Fiberitis

Setting Goals

2012-02-01T19:28:00.006-05:00

Sometimes the time really does fly by. I intended to start the year off by posting more often and have already failed miserably.

At first I was distracted by the Kindle Fire I got the end of November and there was far too much game playing and movie watching and not enough knitting, beading or any other crafty diversion. I seem to have adjusted to it as I no longer spend hours at a time on it.

In an effort to get more knitting done I started prioritizing my projects and setting goals. This is how January started...

January Goals Week 1:

1.Finish Mermaid
2.Finish a pair of socks from Drip Candles, Dizzy or generic toe-up
3.Cast on a sweater for me
4.Finish Fugue
5.Knit Bosc hat
6.Design a pair of men’s socks

and this is how it ended.

January Goals Week 5:

1.Finish Mermaid - 1/16 need to do right collar side.2.Finish a pair of ~~socks from Drip Candles, Dizzy~~ or Opal Tiger socks 1/10 - 1st foot done, 1/3 of leg started, 1/27 - 1 sock finished, cast on second sock3.~~Cast on~~ Knit a sweater for me - Belted Cardigan Vest 1/10 - half of back done, 1/19 - back done, left front started, 1/20 - left front finished, 1/21 - right front cast on, 1/26 right front finished, 1/30 - blocked sweater.
4.Finish Fugue
5.~~Knit Bosc hat~~ - Finished 1/23
6.Design a pair of men’s socks - Picked out stitch pattern 1/4. 1/30 - Ordered Cascade Heritage Silk Vandyke Brown from Jimmy Beans Wool. Will swatch this weekend.

My original plan was to knit my brother's sock from stash yarn since he wanted a pair of gray socks. He changed his mind and decided he'd rather have brown socks to go with his new boots. He's so knitworthy that I had to oblige him. I'm making these extra special by designing them myself.

The sweater I cast on for myself is the Belted Cardigan Vest from Knit Noro. I'm knitting this with Silk Garden from the stash that was purchased during one of the Hook N Needles sales. This year I'm making the same committment to knit from stash as last year.

I was picking up the sleeve bands when I admitted to myself that I didn't like the short-rowed shoulders and three-needle bind off and ripped it all out. There's no point in finishing something when you know good and well that you won't like the end result. I'm going to try and have this finished by tomorrow night so that I can wear it to the Knit-Inn in Greenville this weekend.

I've already created by list of goals for February but my main goal is to knit a lot more than I did last year. I'm focusing on not only using the yarn I have stashed, but also the books and patterns that are in my library. I would also like to design a few items using the stitch dictionaries I currently own.

This year is about setting goals and achieving them. Pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and sharing my talents aand gifts with others. I'm pushing myself to become healthier and stronger in 2012.

Out with the Old and in with the New

2011-12-31T12:34:00.004-05:00

As the year comes to a close I think about all that happened or didn't happen this year. I've felt more close to my family than I have in a long time. Yes, some of them still get on my nerves and we disagree from time to time but there is no doubt in my mind that I love them and they love me.

I didn't succeed at not buying yarn but I didn't purchase nearly as much as I normally do and neither did my mom. This year saw a drastic decrease in the number of items knitted mainly due to health issues and in November the arrival of a new gadget... my Kindle Fire.

I've loaded a bunch of patterns and no longer will be carrying around paper patterns unless absolutely necessary. I've spent most of the time since it arrived on November 28th watching movies, playing games and reading instead of knitting like I should have.

I completed only 10 items this year. When I looked at them on Ravelry yesterday I was surprised. I can't recall a recent year when I've knitted a lesser amount of items. I plan to do much better in the coming year. I'm still planning to knit as much from stash as possible but I also plan to limit my purchase of books, magazines and patterns. I have a very large stash of those also so I need to use them.

I joined a gym in November and up until recently was working out regularly. I'm having issues with my knees again and hope to get that all sorted out the first of January. I've seen changes and I'm really anxious to get back to working out. I've also had problems controlling my blood sugars and I know that getting in shape and getting some of this weight off will go a long way to helping with that issue.

As part of getting back on track I also plan to be more frugal and evaluate the purchases I make. Even though I bought relatively little yarn and had a lot of other purchases such as beading materials and clothing. I really would like to get to the point where I'm purchasing more out of need than want.

Well that's it. A wrap up of how I plan to spend the new year so I'll end with ...

Happy New Year and God Bless!!!

A Brief Interlude

2011-11-01T18:06:00.007-04:00

After a few error laden rows, I decided it was time to take a break from Mermaid and cast-on with some of the Regia Unicolor I recently purchased.

Front

Back
This is Dizzy a free pattern on Ravelry.

I'm not sure who these will fit but they are intended for my mother. I making my first pair of knee-highs! She's always cold so these should fit the bill. I bought the unicolor with colorwork in mind so I've been spending a lot of time looking at patterns for this type of knitting. I'd like to make hats, mittens and/or gloves and socks using this technique. I'm doing these as a prelude to knitting a sweater using the stash of Kauni Effektgarn I purchased a couple of years ago.

The nephews, Jaylon and Isaiah, spent the weekend with us. At the time I asked their parents if they could spend the night I had no idea I would end up with sick children. Needless to say, I ended up with a respiratory infection compounded by asthma. Thank goodness for Z-Packs. I feel tons better compared to yesterday when I saw the doctor and have told their parents not to send their sick kids to our house. I'm home until Thursday and hope to really feel like myself by then.

Snapdragon Tam

2011-10-30T23:33:00.003-04:00

Specs:

Pattern: Snapdragon Tam by Ysolda
Yarn: Madelinetosh tosh DK Candlewick
Needles: 4 US & 6 US
Knitted: September 11, 2011 - September 18, 2011

Perfect! This is the only way to describe this pattern. The only change I made was to knit the band on size a size 4 instead of a size 6. The hat is gorgeous and the Madelinetosh was a dream to work with. I will use this yarn again.

Getting Ready for the Holidays

2011-10-19T20:58:00.007-04:00

Slowly but surely progress is being made. I'm trying and mostly succeeding at not knitting for long stretches of time. I've spent all of my knitting time working on my mom's Christmas present Mermaid by Hanne Falkenberg.

I have professed my hatred for garter stitch, but each time I knit a Falkenberg design it vanishes. This particular pattern has so much variation that it never gets boring. I tried it against mom and it looks great. I'm hoping that it doesn't grow during blocking like my Skyline did.

We did our yearly demo at the fair last Wednesday. I checked my entries and I received blue ribbons for my Snapdragon hat, Ziprelaxagon socks and Greenleaves fingerless gloves. My Adamas shawl received a second place. When I got to the socks mother and I burst out laughing so loud that everyone was looking at us. We were laughing because even though I didn't win the sweepstakes this year I won the second highest award which is given by my guild, the Palmetto Purlers. It consists of a ribbon, a membership in the guild and a $30.00 cash award. I paid my dues last month so I guess I'll get a refund at this months meeting.

The hat is Ysolda's Snapdragon tam from Whimsical Little Knits Book 2.

I love everything about this hat. The design is incredible and this picture doesn't do it just. I used the yarn the pattern called for, a rarity for me, and the Madelinetosh is too die for. It is so soft and the color is gorgeous. This was one of my yarn splurges for the year and I'm certain there will be more of this in my future.

This weekend I'm headed to the mountains for SAFF and beading. We're planning to hit SAFF on Friday and the beading store on Saturday. Mom is joining us on this trip. The leaves are starting to show their colors so it should be beautiful up there. I'm going to try very hard not to add to the stash, but I'm not going to prevent mom from doing so!

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-10-08T00:37:00.001-04:00

It feels good to finally be able to knit for periods longer than 15 minutes. Between the nerve problems and the high blood sugars I haven't been able to knit much lately.

I still experience problems from the nerve compression and going 17 months without an injection didn't help the situation. I did pretty well for a while, but as the pain begain to increase I wouldn't heed the signs and schedule an appointment for one. The last 2-3 months have been a hell of intermittent and sometimes debilitating pain. I finally took my mom's advice and scheduled an appointment. I had the injection on Wednesday and I have already experienced a lot of relief. I will never wait this long again.

After years of good control, I have been experiencing high blood sugars fasting and throughout the day. I can always tell when my blood sugar is high because it adversely affects my eyesight. I've been told that this is a good thing because I will know when I don't have good control. I pay close attention this because the relatives on my dad's side including him tend to have diabetes-related blindness. I tried an injectable, Byetta, but was unable to get any control with it. I'm on a morning and evening dose of insulin and this is working. My vision has normalized and my highs have begun to come down.

I had grand ideas of putting a lot of entries in the fair but that didn't work out either. I did manage to enter 4 items which is better than entering nothing. I'm also serving as one of the co-presidents of the Palmetto Purlers knitting guild for the 2011-2012 year along with Boykin Exum. There's much work to be done coming up with a schedule of programs and hopefully a big weekend knitting event. It has been quite a while since I was an officer, but I'm looking forward to serving this year and possibly the next.

I'm not committing my self to making many Christmas gifts but one that I have gotten started on is the Mermaid jacket by Hanne Falkenberg. It is a present for my mom and after a couple of false starts I'm finally on track.

This is my second Hanne Falkenberg design. I have another Mermaid and Pagoda kit to knit after this one. Her instructions can be a little cryptic so you really have to pay close attention. My earlier mistakes were from not reading the entire pattern and misunderstanding what I had read. I've set a personal goal of finishing this by the end of month in case I do decide to make a gift or two or three. Nothing is set in stone for me when it comes to knitting.

I hope to update this blog more often now that my health issues have settled down and I can enjoy the crafts that I love.

Seeing America

2011-09-06T21:31:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I head back to work after 12 days off. This is the longest I've been off work without being ill and I loved it all except for the part where we had to run from TS Lee.San Antonio was a hot 110 when we arrived but the temps dropped to the 90's for the first time in months when we were there.

The VFW and Ladies Auxillary convention was in full force. There were approximately 10,000+ in attendance. We fulfilled our delegate obligations and took some time to see more of San Antonio and get in some shopping.

Despite the heat we did some touring and saw some fascinating points of interest. Of course I visited the Alamo again and we stayed at the Marriot Rivercenter on the Riverwalk and took the riverboat tour but this time they are doing a great job promoting other sites. Even though I've visited San Antonio before I saw much more than I did the first time because I was ill during that trip.

We road the Alamo Tours trolley to see some of the selected sites in order to choose those that we wanted to spend more time visting. The next day we used our "hopper pass" to visit the following sites.

The Tower of the Americas

The Museum of Texan Culture

Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo, one of five missions in San Antonio and the best-known mission in Texas

Market Square One thing that really caught my eye in San Antonio is the architecture.

This building was used for the movie Ghost Busters...

and a lot of the older buildings have the "Uglies" or faces believed to drive away bad luck or evil. The Museum of Texan Culture has 26 flags representing the countries or ethnic groups that have infleunced the development of San Antonio and it clearly shows in the architecture.

We left Texas on Friday heading to New Orleans and straight into the path of tropical storm Lee. The bellhops at the hotel were keeping track of the storm and tried to convince us to go around but since we already had reservations we continued as planned. The closer we got to New Orleans the worst the weather became and by the tame we arrived at the hotel that night the winds where high and the rain blinding. We spent the night, cancelled the remaining days when we got up that morning and hightailed it out of there. At that time they were expecting the storm to remain stalled until Monday and even though it didn't turn out that way we were glad we left.

Mother and I were stuck in a hotel in Orlando in 2008 during a TS that stalled and shut down everything and we didn't want to relive that experience.

We had a wonderful trip. Nothing beats driving through and actually experiencing the country you live in. There is a lot still to be done in Biloxi, where we spent our first night of the trip, and New Orleans. There's also a lot of work to be done in Texas with the drought and fires but I love visiting and seeing the USA.

Picking Up Where I Left Off

2011-08-08T20:44:00.008-04:00

I've given up hope of posting regularly here. I'm having trouble with the left hand, arm and shoulder once again so my crafting time has been limited. I've been unable to do much of anything for any significant length of time. The state fair knitting is started and I'm currently working on a women's pullover. It will, along with the other knitting for the fair, remain a stealth project until after the fair in October.

I finally got back to beading this past week and made three bracelets with one or two more to go. The pattern is Bump in the Road from Step by Step Beads which is now Beadwork.

The top one is for my co-worker Tammy's birthday, the second one is for my mom and the third and unfinished one is for my sister. I had to modify the instructions for the toggle loop since it came out way too big on Tammy. I redid that one and finished my sister's Sunday night.

I'm participating in the Westknits Mystery KAL on Ravelry. We are currently knitting clue 2. I finished clue 1 yesterday and will work on clue 2 this evening. The first two clues are quite short but he has promised that the knitting will pick up drasticly with clue 3. This is my first Westknit pattern and so far I'm enjoying it.

I resisted the temptation to purchase yarn for this project and after much searching I came up with a combination I like. The yarn is Dalegarn Tiur in colors I call Mossy Green, Antique Gold and Brick Red.

In keeping with earlier plans I've been working with the knitting machine in hopes of using up some of the sock stash. I've got casting on ribbing and circular knitting down. I'm having some issues with the main bed. The stitches will knit fine for a while and then all of a sudden some of them don't knit anymore. I'll switch out some more needles and play around with the weight to see if that solves the problem. I'm also having problems with the short-row heel. Jan did a refresher for me at our meeting on Saturday some I confident that the more I practice the better I will get.

I still haven't had time to take a spinning class so that has been on the back burner for know. I've got a pretty full plate is it is so I'm going with what's already in the works for the time being.

Feeling the Family Love

2011-06-28T20:31:00.011-04:00

My great-niece turned 1 earlier this month and her birthday party was Sunday. Due to family issues, I hadn't seen her since my birthday party in September. Madison is a sweet, happy and loving little girl. It was a great party and we enjoyed meeting the rest of the family.

Megan (mom) & Madison

Parents, grandparents and great-grandparents
Obviously I'm not cut out for project monogamy. I do really well until I see a project that hits the sweet spot and then all bets are off.

I was sailing right along on Buttercup and making great progress after having to rip out most of the sweater and then I decided to take a look at the "New and Popular" patterns on Ravelry. I'm not sure if it was at the top then as it is now but I couldn't resist Catkin. This gorgeous cape/shawl/poncho has created all kinds of problems. I initially started knitting it with some Miss Babs from the stash but not liking that I lost all resolve and ordered the delicious Madelinetosh Merino Light that the pattern called for. I ended purchasing 5 skeins of yarn instead of the 2 I originally intended. So much for Cold Sheeping.

After I getting over my original feelings of guilt I love the work in progress.

This is for my mom's birthday this month and the plan is to finish it before she leaves for Hawaii at the end of the month.

July 1st is the opening day for submitting your request for the state fair exhibit tags. I was considering not entering this year since I have won the sweepstakes 4 times including the last 3 years in a row. I thought about it and decided that I shouldn't punish myself by not entering because I keep winning. I have worked really hard to improve my skills to get to this point so I don't feel that I am being unjustly rewarded. Each time I win I remember my first entry many, many years ago that didn't qualify for anything because some of the buttons fell off. I may have been in my late teens or early twenties and my main focus at that time was crochet but the failure had such an impact on me that I didn't enter anything else until I was in my early forties.

I compiled my list of categories that I plan to enter and decided on the projects and the yarn. This year I will enter something in the "Infant and Toddler" section. I have two babies, a great niece and a goddaughter, that I'll be able to pass the knits to once the fair is over.

That's it for the update. I keep saying I'm going to do better at blogging but I know if life gets in the way that won't happen so I'll say until the next time.

Another Test Knit

2011-06-03T21:13:00.005-04:00

This past month I had another top-secret test knitting project. It was another sock pattern for Kirsten of Zeks Lite. The pattern, Short Row Shuffle Socks, is now available on Ravelry.

I tested two versions of the pattern. The first is a top-down 4-stitch shuffle with a welted cuff

and the second is a toe-up 5-stitch shuffle with a ribbed cuff.

This pattern is designed for yarns that have defined and regular repeats of color.

I love Kirsten's patterns. They are always challenging and inspired. Each one exposes you to a new techinique or way to look at knitting. I love the short rows used in this pattern.

The family issues have calmed down. They haven't been resolved but we are more back to normal. I must say that I didn't get much done last month. I had to rip out most of the body of Buttercup due to split threads and got started back on it a couple of days ago. It's all stockinette so it is going pretty fast and should be finished soon.

A Raveler was destashing an amazing 14 Hanne Falkenberg kits and after looking at them I couldn't resist buying two of them. This is my first purchase since December so I didn't feel too bad about it plus the price was unbeatable. The Mermaid kit is for my mother and the Pagode for me.

When I opened the box I was surprised to find enclosed enough yarn to knit 4 pairs of socks. Two skeins of Colinette Jitterbug, 2 skeins of Regia Design Line and 2 skeins of Regia 4fadig plus I didn't pay for the shipping or insurance. This is the first purchase I've made from a Raveler and it couldn't have gone better.

Adamas Shawl

2011-05-17T22:32:00.007-04:00

I didn't mean to take so long between blog post but life has been hectic and demanding. You think that everything is going well in your family life and a bomb drops. I can't go in detail except to say that this has been one of the most devastating events our family has had to endure and we are still trying to recover.

I finished the Adamas shawl the first part of last month but didn't get around to blocking and taking pictures until over a month later. This was our guild kal project that started in January.

