Love is in the Air

I'm in love...

with River Rapids.

This 16-row pattern meanders up the sock leg like a river. It has just enough changes to keep you interested while at the same time being easy to read and memorize. I've said before that I don't knit the same pattern twice, but I can see this one coming into play again.

If you haven't before, check out the patterns at Sockbug. They are beautiful and free.

Cleaning Up

The craft room is in disarray and was slowly becoming the catch all room for all sorts of things. While cleaning and straightening up today I came across a hat. It's the Windward by Woolly Wormhead.


Specs:
Pattern: Windward from Going Straight - A New Generation of Knitted Hats
Yarn: Queensland Collection Kathmandu DK
Needles: 5 US Colonial Rosewood
Dates: Unknown, didn't track.

Progress is proceeding quite well on the Melon Shawl. I had to get a shorter addi Lace. I was knitting with a 47" which was way to long and picked up a 32" today. The pattern is very easy to memorize and works up quickly. The Kidsilk Night should make a beautiful and elegant shawl.



If you get a chance check out Wee Woolly Toppers. The patterns are adorable and perfect for little ones.

Onward

Saturday I finished the first pair of Noro Kureyon socks. I'm not sure that they'll last very long. The thin spots are really thin and in other spots super thick. I still have yet to block them which should even them out even more. The colors are a little funky but mom likes them. I'm sure she has just the right outfit for them.


Specs:
Pattern: Generic Toe-Up with short-row heel
Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock color S184
Needles: 0 dpn's for ribbing & 1 US dpn's & addi 4" circular for magic loop
Size: 10
Started: February 1, 2009 Finished: February 14, 2009

I purchased this lone skein of Berroco Sox Metallic at the Greenville Knit Inn. I'm making a pair of River Rapid Socks for mom.



In addtion to the socks and the Viveca cardigan I've also cast-on the Melon Pattern for a Shawl from Victorian Lace Today. I originally started this project last summer but for some reason I found the Kidsilk Night difficult to knit. It is a gift for a neighbor who grew up with us and turned 50 last August. I've been avoiding the project and casted-on last night. Whatever difficulties I have had are now resolved and I've completed almost 10 rows on it. At the current rate I should have it finished pretty soon and on its' way to Alabama.

My knitting mojo has returned in full force and I've been knitting almost every day. I have several projects that I would really like to accomplish this year some of which are quite challenging and at this rate I may be able to complete most if not all them.

Lost Along the Way

Some how I never posted the pictures of these two fo's. I finished both last month and they probably got lost in the shuffle of attempting to get things organized.


Specs:
Pattern: Generic Toe-Up with short-row heel
Yarn: Mountain Colors Bearfoot Ruby River
Needles: 2 US dpn's
Size: 10
Started: January 18, 2009 Finished: January 31, 2009


Specs:
Pattern: Bluebell Ribs from Sensational Knitted Sockd
Yarn: Plymouth Happy Feet
Needles: 1 US dpn's
Size: 9.5
Started: July 6, 2008 Finished: January 16, 2009

Knit Inn

WooHoo! I had a great time at the SC Knitting Guild's annual Knit Inn in Greenville, SC. Even though I didn't get in any of my classes I had a great time hanging out with knitting friends from previous years and making new friends. There was close to 200 women in attendance including Lynn from Minnesota who used to live in Columbia. I got to hang out with knit buds Lou and Lori from the Rock Hill area, saw Teresa aka Yargineer with her sweet little man, Deborah and Gail and a host of other knitters.

In the evenings we went to dinner with little bro' Byron and I must recommend City Range. The food was delicious and the service quick and excellent. We also hit PF Changs a usual stop for us on the knitting weekend.

I didn't make many purchases this year. I bought sock yarn and one beaded scarf kit from the vendors on site, Yes Yarn and Northwood Fiber and Farm. I was looking forward to purchasing some hand-dyedfrom Teri at Northwood, but sadly she didn't have any available.


I finished two sweaters. I finally got the buttons sewn on Mr. Greenjeans.


Specs:
Pattern: Mr. Greenjeans by Amy Swenson - Knitty Fall 2007
Yarn: Noro Silver Thaw 12
Needles: 7 & 8 Holtz & Stein circulars
Size: Large
Started: November 22, 2008 Finished: February 6, 2009

I made the sweater much longer than the pattern called for. I also extended the buttons a little further above the vee since the placement wasn't all that flattering on me and made the sleeves long. The sweater was finished for almost a full 2 months before I ordered the woolwash and blocked it. I've worn it and it is very warm and comfortable.

