker-making, I completed a set of fabulous green stars. And here is what my findings box looks like now.


I also made another set of binary stitch markers using purple and clear beads. This time I used up all four bead spots and went to 15. I have the materials to finish the first set, but have been, quite frankly, too lazy.

For the hubby, I frogged the Saffron Cables blanket...I just didn't like spending so much time per row. I love cables - I really do - I just don't love them in giant blanket form. Instead I have promised him a different blanket. One with manageable pieces. One that takes very little thought to work. Of course I decided it also needed more color...So I bought two more colors to compliment the green and TADA:


The Hubby Log Cabin is planned and started. Five center green squares are already completed, and now I just need to wait on mister mailman to bring me more yummy yarn.

What about the socks?!? Well, in anticipation of the first shipment for the Rockin' Sock Club -- I ordered yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts!


From left to right, Lemongrass, Rose Quartz, Lover's Leap, and Little Bunny Foo Foo. I LOVE them all!!!


Also in this order, two hanks for hubby in the very manly Obsidian. He has watched me fawn over Socks that Rock for many months now, and decided that he needed a pair. -- I also received the first shipment of the club, but I will leave that for a later post -- no spoilers here!

Binary Stitch Markers

Recently I have been wanting to make some stitch markers. David from Sticks & String podcast had a great tutorial on a set of binary ones. Since I am a computer scientist, I thought this was fitting! The picture is hard to see...For the zeros I used clear beads. For the ones I used pink Swarovski crystals. I only had enough beads to go to ten. Maybe today I will run out to the store and grab some more...at least enough to go to 15. These are going to be great for counting. And the thin wires makes them perfect for any type of needle, and especially great for lace work.

February is for FO's

I have a couple of FO's to post about! February was a pretty productive month for me. I decided that I would tackle my UFOs in the order of percentage already completed. This enabled me to finish more projects...which I then promptly cast on a few new ones!

Firstly, I finished and blocked the Swallowtail shawl. I think it turned out lovely -- I hope Aunt Dorothy likes it!


I finished the Lorna's Laces socks for my sister...you know, the ones that have been 95% complete for about 6 months...






Also completed are my Dreidel Jaywalkers.










For the hubby I have one sock done! I also ordered him some yummy Socks that Rock in the Obsidian color...so next up, more socks for him.












What did I start? Well, I just love the Whiskey yarns from Reynolds...so I started a fair-isle sweater from their new Contemporary Collection.

I also started a new pair of socks for me with SWTC Tofutsies yarn. Let me tell you, I LOVE this yarn. It is very light, a good summer sock yarn. Something about it makes it just wonderful.

Pictures, pictures, Pictures!!!

To make up for the severe lack of posting recently, I have a huge amount of pictures today. So lets see, what have I been up to? First, update on Sapporo: I have about 3-3.5 inches of the body completed...and I haven't worked on it for over a week. Miles and miles of plain stockinette to go before the interesting patterning starts.

In rebellion against doing miles and miles of plain stockinette, I have started a few scarves. I don't know why, but I had the unquellible urge to knit some scarves. Here we have a bias scarf in Rowan Tapestry, and a Ruffles from Scarf style in Sarah's Yarns' dk cashmere. My comments on the yarns? I don't really care for Tapestry. It is very pretty, but it is a bit more hairy than I thought it would be. The soy in it gives it a sort of silky feel, but the wool content is VERY hairy. I don't have any other words to describe it, its not scratchy or halo-y, its just ... the scarf feel reminds me of a hairy man leg...eww

Speaking of man legs -- I got some new yarns, one DH has approved for his first sock request (the middle one). The one he liked is various blues, and its wool with bamboo. Other sock yarns I received (because you can't just order one!) More Trekking, and TOFUtsies!

Going back to Sarah's Yarns, I had also purchased two cones of Jagger Zephyr for some lace knitting. The first project: Swallowtail shawl from fall 2006 Interweave Knits. I love this pattern, especially after some clever nupp strategies. My method for nupps: Using a size 0 dpn, transfer the five stitches from the left needle, to the dpn. Now purl into all five. This way is a bit tedious because of the transfer, but it is MUCH easier than trying to purl all five from the original needle. Even with the size 0, it is still hard for me to get much of the right needle through all five loops. This shawl is destined to be gifted to Aunt Dorothy -- the one person I know adores my handknits.

I finished one Pomatomus sock! Here it is in all its Pucks Mischief Beauty. The Rockin' Sock Club is almost ready to start so I better get working on this mate! The second Dreidel Jaywalker is almost completed as well.












To carry it all, I splurged on a Namaste messenger bag! This thing is huge, it stores all my needles, notions and several projects. Notice in the picture my CrippenWorks dpn case. Mom gave this to me for Christmas, but I forgot to post about it.

Interweave Knits Spring '07

I wanted to write a little bit about the new issue. The layout has changed, and while I understand the reasons for the change, it is going to take a bit to get used to it. Basically, they have moved the instructions for the patterns to the back, while leaving pictures in the front.