Specs:

Pattern: Adamas by mimknits
Yarn: Karabella Lace Merino
Needles: 5 US
Knitted: January 26, 2011 - April 7, 2011

I increased the size in order to use up the full 4 skeins of yarn on hand. I'm glad I did since this made it the perfect size for me. Graciously modeled by my mom.

A Sweater for Me

2011-05-02T20:42:00.005-04:00

I've been searching for the perfect sweater for me for quite a while and finally found it. I'm making Buttercup.

This sweater has been in the top 10 of my queue for a long time. I've been hesitant to cast on given the bad luck I've had the past 2 years making sweaters for me. They either turned out to be not flattering on me or I outgrew them before I was even close to finishing. I've seen this sweater on many different body types on Ravelry and for the most part it was very flattering.

I've finished with the yoke and most of the body and have started on the sleeves.

The first sleeve is finished except for the fan and feather lace trim. I really love the feel of this sweater and since I've knitted with Hempathy I know it will soften up even more when soaked.

I'm still working on beading projects but not so much lately. I've been spending a lot of my time getting my knitting machines up and running again. To that end I attending a knitting machine seminar in Raleigh, NC this past Friday and Saturday. It was hosted by the Carolinas Machine Knitting Guild and Featured four instructors from the US and Canada. I learned a lot, got some things refreshed and met a lot of new people. I really want to learn to knit circular socks on the knitting machine and I now feel more empowered to give it a try. My stash of coned yarns is as large as the handknitting stash so I really need to get busy and put it to use. I also own four electronic machines and they are being wasted so it's time to get my ducks in a row.

Time is at a premium these days. I'm on the Women's Day choir at church and we meet on Monday and Wednesday, I attend exercise classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and most Saturday's I have something going on. I'm also test knitting another pattern so I've replaced my regular knitting with that. I'm always amazed at how things are so slow and calm during the winter time and as soon as spring arises everything picks back up.

Beads, Beads Everywhere

2011-03-28T20:59:00.014-04:00

Our beading weekend was fantastic!!! We had such a good time that we are already planning the next one. Nancy graciously invited us to her cabin in Chesnee for the weekend. We headed up on Friday after I got off work.

Nancy has been a beader for years as well as an accomplished knitter and painter. She has also been waging a courageous battle against several types of cancer for the past few years. Millie another knitting friend who started beading last year was our driver and co-coordinator of the trip. I rounded out the group of three.

We stopped for dinner and picked up some goodies along the way and once we got to the cabin we settled our things, took over the dining room table and immediately started working on our projects. On Friday we visited Horsefeathers Bead Store in Campobello, SC which is right up the road and dropped some cash. It is off the beaten path but worth visiting. They have an excellent selection of Delica beads.

We also visited North Woods Farm Fiber and Yarn Store in Inman, SC. They have a wonderful selection of yarn, books, needles and bags. In addition to these items they also have an alpaca farm and process their own fiber. I was tempted several times to purchase yarn but managed to stick to the no yarn buying plan. I did purchase some ChiaoGoo needles to test since I have heard such good things about them and this is the first store I've been in that had them. They also sell KnitPicks and Blackthorn needles. I forgot to take my camera with me so I didn't get pictures of either place. I would have loved to get pictures of all of the alpacas especially the babies.

Once we got back and had dinner we began beading in earnest. I started my most time consuming project having found the perfect beads to complete the design at Horsefeathers. I purchased some Rivoli's from Fire Mountain Gems before we left and the colors were not what I expected when light reflected on them so I found some beads that coordinated better at Horsefeathers. This was my first time creating bezels but I was anxious to try the new technique.

We resumed work on our projects Saturday and I finally remembered to get out the camera. The first picture is Nancy, the second Millie and the last me.

I finished two projects and only need to add the button closure and loop on the last.

From bottom to top: Rivoli Square Dance bracelet, Triangle bracelet and Wave Ring

My favorite project is the rivoli bracelet but I learned from all of them. I feel the need to challenge myself with each project and I'm driven to learn all that I can about this new hobby. I'm sure that I'll eventually settle down with some favorite methods but for know I'm having fun trying new ones.

I did manage to get a little knitting done on the way up and back. My Adamas shawl has reached the point where I have to decide if I want to make it bigger or work the final chart. I have two full skeins of yarn remaining so I can easily make it larger. That's it for now. I'm off to put together some beads for some more Wave rings.

Finishing

2011-03-20T23:06:00.007-04:00

This past week has been all about finishing. For the most part I'm really good about finishing things once they're made but every now and then I hit the wall where it can take me weeks or months to get something completed.

October 2010 was when I had my first beading lesson. Millie wore a fringe bracelet to our knitting guild meeting that month and also brought several other bracelets that she had made for show and share. I asked her if she would teach me how to bead and we've been meeting to bead since then.

Our first beading project was the fringe bracelet I had admired. I used 11/0 emerald silver-lined AB seed beads for the fringe and 8/0 emerald silver-lined seed beads for the core. It's funny but what I just typed made no sense to me at all a few months ago and now I am totally immersed in bead speak.

This weekend three of us are going to Nancy's cabin in the mountains to immerse ourselves in a weekend of beading, good food and friendship. I've been planning my projects and can't wait to get away.

Thursday I finished the first installment of the sock club.

Specs:
Pattern: Split Reed Socks from Think Outside the Sox
Yarn: Mountain Colors Bearfoot Elderberry
Needles: 1 dpn's
Size: Womens large (10N)
Knitted: February 28- March 18, 2011

I made these for me and they feel fantastic. The only modification I made was to knit these toe-up.

Next up are two hats that had been languishing in the finishing line. First is the Cabled Chapeau which languished while I tried to figure out what to use to shape the brim. I purchased a hat kit at the Greenville Knit-Inn which contained a craft foam visor to use for the brim. I immediately went to AC Moore when I got home, purchased the foam and attached the visor. It then took me over another month to attach the strap and buttons.

Specs:
Pattern: Cabled Chapeau
Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted Deep Sea
Needles: 8 US
Knitted: December 1,2010 - March 20, 2011

I made this for my mom's friend Velma. It is part of a set with the Saroyan shawl/scarf made with the same yarn. She has seen it, tried it on and loves it.

Last up is Limpetiole which I originally was going to knit as part of a Wooly Wormhead KAL.

Specs:
Pattern: Limpetiole
Yarn: Wool2dye4 Merino Silk Undyed
Needles: 5 US
Size: 20 (medium)
Knitted: January 2-10,2011

I knitted this for my oldest brother's friend Anne. I was a real slacker on this as I didn't get it blocked until this past Friday. I love the hat. It has wonderful drape and feels luxurious. I'm sure she'll love it even if she has to wait most of a year to wear it.

That's it for the project round. I always feel relieved once I cleaned up some of the loose ends.

Practice, Practice, Practice

2011-03-09T21:35:00.010-05:00

The only way to become really good at something is to practice. While we all may be born with natural talents or gifts we still need to work at improving or perfecting them.

We try to have a beading get together once a month and each time we work on a new project. I usually finish that project and don't work on anything beading-related until the next get together. Today I decided that I need to work on my beading skills and tackle projects on my own to see if I can understand and interpret the instructions. To that end I started on some new projects.

The first project used the spiral peyote technique I learned last month. It is a pair of turtle earrings. I had some trials during the making of the first turtle but once I ripped it and started over I could clearly see what needed to be done.

For the first time I am making an entire set which will consist of the necklace, bracelet and earrings. This combination is more formal than all of the previous beading I have done. I started with a base of pearls and silver charlotte beads.

Once the base was completed the arches and picots were added in the same pass.

All went well until I put the necklace on and one of the threads broke causing two pearls to fall out. I put it aside until today when I fixed the part that started to come loose from the thread breaking and replaced the missing beads. I can tell that my technique is improving. For a long time I struggled with joining new thread and tying the old threads off. They wouldn't hold and the piece would fall apart. That wasn't my problem this time as it appeared that I'd actually went through the core of the thread more than once and causing it to ravel and break. Now I'm confident enough to go back and finish some incomplete projects I'd put aside for the above reasons.

I would like to thank Monica and Kathy for your responses to my questions. I've decided to use Saturdays and Sundays for sewing and working on the knitting machines especially now that it's March Madness. The beading and knitting projects are portable and I can carry them into the den and work on them while I watch the games. The other two aren't and since there isn't a tv in the craft room I'd rather work on the other two when I have more time in the day. I can bring the sewing machine into the den and set up in there if absolutely necessary so I have more leeway with my sewing projects plus some of them will require hand finishing which means I can bring them into the den.

I'm at a point in my life where I no longer want to sacrifice one hobby for another so it is essential that I find a way to work them all in. The only thing left to find time for is the cross stitch and the spinning or maybe it's time to give something up.

Where's the Sock Club?

2011-03-06T21:39:00.004-05:00

At the beginning of the year I created my own personal sock club. Last month I got out bag #1 opened it, assembled the pattern and needles and put it on the back burner when I got sidetracked by the Drip Candle socks. I realized that if I continued along this path I wouldn't get any of the socks done so I quickly cast on the Split Reed socks on the last day of February. I finally got things rolling Friday and have made good progress. The colors are much more intense than this washed out flash picture shows.

While knitting these I realized that this is the first pair of socks I've knitted for myself out of Mountain Colors Bearfoot. The other pairs have all gone to mom and I can see why she loves them. I tried on the foot to check the heel placement and it is soooo soft.

My mom is a hoot! She remarked yesterday that I've given up knitting for beading. As Flo used to say, "When donkeys fly!".

I promptly whipped out the sock I had worked on at machine knitting meeting and put it on. As much as I enjoy beading it will never take the place of handknitting. I doubt that I will find anything that replaces the calming meditative effect it has on me.

For those of you who also have multiple interests, how do you find the time to fit them all in? Now that I'm involved in a machine knitting guild once again I really feel the need to plan some time during the week to get on the machines and practice. That is in addition to also needing to practice on the spinning wheel and make bags for my nieces. Do you do them whem the mood strikes or do you have days designated to certain activities?

I've seen on other blogs where a certain day is designated for spinning or some other crafts. Does this really work? Any feedback is greatly appreciated as I try to figure out how to indulge in all of these things I like to do without neglecting something else.

Ziprelaxagon

2011-03-03T19:01:00.004-05:00

Today I get to post the socks I test knitted. Yippee!!!

Specs:

Pattern: Ziprelaxagon by Kirsten Hall aka Spindleknitter on Ravelry
Yarn: Galesart Sock Moldy Pumpkin
Needles; 1 US and 3 US Knit Picks
Size: Medium
Knitted: January 1 - February 19, 2011

I test knitted these for Kirsten Hall designer of the cover socks on Think Outside the Sox and the Drip Candle Socks I am currently knitting. This is a challenging pattern but well worth the effort and had a lot of fun knitting it. If you're like me the second sock will be a breeze.

I will definitely make these longer the next time. They are the perfect length for my mother who prefers her legs shorter. I have enough left to lengthen them so I will eventually get around to doing that.

Where Did Winter Go?

2011-02-27T20:00:00.004-05:00

Todtay I finished what is probably the last winter project that I will work on this season. Even though I have several other winter projects languishing in the unfinished state, I find it hard to think about working on them when the temps are in the 60's to low 80's. My mind keeps turning to summer tops like Buttercup. I even went so far Thursday as to get out the yarn and frog the little bit that had been knit into a sleeve for something else. Something else that I will never wear since I'm at least four sizes larger and wouldn't have enough yarn to finish it in a larger size because it was purchased several years ago.

Specs:

Pattern: Molly
Yarn: Plymouth Mushishi in a color I call Rose
Needles: 7 US Colonial Rosewoods
Knitted: February 9-27, 2011

This was a take along project that I worked on when I needed something completely mindless or needed a brake from other projects. There are only 4 rows to the pattern. Row 2 is a repeat of row and row 4 is a repeat of row 3 so it was a complete no brainer. This was a stash project and since I didn't want any yarn leftover I used all 491 yards. I will make this again for me.

I finished the first foot of the Drip Candle socks and started the second only to realize that I was using needles that are a 1/2 size smaller than those used for the first. Definitely a brain fart moment. Since I don't have any yarn to waste I'll frog what I have done so far and start over.

I seriously considered making these socks fraternal but I'm all about the matchy-matchy thing when possible.

I've been reading a lot of new to me blogs lately and I'm amazed at how many knitters are knitting down their stashes. My stash is insanely large and keeps growing exponentially so it was time for me to rein myself in but obviously there are a lot of others who feel the need to do the same or something close to it.

The last time I purchased yarn was in December and that was to make a hat, fingerless gloves and scarf for one of my nephews. The hat is made but was a tad too small and the scarf has been started. He's only five so I'm not worried about him outgrowing it too soon but with the current weather situation he won't need.

I'm not saying I haven't looked at, touched or wanted to purchase yarn I'm just saying I haven't made any purchases. I do feel great each time I finish a project and know that I didn't have to go out and buy the yarn for it. My goal is to go the entire year and I'm on my way to month 3.

I have been spending more time beading and that means spending money on beads. It's not as much as I would spend on yarn since I try to buy on a project by project basis. I really enjoy it and each time we do a different technique which keeps it interesting. My goal is to get to a place where I can conceive and execute my own designs plus it relieves some of the stress on my body from knitting too much. This year is about stretching out and learning new things and this puts me well on my way.

Take a Chill Pill or Time Out Anyone?

2011-02-12T22:49:00.010-05:00

After a two month break we had a beading session today. We always have lunch before getting started and today Millie's mom made some great chili, Nancy prepared a wonderful salad and Gail made delicious homemade salsa and cornbread. For dessert I made Molten Chocolate Cakes and Calvin brought coffee and french vanilla ice cream. I haven't made this dessert in a very long time and it was every bit as good as I remember.

Our planned project was the spiral peyote bracelet. This project did not come easy to me and I experienced some serious frustration trying to get it started. My way to deal with project frustation whether it be knitting, sewing, beading or programming is to take a time out and step away for a while to clear my head and let my frustation level subside.

Millie took a look at what I was doing and realized that I was working clockwise instead of counterclockwise. This solved the problem and once I got restarted things went smoothly.

Looking at what I originally thought would be just a bracelet, I'm now considering making a bracelet and matching necklace with coordinating earrings. I don't typically wear a lot of gold or goldtoned jewelry anymore but I do wear a lot of red and I love the look of the bracelet. I don't want to get in the habit of making a lot of random pieces and would love to have some sets.

I made it to the heel of the Drip Candle socks Thursday and was not at all pleased with the results. Colinette Jitterbug is closer to sportweight and I chose to use it for the heel. This resulted in a bulky and not to attractive heel when compared with the rest of the sock. I sought mom's opinion and she agreed so I ripped the entire heel out last night. I will use the green supersock instead. In the photo you can still see some of the blue but that has also been frogged.

This has been a great weekend and tomorrow promises to be another beautiful day. I plan to get back to work on the almost finished test knitting and sit out on the deck for a change and enjoy the sun. I hope that you are having a beautiful weekend as well.

A Serious Case of Startitis

2011-02-09T21:00:00.006-05:00

As if I don't have enough wip's already I've developed a serious case of "startitis". I see a project that I like and I just have to cast on. One of the Knit-Inn participants was wearing the most gorgeous ruffled scarf. Of course I had to investigate to see what pattern was used. It was the Molly scarf from Classic Elite Yarns Liberty Wool leaflet.

I made a quick call to The Needler yesterday, one of the lys' in the area, to put the pattern on hold and as soon as I got off work I drove over to Lexington to pick it up. I cast on this morning while taking a break at work with Plymouth Mushishi from the stash.

I was tempted to buy the Liberty Wool used in the pattern but I resisted. I'm not sure that I would have been able to hold out if they had more colors available but I'm pleased with the way the Mushishi is knitting up.

I restarted the Drip Candle socks over 72 stitches and the fit is perfect. I'm back to my original ending place with the first sock and have decided to use 8 colors instead of trying to use all of the colors in the bag. I'm saving those for the next pair and will need to knit some socks with more contrasting colors before I use them.

My mom has a friend who suffered some nerve damage to one of his hands and now has a problem with it being cold and hurting. I'm making a pair of fingerless mitts for him from Knits Men Want. I was almost finished with the first one when I realized that it was going to be to big in the Ultra Alpaca I was using. His hand is the same size as mine so at least I have a good guide to go by.

I finished the foot of my test knitting while I was in Greenville so now I need to buckle down and get the rest of the sock done. This is the first time I've test knitted for someone and it has been a pleasing and interesting experience. It has given me a great appreciation of pattern writing. I only wish more people were conscientious about getting their patterns properly tested before releasing them to the public.

Leftovers Are Good For You

2011-02-07T21:23:00.007-05:00

For several years I've been saving the little balls of yarn left from socks and more recently (as in last year) fingerless gloves. I've used some of it to make baby socks but was at a loss as to what to do with the rest. I knew I wouldn't knit a sock yarn blanket because blankets aren't my thing. My original plan was to save it for sock repairs which have proven to be few and far between so that the amount on hand has continued to grow.

I bought Think Outside the Sox at Stitches South last year and one of the patterns that caught my eye was the Drip Candle Socks. They were knitted using one of my favorite yarns Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino. This past week I pulled out all of the balls that used yarn with a content and twist similar to the Cherry Tree Hill Supersock. Below is the result of that search.

I have enough leftovers to make at least 2 or 3 pairs. I started the first pair today and so far I've used eight of the colors I pulled for this pattern.