Seamed the Belted Wrap Jacket.




Specs:
Pattern: Belted Wrap Jacket by Shirley Paden - Interweave Knits Winter 2005
Yarn: Tebe Extrafine Merino by Filati Italian Collection
Needles: 6 & 7 Holtz & Stein circulars
Size: XL
Started: November 2007 Finished: February 7, 2009

I completed the back in November '07 and it rested until October '08. I had all the pieces completed in November '08 and didn't pick it up again until I blocked it the end of January '09. It was a pleasure to knit and I plan to make it again in a cranberry color using the same yarn.

I also started knitting one of the Kureyon sock skeins. I'm knitting a pair of plain toe-up socks for mom. The colors are a little funky but I'm going to match them as much as I can. My original plan was to knit it as it was skeined until I realized that I could match most of the repeats. I have enough to match the foot and leg but not the ribbing which will be hidden anyway.


There was a big surprise waiting for me when I got home today.


I ordered some Kauni and undyed Trekking from Astrid's Dutch Obsessions on Jan. 30th. I was expecting it to take a few weeks and the package arrived today. I'm waiting on a shipment of the Rainbow Kauni from a stateside store. It's currently backordered but when it arrives I'll be making the famous Kauni sweater in the rainbow and/or the pastel I ordered from Astrid.

I recently subscribed to Knitcircus magazine after seeing the Rosepole design by Elizabeth Morrison in Kauni Effektgarn. The jury is out as to which color I'll use. So big plans ahead with lots of finer gauge knitting. In the meantime I'll be finishing and clearing out other projects to make room for the new stash.

Awards All Around

I haven't been blogging much so I was a bit taken aback when Melodye surprised me with this.


In turn I am nominating the following blogs:
1.Cici
2.Kathy
3.Theresa
4.Vera
5.Deborah
6.Acornbud
7.Monica

Here are the rules for the nominees: 1. Copy the award to your site. 2. Link to the person from whom you received the award. 3. Nominate 7 other bloggers. 4. Link to those on your blog. 5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.

I finally took a picture of Mr. Greenjeans sans blocking and buttons. It has been finished since before Christmas but I didn't have any woolwash to soak and block it. I ordered some a few days ago so I should have an FO sometime next week. This color is really hard to photograph so I am unable to get a picture with the true color of the sweater.


Last night I cast on Viveca from Book Twelve: The Walk in the Park Collection by Elsebeth Lavold. I'm subbing Debbie Bliss Merino Aran from the stash for the Silky Cashmere. The drape will be significantly different but it should a very warm sweater.

February Sweater

Prior to my trip to Orlando this past summer, I started the February Lady Sweater for mom as part of the guilds kal. I finished it back in October and mom has been wearing and enjoying it ever since. This past Monday I was finally able to get pictures of her wearing it.



Specs:

Pattern: February Sweater for a Lady by Flintknits
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Merino Aran
Needles: 8 and 10.5 circulars
Size: XL
Started: August 1, 2008 Finished: October 4, 2008

At first I was hating this pattern because of the garter stitch. Once I got past that portion I found it a pure joy. I did have to start over once because my counts were off. I doubt that I will make this again, I rarely do, but I love the way it turned out and it fits and flatters her so well.

I'm currently working on a pair of generic toe-up socks in Mountain Colors Bearfoot Ruby River for mom while I contemplate my next sweater.


The weather has been perfect for wool socks and I've been mighty slack in making any new pairs for both of us so I'm trying to knock out a few.

Yesterday afternoon I finally broke down and got a new cell phone. My phone was so old that it wasn't a flip and didn't have camera. It's been a constant joke with the family. For some strange reason I tend to hang onto my phones until they are no longer supported. I had to get rid of my last phone when the phone company notified me that they wouldn't support it any more because it was analog. As an IT person you would think that I'd be up on things but when it come to phones, NOT!

I got an LG Shine and even though I'm pleased with it, I'm considering returning it and getting an iPhone. I don't generally get that much use out of a cell which is the main reason I didn't get it to start with. I already have a Palm T|X loaded with apps which is the main reason I didn't get it initially. If you have an iPhone, let me know if you love it and why.