Snapdragon Tam

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

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!

Finishing

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.

Snow Day!

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.

Closing Out 2010

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

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.

A Change in Plans

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.

Passing On

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.

Something New

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.

Snow Again

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.

Caera and Green Thumb

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.