This first sock may not be keeper since it is quite snug on the foot. I'm going to put this foot in time out and cast on another with more stitches using the same color scheme. So far I've found the pattern to be quite meditative to work. It is a very simple 2-stitch, 2-row pattern that works up very quickly.

The Palmetto Purlers, my knitting guild, is doing a KAL for Miriam Felton's aka Mimknits Adamas Shawl. I'm using Karabella Yarns Merino Lace which is slightly heavier than laceweight but not quite fingering weight. My initial plan was to knit at least a row a day but as you can see I've already been derailed from that plan. There isn't any rush to get this done so I'm doing a row here and there until it's finished. This is another stash buster project as I try to work through some of the laceweight yarns that I have.

I've been successful in that I haven't purchased any yarn. I did add two skeins of Red Heart Heart & Sole that was in our Knit-Inn baskets. I have mom's skein and mine and will use them to make either socks or fingerless gloves. I'm having success going "Cold Sheep" and it's a pleasure to walk in the room and pick out yarn for whatever project I want to make.

Last year by this time I would have hit all of the sales and added a significant amount of yarn to the already burgeoning stash along with the associated guilt of buying yarn that I don't need. This year it's about making do with what I have and being happy and guilt-free without all the excesses.

Knit-Inn 2011

2011-02-06T23:51:00.007-05:00

This weekend I went to my most favorite event of the year, the SC Knitting Guild's 2011 Knit-Inn. The Knit-Inn occurs on the first weekend in February and entails classes, fun activities and of course lots of knitting. I look forward to catching up with friends from past Knit-Inns and making new ones. This year there were over 179 participants registered by Friday.

Lou's sock yarn Granny Square afghan

An original Bohous sweater at Show & Share

Kim and other guild members knitting in the lobby

Deborah teaching a cast on class
The variety and number of classes increases each year and this years offerings weren't disappointing. I took 3 classes and I'm always amazed when someone says that I don't need to take classes. There are lots of things that I still have to learn where knitting is concerned and at $5.00-$10.00 per class you can't go wrong.

I got some impromptu spinning lessons from Linda of the Rock Hill area knitting guild. She owns a shop in the area and I'll be traveling that way later in the spring for some hands on spinning lessons. She tested my wheel, a Majacraft Little Gem, and said that it is in excellent shape. I've had this wheel since 2004 and I am so looking forward to finally learning how to use it again. I was just starting to spin when I had my neck problems and eventual surgery and this is the first time I've had someone available to help me get started again.

I had a great time and of course mom was right there hanging out and having a good time herself. I think everyone would be shocked if I journeyed up there without her especially Fort Mill knitting buds Lou and Lori. I returned home exhausted and I'm already looking forward to next year.

Purl Ridge Scarf

2011-01-29T16:46:00.009-05:00

For weeks I've pondered this cowl craze. I've looked at patterns and the book Cowlgirls and thought that isn't for me. Maybe my nieces would like to have one but me not so much. Then I saw Kim's Eternity scarf at the knit-in. She also recommended Stephen West's Purl Ridge Scarf. I went home, got some Noro Silk Garden out of the stash and cast on.

Specs:

Pattern: Purl Ridge Scarf by Stephen West of Westknits
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden 8 (discontinued)
Needles: 8 US Clover Bamboo circs
Started: January 24, 2011 Finished: January 25, 2011

I didn't make any mods. I wore this to work Friday around the neck as the temp was in the 20's and later as a scarf. Loved it! I'm going to teach one of my co-workers to knit so that she can make one for herself. This is the perfect stash busting quick knit.

In other knitterly news, I'm morning the demise of my favorite pair of socks. I took them off the other night only to discover holes in both heels.

I made these years ago. They are the Broadripple socks from Knitty. This particular pair of socks got a lot of wear because at one time they coordinated with a lot of the colors I was wearing. I'm not a fan of the look of darning so I may just toss them in the trash. Alas, they served me well.

Inky Dinky

2011-01-27T22:22:00.005-05:00

I've said it before but it deserves repeating. I Love Knitting Baby Sweaters!

My latest baby gift is for Ellie the daughter of one of our guild's co-presidents.

Specs:

Pattern: Inky Dinky from Knitspot.
Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly DK
Needles: 3 & 4 Colonial Rosewood
Size: 18 Months (because I never make a true "baby" size)
Started: January 15, 2011 Finished: January 22, 2011

This pattern is perfect. No mods or adjustments needed. I will be making two more of these for two other special girls in my life.

Something Special

2011-01-15T23:41:00.005-05:00

I'm taking a break from test knitting while some pattern changes are worked out. This is the perfect time to start and most likely complete my latest baby project. When Anne Hanson of Knitspot first showed pictures of the Inky Dinky sweater on her blog I knew it was one I'd eventually make. I e-mailed her earlier this month to ask when the pattern would be released. Of course she soon replied and said it would be this past week so I kept looking and downloaded it as soon as it became available.

In keeping with my pledge to knit from stash I cast on using some Sirdar Snuggly DK in a nice shade of pink.

The pattern starts with the sleeves knitted first. I encountered an error in the chart for the beginning of the 18 month size. I've already reported it and made the correction on my sleeve.

I'm sure I'll knit this again. Inky Dinky could easily become a "go to pattern" for babies and toddlers. I have a grandniece and goddaugther who would look precious in one of these. I also have quite a bit of undyed yarn in the stash so I'm considering dyeing yarn just for these two projects. It has been a long time since I've done some dyeing and this pattern will look lovely knitted in a semi-solid colorway.

I was asked at our knit-in today if I was really going on a yarn diet. I told them yes and then someone wanted to know if I was having trouble sticking to my plan. My answer was no, anytime I think about buying yarn I just step into the craft room and look at what I already have. Will it always be this easy? I doubt it but I'm willing to work the plan I have in mind and save a few bucks along the way.

Snow Day! (Part II)

2011-01-11T18:43:00.011-05:00

Well we had another day off today. The ice is so bad that even if I had to go to work it would have been difficult as three roads around us were blocked off. The neighborhood I live in is built on a hill. We live on top of the hill but our house is sits down a hill with a backyard that flattens out. If you go farther back behind our house the hill continues. Because of this I always park in the street when we have inclement weather. Our driveway is still impassable as I found out today when I was outside.

I went out today with the camera to see if I could take some good pictures of the ice. It was great being outside. The air is so crisp and clean that it invigorates.

A funny thing happened last night. I went into the craft room to put up some needles and staring at me was the Lopi sweater. I brought it back into the den with me and realized how much I'd actually knitted. I started on it right then and there and now I've added the sleeves. I forgot to order an extra skein because I always have to lenghten the sleeves so I'll probably run short. I got my yarn from Webs and the color I need is on backorder so I'm seriously hoping that I don't have to wait too long to find it. If this gets packed up again there's no telling when it will get finished.

After a two hour daily in the morning it's back to work as usual. I've really enjoyed this long weekend and now it's time to find out how or if we have to make the time up. Once again if you have to be out in this and all the other messes stay safe.

Snow Day!

2011-01-10T19:10:00.006-05:00

For the second time in almost as many weeks we got the treat of snow again. It started snowing about midnight and when I awoke we had about 4".

It has since changed to sleet and freezing so I'm waiting once again to see if or what time I have to report to work tomorrow. My neighborhood is pretty much frozen in so if we have to report in I may just take another day off or work from home.

I finished the second Brambles Beret the end of last year but I've just finally gotten around to blocking it. I'm still in love with this pattern and how great the texture looks knitted in Cascade 220.

Specs:

Pattern: Brambles Beret
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool Turquoise
Needles:
Started: December 22, 2010 Finished: December 25, 2010

Kirsten had a question regarding my sock club: "Do you grab a bag, open it, and that's what you knit next?"

Yes, that is exactly how it works. The great thing is that even though I know what is in each bag, once I got them mixed up I numbered them and I truly can't tell what is in each. The actual pattern isn't in the bag. In addition to the yarn there is an index card with the pattern name, needle size and yarn. I'll use this info to assemble what I need to knit the socks.

Lately my focus seems to be on the small project. Namely hats, scarves and socks. I haven't picked my sweater up in about a week and I don't feel inclined to. I'm torn between forcing myself to do so or just going with the flow. Sweaters are part of my stash reduction plan and if I really want to make a dent in the stash I'm going to have to knit a few of them. I'm sure this will work itself but I would sure like to have a couple of new sweaters before it gets warm again.

First FO of 2011

2011-01-09T23:26:00.008-05:00

The first knitting FO of 2011 is off the needles. It's a pair of socks that I've been dragging along since 2009.

Specs

Pattern: Elongated Corded Ribs from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch
Yarn: Schachenmayr nomotta Regia Bamboo Color Passion
Needles: 1 US dpn's
Size: Women's 10
Started: May 26, 2009 Finished: January 8, 2011

I'm embarking on a serious stash reduction this year. To that end I've been going through the stash to sort out what I would like to make this year in addition to the project kits I've already created. I really liked the idea of a personal sock club so I created one.

There are 11 bags because 1 pair is already on the needles. It's a stealth project so the only thing I'll reveal is the yarn.

I purchased this lovely skein at SAFF 2010 from Gale's Art. The color is Moldy Pumpkin and so far I'm loving the way this is knitting up.

Wonder of wonders tomorrow is a snow day. I can't believe that we are forecast to have more truly wintry weather. Everything is pretty much shut down with all the closings. I'm hoping that the ice they're predicting later on tomorrow isn't too bad so that we won't lose power. It is going to be great to have another knitting day.

To everyone in the path of the storm stay safe and stay warm.

Closing Out 2010

2010-12-31T18:46:00.006-05:00

As the last few hours of 2010 tick off the clock I contemplate what a wonderful year I have had. This year there has been minimum health issues, new friends and new techniques, the love of a fantastic family and turning that wonderful age of 50. I'm ready to enter the new year with the same fervor that I embraced this one.

This final week of December has been an interesting one. We had snow on Sunday. This the first time that I can recall having snow in Columbia in December that accumulated. Two little boys had spent Christmas night with us and had a treat waiting for them the next morning. They hung out with their Aunt Stephanie.

I'm finishing the last hat of the year. This one in particular has been languishing since March when the weather suddenly turned warm and stayed that way. Later this evening I'll block 3 to add to the house hat basket.

I spent 3 of my days off straightening the craft room and can now walk in there without flinching. I'm so glad I don't have to deal with that in the new year.

I requested and received the most recent update of the TKGA Master Knitting Level II instructions. If things get quiet around here it will be because I'm finally going to take the time to complete and submit my Level II package in 2011.

I'm not making any resolutions but I plan to knit exclusively from stash. I can no longer justify buying more yarn given the quantity and quality that I already have on hand. This will be one of the hardest task for me.

Two Sundays ago I signed up for a church sponsored 12 week health and fitness program. I have to work extra hard this year at losing weight and getting in better shape. What I've been doing is not working and my weight has steadily climbed. I no longer feel comfortable and at times I struggle to do things so it is my responsibility to remedy the situation.

It's nearing that time when we welcome the new year so to all of you may you have ...

A blessed, healthy, happy and prosperous NEW YEAR!!!

Brambles Beret

2010-12-23T00:01:00.005-05:00

Love, love, love this hat! It has totally lived up to my expectations and I can see why it is so popular on Ravelry. This is the last Christmas hat.

Specs:

Pattern: Brambles Beret from Knitty Deep Fall 2010
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool Deep Periwinkle
Needles: 4 & 6 addi Turbo circulars
Size: Small
For: Tammy
Started: December 18, 2010 Finished: December 19, 2010

I cast on another this evening using Cascade 220.

Volna

2010-12-22T00:14:00.004-05:00

It became apparent that the weather was not going to cooperate so I got my friend and co-worker Tammy to model the shawl for me at work. Volna is a lovely pattern and will appear again in one of the long repeat yarns.

Specs:
Pattern: Volna by Grumperina aka Kathy
Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Poems Sock
Needles: 6 US addi Lace
For: Mom
Size: Medium
Started: November 22, 2010 Finished: November 30, 2010

Nothing to change. Pattern is wonderful written and though it appears intimidating at first it becomes very intuitive after a few repeats. The patterns comes in three sizes: small carf, medium scarf and shawl. It is perfect for yarns with long repeats.

A Change in Plans

2010-12-18T18:42:00.005-05:00

I've snuck in a few Christmas gifts of the knitted hat form this month. Yesterday I finished the Caramel Cable Hat for my hairdresser Judy. Here it is modeled my my friend and co-worker Tammy.

Specs:

Pattern: Caramel Cable Hat
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Pitch Black (leftover from the Mars Hat & Scarf)
Needles: 4 US & 6 US addi Turbo 16-inch needles.
Size: Medium
Started: December 16, 2010 Finished: December 17, 2010

Modifications: I deleted a full 18-stitch repeat to make the smaller size. This is one of the worst patterns I've ever used. It is supposed to be translated to English from German but it is actually a mash up of both languages. If you read charts this will solve most of the problems as this is what I used. I'm glad it was a free pattern. The hat is lovely but I would no recommend this pattern for beginners.

Christmas hat #2 is the Brambles Beret from the Deep Fall 2010 issue of Knitty. My co-worker Tammy admires most of the hats I wear, particularly the beret style, so I'm making one for her. This is another hat that I liked as soon as I saw it and made plans to knit. I'm knitting from the large stash of Cascade 220 so it is more than likely that this pattern will make another appearance.

I've cast on the body of my Brigitte cardigan. I can't wait to be finished with the first bit of colorwor so that I can sail through the stockinette portion. I've completed both sleeves so chances are good that this will be finished for the new year.

In the meantime, I'm sitting here wishing for a white Christmas realizing that the chances are slim and none. It's been snowing in Charlotte which isn't all that far away but it would be great to have snow day. To all of you who are currently experiencing these snow storms, here's hoping that you stay safe and warm.

I'm Hooked

2010-12-05T23:47:00.005-05:00

When I learn something new I tend to jump in with both feet and so it has been with the jewelry making. I purchased a book from Joann's which exposes you to a lot of different jewelry making techniques. Yesterday I started a bracelet using jump rings. I couldn't start with the beginner's bracelet I had to jump to the next level. The pattern suggested using 3 different color jump rings to be able to better see what you are doing, but I knew I wouldn't get much use out of a multicolored bracelet so I opted to use silver only. After struggling a bit yesterday, I found my stride today and found a system that worked for me and finished it this afternoon.

I may need to remove one set of links but I'll leave it as is for now.

Earlier this year when Web's had their anniversary sale I bought enough Reynolds Lopi and Lite Lopi to make 3 sweaters. On Friday I cast on for the first of the three. The pattern is Brigitte from The Best of Lopi. I've had this book for several years and long ago picked out what I might like to make from it. This year I decided to try and knit at least one thing from most of the books I own instead of just buying them and putting them on the shelf.

I started out small and thus far I've finished the first sleeve.

If I manage to finish this before the end of the year this will be only my second completed adult sweater this year. I'm hoping that the fact that this is a bulky yarn means it will work up faster. It is super cold here for this time of year and the perfect weather for wearing this type of sweater.

We had the nephews this weekend. We went shopping Saturday and during our stop at Michael's I took Isaiah to the yarn section so that he could pick out his Carolina Gamecock colors. Since then he has worried me repeatedly about when am I going to start on his things. I finally got him to stop asking by measuring his head. The colors are garnet, black and white so I'm going with a basic striped hat and scarf with garnet and black mittens. It isn't a Christmas gift but based on what he wore to our house this weekend it is something that I need to get started on soon.

Time to get ready for another day and find something warm to brave these cold morning temps. Have a good one and holler at you later.

A Whole Lot of Knitting Going On

2010-12-02T20:45:00.006-05:00

Even though the blog has been quiet there has been a lot of knitting going on. I took inventory of the projects I've knitted so far this year and I'm at 25+. I wish I had knitted more than one adult sweater but I'm pleased with all of the other projects. I still may be able to get in one more.

I have several projects that need to be photographed. Daylight savings time is killing me because by the time I get home the good daylight is already gone. I'm hoping to get some good photos this weekend. I also have 3 items that need to be blocked but the den is taken over by Christmas decorations. Mom is creating a different color scheme this year, we already have 3, which means they (mom and sis)are going through everything to pick out the right colors.

I finished the Volna scarf in the medium size. More details to come when the scarf is blocked and better pictures are taken.

I participated in Woolly Wormhead's Mystery KAL on Ravelry. She is a fabulous knitted hat designer. I was a little late joining in but I did manage to finish hat A. She has released the pattern as Bellefleur. It is the first hat I've knitted using fingering weight yarn and I loved it. I still have hat B to knit which has been released as Limpetiole. It is done in dk weight and has some of the same Elements as Bellefleur.

I received a request last year from one of my mom's friends for a hat and coordinating scarf. It took a while for me to decide on the patterns. I've finished the scarf which is in need of blocking and am currently working on the hat. The color is deeper and more intense than this picture shows. The hat is the Cabled Chapeau from Stitch Nation.

We had our final beading session of the year. We were joined by my mom and knitting friends Calvin and Gail. I made lasagna, Calvin made a wonderful salad and Millie made a delicious orange pound cake. My mom said she understands why we have such a great time when we get together.

Our project was crystal bracelets. We both used Swarovski crystals and Delica beads. I finished the blue bracelet while at Millie's and did the black one later that evening at home. This is my favorite project so far and I love the fact that I was able to complete the entire bracelet. I forgot to order gold jump rings so I still have to get some to complete the black bracelet. The pattern is Dazzling Diamonds from Bead&Button magazine.

