Ullared

I've been working on a very special project. My neighbor's daughter is giving her husband a surprise 50th birthday party this weekend in Ardmore, Alabama. They live on the Alabama/Tenessee line in the mountains so I figured that a nice warm hat would be a good gift for when the winter comes.

I finished Ullared Friday afternoon about an hour before we left Columbia. This hat would have been finished last weekend but my first two attempts in sizes large and extra large were way too big. Add to that an unexpected gauge issue and not having the size 3 16 inch circular and it was a recipe for disaster. Last Saturday I picked up a the size needle and after a few chart execution errors and corrections the hat is now blocking and will dry on the way to Alabama.



Specs:

Pattern: Ullared from Hats On! by Charlene Schurch
Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport MC Charcoal , CC Pepper
Needles: 3 US Inox circular and dpn's
Size: Medium

Modifications: The pattern called for a "Two-Strand Cast-On for Knit-and-Purl Ribbing". I used this method for the first two hats. I switched to the "Yarn-Over Tubular Cast-On" aka "Italian tubular ribbing" for the final hat. Both of these techniques are included in the book. I like the professional finish the tubular cast-on it gives the edge and will use it again.

Even though it took the third attempt to get everything right I've learned two new techniques in the process and it was well worth the effort. This is beautiful hat. My brother Charles has already asked me to make one for him.

Unexpected Gifts

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

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

Aunt B's Big Adventure

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

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


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


Isaiah demonstrated his reading skills.


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

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

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

My sentiments exactly. Nitey, nite.

Something Special

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

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



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

Three Down

Specs:

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

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

Another One Bites the Dust

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


Specs:

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

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

SKS x 2

Knocking my socks off!

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

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


Laburnum

Alternating 2x2 Rib
I'm sure this won't last permanently because it's not my modus operandi, but it's a lot less stressful to get things under control and not feel like I'm not really getting any where. To the same end, I've been monitoring my yarn purchases. The temptation is strong and I'm so glad that I found out about the Knit Happens online sale way after the fact! I got several addi's but missed all of the yarn. It's been well over a month since the last yarn purchase and my lys doesn't quite know what to think of my current yarn buying behavior.

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