Saturday, April 28, 2007

Unexpected Gifts

Last weekend I had visitors. One brought presents. Lots of nasty little presents.

I spent this past week recovering from them so there's no knitting to report. I am however finally completely recovered. How can little children bounce back so fast and grown-ups knocked completely on their asses?

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Aunt B's Big Adventure

This weekend didn't involve much knitting. Much of the weekend was spent entertaining two little boys. My nephews Jaylon and Isaiah.

We visited EdVenture "The South's Largest Children's Museum." It's home to Eddie the world's largest kid and one
2 1/2-year old wasn't too thrilled to see him. Even though Isaiah didn't cry the terror was obvious. Jaylon informed me that when he was "little" he used to be afraid of Eddie. He's now 7 and would later show that he's still a little bit on the scary side when it comes to certain things.


As we toured the Sahara, Jaylon thought it would be a good opportunity to try out a camel.


Isaiah demonstrated his reading skills.


We later picked up Grandma for lunch at Fuddrucker's.

Today was quieter with one little man battling the cold nasties and not feeling so well and the older one as rambunctious as ever. So after almost being pushed out of bed for the past two nights by a little boy who seems to need to occupy a surreal amount of nightime real estate for a toddler and being pushed and pulled in fifty million directions, I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep and so I leave you with a brief conversation I had this weekend.

Isaiah: Aunt Bearly.
Aunt Beverly: What Isaiah?
I: I'm ready to go. (Normally this means home.)
Aunt B: Where are you ready to go?
I: Nitey, nite.

My sentiments exactly. Nitey, nite.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Something Special

After reaolving some serious gauge issues, I've begun work on a little something special for mom. It's Daphne from Book 8 The Enchanted Garden by Elsebeth Lavold in Hempathy. The pattern calls for size 1 and 2 needles giving a gauge of 23 stitches x 32 rows. I chugged along and made a sizable swatch. However, when I measured it the gauges was 29 x 39. Way off. Way, way off.

The ball band suggests size 3 and 4 needles with a gauge of 22-23 stitches and 30-32 rows. I'm now using the suggested band sizes and am very pleased with the results.



I started the sleeve Sunday evening and if all goes well this sweater will be packed from mom's trip across the country in May.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Three Down


Specs:

Pattern: 2x2 Rib - My Generic Toe-Up
Yarn: Regia Cotton Color
Needles: Size 2 US Inox 24" circs, 1 US Inox 24" or ribbing
Method: 2 socks on 2 circs
Size: Women's size 9 1/2
Started: July 2,2006 Finished: April 15, 2007

Figure-eight cast-on for the toe increased to 64 stitches worked in ribbing with a Sherman Heel.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Another One Bites the Dust

I'm on a roll baby! The Alternating 2x2 Ribs are finished.


Specs:

Pattern: Alternating 2x2 Rib - SKS
Yarn: Mountain Colors 4/8's Wool
Needles: 4 US Brittany dpn's for sock, 3.0 mm Holz & Stein Rosewood dpn's for ribbing
Size: Women's size 9 1/2
Started: Not recorded. Finished: April 11, 2007

This was a most enjoyable yarn and pattern. I used the Easy Toe cast-on and the PGR short-row heel method. Since the 4/8's is a worsted weight yarn, I didn't do any patterning on the foot to reduce bulk. The yarn is an excellent choice for teaching. I was able to get an entire pair out of 1 skein and had about a yard and a half left.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

SKS x 2

Knocking my socks off!

I love it when a plan comes together. Making the committment to work exclusively on the projects currently listed on the WIP lists is turning out to be a positive decision. I purchased MSKS last weekend and my immediate inclination was to start another pair of socks. That was until I honestly and without excuses inventoried my current wips.

Even though I've looked through the book regularly, picked out several favorites (I'm leaning toward the Tessalations) and evaluated the sock stash, I've remained true to the "sock moratorium." Progress so far has resulted in 1 out 4 socks being completed, 3/4 of another pair and two complete singles both with the second foot started.


Laburnum


Alternating 2x2 Rib

I'm sure this won't last permanently because it's not my modus operandi, but it's a lot less stressful to get things under control and not feel like I'm not really getting any where. To the same end, I've been monitoring my yarn purchases. The temptation is strong and I'm so glad that I found out about the Knit Happens online sale way after the fact! I got several addi's but missed all of the yarn. It's been well over a month since the last yarn purchase and my lys doesn't quite know what to think of my current yarn buying behavior.

It's been over 14 months since my last cigarette and there's no point in getting control over one part of my life and continuing to let the others go to hell. Spring is a time of rebirth and changes and even though the current weather would have one think it's still winter, it's also a good time for some housecleaning and housekeeping.

Monday, April 02, 2007

Chubby Legs

Kids are precious and kids clothing even more so. Nothing is as cute as chubby legs...


in a pair of socks specially shaped to fit those chubby little legs.


Specs:

Pattern: Chubby Leg Socks (2x2 Rib)
Yarn: Regia 4fadig
Needles: 1 US Inox dpn's
Size: Toddler size 9-9 1/2
Started: February 11, 2007 Finished: April 1, 2007

This is the first pair of socks that I cast-on using the Twisted German cast-on. It has quickly become my favorite top-down cast on. I shaped the calves of the socks by decreasing 2 stitches in the back every 4 rows. The heels were made using a no-wrap short-row from the Easy Sock pattern by Ozyarns which is OOB. It's not as fiddly as the PGR method but I like both for different reasons.

Even though the time from start to finish is lenghty it actually only took about 1 1/2- 2 days to knit this pair of socks.

The second FO is the Green/Red Turtleneck


Specs:

Pattern: Green Turtleneck - Knit 'N Style
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic
Needles: 7 Clover Bamboo straights
Size: L
Started: March 7, 2007 Finished: March 31,2007

Modifications: Perfect mindless knitting. I altered the collar as I don't care that much for turtlenecks. I increased in the front section to make it slightly wider while maintaining the close fit along the back neck. The increases were worked to maintain the K2P2 ribbing in the collar and are hidden under the fold. I've tried it on and like the fit. A little snugger the I normally choose but comfortable.

Before they're completely gone...