I do plan to knit a few Christmas presents mainly hats. I'm adding some none-family to the list and I know they will appreciate them. I've made some beaded bracelets for the ladies in the family and still have to do the bags for the girls. Once the shopping for the boys is finished I'll be good to go.

This weekend I'm entertaining two young men so there won't be much room for crafting and after that it's time for the Christmas parties. Let the holidays begin.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-23T20:47:00.004-05:00

On October 1st I came across this post on Grumperina's knitblog. I was immediately captivated by the design and waited patiently for her to finish and release the pattern. I purchased it as soon as it became available. I tried hard to be good and not cast on but temptation got the best of me.

The pattern is Volna. It is for 3 different size scarves and is available as a Raverly download. She used 3 different types of Noro for each scarf. That was my original plan but when I went to get it out of the sock yarn basket I saw this skein of Wisdom Yarns Poems Sock and the deal was sealed.

The color is cruise and I love the rainbow effect. We bought two skeins of this brand during one of our beach trips. This is the skein mom picked out. I started yesterday and quickly learned that I need to regularly check my stitch count. Because of all of the short-rows and shaping it isn't a mindless knit but neither is it all that hard. I created a spreadsheet to help track where I am and to keep count of the repeats. I've already decided that this is a repeater and I will be making one of these for myself.

I've pretty much decided that I will not be doing any Christmas knitting. I'm going to make some jewelry items for the ladies, purchase gift cards for some of the nephews and try to figure out what to get for my brothers.

I'm ready for the Thanksgiving weekend. For the first time since I was a teenager we are not having dinner with family. Mother and I are joining my brother's friend and her family for dinner. It is such a relief not to have to worry about preparing the meal. The past few years we have had dinner at our house and the responsibility fell on me and my mother but mostly me. This year all I have to do is make a Turtle Cheesecake and relax.

I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. God has blessed me this year with so many things to be thankful for that it is a truly special Thanksgiving season.

Morlynn Shawl

2010-11-20T23:21:00.005-05:00

I've been working on a special gift. A gift from the heart and soul.

When Mrs. Edmonds passed I wondered what I could do for Sesame in the days, months and years to come. I can't imagine how it is to loose one's mother. My mother is not only my mother she is my best friend, confident, cheerleader, inspiration and I could go on and on. I wanted to do something that would give her comfort so I knitted her a prayer shawl. We she wears this she will be covered in not just the prayers from me but also those of my mother.

Specs:
Pattern: Morlynn Shawl / Tuch by Alexandra Wiedmayer
Yarn: Miss Babs Yummy Sock & Baby Handpainted Journey & Monochrome Roasted Pumpkin
Needles: 4 Addi Turbo
Started: November 6, 2010 Finished: November 16, 2010

There isn't a modification needed for this wonderful well-written pattern. The only decision is how to arrange your colors. The yarn is delicious and I can't wait to use it again.

Passing On

2010-11-01T19:59:00.011-04:00

Life has been really busy and at times sad. My mom's good friend passed after a short illness. She was diagnosed with metastic gallblander cancer less than two weeks after my birthday party on the 18th of September and passed on the 24th of October. Mrs Edmonds was like a second mother to me and had let me know that she felt the same about me on my birthday. Our hearts have been heavy but we are so glad that she didn't surface for a long time. We were all blessed to have known and loved such a sweet and gentle soul.

Last week I got the pneumonia vaccine and after having a really bad reaction learned that at some point in time I actually had pneumonia instead of some generic respiratory infection. I felt like I had the flu and my arm is still sore around the injection site. I'm sure it is going to take several more days for the huge lump to go away. Benadryl and Motrin has helped to ease a lot of the swelling and irritation. The doctor said that reactions like this do occur but rarely and that I should never get the shot again. I was like yeah! You think so!

I've finally gotten around to taking pictures of some of my winning knits. This is the Heavenly Blue Cardigan which I knitted for myself but looks better on my mom so it is now hers. It won first place in the Women's Sweater category and the Sweepstakes in knitting at the South Carolina 2010 State Fair.

Specs:

Pattern: Heavenly Blue Cardigan from Beyond Wool by Candace Eisner Strick
Yarn: St-Denis Nordique in Fjord
Needles: US 4 & 5
Started: August 20, 2010 Finished: October 5, 2010

Mods: One of the mods I made was in the number of buttons. The specs for this size required 4 buttons every third slot. This would have resulted in a sweater that gapped badly so I used one in each slot. I also made the cables mirror on the back. This was only done only on the front. I also made sure that the sleeves mirrored on each side.

This was almost the sweater that wasn't meant to be. First were the e-mails between me and Webs trying to find a color with enough yarn of the same dyelot to send. Then I got all the pieces made only to find that my fronts were 1 1/2 shorter than the back. I re-knitted both of them and I'm glad I perserved. I believe this sweater is my best work ever on a knitted garment.

Up next is the Tuscan Leaves Hat which won a first place in the Hat category.

Specs:

Pattern: Tuscan Leaves Hat by Nina Machlin Dayton
Yarn: Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted Gold Spice
Needles: US 6 & 7
Started: September 26, 2010 Finished: September 27, 2010

I'm steadily expanding my knowledge of beading and jewelry making. This past weekend I made magnetic hematite bracelets using beading wire for me and mom.

I'm not sure where this will lead but I do have plans to make some matching sets for us. It is so much fun learning something new. I hope my knitting doesn't suffer because of it.

***edited 11/2/2010 to correct modifications.

Tiny Triangle Fingerless Gloves

2010-10-21T23:06:00.004-04:00

Specs:

Pattern: Tiny Triangle Fingerless Gloves by Lynne Vogel
Yarn: Mirasol Chirapa 707
Needles: 2 Inox dpn's
Size: Large
For: Stephanie
Started: 10/8/2010 Finished: 10/17/2010

Modifications: I added 8 additional stitches to make this a size large. The pattern is written for a medium. This meant that I had to increase one stitch on the first of the 4 knit rows before the bobbles to maintain the multiple of 3. After the bobbles were completed I decrease 1 stitch on the next knit row.

I have come to realize that I really enjoy making gloves fingerless or otherwise. They are an excellent way to use that skein(s) of sport or fingering weight yarn you don't quite know what to with.

Getting Busy

2010-10-17T21:16:00.007-04:00

I finished one project...

and immediately cast on another. I'm making a coordinating scarf for the Tiny Triangles Fingerless gloves. It is Pimpelliese, a free pattern I found through Ravelry while looking up Baktus.

I have well over 3 skeins so I figure why let it sit around when I can put it to use. I also have this yarn in two other colors, a lovely green variegated of which there are 3 skeins and a blue variegated of which I have five, so there will be at least one more glove and scarf set.

Isaiah was over this weekend and the first question he asked on Friday was if I had his gloves made. I told him I had to check and see if I had any yarn in garnet and black of course, and his questions was, "Where in the yarn room."

I searched the stash and realized that I don't have any garnet washable yarn so I'll have to make a yarn run just for this project.

Christmas projects are in the making but they aren't knitted. These are the makings for two Cosmo bags from Amy Butler's Style Stitches.

I don't sew often but soon as I saw these I knew I had to make them for my cheerleading nieces. These bags will be large enough to carry all of their gear. I've washed and pressed the fabric and cut out my pattern pieces.

There are 12 very cute handbag and bag patterns in this book. I plan to make some of the others and "stretch" my sewing muscles once again. I'm not sure if the others will be gifts but I know there are two or three that I plan to make for myself. I'm hoping these will jump start my quilting. I have so much that I want or need to do that I'm going to have reign myself in.

Revealed

2010-10-13T23:26:00.003-04:00

Today was the day to find out what won the sweepstakes award.

Heavenly Blue Cardigan
I personally think this is one of my finest pieces of knitting. I loved knitting with the sportweight and have several projects in line that will be done in sport or fingering weight.

We, the Palmetto Purlers, had our demo at he fair today. Lots of people stopped by to admire the knits we had on hand and to learn more about our guild.

Today was probably a record admission day. It was the first time in 3 years that it didn't rain on opening day. Couple that with the $1.00 admission and you have all the makings of a record. I'll go again next week when mom gets back in town and look at the other exhibits.

Growing Up

2010-10-12T21:19:00.002-04:00

This happy fella turned 6 on Friday.

He's changed so much in the last year. He's now a silly boy who's full of play and questions. I was working on the fingerless gloves below last night when he asked his usual question.

Isaiah: Whatcha making Aunt Beverly, socks?
Me: No, I'm making gloves.
Isaiah: Gloves?
Me: Yes, fingerless gloves. Want to try them?
Isaiah: Sure. (He tries them on.) I need a pair in red and black. You know I love the Gamecocks.

You have to admire the boy. He has great taste. He also wants the matching hat and scarf. Looks like a trip to the store is in order.

I had to break my vow and knit something for my sister. Out of the blue she started bring yarn home from Tuesday Morning. It is really nice yarn so I'm making her a pair of fingerless gloves and possibly a matching in color only scarf.

The pattern is the Tiny Triangle Fingerless Gloves by Lynne Vogel. The pattern has neat details like the triangle edging and some bobble detail. First one is done and I've started the second.

The fair results are out and once again I've won the sweepstakes award in knitting. I'll find out tomorrow what won. This is the first time I've received blue ribbons for all of my entries and my fourth time winning the sweepstakes. I'm seriously considering not entering anymore since I've won it three years in a row. We do our demo tomorrow and I'll have pics to post.

It's Hat Time

2010-09-28T00:04:00.007-04:00

Thank you for the birthday wishes! I had a blast at the cookout. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the second half of my life has in store for me.

While reading the Rainey Sisters blog I came upon a post that featured the most marvelous hat. As soon as I saw it I purchased the pattern on Ravelry. It is the Tuscan Leaves hat seen here with about 15 rows of the pattern done.

The pattern is completely written out because each row is different. There are only 50 rows in the crown pattern making it a fairly quick knit as long as you pay attention to the pattern. Mine is finished and is blocking to bring out the classic beret shape. The yarn used is Universal Yarns Deluxe Worsted and I have 3 more skeins in different colors so there will be at least one more of these.

I'm still trying to finish the Heavenly Blue Cardigan. I have one more sleeve remaining and I have misplaced my size 5 24-inch addi Turbo circular needle. I'm going to sub a Clover bamboo circular and hope that it doesn't mess with my gauge on the sleeve cuff. Tomorrow I'll start blocking the finished pieces and hope to finish this over the weekend.

I'm not going to have all of my fair entries finished but I'm very pleased with the ones that will be entered. The entry dates are next Tuesday and Wednesday and then the long wait until the next week when we host our demo and I get to see the results. I'm all ready getting excited.

The Big One!

2010-09-16T01:02:00.003-04:00

Oh man! Today I turned 50! 50 - the BIG 50.

I am blessed more than I could ever imagine. Even though I rarely talk about it I've been through many health issues the past several years, but this year has been different. I feel the best I've felt in years. Yes I'm very overweight but I feel great.

My network of family and friends have been supportive, loving and giving. I have the greatest mother in the world who has been my rock through some very difficuly storms and a sister who has been caring and sharing even when I couldn't see it.

I may not be where some people thought I would at this stage in my life but I'm happy! I love me, I love where I am and I love the people who are in my life.

I pray that may you all be blessed with such riches and goodness in your lives.

Slow Progress

2010-09-08T21:30:00.005-04:00

This year has been a loser for me so far in the sweater department. While I have 3 cast on I've yet to finish anything other than two baby sweaters. I got a late start on the sleeves for my Circle and Butterflies sweater and in the meantime cast on a special sweater project, the Heavenly Blue Cardigan. The yarn is St-Denis Nordique and while it isn't that soft it gives great stitch definition. I've read on Ravelry that it does soften with washing.

The left front is almost finished and I'm hoping that I get at least the right front and one sleeve finished before next week. My 50th birthday is next Thursday and I'm having a cookout that weekend which means no knitting the end of next week.

Mom and I hit the road again this past weekend. We went to Edgewood Maryland to check on family friends. While it was a quick trip it was a nice getaway. They are both doing fine and the Mr Rainey is recuperating well from his knee replacement. I met their daughter for the second time and it was amazing how much we have in common. I also met her husband and her daughter was down from college to check on her grandpa. Sometimes the short quick trips are the best.

True to my word I didn't visit any yarn shops. Mrs Rainey was quite surprised by that almost as surprised by the fact that I wasn't knitting Sunday night. After traveling all day Friday and being busy on Saturday and Sunday I fell asleep on the loveseat without even picking up the knitting.

Tonight I'm watching one of my favorite shows, Top Chef, and I am hoping that Angelo goes home. He probably won't since he's done well most of the show. There's always a chef that gets on my nerves and this time he is the one which means that he'll be the winner.

It's time to break from the computer and get something accomplished before bed. Have a good night.

Back from Indy

2010-08-27T22:34:00.003-04:00

I returned yesterday from Indianapolis Indiana where my mother and I attended the VFW and Ladies Auxillary of the VFW yearly convention. We had a great trip and found the people to be very friendly. We are used to people speaking on the street here in South Carolina and were pleasantly surprised that they are the same way. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency across from the Capitol and had a great 16th floor view.

I was also amazed at how flat Indianapolis is. After riding for hours through the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio you suddenly reach a place that is completely flat for as far as the eye can see. Even from our hotel room all you can see is flatness. Columbia is also situated on hills and hour house sits on a slope at the top of a hill.

This a picture of us at the Patriotic rally on Victory Field.

The doctor has been on me to lose weight and it has been a struggle for me. I weighed about 145 in 2005 and I'm up to over 235 having gained over 50 lbs of that last year. I rarely take pictues for that reason but I love this picture of me and mom.

Indianapolis has some of the most beautiful war memorials I have ever seen. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Monument Circle is beautiful and I was taken aback by the sculptures of war and peace. They both evoke the feeling of each one so well.

War

Peace
Underneath the mounument is the Colonel Eli Lilly Museum. It is a museum about Indiana's role in the Civil War. It was very informative although some of the displays saddened me with the discriptions of hardships, disease and injuries the soldiers endured. I heard one mother explaining to her child that war is a terrible thing and that these things do happen after the child expressed that she wanted to leave.

I made some great progress on my Heavenly Blue Cardigan.

The color is a deeper blue in person. I'm using St-Denis Nordique and though it doesn't feel very soft I have read on Ravelry that it doesn't soften when washed.

I got some much needed rest while I was there in between meetings and touring. We had a wonderful time and next year we'll be in San Antonio. I don't attend the conventions each year but I've been to one in San Antonio and even though my health was somewhat compromised at the time I still enjoyed the trip and I'm looking forward to next year.

Something New

2010-08-19T22:36:00.007-04:00

Last month I met with knitting bud Millie to learn how to make a fringe beaded bracelet. We had such a good time that we met again this past Saturday and was joined by Nancy another knitting bud and very good friend of Millie. She's been beading for years and is a wealth of knowledge where beading is concerned.

I learned how to do flat peyote stitch by weaving a narrow band bracelet using size 8 seed beads in black, teal and silver. I finished it Saturday night and even though it's not perfect I love the colors and plan to make some wider bracelets in other colors.

Before I left Saturday we decided on our next project and I left with a list of supplies to order. I wasn't planning to start or invest in another hobby but beading is something I've been interested in for a long time. I really like the idea of creating pieces to go with my wardrobe so I'm sure beading will pop up more frequently on this blog.

Yesterday I finished the first Woolly Wormhead hat I've made in months. I love her patterns and innovative designs.

Specs:

Pattern: Brownie from Twisted Woolly Toppers
Yarn: Cascade 220 Spring Granny Smith
Needles: 6 US
Size: Child's medium (17 inches)

I followed this pattern as written. No mods were needed.

I picked my Aeolian Shawl back up. I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last worked on it. I've already worked the first agave repeat so there's not a whole lot left to do. The slow part is adding the beads with the crochet hook. I need to reduce my wip list so this is a step in the right direction.

Burning Stripes aka Crayon Box Socks

2010-08-10T22:25:00.005-04:00

Another fun pair down. I knew I would knit these the minute I saw Monika's. Four of her pairs are in this post.

Specs:

Pattern: Burning Stripes
Yarn: Schoppel-Wolle Crazy Zauberball Kleiner and Regia 4fadiq Uni/Solid Black
Needles: 1 US Inox dpn's
Size: 10.5 women's for mom
Started: July 30, 2010 Finished: August 10, 2010

No mods needed. I enjoyed the twist on the short-row heel and felt like a kid in the candy store waiting for the next color. I only wish the color changes were as frequent in the first sock. I used most of the black but have more than half of the Crazy Zauberball remaining which means socks for me!!!

Kids in the House

2010-08-01T19:20:00.006-04:00

Starting with last Friday we had kids in the house. Kids mean love, laughter and lots of noise. My nephew Isaiah and my niece Gina came Friday and my nephew Jaylon joined the gang on Sunday. After the weekend my sister took over. She asked if they could come for a week since she isn't teaching this summer.

Two or them are night owls and most of the time I was asleep before they were. Mind you Isaiah is 5, Gina is 7 and Jaylon is 10 which means they were a handful. We loved having them but when I came home from work Friday I was glad to enter a quiet house. The sad part is that we were so busy chasing and entertaining them that no one took pictures. Stephanie had them out and occupied during the day and when I got home I didn't think about it.

I cast on another pair of socks. They are the Burning Stripes available at 3 Sleeves to the Wind and on Ravelry.