Other knitting magazines do this currently, but I don't know that this is what I prefer. Something about having the instructions with the first picture is nice, convenient and makes it more like an article rather than instructions.

When the instructions were located in the front, I felt there was more of an emphasis on the designer and description, and I liked that. Each pattern felt like a feature rather than mere instructions.

Also, I feel it's a waste to have to flip back and forth in the magazine to see all the available pictures of the pattern. Only a few pages divide the section of pictures vs. instruction, and so it seems a bit of a waste to have them separate. If the magazine its self had more content in between I could see how it would possibly be more logical.

I don't know, maybe it is just me, but it will just take me some time to get used to it. I will keep my eyes on the blogs to see how others feel about the change.

As for the patterns themselves, I have a few in mind that I might like to knit, but overall, I enjoyed my long awaited winter issue much more. Maybe this is only because I had to wait so long for it, or maybe the patterns were just more appealing.

Other events in my knitting world seem to have slowed down. I think it is because of the cold weather. Friends have grown quiet in both blog land as well as in email -- And I am no exception! While work has kept me very busy, I just haven't been in the mood to write or communicate much.

Perhaps we humans still have some instinctual process similar to hibernation. The holidays provided us with the over indulgence in food needed to sustain us through the long winter months. Then we stay at home surrounded by familiar comforts where it is unnecessary to communicate with the outside world. Tucked away in our cubbies, we knit, and dream of warmer weather.

Nupps!

I am very happy! My Interweave Knits Spring 2007 came in the mail today. It was a very nice surprise during a very busy week.

Tomorrow I will have pictures of my various WIP, including my almost finished Swallowtail shawl.

New Blogger!

Finally I was able to transfer my blog to the new Blogger! I love it so far. The biggest change is with the template, I will have to learn about how they are doing that so I can convert to the new way without loosing my buttons and images etc.

It has been quite a while since I posted last. I have been so busy; work, contract work, and illness have kept me away from the fun stuff on the computer. But the good news is, I have gotten a new antibiotic and hopefully this is the last time I will be sick this winter.

Another change for the new year: No more Verizon! I am sooooo happy to be back with Cingular/AT&T. It has been nothing but headaches with Verizon: bad customer service, bad phones, bad prices. The first night of the phone number port there was some weirdness happening, but the very kind customer service people of Cingular were most helpful, and got everything straightened out. The customer service really is the most important part of providing any type of service.

As for knitting, I have started on my Sapporo 2007 sweater! It is turning out really nicely. Knit on size 2's it will take quite a bit of time, but it will be well worth it. Also on the needles is a pair of Pomotamus socks and the second Jaywalker sock. I have turned the heel on the Jaywalker and am on the foot of the Pomotamus.

Weekend Sock

This weekend, DH took the PS3 back to the store. But then...bought a new one...but found this deal where you can trade in your old ps2 and get $100+ dollars back toward the purchase of the ps3! So that is what we did. It was a good deal, but I still don't see him getting to into it, especially now that school is starting up again.

In knitting news, I completed the seal rock socks that rock for my sister-in-law. Those are waiting to be gifted. I wanted to finish up a few more projects, but got too excited about socks. In one day, I finished an entire jaywalker! The color way is Dreidel from Blue Moon Fiber Arts, of course. I decided to go top down, and try out a picot edging (all of the cool kids are doing it). But I think with the way the jaywalker zigzags, it probably isn't the best choice. It is pretty thick and the turning makes the edge want to roll over. Other than that small problem, I just love the way the yarn worked up. The striping is perfect and there was no pooling at all.

Here you can see Mr. Sharky thinks they are yummy! I have already cast on for the second and should definitely have the pair completed in a few days.




I found a group doing Dale of Norway projects starting the 20th of January. And so, I have decided to give that a go. My choice is Sapporo, which is the 2007 Norwegian Ski Team sweater. I received my booklet and zipper and just have to decide on what colors I want to make it. It is worked in Daletta, which I have never used before. I want to carry Dale of Norway at the store, so I also consider this project research.

Happy New Year!

Lots of pictures for you this posting. I was away for the holidays, and came back with a sinus infection but lots of gifts. First, from the Lancaster Stitch 'N' Bitch: My secret santa was too kind! Becky got me a stitchonary, some tools, a cute ornament, a cookie cutter, and personalized hand dyed yarn!

How awesome is that!!! Its named after me, "Heather's Twilight".






From the family I got several knitting books and even some yarn! My family doesn't understand my obsession one bit, so the yarn and books were really hard for them to feel good about giving. Most notably, here are the skeins of Socks that Rock from my mom. Yummmmmm!! I can't wait to start knitting more socks!









Speaking of knitting. Over the break I was on a color mission. I am almost finished with one endpaper mitt, and about half way through one legwarmer. The mitts seem a bit small...but I think they will stretch...The leg warmer is turning out pretty nicely, very spring-like.









Not Christmas related, my husband was able to pick up one of these:









Not sure if we are going to keep it or not. There doesn't seem to be that much incentive at this point. Only one real game that he's interested in that isn't available for the 360, so maybe he will return it until there are more games. Who knows...

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.