After an initial problem with the start of the sock I'm sailing right along. These are for my mom and I'm using Crazy Zauberball for the contrast and Regia 4fadig for the main color. The repeats are so long that I may end up with one sock mostly one color. Disappointing, yes, but I'm going to see if I can knit four socks out of this one ball and mix the stripes that way. This pattern has some cool techniques especially the heel so I don't find it boring at all.

My guild, the Palmetto Purlers is doing a beaded scarf KAL. Guild member Millie is our host and instructor.

I'm almost halfway through but have run out of beads. I found one more tube at AC Moore so I'm waiting until more come in before I string these and continue. The pattern calls for us to knit to halves and use a three-needle bind off to join but I'm going to knit to the end and bind off to match the beginning.

My fair entry slips arrived last week. I still have yet to decide what and if I'm going to enter. Because I'm unsure of what I'll do I registered for a lot of categories. People don't realize that it takes a lot of work to enter. You want to be sure that your knitting and seaming is as perfect as it can be. I have a little over two months before entries are do so there is still time to get some things done if I decide to do so.

Marilinda

2010-07-29T19:57:00.006-04:00

I finished these today and because I love them so much you'll have to pardon me for the number of pictures.

Specs:
Pattern: Marilinda by Cookie A
Yarn: Henry's Attic Kona Fingering dyed Grasshopper with ProChem One Shot Dyes
Needles: 1 US
Size: 9.5 Women's

Great pattern, fabulous socks. Nothing more to say.

Knitting Genius

2010-07-22T22:56:00.007-04:00

No I don't have kankles but I couldn't resist taking a picture of the Marilinda sock heel. My model is out town so I had to resort to other measures. I stuffed the sock with a skein of Trekking hence the kankle.

This pattern makes me appreciate the genius that is Cookie A even more. From the 5 to 3 decrease worked into the center heel wrap stitch to the fabulous heel design the patterning of the sock is beautiful. Nothing beats a great knitting design that is also fun to execute.

KALS

2010-07-19T20:02:00.004-04:00

I don't know why I join knit-alongs. I rarely participate in them fully. I start out with good intentions but somewhere along the line I get distracted by other projects.

I belong to six KAL's and the only one I'm active in is the Shirley Paden KAL. I joined the Summer of Socks again this year even though I didn't get a single pair done last year. Guilt started knocking on my door so today I cast on a pair of socks. I'm knitting Marilinda by Cookie A.

The yarn is Kona Merino Fingering that I dyed this year. It's hard to tell in the picture that it is a semi-solid done using one shade of Grasshopper Pro Chem One Shot dyes. I was going to add it to my Ravelry project page when I realized that I never got around to stashing this skein and several others.

I have 13 rows to go on the back of the Circles and Butterflies sweater. I'm debating whether or not to block it and put the front and back together or wait until the sleeves are done. The only reason I'm hesitant is that I may need to make some adjustments to the armhole depth. They seem too deep but I'm not sure they will be once the sweater is stretched out and blocked.

I delivered Tyler's sweater on Saturday. It was a hit but I forgot to take pictures before I packaged and delivered it. One of his grand aunts let me take pictures on her camera and she is going to send them to me. Much as I love knitting for my mother I think I love knitting for babies and children even more. The sweaters are so tiny and cute!

There's one more baby on my list and a special sweater for my youngest niece. I mentioned earlier that I was considering making fingerless gloves for the girls this Christmas. They were here two weeks ago so I checked with them to see what their colors are and they've all changed! Since I already dyed some of the yarn I'm debating whether or not to continue with the colors I currently have or start over. Decisions, decisions!

Summit

2010-07-11T20:51:00.005-04:00

A few days ago I finally was able to arrange a photo shot with Mom to take pictures of the Summit shawl. Even though this project is very repetitive I didn't find it boring at all. I still have yet to cast on the red Summit due to other more important projects. I hope that I'll have it done for vacation.

Specs:
Pattern: Summit Shawl from Knitty.com by
Yarn: Tess' Designer Yarns Raw Silk Silver
Needles: 4 Addi Turbo Lace
For: Mom
Started: April 5, 2010 Finished: May 11, 2010

Mods: I knitted thirteen repeats instead of the original 15 worked in the pattern. No other modifications needed. This design is true genius.

The Happy Dance

2010-06-25T17:29:00.006-04:00

I couldn't help but do the happy dance. I am so pleased with this project thus far.

I have until July 15th to have the back and front finished so I'm taking a brief hiatus to knit a pair of socks.

I belong to several kal's but it seems that I have a hard time completing or even starting projects for most of them. These socks are for the Solid Socks KAL on Ravelry. They are the Cubist Socks by Cookie A.

This month the color is orange so I'm using Kona Superwash Merino Fingering dyed cantaloupe from the stash. The color is really loud in person and not the lovely orange you see on the screen. I may overdye it to tone them down a little once they are finished.

It's that time of the year when I debate whether or not I'll enter anything in the fair. I have some projects in mind if I do decide to enter but they'll be stealth knitting this year. There are several baby and toddler projects that I need to make and that will have to figure in my time scheme.

I also need to decide if I'm going to do any major Christmas knitting. I really enjoyed making the fingerless gloves for my mom and in the event that I do decide to make gifts they will be at the top of the list. I plan to do some more handpaint dyeing and would like to dye specifically for these. Another project that I would like to dye for is a sweater. I have to figure out a method for making repeatable colors because this will take a lot more dye than I usually mix. I hope to have some interesting projects to show in the future.

Dye Day Revisted

2010-06-22T22:24:00.006-04:00

Several of the dye day participants brought their yarn to the guild meeting tonight. It is always amazing to see the difference drying makes.

Nova used Raspberry, Deep Pink and Desert Rose for her handpaint.

Millie used Terra Cotta, Slate and Deep Violet for hers.

Eliza used Turquoise, Turkey Red and Pumpkin.
I finally blocked the Summit Shawl. Only in blocking does it show its' true beauty. I've been showing it off today but the pictures will have to wait until mom returns from Las Vegas.

I was seriously considering not making the other two that I bought the yarn for but the red silk will be the next in line.

I am almost finished with the front of the Circles and Butterflies sweater. I am having fun with this project and loving the results. I can't wait to dive into the stash for the next design. I'm finally going to be able to use some of the yarn that I couldn't find the right pattern to knit. Next I'm going to have to devote some serious time to the Master Knitting program.

Finally Success

2010-06-16T21:10:00.004-04:00

After three times I've finally got my sweater gauge right. I'm using size 6 needles and even though it is more open I like this gauge a lot better. I'll need to either make or dye a camisole to wear under it.

Even though this process has been trying I'm still enjoying it. The successes more than make up for the failures.

When I was preparing for the dye day I purchased a Yarn Meter from Nancy's Knit Knacks. It is attached to optional tensioning unit because I ordered the Yarn Meter Plus.

One of the yarns I needed didn't come skeined so I had to measure skeins for one of my dyers. Since I have quite a bit of yarn on cones it has turned out to be one of the best purchases I've ever made knitting wise. I plan on dyeing yarn for two large projects in the future and I've already measured the skeins for them.

Millie a friend, guild member and dye day participant bought her dyed skeins to our monthly dinner gathering. I was gobsmacked at how different and beautiful everything was once they dried. Her handpaint is gorgeous as are the immersions. One technique that I thought didn't work was successful and the results can be seen once the yarn dries. We are definitely in for a treat on Tuesday.

Dye Day

2010-06-12T21:21:00.003-04:00

Today I conducted a dyeing workshop for my guild the Palmetto Purlers. Alas, I don't have any pictures to share. I was busy mixing and preparing dye baths and rinsing yarn that I didn't even think about it until I sat down this evening.

We did two types of immersion dyeing and handpainting. I have some really talented ladies in my guild who came up with some amazing combinations. I will try to get pictures at the next meeting.

I'd like to say thanks to Eliza, Gail, Kellie, Janie, Joan, Millie, Nova, my mom Betty, who picked up lunch, helped out and stepped in to finish Gail's last skein, and my sister Stephanie, who helped set up for a wonderful day. You girls are the best!!!

Angee Revisted

2010-06-01T22:52:00.006-04:00

For reasons which shall forever remain unknown it has taken me this long to get a photograph of these socks. I rarely repeat patterns but this one deserved an encore.

Specs:
Pattern: Angee from Sock Innovation by Cookie A
Yarn: Sandnesgarn Lanett hand dyed using dye in the skein method
Needles: 1 US Inox dpn's
For: 9.5 womens
Started: September 4, 2009 Finished: March 21, 2010

No mods needed for this pattern. I enjoyed knitting these. They took so long because other projects kept getting in the way.

For Madison

2010-05-30T18:30:00.007-04:00

Yesterday we went to Aiken for a baby shower for the girlfriend of my oldest nephew. They are having a girl and will name her Madison. I knitted what may well be my favorite baby/child sweater.

Specs:
Pattern: Cardigan with Eyelets and Daisies from Baby Bamboo Knits by Sirdar
Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly DK Sage
Needles: 3 & 6 US addi Turbo
For: Madison, size 6-12 months
Started: May 12, 2010 Finished: May 28, 2010

Modifications: The only change I made was to use iron-on appliques in place of the embroidered daisies. In the future I will change the armhole and sleeve shaping to decrease 3 stitches at the beginning of the armhole on each side and then do 1 decrease at each end of every other row for the next 6 rows. The shaping was really awkward and made the sleeve difficult to set in.

Getting Organized

2010-05-14T21:32:00.005-04:00

The craft room was so out of control that I've spent about a week bringing order to the chaos. I decided that it was a good time to create some project kits.

Sweater kits...

From left to right top row:
1. Heavenly Blue Cardigan - Plymouth Indiecita Alpaca Sportweight
2. Tokyo Topper - Interlacements Tokyo
3. Toreador Jacket - Koigu KPPPM
4. Hedera Jacket - Cascade 220 Wool
5. Marta Jacket - Reynolds Lite Lopi
6. Sigridur Pullover - Reynolds Lopi
7. Additional yarn for Lopi sweaters

From left to right bottom row:
1. Cerisara Cargidan - Classic Elite Bam Boo
2. Flyaway Cardi - Debbie Bliss Merino Aran
3. Tiny Tots Cardigan - Sirdar Snuggly DK
4. Heartfelt Sweater - Tess' Designer Yarns Microfiber Ribbon
5. Brigitte & Eric - Reynolds Lopi
6. Elka Cardigan - Reynolds Lopi

Shawl kits...

From left to right top row:
1. Brandywine Shawl - Knit Picks Gloss Lace
2. Trellis Framed Leaf - Jojoland Harmony
3. Seashell Silk Shawl - Ivy Brambles Pure Silk 20/2 Laceweight
4. Haruni - JaggerSpun Zephyr
5. Echo Flower - Hand Maiden Sea Silk

From left to right bottom row:
1. Laminaria - Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace
2. Olga's Indinski Shawl - Skaska Designs 50/50 Merino Silk
3. Flower Meadow - Jojoland Harmony
4. Gail (aka Nightsongs) - Hand Maiden Sea Silk
5. 198 Yds of Heaven - Blue Heron Rayon Metallic (not pictured)

Accessories...

From left ot right top row:
1. Miss Sophies Hands Gloves - Zitron Trekking XXL
2. Hopper Sock - Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino
3. Gretel - Cascade 220 Wool
4. First Lady Mittens - Cascade 220 Wool
5. Lacunae Mitts and Hat - Cascade 220 Wool

From left to right bottom row:
1. Spiralicious Mitts - K1C2 Ambrosia
2. Rainbow Socks - Online Supersocke 100 Fun Color
3. Eshter Socks - Inca Sportlace
4. Mayrose Hat - Cashmere Merino Silk DK
5. Delft's Blauw Hat - Classic Elite Arcadia (not pictured)

Purchased kits...

Clockwise starting at top:
1. Halo sweater kit
2. Woven Yoke Wrap
3. 7 Scarves and a Shawl
4. Mariposa Shawl
5. TNT Beaded Scarf
6. Bumblebee Jacket

I still have some summer sweater kits to get together but this should keep me busy for a very long time.

Old Habits Die Hard

2010-05-02T20:30:00.007-04:00

Last Saturday I went to the market at Stitches South in Atlanta. I made a short list of what I intended to buy. It didn't work.

I was easily seduced by the abundance of yarn, patterns and other knitting-related goods. The fact that I was traveling with the great enabler aka Mom didn't help the situation. My favorite purchase is the yarn bowl. I put it to use immediately in the hotel that Saturday night.

We met up with two of our Palmetto Purlers, Millie and Brenda, and some of our Greenville knitting guild friends. Needless to say we had a blast. I also took a continental knitting market session and have been practicing regular since then. I was having a problem with the purl and tension but have worked both of those out since then.

Shirley Paden the author of Knitting Design Workshop is doing an online workshop in the form of a KAL for her Ravelry group. She gave us a stitch pattern which we are to use as the basis for a sweater or scarf. I've elected to do the sweater and this weekend did my swatch.

It is Circles and Butterflies. I'm using Katia Austral from the stash in a nice rose color. I bought this when it was discountinued at my lys several years ago. I've been waiting for the right project and this is it. I still need to have my measurements taken so that I will be ready for the next session in which will be calculating all the parts of the sweater based on our individual measurements. I'm really excited about these workshops and hope that I can use them to work up some of the yarns I have in the stash for which I haven't been able to find that perfect pattern.

I'm so close to finishing the Summit Shawl.

It seems that I'm never going to finish the little ball that is left. I haven't been working on it regularly or anything else for that matter. I've been trying to bring some order to the craft room. It was out of control before I went to Stitches. In order to tame some the of the chaos, I created kits using the yarn already stashed and some that was acquired prior to Stitches (couldn't resist the Webs sale). There are sweater, sock and shawl kits. I like the idea of just walking in and picking something out of one of the bins to work on. I was getting overwhelmed and I think this will eliminate some of that.

Charlotte's Web Shawl

2010-04-09T20:34:00.010-04:00

I finished the Charlotte's Web Shawl on Wednesday and blocked it that night. I wore it Thursday and received compliments everywhere I went.

Specs:

Name: Charlotte's Web Shaw1
Yarn: Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM) in 5 assorted colors
Needles: 6 US Addi Lace Needle
Started: 3/22/2010 Finished: 4/7/2010

In spite of the horrible chart I enjoyed knitting this shawl. I had to replace the color I chose for the last section and I love it. I'm considering making one of these in a solid color. I also added a border from my Haapsalu Shawl book. Even though I blocked it well it still curls a little at the bottom but it doesn't bother me.

This can be a quick project if you pick all of the right colors the first time. I would have finished it much earlier if this little faux pas hadn't occurred.

I finally got pictures of my oldest brother Billy wearing his Mars Hat & Scarf. We couldn't set up nice winter looking shot since he'd just got back from Spring Break vacation.

Specs:
Pattern: Mars Hat & Scarf by Veronik Avery available on Twist Collective.
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Stone Washed
Needles: 3 US addi Turbo
For: Billy
Hat Started: November 20, 2009 Finished: Neovember 22, 2009
Scarf Started: December 5, 2009 Finished: December 31, 2009

As I said about the first set I knitted this is an excellent pattern. All three of my brothers love them. They are the perfect manly gift. I have one more set to photograph.

Shawl Fever

2010-04-07T20:50:00.007-04:00

My Charlotte's Web Shawl is blocking...

I have Summit on the needles ...

and my Aeolian is in temporary hibernation. It seems that I'm hung up on shawls for the time being. I've made two already this year. I love the look of shawls and they are perfect for my office which is always too cold. When I wear one I find that I don't have to run the heater as much.

I made another visit to my favorite online store Webs. I've had the "Best of Lopi for several years so I finally broke down and bought the Lopi to make the sweaters I marked when I first got the book while it is still on sale. Some of this is backordered so I'm not sure if they will hold it or ship. I had to call them today and replace one of the colors since it had been discontinued. These sweaters are part of my plan to start my cold weather knitting now.

Basketball is over but one of my favorite shows is back on tv. I love the Top Chef series and once again it is the masters. It's been over a month since I watched my regular shows which has resulted in a total disruption of my viewing schedule. I was glued to ESPN or CBS with an occasional foray to the SYFY chanel (hate that name).

I'm trying to organize a dye day for the guild. I sent out a survey yesterday so I'm waiting to see how many responses I get. This will be the first time that I've done something like this so I'm trying to make sure that I cover all of the bases. It won't be anytime soon because everything is covered in green pollen. Because we haven't had any rain it is horrendous. I don't recall it ever being this bad. Hopefully the rain that they are predicting will come through.

Time to go rest the shoulder and neck. It's been acting up again so I have to treat it with a little extra tlc.

Yarn Love

2010-04-04T20:22:00.015-04:00

My order of Koigu arrived Thursday. It is gorgeous!!!

I've never had this much Koigu in my possession at one time. Of the colors I purchased two where really suitable for my Charlotte's Web shawl. One had more green and the other is a darker variation of the color I used for the fourth color change. I used the latter and am now debating as to how I shall finish it. This was a stash project until I needed an additional color. With all that Koigu calling for a new home I couldn't help myself!

Margaret Fisher taught Brioche knitting in her workshop "A Sampling of Stitches". I fell in love with the stitches and purchased Nancy Marchant's Knitting Brioche. In addition to containing a wealth of stitch patterns it also contains some beautiful projects.

Webs is having their Anniversary sale. I purchased yarn for two Brioche Knitting patterns and ChicKnits.com Cerisara. I received the announcement of the new Cerisara pattern by e-mail and immediately purchased it. The pattern has a three-quarter and sleeveless version. It is an open front cardigan with lace yoke accent. You can allow it to hang open or close it with a decorative closure. I will make both versions.

I am also working on Nina from the Debbie Bliss Prima Collection. I'm using Cotton Cashmere from the stash. My original goal was to knit a skein a day. At that rate it would have taken me 11 days to complete the actual knitting. Due to the arrival of the extra Koigu I've deviated from that schedule but I plan to pick back up this week when the shawl is finished. Since it is stockinette it will be my main travel project.

I've been giving serious consideration to changing my knitting plan. I typically knit heavier weight garments during the fall/winter and lighter weight garments in the spring/summer. This year I'm planning to knit more heavy garments during the summmer and vice versa. I hoping that this will allow me to get more use out of the seasonal garments. Since it gets so hot down here I'm not sure how this will work out but I'm willing to give it a try.

March Madness is almost over which means a significant portion of my life will get back to normal. I'm going to miss the games but there is a lot that I need to get done. It's time for spring cleaning and planting the vegetables. The latter may have to wait until more of our yellow-green storm (pollen) calms down.

Taking a note from some other Ravelers and bloggers I have started creating project bags. I'm sure this will help in the stash management. Since a lot of my yarn is in sweater size amounts I've started looking for patterns that will match the yarn and recording the info. The plan is that this will aid me in deciding what to make since I will know in advance what pattern to use. The jury will be out on this for a while so I'll have to see how it goes. In the meantime I'm going to work on finishing current projects and wips.

If you haven't already checked out the new Knitty. The Summit. This is a genius pattern. I have already ordered and received the yarn and cast on this pattern. I opted for the exact yarn used in the pattern Tess' Designer Yarns Raw Silk. At first I thought I wouldn't like it. The colors didn't appear to be what I wanted but once I started knitting I see that it is perfect.

It is truly great to live in an era of such inspired knitting.

Handwear

2010-03-24T23:14:00.002-04:00

I don't know if I'm heading toward a knitting slump but I've been having a hard time committing to any projects. Out of desperation I once again cast on the Charlotte's Web shawl. I'm into the third colorway so this should soon be an FO.

I finished these gloves last year but just finally got around to taking pictures.

Specs:
Pattern: Knotty Gloves by
Yarn: Merino sportweight ordered on a cone from Miss Babs
Needles: 2 US circular needle
Size: XL for Mrs. Rainey
Started: 10/23/2009 Finished: 11/20/2009

I tried to photograph these before mom went to Vegas. I looked for them while she was gone but immediately knew that she had taken them with her.

Specs:
Pattern: Della Mitts by Holly Terrell
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug Blue Parrot
Needles: 2/2.5 US dpn's
Size: S/M
Started: 2/26/2010 Finished: 3/9/2010

This was a wonderful pattern to knit. The mitts are very feminine and look and fit great. I enjoyed knitting with the Jitterbug. I have several other colorways that I will consider using for mitts instead of socks.

Yarn Parade

2010-03-07T19:46:00.014-05:00

You know you got it bad when your sister, a non-knitter, starts buying yarn for you.

Thursday my sister told us that she saw some pretty yarn at Tuesday Morning. On Friday she bought some for us and on Saturday we were all on the Tuesday Morning yarn crawl. We bought way too much but the prices were reasonable and the quality good. Most of the yarn is KFI, Knitting Fever, brands.

Last month I purchased the Corrie Fair Isle Vest kit in the neutral and bold colorways from Knit Picks.

I received all the yarn for the bold version but only 5 of the skeins for the neutral version. When I called them they said that I didn't order all of the skeins. Further checking on my part revealed that they didn't have the colors in stock and therefore moved them to the notify list. They are supposed to come in this month and since I don't have plans to order anything else so much for "Free Shipping" I thought I was taking advantage of by adding some things to my original order to make it $50.00.

This past week I received two of the best books I've ever purchased. The Haapsalu Shawl and Shirley Paden's Knitwear Design Workshop.

The first is a compilation of Estonian shawl patterns from the town of Haapsalu. It is not your average pattern book but a beautiful large and heavy coffee table-sized book. It contains over 100 stitch patterns and the instructions for creating your very own Haapsalu Shawl. The book contains the history of the Haapsalu shawl and is beautiful photographed. Each of the stitch patterns is clearly photographed and the charts are large enough to easily copy without enlarging.

I own many books on knitwear design but Knitwear Design Workshop is one of the most comprehensive I've seen. It is everything I was looking for when I purchased Deborah Newton's Designing Knitwear. There are numerous worksheets and the formulas used to calculate things such as armhole or neck shaping are very will explained. I plan to put this book to the test in a couple of weeks and post a follow-up.

I'm looking forward to our workshop with Margaret Fisher. I completed the last of my swatches last night. This is the second time we have sponsored an instructor. I'm taking all four workshop classes. Details can be found here Palmetto Purlers.

Snow Again

2010-03-03T22:13:00.010-05:00

Last night we got a light dusting of snow. When I went to bed everything was covered but by the time I got up this morning most of it was gone. It's hard to believe that we got snow twice in the same year! No pictures this time. I've been nursing a case of bronchitis and sinusitis and I'm finally feeling much better.

This past weekend we went to Wadmalaw Island (which is in South Carolina) to celebrate my Aunt Ida Mae's 75th birthday. It was a small family gathering and my aunt was suprised when she found out. We didn't know it was a surprise party until we arrived. She was getting out of the car when we drove up but since her distant vision is gone she couldn't see who we were and thought we were friends of one her grandchildren.

Specs:
Pattern: Anemoon by Zebraknits
Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted True Blue Navy
Needles: 6,7 US circular needles
Size: One size
Started: 2/12/2010 Finished:2/13/2010

I learned a valuable lesson. If someone pays you to knit something for them be sure to get half of the money up front. The lady who I knitted this for thought I was charging her $15.00 even though she repeatedly asked and I repeatedly told her the price. I was prepared to keep it when my oldest brother's friend saw it and immediately took it off my hands. The color is much deeper and prettier than this picture shows. I have one skein remaining and may have to make one for me.

I finished the Mars Hat and Scarf for my brother Charles but I've yet to take pictures. I'm going to try to get them taken this weekend.

I started another pair of fingerless mitts for my mom. They are the Della Mitts a free Ravelry download. I'm using some of the Colinette Jitterbug mom bought for me when she was in Florida last year. The color is Blue Parrot and they are gorgeous.

My sister requested a hat and even though I said I wouldn't knit anything else for her I did. I used a chart from Beautiful Knitting Patterns to make a hat with a Fair Isle band of leaves.

Specs:
Pattern: Leafy Fair Isle hat based on a chart from Beautiful Knitting Patterns
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool colors Brown and Natural
Needles: 4 and 6 16-inch circulars and 6 dpn's
Size: S/M

I cast on using the Double-Start Cast on from Folk Knitting in Estonia and worked in corrugated ribbing. The hardest part was the decreases at the top which took me 4 tries to get right. I'm glad the yarn was up to the challenge.

I started this Cotton Kisses baby sweater in June and put it aside when I realized I wasn't going to have enough yarn to finish it. One of my Guild members, Janie, made the other sweater included in the pattern in the smallest size and gave me the rest of the yarn she had last. As soon as it arrived I picked up the stitches and finished the band. I think it is an adorable sweater even if it won't fit Anniyah until later.

Specs:
Pattern: Cotton Kisses Baby Cardigan by Plymouth Yarn
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Cotton Kisses Green
Needles: 5 and 7 US
Size: 12 months
Started: June 23, 2009 Finished: February 25, 2010

I'm going to have to find a way to blog more often so that I don't have these large updates. The past two weeks I've been glued to the Olympics and there was no way I was going to blog at 1:00 AM. I was too busy trying to make it to bed.

Knit-Inn 2010 Part II

2010-02-15T21:22:00.010-05:00

One of the best things about a knit-in is the endless parade of handknits. I captured a few that caught my attention. Ellen's scarf while not complicated was beautiful and draped wonderfully. It is Phiaro from Knitscene Winter 2007/Spring 2008.

Elisa was there with her winning Mr. Spock sock monkey. She won the Knit Picks sock monkey contest and was steeking her Fair Isle vest that was the prize. I've been waiting for her to post the finished vest.

She's only been knitting for two years and her work is beautiful. I love fearless knitters.

My memory fails me but the photos don't. There was a knitter from Georgia who had a gorgeous Estonia shawl. She wouldn't let me photograph it on her. The nupps were worked separately while knitting using white against a green background.

I finished my lone project purchased at the Knit-Inn.

Specs:
Pattern: Garter Stitch Loop-Through Scarf from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders
Yarn: Karabella Aurora 8
Needles: 4 US Rosewood straights and dpn's
Size: One size
Started: 2/6/2010 Finished:2/10/2010
Mods: The pattern uses sportweight but this worked up beautifully in worsted.

The Great Snow of 2010

2010-02-13T14:43:00.002-05:00

It started snowing around 3:30 PM on February 12th and didn't let up until midnight. In Columbia South Carolina we recorded our 6th largest snowfall on record. At our house I measured 7 inches. It is quickly melting today and all of it is gone from the trees, but our backyard remains a winter wonderland.

They are calling for more snow tomorrow night. I hope it does snow so that maybe we can have that elusive snow day!

Knit-Inn 2010 Part I

2010-02-10T20:41:00.008-05:00

Wow! I didn't realize that it has been over a month since the last post. I had to deal with bad back to back colds and a back injury that kept me sidelined for a week. I'm happy to report that things are finally back to normal.

I attended the SC Knitting Guild's Knit-Inn in Greenville. As usual I had a fabulous time. I got to hang out with my Fort Mill bud Lou and caught up with some other fab knitters that I see once a year. I'm always amazed at how you don't see someone for a year yet when you get together you pick back up right where you left off.

I took three classes this year. Most of the time I wait to late and don't get in many but this year I listened to Deborah and sent my registration in early. I took a modular scarf, an I-cord and a shawl pin class. The instructors in each were fabulous and provided excellent information. I've already received permission from Michele to teach the I-cord class to our guild.

This is the shawl pin I made in class.

She also gave us enough copper to make two more at home.

We had dinner with my youngest brother on Friday and Saturday. Mom didn't take any classes so they went shopping. I delivered his blocked Xmas present and I must say that he looks very handsome in it.

Specs:
Pattern: Mars Hat & Scarf from Twist Collective
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca
Needles: 4 US straights and dpn's
Size: One size

Moderations: No mods needed. This was an excellent pattern and is perfect for men.
Scarf
Hat

I didn't shop much. I purchased two personalized baskets one for mom and one for me and a book, 101 Designer one-skein wonders. Mom purchased 4 skeins of Karabella Aurora 8. Two in red for her and two in royal blue for me for each of us to make the Garter Stitch Loop-Through scarf. I started mine on Saturday but between talking and watching the Super Bowl and basketball I'm finally almost finished knitting it. I was almost finished yesterday until I tried it on and realized that I needed to add another 2 1/2 to 3 inches to the neck.

That's Part I of the update. More to come tomorrow

Christmas '09 Recap

2009-12-29T18:17:00.007-05:00

I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I sure did even though we had three separate gift openings this year. One on Christmas Eve another on Christmas day and the last Christmas evening. The company was wonderful and the food fantastic.

I didn't finish all the scarves but the brothers were pleased anyway. I ordered a beading kit to make mom's gift and when it hadn't been shipped out after a week I was afraid that it wouldn't arrive in time. The mailperson delivered it on the 23rd and I finished it the morning of the 24th. I would have finished it on the first day if I hadn't started so late and wasn't doing other things. The kit is the Circle of Circe (which is no longer listed) from Earthfaire.

She loves it and put it on as soon as she opened it on Christmas day. I must say I'm a little envious because it is truly gorgeous but as always she'll let me borrow it.

I gifted four of the beaded bracelets and everyone loved them. I'm glad that I made them for specific people otherwise it would have been hard for me to give them away.

One of lys' in the area, The Needler, had their after Christmas sale on the 26th. I purchased a Halo sweater kit by Jojoland, enough Berroco Lustra for a sweater and found a closer source of the Kreinik Metallic Braids that are used in the bracelets. Now I need to find a source for the Silk Serica used in the necklace. I'm already assembling beads to make a kit so that I can knit another one.

Once again we will be hosting a New Year's Eve get together. I kinda thought I had gotten out of it this year since I do all of the food preparation but when mom asked me for the grocery list I knew what was coming. It will be a fun time and I'll be taking it easy on New Year's day.

I haven't made any resolutions but I'm going to try to buy less yarn and knit more especially for me. I didn't do much charity knitting in '09 some I'm going to try and up that also. In other words I hope to have a very knitterly 2010.

Caera and Green Thumb

2009-12-08T22:13:00.005-05:00

I needed something fairly quick that would give me a break from the Christmas knitting and Caera was indeed the right pick.

Specs:
Pattern: Caera by Lucy Sweetland downloaded from a black pepper.
Yarn: Sublime cashmere merino silk DK
Needles: 6 circular needle and dpn's
Size: One size

I like the feel of the yarn but it has given a strange cast to the hat. I could see the small fibers coming to the top as I knitted. I'm glad this is a hat that won't be subjected to the rubbing that would cause it to pill. I've already picked off several tufts of fiber today.

I searched high and low for the fingerless gloves that I'd made for mom and finally came to the conclusion that she must have taken them with her on the cruise. She said she used them on the bus to and from Miami to keep her hands warm so I'm finally getting around to taking pictures.

Specs:
Pattern: Green Thumb by Mooseknits
Yarn: Knit Picks Telemark Bayberry
Needles: 3 US dpn's
Size: Medium

She loves them and has worn them regularly since I gave them to her. I have another pair in the works but she probably won't get them until after Christmas. I highly recommend this pattern.

That's the update for now and thanks for the gingerbread suggestions.

Clickety Clack

2009-12-07T20:43:00.006-05:00

The knitting needles have been clicking away at Chez Morris. I finished one scarf set and cast on the second scarf.

This is an in progress shot of the first scarf. I need to block everything so I'm saving them for one blocking marathon. I've enjoyed knitting the hats and scarf and didn't find the 286 stitch pick up as tedious as some have indicated. This is truly an inspired design and I've enjoyed the details that went into making the scarf.

To give myself a break I cast on the Caera hat by of Zebraknits of {a-black-pepper}. It is available as Ravelry download.

I'm using Sublime cashmere merino silk DK. It knits beautifully but is already beginning to show some of the tell tale signs of pilling as I knit it. I keep having to dislodge little bits of fluff. I'm at the crown shaping so this will soon be in the FO column.

I thought I'd add another photo of the cactus since I only included close ups in the previous post.

This is always the first bit of holiday cheer that we have in the house. We put up the last Christmas tree yesterday and the in-house decorations. I'm almost finished with the shopping and will soon start wrapping.

I'm looking for a good gingerbread cookie recipe. If you have one please share or direct me to a good one. I plan to make cookies with the boys on the 19th and this will be my first time making gingerbread cookies. I was tempted to purchase a couple of the copper ones at Williams Sonoma but at $8 a pop we're opting for a cheaper version. Thanks in advance.

Countdown

2009-12-01T22:04:00.006-05:00

I've been diligently working on the first Mars scarf. The shaping and construction is far from normal and consists of two ribbed panels that are picked up along a central strip. One of the panels is shaped to form a collar that fits snug around the neck. It is this design feature that drew me to the pattern.

The 8-row repeat works up fairly quick but it is still taking a good bit of time to knit the 45+ inch center. I'm hoping that I can get all three completed before Xmas and finish the sweater for mom, although I've already decided that if push comes to shove I'll give them the hats and they'll get the scarves later. I put mom's gift on hold last year and she didn't get it until well after Xmas so it wouldn't be fair to have her wait again.

My favorite plant, the Holiday Cactus, is blooming like crazy this year. We left it outside longer which allowed the plant to set almost 3 times as many buds. I've been practicing using the macro setting on the new camera to capture close shots.

The next thing I'm going to work on is re-organizing the craft room. It is in such disarray that I almost hate to go in there. I have maxed out all of the storage space in the room and with all the additional yarn and book purchases I made this year stuff is everywhere. I'm not into resolutions but I have to make a serious committment to use what I have. Wish me luck!

Leftovers

2009-11-29T21:19:00.014-05:00

The first major fall Holiday has passed and it was great! I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews since we don't see each other as much as we used to. Several of them are on the way to adulthood and usually have other things to do in their free time.

My youngest brother surprised us on Thursday. His plant was scheduled to work the night shift but at the last minute they cancelled and gave them the day off. That meant that all five of us were together.

Even with the number of people we had for dinner and the take-out plates that were packed, there were plenty of leftovers. I've been plowing my way through them since Friday and Byron, baby bro, took some home with him today. My sister also prepared a package for my niece who's on her way back to Clemson.

I didn't do any Black Friday sales. Never have and probably never will. There's something about getting out in the crowd that doesn't appeal to me. I had already found my best deal prior to that...

A Canon Digital SLR. It's a very early present for my 50th birthday in September next year. I've been reading the operation manual and playing around with it. One of my guild members, Kim, has agreed to give me some lessons.

I reached the halfway mark with the Xmas presents for my brothers. All of the Mars hats are finished and I've started the first scarf. I also completed 3 more bracelets two of which mom has taken on her cruise. She is enjoying wearing them and I can't blame her. They are gorgeous and I'm glad I decided to make them for gifts. These are two of the most recent ones.

This evening I started on the beaded Xmas ornaments. For some reason I didn't make any last year. I usually try to make at least four of them for the color scheme that is used that year.

Christmas Joy

Holiday Greetings

I plan on making a few more for the themed tree and the traditional tree in addition to the ones I plan to make for my brother Charles and his family. I farther ahead than I've ever been in my Xmas knitting so I don't feel the pressure that I have in the past when I've knitted for Xmas. It's going to be a wonderful, thankful, joyous and relaxed holiday season.

The Phews (as in Nephews)

2009-11-17T21:18:00.007-05:00

While there has been a lack of activity on this blog there hasn't been a lack of knitting at home. I've been making Xmas presents and spending time with my two favorite boys, Jaylon and Isaiah.

Once a month I get them for the weekend. We've been to the movies, the zoo and have had fun playing games, drawing and doing other things kids like to do. It has added another dimension to my life and theirs and made me realize even more how much I love them.

They fed the Lories and Lorikeets at the zoo and loved it!

I finished the Bead Soup bracelet kits and was hooked so I created my own. With the exception of the black and the blue bracelets, I'll be giving them as gifts. I still have three or four more to string and knit before I'm finished.

I cast on a Noro Jacket for mom. It is design 15 from Noro: Collection Jenny Watson Book 3. There are several designs I plan to make from this book but this is the one that struck me as a great gift for mom. I'm making some length adjustments so that it won't be as short.

I'm almost finished with the Knotty Gloves. They've been languishing for a while with only the ring, pinky and index fingers left to be knitted. This is on my agenda for tomorrow. I also cast on a pair of fingerless gloves for mom using some of the leftover Knit Picks Telemark from the Vine and Lace Beret. They are Green Thumb from Mooseknits.

I'm making the Mars Hat and Scarf from Twist Collective. I subbed Berroco Ultra Alpaca for the original yarn. I've completed one of the hats and it is perfect. A nice warm and tight but not tonight fitting beanie. I think the brothers will love these for the few cold days that we do have.

So while things may be a little slow right now there's lots to come.

State Fair '09

2009-10-25T17:38:00.008-04:00

Usually by this time I've posted the news about the State Fair. The Palmetto Purlers, my knitting guild, gave their demo on the first day which was Wednesday the October 14th. Earlier that day the results of the competitions were finally posted. I won two blue ribbons, two red ribbons and the sweepstakes.

Blue ribbon for Vine and Lace Beret and Blue Ribbon and Sweepstakes for Vilai socks.

Red ribbons, Second Place, for Noro Silk Garden Shawl and Belted Wrap Jacket.

This marks the third time I have won the Sweepstakes and each time it has been in a different category.

My knitting has been all over the place. I finally finished the Aestlight Shawl.

Specs:
Name: Aesthlight by the Shetland Trader (Gudrun Johnston)
Yarn: Frog Tree Alpaca Fingering (2.25 skeins out of 4)
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace 6 US
Started: August 14, 2009 Finished: October 13, 2009

I started this in August and got tripped up on the eyelet section. I put it down and picked it back up in October. I frogged what was already done and had no problems at all completing the eyelet section this time and zoomed right through to the finish. This is an excellently written pattern and I highly recommend it.

On Friday I started a pair of Knotty Gloves for Mrs. Rainey our family friend in Maryland who we visited in September. I'm knitting from a large cone of Henry's Attic Tennessee which is a sportweight superwash merino. It feels fantastic and the gloves are looking great. I'm toying with the idea of dyeing them once they are finished.

Today I picked most of the remaining tomatoes. The majority of them are still green so I'm going to put them in a brown paper bag to ripen. I still have quite a few remaining on the plants as well as several bell peppers. I hope that the coming frost will kill the plants so that I can begin to clean out the area.

I'm focusing most of my knitting time on gifts with the exception of some fingerless gloves for mom. Her hands and wrist have been hurting lately and they get worse as the weather cools down. I may also make some for my brothers time permitting. I have the beads and am impatiently awaiting the arrival of the braid to make several beaded bracelets. I've completed two kits I purchased from earthfaire and love the way the look.

That's it for the updates. I'm heading back to the needles to work on the gloves.

Legal Scams

2009-09-20T23:08:00.005-04:00

I'm finally getting back to blogging after going on a computer-free vacation and resolving DSL issues once I got home. I am often glad that I tend to know more than the average person about computers. I called my service provider's helpdesk to resolve the DSL issue and they ended up wanting to charge me between $99.00 and $249.00, depending on the service plan, to repair the so called problem in my computer. I resolved the problem by re-installing the DSL software. It pisses me off that I pay for the highest speed and they want to charge me when their regular helpdesk can't solve the problem. I can't begin to imagine how many people they have ripped of already.

I'm working on several projects at this time. I still haven't decided on entering the fair. I ordered my entry forms and for some strange reason they sent me a duplicate set. Last year I had planned on entering and it made things much easier because I knitted projects that I was going to enter. This year I've been waffling so much that the time is almost here.

I casted on a sweater for my goddaughter. She won't be able to wear it any time in the near future. It is the Beaded Cardigan from Special Knits by Debbie Bliss. I love all of the designs in this book. This is my third sweater from it and there are a few more designs I would like to make.

I finished the first foot of another pair of Angee socks. These are one of the current pairs in the Sock Innovation Knit-Along. I'm using the Lanett I dyed using the immersion method that was on Monika's blog. I love the way the colors shade from dark to light. I dyed three colorways using this method and I'm so pleased with the way that these are turning out that I'm sure I'll be doing more.

I have a shawl to cast on and maybe one or two other items. I'll be knitting like crazy the next few weeks. With that in mind I plan to do better at documenting and posting my progress. If all goes well I'll have some Christmas presents out of the way.

Have any of you made gloves/fingerless gloves using sock yarn? If so, I'd like to know the pro's and con's as well as some pattern ideas. Thanks for your help.

Berets

2009-09-01T19:15:00.008-04:00

When I looked through the Fall '09 issue of Vogue Knitting I knew I had to buy it. There were several patterns that immediately caught my attention. Two were in the hat section, the Lace Beret and the Vine and Leaf Beret. There are also several hats in this issue that are either very strange or very poorly designed.

The first hat I casted on was the Lace Beret. It is more of hat and less of beret. It lacks much of floppiness that I believe characterizes a beret.

Specs:
Pattern: Lace Beret from Vogue Knitting Fall 2009
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine Pea Soup Mix (last two photos show true colors)
Needles: 1 & 2 circular needles and size 2 dpn's
Size: Medium

I enjoyed this pattern. The only problem I had was gapping between each lace section once I started using the dpn's. This usually isn't a problem for me. I tinked several rows and thought I had corrected the problem but there are still two areas that gap after blocking. I also need to tighten the top. It relaxed too much after blocking and there is a hole.
Started: 8/26/2009 and Finished: 8/29/2009

I couldn't resist casting on the Vine and Lace Beret. I'm using Knit Pick's Telemark from the stash. Depending on how this works up I'll probably knit it using the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino that the pattern calls for. I have several colors in the stash but I wanted to see how this fits before using the "good" stuff.

It is a true beret and I can already see hints of the prerequisite floppiness. I may end up making several of these for Christmas presents. These will be added to the "hat basket" project.

I'm also toying with idea of making fingerless gloves. Personally I don't care for them too much but they seem to popular with the younger crowd. I need to cover my hands completely in cold weather to prevent them from getting stiff and achey.

All of my nieces are below the age of 20 so I think they'll enjoy them. Time permitting I may make matching gloves and hat. I'm not trying to got out on a limb so nothing is written in stone especially since I've already purchased some of my presents. If you have any good hat suggestions let me know in the comments.

Vilai

2009-08-27T18:37:00.004-04:00

I've finished what I believe is my favorite pair of socks to date. Of course they are from Sock Innovation by Cookie A since that is where most of the socks I've knitted lately come from.

Specs:
Pattern: Vilai from Sock Innovation by Cookie A
Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy Absolute Magenta
Needles: 1 / 2.5 mm dpn's
Size: 9.5
Started: August 17, 2009 - Finished: August 26, 2009

The hardest part of this sock was the cable crossing which required 2 cable needles. After the first one I understood the directions and it wasn't that difficult. This pattern is not as difficult as it looks and I enjoyed the challenge. It never got boring and as each row is different. I did have to pay attention to the chart until I got each new section established. I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner.

Rick Socks

2009-08-16T20:12:00.005-04:00

For some reason I was thinking that I had already posted these finished socks. I was getting ready to do my regular Sunday blog reading when I realized I hadn't. I can't say why these socks took so long. Once I got restarted with the first foot I whipped it right on out. I took a couple of days break before starting the second foot and whipped it out in about two days.

Specs:
Pattern: Rick Socks from Sock Innovation by Cookie A
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino Peacock
Needles: 1//2.25mm Knit Picks 6" dpn's
Size: 10
Started: July 20, 2009 Finished: August 13, 2009
Modifications: I cast on 72 stitches instead of 60 and decreased to 64 while doing the gusset. The foot is nice and snug but the leg feels a little loose. Next time I will do the entire sock on 60 stitches. These socks used almost the entire skein of yarn.

**Edited to change photos.
I enjoyed the pattern and love the socks even though the aren't for me. I highly recommend this pattern. It's very rhythmic and easy to memorize. The only time I had to consult the charts was for the foot which after few rows also had an easy to remember rhythm.

Too Much of a Good Thing

2009-08-11T21:27:00.004-04:00

I find it fascinating that every pair of socks I make for my mom I end up wishing I had made them for myself. I'm loving this pair of Rick socks from Sock Innovation. I've completed the first foot and finally got the second started. The "Always a Bridesmaid" knitalong due date is looming on the horizon.

If you click to enlarge the photos you can see the awesome detail in these socks.

The pictures are of each side of the same foot. The left sock will be a mirror image of the right. At first I had to keep undoing one of the k2tog in the left foot because I was unable to anticipate it coming from a different direction. My brain has finally made the adjustment and I'm moving right along.

My Knit Picks book order arrived yesterday and I am totally fascinated by Double Knitting by M'Lou Baber. I'm going to have to take some time to wrap my brain around the techniques in the book, but I am chomping at the bit to knit the Crop Circles coat. I plan to make a couple of the practice projects and maybe a hat or two before I tackle a large project.

I'm a little overwhelmed with all the great projects I've come across lately. It's getting harder and harder to decide what to do next. I've been trying to prioritize my lists but they just keep getting longer and longer. The next move is going to involve some type of process of elimination. The only thing in my favor is that they are very organized lists. I hope in the coming weeks to kick up the knitting progress a notch and make a dent in the stash. There aren't any holiday knitting plans just lots of stress and guilt free knitting.

Silk Garden Sock Triangular Shawl

2009-08-09T20:36:00.004-04:00

Sometimes you just have to believe.

I was not at all convinced that I liked the color of this shawl while I was knitting it. There is a gray stripe between the blue rows and the colors are deeper than they appear in the picture. It is a beautiful shawl and warm. I tested it in my office on Friday when I took it to work to show it off.

Specs:
Pattern: Based on charts from Knitting Lace Triangles by Evelyn Clark
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Sock color S8
Needles: 6 Addi Turbo Lace
Started: July 28, 2009 Finished: August 6, 2009

I could see myself knitting a lot of shawls based on this book. All the patterns are very straight forward and the directions excellent. I love the size of this shawl but plan on making several smaller ones. I used most of the 3 skeins of the Silk Garden Sock I purchased and could have easily stopped at 2 - 2.5. I have 3 skeins in another color which I also plan to use for a shawl.

Little Peacock

2009-08-01T21:26:00.004-04:00

Yesterday evening I blocked the Little Peacock cardigan. During this process I realized that I need to make a serious adjustment to the back neck ribbing. It flares so I'm going to rip it out and reduce the number of stitches.

Specs:
Pattern: Little Peacock from Knotions Summer 2009 designed by Sarah Hoadley
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic Linen White
Needles: 6, 7 Clover Bamboo straights
Size: XL
Started: June 14, 2009 Finished: July 26, 2009

Modifications: None. I came across an error in the sleeve but I adjusted the stitch count in the directions to correct it. My sister's friend Patrice graciously modeled it for me.

I made my final purchase at the Christmas in July sale yesterday, a cone of Jaggerspun Zephyr in Elderberry.

I'm going to knit the Three-Cornered Shawl from Victorian Lace Today once I've finished the Silk Garden Sock shawl.

I'm on the second skein of three. I want this shawl to be somewhere between 50 and 60 inches wide so I probably won't use all three skeins. The depth will be determined by the width. I've been surprised by the color changes. There is grey and an unexpected tourquoise. I'm not to sure about the colors but my mom loves it. This will be one of a collection of "house" shawls meaning that they aren't knit for a particular person but for any of us to use when we need one.

I'm also toying with the idea of knitting a basket of "house" hats. I always know where mine are but mom can't seem to keep up with hers. The plan is to have a basket in the den that contains hats in various styles and colors so that you just grab one when you need it that way no one will have a cold head.

I didn't get my second pair of socks finished for the Sock Innovation Knit-Along. They are offering a second chance option for those of us who didn't finish their May, June or July socks. I'm debating if I should try to get the Rick socks finished for this. I like the patterns chosen for this month, Vilai and Summer Socks, but there are other projects I'm itching to do now that the sock addiction is starting to wear off. It's time to start thinking about the fall and winter sweaters.

Over the next few weeks I'll get my patterns and yarn together and establish some type of plan for the sweaters I'd like to make. There are so many I like that I'm going to have to come up with some type of list. Between me and mom I could spend all of my spare time knitting but the I'd have to give up Ravelry. Not!!!

Peacocks

2009-07-28T22:49:00.004-04:00

This past weekend I put all these pieces together to form the lovely Little Peacock cropped cardigan. I still need to block it and sew on the button.

Mom tried it on and it's almost a regular sweater on her. She is significantly shorter than me but I don't think that if I'd made it shorter it would have complimented the design. She asked for a cropped top yet each time she's had it on she keeps trying to pull it down?! I asked her if she's sure that she wants a sweater that short.

I'm still waiting on my Skaska Triangular Shawl kit to arrive. They're busy traveling for shows and classes and haven't been back in town to get it together and send it off. In the interim I decided to cast on a shawl using the Silk Garden Sock I recently purchased at the Christmas in July sale at the Hook N Needle. I'm using Evelyn Clark's Knitted Lace Triangles for the design. This basically means that I use the book to plug in the patterns that I want to use.

I think it's ironic that I just finished the Little Peacock cardigan and this shawl reminds me of the colors of a peacocks tail. Growing up there used to be peacocks on the property behind us and every now and then one would come up the hill and we would see its' beautiful tail unfurled. It's not a sight often seen these days.

The Silk Garden Sock was on sale for $10.00 so mom and I purchased 3 skeins each of two different colors for shawls. So far I like the colors. I getting ready to phase into the purple and then the aqua. I'm hoping that by the time I finish this my other shawl project will have arrived.

The hunt is on for the next sweater. I'm thinking of doing either a Berroco or Rowan design. I have designs in mind as well as the yarn for swatching. At the same time, I'm debating whether or not I'll enter anything in the state fair. I don't have anything in mind and time is winding down. For the moment I'm going to play it by ear and if anything strikes my fancy I'll go from there.

Expectations

2009-07-22T20:55:00.002-04:00

I cast on a pair of socks this week after spending a couple of days debating which yarn to use. After the first several rows I noticed something unexpected. Striping!

I've used Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in the past but this is the first time I've come across a skein that striped. The color is Peacock and the combination is gorgeous. The past few days I have debated whether or not to rip it out and use another color. This is my second pair of socks for this month's Sock Innovation Knit-Along and I'm pushing it to get these done by July 31st. Tonight I'll decide whether or not to bite the bullet or throw in the towel.

I couldn't resist including a photo of mom at one of her favorite spots in Atlantic City. This isn't one of the machines she played it was in a spot that made for a good photo op.

Hedera

2009-07-17T21:30:00.007-04:00

Time has a way of getting away from you. There has been knitting going on even with the sad lack of blog content.

I've finished the first pair of socks for this month's Sock Innovation knit-along.

Specs:

Pattern: Hedera by Cookie A
Yarn: Froelich Wolle Special Blauband
Needles: 1/2.5 mm dpn's
Size: Women's 10
Started: July 1, 2009 Finished: July 19, 2009

I'm going to try and get a pair of Rick's done since they are my favorite pattern from the book.

I only have the sleeves left to do on the Peacock cardigan.

I had hoped to get all the pieces done on my recent trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey. I finished the front to discover that my size 5 needles and bag of knitting notions was missing. Upon getting on the bus to head back home I found the notions bag in the over head. I found one needle on the floor and the lady riding behind me found the other one. I was so disappointed when I thought had lost my fancy scissors and needle holder among other things.

I had a great time in Atlantic City. I don't gamble and gave my $30.00 comp to my mom. We stayed at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. Our free show was a production of Fame! It was very well done and the singing was great. We explored the outlets and the boardwalk. The weather was great the entire time and did not rain until the day we left. I plan to return and hopefully will be able to take some of the tours that are available.

Sunshine

2009-06-17T22:58:00.003-04:00

This evening I finished the 4th pair of Cookie A socks, Sunshine. Another easy pattern to memorize and knit. I don't know why I thought I might run out of yarn because I had plenty to spare.

Specs:
Pattern: Sunshine from Sock Innovation by Cookie A
Yarn: Trekking Undyed dyed with Pro Chem One Shot Dyes Cornflower
Needles: 1.5 / 2.5 6-inch dpn's from Knit Picks
Started: June 1, 2009 Finished: June 17, 2009
Mods: I knitted four repeats of the pattern on the legs. I like my socks longer in the calf than most of her patterns suggest. This pattern is quick to knit. I was held up by Vacation Bible School last week and didn't get much done. I was unable to capture the true color of this yarn. The closest I came was the first picture I posted earlier this month.

I made my regular check on the garden today and found several tomatoes just beginning. I was worried that they might not set since I had this problem once before. The lone cucumber is growing. Still lots of blooms but no other cucumbers. I picked the first banana pepper today with one lone pepper remaining and lots of blooms.

We walk around the campus at work and often check on the two gardens planted on the grounds. One has huge cucumbers which should have been picked, lots of smaller cucumbers and tomatoes. The other has tomatoes and baby watermelons. They both have other vegetables planted that have just begun to bear. We work on a fairly large property with lots of green space. I wish we could plant gardens around the property. I think the only issue would be the excess water usage given the budget constraints that we are currently operating under.

Planting a garden is a wonderful experience especially for children. I always let my nieces and nephews help pick the vegetables when they are visiting and they love it. It gives me the opportunity to explain how things grow and how we get our food. When Isaiah stayed the weekend last month we planted tomatoes and flowers. He is always amazed and full of questions so it provided a great opportunity for teaching. Last year he picked tomatoes and this year he'll have the chance to pick a variety of vegetables. If you get the chance try it. You might be amazed yourself.

Sock Frenzy

2009-06-14T21:46:00.007-04:00

It's been hot, hot, hot here. That means lots of time spent indoors escaping the heat and enjoying the AC. I've been working on the 3 pairs of socks that I have on the needles.

Sunshine - One sock down 1/3 of the second started.

Elongated Corded Rib - Sensational Knitted Socks for mom. I'm using Regia Bamboo Color. I started this one before the June Cookie A Sock Knit-Along began.

Nebula - Cookie A Sock Innovation Knit-Along June. I'm using the Kona that I dyed Cantaloupe.

I'm not sure if I'll finish this one in time. It requires a lot of work and I may not have the time to devote to it.

I've decided to knit the Triangular Warm Shawl. I spent two days looking for the pattern and it was exactly where I had put it. This pattern is in the September/October 2002 Piecework which is sold out and I was freaking out for a minute because I knew I'd purchased it with the kit. I haven't started yet too busy trying to get some of these socks finished and I've cast on something for mom.

She's been looking for a bolero type sweater. The new Knotions is out and features a cute bolero named the Little Peacock. I had Cotton Classic on hand in cream, she had specified white, but says that this color is okay. I casted on today and will try to finish this by the end of the month. We have a trip in July so I definitely want to be finished by then.

I've been keeping an eye on the garden. The tomatoes and squashes have blooms but no squash or tomatoes thus far. I have peppers growing and today I saw the first little cucumber. It is about an inch long so I have to be sure to water them well. Each year I'm trying to add something different. I love fresh fruit and vegetables and this is the time of year when you can get them at their best. I'm hoping that I have the same bounty that I did last year which gave me plenty of opportunities for sharing.

Odds and Ends

2009-06-05T21:33:00.009-04:00

I skeined the last yarns from Monday's dyeing session. I tried the yarn cake method but my cakes were a little too loose and fell apart in the dye bath. I used a Slate Blue dye bath to dye two yarn cakes and two skeins. I'm pleased with the results obtained. Two of the skeins I overdyed, one with red and the other with yellow. The cake dyed with red has shades of red, purple and blue reminding me of berries. The skein dyed with yellow turned various shades of green from deep almost black green to a lighter almost green yellow like the colors found in a deciduous forest. One of the blue cakes wasn't overdyed and reminds me of acid wash jeans.

From left to right: Deciduous Forest, Berrylicious and Acid Wash

I dyed two more skeins of the Kona Superwash Merino a vibrant orange color named Cantaloupe. I'll use this for the Nebula socks. The color isn't shaded as it appears in the picture it is pretty much a solid orange.

The Sunshine socks are coming along well. It didn't take long to develop a rhythm with this pattern. The repeat is very easy to remember and execute. I think the ribbing is too narrow for mom's big calves. I've lengthened the leg by one repeat and will be keeping an eye on the amount of yarn I have left.

And as always at this time of year I leave you with a little beauty from the yard.

C is for Cookie

2009-06-02T22:07:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I started my fourth pair of Cookie A socks. The Sunshine pattern from Sock Innovation. I'm using the Trekking Undyed that I dyed Cornflower. This color has called me from when it first came out of the dye pot. I may end up giving these socks to mom as the leg seems a little big on me. She has you increase to 80 stitches when doing the pattern and that may just be a tad too much for me.

The Sock Innovation knit-along is also planning to knit the Nebula. It is a new pattern available on her website. I was planning to use the Dream In Color Smooshy I purchased at Stitches South but it turned out to be a tangled mess. I had undone a knot in the skein thinking it was where it was tied and the trouble began. One large beautiful skein turned into 3 smaller yarn cakes. I was disappointed to say the least.

I've narrowed my shawl selection down to two. Both are Galina Khmeleva designs. The first choice is the Triangular/Warm scarf which I purchased as a kit at the TKGA convention in Atlanta a few years ago. The second choice is Olga's Indiski (Indian) Shawl which is on the cover of the current issue of Piecework. I saw this shawl at Stitches South and purchased the magazine before it was distributed. If I select this pattern I'll use some of the 50/50 Merino Silk I purchased from Skaska at the same time.

I'm still playing around with the dye pot. I tried the yarn cake dyeing technique used by Monica. I wound the cakes too loose and they fell apart in the pot. I also added two skeins that were still in their original form and had some fun results. I've overdyed some of the skeins and am waiting for them to dry.

I went to In the Loop to find yarn for the Nebula socks. I didn't find anything that caught my eye so this evening I am dyeing two 400 yard hanks Canteloupe. The large size of this pattern takes 500 yards! I may have to tone the color down some when I check it in the morning but for now it's looking good. This dyeing thing is getting in my blood. That's all for now, check you later.

From the Dye Pot

2009-05-31T01:12:00.004-04:00

Last year I purchased several colors of Pro Chemical One Shot Dyes. Well 26 colors to be exact. I experimented a little last year, but this week I decided to bring the dye pot out again. I had accumulated several skeins of undyed sock yarn for this purpose namely Trekking XXL and some Henry's Attic Kona Superwash from Miss Babs. I was planning on using the Henry's Attic for a guild project but given the tough economic times I wasn't in the mood to be asking for a reimbursement or figuring out a charge for the cost of materials so I dyed 4 of the ten skeins.

I focused on solid/semisolid colors. Each skein was dyed a single color with the exception of the one skein which was an electric Wild Iris. This skein was overdyed by sprinkling the Deep Purple powder directly on the skein.

From left to right the colors are Pine Green, Autumn, Desert Rose, Raspberry, Key Lime and Cornflower using Trekking XXL Undyed. The remaining colors are Teal, Turkey Red, Gold and Wild Iris overdyed with Deep Purple using Henry's Attic Kona Superwash Fingering. The Cornflower blue is deeper than the picture depicts. It's closer to a Royal Blue and Raspberry is a gorgeous deep berry color. Overall I am very pleased with the results and the little color nuances that some of the skeins contain can only be appreciated in person.

I have a tendency to purchase variegated sock yarns and dyed these to add a few solids to the collection. There are several Cookie A patterns that I plan to knit and due to the heavily textured patterns they look best in solids or semisolids.

I'll be exploring this craft more this summer along with picking back up some former hobbies that have languished for a while. It's time to branch out a little once again. I'll still be knitting but in the process I'll take a little time out for something else.

Kai-Mei

2009-05-26T21:17:00.007-04:00

I joined a Cookie A knit-along on Ravelry and each month starting with May we have the choice of knitting two patterns. One pattern is from her book Sock Innovation and the other from her individual patterns. This month's choice is Kai-Mei. At first I didn't plan to knit this sock, but as time went on and I saw the beauties knitted by others I gave in.

Specs:
Pattern: Kai-Mei from Sock Innovation by Cookie A
Yarn: StahlScheWolle Socka in Red
Needles: Knit Picks 1.5/2.5 mm 6-inch dpn's
Size: Women's 9.5
Started: May 14, 2009 Finished: May 25, 2009

The pattern is is very basic until you reach the foot then the fun begins. Once I sorted out what was going on with the panel the sock was a breeze to knit. I increased the number of stitches to 72 instead of the 66 given in the pattern. The toes end in an offset slope which worked perfectly for my foot since my toe next to the big to is longer than the big toe. I would knit these again. The pattern is well written and I didn't encounter any errors.

And just to round things out, a little more of the beauty we are experiencing here in South Carolina.

Socks Again and Flowers

2009-05-12T21:10:00.013-04:00

Yesterday was an unsually cool day. A perfect springtime day for wearing cotton or cotton blend socks. I didn't get to wear these but they are ready for the next time in a lovely spring/summer green.

Specs:

Pattern: Generic 3 x 3 Ribbed Socks
Yarn: ONLine Supersocke Summer Color
Needles: Knit Picks 1.5 6" dpns
Started: May 1, 2009 as Kai Mei repurposed on May 4 as 3 x 3 ribs
Finished: May 11, 2009

Today I put the squash and cucumbers in the ground. Some of the tomato plants are off to a good start and others will need a little more nuturing. We had some good rain the past week which helped out tremendously with the watering.

I spent time cleaning out some of the flower beds until I disturbed a very large ant pile. I was lucky and was bitten only once by a rogue ant that managed to crawl up my shirt and bite me by my bra strap. Tomorrow after giving them sufficient time to calm down I'll put down the ant killer. The one bad thing about living in the south is that you have to deal with the dreaded fire ants.

Gladiolas are some of my favorite flowers and they have been growing and spreading like wildfire. The calla lilies keep coming back bigger and prettier each year. I'll be cleaning out both of these beds and getting them ready for re-planting. The Asiatic lilies will also need to be dug up and re-planted to make the beds more pleasing.

The Lady Banks roses along the fence line need to be cut back and room made for the three new rose bushes mom purchased. The hibiscus on the deck both needed to be repotted.

I think this is the most yard work I've had to do in a while and it's all a labor of love. I can't wait for the finished results.

Slowed Down

2009-05-06T21:40:00.004-04:00

I've spent the past 3 days reloading and installing the software on my laptop. For 3 1/2 years I didn't have any problems until I installed some software from my internet provider. I've learned that I have to do a better job of backing up my data. The portable hard drive I purchased made that job fairly easy, but I still need to make sure I do it more often. It's the locating and reloading some of the software that has been a problem. I've been unable to get my Knitable app to sync with the data on my Palm. It's frustrating and aggravating especially if I have to end up entering this data all over. Hopefully by the weekend I'll have it all sorted out. In the meantime I've been slowly knitting on a pair of basic 3 x 3 socks.

My neighbor who lives two houses down from us has the most beautiful Clematis surrounding her mailbox.

The first year she had it I thought it was artificial. Each year it returns more beautiful than the year before.

It's the time of the year for gardening and planting. So far I've planted tomatoes, bell peppers and banana peppers. Mom picked up some cucumber and squash plants for me today. I'm going to plant the cucumbers along the fence line so that they will run and grow up the fence. I don't have any idea where the squash plants will go. If it was up to me I'd plant them in the front flower bed that needs to be redone.

The season of flowers is in full force and we have a lot of work to do. It will cut into my knitting time, but it always takes a while to get the front and back yard into shape especially when we've been a little neglectful. I'm finally in the mood to do something in addition to socks namely a shawl. I have one in mind and when this computer mess is fixed I'll start on it. It's back to the knitting groove and welcome to the good fresh air and evenings on the porch.

Another Sock Bites the Dust

2009-04-30T21:13:00.006-04:00

Another one down and many more to go. I finished the Angee socks and they do fit mom. She said I could keep them, but I made me a pair of purple Trekking socks earlier this year. This was another great Cookie A pattern.

Specs:

Pattern: Angee from Sock Innovation by Cookie A
Yarn: Sundara Yarn Sock in the original 185 yard put up. No color just a number.
Needles: Knit Picks 1.5 (2.5 mm) dpn's
Size: 10 for mom
Started: April 19, 2009 Finished: April 29, 2009

Love, love, loved knitting this pattern. If you can "read" your knitting you will be able to memorize the pattern. I also loved knitting with the Sundara Sock. It gives excellent stitch definition. I used the same yarn for the Cascading Leaves socks.

Going With the Flow

2009-04-27T22:22:00.004-04:00

I'm sitting here watching CSI Miami and knitting away. Knitting steadily and wrong. I got caught up in the show and autopilot knitted when I should have been knitting and slipping. All is back to normal now.

I completed the first foot of Angee last Thursday. (click to enlarge and see the detail of this sock.)

I ordered this Sundara Sock a few years back and don't know if she's changed her base since then. It knits up beautifully and shows stitch definition very well. This is the second time I've used it and I'm enjoying it as much as the first. I knitted mom's Cascading Leaves socks from the same yarn. I have two more skeins in a maroon color that I will use for myself.

I'm in a sock mood at the moment so instead of forcing myself to knit other things I'm to go with the flow for as long as it lasts. Eventually I'll pick up my other projects. There's a shawl to finish and another I want to start on, but for now I'm going to work on what is calling to me.

I've also started reading The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. This book crossed my path three times in one day and I took that as a sign that I should read it. It is a contemporary Christian story and has touched everyone I come in contact with who has read it. I'll give a synopsis once I've finished reading it.

Socks and books. That's it for now.

Shameless Knitting Pr0n

2009-04-25T18:29:00.011-04:00

The past couple of days have been about shameless stash enhancement and accessory acquisition. I had a great time at the Stitches Market although we still think it was a scaled down version of the others. Some of the vendors you typically hear about were not in attendance. A lot of the patterns that I wanted were available in kit form only and I was not going to spend $150 - $200 just to get a pattern.

I was also disappointed that you couldn't take pictures inside. It's not like we were exposed to any knew or breaking kntting news or gadgets. I would have loved to have had this documented for the four of us that went down to Atlanta together. I joined fellow guild members Nova, Laurie and Kim for wonderful day trip.

I purchased mainly sock yarn because I wanted to try yarns other than ones available here in Columbia.

From left to right:
1. Pagewood Farms Chugiak
2. Pagewood Farms Yukon
3. Ivy Brambles
4. Knit Witch
5. Shibuiknits Sock
6. Creatively Dyed Calypso
7. Dream in Color Smooshy
8. Miss Babs Yummy Monochrome
9. 2 skeins of Plymouth Sockotta
10. 3 skeins of Kureyon Sock

3 skeins of Skaska Design 50% Merino / 50% Silk Laceweight each 1260 yards.

An assortment of patterns, a book on sweater design and a dvd.

Enough Jojoland Melody and the pattern to knit the Swirl Shawl.

The Ashlar hat pattern and the Miss Babs Yikes! Toes to knit it.

I purchased this assortment of Namaste bags prior to Stitches, but picked them up from Jodi, one of our guild members and a knitting designer, who ordered them for us. 3 for me and 1 of the Newport bags for mom. She was able to get us a great price on the bags so I ordered a small, medium and large size to suit all knitting occassions.

One of the lys, the Hook N Needle, had Cascade at 50% off if you purchased ten or more skeins and I couldn't resist. I plan to make hats and mittens for Christmas out of these skeins.

Mom returned from her trip today and the first thing that got stuck in my hand was a bag of yarn. She found a knitting shop in Key West and purchased several skeins of sock yarn.

3 skeins of Classic Elite Alpaca Sox and ...

6 skeins of Colinette Jitterbug.

I wasn't planning on buying the Jitterbug due to its short yardage, but I will never turn down sock yarn. Especially free sock yarn. I think this more than makes up for the relative lack of knitting purchases that have occurred this year, excluding the Kauni yarn of course. From know own I'll be busy knitting instead of buying.

Frogging

2009-04-20T23:01:00.003-04:00

Much as I loved the Rick socks it wasn't meant to be. Those twisted stitches sure do eat up a lot of yardage. More yardage than I had available. I quickly ripped it out and started Angee another pattern from Sock Innovation.

The only problem I'm having now is that I added five additional stitches and after trying the sock on I doubt that it will fit mom. It is rather snug on me. I'm not going to rip these instead I'll keep them for myself and see if I can find a nice shade of purple at Stitches on Friday. If that doesn't work out I'll dye the yarn myself.

I looked over the vendor list today and I'm a little disappointed. It doesn't seem to be as many vendors judging from comments I've read about previous Stitches events. I hope to be pleasantly surprised in Atlanta.

Sheep Art

2009-04-16T19:08:00.000-04:00

I came across this on Yahoo video. If you haven't seen it you must take a look. It's amazing!

SAMSUNG LED SHEEP @ Yahoo! Video

Swirls

2009-04-15T21:47:00.005-04:00

I've got a good start on my first pair of socks from Sock Innovation. From the moment I previewed the book I knew that I would knit this pair. It is the Rick Socks.

Something about the way the pattern swirls around the leg and angles on the foot appealed to me. This pair is also for mom. I'm using Sundara Sock from the stash. This was purchased way before the current purchase program started when she was selling sock yarn 185 gram skeins. I'm worried that I may not have enough to complete a pair of socks. I always find it difficult to estimate how much yarn is remaining and usually end up with some left. I'll keep plugging on and if I run out there'll be a ripping party.